JP6958870B2 - Multiple coin throwing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a multiple coin throwing device, and more specifically, to a multiple coin throwing device capable of selectively driving a plurality of coin throwing units in response to a command using a single motor. ..

The term "coin" used in the present specification has a broad meaning including currency coins, tokens, medals, etc., includes any coin equivalent other than coins, and its shape is not limited to a circle. , Also includes polygons.

Multiple coin ejection devices including a plurality of coin ejection units have been conventionally known. For example, in the plurality of coin payout device (multiple coin throwing device) disclosed in Patent Document 1, coins stored in a coin storage container are thrown to the outside from a predetermined ejection port by a rotating disk provided immediately below the coin storage container. It is equipped with a plurality of coin ejection units configured to be ejected. The plurality of said coin issuing units are assigned to each coin of each denomination, and depending on the payout command, one or a plurality of said coin issuing units corresponding to the required denomination of the corresponding denomination. Coins are being thrown out. The plurality of the coin ejection units are synchronously driven by a single motor, and the control for selectively ejecting only the coins of the corresponding denomination in response to the payout command is the control of each of the coin ejection units. It is realized by a shutter provided in the vicinity of the outlet of the unit. The shutter has a configuration in which a passage blocking body is projected or immersed in the surface of the rotating disk through a through hole, and when coins are blocked, the passing blocking body is projected onto the surface of the disk. When the coins are allowed to be thrown out, the coins of the corresponding denomination are controlled by immersing the passage blocking body under the surface.

The coin ejection units are arranged in a row on the installation surface of the chassis provided on the base portion, and the drive of the coin ejection units is driven by the rotational driving force of a single motor built in the chassis. This is done by transmitting via a drive mechanism built into the chassis.

Japanese Patent No. 6182787

By the way, in the plurality of coin payout device (multiple coin throwing device) described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the plurality of the coin throwing units are driven synchronously by a single motor, the plurality of coin throwing devices are thrown. Compared with the case where a motor is provided for each of the output units, there is an advantage that the cost of the motor can be suppressed. However, from the appearance, which of the plurality of coin ejection units is driven, in other words, which of the plurality of coin ejection units is in a state where coins can be ejected. ,I do not understand. Therefore, when one or a plurality of the coin ejection units are removed from the chassis, a predetermined signal is sent to the control device of the multiple coin ejection device to rotationally drive the motor built in the chassis. It is necessary to disconnect the mechanism (driving force transmission mechanism) for transmitting the force to the coin ejection unit (rotating disk) on the chassis from all the coin ejection units.

A situation in which the desired coin ejection unit cannot be removed from the chassis unless the driving force transmission mechanism is controlled to be separated from all the coin ejection units, which occurs in the plurality of coin ejection devices described in Patent Document 1 described above. If the plurality of coin ejection units have a configuration in which they are driven by a single motor, the same occurs in a multiple coin ejection device other than the plurality of coin ejection devices of Patent Document 1.

However, generally speaking, in a multiple coin throwing device configured to drive a plurality of coin throwing units with a single motor, the desired coin throwing unit may be removed from the chassis for inspection, or a new coin throwing unit may be used. Every time the coin is replaced with a coin ejection unit, the control device built in the multiple coin ejection device is operated to prevent the driving force of the motor from being transmitted to all coin ejection units. Not only is it very annoying for users and service engineers, but it is also very inconvenient to have to control. Moreover, after the removal or replacement of the coin ejection unit is completed, the control device is operated again to control the driving force transmission mechanism so that the driving force of the motor is transmitted to all the coin ejection units. Otherwise, the normal coin ejection operation cannot be started, so the troublesomeness and inconvenience are considerable. Therefore, there is a need for a measure that can switch between transmission and interruption of the driving force of the motor more easily and quickly.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a case where a configuration in which a plurality of coin ejection units are driven by a single motor is adopted. However, when the desired coin ejection unit is removed from the chassis for inspection or replaced with a new coin ejection unit, the built-in control device is operated to obtain the driving force of the motor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple coin ejection device that does not need to control transmission to a coin ejection unit to be blocked or reconnected.

Another object of the present invention is to remove the desired coin ejection unit from the chassis for inspection or new, even when a configuration is adopted in which a single motor drives a plurality of coin ejection units. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple coin throwing device capable of easily and quickly performing the work of exchanging with a simple coin throwing unit.

Yet another object of the present invention is a coin ejection unit with the driving force of a single motor when the desired coin ejection unit is removed from the chassis for inspection or replaced with a new coin ejection unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-coin throwing device in which the interruption and reconnection of transmission to is realized using only mechanical structure and function.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the driving force of a single motor to the coin ejection unit when the coin ejection unit is removed from the chassis for inspection or replaced with a new coin ejection unit. Provided is a multi-coin throwing device which can realize the mechanical structure and function for interrupting and reconnecting transmissions simply and at low cost, and is also excellent in durability and less likely to cause malfunctions. There is.

Still other objects of the invention not specified herein will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

(1) The multiple coin ejection device of the present invention is
A chassis with an installation surface and
A plurality of coin ejection units installed on the installation surface,
The first motor, which is commonly used for the plurality of coin ejection units,
A drive mechanism provided below the installation surface to drive the plurality of coin ejection units by transmitting the driving force of the first motor.
A switching unit provided below the installation surface that selectively drives any of the plurality of coin ejection units by switching the transmission destination of the driving force by the first motor.
A connection position where the driving force can be selectively transmitted to one of the plurality of coin ejection units using the switching unit, and a separation position where the driving force cannot be transmitted to all the coin ejection units. A switching unit displacement mechanism that displaces the switching unit relative to the drive mechanism is provided between the two.
The switching unit displacement mechanism mechanically moves the switching unit between the connection position and the separation position according to a predetermined operation applied to the operation member (for example, a lever) provided on the chassis and the operation member. It has a moving member (for example, a working piece and a frame rotating member) to be moved.
When a predetermined operation is applied to the operating member while the switching unit is in the connecting position, the switching unit is displaced via the moving member so as to move to the separated position. It is a thing.

In the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, as described above, the switching unit switches the transmission destination of the driving force by the first motor, which is commonly used for the plurality of coin throwing units. It is configured to selectively drive any one of the plurality of coin ejection units. Then, the coin ejection unit driven in this way, that is, the one said coin ejection unit to which the driving force by the first motor is transmitted, ejects coins of the corresponding denomination in response to a command. Therefore, it is possible to selectively transmit the driving force only to the coin ejection unit that ejects coins of a desired denomination so that coins of a desired denomination can be ejected.

Further, the switching unit for switching the transmission destination of the driving force by the first motor is used to displace the switching unit relative to the driving mechanism between the connection position and the separation position. A unit displacement mechanism is provided, and the switching unit displacement mechanism connects the switching unit to the connection position and the switching unit according to a predetermined operation applied to the operating member provided on the chassis and the operating member. It has the moving member that is mechanically moved between the separated positions. Further, when a predetermined operation is applied to the operating member while the switching unit is in the connecting position, the switching unit is displaced via the moving member and moves to the separated position. Therefore, when the switching unit is moved from the connection position to the separation position, the driving force of the first motor is transmitted to the coin ejection unit by using the control device of the multiple coin ejection device. There is no need to control to shut off or reconnect.

Then, after the switching unit is moved to the separated position in this way, the driving force cannot be transmitted to all the coin ejection units. Therefore, a desired coin ejection unit is selected from among the plurality of coin ejection units. The work of removing one from the chassis for inspection or replacing it with a new coin ejection unit can be easily performed.

Therefore, even when a configuration in which a plurality of coin ejection units are driven by a single motor is adopted, the desired coin ejection unit can be removed from the chassis for inspection, or a new coin ejection unit can be used. It is not necessary to operate the built-in control device to block or reconnect the transmission of the driving force of the motor to the coin throwing unit. This means that the above-mentioned work of inspecting and replacing the coin ejection unit can be performed easily and quickly.

Further, as described above, the movement of the switching unit from the connection position to the separation position is mechanically performed by the operating member and the switching unit displacement mechanism having the moving member, so that the control device is operated. Therefore, it is not necessary to control the transmission of the driving force of the first motor to the coin ejection unit to be cut off or reconnected. Therefore, when the desired coin throwing unit is removed from the chassis for inspection or replaced with a new coin throwing unit, the transmission of the driving force of the motor to the coin throwing unit is cut off and regenerated. The connection is realized using only mechanical structure and function.

Further, the switching unit displacement mechanism that displaces the switching unit relative to the drive mechanism between the connection position and the separation position includes the operation member and the moving member. When a predetermined operation is applied to the operating member while the switching unit is in the connecting position, the switching unit is displaced via the moving member and moves to the separated position. Therefore, the motor It is possible to manufacture a mechanical structure and function that realizes an operation of blocking or reconnecting the transmission of the driving force to the coin ejection unit in a simple and low cost manner, and there is a malfunction in the operation. It is unlikely to occur and can be made excellent in durability.

(2) In a preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, the switching unit is formed on a first coupling gear provided in each of the plurality of coin throwing units and a plurality of gears constituting the drive mechanism. Each includes a second coupling gear that is provided and can mesh with the corresponding first coupling gear, and a coupling gear displacement mechanism that displaces the second coupling gear between a predetermined coupling position and a non-coupling position.
In response to a command, the coupling gear displacement mechanism has one or more of the coin throwing units located at the connecting position, and the other one or a plurality of coin throwing units are positioned at the unconnected position. It works to be located in.

(3) In another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, the coupling gear displacement mechanism is
A camshaft that is rotated by a second motor and has a plurality of cams assigned to each of the plurality of coin ejection units fixed thereto.
It has a plurality of cam followers that are respectively engaged with the plurality of the second coupling gears and are displaced by the corresponding cams.
The corresponding second coupling gear is configured to move between the connected position and the non-connected position in response to the displacement of the plurality of cam followers due to the rotation of the plurality of cams.

(4) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, a plurality of sensors for detecting the rotation positions (rotation angles) of the plurality of cams fixed to the cam shaft are further provided. ..

(5) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin ejection device of the present invention, a plurality of detection pieces are fixed to the camshaft corresponding to the fixing positions of the plurality of cams fixed to the camshaft. ,
A plurality of sensors are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of detection pieces, and a plurality of sensors are provided.
The rotation positions (rotation angles) of the detection pieces are detected by the plurality of sensors.

(6) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, each of the plurality of first coupling gears is fixed to the rotating shaft of the corresponding coin throwing unit, and one side surface thereof. It is a gear with multiple teeth and grooves formed on it.
Each of the plurality of second coupling gears is fixed to the corresponding gear of the drive mechanism, and the plurality of grooves and grooves capable of meshing with the teeth of the first coupling gear corresponding to one side surface and the grooves. It is a gear with teeth formed.

(7) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, when the switching unit is moved to the separated position by the switching unit displacement mechanism, all of the plurality of coin throwing units are subjected to. In the non-operating mode in which the driving force of the first motor is not transmitted, a desired coin ejection unit can be removed from the chassis from the plurality of coin ejection units.
When the switching unit is returned to the connection position by the switching unit displacement mechanism, the driving force by the first motor is transmitted to any one of the plurality of coins and the ejection unit. Therefore, the plurality of coin ejection units are selectively driven so that desired coins can be ejected.

(8) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, the operating member of the switching unit displacement mechanism is swingably provided on one surface of the chassis and can be manually operated. As a member,
The moving member of the switching unit displacement mechanism is mechanically connected to the switching unit and is configured to move by a manual operation applied to the lever member.
When a predetermined manual operation is applied to the lever member, the switching unit is configured to mechanically move between the connection position and the separation position in response to the manual operation.

(9) In still another preferred example of the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, in the non-operating mode, all of the plurality of coin throwing units can be removed by moving along the installation surface. Will be done.

In the multiple coin throwing device of the present invention, the desired coin throwing unit is removed from the chassis even when (a) a configuration in which a plurality of coin throwing units are driven by a single motor is adopted. When inspecting or replacing with a new coin throwing unit, the built-in control device is operated to block or reconnect the driving force of the motor to the coin throwing unit. There is no need to control the coins, even if (b) a single motor drives multiple coin ejection units, the desired coin ejection unit can be removed from the chassis. The work of inspection and replacement with a new coin ejection unit can be performed easily and quickly. (C) The desired coin ejection unit can be removed from the chassis for inspection, or a new coin ejection unit can be ejected. (D) Coin throwing is achieved by blocking and reconnecting the transmission of the driving force of a single motor to the coin throwing unit when exchanging for a unit, using only mechanical structure and function. Mechanical to block and reconnect the drive force of a single motor to the coin ejection unit when removing it from the chassis for inspection or replacing it with a new coin ejection unit It has the effect that various structures and functions can be realized simply and at low cost, and that it is less likely to cause malfunctions and has excellent durability.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the multiple coin throwing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state which the lid of four coin storage containers is removed. It is a perspective view which shows the state which four coin storage containers of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1 were removed. It is a bottom view which shows the structure of the drive mechanism and the switching unit provided inside the chassis of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. It is a bottom view which shows the structure of four coin throwing units of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which four coin storage containers and the chassis of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1 were removed. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive mechanism and the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the state seen from the front right diagonally above. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive mechanism and the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the state seen from the diagonally lower front left. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive mechanism and the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the state seen from the rear left diagonally lower part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive mechanism and the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the state seen from the rear right diagonally above. It is a perspective view which shows the configuration example of the cam follower used for the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. The cam follower is shown as seen from diagonally above the rear right. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a coupling gear used in the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing device of FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A is a front view showing a state in which the coupling gear is fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding driven gear. (B) is a perspective view seen from diagonally above the coupling gear, and (c) is a perspective view seen from diagonally below the driven gear. It is a figure which shows the example which attached the cam follower used for the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. 1 to the corresponding driven gear, (a) is the front view, (b) is the back view. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the coupling gear used for the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing apparatus of FIG. be. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of swinging the switching unit of the multiple coin throwing device of FIG. 1 around a support shaft and switching the multiple coin throwing device between an operating mode and a non-operating mode (a). ) Indicates the state of the operation mode, and (b) indicates the state of the non-operation mode. A cross-sectional view showing that the connected state and the unconnected state of the fourth coin ejection unit are switched according to the rotation positions (rotation angles) of the plurality of cams constituting the switching unit of the multiple coin ejection device of FIG. (A) shows the unconnected state of the unit, (b) shows the unconnected state, (c) shows the unconnected state, and (d) shows the connected state. In the explanatory view showing the connected / unconnected state of the four coin issuing units of the multiple coin issuing device of FIG. 1, only the fourth coin issuing unit is in the connected state, and the first to third coin issuing units are connected. Indicates that is in the unconnected state. In the explanatory view showing the connected / unconnected state of the four coin issuing units of the multiple coin issuing device of FIG. 1, only the third coin issuing unit is in the connected state, and the first, second and fourth coins are connected. Indicates that the throwing unit is in a disconnected state. In the explanatory view showing the connected / unconnected state of the four coin issuing units of the multiple coin issuing device of FIG. 1, only the second coin issuing unit is in the connected state, and the first, third and fourth coins are connected. Indicates that the throwing unit is in a disconnected state. In the explanatory view showing the connected / unconnected state of the four coin issuing units of the multiple coin issuing device of FIG. 1, only the first coin issuing unit is in the connected state, and the second to fourth coin issuing units are connected. Indicates that is in the unconnected state. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a relative position between the coupling gear of the first coin throwing unit of the multiple coin throwing device and the coupling gear on the corresponding driven gear, and FIG. 1A is a relative position when in a connected state. , (B) indicate the relative positions when they are in the unconnected state. The explanatory view showing the connected / unconnected state of the four coin ejection units of the multiple coin issuing device of FIG. 1 shows that all four coin ejection units are in the unconnected state (non-operating mode). ing. In the multiple coin throwing device of FIG. 1, after shifting to the non-operating mode in which the driving force of the first motor is not transmitted to all coin throwing units, the fourth coin storage container is slid along the installation surface of the chassis. It is a perspective view which shows the situation at the time of removal.

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

(Structure of multiple coin ejection device 1)
FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic configuration of the multiple coin ejection device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the coin storage container 120 of the multiple coin throwing device 1 is removed, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a drive mechanism 20 and a switching unit 40 provided inside the chassis 11, the first to first. The configuration of the fourth coin ejection unit 110 is shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple coin ejection device 1 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a base portion 10 and a coin ejection unit 100. The base portion 10 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped chassis 11, and the substantially rectangular upper surface of the chassis 11 is the installation surface 11a. The multiple coin throwing device 1 is installed so that the installation surface 11a is substantially horizontal.

The coin ejection unit 100 covers the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, the coin storage container 120 attached to each of the four coin ejection units 110, and the upper opening of each coin storage container 120. It has a lid (not shown). The first to fourth coin ejection units 110 constituting the coin ejection unit 100 are arranged adjacent to each other along one straight line parallel to the long side of the installation surface 11a, and are arranged adjacent to each other. It is locked on 11a so that it can be engaged and disengaged. A first motor M1 that drives each coin ejection unit 110 to execute coin ejection is fixed to one end of the chassis 11. The first motor M1 is arranged so that its rotation axis (not shown) is orthogonal to the installation surface 11a. The control of the first motor M1, that is, the start and stop of its rotation and the switching of the rotation directions (forward rotation direction and reverse rotation direction) are executed by a control device (not shown).

The first motor M1 is any known motor as long as it has a rotational driving force required to drive each coin ejection unit 110 (rotating disc) to execute a predetermined coin ejection. Is available.

In the following description, the four coin ejection units 110 refer to the coin ejection unit 110 closest to the first motor M1 as the first coin ejection unit, and are arranged in order away from the first motor M1. The three coin ejection units 110 are referred to as the second, third and fourth coin ejection units, respectively.

The first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are assigned to four predetermined denominations (for example, Japanese yen of 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, and 10 yen), respectively. Therefore, coins of the corresponding denomination are stored in the coin storage container 120 of each coin ejection unit 110. Each coin ejection unit 110 ejects one coin of the corresponding denomination stored in the coin storage container 120 to the outside in response to a withdrawal command sent from a higher-level device (for example, a coin deposit / withdrawal machine). do.

The first to fourth coin ejection units 110 all have the same configuration, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a plate-shaped main body 111 and a rotation rotatably mounted on the main body 111. It includes a disk 112. Since the installation surface 11a is substantially horizontal, the rotating disk 112 rotates in a substantially horizontal plane. When a coin of the corresponding denomination that has fallen from the coin storage container 120 is inserted into any of the four through holes of the rotating disk 112, the coin has inertia due to the rotation of the rotating disk 112. It is thrown out of the through hole by force and is thrown out from the outlet 113 provided at the rear end of the main body 111. At the time of throwing out, the coin comes into contact with the coin guide 116 provided in the vicinity of the throwing out port 113, and the throwing direction is controlled in a predetermined direction. Needless to say, the number of through holes formed in the rotating disk 112 is not limited to 4, and may be any other number. It is not necessary to use the rotating disc 112 having the same configuration (same number of through holes) for all denominations, and it is possible to use the rotating disc 112 having a different configuration depending on the denomination.

Each rotating disk 112 is locked to the upper end of a rotating shaft 115 rotatably supported inside the body 111 and extending substantially vertically. As shown in FIG. 4, a coupling gear 114 is fixed to the lower end of each rotating shaft 115, and the coupling gear 114 and the rotating disc 112 rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 115. Therefore, the coupling gear 114 also rotates in a substantially horizontal plane.

As shown in FIG. 3, a drive mechanism 20 that rotationally drives the rotating disc 112 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 by transmitting the rotational driving force of the first motor M1 inside the chassis 11. And a switching unit 40 that selectively drives any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 by switching the transmission destination of the rotational driving force by the first motor M1. ..

The configuration of the drive mechanism 20 is as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 9, and has a plurality of gears arranged substantially linearly along the long side of the chassis 11. That is, the drive mechanism 20 has a drive gear 21 fixed to the rotation shaft of the first motor M1 and driven gears 23 and 25 fixed to the lower ends of the rotation shaft 115 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, respectively. , 27 and 29, an intermediate gear 22 rotatably arranged between the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 23 of the first coin throwing unit 110, and the driven gear 23 and the second coin of the first coin throwing unit 110. The intermediate gear 24 is rotatably arranged between the driven gears 25 of the throwing unit 110, and the driven gear 25 of the second coin throwing unit 110 and the driven gear 27 of the third coin throwing unit 110 are rotatable. The intermediate gear 26 arranged in the above, and the intermediate gear 28 rotatably arranged between the driven gear 27 of the third coin throwing unit 110 and the driven gear 29 of the fourth coin throwing unit 110 are provided.

The driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 and the intermediate gears 22, 24, 26 and 28 are all in a plane parallel to the installation surface 11a (that is, a substantially horizontal plane) and on the long side of the installation surface 11a. It is arranged along the parallel straight line (the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are lined up along the straight line). The driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 and the intermediate gears 22, 24, 26 and 28 are each integral with eight corresponding rotating shafts (not shown) rotatably supported inside the chassis 11. It is rotatable to. As can be easily seen from the configuration of the drive mechanism 20, the driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are all rotated in the same direction as the drive gear 21.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 are placed on the upper surfaces (upper upper side surfaces) of the driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110. (Second coupling gear) is fixed respectively. These coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 rotate integrally with the corresponding driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29, respectively. Further, the four coupling gears 114 (first coupling gears) of the first to fourth coin throwing units 110 are fixed to the rotating shaft 115 of the first to fourth coin throwing units 110, respectively. It meshes with two coupling gears 114 (see FIGS. 4 and 13) in a disengageable manner. The four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 and the corresponding four coupling gears 114 are selectively meshed or disengaged by the switching unit 40 as needed. .. Then, by the selective engagement and disengagement, the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 as the transmission destinations of the driving force of the first motor M1 are selectively switched.

The configuration of the switching unit 40 is as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, and includes a substantially straight rod-shaped frame 42 formed by combining a plurality of thin plate materials, and four rotatably supported frames 42. It has a cam shaft 43 to which the cam 44 and four detection pieces 45 are fixed, and a second motor M2 supported by the frame 42 and driving the cam shaft 43. The frame 42 and the camshaft 43 are parallel to each other and extend along the straight line (the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are lined up along the straight line). The total length of the frame 42 and the camshaft 43 is substantially the same as the total length of the space including the driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 and the intermediate gears 22, 24, 26 and 28. The drive gear 50 fixed to the rotating shaft (not shown) of the second motor M2 meshes with the driven gear 51 fixed to the camshaft 43 at a position facing it (see FIG. 8), and the second motor The camshaft 43 is rotationally driven by the rotational driving force of M2.

The frame 42 includes a strip-shaped frame main body 42a extending over its entire length, and a total of four support portions 42b formed so as to project at both ends and a central portion of the frame main body 42a. Support shafts 41 are fixed to the two support portions 42b at both ends. The two support shafts 41 project outside the frame 42 in the extending direction of the frame 42 and the cam shaft 43, and are respectively provided by two support members (not shown) fixed inside the chassis 11. It is rotatably supported. Therefore, the entire frame 42 can swing around the two support shafts 41 at both ends thereof. As the frame 42 swings, the camshaft 43 also swings and displaces around the two support shafts 41. The second motor M2 is arranged between the camshaft 43 and the frame main body 42a at a position substantially opposite to the intermediate gear 24, and is fixed to the inner surface of the frame main body 42a.

In the present embodiment, the camshaft 43 is formed by connecting two shaft members 43a to each other by a joint 43b arranged at an intermediate portion thereof. One shaft member 43a is rotatably supported by two support portions 42b on the right side of the frame body 42a, and the other shaft member 43a is rotated by two support portions 42b on the left side of the frame body 42a. It is movably supported. However, it goes without saying that the camshaft 43 may be formed from a single shaft member because this is because the ease of assembly is taken into consideration.

As the second motor M2, a known servo motor or stepping motor can be used, but the second motor M2 is not limited to this. Needless to say, any motor can be used as long as the rotation position (rotation angle) of the camshaft 43 can be precisely controlled.

The start and stop of rotation of the second motor M2 and the switching of the rotation directions (forward rotation direction and reverse rotation direction) by a control device (not shown) can be appropriately adjusted according to the arrangement of the four cams 44 on the camshaft 43. It is possible. For example, the second motor M2 is normally capable of rotating in two directions, a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, but may be rotated in only one direction (forward rotation direction or reverse rotation direction).

The four cams 44 fixed to the camshaft 43 are provided for the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, respectively. Each of these cams 44 has the same shape and the same size, and is formed of a member having a predetermined thickness having a substantially isosceles triangle shape (close to a so-called triangular rice ball shape) with rounded corners. As can be seen from FIG. 6, these four cams 44 are fixed by shifting their phases by 90 °, and this is achieved by changing the rotation position (rotation angle) of the camshaft 43. This is so that the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, which are the transmission destinations of the driving force of the motor M1, can be selectively switched.

The four cams 44 are four cam followers 48 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) engaged with driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 provided for the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, respectively (see FIGS. 7 and 8). And are coming to work together.

Each of the four cam followers 48 has a function of displaced the corresponding driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 in the vertical direction. All of these four cam followers 48 have the same shape and the same size, and have a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, each cam follower 48 has a substantially Y-shape as a whole, and is composed of a cam receiving portion 48a and a branch portion 48b. The cam receiving portion 48a is a portion that comes into contact with the corresponding cam 44 and receives it. The branch portion 48b is a portion that engages with the engaging member mounted on the corresponding driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29. A shaft hole 48c is formed near the boundary between the cam receiving portion 48a and the branch portion 48b, and when the cam receiving portion 48a is pushed down by the tip of the corresponding cam 44, the support shaft fitted into the shaft hole 48c is fitted. The cam follower 48 swings around 48f (see FIG. 12A) so that the branch portion 48b is pushed up. When the pushing force of the cam receiving portion 48a by the tip of the corresponding cam 44 disappears, the cam follower 48 returns to the original position by the elastic force of the spring 47 arranged immediately below the cam follower 48. That is, the cam follower 48 swings around the support shaft 48f (shaft hole 48c) like a seesaw depending on the presence or absence of a pushing force on the cam receiving portion 48a.

Pins 48d are fixed inward to the tips of the two arms forming the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48, and rollers 48e are rotatably engaged with the pins 48d. The rollers 48e are arranged to facilitate the engagement operation of the corresponding driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 that are engaged with the cam follower 48 with the engaging members.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the coupling gear 30 and the engaging member 23a mounted on the driven gear 23 for the first coin ejection unit 110 to which the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 is engaged.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, on the upper side surface (upper surface) of the driven gear 23, a coupling gear 30 having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the driven gear 23 is fixed so as to be concentric with the driven gear 23, and the lower side surface (upper surface) thereof. A substantially cylindrical engaging member 23a is fixed to the lower surface) in a protruding state. The engaging member 23a is fixed so as to be concentric with the driven gear 23, and a flange portion 23aa is formed so as to protrude from the lower end thereof. The collar portion 23aa forms one engaging surface of the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48, and the branch portion 48b is inserted into a portion between the lower side surface of the driven gear 23 of the engaging member 23a and the flange portion 23aa. Engaged. The lower side surface of the driven gear 23 forms the other engaging surface. The shaft hole 23b of the engaging member 23a is concentric with the shaft holes of the corresponding driven gear 23 and the coupling gear 30. The two rollers 48e attached to the tip of the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 engage with the portion sandwiched between the lower side surface (upper engagement surface) and the flange portion 23aa (lower engagement surface) of the corresponding driven gear 23. When the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 swings up and down, it rolls so that the driven gear 23 and thus the coupling gear 30 smoothly move between the connected position and the non-connected position.

The same applies to the driven gears 25, 27 and 29. As shown in FIG. 7, substantially cylindrical engaging members 25a, 27a and 29a are fixed to the lower side surfaces (lower surfaces) of the driven gears 25, 27 and 29 in a protruding state, respectively.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling gear 30 fixed to the upper side surface (upper surface) of the driven gear 23 is placed on one side surface (here, the upper side surface) along the circular outer peripheral edge. It is a gear in which a plurality of teeth 30a are formed at equal intervals. A groove 30b is formed between two adjacent teeth 30a. The shaft hole 30c at the center of the coupling gear 30 is concentric with the shaft hole of the driven gear 23 immediately below the shaft hole 30c.

FIG. 12 shows an engaged state of the cam follower 48 and the corresponding engaging member 23a. The cam follower 48 can swing around the support shaft 48f fitted in the shaft hole 48c, and the swing of the cam follower 48 causes the coupling gear 30 (second coupling gear) and the corresponding coupling gear 114 (first). 1 Coupling gear) can be switched between the connected state and the unconnected state. In FIG. 12A, the tip of the corresponding cam 44 (the portion of the cam 44 that protrudes most from the camshaft 43) slightly pushes down the cam receiving portion 48a, and the branch portion 48b is pushed up slightly accordingly. As a result, the driven gear 23 and the coupling gear 30 are pushed up a little. In this state, the coupling gear 30 is meshed with the corresponding coupling gear 114, that is, the coupling gear 30 is in a connected state. On the other hand, when the corresponding cam 44 rotates and its tip is disengaged from the cam receiving portion 48a, as shown in FIG. 12B, the cam receiving portion 48a is provided directly under the spring 47 (for example, FIG. 7). The elastic force (see) causes a slight upward displacement (return to the original position), and accordingly, the driven gear 23 and the coupling gear 30 are slightly displaced downward (return to the original position). In this state, the coupling gear 30 is not meshing with the corresponding coupling gear 114, that is, the coupling gear 30 is in a non-coupled state.

The end of the spring 47 opposite to the cam receiving portion 48a is supported inside the chassis 11 by a support structure (not shown) provided directly below the spring 47. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 47 is constantly applied to the cam receiving portion 48a, so that the cam receiving portion 48a is maintained at a predetermined upper position and the branch portion 48b is maintained at a predetermined lower position. Therefore, the coupling gear 30 is in the lower position, that is, the "unconnected position", except when the branch portion 48b is pushed down by the tip of the corresponding cam 44. When the branch portion 48b is pushed down by the tip of the corresponding cam 44, the coupling gear 30 moves to the higher position, i.e. the "coupling position". When the push-down is stopped, it automatically returns to the "unconnected position". In this way, it is possible to switch the corresponding coupling gear 30 between the "connected position" and the "non-connected position" via the cam follower 48 simply by rotating the cam 44.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of the coupling gear 114 corresponding to the coupling gear 30. In the configuration example of FIG. 13, the coupling gear 114 is a gear in which a plurality of teeth 114a are formed at equal intervals on one side surface (here, a lower side surface) along the circular outer peripheral edge. A groove 114b is formed between two adjacent teeth 114a. The shaft hole 114c at the center of the coupling gear 114 is made concentric with the shaft hole of the corresponding coupling gear 30 at the time of connection. The plurality of teeth 114a and the plurality of grooves 114b of the coupling gear 114 can be meshed with the plurality of grooves 30b and the plurality of teeth 30a of the corresponding coupling gear 30, and when both are in the meshed state (when connected), the coupling gear 30 Is transmitted to the corresponding coupling gear 114, and as a result, the rotating disk 112 of the coin ejection unit 110 connected to the coupling gear 114 is rotationally driven to eject the corresponding coin.

In the configuration example of FIG. 13, the coupling gear 114 has a plurality of locking holes 114d formed at equal intervals along the outer peripheral edge thereof, and the directions along the outer peripheral edges of the respective locking holes 114d. Of the two ends, one end 114e is a vertical surface and the other end 114f is an inclined surface. This is because the two ends 114e and 114f realize the function as a one-way clutch, and when the coupling gear 114 is in the unconnected state, the coupling gear 114 causes an unintended idling, and an unwanted coin is thrown out. This is to prevent the phenomenon of occurring. Therefore, if this function is not required, the locking hole 114 having the two ends 114e and 114f may be omitted.

The camshaft 43 to which the four cams 44 are fixed, which is rotationally driven by the second motor M2, and the four cam followers 48, which are respectively engaged with the four coupling gears 114 and displaced by the corresponding cams 44, are cups. The ring gear displacement mechanism 60 is configured (see FIGS. 6 and 14). The coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 displaces the coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 (second coupling gear) between predetermined “coupled positions” and “non-coupled positions”. In the "coupling position", the coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 (second coupling gear) are meshed and connected to the corresponding four coupling gears 114 (first coupling gear), respectively. In the "non-coupling position", the coupling gears 30, 31, 32, and 33 are all disengaged from the corresponding four coupling gears 114, resulting in non-coupling.

As described above, the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 of the switching unit 40 switches between the meshed state (coupled state) and the non-engaged state (non-coupled state) of the coupling gear 30 and the corresponding coupling gear 114. , In other words, four detection pieces 45 and 4 in order to detect which of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is in the connected state and which is in the unconnected state. Two optical sensors 46 are provided in the switching unit 40. The four detection pieces 45 and the four optical sensors 46 are provided corresponding to the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, respectively.

As the optical sensor 46, a known infrared sensor or the like can be arbitrarily used, but a sensor other than the optical sensor may be used. A sensor capable of detecting the connection / non-connection of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is sufficient. The four detection pieces 45 are all of the same shape and size here, and are fixed to the camshaft 43 at intervals from each other, for example, as clearly shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, each detection piece 45 has a configuration in which a protrusion is formed on a part of the annular member, and the camshaft 43 (shaft member 43a) is inserted into the through hole at the center of the annular member. It is designed to be fixed at a desired position. The optical sensor 46 corresponding to each detection piece 45 has the same configuration and function, and is fixed to the inner surface of the frame body 42a at a position facing the corresponding detection piece 45. Further, each optical sensor 46 is provided with a gap between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, and when the protrusion of the corresponding detection piece 45 enters the gap, the light emitting portion is directed toward the light receiving portion. Since the irradiated infrared rays are blocked by the protrusions, it is detected that the protrusions have reached the sensor 46. As a result, it is determined that the corresponding coupling gear 30 and the corresponding coupling gear 114 are in the meshed state (connected state). Then, when it is necessary to maintain that state, the rotation drive of the second motor M2 is stopped at the same time when the arrival of the protrusion at the sensor 46 is detected. In this way, the corresponding coupling gear 30 and the corresponding coupling gear 114 are set in the meshed state (connected state). Only in this state, coins of a predetermined denomination stored in the coin ejection unit 110 are ejected from the coin ejection unit 110. When the infrared rays are not blocked, it is determined that the corresponding coupling gear 30 and the corresponding coupling gear 114 are in a non-meshing state (non-coupling state).

In the present embodiment, it is possible to set a state in which the driving force by the first motor M1 is not transmitted to all of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110. The state in which the driving force of the first motor M1 is transmitted to any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 (coins are ejected from the corresponding coin ejection unit 110) is set to ". If it is called an "operation mode", a mode in which the driving force by the first motor M1 is not transmitted to any of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 can be called a "non-operation mode". In the "non-operating mode", as shown in FIG. 21, all the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are separated from the drive mechanism 20, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the first to fourth coins are used. By sliding any necessary one of the throwing units 110 along the installation surface 11a, there is an advantage that it can be easily removed or replaced from the chassis 11.

In the present embodiment, the transition from the “operating mode” to the “non-operating mode” is realized by operating a lever 52 rotatably provided on the front side surface of the chassis 11 as shown in FIG. .. That is, the lever 52 can swing around the swing shaft 55 fixed to the chassis 11, and the action piece 53 fixed to the back surface of the lever 52 moves downward as the lever 52 swings. It is configured to be displaced. Since the frame rotating member 54 is fixed to the frame body 42a directly behind the lever 52 so as to overlap the lever 52, the frame rotating member 54 is pushed down as the lever 52 swings. Then, the entire frame 42 swings forward slightly around the support shafts 41 at both ends thereof, so that the camshaft 43 supported by the frame 42 is slightly displaced upward and the four cams 44 And the distances between the cam followers 48 and the cam receiving portions 48a of the four cam followers 48 corresponding to them are increased. As a result, as clearly shown in FIG. 7, the elastic force of the spring 47 arranged directly under each cam follower 48a lowers the branch portions 48b of all the cam followers 48, so that the cam followers 48 are engaged with each other. The four driven gears 23, 25, 27 and 29 and the four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 are lowered together. In this way, no matter where the tips of the four cams 44 are located, the driving force of the first motor M1 is not transmitted to all of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, and the "non-operating mode" is entered. Migration is complete. By pushing the lever 52 upward and returning it to the original position, it is possible to easily return to the "operation mode".

A lever 52 that can swing around a swing shaft 55 fixed to the chassis 11, an action piece 53 fixed to the back surface of the lever 52, and a frame rotating member fixed to the frame body 42a directly behind the lever 52. The 54 constitutes a switching unit displacement mechanism 70 that displaces the switching unit 40 relative to the drive mechanism 20 (see FIG. 14). The lever 52 functions as an operating member of the switching unit displacement mechanism 70, and the working piece 53 and the frame rotating member 54 function as a moving member of the switching unit displacement mechanism 70. The switching unit displacement mechanism 70 has a “connection position” capable of selectively transmitting the driving force of the first motor M1 to one of the coin ejection units 110 by using the switching unit 40, and a driving force of the first motor M1. Is displaced relative to the drive mechanism 20 with respect to the "separation position" that cannot be transmitted to all of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110. Therefore, when the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 is in the "connection position", the multiple coin ejection device 1 is in the above-mentioned "operation mode". On the other hand, when the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 moves to the "separation position", the multiple coin ejection device 1 shifts to the above-mentioned "non-operating mode". When the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 returns to the "connection position", the multiple coin ejection device 1 returns to the "operation mode".

As described above, the operation of realizing the desired displacement of the switching unit 40 by the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 is realized using only the mechanical structure and function. Therefore, the control device of the multiple coin ejection device 1 No electronic control is required. Therefore, when the desired coin ejection unit 110 is removed from the chassis 11 for inspection or replaced with a new coin ejection unit 110, a predetermined signal is sent to the control device to send a predetermined signal to the first motor M1. It is not necessary to control the transmission of the driving force to the coin ejection unit 110 to be cut off or reconnected. Moreover, the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 can be manufactured simply and at low cost, and is also excellent in durability with less trouble in operation.

A lock pin is provided on the back surface of the lever 52, which is a component of the switching unit displacement mechanism 70, in order to securely fix the lever 52 at the stop position (position of FIG. 14A) of the lever 52 in the operation mode. (Not shown) is provided. This moves to the stop position (position of FIG. 14B) of the lever 52 in the non-operation mode due to an unintended operation applied to the lever 52 when the multiple coin throwing device 1 is in the operation mode. The four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 (second coupling gear) and the four corresponding coupling gears 114 (third) may be displaced from the stop position of the lever 52 in the operation mode. This is to prevent a problem that the meshing (coupling) with the 1 coupling gear) is released or the meshing (coupling) becomes insufficient. By installing the lock pin, it is preferable to provide the lock pin because the trouble caused by the erroneous operation of the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 is surely prevented and the safety is remarkably improved.

(Operation of multiple coin ejection device 1)
Next, the operation of the multiple coin ejection device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

15 (a) to 15 (d) show the rotation position (rotation angle) of the corresponding cam 44 included in the switching unit 40 of the multiple coin ejection device 1 while the corresponding cam 44 makes one rotation. Therefore, it is shown that the connected state and the unconnected state of the fourth coin ejection unit 110 are switched in order. In the following description, the situation change that occurs when the camshaft 43 makes one counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 15 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the tip of the cam 44 faces diagonally downward to the right, the cam receiving portion 48a of the corresponding cam follower 48 is in the upper non-connected position. This is because the cam receiving portion 48a is constantly pushed up by the elastic force of the spring 47 arranged immediately below the cam receiving portion 48a. In this state, since the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 is in the lower unconnected position, the coupling gear 114 of the first coin ejection unit 110 is separated from the corresponding coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20 and therefore. The two coupling gears 114 and 33 are in a non-connected state (non-connected position). Therefore, the driving force of the first motor M1 is not transmitted to the coupling gear 114 of the first coin ejection unit 110, and coins are not ejected from the unit 110.

Next, when the camshaft 43 rotates counterclockwise by 90 ° from the position of FIG. 15A, in other words, when the phase of the camshaft 43 advances by 90 °, as shown in FIG. 15B. In addition, the tip of the cam 44 faces diagonally upward to the right. At this time, the cam receiving portion 48a of the cam follower 48 is in the upper non-connected position as in the state of FIG. 15A. Even in this state, since the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 is in the lower unconnected position, the coupling gear 114 of the fourth coin ejection unit 110 is separated from the corresponding coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20 and therefore. The two gears 114 and 33 are in a non-connected state (non-connected position). Therefore, the driving force of the first motor M1 is not transmitted to the coupling gear 114 of the first coin ejection unit 110, and coins are not ejected from the unit 110. This is the same as the state shown in FIG. 15 (a).

Subsequently, when the camshaft 43 rotates further counterclockwise by 90 ° from the position shown in FIG. 15B, that is, when the phase of the camshaft 43 advances 180 ° from the position shown in FIG. 15A, FIG. As shown in 15 (c), the tip of the cam 44 faces diagonally upward to the left. At this time as well, the cam receiving portion 48a of the cam follower 48 is maintained at the upper non-connected position as in the state of FIG. 15A. Even in this state, the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 is maintained in the lower non-connected position, so that the coupling gear 114 of the fourth coin ejection unit 110 remains separated from the corresponding coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20. Yes, therefore, the two gears 114 and 33 are maintained in a disconnected state (disconnected position). Therefore, even in the state of FIG. 15C, the driving force of the first motor M1 is not transmitted to the coupling gear 114 of the first coin ejection unit 110, and coins are not ejected from the unit 110.

Finally, when the camshaft 43 rotates further 90 ° counterclockwise from the position of FIG. 15C, that is, when the phase of the camshaft 43 advances 270 ° from the position of FIG. 15A, FIG. As shown in 15 (d), the tip of the cam 44 faces diagonally downward to the left. At this time, the cam receiving portion 48a of the cam follower 48 moves to a lower connection position, unlike the states shown in FIGS. 15 (a) to 15 (c). This is because the cam receiving portion 48a of the cam follower 48 is pushed down by the tip of the cam 44 against the elastic force of the spring 47. Along with this, the branch portion 48b of the cam follower 48 moves to a higher connection position. At the coupling position, the coupling gear 114 of the fourth coin ejection unit 110 meshes with the corresponding coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20, and thus the two gears 114 and 33 shift to the coupling state (coupling position). Therefore, in the state of FIG. 15D, the driving force of the first motor M1 is transmitted to the coupling gear 114 of the fourth coin ejection unit 110, and the coins are ejected from the unit 110. It will occur.

As the cam 44 rotates around the cam shaft 43 in this way, the coupling gear 114 of the first coin ejection unit 110 is driven by a drive mechanism as shown in FIG. 20 (a). It meshes with the corresponding coupling gear 33 of 20 (both coupling gears 114 and 33 shift to the connected position), or disengages from the corresponding coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20 (both coupling gears) as shown in FIG. 20 (b). 114 and 33 move to the unconnected position). Then, it is possible to limit the coin ejection from the first coin ejection unit 110 when both the coupling gears 114 and 33 are in the connected position. This also applies to the second to fourth coin ejection units 110.

By simply rotating a single camshaft 43, the four coupling gears 114 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 and the corresponding four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 of the drive mechanism 20 are combined. The situation where the meshing (connection) changes is shown in FIGS. 16 to 19.

In FIG. 16, only the coupling gear 33 of the drive mechanism 20 corresponding to the fourth coin throwing unit 110 is displaced upward, and only the fourth coin throwing unit 110 is in the connected state, and the first to third coins are connected. All the throwing units 110 are in a non-connected state. In FIG. 17, only the coupling gear 32 of the drive mechanism 20 corresponding to the third coin throwing unit 110 is displaced upward, and only the third coin throwing unit 110 is in the connected state, and the first, second and All of the third coin ejection units 110 are in the unconnected state. In FIG. 18, only the coupling gear 31 of the drive mechanism 20 corresponding to the second coin throwing unit 110 is displaced upward, and only the second coin throwing unit 110 is in the connected state, and the first, third and All of the fourth coin ejection units 110 are in the unconnected state. In FIG. 19, only the coupling gear 30 of the drive mechanism 20 corresponding to the first coin ejection unit 110 is displaced upward, and only the first coin ejection unit 110 is in the connected state, and the second to fourth coins are ejected. All coin ejection units 110 are in a non-connected state. In this way, it is possible to selectively connect and drive any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 by simply changing the phase (rotational position) of the four cams 44. Is.

To give a specific example, for example, when a change withdrawal command of 630 yen is transmitted from a higher-level device, the control device (not shown) of the multiple coin issuing device 1 switches according to the withdrawal command. By operating the unit 40, first, the first coin ejection unit 110 for ejecting a 500-yen coin is selected as the transmission destination of the driving force of the first motor M1 and driven, and the 500-yen coin is 1 Let them throw out a coin. Subsequently, a second coin ejection unit 110 for ejecting 100-yen coins is selected as the transmission destination of the driving force and is driven to eject one 100-yen coin. Further, a fourth coin ejection unit 110 for ejecting 10-yen coins is selected as the transmission destination of the driving force and is driven to eject three 10-yen coins in order. In this way, the execution of the payout command can be completed.

When shifting the multiple coin throwing device 1 from the "operating mode" to the "non-operating mode" in order to remove or replace the coin throwing unit 110, the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 is used. The switching unit 40 may be displaced relative to the drive mechanism 20 to move the switching unit 40 from the “connection position” to the “separation position”. Specifically, the user or the service engineer need only swing the lever 52 provided on the front surface of the chassis 11 downward to a predetermined limit point (position shown in FIG. 14B). With that alone, the entire switching unit 40 is collectively displaced relative to each other, so that the multiple coin ejection device 1 can easily and quickly shift to the "non-operating mode". Further, when returning the multiple coin throwing device 1 from the "non-operating mode" to the "operating mode", it is sufficient to swing the lever 52 upward to return it to the original position. With that alone, the entire switching unit 40 is collectively displaced relative to each other in the opposite direction, so that the multiple coin ejection device 1 easily and quickly returns to the "operation mode".

As described in detail above, in the multiple coin throwing device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit 40 commonly uses the first coin throwing unit 110 as the first to fourth coin throwing units 110. By switching the transmission destination of the driving force by the motor M1, any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is selectively driven. Then, one coin ejection unit 110 driven in this way, that is, to which the driving force transmitted by the first motor M1 is transmitted, ejects coins of the corresponding denomination in response to a command. Therefore, it is possible to selectively transmit the driving force only to the coin ejection unit 110 that ejects coins of a desired denomination so that the coins of a desired denomination can be ejected.

Further, the switching unit displacement that displaces the switching unit 40 relative to the drive mechanism 20 between the connection position and the separation position by using the switching unit 40 that switches the transmission destination of the driving force by the first motor M1. A mechanism 70 is provided, and the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 connects the lever 52 (operating member) provided on the chassis 11 and the switching unit 40 to the connection position according to a predetermined operation applied to the lever 52. It has a working piece 53 and a frame rotating member 54 (moving member) that are mechanically moved between the separated positions. Further, when a predetermined operation is applied to the working piece 53 and the frame rotating member 54 while the switching unit 40 is in the connection position, the switching unit 40 is displaced via the working piece 53 and the frame rotating member 54. It is designed to move to the separation position. Therefore, when the switching unit 40 is moved from the connection position to the separation position, the control device of the multiple coin ejection device 1 is used to transmit the driving force of the first motor M1 to the coin ejection unit 110. There is no need to control disconnection or reconnection.

Then, after the switching unit 40 is moved to the separated position in this way, the driving force of the first motor M1 cannot be transmitted to all the coin throwing units 110, so that the first to fourth coin throwing units are thrown. It becomes easy to remove a desired one from the ejection unit 110 from the chassis 11 and inspect it, or replace it with a new coin ejection unit 110.

Therefore, even in the multiple coin throwing device 1 having a configuration in which a plurality of coin throwing units 110 are driven by a single motor, the desired coin throwing unit 110 can be removed from the chassis 11 for inspection or new. When exchanging with a coin ejection unit 110, the control device built in the device 1 is operated to block or reconnect the transmission of the driving force of the motor M1 to the coin ejection unit 110. There is no need to control the coins. This means that the above-mentioned work of inspecting and replacing the coin ejection unit 110 can be performed easily and quickly.

Further, as described above, the movement of the switching unit 40 from the connection position to the separation position is mechanically performed by the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 having the lever 52, the working piece 53, and the frame rotating member 54. It is not necessary to operate the control device of the multiple coin throwing device 1 to block or reconnect the transmission of the driving force of the first motor M1 to the coin throwing unit 110. Therefore, when the desired coin throwing unit 110 is removed from the chassis 11 for inspection or replaced with a new coin throwing unit 110, the driving force of the first motor M1 is transmitted to the coin throwing unit 110. Blocking and reconnecting is achieved using only mechanical structure and function.

Further, the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 that displaces the switching unit 40 relative to the drive mechanism 20 between the connection position and the separation position includes the lever 52 (operating member), the working piece 53, and the frame rotation. When a member 54 (moving member) is provided and a predetermined operation is applied to the lever 52 when the switching unit 40 is in the connection position, the switching unit 40 is moved via the working piece 53 and the frame rotating member 54. Since it is displaced and moved to the separated position, it has a mechanical structure that realizes an operation of blocking or reconnecting the transmission of the driving force of the first motor M1 to the coin ejection unit 110. And the function can be manufactured simply and at low cost, and moreover, it is possible to make it excellent in durability without causing troubles in operation.

The multiple coin ejection device 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects in addition to the above effects.

That is, the switching unit 40 is provided in each of the four coupling gears 114 (first coupling gears) provided in the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 and in the plurality of gears constituting the drive mechanism 20. Coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 (second coupling gears) capable of meshing with the corresponding coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33, and the coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 are in the coupling position and the non-coupling position. A coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 that displaces between the coins is provided, and in the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60, any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is connected in response to a command. It is located at the position, and the other one or more coin ejection units 110 operate so as to be located at the non-connected position.

Therefore, the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 selectively displaces one coin ejection unit 110 in which coins of the denomination to be ejected in response to a command are stored at the connection position, and at the same time, displaces the other 1 coins. Alternatively, the plurality of coin ejection units 110 can be displaced to the non-connected position. Therefore, it is possible to selectively transmit the driving force of the first motor M1 only to the coin ejection unit 110 that ejects the coins of the desired denomination so that the coins of the desired denomination can be ejected. It becomes. In other words, despite the configuration in which a plurality of coin ejection units 110 are driven only by the first motor M1, each coin ejection unit 110 individually controls the allowance and prohibition of coin ejection. You don't have to.

Therefore, despite adopting the configuration in which the first motor M1 drives the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, each of the coin ejection units 110 has a plurality of coins described in Patent Document 1 described above. It is necessary to provide a mechanism for selectively ejecting only coins of the corresponding denomination according to the payout command, such as a shutter provided in each coin ejection unit of the coin payout device (multiple coin throwing device). No. That is, there is an effect that coins of a desired denomination can be selectively ejected from the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 without such a selective coin ejection mechanism.

Further, the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 is rotationally driven by the second motor M2, the cam shaft 43 to which the four cams 44 are fixed, and the four coupling gears 114 of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 ( It has four cam followers 48, each engaged with a first coupling gear) and displaced by a corresponding cam 44, and the rotation of each cam 44 displaces the corresponding cam follower 48 accordingly. Since the corresponding coin ejection unit 110 moves between the connected position and the non-connected position, the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 is realized with a very simple configuration.

Further, a plurality of sensors 46 for detecting the rotation position (rotation angle) of each of the four cams 44 fixed to the camshaft 43 are provided, and four detection pieces correspond to the fixed positions of the cams 44. Since 45 is fixed to the camshaft 43, the rotation position (rotation angle) of each cam 44 can be constantly detected with a simple configuration, and coins are ejected by the first to fourth coin ejection units 110. Accurate control is possible.

Further, each of a total of four coupling gears 114 (first coupling gears) on the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is fixed to the rotating shaft 115 of the corresponding coin ejection unit 110, and one side surface thereof. A gear having a plurality of teeth 114a and grooves 114b formed therein, and each of the four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 (second coupling gear) of the drive mechanism 20 is the corresponding gear 30 of the drive mechanism 20. Since the gear is fixed to 31, 32 and 33 and has a plurality of teeth 30a and 30b that can be meshed with the groove 114b and the teeth 114a of the coupling gear 114 corresponding to one side surface, the four cups are formed. A configuration that realizes meshing and disengagement of the ring gear 114 and the four coupling gears 30, 31, 32 and 33 corresponding thereto is easily realized.

Further, when the switching unit 40 is moved to the separated position by the switching unit displacement mechanism 70, the driving force by the first motor M1 is not transmitted to all of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110, which is a non-operating mode. Then, a desired one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 can be removed from the chassis 11, and when the switching unit 40 is returned to the connection position by the switching unit displacement mechanism 70, the first one is changed. The operation mode in which the driving force of the first motor M1 is transmitted to any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 is set, and the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 are selected. Since it is configured so that the desired coins can be ejected by driving the coins, any one of the first to fourth coin ejection units 110 required can be slid along the installation surface 11a. , Can be easily removed and replaced.

Further, the entire coupling gear displacement mechanism 60 is swingably supported by two support shafts 41, and the lever 52 rotatably supported by the chassis 11 is operated to operate the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60. Since it is possible to switch between the "operating mode" and the "non-operating mode" simply by swinging the chassis around the swing shaft 55, it is easy to switch between the two modes.

(Modification example)
The above-described embodiment shows an example embodying the present invention. Therefore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the coupling gears 30, 31, 32, and 33 having a plurality of teeth and grooves formed on one side surface as shown in FIG. 11 on the side of the drive mechanism 20 are used to eject coins. A coupling gear 114 having a plurality of grooves and teeth formed on one side surface as shown in FIG. 13 is used on the side of the unit 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Needless to say, a coupling gear having a configuration different from these may be used as long as the driving force of the first motor M1 can be transmitted from the drive mechanism 20 side to the coin ejection unit 110 side.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the coupling gear displacement mechanism 60, a camshaft 43 to which a plurality of cams 44 are fixed and rotationally driven by the second motor M2, and a plurality of cam followers 48 displaced by the corresponding cams 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, a mechanism different from the combination of the cam and the cam follower may be used as long as the desired coupling gear displacement can be realized.

Further, there is no limitation on the configuration of the coin ejection unit 110 to be used. A coin ejection unit having any configuration can be used as long as the coin can be ejected by the rotating disc 112 made rotatable by the rotating shaft 115.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 is separated from the connection position of the lever 52 (operating member) provided on the chassis 11 and the switching unit 40 according to a predetermined operation applied to the lever 52. It is composed of an action piece 53 and a frame rotating member 54 (moving member) that are mechanically moved between positions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the switching unit 40 can be displaced relative to the drive mechanism 20 between the connection position and the separation position, the switching unit displacement mechanism 70 may be realized with a configuration other than these. Needless to say.

The multiple coin ejection device of the present invention can be applied not only to currency coins but also to coin equivalents such as tokens and medals. Further, the multiple coin ejection device of the present invention is applicable not only to a coin deposit / withdrawal device but also to any coin processing device that requires selective ejection of coins of a desired denomination.

1 Multiple coin throwing device 10 Base 11 Chassis 11a Installation surface 20 Drive mechanism 21 Drive gears 22, 24, 26, 28 Intermediate gears 23, 25, 27, 29 Driven gears 23a, 25a, 27a, 29a Engagement member 23aa Engagement member flange 23b Engagement member shaft hole 30 Coupling gear 30a Tooth 30b Groove 30c Shaft hole 31, 32, 33 Coupling gear 40 Switching unit 41 Support shaft 42 Frame 42a Frame body 42b Support part 43 Cam shaft 43a Shaft member 43b Joint 44 Cam 45 Detection piece 46 Optical sensor 47 Spring 48 Cam follower 48a Cam receiving part 48b Branch part 48c Shaft hole 48e Roller 48f Support shaft 48g Pin 50 Drive gear 51 Driven gear 52 Lever 53 Action piece 54 Frame rotating member 55 Swing Shaft 60 Coupling gear Displacement mechanism 70 Switching unit Displacement mechanism 100 Coin throwing unit 110 Coin throwing unit 111 Main body 112 Rotating disk 113 Discharging outlet 114 Coupling gear 114a Tooth 114b Groove 114c Shaft hole 114e, 114f End 114d Locking hole 115 Rotation Axis 116 Coin guide 120 Coin storage container M1 1st motor M2 2nd motor

Claims (9)

A chassis with an installation surface and
A plurality of coin ejection units installed on the installation surface,
The first motor, which is commonly used for the plurality of coin ejection units,
A drive mechanism provided below the installation surface to drive the plurality of coin ejection units by transmitting the driving force of the first motor.
A switching unit provided below the installation surface that selectively drives any of the plurality of coin ejection units by switching the transmission destination of the driving force by the first motor.
A connection position where the driving force can be selectively transmitted to one of the plurality of coin ejection units using the switching unit, and a separation position where the driving force cannot be transmitted to all the coin ejection units. A switching unit displacement mechanism that displaces the switching unit relative to the drive mechanism is provided between the two.
The switching unit displacement mechanism is a moving member that mechanically moves the switching unit between the connection position and the separation position in response to an operation member provided on the chassis and a predetermined operation applied to the operation member. And have
When a predetermined operation is applied to the operating member while the switching unit is in the connecting position, the switching unit is displaced via the moving member so as to move to the separated position. Multiple coin ejection device. The switching unit is provided in the first coupling gear provided in each of the plurality of coin ejection units, and the second coupling gear provided in each of the plurality of gears constituting the drive mechanism and capable of meshing with the corresponding first coupling gear. It is provided with a coupling gear and a coupling gear displacement mechanism that displaces the second coupling gear between a predetermined coupling position and a non-coupling position.
In response to a command, the coupling gear displacement mechanism has one or more of the coin throwing units located at the connecting position, and the other one or a plurality of coin throwing units are positioned at the unconnected position. The multiple coin ejection device according to claim 1, which operates so as to be located in. The coupling gear displacement mechanism
A camshaft that is rotated by a second motor and has a plurality of cams assigned to each of the plurality of coin ejection units fixed thereto.
It has a plurality of cam followers that are respectively engaged with the plurality of the second coupling gears and are displaced by the corresponding cams.
Depending on the plurality of displacement of the cam follower by the rotation of a plurality of the cam, the corresponding claim 2 is configured such that the second coupling gear is moved between the uncoupled position and the connecting position Multiple coin dispenser. The multiple coin ejection device according to claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting the rotation positions (rotation angles) of the plurality of cams fixed to the cam shaft. A plurality of detection pieces are fixed to the camshaft corresponding to the fixing positions of the plurality of cams fixed to the camshaft.
A plurality of sensors are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of detection pieces.
The multiple coin ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the rotation positions (rotation angles) of the detection pieces are detected by the plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of first coupling gears is fixed to the rotation shaft of the corresponding coin ejection unit, and is a gear in which a plurality of teeth and grooves are formed on one side surface.
Each of the plurality of second coupling gears is fixed to the corresponding gear of the drive mechanism, and the plurality of grooves and grooves capable of meshing with the teeth of the first coupling gear corresponding to one side surface and the grooves. The multiple coin ejection device according to claim 2 , wherein the gear has teeth. When the switching unit is moved to the separated position by the switching unit displacement mechanism, the non-operating mode in which the driving force by the first motor is not transmitted to all of the plurality of coin throwing units is set, and a plurality of non-operating modes are set. It is possible to remove the desired coin ejection unit from the chassis.
When the switching unit is returned to the connection position by the switching unit displacement mechanism, the operation mode in which the driving force by the first motor is transmitted to any one of the plurality of coin ejection units. The multiple coin ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is configured to selectively drive a plurality of the coin ejection units so that a desired coin ejection unit can be ejected. The operating member of the switching unit displacement mechanism is a lever member that is swingably provided on one surface of the chassis and can be manually operated.
The moving member of the switching unit displacement mechanism is mechanically connected to the switching unit and is configured to move by a manual operation applied to the lever member.
Claims 1 to 7 are configured such that when a predetermined manual operation is applied to the lever member, the switching unit mechanically moves between the connection position and the separation position in response to the manual operation. The multiple coin ejection device according to any one of the above items. The multiple coin ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein in the non-operating mode, all of the plurality of coin ejection units are removable by moving along the installation surface.

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