JPH06162308A - Paying mechanism for coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a coin processor which does not pays coins incorrectly by improving the constitution of the paying mechanism of the coin processor. CONSTITUTION:A paying mechanism part consists of a RAM 9, a ROM 10, a CPU 11, and a paid coin recognition part 21 and when a signal waveform corresponding to the shape of a coin conveyed in a payment passage 7 appears in the output of the paid coin recognition part 2, its waveform period is measured by a timer in the RAM 9. The ROM 10 stores reference standard values for money kind decision making set at every kind of money and the CPU 11 compares the measured value in the RAM 9 with the standard values in the ROM 10 to check whether the paid coin is proper or not. Therefore, the coin processor which never pays coins improperly, is constructed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a withdrawal mechanism of a circulation type coin processing device for diverting deposited coins into coins for withdrawal, and more particularly to a technique for discriminating the authenticity of withdrawn coins. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a coin processing device used in a financial institution is a circulation type device that diverts deposited coins to dispensing coins and sorts the deposited coins into denominations according to their diameters. It is provided with a depositing mechanism unit for storing and a dispensing mechanism unit for dispensing the stored coins according to the payout amount. As the structure of the deposit mechanism, for example,
Inserting unit that aligns a large number of denominations that have been inserted in a batch and conveys them to a coin sorting path, a sorting unit that sorts coins with this coin sorting path, and stores coins sorted by the sorting unit by denomination It is composed of a storage compartment. Here, the coin sorting method in the sorting unit is performed by selecting the first to sixth sorting holes corresponding to each denomination arranged on the bottom surface of the coin sorting path, for example, the diameter of a 1-yen coin (the smallest coin). 6th corresponding to the diameter of 500 yen coin (coin with the largest diameter) from the corresponding 1st sorting hole
It is realized by 6 selection holes with different opening diameters up to the selection holes. In the coin sorting path, these first to sixth sorting holes are provided in order from the sorting hole with the smallest opening diameter along the moving direction of the coin. Therefore, the coins conveyed through the coin sorting path fall from the sorting holes corresponding to the respective diameters, and are stored in the storage section through the introduction path. In addition, the storage portion is generally in a tubular shape in which coins to be stored can be stacked and stored.
On the other hand, the withdrawal mechanism section is equipped with a payout section installed on the bottom side of the storage section, and the set amount is paid out by being driven a number of times according to the required number calculated based on the payout amount. Be done.

[0003]

However, in the coin processing device having the above-mentioned structure, when the coins are dispensed, the designated number of coins is directly dispensed from the coin storage cylinder of each denomination, so that the dispensed coins are not appropriate. There is a problem that it is not checked and a payment error occurs. This is because the coin sorting method based on the outer diameter of the coin is adopted as the sorting method for the coins deposited in the input section. For example, when sorting coins such as 5 yen coins and 100 yen coins that have almost no difference in outer diameter size, if small dust adheres to the outer circumference of 5 yen coins that are smaller than 100 yen coins, 5 yen coins Do not fall into the sorting hole for 5 yen coins,
Since the coin drops into a 100-yen coin sorting hole provided next on the coin sorting path and is stored in a 100-yen coin storage cylinder, a 5-yen coin is dispensed from the 100-yen coin storage cylinder. It will be.

Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the above problems, the structure of the dispensing mechanism of the coin processing device is improved,
The objective is to realize a coin processing device that does not cause coins to be dispensed incorrectly.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is provided with a function for checking the adequacy of coins dispensed to a dispensing mechanism of a coin processing device. That is, in the coin withdrawing mechanism of the coin processing device according to the present invention, when a coin is paid out, a coin withdrawal coin recognition means for detecting a coin conveyed on the withdrawal path and outputting a coin recognition signal, and this coin recognition device. Withdrawal coin counting means for counting measured values corresponding to withdrawal coins based on a signal, storage means preset for each denomination, and storing a standard value as a reference for denomination determination, withdrawal It has a comparison unit that compares the measured value from the coin counting unit with the standard value of the denomination to be withdrawn read out from the storage unit, and controls the coin payout operation based on the result. It is characterized by

In the coin dispensing mechanism of this coin processing device, the measured value can be a timer value for the period during which the coins on the dispensing path are recognized by the dispensed coin recognition means. Also,
The dispensed coin recognizing means is preferably an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, the optical axis of which is substantially orthogonal to the coin transport direction.

[0007]

In the coin withdrawing mechanism of the coin processing apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described structure, the coin withdrawal recognition means detects the coins conveyed on the coin withdrawal path when the coins are paid out, and the coin recognition signal is output. When the coin is output, the coin dispenser counting means counts the measured value corresponding to the coin dispensed based on the coin recognition signal.
Further, since the storage unit stores and stores the standard value as a reference for determining the denomination for each denomination, the comparing unit reads out the measured value from the withdrawal coin counting unit and the output value read from the storage unit. The standard value of the denomination to be paid is compared, and the dispensed coin is properly checked. In other words, by obtaining the information of the coins currently on the withdrawal route as a measured value and comparing this measured value with the standard value which is the information of the coins that should be on the withdrawal route, the proper judgment of the withdrawn coins can be made. It will be possible. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the deposited coins are erroneously selected and stored in the storage units of different denominations, the proper check is performed when the coins are delivered, so that the delivery error is incorrect. It is possible to construct a highly reliable coin processing device.

In the coin dispensing mechanism of this coin processing device, when the dispensed coin recognizing means is a light sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element and the optical axis of which is substantially orthogonal to the coin conveying direction, the The period during which the sensor is cut off by the coins conveyed on the dispensing path is output as the measurement value from the dispensing coin counting means. Therefore, even when sorting coins having almost no difference in outer diameter, such as a 5-yen coin and a 100-yen coin, the 5-yen coin has a hole in the center, and the optical sensor transmits light here. Therefore, the measurement value of the 5-yen coin is obviously smaller than that of the 100-yen coin. Therefore, coins having substantially the same outer diameter can be reliably selected.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of Withdrawal Mechanism] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the withdrawal mechanism of the coin processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the same withdrawal mechanism. FIG.

In these figures, the withdrawal mechanism section of the coin processing apparatus of this embodiment is a ROM (storage means) 10 in which a control program for the withdrawal mechanism section is stored, and a temporary operation for controlling the withdrawal operation. RAM (payment coin counting means) 9 in which specific data is stored, a CPU (comparing means) 11 that executes a program read from the ROM 10, and a coin conveyed on a payout path when a coin is paid out. And a coin dispenser recognition unit 21 for outputting a coin recognition signal. The coin dispenser recognition unit 21 is an optical sensor including a light emitting element (LED) 5 and a light receiving element (phototransistor) 6,
And an optical sensor circuit 16. A point to be noted in the dispensing mechanism unit of this example is that the coin to be dispensed is properly checked when the coin is dispensed. That is, in the dispensing mechanism unit of the present example, the ROM 10 stores a standard value that is preset for each denomination and serves as a reference for denomination determination, in addition to the control program. In addition, the RAM 9 is provided with a timer unit, and the coins pass and become light-transmitted again from the time when the output rises because the optical sensor is interrupted by the coins conveyed on the dispensing path. The period until the fall is counted as the measured value. CP
U11 is provided with a comparison function, and the measured value of the coin currently on the withdrawal path read from the RAM 9 and the ROM
The withdrawal coin is properly checked by comparing it with the standard value of the coin that should be on the withdrawal path read out from 10.
Then, in the comparison function of the CPU 11, when it is determined that the coin on the payout path is an inappropriate coin, the coin payout operation is stopped.

In the dispensing mechanism section having such a structure,
If a withdrawal command is input externally when paying out coins, CP
U11 reads the control program stored in the ROM 10 and drives the motor 1 via the drive circuits 12, 13, and 14.
7, 18, 19 are driven. The motor A17 is driven by the belt 1, the motor B18 is driven by the belt 3, and the motor C is driven.
The drive of 19 is transmitted to each of the reverse rollers 4, and the coins 8 accumulated in the storage portion 20 are conveyed and paid out to the dispensing port. That is, in the coin processing device of the present example, the coin 8 deposited from the coin slot is stored by the denomination discrimination in the same manner as the conventional coin processing device, but the storage part 20 of the present device is a box. The coins 8 have a shape and are formed so that the coins 8 are accumulated on the lower side thereof.
Are cluttered under the storage 20. The coins 8 stored in the storage portion 20 are conveyed upward by the belt 3 that is obliquely arranged from the lower side to the upper side of the storage portion 20. The reverse roller 4 is installed above the belt 3, and the gap between the reverse roller 4 and the belt 3 is set to be substantially equal to the thickness of the coins 8. The sheets are separated one by one and conveyed to a dispensing path 7 composed of the belt 1 and the guide plate 2. The width dimension of the dispensing path 7 is set based on the outer diameter of the coin 8 to be passed, and the optical axis of the central portion of the dispensing path 7 is perpendicular to the transport direction of the coin 8. 5 and phototransistor 6 installed like
Has an optical sensor consisting of. Therefore, withdrawal route 7
When the light entering the phototransistor 6 is blocked by the coin 8 passing through, a rising edge is generated in the output of the photosensor circuit 16, and the coin 8 passes through the photosensor area to enter the phototransistor 6. If so, a falling edge occurs in the output of the optical sensor circuit 16, so that the optical sensor circuit 16 outputs a coin recognition signal according to the shape (outer diameter dimension) of the coin 8 passing through the dispensing path 7. .

[Operation of Payment Mechanism] Next, the operation of such a payment mechanism will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the payout denomination is 100 yen.

First, in step ST1, when a coin is dispensed and a withdrawal command is externally input to the CPU 11, the CPU 11 clears the 100-yen counter provided in the RAM 9 to zero.

Next, in step ST2, the CPU 1
1 inputs a signal to the drive circuit 12 to drive the motor A 17 and drive the belt 1. Similarly, step ST3
Drive the reverse roller 4 in step ST4
At, the belt 3 is driven. As a result, the storage unit 2
Coins 8 accumulated in 0 are belt 3, reverse roller 4
Then, it is conveyed to the dispensing path 7 via the belt 1. In step ST5, the coin 8 conveyed to the withdrawal path 7
When the light reaches the photosensor region, the light emitted from the LED 5 is blocked by the coin 8 and does not enter the phototransistor 6, so that a rising edge occurs in the output of the photosensor circuit 16.

As a result, in step ST6, CP
U11 starts a timer provided in the RAM9.

In step ST7, when the coin 8 on the dispensing path 7 is further conveyed and passes through the optical sensor area,
Since the light from the LED 5 enters the phototransistor 6 again, a falling edge occurs in the output of the photosensor circuit 16.

Here, in step ST8, the CPU
Reference numeral 11 stops the timer in the RAM 9 and reads the measured value indicated by the timer value from the rising time to the falling time of the output of the optical sensor circuit 16. With this,
The standard value set for the 100-yen coin is read from the ROM 10 and compared with the measured value read from the RAM 9. Here, the standard value stored in the ROM 10 is experimentally set based on the timer value from the rising time to the falling time of the output of the optical sensor circuit 16 generated when the genuine coin passes through the optical sensor area. It is the period of time. FIG. 4 shows the signal waveform of the output of the optical sensor circuit 16 generated when the genuine coin passes through the optical sensor area, with the rising time t ₀ of each denomination being the same time. Figure 4
In, since the outer diameter of the 100-yen coin is almost the same as the outer diameter of the 5-yen coin, 100 times the fall time of the output of the optical sensor circuit 16 that occurs when the coin passes through the optical sensor area.
The difference between the yen coin and the 5-yen coin is as small as Δt, which makes it difficult to discriminate. However, since the 5-yen coin has a hole in the center of the coin, the timer value of the 5-yen coin is the period t ₂ .
On the other hand, the timer value of the 100-yen coin is the period t ₁ , and there is a clear difference from the timer value of the 5-yen coin. Therefore, the 100-yen coin and the 5-yen coin, which have almost no difference in outer diameter, can be reliably identified. Become. Then, in the dispensing mechanism portion of the present example, set to a standard value of 100 yen coins by selecting an appropriate time between the timer value of 100 yen coin t ₁ and 5 yen coin and the timer value t _2, RO
It is stored in M10. Therefore, the standard value, which is the criterion for discriminating 100-yen coins, is set to a value smaller than the timer value (measured value) of 100-yen coins.
The comparison is performed by the following equation (1).

Read value (measured value) from timer of RAM 9> standard value (1) As a result, if the standard value is larger, step ST1
Control is moved to 4 and if the standard value is smaller, control is moved to step ST10. Here, in the coin processing device of the present example, since the inserted coins are sorted and stored based on the outer diameter thereof, a coin having a smaller diameter than the 100-yen coin is erroneously stored in the storage unit for the 100-yen coin. (1 yen, 5 yen and 50 yen) may be stored, but coins with a diameter larger than 100 yen coins (10 yen and 500 yen) will not be stored. As a result of the comparison, if the measured value is larger than the standard value, it can be determined that the coin is a 100-yen coin.

In step ST8, if it is determined that the coins on the withdrawal path 7 are proper coins, the coins 8
Is dispensed from the guide plate 2 to the dispensing port, and step ST10
In, the RAM 9 is incremented by 1 in the 100-yen counting counter.

Then, in step ST11, the withdrawal instruction number instructed by the externally input withdrawal command and stored in the RAM 9 is compared with the value of the 100-yen counter, and if they are equal, the process proceeds to step ST12. Control is transferred, and if not equal, control is transferred to step ST5.

Step ST12 at the time when the withdrawal instruction number in the RAM 9 becomes equal to the value of the 100-yen counting counter
At, the CPU 11 inputs a signal to the drive circuits 13 and 14 to stop the reverse roller 4 and the belt 3.

Then, in step ST13, after a predetermined time necessary for the withdrawal coins on the withdrawal path 7 to be guided to the guide plate 2 and to be withdrawn to the withdrawal opening, the CPU 1
1 inputs a signal to the drive circuit 12 to stop the belt 1.

On the other hand, in step ST14, which is the control when the coin 8 on the dispensing path 7 is determined to be an unsuitable coin in step ST8, the CPU 11 inputs a signal to the drive circuits 12, 13, and 14. The motors 17, 18,
All 19 are stopped. For this reason, the coin transporting section including the belts 1 and 3 and the reverse roller 4 is stopped,
The coin 8 is not dispensed and is held on the dispensing path 7.

Then, in step ST15, the CP
U11 notifies the abnormality.

As described above, in the coin dispenser of the coin processing device of this embodiment, even when the coins are dispensed, it is possible to check the appropriateness of the coins dispensed. Since this can be prevented, it is possible to construct a highly reliable coin processing device that has no mistake in payout. The coin check mechanism adopted in the dispensing mechanism unit of this example can be used in all coin processing devices such as discrimination of deposited coins.

[0027]

As described above, in the withdrawal mechanism of the coin processing device according to the present invention, when the coin is paid out, the information of the coin currently on the withdrawal path is obtained as the measured value, and the measured value and the withdrawn money are withdrawn. By comparing with the standard value which is the information of the coins that should be on the route, it becomes possible to properly judge the dispensed coins.
Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the deposited coins are erroneously selected and stored in the storage units of different denominations, the proper check is performed when the coins are dispensed, so that the dispensing error is incorrect. It is possible to construct a highly reliable coin processing device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a dispensing mechanism unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a configuration of the same dispensing mechanism section.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the dispensing mechanism unit.

FIG. 4 is a signal waveform diagram of an output of an optical sensor circuit generated corresponding to a genuine coin.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Belt 2 ... Guide plate 3 ... Belt 4 ... Reverse roller 5 ... LED (light emitting element) 6 ... Phototransistor (light receiving element) 7 ... Withdrawal path 8. ..Coins 9 ... RAM (dispensing coin counting means) 10 ... ROM (storage means) 11 ... CPU (comparing means) 12, 13, 14 ... Driving circuit 17, 18, 19 ...・ Motor 20 ・ ・ ・ Storage 21 ・ Dispensing coin recognition

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A coin dispenser recognizing means for detecting a coin carried on a dispense path and outputting a coin recognition signal when the coin is dispensed, and a measurement corresponding to the coin dispensed based on the coin recognition signal. Withdrawal coin counting means for counting values, storage means preset for each denomination, and storing a standard value serving as a reference for denomination discrimination, a measurement value from the withdrawal coin counting means, and Compare with the standard value of the denomination that should be withdrawn from the storage means,
And a comparison unit that controls a coin payout operation based on the result, and a dispensing mechanism of a coin processing device. 2. The coin dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the measured value is a timer value during a period in which coins on the dispense path are recognized by the dispense coin recognition means. mechanism. 3. The coin dispenser recognizing means according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element, the optical axis of which is substantially orthogonal to the coin carrying direction. Characteristic coin handling device withdrawal mechanism.