JP7428624B2 - Coin sorting device, coin processing device and coin sorting method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coin sorting device that sorts coins, a coin processing device equipped with this coin sorting device, and a coin sorting method using this coin sorting device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a coin sorting device, for example, disclosed in Patent Document 1, which conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and rejects predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during the conveyance.

In this coin sorting device, coins conveyed along the reference side pass a predetermined distance away from the reference side of the conveyance passage toward the center of the passage, and coins conveyed along the center of the passage than the reference side pass. A sorting hole is provided through which the material falls. Furthermore, a cam is rotatably provided on the reference side surface side of the conveyance path and at a position lateral to the sorting hole. The peripheral surface of the cam is provided with a plurality of protrusions that can protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage, and between these protrusions are provided non-protruding portions that do not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage. Then, the cam allows coins other than those to be sorted to pass through without falling into the sorting hole when the protruding part is retracted out of the passage from the reference side surface and the non-protruding part is at a rotational position along the reference side surface, and the protruding part Coins to be sorted are dropped into the sorting hole at a rotational position where the part protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage.

Utility Model Publication No. 5-59568

In recent years, there has been a demand for faster coin processing, and in response to this demand, coins are continuously transported at high speed, and the distance between successively transported coins is becoming shorter.

However, if the distance between coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, there is a possibility that coins other than those to be sorted may be erroneously sorted.

The present invention provides a coin sorting device, a coin sorting device, and a coin sorting method that can reliably sort only predetermined coins even when the distance between coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short. purpose.

The coin sorting device of the present invention is a coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance, the coin sorting device comprising: a sorting hole provided a predetermined distance away from the center of the passageway, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the passageway than the reference side surface fall; The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotational position and causes the coin to fall into the sorting hole at a rotational position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage; and the protrusion, the first side is connected to the protrusion on the downstream side in the rotational direction, and the second side is connected to the protrusion on the downstream side in the rotational direction. It is connected to the protrusion on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the angle between the first side and the second side is smaller than 180°.

The coin sorting device of the present invention is a coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance, the coin sorting device comprising: a sorting hole provided a predetermined distance away from the center of the passageway, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the passageway than the reference side surface fall; The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotational position and causes the coin to fall into the sorting hole at a rotational position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage; has a first side connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction and a second side connected to the downstream side, and the angle of the first side about the protrusion is equal to the second side. It is smaller than the angle of the part.

The coin sorting device of the present invention is a coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance, the coin sorting device comprising: a sorting hole provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the center of the passageway, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass and coins conveyed closer to the center of the passageway than the reference side surface fall; The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable around the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotational position and causes the coin to fall into the sorting hole at a rotational position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage; a first side portion positioned along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position; and a second non-protruding side portion where the cam rotated during coin sorting is rotated by a predetermined angle from the first non-protruding rotational position. and a second side portion located along the reference side surface in the rotational position.

Moreover, the number of protrusions is at least three or more.

Furthermore, there are four protrusions.

The coin processing device of the present invention has a reference side surface, and a conveyance path for conveying coins along the reference side surface, and a conveyance path for sorting predetermined coins from among the coins conveyed along the reference side surface during conveyance. It is equipped with a coin sorting device.

In the coin sorting method of the present invention, the coin sorting method is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface of the conveyance passage toward the center of the passage, and the coins conveyed along the reference side pass, A sorting hole into which coins conveyed on the side fall, a rotating shaft provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side of the conveying path, and a cam that is rotatable about the rotating shaft. A plurality of protrusions that can protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage are provided on the circumferential surface of the cam, and a non-protrusion portion that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protrusions. a rotating body, the non-protruding portion includes a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam; and a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam; and a second side portion positioned along the reference side surface at a second non-protruding rotational position rotated by a predetermined angle from 1. When the coin is placed in a non-protruding rotation position and a predetermined coin is excluded during coin sorting, the center of the coin before being conveyed in front of the predetermined coin is conveyed along the side of the second side portion, the cam starts rotating, and when the previous coin is conveyed to the side of the first side, rotates the cam to a second non-protruding rotation position, and causes the protruding part to protrude from the reference side toward the center of the passage. , and drop a predetermined coin into the sorting hole.

According to the present invention, only predetermined coins can be reliably sorted even if the distance between coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short.

1 is a perspective view of a coin processing device including a coin sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the coin sorting device same as the above. It is a top view which shows the rotating body of the coin sorting device same as the above in (a) and (b). It is a top view which shows the coin sorting operation of the same coin sorting device as above, (a)-(d) is a top view which shows the coin sorting operation by the rotary body of this embodiment, (e)-(h) is a rotation of a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a coin sorting operation by the body. FIGS. 3A to 3C are plan views showing aspects of the rotating body of the coin sorting device as described above. FIGS. It is a top view which shows the rotating body of the coin sorting device which shows the 2nd embodiment of this invention, (a) and (b). It is a top view showing the coin sorting operation of the coin sorting device same as the above, (a) to (d) is a plan view showing the coin sorting operation by the rotating body of the present embodiment, and (e) to (h) is the rotation of the comparative example. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a coin sorting operation by the body.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the coin processing device 10. The coin processing device 10 is used, for example, in a coin counting machine that counts coins of a predetermined denomination.

The coin processing device 10 includes a dispensing section 11 that accepts coins to be processed and dispenses them one by one, a conveyance passage section 12 that conveys the coins dispensed one by one from this dispensing section, and a conveyance passage section 12 that identifies the coins conveyed. a coin sorting device 14 and a second coin sorting device 15 that sort coins other than the predetermined coins from the conveyance path section 12 from among the coins identified by the recognition section 13; It is equipped with a sending unit 16 that sends out coins.

The feeding section 11 includes a base 19, a supply disk 20 and a feeding disk 21 placed on the base 19, and a peripheral wall 22 placed around the feeding disk 20 and feeding disk 21 on the base 19. The supply disk 20 receives coins thrown into a hopper (not shown) arranged above, and supplies the received coins to the delivery disk 21 by rotation of the supply disk 20. The feeding disk 21 receives coins from the supply disk 20, and feeds out the received coins one by one to the conveyance path section 12 by rotation of the feeding disk 21. The peripheral wall 22 stores coins on the supply disk 20 and the payout disk 21. A portion of the peripheral wall 22 facing the conveyance passage section 12 is open. A thickness regulating member 23 is attached to the opening of the peripheral wall 22. The thickness regulating member 23 is arranged with a gap formed between it and the upper surface of the feeding disk 21 through which coins can pass one coin at a time in the thickness direction.

Further, the conveyance passage section 12 includes a conveyance passage 26 for coins, a conveyance section 27 that conveys the coins along the conveyance passage 26, and a conveyance section 27 so that the conveyance section 27 contacts the coins on the conveyance passage 26. A pressing section 28 for pressing is provided.

The conveyance passage 26 includes a first conveyance passage section 26a extending in the tangential direction of the dispensing disc 21, and a first conveyance passage section 26a that extends from the first conveyance passage section 26a toward a side area of the dispensing disc 21 while changing direction at a substantially right angle. It has two conveyance passage sections 26b. Furthermore, the conveyance passage 26 includes a bottom plate 30 and guide members 31 and 32 arranged on both sides of the conveyance passage 26 in the width direction on the bottom plate 30. A conveying surface 33 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 30, with which one surface of the coin comes into contact and for conveying the coin while sliding it. The bottom plate 30 is made of sheet metal except for a part of the identification part 13. The conveying surface 33 made of this sheet metal is subjected to a surface treatment to prevent coins from seizing. The guide members 31 and 32 are arranged facing each other at an interval wider than the diameter of the coin of the denomination to be processed, and guide the peripheral edge of the coin being conveyed on the conveying surface 33. The guide member 31 on one side is a reference side for positioning one side of the coin to be transported in the first transport passage section 26a, and has a reference side surface 31a that faces into the passage and comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the coin. There is. The guide member 32 on the other side is a reference side for positioning the other side of the coin to be transported in the second transport passage section 26b, and has a reference side surface 32a facing into the passage and with which the circumferential surface of the coin comes into contact. There is. Note that the bottom plate 30 and the guide members 31, 32 may be divided into a plurality of parts along the conveyance path 26, or may be provided integrally. Furthermore, a plurality of position detection sensors are installed in the conveyance path 26 to detect the conveyance position of the coin on the conveyance path 26.

The conveyance section 27 includes a conveyance belt 35 arranged along the conveyance path 26. In the present embodiment, the conveyance section 27 includes a first conveyance belt 35a disposed along the first conveyance path section 26a and a second conveyance belt 35a disposed along the second conveyance path section 26b. A conveyor belt 35b is provided. These conveyor belts 35a and 35b are endless, and for example, round belts with a circular cross section are used.

The pressing section 28 includes end pulleys 37 and 38 that rotatably support the upstream and downstream ends of the transport belts 35a and 35b in the transport direction, respectively. An end pulley 38 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). Further, the pressing section 28 includes a plurality of pressing pulleys 39. The pressure pulley 39 is rotatably arranged on the lower belt portion (hereinafter simply referred to as the conveyor belts 35a, 35b) of the conveyor belts 35a, 35b stretched between the end pulleys 37, 38. , 35b so as to contact the coins on the conveying surface 33.

In the first conveyance path section 26a, the coins on the conveyance surface 33 are moved from the reference side surface 31a on the conveyance surface 33 due to the relative relationship between the direction in which the reference side surface 31a of the guide member 31 on one side extends and the direction in which the first conveyance belt 35a is stretched. Transport it so that it is offset to 31a. In addition, in the second conveyance path section 26b, due to the relative relationship between the direction in which the reference side surface 32a of the other guide member 32 extends and the direction in which the second conveyance belt 35b is stretched, the coins on the conveyance surface 33 are transferred to the reference side surface. Transport it so that it is offset to 32a.

Further, the identification section 13 includes a magnetic sensor section 41, an image sensor section 42, and a dirt sensor section (color sensor) 43.

The magnetic sensor section 41 magnetically detects the material of the coin being conveyed through the conveyance path 26. The portion of the conveyance surface 33 where the magnetic sensor section 41 is disposed is formed on an identification surface 44 of a non-magnetic material such as zirconia to enable magnetic detection by the magnetic sensor section 41.

The image sensor section 42 includes a glass plate 45 embedded in the conveyance surface 33, and an image sensor 46 arranged to face the lower surface of the glass plate 45. The glass plate 45 is made of transparent glass such as sapphire glass, and is formed into a disk shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the coin and larger than the width of the conveyance path 26. The glass plate 45 is fitted and fixed into an opening 47 formed in the bottom plate 30, and its upper surface is flush with the conveyance surface 33 and is formed as an identification surface 48 configured as a part of the conveyance surface 33. For the image sensor 46, a solid-state imaging device such as CMOS or CCD is used. The image sensor 46 then images the surface of the coin passing over the glass plate 45 through the glass plate 45.

The soiling sensor section 43 detects the degree of soiling of the coin.

Further, the coin sorting device 14 sorts out reject coins that are identified by the identifying unit 13 as, for example, not to be processed or cannot be identified, and removes them from the conveyance path 26. The coin sorting device 14 has a sorting hole 50 opened in the bottom plate 30, and a rotating body 51 arranged on the reference side surface 31a side, which is the one guide member 31 side.

The sorting hole 50 is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface 31a of the conveyance path toward the center of the path. Coins conveyed along the reference side surface 31a pass over the sorting hole 50 with both edges of the coins resting on the bottom plate 30, and coins conveyed along the center side of the passageway than the reference side surface 31a is configured such that one side edge of the coin comes off the top of the bottom plate 30 and falls into the sorting hole 50.

The rotating body 51 is rotatably disposed within a groove 31b formed in the guide member 31 on one side. The groove portion 31b has a circular shape, is provided at a position close to the inside of the conveyance passage 26, and has an opening communicating with the inside of the conveyance passage 26. The rotating body 51 has a rotating shaft 52 that is rotatable with an axial direction perpendicular to the conveyance path 26 (bottom plate 30), and a cam 53 that rotates integrally around this rotational shortening shaft 52. The cam 53 has a substantially rectangular cross section and is rotatably disposed in the groove 31b. Then, at the rotational position where the cam 53 is retracted outside the conveyance path 26, the coins conveyed along the reference side surface 31a pass over the sorting hole 50, and the cam 53 is rotated to protrude into the conveyance path 26. At this position, the coin is moved closer to the center of the passage than the reference side surface 31a and dropped into the sorting hole 51.

A stopper section 54 is disposed on the upstream side of the coin sorting device 14 in the conveying direction for temporarily stopping the conveyance of coins upstream in the conveying direction from the coins to be sorted by the coin sorting device 14. The stopper portion 54 has a pair of stoppers 54a that are provided so as to be openable and closable in the passage width direction.

In addition, the second coin sorting device 15 separates abnormal coins for which the identification unit 13 detects, for example, a denomination to be processed, but an abnormality is detected in the markings on the coin surface. The second coin sorting device 15 has a sorting hole 56 opened in the bottom plate 30 and a sorting roller 57 disposed in the sorting hole 56. The sorting roller 57 rotates eccentrically. Then, the sorting roller 57 rotates eccentrically and is positioned in the sorting hole 56, so that both sides of the coins conveyed along the reference side surface 32a of the other guide member 32 are placed on the bottom plate 30 and the sorting roller 57. It passes over the sorting hole 56 in this state. As the sorting roller 57 eccentrically rotates and moves below the sorting hole 56, the other side of the coin conveyed along the reference side surface 32a falls into the sorting hole 56.

Further, the delivery section 16 has a delivery port 59 opened in the bottom plate 30, and a delivery guide 60 that guides the coins conveyed to the end of the conveyance path 26 to the delivery port 59.

A count sensor section 61 that counts coins delivered from the delivery section 16 is arranged upstream of the delivery section 16 in the conveyance direction.

Next, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the drive mechanism 63 of the coin sorting device 15.

The drive mechanism 63 rotatably supports the rotating body 51, and rotates the rotating body 51 and stops it at a predetermined stop position. The drive mechanism 63 includes a support portion 64 that rotatably supports the rotating body 51. The cam 53 of the rotating body 51 is disposed protrudingly from the lower surface side of the support portion 64, and the transmission gear 66 of the transmission body 65 is rotatably supported. A gear portion (not shown) of the rotary body 51 and a transmission gear 66 are meshed with each other, and the rotary body 51 and the transmission gear 66 (transmission body 65) are configured to rotate integrally in conjunction with each other.

The drive mechanism 63 includes a drive section 67 such as a motor or an actuator. This drive unit 67 is provided with a drive pulley 68 that is rotationally driven by the drive unit 67, and a belt 70 such as a timing belt is wound around the drive pulley 68 and a transmission pulley 69 provided on the transmission body 65. There is. A predetermined tension is applied to the belt 70 by a tension pulley 71.

The transmission body 65 is provided with a rotational position detection section 72 corresponding to a predetermined stop position of the cam 53, and the support section 64 is provided with a rotational position detection sensor 73 that detects the rotational position detection section 72. . Corresponding to the plurality of predetermined stopping positions of the cam 53, a plurality of rotated position detection sections 72 are provided.

The drive unit 67 causes the cam 53 located at a predetermined stop position to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Stop at the position.

Note that the drive mechanism 63 is not limited to a configuration including such a transmission mechanism, and may be configured to directly rotate and stop the rotating body 51 using, for example, a stepping motor or a rotary solenoid.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the rotating body 51 of the coin sorting device 15.

The cam 53 of the rotating body 51 has a substantially rectangular cross section (circumferential shape) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 52. At the four corners of the circumferential surface of the cam 53, four protrusions 75 are provided that can protrude from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passage. The four protrusions 75 are provided every 90° in the circumferential direction of the cam 53. Further, between the protrusions 75 adjacent to each other on the circumferential surface of the cam 53, at predetermined non-protrusion rotational positions A1 and A2 of the cam 53 (the position shown in FIG. 3(a) and the position shown in FIG. 4(b)), A non-protruding portion 76 that does not protrude from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passage is provided. The cam 53 allows the coin to pass at the non-protruding rotational positions A1 and A2, where the protruding part 75 is retracted from the reference side surface 31a to the outside of the passage, and at the protruding rotational position, where the protruding part 75 protrudes from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passage. The coin is dropped into the sorting hole 50 at position B (position shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(c)).

At least two first sides 77 and a second side 78 are provided between adjacent protrusions 75 on the circumferential surface of the cam 53. Note that, for example, a third side portion or the like may be provided between the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78 to connect the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78.

The non-protruding portion 76 has at least two first sides 77 and a second side 78 that connect the protrusions 75 to each other. The first side 77 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the downstream side in the rotational direction (direction of the arrow in FIG. 3), and the second side 78 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the upstream side in the rotational direction (opposite to the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3). The angle θ between the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78 is smaller than 180°.

Alternatively, the non-protruding part 76 has a first side part 77 connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the protruding part 75 and a second side part connected to the downstream side in the rotational direction. The angle α1 of the first side 77 about the protrusion 75 is smaller than the angle α2 of the second side 78. For example, the angle α1 of the first side 77 about the protrusion 75 is about 45°, and the angle α2 of the second side 78 is about 55°. The center of the protrusion 75 is on the center line a connecting the center of the cam 53 (rotary shaft 52) and the maximum protrusion position of the protrusion 75 having the largest distance (radius) from the center of the cam 53.

The distance (radius) of the protruding portion 75 from the center of the cam 53 is greater than that of the non-protruding portion 76. The protruding portion 75 is provided with a protruding tip end having a curved surface with respect to the rotation direction. A portion of the first side 77 and second side 78 near the protrusion 75 protrude from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passage when the cam 53 rotates to the protrusion rotation position B, so the protrusion rotation of the cam 53 At position B, parts of the first side 77 and second side 78 near the protrusion 75 are also included in the protrusion 75 .

The first side portion 77 is at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the center line a of the protruding portion 75, and the first side portions 77 of the opposing non-protruding portions 76 on the circumferential surface of the cam 53 are provided parallel to each other. ing.

When the outer shape of the cam 53 is a square, the second side portion 78 is provided in a shape in which a portion (the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3) is cut out or in a recessed shape. The end of the second side 78 on the upstream side in the rotational direction is connected to the maximum protrusion position (center line a) of the protrusion 75.

An intersection (apex) 79 where the first side 77 and the second side 78 intersect is at an intermediate position between the protrusions 75 and at the same distance from the protrusions 75 on both sides. It is provided.

Note that the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78 may be linear, or may have a curved surface such as a concave or convex shape on the outer surface side.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the cam 53 is at a stop position where the first side 77 is located along the reference side surface 31a, and when the cam 53 rotates during coin sorting, it rotates. The cam 53 is stopped at a stop position where the next first side 77 on the upstream side in the direction is located along the reference side surface 31a.

The stop position where the first side portion 77 is located parallel to the reference side surface 31a is the first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and the cam 53 rotated during coin sorting is moved from the first non-protruding rotational position A1. The position rotated by a predetermined angle β and positioned parallel to the reference side surface 31a is the second non-protruding rotation position A2 (the position shown in FIG. 3(b)).

Therefore, the non-protruding portion 76 has a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53. It has a second side portion 78 located along the reference side surface 31a at a second non-protruding rotation position A2 rotated by a predetermined angle β from the protruding rotation position A1.

Next, the processing operation of the coin processing device 10 will be explained.

First, the overall processing operation of the coin processing device 10 will be explained with reference to FIG.

Coins thrown in from a hopper above the supply disk 20 are received onto the supply disk 20.

When the coin processing device 10 starts processing, the supply disk 20 and the feed disk 21 rotate, and each of the conveyor belts 35a, 35b rotates.

The rotation of the supply disk 20 supplies the received coins to the feed disk 21. As the feeding disk 21 rotates, the received coins are fed out one by one into the conveyance path 26.

In the conveying path 26, the coins fed out one by one from the feeding disk 21 are caught under the first conveying belt 35a, and are pushed toward the downstream side in the conveying direction while pressing the coins against the conveying surface 33 of the conveying path 26. transport. In the first conveyance path section 26a, the coins on the conveyance surface 33 are moved to the reference side surface 31a due to the relative relationship between the direction in which the reference side surface 31a of one guide member 31 extends and the tension direction of the first conveyance belt 35a. Transport it so that it is pushed to one side.

The identification unit 13 identifies the coins conveyed by the first conveyor belt 35a. The identification unit 13 magnetically detects the material of the coin when it passes the position of the magnetic sensor unit 41, and photographs the coin with the image sensor 46 when it passes the position of the image sensor unit 42. The image of the coin taken by the image sensor 46 is checked by a calculation device (not shown) for abnormalities such as markings.

Then, the coins that are identified as normal by the identification unit 13, that is, the coins that are identified as not being rejected, pass through the coin sorting device 14, and are transported from the first conveyance path section 26a to the second conveyance path section 26b. Ru. Further, rejected coins that are determined to be unidentifiable by the identification unit 13 are sorted by the coin sorting device 14 and branched from the conveyance path 26. At this time, only the rejected coins are sorted by the coin sorting device 14.

In the second conveyance path section 26b, the coins fed in one by one from the first conveyance path section 26a are held under the second conveyance belt 35b, and the coins are pressed against the conveyance surface 33 of the conveyance path 26. while moving toward the downstream side in the conveying direction. In the second conveyance path section 26a, the coins on the conveyance surface 33 are moved to the reference side surface 32a due to the relative relationship between the direction in which the reference side surface 32a of the other guide member 32 extends and the tension direction of the second conveyance belt 35b. Transport it so that it is pushed to one side.

Coins that are determined by the identification section 13 to have no abnormality in the markings on the coin surface, etc., pass through the second coin sorting device 15, are counted by the count sensor section 61, and are sent out from the delivery section 16. In addition, abnormal coins that are determined by the identification unit 13 to have abnormal markings on the coin surface are sorted by the second coin sorting device 15 and branched from the conveyance path 26.

In this way, the coin processing device 10 identifies the inserted coins, counts and sends out only normal coins.

Next, the coin sorting operation of the coin sorting device 14 will be explained.

FIG. 4 shows the coin sorting operation, and FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show the cam 53 of this embodiment, and FIGS. 4(e) to (h) show the cam 53 of the comparative example. Figures 4(a) and (e), Figures 4(b) and (f), Figures 4(c) and (g), and Figures 4(d) and (h) show the coins transported to the coin sorting device 14, respectively. It is assumed that the coins coming in are transported at the same timing. The cam 53 of the comparative example has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape without the second side portion 78. Note that the comparative example will also be explained using the same reference numerals as the present embodiment.

FIG. 4(a) shows a predetermined stopping position of the cam 53, in which the cam 53 is stopped at the first non-protruding rotational position A1. When the cam 53 is located at the first non-protruding rotational position A1, which is the stop position, the first side portion 77 is located parallel to the reference side surface 31a, and the protrusion portion 75 is located outside the passage than the reference side surface 31a. . If the coins C1 and C2 that are transported along the reference side surface 31a in the transport path 26 are not sorted, the coins C1 and C2 will not enter the groove 31b at the second side 48 and the first side 77. The coins C1 and C2 are guided to be conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction while regulating the movement of the coins C1 and C2, so that the coins C1 and C2 pass over the side of the cam 53 and the sorting hole 50.

On the other hand, also in the comparative example shown in FIG. 4(e), the sides between adjacent protrusions 75 of the cam 53 are located in parallel along the reference side surface 31a, and the protrusions 75 are located outside the passage than the reference side surface 31a. do. Then, the side of the cam 53 prevents the coins C1 and C2 from entering the groove 31b while guiding the coins to be conveyed downstream in the conveying direction, and the coins C1 and C2 are placed on the side of the cam 53 and sorted. It should pass over hole 50.

In addition, when sorting coins C2, as shown in FIG. When the cam 53 is conveyed to , the cam 53 starts rotating from the first non-protruding rotation position A1, which is the stop position. The conveyance position of the coin C1 is determined based on detection by a plurality of position detection sensors installed on the conveyance path 26.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 4(e) with the same transport timing, the center of the coin C1 or the maximum diameter portion facing the reference side surface 31a is transported to a position facing the upstream side of the side of the cam 53 in the rotational direction. If the cam 53 starts rotating at this point, there is a risk that the side of the cam 53 will come into contact with the coin C1, separating the coin C1 from the reference side surface 31a and sorting it into the sorting hole 50. Cam 53 does not start rotating.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the cam 53 is rotated by a predetermined angle β from the first non-protruding rotational position A1 to the second non-protruding rotational position A2, the second side portion 78 is aligned with the reference side surface. 31a, and guides the coin C1 to be transported downstream in the transport direction while restricting the coin C1 from entering into the groove 31b with the second side 78. Also at this time, since the protruding portion 75 is located outside the passage than the reference side surface 31a, the coin C1 conveyed within the conveyance passage 26 along the reference side surface 31a can pass over the sorting hole 50.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 4(f) with the same conveyance timing, when the center of the coin C1 or the maximum diameter portion facing the reference side surface 31a is conveyed to the position facing the center of the side of the cam 53, Cam 53 starts rotating. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation of the cam 53 is started earlier than in the comparative example, and the cam 53 rotates ahead by a predetermined angle β.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(c), as the cam 53 continues to further rotate from the second non-protruding rotational position A2, the protruding portion 75 located on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the second side portion 78 is rotated. It protrudes from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passage, and also protrudes between the coins C1 and C2.

At this time, if the cam 53 is not provided with the second side portion 78, there is a risk that the side of the cam 53 will come into contact with the coin C1, and the coin C1 will be separated from the reference side surface 31a and sorted into the sorting hole 50. Since the cam 53 is provided with the second side portion 78, the cam 53 can be prevented from coming into contact with the coin C1, or even if the cam 53 comes into contact with the coin C1, the amount of separation from the reference side surface 31a can be reduced. It is possible to prevent C1 from being sorted into the sorting hole 50.

The cam 53 stops at the next protruding rotational position B, which is rotated by 90 degrees from the initial stopping position. At this point, the distance between the protrusion part 75 and the coin C2 is greater than the distance between the protrusion part 75 and the coin C1, and the protrusion is completed with sufficient margin for the transport timing at which the coin C2 arrives.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 4(g) with the same conveyance timing, since the start of rotation of the cam 53 is later than that of the present embodiment, it takes until the protrusion of the protruding part 75 is completed. Only a predetermined angle β of rotation remains, and the cam 53 continues to rotate.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(d), a coin is placed on the rotational upstream side (including the rotational downstream side of the first side 77) of the protruding portion 75 of the cam 53 that is stopped at the protruding rotational position B. C2 makes contact, and the coin C2 is separated from the reference side surface 31a toward the center of the passageway and dropped into the sorting hole 50.

Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the coins C1 and C2 that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, only the predetermined coin C2 can be reliably sorted.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 4(h) at the same transport timing, the cam 53 rotates to the protruding rotational position B and stops at this point. In this case, if the distance between the coins C1 and C2 that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, there is a risk that, for example, there will be a delay in sorting the coins C2 by the cam 53 and that the coins will not be sorted. Furthermore, if the timing at which the rotation of the cam 53 starts is made faster so that there is no delay in sorting the coins C2, there is a risk that the preceding coin C1 will be erroneously sorted.

When comparing the time required for the protruding operation of the protruding portion 75 of the cam 53 in this embodiment and the comparative example, if the rotational speed of the cam 53 is ω [deg/s], the comparative example is 45°/ω. [s], and (45°-β)/ω[s] in this embodiment, and with the shape of the cam 53 in this embodiment, the protruding operation of the protruding portion 75 can be completed in a shorter time.

Furthermore, if the moving distance of the coin when the cam 53 rotates is x [mm], the comparison example is xω/45° [mm], the present embodiment is xω/(45°-β) [mm], and the present embodiment is xω/45° [mm]. The shape of the cam 53 of the embodiment can support a faster conveyance speed.

In addition, in FIG. 4(d), if a coin that is conveyed following the coin C2 is also to be sorted, the cam 53, while stopping at the protruding rotational position B, sorts out the coin that is conveyed continuously. In addition, when a subsequent coin conveyed following the coin C2 is not to be sorted and is allowed to pass, the center of the coin C2 or the maximum diameter portion facing the reference side surface 31a passes through the side of the protrusion 75 of the cam 53. Then, the cam 53 is rotated and the first side 77 on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the protruding portion 75 that has been protruding is located parallel to the reference side surface 31a, which is the first non-protruding rotational position A1 (Fig. 4). (a)), and the coins to be conveyed in succession are allowed to pass through. Furthermore, when rotating the cam 53 from the protruding rotational position B to the first non-protruding rotational position A1, the protrusion 75 rotates in the same direction as the coin conveying direction, so the cam 53 comes into contact with subsequent coins that are not to be sorted. This can prevent incorrect sorting.

Further, in FIG. 5, the ratio of the lengths of the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78 of the cam 53 will be considered.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the ratio of the length of the second side 78 is larger than that of the first side 77, when the cam 53 is located at the first non-protruding rotational position A1, the coin is Since the coin easily enters the groove 31b at the side 78, and the amount of movement x by which the coin moves toward the reference side 31a is large, the edge of the coin on the opposite side to the reference side 31a moves from the top of the bottom plate 30 to the sorting hole. There is a risk of it coming off and falling.

As shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), when the length ratio of the second side 78 is smaller than that of the first side 77, the cam 53 rotates from the first non-protruding rotation position A1 to the second non-protruding rotation position. The angle β that can be rotated prior to position A2 becomes small, and there is a possibility that it will not be possible to handle sorting when coins are continuously conveyed at high speed.

Therefore, it is preferable that the ratio of the lengths of the first side portion 77 and the second side portion 78 of the cam 53 be equal.

As described above, according to the coin sorting device 14 of the present embodiment, the non-protruding portion 76 has at least two first side portions 77 and a second side portion 78 that connect the protruding portions 75 to 75. The first side 77 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the downstream side in the rotational direction, the second side 78 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the first side 77 and the second side are connected to each other. Since the angle θ with 78 is set smaller than 180°,
Even if the distance between coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, only predetermined coins can be reliably sorted.

Alternatively, the non-protruding part 76 has a first side part 77 connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the protruding part 75 and a second side part connected to the downstream side, and the non-protruding part 76 is centered on the protruding part 75. Since the angle α1 of the first side 77 has a smaller relationship than the angle α2 of the second side 78, even if the distance between the coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, only the predetermined coins can be reliably selected.

Alternatively, the non-protruding portion 76 has a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and Since it has a second side portion 78 located along the reference side surface 31a at a second non-protruding rotation position A2 rotated by a predetermined angle β from the protruding rotation position A1, it is continuously conveyed at high speed. Even if the distance between coins is short, only predetermined coins can be reliably sorted.

In addition, since the cam 53 has four protrusions 75, the amount of rotation of the cam 53 per coin sorting operation is small, and the protrusions 75 can be projected and retracted in a short time. In this respect, even if the distance between coins that are continuously conveyed at high speed is short, only predetermined coins can be reliably sorted.

Furthermore, since the protruding part 75 comes into contact with coins, wear occurs, but since the cam 53 has a plurality of protruding parts 75, the wear of each protruding part 75 is reduced compared to the case where there is only one protruding part 75. By reducing this, the life of the cam 53 can be extended.

Furthermore, when rotating the cam 53 from the protruding rotational position B to the first non-protruding rotational position A1, the protrusion 75 rotates in the same direction as the coin conveyance direction, so coins that are not to be sorted are mistakenly sorted. can be prevented.

Next, a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The cam 53 has a substantially triangular cross section and three protruding parts 75 and three non-protruding parts 76. The protrusions 75 are provided every 120° in the circumferential direction of the cam 53.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the non-protruding part 76 has at least two first side parts 77 and a second side part 78 that connect the protruding parts 75 to each other. The first side 77 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the downstream side in the rotational direction, the second side 78 is connected to the protrusion 75 on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the angle between the first side 77 and the second side 78 is θ is set smaller than 180°.

Alternatively, the non-protruding portion 76 has a first side portion 77 connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the protruding portion 75 and a second side portion connected to the downstream side. The angle α1 of the first side 77 about the protrusion 75 is smaller than the angle α2 of the second side 78.

Alternatively, the non-protruding portion 76 has a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and a first side portion 77 located along the reference side surface 31a at the predetermined first non-protruding rotational position A1 of the cam 53, and It has a second side portion 78 located along the reference side surface 31a at a second non-protruding rotation position A2 rotated by a predetermined angle β from the protruding rotation position A1.

The second side portion 78 is provided in a shape in which a portion (the two-dot chain line portion in FIG. 6) is cut out or recessed when the outer shape of the cam 53 is triangular. The end of the second side 78 on the upstream side in the rotational direction is connected to the maximum protrusion position (center line a) of the protrusion 75.

7 shows the coin sorting operation, FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) show the cam 53 of this embodiment, and FIGS. 7(e) to 7(h) show the cam 53 of the comparative example. Figures 7(a) and (e), Figures 7(b) and (f), Figures 7(c) and (g), and Figures 7(d) and (h) show the coins transported to the coin sorting device 14, respectively. It is assumed that the coins coming in are transported at the same timing. The cam 53 of the comparative example has a substantially triangular cam shape without the second side portion 78.

The sorting operation by the cam 53 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) is similar to the sorting operation by the substantially rectangular cam 53 shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) described above, Further, the sorting operation by the cam 53 of the comparative example shown in FIGS. 7(e) to (h) is similar to the sorting operation by the substantially rectangular cam 53 shown in FIGS. 4(e) to (h) described above.

Therefore, even when the substantially triangular cam 53 is used, the same effects as those obtained when the substantially square cam 53 described above are used can be expected.

The shape of the cam 53 is such that the larger the number of protruding parts 75 and non-protruding parts 76, the smaller the amount of rotation of the cam 53 per coin sorting operation, and the more protruding parts 75 can be protruded in a short time. This makes it possible to retract the protrusions 75 and extend the life of the cam 53 by reducing wear on the protrusions 75. However, on the other hand, the outer size of the cam 53 becomes larger, which may cause problems with installation space constraints and the drive mechanism 63. increase the load. Furthermore, the smaller the number of protrusions 75 and non-protrusions 76, the smaller the outer shape of the cam 53, which reduces the installation space constraints and reduces the load on the drive mechanism 63. The amount of rotation of the cam 53 per coin sorting operation increases, the time for protruding and retracting the protrusions 75 increases, and the wear of each protrusion 75 increases, shortening the life of the cam 53. Therefore, the number of protruding portions 75 and non-protruding portions 76 of the cam 53 is appropriately set according to the dimensions and usage of the coin sorting device 14, and is preferably in the range of 3 or more and 5 or 6 or less, for example. Three or four are more preferred.

Note that the coin processing device 10 is not limited to being used in a coin counting machine that counts only a predetermined denomination, but may be used in a coin counting machine that counts multiple denominations. Furthermore, the coin processing device is not limited to a coin counting machine, and may be used in a coin deposit machine, a coin deposit/disbursement machine, a coin wrapping machine, or the like.

Although the embodiments of the present invention and their modifications have been described above, various combinations of configurations, partial omissions, replacements, and changes are also possible.

10 Coin handling equipment
14 Coin sorting device
26 Transport path
31a Reference side
50 sorting holes
51 Rotating body
52 Rotation axis
53 Cam
75 Protrusion
76 Non-protruding part
77 First side
78 Second side A1 First non-protruding rotational position A2 Second non-protruding rotational position

Claims (7)

A coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance,
A coin provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface of the conveyance path toward the center of the path, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the path than the reference side surface. a sorting hole through which the
The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotating position and drops the coin into the sorting hole at a rotating position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage;
The non-protruding portion has at least two first sides and a second side that connect the protruding portion and the protruding portion, and the first side portion is connected to the protruding portion on the downstream side in the rotational direction. connected, the second side is connected to the protrusion on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the angle between the first side and the second side is smaller than 180°. Sorting device. A coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance,
A coin provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface of the conveyance path toward the center of the path, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the path than the reference side surface. a sorting hole through which the
The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotating position and drops the coin into the sorting hole at a rotating position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage;
The non-protruding part has a first side part connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction with respect to the protruding part, and a second side part connected to the downstream side with respect to the protruding part, and the first side part is centered on the protruding part. A coin sorting device characterized in that the angle of the side portion is smaller than the angle of the second side portion. A coin sorting device that conveys coins along a reference side surface of a conveyance path and sorts predetermined coins from among the coins being conveyed during conveyance,
A coin provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface of the conveyance path toward the center of the path, through which coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the path than the reference side surface. a sorting hole through which the
The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. A plurality of protruding parts that can protrude toward the center are provided, and a non-protruding part that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage is provided between these protruding parts, and the protruding part retreats from the reference side surface to the outside of the passage. a rotating body that allows a coin to pass through at a rotating position and drops the coin into the sorting hole at a rotating position where the protrusion protrudes from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage;
The non-protruding portion includes a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam, and a first side portion located along the reference side surface when the cam is rotated during coin sorting. and a second side portion positioned along the reference side surface at a second non-protruding rotational position rotated by a predetermined angle from . The coin sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of the protrusions is at least three. The coin sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of protrusions is four. a conveyance path that has a reference side surface and conveys coins along the reference side surface;
A coin processing device comprising: the coin sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which sorts predetermined coins from among the coins conveyed along the reference side surface during conveyance. Provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the reference side surface of the conveyance path toward the center of the path, coins conveyed along the reference side surface pass, and coins conveyed closer to the center of the path than the reference side surface fall. a sorting hole to
The transport passage has a rotating shaft and a cam that is provided at a side position of the sorting hole on the reference side surface side and is rotatable about the rotating shaft, and a passage is provided on the circumferential surface of the cam from the reference side surface. a rotating body provided with a plurality of protrusions capable of protruding toward the center, and a non-protruding portion that does not protrude from the reference side surface toward the center of the passage between the protrusions;
The non-protruding portion includes a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam, and a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam, and a first side portion located along the reference side surface at a predetermined first non-protruding rotational position of the cam. 2. A coin sorting method for a coin sorting device having a second side portion located along the reference side surface at a non-protruding rotational position,
placing the cam in the first non-protruding rotational position when a coin passes;
At the time of coin sorting to exclude a predetermined coin, the rotation of the cam is started when the center of the coin before being conveyed in front of the predetermined coin is conveyed along the side of the second side, and the previous coin is removed. When the coin is conveyed to the side of the first side, the cam is rotated to the second non-protrusion rotation position, the protrusion is made to protrude from the reference side toward the center of the passage, and the predetermined coin is transferred to the sorting hole. A coin sorting method characterized by dropping coins on.

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