JPH10143713A - Coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin processor in which the occurrence of the failure of the carriage of a coin on a coin path can be preliminarily prevented by removing the metallic powers of a coin adhered or burnt to the coin path before the state is getting worse. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a coin path 13 for guiding the movement of a coin in a state that the both sides are made vertical, carrying means 20 for pressing the coin on the coin path 13 from the upper part, and carrying it, and cleaning coin having an outer diameter capable of the carriage on the coin path 13 for abutting to metallic powders adhered or bunt to the coin path 13, and removing it from the path when it is carried by the carrying means 20. Thus, the cleaning coin can abut to the metallic powders adhered or burnt to the coin path 13, and pealing it from the path 13 by the carriage by the carrying means 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin processing machine having a coin passage for transferring coins therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a coin processing machine having a coin passage for transferring coins inside, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-250 (1988)
There is a coin sorting / sorting machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 792. This coin sorting and sorting machine takes in mixed coins of many denominations, discriminates the taken-in coins one by one and feeds out the coins, and discriminates the coins fed out from the rotating discs. A coin passage for sorting, and a coin passage for sorting, which is provided downstream in the transport direction of the coin passage for discrimination and drops coins to be conveyed from each classification hole formed according to the diameter of a denomination coin to be handled and classifies them. These coin passages have a passage width such that coins of all denominations to be handled can be transported. Separately from this coin sorter / sorter, as shown in JP-A-2-193287, a coin passage for transferring coins is provided in a coin passage according to the outer diameter of coins of a designated denomination. There is a coin processor that changes the width of a passage and conveys only coins of the denomination. In any of these coin processing machines, coins in a coin passage have a lower surface on one of the front and back surfaces in contact with a conveyance bottom surface of the coin passage, and another upper surface with a conveyance belt stretched over the coin passage. When the transport belt is driven, the transport belt is transported by sliding the coin on the transport bottom surface by a frictional force generated between the transport belt and the pressed coin.

[0003]

However, in a coin processing machine that transports coins in such a configuration, coins are transported while being pressed against a transport bottom surface of a coin passage with a predetermined force. When a coin rubs against a coin passage, particularly in the case of a soft coin, a part of the coin may be shaved to become metal powder and adhere to the bottom surface of the conveyance. When the amount of the metal powder increases, the slip between the coin and the conveyance bottom of the coin passage deteriorates, which may cause a conveyance failure. Also, when processing a large amount of coins, the friction between the coin passage and the coin causes the metal powder attached to the coin passage to seize into the coin passage, and when the seizure becomes severe, the coin slips. In addition to the worsening, there is a problem that the burn-in cannot be easily removed. Therefore,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing machine capable of removing metal powder of a coin sticking or sticking to a coin passage before its condition becomes severe, thereby preventing occurrence of coin conveyance failure in the coin passage. It is to be.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, a coin processing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a coin passage capable of guiding the movement of a coin with its front and back surfaces turned upside down, Transport means for transporting coins on the coin passage while pressing the coin from above, and having an outer diameter capable of transporting the coin passage, and contacting the metal powder adhered to or burned into the coin passage during transportation by the transport means. And a cleaning coin for peeling off from the passage. As a result, the cleaning coin comes into contact with the metal powder adhered or baked in the coin passage and is separated from the coin passage by the conveyance by the conveyance means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin processing machine according to the first aspect, wherein a cleaning coin storage unit capable of storing only cleaning coins and feeding the cleaning coins to a coin passage, and a cleaning coin storage unit. And a control unit for executing a cleaning process for causing the coins to be fed from the cleaning coin storage unit to the coin passage and transported by the transport unit. Thus, the control unit executes a cleaning process in which the cleaning coin is fed out from the cleaning coin storage unit that stores only the cleaning coin to the coin passage and transported by the transport unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coin processing machine according to the second aspect, further comprising a throw-in signal output means for outputting a throw-in signal to the control unit when manually operated.
The control unit is characterized in that the cleaning process is executed on condition that the input signal is input. Accordingly, the control unit performs the cleaning process by manually operating the input signal output unit, and thus can perform the cleaning process at an arbitrary timing.

[0007] A coin processing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, with respect to the second or third aspect, the control section executes the cleaning processing immediately after the power supply of the apparatus is turned on. Accordingly, the control unit can perform the cleaning process immediately after the power supply of the machine is started, so that the cleaning process can be automatically performed at the time of power supply startup of the machine, which is periodically performed, such as at the beginning of a day. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the coin processing machine according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the control unit determines the number of coins passing through the coin passage after the cleaning process. The cleaning process is performed when the counted value exceeds a preset reference number. Accordingly, the control unit counts the number of coins that have passed through the coin passage after performing the cleaning process, and when the counted value exceeds a preset reference number, causes the next cleaning process to be performed. The cleaning process can be automatically performed each time the vehicle passes, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to execute the cleaning process and also to prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the coin processing machine according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the control unit executes a cleaning process and after a predetermined time elapses after execution of the cleaning process. The cleaning process is performed. Thereby, the control unit can perform the cleaning process automatically after every elapse of the predetermined time to execute the next cleaning process after the predetermined time elapses after the execution of the cleaning process. In addition to preventing forgetting to execute the cleaning process, it is possible to prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a coin processor according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In addition,
The first embodiment is a coin sorter / sorter that counts, sorts, and stores coins C for each denomination as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-250792. Reference numeral 11 in the drawing denotes a rotating disk which is capable of being inserted in a large amount of coins C and capable of rotating forward and reverse around a vertical axis by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown);
Reference numeral 12 is disposed near the outer peripheral side of the rotating disk 11,
A feeding port for separating and passing coins C moved to the outer peripheral side of the rotating disk 11 one by one by centrifugal force during rotation, reference numeral 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a coin passage which is provided on the opposite side of the rotating disk 11 of the feeding port 12 and receives the coin C passing through the feeding port 12 with its front and back surfaces turned upside down. The rotating disk 11, a driving motor (not shown) for driving the rotating disk 11, and a feeding port 12 constitute a separating unit 14 for separating and feeding coins C one by one.

The coin passage 13 has a conveying bottom 16 for receiving coins C passing through the feeding port 12, and guide portions 17 provided on both sides of the conveying bottom 16 at a level higher than the conveying bottom 16.
A plurality of transport belts 19 are stretched substantially in series along the direction in which the transport bottom surface 16 extends above the transport bottom surface 16, and these transport belts 19 and a drive motor that drives these And coin transport unit (transportation means) 20
Is configured.

The coin transport section 20 transports the coin C on the transport bottom 16 of the coin passage 13 by sliding the transport bottom 16 while pressing the coin C on the transport bottom 16 from above the transport belt 19. C moves in one direction away from the rotating disk 11 on the transport bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13 while being guided by the guide portion 17. In addition, the guide part 1
The width between 7 and 17, that is, the width of the transport bottom surface 16 is set so that the coins C form a line (that is, the rear coin C does not pass the front coin C).

A material discriminating unit 22 for detecting the material from the magnetic characteristics of the coin C passing above is provided on the transport bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13, and a material discriminating unit 22 is provided downstream of the material discriminating unit 22 in the coin transport direction. Is provided with an outer diameter discriminating section 23 for detecting the outer diameter of the coin C moving on the transporting bottom surface 16, and a discriminating section (detection section) for detecting the characteristics of the coin C by the material discriminating section 22 and the outer diameter discriminating section 23. Means) 24 are constituted.

Further, a stopping device 26 is provided downstream of the outer diameter discriminating portion 23 so as to be able to protrude and retract from the one guide portion 17 and stop the coin C when protruding. The opening and closing device 27 for opening and closing an opening formed in the conveying bottom surface 16 is provided on the conveying bottom surface 16 near the
The stop device 26 and the opening / closing device 27 are provided.
Constitute a reject unit 28.

The reject unit 28 is controlled by the control unit 30, and includes a material discriminating unit 22 and an outer diameter discriminating unit 23.
As a result of the discrimination, the discriminating material other than the material and the outer diameter which is set and stored in advance is stopped by the stopping device 26 and dropped by the opening operation of the opening / closing device 27 from the conveying bottom surface 16 to a reject opening (not shown). invite.

The transport bottom surface 16 on the downstream side of the reject unit 28
The coins C transported by the transport belt 19 are sequentially dropped from the small-diameter coins C.
A classification and sorting unit 33 composed of 32f is provided. The coins C sorted and sorted by the sorting and sorting unit 33 are led to temporary storage units of respective denominations (not shown) and temporarily stored. Further, the coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage section are stored in a storage section (not shown) in the machine or driven out of a payout port (not shown) facing the outside by driving the storage processing section 34. .

In this embodiment, a cleaning coin (not shown) having a diameter smaller than the width of the transport bottom surface 16 and larger than the droppable diameter of the sorting hole 32f for dropping the coin C having the largest diameter is used. To be transported. Further, all the sorting holes 32a are further downstream of the sorting and sorting unit 33 of the coin passage 13.
An unillustrated receiving port for receiving the cleaning coin which is not dropped at ~ 32f is provided, and the cleaning coin received at the receiving port is introduced into the cleaning coin return section (cleaning coin storage section) 36. This cleaning coin circulation unit 36
Stores the cleaning coins, and inserts the cleaning coins into the rotary disc 11 only when a payout signal is output from the control unit 30 so that the coins are fed to the coin passage 13 through the rotary disc 11. Has become. The control unit 30 can control the number of cleaning coins to be inserted into the rotating disk 11 from the cleaning coin circulation unit 36.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control section 30 is connected to the separating section 14, the coin transport section 20, the discriminating section 24, the rejecting section 28, the storage processing section 34, and the cleaning coin recirculating section 36 as described above. Further, a display unit 37 for displaying a display to the operator and an operation unit 38 for the operator to manually input an operation are connected.

The control unit 30 includes a ROM for storing reference data created by previously detecting coins C and cleaning coins of each denomination by the discrimination unit 24,
Has a RAM capable of writing and reading data such as the count value of coins C for each denomination determined by the above. When a detection signal is received from the determination unit 24, the detection result and RO
The type of the detected object (regular coin, cleaning coin, reject coin other than these, the denomination in the case of regular coin) is compared with the reference data stored in M, and the operation unit 38 or the discrimination is performed. Based on signals received from the unit 24 and the like, the control unit controls the driving of the separation unit 14, the coin transport unit 20, the reject unit 28, the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36, and the storage processing unit 34. And information such as the amount of the processed coin C is displayed.

As described above, in this embodiment, a cleaning coin having a diameter smaller than the width of the transport bottom surface 16 and larger than the largest coin C to be handled is used. In the case of a coin processor for domestic use in Japan, for example, a disc-shaped coin having an outer diameter of 27.5 mm and a thickness of 1.8 mm and made of an alloy of nickel and copper is used as the cleaning coin. (Here, the largest 500 yen coin has an outer diameter of 26.5 mm and a thickness of 1.8 mm).
Further, for example, the shape of the outer peripheral surface is parallel to the central axis over the entire width, and the front and rear surfaces have a flat shape orthogonal to the central axis.

Next, the "selection counting process" and the "cleaning process" performed by the coin processing machine having the above configuration will be described. First, the “selection counting process” will be described. The sorting and counting process is started when the start switch 38a provided on the operation unit 38 is pressed by the operator, and the coin C to be sorted and counted is put into the rotating disk 11 of the separating unit 14 by the operator. In this state, when the start switch 38a is pressed and a signal output from the start switch 38a is received, the control unit 30 drives the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 and the transport belt 19 of the coin transport unit 20. As a result, the coins C are separated one by one from the rotating disk 11 and fed out onto the transporting bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13, and are transported on the transporting bottom surface 16 sequentially in a line.

During the transfer of the coin passage 13 as described above, the material of the coin C is first detected by the material discriminating section 22 from its magnetic characteristics.
Is used to detect the outer diameter. Here, the control unit 30 compares the detected data from the discriminating unit 24 with reference data set and stored in advance, and if there is a denomination whose material and outer diameter match each other, the coin C of the denomination is determined. Is determined, and the counting is performed, and the flow is passed through the stopping device 26 and the opening / closing device 27 as they are to reach the classification and sorting unit 33. Then, the coin C is dropped from the corresponding denomination in the sorting holes 32a to 32f of the respective denominations of the classification and sorting unit 33, and is led to a temporary storage unit (not shown) of the denomination to be temporarily stored. . On the other hand, when there is no denomination having the same material and outer diameter, the coin C is stopped by the stopping device 26 and dropped by the opening operation of the opening / closing device 27 to be guided to a reject opening (not shown).

Here, when a predetermined time period during which the discrimination unit 24 does not detect the coin C has passed, the control unit 30 determines that there is no more coin C to be processed, and
Of the rotating disk 11 is stopped, and then the coin transport unit 2 is stopped.
The driving of all the conveying belts 19 of 0 is stopped. Then, the display unit 37 displays the amount of the coin C that has been subjected to the sorting and counting process, and allows the operator to confirm the amount. Thus, when the operator manually performs an approval operation using an approval switch (not shown) of the operation unit 38, the control unit 30 drives the storage processing unit 34 to store the coin C temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit. When the operator performs a non-approval operation manually with a non-approval switch (not shown) of the operation unit 38 while storing the coin C in the storage unit (not shown), the coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit are stored.
Is driven to the payout port (not shown) by driving the storage processing unit 34, and thus the sorting and counting process is completed.

Next, the "cleaning process" will be described. The cleaning process is started by the control unit 30 at a predetermined timing (described later) in a state where there is no coin C remaining on the rotating disk 11, and with the start of the cleaning process,
The control unit 30 drives the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 to insert only one cleaning coin, for example, into the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14. Next, the control unit 30 drives the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 and the transport belt 19 of the coin transport unit 20. Then, the cleaning coin is fed from the rotating disk 11 onto the transport bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13 and is transported on the transport bottom surface 16. Then, the detection is performed by the determination unit 24.
And through the opening and closing device 27 as it is, the classification and sorting section 3
3 Then, the cleaning coin is not dropped from the sorting holes 32a to 32f of the respective denominations of the sorting and sorting unit 33, and is passed from the receiving port (not shown) downstream of the sorting and sorting unit 33 to the washing coin recirculating unit 36. Will be returned.

Here, in the control unit 30, if a sufficient time has passed for the cleaning coin to be returned to the cleaning coin return unit 36 from the receiving slot from the time when the discrimination unit 24 detects the cleaning coin, The driving of the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 is stopped, and then all the conveyor belts 1 of the coin conveyor 20 are stopped.
Then, the cleaning process is terminated by stopping the drive of No. 9.

By performing the above-described cleaning processing, the cleaning coin is transported by the coin transport unit 20 to the coin passage 1.
The metal powder adheres or burns to the metal powder 3 and is separated from the coin passage 13. As described above, since the cleaning process is performed to remove the metal powder of the coin C attached or burned on the coin passage 13 before the condition becomes severe, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the conveyance failure of the coin C in the coin passage 13 beforehand. it can.

Further, since the cleaning coin return unit 36 for storing the cleaning coins exclusively and the control unit 30 for feeding out the cleaning coins from the cleaning coin return unit 36 are opened, the machine body is opened and manual work is performed. Thus, the cleaning process can be easily performed without the troublesome work of inserting a cleaning coin. In addition, since the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 recirculates the used cleaning coin, there is no need to manually return the used cleaning coin, and the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 monitors the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 for the remaining amount of the cleaning coin. Since there is no necessity, the cleaning process can be performed more easily.

It should be noted that, for one cleaning process, the control unit 3
It is also possible for 0 to feed a predetermined number of predetermined cleaning coins from the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 to the rotating disk 11. In this case, the control unit 30 checks the number of cleaning coins from the detection result of the determination unit 24, and receives the cleaning coin from the time when the determination unit 24 detects the set number of final cleaning coins. If sufficient time has passed to return the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 from the entrance,
The driving of the rotating disk 11 of the separating unit 14 is stopped, and then the driving of all the conveying belts 19 of the coin conveying unit 20 is stopped to end the cleaning process.

In addition, when the cleaning coin is collected by the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36, a sensor for detecting the collected cleaning coin is provided at the most downstream position of the coin passage 13 or at the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36. When the sensor detects a cleaning coin, the driving of the rotating disk 11 of the separating unit 14 is stopped, and then the driving of all the conveying belts 19 of the coin conveying unit 20 is stopped to end the cleaning process. May be. Here, at the end of the above-described cleaning process, the separation unit 1
Alternatively, all the conveyor belts 19 of the rotary disk 11 and the coin conveyor 20 may be stopped at the same time.

Next, control of the start timing of the cleaning process by the control unit 30 will be described. The operation unit 38 is provided with a cleaning coin insertion switch (insertion signal output means) which is manually operated by the operator and outputs an insertion signal. In the control unit 30, the cleaning coin insertion switch is output by pressing the operator. Upon receiving the input signal, the cleaning process is started.

In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, after the power switch of the operation unit 38 for turning on and off the power of the machine is turned on and the power of the machine is turned on, the sorting and counting process is started. It is determined whether or not the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is pressed (step SA1). In step SA1, when the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is pressed, the sorting and counting process is executed (step SA1).
2). If the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is not pressed in step SA1, and if the sorting and counting process executed in step SA2 is completed, the cleaning coin insertion switch of the operation unit 38 is pressed to start the cleaning process. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step SA3). In step SA3, if the cleaning coin insertion switch of the operation unit 38 is pressed, the cleaning process is executed (step SA4). If the cleaning coin insertion switch of the operation unit 38 has not been pressed in step SA3, and if the cleaning process executed in step SA4 has been completed, it is determined whether the power switch of the operation unit 38 has been turned off. (Step SA5). In step SA5,
If the power switch has not been turned off, step S
While returning to A1, if the power switch is turned off, the power of the machine is turned off.

With this configuration, after the power switch of the operation unit 38 is turned on to turn on the power supply of the machine and before the power switch is turned off, the cleaning coin insertion switch is operated by the operator. Is pressed, at that time, if the sorting and counting process is not executed, the cleaning process is started. If the sorting and counting process is executed at that time, the cleaning process is executed when the sorting and counting process is completed. Will be. Therefore, if the sorting and counting process has not been performed, the cleaning process can be performed at an arbitrary timing,
Further, even when the sorting and counting process is being performed, the cleaning process can be performed at the closest timing at which the cleaning process is possible at an arbitrary timing.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the control unit 30 turns on the power switch of the operation unit 38 for turning on and off the power of the machine, and immediately after the power of the machine is turned on, the cleaning process is performed. Is once executed (step SB1). And, after the end of this cleaning process,
It is determined whether or not to start the sorting and counting process based on whether or not the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is pressed (step SB2).
If 8a has been pressed, a sorting counting process is executed (step SB3). In step SB2, the operation unit 38
If the start switch 38a is not pressed, and if the sorting counting process executed in step SB3 is completed, it is determined whether or not the power switch of the operation unit 38 is turned off (step SB4). Step SB
In step 4, if the power switch has not been turned off, the process returns to step SB2, while if the power switch has been turned off, the aircraft power is turned off.

With this configuration, the cleaning process is always performed after the power switch of the operation unit 38 is turned ON and the power supply of the apparatus is turned on, and during the execution of the cleaning process, the start switch is operated. Even if 38a is pressed,
The sorting and counting process is not executed, and the sorting and counting process is executed when the cleaning process is completed. Therefore, the cleaning process is normally performed in accordance with the start-up of the machine power supply which is performed at the beginning of the day, and the cleaning process can be performed regularly at all times. Can be prevented. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required.

The control unit 30 stores in the ROM a predetermined cleaning reference number which is predetermined and optimal for flowing the coin passage 13 during the cleaning process. Then, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, after the power switch of the operation unit 38 for turning on / off the power of the aircraft is turned on and the power of the aircraft is turned on, it is determined whether or not to start the sorting counting process. It is determined whether or not the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 has been pressed (step SC1). In step SC1, the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38
Is pressed, after the sorting and counting process is executed (step SC2), the coins processed by the sorting and counting process executed this time are added to the number of coins processed by the sorting and counting process already stored in the RAM. The number of C is added and set as a new integrated processing number and stored in the RAM (step SC
3). In step SC1, when the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is not pressed, and when the number of processed sheets is set in step SC3, the number of processed sheets exceeds the predetermined cleaning reference number stored in the ROM. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step SC4). In step SC4, when the predetermined cleaning reference number is exceeded, the cleaning process is executed (step SC5), and the accumulated number of processed sheets stored in the RAM is cleared to 0 (step SC6). In step SC4, if the predetermined cleaning reference number has not been exceeded, and if the integrated processing number has been cleared to 0 in step SC6, it is determined whether the power switch of the operation unit 38 has been turned OFF (step SC6). SC7). In step SC7, if the power switch is not turned off, the process returns to step SC1, while the power switch is turned off.
If the FF operation has been performed, the aircraft power is turned off. Of course, even if the power of the machine is turned off, the data of the number of integrated processed images in the RAM is retained.

As described above, the control unit 30 counts the number of coins passed through after the cleaning process is completed, and when the integrated value, which is the counted value, exceeds the preset cleaning reference number. Then, the next cleaning process is performed.
Therefore, the cleaning process can be automatically performed every time a predetermined number of coins C pass through the coin passage 13, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to execute the cleaning process and to prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much. Thus, the cleaning process can be performed at optimal intervals. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required.

The control unit 30 sets a predetermined cleaning reference time, which is a predetermined cleaning processing interval, as R.
It is stored in the OM. Then, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, after the power switch of the operation unit 38 for operating ON / OFF of the aircraft power is turned ON to start the aircraft power, it is determined whether or not to start the sorting counting process. It is determined whether or not the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 has been pressed (step SD1). In step SD1, if the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is pressed, the internal timer starts measuring the processing time (step SD2), executes the sorting and counting process (step SD3), and ends the sorting and counting process. At the same time, the counting of the processing time is stopped (step SD4), and the processing time of the currently executed sorting and counting processing is added to the integrated processing time of the sorting and counting processing already stored in the RAM to obtain a new integrated processing time. Set and store in RAM (step SD
5). In step SD1, when the start switch 38a of the operation unit 38 is not pressed, and when the integration processing time is set in step SD5, the integration processing time exceeds the predetermined cleaning reference time stored in the ROM. It is determined whether or not the operation has been completed (step SD6). In step SD6, when the predetermined cleaning reference time is exceeded, the cleaning process is executed (step SD7), and the integrated processing time stored in the RAM is cleared to 0 (step SD8). Step SD6
In step SD8, if the predetermined cleaning reference time has not been exceeded, and the integrated processing time is set to 0 in step SD8.
The power switch of the operation unit 38 is turned off.
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed (step SD9).
In step SD9, if the power switch has not been turned off, the process returns to step SD1, while if the power switch has been turned off, the aircraft power is turned off. Of course, even if the power of the machine is turned off, the data of the integrated processing time in the RAM is retained.

As described above, if the accumulated processing time of the sorting and counting processing exceeds the predetermined time after the cleaning processing is completed, the control section 30 performs the next cleaning processing. Therefore, the cleaning process can be automatically performed each time the integration process time of the sorting and counting process exceeds the predetermined time, so that it is possible to prevent the cleaning process from being forgotten and prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much. As a result, the cleaning process can be performed at an optimal interval. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required. In this case, the cleaning process is automatically performed every time the integration processing time of the sorting and counting process exceeds a predetermined time. However, when the sorting and counting process is frequently performed, the O.S.
The cleaning process may be automatically performed each time the integrated time of the N state elapses a predetermined time.

Here, the case where the sorting and counting process and the cleaning process are executed completely separately has been described as an example, but the cleaning process may be executed in parallel with the sorting and counting process. In this case, as the cleaning coin, a coin which can be recognized as the cleaning coin by the discriminating unit 24 from the material and the outer diameter is used. In particular, regarding the outer diameter, the sorting hole 32a of the classification and sorting unit 33 is used. To prevent the coins C of the denominations to be handled from dropping at a size of ~ 32f, a diameter larger than the droppable diameter of the sorting hole 32f for dropping the largest coin C of the denomination is used.

Using such a cleaning coin, the cleaning coin is removed from the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 and the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 before the start of the selection and counting process or during the selection and counting process.
The coins C to be sorted and counted are conveyed along the coin passage 13 so that the cleaning process can be performed without being erroneously determined by the determination unit 24. In this case, when the cleaning coin is detected from the detection result of the determination unit 24, the control unit 30 performs control so that the counting is not performed and the reject unit 28 is not rejected.

When one cleaning coin is fed out to the rotating disk 11 for one cleaning process when the cleaning coins are mixed and conveyed, the cleaning coin (a predetermined cleaning process for one cleaning process) is used. When a plurality of cleaning coins are fed out to the rotating disk 11, the last cleaning coin)
Immediately after the discrimination unit 24 detects the coin C, the coin passage 13 of the coin C
Is counted from 0, and when the counted value, that is, the cumulative number of processed sheets exceeds a preset cleaning reference number, a cleaning coin is inserted into the rotating disk 11 so as to execute the next cleaning processing, or once cleaning is performed. When one cleaning coin is fed to the rotating disk 11 for the processing, the cleaning coin (when a predetermined number of cleaning coins are fed to the rotating disk for one cleaning processing, the last cleaning Immediately after the discrimination unit 24 detects the coin, the time of the sorting and counting process is counted from 0, and when the counted time, that is, the accumulated processing time exceeds the preset cleaning reference time, the next cleaning process is executed. The cleaning coin can be inserted into the rotating disk 11.

Next, a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. The same parts as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The second embodiment is a coin wrapping machine as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-193287, which stacks a predetermined number of coins C of the same denomination and wraps them.

In the coin passage 13 of the second embodiment, on the upstream side, the width between the guide portions 17, that is, the width of the transport bottom surface 16 is adjusted according to the coin C or the cleaning coin of each denomination. A variable passage width mechanism 42 is provided, and the conveying bottom 16 at the position where the variable passage width mechanism 42 is provided is provided with guide portions 17, 17 set by the variable passage width mechanism 42. A collection port 43 is provided for dropping only coins C having a small diameter from coins C of a denomination corresponding to the width or coins for cleaning. The collection port 43 guides the dropped coin C to a collection unit that can be taken out of the machine.

A discriminator (detecting means) 45 for detecting the material from the magnetic characteristics of the coin C passing above is provided on the transport bottom surface 16 further downstream of the collection port 43 of the coin passage 13. On the downstream side of the coin passage 13, there is provided the same stopping device 26 as that of the first embodiment, which is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from one of the guide portions 17 and stop the coin C when protruding. At the downstream position, a sorting unit 47 for sorting the transport direction of the coin C and the cleaning coin is provided. This sorting unit 47 is provided for coin C in coin passage 13.
Is replaced with a cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 similar to that of the first embodiment.
And a stacking unit 48 for performing stacking processing. The coins C accumulated by the predetermined number in the accumulating section 48 are wrapped in the wrapping section 49.

The control unit 51 according to the second embodiment includes
0, the separation unit 1 similar to the first embodiment.
4. coin transport section 20, stop device 26, cleaning coin recirculation section 36, variable passage width mechanism section 42, distribution section 4,
7, a discriminating unit 45, an accumulating unit 48, and a packaging unit 49 are connected. Further, as in the first embodiment, a display unit 37 for displaying a message to the operator, and the operator manually operating the unit. An operation unit 38 for inputting is connected. The operation unit 38 is further provided with a denomination setting dial 38b for outputting a denomination signal indicating a denomination specified when the operator manually specifies a denomination for performing the packaging process.

The control unit 51 stores a reference data created by detecting coins C and cleaning coins of each denomination in advance by the discriminating unit 45, and stores a reference data for each denomination discriminated by the discriminating unit 45. Has a RAM capable of writing and reading data such as the count value of the coin C of
5, the detection result is compared with the reference data stored in the ROM, and the type of the detected object (regular coin, cleaning coin, reject coin other than these, regular coin in case of Denomination)
Based on a signal received from the operation unit 38 or the discriminating unit 45, the separating unit 14, the coin transporting unit 20, the passage width variable mechanism unit 42, the stopping device 26, the sorting unit 47, the cleaning coin recirculating unit 3
6. The drive of the stacking unit 48 and the packaging unit 49 is controlled, and the processed information is displayed on the display unit 37 as necessary.

Also in this embodiment, the first
Similar to the embodiment, a cleaning coin having a diameter smaller than the width of the transport bottom surface 16 and larger than the largest diameter of the coin C to be handled is used.

Next, the "wrapping process" and the "cleaning process" performed by the coin processing machine having the above configuration will be described. First,
The “packaging process” will be described. The wrapping process is started when the denomination to be wrapped is selected and designated by the denomination setting dial 38b, and a denomination signal corresponding to the set denomination is output from the denomination setting dial 38b. Then, the control unit 30 adjusts the width between the guide units 17 by the passage width variable mechanism unit 42 so that only the coin C of the denomination of the denomination signal can pass through the coin passage 13, and shakes the coin. The separating unit 47 is switched so that the coin C passing through the coin passage 13 is sent to the stacking unit 48, and the stacking unit 48 and the wrapping unit 49 are adjusted so that the coins C of the denomination are stacked and packed.

Thereafter, when the start switch 38a is pressed while the coin C for sorting and counting is inserted into the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 by the operator, a signal output from the start switch 38a is received. , The control unit 30 includes the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 and the coin transport unit 2.
The transport belt 19 (not shown in the second embodiment) is driven. As a result, the coin C having a larger diameter than the coin C of the selected denomination does not enter the coin passage 13 due to the width between the guide portions 17, 17, and the coin C of the denomination selected and Smaller coins C are separated from the rotating disk 11 one by one and fed out onto the transport bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13, and are transported on the transport bottom surface 16 sequentially in a line.

The coin C having a smaller diameter than the coin C of the denomination selected and designated is dropped and collected at the collection port 43.
The coin C of the same diameter as the coin C of the selected denomination is collected in the collection port 4
Therefore, the material is detected from the magnetic characteristics of the discrimination unit 24 further downstream. Here, the control unit 51 compares the detected data with reference data stored and set in advance, and if the material matches the coin C of the denomination selected and designated, it is determined that the coin C is of the denomination. In addition to the counting, the data is passed through the stopping device 26 as it is, and is accumulated in the accumulation unit 48 via the distribution unit 47.

When the predetermined number exceeds the discriminating section 45, the coins C after the predetermined number (for example, 50) are stopped by the stopping device 26, and the coins C are stopped downstream by the stopping device 26. After a sufficient time has passed for the coins C to be stacked in the stacking section 48, the driving of the separating section 14 and the coin transport section 20 is stopped, and in this state, the stacking section 4
The coins C in the accumulated state are moved from 8 to the packaging unit 49, and the packaging unit 49 performs a packaging process. Then, when the stacking unit 48 becomes capable of stacking coins C by moving to the packaging unit 49, the stop of the coins C by the stopping device 26 is released, and the driving of the separating unit 14 and the coin transport unit 20 is restarted. . On the other hand, when the material detected by the discriminating unit 45 does not match the coin C of the denomination selected and designated, the coin C is stopped by the stopping device 26, and the separating unit 14 and the coin transporting unit 20 are stopped.
Is stopped, and the display section 37 displays an alarm.

Here, when a predetermined time period during which the discriminating unit 45 does not detect the coin C has passed, the control unit 51 determines that there is no coin C to be processed, and
In addition, when the drive of the coin transport unit 20 is stopped, and the fractional coins C that are not wrapped in the stacking unit 48 are accumulated, the coins are collected by a collection unit (not shown) and the collection process is performed. To end.

Next, the "cleaning process" will be described. The cleaning process is started by the control unit 51 at a predetermined timing (described later) in a state where there is no coin C remaining on the rotating disk 11, and with the start of the cleaning process,
The control unit 51 includes the guide unit 17,
17 to the cleaning coin, and
7 is switched so that the coin passing through the coin passage 13 is sent to the cleaning coin return unit 36. Next, the control unit 51 drives the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 to insert, for example, only one cleaning coin into the rotating disk 11, and also drives the separation unit 14 and the coin transport unit 20. Then, the cleaning coin is fed out from the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14 onto the transport bottom surface 16 of the coin passage 13, and is transported on the transport bottom surface 16 without being dropped by the collection port 43. Then, the detection is performed by the discriminating unit 45, the coin is passed through the stopping device 26 as it is, and the cleaning coin recirculating unit 3 is passed through the receiving port (not shown) by the sorting unit 47 at the lowermost stream of the coin passage 13.
Returned to 6.

Here, in the control unit 51, when a sufficient time has passed for the cleaning coin to be returned to the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 from the receiving slot from the time when the determination unit 45 detects the cleaning coin, The driving of the separating unit 14 and the coin transporting unit 20 is stopped to end the cleaning process.

By performing the cleaning process as described above, the first
In the same manner as in the first embodiment, since the cleaning process is performed to remove the metal powder of the coin C sticking or sticking to the coin passage 13 before the condition becomes severe, the occurrence of the conveyance failure of the coin C in the coin passage 13 is reduced. In addition to preventing the accident, the cleaning process can be easily performed without the troublesome work of opening the machine and manually inserting the cleaning coin. It is possible to obtain the effect that there is no need to return by pressing.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the control unit 51 operates the cleaning coin return unit 3 for one cleaning process.
6, a plurality of predetermined cleaning coins can be fed out to the rotating disk 11. In this case, the control unit 51 checks the number of cleaning coins from the detection result of the determination unit 45, and receives the cleaning coin from the time when the determination unit 45 detects the set number of last cleaning coins. When a sufficient time has passed to return the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36 from the entrance, the drive of the separation unit 14 and the coin transport unit 20 is stopped to end the cleaning process.

When the cleaning coin is collected by the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36, a sensor for detecting the collected cleaning coin is provided at the most downstream position of the coin passage 13 or at the cleaning coin recirculation unit 36. When the sensor detects a cleaning coin, the separating unit 14 and the coin transport unit 2
The cleaning process may be terminated by stopping the driving of the cleaning process.

The control of the timing of the start of the cleaning process by the control unit 51 is also the same as that of the first embodiment.
And only the differences are described below. In the second embodiment, the above-described “packing process” is used instead of the “selection counting process” in the description of the first embodiment.
Is executed, and accordingly, in the first embodiment, whether or not to start the sorting and counting process is determined.
In contrast to the case where the start button 38a is pressed or not, the second embodiment determines whether or not to start the packaging process by checking whether the denomination is selected by the denomination setting dial 38b. Otherwise, it is the same.

In the control of the first embodiment, the operating section 38 is provided with a cleaning coin insertion switch which is manually operated by the operator. When receiving the insertion signal output by the pressing of the person, the cleaning process is started, but a position for setting the cleaning coin is separately provided on the denomination setting dial 38b provided only in the second embodiment, The control unit 51 may start the cleaning process when receiving the insertion signal output when the position for setting the cleaning coin is selected by the denomination setting dial 38b,
In this case, the denomination setting dial 38b constitutes an input signal output unit.

In any of the first and second embodiments described above, the control of the timing of the start of the cleaning process by the control units 30 and 51 is controlled, for example, by combining with or by combining with , Combined with and with, combined with and with, combined with and with, combined with and with,
And can be combined. In this case, when the control or other control is combined with another control, when the other combined control performs the cleaning process in advance, at that time, the integrated process number is controlled by the control, and the control is performed by the control. May be controlled so that each integration processing time is cleared to zero.

In the case of a coin C having a low hardness, such as a 1-yen coin (material: aluminum) used in Japan, it is easier to cut than a coin C of another denomination and a coin passage. Since the degree of image sticking becomes worse earlier than usual, in order to cope with such a change due to the material of the coin C, in any of the first and second embodiments, the cleaning reference number in the control of It is possible to change the cleaning reference time in the control of (1).
For example, when processing a large amount of 1-yen coins, if the cleaning reference number or cleaning reference time is manually changed, or if the ratio of 1-yen coins to the total coins detected by the determination unit is large, the control unit 30 , 51 can be automatically changed so as to reduce the cleaning reference number or cleaning reference time.

In addition, in any of the first and second embodiments, the control units 30 and 51 are provided with the cleaning coin return unit 3.
Although the cleaning coin is automatically inserted in 6, the operator may directly insert the cleaning coin into the rotating disk 11 of the separation unit 14. In this case, when the integrated processing number exceeds the cleaning reference number in the control, or when the integration processing time exceeds the cleaning reference time in the control, the display unit 37 displays a message prompting insertion of a cleaning coin. Of course, it is possible. In any of these cases, the integrated processing number or the integrated processing time is cleared to 0 at the time when the cleaning coin is detected by the determination unit 45.

Further, a cleaning coin storage unit capable of storing the cleaning coin and only inserting the cleaning coin into the rotating disk 11 without recirculating the cleaning coin, and separately provided at the most downstream receiving port of the coin passage 13 A collecting means for collecting the cleaning coin from the printer may be provided.

[0064]

As described in detail above, claim 1 of the present invention
According to the coin processing machine described above, the cleaning coin comes into contact with the metal powder adhered to or burned in the coin passage and is separated from the passage by the conveyance by the conveyance means. Therefore, since the cleaning process is performed to remove the metal powder of the coin adhering or sticking to the coin passage before the condition becomes severe, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of coin conveyance failure in the coin passage.

According to the coin processing machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit causes the cleaning coin to be fed out from the cleaning coin storage unit for storing only the cleaning coin to the coin passage and conveyed by the conveying means. The cleaning process to be performed is performed. Therefore, the cleaning process can be easily performed without the complicated operation of opening the machine body and manually inserting the cleaning coin.

According to the coin processing machine of the third aspect of the present invention, the control unit executes the cleaning process by manually operating the input signal output means. It can be performed.

According to the coin processing machine of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control unit executes the cleaning process immediately after the power supply of the machine is turned on, so that the cleaning process is executed periodically, such as at the beginning of the day. The cleaning process can always be automatically performed when the power is turned on, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to execute the cleaning process. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required.

According to the coin processor of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit counts the number of coins passing through the coin passage after the cleaning process is performed, and the counted value is set to a preset reference number. If it exceeds, to perform the cleaning process,
The cleaning process can be automatically performed every time a predetermined number of sheets have passed, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to perform the cleaning process and prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much, and perform the cleaning process at optimal intervals. be able to. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required.

According to the coin processor of the present invention, the control unit executes the cleaning process after a predetermined time has elapsed after executing the cleaning process. The cleaning process can be automatically performed, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to execute the cleaning process, to prevent the cleaning process from being performed too much, and to perform the cleaning process at optimal intervals. In addition, an operation only for performing the cleaning process is not required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control contents of a control unit of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the control performed by the control unit of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the control content of the control unit of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the control performed by the control unit of the coin processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main part of a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system of a coin processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 13 coin passage 20 coin transport section (transport means) 24, 45 discriminating section (detection means) 30, 51 control section 36 cleaning coin return section (cleaning coin storage section) C coin

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A coin passage capable of guiding the movement of a coin with its front and back turned upside down, a conveying means for conveying the coin on the coin passage while pressing the coin from above, and a coin passage capable of conveying the coin. And a cleaning coin having an outer diameter and abutting against a metal powder adhered or baked in the coin passage to be peeled off from the passage when being conveyed by the conveying means. 2. A cleaning coin storage unit capable of storing only a cleaning coin and dispensing the cleaning coin to a coin passage, and dispensing the cleaning coin from the cleaning coin storage unit to the coin passage and transporting the cleaning coin by a transport unit. The coin processing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to execute a cleaning process. 3. An input signal output means for outputting an input signal to the control unit by being manually operated, wherein the control unit executes the cleaning process on condition that the input signal is input. The coin processing machine according to claim 2, wherein 4. The coin processing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the cleaning process immediately after the power supply of the machine is turned on. 5. The control section counts the number of coins that have passed through the coin path after performing the cleaning process, and executes the cleaning process when the counted value exceeds a preset reference number. A coin processor according to any one of claims 2 to 4. 6. The coin processing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the cleaning process after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after executing the cleaning process. .