JP6969263B2 - Coin checker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coin inspection device, and more particularly to a coin inspection device applied to a coin processing machine that stores deposited coins for each denomination and pays out the stored coins according to a withdrawal instruction. It is a thing.

Conventionally, a coin processing machine, which is applied as a change machine, for example, after identifying the authenticity and denomination of coins inserted into the deposit slot, automatically takes in the coins identified as specie and provides them for each denomination. Store in the coin storage. Further, the coin processing machine pays out the coins stored in the coin storage to the withdrawal port as change in response to a change withdrawal request from an external device or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-39773

By the way, in the coin processing machine, a plurality of belts stretched in an endless manner are provided on a pair of rollers, and arranged so that the most upstream portion of the downstream belt is located below the most downstream portion of the upstream belt. I was transporting coins. Further, since each belt requires a certain transport length, as a result, it is difficult to reduce the size of the entire device.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin checker capable of downsizing a coin processing machine.

In order to achieve the above object, the coin inspection device according to the present invention stores the deposited coins for each denomination, while the coin inspection applied to the coin processing machine that pays out the stored coins according to the withdrawal instruction. A coin device, which is a transporting means for transporting the deposited coins in a sideways position in one direction, and a discriminating means for discriminating the authenticity and denomination of coins transported in one direction by the transporting means. The transporting means is characterized in that coins discriminated from counterfeit coins by the discriminating means are transported in the other direction on the opposite side to the one direction.

Further, according to the present invention, in the coin inspection device, the transport means are provided on a transport pulley provided in a paired front-rear manner, a transport belt stretched endlessly between the transport pulleys, and the transport belt. The coins that are attached and deposited according to the displacement of the transport belt are transported backward in a sideways position, and the coins identified as fake coins by the discrimination means are forwarded in a sideways position. It is characterized by being provided with a transport member for transport.

Further, according to the present invention, in the coin inspection device, the transport belt is stretched endlessly between the transport pulleys in a paired manner on the left and right, and the transport member has both left and right ends attached to the transport belt. It is characterized in that the surface that presses the coin to be transported has a V shape due to the displacement of the transport belt.

Further, the present invention is installed in the coin inspection device in a manner of opening and closing an outlet provided in the vicinity of the identification means, and under normal conditions, the outlet is closed while the coin is closed by the identification means. When the coin is distinguished from a specie, it is characterized by having a sending flapper that opens the sending port and allows the coin transported in one direction by the transporting means to pass through the sending port. do.

Further, the present invention is provided in the coin inspection device so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the passing region in a posture of advancing and moving to the passing region of the coin transported in one direction by the transport means in the normal state. When the outlet is closed by the flapper, the coin is pressed by the coin passing through the passing region and regresses from the passing region to allow the coin to pass, while the sending flapper allows the coin to pass through. When the delivery port is opened, it is characterized by being provided with a guide member that comes into contact with a coin passing through the passing area and guides the coin to the delivery port.

Further, according to the present invention, in the coin inspection device, when the transporting means is driven in a forward rotation, the deposited coins are transported backward in a sideways posture and are regarded as counterfeit coins by the discrimination means. While the identified coins are transported forward in a sideways posture, when the coins are driven in reverse, the deposited coins are transported forward in a sideways posture and distinguished from counterfeit coins by the discrimination means. A temporary holding mechanism is provided to temporarily hold the coins identified as counterfeit coins by the discrimination means when the transported coins are transported backward in a sideways posture and the transport means is driven in the reverse direction. It is characterized by being prepared.

According to the present invention, the transport means for transporting the deposited coin in one direction in a sideways posture, and the coin discriminated from the counterfeit coin by the discrimination means, transports the coin in the other direction on the opposite side to the one direction. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the transport length in the transport means, which has the effect of reducing the size of the coin processing machine 1.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a coin processing machine to which a coin checker according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1, and some components are appropriately omitted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1, and some components are appropriately omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1, and some components are appropriately omitted. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a mounting portion of the transport belt and the pressure transport member. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a pressing transport member displaced rearward by a transport belt. FIG. 11 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the guide member shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and its peripheral structure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a main part of the coin checker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary holding mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the coin-checking coin separation unit shown in FIG. 3 separated. FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the discrimination unit shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a main part of the discrimination unit shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a main part of the discrimination unit shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary holding mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary holding mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the retention release control process carried out by the checkout control unit shown in FIG. (A) and (b) of FIG. 23 are explanatory views showing the operation of the temporary holding mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the coin transport device shown in FIG. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a part of the components of the coin transport device shown in FIG. 24 omitted. FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a part of the components of the coin transport device shown in FIG. 24 omitted. FIG. 27 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system of the coin transport device shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the rail portion shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the rail portion shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a transport unit constituting the coin transport device shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the components of the holding portion shown in FIG. 30 in an exploded manner. FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the second rail forming member and the fourth rail forming member. FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion facing the upper end portion of the curved upper extension portion of the third rail forming member and the right end portion of the second left extension portion of the fourth rail forming member. FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a reverse roller and a transport guide arranged to face each other of the third rail forming member. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the transport guide shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the transport guide shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the transport guide shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view showing a continuous portion of the curved downward extension portion of the first rail forming member and the first left extension portion of the second rail forming member. FIG. 39 is a schematic view of the passage restricting member shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 40 is a schematic view of the passage restricting member shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 41 is a schematic view of the passage restricting member shown in FIG. 38. 42 is a perspective view showing the distribution gates shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the distribution gate shown in FIG. 42. FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the distribution gate shown in FIG. 42. FIG. 45 is a schematic view showing the operation of the distribution gate shown in FIG. 42 from above. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the holding and pressing member on the third rail forming member. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the holding and pressing member on the fourth rail forming member. FIG. 48 is a plan view showing a main part of a modified example of the coin transport device shown in FIG. 24.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the coin checker according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a coin processing machine to which a coin checker according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The coin processing machine 1 exemplified here is applied as a change machine, for example, and stores the deposited coins for each denomination, while paying out the coins to be stored according to the withdrawal instruction. Such a coin processing machine 1 is configured to include a coin inspection device 10a and a coin transfer device 10b.
<Coin checker>

2 to 4 are perspective views showing the main parts of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1, respectively, and some components are appropriately omitted. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system of the coin checker 10a shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

The coin inspection device 10a exemplified here discriminates the authenticity and denomination of coins deposited through the deposit unit 2. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the deposit unit 2 has a coin insertion slot 2a, and is a portion into which coins are deposited.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the coin inspection device 10a includes a coin inspection coin transport unit (transport means) 20, a guide member 30, a supply flapper 31, a temporary holding mechanism 33, and a coin inspection coin separation unit. It is configured to include a 40, a discrimination unit (discrimination means) 50, and a coin check control unit 60.

6 to 8 show the main parts of the coin checker 10a shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, respectively, FIG. 6 is a plan view, FIG. 7 is a bottom view, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the coin checking unit 20 includes a transport pulley 21, a transport belt 22, a pressing transport member (transport member) 23, a delivery flapper 24, and a fake coin through hole 25. It is configured with and.

The transport pulley 21 is installed in a front-rear pair in the transport device main body 20a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), which is a housing. The transport pulley 21a on the rear side is linked to the output shaft of the check transfer motor 21c via a linked gear unit (not shown). Here, the check transfer motor 21c is driven in the forward and reverse directions by being given a drive command from the check control unit 60, and is driven and stopped by being given a drive stop command by the check control unit 60. .. More specifically, the check transfer motor 21c is driven in the forward direction when the check control unit 60 gives a forward rotation drive command, while it is driven in the reverse direction when the reverse rotation drive command is given. It is a thing.

The rear side transport pulley 21a is a drive pulley that rotates around its own central axis by driving the check transfer motor 21c (forward rotation drive, reverse rotation drive). The rear side transport pulley 21a rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left by driving the check transfer motor 21c in the forward direction, while the check transfer motor 21c drives in the reverse direction to the left. It rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the side.

The transport belts 22 are paired on the left and right, and are stretched endlessly between the transport pulleys 21. Such a transport belt 22 is displaced along its extending direction by rotating the transport pulley 21a on the rear side by driving the check transfer motor 21c. More specifically, in the transport belt 22, the transport pulley 21a on the rear side rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left by the forward rotation drive of the check transfer motor 21c, so that the upper portion thereof is directed to the rear. The lower part is displaced forward. On the other hand, in the transport belt 22, the transport pulley 21a on the rear side rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left by the reverse drive of the check transfer motor 21c, so that the upper portion faces forward and the lower portion rearward. Displace in a manner toward.

When the front-side transport pulley 21b linked to the rear-side transport pulley 21a via the transport belt 22 rotates in the counterclockwise direction when the rear-side transport pulley 21a rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the rear-side transport pulley 21a rotates. When the transport pulley 21a on the rear side rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left while rotating counterclockwise when viewed from the left with its own central axis as the axis, the own central axis is rotated. It rotates clockwise when viewed from the left as the axis. That is, the transport pulley 21b on the front side is a driven pulley that rotates according to the rotation of the transport pulley 21a on the rear side.

A plurality of pressing transport members 23 are provided, each straddling a pair of left and right transport belts 22, and are provided at equal intervals along the extending direction of the transport belts 22. As shown in FIG. 9, such a pressing transport member 23 is provided at the left end while the right end uneven portion 23a provided at the right end is fitted to the right uneven portion 22a provided at the right transport belt 22. The left end uneven portion 23b is fitted to the left uneven portion 22b provided on the left transfer belt 22 so as to straddle the pair of left and right transfer belts 22. As a result, the pressing transport member 23 is displaced along the extending direction of the transport belt 22 according to the displacement of the transport belt 22. The pressing transport member 23 is fixed by fitting the uneven portions 23a and 23b at both left and right ends with the uneven portions 22a and 22b of the transport belt 22, but the movement in the left-right direction with respect to the transport belt 22 is not possible. The movement of the transport device main body 20a is restricted by the left and right side portions 20a1 of the transport device main body 20a. It is regulated by the bottom 20a3 of 20a.

The pressing transfer member 23 has a surface 23c in which the transfer pulley 21a rotates in a counterclockwise direction from the left and faces the downstream side in the displacement direction of the transfer belt 22, that is, a surface facing the rear in the upper portion of the transfer belt 22. In the lower part of the transport belt 22, the surface facing the front is V-shaped. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the pressing transport member 23 has a surface that faces the downstream side of the transport belt 22 in the displacement direction, a surface that inclines toward the upstream side in the displacement direction toward the left, and a surface that inclines toward the upstream side in the displacement direction. A V-shaped shape is formed by the continuous surface at the central portion, which is inclined to the upstream side in the displacement direction toward the right.

As shown in FIG. 8, the delivery flapper 24 is provided on a transport base 26 provided between the pair of left and right transport belts 22. More specifically, the delivery flapper 24 is swingably provided on the left edge of the delivery port 24a formed in the transport base 26. Here, the delivery port 24a is an opening communicating with the delivery passage 24b (see FIG. 12), and coins passing through the outlet 24a can be sent to the coin transport device 10b through the delivery passage 24b.

Under normal conditions, such a delivery flapper 24 is closed in a manner that restricts the passage of coins through the delivery port 24a. Then, when the transmission flapper drive mechanism 24b is driven, the transmission flapper 24 swings in the opening direction to open the transmission outlet 24a. Here, the transmission flapper drive mechanism 24b is driven by a drive command from the checkout control unit 60 to swing in the direction of opening the sendout flapper 24, and the checkout control unit 60 gives a drive stop command. As a result, the drive is stopped, and the delivery flapper 24 is allowed to close the delivery port 24a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the counterfeit coin through hole 25 is a rectangular hole formed on the rear side of the delivery port 24a in the transport base 26. The fake coin through hole 25 has a sufficient size to allow the passage of coins. The coin that has passed through the fake coin through hole 25 is placed on the bottom portion 20a3 of the transport device main body 20a.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the guide member 30 is provided in the upper portion of the delivery port 24a in the top portion 20a2 of the transport device main body 20a. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide member 30 has a guide shaft portion 30a and a guide action portion 30b.

The guide shaft portion 30a is a columnar member extending along the left-right direction. The guide action portion 30b is a portion extending outward in the radial direction of the guide shaft portion 30a, more specifically toward the rear.

In such a guide member 30, the guide shaft portion 30a is erected on the guide support piece 20a5 provided in the top portion 20a2 in such a manner that the guide action portion 30b passes through the guide opening 20a4 formed in the top portion 20a2. As a result, it is provided so as to be swingable around the central axis of the guide shaft portion 30a.

More specifically, the guide member 30 is provided so as to be swingable in such a manner that the lower end portion of the guide action portion 30b moves back and forth to the passing region A of the coin transported toward the rear by the coin checking unit 20. In the normal state, the lower end portion of the guiding action portion 30b is in a posture of advancing and moving to the passing region A. When the delivery port 24a is closed by the delivery flapper 24, the guide member 30 is pressed by a coin passing through the passing area A and swings in a manner of regressing from the passing area A. While allowing the coin to pass backward, when the sending port 24a is opened by the sending flapper 24, the coin comes into contact with the coin passing through the passing area A and guides the coin to the sending port 24a. Is.

As shown in FIG. 12, the supply flapper 31 is provided in such a manner that a part of the delivery opening 24c, which is the exit of the delivery passage 24b, is closed. The supply flapper 31 has a flapper shaft portion 31a and a flapper acting portion 31b. The flapper shaft portion 31a is a columnar member extending along the front-rear direction. The flapper acting portion 31b is a portion extending outward in the radial direction of the flapper shaft portion 31a, more specifically downward.

Such a supply flapper 31 is provided so as to be swingable around the central axis of the flapper shaft portion 31a by pivotally supporting the flapper shaft portion 31a in such a manner that the flapper acting portion 31b closes a part of the delivery opening 24c. Has been done.

Under normal conditions, the supply flapper 31 is restricted from swinging to the left with the flapper acting portion 31b blocking a part of the delivery opening 24c. Therefore, the coins from the coin transport device 10b are prevented from passing through the delivery opening 24c and entering the delivery passage 24b. On the other hand, when the supply flapper 31 comes into contact with a coin that has passed through the delivery passage 24b, the supply flapper 31 swings to the right around the central axis of the flapper shaft portion 31a, and the delivery opening 24c is opened to open the coin. Allows to pass.

As shown in FIG. 8, the temporary holding mechanism 33 is formed in such a manner that the counterfeit coin through hole 25 is inserted, and includes the temporary holding portion 33a and the temporary holding lever 33b as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. It is composed of. The temporary holding portion 33a is a flat plate-shaped member that gradually inclines upward as it goes backward, and is provided in such a manner that the counterfeit coin through hole 25 is inserted through the temporary holding portion 33a. A gap is formed between the lower end portion of the temporary holding portion 33a and the bottom portion 20a3 to allow the pressing and transporting member 23 to pass through.

The temporary holding lever 33b includes a holding lever shaft portion 33b1 and a holding lever acting portion 33b2. The holding lever shaft portion 33b1 is a shaft-shaped portion extending along the left-right direction, and is pivotally supported at the lower portion of the bottom portion 20a3. As a result, the temporary holding lever 33b is provided so as to be swingable around the central axis of the holding lever shaft portion 33b1.

The holding lever acting portion 33b2 is a portion of the holding lever shaft portion 33b1 extending in the out-of-diameter direction, and extends toward the front. The front end 33c of the holding lever acting portion 33b2 is formed with a continuous first inclined surface 33c1 that gradually inclines upward toward the front and a second inclined surface 33c2 that gradually inclines upward toward the rear. The second inclined surface 33c2 is arranged on the front side of the first inclined surface 33c1.

A lever spring 33d is interposed between the temporary holding lever 33b and the bottom portion 20a3, and the lever spring 33d allows the front end portion 33c of the temporary holding lever 33b to pass through the lever opening 20a6 formed in the bottom portion 20a3. , It has advanced to the upper region of the bottom 20a3.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the temporary holding lever 33b, in the normal state, the second inclined surface 33c2 of the front end portion 33c forms an inclined surface substantially the same as the temporary holding portion 33a, and passes through the fake coin through hole 25. It is possible to guide the coins (counterfeit coins) to be used downward.

The coin inspection coin separation unit 40 sends out coins deposited through the deposit unit 2 in a state of being separated one by one by the coin inspection unit 20.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the coin-checking coin separating unit 40 shown in FIG. 3 separated. As shown in FIG. 16, the coin inspection coin separating portion 40 includes a separating main body portion 41, a rotating body 42, and a separating lid 43.

The separation main body portion 41 has a bottomed cylindrical rotating body storage portion 41a, and drives the supply port 41b for supplying coins to the coin inspection unit 20 and the rotating body 42 to apply a rotational driving force. A force applying opening 41c is formed. The bottom surface portion 41a1 of the rotating body storage portion 41a in the separation main body portion 41 is provided with a separation guide portion 41a2 for guiding coins to the supply port 41b.

The rotating body 42 has a substantially disk-like shape, and is rotatably stored around the central axis of the rotating body 42 in the rotating body storage portion 41a of the separation main body portion 41. In such a rotating body 42, a plurality of coin passage holes 42a (four in the illustrated example) are formed on the same circumference centered on the central axis.

The gear 44a of the driving force transmission unit 44 meshes with the side surface of the rotating body 42 through the driving force applying opening 41c. The driving force transmission unit 44 is interposed between the transport pulley 21b on the front side and the rotating body 42 to transmit the rotational driving force of the transport pulley 21 to the rotating body 42.

As described above, since the transport pulley 21b on the front side is a driven pulley that rotates in response to the rotation of the transport pulley 21a on the rear side, the rotational driving force of the rotating body 42 is given by the check transfer motor 21c. That is, the rotation of the rotating body 42 and the rotation of the transport pulley 21 are given from a common drive source, and the rotation of the rotating body 42 and the displacement of the transport belt 22 are synchronized with each other.

The separation lid 43 is installed so as to cover the rotating body storage portion 41a of the separation main body portion 41. The separation lid 43 is provided with an introduction port 43a and a movable flapper 45. The introduction port 43a is an opening for introducing the coin deposited in the deposit unit 2 into the rotating body 42 in the rotating body storage unit 41a.

The movable flapper 45 has a movable shaft portion 45a and a movable acting portion 45b. The movable shaft portion 45a is a columnar member extending along the left-right direction. The movable action portion 45b is a portion extending outward in the radial direction of the movable shaft portion 45a, more specifically, downward.

In such a movable flapper 45, the movable shaft portion 45a is pivotally supported by the separation lid 43 in such a manner that the movable action portion 45b passes through the introduction port 43a, so that the movable shaft portion 45a swings around the central axis of the movable shaft portion 45a. It is provided so that it can be moved. More specifically, the movable flapper 45 is provided so as to be swingable in a state where a part of the tip portion of the movable acting portion 45b is in contact with the upper surface of the rotating body 42.

Further, the coin inspection coin separation unit 40 is provided with a passage sensor 46 (see FIG. 5). The passage sensor 46 is provided on the coin transport path introduced from the introduction port 43a and reaches the supply port 41b by the rotation of the rotating body 42, and detects the passing coin. When the passage sensor 46 detects the passage of coins, the passage sensor 46 gives that fact as a passage signal to the coin inspection control unit 60, which will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the discrimination unit 50 is installed at a location on the rear side of the coin inspection unit 40 and on the front side of the delivery port 24a. The discrimination unit 50 discriminates the authenticity and denomination of the coin when the coin transported backward by the coin inspection unit 20 passes through a predetermined discrimination area. The discrimination unit 50 gives the discrimination result to the checkout control unit 60 as a discrimination signal. Further, the discrimination unit 50 is provided with a plurality of ball pressures 51 as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. These ball pressures 51 are for pressing coins passing backward from above.

Further, the discrimination unit 50 is provided with a deceleration ball pressure 52 on the rearmost side. The deceleration ball pressure 52 suppresses the coins that have passed through the discrimination region from being separated from the pressing and transporting member 23.

The coin check control unit 60 comprehensively controls the operation of the coin check device 10a according to the programs and data stored in the memory 61. The check control unit 60 may be realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, by software, or by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). It may be realized by using software and hardware together.

In the coin inspection device 10a having the above configuration, a plurality of coins are deposited through the deposit unit 2, and the coin processing main control unit 200 that collectively controls the operation of the coin processing machine 1 to the coin inspection control unit. When the operation command is given to the 60, the coin inspection control unit 60 gives a forward rotation drive command to the coin inspection transfer motor 21c.

As a result, the coin inspection motor 21c is driven in the forward direction, and in the coin inspection unit 20, the transfer pulley 21 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left, so that the transfer belt 22 is displaced along the extending direction. do. Further, due to the rotation of the transport pulley 21, the rotating body 42 of the coin-checking coin separating portion 40 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from above via the driving force transmission unit 44.

Then, when the coins deposited by the deposit unit 2 are introduced onto the upper surface of the rotating body 42 through the introduction port 43a of the separation lid 43, the coin inspection coin separation unit 40 inserts these coins into the respective coin passage holes 42a. Guide in a sideways position. As a result, the coins guided to the coin passage hole 42a are stacked in the coin passage hole 42a.

The lowest coin among the coins guided by the coin passage hole 42a and stacked is slidably contacted with the bottom surface portion 41a1 of the rotating body storage portion 41a in the separating main body portion 41 by the rotation of the rotating body 42. Then, the lowest coin that comes into contact with the separation guide portion 41a2 is separated from the coin passage hole 42a and supplied to the coin inspection coin transport portion 20 through the supply port 41b. That is, the coin inspection coin separation unit 40 sends out the coins deposited through the deposit unit 2 in a state of being separated one by one by the coin inspection unit 20.

The coins supplied from the supply port 41b to the coin-checking coin transport unit 20 are placed on the upper surface of the transport base 26 in a sideways posture. Since the transport belt 22 is displaced in the extending direction as described above, the pressing transport member 23 fixed to the transport belt 22 presses the coin placed on the upper surface of the transport base 26 toward the rear. Then, the coin is conveyed backward.

Here, in the pressing transport member 23, the surface 23c facing the downstream side in the displacement direction of the transport belt 22 has a V shape, and as shown in FIG. 10, the surface 23c facing the downstream side is the transport belt 22. It becomes a surface that presses the coin from the displacement of, and the coin can be conveyed backward in a state of being brought close to the central portion in the left-right direction.

In this way, the coin is conveyed backward while being pressed by the pressing and conveying member 23, and when the conveyed coin reaches the identification area by the identification unit 50, the identification unit 50 determines the authenticity of the coin and gold. Species discriminate. The discrimination unit 50 sends the discrimination result as a discrimination signal to the checkout control unit 60.

The check control unit 60 inputs a discrimination signal from the discrimination unit 50, and when the discrimination result is a specie, gives a drive command to the transmission flapper drive mechanism 24b. As a result, the transmission flapper drive mechanism 24b is driven, and the transmission flapper 24 swings in the opening direction to open the transmission outlet 24a. When the delivery flapper 24 opens the delivery port 24a in this way, the coins that pass through the discrimination area and are conveyed backward while being pressed by the pressing transfer member 23 come into contact with the guide member 30 and change their postures. , Passes through the delivery passage 24b from the delivery port 24a, and is delivered to the coin transport device 10b through the delivery opening 24c. After the coin discriminated from the specie has passed through the sending port 24a, the coin inspection control unit 60 gives a drive stop command to the sending flapper driving mechanism 24b. As a result, the delivery port 24a is closed to the delivery flapper 24.

On the other hand, the check control unit 60 inputs the identification signal from the identification unit 50, and when the identification result is a fake currency, the transmission flapper 24 sends the signal without giving a drive command to the transmission flapper drive mechanism 24b. Keep the outlet 24a closed.

As a result, the coins that have passed through the discrimination area and are conveyed backward in a state of being pressed by the pressing and conveying member 23 pass through the upper surface of the sending flapper 24, and as shown in FIG. 15, the temporary holding portion 33a and the temporary holding portion 33a are temporarily conveyed. It slides on the front end 33c of the holding lever 33b, passes through the counterfeit coin through hole 25, and falls downward. The coins that have fallen downward in this way are placed on the bottom 20a3 of the transport device main body 20a in a sideways posture.

By the way, due to the rotation of the transport pulley 21, the lower portion of the transport belt 22 is displaced toward the front. Therefore, below the coin-checking coin transporting unit 20, the pressing and transporting member 23 fixed to the transport belt 22 moves forward, so that the pressing and transporting member 23 pushes the coins placed on the bottom portion 20a3 forward. It can be transported in a state of being pressed toward. At this time, since the surface 23c of the pressing transport member 23 facing the downstream side in the displacement direction of the transport belt 22 has a V shape, the coins are conveyed rearward with the coins moved toward the central portion in the left-right direction. can do. In this way, the coin inspection unit 20 sends the coins (counterfeit coins) transported forward to the payout unit 3 (see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, in the bottom portion 20a3, the front end portion of the temporary holding lever 33b advances to the upper region through the lever opening 20a6. Since the first inclined surface 33c1 is formed on the front end portion 33c of the temporary holding lever 33b, as shown in FIG. 20, the temporary holding lever 33b is temporarily held by being brought into contact with the pressing transport member 23 moving forward. As shown in FIG. 21, the lever 33b swings downward against the urging force of the lever spring 33d, and the front end portion 33c regresses from the upper region of the bottom portion 20a3 to move the pressing transport member 23 forward. Tolerate.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the retention release control process carried out by the checkout control unit 60 shown in FIG. The operation of the coin checker 10a will also be described while explaining the retention release control process. As a premise of the explanation of the retention release control process, it is assumed that the check transfer motor 21c is driven in the forward direction.

In this retention release control process, when the pass signal is input from the pass sensor 46 (step S101: Yes), the check control unit 60 starts measuring the time through the built-in clock (step S102), and sets in advance. By the time the time elapses, the discrimination unit 50 waits for the input of the discrimination signal (step S103, step S104).

If the identification signal is input before the set time elapses (step S103: Yes, step S104: No), the check control unit 60 ends the time measurement (step S105), and then returns the procedure. Let's finish this process.

On the other hand, when the set time has elapsed without input of the discrimination signal (step S103: No, step S104: Yes), the checkout control unit 60 determines that a problem such as coin jamming has occurred and measures the time. After completion (step S106), a forward rotation drive stop command is sent to the coin check transfer motor 21c (step S107).

Then, the check control unit 60 sends a reverse drive command to the check transfer motor 21c (step S108).

By sending the reverse drive command to the check transfer motor 21c in this way, the check transfer motor 21c is reverse-driven, and in the check coin transfer section 20, the transfer pulley 21 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left. As a result, the transport belt 22 is displaced along the extending direction. Further, due to the rotation of the transport pulley 21, the rotating body 42 of the coin-checking coin separating unit 40 rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above via the driving force transmission unit 44. This makes it possible to release the stagnation due to coin jamming or the like.

By the way, due to the reverse drive of the check transfer motor 21c, the lower portion of the transfer belt 22 is displaced toward the rear. Therefore, below the coin-checking coin transporting unit 20, the pressing and transporting member 23 fixed to the transport belt 22 moves backward, and the pressing and transporting member 23 directs the coins placed on the bottom portion 20a3 to the rear. Transport in a pressed state.

On the other hand, in the bottom portion 20a3, the front end portion of the temporary holding lever 33b advances to the upper region through the lever opening 20a6. Since the second inclined surface 33c2 is formed on the front end portion 33c of the temporary holding lever 33b, as shown in FIG. 23A, the coins to be conveyed rearward are guided to the temporary holding portion 33a. be able to. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the temporary holding lever 33b swings downward against the urging force of the lever spring 33d by being brought into contact with the pressing and transporting member 23 that moves backward. It moves and the front end portion 33c regresses from the upper region of the bottom portion 20a3 to allow the pressing and conveying member 23 to move backward. As a result, the coins can be held by the temporary holding mechanism 33 in the operation of releasing the stagnation, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of new coin jamming in the coin transport unit 20.

The check control unit 60, which has sent the reverse drive command to the check transfer motor 21c in this way, waits for the lapse of the reverse drive operation time (step S109). Here, the reverse drive operation time is a time sufficient to clear the coin jam.

When the reverse drive operation time has elapsed (step S109: Yes), the check control unit 60 sends a reverse drive stop command to the check transfer motor 21c (step S110), and then sends a forward drive command (step). S111), and then the procedure is returned to end the current process.

According to this, it is possible to eliminate problems such as coin jamming in the coin transport unit 20 or the coin inspection unit separation unit 40.

As described above, the coin inspection device 10a discriminates the authenticity and denomination of the coins deposited through the deposit unit 2, and the coins discriminated from the genuine coins are sent to the coin transport device 10b. Coins that have been identified as fake coins are paid out to the outside through the withdrawal section 4.

Then, according to such a coin inspection device 10a, the coin inspection unit 20 passes through the counterfeit coin through hole 25 for the coins transported backward and discriminated from the counterfeit coins by the discrimination unit 50. Since the coins are transported toward the front after being made to move, the length of the coin-checking coin transporting unit 20 in the front-rear direction can be shortened, whereby the coin processing machine 1 can be miniaturized.

According to the coin inspection device 10a, the pressing transfer member 23 constituting the coin inspection unit 20 has a V-shaped surface 23c for pressing the coin due to the displacement of the transfer belt 22, so that the coin can be inserted. The coins can be transported in a state of being close to the central portion in the left-right direction, whereby the coins can be stably transported while the coin transport position is restricted, and the accuracy of discrimination by the discrimination unit 50 is improved. Can be planned.
<Coin transfer device>

24 is a perspective view showing the coin transport device 10b shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a part of the components of the coin transport device 10b shown in FIG. 24 omitted. 26 is a plan view showing a part of the coin transport device 10b shown in FIG. 24 by omitting some components, and FIG. 27 is a characteristic control system of the coin transport device 10b shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. It is a block diagram schematically showing.

The coin transport device 10b exemplified here transports coins whose authenticity and denomination have been discriminated by the coin inspection device 10a, determines the denomination of the coin during the transport, and transfers the coin for each denomination. It is distributed to the coin storage unit 5 (see FIG. 1) and sent to the coin storage unit 5. Here, the coin storage unit 5 stores the coins sorted by the coin transport device 10b for each denomination, and when a withdrawal instruction is given, the corresponding coin is sent to the withdrawal unit 4. Then, it is to be paid out to the outside through the withdrawal unit 4.

The coin transport device 10b includes a rail section 70, a transport section 80, a reverse roller 90, a discrimination section 110, a return section 120, a distribution section 130, and a transport control section (control means) 140. It is configured.

As shown in FIG. 28, the rail portion 70 includes a first rail forming member 71, a second rail forming member 72, a third rail forming member 73, and a fourth rail forming member 74.

The first rail forming member 71 forms a transport path HK on the rear right side of the coin transport device 10b. The first rail forming member 71 has a curved downward extending portion 71a that curves downward in a manner that is convex rearward. That is, the first rail forming member 71 constitutes a descending portion extending in a downwardly curved manner.

The second rail forming member 72 forms the lower transport path HK in the coin transport device 10b. The second rail forming member 72 has a first left extension portion 72a, a front extension portion 72b, and a first right extension portion 72c.

The first left extension portion 72a is a portion that is continuous with the curved lower extension portion 71a in the first rail forming member 71 and extends toward the left. The front extension portion 72b is a portion extending forward from the extension end portion of the first left extension portion 72a. The first right extension portion 72c is a portion extending to the right from the extension end portion of the front extension portion 72b. The second rail forming member 72 is formed with an insertion slot 72d into which coins identified as genuine coins by the coin inspection device 10a are inserted.

The third rail forming member 73 forms a transport path HK on the front right side of the coin transport device 10b. The third rail forming member 73 has a curved upper extending portion 73a that is continuous with the first right extending portion 72c of the second rail forming member 72 and is curved upward in a manner that is convex rearward. .. That is, the third rail forming member 73 constitutes an ascending portion extending in an upwardly curved manner.

The fourth rail forming member 74 forms the upper transport path HK in the coin transport device 10b. The fourth rail forming member 74 has a second left extension portion 74a, a rear extension portion 74b, and a second right extension portion 74c.

The second left extension portion 74a is a portion extending toward the left. The second left extension portion 74a is curved so that the right end portion 74a1 faces the upper end portion 73a1 of the curved upper extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73. The rear extension portion 74b is a portion extending rearward from the extension end portion of the second left extension portion 74a. The second right extension portion 74c is a portion extending to the right from the extension end portion of the rear extension portion 74b. The second right extension portion 74c is curved so that the right end portion 74c1 faces the upper end portion 71a1 of the curved lower extension portion 71a of the first rail forming member 71.

In this way, the rail portion 70 is provided with the first rail forming member 71, the second rail forming member 72, the third rail forming member 73, and the fourth rail forming member 74 in sequence, so that the endless transport path is provided. It constitutes HK.

Further, in the rail portion 70, the fourth rail forming member 74 is supported by a first protrusion 75a formed on the right end portion 74a1 of the second left extending portion 74a so as to sandwich the third rail forming member 73 back and forth. The first support hole 76a of the first support plate 76 is inserted, and the second protrusion 75b formed in the right end portion 74c1 of the second right extension portion 74c supports the first rail forming member 71 in a manner of sandwiching the first rail forming member 71 back and forth. 2 A second support hole (not shown) of the support plate 77 is inserted. Here, the first protrusion 75a and the second protrusion 75b are provided so that their central axes coincide with each other. Therefore, the fourth rail forming member 74 can swing around the central axis of the first protrusion 75a and the second protrusion 75b by, for example, an angle of about 60 °. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the fourth rail forming member 74 can swing in the vertical direction with the central axes of the first protrusion 75a and the second protrusion 75b as the axes.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a transport unit 80 constituting the coin transport device 10b shown in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 30, the transport unit 80 is configured by connecting a plurality of holding units 81 in an endless manner.

A part of such a transport unit 80 meshes with a drive transport pulley 85a and a plurality of driven transport pulleys 85b (three in the illustrated example), and the drive transport pulley 85a is rotated by the drive of the transport drive motor 83. By doing so, it is displaced along the transport path HK.

Here, the transfer drive motor 83 is driven by being given a drive command from the transfer control unit 140, and can be driven in forward and reverse rotation. When the transport drive motor 83 is driven in the forward rotation direction, each holding portion 81 of the transport portion 80 is a first rail forming member 71, a second rail forming member 72, a third rail forming member 73, and a fourth rail forming member. The rail portion 70 is displaced in a manner of moving in one direction in the order of 74.

On the other hand, when the transport drive motor 83 is driven in the reverse direction, each holding portion 81 of the transport portion 80 has a fourth rail forming member 74, a third rail forming member 73, a second rail forming member 72, and a first rail. The rail portion 70 is displaced in such a manner that the forming member 71 moves in the opposite direction in this order.

Then, in the transport unit 80, due to the form of the transport path HK, the postures of the holding portion 81 passing through the second rail forming member 72 and the holding portion 81 passing through the fourth rail forming member 74 are inverted upside down. There is.

The holding portion 81, which is a component of the conveying portion 80, holds coins one by one, and as shown in FIG. 31, the holding pressing member 82 and the holding restricting member 83 are connected to the holding connecting member 84. It is composed of.

The holding pressing member 82 is a rod-shaped body extending from the inside to the outside of the transport path HK. Such a holding pressing member 82 presses the coin toward the downstream side of the transport path HK due to the displacement of the transport portion 80, and the pressing surface 82a facing the downstream side of the transport path HK is from the inside to the outside. It is configured to gradually incline to the upstream side as it goes toward it.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the holding pressing member 82 includes a rail convex portion 71A formed on the first rail forming member 71, a rail convex portion 72A formed on the second rail forming member 72, and a third rail convex portion 72A. A first recess 82b that allows the rail convex portion 73A formed in the rail forming member 73 to enter, and a second concave portion 82c that allows the rail convex portion 74A formed in the fourth rail forming member 74 to enter are provided. An inclined surface 82d is formed on the pressing surface 82a at the bottom of the first recess 82b.

The holding restricting member 83 has the same shape as the holding pressing member 82, and is a rod-shaped body extending from the inside to the outside of the transport path HK. Such a holding restricting member 83 requires a coin whose inner side is connected to the holding pressing member 82 via the holding connecting member 84 and is pressed by the holding pressing member 82 by displacement of the transport portion 80 in one direction. As described above, the separation from the holding pressing member 82 is restricted. The holding restricting member 83 is connected to the holding pressing member 82 constituting the holding portion 81 on the downstream side of the holding portion 81 on the inner side.

The holding restricting member 83 is configured such that the downstream surface 83a facing the downstream side of the transport path HK is gradually inclined to the upstream side from the inside to the outside. The holding restricting member 83 includes a rail convex portion 71A formed on the first rail forming member 71, a rail convex portion 72A formed on the second rail forming member 72, and a rail convex portion formed on the third rail forming member 73. A third concave portion 83b that allows the entry of the portion 73A and a fourth concave portion 83c that allows the entry of the rail convex portion 74A formed on the fourth rail forming member 74 are provided, and the bottom portion of the third concave portion 83b is provided. An inclined surface 83d is formed on the downstream surface 83a of the above.

By the way, as described above, the upper end portion 73a1 of the curved upper extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73 and the right end portion 74a1 of the second left extension portion 74a of the fourth rail forming member 74 face each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33, in the holding portion 81 passing through such a portion, the rail convex portion 73A of the third rail forming member 73 enters the first concave portion 82b of the holding pressing member 82, and the holding pressing member 82 The rail convex portion 74A of the fourth rail forming member 74 has entered the second concave portion 82c of the above. Similarly, the rail convex portion 73A of the third rail forming member 73 enters the third concave portion 83b of the holding restricting member 83, and the rail convex portion of the fourth rail forming member 74 enters the fourth concave portion 83c of the holding restricting member 83. The 74A has entered.

Further, as described above, the upper end portion 71a1 of the curved lower extension portion 71a of the first rail forming member 71 and the right end portion 74c1 of the second right extension portion 74c of the fourth rail forming member 74 face each other. Therefore, although not explicitly shown in the drawing, the holding portion 81 passing through such a portion has the rail convex portion 71A of the first rail forming member 71 entering the first concave portion 82b of the holding pressing member 82, and the holding pressing member 82. The rail convex portion 74A of the fourth rail forming member 74 has entered the second concave portion 82c of the above. Similarly, the rail convex portion 71A of the first rail forming member 71 enters the third concave portion 83b of the holding restricting member 83, and the rail convex portion of the fourth rail forming member 74 enters the fourth concave portion 83c of the holding restricting member 83. The 74A has entered.

As shown in FIG. 34, the reverse roller 90 is rotatably provided on the first support plate 76 so as to face the third rail forming member 73. The reverse roller 90 is linked to a transport drive motor 83 via a transport linking unit 91 (see FIG. 25), and is rotated around its own axis by driving the transport drive motor 83.

In the upper region of the reverse roller 90, a transport guide 92 is provided so as to face the third rail forming member 73. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, such a transport guide 92 includes a guide base 92a and a plurality of guide levers 92b.

The guide base 92a is formed of a synthetic resin and is provided on the first support plate 76. The guide lever 92b penetrates the through hole 92b1 at the upper end portion through the shaft-shaped portion 92c pivotally supported by the guide base portion 92a in a manner extending along the front-rear direction, whereby the central axis of the shaft-shaped portion 92c is formed. It swings around.

A lever spring 92d is interposed between the guide lever 92b and the guide base 92a, and the guide lever 92b is urged by the lever spring 92d so that a part of the lower portion thereof is formed on the guide base 92a. It is close to the third rail forming member 76 through the lever opening 92a1. The portion of the lever opening 92a1 close to the third rail forming member 76 has a thickness that allows entry into the second recess 82c of the holding pressing member 82 and the fourth recess 83c of the holding restricting member 83.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 37, the coin conveyed by the holding portion 81 of the third rail forming member 76 can be pressed against the third rail forming member 76 by the guide lever 92b, and the conveying posture of the coin can be changed. Can be stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 38, the passage restricting member 102 faces the continuous portion between the curved lower extension portion 71a of the first rail forming member 71 and the first left extension portion 72a of the second rail forming member 72. It is provided on the second support plate 77. As shown in FIG. 39, the passage restricting member 102 is configured by integrally forming a passage restricting shaft portion 102a and a passage restricting action portion 102b.

The passage restricting shaft portion 102a is a columnar member extending along the front-rear direction, and both ends thereof are pivotally supported by a second support plate 77 around the central axis of the passage restricting shaft portion 102a. There is. Two passage restricting action portions 102b are provided in a paired front-rear manner, and the passage restricting shaft portions 102a are separated from each other from the central region portion of the passage restricting shaft portion 102a toward the outside in the radial direction. It is an extended part.

The passage restricting member 102 is urged to the right by a passage restricting spring 102c, which is an urging means, and the tip end portion of the passage restricting action portion 102b is in the pass area B of the coin conveyed by the transport portion 80. We are advancing.

When the transport portion 80 is displaced in one direction by driving the transport drive motor 83 in the forward rotation direction, such a passage restricting member 102 lowers the first rail forming member 71 as shown in FIG. 40. The coin is allowed to pass by being abutted against the coin to be conveyed toward and swinging to the left against the urging force of the passage restricting spring 102c.

On the other hand, when the transport portion 80 is displaced in the reverse direction due to the transport drive motor 83 being driven in the reverse direction, the passage restricting member 102 is the transport unit in the second rail forming member 72 as shown in FIG. 41. The coins conveyed in the opposite direction by the 80 are separated from the holding portion 81 to restrict the coins from passing through the curved sloping portion 71a of the first rail forming member 71.

The discrimination unit 110 is provided on the fourth rail forming member 74. The discriminating unit 110 discriminates the denomination of coins to be conveyed while being pressed by the holding pressing member 82 of the holding unit 81 in a predetermined discriminating region of the fourth rail forming member 74. The discrimination result in the discrimination unit 110 is output to the transport control unit 140 as a discrimination signal.

The return unit 120 is provided on the downstream side of the discrimination unit 110 (discrimination region) in the transport path HK formed by the fourth rail forming member 74, and includes a return opening 121 and a return gate 122.

The return opening 121 is an opening having a size that allows the passage of coins of all denominations transported by the transport unit 80, and communicates with the withdrawal unit 4.

The return gate 122 normally closes the return opening 121, while swinging to open the return opening 121 when a return command is given.

The distribution unit 130 is provided on the downstream side of the return unit 120 in the transfer path HK formed by the fourth rail forming member 74. The distribution unit 130 includes a plurality of distribution passage ports 131 and a distribution gate 132.

Each of the plurality of distribution passage ports 131 is an opening having a size sufficient for passing coins. The distribution gate 132 is provided in a manner corresponding to each distribution passage port 131 so as to cross the transport path HK formed by the fourth rail forming member 74. More specifically, the distribution gate 132 is configured by attaching a plurality of distribution gate action pieces 132b to the tip of the long columnar distribution gate shaft portion 132a, and the distribution gate shaft portion 132a. It is rotatably supported around the central axis of.

Then, as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 42, a locking claw portion 134 attached to the tip end portion of the plunger 133 is locked to the base end portion of the distribution gate shaft portion 132a. Here, in the plunger 133, when the distribution drive solenoid 135 is in a non-energized state, the distribution gate acting piece 132b conveys coins by the urging force of the spring 136 attached to the plunger 133, as shown in FIG. 43. It is intended to make the posture away from the route HK.

On the other hand, when the distribution drive solenoid 135 is energized by receiving a drive command from the transfer control unit 140, the plunger 133 is pulled in by the distribution drive solenoid 135, and as shown in FIG. 44, the plunger 133 is pulled in and shakes. The distribution gate 132 is rotated around the central axis of the distribution gate shaft portion 132a to advance the distribution gate acting piece 132b to the transport path HK.

When the distribution gate acting piece 132b advances into the transport path HK in this way, as shown in FIG. 45, the end portion of the distribution gate acting piece 132b is directed toward the distribution passage port 131 and is downstream in the transport direction. An inclined portion K is formed so as to be inclined to the surface, and the coins conveyed by the inclined portion K can be guided to a predetermined distribution passage port 131.

The transport control unit 140 comprehensively controls the operation of the coin transport device 10b according to the programs and data stored in the memory 141. The transfer control unit 140 may be realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, by software, or by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). It may be realized by using software and hardware together.

Further, as described above, the transfer control unit 140 gives a drive command to the transfer drive motor 83 to drive the transfer drive motor 83 in the forward rotation direction or the reverse direction, but the transfer drive motor 83 is positive. When driving in the turning direction, PWM control is performed so as to approximate a predetermined transport force.

On the other hand, when the transfer drive motor 83 is driven in the reverse direction, the transfer control unit 140 controls so that the transfer force is larger than the transfer force when the transfer drive motor 83 is driven in the forward rotation direction.

That is, the transport control unit 140 displaces the transport unit 80 in such a manner that the driving force for displacement in one direction is relatively smaller than the driving force for displacement in the opposite direction.

In the coin transport device 10b having the above configuration, a coin discriminated from a specie coin is sent out from the coin inspection device 10a, and an operation command is given from the coin processing main control unit 200 to the transport control unit 140. It works as follows.

That is, the transfer control unit 140 gives a drive command in the reverse direction to the transfer drive motor 83 to drive the transfer drive motor 83 in the reverse direction, and displaces the transfer unit 80 in the reverse direction for a predetermined time. As a result, the coins inserted into the second rail restricting member from the insertion port 72d are conveyed in the opposite direction by the conveying section 80 at the second rail forming member 72.

By the way, in the second rail forming member 72, the passage restricting member 102 separates the coin conveyed in the reverse direction by the conveying portion 80 from the holding portion 81, and the coin is bent downward extending portion 71a of the first rail forming member 71. Since it is restricted from passing through, coins inserted from the insertion port 72d can be stored in the second rail forming member 72.

Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the transfer control unit 140 gives a drive command in the forward rotation direction to the transfer drive motor 83 to drive the transfer drive motor 83 in the forward rotation direction, and causes the transfer unit 80 to move. Displace in the direction. As a result, the coins stored in the second rail forming member 72 can be transported in one direction along the transport path HK.

Since the holding portion 81 of the transport portion 80 has an inclined surface 82d formed on the pressing surface 82a of the bottom portion of the first recess 82b of the holding pressing member 82, the curved extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73 is formed. When passing through, the inclined surface 82d is displaced from the rail by being displaced in a state where the rail convex portion 73A of the third rail forming member 73 has entered the first concave portion 82b.

Therefore, even if the two coins are pressed and conveyed by the holding pressing member 82 in the lower region of the reverse roller 90 in a state of being overlapped with each other, the coins are held by using the inclined surface 82d as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to separate it from the pressing member 82. As a result, it is possible to prevent two coins from being caught between the reverse roller 90 and the transport portion 80 and causing transport clogging or the like.

Further, in the upper region of the reverse roller 90, the guide lever 92b of the transport guide 92 transfers the coin upward by the curved extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73 to the third rail forming member 73 (rail portion 70). ), Since the transporting posture of the coin is stabilized, it is possible to prevent the coin from coming off while passing through the curved upper extension portion 73a.

Further, the upper end portion 73a1 of the curved upper extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73 and the right end portion 74a1 of the second left extension portion 74a of the fourth rail forming member 74 face each other and pass through such a portion. In the holding portion 81, the rail convex portion 73A of the third rail forming member 73 enters the first concave portion 82b of the holding pressing member 82, and the fourth rail forming member 74 enters the second concave portion 82c of the holding pressing member 82. Since the rail convex portion 74A is in the entered state, the coin pressed by the holding pressing member 82 is also sandwiched between the upper end portion 73a1 of the curved upper extension portion 73a and the right end portion 74a1 of the second left extension portion 74a. There is no possibility that the coin will be transported from the transport path HK.

In the holding portion 81 that has passed through the third rail forming member 73 in this way, one coin is held. Since the pressing surface 82a of the holding pressing member 82 constituting each holding portion 81 of the conveying portion 80 is configured to be inclined, the coins can be stably conveyed in a state of being brought to the outside of the conveying path HK. can.

As described above, in the transport unit 80, the postures of the holding portion 81 passing through the second rail forming member 72 and the holding portion 81 passing through the fourth rail forming member 74 are upside down, so that the second rail forming portion 80 is second. When the rail convex portion 74A of the fourth rail forming member 74 is displaced in the state where the rail convex portion 74A of the fourth rail forming member 74 has entered the two concave portions 82c, the inclined surface 82d is located below the upper end portion of the rail convex portion 74A as shown in FIG. 47. Therefore, the holding pressing member 82 can reliably press the coin and stably convey the coin.

Then, when the discriminating unit 110 determines the denomination of the coin passing through the discriminating region, the transport control unit 140 gives a drive command to the corresponding distribution drive solenoid 135 according to the discriminating result, and the vibration is performed. The minute drive solenoid 135 is energized. As a result, the corresponding distribution gate 132 is rotated around the central axis of the distribution gate shaft portion 132a, and the distribution gate acting piece 132b is advanced to the transport path HK. Then, the coin can be guided to the corresponding distribution passage port 131 by the inclined portion K formed by the distribution gate acting piece 132b, and can be stored in the coin storage unit 5.

By the way, when the discriminating unit 110 does not discriminate the denomination of the coin, the transport control unit 140 does not give a drive command to any of the distribution drive solenoids 135. In that case, all the distribution gates 132 are in a state where the distribution gate action piece 132b is separated from the transport path HK, so that the coins that have passed through the fourth rail forming member 74 pass through the first rail forming member 71 as they are. After that, the second rail forming member 72 is reached, the passage of the above-mentioned transport path HK is repeated, and the determination is made again by the determination unit 110.

When all the coins conveyed in the transfer path HK are stored in the coin storage unit 5 for each denomination within the operation time predetermined in this way, the transfer control unit 140 is stored in the transfer drive motor 83. A drive stop command is given to stop the transfer drive motor 83, and then a signal to the effect that the transfer of coins is completed is sent to the coin processing main control unit 200.

On the other hand, when the operation time elapses with coins remaining in the transport path HK, the transport control unit 140 gives a return command to the return gate 122 to open the return opening 121, and the transport path The coin carrying the HK is guided to the return opening 121 and sent to the withdrawal unit 4, and the coin is to be paid out from the withdrawal unit 4.

As described above, according to the coin transport device 10b, the transport unit 80 configured by connecting the holding portions 81 capable of holding coins one by one in an endless manner is curved upward. By unidirectionally displacing along the rail portion 70 constituting the predetermined transport path HK having the curved upper extension portion 73a (rising portion) extending in the above direction, the deposited coins are transported from the lower side to the upper side. Therefore, the installation area of the coin processing machine 1 can be reduced as compared with the case where a plurality of belts stretched endlessly on a pair of rollers are provided to transport coins as in the conventional case, thereby reducing coins. The size of the processing machine 1 can be reduced.

Moreover, the transport guide 92 presses the coins conveyed upward by the curved extension portion 73a of the third rail forming member 73 toward the third rail forming member 73 (rail portion 70) to convey the coins. Since the posture is stabilized, it is possible to prevent the coin from coming off during passing through the curved upper extension portion 73a, and thereby it is possible to prevent the coin from being jammed during transportation.

Further, according to the coin transport device 10b, when a coin is inserted into the transport unit 80, the transport control unit 140 displaces the transport unit 80 in the reverse direction for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time elapses. Since the transport unit 80 is displaced in the one direction, the coins inserted from the insertion port 72d can be stored in the second rail forming member 72, and more coins can be received from the coin checker 10a.

Further, according to the coin transport device 10b, the transport control unit 140 displaces the transport unit 80 in such a manner that the driving force of the one-way displacement is relatively smaller than the driving force of the reverse-direction displacement. If a problem occurs when the coin is transported in one direction along the transport path HK and the coin is jammed, the transport drive motor 83 is driven in the reverse direction to displace the transport unit 80 in the reverse direction. , The force for clearing the coin jam can be made larger than the force when the coin is jammed, and the coin jam can be cleared.

Furthermore, according to the coin transfer device 10b, the fourth rail forming member 74 can swing in the vertical direction with the central axes of the first protrusion 75a and the second protrusion 75b as the axis. When a coin jam occurs in the second rail forming member 72 or the like, the coin that caused the coin jam can be easily removed from the second rail forming member 72 by swinging the fourth rail forming member 74 upward. can.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

In the above-described embodiment, the coin check control unit 60 and the transfer control unit 140 are configured separately, but in the present invention, they may be configured together with the coin processing main control unit 200. ..

Although not particularly described in the above-described embodiment, in the present invention, the curved portion from the second left extension portion 74a to the rear extension portion 74b of the fourth rail forming member 74 and the curved portion from the rear extension portion 74b to the second extension portion 74b are described. In the curved portion toward the right extension portion 74c, the protrusion height of the rail convex portion 74A may be configured to gradually decrease toward the outside. According to this, the passing coins can be brought to the outside of the transport path HK.

Further, in the present invention, coins are formed on the outer portion of the curved portion of the second rail forming member 72 from the first left extension portion 72a to the front extension portion 72b and the curved portion from the front extension portion 72b to the first right extension portion 72c. A space may be provided for storing.

Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 48, for example, a transport roller 160 with blades may be appropriately provided between the distribution passage port 131 and the coin storage portion 5 so as to be rotatable. By providing such a transport roller 160, it is possible to prevent coins from accumulating between the distribution passage port 131 and the coin storage unit 5.

1 Coin processing machine 10a Coin inspection device 10b Coin transfer device 20 Coin inspection coin transfer unit (transport means)
30 Guidance member 40 Checking coin separation part 50 Discrimination part (discrimination means)
60 Check control unit 70 Rail unit 80 Transport unit 90 Reverse roller 100 Restriction unit 101 Posture regulation member 102 Passage regulation member 110 Discrimination unit 120 Return unit 130 Distribution unit 140 Transport control unit (control means)
HK transport route

Claims (5)

It is a coin inspection device that is applied to coin processing machines that store the deposited coins for each denomination and pay out the coins to be stored according to the withdrawal instruction.
A transport means for transporting the deposited coins in one direction in a sideways posture, and
It is provided with a discrimination means for discriminating the authenticity and denomination of coins transported in one direction by the transport means.
The transport means
A transport pulley provided in a pair of front and rear,
A transport belt stretched endlessly between the transport pulleys,
The coins attached to the transport belt and deposited according to the displacement of the transport belt are transported backward in a sideways posture, and the coins identified as counterfeit coins by the discrimination means are in a sideways posture. With a transport member that transports forward in the state
A coin inspection device characterized by being equipped with. The transport belt is stretched endlessly between the transport pulleys in a paired manner on the left and right.
The conveying member, according to claim 1 in which the surface for pressing the coin to be conveyed object by the displacement of the left and right end portions are attached to the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is characterized in that forms a V-shaped Coin checker. When the coin is installed in a manner of opening and closing an outlet provided in the vicinity of the discrimination means and, in a normal state, the outlet is closed, while the coin is distinguished from a specie by the discrimination means, the above-mentioned The coin inspection according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the coin is provided with a delivery flapper that allows the coins conveyed rearward by the transfer means to pass through the outlet by opening the delivery port. Money device. In the normal state, the coin is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the passing area in a posture of advancing and moving to the passing area of the coin to be conveyed rearward by the carrying means, and when the sending port is closed by the sending flapper. Allowing the coin to pass by being pressed by a coin passing through the passing area and regressing from the passing area, while allowing the coin to pass by the sending flapper, if the sending port is opened by the sending flapper, the passing area. The coin checker according to claim 3 , further comprising a guide member that comes into contact with a coin passing through the coin and guides the coin to the delivery port. When the transport means is driven in the forward direction, the deposited coins are transported backward in a sideways posture, and the coins identified as counterfeit coins by the discrimination means are forwarded in a sideways posture. On the other hand, in the case of reverse drive, the deposited coin is transported forward in a sideways posture, and the coin identified as a fake coin by the discrimination means is backward in a sideways posture. It is to be transported,
The coin inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding a coin discriminated from a counterfeit coin by the discriminating means when the transporting means is driven in reverse.

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