JP6094704B2 - Bar metal storage device - 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.

  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.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems. When a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins are stored, the type of the bar metal is determined, and versatility and convenience are achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide a bar metal storage device that can be improved.

  The bar metal storage device according to the present invention is a bar metal storage device capable of storing a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins stacked, and can store the bar metal in an orientation along the coin stacking direction. And a storage pocket formed so as to be able to store a bar set with the largest number of coins stacked among the plurality of types of bars, and a bar stored in the storage pocket can be detected. And a detecting means capable of outputting a detection result corresponding to a difference in type depending on the number of stacked coins of the stored bar metal.

  According to such a configuration, the storage pocket formed so as to be able to store the bar metal having the largest number of coins stacked, and the bar metal stored in the storage pocket can be detected and stored. By providing detection means that can output detection results according to the type of bar metal, just store one of multiple types of bar metal with different numbers of coins in the storage pocket, depending on the type. Detection results can be output. For this reason, the type of the stored bar can be easily determined, for example, by a control unit provided inside or outside the apparatus, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform setting processing for each type of bar, 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, it is possible to detect a bar metal stored in a storage pocket, and to provide a detection unit capable of outputting a detection result according to a difference in the type of the stored bar metal, thereby stacking coins. By simply storing one of a plurality of types of metal bars having different numbers in the storage pocket, a detection result corresponding to the type can be output. For this reason, the type of the stored bar can be easily determined, for example, by a control unit provided inside or outside the apparatus, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform setting processing for each type of bar, versatility of the apparatus is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the discrimination means is constructed by constructing a system comprising a discrimination means for discriminating the type of bar metal based on the difference in the number of coins stacked based on the detection result output from the detection means. Thus, 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 a table showing an example of a method and a discrimination result of the type and number of bar metal by the bar metal storage device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another example of the storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. 9 is stored. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 9 is stored. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 9. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 9 is stored. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 9. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. 9 is stored. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 10 in FIG. 9. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 11 in FIG. 9. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 12 in FIG. 9. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 13 in FIG. 9. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 14 in FIG. 9. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 15 in FIG. 9 is stored. FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram of a storage pocket provided in the bar metal storage device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 26 (A) is a plan view of the storage pocket, and FIG. 26 (B) is a storage pocket. FIG. FIG. 27 is a table showing an example of a method and a determination result of the type and number of bar metal by the bar metal storage device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 27 is stored. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 27 is stored. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 27 is stored. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 27 is stored. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 27 is stored. FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example in which the types of the first sensor and the second sensor of the detection unit illustrated in FIG. 26 are changed. FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of a storage pocket provided with a detection unit according to a first modification in the bar metal storage device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 37 is a view showing a state in which a normal bar is stored in a storage pocket provided with the detection unit shown in FIG. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which the short bar and the abnormal bar are stored in the storage pocket provided with the detection unit shown in FIG. FIG. 39 is a side cross-sectional view of a storage pocket provided in the bar metal storage device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 40 is a table showing an example of a method and a determination result of the type and number of bar bars by the bar metal storage device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of a bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of a bar corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of the storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a coil sensor is attached to the detection unit illustrated in FIG. 38. FIG. 50 is a configuration diagram of a storage pocket provided in the bar metal storage device according to the fourth embodiment.

  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 will be 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 includes an apparatus main body 22 and a drawer 24 that can be pulled out from the front of the apparatus main body 22 to the front side, and is controlled. The unit 21 is mounted in the apparatus main body 22, for example. The apparatus main body 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front surface. The drawer 24 is a box having a size that can be inserted into the apparatus main body 22, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top surface.

  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. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the storage pocket 28 shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, in order to ensure the visibility of the drawing, the cross-sectional hatching and the like are 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, the detection unit (detection means) 34 for detecting the stored bar and the detection result by the detection unit 34 are received and stored in the storage pocket 28. And a bar control unit (discriminating means) 36 for discriminating the type and number of the bar.

  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 connected to an abnormality notifier 37 for notifying the user of a detection abnormality when it is determined that the detection of the bar by the detection unit 34 is abnormal (detection abnormality). Has been. The abnormality notifier 37 may be constituted by a lamp, an alarm, or the like, for example.

  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 S3 arranged in order from one end side to the other end side along the longitudinal direction, which is the storing direction of the bar in the storage pocket 28. , The fourth sensor S4, and the fifth sensor S5. The third sensor S3 is disposed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. The first sensor S1 is disposed on one end side of the storage pocket 28 and slightly near the center of the one end surface 28a, and the fifth sensor S5 is on the other end side of the storage pocket 28 and slightly on the other end surface 28b. Has been placed. The second sensor S2 is disposed between the first sensor S1 and the third sensor S3 and slightly away from the first sensor S1, and the fourth sensor S4 includes the third sensor S3 and the fifth sensor S5. Between the first and second sensors S5.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the case of the present embodiment, each of the sensors S1 to S5 constituting the detection unit 34 is an optical sensor including a light projector 35a and a light receiver 35b. The sensors S1 to S5 may be any sensors that can detect the presence or absence of a bar metal placed in the storage pocket 28. For example, an 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-S5 by the sensor of a respectively different system.

  Each of the sensors S1 to S5 is in a non-detection state (OFF) when the light receiver 35b receives light from the projector 35a, and when 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 S5 detect the presence or absence of a bar at each position. The detection result detected by 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 bar bars based on the transmitted detection result, transmits the discrimination result to the POS register 14 and the like, and an abnormality notifier as necessary. 37 is driven. Along with the drive of the abnormality notifier 37, the lock mechanism attached to the drawer 24 may be driven to lock the drawer 24 so that it cannot be closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B), a sensor comprising a light projector 39a and a light receiver 39b for detecting the presence or absence of a bar metal above the storage pocket 28 is provided above the storage pocket 28 in the longitudinal direction. 39 is provided. The sensor 39 performs detection according to the type of coins constituting the bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28. For example, the sensor 39 is the most of the coins constituting the bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28. When a large-diameter 500-yen coin is stored, it is detected and turned on (ON), and when a smaller-diameter 10-yen coin or the like is stored, it enters a non-detected state (OFF). It is possible to detect the type of bar metal depending on the type.

  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. Whether it is a normal bar A or one or two short bars B can be detected. Then, next, the relationship between each bar and the arrangement of the sensors S1 to S5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the five sensors S1 to S5 constituting the detection unit 34, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, all the sensors S1 to S5 are in the detection state (ON) (see FIG. 10 and the like). ). When one short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, one sensor (see FIG. 22, etc.) or two adjacent sensors (see FIG. 19, etc.) are in the detection state. Further, when two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28, two sensors (see FIG. 15), three sensors (see FIG. 16), or four sensors (see FIG. 15) that are not adjacent to each other. Are installed in a positional relationship where the detection state (ON) is set.

  Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that one normal bar A is stored when all of the five sensors S1 to S5 are in the detection state, and detects one sensor or two adjacent ones. When one sensor is in the detection state, it is determined that one short bar B is stored, and two non-adjacent sensors, three sensors, or four sensors are in the detection state. It is determined that two bars are stored.

Accordingly, an example of sensor arrangement for detecting and discriminating the type of bar metal as described above using the five sensors S1 to S5 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. For example, the following (1) to (4) ). For example, when these relationships are satisfied, the type and number of the stored bar can be determined for the normal bar A and the short bar B.
(1) The distance D1 (for example, about 86 mm) between the first sensor S1 and the fifth sensor S5 at both ends is smaller than the length LA of the normal bar A and twice the length LB of the short bar B Greater than (LB × 2 <D1 <LA). That is, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the distance D1 is determined 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 S5 can detect the normal bar A. The difference (L1-LA) obtained by subtracting the length LA is made shorter than the subtraction interval {LA- (L1-LA)}.
(2) The distance between adjacent sensors, that is, the distance D2 (for example, about 18 mm) between the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2, and the distance D3 (for example, about 25 mm) between the second sensor S2 and the third sensor S3. The distance D4 (for example, about 25 mm) between the third sensor S3 and the fourth sensor S4 and the distance D5 (for example, about 18 mm) between the fourth sensor S4 and the fifth sensor S5 are the length of the short bar B. Smaller than LB (D2 to D4 <LB). In this case, the intervals D3 and D4 are larger than the intervals D2 and D5 (D2, D5 <D3, D4).
(3) The distance between the center third sensor S3 and the first sensor S1 at one end (D2 + D3) and the distance between the center third sensor S3 and the fifth sensor S5 at the other end (D4 + D5) are the length of the short bar B Is larger than LB (LB <D2 + D3, D4 + D5). That is, the distance that cannot be detected by the first and third sensors S1 and S3 or the third and fifth sensors S3 and S5 with one short bar B is used.
(4) The distance (D3 + D4) between the second sensor S2 and the fourth sensor S4 provided on both sides of the center third sensor S3 is larger than the length LB of the short bar B (LB <D3 + D4). In other words, the single short bar B has a distance that cannot be detected by the second and fourth sensors S2 and S4 across the third sensor S3.

Moreover, about the relationship between the storage pocket 28 and the sensors S1-S5, it can prescribe | regulate by the relationship shown to the following (5)-(8), for example. For example, when these relationships are satisfied in addition to the above (1) to (4), it is possible to more accurately determine the type and number of the stored bar bars.
(5) If the lengths from the end faces 28a, 28b to the sensors S1, S5 at both ends are L2 and L3 (for example, about 5 mm), the distance from the one end face 28a to the fifth sensor S5 at the other end (L2 + D1) Is smaller than the length LA of the normal bar A (L2 + D1 <LA), and the distance (L3 + D1) from the other end face 28b to the first sensor S1 on the one end side is smaller than the length LA of the normal bar A (L3 + D1). <LA).
(6) The lengths L2 and L3 from the end faces 28a and 28b to the sensors S1 and S5 at both ends are smaller than the length LB of the short bar B (L2, L3 <LB).
(7) 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).
(8) The length L1 between the 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.

  FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a method and a discrimination result of the type and number of bar metal by the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the bar metal storage device 10 according to the present embodiment, as the storage pattern of the normal bar A and the short bar B in the storage pocket 28, the sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 5 constituting the detection unit 34 are used. For example, 15 kinds of combination patterns are assumed depending on the detection state of the bar, and the bar metal discrimination result (type and number) for each combination pattern is stored in the bar control unit 36 as table data as shown in FIG. Has been. That is, the bar control unit 36 determines which of the 13 types of combination patterns the stored bar corresponds to based on the detection state of each sensor S1 to S5, and stores the stored bar based on the determination result. Determine the type and number of gold.

  Hereinafter, the storage state of the bar corresponding to each combination pattern in FIG. 9, the detection state by the detection unit 34 at that time, and the bar metal discrimination result will be described in order.

  The combination pattern 1 in FIG. 9 shows a state in which no bar is stored in the storage pocket 28 (empty state). As shown in FIG. 8, all the sensors S1 to S5 are in a non-detected state. (OFF). Accordingly, the bar metal control unit 36 does not particularly determine the bar metal type or number.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 9. Here, in FIGS. 10 to 25, in order to ensure the visibility of the drawings, the sensors S1 to S5 that are in the detection state (ON) by the bar are shown by black circles, and the sensor S1 in the non-detection state (OFF). -S5 is illustrated by white circles.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the first to fifth sensors S1 to S5, which are all sensors, are in the detection state (ON). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 9, and determines that one normal bar A is stored. FIG. 10 shows a state where the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28 close to the one end face 28a side, but when the normal bar A is stored in the approximate center of the storage pocket 28 ( 11) or when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28 close to the other end face 28b side (see FIG. 12), all the sensors S1 to S5 are in the detection state, and the combination pattern 2 It is determined to be applicable.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 13, when two short bars B are stored in the storage pocket 28 close to both ends, the first and second sensors S <b> 1 and S <b> 2 are moved by one short bar B. The detection state (ON) is entered, the other short metal rod B causes the fourth and fifth sensors S4 and S5 to be in the detection state (ON), and the center third sensor S3 is in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 9, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. 9 is stored. As shown in FIG. 14, when two short bars B are stored near the one end face 28a of the storage pocket 28, the first to fourth sensors S1 to S4 are in the detection state (ON), and the other end The fifth sensor S5 on the side is in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. 9, and determines that two short bars B are stored. When the two short bars B are stored near the other end face 28b, the second to fourth sensors S2 to S4 are determined to be in the detection state (ON).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 9 is stored. As shown in FIG. 15, when the two short bars B are stored in the vicinity of the center of the storage pocket 28 with a little space between each other, the second sensor S2 detects by one of the short bars B. The fourth sensor S4 is in the detection state (ON) by the other short bar B, and the first, third, and fifth sensors S1, S3, S5 at both ends and the center are in the non-detection state (OFF). It is in. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 9, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 16, when the two short bars B are stored near the center of the storage pocket 28, second to fourth sensors S <b> 2 to S <b> 4 that are the center and three sensors adjacent to the center. Is in the detection state (ON), and the first and fifth sensors S1, S5 at both ends are in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of the sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 9, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  Note that, in the bar metal storage state shown in FIG. 16, a space formed by the contact between the round portions 33 and 33 of the laminate material that wraps the coins of the two short metal bars B (two short metal bars B). When the space formed in the contact portion between each other corresponds to a position corresponding to the center third sensor S3, the third sensor S3 may be in a non-detection state (OFF). However, in this state, the same detection state as that of the combination pattern 5 shown in FIG. 15 is obtained. As a result, it can be accurately determined that the two short bars B are stored. .

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 9 is stored. As shown in FIG. 17, when the short bar B is stored near the one end face 28a and further, the short bar B is stored slightly near the other end face 28b, the first short bar B is 1 and 2nd sensors S1 and S2 will be in a detection state (ON), 4th sensor S4 will be in a detection state (ON) by the other short bar B, and 3rd and 5th sensors S3 and S5 of the center and the other end are It is in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 9, and determines that two short bars B are stored. As shown in FIG. 18, when the short bar B is housed near the one end face 28a and slightly closer to the center, and when the short bar B is housed near the other end face 28b, the second, fourth, The fifth sensors S2, S4, S5 are in the detection state (ON), and correspond to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 9, and it is determined that two short bars B are accommodated.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. 9 is stored. As shown in FIG. 19, when one short bar B is stored near the one end face 28a of the storage pocket 28, the first and second sensors S1 and S2 are in the detection state (ON), and the third to third The fifth sensors S3 to S5 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. 9, and determines that one short bar B is stored. As shown in FIG. 25, when one short bar B is housed near the other end face 28b, the fourth and fifth sensors S4 and S5 are in the detection state (ON), and in FIG. It corresponds to the combination pattern 15 and it is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 10 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 20, when one short bar B is stored slightly toward the center of the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28, the second sensor S2 is in the detection state (ON), and the first and third sensors are turned on. The fifth sensors S1, S3 to S5 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of the sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 10 in FIG. 9, and determines that one short bar B is stored. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, when one short bar B is accommodated in the other end surface 28b side and slightly near the center, the fourth sensor S4 is in a detection state (ON), and the combination pattern in FIG. 14 and it is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 11 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 21, when one short bar B is stored near the center of the storage pocket 28 and slightly at one end face 28a, the second and third sensors S2 and S3 are in the detection state (ON), and the second The first, fourth, and fifth sensors S1, S4, and S5 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of the sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 11 in FIG. 9, and determines that one short bar B is stored. As shown in FIG. 23, when one short bar B is housed near the center and the other end face 28b, the third and fourth sensors S3 and S4 are in the detection state (ON), and FIG. It corresponds to the combination pattern 13 in the middle, and it is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 12 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 22, when one short bar B is stored in the center of the storage pocket 28, the third sensor S3 is in the detection state (ON), and the first, second, fourth, fifth Sensors S1, S2, S4 and S5 are in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S1 to S5 correspond to the combination pattern 12 in FIG. 9, and determines that one short bar B is stored.

  As described above, according to the bar metal storage device 10 according to the present embodiment, the bar metal can be stored in the direction along the coin stacking direction, and a plurality of types of bar metal (for example, the normal bar A and the Among the short bars B), a storage pocket 28 formed so as to be able to store a bar (for example, a normal bar A) having the largest number of coins to be stacked, and a bar stored in the storage pocket 28 And a detection unit 34 capable of outputting a detection result according to the difference in the type depending on the number of stacked bar metal coins.

  For example, in the bar storage device 10, when the normal bar A is stored, all the sensors S1 to S5 are in a detection state (see FIG. 10 and the like), and one short bar B is stored. When one sensor (see FIG. 22 etc.) or two adjacent sensors (see FIG. 19 etc.) are in the detection state and two short bars B are stored, two non-adjacent Sensor (refer to FIG. 15), three sensors (refer to FIG. 16), or four sensors (refer to FIG. 13 and the like), or five sensors S1 to S1 constituting the detection unit 34 in a positional relationship where the detection state is established. S5 is installed in the storage pocket 28.

  Therefore, since only one of a plurality of types of metal bars having different numbers of coins is stored in the storage pocket 28 and different detection results are output from the detection unit 34 according to the type, for example, in the control unit 21 The type of bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 can be reliably determined, and the convenience for 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, in the cash register system 12 which is the bar metal storage management system according to the above embodiment, the detection output from the detection unit 34 to the control unit 21 (or the control units 15, 19, 23, 25) of the bar metal storage device 10 is performed. Based on the result, a bar metal control unit 36 that is a discriminating means for discriminating the bar metal type depending on the number of stacked coins is provided, so that the bar metal type stored in the storage pocket 28 by the bar metal control unit 36 is provided. And the storage state can be managed.

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 is substantially the same device as the bar metal storage device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that a detection unit 34a having a configuration different from that of the detection unit 34 is provided. 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 second 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, Detailed description is omitted and the same applies hereinafter.

  26 is a configuration diagram of the storage pocket 28 provided in the bar metal storage device 10a, FIG. 26 (A) is a plan view of the storage pocket 28, and FIG. 26 (B) is a side sectional view of the storage pocket 28. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 26 (A) and FIG. 26 (B), the bar metal storage device 10a is a normal bar A or a short bar which is a plurality of types, in this case, two types of bar metals, in which the number of stacked same coins is different. When B is stored in the storage pocket 28, a detection unit (detection means) 34a for detecting the stored bar metal, and a bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 in response to a detection result by the detection unit 34a. And a bar control unit (discriminating means) 36 for discriminating the type and number of the bar.

  The detector 34a includes a first sensor S11 disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28, a second sensor S12 disposed in the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. And a third sensor S13 arranged. In the present embodiment, the first sensor S11 is disposed slightly near the center of the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28, and the third sensor S13 is disposed slightly near the center of the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28.

  The first sensor S11 and the third sensor S13 are vertically movable types (rod type) configured such that small sensor heads 38a and 38c can be projected and retracted from the opening provided on the bottom surface of the storage pocket 28 into the storage pocket 28. ON / OFF switch (limit switch). The sensor heads 38 a and 38 c protrude into the storage pocket 28 by the urging force of the coil spring (elastic member) 40 when the normal bar A and the short bar B are not stored in the storage pocket 28. On the other hand, when the normal bar A or the short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, the normal bar A or the short bar B is pushed down against the urging force of the coil spring 40 by its own weight (weight). Then, it is detected from the inside of the storage pocket 28 while allowing the bar metal to be stored (see FIG. 28, etc.).

  In a similar manner, the second sensor S12 is a vertically movable type (rod) configured such that a sensor head 38b larger than the sensor heads 38a and 38c can be projected and retracted from an opening provided on the bottom surface of the storage pocket 28 into the storage pocket 28. ON / OFF switch (limit switch). The sensor head 38 b protrudes into the storage pocket 28 by the urging force of the coil spring 40 when the normal bar A and the short bar B are not stored in the storage pocket 28. On the other hand, when the normal bar A or the short bar B is stored in the storage pocket 28, the normal bar A or the short bar B is pushed down against the urging force of the coil spring 40 by its own weight (weight). Then, it is detected from the inside of the storage pocket 28 while allowing the bar metal to be stored (see FIG. 29, etc.).

  Each of these sensors S11 to S13 is configured to be able to move up and down while receiving a biasing force from the coil spring 40, and the sensor heads 38a to 38c protrude (invade) into the storage pocket 28 without receiving a load from a bar. Is in a non-detection state (OFF state), and is in a detection state (ON state) when the sensor heads 38a to 38c are pushed down by a load of a bar. The detection result detected by the detection unit 34a is transmitted to the bar control unit 36 via a sensor processing circuit or the like (not shown).

  Also in this embodiment, the storage pocket 28 can store one normal bar A or one or two short bars B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26 (B), in the storage pocket 28, a length L4 between the one end surface 28a which is the end surface on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28 and the one side surface 42a of the sensor head 38b. (For example, about 42 mm) has a length capable of storing one short bar B (L4 ≧ LB), and the other end surface 28b which is the end surface on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28 and the sensor head 38b. A similar length L4 is set between the side surface 42b. In the storage pocket 28, the distance D6 (for example, about 37 mm) between the inner surface of the sensor head 38a and one side surface 42a of the sensor head 38b is such that the short bar B falls between the sensors S11 and S12. The length is set shorter than the length LB in order to prevent the detection from becoming impossible (D6 <LB), and the same distance D6 is set between the inner side surface of the sensor head 38c and the other side surface 42b of the sensor head 38b. ing. Further, the width W1 (for example, about 12 mm) of the sensor head 38b is set to be equal to or less than a length obtained by subtracting a value twice the length LB of the short bar B from the length LA of the normal bar A { W1 ≦ (LA−LB × 2)}. That is, it can be said that W1 ≦ (L1−L4 × 2).

  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.

  FIG. 27 is a table showing an example of a method and a determination result of the type and number of bar metal by the bar metal storage device 10a according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, in the bar metal storage apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment, the sensors S11 to S13 constituting the detection unit 34a are used as the storage patterns of the normal bar A and the short bar B in the storage pocket 28. Depending on the detection state of the bar metal, for example, eight types of combination patterns are assumed, and the bar metal discrimination result (type and number) for each combination pattern is stored in the bar metal control unit 36 as table data as shown in FIG. Has been. That is, the bar controller 36 determines which of the eight types of combination patterns the stored bar corresponds to based on the detection states of the sensors S11 to S13, and stores the stored bar based on the determination result. Determine the type and number of gold.

  Hereinafter, the storage state of the bar corresponding to each combination pattern in FIG. 27, the detection state by the detection unit 34a at that time, and the bar metal discrimination result will be described in order.

  The combination pattern 1 in FIG. 27 shows a state in which no bar metal is stored in the storage pocket 28 (empty state), and as shown in FIG. It is in a non-detection state (OFF). Accordingly, the bar metal control unit 36 does not particularly determine the bar metal type or number.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 28, when the short bar B is stored between the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 and the one side surface 42a of the second sensor S12, the first sensor S11 is lowered to store the storage pocket 28. The detection state (ON) is lost from the inside, and the second and third sensors S12 and S13 are in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11 to S13 correspond to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 27, and determines that one short bar B is stored. As shown in FIG. 31, when one short bar B is stored between the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the other side surface 42b of the second sensor S12, the third sensor S13 detects it. It becomes a state (ON), corresponds to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 27, and determines that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 27 is stored. As shown in FIG. 29, when the short bar B is stored in the vicinity of the center of the storage pocket 28, the second sensor S12 descends and enters a detection state (ON) in which the second sensor S12 is sunk from the storage pocket 28. The third sensors S11 and S13 are in a non-detection state (OFF). However, the same detection state can be obtained when the two short bars B are housed between the first and third sensors S11 and S13 in a state where the second sensor S2 is simultaneously pushed down at the respective end portions. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11 to S13 correspond to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 27, determines that the detection is abnormal, and drives the abnormality notifier 37.

  That is, in this state, the sensor head 38b of the second sensor S12 is sunk by the short bar B, and it can be detected that the bar is stored in the storage pocket 28, but one short bar B is present. Or it is not possible to determine whether there are two short bars B or they are out of the assumed standards, for example, about 40 bars using a part of normal bars A, The detection is abnormal.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 30, when about 25 abnormal rods C using a part of the normal bar A are stored near the one end face 28 a of the storage pocket 28, which is slightly longer than the short bar B, for example. In this state, the first and second sensors S11 and S12 are lowered to enter the detection state (ON) where they are sunk from the storage pocket 28, and the third sensor S13 is in the non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11 to S13 correspond to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. 27, determines that the detection is abnormal, and drives the abnormality notifier 37.

  That is, in this state, the sensor heads 38a and 38b of the first and second sensors S11 and S12 are sunk by the abnormal bar C, and it can be detected that the bar is stored in the storage pocket 28 itself. Since there is a high possibility that the bar is a bar other than the standard assumed (abnormal bar C), the detection is abnormal. As shown in FIG. 33, when the abnormal bar C is stored near the other end face 28b of the storage pocket 28, the second and third sensors S12 and S13 are in the detection state (ON), and in FIG. It corresponds to the combination pattern 7 and is determined as a detection abnormality.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 27 is stored. As shown in FIG. 32, a short bar B is stored between one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 and one side surface 42a of the second sensor S12, and the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the second sensor S12. When the short bar B is stored between the other side surface 42b, the first and third sensors S11 and S13 are lowered to enter the detection state (ON) where they are sunk from the storage pocket 28, and the second sensor S12. Is in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of the sensors S11 to S13 correspond to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 27, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the bar metal corresponding to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 27 is stored. As shown in FIG. 34, when the normal bar A is stored between the one end surface 28a and the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28, the first to third sensors S11 to S13, which are all sensors, are lowered. As a result, the detection state (ON) of the storage pocket 28 is obtained. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11 to S13 correspond to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 27, and determines that one normal bar A is stored.

  The sensors other than the center second sensor S12 in the storage pocket 28, that is, the first sensor S11 and the third sensor S13 may be any sensors as long as they can detect the presence or absence of a metal bar. It need not be possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 35, instead of the first sensor S11, a first sensor (light sensor) S11a that has a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit similar to the detection unit 34 shown in FIG. May be used. Further, instead of the third sensor S13, a magnetic coil type third sensor (coil sensor) S13a whose output changes in accordance with the distance from a coin that is a magnetic body (metal medium) constituting the bar metal may be used. Good. Of course, the first sensor S11 may be changed to a coil sensor, and the third sensor S13 may be changed to an optical sensor.

  By the way, in the case of the above configuration, depending on the use situation of the user, for example, in a state where the first sensor S11 and the second sensor S12 are in the detection state (ON) by the abnormal bar C as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, one short bar B is accommodated, and the third bar S13 may be in the detection state (ON) by this short bar B. If it does so, all the sensors S11-S13 will be in a detection state (ON), and there exists a possibility that the metal rod control part 36 may misjudge that it is the combination pattern 8 in FIG.

  Therefore, in order to prevent such erroneous determination, in the bar storage device 10a, for example, as shown in FIG. 36, a detection unit in which the second sensor S12 is replaced with the second sensor S12a, instead of the detection unit 34a. (Detection means) 34b may be used.

  FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the storage pocket 28 provided with the detection unit 34b according to the first modification in the bar metal storage device 10a according to the second embodiment. In the second sensor S12a constituting the detection unit 34b, the sensor head is constituted by a coil spring (elastic member) 40a having a spring strength (spring constant) higher than that of the coil spring 40 of the second sensor S12 shown in FIG. 38b is elastically supported. The spring strength of the coil spring 40a is such that the sensor head 38b is not lowered by the dead weight (weight) of the short bar B or a load slightly larger than this, and the second sensor S12a is not in the detection state (ON). While the non-detection state (OFF) is maintained, the sensor head 38b is lowered by the weight of the normal bar A, and the second sensor S12a is set to a detection state (ON).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37, when the normal bar A is stored in the storage pocket 28, the second sensor S12a is attached to the coil spring 40a by the weight of the normal bar A by the sensor head 38b. The detection state (ON) is entered by immersing from the storage pocket 28 against the force, and the first sensor S11 and the third sensor S13 are also in the detection state (ON) at the same time. For this reason, the bar controller 36 determines that the state shown in FIG. 37 corresponds to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 27, and determines that one normal bar A is stored.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38, the short metal rod B is stored between the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 and the one side surface 42a of the second sensor S12a. When the abnormal bar C is stored near the end face 28b, the sensor head 38b of the second sensor S12a does not descend due to the weight of the abnormal bar C, and therefore the abnormal bar C is not correctly stored and tilted. It will be in the state mounted in the state. In this state, the upper end portion of the abnormal bar C protrudes greatly from the upper portion of the storage pocket 28 to the outside, so that the user can visually recognize that the storage is not appropriate, and the upper end portion protrudes. Thus, the drawer 24 cannot be physically pushed into the apparatus main body 22, so that the user can reliably determine that proper storage has not been performed. As shown in FIG. 38, for example, an abnormality detection sensor S14 for detecting the upper end portion of the abnormal bar C that protrudes greatly from the upper portion of the storage pocket 28 to the outside is provided above both sides in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. The abnormality notification device 37 may be driven when the abnormality detection sensor S14 is in a detection state.

  In a similar manner, by using the detection unit 34b, when one short bar B is stored in the central portion of the storage pocket 28 as shown in FIG. 29, or when one abnormal bar C is stored. Even so, since the second sensor S12a cannot be pushed down by the own weight of the short bar B or the abnormal bar C, it can be quickly determined that the storage is wrong.

2.3 Description of Bar Metal Storage Device According to Third Embodiment Next, a bar metal storage device (bar metal storage) 10b according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 39 is a side cross-sectional view of the storage pocket 28 provided in the bar metal storage device 10b according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the bar storage device 10b according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 34c in which the second sensor S12 is changed to the second sensor S12b instead of the detection unit 34. The second sensor S12b is a magnetic coil type sensor (coil sensor) whose output changes in accordance with the distance from the coin (magnetic body, metal medium) constituting the bar metal, similarly to the third sensor S13a shown in FIG. is there. In FIG. 39, the optical first sensor S11a and the optical third sensor (photosensor) S13b having the same configuration as the first sensor S11a are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. Although the arranged configuration is illustrated, the first sensor S11 and the coil sensor shown in FIG. 26B may be used instead of the first sensor S11a, and the third sensor S13b is replaced with the third sensor S13b. A third sensor S13 shown in FIG. 26 (B) or a third sensor S13a shown in FIG. 35 may be used.

  Also in the bar metal storage device 10b provided with such a detection unit 34c, the storage pocket 28 has one normal bar A or one as in the bar metal storage device 10a shown in FIG. Alternatively, two short bars B can be stored.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the second sensor S12b is arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28 and has a width W2 (for example, the length in the longitudinal direction), like the second sensors S12 and S12a. (About 20 mm) is set to a length equal to or longer than a value obtained by subtracting twice the length LB of the short bar B from the length LA of the normal bar A (W2 ≧ LA−LB × 2). That is, it can also be said that W2 ≧ (L1-L4 × 2). In other words, the second sensor S12b is set to have a size such that both end positions defining the width W2 overlap with the lengths L4 and L4 from the one end surface 28a and the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28. Thus, even when the short bar B is stored near the one end surface 28a side of the storage pocket 28 or when the short bar B is stored near the other end surface 28b side of the storage pocket 28, these The tip of the short bar B is positioned so as to overlap the second sensor S12b, and each short bar B can be detected by the second sensor S12b (see, for example, FIG. 45).

  Next, a method for discriminating and counting the types of the normal bar A and the short bar B by the bar metal storage device 10b including the detection unit 34c configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 40 is a table showing an example of a method and a determination result of the type and number of bar metal by the bar metal storage device 10b according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 40, in the bar metal storage device 10b in this case, as a storage pattern of the normal bar A or the short bar B in the storage pocket 28, the sensors S11a, S12b, S13b constituting the detection unit 34c are used. For example, nine types of combination patterns are assumed depending on the detection state of the bar, and the bar metal discrimination result (type and number) for each combination pattern is stored in the bar control unit 36 as table data as shown in FIG. Has been. In other words, the bar control unit 36 determines which of the nine types of combination patterns the stored bar corresponds to based on the detection state of each sensor S11a, S12b, S13b, and stores the bar based on the determination result. Determine the type and number of bars.

  Hereinafter, the storage state of the bar corresponding to each combination pattern in FIG. 40, the detection state by the detection unit 34c at that time, and the bar metal discrimination result will be described in order.

  A combination pattern 1 in FIG. 40 shows a state in which no bar metal is stored in the storage pocket 28 (empty state). As shown in FIG. 39, the first and third sensors S11a and S13b are not in the non-contained state. The detection state (OFF) is set, and the output of the second sensor S12b is zero (0%). Accordingly, the bar metal control unit 36 does not particularly determine the bar metal type or number.

  Here, the output change of the second sensor S12b, which is a magnetic coil type coil sensor, will be described. When the second sensor S12b has no magnetic coins disposed on its upper surface, for example, as shown in FIG. If the output of the case is preset as none or zero (for example, 0%) while the entire upper surface is continuously covered with coins that are magnetic, for example, the output in the case shown in FIG. It is preset as a value or a maximum value (for example, 100%). And when the coin which is a magnetic body is arrange | positioned in the intermediate position, it is preset so that an output may change between 0 to 100%.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of a bar corresponding to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 41, when the normal bar A is stored between the one end surface 28a and the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28, the first and third sensors S11a, S13b are in the detection state (ON). The output of the second sensor S12b is not less than the upper limit (for example, 90%), for example, 100%. Therefore, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 2 in FIG. 40, and determines that one normal bar A is stored.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 42, when the short bar B is stored near the one end face 28a of the storage pocket 28, the first sensor S11a is in the detection state (ON), and the output of the second sensor S12b is defined in advance. The lower limit (for example, 30%) or less, for example, 20%, and the third sensor S13b is in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 3 in FIG. 40, and determines that one short bar B is stored.

  In the same way as in the example of FIG. 31, when the short bar B is stored near the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28, the first sensor S11a is in the non-detection state (OFF), and the second sensor S12b Since the output is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit value (for example, 30%), for example, 20%, and the third sensor S13b is in a detection state (ON), the bar is substantially the same as in the case of the combination pattern 3 shown in FIG. The control unit 36 determines that one short bar B is stored. That is, when only one of the first sensor S11a and the third sensor S13b is in the detection state (ON) and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit value (for example, 30%), It is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of a bar corresponding to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 43, when the short bar B is stored near the center of the storage pocket 28 and slightly closer to the one end surface 28a, the first and third sensors S11a, S13b are in the non-detection state (OFF), The output of the two sensors S12b is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 60%) defined in advance, for example, 50%. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 4 in FIG. 40, and determines that one short bar B is stored. Similarly, when the short bar B is stored near the center of the storage pocket 28 or slightly near the other end face 28b, the bar control unit 36 determines that the detection results of the sensors S11a, S12b, S13b are the combination patterns in FIG. 4 is determined, and it is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 44, when the short bar B is stored near the center of the storage pocket 28, the first and third sensors S11a, S13b are in the non-detection state (OFF), and the second sensor S12b The output is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit (for example, 90%), for example, 100%. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 5 in FIG. 40, and determines that one short bar B is stored.

  As described above, the combination pattern 4 shown in FIG. 43 and the combination pattern 5 shown in FIG. 44 both store only one short bar B, and the first and third sensors S11a and S13b are not detected (OFF). Detection / discrimination in a certain state. That is, the bar control unit 36 has the first and third sensors S11a and S13b in the non-detection state (OFF), and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 60%), or When the upper limit value (for example, 90%) is exceeded, it is determined that one short bar B is stored.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 45, when the short bar B is stored near the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 and further the short bar B is stored near the other end surface 28b, the first and third sensors S11a, S13b is in a detection state (ON), and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 60%) defined in advance, for example, 50%. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 6 in FIG. 40, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 46, when the tips of the two short bars B are stored in contact with each other near the center of the storage pocket 28, the first and third sensors S11a and S13b are not detected. The state (OFF) is set, and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 70%) defined in advance, for example, 80%. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 40, determines that the detection is abnormal, and drives the abnormality notifier 37.

  That is, in this state, the space formed by the contact between the rounded portions 33 and 33 of the laminate material that wraps the coins between the tip surfaces of the two short bars B that are in contact with each other (non-magnetic material portion, Since the non-metal portion) S is formed, the output of the second sensor S12b does not become the upper limit as in the examples shown in FIGS. 41 and 44, and a value that is slightly lower than the predetermined value (for example, 80%). However, even when one short bar B is accommodated in the vicinity of the center in a state slightly deviated in the left-right direction, like the short bar B indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The sensors S11a and S13b are not detected (OFF), and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 70%) defined in advance, for example, 80%. For this reason, in the case of the combination pattern 7 in FIG. 40, it is determined that the detection is abnormal.

  FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of the storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 47, when the two pockets B are stored in a state in which the tip surfaces of the two short bars B are in contact with each other near the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28, the first sensor S11a is detected (ON). Thus, the output of the second sensor S12b is not less than a predetermined value (for example, 70%) defined in advance and less than the upper limit (for example, 90%), for example, 80%, and the third sensor S13b is in a non-detection state (OFF). is there. Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 8 in FIG. 40, and determines that two short bars B are stored.

  That is, in this state, since the space S formed between the tip surfaces of the two short bars B that are in contact with each other is located on the second sensor S12b, the output of the second sensor S12b is an upper limit value (for example, , 90%) or more, and is a value (for example, 80%) that is slightly lower than the upper limit value and more than the predetermined value.

  As in the example of FIG. 47, when the end surfaces of the two short bars B are in contact with each other and stored near the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28, the first sensor S11a is In the non-detection state (OFF), the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 70%) and less than the upper limit value (for example, 90%), for example, 80%. Since it is in the detection state (ON), the bar control unit 36 determines that two short bars B are accommodated, as in the case of the combination pattern 8 shown in FIG. That is, only one of the first sensor S11a and the third sensor S13b is in a detection state (ON), and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 70%) that is defined in advance and the upper limit value (for example, When the value is less than 90% (for example, 80%), it is determined that two short bars B are stored.

  FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage state of the bar corresponding to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 48, about 40 abnormal bars using a part of the normal bar A that is slightly shorter than the normal bar A, for example, near the one end surface 28a (or the other end 28b) of the storage pocket 28. When the gold D is stored, the first sensor S11a (or the third sensor S13b) is in a detection state (ON), and the output of the second sensor S12b is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit (for example, 90%), for example, 100%, and the third sensor S13b (or the first sensor S11a) is in a non-detection state (OFF). Therefore, the bar controller 36 determines that the detection results of these sensors S11a, S12b, and S13b correspond to the combination pattern 9 in FIG. 40, determines that the detection is abnormal, and drives the abnormality notifier 37.

  That is, the detection state by the detection unit 34c in the example shown in FIG. 48 is not a state formed by the normal bar A or the short bar B, but it can be detected that the bar is stored in the storage pocket 28 itself. Since there is a high possibility that the bar is a nonstandard bar (abnormal bar D), the detection abnormality is assumed.

  Thus, for example, the central portion in the storage pocket 28 for storing two types of metal bars is composed of a coil sensor whose output changes depending on the distance from the metal medium (magnetic material) forming the coin. When the configuration includes the second sensor S12b, even if the configuration uses three sensors, the second sensor is turned on / off like the bar storage device 10a according to the second embodiment. Compared with the case where it comprises, it can discriminate | determine in detail the classification | category of the metal rod arrange | positioned near the center part of the storage pocket 28. FIG. For this reason, even if the bars are scattered and stored, the type and number can be more accurately determined. That is, by using the second sensor S12b composed of a coil sensor, the bar metal disposed on the second sensor S12b is a continuous series of bar bars (normal bar A) or a non-metal part. It is possible to identify whether two bars (short bars B) having a certain space S are present.

  It should be noted that the detection using the output change of the second sensor S12b composed of such a coil sensor can also be applied to the example shown in FIG. That is, the configuration shown in FIG. 49 is a detection unit (detection means) configured by adding a second sensor S12b made of a coil sensor to the detection unit 34b instead of the configuration using the detection unit 34b shown in FIG. 34d. The second sensor S <b> 12 b is disposed at the center of the side wall surface of the storage pocket 28.

  As shown in FIG. 49, according to the detection unit 34d, the short pocket B is stored between the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28 and the one side surface 42a of the second sensor S12a. Even when the abnormal bar C is stored near the other end surface 28b of the storage bar 28, the portion between the inclined front end surface of the abnormal bar C and the front end surface of the short bar B is provided on the side wall surface of the storage pocket 28. The second sensor S12b can detect that the abnormal bar C has been stored based on the output value in substantially the same manner as each combination pattern shown in FIG.

2.4 Description of Bar Metal Storage Device According to Fourth Embodiment Next, a bar metal storage device (bar metal storage) 10c according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  In each of the above embodiments, the bar metal storage devices 10, 10a, and 10b that store one normal bar A or one or two short bars B have been described. As in the device 10c, three (or three or more) bars can be accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 50, in the bar metal storage device 10c, the storage pocket 28 is made of, for example, a short bar B which is a bar metal packaged in units of 20 pieces of 500 yen coins, and a bar metal packaged in units of 40 sheets. A certain middle bar E and a long bar F which is a bar wrapped in units of 60 sheets can be stored. This bar metal storage device 10c includes a detection unit (detection means) 34e having five sensors, and the bar metal control unit 36 determines the type and number of bar metal based on the detection result by the detection unit 34e.

  The detection unit 34e includes a first sensor S21, a second sensor S22, a third sensor S23, a fourth sensor S24, and a fifth sensor S25 in order from one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket 28. ing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 50, the first sensor S21, the third sensor S23, and the fifth sensor S25 are optical sensors similar to the first sensor S11a described above. A magnetic coil type sensor similar to the sensor S13a or a vertical movement type (rod type) ON / OFF switch (limit switch) similar to the first sensor S11 may be used.

  On the other hand, the second sensor S22 and the fourth sensor S24 arranged between these sensors S21, S23, S25, respectively, are up / down (rod type) ON / OFF switches (limit switches) similar to the second sensor S12. It is. For example, the length between the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the other side surface 42b of the fourth sensor S24 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the length of the short bar B, and the other end surface of the storage pocket 28 is set. 28b and the other side surface 42b of the second sensor S22 are set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the length of the middle bar E, and between the other end surface 28b and the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28. Is set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the length of the long bar F.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 50, in the bar storage device 10c including the detection unit 34e, for example, the short bar B is stored between the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the other side surface 42b of the fourth sensor S24. When it is done, only the fifth sensor S25 is in the detection state (ON). Therefore, the bar controller 36 compares the detection results of these sensors S21 to S25 with the combination patterns described in table data (not shown) similar to the table data in FIGS. It is determined that one bar B is stored.

  For example, when the middle bar E is stored between the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the other side surface 42b of the second sensor S22, the fifth sensor S25, the fourth sensor S24, and the third sensor S23. Becomes a detection state (ON). For this reason, the bar controller 36 determines that one middle bar E has been stored by comparing the detection results of the sensors S21 to S25 with the combination pattern described in the table data. In a similar manner, when the long bar F is stored between the other end surface 28b and the one end surface 28a of the storage pocket 28, all the sensors S21 to S25 are in the detection state (ON). For this reason, the bar controller 36 determines that one long bar F has been stored by comparing the detection results of the sensors S21 to S25 with the combination pattern described in the table data.

  Thus, in the bar metal storage device 10c, the bar metal (long bar F) with the largest number of coins stacked is stored between the one end surface 28a and the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28. , Detected by all the sensors S21 to S25 constituting the detection unit 34e. On the other hand, a bar (short bar B or middle bar E) set with a smaller number of coins than the long bar F is formed on one side 42a or the other side 42b of the sensor head 38b and one end surface of the storage pocket 28. 1 or more provided between one side surface 42a or the other side surface 42b of the sensor head 38b and one end surface 28a or the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 by being stored between the upper surface 28a and the other end surface 28b. (For example, the second sensor S22 to the fifth sensor S25). Therefore, by using the bar metal storage device 10c, it becomes possible to easily discriminate the types and numbers of the three types of bar metal, and the versatility and convenience of the device are further improved. When the bar metal storage device 10c is configured to be capable of discriminating four or more types of bar metal, at least (2m-1) sensors of the detection unit may be arranged for the number m of bar metal types.

  Also in such a bar storage device 10c, for example, the short bar B is stored between the other end surface 28b of the storage pocket 28 and the other side surface 42b of the fourth sensor S24. Even when the short bar B is housed between the one side 42a and the other side 42b of the second sensor S22, the short bar is detected depending on the detection state (ON) of the fifth sensor S25 and the third sensor S23. It can be determined that two Bs are stored.

  As described above, according to the bar metal storage devices 10a to 10c according to the second to fourth embodiments, the bar metal can be stored in the direction along the coin stacking direction, and a plurality of types of bar metal can be stored. Among (for example, normal bar A and short bar B, or short bar B, medium bar E and long bar F), the bar with the largest number of coins stacked (for example, normal bar) A storage pocket 28 that is configured to store gold A or a long bar F), a bar metal stored in the storage pocket 28 can be detected, and the type of the stored bar metal according to the number of stacked coins Detectors 34a to 34e capable of outputting detection results corresponding to the differences.

  For example, in the bar storage device 10a, when the normal bar A is stored, all the sensors S11 to S13 are in the detection state (see FIG. 34), and when one short bar B is stored. When any one of the first to third sensors S11 to S13 is in a detection state (see FIG. 28, etc.) and two short bars B are stored, the first and third sensors S11 at both ends are stored. , S13 is installed in the storage pocket 28 with three sensors S11 to S13 constituting the detection unit 34a in a positional relationship where the detection state is set. Further, in the bar metal storage device 10b, the detection unit has a positional relationship in which a detection result corresponding to the bar metal stored is output based on the detection state of the first and third sensors S11a and S13b and the output of the second sensor S12b. 34 c is installed in the storage pocket 28. Further, in the bar storage device 10c, the detection unit 34e is installed in the storage pocket 28 in a positional relationship in which detection results corresponding to the stored bar are output depending on the detection states of the first to fifth sensors S21 to S25. doing.

  Accordingly, the detection result corresponding to the type is output from the detection unit 34 only by storing any one of a plurality of types of metal bars having different numbers of coins in the storage pocket 28. For example, the control unit 21 stores the same. The type of bar metal stored in the pocket 28 can be reliably determined, and the convenience for the user can be improved at low cost. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform setting processing for each type of bar, versatility of the apparatus is improved.

  Moreover, in the cash register system 12, which is a bar metal storage management system including the bar metal storage devices 10a to 10c according to the second to fourth embodiments, the control unit 21 (or the control unit 15, 19, 23, 25) based on the detection results output from the detectors 34 a to 34 e, the types of bar metal (for example, normal bar A and short bar B, or short bar depending on the number of coins stacked) By providing a bar control unit 36 that is a discriminating means for discriminating gold B, medium bar E and long bar F), the type of bar stored in the storage pocket 28 is discriminated by the bar control unit 36. And the storage state can be managed.

  In this case, in the bar metal storage devices 10a and 10b shown in FIGS. 26 to 49, three sensors are used as the detection units 34a to 34d for detecting two types of bar metal (normal bar A and short bar B). By providing (for example, the first to third sensors S11 to S13), it is possible to determine the types of these two types of metal bars, and also to determine the number of the bars, thereby further simplifying the device configuration. . Further, in the bar metal storage device 10c shown in FIG. 50, five sensors (for example, as the detection unit 34e for detecting three types of bar bars (short bar B, middle bar E, and long bar F)) By providing the first to fifth sensors S21 to S25), it is possible to reliably determine the types of these three types of rods, and also to determine the number of the same.

  That is, in the bar metal storage devices 10a to 10c, when the types of bar metal to be stored are m types, the detection unit 34 (34a to 34e) has at least (2m-1) sensors. The type and number of each bar can be discriminated. For example, if four types of metal bars are assumed, seven sensors need only be provided, and the same applies to five or more types. In addition, in the bar metal storage apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to more accurately determine the type and number by using five sensors for two types of bar metal.

  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.

10, 10a to 10c Bar storage device 12 Cash register system 14 POS register 15, 19, 21, 23, 25 Control unit 16 Money handling device 18 Change machine 20 Fishing bill machine 26 Storage tray 28 Storage pocket 28a One end surface 28b The other end surface 34 , 34a to 34e Detecting part 36 Bar control part 38a to 38c Sensor head 40, 40a Coil spring 42a One side 42b Other side A Normal bar B Short bar E Medium bar F Long bar C, D Abnormal bar S1 , S11, S11a, S21 1st sensor S2, S12, S12a, S12b, S22 2nd sensor S3, S13, S13a, S13b, S23 3rd sensor S4, S24 4th sensor S5, S25 5th sensor

Claims (8)

As a plurality of types of bar metal having different numbers of coins stacked, a bar bar capable of storing a first bar bar in which a predetermined number of coins are stacked and a second bar bar in which the number of coins stacked is less than half of the first bar bar. A storage device,
A storage pocket capable of storing the bar in an orientation along the coin stacking direction and capable of storing a bar set with the largest number of coins stacked among the plurality of types of bars. ,
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;
With
The detection means includes a state in which one of the first metal bars is stored in the storage pocket, a state in which one of the second metal bars is stored, and a state in which two of the second metal bars are stored. Then, a bar metal storage device that outputs different detection results. The bar metal storage device according to claim 1,
The detection means has five 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, all the sensors are in a detection state.
When one second bar is stored in the storage pocket, one or two adjacent sensors are in the detection state,
When two second metal bars are stored in the storage pocket, three sensors, four sensors, or two sensors that are not adjacent to each other are installed in a positional relationship to be in a detection state. A metal bar storage device. The bar metal storage device according to claim 2,
The five sensors are a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, and a fifth sensor arranged in order from one end side to the other end side along the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket. ,
The first to fifth sensors are installed such that the distance between the first sensor and the fifth sensor at both ends is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the first bar and wider than the longitudinal dimension of the two second bars. And
An interval between adjacent sensors is set smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the second metal rod,
The distance between the center third sensor and the first sensor at one end, and the distance between the center third sensor and the fifth sensor at the other end are set larger than the longitudinal dimension of the second metal rod,
A bar metal storage device, wherein a distance between a second sensor and a fourth sensor provided on both sides of a central third sensor is set larger than a longitudinal dimension of the second bar metal. The bar metal storage device according to claim 1,
The detection means is arranged at a first sensor arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket, a second sensor arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket, and at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the storage pocket. And a third sensor. The bar metal storage device according to claim 4,
The second sensor has a sensor head having a width equal to or less than a length obtained by subtracting a value twice the longitudinal length of the second metal rod from the longitudinal length of the first metal rod.
The sensor head is capable of moving up and down in the storage pocket by an urging force by an elastic member and a weight of the first bar that is applied against the urging force. apparatus. The bar metal storage device according to claim 5,
The second bar is detected by the first sensor or the third sensor by being stored between a side surface of a sensor head of the second sensor and an end surface of the storage pocket. Bar metal storage device. In the bar metal storage device according to claim 5 or 6,
The second sensor is in a detection state when the sensor head descends in the storage pocket against the urging force of the elastic member due to the weight of the first bar, while the weight of the second bar Then, the sensor head is in a non-detection state in which the sensor head is raised in the storage pocket by the biasing force of the elastic member. The bar metal storage device according to claim 4,
The bar sensor, wherein the second sensor is a coil sensor whose output changes according to the distance from the metal medium forming the coin.

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