JP4409741B2 - Coin separator and coin processor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin separating device that feeds out a plurality of coins one by one, and a coin processing device including the coin separating device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional vending machine in which a customer inserts coins and purchases goods, etc., as shown in FIG. 12, in order to prevent the inserted coins from being clogged in the identification device or the identification device from erroneously identifying the coins. In addition, the coins are conveyed to the identification device one by one at a predetermined interval. In order to avoid the troublesomeness of the customer, coins are input all at once, but the coins are separated into the identification device by the coin separation device and fed one by one.
[0003]
The coin separator includes a rotating unit configured to feed coins one by one by rotation. The rotation period of the rotating unit is such that the coin is surely fed out to the identification device at a specified interval (predetermined time T₁), The coins are correctly identified by the identification device without causing clogging in the identification device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The rotation period of the rotating part of the conventional coin separating apparatus as described above was set as described above, but when coins were input all at once or continuously with almost no interval. In that case, the time required to pay out all coins is not felt so long. However, when only one coin is inserted, or when a plurality of coins are inserted one by one at intervals, the time required for the coin to engage with the rotating part and the rotating part pays out the coin (T₀) (See FIG. 12) is relatively long, so it took a long time to pay out all coins.
[0005]
In order to cope with this, when the rotational speed of the rotating part is simply increased, coins can be fed out fast when only one is inserted, but coins are fed out when a plurality of coins are put together. The predetermined interval is too short for the identification device, and the identification device cannot be correctly identified. In addition, when the rotational speed is increased, there may be a phenomenon in which the rotating unit cannot separate the coins one by one and the coins are fed out so that another coin is accompanied by one coin.
[0006]
Therefore, according to the present invention, coins are drawn out one by one smoothly at an appropriate interval regardless of the form of coin insertion (collective insertion, only one insertion, etc.), and the time required for paying out all inserted coins is shortened. It aims at providing the separation apparatus and the coin processing apparatus provided with the said coin separation apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the coin separating device 1 according to the invention according to claim 1 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coins reached by sliding the guide surface 24 one by one. A feeding unit 10 that feeds out to 25; and a detection unit 4 that detects a feeding state of the fed coin; the feeding unit 10 adjusts the feeding speed of the coin based on the detected feeding state. Furthermore, the feeding portion 10 is a rotating member 11 manufactured by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and the coin slides on the guide surface 24 toward the rotating member 11 to rotate the rotating member 11. The rotating member 11 is configured to engage with the spiral groove of the rotating member 11 one by one; the rotating member 11 rotates about the axis of the spiral disposed at right angles to the guide surface 24 And hold the engaged coins between the spirals. Being adapted for feeding out the feeding plane 25 parallel to the guide surfaces 24; and feeding surface 25 is arranged lifted in the direction of the axis of the helix relative to the guide surface 24.
  The coin separator 1For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a feeding unit 10 that feeds out coins one by one; and a detection unit 4 that detects a feeding state of the fed out coins are provided; the feeding unit 10 is based on the detected feeding state. Configured to adjust the feeding speed of coinsAlso good.
[0008]
  If comprised in this way, since the feeding speed of a coin can be adjusted, the feeding state of the coin paid out by the feeding part is detected by the detecting part, and the feeding speed of the coin is determined based on the detected feeding state. By adjusting, coins can be fed one by one at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval means that the identification device identifies a coin.AppropriateRefers to the interval.
[0009]
The payout state means that coins are paid out, not drawn out, or are drawn out, whether they are drawn out one by one, one piece at a time, or they are fed out one by one When the coins are fed out one by one, it means a state in which the intervals between the coins to be paid out are sufficient. The adjustment of the feeding speed means that the feeding speed is increased or decreased, the feeding is paused for a predetermined time, or the predetermined interval of the coins to be fed is adjusted.
[0010]
  The coin separator 1For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the feeding unit 10 includes a rotating member 11 formed in a spiral shape, and the rotating member 11 rotates about the spiral axis 11 </ b> X to collect the coins 3 </ b> A to F. It is configured to hold it between the spirals and feed it one by one.Good.
[0011]
With this configuration, since the rotating member formed in a spiral shape is provided, the coin guided to the rotating member and reaching the rotating member is held between the spirals of the rotating member that rotates about the axis of the spiral. , One by one by the rotation of the spiral. Furthermore, since the feeding state is detected and the feeding speed of the coin is adjusted based on the feeding state, the rotation time of the rotating member can be increased to reduce the time required for feeding, for example, by increasing the number of rotations, When a phenomenon occurs in which coins are continuously fed out at short intervals or continuously piled up, the feeding speed is adjusted so that further coin feeding is delayed or these phenomena do not occur. Can be.
[0012]
  Claim 2According to the inventionThe coin separating device 1 is claimed in claim 1.1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the coin separating device includes a transport unit 51 that transports the fed coins, and the transport unit 51 determines the transport speed of the coins based on the detected fed state. Configured to adjust.
[0013]
If comprised in this way, since the conveyance speed of a coin can be adjusted, the feeding state of the coin paid out from the feeding part will be detected by the detection part, and the conveying speed of the coin based on the detected feeding state By adjusting the value, coins can be conveyed to the identification device one by one at a predetermined interval. For example, when a phenomenon occurs in which coins are continuously fed out at a short interval or are piled up in succession, the transfer speed between the first coin and the second coin It can be adjusted so that the interval is increased by adjustment and the sheet is conveyed at a predetermined interval. The adjustment of the conveyance speed means that the conveyance speed is increased or decreased, the conveyance is temporarily stopped for a predetermined time, or a predetermined interval of the coins to be conveyed is adjusted.
[0014]
  Claim 3The coin separator 1 according to the invention according to claim 1Or claim 2In the coin separating device described in 1), for example, as shown in FIG. 1, an identification device 2 for identifying the conveyed coin is provided.
[0015]
If comprised in this way, the coin separated by the coin separation device at predetermined intervals and conveyed will be able to be reliably identified by the identification device.
[0016]
  Claim 4The coin processing apparatus 171 according to the invention according to FIG.Claim 3A coin separation device 180 according to the above; a deposit processing unit 184 that processes the identified coins one by one; a sending unit 189 that feeds out the processed coins; and a coin outlet that throws out the fed coins 192.
[0017]
The coin separator can reliably feed out coins one by one at intervals suitable for the deposit processing of the deposit processing unit, so that coin deposit processing (identification, distribution, storage) can be performed one by one It can be performed accurately and coins can be fed and thrown out smoothly.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the mutually same or equivalent member, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a coin separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the coin separating device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The coin separating device 1 includes an insertion slot 60 into which coins 3A to F (see FIG. 2) are inserted, a feeding unit 10 that feeds the inserted coins one by one, and a detection unit 4 that detects a feeding state of the fed coins. And the deposit conveyance part 51 which conveys the fed coin to the coin identification apparatus 2 mentioned later, and the coin identification apparatus 2 which identifies the conveyed coin.
[0020]
On the downstream side with respect to the coin flow at the insertion port 60, there are provided an insertion port shutter 62 that can be opened and closed, and a first solenoid 64 that can open and close the insertion port shutter 62 by operation. Therefore, in order to perform other operations at the end of the deposit process or to prevent coins from being inserted when an abnormality occurs, the slot 60 can be closed. Further, a shutter operation sensor 63 is attached in the vicinity of the insertion port shutter 62, and detects the open / closed state of the insertion port shutter. A photo sensor may be used as the shutter operation sensor 63.
[0021]
Between the insertion slot 60 and the feeding unit 10, a first insertion sensor 61 that detects the inserted coins is arranged to detect the insertion of coins from the insertion slot 60 by a customer or the like. A photo sensor may be used as the first input sensor 61.
[0022]
The feeding unit 10 includes a guide unit 18 (see FIG. 2) that guides the inserted coins to a rotating member 11 described later and stores the coins. The feeding unit 10 is provided with a collective passage sensor 14 that detects coins stored in the guide unit 18. A photo sensor may be used as the collective passage sensor 14.
[0023]
The feeding unit 10 includes a rotating member 11 that feeds coins one by one by rotation. The rotating member 11 is manufactured by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and rotates around a spiral shaft 11X (see FIG. 3) to hold the coins stored in the guide unit 18 between the spirals one by one. You can pay out. The rotation period of the rotating member is conventionally 300 ms per rotation, but in the present embodiment, it is 100 ms per rotation.
[0024]
A first rotation sensor 13 is provided in the vicinity of the feeding motor 12 in order to detect the rotation speed. For example, the first rotation sensor 13 is provided with a rotating disk (not shown) provided with a notch on the extension of the rotating shaft 11X of the rotating member 11 driven by the feeding motor 12, and detects light projection / shading by the rotating disk. It is preferable to use a photo sensor provided at a position where the sensor is to be used. Compared with normal depositing operation, if the light shielding / projection is not detected within a predetermined time (stop), or less than the predetermined value, it is considered that the coin has been bitten in a spiral shape. The motor 12 is reversely rotated.
[0025]
The detection part 4 is arrange | positioned in the downstream of the rotation member 11 with respect to the flow of a coin. The detection unit 4 detects the extended state by the supply confirmation sensor 33 attached to the detection unit 4. A photo sensor may be used as the feeding confirmation sensor 33. The feeding confirmation sensor 33 confirms the feeding state of the coin when it is fed by the rotating member 11 and leaves the rotating member 11. The coin that is being held and fed by the rotating member 11 is being checked. It is not something to detect. Since it did in this way, even if a coin overlaps and pays out temporarily, for example, at the end of the paying-out process by rotating member 11, when a coin separates from rotating member 11, it is separated. If one sheet is fed out normally, the feeding abnormality is not detected.
[0026]
The fed coins are conveyed to the coin identification device 2 by the deposit conveyance unit 51 arranged between the detection unit 4 and the coin identification device 2. The deposit conveyance unit 51 is driven by the rotation of the conveyance motor 52, and the deposit conveyance unit 51 conveys the coins fed out by the feeding unit 10.
[0027]
In the vicinity of the conveyance motor 52, a second rotation sensor 53 is provided to detect the rotation speed. For example, the second rotation sensor 53 is provided with a rotating disk (not shown) provided with a notch on an extension of a pulley shaft (not shown) driven by the transport motor 52, and light projection / light shielding by the rotating disk is performed. It is preferable to use a photo sensor provided at a position where the light is detected. The conveyance speed of the deposit conveyance unit 51 can be calculated based on the detection value of the second rotation sensor 53 with respect to time as necessary.
[0028]
A second insertion sensor 5 for detecting a coin inserted into the coin identification device 2 is provided immediately downstream of the deposit conveyance unit and immediately upstream of the coin identification device. The second insertion sensor 5 may be attached to the deposit conveyance unit 51 or may be attached to the coin identification device 2. A photo sensor may be used as the second input sensor 5.
[0029]
Furthermore, the feeding unit 10 is provided with an electromagnet 15 that attracts a clip or the like that is a foreign object, and prevents the foreign material that has entered the feeding unit 10 from entering the rotating member 11. Further, an opening 32 (see FIG. 2) for discharging foreign matter attracted by the electromagnet 15 is formed in the feeding portion 10, and the reject flapper 16 that can open and close the opening 32 is provided in the opening 32. It has been. The feeding unit 10 includes a second solenoid 19 in the vicinity of the reject flapper 16 that can open and close the reject flapper 16 by operation.
[0030]
When the foreign matter is discharged from the feeding unit 10, the suction of the electromagnet 15 is turned off, and the foreign matter can be discharged by opening the reject flapper 16 by the operation of the second solenoid 19. A flapper operation sensor 17 is attached to the reject flapper 16 so that the open / close state of the reject flapper 16 can be detected. A photo sensor may be used as the flapper operation sensor 17.
[0031]
The coin separating device 1 includes a reject transport unit 54 for discharging foreign matter and the like, and the outlet 3. The reject conveyance unit 54 is provided between the reject flapper 16 and the outlet 3 and conveys the foreign matter discharged from the feeding unit 10 to the outlet 3. The outlet 3 discharges foreign matter and the like out of the coin separator 1. The reject conveyance unit 54 is driven by the conveyance motor 52.
[0032]
With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, the main structure of the supply part 10 of the coin separator 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a view in which the plane of the coin separating device 1 is looked down at 30 degrees from the vertical line toward the feeding motor, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the coin separating device 1.
[0033]
The feeding unit 10 includes an inlet 22 into which coins 3A are inserted from the L direction, a spiral-shaped rotating member 11 that feeds out coins one by one, and an outlet 23 that feeds out coins 3F in the N direction. The introduced coin slides toward the rotating member 11 on the guide surface 24 arranged at an angle α (30 degrees) with respect to the horizontal (coins 3A, B, C, D, E). To reach. Then, it engages with the rotating member 11, is fed out one by one in the direction of the rotating shaft (spiral shaft 11 </ b> X) of the rotating member 11, discharged onto the feeding surface 25, slides on the feeding surface 25, and is fed out from the outlet 23. To the detection unit 4 (see FIG. 1). The feeding surface 25 is parallel to the guide surface 24 and is raised by H with respect to the guide surface. The guide surface 24 and the feeding surface 25 are surrounded by side walls 26 and 27, respectively, so that the coin slides without dropping off from the guiding surface 24 and the feeding surface 25.
[0034]
A feeding motor 12 is attached to the feeding unit 10, and the rotation of the feeding motor 12 in the M direction in FIG. It is transmitted to the rotating member 11 via the pulley 30. The coins that slide on the guide surface 24 and engage one by one with the groove of the spiral portion of the rotating member 11 come into contact with a regulating plate 31 that connects the guiding surface 24 and the feeding surface 25 and are restricted from rotating with respect to the rotating member 11. When the rotary member 11 is extended along the restricting plate 31 in the direction of the rotation axis and extended to a place exceeding the restricting plate 31, the restriction is released, the engagement is released, the slide is made on the supply surface 25, and the slide is made from the outlet. It is paid out. The rotation speed of the rotating member 11 can be adjusted by changing the number of rotations.
[0035]
The side wall 26 of the guide surface 24 has an opening 32, the reject flapper 16 is attached so as to close the opening 32, and a second solenoid 19 that can open and close the reject flapper 16 by operation is provided. When the reject flapper 16 is opened, foreign matter can be discharged in the Q direction in the figure.
[0036]
With reference to FIG. 4, the schematic configuration of the control relationship of the coin separating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 as appropriate. The control unit 41 includes a feeding confirmation means 42, a light shielding time detection means 43, a motor control means 44, and a shutter opening / closing control means 45. The motor control unit 44 includes a continuous rotation control unit 46, a first temporary stop unit 47, a second temporary stop unit 48, and a rotation stop unit 49. In the figure, the feeding confirmation means 42 and the like are constituent elements and are therefore surrounded by a solid rectangle. In addition, a deposit request 101, a delivery confirmation detection 104, and an identification device input detection 108, which will be described later, represent operations, and are indicated by broken rectangles.
[0037]
When there is a deposit request 101 from a host device, a deposit request signal 102 is sent to the continuous rotation control means 46 of the motor control means 44 and the shutter opening / closing control means 45. The continuous rotation control means 46 that has received the deposit request signal 102 outputs a rotation signal 103 to the feeding motor 12 and the conveying motor 52 to rotate the feeding motor 12 and the conveying motor 52. The shutter opening / closing control means 45 that has received the deposit request signal 102 operates the first solenoid 64 to open the slot shutter 62.
[0038]
Coins (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4) fed out by the rotation of the feeding motor 12 are subjected to feeding confirmation detection 104 by the feeding confirmation sensor 33. By the feeding confirmation detection 104, the detection signal 105 is output from the feeding confirmation sensor 33 to the feeding confirmation means 42 and the light shielding time detection means 43. Upon receipt of the detection signal 105, the feeding confirmation means 42 confirms the coin feeding and outputs a confirmation signal 106 to the first temporary stop means 47 of the motor control means 44. Upon receiving the confirmation signal 106, the first temporary stop means 47 sends the stop signal 107 to the feeding motor 12 for a predetermined time (T₂) To output the feeding motor 12 for a predetermined time (T₂) Pause.
[0039]
The fed coins are conveyed by the deposit conveyance unit 51 driven by the rotation of the conveyance motor 52, and when the coins are inserted into the coin identification device 2, the identification device insertion detection 108 is performed by the second insertion sensor 5. A detection signal 109 is output to the light blocking time detection means 43 by the identification device insertion detection 108.
[0040]
Receiving the detection signal 105 from the feeding confirmation sensor 33, the light blocking time detection means 43 detects the light blocking time based on the detection signal 105 and determines whether the coin is being fed out normally or abnormally. If the judgment result is normal feeding, a normal feeding signal 110 is output to the continuous rotation control means 46. If the judgment result is a feeding abnormality, a feeding abnormality signal 111 is output to the second temporary stop means 48 of the motor control means 44. However, the feeding abnormality signal 111 is output immediately after the light blocking time detection means 43 receives the detection signal 105 and determines that the feeding abnormality has occurred.
[0041]
Receiving the feeding abnormality signal 111, the second temporary stop means 48 outputs a stop signal 112 to the feeding motor 12 to continue the stopping of the feeding motor 12. The stop signal input to the feeding motor 12 has priority over the rotation signal. The light blocking time detection unit 43 that has issued the feeding abnormality signal 111 further receives the detection signal 109 and outputs the feeding abnormality signal 116 to the second temporary stop unit 48. Upon receiving the feeding abnormality signal 116, the second temporary stop means 48 sends a stop signal 113 to the transport motor 52 for a predetermined time (T₃), And the conveyance motor 52 is set for a predetermined time₃) Stop. The stop signal input to the transport motor 52 has priority over the rotation signal. Predetermined time (T₃) After a certain period of time T₄After a lapse of time, the second temporary stop means 48 cancels the stop signal 112 sent to the feeding motor 12, and the feeding motor 12 starts rotating.
[0042]
When the deposit request 101 from the host device is completed, a deposit request end signal 114 is sent to the shutter opening / closing control means 45 and the rotation stopping means 49. Upon receipt of the deposit request end signal 114, the shutter opening / closing control means 45 releases the operation of the first solenoid 64 and closes the slot shutter 62. Further, the rotation stopping means 49 that has received the deposit request end signal 114 outputs a stop signal 115 to the feeding motor 12 and the conveying motor 52 after a predetermined time has elapsed in order to prevent the coins remaining in the apparatus from remaining. The rotation of the transport motor 52 is stopped. The operation by the first temporary stop means 27 is continued until each motor is stopped.
[0043]
With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the coin separator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 as appropriate. When the deposit process is started and the coin separation device 1 is in the standby state, the continuous rotation control means 46 receives the deposit request signal 102 such as a customer operation (when step S1 is Y (YES)), and the feeding motor. The rotation signal 103 is output to 12 and the transport motor 52 (step S2). If there is no input of the deposit request signal 102 (when step S1 is N (NO)), the process returns to the standby state, that is, before step S1. Receiving the rotation signal 103, the feeding motor 12 and the transport motor 52 rotate (step S3).
[0044]
Coins inserted by the customer through the insertion slot 60 (see FIG. 1) enter the feeding unit 10 (see FIG. 1) and are guided to the guide unit 18 (see FIG. 2). The rotating member 11 (see FIG. 2) is rotated by the rotation of the feeding motor 12, and the coins are engaged with the spiral portion of the rotating member 11 and fed one by one from the feeding unit 10 (step S4).
[0045]
When the detection signal 105 from the feeding confirmation sensor 33 is input to the feeding confirmation means 42 (when step S5 is Y), the confirmation signal 106 is output by the feeding confirmation means 42 (step S6). When the confirmation signal 106 is not input to the delivery confirmation means 42 (when step S5 is N), the delivery confirmation means 42 is in a waiting state for the detection signal 105, that is, returns to the previous step S5.
[0046]
The confirmation signal 106 outputted by the feeding confirmation means 42 is inputted to the first temporary stopping means 47 (step S7), and the stop signal 107 is outputted from the first temporary stopping means 47 to the feeding motor 12 (step S8). The feeding motor 12 has a predetermined time T₂(400 ms) Stop. At the same time, the first temporary stopping means 47 sets the predetermined time for temporary stopping of the feeding motor 12 to T₂(Step S9).
[0047]
Predetermined time T₂Elapses and the time is up (when step S10 is Y), the feeding motor 12 rotates (step S11). Predetermined time T₂If time does not elapse and the time is not up (when step S10 is N), it will be described later. This predetermined time T₂During this period, as described later, it is confirmed that no feeding abnormality has occurred, and if a feeding abnormality occurs, this will be dealt with.
[0048]
When the deposit request end signal 114 is input to the rotation stop means 49 (when step S12 is Y), the stop signal 115 is output from the rotation stop means 49 to the feeding motor 12 and the conveyance motor 52 (step S13). When the payment request end signal 114 is not input to the rotation stop means 49 (when Step S12 is N), the coin waits until the coin is fed out by the feeding unit 10 and confirmed by the feeding confirmation sensor 33. That is, it returns to before step S5. Since the stop signal 115 is output to the feeding motor 12 and the conveyance motor 52, the feeding motor 12 and the conveyance motor 52 are stopped (step S14). Then, the deposit process ends.
[0049]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation when step S10 of the coin separating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is N will be described with reference to FIG. 4 as appropriate.
During the temporary stop of the feeding motor 12, that is, a predetermined time T of the temporary stopping of the feeding motor 12.₂Is not up (when step S10 is N), and when the light shielding time detection means 43 detects a feeding abnormality (when step S15 is Y), the light shielding time detection means 43 detects a feeding abnormality. The signal 111 is output to the second temporary stop means 48 (step S16). The feeding abnormality is, for example, that a coin is a predetermined time T as described later.₁It is a state where it is continuously fed out at an interval shorter than the interval of the above or continuously overlapped and fed out (see the vicinity of P5 in FIGS. 9 and 10). When the light blocking time detection means 43 does not detect the feeding abnormality (when step S15 is N), the process returns to the above-described step S10 of FIG.
[0050]
Since the light blocking time detecting means 43 outputs the feeding abnormality signal 111 to the second temporary stopping means 48 (step S16), the second temporary stopping means 48 sends a stop signal 112 to the feeding motor 12 (step S17). The stop of the feeding motor 12 is continued (step S18). This is because the feeding of the coins is temporarily interrupted, and the continuously drawn coins are conveyed and separated as described later (see P15 in FIGS. 9 and 10).
[0051]
When the detection signal 109 from the second input sensor 5 is input to the light blocking time detection unit 43 (when step S19 is Y), the light blocking time detection unit 43 sends the feeding abnormality signal 116 to the second temporary stop unit 48. Output (step S20). When the detection signal 109 is not input (when the step S19 is N), the light blocking time detection unit 43 waits for the detection signal 109 from the second input sensor 5. That is, it returns to before step S19. Receiving the feeding abnormality signal 116, the second temporary stop means 48 outputs a stop signal 113 to the transport motor 52 (step S21). Upon receipt of the stop signal 113, the transport motor 52 receives a predetermined time T.₃(300 ms) Stop and a predetermined time T for temporary stop of the conveyance motor 52₃Is set (step S22). This is for delaying the insertion of the next coin into the coin identification device 2 after the first coin is conveyed and inserted into the coin identification device 2 (P14 in FIGS. 9 and 10). reference). Further, it is necessary to suspend and continue paying out further coins.
[0052]
Predetermined time T₃Elapses and the time is up (when step S23 is Y), the conveyance motor 52 rotates and the stop duration T of the feeding motor 12 is stopped.₄Is set, and the feeding motor 12 continues to stop (step S24). Predetermined time T₃If the time does not elapse and the time is not up (when step S23 is N), the predetermined time T₃Wait for the progress of That is, it returns to before step S23. This is to provide a predetermined interval from the insertion of the first coin into the coin identification device 2 to the insertion of the next coin into the coin identification device 2 (C in FIGS. 9 and 10).₂₂To C₂₁(See the part to move to).
[0053]
Predetermined time T₄When (200 ms) elapses and the time is up (when step S25 is Y), the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. Predetermined time T₄If the time does not elapse and the time is not up (when step S25 is N), the predetermined time T₄Wait for the progress. That is, it returns to before step S25. This is because it is necessary to continue to discontinue further coins until the insertion of the next coin into the coin identification device 2 is completed (see P17 in FIGS. 9 and 10).
[0054]
With reference to FIG. 7, the operation timing of the coin separating apparatus 1 when a plurality of coins are collectively inserted from the insertion slot will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 as appropriate.
[0055]
In response to a deposit request from a customer operation or the like, a deposit request signal 102 is output (P1), and in response to the deposit request signal 102, the shutter opening / closing control means 45 operates the first solenoid 64 (P2) and the slot shutter 62 is opened. Then, the feeding motor 12 rotates (P3) and enters the coin acceptance state. In FIG. 7, the arrows from P1 to P2 and P3 indicate that P2 and P3 are generated due to P1.
[0056]
The first input sensor 61 detects the simultaneous input of a plurality of coins by the customer from the input port 60 (P4), and the coins enter the feeding unit 10. Time T required for feeding by the feeding unit 10₀The coin first fed out later is detected by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 (P5), and the feeding confirmation means 42 outputs a confirmation signal 106 to the first temporary stop means 47. In response to the stop signal 107 generated by the first temporary stop means 47 that has received the confirmation signal 106, the feeding motor 12 causes the predetermined time T.₂Enters a temporary stop (P6). In FIG. 7, an arrow from P5 to P6 indicates that P6 occurs due to P5.
[0057]
Predetermined time T₂When elapses, the feeding motor 12 rotates (P7) and feeds the next coin. The coins that have been fed out have a predetermined time T after the detection by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 of the coins that have been fed out first (P8).₁After that, it is also detected by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 (P9). In other words, the coin is a predetermined time T₁It is paid out at intervals. By this detection, the feeding confirmation means 42 outputs a confirmation signal 106 to the first temporary stopping means 47, and the first temporary stopping means 47 that receives the confirmation signal 106 outputs a stop signal 107 to the feeding motor 12. Upon receipt of the stop signal 107, the feeding motor 12 receives the predetermined time T.₂A temporary stop (P10) of (400 ms) is entered. In FIG. 7, the fact that an arrow is drawn from P9 to P10 indicates that P10 is generated due to P9.
[0058]
By repeating this timing operation, when a plurality of coins are put together, the coins are fed one by one from the feeding unit 10 for a predetermined time T.₁You can pay out. This predetermined time T₁Is based on a predetermined interval suitable for coin identification by the coin identification device 2. The rotation period of the rotating member 11 (see FIG. 3) of the coin separating device of the present embodiment is conventionally 300 ms per one rotation. However, in this embodiment, the rotation period is as fast as 100 ms per one rotation in order to shorten the coin feeding time. is doing. The feeding interval T requested by the coin identification device 2₁Is 300 ms. Therefore, when the coin is fed out to the coin discriminating apparatus 2 as it is, the feeding interval becomes too short. Therefore, after a certain coin is fed out, the feeding motor is used to adjust the feeding interval of the next coin to the demand of the coin discriminating apparatus 2. T₂It is paused for (400 ms). If it carries out like this, the feeding time of the 1st coin can be shortened, the feeding interval of the coin after the 2nd sheet can be made appropriate, and identification can be surely performed, and the feeding time of the coin can be shortened as a whole.
[0059]
Referring to FIG. 8, a case where a plurality of coins are inserted one by one with a sufficiently long interval will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 as appropriate. The process from when the deposit request signal 102 is output and the first coin is inserted until the feeding motor 12 suspends the pause and restarts the rotation (P1 to P7) is the same as in the case of FIG. Since there is, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0060]
It is assumed that after the feeding motor 12 resumes rotation, a second coin is inserted after a while. The coin is detected by the first insertion sensor 61 (P21), and the subsequent process is a repetition of the process in the case of the first coin described above. The time required to pay out all coins is longer due to the longer interval between coin insertions, but the time required to pay out one coin is T₀It is shortened by the shortening.
[0061]
Referring to FIG. 9 and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 as appropriate, the light shielding interval detected by the light shielding time detecting means 43 is a predetermined time T.₁If it is shorter, that is, the coin feeding interval is T₁An example of the operation timing of the coin separating device 1 in the case of a shorter one will be described. The process until the fed coin is detected (P5) by the feeding confirmation detection 104 is the same as that in FIG.
[0062]
The fed coin is detected by the feeding confirmation detection 104 (P5), and the first temporary stop means 47 outputs a stop signal 107. Upon receipt of the stop signal 107, the feeding motor 12 receives the predetermined time T.₂(400 ms) The temporary stop (P6) is entered. A predetermined time T after detection by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 ends (P11).₁When the feeding confirmation sensor 33 detects the next fed coin (P12) before the time (see FIG. 7) elapses (time T₁₁If detected with T₁₁<T₁The light blocking time detecting means 43 determines that the feeding is abnormal, and outputs a feeding abnormal signal 111 to the second temporary stop means 48. In FIG. 9, the fact that an arrow is drawn from P5 to P6 indicates that P6 is generated due to P5. Receiving the feeding abnormality signal 111, the second temporary stop means 48 outputs a stop signal 112 to the feeding motor 12 to continue the stopping of the feeding motor 12 (P15).
[0063]
The light blocking time detection means 43 that has output the feeding abnormality signal 111 detects the feeding of the coin into the coin identifying device 2 by the second throwing sensor 5 (P13), and when the detection signal 109 is input, the feeding abnormality signal 116. Is output to the second temporary stop means 48. The second temporary stop means 48 to which the feeding abnormality signal 116 is input outputs the stop signal 113 to the transport motor 52, and the transport motor 52 to which the stop signal 113 is input receives the predetermined time T.₃A temporary stop (P14) of (300 ms) is entered. In FIG. 9, the arrows drawn from P13 to P14 and from P16 to P17 indicate that P14 is generated due to P13 and P17 is generated due to P16.
[0064]
Predetermined time T₃When the time elapses, the transport motor 52 rotates (P16), transports the next coin to the coin identification device 2, and the feeding motor 12 further performs a predetermined time T.₄The pause is continued for (200 ms) (P17). Predetermined time T₄When elapses, the feeding motor 12 rotates (P18) and feeds the next coin.
[0065]
Due to this operation timing, a short interval T is caused by a feeding abnormality.₁₁(<T₁), The coins can be transported at a sufficient interval to identify the coins to the coin identification device 2. This is shown in FIG.₁, C₂Indicates that a coin has been detected by the feeding confirmation sensor 33. C₁₁, C₂₁Indicates that a coin has been detected by the second insertion sensor 5 of the coin identification device 2. C₁₁, C₂₂The interval between them is C₁, C₂Is equal to the interval of₂₂Moves to the right in FIG.₂₁Therefore, C₁₁, C₂₁Interval is C₁, C₂It is longer than the interval.
[0066]
C indicating detection of feeding confirmation sensor 33₁, C₂A broken-line arrow heading from the intermediate point to P13 is shown, which indicates that the detection of the feeding abnormality by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 and the detection of the coin insertion by the coin identification device insertion sensor 5 are related. That is, the transport motor 52 is kept for a predetermined time T.₃The temporary stop indicates that there is a feeding abnormality detection by the feeding confirmation sensor 33 and that the coin recognition is detected by the coin identification device insertion sensor 5 is a precondition (the same applies in FIG. 10).
[0067]
With reference to FIG. 10 and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 as appropriate, when the light shielding time detected by the light shielding time detection means 43 is shielded for a time longer than the normal passage time of the largest diameter coin, that is, coins overlap. An example of the operation timing of the coin separating device 1 when being fed out in a state will be described. Only a process different from the process shown in FIG. 9 will be described.
[0068]
In the process of FIG. 9 described above, the case has been described in which coins are detected at short intervals by the feeding confirmation sensor 33, but this figure is a case where coins are fed in a state of being overlapped. In the case of this figure, the light shielding time detecting means 43 is the light shielding time T detected by the feeding confirmation sensor 33, and the light shielding time T due to the normal passage of the largest diameter coin.₅When longer than (95 ms) (P19), it is determined that the feeding is abnormal, and the feeding abnormal signal 111 is output to the second temporary stop means 48.
[0069]
As in the case of this figure, even if the coins are fed out by the aforementioned operation timing, the coins are conveyed to the coin identification device 2 with a sufficient interval to identify the coins. be able to.
[0070]
As described above, the conventional rotation cycle of the rotating member 11 (see FIG. 3) was 300 ms per rotation, but in this embodiment, it was as fast as 100 ms per rotation. For this reason, the coins that have been engaged and fed out by the rotating member 11 involve other coins, and are fed out so that other coins are accompanied, and are drawn out at extremely short intervals as in the example of FIG. There are cases where the phenomenon of overlapping and feeding out occurs. Therefore, the transport motor 52 is set to a predetermined time T₃(300ms) Pause and set the feeding motor to T₂(400ms) is temporarily stopped, and after the stop of the conveyance motor, the feeding motor is further stopped by T₄(200 ms) By continuing the coins at a predetermined interval T₁It can be conveyed to the coin identification device 2 in (300 ms).
[0071]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing device 171 provided with a coin separating device 180 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0072]
The coin processing device 171 has a coin insertion slot 191 through which a user can insert a plurality of coins (not shown in FIG. 5) at a time, and a plurality of coins guided to the guide unit from the coin insertion slot 191. A coin separating device 180 for separating and feeding out the sheets one by one is provided. The configuration of the coin separator 180 is the same as the coin separator 1 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment described above. The coin processing device 171 authenticates each fed coin one by one, and an identification unit 181 that identifies the type, a sorting unit 182 that sorts the identified coins by type, and a storage that stores the sorted coins A deposit processing unit 184 having a unit 183 is provided. The coin processing device 171 further includes a control unit 185, a coin outlet 192, a tray 186, an overflow safe 187, a withdrawal unit 188, and a delivery unit 189, which will be described below.
[0073]
Information on the identified coins, the sorted coins, and the stored coins is sent to the control means 185. Coins determined to be fake coins are sent from the identification unit 181 to the tray 186 via the coin outlet 192. Coins that cannot be stored because the storage section is full are sent from the storage section 183 to the overflow safe 187.
[0074]
After the sale of goods (not shown), when the change needs to be paid, the control means 185 issues a withdrawal instruction to the storage unit 183. When the withdrawal of coins not stored in the storage unit 183 is necessary, the control unit 185 instructs the withdrawal unit 188 to withdraw the necessary coins. In the withdrawal unit 188, a sufficient number of coins of all types are stored in advance.
[0075]
Coins fed from the storage unit 183 or the dispensing unit 188 are conveyed to the sending unit 189 and sent out from the sending unit 189 to the tray 186 through the coin outlet 192. When a trouble occurs in the coin processing device 1 when a coin is paid out to the sending unit 189, the change of the change to the user is prohibited and the coin is not sent to the coin outlet 192 but sent to the overflow safe 187. .
[0076]
The coin separator 180 has a discharge unit 169 that discharges foreign matters, residues, and the like. The discharged foreign matters, residues, and the like are sent to the discharge storage unit 190 and are appropriately taken out from the discharge storage unit 190.
[0077]
The coin processing device 171 separates the inserted coins one by one, regardless of whether a plurality of coins are put in a lump, only one coin is put in, or a coin is put in one by one at intervals. Since the coin separating device 180 that smoothly and quickly feeds out at an appropriate interval is provided, coins can be reliably identified, sorted, and stored one by one in a short time.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is provided with a feeding unit that feeds coins one by one and a detection unit that detects a feeding state of the fed coins, and the feeding unit is configured to detect coins based on the detected feeding state. Since it is configured to adjust the feeding speed, it can be inserted either in a batch of a plurality of coins, in a single coin, or in a series of coins placed one by one at intervals. The coins are separated, fed out at short intervals at appropriate intervals, and supplied to the identification device. In addition, when a plurality of coins are put in a lump, even if another coin is fed out to accompany one coin in the feeding unit or two coins are fed out in piles, a predetermined number is given to the identification device. It can be separated and fed one by one at intervals.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a coin separator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view of a plane of a feeding portion of the coin separating device of FIG. 1 as viewed from a direction inclined by 30 degrees from a vertical direction.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a feeding unit of the coin separating device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the coin separating device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the coin separating device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation of the coin separating device when a feeding abnormality is detected.
FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation timing of control by the coin separating device when coins are loaded all at once.
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation timing of control by the coin separating device when a plurality of coins are inserted one by one with a sufficiently long interval.
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation timing of control by the coin separating device when the coin feeding interval is short.
FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the operation timing of control by the coin separating device when coins are fed out in a superimposed manner.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the operation timing of control of a conventional coin separator.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Coin separator
2 Coin identification device
3A-F coin
4 detector
5 Second input sensor
10 Feeding section
11 Rotating member
11X axis
51 Deposit transfer section
171 Coin processor
180 coin separator
184 Deposit processing department
189 Sending part
192 coin outlet

Claims (4)

A feeding unit that feeds coins that have arrived by sliding on the guide surface to the feeding surface one by one;
A detection unit that detects a fed state of the fed coins;
The feeding unit, based on the detected feeding state, is configured to adjust the feeding speed of the coin;
Further, the feeding portion is a rotating member manufactured by forming a wire in a spiral shape, and the coin slides on the guide surface toward the rotating member and reaches the rotating member and rotates. A rotating member configured to engage the spiral groove of the member one by one ;
The rotating member rotates around an axis of the spiral arranged at a right angle to the guide surface, holds the engaged coin between the spirals, and feeds it to a feeding surface parallel to the guide surface. Configured as;
The feeding surface is arranged so as to float in the direction of the axis of the spiral with respect to the guide surface ;
Coin separator. A transport unit for transporting the fed coins;
The transport unit is configured to adjust the transport speed of coins based on the detected feeding state;
The coin separator according to claim 1 . An identification device for identifying the conveyed coin;
The coin separator according to claim 1 or 2 . A coin separator according to claim 3 ;
A deposit processing unit for processing the identified coins one by one;
A delivery section for delivering the processed coins;
A coin outlet for dispensing the sent out coins;
Coin processing device.

Images