JP3418290B2 - Coin storage and ejection device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin storage / dispensing device, and more particularly to a POS / ECR (Point Of Sal
The present invention relates to a coin storing / dispensing device suitable for use in a change dispenser connected to an es / Electronic Cash Register).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a change dispenser, coins in which various denominations are mixed are put in at once from an insertion slot, and it is checked whether or not the coins are genuine coins. The coins are sorted into categories and stored in a storage unit, and designated coins and the number of coins are paid out. That is,
Equipped with a coin storage and ejection mechanism. One example thereof will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the main body case 1, storage units 2 for storing the inserted coins C for each denomination are respectively provided. At the entrance of the storage unit 2, the coins C are classified according to denominations, and the coins C conveyed by the conveyor belt 4 fall into the respective storage units 2 from the selection holes 5. To do. The storage part 2
On the bottom surface, a feeding belt 8 which is driven by being hung between the driving roller 6 and the driven roller 7 is arranged in a rising and inclined state toward the coin dispensing direction. A separating roller 10 is provided at the outlet of the storage unit 2 to form a coin separating unit 9 that faces the feeding belt 8 at a constant interval and rotates in a direction opposite to the coin dispensing direction. ing. At the downstream position of the separating roller 10, even when the feeding belt 8 is in a driving state, the coin C on the feeding belt 8 is stopped and the stop of the coin C is released based on a payout command. A coin shutter 12 is provided by means of a solenoid forming the means 11. Immediately after the coin shutter 12, coin counting means 13 is provided which is a photoelectric sensor for counting the coins C dispensed. The end of the feeding belt 8 is connected to a payout opening 14 that opens upward so that the coins C of all denominations that are paid out collectively can be taken out collectively.

In such a structure, the coins C inserted from the not-shown insertion port are sorted and stored in the storing unit 2 by the coin selecting unit 3 for each denomination at each insertion timing. In addition to such a coin storing operation, when a coin payout command is issued, the feeding belt 8, the separating roller 10, the coin shutter 12 and the like operate according to the type and number of the coins C to be paid out. That is, the feeding belt 8 and the separation roller 10
Thus, the coins C in the storage unit 2 are fed out one by one, and the operation of the coin shutter 12 controls the feeding and stopping thereof. When the coin shutter 12 is opened, the coins C are sent out by the movement of the feeding belt 8, and the number thereof is counted by the coin counting means 13. Then, when the number of coins reaches a predetermined number, the coin shutter 12 returns and stops the delivery of the coins C. Since such an operation is performed for each denomination, the required number of coins C of the required denomination have been paid out to the payout opening 14.

[0004]

The coins C dispensed from the storage section 2 are separated by the separating roller 10 and sent out one by one. However, the arrangement state and delivery of the coins C in the storage section 2 are carried out. The discharge state of the coins C is unstable due to the operation timing of the belt 8 and the like, and when paying out a plurality of coins C, the coins C are not always conveyed continuously. Therefore, when it is used for a change dispenser, the payout of the coin C becomes discontinuous, which gives the customer anxiety. Further, the change-out time may vary and may take a long time, which may hinder the merchandise sales operation and reduce the service to the customer.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Coin separation parts are formed at the outlets of the coin storage parts that are formed by partitioning by denomination, and the coin separation parts are fed from these coin separation parts.
For stacking the above coins vertically and paying them out
A coin standby unit consisting of a cylindrical storage cylinder to be placed in standby
The coin to wait the coin waiting section is obtained by the paid out by a required number of sheets for each denomination. Therefore, when paying out the change, the required number of coins can be continuously thrown out, and moreover, there is no waiting for the payout to the storage cylinder.
Replenishment coins to the order to be performed until the next change payout, change dispensing smoothly carried to the product sales operations without time loss <br/> through the working of the change passing occurs And can provide good service to customers.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a coin sorting unit that sorts the inserted coins into denominations, and coins sorted by the coin sorting unit are stored for each denomination, and a feeding belt is provided on the bottom surface. A storage unit, a coin separating unit that separates the coins fed by the feeding belt from the storage unit into one by one, and the coins fed from the coin separating unit are vertically stacked and paid.
A coin standby unit made of a cylindrical storage cylinder that is put on standby for ejection, a coin detection unit that detects the coin fed into the coin standby unit, and a coin that pays out the required number of coins waiting in the storage cylinder. It is equipped with a discharging means. Therefore, the device for continuously paying out coins is simple, and the number of coins can be easily managed.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a slide plate for storing and holding only the lowest coin, a first position for storing and holding coins on the slide plate and a second coin for discharging the stored and held coins are provided. The coin ejecting means is formed by the slide plate driving means that reciprocates between the position and the position.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the coin detecting means detects that the storage cylinder is full, the feeding belt is stopped, so that the storage cylinder is always filled with coins. It is easy to do, and the coin can be immediately thrown out according to the payout order.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, coins are stored in the storage cylinder.
Since the number of waiting coins is at least 4, it is possible to stack the required number of coins as coins in the coin standby part and hold them for withdrawal. Can be obtained only with coins arranged in the coin waiting section. The invention according to claim 6 is
When coins are dispensed by the coin dispensing means,
Until the next change payment, new coins will be
Since the coin waiting section is replenished, a certain denomination
4 coins were paid out in one operation for change
If there is no coins stored in the storage cylinder,
It may happen, but to some extent before the next change payment
Because there is time for
Smooth product sales without time loss
Can be carried out and provide good service to customers
Is something that can be done. According to the invention of claim 7,
The feeding belt rises and slopes in the direction in which coins are paid out.
Since it is installed at the end of the feeding belt, coins stand by.
Parts can be provided. The invention according to claim 8 is the above
The coin separating unit is provided between the coin separating unit and the coin waiting unit.
Guide the coins sent out from the
Since there is a coin guide that is positioned horizontally,
Coins can be vertically stacked in the storage cylinder.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an insertion port 16 that opens upward is provided at the front right side of the main body case 15 to insert the coins C collectively. The insertion slot 16 is provided with a plurality of sets of insertion sensors 17 that photoelectrically detect the presence or absence of the coin C. Then, at one end of the input port 16, the input roller 1 for sending out the coins C randomly input one by one.
8 is provided, and the charging roller 18 and the charging port 16 form a charging portion 19.

A loading belt 20 for transporting the coins C in a line is continuously provided on the loading roller 18, and the feeding speed of the coins C is accelerated on the loading belt 20 to open a predetermined gap. Conveyor belt 2 for forming a conveyer unit having an increased convey speed so that the coin C can be sent.
1 is continuously provided, and further another conveyor belt 22 is continuously provided. An outer diameter check unit 23 for checking the outer diameter of the coin C is provided at the portion of the conveyor belt 21. At the tip of the outer diameter check unit 23, a reject overflow unit 24 is provided which interrupts the coin transport and stores the coins when the coins C to be transported are not genuine coins or when the storage unit described later is full. Has been.

A conveyor belt 25 for converting the conveying direction into a right angle is provided at the end portion of the conveyor belt 22, and along the conveyor belt 25, a sorting hole for each denomination whose hole width size is gradually increased. 26 is provided and the coin sorting part 27 is formed. The selection hole 26 is 1 yen / 5 yen / 10
Six pieces are provided so as to correspond to denominations of yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen, respectively. And each sorting hole 2
A counting sensor 28 is provided for each 6.

Next, an accommodating portion 30 having an upper opening, which is communicated with each of the sorting holes 26 and is partitioned by a partition plate 29 for each coin C, is provided. At the bottom of each storage unit 30 for each denomination, a feeding belt 31 connected to and driven by a storage unit motor (not shown) is suspended between a drive roller 32 and a driven roller 33 in the coin payout direction.
It is provided in an ascending slope . A cover 34 that covers the upper opening of the storage portion 30 formed in this manner is supported by a hinge portion 35 and is openable and closable. The size of the cover 34 is such that the coin C cannot be directly inserted into the storage section 30 from the outside and the coin C cannot be taken out by hand. A lock mechanism 36 is provided on such a cover 34. The lock mechanism 36 includes an engagement hole 37 formed in the cover 34, a latch 38 provided in the main body case 15 so as to be engaged with and disengaged from the engagement hole 37, and a solenoid 39 for advancing and retracting the latch 38. It will be. Further, a protrusion 40 is formed on one side of the cover 34, and the main body case 15 is covered by the protrusion 40.
A storage unit open / close switch 41 for issuing an opening / closing signal of 4 is provided.

Next, at the outlet of the storage section 30, one separating roller 42, which serves as a coin separating section for separating the coins C one by one, is arranged so as to cross all the outlets. At the end of the feeding belt 31, a coin standby unit 43 is provided for each denomination, in which a predetermined number of coins C are vertically stacked and stored so that the coin standby unit 43 is on standby for payout. These coin standby units 43 have storage cylinders 44 whose inner diameter is determined corresponding to the diameter of the coins C and which are provided substantially vertically, and a coin dispenser for dispensing the required number of coins C stored in these storage cylinders 44. Means 45. A coin guide for guiding the coin C separated by the separating roller 42 on the feeding belt 31 between the terminal end portion of the feeding belt 31 and the storing cylinder 44 so as to be positioned horizontally in the storing cylinder 44. Part 4
6 is provided. Further, the coin dispensing means 45 is
A slide plate 48 having a holding hole 47 having an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the storage cylinder 44, having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the stored coin C, and a guide for holding and guiding both sides of the slide plate 48. It is composed of a receiving plate 51 having a groove 49 and a semicircular projection notch 50 that is open to one side. The relationship between the inner diameter of the storage cylinder 44 and the holding hole 47 of the slide plate 48 and the ejection notch 50 of the receiving plate 51 is such that the inner diameter of the storage cylinder 44 and the above-described inner diameter of the storage cylinder 44 in the normal state of holding the coin C. It completely matches the holding hole 47 of the slide plate 48, and the ejection notch 50 is displaced by about half the diameter of the coin C. Therefore, the coin C stored in the storage cylinder 44
Is stored in the storage cylinder 44 and the lowest coin C is fitted in the holding hole 47 of the slide plate 48, and is held by the base surface 52 of the receiving plate 51 so as not to fall half. Has been done. When the coin C is paid out, the slide plate 48 is thrown out by the notch 50.
Slide in the direction and all of the holding holes 47 are ejected notches 50.
The coin C, which is located at the position and is held in the holding hole 47, is naturally dropped and thrown out. Then, slide plate 4
Since the position of the holding hole 47 and the inner diameter of the storage cylinder 44 coincide with each other when 8 is returned, the next coin C is stored in the holding hole 47 and waits for the next payout. The operation of the slide plate 48 is driven by the solenoid 53. That is, the slide plate 48 and the solenoid 53
Is connected by a link 55 whose center is held by a support shaft 54, and the slide plate 48 is biased in one direction by a tension spring 56. further,
The storage capacity of the storage cylinder 44 is determined so that at least four coins C can be stored for each denomination including one held by the slide plate 48.
At the entrance position of such a storage cylinder 44, the storage cylinder 4 is
A coin detecting means 57 for detecting the coin C sent to the 4 is provided by a photoelectric sensor or the like. Then, all of the coin waiting section 43 is located above the payout opening 58 of the upper opening, and the paid-out coin C is the payout opening 58.
Are taken out at once. Further, the main body case 15
A display 59 and various operation keys 60 are provided in front of the left side of the display.

In such a structure, the operation of each part will be described with reference to the structures shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 according to the flowchart of FIG. First, open / close the storage unit 30 to see if the cover 34 of the storage unit 30 is locked.
Detected by the switch 41, on condition that the cover 34 is locked, the routine after the next "A" waiting state is executed. When the coin C is inserted into the slot 16 in this state, the coin C is detected by the coin sensor 17, and whether or not the coin C is detected by the coin sensor 17 when a predetermined set time has elapsed. A coin jam at the insertion port 16 is detected by this. That is,
If the coin C is detected by the insertion sensor 17 even after a lapse of a predetermined time, it means that the coin is jammed, and if the coin C is not detected by the insertion sensor 17, it is judged as a normal state. To be done. If the coin jam determination means determines that the coin is jammed, an error display is displayed on the display 59. As a result, the operator removes the jammed coin C and presses the correction key in the operation key 60 to cancel the error display and return to the standby state "A". During this process, if the coin C which is to be removed for some reason is dropped from the sorting hole 26 and put into the storage unit 30, the counting sensor 2
8 detects the state, and the total amount of money is wrongly calculated. Therefore, in addition to the display of the coin jam displayed on the display 59, the wrongly generated occurrence display is made.

If there is no coin jam in the slot 16,
The counting sensor 28 and the coin detecting means 57 sequentially determine whether there is a coin jam in the transporting unit of the coin C and the coin sorting unit 27, whether the coin standby unit 43 has a coin jam, or whether the storing unit 30 has a coin jam. To detect. At this time, if there is a jam of coins other than the storage unit 30, the operator, as in the case where there is a jam of coins at the above-mentioned input port 16, causes the operator to jam the jammed coin C.
The error display is canceled by pressing the correction key in the operation key 60 by removing the
Return to. During this process, the coin C which is to be removed for some reason is dropped from the sorting hole 26 and stored in the storage unit 30.
If this is done, the counting sensor 28 will detect that state and the total amount of money will be miscalculated. Therefore, in addition to the coin jam display displayed on the display 59, a miscalculation occurrence display will be made.

On the other hand, when a coin jam occurs in the storage unit 30, a display to that effect is displayed on the display 59, the solenoid 39 is energized, and the lock mechanism 36 is released. As a result, the cover 34 of the storage section 30 can be opened, so that the operator opens the cover 34 to process the jammed coin C, and eliminates the jam of coins in the storage section 30. At this time, if the coin C is mistakenly dropped in the sorting hole 26 and the coin C is detected by the counting sensor 28, the total amount of money is wrongly calculated. Therefore, the coin jam indication displayed on the display 59 is different. Separately, an error occurrence indication is displayed.
If there is no mistake in dropping the coin C into the sorting hole 26, the correction key indicating that the processing is completed is pressed, and the cover 34 is closed and locked, so that the indicator 59 indicates that the coin is jammed. Is released and the standby state “A” is restored. At this time, even if the coin jam is cleared, the coin jam is still displayed unless the cover 34 is closed.

The coins C inserted in this way are sorted according to denomination and stored in the storage unit 30. And when there is a payout command, the coin C to be paid out
The solenoid 53 for each denomination is driven by the required number of times according to the type and number of denominations. That is, when the solenoid 53 is driven, the slide plate 48 moves via the link 55 against the force of the tension spring 56, and the holding hole 47 is ejected from the slide plate 48.
The coin C is placed at the position of 0 and dropped to return. Then, when the slide plate 48 returns, a new coin C falls into the holding hole 47 and stands by for the next payout operation. Therefore, the slide plate 48 is reciprocally driven as many times as necessary for paying out. At this time, since at least four coins C including the coin C held in the holding hole 47 of the slide plate 48 are present in the storage cylinder 44, the coins fed by the feeding belt 31 and the separation roller 42. Even if the transfer speed of C is slow, the required number of coins C are immediately dispensed. That is, even if there is only one coin for a 500-yen coin, if four coins C can be paid out with each other denomination, change of up to 999 yen can be paid out in one operation. For example, when four coins C of a certain denomination are paid out in one operation for change, the coins C stored in the storage cylinder 44 may momentarily disappear, but the next change Since there is a certain amount of time before the payout, a new coin C is replenished from the storage section 30 by the feeding belt 31 and the separation roller 42 during that time. Then, when the coin detecting means 57 detects the required number of coins C to be stored, the driving of the feeding belt 31 of the denomination is stopped to prevent wasteful idle operation from being continuously performed. . Of course, if the required number of coins C are stored in the coin standby unit 43 for all denominations,
The rotation of the separation roller 42 is also stopped.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coin separating portions are formed at the respective outlets of the coin storing portions formed by dividing the coins by denominations, and the coins sent out from these coin separating portions. but the vertically stacked consecutively provided a coin waiting section consisting storage cylinder of the tubular to wait for the payout was the coin to wait the coin waiting section to pay out by a required number of sheets for each denomination is there. Therefore, when the change is dispensed, the required number of coins can be continuously dispensed, and the replenishment of coins that are put on standby for dispensing to the storage cylinder is performed before the next change is dispensed. In addition, it is possible to smoothly carry out the merchandise sales business without causing any time loss through the work of dispensing change and delivering change, and it is possible to provide a good service to the customer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a coin sorting section for sorting the inserted coins into denominations, and coins sorted by the coin sorting section for each denomination are provided with a feeding belt on the bottom surface. A storage unit, a coin separating unit that separates the coins fed by the feeding belt from the storage unit into one by one, and the coins fed from the coin separating unit are vertically stacked and paid.
A coin standby unit made of a cylindrical storage cylinder that is put on standby for ejection, a coin detection unit that detects the coin fed into the coin standby unit, and a coin that pays out the required number of coins waiting in the storage cylinder. It is equipped with a discharging means. Therefore, the device for continuously paying out coins is simple, and the number of coins can be easily managed.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, coins are stored in the storage cylinder.
Since the number of waiting coins is at least 4, it is possible to stack the required number of coins as coins in the coin standby part and hold them for withdrawal. Can be obtained only with coins arranged in the coin waiting section. The invention according to claim 6 is
When coins are dispensed by the coin dispensing means,
Until the next change payment, new coins will be
Since the coin waiting section is replenished, a certain denomination
4 coins were paid out in one operation for change
If there is no coins stored in the storage cylinder,
It may happen, but to some extent before the next change payment
Because there is time for
Smooth product sales without time loss
Can be carried out and provide good service to customers
Is something that can be done. According to the invention of claim 7,
The feeding belt rises and slopes in the direction in which coins are paid out.
Since it is installed at the end of the feeding belt, coins stand by.
Parts can be provided. The invention according to claim 8 is the above
The coin separating unit is provided between the coin separating unit and the coin waiting unit.
Guide the coins sent out from the
Since there is a coin guide that is positioned horizontally,
Coins can be vertically stacked in the storage cylinder.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the feeding belt is stopped when the coin detecting means detects that the storage cylinder is full, so that the storage cylinder is always filled with coins. It is easy to do, and the coin can be immediately thrown out according to the payout order.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the number of coins stored in the storage cylinder is at least four. Therefore, the required number of coins for change is stacked in the coin standby portion and waits for withdrawal. The coins required for change can be obtained only by coins arranged in the coin waiting portion in one operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of a part thereof.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover of a storage unit is opened.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view in which a part of a coin standby unit is disassembled.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of coins and the state of processing when coins are inserted.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional side view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

27 coin sorter 30 storage 31 Feeding belt 42 coin separator 43 coin waiting section 44 Storage tube 45 coin dispensing means 57 coin detection means C coin

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07G 1/00-1/14 G07D 1/06 G07D 13/00 G07D 9/00-9/02

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A coin separating section is formed at each outlet of a coin storing section formed by dividing each coin type, and the coins sent out from these coin separating sections are vertically stacked and paid out.
A coin waiting portion, which is made up of a cylindrical storage cylinder that waits for dispensing, is provided in series, and the required number of coins waiting for this coin waiting portion are paid out for each denomination. Storage and ejection device. 2. A coin sorting unit that sorts the inserted coins into denominations, a storage unit in which the coins sorted by the coin sorting unit are stored for each denomination, and a feeding belt is provided on the bottom surface of the storage unit. Section for separating the coins fed out by the feeding belt from the unit one by one, and the coins fed out from the coin separating section are vertically stacked and waited for payout.
A coin standby unit made of a cylindrical storage cylinder, and a coin detection unit for detecting the coin sent to the coin standby unit,
A coin storing and dispensing device, comprising: a coin dispensing unit for dispensing a required number of coins waiting in the storage cylinder. 3. The coin ejecting means comprises a slide plate for accommodating and holding only the lowest coin, a first position for accommodating and holding coins on this slide plate, and a second coin for ejecting the coins accommodating and holding. 3. The coin storing and dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising a slide plate driving unit that reciprocates between the position and the position. 4. The coin storing and dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the feeding belt is stopped when the coin detecting means detects that the storing cylinder is full. 5. The coin storage and ejection device according to claim 2, wherein the number of coins waiting in the storage cylinder is at least four. 6. A coin is dispensed by the coin dispensing means.
If you lose it, please use the above-mentioned storage unit before the next change is paid out.
New coins will be added to the coin waiting section
The coin storage and ejection device according to claim 2 or 3. 7. The feeding belt is in a direction for paying out coins.
It is characterized in that it is provided in an ascending inclined state toward
The coin storage and ejection device according to claim 2 or 3. 8. Between the coin separating unit and the coin standby unit
Guides the coins sent out from the coin separator.
Coin plan to be positioned horizontally in the storage cylinder Provided inside
The coin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that
Storage and ejection device.