JP4139086B2 - Coin processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

【００６２】
図７（ａ）では、Ｎall=450、Ｎten=120の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９９．８％になる。
【００６３】
図７（ｂ）では、Ｎall=430、Ｎten=100の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９９．３％になる。
【００６４】
図７（ｃ）では、Ｎall=410、Ｎten=80 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９７．３％になる。
【００６５】
図７（ｄ）では、Ｎall=400、Ｎte n=70 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９４．６％になる。
【００６６】
図７（ｅ）では、Ｎall=390、Ｎten=60 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は８９．６％になる。
【００６７】
図７（ｆ）では、Ｎall=380、Ｎten=50 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は８０．５％になる。
【００６８】
図７（ｇ）では、Ｎall=365、Ｎten=35 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は７３．８％になる。
【００６９】
図７（ｈ）では、Ｎall=350、Ｎten=20 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は３１．６％になる。
【００７０】
これらの結果から、特定金種の貯蔵割合が少なくなると、排出までに必要な検知回数が増加し、たとえば図７（ｈ）では４０枚の硬貨が通過しても１０円硬貨を４枚排出できる可能性は約３０％になることが判る。したがって、貯蔵割合の少ない金種については補充を促して、金種の貯蔵割合をできる限り均等に維持することが好ましい。そこで、ステップＳ５，Ｓ２１における第１閾値、第２閾値は、ホストＨＣからの釣銭指示から釣銭排出完了までの許容時間や金種の出現確率と釣銭排出の効率などを考慮して設定する。
【００７１】
図８は硬貨処理装置の構成例を示すブロック図であり、図８（ａ）は図１〜図３で示した構成例を示し、図８（ｂ）は他の構成例を示し、図８（ｃ）は退避部４０のシャッタ４２を閉じたときの構成例を示す。
【００７２】
まず図８（ａ）において、投入部３ｂから投入された硬貨Ｑは貯蔵部４に貯められ、ホストからの釣銭指示を受けると、貯蔵部４の中の硬貨Ｑが１枚ずつ搬送経路１０ａ〜１０ｄに沿って循環搬送される。搬送経路１０ｂには、金種識別部２０、振分け板３０が配置され、金種識別部２０が搬送される硬貨Ｑの金種を識別して、所望の金種であれば振分け板３０を開いて選択的に排出する。
【００７３】
図８（ｂ）は、貯蔵部４の搬送下流側かつ金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に、投入部３ｃを配置している点が相違する。こうした投入部３ｃを金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に設けることによって、投入部３ｃに投入された硬貨Ｑは循環搬送部によって搬送されて、金種識別部２０による金種識別が可能になる。そのため、貯蔵部４に混入する前の段階で、投入部３ｃに投入された金種、枚数および合計金額を正確に管理することができる。よって、貯蔵部４に蓄えられている硬貨Ｑの金種、枚数等を正確に管理することができ、エンプティやオーバーフロー（硬貨の総数が貯蔵部の貯蔵量を超えている場合や特定金種の割合が高くなっている場合）に対し適切な告知が可能となる。
【００７４】
図８（ｂ）の例では、貯蔵部４の搬送下流側かつ金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に、投入部３ｃを配置した例を示したが、投入部は図８（ａ）と同じ位置として、貯蔵部４への硬貨投入は行わず、金種識別部２０の搬送上流側から硬貨Ｑが供給されるように投入部からの経路を工夫してやれば、同様な効果を得ることができる。
【００７５】
図８（ｃ）では、金銭カウンタや硬貨選別機として動作できる。まずシャッタ４２を開いた状態で硬貨Ｑを貯蔵部４に投入し、貯蔵部４の下部空間に貯めた後、シャッタ４２を閉じる。次に硬貨の搬送を開始すると、貯蔵部４の中の硬貨Ｑが１枚ずつ搬送経路１０ａ〜１０ｄに沿って循環搬送される。搬送経路１０ｂには、金種識別部２０、振分け板３０が配置され、金種識別部２０が搬送される硬貨Ｑの金種を識別して、通過枚数を金種別に計数したり、所望の金種であれば振分け板３０を開いて選択的に排出する。金種識別部２０および振分け板３０を通過した硬貨は貯蔵部４に回収されて、退避部４０に保管され、シャッタ４２によって搬入硬貨と貯蔵硬貨との混合が防止される。
【００７６】
次に金銭カウンタとしての具体的な使用例を示す。貯蔵部４に金種の混在した多数の硬貨を投入し硬貨の搬送を開始する。貯蔵部４内の硬貨は１枚ずつ搬送経路１０ａ〜１０ｄに沿って搬送される。搬送経路１０ｂには金種識別部２０が配置されており、金種の種別を識別し、金種別に検出枚数を計数することができる。金種別の検出枚数や、検出枚数に基づき演算された合計金額はＬＥＤランプ５６等の表示部にて表示される。金種識別部２０を通過した硬貨は、振分け板３０を開いて排出路３５から装置外に排出してもよいし、振分け板３０を閉じた状態として退避部４０に回収してもよい。
【００７７】
また硬貨選別機の具体的な使用例としては、金種の混在した多数の硬貨を貯蔵部４に投入し、硬貨の搬送を開始する。貯蔵部４内の硬貨は１枚ずつ搬送経路１０ａ〜１０ｄに沿って搬送される。搬送経路１０ｂには金種識別部２０、振分け板３０が配置されており、搬送されてくる硬貨の金種を判別し、所望の硬貨であれば選択的に排出を行う。たとえば、ＰＯＳ端末ＨＣから選別する硬貨として１００円硬貨を指定した場合、金種識別部２０にて搬送された硬貨が１００円硬貨であると識別すると、振分け板３０を開いて排出し、１０円硬貨であると識別されると、振分け板３０を閉じた状態として退避部４０に回収し、再び１００円硬貨と識別すると排出を行う。この選別動作は貯蔵部４内に投入された硬貨がなくなるまで繰返し行われるので、貯蔵部４に投入された金種の混在した硬貨の中から１００円硬貨のみを選別し排出することができる。１００円硬貨以外の硬貨は退避部４０に回収される。次にＰＯＳ端末ＨＣから１０円硬貨の選別を指示すると、退避部４０のシャッタ４２が開き、退避部４０に回収された金種の混在した硬貨が貯蔵部４に移動する。そして硬貨の搬送を開始し、金種識別部２０、振分け板３０により１０円硬貨のみを選別し排出する。本例では１金種を選別する例を示したが、５０円硬貨と５円硬貨といったように、同時に２金種を選別することもできる。また特定金種を装置内に残すために、指定金種は退避部４０に回収して、指定金種以外の硬貨を装置外に排出することも可能である。
【００７８】
【発明の効果】
以上詳説したように本発明によれば、貯蔵部に混合状態で貯蔵された硬貨は特定の金種に偏ることなくランダムに循環搬送され、金種識別部は搬送される硬貨の種類を識別し、所望の硬貨を検知したとき振分け部が選択的に排出する。こうした方式を採用することによって、従来のように複数の金種別スタッカや金種別搬送経路を確保しなくても済むため、金種の増加にも容易に対処できる。
【００７９】
また、振分け部から釣銭取出口までの途中に硬貨の一時待機部を設けることによって、釣銭取出口への一括排出を実現できるため、釣銭の取り忘れを防止できる。また、釣銭不足やジャムなどのエラー発生時は、釣銭取出口への一括排出を中止することによって、釣銭の一部排出を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る硬貨処理装置の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図２】本発明に係る硬貨処理装置の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図３】本発明に係る硬貨処理装置の一例を示す平面図である。
【図４】本発明の実施の一形態を示す断面図である。
【図５】本発明の実施の一形態の電気的構成を示すブロック図である。
【図６】釣銭機の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】金種の出現確率を解析した結果の各例を示すグラフである。
【図８】硬貨処理装置の構成例を示すブロック図であり、図８（ａ）は図１〜図３で示した構成例を示し、図８（ｂ）は他の構成例を示し、図８（ｃ）は退避部４０のシャッタ４２を閉じたときの構成例を示す。
【符号の説明】
１ 硬貨処理装置
２ 本体ケース
３ カバー
３ｂ 投入部
４ 貯蔵部
５ 回転テーブル
６，８ ベルト
７，９ａ〜９ｄ プーリ
１０ａ〜１０ｄ 搬送経路
２０ 金種識別部
２１ａ，２１ｂ 検知開口
２２ａ，２２ｂ，２４ 発光素子
２３ 硬貨先端検知部
３０ 振分け板
３５ 排出路
３６ 釣銭取出口
４０ 退避部
４１ 隔壁
４２ シャッタ
４３ モータ
４５ 一時待機部
４６ プランジャ
４７ シャッタ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin processing apparatus that performs coin processing such as coin identification, counting, and dispensing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In cash registers, POS (point of sales) terminals at retail stores, ATM (automatic teller machine) devices at financial institutions, vending machines, etc., the type of coins paid by the customer is determined and the number of coins is counted by denomination Or the function of paying out change is required.
[0003]
In a conventional coin processing device, when multiple coins enter the slot at once, the optical sensor detects the coin insertion, separates and transports the stacked coins one by one, and separates the coins into denominations , Count the number and store it in the money stacker. When the denomination and number of coins are instructed from the host device, a predetermined number of coins are taken out from the corresponding money type stacker and discharged from the outlet (for example, utility model registration No. 2509366).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
There are 6 types of coins in Japan: 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen, and there are many denominations including commemorative coins and old coins. In the conventional coin processing apparatus, it is necessary to prepare at least six denomination stackers. The type of coin varies depending on the country, and as the denomination increases, the denomination stacker and denomination transport route increase, resulting in an increase in complexity and size of the apparatus.
[0005]
The objective of this invention is providing the coin processing apparatus which can implement a coin processing with a small and simple structure even if there are many denominations.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a storage unit for storing a plurality of types of coins in a mixed state ;
A circulation conveyance unit for conveying coins stored in the storage unit and returning to the storage unit;
A denomination identifying unit for identifying the type of coins to be conveyed;
Based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit, a sorting unit for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins to be conveyed,
A change outlet for receiving coins discharged from the distribution section;
A coin processing apparatus, comprising: a temporary standby unit that is provided between the distribution unit and the change outlet and temporarily waits for the coins discharged by the distribution unit.
[0007]
According to the present invention, the coins stored in a mixed state in the storage unit are circulated and transported randomly without biasing to a specific denomination, and the denomination identifying unit determines the type of coins to be transported in size, thickness, weight, When a desired coin is detected by identifying the pattern, material, etc., the sorting unit selectively ejects it. For example, if the money to be discharged is 123 yen, the denomination identifying unit sequentially conveys the coins, assuming that one 100 yen coin is discharged, two 10 yen coins and three 1 yen coins are discharged. When the 10-yen coin passes first, it is discharged at the sorting unit, then when the 100-yen coin passes, it is discharged, and when the 100-yen coin passes next, it is returned to the storage unit without being discharged, and then 1-yen coin Is then discharged until the coins of 123 yen are discharged.
[0008]
By adopting such a method, it is not necessary to secure multiple denomination stackers and denomination transport routes as before, so it is possible to easily cope with an increase in denominations, and to handle coins with a small and simple configuration. Can be implemented.
[0009]
In addition, by providing a temporary standby unit that temporarily waits for coins that are discharged from the distribution unit toward the change outlet, it is possible to store the coins individually discharged by the distribution unit and collect the change at a desired timing. Can be discharged all at the outlet. As a result, it is possible to prevent a change from being forgotten as compared with the method of discharging one by one to the change outlet. In addition, when change is insufficient or jammed during individual discharge, partial discharge of change can be prevented by stopping collective discharge to the change outlet.
[0010]
The coins to be processed are not limited to public coins issued by the bureau, but can be applied to private coins issued by game centers and authorized gambling halls.
[0011]
The present invention also includes a change determination means for determining a match between a change amount instructed from an external host and a throw-out amount discharged by the distribution unit,
The temporary standby unit is characterized by discharging the waiting coins to the change outlet when the change determination means determines that they match.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the temporary standby unit normally enters the coin standby state, and when the change determination means determines that they match, it discharges the waiting coins to the change outlet, and the change determination means must determine that they match. If it is, it will not be discharged to the change outlet. As a result, the change discharge corresponding to the change amount instructed from the external host is surely performed, and the change discharge when an error such as a change shortage or a jam occurs can be surely prevented.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 and 2 are perspective views showing an example of a coin processing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof. The coin processing device 1 includes a main body case 2, a cover 3, a storage unit 4, transport paths 10 a to 10 d, a denomination identifying unit 20, a sorting plate 30, a discharge path 35, and the like.
[0014]
The cover 3 is attached to the rear end of the main body case 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and constitutes a clamshell structure housing as a whole. An upper portion of the cover 3 is provided with an insertion portion 3b having an opening for supplying coins to the storage portion 4 with the cover 3 closed.
[0015]
A hopper-shaped storage unit 4 is formed on the upper surface of the main body case 2 so that a plurality of types of coins can be mixed and stored. A rotary table 5 for stirring the coins is provided on the bottom surface of the storage unit 4. At the center of the turntable 5, a mountain-shaped protrusion 5a having a peak decentered from the center of rotation is formed to increase the stirring efficiency. In FIG. 3, the shape of the protrusion 5a is indicated by contour lines.
[0016]
Further, when the turntable 5 rotates, centrifugal force acts on the coins on the turntable 5 and is biased toward the wall surface of the storage unit 4, so that the coins can be easily carried out.
[0017]
A rectangular carry-out opening (not shown) slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter and the maximum thickness of the coin to be processed is formed on a part of the wall surface of the storage unit 4. The carry-out opening is set at the same surface position as the upper surface of the turntable 5 and fulfills the function of separating the coins at the bottom from the piles of coins stacked in the storage unit 4 one by one.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3, a belt 6 is stretched between the outer periphery of the rotary table 5 and the pulley 7, and the pulley 7 is rotated by a motor (not shown), whereby the rotary table 5 rotates clockwise. .
[0019]
The conveyance path 10a is horizontally formed so as to communicate with the conveyance downstream side from the carry-out opening of the storage unit 4. The conveyance path 10a is formed in a flat groove having a width slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the coin to be processed, and guides the coin in a horizontal posture.
[0020]
In the conveyance path 10 a, the belt 6 is disposed so as to slightly protrude from the conveyance surface, and coins can be conveyed by friction with the belt 6.
[0021]
In front of the main body case 2, an inclined surface 2 a that is inclined forwardly downward at about 45 ° with respect to a horizontal plane is formed, and a conveyance path 10 b that communicates with the conveyance downstream side of the conveyance path 10 a is formed along the inclined surface 2 a. The The conveyance path 10b is formed in a flat groove having the same dimensions as the conveyance path 10a, and the conveyance surface is inclined along the conveyance orthogonal direction, whereby the coins are offset by their own weight, and the coin end surface is positioned.
[0022]
On the inclined surface 2a, a transport path 10c that communicates with the transport downstream side of the transport path 10b is formed, and serves as a path for raising coins. The conveyance paths 10b and 10c are L-shaped as a whole, and an auxiliary wheel 11 is provided on the curve connecting the two so as to protrude from the conveyance surface, facilitating the curve movement of coins.
[0023]
The cover 3 is also formed with an inclined surface 3 a that is inclined forward and the inclined surface 3 a faces the inclined surface 2 a of the main body case 2 with the cover 3 closed. The inclined surface 3a is provided with pulleys 9a to 9d, and the belt 8 is stretched over the pulleys 9a to 9d so as to conform to the shapes of the transport paths 10b and 10c. When the cover 3 is closed, the belt 8 can press the coins present in the transport paths 10b and 10c against the transport surface. At this time, when the pulley 9a is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), the belt 8 moves in the downstream direction of conveyance, and the coin is conveyed by friction with the belt 8.
[0024]
On the upper surface of the main body case 2, a transport path 10d that communicates with the transport downstream side of the transport path 10c is formed. The conveyance path 10 d is formed in a bowl shape inclined from the uppermost part of the conveyance path 10 c toward the upper part of the storage unit 4, and guides coins that have passed through the conveyance path 10 c to the storage unit 4.
[0025]
Thus, the transport paths 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, and 10 d constitute a circulation transport unit that transports the coins stored in the storage unit 4 one by one by the pressure contact transport of the belts 6 and 8, and returns to the storage unit 4 again.
[0026]
To the transport path 10b, a denomination identifying unit 20 for identifying the type of the coin to be transported and a desired coin out of the coins transported based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit 20 are selectively discharged. For this purpose, a distribution unit 30 is provided, and the distribution unit 30 is disposed downstream of the denomination identifying unit 20 in terms of conveyance.
[0027]
The denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the type of coin by its size, thickness, weight, pattern, material, and the like. Here, a method for optically measuring the outer diameter of the coin will be exemplified. The denomination identifying unit 20 includes a line CCD (charge coupled device) sensor in which a large number of light receiving units are arranged in a straight line.
[0028]
In the detection area of the denomination identifying unit 20, two detection openings 21a and 21b are formed in the inclined conveyance path 10b. The lower detection opening 21a is formed in a range through which the lower end of the coin passes. The upper detection opening 21b is formed in a range through which the upper end of the coin passes. On the other hand, light emitting elements 22a and 22b such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) are provided on the inclined surface 3a of the cover 3 so as to face the detection openings 21a and 21b with the cover 3 closed.
[0029]
When the coin passes through the transport path 10b with the cover 3 closed and the coin blocks the light from the light emitting elements 22a and 22b, the line CCD sensor detects the positions of the lower and upper ends of the coin and performs appropriate signal processing. By applying, the outer diameter of the coin can be measured. By comparing the measured value with the threshold value set for the denomination, the denomination of the coin can be identified.
[0030]
On the downstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20, a coin leading end detection unit 23 that detects the leading end position of the coin passing through the transporting path 10 b is provided. The coin tip detection unit 23 includes a point detection type light receiving element such as a photodiode. A light emitting element 24 such as an LED (light emitting diode) is provided so as to face the coin leading edge detection unit 23.
[0031]
Here, since the belt 8 is located near the center of the transport path 10b, the light from the light emitting element 24 travels substantially parallel to the transport surface and enters the coin leading edge detection unit 23 on both sides of the transport path 10b. A coin tip detection unit 23 and a light emitting element 24 are arranged.
[0032]
A sorting plate 30 for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins passing through the transport path 10b is provided on the transport downstream side of the coin tip detection unit 23. The distribution plate 30 has a hinge shaft 31 on the downstream side of the conveyance, the upstream side of the conveyance is a swing end, and is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown), for example. In a normal state, the sorting plate 30 is held on the same surface as the conveyance path 10b and allows coins to pass through. , Drop the coins downward. The dropped coins are discharged from the discharge path 35 and stored, for example, in a change outlet 36 shown in FIG.
[0033]
The opening / closing of the sorting plate 30 can be determined by whether or not the coin identified by the denomination identifying unit 20 is a desired denomination. The opening / closing timing of the sorting plate 30 is determined based on the detection timing of the coin tip detection unit 23 in consideration of the coin conveyance speed and the delay according to the distance from the coin tip detection unit 23 to the swing end of the sorting plate 30. .
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention. A retracting unit 40 is installed inside the storage unit 4 and a mortar-shaped partition wall 41 that separates the lower space and the upper space is provided. The bottom of the partition wall 41 is open, and a disc-shaped shutter 42 having a shielding part 42a and an opening part 42b is supported around the shaft 42c so as to be angularly displaceable. Around the shutter 42, teeth that mesh with a gear 43a fixed to the output shaft of the motor 43 are formed.
[0035]
When the shutter 42 rotates and the shielding part 42a closes the bottom of the partition wall 41, the lower space and the upper space of the storage part 4 are shielded, and the coins carried into the upper space remain in the shielding part 42a, No longer mixes with coins stored in space. On the other hand, when the shutter 42 rotates and the opening 42b is positioned at the bottom of the partition wall 41, the lower space and the upper space of the storage unit 4 communicate with each other, and the coins carried into the upper space pass through the opening 42b. Then, it is mixed with the coins stored in the lower space.
[0036]
Thus, since separation or mixing of the incoming coins and the stored coins can be controlled, it is possible to operate as a money counter, a coin sorter or a change machine with a single device.
[0037]
Below the discharge path 35, a temporary standby unit 45 for temporarily waiting for coins selected by the sorting plate 30 is installed. The temporary standby unit 45 includes a shutter 47 that opens and closes up and down, a plunger 46 that drives the shutter 47, and the like.
[0038]
The shutter 47 is normally set in a closed state. For example, when a change instruction of 123 yen is given, one 100 yen coin, two 10 yen coins, and three 1 yen coins are distributed in any order. It falls from the plate 30 and stays at the shutter 47. When all the 123 yen coins are dropped, the shutter 47 is opened, and the coins are simultaneously discharged toward the change outlet 36. Therefore, compared to the method of discharging one by one, it is possible to prevent forgetting change and to prevent partial discharge when the change is insufficient.
[0039]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The coin processing device 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 50 that operates according to a predetermined program, a RAM (random access memory) 50a and a ROM (read only memory) 50b that store data and programs, a motor control circuit 51, Denomination identification circuit 52, coin tip detection circuit 53, sorting unit drive circuit 54, sensor detection circuit 55, display unit drive circuit 56, interface (I / F) unit 57, shutter control circuit 58, etc. Consists of.
[0040]
The motor control circuit 51 controls the start and stop timings and rotation speeds of the motors 51a and 51b that drive the pulleys 7 and 9a, respectively. The denomination identifying circuit 52 drives the line CCD sensor of the denomination identifying unit 20, controls the lighting of the light emitting elements 22a and 22b, processes the output signals from the sensors, and supplies them to the CPU 50. CPU50 measures the outer diameter of a coin with a denomination identification program, and identifies a denomination.
[0041]
The coin tip detection circuit 53 processes the output signal from the light receiving element of the coin tip detection unit 23 to detect the tip passage timing and controls the lighting of the light emitting element 24. The distribution unit drive circuit 54 drives a solenoid 54 a that opens and closes the distribution plate 30 based on a command from the CPU 50.
[0042]
The sensor detection circuit 55 processes output signals from the cover open sensor 55 a that detects the open / closed state of the cover 3, the distribution open sensor that detects the open / closed state of the distribution plate 30, and supplies the processed signals to the CPU 50.
[0043]
The display unit driving circuit 56 controls the LED lamp 56 a that indicates the operating state of the device provided on the front panel of the main body case 2. The interface unit 57 transmits or receives data to / from an external host HC such as a POS terminal in accordance with a communication standard such as RS232C.
[0044]
The shutter control circuit 58 controls the operation of the motor 43 that drives the shutter 42 of the retracting unit 40 and the operation of the plunger 46 that drives the shutter 47 of the temporary standby unit 45.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the change machine. First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 50 performs a predetermined initialization operation, and then waits for a start instruction from the host HC via the interface unit 57 in step S1. When the start instruction is received, in step S2, the CPU 50 starts driving the belts 6 and 8, continuously sends out coins stored in the storage unit 4 one by one, and circulates along the transport paths 10a to 10d. Transport. At this time, the shutter 42 of the retracting unit 40 is set to an open state, and the shutter 47 of the temporary standby unit 45 is set to a closed state.
[0046]
Next, in step S3, the denomination identifying unit 20 measures the outer diameter size of the coin to be conveyed, and the CPU 50 identifies the denomination of the coin by comparing the measured value with the threshold set for the denomination. Next, in step S4, the process returns to step S3 and waits until there is a change instruction from the host HC.
[0047]
When the change instruction is received in step S4, the CPU 50 sets a change counter of the money type corresponding to the contents of the change instruction. For example, when the amount of change instruction is 123 yen, 1 yen counter is set to 3, 5 yen counter is set to 0, 10 yen counter is set to 2, 50 yen counter is set to 0, 100 yen counter is set to 1, 500 yen counter is set to 0 . The change instruction may be the number of money types.
[0048]
Steps S5, S6, and S20 to S22 are routines for determining the amount of coins stored in the storage unit 4, and details will be described later.
[0049]
Next, in step S7, after the change counter is set, if the change counter corresponding to the denomination identified by the denomination identifying unit 20 is 0, it is determined as a non-discharged coin, and the process returns to step S3. If the change counter corresponding to the identified denomination is 1 or more, it is determined that the coin is a discharged coin, the process proceeds to step S8, and when the coin leading edge detection unit 23 detects the leading edge, the CPU 50 sorts at a predetermined timing in step S9. The plate 30 is opened, and only coins identified as discharged coins are selected and discharged from the discharge path 35. At this time, since the shutter 47 of the temporary standby unit 45 is closed, the discharged coins remain at the shutter 47.
[0050]
Next, in step S10, the CPU 50 decrements one change counter corresponding to the discharged denomination. For example, if the coin passing through the denomination identifying unit 20 is 10 yen, one 10 yen counter is subtracted. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the change balance is 0 yen, that is, whether or not all change counters are 0, and step S3 and subsequent steps are repeated until the change balance reaches 0 yen. When the change balance reaches 0 yen, the process proceeds to step S12.
[0051]
Next, a coin storage amount determination routine will be described. In step S5, the CPU 50 counts the number of detections of the denomination identifying unit 20 and the number of coins passed from the time when a change instruction is issued, and then compares the number of detections with a predetermined first threshold value in step S6. If the number of times of detection is smaller than the first threshold value, it is determined that the denominations that are circulated and conveyed are present, and the process proceeds to step S7.
[0052]
On the other hand, if the number of detections is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that the desired denomination is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S20, and the CPU 50 turns on the LED lamp 56a of the display panel or sends a status signal to the host HC. To announce near empty.
[0053]
In step S21, the number of detections is compared with a predetermined second threshold value. The second threshold value is set to an upper limit value that allows normal operation. If the number of detections is smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S7 while remaining in a near empty state.
[0054]
On the other hand, if the number of detections is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is determined that it is difficult to discharge coins necessary for change, and the process proceeds to step S22, where the CPU 50 blinks the LED lamp 56a of the display panel, or A status signal is sent to the HC to notify the empty. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12 with the change discharge error.
[0055]
In step S12, the CPU 50 stops driving the belts 6 and 8, and determines whether or not the coin throwing is normal in the next step S13. As a throwing error determination method, for example, when the above-described coin storage amount determination routine is determined to be empty, or when a jam occurs in the coin transport route, coin discharge is completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the change instruction of the host HC. The case where it did not do is considered.
[0056]
If it is a normal throwing, the process proceeds to step S14, where the CPU 50 opens the shutter 47, and the coins temporarily stored in the temporary standby unit 45 are collectively discharged toward the change outlet 36, and then the shutter 47 is closed to change the change. End the ejecting operation.
[0057]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that there is a throwing error, the process moves to step S15, and the CPU 50 displays the throwing error on the display panel or notifies the host HC. At this time, the shutter 47 is in a closed state, so that it is possible to prevent the change from being dispensed with the change instruction of the host HC.
[0058]
Next, in step S16, the operator who has recognized the throwing error performs necessary error processing. For example, the shutter 47 is opened by a command instruction via the host HC or a main body switch operation, and the coins remaining in the temporary standby unit 45 are forcibly discharged and collected. The collected coins are returned to the storage unit 4 and the cause of error is removed to restore the main body to normal operation. It is also possible to install a coin collection path from the temporary standby unit 45 toward the storage unit 4.
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a graph showing examples of the results of analyzing the appearance probability of denominations. Here, the number of detections and the probability distribution until four 10-yen coins pass are shown.
[0060]
Applying the binomial distribution theory, the total number of coins is Nall, the number of 10 yen coins is Nten, the number of coins other than 10 yen is Netc, the desired number of 10 yen coins is m, and the number of detections is n. The appearance probability of a yen coin can be calculated by the following equation (1).
[0061]
[Expression 1]

[0062]
In FIG. 7A, in the case of Nall = 450 and Nten = 120, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 times is 99.8%.
[0063]
In FIG. 7B, when Nall = 430 and Nten = 100, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass by the time the number of detections n reaches 40 is 99.3%.
[0064]
In FIG. 7C, when Nall = 410 and Nten = 80, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass by the time the number of detections n reaches 40 is 97.3%.
[0065]
In FIG. 7D, in the case of Nall = 400 and Nten = 70, the probability that four 10-yen coins will pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 94.6%.
[0066]
In FIG. 7 (e), when Nall = 390 and Nten = 60, the probability that four 10-yen coins will pass by the time when the number of detections n reaches 40 is 89.6%.
[0067]
In FIG. 7F, in the case of Nall = 380 and Nten = 50, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 80.5%.
[0068]
In FIG. 7 (g), when Nall = 365 and Nten = 35, the probability that four 10-yen coins will pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 73.8%.
[0069]
In FIG. 7 (h), when Nall = 350 and Nten = 20, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 31.6%.
[0070]
From these results, when the storage ratio of the specific denomination decreases, the number of detections required until the discharge increases, and for example, in FIG. 7 (h), four 10 yen coins can be discharged even if 40 coins pass. It turns out that the possibility is about 30%. Therefore, it is preferable to encourage replenishment of denominations with a low storage rate and maintain the denomination storage rate as evenly as possible. Therefore, the first threshold value and the second threshold value in steps S5 and S21 are set in consideration of the allowable time from the change instruction from the host HC to the change discharge completion, the appearance probability of the denomination, the change discharge efficiency, and the like.
[0071]
8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a coin processing device, FIG. 8A illustrates the configuration example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 8B illustrates another configuration example, and FIG. (C) shows a configuration example when the shutter 42 of the retracting unit 40 is closed.
[0072]
First, in FIG. 8 (a), the coins Q inserted from the input unit 3b are stored in the storage unit 4, and when a change instruction is received from the host, the coins Q in the storage unit 4 are conveyed one by one in the transport paths 10a to 10a. Circulated along 10d. A denomination identifying unit 20 and a sorting plate 30 are arranged on the transport path 10b. The denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the denomination of the coin Q to be transported, and opens the sorting plate 30 if the denomination is a desired denomination. To selectively discharge.
[0073]
FIG. 8B is different in that the input unit 3 c is arranged on the downstream side of the storage unit 4 and on the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20. By providing such a loading unit 3c on the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20, the coin Q thrown into the throwing unit 3c is conveyed by the circulation conveying unit, and the denomination identifying by the denomination identifying unit 20 becomes possible. . Therefore, it is possible to accurately manage the denomination, the number of sheets, and the total amount of money inserted into the input unit 3c at the stage before mixing in the storage unit 4. Therefore, it is possible to accurately manage the denomination and number of coins Q stored in the storage unit 4, and empty or overflow (when the total number of coins exceeds the storage amount of the storage unit or the specific denomination Appropriate announcements can be made.
[0074]
In the example of FIG. 8B, an example in which the input unit 3c is arranged on the downstream side of the transport of the storage unit 4 and the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20 is shown. However, the input unit is the same as that of FIG. If the coin is not inserted into the storage unit 4 as a position and the route from the input unit is devised so that the coin Q is supplied from the upstream side of conveyance of the denomination identifying unit 20, the same effect can be obtained. .
[0075]
In FIG.8 (c), it can operate | move as a money counter or a coin sorter. First, coins Q are put into the storage unit 4 with the shutter 42 opened, and stored in the lower space of the storage unit 4, and then the shutter 42 is closed. Next, when the conveyance of the coins is started, the coins Q in the storage unit 4 are circulated and conveyed one by one along the conveyance paths 10a to 10d. In the transport path 10b, a denomination identifying unit 20 and a sorting plate 30 are arranged, and the denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the denomination of the coin Q to be transported, and counts the number of passing coins by denomination. If it is a denomination, the sorting board 30 is opened and selectively discharged. The coins that have passed through the denomination identifying unit 20 and the sorting plate 30 are collected in the storage unit 4 and stored in the retracting unit 40, and the shutter 42 prevents the incoming coins and the stored coins from being mixed.
[0076]
Next, a specific example of use as a money counter will be shown. A large number of coins mixed with denominations are put into the storage unit 4 and the conveyance of the coins is started. Coins in the storage unit 4 are conveyed one by one along the conveyance paths 10a to 10d. A denomination identifying unit 20 is disposed in the transport path 10b, and the type of denomination can be identified and the number of detected sheets can be counted for each denomination. The detected number of money types and the total amount calculated based on the detected number are displayed on a display unit such as the LED lamp 56. The coins that have passed through the denomination identifying unit 20 may be discharged out of the apparatus from the discharge path 35 by opening the sorting plate 30, or may be collected in the retracting unit 40 with the sorting plate 30 closed.
[0077]
Moreover, as a specific usage example of the coin sorter, a large number of coins mixed with denominations are put into the storage unit 4 and the conveyance of the coins is started. Coins in the storage unit 4 are conveyed one by one along the conveyance paths 10a to 10d. A denomination identifying unit 20 and a sorting plate 30 are arranged on the conveyance path 10b, and the denomination of the coins being conveyed is determined, and if it is a desired coin, it is selectively discharged. For example, when a 100-yen coin is designated as a coin to be selected from the POS terminal HC, when the coin conveyed by the denomination identifying unit 20 is identified as a 100-yen coin, the sorting plate 30 is opened and discharged, and the 10-yen coin is discharged. If it is identified as a coin, the sorting plate 30 is collected in the retracting portion 40 in a closed state, and discharged when it is identified as a 100 yen coin again. Since this sorting operation is repeated until no coins are put into the storage unit 4, only 100-yen coins can be sorted out from coins mixed with denominations put into the storage unit 4 and discharged. Coins other than 100-yen coins are collected by the retracting unit 40. Next, when the POS terminal HC instructs to select a 10-yen coin, the shutter 42 of the evacuation unit 40 opens, and the coins mixed in the denominations collected in the evacuation unit 40 move to the storage unit 4. Then, the coins are started to be transported, and only the 10-yen coins are selected and discharged by the denomination identifying unit 20 and the sorting plate 30. In this example, an example in which one denomination is selected is shown, but two denominations can be simultaneously selected, such as a 50 yen coin and a 5 yen coin. Further, in order to leave the specific denomination in the apparatus, the designated denomination can be collected in the retracting unit 40, and coins other than the designated denomination can be discharged out of the apparatus.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, coins stored in the storage unit in a mixed state are randomly circulated without being biased toward a specific denomination, and the denomination identifying unit identifies the type of coin to be conveyed. When the desired coin is detected, the sorting unit selectively discharges. By adopting such a method, it is not necessary to secure a plurality of denomination stackers and denomination transport routes as in the prior art, so that it is possible to easily cope with an increase in denominations.
[0079]
In addition, by providing a temporary standby portion for coins in the middle from the distribution unit to the change outlet, collective discharge to the change outlet can be realized, so that change forgetting can be prevented. In addition, when an error such as a change shortage or a jam occurs, partial discharge of change can be prevented by stopping collective discharge to the change outlet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a coin processing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a coin processing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a coin processing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the change machine.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing examples of results obtained by analyzing the appearance probability of a denomination.
8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a coin processing device, FIG. 8 (a) shows the configuration example shown in FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 8 (b) shows another configuration example, FIG. FIG. 8C shows a configuration example when the shutter 42 of the retracting unit 40 is closed.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coin processing apparatus 2 Main body case 3 Cover 3b Insertion part 4 Storage part 5 Rotary table 6, 8 Belt 7, 9a-9d Pulley 10a-10d Conveyance path 20 Denomination identification part 21a, 21b Detection opening 22a, 22b, 24 Light emitting element 23 Coin tip detection unit 30 Sorting plate 35 Discharge path 36 Change outlet 40 Retraction unit 41 Partition 42 Shutter 43 Motor 45 Temporary standby unit 46 Plunger 47 Shutter

Claims (2)

A storage unit for storing a plurality of types of coins in a mixed state ;
A circulation conveyance unit for conveying coins stored in the storage unit and returning to the storage unit;
A denomination identifying unit for identifying the type of coins to be conveyed;
Based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit, a sorting unit for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins to be conveyed,
A change outlet for receiving coins discharged from the distribution section;
A coin processing apparatus, comprising: a temporary standby unit that is provided between the distribution unit and the change outlet and temporarily waits for the coins discharged by the distribution unit. A change determination means for determining a match between a change amount instructed by an external host and a throw-out amount discharged by the distribution unit;
The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the temporary standby unit discharges the waiting coins to the change outlet when the change determination means determines that they match.

Images