JP6020002B2 - Bar metal storage device and bar metal storage management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a bar metal storage device capable of storing a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins and a bar metal storage management system including the bar metal storage device.

  In recent supermarkets and convenience stores, money handling devices called automatic change machines and automatic bill machines are generally connected to POS (Point Of Sales) registers. For example, when a money is inserted, the money handling apparatus identifies and stores the money, and when a withdrawal instruction is given from the POS register, the money of the corresponding amount is paid out. .

  Some money handling apparatuses of this type are provided with a bar metal storage device. The bar metal storage device stores a bar metal (bar coin) in which a predetermined number of coins of the same type are stacked and packaged, and when there are not enough coins to be dispensed in the money handling apparatus, A bar of the same type as the missing coin is taken out from the bar metal storage device and replenished to the money handling apparatus.

  By the way, generally used metal bars such as 10 yen and 100 yen coins are packaged in units of the same type, for example, in units of 50, but the number of stacked layers is changed depending on the type of coins. There are cases where multiple types of bar metal are set. For example, an expensive 500-yen coin among Japanese coins costs 25,000 yen in units of 50, which is an obstacle to the compression of change reserves, and is a 20-unit stick that is smaller than the normal number (50). Some gold is also in circulation.

  Accordingly, in the above-described bar metal storage device, for example, a bar metal unit of 50 sheets (ordinary bar metal) and a bar metal unit of 20 sheets (short bar metal) depending on the business contents and usage situation of the user. It is desired that and can be used as appropriate. In response to such a request, Patent Document 1 stores the 500 yen coin bar by storing in advance whether the type of the bar metal of the 500 yen coin is 50 or 20 sheets. Further, a bar metal storage device capable of detecting a normal bar or a short bar is disclosed.

JP 2007-213206 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set whether to store a normal bar or a short bar before use or at the time of factory shipment. Accordingly, it is difficult to appropriately store the normal bar of 50 sheets and the short bar of 20 units. Also, for example, when the use setting of a normal bar is made, if two short bars are stored in the storage pocket, the apparatus determines that one normal bar is stored, There is a possibility of mismanagement of the balance. Although it is conceivable to detect a normal bar and a short bar separately by installing a large number of sensors in the storage pocket, the number of sensors increases and the device cost increases, and the discrimination control is complicated. It will become.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and when a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins are stored, the type of the bar metal can be detected at a low cost, It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar metal storage device capable of improving convenience and a bar metal storage management system including the bar metal storage device.

  The bar metal storage device according to the present invention includes a storage tray that can be stored in a housing and can be pulled out, and a storage pocket that is provided in the storage tray and can store a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins. A bar metal storage device that can detect a bar metal stored in the storage pocket and provides a detection result according to a difference in the type of the stored bar metal depending on the number of stacked coins. It is characterized by comprising a detecting means capable of outputting and a bar moving member for moving a bar metal stored in the storage pocket to a detection position by the detecting means.

  According to such a configuration, the stored bar is moved to the detection position by the detection means by the bar moving member only by storing one of a plurality of types of bars different in the number of coins stacked in the storage pocket. The detection means outputs a different detection result depending on the type. For this reason, the type of the stored bar can be easily discriminated by, for example, a control unit provided inside or outside the apparatus. Moreover, since the bar metal can be moved to the detection position of the detection means by the bar metal moving member, the configuration of the detection means can be simplified, and the convenience of the user can be improved at low cost. Furthermore, since there is no need to perform setting processing or the like for each type of bar, the versatility of the apparatus is improved.

  Further, the bar metal storage management system according to the present invention includes: the bar metal storage device; and a discriminating unit that discriminates the type of bar metal due to the difference in the number of coins stacked based on the detection result output from the detection unit. With this, the type of bar metal stored in the storage pocket can be determined by the determining means, and the stored state can be appropriately managed.

  According to the present invention, only one of a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins is stored in the storage pocket, and a detection result that differs depending on the type of the stored bar metal is output from the detection means. Can do. For this reason, the type of the stored bar can be determined by, for example, a control unit provided inside or outside the apparatus. Moreover, since the bar metal can be moved to the detection position of the detection means by the bar metal moving member, the configuration of the detection means can be simplified, and the convenience of the user can be improved at low cost. Furthermore, since there is no need to perform setting processing or the like for each type of bar, the versatility of the apparatus is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, by constructing a system comprising a discriminating unit for discriminating the type of bar metal based on the difference in the number of coins based on the detection result output from the detecting unit, the discriminating unit The type of the bar metal stored in the storage pocket can be determined, and the storage state can be appropriately managed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a cash register system which is a bar metal storage management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the money handling apparatus and the bar metal storage apparatus. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the money handling apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bar metal storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drawer is pulled out from the apparatus main body in the bar metal storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of various types of bar metal, FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram showing a normal bar metal, and FIG. 6 (B) is a diagram showing a short bar metal. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a storage pocket provided in the bar metal storage device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the storage pocket as viewed from the upper surface side, and FIG. ) Is a perspective view of the storage pocket as seen from the bottom side. 8 is a side sectional view of the storage pocket shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing the normal bar A in the storage pocket of the bar storage device shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9A shows that the storage tray is stored inside the apparatus main body. FIG. 9B is a view showing a state in which the storage tray is pulled out from the state shown in FIG. 9A and a normal bar is stored, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage tray starts to be pushed into the apparatus main body from the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 is an operation diagram showing the latter half of the normal bar metal storing operation shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 (A) shows that the bar metal contacts the bar metal moving member from the state shown in FIG. 9 (C). 10 (B) is a view showing a state where the storage tray is further pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 10 (A), and FIG. 10 (C) is a view showing FIG. 10 (B). It is a figure which shows the state which the accommodation to the apparatus main body of a storage tray was completed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing one short bar B in the storage pocket of the bar storage device shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 (A) shows a short bar inserted in the drawer storage tray. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage tray has started to be pushed into the apparatus main body from the state illustrated in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11 (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the short bar is moved by the bar metal moving member from the state shown in FIG. 11 (B), and FIG. 11 (D) is from the state shown in FIG. 11 (C) to the main body of the storage tray. It is a figure which shows the state which storage of was completed. FIG. 12 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing two short bars in the storage pocket of the bar storage device shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 (A) shows two on the drawer storage tray. 12 (B) is a view showing a state in which the storage tray has started to be pushed into the apparatus main body from the state shown in FIG. 12 (A), and FIG. FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the rear short bar is moved by the bar metal moving member from the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 13 is an operation diagram showing the latter half of the storing operation of the two short bars shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 (A) shows two parts by the bar moving member from the state shown in FIG. 12 (C). FIG. 13B is a view showing a state where the storage tray is further pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 13A, and FIG. These are figures which show the state which the accommodation to the apparatus main body of a storage tray was completed from the state shown to FIG. 13 (B). FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining another installation position of the bar metal moving member. FIG. 15 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing the normal bar metal in the storage pocket provided in the bar metal storage device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a view showing a state in which the storage tray is pulled out from the state shown in FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15C is a view showing the state stored in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which accommodated the normal metal rod from the state shown to (B). FIG. 16 is an operation diagram showing the latter half of the storing operation of the normal bar A shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 (A) starts to push the storage tray into the apparatus main body from the state shown in FIG. 15 (C). FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a state in which the normal bar is moved by the bar metal moving member from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 16C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage of the storage tray from the state illustrated in FIG. 17 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing one short bar in the storage pocket of the bar storage device shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 (A) stores the short bar in the drawer storage tray. 17B is a diagram showing a state in which the storage tray has started to be pushed into the apparatus main body from the state shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C is a diagram showing FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the short bar metal was moved by the bar metal moving member from the state shown to (B), FIG.17 (D) is a state from the state shown to FIG.17 (C) to the apparatus main body of a storage tray. It is a figure which shows the state which storage was completed. FIG. 18 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing two short bars in the storage pocket of the bar storage device shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 18 (A) shows two short bars in the drawer storage tray. 18B is a diagram showing a state in which gold is stored, and FIG. 18B starts to push the storage tray into the apparatus main body from the state shown in FIG. 18A, and the short bar metal on the back side moves by the bar metal moving member. 18 (C) is a diagram showing a state in which two short bars are moved by the bar metal moving member from the state shown in FIG. 18 (B), and FIG. FIG. 18D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage of the storage tray from the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a storage pocket in a bar metal storage device according to a configuration example of storing one normal bar or one to three short bars.

  Hereinafter, a bar metal storage device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving preferred embodiments in relation to a system including this device.

1. Description of Overall Configuration of Bar Metal Storage Management System First, a configuration example of a cash register system (bar metal storage management system) 12 to which the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment is applied is described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a cash register system 12 which is a bar metal storage management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cash register system 12 includes a POS register (money registering device) 14, a money handling device 16, and a bar metal storage device 10. The cash register system 12 is installed in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, for example, and constitutes a system (bar metal storage management system) for managing and storing change and bar metal.

  The POS register 14 includes a control unit 15 that performs overall control of the apparatus and various arithmetic processes. The POS register 14 reads a product code by an operation of a cashier in charge as a user and registers a product code and quantity. Then, the item of the item and the amount of the item are called from the item code, and the difference (change amount) between the total amount of the item (billed amount) and the money received from the customer is calculated. Then, the POS register 14 displays the calculated amount of money on the amount indicator (not shown) attached thereto, and also displays the amount of change. Thereby, the customer can know the billing amount and the change amount. The change amount (withdrawal amount) is notified from the control unit 15 of the POS register 14 to the control unit 19 of the change machine 18 constituting the money handling apparatus 16.

  A change machine 18 constituting the money handling device 16 is connected to the POS register 14. The change machine 18 includes a control unit 19 that performs overall control of the apparatus and various arithmetic processes. The change machine 18 is connected to a change machine 20 that forms the money handling apparatus 16 together with the change machine 18. The money handling device 16 accepts money (coins and banknotes) inserted by a cashier in charge, and pays out money to be changed. Manage the amount of money (withdrawal) and the amount of money. When the change machine 18 or the bill machine 20 accepts money, the change machine 18 notifies the POS register 14 of the deposit amount, and receives the withdrawal amount notified from the control unit 15 of the POS register 14. The money corresponding to the withdrawal amount is paid out from the change machine 18 or the bill machine 20. Thereby, the cashier person can withdraw changes without counting money.

  A bar storage device 10 is connected to the change machine 18. The bar metal storage device 10 includes a control unit 21 that performs overall control of the device and various arithmetic processes, and further, a bar metal type discrimination process described later, and stores coins to be replenished to the change machine 18 as a reserve. To do. From the control unit 21 of the bar metal storage device 10 to the control unit 19 of the change machine 18, the type and quantity of bar metal (bar coins) stored in the bar metal storage device 10 are notified. Here, the bar metal (bar-shaped coin) is configured by stacking and packaging a predetermined number of coins of the same type as one handling unit. The bar metal storage device 10 according to the present embodiment is intended to store a bar metal in which a predetermined number of 1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins are packaged. In particular, the present invention is effective for storing bars that are classified according to the number of stacked same coins (in this embodiment, 500 yen coins). The bar storage device 10 may be connected to the fishing bill machine 20 instead of the change machine 18.

  In the case of paying for the product using the cash register system 12 described above, first, the cashier person operates the POS register 14 and inputs the product code and quantity. Register the quantity. When the product code and quantity are registered in the POS register 14, the control unit 15 calls the product item and the product price from the product code, calculates the total price (charged amount) of the product, and attaches it to the POS register 14. The billing amount is displayed on the amount indicator. As a result, the customer recognizes the billing amount, and pays the cashier (payment) more than the billing amount.

  The cashier in charge confirms and receives the money paid by the customer and inputs it into the money handling apparatus 16. The money handling apparatus 16 accepts money (money) input by the cashier and notifies the POS register 14 of the accepted amount (payment amount) from the change machine 18. The POS register 14 displays the amount notified from the change machine 18 as a deposit on the amount display. Then, when the cashier enters the POS register 14 that the money has been input, the control unit 15 calculates the difference between the deposit and the charged amount, displays it on the amount indicator as the change amount, and displays the difference amount as the withdrawal amount. To the control unit 19 of the change machine 18, and a receipt is output from a printer (not shown) attached to the POS register 14.

  When the amount of money to be paid is notified from the POS register 14 to the change machine 18, the change machine 18 pays out money corresponding to the amount to be paid from the bill machine 20 and the change machine 18. The cashier in charge delivers the money together with the receipt output from the printer to the customer as a change and completes the payment of the money.

  In such a cash register system 12, when there are not enough coins in the change machine 18, the change machine 18 notifies the POS register 14 that it is necessary to replenish coins. When the change machine 18 notifies the POS register 14 that coins need to be replenished, the POS register 14 displays the fact on a display unit (not shown) attached to the POS register 14. When the cashier in charge sees this display and inputs a replenishment operation from an operation unit (not shown) attached to the POS register 14, the POS register 14 notifies the change machine 18 of a replenishment command. The change machine 18 to which the replenishment instruction is notified from the POS register 14 permits the replenishment of coins and enables the removal of the bar from the bar storage device 10. Thereby, the cashier person takes out the bar from the bar storage device 10 and replenishes the change machine 18 with coins. When the coin replenishment to the change machine 18 is completed, the change machine 18 notifies the POS register 14 that the coin replenishment is finished. When it is notified from the change machine 18 that the coin replenishment has been completed, the POS register 14 returns to a state where the payment for the merchandise can be settled.

2. 2. Description of Configuration Example of Bar Metal Storage Device 2.1 Description of Bar Metal Storage Device According to First Embodiment Next, a bar metal storage device (bar metal storage) 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the money handling apparatus 16 and the bar metal storage apparatus 10, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the money handling apparatus 16 shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bar metal storage device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the drawer 24 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 22 in the bar metal storage device 10 shown in FIG. .

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the bar storage device 10 according to the present embodiment can be stored in the device main body (housing) 22, the device main body 22, and can be pulled out from the front of the device main body 22 to the front side. For example, the control unit 21 is mounted in the apparatus main body 22. The apparatus main body 22 has an opening (opening space, drawer storage portion) 22a that is open to the front surface so that the drawer 24 can be housed inside and can be pulled out to the outside, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The drawer 24 is a box having a size that can be completely inserted and stored in the opening 22a, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper surface opened. On the inner wall surface (the top surface 22b in this embodiment) of the opening 22a, a bar metal moving member 27 described later is provided. The apparatus main body 22 may be any housing (housing) that can accommodate the drawer 24 so that it can be withdrawn. The apparatus main body 22 does not necessarily include the control unit 21, and the opening 22a is opened in only one direction. It may be other than.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a storage tray 26 is attached inside the drawer 24. The storage tray 26 is for storing a predetermined type of bar metal in a predetermined position. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the storage tray 26 has a plurality of storage pockets (storage grooves) 28 for storing bar metal, a paper sheet storage box 30 for storing paper sheets such as banknotes and gift certificates, and a bar. There is provided a rose coin storage 32 for storing rose coins and the like that are separated from gold.

  By the way, as described above, in a commonly used bar metal, coins such as 10 yen and 100 yen are used which are the same type, for example, wrapped in units of 50 sheets. Two types of metal bars different in the number of stacked layers, that is, 50 metal bars (ordinary metal bars and long metal bars) and 20 metal bars (short metal bars) are used.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), the length in the longitudinal direction (stacking direction) of a normal bar (first bar) A which is a bar of 50 sheets is set to LA (for example, 500). The length in the longitudinal direction (stacking direction) of the short bar (second bar) B, which is a bar of 20 sheets, is called LB (for example, in the case of a 500 yen coin) Naturally, the length LA is greater than the length LB. Here, the length LB of the short bar B is usually less than half of the length LA of the bar A, and the length LB is larger than one third of the length LA (1 / It can be said that 3LA <LB <1 / 2LA) and LB × 2 <LA. Usually, these normal bars A and short bars B and the like are rounded portions 33 (for example, about 2 mm each in the left and right directions in the longitudinal direction) on both ends in the longitudinal direction. Is formed.

  The bar metal storage device 10 includes a detection unit and a determination unit for detecting and determining the type and number of the bar metal when the plurality of types of bar metal thus distinguished are stored in the storage pocket 28. Thus, it is not necessary to set the type of storage in advance, and the convenience for the user is high.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the storage pocket 28 provided in the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the storage pocket 28 viewed from the upper surface side. 7 (B) is a perspective view of the storage pocket 28 as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the storage pocket 28 shown in FIG. 7, in which the bar is not stored in the storage pocket 28, and the drawer 24 is stored up to a predetermined storage position where the back part abuts inside the opening 22 a. Is shown. In FIG. 8, in order to ensure the visibility of the drawing, the cross sectional hatching of the storage pocket 28 and the like is omitted, and the same applies to the subsequent drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 8, the bar metal storage device 10 includes a normal bar A or a plurality of different types of the same coins, in this case, two types of bar metal. When the short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, a detection unit (detection means) 34 that detects the stored bar metal, and a bar stored in the storage pocket 28 is detected by the detection unit 34. A bar moving member 27 to be moved to the detection position, and a bar control unit (discriminating means) 36 for receiving the detection result by the detection unit 34 and discriminating the type and number of the bar stored in the storage pocket 28. Prepare.

  The bar control unit 36 is provided in the control unit 21 and can exchange information with the control unit 19 of the upper change machine 18, and is detected by the detection unit 34 according to an instruction from the change machine 18. The changer 18 is notified of the type and number of bars, and the lock mechanism (not shown) attached to the drawer 24 is notified of whether the drawer 24 needs to be opened or closed (lock instruction and unlock instruction). .

  The bar control unit 36 is not the control unit 21 of the bar metal storage device 10, but the control unit 19 of the change machine 18, the control unit 15 of the POS register 14, or the POS register 14, as shown in FIG. It may be provided in the control unit 23 of the fishing bill machine 20. Further, a control unit (control device) 25 may be provided separately from the POS register 14, the money handling device 16 and the bar metal storage device 10, and the bar metal control unit 36 may be provided in the control unit 25. The control unit 25 only needs to be communicably connected to at least one of the bar storage device 10, the money handling device 16, and the POS register 14.

  The detection unit 34 includes a first sensor S1, a second sensor S2, and a third sensor that are arranged in order from one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction, which is the storing direction of the bar in the storage pocket 28. It has three sensors consisting of S3. The second sensor S <b> 2 is disposed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. The first sensor S1 is disposed slightly closer to the center from the one end surface 28a on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28, and the third sensor S3 is disposed slightly closer to the center from the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the case of the present embodiment, each of the sensors S1 to S3 constituting the detection unit 34 is an optical sensor including a light projector 35a and a light receiver 35b. The sensors S1 to S3 may be any sensors that can detect the presence or absence of a bar metal placed in the storage pocket 28. For example, the ON / OFF switch (limit switch) such as a vertical movement type or a lever type, A magnetic coil type sensor that reacts with the magnetic material (metal medium) constituting the film may be used. Moreover, you may comprise each sensor S1-S3 by the sensor of a respectively different system.

  Each of the sensors S1 to S3 is in a non-detection state (OFF) when the light receiver 35b receives light from the projector 35a, and this light is blocked by a bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28. By being in the detection state (ON), the sensors S1 to S3 detect the presence or absence of a bar at each position, and output a detection result (detection signal) to the outside. Such a detection result from the detection unit 34 is transmitted to the bar control unit 36 via a sensor processing circuit or the like (not shown). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 executes a discrimination process for specifying the type and number of the bar based on the transmitted detection result, and transmits the discrimination result to the POS register 14 or the like.

  The bar metal moving member 27 is set at a detection position by the detection unit 34 by moving the bar metal toward the one end face 28a in the storage pocket 28, and prompts the detection unit 34 to accurately detect the type and number of bar metal. belongs to.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8, the bar moving member 27 has a protruding portion (V-shaped portion, pressing portion) 27a on the distal end side, and the proximal end side is fixed to the top surface 22b of the opening portion 22a. Then, the protrusion 27 a is a leaf spring (plate-like elastic member) urged toward the bottom of the storage pocket 28. The projecting portion 27a has a V-shape in a side view when the distal end side of the leaf spring is bent obliquely downward and then the distal end portion is folded upward. The base end side portion of the protrusion 27a forms an inclined surface 27b that is inclined downward in the direction of the arrow Z2.

  The bar metal moving member 27 is fixed to a position facing the storage pocket 28 on the top surface 22b of the opening 22a, and the protrusion 27a is stored in a natural posture where no external force is applied to the bar metal moving member 27. The height position is set so as to be able to come into contact with a metal bar stored in the pocket 28. That is, the height dimension between the lowest part of the protrusion 27a and the bottom surface of the storage pocket 28 is smaller than the outer diameter of the bar.

  Since the bar moving member 27 is fixed to the apparatus main body 22 side, the drawer 24 is moved with respect to the drawer 24 when the drawer 24 is pulled out (moved in the direction of the arrow Z1) and stored (moved in the direction of the arrow Z2). Move in the opposite direction. For this reason, the protrusion 27a is moved in the opposite direction (proximity direction) between the metal bar and the top surface 22b when the drawer 24 is stored in the apparatus main body 22, and the end surface ( The bar is pulled and moved to the one end face 28a side by being hooked and locked to the other end face 28b side end face). When the bar is pulled and moved to a position where it abuts on the one end face 28a, the protrusion 27a is elastically deformed while the inclined surface 27b is in sliding contact with the peripheral edge of the end face of the bar, and rides on the outer peripheral surface (upper surface) of the bar. Therefore, the storage of the drawer 24 is not hindered (see, for example, FIGS. 10A to 10C).

  The protruding portion 27a can move the bar metal in any shape as long as it can escape to the peripheral surface of the bar metal after the bar metal abuts the one end surface 28a and its movement is restricted. For example, it may be a semicircular or triangular rib extending in the width direction of the leaf spring, a hemispherical protrusion, or the like, and the bar metal moving member 27 has a structure other than the leaf spring. Also good. Further, the bar moving member 27 is not necessarily fixed to the top surface 22b of the opening 22a, and may be fixed using a side surface of the opening 22a, a bracket (not shown), or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the storage pocket 28 can store each bar metal in the direction along the coin stacking direction, and can store a bar metal having the longest number of stacked bars, here, a normal bar A. This is a semicircular groove portion that has a length L1 (L1 ≧ LA) and is formed so that the normal bar A and the short bar B can be stored in a horizontal position. In the present embodiment, as described above, the length LA of the normal bar A is about 94 mm, and the length L1 of the storage pocket 28 is usually set in consideration of the ease of setting and taking out the bar. The length is about several mm longer than the length LA of the metal bar. For example, the length of the bottom surface on which the metal bar A normally lands is configured to be about 96 mm.

  In the case of this embodiment, the storage pocket 28 can store one normal bar A or one or two short bars B, and one bar is stored by the detection unit 34. The detection unit 34 can detect whether it is a normal bar A or one or two short bars B. Then, next, the relationship among each bar, each sensor S1-S3, and the bar moving member 27 is demonstrated, referring the figure after FIG.

  When the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the normal bar A is attracted to the one end face 28a side of the storage pocket 28 by the bar moving member 27, and all the sensors S1 to S3 are detected (ON). (See FIG. 10C). When one short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, the short bar B is moved toward the one end face 28a side of the storage pocket 28 by the bar moving member 27, and only the first sensor S1 is moved. A detection state is entered (see FIG. 11D). Further, when the two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28, the two short bars B are collectively moved toward the one end face 28 a side of the storage pocket 28 by the bar metal moving member 27, 1 and 2nd sensors S1 and S2 will be in a detection state (refer FIG.13 (C)). Accordingly, the bar control unit 36 determines that one normal bar A is stored when all of the three sensors S1 to S3 are in the detection state, and when one sensor S1 is in the detection state. It is determined that one short bar B is stored, and when the two sensors S1 and S2 are in the detection state, it is determined that two short bars are stored.

An arrangement example of the sensors S1 to S3 and the bar metal moving member 27 for detecting and discriminating two bar metal types in three patterns as described above will be described with reference to FIG. It can prescribe | regulate by the relationship shown to (7).
(1) The distance D1 (for example, about 80 mm) between the first sensor S1 and the third sensor S3 at both ends is smaller than the length LA of the normal bar A (D1 <LA). That is, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the distance D1 can be detected from the length LA of the normal bar A and the length L1 of the storage pocket 28 so that all the sensors S1 to S3 can detect. The difference (L1-LA) obtained by subtracting the length LA is made shorter than the subtraction interval {LA- (L1-LA)}.
(2) If the lengths from the end faces 28a, 28b to the sensors S1, S3 at both ends are L2 and L3 (for example, about 8 mm), the normal metal bar A brought close to the one end face 28a side by the bar metal moving member 27. Is detected by all the sensors S1 to S3, the distance (L2 + D1) between the one end face 28a and the third sensor S3 is smaller than the length LA of the normal bar A (L2 + D1 <LA).
(3) The length L2 from the one end surface 28a to the first sensor S1 so that the single short bar B brought close to the one end surface 28a side by the bar metal moving member 27 can be detected only by the first sensor S1. Is shorter than the length LB of the short bar B, and the length (L2 + D2) from the one end surface 28a to the second sensor S2 is larger than the length LB of the short bar B (L2 <LB <L2 + D2).
(4) In order to enable the sensors S1 and S2 to detect the two short bars B brought together and arranged in series on the one end face 28a side by the bar metal moving member 27, the second sensor S2 from the one end face 28a. (L2 + D2) is smaller than twice the length LB of the short bar B, and the length (L2 + D1) from the one end surface 28a to the third sensor S3 is 2 of the length LB of the short bar B. Greater than double (L2 + D2 <LB × 2 <L2 + D1).
(5) In a state where the drawer 24 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 22, the bar metal moving member 27 is capable of pulling one short bar B toward the one end face 28a, so that the protrusion 27a Is positioned closer to the one end surface 28a than the second sensor S2 in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28, and at least the distance D4 between the position P and the first sensor S1 is the length LB of the short bar B. Less than (D4 <LB). In the present embodiment, the length (L2 + D4) from the one end surface 28a to the position P of the protrusion 27a is set to the length of the short bar B in order to move the short bar B to a position where it contacts the one end surface 28a. Is smaller than LB (L2 + D4 <LB).
(6) In order to be able to store the normal bar A, the length L1 between the both end faces 28a, 28b of the storage pocket 28 is larger than the length LA of the normal bar A (LA <L1).
(7) In order to prevent the three short bars B from being stored, the length L1 between both end faces 28a, 28b of the storage pocket 28 is smaller than three times the length LB of the short bar B ( L1 <LB × 3).

  Next, a method of discriminating and counting the normal bar A and the short bar B by the bar metal storage device 10 configured as described above will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG.9 and FIG.10, the case where the normal bar A is accommodated in the storage pocket 28 is demonstrated.

  9 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing the normal bar A in the storage pocket 28 of the bar metal storage device 10, and FIG. 10 shows the latter half of the operation of storing the normal bar A shown in FIG. FIG. In FIGS. 9A to 9C and FIGS. 10A to 10C, the device main body 22 and the opening 22a are not shown and secured to the device main body 22 side in order to ensure the visibility of the drawings. The position of the bar moving member 27 is fixed, and the storage tray 26 provided on the drawer 24 is moved in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 by the drawing operation and the storing operation. Is the same. Moreover, in the figure which shows the state which the accommodation operation | movement of the normal bar A completed (in the case of the normal bar A, FIG. 10C), the sensor (the normal bar A) which is in the detection state (ON) by the bar. In this case, all the sensors S1 to S3) are illustrated by black circles, and the non-detection state (OFF) sensor (none in the case of the normal bar A) is illustrated by white circles. The states of the sensors S1 to S3 are clearly shown, and the same applies to the subsequent FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of arrow Z1), and a normal bar metal is placed in the storage pocket 28. A is stored (see FIG. 9B). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, the storage pocket 28 and the bar metal are in a positional relationship in which the bar metal moving member 27 partially overlaps the back side of the storage pocket 28 with the storage tray 26 pulled out. Although the moving member 27 is provided, the storage pocket 28 and the bar metal moving member 27 do not overlap with each other when the storage tray 26 is pulled out, and the storage pocket 28 is completely exposed. Of course.

  Subsequently, in order to store the storage tray 26 inside the apparatus main body 22, pushing in toward the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of arrow Z2) is started (see FIG. 9C). Then, since the bar moving member 27 is fixed to the apparatus main body 22 with respect to the normal bar A that moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26, both of them move in the opposite directions, and eventually the normal bar The protrusion 27a of the bar metal moving member 27 comes into contact with the end face (back face) of A. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), the normal bar A receives a pressing force in the direction of arrow Z1 from the protrusion 27a, and moves in the direction of arrow Z1 opposite to the moving direction of the storage tray 26 in the storage pocket 28 ( It is drawn and moved to the one end face 28a side). As described above, the protrusion 27a can draw and move the bar in the storage pocket 28 toward the one end face 28a by using the force when the drawer 24 is pushed.

  Then, even after the end surface (front surface) of the normal bar A comes into contact with the one end surface 28a, the storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2, so that the protrusion 27a is elastically deformed and the normal bar is moved by the inclined surface 27b. It rides on the upper surface (outer peripheral surface) of the gold A (see FIG. 10B). Thereafter, the protrusion 27a moves in a direction opposite to the normal bar A (in the direction of the arrow Z1) while sliding on the upper surface of the normal bar A in accordance with the storing operation of the storage tray 26.

  Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, as shown in FIG. 10 (C), the protrusion 27a has a normal rod between the sensors S1 and S2. The upper surface of the gold A is held in a state of being biased downward.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, in the state where the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, all the sensors S1 to S3 are detected by the normal bar A brought close to the one end face 28a. ON). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that one normal bar A is stored based on the detection results of the sensors S1 to S3.

  The timing of detection of the bar by the detection unit 34 and the determination by the bar control unit 36 may be performed, for example, when the sensors S1 to S3 are in the same detection state or non-detection state for a certain time. Further, the completion of the storage of the drawer 24 in the apparatus main body 22 may be detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), and this may be performed as a trigger, and the timing may be set as appropriate. In addition, the bar metal type and number discrimination process by the bar control unit 36 is detected by any of the sensors S1 to S3 based on the assumed storage pattern of the normal bar A and the short bar B in the storage pocket 28. Table data indicating how many kinds of metal bars are stored and stored in the metal bar control unit 36, and the actual detection result of the detection unit 34 is displayed. If it is applied to the table data, smooth processing is possible.

  Next, a case where one short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing one short bar B in the storage pocket 28 of the bar metal storage apparatus 10.

  First, the storage tray 26 (see FIG. 9A) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side (in the direction of the arrow Z1) of the apparatus main body 22, and one short bar B is placed in the storage pocket 28. Store (see FIG. 11A).

  Subsequently, pushing of the storage tray 26 into the apparatus main body 22 is started (see FIG. 11B). Then, the short bar B that moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26 and the bar moving member 27 whose position is fixed relatively move in the opposite direction, and the end surface (back surface) of the short bar B The protrusion 27a of the bar moving member 27 comes into contact with the short bar B, and the short bar B is pulled and moved in the storage pocket 28 in the arrow Z1 direction (on the one end face 28a side) (see FIG. 11C).

  Then, even after the end surface (front surface) of the short bar B comes into contact with the one end surface 28a, the storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2, so that the protrusion 27a is elastically deformed on the upper surface of the short bar B. Get on. Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, as shown in FIG. 11D, the protrusion 27a is a short bar between the sensors S1 and S2. The upper surface of the gold B is held in a biased state.

  As shown in FIG. 11D, when the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, the first sensor S1 is detected by the single short bar B brought close to the one end face 28a. (ON), and the second and third sensors S2, S3 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that one short bar A is stored based on the detection results of the sensors S1 to S3.

  Thus, the bar control unit 36 detects and discriminates one short bar B when only the first sensor S1 is in the detection state. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the position P of the protrusion 27 a of the bar metal moving member 27 only needs to be installed closer to the first sensor S <b> 1 than the side of the second sensor S <b> 2. In other words, the position P of the projecting portion 27a is determined by the bar metal by the bar metal moving member 27 among the three sensors S1 to S3 in a state where the storage tray 26 is stored in the apparatus main body 22 to a predetermined position. In the moving direction (in the direction of the arrow Z1), the first sensor S1 located at the foremost side and the second sensor S2 adjacent thereto are installed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the position P of the protrusion 27a may be a position where the protrusion 27a does not ride on the short bar B in contact with the one end face 28a. Then, even when the short bar B stored in the storage pocket 28 moves back and forth due to an impact or the like when the drawer 24 hits the back of the opening 22a, the end surface of the short bar B Since the protrusion 27a comes into contact with and the movement of the short bar B in the arrow Z2 direction is restricted on the front side of the second sensor S2, the short bar B is securely held at the detection position of the first sensor S1. I can keep it.

  Next, a case where two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  12 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing the two short bars B in the storage pocket 28 of the bar metal storage device 10, and FIG. 13 shows the two short bars B shown in FIG. It is an operation | movement diagram which shows the second half part of storage operation | movement of No ..

  First, the storage tray 26 (see FIG. 9A) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of the arrow Z1), and two short bars B are placed in the storage pocket 28. Store (see FIG. 12A). The two short bars B may be stored in a state where they are in contact with each other in series, or may be stored in a state where they are separated from each other as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, when pushing of the storage tray 26 into the apparatus main body 22 is started, two short bars B that move in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26, and a bar moving member 27 that is fixed in position. The protrusion 27a of the bar metal moving member 27 comes into contact with the end surface (back surface) of the short bar B on the back side (right side in FIG. 11) (see FIG. 12B). For this reason, due to the pressing force from the projection 27a, the rear short bar B is moved in the storage pocket 28 in the direction of the arrow Z1 (on the one end face 28a side) and eventually moved forward (left side in FIG. 11). In contact with the short bar B, and the two stick together and are arranged in series (see FIG. 12C). Then, by the rear short bar B drawn by the protrusion 27a of the bar moving member 27 in the arrow Z1 direction, the short bar B on the near side is also collectively pulled and moved in the arrow Z1 direction. (See FIG. 13A).

  The storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2 even after the end surface (front surface) of the short bar B on the near side abuts the one end surface 28a, so that the projection 27a is elastically deformed and the short side on the far side. It rides on the upper surface of the bar B (see FIG. 13B). Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, the protrusion 27a moves the upper surface of the short bar B on the near side downward between the sensors S1 and S2. Is held in an energized state (see FIG. 13C).

  As shown in FIG. 13C, in the state in which the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, the first and first short bars B are drawn together on the one end face 28a side. The two sensors S1 and S2 are in the detection state (ON), and the third sensor S3 is in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that two short bars B are stored based on the detection results of these sensors S1 to S3.

  As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13 (C), one bar metal moving member 27 is added, and two bar metal moving members 27, 27 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. Also good. The added second metal rod moving member 27 has the upper surface of the short metal rod B on the back side between the sensors S2 and S3 in a state where the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22. It is good to comprise so that it may become a position to urge. Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (B), after the near side metal rod moving member 27 rides on the back side or near side short metal rod B, the far side metal rod moving member 27 is moved to the far side. It can be drawn by the bar moving member 27 and can be moved in the storage pocket 28 while maintaining the two short bars B in a more stable state in series.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the storage of the storage tray 26 in the apparatus main body 22 is completed, the back-side bar metal moving member 27 holds the back-side short bar B. It is possible to effectively prevent the two short bars B from moving back and forth by an impact or the like when the drawer 24 hits the inner part of the opening 22a, and the two short bars B are connected to the sensors S1 and S2. Can be securely held at the detection position. Even when two bar metal moving members 27 are provided, when the normal bar A is stored, both the bar metal moving members 27 ride on the normal bar A, and one short bar moves. When the bar B is stored, the rear bar metal moving member 27 does not come into contact with the short bar B. Even in these cases, the added second metal bar moving member 27 is obstructive. Never become.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the position P of the protrusion 27a of the bar moving member 27 is provided at a position to be the side of the second sensor S2, and the tip 27c of the protrusion 27a is more than the second sensor S2. It is also effective to provide it at a position protruding to the 3 sensor S3 side. As a result, when the rear short bar B moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 due to an impact or the like when the drawer 24 hits the inner part of the opening 22a, it protrudes between the two short bars B and B. Part 27a is interposed. Accordingly, the short bar B on the near side is held on the one end face 28a side of the protrusion 27a to turn on the first sensor S1, and the short bar B on the back side is the other end face 28b than the tip part 27c of the protrusion 27a. The third sensor S3 is held on the side, and the third sensor S3 is turned on (the white circle is shown in FIG. 14), and the second sensor S2 is turned off. Therefore, the bar controller 36 can reliably determine that the two short bars B are stored based on the two sensors S1 and S3 being turned on. That is, in the bar metal storage device 10, when two short bars B are stored, each bar B is always positioned by the bar metal moving member 27 at a position where one sensor S 2 or S 3 is removed. Is done.

2.2 Description of Bar Metal Storage Device According to Second Embodiment Next, a bar metal storage device (bar metal storage) 10a according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The bar metal storage device 10a according to the present embodiment includes a bar metal moving member 40 having a structure different from that of the bar metal moving member 27 configured by a leaf spring, as compared with the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment. Except for this point, the apparatus is substantially the same. For example, it is mounted on the cash register system 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 5), and can store, detect, and discriminate the normal bar A and the short bar B. Therefore, in the bar metal storage device 10a according to the present embodiment, elements having the same or similar functions and effects as those of the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is an operation diagram showing the first half of the operation of storing the normal bar A in the storage pocket 28 provided in the bar storage device 10a according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a normal operation shown in FIG. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the latter half part of the accommodation operation | movement of the bar A.

  The bar metal moving member 40 provided in the bar metal storage device 10a according to the present embodiment moves the bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 to the one end face 28a side, like the bar metal moving member 27 described above. Is set to a detection position by the detection unit 34, and the detection unit 34 is urged to accurately detect the type and number of bars.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (A), the bar moving member 40 includes a hook member 42 bent downward and formed at the tip, and a rod-like or strip-like hook member 42 formed in an L shape in side view, and the tip A hook member 42 is fixed to the side, and a base end side is fixed to the top surface 22b of the opening 22a, thereby providing a coil spring (torsion coil spring) 44 that is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2. The hook member 42 is slidable in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 as the coil spring 44 expands and contracts.

  In the bar metal moving member 40, the base end of the coil spring 44 is fixed at a position facing the storage pocket 28 on the top surface 22b of the opening 22a, and no external force acts on the bar metal moving member 40, and the coil spring The hook member 42 is set to a height position where the hook 42a of the hook member 42 can come into contact with a bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 in a state where the length 44 is in a natural length. That is, the height dimension between the lowermost part of the hook 42a and the bottom surface of the storage pocket 28 is smaller than the outer diameter of the bar.

  Similar to the above-described bar metal moving member 27, the bar metal moving member 40 is fixed to the apparatus main body 22 side. Therefore, the drawer 24 is pulled out (moved in the direction of arrow Z1) and stored (moved in the direction of arrow Z2). ) In the opposite direction relative to the drawer 24. For this reason, the hook 42a is moved in the opposite direction relative to the bar metal and the top surface 22b when the drawer 24 is stored in the apparatus main body 22, and the end surface of the stored bar metal (the end surface on the other end surface 28b side). ) To be engaged and moved toward the one end face 28a. When the bar metal is drawn and moved, the hook member 42 slides in the same direction as the retracting direction of the drawer 24 by the extension operation of the coil spring 44. After the bar metal is pulled and moved to a position where it abuts against the one end face 28a, the hook member 42 hooked on the bar metal extends in the direction of arrow Z2 while expanding the coil spring 44 against the biasing force of the coil spring 44. Therefore, the storage of the drawer 24 is not hindered.

  The bar metal moving member 40 has any configuration as long as it can be hooked on the bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 in accordance with the storing operation of the drawer 24 and the hook can slide while being pulled and moved. May be. The elastic member may be other than the coil spring 44, and the hook member 40 may be other than the L-shape. In addition, the coil spring 44 may have a configuration in which the expansion / contraction distance is ensured by folding back with a pulley or the like (not shown) to ensure a compact configuration while ensuring the expansion / contraction distance. Further, the bar moving member 40 is not necessarily fixed to the top surface 22b of the opening 22a, and may be fixed using a side surface of the opening 22a, a bracket (not shown), or the like.

  In the case of this embodiment, the dimensions and arrangement of the storage pocket 28 and the detection unit 34 may be the same as those of the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment, but the bar metal moving member 40 and the detection unit 34 and the bar metal are the same. For example, the relationship may be defined as follows.

  That is, in a state where the drawer 24 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 22, the bar metal moving member 40 has a coil spring 44 in order to draw one short bar B toward the one end face 28a. The position P2 of the hook 42a in the natural length is disposed closer to the one end surface 28a than the second sensor S2 (see also the position P2 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15A), and at least the position P2 and the first sensor The distance D5 between S1 is smaller than the length LB of the short bar B (D5 <LB). In other words, the position P2 of the hook 42a is set such that the bar metal is moved by the bar metal moving member 27 among the three sensors S1 to S3 in a state where the storage tray 26 is stored in the apparatus main body 22 up to a predetermined position. It is installed so as to be positioned between the first sensor S1 that is the foremost side in the moving direction and the second sensor S2 that is adjacent thereto. In the present embodiment, the length (L2 + D5) from the one end surface 28a to the position P2 of the hook 40a is set to the length of the short bar B in order to move the short bar B to the position where it contacts the one end surface 28a. Is smaller than LB (L2 + D5 <LB).

  Next, a method of discriminating and counting the types of the normal bar A and the short bar B by the bar storage device 10a configured as described above will be described.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the case where the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side (in the direction of arrow Z1) of the apparatus main body 22 (see FIG. 15B) and stored. The normal bar A is stored in the pocket 28 (see FIG. 15C). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 (B), the storage pocket 28 and the bar metal are in a positional relationship in which the bar metal moving member 40 partially overlaps the back side of the storage pocket 28 with the storage tray 26 pulled out. Although the moving member 40 is installed, when the storage tray 26 is pulled out, the storage pocket 28 and the bar metal moving member 40 do not overlap with each other, and the storage pocket 28 is completely exposed. Of course.

  Subsequently, in order to store the storage tray 26 inside the apparatus main body 22, pushing in toward the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of arrow Z2) is started (see FIG. 15C). Then, since the bar moving member 40 is fixed to the apparatus main body 22 with respect to the normal bar A that moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26, both move relatively in the opposite direction, and the normal bar A The hook 42a comes into contact with and is caught by the end face (back face) (see FIG. 16A). When the storage tray 26 is further pushed while the hook 42a is hooked on the end face of the normal bar A, the normal bar A extends the coil spring 44 and the moving direction of the storage tray 26 in the storage pocket 28 is set. Is attracted and moved in the direction of the opposite arrow Z1 (on the one end face 28a side), and comes into contact with the one end face 28a (see FIG. 16B).

  Then, even after the normal bar A comes into contact with the one end surface 28a, the storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2, so that the coil spring 44 is further expanded while the hook 42a is hooked on the end surface of the normal bar A. . Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, the normal bar A is moved by the biasing force of the coil spring 44 as shown in FIG. The hook 42a and the one end face 28a are sandwiched and held.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, in a state where the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, all the sensors S1 to S3 are detected by the normal bar A brought close to the one end face 28a. ON). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that one normal bar A is stored based on the detection results of the sensors S1 to S3.

  Next, a case where one short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing one short bar B in the storage pocket 28 of the bar storage device 10a.

  First, the storage tray 26 (see FIG. 15A) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of arrow Z1), and one short bar B is placed in the storage pocket 28. Store (see FIG. 17A).

  Subsequently, pushing of the storage tray 26 into the apparatus main body 22 is started (see FIG. 17B). Then, the short bar B which moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26 and the bar moving member 40 whose position is fixed move relatively in the opposite directions, and the end surface (back surface) of the short bar B The short bar B is pulled and moved in the direction of the arrow Z1 (on the one end face 28a side) within the storage pocket 28 while the coil spring 44 is extended (see FIG. 17C).

  Then, even after the end face (front face) of the short bar B comes into contact with the one end face 28a, the storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2, so that the hook 42a remains hooked on the end face of the short bar B and the coil The spring 44 is further extended. Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, the short bar B is biased by the coil spring 44 as shown in FIG. Thus, the hook 42a and the one end face 28a are sandwiched and held.

  As shown in FIG. 17D, when the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, the first sensor S1 is detected by the single short bar B brought close to the one end face 28a. (ON), and the second and third sensors S2, S3 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that one short bar B is stored based on the detection results of the sensors S1 to S3.

  As described above, the bar moving member 40 constituting the bar control device 10a includes the hook member 42 that is hooked on the end surface of the bar and the extendable coil spring 44 that elastically supports the hook member 42. It is possible to hold and hold a bar metal between 28a. For this reason, even when a force in the front-rear direction is applied to the short bar B stored in the storage pocket 28 due to an impact or the like when the drawer 24 hits the back of the opening 22a, the short bar Since the movement of the gold B is restricted by the hook 42a, the short bar B can be reliably held at the detection position of the first sensor S1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, a case where two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is an operation diagram showing an operation of storing two short bars B in the storage pocket 28 of the bar storage device 10a.

  First, the storage tray 26 (see FIG. 15A) stored in the apparatus main body 22 is pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 22 (in the direction of arrow Z1), and two short bars B are placed in the storage pocket 28. Store (see FIG. 18A). The two short bars B may be stored in a state where they are in contact with each other in series, or may be stored in a state where they are separated as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, pushing of the storage tray 26 into the apparatus main body 22 is started. Then, the two short bars B that move in the direction of the arrow Z2 together with the storage tray 26 and the bar moving member 40 whose position is fixed move relatively in the opposite directions, and the back side (right side in FIG. 18) ) Hook 42a is caught on the end face (back face) of the short bar B, and the back side short bar B extends the coil spring 44 in the direction of the arrow Z1 (on the one end face 28a side) in the storage pocket 28. It is drawn and moved (see FIG. 18B). When the short bar B on the back side moved by the hook 42a comes into contact with the short bar B on the near side (right side in FIG. 18) and both are arranged in series, the hook 42a pulls in the direction of the arrow Z1. Along with the short bar B on the back side, the short bar B on the near side is also collectively moved in the direction of the arrow Z1 (see FIG. 18C).

  The storage tray 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow Z2 even after the end face (front face) of the front short bar B comes into contact with the one end face 28a, so that the hook 42a becomes the end face of the rear short bar B. The coil spring 44 is further extended while being hooked on. Finally, when the storing operation of the storage tray 26 (drawer 24) into the opening 22a of the apparatus main body 22 is completed, as shown in FIG. 18 (D), the rear short metal bar on which the hook 42a is hooked. B and the short bar B on the front side are held and held in a state of being arranged in series between the hook 42a and the one end face 28a by the biasing force of the coil spring 44.

  As shown in FIG. 18D, in the state where the storage tray 26 is completely stored in the apparatus main body 22, the first and first short bars B are integrally moved toward the one end face 28a. The two sensors S1 and S2 are in the detection state (ON), and the third sensor S3 is in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that two short bars B are stored based on the detection results of these sensors S1 to S3.

  Thus, in the bar moving member 40, even when the two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28, the movement of the two short bars B is restricted by the hook 42a. Even if a force in the front-rear direction acts on the short bar B stored in the storage pocket 28 due to an impact or the like when the drawer 24 hits the inner part of the opening 22a, two short bars The gold B can be reliably held at the detection positions of the first and second sensors S1, S2.

  As described above, according to the bar metal storage devices 10 and 10a according to the above-described embodiment, the storage tray 26 that can be stored in the apparatus main body 22 that is a housing and can be pulled out, and the storage tray 26 are provided. A storage pocket 28 capable of storing a plurality of types of metal bars (for example, a normal metal bar A and a short metal bar B) with different numbers of coins is provided, and the metal bars stored in the storage pocket 28 can be detected. In addition, the detection unit 34 that can output a detection result corresponding to the difference in the type depending on the number of stacked coins of the stored bar metal, and the bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 are detected by the detection unit 34. And metal rod moving members 27 and 40 to be moved to positions.

  Therefore, only by storing any one of a plurality of types of metal bars having different numbers of coins in the storage pocket 28, the stored metal bars are detected by the detection unit 34 by the bar metal moving members 27 and 40, In the said embodiment, it is moved to the position which approached the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 so that it may correspond to each sensor S1-S3. As a result, a detection result that differs depending on the type and number of bars is output from the detection unit 34, and for example, the type and number of bars stored in the storage pocket 28 in the control unit 21 can be reliably determined. In addition, since the bar metal can be moved to the detection position of the detection unit 34 by the bar metal moving members 27 and 40, it is not necessary to arrange a large number of sensors in the storage pocket 28, and the number of sensors constituting the detection unit 34. Can be minimized, and user convenience can be improved at low cost. Furthermore, since there is no need to perform setting processing or the like for each type of bar, the versatility of the apparatus is improved.

  In this case, the bar metal moving members 27 and 40 are fixed to the apparatus main body 22, and after the storage tray 26 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 22 and the bar metal is stored in the storage pocket 28, the apparatus main body is stored. When it is housed in the interior of 22, it makes use of only the pushing force when the drawer 24 is housed without a special drive means or the like by abutting against a bar metal housed in the storage pocket 28. The bar can be moved in the storage pocket 28. For this reason, the apparatus configuration can be further simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the drive control of the bar metal moving members 27 and 40 is not required, so that not only the structural surface but also the control surface can be simplified. it can.

  For example, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the bar moving members 27 and 40 move the normal bar A to a position where all the sensors S1 to S3 are in the detection state. When the short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, the short bar B is moved to a position where one sensor S1 is detected, and the two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28. If the two short bars B are moved to a position where the two sensors S1, S2 or S1, S3 are in the detection state, the bar type and number can be accurately detected. It is possible.

  In other words, in the bar metal storage devices 10 and 10a, when the normal bar A is stored, all the sensors S1 to S3 are in the detection state (see FIGS. 10C and 16C). When one short bar B is stored, one sensor S1 is in a detection state (see FIGS. 11D and 17D), and two short bars B are stored. In this case, the three sensors constituting the detection unit 34 are in a positional relationship in which the two sensors S1 and S2 (see FIGS. 13C and 18D) or S1 and S3 (see FIG. 14) are in the detection state. Sensors S1 to S3 and bar metal moving members 27 and 40 are installed.

  In the cash register system 12, which is a bar metal storage management system including the bar metal storage devices 10 and 10a according to the above embodiments, the control unit 21 (or the control units 15, 19, 23, 25) of the bar metal storage device 10 is used. Based on the detection result output from the detection unit 34, the bar metal control unit 36, which is a discriminating means for discriminating the type of bar metal (for example, the normal bar A and the short bar B) due to the difference in the number of coins stacked, By providing, it is possible to determine the type of bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 by the bar metal control unit 36 and manage the storage state.

  Further, in the bar metal storage devices 10 and 10a according to the above embodiments, one normal bar A and one or two short bars B can be stored in the storage pocket 28 for two types of bar metal. As shown in FIG. 19, these bar metal storage devices 10 and 10a store one normal bar A and 1 to 3 (or 4 or more) short bars B. It can also be configured.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, by adding a fourth sensor S4 next to the first to third sensors S1 to S3, each bar is placed in the storage pocket 28 by a bar moving member 27 (40). Since it is moved to the one end face 28a side, 1 to 3 short bars B can be detected by the first to third sensors S1 to S3, respectively, and the normal bar A is also used to the first to fourth sensors. It can detect by S1-S4.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19, the distance from the one end face 28a to each of the sensors S1, S2, S3, S4 can be detected by one short bar B, one, two, three, and one normal bar, respectively. By setting the distance, each bar can be detected under the action of the bar moving member 27 (40). In other words, the longest normal bar A is detected by all the sensors S1 to S4, and shorter short bars B are detected by the sensors S1 to S3 for each of the number, and the short bar B is stored. In the state, at least the sensor S4 on the other end surface 28b side which is the rearmost side in the moving direction of the bar by the bar moving member 27 (40) is in a non-detection state. In this case, the length LB of the short bar B is less than 1/3 of the length LA of the normal bar A, and the length LB is larger than a quarter of the length LA. (1 / 4LA <LB <1 / 3LA). Further, in order to be able to detect and discriminate four or more short bars B, it is only necessary to provide as many as five or more sensors in consideration of the normal bar A and the number of stored short bars B.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be freely changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10a Bar metal storage apparatus 12 Cash register system 14 POS register 15, 19, 21, 23, 25 Control unit 16 Money processing apparatus 18 Change machine 20 Fishing ticket machine 22 Apparatus main body 22a Opening part 22b Top surface 24 Drawer 26 Storage tray 27 , 40 Bar metal moving member 27a Protruding portion 27b Inclined surface 28 Storage pocket 28a One end surface 28b Other end surface 34 Detection unit 36 Bar metal control unit 42 Hook member 42a Hook 44 Coil spring A Normal bar B B Short bar S1 First sensor S2 Second sensor S3 Third sensor S4 Fourth sensor

Claims (6)

A storage tray installed in a housing and capable of being pulled out;
A storage pocket provided in the storage tray and capable of storing a plurality of types of metal bars having different numbers of coins;
A bar storage device comprising:
Detecting means capable of detecting a bar metal stored in the storage pocket and outputting a detection result according to a difference in the type of the stored bar metal depending on the number of stacked coins;
A bar moving member for moving the bar stored in the storage pocket to a detection position by the detection means;
Equipped with a,
The bar metal moving member is fixed to the casing, and after the storage tray is pulled out of the casing and the bar is stored in a storage pocket, the bar is moved into the casing. when that, by contacting the coin which has been received in the receiving pocket, the coin-roll storing device according to claim Rukoto move the rod gold in storage pockets. The bar metal storage device according to claim 1 ,
In the case where two types of the first metal bar in which a predetermined number of coins are stacked and the second metal bar in which the number of stacked coins is less than half of the first metal bar are defined as the bar metal,
The detection means has a plurality of sensors arranged in order from one end side to the other end side along the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket,
When the first bar is stored in the storage pocket, the bar moving member moves the first bar to a position where all sensors are in the detection state, and one or two of the second bars are moved. When the bar is stored in the storage pocket, the second bar is moved to a position where at least the rearmost sensor is in a non-detection state in the bar moving direction by the bar moving member. A bar storage device. In the bar metal storage device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The bar metal moving member is a plate-like elastic member having a protrusion on one end side, and the other end side fixed to the inner wall surface of the opening of the housing that stores the storage tray.
The plate-like elastic member moves the bar metal when the storage tray is housed in the housing by being hooked on one end of the bar metal, and then elastically deforms so that the protrusion is made of the bar metal. A bar storage device that can be run on an outer peripheral surface. In the bar metal storage device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The bar moving member has a hook member, and an elastic member provided on one end side of the hook member, and an elastic member fixed on the inner wall surface of the opening of the housing for storing the storage tray on the other end side,
The bar metal moving member moves the bar metal while the elastic member is extended by the hook member being hooked to one end of the bar metal when the storage tray is stored in a housing. Storage device. The bar metal storage device according to claim 4 ,
When the storage tray is stored, the hook member is moved by a bar metal against the urging force of the elastic member, and after the storage tray is stored to a predetermined position inside the housing, A bar metal storage device, wherein the bar metal is held in a state of being pulled toward one end face side of the storage pocket by an urging force of an elastic member. A bar metal storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Discriminating means for discriminating the type of bar metal based on the difference in the number of stacked coins based on the detection result output from the detecting means;
A bar metal storage management system comprising:

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