JP5945786B2 - Coin transport / dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coin conveying / dispensing device that conveys coins one by one to a predetermined position by a rotating disk continuously aligned, and selectively pays out the conveyed coins to a plurality of payout positions.
Note that “coin” used in the present specification includes coins as currency, substitute money such as medals and tokens of game machines, and the like.

  As a conventional technique, for example, there is a disk guide device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the disk guide device of Patent Document 1, the base plate is arranged in a fixed state and is arranged along the front side of the base plate, and the circumferential surface of the front disk is pushed by the circumferential surface of the rear disk and aligned in a row. A guide passage through which the disk travels in a state in which the disk has been moved, and a discharge means fixedly disposed at the outlet of the guide passage, and elastically discharging the disk along the front side of the base plate in the circumferential direction of the disk, A discharge passage formed on the side in communication with the guide passage on the front side so as to guide the disk released to the side from the guide passage by the discharge means, and discharged by the discharge means and passes through the discharge passage Detecting means for detecting the disk, a distribution path of the disk disposed along the back surface of the base plate, and a front A first passage and a second passage which are arranged on the back surface and communicate with the distribution passage and are arranged along the base plate below the distribution passage; and the disc from the discharge passage to the distribution passage. In order to introduce the first and second passages, an introduction opening formed in the base plate and a selective switching communication between the first passage and the second passage with respect to the distribution passage are provided.

  In the disk guide device of the above-mentioned patent document 1, when the disk is discharged from the guide path to the discharge path by the discharge means, the disk is configured to be distributed by the distribution mechanism in the distribution path, and has a simple path structure. The disc can be sorted and ejected. Further, the ejection of the disc is detected independently by the disc detection means disposed in the ejection passage irrespective of the operation of the disc ejection means, so that the disc can be detected stably and accurately.

  By the way, there are a plurality of types (that is, denominations) of coins having different diameters and thicknesses. In the disk guide device of the above-mentioned patent document 1, since the coins in the guide passage are aligned and conveyed by the lower disk (coin) being pushed by the upper disk, it cannot cope with denominations having different diameters. . That is, the inner dimension of the guide path must be compatible with the denomination to be conveyed, and the diameter range of the compatible disk (coin) is small. For example, when trying to transport a disk (coin) with a small diameter relative to the inner dimension of the guide path, the disk (coin) cannot be properly aligned in the guide path, resulting in a zigzag shape, resulting in a frictional resistance during transport. Since it increases, it is difficult to carry and eject a stable disk (coin).

  In view of this, a so-called size-free device capable of handling coins of at least a plurality of denominations having different diameters has been conventionally proposed. For example, there is a coin transport device disclosed in Patent Document 2. In the coin transport device of Patent Document 2, a coin having left and right guide surfaces that guide the peripheral surface of the coin and front and back guide surfaces that respectively guide the front and back surfaces of the coin and extending from the entrance toward the exit Rotating motion around the corresponding one of the guide passage and the first to nth (n is a positive integer) rotation axis that protrudes into the coin guide passage and is substantially perpendicular to the front and back guide surfaces. The first to n-th coin pushing means for pushing the coin, and the first to n-th rotation axis are arranged in a predetermined order from the inlet to the outlet, In the n-coin pushing means, one of the coin pushing means corresponding to each of the pair of rotation axes adjacent to each other rotates in the first rotation direction and the other is a second opposite to the first rotation direction. Configured to rotate in the direction of rotation Has been.

  In the coin transport device of Patent Document 2, the coin pushing means protruding into the coin guide passage is disposed between the left and right guide surfaces, so that the distance between the left and right guide surfaces and the coin pushing means is larger than the distance between the left and right guide faces. If the coin is large and has a diameter in a range smaller than the interval between the left and right guide surfaces, the coin can be moved and supported while being supported by one of the left and right guide surfaces and the coin pushing means. The diameter range of coins that can be conveyed is widened. In addition, since coins are pushed and conveyed one by one by each of the coin pushing means, the adjacent coins do not overlap in the coin guide passage, so the distance between the front and back guide surfaces is set wide. However, coins are not jammed, and the thickness range of coins that can be conveyed is widened. Therefore, coins of a plurality of denominations having different diameters and thicknesses can be transported.

Japanese Patent No. 5044836 (FIGS. 1 and 3, paragraph numbers 0007 and 0017) JP 2012-221281 A (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, paragraph numbers 0020, 0022, 0072 to 0094)

In the disk guiding device of Patent Document 1 described above, to place the sorting communication path of the disk on the back of the base plate constituting a guide path, introducing a disc from the discharge passage into the sorting path through the introduction opening formed in the base plate Then, the disk is selectively ejected from the first path and the second path by connecting one of the first path and the second path to the distribution path by the path selection device. Such a configuration cannot be applied to the coin transport device disclosed in Patent Document 2. This is because in the coin transport device, it is necessary to arrange a mechanism for rotating the coin pushing means on the back side of the back guide surface.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to convey a plurality of types of coins having different diameters or thicknesses and selectively pay them to a plurality of desired positions. An object of the present invention is to provide a coin conveying / dispensing device that can be dispensed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a coin transport / dispensing device that can easily change the number of payout positions for transporting and selectively paying out a plurality of types of coins having different diameters or thicknesses.
Other objects of the present invention which are not specified here will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention is configured as follows.
A coin transport / dispensing device according to the present invention includes first and second guide surfaces for guiding a peripheral surface of a coin, and third and fourth guide surfaces for guiding one of the front and back surfaces of the coin, respectively. A coin guide passage extending from the receiving port to the coin outlet, and a corresponding rotation axis arranged in a predetermined order from the coin receiving port to the coin outlet and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces A plurality of rotating discs that rotate around and a drive for connecting the plurality of rotating discs to each other and rotating one and the other of the two adjacent rotating discs in the mutually opposite rotational directions. A coupling mechanism and a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of turntables, and protrudes into the coin guide passage to push the coin to move the coin in the coin guide passage. A plurality of coin pushers that move the coins from the coin acceptance toward the coin exit, and the coins that have been moved in the vicinity of the coin exit by the plurality of coin pushers in a substantially horizontal direction from the coin exit. A coin ejecting mechanism that elastically ejects the coin, and a coin detecting device that detects the passage of the coin ejected by the coin ejecting mechanism; A coin dropping passage that is arranged adjacent to the outlet side and has a coin introduction port facing the coin outlet, a coin dropping branch passage branched from the middle of the coin dropping passage, and a branch of the coin dropping branch passage The coin falling from the upstream of the coin dropping passage in the section is arranged downstream of the coin dropping passage and the coin dropping branch passage. A coin distribution / dispensing device including a distribution mechanism that distributes the coins to either one of the coins, and after the coin received from the coin receiving port is conveyed along the coin guide passage, the coin falls A coin transport / dispensing device for selectively paying out from a terminal end of a passage and a terminal end of the coin drop branching passage , wherein the coin drop passage is inclined in an obliquely downward inward direction facing the coin introduction port at an upper end portion thereof. The coin having a turning portion, which is ejected by the coin ejecting mechanism and introduced into the coin dropping path collides with the direction changing portion, so that the advancing direction of the coin is directed substantially downward from the horizontal direction. It is a coin transfer / dispensing device whose direction is changed.

  The coin transport / dispensing device of the present invention includes a coin transport device and a coin sorting / dispensing device. The coin transport device drives a coin guide passage extending from a coin receiving slot toward a coin exit, a plurality of rotating disks arranged in a predetermined order from the coin receiving slot to the coin outlet, and a plurality of rotating disks, respectively. The drive connection mechanism to connect and the some coin pushing body provided in the peripheral part of each of a some rotary disk are included. The coin guide passage has first and second guide surfaces that guide the peripheral surface of the coin, and third and fourth guide surfaces that guide one of the front and back surfaces of the coin, respectively. Each turntable rotates about each rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces, and one and the other of the two adjacent turntables are rotated in opposite directions by the drive coupling mechanism. Each coin pusher protrudes into the coin guide passage. As a result, among the coin pushers, the coin pushers corresponding to the two adjacent rotation axes rotate around the corresponding rotation axes in opposite directions to push the coins in the coin guide passage. Therefore, if the rotation of each turntable is synchronized and has an appropriate phase difference, the coins introduced into the coin guide passage through the coin receiving port are sequentially pushed by the coin pushers to be coin guided. It is moved along the passage. The moved coin is ejected in a substantially horizontal direction by a coin ejecting mechanism and released from the coin exit. Therefore, similarly to the coin transport device of Patent Document 1, coins of a plurality of denominations having different diameters and thicknesses can be transported.

  In addition, the coin distribution / payout device includes a coin drop passage disposed adjacent to the coin exit side of the coin transport device, a coin drop branch passage branched from the middle of the coin drop passage, a coin drop passage, and a coin drop branch. And a sorting mechanism for guiding coins falling from the upstream of the coin dropping passage to either one of the coin falling passage and the coin dropping branch passage at the branch portion of the passage. The coin dropping passage has a coin introduction port facing the coin outlet of the coin conveying device. As a result, the coin released from the coin exit of the coin transport device is introduced into the coin dropping passage through the coin introduction port, and falls downward while being guided by the own weight into the coin dropping passage. Coins that have reached the branch portion of the coin drop branch passage are selectively distributed to the downstream side of the coin drop passage and the coin drop branch passage by the sorting mechanism. Then, it is paid out from either the end of the coin drop passage or the end of the coin drop branch passage. Therefore, coins of multiple denominations with different diameters or thicknesses can be easily paid to a desired payout position by appropriately setting the inner dimensions of the coin drop passage and the coin drop branch passage according to the diameter and thickness of the denomination. It becomes possible to put out. Therefore, a plurality of types of coins having different diameters or thicknesses can be conveyed and selectively paid out to a plurality of desired positions. Further, the number of payout positions can be set by appropriately providing the coin dropping branch passage and the distribution mechanism according to the desired number of payout positions. In this case, there is no need to change the configuration of the coin transport device. Therefore, it becomes easy to change the number of payout positions to be paid out selectively.

  In the present invention, “guide surface” and “guide wall” include those substantially functioning as surfaces or walls. For example, linear bodies may be arranged in parallel to function as surfaces or walls. Good. Further, “rotation axis” means a straight line that becomes the center of rotation, and “circulates around the rotation axis” means that an object that is away from the rotation axis rotates around the rotation axis.

In the coin conveying payout equipment of the present invention, furthermore, after coins ejected in substantially horizontal direction is introduced into the coin falling passage through the coin inlet of the coin sorting dispensing device by coin bullets out mechanism, turning Colliding with the part changes the direction of coin movement. In other words, the coin whose movement speed is increased by the coin ejecting mechanism is changed in direction in the coin dropping path and dropped. Therefore, even when coins are continuously discharged from the coin exit of the coin transport device, the preceding coin and the succeeding coin are introduced into the coin dropping passage without interfering with each other in the coin dropping passage, and smoother. There is an advantage that payout is possible.

In the coin conveying payout equipment of the present invention, further, there for the preceding coin and the succeeding coin will not interfere with each other, an advantage that the occurrence of so-called chattering in coin detecting means can be effectively prevented.

  In the coin conveying / dispensing device of the present invention, (a) a coin can be conveyed and selectively paid out to a plurality of desired positions. (B) a plurality of types of coins having different diameters or thicknesses can be conveyed and selectively. The effect that the number of payout positions to be paid out can be easily changed is obtained.

It is a perspective view which shows the coin payout apparatus of one Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the uppermost and lower coin transport units and the coin distribution / payout device of the coin transport device constituting the coin payout device of FIG. 1. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the state which removed the front plate of the two coin conveyance units of FIG. It is a rear view which shows the front top plate of the two coin conveyance units of FIG. 2A and 2B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, showing a rotating disk and a drive coupling mechanism of the two coin transport units of FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the coin sorting / dispensing apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the coin sorting / dispensing device of FIG. 2. It is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which comprises the coin fall channel | path and coin fall branch channel | path of the coin distribution / dispensing apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the drive unit of the distribution mechanism which comprises the coin distribution payment apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the BB line of FIG. 8 which shows the state by which a coin is paid out from a 1st payout exit. It is sectional drawing in alignment with the BB line of FIG. 8 which shows the state by which a coin is paid out from a 2nd payout exit. It is sectional drawing in alignment with the BB line of FIG. 8 which shows the state by which a coin is paid out from a 3rd payout exit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a coin payout device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coin payout device 1 has a function of paying out the stacked coins C one by one to a predetermined payout position. In general, the coin payout device 10, the coin transport device 20, and the coin distribution payout device 30 are provided. And a coin transport / dispensing device 40 provided. The coin payout device 1 can pay out a plurality of types (that is, denominations) of coins C having different diameters or thicknesses, and functions as a so-called size-free coin payout device.

  First, the coin sending device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The coin sending device 10 has a function of separating and sending the stacked coins C one by one. As the coin sending device 10, substantially the same configuration as that disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2012-221281 A can be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the coin delivery device 10 is disposed on the base 12, the bowl 14 fixed to the base 12 and storing coins C, and the bottom of the bowl 14. And a rotating disk 16 for feeding out coins C rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

  The rotating disk 16 has a function of sorting coins C having different diameters one by one and conveying them to a coin receiving means 18 described later. The rotary disk 16 is a disc, and has a circular central protrusion 16a at the center, a ring-shaped holding surface 16b around the central protrusion 16a, and a coin locking body 16c formed radially on the holding surface 16b. . The rotating disk 16 is inclined upward and is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by a driving device (not shown).

  The outer periphery of the central protrusion 16a is a support shelf 16d. The support shelf 16d is substantially perpendicular to the holding surface 16b, and the amount of protrusion from the holding surface 16b is set lower than the thickness of the thinnest coin expected to be used. ing. The support shelf 16d has a function of holding only one coin C on the holding surface 16b between the coin locking bodies 16c. This is because two coins are not supported by the support shelf 16d.

  The holding surface 16b has a function of holding the coin C in surface contact with one surface of the coin C whose peripheral surface is supported by the support shelf 16d. The holding surface 16b is a ring-shaped flat surface formed on the outer periphery of the central protrusion 16a, and is inclined about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane.

  The coin locking body 16c is in contact with the peripheral surface of the coin C and has a function of pushing the coin C. The coin locking body 16 c is a rib-like ridge formed in a fixed state radially at regular intervals with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary disk 16. The coin locking body 16c has a trapezoidal shape with a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, and pushes the coin C by the pushing edge 16e at the front end in the rotation direction. The pushing edge 16e extends vertically upward with respect to the holding surface 16b, and the height from the holding surface 16b may be a height at which the coin C can be pushed. However, when the height of the pushing edge 16e is low, the contact pressure per unit length when pushing the coin C increases, so it is preferable that it be as high as possible. On the other hand, when the height of the pushing edge 16e is higher than a predetermined amount, the length of the climbing slope 16f for the coin receiving means 18 described later becomes long, and the coin C having the smallest diameter is pushed by the pushing edge 16e. The coin C having the smallest diameter is easily dropped from the coin receiving means 18. Therefore, it is preferable that the pushing edge 16e is formed as high as possible within a range where the coin C having the smallest diameter is pushed by the pushing edge 16e and cannot be pushed up by the climbing slope 16f. According to experiments, when a coin having a diameter of 20 mm or more is targeted, the height of the pushing edge 16e is preferably about 2 mm.

  The rotation direction downstream edge 16g of the coin locking body 16c is formed to be inclined with respect to the pushing edge 16e so that the entire length of the receiving edge 18b of the coin receiving body 18a constituting the coin receiving means 18 is simultaneously close to the holding surface 16b. It is preferable to do. This is because when the coin receiver 18a is close to the holding surface 16b, the coin C is not sandwiched between the holding surface 16b and the coin receiver 18a. The top (not shown) and the downstream edge 16g of the coin locking body 16c are formed on a stepped slope. One surface of the coin C is held in surface contact with the holding surface 16b between the adjacent coin locking bodies 16c. Accordingly, the distance between the pushing edge 16e and the downstream edge 16g on the holding surface 16b is such that the support shelf 16d side is narrow and gradually expands as it approaches the periphery of the rotating disk 16, and the holding surface 16b has a central protrusion 16a. In contrast, it exhibits an inverted trapezoid. When one of the smallest diameter coins C to be used is supported by the support shelf 16d, the other minimum diameter coins C are set not to be supported by the support shelf 16d. In other words, the two coins C having the smallest diameter are set so as not to come into surface contact with the holding surface 16b at a position close to the support shelf 16d. This is to prevent two coins C from being continuously paid out.

  The climbing slope 16f has a function of pushing up the end of the receiving edge 18b of the coin receiving body 18a on the side of the support shelf 16d and pushing it up from the holding surface 16b. The climbing slope 16f is a slope that is formed at a corner formed by the support shelf 16d and the pushing edge 16e, and is inclined from the holding surface 16b to the top of the coin locking body 16c. When it contacts with the pushing edge 16e, it is preferable to form in the triangular space which they make. When the climbing slope 16f is too large, a part of the coin C is placed on the climbing slope 16f in a state where the coin C is guided to the receiving edge 18b, and the coin C easily falls from the receiving edge 18b. It is.

  The coin receiving means 18 has a function of moving the coins C divided and sent one by one by the rotating disk 16 in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 16 and performing an escaping motion with respect to the coin locking body 16c. The coin receiving means 18 includes a pentagonal plate-shaped coin receiving body 18a, a linear receiving edge 18b formed on an edge facing the pushing edge 16e of the coin receiving body 18a, and the other end of the coin receiving body 18a. And a urging means (not shown) for urging the intermediate part of the coin receiver 18a toward the rotating disk 16 side.

  When the receiving edge 18b extends in a straight line from the vicinity of the support shelf 16d in the circumferential direction of the rotary disk 16 and is opposed to the pushing edge 16e (when a coin is positioned therebetween), the extension line of the edges is It is formed to make an acute angle. In other words, the receiving edge 18b is offset upward with respect to the center of the rotary disk 16, and faces the entire length of the holding surface 16b in the circumferential direction.

  The idle support means 18c has a function of supporting the coin receiving means 18 so that the posture can be changed in any direction, up, down, left, and right within a predetermined range. Specifically, the coin receiving means 18 can move so as to get over the coin locking body 16c while contacting the holding slope 16f at a position near the holding surface 16b and the receiving edge 18b. The floating support means 18c has the same configuration as that of the above-described Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-97322, and the description of the specific configuration is omitted here.

  Next, the coin transport / dispensing device 40 will be described. As described above, the coin transport / dispensing device 40 includes the coin transport device 20 and the coin sorting / dispensing device 30.

  First, the coin transport device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin transport device 20 is provided with a coin guide portion 100 having a coin guide passage 110 extending from the coin receiving slot 102 toward the coin exit 104 and a pair of coin pushers 120. A coin pushing mechanism 125 having a predetermined number of turntables 122, a drive connecting mechanism 126 that rotates the rotation directions of two adjacent turntables 122 in opposite directions, and a coin bullet arranged in the vicinity of the coin exit 104. A dispensing mechanism 130 and a coin detecting means 140 are included. The coin transport device 20 is configured by connecting the uppermost coin transport unit 22 and the lowermost coin transport unit 24 via a predetermined number of intermediate coin transport units 26. In the following description, the uppermost coin transport unit 22 and the intermediate coin transport unit 26 disposed immediately below will be mainly described, and the description of the other coin transport units will be omitted.

  First, the coin guide unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the coin guide 100 includes at least a base body 105 and a top plate 106 provided on the surface 105 a of the base body 105. As shown in FIG. 3, the base body 105 is provided with a plurality of turntables 122 supported so as to be rotatable around the corresponding rotation axis AX. Each turntable 122 is arranged such that its surface (not shown) and the surface 105a of the base body 105 are flush with each other. The respective rotation axes AX are substantially perpendicular to the surface 105a of the base body 105 and are parallel to each other. Also, two adjacent rotation axes AX among the rotation axes AX are arranged with a predetermined offset in the horizontal direction. In other words, the plurality of rotation axes AX are arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a guide groove 107 extending from the coin receiving port 102 toward the coin outlet 104 is formed on the back surface 106 b of the top plate 106. The guide groove 107 has a bottom surface 107a and first and second side surfaces 107b and 107c. The top plate 106 is fixed to the base body 105 in a state where the back surface 106 b is overlapped with the front surface 105 a of the base body 105. The top surface 106 a and the back surface 106 b of the top plate 106 are substantially parallel to the surface 105 a of the base body 105. The width of the guide groove 107 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the coin C having the maximum diameter, and the depth is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the coin C having the maximum thickness. In other words, the guide groove so that coins of a plurality of denominations having different diameters and thicknesses can pass through the inside of the guide groove 107 while being guided by the bottom face 107a and the first and second side faces 107b and 107c. A width and depth of 107 are set. In other words, it is set so that coins having different diameters or thicknesses within a predetermined range can be transported.

  The first side surface 107b of the guide groove 107 is formed along a curve 108a formed by connecting a plurality of arcs around the corresponding rotation axis AX. The second side surface 107c of the guide groove 107 is formed along a curve 108b formed by connecting a plurality of arcs around the corresponding rotation axis AX. An annular groove 113 that prevents contact with the top plate 106 when each coin pusher 120 of the turntable 122 described later circulates on the back surface 106b of the top plate 106 corresponds to each rotation axis AX. Is formed.

  A coin guide passage 110 is configured by the surface 105a of the base body 105, the bottom surface 107a of the guide groove 107 of the top plate 106, and the first and second side surfaces 107b and 107c. In other words, the first and second side surfaces 107 b and 107 c of the guide groove 107 of the top plate 106 function as the first and second guide surfaces 108 and 109 of the coin guide passage 110. Further, the bottom surface 107 a of the guide groove 107 of the top plate 106 functions as the third guide surface 111 of the coin guide passage 110, and the surface 105 a of the base body 105 functions as the fourth guide surface 112 of the coin guide passage 110. In the coin guide passage 110, the circumferential surface of the coin C introduced from the coin receiving slot 102 is the first and second guide surfaces 108 and 109 of the coin guide passage 110 (that is, the first and second guide grooves 107). Guided by side surfaces 107b, 107c). One of the front and back surfaces of the coin is guided by the third guide surface 111 of the coin guide passage 110 (that is, the bottom surface 107a of the guide groove 107), and the other of the front and back surfaces of the coin is the fourth guide surface 112 ( That is, it is guided by the surface 105a) of the base body 105.

Next, the coin pushing mechanism 125 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the coin pushing mechanism 125 includes a plurality of turntables 122 that rotate around the rotation axis AX. Each turntable 122 has an outer shape that is substantially circular in plan view.
A pair of coin pushers having a trapezoidal planar shape bent along the outer periphery of the turntable 122 and a columnar outer shape protruding in a direction parallel to the rotation axis AX on the surface of each turntable 122 120 is provided. Since each coin pusher 120 has a function of pushing the coin C with a substantially trapezoidal inclined surface, the mechanical strength and durability against wear of each coin pusher 120 can be enhanced by adopting such a planar shape. it can. The pair of coin pushers 120 are disposed opposite to each other with the rotation axis AX sandwiched between the peripheral portions of the corresponding turntables 122. In other words, the pair of coin pushers 120 are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis AX on the turntable 122. Are arranged. The pair of coin pushers 120 have a function of circling around the rotation axis AX and pushing coins along with the rotation of the corresponding turntable 122.

  Each coin pusher 120 may be formed integrally with the corresponding turntable 122, or may be formed as a separate piece fixed to the turntable 122 by an appropriate method. In this embodiment, they are integrally formed from the viewpoint of reducing manufacturing costs. Each coin pusher 120 may be a columnar body, or may be a rotatable roller type in which a support shaft is covered with a cylindrical collar. In the case of the roller type, there is an advantage that wear of the coin pusher 120 is suppressed and durability can be enhanced.

  On the back surface of each turntable 122, gears 123 for rotating and driving each turntable 122 are provided coaxially. A shaft insertion hole 121 shown in FIG. 5 is formed in each rotary plate 122 and gear 123. The corresponding support shafts 124 are inserted into the shaft insertion holes 121, respectively. The gear 123 may be formed integrally with the rotating disk 122, or may be formed by fixing it separately to the rotating disk 122 by an appropriate method. It is only necessary that the rotating disk 122 and the gear 123 can rotate together. In this embodiment, they are integrally formed from the viewpoint of reducing manufacturing cost and improving coaxial accuracy.

  Next, the coin ejection mechanism 130 will be described. The coin ejecting mechanism 130 has a function of releasing the coins conveyed by the coin pushing mechanism 125 from the coin conveying device 20 in a predetermined direction. The coin ejecting mechanism 130 includes a rotation lever 132, an ejection roller 138 provided on the moving end 136 side of the rotation lever 132, and a fixing member 131 having a stopper 134 that regulates the movement range of the rotation lever 132. Consists of including. The rotation lever 132 is fixed to the fixing member 131 so that the fixed end 137 can be rotated, and the moving end 136 on the other end side is arranged on the side where the coin C is released. The turning lever 132 is constantly urged in the clockwise direction in FIG. A stopper 134 that restricts the movement of the rotation lever 132 in a biasing direction of the rotation lever 132 is formed to protrude from the fixing member 131. A ejecting roller 138 that releases the coin C in cooperation with the coin pusher 120 is disposed on the rotary plate 122 side of the moving end 136. The ejecting roller 138 is inserted into an arc-shaped through portion 139 formed in the top plate 106, and the distance between the end of the ejecting roller 138 opposite to the rotating lever 132 and the surface 105a of the base body 105 is assumed to be used. It is arranged so as to be smaller than the thickness of the thinnest coin.

  The coin C conveyed to the uppermost rotating disk 122 by the coin pushing mechanism 125 is further conveyed toward the ejecting roller 138 of the rotating lever 132 by the coin pushing body 120 of the uppermost rotating disk 122. After the ejecting roller 138 comes into contact with the coin C, the ejecting roller 138 is pushed through the coin C by the coin pusher 120 in the direction opposite to the urging direction of the rotation lever 132 (counterclockwise rotation direction in FIG. 2). When the center of the coin C is located on a straight line (not shown) connecting the contact point between the coin pusher 120 and the coin C and the contact point between the ejection roller 138 and the coin C, or at least the center of the coin C is at the center of the coin C When passing, the turning lever 132 is moved toward the stopper 134 by the urging force. As the rotation lever 132 moves to the stopper 134, the interval between the ejecting roller 138 and the coin pusher 120 is narrowed, so that the coin C sandwiched between the ejector roller 138 and the coin pusher 120 becomes the coin ejecting mechanism 130. Released from. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coin C is discharged from the right side of the coin transport device 20 in FIG. 3, but the direction in which the coin C is discharged is not limited to this direction, and the coin transport device in FIG. 3. 20 may be emitted from the left side.

  Next, the coin detection unit 140 will be described. Coin detecting means 140 is arranged on the downstream side of the coin ejecting mechanism 130 in the traveling direction of the coin C. The coin C released from the coin ejecting mechanism 130 passes through the bifurcated portion of the coin detecting means 140 in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged, and at that time, the optical axis of the sensor is blocked. And the detection signal is counted by a control unit (not shown). The coin detecting means 140 can use a reflective photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microswitch, or the like as long as it can detect a disk.

  Next, the coin distribution / payout device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. The coin sorting / dispensing device 30 is attached to the uppermost coin transport unit 22 of the coin transport device 20. The coin sorting / dispensing device 30 has at least two (three in the embodiment of the present invention) payout ports, and has a function of selectively distributing the coins C conveyed by the coin conveying device 20.

The coin distribution / dispensing device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a coin introduction port 232 that receives the coin C released from the coin ejection mechanism 130 and a direction in which the traveling direction of the coin C that has passed through the coin introduction port 232 is changed. A conversion means 234 and a coin dropping passage 160 through which the coin C falls due to its own weight are provided. In the middle of the coin dropping passage 160, the coins in the first coin falling branch passage 164 branched to the back side of the coin dropping passage 160 and the first branching portion 162 of the coin dropping passage 160 and the first coin falling branch passage 164 A first sorting mechanism 270 that sorts the coin C falling in the dropping passage 160 to either the downstream side of the first branching portion 162 of the coin dropping passage 160 or the first coin dropping branch passage 164 is provided. On the downstream side of the first branching portion 162, a second coin falling branching passage 168 branched to the back side of the coin dropping passage 160, and a second branching portion 166 of the coin falling passage 160 and the second coin falling branching passage 168. The second sorting mechanism 300 is provided for sorting the coin C to either the downstream side of the second branching portion 166 of the coin dropping passage 160 or the second coin dropping branch passage 168. The coins C distributed to the respective paths by the first and second branch mechanisms 2 70 and 300 are disposed at the downstream ends of the first coin falling branch path 164, the second coin falling branch path 168, and the coin falling path 160, respectively. 1 to 3 outlets 252, 254, 256 are provided.

Coin sorting dispensing device 30, the sides 406, 408 of the coin falling passage 160 for guiding the peripheral surface of the front 402 and the coin C in the coin dropping passage 160 for guiding either the front and back surfaces of the coin C falls The base member 200 to be configured, and the first and third back members 202, 204 formed in a substantially U-shape forming the back surface of the coin drop passage 160 and the top surfaces of the first and second coin drop branch passages 164, 168. And the second and fourth back members 203 and 205 formed in a substantially V shape constituting the back surface of the coin drop passage 160 and the bottom surfaces of the first and second coin drop branch passages 164 and 168. . The base member 200 has a substantially cross-sectional shape by a front surface 402 extending in the up-down direction and a first side surface 408 and a second side surface 406 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface 402 at both ends of the front surface 402. A coin guide groove 414 that is U-shaped and extends in the vertical direction is formed. A corner portion on the second side surface 406 side of the upper portion of the front surface 402 is removed, and a hypotenuse is formed at the corner portion.

  The first side surface 408 is formed to have a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the coin dropping passage 160, and a coin introduction port 232 is formed at the top. The first side surface 408 protrudes at the end opposite to the front surface 402 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side surface 406, and is configured to be flush with the surface 105a of the coin transport device 20. A fixing portion 410 is formed. The first fixing unit 410 is fixed with a driving mechanism holding unit 208 that holds first and second distribution mechanisms 270 and 300 described later. The base member 200 is fixed to the coin transport device 20 via the drive mechanism holding unit 208.

  The second side surface 406 is located on the downstream side of the facing portion of the coin inlet 232, the side surface 403 of the coin dropping passage 160 formed to have the same thickness as the coin dropping passage 160, and the side surface 403 on the opposite side of the front surface 402. First and second branching side surfaces 404 and 405 that protrude in a substantially trapezoidal shape and form the side surfaces of the first and second coin drop branching passages 164 and 168 are formed.

The first back surface member 202 includes a back surface portion 212 that forms the back surface of the coin drop passage 160, and a first coin drop branch passage 164 that is integrally provided by bending in a direction opposite to the front surface 402 from the lower end of the back surface portion 212. A first branch portion upper surface 222 constituting the upper surface is formed. An inclined portion is formed at the upper end portion of the back surface portion 212 on the second side surface 406 side, and a direction changing means 234 is formed protruding from the inclined portion toward the front surface 402 side. On the first side surface 408 side of the back surface portion 212 and the first branching portion upper surface 222, a fixing projecting toward the opposite side of the front surface 402, in other words, the opposite side of the coin dropping passage 160 and the first coin dropping branch passage 164. Portions 426 and 428 are formed and fixed to the drive mechanism holding portion 208. On the other hand, the second side surface 406 side of the first diversion unit top 222, front 402 side, in other words, fixing portion 424 projecting toward the first coin falling branch passage 164 side is formed, the first branch portion side 404 is fixed.

To be substantially the same size as the first sorting member 242 of the first sorting mechanism 2 70 of the first coin falling branch passage 164 side opening 236 of the first branch portion 162 will be described later, the second rear member 203 is first It is disposed below the back member 202. The second back member 203 has a back surface portion 216 constituting the back surface of the coin drop passage 160 and a first branch portion bottom surface 224 constituting the bottom surface of the first coin drop branch passage 164 integrally provided in a substantially V shape. Yes. A fixing portion 430 protruding toward the opposite side of the coin dropping passage 160 is formed on the second side surface 406 side of the back surface portion 216, while a fixing portion 432 is formed on the first side surface 408 side similarly to the fixing portion 430. ing. A fixing portion 434 is formed on the second side surface 406 side of the first branch portion lower surface 224 so as to protrude toward the opposite side of the first coin falling branch passage 164, while the first side surface 408 side is similar to the fixing portion 434. A fixing portion 436 is formed. The fixing portions 430 and 434 are fixed to the first branch portion side surface 404, and the fixing portions 432 and 436 are fixed to the drive mechanism holding portion 208.

A third back member 204 is disposed below the second back member 203. The third back surface member 204 is formed integrally with a back surface portion 214 that forms the back surface of the coin dropping passage 160 continuously with the back surface portion 216, and is bent in the direction opposite to the front surface 402 from the lower end of the back surface portion 214. A second branch portion upper surface 226 constituting the upper surface of the two-coin falling branch passage 168 is formed.
A fixing portion 440 that protrudes toward the opposite side of the second coin drop branch passage 168 is formed on the first side surface 408 side of the second branch portion upper surface 226, and is fixed to the drive mechanism holding portion 208. On the other hand, a fixing portion 438 that protrudes toward the second coin drop branch passage 168 side is formed on the second side surface 406 side of the second branch portion upper surface 226, and is fixed to the second branch portion side surface 405.

The fourth back member 205 is the third back surface so that the second coin drop branch passage 168 side opening 238 of the second branch portion 166 is substantially the same size as the second sorting member 246 of the second sorting mechanism 300 described later. It is arranged at the lower part of the member 204. In the fourth back member 205, a back surface portion 218 constituting the back surface of the coin drop passage 160 and a second branch portion bottom surface 228 constituting the bottom surface of the second coin drop branch passage 168 are integrally formed in a substantially V shape. Yes. A fixing portion 442 protruding toward the opposite side of the coin dropping passage 160 is formed on the second side surface 406 side of the back surface portion 218, while a fixing portion 444 is formed on the first side surface 408 side similarly to the fixing portion 442. ing. A fixing portion 446 is formed on the second side surface 406 side of the second branching portion lower surface 228 so as to protrude toward the opposite side of the coin drop branching passage 164, while the first side surface 408 side has a fixing portion similar to the fixing portion 446. 448 is formed. The fixing portions 442 and 446 are fixed to the second branch portion side surface 405, and the fixing portions 444 and 448 are fixed to the drive mechanism holding portion 208.

Next, the first and second distribution mechanisms 270 and 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The first and second distribution mechanisms 270 and 300 are fixed to the drive mechanism holding unit 208.
The drive mechanism holding portion 208 includes a first fixed surface 208a extending in the vertical direction and a second fixed surface 208b extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first fixed surface 208a at both ends of the first fixed surface 208a. The third fixing surface 208c forms a drive mechanism holding groove 208d having a substantially U-shaped cross section and extending in the vertical direction. The first to fourth back members 202, 203, 204, and 205 of the coin sorting / dispensing device 30 are fixed to the first fixed surface 208a. The second fixed surface 208b is fixed to the first fixing portion 410 of the coin sorting / dispensing device 30.

  The through hole 500 has a height substantially equal to the openings 236 and 238 of the first side 408 of the coin sorting / dispensing device 30 and the first and second coin drop branch passages 164 and 168 on the coin drop passage 160 side. , 502 are formed. Through-holes 506 and 510 are formed in the second fixed surface 208b at positions corresponding to the through-holes 500 and 502 of the drive mechanism holding portion 208, and the protruding portion protrudes from the first fixed surface 208a toward the coin dropping passage 160 side. 504 and 508 are formed. The protrusions 504 and 508 are inserted into the through holes 500 and 502, and the base member 200 and the drive mechanism holding part 208 are fixed so that the protrusions 504 and 508 are flush with the first side surface 408. .

  The first distribution mechanism 270 transmits the first distribution member 242, the first solenoid 272 that drives the first distribution member 242, and the first solenoid 272 driving force to the first distribution member 242. And a link mechanism 292.

The first sorting member 242 is configured to be rotatable at the first branching portion 162 so that either one of the coin dropping passage 160 and the opening 236 on the coin dropping passage 160 side is closed. The first distribution member 242 is configured by a plate-like member having the same size as the opening 236. A support shaft 244 that protrudes from the side surface of the lower end portion of the first sorting member 242 toward both lateral sides of the coin dropping passage 160 is provided. The support shaft 244 is rotatably inserted into the first branch portion side surface 404 and the protruding portion 504. Above the support shaft 244 on the protruding portion 504 side, the first push shaft 290 protrudes from the side surface of the first sorting member 242 and is connected to the first link mechanism 292 through an arc-shaped hole provided in the protruding portion 504. The The movable side end 243 on the opposite side of the support shaft 244 of the first distribution member 242 is formed so that the thickness is continuously reduced as it approaches the end. The thickness of the movable side end 243 is such that when the first sorting member 242 is in a position where the opening 236 is closed, in other words, when the first sorting member 242 constitutes the back surface of the coin dropping passage 160, The end 243 is formed so as not to enter the coin dropping passage 160. By being configured so that the movable side end 243 does not enter the coin dropping passage 160, the possibility that the coin C is caught by the movable side end 243 and the coin C is clogged in the coin dropping passage 160 is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the first sorting member 242, the gap between the movable side end 243 and the front surface 402 is less than the thickness of the thinnest coin C to be used. The one sorting member 242 is traversed through the coin dropping passage 160. At the closed position of the coin dropping passage 160 of the first sorting member 242, a part of the front surface 402 immediately above the movable side end 243 covers the gap between the front surface 402 and the movable side end 243. A first coin guide portion 412 that enters the inside is configured. By covering the upper part of the movable side end 243 with the first coin guide part 412, the possibility that the coin C is caught on the movable side end 243 and the coin C is jammed in the coin dropping passage 160 is reduced.

The first drive unit of the first distribution mechanism 270 will be described. A first solenoid 272 and a first link mechanism 292 are disposed in the drive mechanism holding groove 208d of the drive mechanism holding unit 208, and the first solenoid 272 is fixed to the third fixing surface 208c. The first link mechanism 292 includes a first plunger 274, a first push rod 276, a first crank 278, a first arm 280, first position detecting means 282, and a first coil spring 284. Is done. The first crank 278 is formed by laminating a first teardrop-shaped crank 286 and a first substantially L-shaped plate 288, and the first teardrop-shaped crank 286 has a first direction and a first direction. The direction of one projecting portion of the substantially L-shaped plate 288 substantially coincides. The other protruding portion of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 protrudes in a direction connectable to the first push rod 276. Further, the protruding portion of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 is formed longer than the protruding portion of the first teardrop-shaped crank 286.

  The end of the first arm 280 is connected to the first push shaft 290, and the other end of the first arm 280 is connected to the protrusion of the first teardrop-type crank 286 of the first crank 278. The protruding portion of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 that protrudes in a direction different from the protruding portion of the first teardrop-shaped crank 286 is connected at the substantially middle portion of the first push rod 276, and is connected to the first push rod 276. The end of the rod 276 is connected to the first plunger 274. In this way, the first distribution member 242 and the first solenoid 272 are connected. The first push rod 276 is connected to the first coil spring 284 at the end opposite to the first plunger 274 and is always urged in the direction opposite to the first solenoid 272. Below the first crank 278, first position detecting means 282 for detecting the position of the first distributing member 242 is provided. The first position detecting means 282 includes a bifurcated case body having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. As the first crank 278 rotates, the protruding portion on the first arm 280 side of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 is configured to be able to advance and retract to the forked portion of the first position detecting means 282.

  In the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first solenoid 272 is demagnetized, the first push rod 276 is biased in the opposite direction to the first solenoid 272 by the first coil spring 284, and the first crank 278 is In the viewpoint of FIG. 7, it is rotated counterclockwise. Accordingly, the first arm 280 moves in the direction of pushing the first sorting member 242 (right in FIG. 7), and the first sorting member 242 is maintained at a position where the coin dropping passage 160 is closed. At the same time, the protruding portion on the first position detecting means 282 side of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 moves in the counterclockwise direction and exits from the first position detecting means 282. As a result, the light receiving unit of the first position detecting unit 282 can receive the light beam from the light emitting unit, and the control unit (not shown) detects that the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the first sorting member 242.

  On the other hand, when the first solenoid 272 is excited, the first plunger 274 and the first push rod 276 move toward the first solenoid 272 against the urging force of the first coil spring 284. In the viewpoint of FIG. 7, it is rotated clockwise. Accordingly, the first arm 280 moves in the direction of pulling the first sorting member 242 (left in FIG. 7), and the first sorting member 242 maintains the position where the opening 236 of the first coin dropping branch passage 164 is closed. Is done. At the same time, the protrusion on the first position detecting means 282 side of the first substantially L-shaped plate 288 moves in the clockwise direction and enters the first position detecting means 282. As a result, the optical axis of the first position detecting means 282 is blocked, and a control unit (not shown) detects that the opening 236 of the first coin dropping / separating passage 164 is closed by the first sorting member 242.

  Next, the second distribution mechanism 300 will be described. The second distribution mechanism 300 includes a second distribution member 246, a second solenoid 302 that drives the second distribution member 246, and a second transmission that transmits the driving force of the second solenoid 302 to the second distribution member 246. And a link mechanism 322.

The second distributing member 246 is configured to be rotatable at the second branching portion 166 so that either one of the coin dropping passage 160 and the opening 238 on the coin dropping passage 160 side is closed. The second distribution member 246 is configured by a plate-like member having substantially the same size as the opening 238. A support shaft 248 protruding from the side surface of the lower end portion of the second sorting member 246 toward the left and right sides of the coin dropping passage 160 is provided. The support shaft 248 is rotatably inserted into the second branch portion side surface 405 and the protruding portion 508. Above the support shaft 248 on the protruding portion 508 side, the second pushing shaft 320 protrudes from the side surface of the second distributing member 246 and is connected to the second link mechanism 322 through an arc-shaped hole provided in the protruding portion 508. The The movable side end 247 on the opposite side of the support shaft 248 of the second distribution member 246 is formed so that the thickness continuously decreases as it approaches the end. The thickness of the movable side end 247 is such that when the second sorting member 246 is in a position that closes the opening 236, in other words, when the second sorting member 246 constitutes the back surface of the coin dropping passage 160, The end 247 is formed so as not to enter the coin dropping passage 160. By being configured so that the movable side end 247 does not enter the coin drop passage 160, the possibility that the coin C is caught by the movable side end 247 and the coin C is clogged in the coin drop passage 160 is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the second sorting member 246, the gap between the movable side end 247 and the front surface 402 is less than the thickness of the thinnest coin C to be used. The two sorting members 246 are traversed through the coin dropping passage 160. At the closed position of the coin dropping passage 160 of the second sorting member 246, a part of the front surface 402 immediately above the movable side end 247 covers the gap between the front surface 402 and the movable side end 247. A second coin guide portion 413 that enters the inside is configured. By covering the upper part of the movable side end portion 247 with the second coin guide portion 413, the possibility that the coin C is caught by the movable side end portion 247 and the coin C is clogged in the coin dropping passage 160 is reduced.

  The 2nd drive means of the 2nd distribution mechanism 300 is demonstrated. The second solenoid 302 and the second link mechanism 322 are disposed in the drive mechanism holding groove 208d of the drive mechanism holding unit 208, and the second solenoid 302 is fixed to the third fixing surface 208c. The second distribution mechanism 300 is disposed below the first distribution mechanism 270. The second link mechanism 322 includes a second plunger 304, a second push rod 306, a second crank 308, a second arm 310, a second position detection unit 312, and a second coil spring 314. Is done. The second crank 308 is formed by sticking a second teardrop-type crank 316 and a second substantially L-shaped plate 318, and the second teardrop-type crank 316 extends in the direction of the second portion. The direction of one protruding portion of the substantially L-shaped plate 318 substantially coincides. The other protrusion of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 protrudes in a direction connectable to the second push rod 306. Further, the protruding portion of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 is formed longer than the protruding portion of the second teardrop-shaped crank 316.

  The end of the second arm 310 is connected to the second push shaft 320, and the other end of the second arm 310 is connected to the protrusion of the second teardrop-type crank 316 of the second crank 308. Then, the protruding portion of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 protruding in a direction different from the protruding portion of the second teardrop-shaped crank 316 is connected at the substantially intermediate portion of the second push rod 306, and the second push rod 306 is connected. The end of the rod 306 is connected to the second plunger 304. In this way, the second distribution member 246 and the second solenoid 302 are connected. The second push rod 306 is connected to the second coil spring 314 at the end opposite to the second plunger 304 and is always urged in the direction opposite to the second solenoid 302. Below the second crank 308, second position detection means 312 for detecting the position of the second distribution mechanism 300 is provided. The second position detection unit 312 includes a bifurcated case body having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. As the second crank 308 rotates, the protruding portion on the second arm 310 side of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 is configured to be able to advance and retract to the forked portion of the second position detecting means 312.

  In the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the second solenoid 302 is demagnetized, the second push rod 306 is biased in the opposite direction to the second solenoid 302 by the second coil spring 314, and the second crank 308 is In the viewpoint of FIG. 7, it is rotated counterclockwise. Accordingly, the second arm 310 moves in the direction of pushing the second sorting mechanism 300 (right in FIG. 7), and the second sorting mechanism 300 is maintained at a position where the coin dropping passage 160 is closed. At the same time, the protruding portion on the second position detecting means 312 side of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 moves in the counterclockwise direction and exits from the second position detecting means 312. As a result, the light receiving unit of the second position detecting unit 312 can receive light from the light emitting unit, and a control unit (not shown) detects that the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the second sorting mechanism 300.

  On the other hand, when the second solenoid 302 is excited, the second plunger 304 and the second push rod 306 move toward the second solenoid 302 against the urging force of the second coil spring 314. In the viewpoint of FIG. 7, it is rotated clockwise. Accordingly, the second arm 310 moves in the direction of pulling the second sorting mechanism 300 (left in FIG. 7), and the second sorting mechanism 300 is maintained at a position where the second coin dropping branch passage 168 is closed. At the same time, the protruding portion on the second position detecting means 312 side of the second substantially L-shaped plate 318 moves in the clockwise direction and enters the second position detecting means 312. As a result, the optical axis of the second position detection unit 312 is blocked, and a control unit (not shown) detects that the opening 238 of the second coin dropping branch passage 168 is closed by the second sorting mechanism 300.

Next, the operation of the coin sorting / dispensing device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The coins C sent out one by one from the coin delivery device 10 and received from the coin receiving port 102 of the coin transporting device 20 are pushed by the coin pusher 120 provided on the rotating plate 122 and are transported to the coin exit 104. The The coin C that has reached the coin exit 104 is further pushed by the coin pusher 120 while pushing and turning the turning lever 132 of the coin ejecting mechanism 130. Since the rotation lever 132 is biased in the direction of the stopper 134, when the diameter portion of the coin C passes between the rotation lever 132 and the stopper 134, the coin C is elastically moved by the rotation lever 132. To the coin introduction port 232 of the coin distribution / dispensing device 30.
Between the coin ejecting mechanism 130 and the coin inlet 232, a coin detecting means 140 having a pair of light emitting part and light receiving part is provided, and the optical axis of the coin detecting means 140 is blocked by the passage of the coin C, The passage of the coin C is detected. The signal is detected by a control unit (not shown), and the coin C released from the coin ejecting mechanism 130 is counted.
A detailed description of the delivery from the coin delivery device 10 and the transportation of the coin C by the coin transportation device 20 is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-221281). The detailed description is omitted.

The coin C that has entered the coin introduction port 232 collides with the direction changing unit 234, is reflected toward the lower side of the direction changing unit 234, and falls in the coin dropping passage 160 with its own weight. The coin C that has fallen through the coin dropping passage 160 and has reached the first branching portion 162 is moved between the coin dropping passage 160 and the first coin dropping branch passage 164 by the first sorting mechanism 270 driven based on a predetermined condition. It is distributed to either one. The coins C distributed to the first coin dropping / branching path 164 pass through the first coin falling / branching path 164 and are then paid out from the first payout exit 252. On the other hand, the coin C distributed to the coin dropping passage 160 further falls through the coin dropping passage 160 and reaches the second branching portion 166.
The coin C that has reached the second branching section 166 is distributed to one of the coin dropping path 160 and the second coin falling branch path 168 by the second sorting mechanism 300 driven based on a predetermined condition. The coins C distributed to the second coin falling / branching path 168 pass through the second coin falling / branching path 168 and are then paid out from the second payout outlet 254. On the other hand, the coin C distributed to the coin dropping passage 160 further falls through the coin dropping passage 160 and is paid out from the third payout outlet 256.

  Next, the case where the coin C is paid out from each of the first payout exit 252, the second payout exit 254, and the third payout exit 256 will be described.

  When the coin C is paid out from the first payout outlet 252, the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the first sorting mechanism 270 (in other words, the first sorting member 242) as shown in FIG. The coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the sorting mechanism 300 (in other words, the second sorting member 246). In other words, the first solenoid 272 and the second solenoid 302 are demagnetized, and the first sorting member 242 and the second sorting member 246 are both maintained in a state in which the coin dropping passage 160 is closed. The outlets 252 communicate with each other. That is, the coin C received by the coin distribution / dispensing device 30 is distributed to the first coin dropping / branching path 164 by the first distribution mechanism 270 in the first branching unit 162 and is discharged from the first payout outlet 252. Then, the aforementioned payout process is continued until a predetermined number of coins C pass through the coin detecting means 140, in other words, until the count number of coins C in the control unit reaches a predetermined value.

  When the coin C is paid out from the second payout outlet 254, as shown in FIG. 12, the opening 236 of the first coin dropping branch passage 164 is performed by the first sorting mechanism 270 (in other words, the first sorting member 242). Is closed, and the coin dropping passage 160 is closed by the second sorting mechanism 300 (in other words, the second sorting member 246). In other words, the first solenoid 272 is excited to drive the first sorting member 242, the second solenoid 302 is demagnetized, and the first sorting member 242 closes the opening 236 of the first coin dropping branch passage 164, The second sorting mechanism 300 is maintained in a state in which the coin dropping passage 160 is closed, and the coin introduction port 232 communicates with the second payout port 254. That is, the coin C received by the coin distribution / dispensing device 30 is distributed to the coin dropping passage 160 by the first distribution mechanism 270 in the first branching section 162, and then the second distribution mechanism 300 in the second branching section 166. Is distributed to the second coin drop branch passage 168 and paid out from the second payout exit 254. Then, the aforementioned payout process is continued until a predetermined number of coins C pass through the coin detecting means 140, in other words, until the count number of coins C in the control unit reaches a predetermined value.

  When the coin C is paid out from the third payout outlet 256, as shown in FIG. 13, the opening 236 of the first coin drop branching passage 164 by the first sorting mechanism 270 (in other words, the first sorting member 242). Is closed, and the opening 238 of the second coin drop branch passage 168 is closed by the second sorting mechanism 300 (in other words, the second sorting member 246). In other words, the first solenoid 272 and the second solenoid 302 are excited, the first sorting member 242 and the second sorting mechanism 300 are driven, and the first sorting member 242 opens the first coin dropping branch passage 164. 236 is closed, and the second sorting mechanism 300 is maintained in a state of closing the opening 238 of the second coin drop branching passage 168, and communicates from the coin introduction port 232 to the third payout port 256. That is, the coin C received by the coin distribution / dispensing device 30 is distributed to the coin dropping passage 160 by the first distribution mechanism 270 in the first branching section 162, and then the second distribution mechanism 300 in the second branching section 166. Is distributed to the coin dropping passage 160 and is paid out from the third payout exit 256. Then, the above-mentioned payout process is continuously performed until a predetermined number of coins C pass through the coin detecting means 140, in other words, until the count number of coins C in the control unit reaches a predetermined value.

(Modification 1)
In addition, this invention is not limited to said Example, A various change is possible.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coin detecting means 140 is constituted by a photoelectric sensor comprising a pair of light emitting part and light receiving part. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units may be arranged in a line in the diameter direction of the coin C that is constituted by a plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units and passes through the coin detecting means 140. By adopting such a configuration, the number of light receiving units whose optical axes are blocked changes depending on the diameter of the passing coin C, and the signal detected by the control unit changes, so the diameter of the coin C is detected. It becomes possible. Therefore, the coin detection means 140 can distribute the coin C to each payout opening based on the diameter of the coin C.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coin detection unit 140 is configured by a photoelectric sensor including a pair of light emitting units and a light receiving unit, and detects the passage of the coin C. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or both of the material and thickness of the coin C may be detected using a magnetic sensor or the like. That is, since the signal output from the coin detecting means 140 changes depending on the difference in the material or thickness of the plurality of types of coins C, each coin C is paid based on the material or thickness of the coin C detected by the control unit. It becomes possible to distribute to the exit.

(Modification 3)
Further, the coin C distribution methods described in the first and second modifications may be combined. That is, the number of coins C and the diameter of the coins C may be detected by a photoelectric sensor having a plurality of light receiving units, and one or both of the material and thickness of the coins C may be detected by a magnetic sensor provided therewith. . That is, it is possible to associate the diameter of the coin C with information on the material and thickness, and distribute the coin C to each payout opening based on the information.

(Modification 4)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coin distribution / dispensing device 30 is configured to have the first to third payout ports 252 , 254 , 256, but the present invention is not limited to this, It is preferable to increase or decrease the number of distribution mechanisms and payout ports according to the type of coin C to be distributed. For example, when coins C are distributed under two conditions such as distribution of two types of coins, it is preferable that the coin C is configured by one distribution mechanism and two payout openings. In addition, when distributing Japanese coins, in other words, when distributing 6 denominations of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, 500 yen, or when distributing US coins, in other words, 1 cent, When distributing 6 denominations of cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and 100 cents, it is preferable to configure 5 sort mechanisms and 6 payout openings. When sorting euro coins, in other words, when sorting 8 denominations of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, 2 euros, 7 sorting mechanisms and 8 It is preferable to comprise a single payout opening.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a coin processing device that processes coins such as coins and medals. For example, the present invention is preferably used for a change machine, a vending machine, a ticket machine, a game machine, a change machine, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coin delivery apparatus 10 Coin delivery apparatus 12 Base 14 Bowl 16 Rotating disk 16a Center protrusion 16b Holding surface 16c Coin latching body 16d Support shelf 16e Pushing edge 16f Riding slope 16g Downstream side edge 18 Coin receiving means 18a Coin receiving body 18b Receiving edge 18c Floating support means 20 Coin transporting device 22 Uppermost coin transporting unit 24 Lowermost coin transporting unit 26 Middle coin transporting unit 30 Coin sorting / dispensing device 40 Coin transporting / dispensing device 100 Coin guiding unit 102 Coin receiving portion 104 Coin outlet 105 Base body 105a Surface 106 Top plate 106a Surface 106b Back surface 107 Guide groove 107a Bottom surface 107b First side surface 107c Second side surface 108 First guide surface 108a Curve 108b Curve 109 Second guide surface 110 Coin guide passage 1 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 3rd guide surface 112 4th guide surface 113 Toroidal groove | channel 120 Coin pushing body 121 Shaft insertion hole 122 Rotary disk 123 Gear 124 Support shaft 125 Coin pushing mechanism 126 Drive connection mechanism 130 Coin ejecting mechanism 131 Fixing member 132 times Moving lever 134 Stopper 135 Energizing member 136 Moving end 137 Fixed end 138 Ejecting roller 139 Arc-shaped through portion 140 Coin detecting means 160 Coin dropping passage 162 First branching portion 164 First coin falling branching passage 166 Second branching portion 168 Second Coin falling branch path 200 Base member 202 First back member 203 Second back member 204 Third back member 205 Fourth back member 208 Drive mechanism holding portion 208a First fixed surface 208b Second fixed surface 208c Third fixed surface 208d Drive mechanism Holding grooves 212, 214, 216, 218 Back surface portion 222 First Bifurcation upper surface 224 First branch portion lower surface 226 Second branch portion upper surface 228 Second branch portion lower surface 232 Coin introduction port 234 Direction changing means 236, 238 Opening 242 First sorting members 243, 247 Movable side end portions 244, 248 246 Second distribution member 252 First discharge outlet 254 Second discharge outlet 256 Third discharge outlet 270 First distribution mechanism 272 First solenoid 274 First plunger 276 First push rod 278 First crank 280 First arm 282 First 1 position detecting means 284 1st coil spring 286 1st teardrop type crank 288 1st substantially L-shaped plate 290 1st push shaft 292 1st link mechanism 300 2nd distribution mechanism 302 2nd solenoid 304 2nd plunger 306 second push rod 308 second crank 310 second arm 312 second position detecting means 314 first Coil spring 316 second teardrop crank 318 second substantially L-shaped plate 320 second pusher shaft 322 second link mechanism 402 front 403 side 404 first branch portion side 405 second branch portion side 406 second side 408 First side surface 410 First fixing portion 412 First coin guide portion 413 Second coin guide portion 414 Coin guide grooves 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, 444, 446, 448 Member fixing portion 500, 502 Through hole 504, 508 Protruding portion 506, 510 Through hole AX Rotation axis C Coin

Claims (1)

The first and second guide surfaces for guiding the peripheral surface of the coin and the third and fourth guide surfaces for guiding either the front surface or the back surface of the coin, respectively, and extend from the coin receiving slot toward the coin outlet. An existing coin guide passage and a plurality of turntables arranged in a predetermined order from the coin receiving port toward the coin outlet and rotating about corresponding rotation axes substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces A drive connection mechanism for driving and connecting the plurality of turntables to rotate one and the other of the two turntables adjacent to each other in mutually opposite rotation directions; and the plurality of turntables The coins in the coin guide passage are pushed into the coin receiving path by projecting into the coin guide passage and pushing the coin. A plurality of coin pushers that move toward the coin exit, and a coin ejecting mechanism that elastically flips the coins moved to the vicinity of the coin exit by the plurality of coin pushers from the coin exit in a substantially horizontal direction. And a coin detection device that detects the passage of the coin that has been ejected by the coin ejecting mechanism ,
A coin dropping passage that is disposed adjacent to the coin outlet side with respect to the coin conveying device and has a coin introduction port facing the coin outlet, and a coin dropping branch passage branched from the middle of the coin dropping passage. A distribution mechanism that distributes the coin falling from the upstream of the coin dropping passage to either one of the downstream of the coin dropping passage and the one of the coin dropping branch passage at the branch portion of the coin dropping branch passage. A coin sorting and dispensing device
A coin conveying / dispensing device for selectively paying out the coin dropping passage and the coin falling branch passage after conveying the coin received from the coin receiving passage along the coin guide passage ;
The coin dropping passage has a direction changing portion inclined obliquely inwardly facing the coin introduction port at an upper end portion thereof, and the coin is ejected by the coin ejecting mechanism and introduced into the coin dropping passage. When the coin collides with the direction changing portion, the coin moving direction is changed from the substantially horizontal direction to the downward direction .

Images