JP2013250889A - Coin return device of automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin return device capable of preventing coins ejected for payment from being ejected to a return port when a coin processor causes abnormal change payment, such as excessive payment or unpayment and ejecting accurate change to the return port by performing a payment operation again in an automatic vending machine.SOLUTION: In the coin return device of an automatic vending machine comprising the coin processor, and a coin lifting device for carrying change paid from the coin processor upward to eject the change, the coin lifting device includes as the highest main feature a coin receiver which stores coins paid and received by the coin lifting device when the coin processor performs excessive and unpaid change payment.

Description

本発明は、自動販売機等に搭載し、硬貨処理装置から払い出された釣銭を上方へ搬送する硬貨リフト装置に関し、特に硬貨処理装置が釣銭を多く払い出す過払いや釣銭金額未達となる未払いが発生した時に払い出された釣銭を外部に出さないようにし、かつ正常な払出しによる釣銭を利用者に届ける技術に関する。   The present invention relates to a coin lift device that is mounted on a vending machine or the like and conveys the change paid out from the coin processing device upward, and in particular, the overpayment in which the coin processing device pays a large amount of change or the unpaid amount that the change amount has not reached. The present invention relates to a technique for preventing change that has been paid out at the time of occurrence, and delivering change by normal payout to a user.

一般に自動販売機は、利用者が自然に立った状態で硬貨を投入できる位置に硬貨投入口を設けているが、釣銭の返却口は自動販売機正面下部に位置し、利用者は釣銭を取る場合には、体をかがめて行う。この利用者にとって不便と思える釣銭を取る時の行為を変更し、楽に釣銭を取り出せるように、釣銭返却口を硬貨投入口とほぼ同じ高さに設けるようにした自動販売機が徐々に増えている。   Generally, a vending machine has a coin slot at a position where a user can put in a coin while standing naturally, but the change return port is located at the lower front of the vending machine, and the user takes change. If you do, bend over. The number of vending machines that change the action when taking change that seems inconvenient for this user and that has a change return opening at almost the same height as the coin insertion slot is gradually increasing so that change can be taken out easily. .

この自動販売機には、投入された硬貨を受け入れて真偽を識別し、金種毎に選別して整列収納し、収納した硬貨を釣銭として払い出す硬貨処理装置と、この硬貨処理装置の底部から釣銭として払い出された硬貨を硬貨投入口が位置するところまで上方搬送する硬貨リフトアップ装置が搭載されている。   In this vending machine, a coin processing device that accepts inserted coins, identifies authenticity, sorts and stores them by denomination, and dispenses the stored coins as change, and the bottom of the coin processing device A coin lift-up device is mounted for upwardly conveying the coins paid out as change to the place where the coin slot is located.

上記のように、硬貨処理装置は釣銭を払い出す。この釣銭払出しは、自動販売機側主制御部からの指示によって行われるもので、主制御から釣銭金額情報と釣銭払出指令があった時に、硬貨処理装置側でその釣銭金額に見合った金種の硬貨の組み合わせを硬貨処理装置が収納している硬貨の金種と枚数から算出して決定し払い出すものと、主制御からの釣銭金額情報がどの金種の硬貨を何枚といった直接的な内容で指示され、その指示通りに収納している金種と枚数から払い出すものの２通りに大別できる。   As described above, the coin processing device pays out change. This change payout is performed by an instruction from the main control unit on the vending machine side. When the change amount information and the change payout command are issued from the main control, the coin processing device side selects the denomination corresponding to the change amount. Direct contents such as what coin combination is calculated from the denomination and number of coins stored in the coin processing unit and determined and dispensed, and what amount of coin is denominated by the change amount information from the main control Can be broadly divided into two types: those that are paid out based on the denomination and number of sheets stored according to the instructions.

上記の硬貨処理装置の釣銭払出し（２通り共）には、釣銭の過払いや未払いという不具合を生じる場合がある。特許文献１（特開２００８−３３５７９号公報）には、複数の硬貨収納チューブの各々に払出し確認センサを備え、この払出し確認センサによる硬貨検出結果に基づいて過払いや未払いを判断し、過払いの場合には払出動作を停止し、未払いの場合には再度払出動作を行う硬貨処理装置が開示されている。   In the change payment (both two types) of the above coin processing apparatus, there may be a problem that change is overpaid or unpaid. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-33579) includes a payout confirmation sensor in each of a plurality of coin storage tubes, and determines overpayment or unpayment based on a coin detection result by the payout confirmation sensor. Discloses a coin processing device that stops the payout operation and performs the payout operation again when the payment is not made.

上記のような硬貨処理装置と硬貨リフトアップ装置とを組み合わせて、利用者が楽に釣銭を取り出すことができるようにする提案は、特許文献２（特許第２７１２６７８号公報）に記載されている。この特許文献２によれば、硬貨処理装置の底部から払い出された硬貨を、先ず返却シュートで受け、そして返却シュートから無端ベルト上に落下したことを落下センサで検出し、落下センサからの検出信号で無端ベルトを起動し、この無端ベルトによって硬貨処理装置の底部よりも高い位置まで１枚ずつ搬送して、無端ベルトの上端部で返却シュータから返却口へ導くことが記載されている。   The proposal which makes it possible for a user to take out change easily by combining a coin processing device and a coin lift-up device as described above is described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 2712678). According to this Patent Document 2, the coins paid out from the bottom of the coin processing device are first received by the return chute, and the fall sensor detects that it has fallen from the return chute onto the endless belt, and the detection from the drop sensor. It is described that an endless belt is activated by a signal, and the endless belt is transported one by one to a position higher than the bottom of the coin processing device and led from the return shooter to the return port at the upper end of the endless belt.

また、特許文献３（特開平３−１７１２８０号公報）では、Ｌ形硬貨搬送ベルトと硬貨搬送ロールとを用いて複数枚の硬貨を上方へ搬送する技術や、前記Ｌ形硬貨搬送ベルトを水平搬送ベルト部と垂直搬送ベルト部の２つに分割したものを用いて搬送する技術が記載されている。   Moreover, in patent document 3 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 3-171280), the technique which conveys several coins upwards using an L-shaped coin conveyance belt and a coin conveyance roll, and the said L-shaped coin conveyance belt are conveyed horizontally. A technique is described in which conveyance is performed using a belt part and a vertical conveyance belt part.

更に、硬貨リフトアップ装置の制御については、前記特許文献２（特許第２７１２６７８号公報）に、無端ベルト上での硬貨詰まりを検知するロック検知センサを備え、無端ベルトはこのロック検知センサからのロック信号により一時的に逆転した後、再び正転させる技術が記載され、特許文献４（特許第２８２２６３７号公報）には、硬貨をリフトアップする硬貨搬送ベルトの駆動モータがロック状態に陥ったことをモータロック検知手段で検知すると、硬貨払出停止手段によって硬貨処理装置の払出動作を一時的に停止させ、そして硬貨搬送ベルトを所定の周期で繰り返し正逆駆動させる技術が記載されている。   Furthermore, regarding the control of the coin lift-up device, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 2712678) is provided with a lock detection sensor for detecting coin clogging on the endless belt, and the endless belt is locked from the lock detection sensor. A technique for temporarily reversing after a signal reversely is described, and Patent Document 4 (Patent No. 2822637) describes that the drive motor of a coin transport belt that lifts up coins is locked. A technique is described in which, when detected by the motor lock detecting means, the payout operation of the coin processing device is temporarily stopped by the coin payout stopping means, and the coin transport belt is repeatedly driven forward and reverse at a predetermined cycle.

特開２００８−３３５７９号公報JP 2008-33579 A 特許第２７１２６７８号公報Japanese Patent No. 2712678 特開平３−１７１２８０号公報JP-A-3-171280 特許第２８２２６３７号公報Japanese Patent No. 2822637

前記特許文献１に開示された技術は、異常な釣銭払出しを行った後の硬貨処理装置の対応動作についてのものである。また、前記特許文献２〜４に開示されている技術は、自動販売機に搭載して、その利用者が楽に釣銭を取り出すことができるようにするための技術ではあるが、いずれも硬貨処理装置から払い出された硬貨を上方へ搬送するための技術であり、硬貨リフトアップ装置内での硬貨詰まりやロックといった不具合への対応技術である。これら特許文献１〜４に記載の開示技術には、硬貨処理装置の釣銭払出に異常があった場合に払い出されてしまった硬貨の処理についての教示や示唆は無い。   The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 relates to the corresponding operation of the coin processing device after performing an abnormal change payout. Moreover, although the technique currently disclosed by the said patent documents 2-4 is a technique for mounting in a vending machine and enabling the user to take out change easily, all are coin processing apparatuses. This is a technique for conveying coins paid out from the upper side, and is a technique for dealing with problems such as coin clogging and locking in the coin lift-up device. The disclosed technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 do not have any teaching or suggestion about the processing of coins that have been paid out when there is an abnormality in the change out of the coin processing device.

本願発明が解決しようとする問題点は、硬貨処理装置が指示された金額以上の釣銭を払い出す過払いや、指示された金額以下の釣銭を払い出す未払いといった釣銭払出しに異常が生じた時に、払い出されてしまった釣銭が返却口に到達し利用者が取り出せる点にある。   The problem to be solved by the present invention is that when an abnormality occurs in a change payout such as an overpayment in which the coin processing device pays out more than the indicated amount or an unpaid change in which less than the indicated amount is paid out, The change that has been taken out reaches the return port and can be taken out by the user.

すなわち、本願発明の目的は、硬貨処理装置が過払い若しくは未払いといった異常な釣銭払出しを生じた時に、払い出された硬貨を返却口に出さないようにし、かつ再度払出動作を行って正常な釣銭を返却口に出すことができる自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置を提供することにある。   That is, the object of the present invention is to prevent the coins that have been paid out from being returned to the return port when the coin handling device has caused an abnormal change such as overpayment or unpayment, and to perform normal change by performing a payout operation again. The object is to provide a coin return device such as a vending machine that can be put out to the return slot.

本願発明は、硬貨処理装置が過払い及び未払いの釣銭払出しを行った時に、払い出されて硬貨リフト装置が受け取った硬貨を貯留する硬貨溜まりを硬貨リフト装置へ設けたことを最も主要な特徴とする。   The present invention is characterized in that the coin lift device is provided with a coin reservoir for storing coins that are paid out and received by the coin lifting device when the coin processing device performs overpaid and unpaid change dispensing. .

請求項１の発明は、硬貨処理装置と、該硬貨処理装置から払い出された釣銭を上方搬送して排出する硬貨リフト装置とで構成される自動販売機の硬貨返却装置であって、前記硬貨処理装置は、払い出すべき釣銭の金額情報を記憶する金額情報記憶手段と、釣銭払出しを行なった時に釣銭過払い若しくは未払いを判断する払出結果判断手段とを備え、前記硬貨リフト装置は、前記硬貨処理装置が釣銭過払い若しくは未払いを行なった時に払い出した硬貨を貯蔵する硬貨溜まりを備え、前記硬貨処理装置が前記払出結果判断手段で釣銭過払い若しくは未払いと判断し、そして前記硬貨リフト装置が前記硬貨溜まりへの硬貨貯蔵を終了した後、前記硬貨処理装置は前記金額情報記憶手段で記憶した前記金額情報に基づいて再度釣銭払出しを行うことを特徴とする自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置である。   The invention of claim 1 is a coin return device for a vending machine comprising a coin processing device and a coin lift device for upwardly conveying and discharging the change paid out from the coin processing device. The processing device includes amount information storage means for storing the amount information of change to be paid out, and a payout result determination means for judging change overpayment or non-payment when the change is paid out, and the coin lift device includes the coin processing A coin storage for storing coins paid out when the device is overpaid or unpaid, wherein the coin handling device determines the overpayment or unpaid by the payout result determination means, and the coin lift device is moved to the coin pool After the coin storage is finished, the coin processing device performs the change payout again based on the amount information stored in the amount information storage means. A coin return device for the automatic vending machine or the like which is characterized.

請求項２の発明は、請求項１記載の硬貨返却装置において、前記硬貨リフト装置は、前記硬貨処理装置が払い出した硬貨を受け取る硬貨受取部と、受け取った硬貨を上方搬送し排出する硬貨リフト本体とで構成され、前記硬貨受取部から前記硬貨リフト本体にわたってＬ字状に懸架された搬送ベルトを備え、前記硬貨受取部では、硬貨を水平に搬送する前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨水平搬送部が位置し、そして前記硬貨リフト本体では、硬貨を垂直に搬送する前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨垂直搬送部が位置するようにし、更に、前記硬貨水平搬送部の延長上に前記硬貨溜まりを設けて、前記釣銭過払い若しくは未払いの時に前記硬貨処理装置が払い出した硬貨を前記硬貨水平搬送部で受けた後、前記搬送ベルトを動作させて、前記硬貨溜まりへ導く様にしたことを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 2 is the coin return device according to claim 1, wherein the coin lift device receives a coin received by the coin processing device, and a coin lift main body for transporting and discharging the received coin upward. And a coin horizontal conveying portion of the L-shaped conveying belt that horizontally conveys coins in the coin receiving portion, which is suspended in an L shape from the coin receiving portion to the coin lift body. In the coin lift main body, the coin vertical transport portion of the L-shaped transport belt for transporting coins vertically is positioned, and the coin reservoir is provided on the extension of the horizontal coin transport portion. The coin horizontal transfer unit receives the coins paid out by the coin processing device when the change is overpaid or unpaid, and then operates the conveyor belt to collect the coins. Characterized in that it was set to lead.

請求項３の発明は、請求項２記載の硬貨返却装置において、前記硬貨リフト装置は、前記硬貨溜まりを、前記硬貨水平搬送部からみて前記硬貨リフト本体とは反対の側に位置させ、前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトが、硬貨を前記硬貨水平搬送部から前記垂直搬送部へと搬送する方向とは逆の方向へ硬貨を搬送すると、前記硬貨溜まりに該硬貨を蓄積することが出来るようにしたことを特徴とする。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the coin return device according to the second aspect, the coin lift device positions the coin reservoir on the side opposite to the coin lift main body when viewed from the coin horizontal transport portion, and the L When the coin-shaped transport belt transports coins in a direction opposite to the direction of transporting coins from the horizontal coin transport section to the vertical transport section, the coins can be stored in the coin pool. It is characterized by.

請求項４の発明は、請求項２乃至３記載の硬貨返却装置において、前記硬貨リフト装置は、前記硬貨水平搬送部にゲートを備え、該ゲートは、前記硬貨水平搬送部の端部に位置して、前記払出し異常信号を受信したことを契機に、前記硬貨溜まりに連通する通路を開口するように動作することを特徴とする。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the coin return device according to any one of the second to third aspects, the coin lift device includes a gate in the coin horizontal transport unit, and the gate is located at an end of the coin horizontal transport unit. Then, when receiving the payout abnormality signal, it operates to open a passage communicating with the coin pool.

請求項５の発明は、請求項１乃至４記載の硬貨返却装置において、前記硬貨溜まりは、前記硬貨リフト装置本体に対して着脱自在であることを特徴とする。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the coin return apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the coin pool is detachable with respect to the coin lift device main body.

本願発明の硬貨返却装置によれば、硬貨処理装置が釣銭未払い若しくは釣銭過払いの不具合を生じても、その未払い若しくは過払いである硬貨群を外部に出すことがないので、自動販売機等装置内部にある金額に基づいて商品の売上金額を正確に算出することができ、また自動販売機等の利用者の便を損なうことが無い。そして、不具合発生時の硬貨群を硬貨溜まりに収納するので、自動販売機への商品補充等の作業者が不具合が発生したことを即座に認識でき、その後の迅速な処置につなげることができる。   According to the coin return device of the present invention, even if the coin processing device has a problem of change unpaid or change overpayment, the unpaid or overpaid coin group is not taken out to the outside. Based on a certain amount of money, the sales amount of the product can be accurately calculated, and the convenience of the user such as a vending machine is not impaired. And since the coin group at the time of malfunction occurrence is stored in the coin pool, an operator such as replenishment of goods to the vending machine can immediately recognize that the malfunction has occurred, and this can lead to a quick action thereafter.

特に、過払い時には、水平搬送路部の硬貨が垂直搬送可能な硬貨枚数以上となる可能性が高くなるが、これらの硬貨を水平搬送路で停止させ逆転させて硬貨溜まりに収納するので、垂直搬送路での硬貨枚数過多による動作停止不具合を完全に防止することができるという利点がある。   In particular, during overpayment, there is a high possibility that the coins in the horizontal transport path will be more than the number of coins that can be transported vertically, but these coins are stopped in the horizontal transport path and reversed so that they are stored in the coin pool. There is an advantage that it is possible to completely prevent malfunctions due to excessive number of coins on the road.

図１の（ａ）は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を自動販売機内部に搭載された状態を示す正面視図である。図１（ｂ）は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を自動販売機内部に搭載された状態を示す側面視図である。(A) of FIG. 1 is a front view which shows the state in which the coin return apparatus of this invention was mounted in the inside of a vending machine. FIG.1 (b) is a side view which shows the state in which the coin return apparatus of this invention was mounted in the inside of a vending machine. 図２は、本願発明の硬貨処理装置を構成する硬貨リフト装置の硬貨受取部側を示す断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the coin receiving portion side of the coin lift device constituting the coin processing device of the present invention. 図３は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を自動販売機に搭載した時の電気的ブロック図である。FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram when the coin return device of the present invention is mounted on a vending machine. 図４は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を構成する硬貨処理装置が正常な払出しをした時のシーケンス図である。FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the coin processing device constituting the coin return device of the present invention makes a normal payout. 図５は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を構成する硬貨リフト装置が硬貨を硬貨溜まりへ保留する状態を示す平面図である。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the coin lift device constituting the coin return device of the present invention holds coins in the coin pool. 図６は、本願発明の硬貨返却装置を構成する硬貨処理装置が異常な払出しをした時のシーケンス図である。FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the coin processing device constituting the coin return device of the present invention makes an abnormal payout. 図７は、図６の別例であって、硬貨処理装置の再払出し動作を自販機側主制御の命令によって行う時のシーケンス図である。FIG. 7 is another example of FIG. 6 and is a sequence diagram when the re-payout operation of the coin processing device is performed according to the instruction of the vending machine side main control. 図８は、図６および図７に示す本願発明の硬貨返却装置を構成する硬貨リフト装置の硬貨溜まりが着脱自在な状態を示す平面図である。FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the coin reservoir of the coin lift device constituting the coin return device of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is detachable.

硬貨処理装置が過払い若しくは未払いといった異常な釣銭払出をした時に、払い出された硬貨を返却口に出さないようにし、かつ再度払出動作を行って正常な釣銭を返却口に出すという目的を、自動販売機等本体側主制御部の変更を伴わずに実現した。   When the coin processing device makes an abnormal change such as overpayment or unpayment, the purpose of automatically releasing the dispensed coin to the return slot and performing the payout operation again to return the normal change to the return slot is automatically This was achieved without changing the main control section on the main unit side such as vending machines.

以下、図に基づいて本願発明の実施例を説明する。
図１は、本願発明の実施例を示し、自動販売機内部に搭載された状態を示す平面図である。図において、硬貨処理装置１００と硬貨リフト装置２００は、互いに別々に自動販売機内部に取り付けられ、この図に示す位置関係が保たれる。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a plan view showing a state where it is mounted inside a vending machine. In the figure, the coin processing device 100 and the coin lift device 200 are attached to the inside of the vending machine separately from each other, and the positional relationship shown in this figure is maintained.

自動販売機に搭載される硬貨処理装置１００は、投入された硬貨を自販機側硬貨通路（図示せず）を介して、上部の受入口１１０から受け入れて真偽を識別し選別し、更に金種毎に積載収納して、収納した硬貨を釣銭として底部１２０から払い出すものであって、どの金種の硬貨を何枚受け入れたかの情報を自販機側主制御へ送信し、該主制御から釣銭の金額情報と払出し指令を受けて、その金額情報を記憶してその金額情報に基づいた釣銭を払い出し、その払出し結果の正誤を判断することができるものである。尚、自販機側主制御が送信する金額情報には、釣銭の金額のみを送信するものと、硬貨毎に指定する枚数を送信するものとがあり、これらは主制御の仕様により異なる。主制御が釣銭金額のみを送信する場合では、硬貨処理装置は収納している各硬貨の払出し可能な枚数から指示された金額になるように、各硬貨の枚数を設定して組み合わせた払出しを行う。   The coin processing apparatus 100 mounted on the vending machine accepts the inserted coins from the upper receiving port 110 through the vending machine side coin passage (not shown), identifies and selects the authenticity, and further denominations. Each coin is loaded and stored, and the stored coins are paid out from the bottom 120 as change, and information on which coins of which denomination are accepted is transmitted to the vending machine side main control, and the amount of change from the main control In response to the information and the payout command, the money amount information is stored, the change based on the money amount information is paid out, and the correctness of the payout result can be determined. Note that the amount information transmitted by the vending machine side main control includes the one that transmits only the amount of change and the one that transmits the number of coins designated for each coin, and these differ depending on the specifications of the main control. When the main control transmits only the change amount, the coin processing device performs the combined payout by setting the number of coins so that the indicated amount is obtained from the number of coins that can be paid out. .

硬貨リフト装置２００は、硬貨処理装置１００から払い出された硬貨を受け取る硬貨受取部２１０と、硬貨処理装置１００に隣接するように位置し、硬貨受取部２１０で受け取った硬貨を上方搬送して硬貨排出口２４０から排出するリフト本体２３０とで構成される。   The coin lift device 200 is positioned adjacent to the coin receiving unit 210 that receives coins paid out from the coin processing device 100 and the coin processing device 100, and conveys the coins received by the coin receiving unit 210 to move the coins upward. The lift body 230 is configured to be discharged from the discharge port 240.

この図１に示す装置の通常時の動作を図１と図２を用いて説明する。
図２は、硬貨リフト装置の硬貨受取部側を示す断面図である。硬貨受取部２１０は、硬貨処理装置１００の底部１２０のすぐ下に位置し、硬貨処理装置１００が払い出した硬貨を受取れるように開口形成されたものであり、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０の硬貨水平搬送部２２１と、開口縁から硬貨水平搬送部２２１のベルト上までの硬貨収納部２１１と、そして硬貨水平搬送部２２１の端部に位置する硬貨収納端部２１２とで構成されている。 The normal operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the coin receiving part side of the coin lift device. The coin receiving unit 210 is located immediately below the bottom portion 120 of the coin processing device 100 and is formed so as to receive the coins paid out by the coin processing device 100. The coin horizontal portion of the L-shaped transport belt 220 is formed. It is comprised by the conveyance part 221, the coin storage part 211 from the opening edge to the belt of the coin horizontal conveyance part 221, and the coin storage end part 212 located in the edge part of the coin horizontal conveyance part 221.

硬貨処理装置１００が釣銭を払い出すと、払い出された硬貨は、硬貨処理装置１００の下部に位置する硬貨受取部２１０の硬貨収納部２１１に入り、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０の硬貨水平搬送部２２１のベルト上に落下する。この時、硬貨処理装置１００が払い出す１回分の釣銭硬貨全てが硬貨水平搬送部２２１のベルト上に落下する。   When the coin processing device 100 pays out the change, the paid-out coin enters the coin storage portion 211 of the coin receiving unit 210 located at the lower part of the coin processing device 100, and the horizontal coin transport portion of the L-shaped transport belt 220. 221 falls on the belt. At this time, all the change coins paid out by the coin processing apparatus 100 are dropped onto the belt of the coin horizontal conveyance unit 221.

硬貨処理装置１００は釣銭の払出しを終了した後、硬貨リフト装置２００に対して起動信号を送信する。するとＬ字状搬送ベルト２２０が駆動を開始する。このＬ字状搬送ベルト２２０には、硬貨を搬送するための突起２２３が設けられていて、ベルト上に落下した硬貨をこの突起２２３で先ず水平に搬送し、硬貨が硬貨垂直搬送部２２２に達すると更に上方へと搬送を継続し、図１に示す硬貨排出部２４０から排出する。   The coin processing device 100 transmits an activation signal to the coin lifting device 200 after completing the change payout. Then, the L-shaped conveyance belt 220 starts driving. The L-shaped transport belt 220 is provided with a protrusion 223 for transporting coins, and the coins dropped on the belt are first transported horizontally by the protrusions 223, and the coins reach the coin vertical transport section 222. Then, conveyance is continued further upward, and the paper is discharged from the coin discharge unit 240 shown in FIG.

尚、上記のように、硬貨処理装置１００が払い出す１回分の釣銭硬貨全ての落下が終了したあとでＬ字状搬送ベルトが駆動するので、釣銭金額によっては、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０が搬送する硬貨は複数枚となり、稀な事象ではあるが、硬貨水平搬送部２２１から硬貨垂直搬送部２２２への搬送方向変換部や垂直搬送となる硬貨リフト本体２２４の内部で硬貨詰まりやロックといった不具合が考えられる。この不具合発生が無いようにするには、例えば、硬貨処理装置１００が起動信号を早めに送信して、釣銭を払い出す前にＬ字状搬送ベルト２２０を駆動させる、若しくは、硬貨受取部２１０の開口縁付近に複数の硬貨検出センサ２１３を設けておき、このセンサが落下してくる硬貨を検出することでＬ字状搬送ベルト２２０を駆動させるなどにより、少数枚数の硬貨を搬送することで前記不具合の発生を抑えることが可能である。   As described above, since the L-shaped transport belt is driven after all the change coins paid out by the coin processing device 100 are finished, the L-shaped transport belt 220 is transported depending on the amount of change. Although there are a plurality of coins to be handled, this is a rare event, but there is a problem such as coin clogging or locking inside the coin lift main body 224 that is a transfer direction changing unit or vertical transfer from the coin horizontal transfer unit 221 to the coin vertical transfer unit 222. Conceivable. In order to prevent the occurrence of this problem, for example, the coin processing device 100 transmits an activation signal early to drive the L-shaped transport belt 220 before paying out change, or the coin receiving unit 210 A plurality of coin detection sensors 213 are provided in the vicinity of the opening edge, and a small number of coins are conveyed by, for example, driving the L-shaped conveyance belt 220 by detecting the coins falling by the sensors. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects.

上述した通常時の動作を更に電気的ブロック図とシーケンス図とによって説明する。
図３は、図１に示す装置に係る電気的ブロック図である。図３において、硬貨処理装置１００及び硬貨リフト装置２００は互いに接続され、更に自販機側主制御５０と接続される。主制御５０が硬貨処理装置１００に対して釣銭払出し命令を送信すると、硬貨処理装置１００は払い出すべき釣銭の金額情報を金額情報記憶手段１４０で記憶し、かつ釣銭払出し命令に従って釣銭を払い出し、払い出した結果を払出結果判断手段１５０で過払い若しくは未払いの有無を判断する。その後、硬貨リフト装置２００のリフト装置制御部２５０に対して起動信号を送信する。すると、リフト装置制御部２５０は搬送ベルト駆動手段２６０を制御してＬ字状搬送ベルト２２０を駆動する。 The normal operation described above will be further described with reference to an electrical block diagram and a sequence diagram.
FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the coin processing device 100 and the coin lifting device 200 are connected to each other and further connected to the vending machine side main control 50. When the main control 50 transmits a change dispensing command to the coin processing device 100, the coin processing device 100 stores the amount information of the change to be paid out in the amount information storage means 140, and pays out the change according to the change payout command. The payout result determination means 150 determines whether the payment is overpaid or unpaid. Thereafter, an activation signal is transmitted to the lift device controller 250 of the coin lift device 200. Then, the lift device controller 250 drives the L-shaped transport belt 220 by controlling the transport belt driving means 260.

尚、硬貨受取部２１０に硬貨検出センサ２１３を設ける場合には、リフト装置制御部２５０が硬貨検出センサ２１３を制御するようにすればよい。また、後述するゲート開閉手段２７１もリフト装置制御部２５０が制御する。   In addition, when providing the coin detection sensor 213 in the coin receiving part 210, the lift apparatus control part 250 should just control the coin detection sensor 213. The lift device controller 250 also controls a gate opening / closing means 271 described later.

図４は、図３に係るシーケンス図である。図４において、主制御５０が硬貨処理装置１００に対して釣銭払出し指令信号を送信すると、硬貨処理装置１００は払い出すべき釣銭の金額情報を金額情報記憶手段１４０で記憶し、かつ釣銭払出し命令に従って釣銭を払い出し、払い出した結果を払出結果判断手段１５０で過払い若しくは未払いの有無を判断する。そして、釣銭過払い若しくは未払いは無いと判断すると、硬貨処理装置１００は主制御５０に対して払出し動作終了通知を行い、更に硬貨リフト装置２００に対して起動信号を送信し、硬貨リフト装置２００は動作開始となる。   FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram according to FIG. In FIG. 4, when the main control 50 transmits a change dispensing command signal to the coin processing device 100, the coin processing device 100 stores the amount information of the change to be paid out in the amount information storage means 140, and according to the change payout command. The change is paid out, and the payout result determination means 150 determines whether the payment is overpaid or unpaid. When it is determined that there is no change overpayment or unpayment, the coin processing device 100 notifies the main control 50 of the payout operation, further transmits an activation signal to the coin lift device 200, and the coin lift device 200 operates. It will start.

硬貨リフト装置は、硬貨処理装置１００からの起動信号を受信すると硬貨搬送を開始し、該起動信号を受信してから所定時間Ａ後に動作を停止する。尚、この時の所定時間Ａとは、硬貨リフト装置が硬貨搬送を継続し、硬貨排出部２４０からの硬貨排出が完了するまでの時間であり、予め設定しておく時間である。   When the coin lift device receives the activation signal from the coin processing device 100, the coin lift device starts coin conveyance, and stops operating after a predetermined time A after receiving the activation signal. The predetermined time A at this time is a time until the coin lifting device continues the coin conveyance and the coin discharge from the coin discharge unit 240 is completed, and is a preset time.

以上、説明したように、硬貨処理装置１００が、主制御５０からの釣銭払出し命令に従った釣銭金額を正常に払い出した時に、硬貨リフト装置２００はこの釣銭金額に見合った複数枚の硬貨を搬送し、排出する。尚、硬貨処理装置１００が釣銭金額を正常に払い出した時には、図１及び図２に示すゲート２７０は動作しない。   As described above, when the coin processing device 100 normally pays out the change amount according to the change payout command from the main control 50, the coin lift device 200 conveys a plurality of coins corresponding to the change amount. And discharge. Note that when the coin processing device 100 normally pays out the change amount, the gate 270 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 does not operate.

次に、硬貨処理装置１００が釣銭過払い若しくは未払いをした時、すなわち主制御５０からの払出し命令による釣銭金額とは異なる金額を硬貨処理装置１００が払い出した時の動作を説明する。   Next, the operation when the coin processing device 100 pays out or does not pay the change, that is, when the coin processing device 100 pays out an amount different from the change amount according to the payout command from the main control 50 will be described.

図５は、ゲート２７０がゲート開閉手段２７１によって動作し、硬貨溜まり２８０までの通路を開放した状態を示す。図５において、ゲート開閉手段２７１はソレノイドであり、当該ソレノイドによってゲート２７０を上方へ引き上げることで、通路を開放するようにしている。通路開放後、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０は硬貨Ｘを逆方向に搬送して、硬貨溜まり２８０のなかへ導く。   FIG. 5 shows a state where the gate 270 is operated by the gate opening / closing means 271 and the passage to the coin pool 280 is opened. In FIG. 5, the gate opening / closing means 271 is a solenoid, and the passage is opened by pulling up the gate 270 upward by the solenoid. After the passage is opened, the L-shaped transport belt 220 transports the coin X in the reverse direction and guides it into the coin reservoir 280.

図５に示す硬貨Ｘは、硬貨処理装置１００が主制御５０の釣銭払出し命令による釣銭払出し動作を釣銭過払い若しくは未払いであると判断した時に既に払い出してしまった硬貨であり、その合計金額は主制御５０が指示する釣銭金額とは異なる金額である。これらの硬貨は硬貨水平搬送部２２１にあり、これらを硬貨溜まり２８０へ導くことになる。   A coin X shown in FIG. 5 is a coin that has already been paid out when the coin processing device 100 determines that the change payout operation according to the change payout command of the main control 50 is overpaid or unpaid, and the total amount is the main control amount. This is an amount different from the change amount indicated by 50. These coins are in the coin horizontal transport unit 221 and are led to the coin reservoir 280.

図５の状態に至るまでを説明すると以下になる。
硬貨処理装置１００が釣銭過払い若しくは未払いであると判断すると、硬貨リフト装置に対して起動（逆方向）信号を送信し、この起動（逆方向）信号の受信によって、硬貨リフト装置はＬ字状硬貨搬送ベルト２２０を逆方向へ駆動するとともにゲート開閉手段２７１のソレノイドに通電して通路を開放し、硬貨水平搬送部２２１にある、釣銭過払い若しくは未払いであると判断した時に既に払い出してしまった硬貨を硬貨溜まり２８０へ導く。 The process up to the state of FIG. 5 will be described below.
When the coin processing device 100 determines that the change is overpaid or unpaid, the coin lift device transmits an activation (reverse direction) signal to the coin lift device, and the coin lift device receives the activation (reverse direction) signal so that the coin lift device becomes an L-shaped coin. The conveyor belt 220 is driven in the reverse direction, and the solenoid of the gate opening / closing means 271 is energized to open the passage, and the coins that have already been paid out when it is determined that the change in the coin horizontal transfer unit 221 is overpaid or unpaid. Guide to coin pool 280.

上述した動作を更にシーケンス図によって説明する。図６は、硬貨処理装置１００が釣銭過払い若しくは未払いをした時のシーケンス図である。図６において、主制御５０が硬貨処理装置１００に対して釣銭払出し命令を送信すると、硬貨処理装置１００は払い出すべき釣銭の金額情報を金額情報記憶手段１４０で記憶し、かつ釣銭払出し命令に従って釣銭を払い出し、払い出した結果を払出結果判断手段１５０で過払い若しくは未払いの有無を判断する。ここまでは、図４に示す動作と同じ動作である。   The above-described operation will be further described with reference to a sequence diagram. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the coin processing apparatus 100 is overpaid or unpaid. In FIG. 6, when the main control 50 transmits a change dispensing command to the coin processing device 100, the coin processing device 100 stores the amount information of the change to be paid out in the amount information storage means 140, and changes according to the change dispensing command. The payout result determination means 150 determines whether the payout result is overpaid or unpaid. Up to this point, the operation is the same as that shown in FIG.

硬貨処理装置１００が自らの払出し動作を釣銭過払い若しくは未払いであると判断すると、硬貨処理装置１００は主制御５０に対して払出し異常通知を行い、硬貨リフト装置２００に対して起動（逆方向）信号を送信する。硬貨リフト装置は、硬貨処理装置１００からの起動（逆方向）信号を受信すると、ゲート２７０の開閉動作を行うゲート開閉手段２７１を動作させてゲート２７０を硬貨水平搬送部２２１から遠ざけ、硬貨溜まり２８０までの通路を確保し、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０の動作方向を通常時の方向とは逆の方向に駆動して、硬貨水平搬送部２２１にある硬貨を硬貨溜まり２８０に向けて搬送する。   When the coin processing device 100 determines that its payout operation is overpaid or unpaid, the coin processing device 100 issues a payout abnormality notification to the main control 50, and an activation (reverse direction) signal to the coin lift device 200. Send. When the coin lift device receives the activation (reverse direction) signal from the coin processing device 100, the gate opening / closing means 271 that opens and closes the gate 270 is operated to move the gate 270 away from the coin horizontal transport unit 221, and the coin pool 280. And the L-shaped transport belt 220 is driven in the direction opposite to the normal direction to transport the coins in the coin horizontal transport unit 221 toward the coin pool 280.

このようにすることで、硬貨水平搬送部２２１にある硬貨を硬貨溜まり２８０に導いて、貯蔵する。尚、Ｌ字状搬送ベルト２２０の通常とは逆の方向への動作は、予め設定しておいた時間Ｂだけ行うようにしておく。   By doing in this way, the coin in the coin horizontal conveyance part 221 is guide | induced to the coin pool 280, and is stored. The operation of the L-shaped conveying belt 220 in the direction opposite to the normal direction is performed only for a preset time B.

上記のようにして、硬貨溜まり２８０に貯蔵すべき硬貨水平搬送部２２１上の全ての硬貨が硬貨溜まり２８０に収納され、かつ前記所定時間Ｂ経過後、ゲート２７０をもとの位置へ戻して硬貨溜まり２８０までの通路を閉塞し、硬貨リフト装置２００は待機状態に戻る。   As described above, all the coins on the coin horizontal transport unit 221 to be stored in the coin reservoir 280 are stored in the coin reservoir 280, and after the predetermined time B has elapsed, the gate 270 is returned to the original position to return the coin. The passage to the pool 280 is closed, and the coin lift device 200 returns to the standby state.

一方、硬貨処理装置１００は、前記時間Ｂの経過後、金額情報記憶手段１４０で記憶しておいた金額情報に基づいて、再度釣銭払出し動作を行う。この払出し動作で、正常な釣銭払出しが終了すれば、主制御５０に対して払出し終了通知を送信し、かつ硬貨リフト装置に対しては起動信号を送信する。以後の動作は、図４に示す動作と同じである。   On the other hand, after the time B elapses, the coin processing apparatus 100 performs the change payout operation again based on the amount information stored in the amount information storage unit 140. If normal change payout is completed in this payout operation, a payout completion notice is transmitted to the main control 50, and an activation signal is transmitted to the coin lift device. Subsequent operations are the same as those shown in FIG.

上記の、硬貨処理装置１００が再度行う釣銭払出し動作については、図７に示すように、主制御５０からの命令で行うようにすることもできる。図７において、硬貨処理装置１００は、釣銭過払い若しくは未払いを行ったことを判断し、主制御５０に対して払出し異常通知を送信するので、主制御５０は硬貨処理装置１００の釣銭払出しに不具合が発生したことを認識する。ここで主制御５０は、硬貨処理装置１００に対して前回と同じ釣銭金額情報で再払出し命令を出すことにより、主制御側で正確な釣銭残高計算や売上金額計算が可能となる。   The change payout operation performed again by the coin processing apparatus 100 may be performed by a command from the main control 50 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the coin processing device 100 determines that the change has been overpaid or unpaid, and transmits a payout abnormality notification to the main control 50, so that the main control 50 has a problem with the change payout of the coin processing device 100. Recognize that it occurred. Here, the main control 50 issues a repayout command to the coin processing apparatus 100 with the same change amount information as the previous time, thereby enabling accurate change balance calculation and sales amount calculation on the main control side.

主制御５０から再払出し命令を受信した硬貨処理装置１００は、金額情報記憶手段１４０で記憶した金額情報を使用しなくても、主制御５０からの命令に含まれる金額情報に従った釣銭払出しを行うことができる。但し、硬貨処理装置１００の再度の釣銭払出し動作は、主制御５０からの再払出し命令受信後、硬貨リフト装置２００が硬貨溜まり２８０への硬貨貯留を終了してから行うようにする。こうすることで、硬貨リフト装置２００内部での硬貨詰まりやロックといった不具合の発生が防げる。   The coin processing device 100 that has received the re-payout command from the main control 50 makes a change payout according to the monetary information included in the command from the main control 50 without using the monetary information stored in the monetary information storage unit 140. It can be carried out. However, the coin change operation of the coin processing device 100 is performed again after the coin lift device 200 finishes storing the coins in the coin storage 280 after receiving the re-payout command from the main control 50. By doing so, it is possible to prevent problems such as coin clogging and locking inside the coin lift device 200.

尚、硬貨溜まり２８０は、図８に示すように硬貨リフト装置２００に着脱可能にすることができる。このようにすることで、硬貨溜まりに貯蔵した硬貨の有無を容易に確認することができ、かつ硬貨を容易に取り出すことができる。   The coin reservoir 280 can be detachably attached to the coin lift device 200 as shown in FIG. By doing in this way, the presence or absence of the coin stored in the coin pool can be easily confirmed, and the coin can be easily taken out.

以上、本願発明の好ましい実施形態について詳述したが、本願発明は上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載された本願発明の要旨の範囲内において、種々の変形、変更が可能である。   The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims, It can be changed.

例えば、硬貨溜まり２８０を大容量のものにして多数の硬貨を貯蔵可能にし、金庫の形態にしてもよい。   For example, the coin reservoir 280 may have a large capacity so that a large number of coins can be stored, and may be in the form of a safe.

１００ 硬貨処理装置
１１０ 硬貨投入口
１２０ 硬貨処理装置底部
１３０ 硬貨処理装置制御部
１４０ 硬貨処理装置の金額情報記憶手段
１５０ 硬貨処理装置の払出結果判断手段
２００ 硬貨リフト装置
２１０ 硬貨受取部
２１１ 硬貨収納部
２１２ 硬貨収納端部
２１３ 硬貨検知センサ
２２０ Ｌ字状搬送ベルト
２２１ Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨水平搬送部
２２２ Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨垂直搬送部
２３０ リフト本体
２４０ 硬貨排出部
２５０ 硬貨リフト装置制御部
２６０ 搬送ベルト駆動手段
２７０ ゲート
２７１ ゲート開閉手段
２８０ 硬貨溜まり DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Coin processing apparatus 110 Coin insertion slot 120 Coin processing apparatus bottom part 130 Coin processing apparatus control part 140 Amount information storage means of coin processing apparatus 150 Discharge result judgment means of coin processing apparatus 200 Coin lift apparatus 210 Coin receiving part 211 Coin storage part 212 Coin storage end 213 Coin detection sensor 220 L-shaped transport belt 221 Coin horizontal transport unit of L-shaped transport belt 222 Coin vertical transport unit of L-shaped transport belt 230 Lift main body 240 Coin discharge unit 250 Coin lift device control unit 260 Conveying belt driving means 270 Gate 271 Gate opening / closing means 280 Coin pool

Claims (5)

硬貨処理装置と、該硬貨処理装置から払い出された釣銭を上方搬送して排出する硬貨リフト装置とで構成される自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置であって、
前記硬貨処理装置は、
払い出すべき釣銭の金額情報を記憶する金額情報記憶手段と、
釣銭払出しを行なった時に釣銭過払い若しくは未払いを判断する払出結果判断手段とを備え、
前記硬貨リフト装置は、前記硬貨処理装置が釣銭過払い若しくは未払いを行なった時に払い出した硬貨を貯蔵する硬貨溜まりを備え、
前記硬貨処理装置が前記払出結果判断手段で釣銭過払い若しくは未払いと判断し、そして前記硬貨リフト装置が前記硬貨溜まりへの硬貨貯蔵を終了した後、前記硬貨処理装置は前記金額情報記憶手段で記憶した前記金額情報に基づいて再度釣銭払出しを行うことを特徴とする自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置。 A coin return device such as a vending machine comprising a coin processing device and a coin lift device for conveying and discharging the change paid out from the coin processing device;
The coin processing device is:
Amount information storage means for storing amount information of change to be paid out;
A payout result judging means for judging whether the change is overpaid or unpaid when the change is paid out,
The coin lift device includes a coin pool for storing coins paid out when the coin processing device performs overpayment or unpaid change,
After the coin processing device determines that the payout result determination means is overpaid or unpaid, and the coin lift device finishes storing coins in the coin pool, the coin processing device stores the amount information storage means. A coin return device, such as a vending machine, which performs change dispensing again based on the amount information. 前記硬貨リフト装置は、
前記硬貨処理装置が払い出した硬貨を受け取る硬貨受取部と、
受け取った硬貨を上方搬送し排出する硬貨リフト本体とで構成され、
前記硬貨受取部から前記硬貨リフト本体にわたってＬ字状に懸架された搬送ベルトを備え、前記硬貨受取部では、硬貨を水平に搬送する前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨水平搬送部が位置し、そして前記硬貨リフト本体では、硬貨を垂直に搬送する前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトの硬貨垂直搬送部が位置するようにし、
更に、前記硬貨水平搬送部の延長上に前記硬貨溜まりを設けて、
前記釣銭過払い若しくは未払いの時に前記硬貨処理装置が払い出した硬貨を前記硬貨水平搬送部で受けた後、前記搬送ベルトを動作させて、前記硬貨溜まりへ導く様にしたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置。 The coin lift device
A coin receiving unit for receiving coins paid out by the coin processing device;
It consists of a coin lift main body that conveys the received coins upward and discharges them,
A conveyor belt suspended in an L shape from the coin receiving portion to the coin lift main body, wherein the coin horizontal conveying portion of the L-shaped conveying belt for horizontally conveying coins is located in the coin receiving portion; and In the coin lift body, the coin vertical conveyance part of the L-shaped conveyance belt that conveys coins vertically is positioned,
Furthermore, the coin pool is provided on an extension of the coin horizontal conveyance section,
2. The coin horizontal transfer unit receives coins paid out by the coin processing device when the change is overpaid or unpaid, and then operates the transfer belt to guide it to the coin pool. Coin return device such as the vending machine described. 前記硬貨リフト装置は、
前記硬貨溜まりを、前記硬貨水平搬送部からみて前記硬貨リフト本体とは反対の側に位置させ、
前記Ｌ字状搬送ベルトが、硬貨を前記硬貨水平搬送部から前記垂直搬送部へと搬送する方向とは逆の方向へ硬貨を搬送すると、前記硬貨溜まりに該硬貨を蓄積することが出来るようにしたことを特徴とする請求項２記載の自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置。 The coin lift device
The coin pool is positioned on the side opposite to the coin lift body as seen from the coin horizontal conveyance unit,
When the L-shaped transport belt transports coins in a direction opposite to the direction of transporting coins from the coin horizontal transport section to the vertical transport section, the coins can be accumulated in the coin pool. A coin return device for a vending machine or the like according to claim 2. 前記硬貨リフト装置は、
前記硬貨水平搬送部にゲートを備え、
該ゲートは、前記硬貨水平搬送部の端部に位置して、前記硬貨水平搬送部の端部に位置して、前記硬貨処理装置が前記払出結果判断手段で釣銭過払い若しくは未払いと判断したことを示す信号を受信したことを契機に、前記硬貨溜まりに連通する通路を開口するように動作することを特徴とする請求項２乃至３記載の自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置。 The coin lift device
A gate is provided in the coin horizontal conveyance section,
The gate is located at an end of the coin horizontal transport unit, is located at an end of the coin horizontal transport unit, and the coin processing device has determined that the payout result judgment means has overpaid or unpaid change. 4. A coin return apparatus for a vending machine or the like according to claim 2, wherein the coin return apparatus operates so as to open a passage communicating with the coin reservoir upon receipt of a signal to be indicated. 前記硬貨溜まりは、前記硬貨リフト装置本体に対して着脱自在であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至４記載の自動販売機等の硬貨返却装置。   5. A coin return apparatus such as a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the coin pool is detachable with respect to the coin lift apparatus main body.

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