JP4255658B2 - Coin handling machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin processing machine including a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a coin processor used in a financial institution such as a bank, there is one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-58515. In this coin processing machine, a metal detection sensor is provided in parallel to the lower side of the conveyor belt, the conveyance state of the coin is detected by the metal detection sensor, and the conveyor belt is provided on the condition that there is no residual coin in the coin conveyance section. Is supposed to stop.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, like what was indicated by the above-mentioned gazette, the metal detection sensor which detects the residual coin on the conventional conveyance belt is a magnetic sensor which detects a coin using the fact that the waveform of the current of a coil changes with a coin. is there. However, since the magnetic sensor tends to be difficult to capture signals when the distance from the coins is large, especially when coins are provided on the lower side of the conveyor belt as described above, the coins are particularly formed on the conveyor belt. There is a problem in that when it remains in a standing state, this may not be reliably detected.
[0004]
Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide the coin processing machine provided with the residual coin detection apparatus which can detect a residual coin reliably even in a standing state.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a coin processing machine according to claim 1 of the present invention is a coin processing machine provided with a residual coin detecting device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins. May existIt is on a belt conveyor that conveys coins by rotatingA microwave oscillator that outputs a microwave toward the detection space, a microwave receiver that receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and the presence or absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver And means for detecting residual coins to be detected.The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, and an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is It is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the whole including the detection space.It is characterized by that.
[0006]
  As a result, when the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coins The presence / absence detection means compares the reception result with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and detects the presence / absence of a coin based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  In addition, since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, coins are detected by a small number of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers, particularly in a wide detection space. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to detect residual coins in a wide detection space at low cost.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0009]
  Claims of the invention2The coin processing machine described in claim1When the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface of the belt conveyor, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. It is characterized by being arranged along.
[0010]
As described above, when the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are arranged along the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor. In addition, the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver can be efficiently arranged.
[0011]
  Claims of the invention3The coin processing machine described in claim1When the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface of the belt conveyor, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. It is characterized by being arranged to intersect.
[0012]
As described above, when the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are arranged to intersect the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor. Therefore, microwaves will be output in the direction intersecting the conveyor direction of the belt conveyor, so that they are in full contact with the wall standing upright on either side of the conveyor direction of the belt conveyor. When the coin is in a standing position, the microwave is reflected by a wide area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0013]
  Claims of the invention4The coin processing machine described in claim1The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged in a V shape centered on the conveying surface side when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface of the belt conveyor. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
Thus, since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged in a V shape centered on the conveyance surface side when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface, the microwave is transmitted from the belt conveyor. When the coin is in a standing position so that it will be output in a direction crossing the transport direction, and in full contact with the wall standing on either side of the transport direction of the belt conveyor In addition, the microwave is reflected by a large area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0015]
  Claims of the invention5The listed coin processor isIn a coin processing machine equipped with a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins, the residual coin detection device may detect the presence of residual coins, and is on a belt conveyor that conveys coins by rotating. A microwave oscillator that outputs a microwave toward a space, a microwave receiver that receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and detecting the presence or absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver And a means for detecting the presence or absence of residual coins,The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor.In addition, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the whole including the detection space. It is characterized by that.
[0016]
  As a result, when the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coins The presence / absence detection means compares the reception result with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and detects the presence / absence of a coin based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  Also,Since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, the entire surface of the wall is erected on either the left or right side with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. When the coin is in a standing position so as to come into contact with the microwave, the microwave is reflected by a larger area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0017]
  Claims of the invention6The coin processing machine described in claim5With respect to what is described, a plurality of pairs of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are provided at different positions in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor.
[0018]
In this way, since a plurality of pairs of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers are provided with their positions shifted in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, coins can be detected without gaps in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. This can be detected even when the coin is in a standing position so as to come into full contact with the wall portion standing on either side of the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor during the conveyance. Moreover, even if there is at least one of partial up and down on the belt conveyor, the height of the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver provided in this portion may be matched, and coins can be detected well. be able to.
[0019]
  Claims of the invention7The coin processing machine described in claim5 or 6With respect to what is described, the same number of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers are provided.
[0020]
Thus, since the same number of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers are provided, coins can be detected more accurately.
[0021]
  Claims of the invention8The coin processing machine described in claim7With respect to what is described, the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver is provided with the arrangement alternately reversed in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor.
[0022]
As described above, since the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are alternately arranged in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, the walls are erected on the left and right sides with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. The coin can be reliably detected when the coin is in a standing position so as to be in full contact with the portion.
[0023]
  Claims of the invention9The coin processing machine described in claim1 to 8When the said residual coin presence-and-absence detection means determines the presence or absence of a residual coin regarding the thing of any one of these, The said belt conveyor is driven, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0024]
In this way, since the residual coin presence / absence detecting means drives the belt conveyor when determining the presence / absence of residual coins, coins may remain in a place where it is difficult to detect residual coins by the microwave receiver. However, by driving the belt conveyor, it is possible to move the residual coins to a place where it is easy to detect, and thus the coins can be reliably detected.
[0025]
  Claims of the invention10The coin processing machine described in claim5 or 6The present invention is characterized in that the number of the microwave oscillators is smaller than that of the microwave receiver.
[0026]
As described above, the number of microwave oscillators is smaller than that of the microwave receivers, and the microwave oscillators are shared by a plurality of microwave receivers. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.
[0027]
  Claims of the invention11The listed coin processor isIn a coin processor equipped with a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins, the residual coin detection device is a microwave toward a detection space in a container-like coin receiver in which residual coins may exist. , A microwave receiver for receiving the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and a residual coin presence detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver AndThe microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other at positions facing the coin receiver in the lateral direction.In addition, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the whole including the detection space.It is characterized by that.
[0028]
As a result, when the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coins The presence / absence detection means compares the reception result with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and detects the presence / absence of a coin based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  Also,Since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other at positions facing the lateral direction of the container-shaped coin receiver, the standing position is particularly high in the container-shaped coin receiver in which the coin is likely to be in a standing position. Residual coins in a state can be reliably detected.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0029]
  Claims of the invention12The coin processing machine described in claim11With respect to what is described, a second microwave oscillator is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver.
[0030]
Thus, since the 2nd microwave oscillator is provided in any one of the upper and lower sides of a coin receiver, this can be detected reliably also about the remaining coin which is not in a standing position.
[0031]
  Claims of the invention13The coin processing machine described in claim11 or 12With respect to what is described, a second microwave receiver is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver.
[0032]
Thus, since the 2nd microwave receiver is provided in any one of the upper and lower sides of a coin receiver, this can be detected reliably also about the remaining coin which is not in a standing position.
[0033]
  Claims of the invention14The coin processing machine described in claim11 thru 13In any one of the above, a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver.
[0034]
As described above, since the reflecting members that reflect the microwaves are provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver, the reflecting members reflect the microwaves, and the residual coins are suppressed while suppressing an increase in cost. Can be reliably detected.
[0040]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Each embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the characteristic part common in each embodiment is collectively mentioned later.
  A coin processing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
  The coin processing machine according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a depositing process in which coins input from the outside of the machine into the coin depositing unit are separated and counted one by one by the coin depositing unit and then temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, and a depositing process. When a deposit confirmation operation is later input by the operator, the coins temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit are separated into denominations and stored in the storage unit, and the coins stored in the storage unit are used as necessary. Withdrawing processing that allows withdrawal to be taken out, etc., where there are coins in the machine, for example, a conveyance path that connects each part, a coin deposit part, a temporary storage part, a storage part, a withdrawal part, etc. In addition, a residual coin detector 11 for detecting the presence or absence of residual coins is provided.
[0041]
In the first embodiment, there is a possibility that residual coins exist, and the detection space 12 in which the presence or absence of residual coins is detected by the residual coin detection device 11 is on the transport surface 15 that is the upper surface of the belt conveyor 14. The pair of side walls (walls) 16 and 17 erected on both the left and right sides with respect to the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 and the pair of front portions erected on the front and rear sides with respect to the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. It is a space between the wall 18 and the rear wall 19.
[0042]
The belt conveyor 14 conveys coins placed on the conveyance surface 15 by a conveyance surface 15 that moves in a straight line in plan view by rotating. The belt conveyor 14 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal even if the conveying surface 15 is horizontally arranged.
[0043]
The pair of side wall portions 16 and 17 are provided upright on both the left and right sides of the belt conveyor 14 along the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 and along the vertical direction. These side wall portions 16 and 17 extend from the lower side of the conveying surface 15 to the upper side of the conveying surface 15.
[0044]
The pair of front wall portions 18 and rear wall portions 19 are erected on the front and rear sides of the belt conveyor 14 with substantially no gap in a state perpendicular to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 and along the vertical direction. The front wall portion 18 and the rear wall portion 19 extend slightly upward from the upper side of the conveying surface 15, and the front wall portion 18 has an inlet portion 18 a that accepts coins to the belt conveyor 14. The wall portion 19 is formed with an outlet portion 19 a that allows the coins to be received by the belt conveyor 14.
[0045]
In addition, although the front wall part 18 side of the belt conveyor 14 was described as the entrance part 18a and the rear wall part 19 side was described as the exit part 19a, the present invention is not limited to this, accepting coins from above the belt conveyor 14, The coin may be sent out from the inlet portion 18a or the outlet portion 19a by driving 14 to the front wall portion 18 side or the rear wall portion 19 side.
[0046]
In the first embodiment, the residual coin detector 11 outputs a microwave oscillator 22 that outputs a microwave from the output unit 21 toward the detection space 12 described above, and a microwave output from the microwave oscillator 22. A microwave receiver 25 received by the receiving unit 24, and a residual coin presence / absence detecting unit 27 (residual coin presence / absence detecting means) shown in FIG. 3 for detecting the presence / absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver 25 have.
[0047]
Here, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface 15, the output units 21 are mutually connected. And the line which made the receiving part 24 confront and connected the mutual output part 21 and the receiving part 24 is arrange | positioned so that the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 may be followed.
[0048]
Specifically, the microwave oscillator 22 is disposed, for example, on the downstream side in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave receiver 25, and when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the transport surface 15, the position in the left-right direction thereof. Are aligned with the position of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction, and the posture thereof is aligned with the belt conveyor 14. Further, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave oscillator 22 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 so that the output unit 21 faces the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. And tilted diagonally.
[0049]
As described above, the microwave oscillator 22 determines the position in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14 in a state where the output unit 21 that outputs the microwave to the outside faces the upstream side of the belt conveyor 14 and faces the detection space 12. It matches the position at.
[0050]
The microwave receiver 25 is disposed, for example, on the upstream side in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave oscillator 22, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transport surface 15, the position of the microwave receiver 25 in the left-right direction is indicated by the belt conveyor 14. Are aligned with the position in the left-right direction, and the posture is aligned with the belt conveyor 14. Further, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave receiver 25 makes a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 so that the receiving unit 24 faces the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. It is inclined diagonally.
[0051]
As described above, the microwave receiver 25 determines the position in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14 with the receiving unit 24 that receives microwaves from the outside facing the downstream side of the belt conveyor 14 and facing the detection space 12. It matches the position in the direction. Here, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 have the same inclination with respect to the belt conveyor 14.
[0052]
The microwave receiver 25 is not provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 and the microwave oscillator 22 is provided on the downstream side. Conversely, the microwave receiver 25 is provided on the downstream side and the microwave oscillator 22 is provided on the upstream side. Of course, it does not matter.
[0053]
The above-described microwave oscillator 22 and microwave receiver 25 are connected to the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27, and from the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22 in a state where there is no coin in the detection space 12 in advance. The state of the microwave received by the receiving unit 24 of the microwave receiver 25 when a predetermined microwave is output is stored as a reference value.
[0054]
When detecting the presence or absence of residual coins in the detection space 12, the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 outputs a predetermined microwave from the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22. If the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 compares the state of the microwave received by the reception unit 24 of the microwave receiver 25 at this time with the reference value and can determine that these are approximate and coincide with each other, While it is determined that there is no residual coin, when it can be determined that these are different, it is determined that there is a residual coin in the detection space 12. That is, if there is a residual coin in the detection space 12, the state of the microwave is changed with respect to the state in which there is no coin by reflecting the coin, and the state of the microwave received by the receiving unit 24 of the microwave receiver 25 is changed. It will differ with respect to the reference value of a state without a coin, and it will determine with this that there is a residual coin in the detection space 12. In addition, the control part 29 which controls the whole coin processing machine loses a residual coin in the residual coin detection apparatus 11, after the time which can be estimated that a coin is lost from this belt conveyor 14, for example during conveyance by the belt conveyor 14 passes. If it is determined that the belt conveyor 14 has been reached, control such as stopping the belt conveyor 14 is performed.
[0055]
The coin processor of the first embodiment described above has the following effects (A) to (E).
[0056]
(A) When the microwave oscillator 22 outputs a microwave toward the detection space 12, the microwave receiver 25 outputs the microwave that is output from the microwave oscillator 22 and appropriately reflected through the detection space 12, Based on the reception result of the microwave receiver 25, the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 compares the reception result with a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and detects the presence / absence of coins based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. . As described above, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space 12 instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is standing in the detection space 12, the microwave is well reflected by the coin. And received by the microwave receiver 25. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state.
[0057]
(B) Since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detection device 11 close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases.
[0058]
(C) Even if there is at least one of partial up and down on the belt conveyor 14, it is easy to arrange the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25, and it is possible to detect coins well. it can.
[0059]
(D) Since the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14, the number of microwave oscillators 22 and microwave receptions is particularly small with respect to the wide detection space 12. Coins can be detected by the device 25. Therefore, the remaining coins in the wide detection space 12 can be detected at low cost.
[0060]
(E) When the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are arranged along the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. Therefore, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 can be efficiently arranged.
[0061]
Since the belt conveyor 14 is generally long in one direction, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are arranged apart from each other at the front and rear positions in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. In the case where the space 12 is formed on the short belt conveyor 14, a structure in which the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are integrated may be used.
[0062]
Moreover, in order to detect the presence or absence of coins on the basis of the reception level of the microwave receiver 25 when no coins are present in the detection space 12 as described above, a pair of side wall portions 16 and 17 and a pair of front wall portions 18 and Of course, each of the rear wall portions 19 may be formed of a metal plate material. In addition, since the magnitude | size and material of the coin to detect are decided beforehand, it is good to use a metal board | plate material with little influence. If the influence cannot be excluded, a plate material made of a synthetic resin material such as acrylic may be used.
[0063]
Further, the detection space 12 connecting the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 does not include a metal member that reflects the irradiated or reflected microwave in a further unpredictable direction, or can be ignored even if interposed. Try to make the amount less.
[0064]
In addition, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 may be either a configuration using a waveguide or a patch antenna type in which an antenna is formed on a substrate.
[0065]
The coin processing machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated below centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment with reference to FIGS. 4-5. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0066]
In the second embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 as in the first embodiment, but are perpendicular to the conveying surface 15. When viewed from the right direction, the lines connecting the output unit 21 and the receiving unit 24 to each other and connecting the output unit 21 and the receiving unit 24 are arranged so as to cross the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14.
[0067]
Specifically, the microwave oscillator 22 is disposed, for example, on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave receiver 25, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, The position is shifted to the left and right side (left side in the illustrated example) with respect to the position of the belt conveyor 14 in the left and right direction. Further, the microwave oscillator 22 has a predetermined orientation with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 in a posture in which the output unit 21 faces the direction of the belt conveyor 14 from the side of the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface 15. It is inclined at an angle. Further, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave oscillator 22 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 with the output unit 21 facing the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. And tilted diagonally.
[0068]
As described above, the output unit 21 that outputs the microwave to the outside faces the upstream side of the belt conveyor 14 and the detection space 12 with the position in the left-right direction shifted to one side in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14. ing.
[0069]
The microwave receiver 25 is disposed, for example, on the upstream side in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave oscillator 22, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transport surface 15, the position of the microwave receiver 25 in the left-right direction is indicated by the belt conveyor 14. Is shifted to the left and right opposite side (right side in the illustrated example) with respect to the position in the left and right direction. Further, the microwave receiver 25 is configured so that the receiving unit 24 faces the direction of the belt conveyor 14 from the side of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the direction of conveyance of the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15. It is inclined obliquely at a predetermined angle. Furthermore, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave oscillator 22 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 so that the receiving unit 24 faces the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. And tilted diagonally.
[0070]
As described above, the receiving unit 24 that receives microwaves from the outside faces the downstream side of the belt conveyor 14 and the detection space 12 with its position in the left-right direction shifted to the opposite side of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction. Yes. Here, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 have the same inclination with respect to the respective belt conveyors 14 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, and are parallel to the conveyance surface 15. Even when viewed from the side, the inclination of each belt conveyor 14 is made equal.
[0071]
Of course, the microwave receiver 25 is not provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 and the microwave oscillator 22 is provided on the downstream side, but these may be arranged in reverse. Of course, the arrangement of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction may be reversed.
[0072]
In the coin processor of the second embodiment described above, the following effect (F) is obtained in addition to the effects (A) to (D).
[0073]
(F) When the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, the lines facing each other and connecting each other intersect the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. Therefore, the microwaves are output in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, and are in full contact with the side walls 16 and 17 erected on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. Thus, when the coin is in a standing position, the microwave is reflected by a wide area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0074]
A coin processing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7 focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0075]
In the third embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 as in the first embodiment, but are perpendicular to the conveying surface 15. When viewed from the right direction, they are arranged so as to draw a V-shape that folds around the conveyance surface 15 side.
[0076]
Specifically, the microwave oscillator 22 is disposed, for example, on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave receiver 25, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, The position is shifted to the left and right side (right side in the illustrated example) with respect to the position of the belt conveyor 14 in the left and right direction. Further, the microwave oscillator 22 has a predetermined orientation with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 in a posture in which the output unit 21 faces from the side of the belt conveyor 14 toward the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface 15. It is inclined at an angle. Further, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave oscillator 22 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 with the output unit 21 facing the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. And tilted diagonally.
[0077]
As described above, the microwave oscillator 22 faces the upstream side of the belt conveyor 14 in a state where the output unit 21 that outputs the microwave to the outside shifts the position in the left-right direction to one side in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14. And it is suitable for the detection space 12.
[0078]
The microwave receiver 25 is disposed, for example, on the upstream side in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the microwave oscillator 22, and when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the transport surface 15, the position of the microwave receiver 25 in the left-right direction is indicated by the belt conveyor 14. Are shifted to the same left and right side as in the microwave oscillator 22 (right side in the illustrated example). In addition, the microwave receiver 25 is configured so that the receiving unit 24 faces the direction of the belt conveyor 14 from the side of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the direction of conveyance of the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15. It is inclined obliquely at a predetermined angle. Further, when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave receiver 25 makes a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance surface 15 in a posture in which the receiving unit 24 faces the belt conveyor 14 from the upper side of the belt conveyor 14. It is inclined diagonally.
[0079]
As described above, in the microwave receiver 25, the receiving unit 24 that receives microwaves from the outside shifts the position in the left-right direction to the same side as the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22 in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14. In this state, it faces the downstream side of the belt conveyor 14 and faces the detection space 12. Here, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 have the same inclination with respect to the respective belt conveyors 14 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, and are parallel to the conveyance surface 15. Even when viewed from the side, the inclination of each belt conveyor 14 is made equal.
[0080]
Of course, the microwave receiver 25 is not provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 and the microwave oscillator 22 is provided on the downstream side, but these may be arranged in reverse. Of course, the arrangement in the left-right direction with respect to the belt conveyor 14 may be reversed.
[0081]
In the coin processor of the third embodiment described above, the following effect (G) is obtained in addition to the effects (A) to (D).
[0082]
(G) Since the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are arranged in a V shape centered on the conveyance surface 15 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, the microwaves are It will be output in a direction crossing the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, and will be in full contact with the side walls 16, 17 erected on either side of the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. When the coin is in a standing position, the microwave is reflected by a wide area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0083]
A coin processing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0084]
In the fourth embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are arranged apart from each other on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, and the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver are arranged. A plurality of pairs of 25 are provided with their positions shifted in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. The same number of microwave oscillators 22 and microwave receivers 25 are provided.
[0085]
In the fourth embodiment, there is a possibility that residual coins exist, and the detection space 12 in which the presence or absence of residual coins is detected by the residual coin detection device 11 is on the transport surface 15 that is the upper surface of the belt conveyor 14. A space is formed between a pair of side wall portions (wall portions) 16 and 17 erected on the left and right sides with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14.
[0086]
The belt conveyor 14 conveys coins placed on the conveyance surface 15 by a conveyance surface 15 that moves in a straight line in plan view by rotating. In the fourth embodiment, the belt conveyor 14 has a shape that is inclined so that the upstream conveyance surface 15 in the conveyance direction is horizontal, and the downstream conveyance surface 15 is located on the upper side toward the end side, in other words. In other words, the shape has at least one of up and down.
[0087]
The pair of side wall portions 16, 17 are arranged on the left and right sides of the belt conveyor 14 in a state along the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14 and along the vertical direction, with almost no gap, and from the lower side of the conveying surface 15. It stands up to the upper side of the conveying surface 15.
[0088]
In the fourth embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 matches the position and the height position in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the paired microwave receivers 25, Attached to the side wall 16. Here, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave oscillator 22 is oriented with respect to the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 so that the output unit 21 faces the belt conveyor 14 from the side of the belt conveyor 14. The direction is perpendicular to the detection space 12. Further, the microwave oscillator 22 is provided so that the output unit 21 is located at a predetermined position slightly above the conveyance surface 15 of the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from the side parallel to the conveyance surface 15. This predetermined position is a position at which the microwave can be satisfactorily irradiated to the coin regardless of the posture of the coin on the transport surface 15.
[0089]
The microwave receiver 25 is attached to the side wall 17 on the opposite side of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction. Here, when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 15, the microwave receiver 25 is oriented in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 with the receiving unit 24 facing from the side of the belt conveyor 14 toward the belt conveyor 14. The direction is orthogonal to the detection space 12. Further, the microwave receiver 25 is provided so that the receiving unit 24 is located at a predetermined position slightly above the conveying surface 15 of the belt conveyor 14 when viewed from the side parallel to the conveying surface 15. .
[0090]
A plurality of pairs of the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 as described above are set so that the height of the belt conveyor 14 with respect to the transport surface 15 is equal and the positions are shifted at equal intervals in the transport direction. Is provided. Here, all the microwave oscillators 22 are provided on one side (specifically, the right side) of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction, and all the microwave receivers 25 provided in the same number are reversed in the left-right direction of the belt conveyor 14. Although provided on the side (specifically, the left side), these may be interchanged.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 10, all the above-described microwave oscillators 22 and microwave receivers 25 are connected to the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27, and there is no coin in the detection space 12 in advance. The state of the microwave received by the receiving unit 24 of each microwave receiver 25 when a predetermined microwave is simultaneously output from the output unit 21 of all the microwave oscillators 22 is stored as a reference value.
[0092]
When detecting the presence or absence of residual coins in the detection space 12, the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 simultaneously outputs predetermined microwaves from the output units 21 of the respective microwave oscillators 22. Then, the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 compares the state of the microwaves received by the reception unit 24 of each microwave receiver 25 at this time with the respective reference values, and these are received by all the microwave receivers 25. When it can be determined that they are approximate and coincide with each other, it is determined that there is no residual coin in the detection space 12, while when at least one of the microwave receivers 25 can determine that these are different, there is residual coin in the detection space 12. Is determined.
[0093]
In the coin processor of the fourth embodiment described above, the following effects (H) to (J) are produced in addition to the effects (A) to (B).
[0094]
(H) Since the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, the wall portion erected on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. When the coin is in a standing position so as to be in full contact with 16, 17, the microwave is reflected by a larger area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0095]
(I) Since a plurality of pairs of the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are provided with their positions shifted in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14, coins are detected without gaps in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. It is possible to detect this even when the coin is in a standing position so as to be in full contact with the wall portions 16 and 17 erected on the left and right with respect to the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14 during the conveyance. it can. Moreover, even if the belt conveyor 14 has at least one of partial up and down, it is only necessary to match the height of the pair of the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 provided in this portion, and the coins Can be detected.
[0096]
(J) Since the same number of microwave oscillators 22 and microwave receivers 25 are provided, coins can be detected more accurately.
[0097]
In the above fourth embodiment, all the microwave oscillators 22 are provided on one side of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction, and all the microwave receivers 25 are provided on the opposite side of the belt conveyor 14 in the left-right direction. However, a pair of the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 may be provided so that the left and right arrangements are alternately reversed in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14. In this way, even when the coin is in a standing position so as to be in full contact with the walls 16 and 17 that are erected on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 14, the coin is more reliably detected. can do.
[0098]
In addition, the same number of the microwave oscillators 22 and the microwave receivers 25 are not provided, but the microwave oscillators 22 are shared with respect to a plurality of microwave receivers 25, so that the microwave oscillators 22 can be provided more than the microwave receivers 25. A small number may be provided. If comprised in this way, an increase in cost can be suppressed.
[0099]
In the fourth embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are preferably a patch antenna type in which an antenna is formed on a substrate.
[0100]
Furthermore, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the conveyor belt 15 is moved in one direction when determining the presence or absence of residual coins by the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25. Alternatively, it may be driven in the other direction or in one direction for a predetermined time and then driven in the other direction for a predetermined time.
With this configuration, even in any embodiment, the conveyor belt 15 is driven even if coins may remain in a place where it is difficult for the microwave receiver 25 to detect residual coins. Thus, it becomes possible to move the residual coin to a place where it is easy to detect, whereby the coin can be reliably detected.
[0101]
A coin processing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14 focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0102]
In the fifth embodiment, the detection space 30 in which there is a possibility that residual coins may exist and the presence or absence of residual coins is detected by the residual coin detection device 11 is a withdrawal port for enabling the coins to be taken out of the machine. It exists in the container-shaped coin receiver 31 which comprises. The coin receiver 31 includes a bottom plate portion 33 for placing coins inserted from the inside of the machine on a placement surface 32 on the upper surface thereof, a pair of side wall portions 34 and 35 erected on the left and right of the bottom plate portion 33, and a bottom plate. A rear wall portion 36 erected on the rear portion of the portion 33 and connected to the left and right side walls 34, 35 and a passage 39 for guiding coins from inside the machine is formed; a pair of side wall portions 34, 35; An upper plate portion 37 provided parallel to the bottom plate portion 33 is provided on the upper side of the rear wall portion 36, and an opening portion 38 for taking out coins is formed on the front side. The detection space 30 is a space between the bottom plate portion 33, the pair of side wall portions 34 and 35, the rear wall portion 36, and the upper plate portion 37.
[0103]
In the fifth embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other at positions facing the coin receiver 31 in the lateral direction, and the output unit 21 and the reception unit 24 are connected to each other. A line connecting the output unit 21 and the receiving unit 24 with each other is arranged in parallel to the mounting surface 32.
[0104]
Specifically, the microwave oscillator 22 is provided on the side wall 34 on the left and right sides, and the output unit 21 faces the direction of the detection space 30 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the placement surface 32. . The microwave receiver 25 is provided on the side wall portion 35 on the opposite left and right sides, and the receiving unit 24 faces the detection space 30 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the placement surface 32.
[0105]
And in 5th Embodiment, the 2nd microwave oscillator 40 is provided in either one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver 31, and the 2nd microwave receiver 41 is provided in either the upper and lower sides, The output unit 42 that outputs the microwave to the outside of the second microwave oscillator 40 and the reception unit 43 that receives the microwave from the outside of the second microwave receiver 41 are opposed to each other and are connected to each other. It is arranged perpendicular to the mounting surface 32.
[0106]
Specifically, the second microwave oscillator 40 is provided on the upper plate portion 37, and the output portion 42 faces the direction of the detection space 30. Further, the second microwave receiver 41 is provided on the bottom plate portion 33, and the receiving portion 43 faces the detection space 30.
[0107]
Note that the left and right sides of the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 may be reversed, and the upper and lower sides of the second microwave oscillator 40 and the second microwave receiver 41 may be reversed.
[0108]
The above-described microwave oscillator 22 and microwave receiver 25 are connected to the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27, and predetermined only from the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22 with no coins in the detection space 30 in advance. The state of the microwave received by the receiving unit 24 of the microwave receiver 25 when the microwave is output is stored as a reference value. In addition, the second microwave oscillator 40 and the second microwave receiver 41 described above are connected to the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27, and the second coin oscillator 2 has no coins in the detection space 30 in advance. The state of the microwave received by the receiving unit 43 of the second microwave receiver 41 when a predetermined microwave is output only from the output unit 42 of the microwave oscillator 40 is stored as the second reference value. .
[0109]
When detecting the presence or absence of residual coins in the detection space 30, the residual coin presence / absence detection unit 27 outputs a predetermined microwave only from the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22, for example, and the microwave receiver at this time When it is determined that the microwave states received by the 25 reception units 24 are different from each other by comparing them with the reference value, it is determined that there is a residual coin in the detection space 30. On the other hand, if it can be determined that they are approximate and coincide with each other, then a predetermined microwave is output only from the output unit 42 of the second microwave oscillator 40, and the reception of the second microwave receiver 41 at this time When it can be determined that there is no residual coin in the detection space 30 when it can be determined that they are approximated and coincide with each other by comparing the state of the microwave received by the unit 43 with the second reference value. Determines that there is a residual coin in the detection space 30.
[0110]
In addition, reception of the microwave receiver 25 when a microwave is simultaneously output from the output unit 21 of the microwave oscillator 22 and the output unit 42 of the second microwave oscillator 40 in a state where there is no coin in the coin receiver 31. The microwave reception state at the unit 24 is used as a reference value, and the microwave reception state at the reception unit 43 of the second microwave receiver 41 is stored as a second reference value. The detection result of the microwave receiver 25 when the microwaves are simultaneously output from the output unit 21 and the output unit 42 of the second microwave oscillator 40 is compared with a reference value and the second microwave receiver 41 The detection result may be compared with a second reference value.
[0111]
In the coin processor of the fifth embodiment described above, the following effects (K) to (M) are obtained in addition to the effects (A) to (B) described above.
[0112]
(K) Since the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 are spaced apart from each other at positions facing the lateral direction of the container-shaped coin receiver 31, the container-shaped coins are particularly likely to be standing. In the coin receiver 31, the remaining coins in the standing state can be reliably detected.
[0113]
(L) Since the second microwave oscillator 40 is provided on either one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver 31, it is possible to reliably detect the remaining coins that are not in the standing state.
[0114]
(M) Since the second microwave receiver 41 is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver 31, it is possible to reliably detect the remaining coins that are not in the standing state.
[0115]
In the fifth embodiment described above, the output of the microwave transmitter 22 and the second microwave transmitter 41 is detected only by the microwave receiver 25 without providing the second microwave receiver 41. Alternatively, the output of the microwave transmitter 22 may be received by the microwave receiver 25 and the second microwave receiver 41 without providing the second microwave transmitter 40.
[0116]
Further, when the second microwave receiver 41 is not provided, a sheet-like reflecting member that reflects the microwave may be provided instead of the second microwave receiver 41, and the second microwave receiver 41 may be provided. When the microwave transmitter 40 is not provided, a sheet-like reflecting member 45 that reflects microwaves may be provided instead of the second microwave transmitter 40 as shown in FIG.
[0117]
In addition, only the microwave oscillator 22 and the microwave receiver 25 may be provided without providing the second microwave transmitter 40 and the second microwave receiver 41. In this case, instead of the second microwave transmitter 40 and the second microwave receiver 41, a sheet-like reflecting member that reflects microwaves may be provided.
[0118]
As described above, if a sheet-like reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver 31, the reflecting member reflects the microwaves, thereby suppressing an increase in cost. With this, residual coins can be reliably detected. In this case, if the reflecting member is made of a metal such as aluminum, the reflecting member will favorably reflect the microwave, and the remaining coins can be detected more reliably while suppressing an increase in cost.
[0119]
In the fifth embodiment, the microwave oscillator 22, the microwave receiver 25, the second microwave oscillator 40, and the second microwave receiver 25 are of the patch antenna type in which an antenna is formed on a substrate. Is preferred.
[0120]
  Subsequently, the present inventionFeaturesIs described below.
  In addition,FeaturesIs applicable to all of the first to fifth embodiments described above, and will be described without particularly illustrating.
[0121]
  As a characteristic partAn absorbing member that absorbs microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillators 22 and 40 and the microwave receivers 25 and 41, or surrounding the entirety including the detection spaces 12 and 30. .
[0122]
In general, microwaves have different wavelengths depending on the frequency used, and depending on the structure of the coin processor, if the size exceeds a quarter wavelength, interference occurs due to the influence of reflected waves, and the output power is effectively received by the receiver. If you do not reach.
In particular, when metal parts are in the vicinity like a coin processing machine, the tendency becomes remarkable.
[0123]
However, an absorption member that absorbs microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillators 22 and 40 and the microwave receivers 25 and 41, or surrounding the entire space including the detection spaces 12 and 30. It is possible to absorb or reduce the microwave reflected from other than the coin to be detected, and to reduce these effects.
It is also possible to prevent microwaves from leaking out of the detection spaces 12 and 30 and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0124]
  Also, as another feature partIn addition, a reflection member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillators 22 and 40 and the microwave receivers 25 and 41, or surrounding the entire area including the detection spaces 12 and 30. .
[0125]
As described above, the reflection member that reflects the microwaves is provided behind either one or both of the microwave oscillators 22 and 40 and the microwave receivers 25 and 41, or surrounding the whole including the detection spaces 12 and 30. Therefore, the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected can be suppressed or reduced, and these effects can be reduced.
Alternatively, the microwaves can be efficiently reflected in the detection spaces 12 and 30, and the space that is difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
Furthermore, it is possible to prevent microwaves from leaking out of the detection spaces 12 and 30 and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0126]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the coin processing machine of the first aspect of the present invention, when the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver is output from the microwave oscillator. Based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coin presence / absence detecting means compares the reception result with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and determines whether there is a difference from the reference value. The presence or absence of is detected. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  In addition, since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, coins are detected by a small number of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers, particularly in a wide detection space. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to detect residual coins in a wide detection space at low cost.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0128]
  Claims of the invention2According to the described coin processing machine, when the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the transport surface, the lines facing each other and connecting each other are along the transport direction of the belt conveyor. Therefore, the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver can be efficiently arranged.
[0129]
  Claims of the invention3According to the described coin processing machine, when the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface, the lines facing each other and connecting each other intersect the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor. Therefore, the microwaves are output in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, and the entire surface of the wall is erected on either side of the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. When the coin is in a standing state so as to come into contact, the microwave is reflected by a wide area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0130]
  Claims of the invention4According to the described coin processor, the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged in a V shape centered on the conveyance surface side when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface. Waves are output in a direction crossing the conveyor direction of the belt conveyor, and the coins stand up in full contact with the wall portion standing on either side of the conveyor direction of the belt conveyor. When in the standing state, the microwave is reflected by a large area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
[0131]
  According to the coin processor of claim 6 of the present invention,When the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coin presence / absence detecting means However, the reception result is compared with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and the presence / absence of a coin is detected based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  Also,Since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, the entire surface of the wall is erected on either the left or right side with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. When the coin is in a standing position so as to come into contact with the microwave, the microwave is reflected by a larger area of the coin. Therefore, coins can be detected more reliably.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0132]
  Claims of the invention6According to the described coin processing machine, since a plurality of pairs of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are provided with the positions shifted in the transport direction of the belt conveyor, the coins have no gap with respect to the transport direction of the belt conveyor. Can be detected, and even if the coin is standing, it is detected so as to be in full contact with the wall portion standing on either side of the conveyor direction of the belt conveyor in the middle of conveyance. be able to. Moreover, even if there is at least one of partial up and down on the belt conveyor, the height of the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver provided in this portion may be matched, and coins can be detected well. be able to.
[0133]
  Claims of the invention7According to the described coin processing machine, since the same number of microwave oscillators and microwave receivers are provided, coins can be detected more accurately.
[0134]
  Claims of the invention8According to the described coin processor, the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver is provided with the arrangement alternately reversed in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. A coin can be reliably detected when the coin is in a standing position so as to be in full contact with the standing wall portion.
[0135]
  Claims of the invention9According to the described coin processing machine, when the residual coin presence / absence detecting means by the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver determines the presence / absence of the residual coin, the belt conveyor is driven. Even if coins may remain in places that are difficult to detect, it is possible to move the remaining coins to a place where it is easy to detect by driving the belt conveyor. Can do.
[0136]
  Claims of the invention10According to the described coin processing machine, the number of microwave oscillators is less than that of the microwave receiver, and the microwave oscillator is shared by a plurality of microwave receivers. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.
[0137]
  Claims of the invention11According to the described coin processor,When the microwave oscillator outputs the microwave toward the detection space, the microwave receiver receives the microwave output from the microwave oscillator, and based on the reception result of the microwave receiver, the residual coin presence / absence detecting means However, the reception result is compared with, for example, a reference value in a state where there is no residual coin, and the presence / absence of a coin is detected based on whether there is a difference from the reference value. Thus, since a microwave with a wide irradiation range is output to the detection space instead of using a magnetic sensor, even if the coin is in a standing state in the detection space, the microwave is reflected well by the coin. Is received by the microwave receiver. Therefore, the remaining coins can be reliably detected even in the standing state. In addition, since microwaves with a wide irradiation range are used, it is not necessary to bring the residual coin detector close to the coins, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. Furthermore, even if the belt conveyor has at least one of partial up and down, it is easy to dispose the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, and the coins can be detected well.
  Also,Since the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other at positions facing the container-shaped coin receiver, the container-shaped coin receiver is in a standing position, particularly in a container-shaped coin receiver that tends to be in a standing position. Residual coins can be reliably detected.
  Also, an absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or reduce the reception of microwaves reflected from other than the coins to be detected, and to reduce these effects, or to efficiently use microwaves within the detection space. The space that can be reflected and difficult to detect can be reduced or eliminated.
  It is also possible to prevent the microwave from leaking out of the detection space and affecting other mechanisms and devices.
[0138]
  Claims of the invention12According to the described coin processing machine, since the second microwave oscillator is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver, it is possible to reliably detect the remaining coins that are not in the standing state.
[0139]
  Claims of the invention13According to the described coin processing machine, since the second microwave receiver is provided on either one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver, it is possible to reliably detect the remaining coins that are not standing. .
[0140]
  Claims of the invention14According to the described coin processing machine, since the reflecting member that reflects the microwave is provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver, the reflecting member reflects the microwave, thereby suppressing an increase in cost. In addition, residual coins can be reliably detected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a main part of a coin processor of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of the coin processor of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part of a coin processor of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a main part of a coin processor of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a main part of a coin processor of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a front view showing a modification of the main part of the coin processor of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Residual coin detector
12,30 Detection space
22 Microwave oscillator
25 Microwave receiver
27 Residual coin presence / absence detection unit (residual coin presence / absence detection means)
14 Belt conveyor
31 coin holder
40 Second microwave oscillator
41 Second microwave receiver
45 Reflective member

Claims (14)

In a coin processor equipped with a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins,
The residual coin detector is
A microwave oscillator that outputs microwaves toward a detection space on a belt conveyor that conveys coins by rotating, in which residual coins may exist;
A microwave receiver for receiving the microwave output from the microwave oscillator;
Residual coin presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver;
And have a,
The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are spaced apart from each other before and after the conveying direction of the belt conveyor,
An absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. A coin processing machine. When the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface of the belt conveyor, lines that face each other and connect each other are arranged along the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor. The coin processing machine according to claim 1, wherein When the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface of the belt conveyor, the lines facing each other and connecting each other intersect the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor. The coin processor according to claim 1 , wherein the coin processor is used. The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged in a V shape centered on the conveyance surface side when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface of the belt conveyor. The coin processing machine according to claim 1 . In a coin processor equipped with a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins,
  The residual coin detector is
  A microwave oscillator that outputs microwaves toward a detection space on a belt conveyor that conveys coins by rotating, in which residual coins may exist;
  A microwave receiver for receiving the microwave output from the microwave oscillator;
  Residual coin presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver;
Have
The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged apart from each other on the left and right with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor,
An absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. A coin processing machine. 6. The coin processing machine according to claim 5 , wherein a plurality of pairs of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are provided with their positions shifted in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. The coin processing machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the same number of said microwave oscillators and said microwave receivers are provided. 8. The coin processing machine according to claim 7 , wherein the pair of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver is provided with the arrangement alternately reversed in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor. The coin processor according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the belt conveyor is driven when the residual coin presence / absence detecting means determines the presence or absence of residual coins. The coin processing machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the number of the microwave oscillators is smaller than that of the microwave receiver. In a coin processor equipped with a residual coin detection device that detects the presence or absence of residual coins,
  The residual coin detector is
  A microwave oscillator that outputs a microwave toward a detection space in a container-like coin receiver, in which residual coins may exist;
  A microwave receiver for receiving the microwave output from the microwave oscillator;
  Residual coin presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of residual coins based on the reception result of the microwave receiver;
Have
The microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver are arranged apart from each other at a position facing the coin receiver in a lateral direction,
An absorbing member that absorbs microwaves or a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided behind one or both of the microwave oscillator and the microwave receiver, or surrounding the entire area including the detection space. A coin processing machine. The coin processing machine according to claim 11 , wherein a second microwave oscillator is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver. The coin processing machine according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein a second microwave receiver is provided on either the upper or lower side of the coin receiver. The coin processor according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , wherein a reflecting member that reflects microwaves is provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the coin receiver.

Images