CN211237010U - Coin Identification Unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a coin identification unit, which can identify coins more accurately without depending on the type of coins to be processed. The coin identification unit of the utility model is provided with: a conveying path for maintaining the upright state of the coin; a first reading surface for reading one side of the coin; a first image acquisition mechanism for acquiring an image of the one side of the coin through the first reading surface; 2 Conveyor belt, which conveys while pressing from the other side when acquiring the image of one side of the coin; the second reading surface, which reads the other side of the coin; the second image acquiring mechanism, which acquires the coin through the second reading surface the image of the other side of the coin; the first conveyor belt, when acquiring the image of the other side of the coin, conveys it while pressing from one side of the coin; The first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged so as to overlap at least partially.

Description

Coin Identification Unit

technical field

The utility model relates to a coin identification unit for identifying coins, more particularly, to a coin identification unit for identifying the coins while conveying the coins.

Background technique

Generally, there are gaming machines such as automatic gaming machines, automatic vending machines, metal coin identification (sorting) machines, and automatic teller machines (ATMs) installed in financial institutions and the like that insert coins and store or return them. Coin Handling Unit.

In such a coin processing apparatus, it is necessary to identify whether or not the inserted coins are acceptable coins, and typically, identify the authenticity and type of metal coins.

As a method of identifying coins, for example, a coin identifying unit composed of at least one of an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or a magnetic sensor, or a combination thereof is used.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a metal coin discriminating device that discriminates a conveyed metal coin using a magnetic sensor and an optical sensor. The metal coin discriminating device detects the magnetic properties of the inserted metal coin, and then discriminates the metal coin based on image pattern data of one side and the other side of the metal coin.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-306135

The problem to be solved by the utility model

However, the metal coin discriminating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 generates image pattern data on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal coin by using the optical sensors arranged above and below while conveying the inserted metal coin in a recumbent state. In order to accurately read the upper surface and the lower surface of the metal coin, the metal coin is conveyed by the conveyor belt while being pressed at the reading position of the optical sensor.

Here, a load due to the self-weight of the metal coins is applied to the conveyor belt on which the metal coins are placed. Therefore, depending on the type of the metal coins, there is a possibility of slack in tension or deflection. As a result, the reading by the optical sensor may be The pick-up position is not pressed enough to read the metal coin accurately.

Utility model content

Therefore, this invention was made in view of the above-mentioned subject, and an object of this invention is to provide the coin identification means which can recognize a coin more accurately without depending on the kind of the coin to be processed.

means of solving problems

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has at least the following structures or execution steps. In addition, in the following description, in order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, reference numerals and the like shown in the drawings may be added. It is a range that can be technically understood by those skilled in the art.

A coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a coin identification unit for identifying coins, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving port for receiving coins; and a conveying path for maintaining a coin conveyed from the receiving port The upright state of the coin and guide it to the delivery port; the first reading surface, which is at the first position of the conveying path, reads one side of the conveyed upright state of the coin; the first reading surface an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of one side of the coin via the first reading surface; and a second conveyor belt for acquiring the image acquired by the first image acquisition unit When the image of one side of the coin is described, the coin is conveyed while pressing the coin from the other side of the coin; the second reading surface, the second reading surface is conveyed along the coin from the first position on the conveying path The other side of the conveyed upright coin is read at a second position away from a predetermined distance in the direction; a second image acquisition unit that acquires the other side of the coin via the second reading side an image of one side; a first conveyor belt that conveys the coin while pressing the coin from one side of the coin when the image of the other side of the coin is acquired by the second image acquisition means; and A recognition unit for recognizing the coin based on an image of one side and an image of the other side of the coin, and the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged so as to overlap at least partially.

With this structure, the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention maintains the upright state of the coin to be conveyed and acquires images of both sides of the coin. Therefore, the coin can be identified more accurately regardless of the type of the coin to be processed. .

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the said 1st image acquisition means, the said 1st reading surface, and the said 1st arrange|positioned at the coin conveyance direction side of this 1st reading surface are characterized by the above-mentioned. The conveyor belt is configured as a first unit, the second image acquisition mechanism, the second conveyor belt, and the second reading surface disposed on the coin conveyance direction side of the second conveyor belt are configured as a second unit, The first unit and the second unit are arranged to face each other.

According to this structure, since the coin identification unit which concerns on one aspect of this invention is comprised from a 1st unit and a 2nd unit, maintenance, etc. of parts replacement|exchange can be performed easily.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the said 1st unit and the said 2nd unit are connected by a hinge mechanism, and are openable and closable.

With this structure, since the coin identification unit of one aspect of the present invention can be easily opened and closed, the inside can be easily checked.

Further, preferably, in the coin identification unit, at least one of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt has a concavo-convex shape.

With this configuration, the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention increases the frictional force between the first conveyor belt and/or the second conveyor belt and coins, so that coins can be conveyed more reliably.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the boundary part of the recessed part and the convex part in the said concave-convex shape spreads from the convex part in the direction away from the said 1st reading surface or the 2nd reading surface. The convex portion has a protruding shape so as to be opposed to the first reading surface or the second reading surface.

With this structure, the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention is less likely to generate a shadow portion due to light irradiated from the light source, so that misrecognition of coins can be reduced.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the boundary part of the recessed part and the convex part in the said uneven|corrugated shape has a curved surface shape.

With this structure, the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention can reduce the occurrence of foreign matter such as dust remaining on the boundary between the concave portion and the convex portion of the conveyor belt, so that coins can be identified more accurately.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that at least one of the said 1st conveyor belt and the said 2nd conveyor belt is comprised by the color system different from the color system of the said coin.

With this structure, the coin identification unit of one aspect of the present invention can more clearly identify the edge of the coin to be conveyed, and in addition, even if the coin has holes and defects, the possibility of misrecognition can be reduced, and the coin can be more accurately identified. identify coins.

In addition, preferably, the coin identification unit further includes a guide member on the side of the first reading surface and the second reading surface on which coins are conveyed. , and guide coins to the first reading surface and the second reading surface, respectively.

With this structure, the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention forms a step on the side of the first reading surface and the second reading surface on which coins are conveyed, so that the coins are inclined. The lower part is in contact with the first reading surface and the second reading surface. As a result, the load on the first reading surface and the second reading surface can be reduced, and the risk of damage or breakage can be reduced.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the said guide member has the shape which tapers toward the conveyance direction of a coin at the tip.

With this configuration, in the coin identification unit according to one aspect of the present invention, when the conveyed coin enters the first reading surface and the second reading surface, the first reading surface is The impact with the second reading surface is alleviated, and the burden can be further reduced.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the said 1st reading surface and the said 2nd reading surface are protected by tempered glass.

With this structure, the coin identification unit of one aspect of the present invention can reduce the risk of damage, breakage, or the like to the first reading surface and the second reading surface.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said coin identification unit is characterized in that the said 1st image acquisition means and the said 2nd image acquisition means are contact image sensors.

With this structure, the coin identification unit of one technical solution of the present invention can accurately identify coins and further realize miniaturization.

Further, preferably, the coin identification unit further includes a light source that illuminates at least one of the first reading surface and the second reading surface.

With this structure, the coin identification unit of one technical solution of the present invention can easily and more accurately identify coins, thereby reducing the possibility of misidentification.

In addition, each process performed by the coin identification unit of one aspect of the present invention described above can be understood as a coin identification method and a coin processing method provided with a series of processing steps. The method is provided in the form of a program for causing a computer to perform a series of processing steps. The program may be loaded into a computer by being downloaded from a predetermined server, by accessing a predetermined server storing the program via the Internet, or by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, a part or all of the functional blocks constituting the coin dispensing unit according to one aspect of the present invention may be implemented as LSI (Large-Scale Integration) or the like as an integrated circuit.

The effect of the utility model

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a coin identification unit that more accurately identifies coins regardless of the type of coins to be processed.

Description of drawings

1 : is a functional block diagram which shows each function of the coin handling apparatus 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

2 : is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

3 : is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

4 : is a figure which shows the surface of the 2nd conveyor belt 221 (1st conveyor belt 211) in the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the concavo-convex portion.

FIG. 6 shows the direction from the first guide member 213 (second guide member 223 ) to the first reading surface 212 (second reading surface 222 ) in the coin identifying unit (coin identifying unit) 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention ) of the situation where the coin is guided.

Description of reference numerals

10 coin handling devices;

100 coin receiving department;

200 coin identification section (coin identification unit);

210 Unit 1;

211 1st conveyor belt;

212 1st reading surface;

213 first guide member;

220 Unit 2;

221 2nd conveyor belt;

222 second reading surface;

223 second guide member;

230 receiving port;

240 hinge mechanism;

250 conveying paths;

300 coin sorting department;

400 coin reserve;

500 coin storage department;

600 coin delivery department;

700 coin conveying department;

800 coin return department;

900 pipes.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiment described below is only a specific example for implementing this invention, and does not limit this invention.

<Outline of Coin Handling Device>

FIG. 1 : is a figure which shows each function of the coin handling apparatus 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 1 , the coin handling apparatus 10 includes a coin receiving unit 100 , a coin identifying unit 200 , a coin sorting unit 300 , a coin holding unit 400 , a coin storing unit 500 , a coin sending unit 600 , a coin conveying unit 700 , and a coin returning unit 800 . and pipeline 900.

In the present embodiment, the coin handling apparatus 10 treats two kinds of metal coins (for example, a 10-yen metal coin and a 100-yen metal coin) as processing objects, but the metal coins to be processed are not limited to two, for example, One, or three or more, or not Japanese metal coins but Chinese metal coins or Euro metal coins.

The coin accepting unit 100 accepts coins inserted by the user. For example, in the case of purchasing a ticket at a station, the user inserts a plurality of various metal coins, and the coin receiving unit 100 may be configured to receive these metal coins collectively, or may be configured to receive one by one sequentially. Structure.

Typically, the coins received by the coin accepting unit 100 are conveyed one by one by a conveyor belt or the like while maintaining an upright state.

The coin recognition unit 200 recognizes whether or not a coin inserted by a user and conveyed is a coin usable in the coin processing apparatus 10 . For example, when the coin handling apparatus 10 is an automatic ticket vending machine installed in a station and only 10-yen metal coins and 100-yen metal coins can be used, the coin recognition unit 200 recognizes that the coin received by the coin receiving unit 100 is Is a 10 yen metal coin or a 100 yen metal coin, or something else.

The coin recognition unit 200 uses, for example, a metal coin recognition sensor composed of at least one of an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or a magnetic sensor, or a combination thereof. The coin recognition unit 200 recognizes the authenticity, type, and the like of a metal coin by analyzing the size, shape, weight, presence or absence of a hole, magnetic properties, and the like of the coin.

Here, when it is recognized by the coin recognition unit 200 that the coins are 10-yen metal coins and 100-yen metal coins, they are conveyed to the coin sorting unit 300 and then to the coin holding unit 400 . On the other hand, when it recognizes other than this, it conveys to the coin sorting part 300, and then conveys to the coin return part 800 via the duct 900, for example, and returns it to a user.

In other words, when the coin put in by the user cannot be used in the coin processing apparatus 10, it is directly returned to the user via the coin return unit 800. Typically, coins that cannot be used in the coin processing apparatus 10 are metal coins of other countries, fake metal coins, metal coins that are not processed even if they are genuine metal coins, and recognized by the coin recognition unit 200 for other reasons. For unusable coins, etc.

In the present embodiment, the coin recognition unit 200 is configured to acquire images of both sides of the coin while conveying the coins received by the coin receiving unit 100 one by one in an upright state, and based on the images of both sides of the coin A coin identification unit that identifies coins. The detailed structure of the coin identification unit (coin identification unit) 200 will be described later.

The coin sorting unit 300 further sorts the coins recognized as usable by the coin recognition unit 200 by type. Typically, the coin sorting unit 300 is provided with a hole for determining whether or not the coin can pass through according to the size of the coin, or by opening and closing a shutter, thereby sorting coins by type.

Specifically, when the coins usable in the coin handling apparatus 10 are 10-yen metal coins and 100-yen metal coins, it is only necessary to arrange holes larger than the 100-yen metal coins and smaller than the 10-yen metal coins. Yes, but the sorting mechanism is not limited to this. For example, based on the size, shape, weight, presence or absence of holes, magnetic properties, and the like of coins, the sorting may be further combined with the analysis results in the above-described coin identification unit 200 .

The coin holding part 400 temporarily holds the coins sorted by the coin sorting part 300 .

For example, when the coin handling apparatus 10 is an automatic ticket vending machine installed in a station and the user wants to purchase a ticket, the user inserts the amount of metal coins necessary for purchasing the desired ticket, Press the purchase button to determine the purchase of the ticket. On the other hand, when the user interrupts the purchase of the ticket after inserting the metal coins, the user presses the return button to request the return of the inserted metal coins.

The coins put in by the user are received by the coin accepting unit 100 , and are transported to the coin holding unit 400 via the coin identifying unit 200 and the coin sorting unit 300 in this order. These coins are not immediately stored in the coin storage unit 500 , but are held in the coin storage unit 400 arranged in the front stage of the coin storage unit 500 from when the user starts the first insertion of the metal coin until the purchase or discontinuation is determined.

When the purchase is decided, the coins held by the coin holding unit 400 are stored in the coin receiving unit 500, and when the interruption (return) is decided, the coins are transferred to the coin returning unit 800 via the coin transfer unit 700, for example, and returned to the user.

In addition, the coin holding unit 400 holds the coins sorted by the coin sorting unit 300 without mixing them, and specifically, includes an area for each type of the sorted coin.

The coin storage unit 500 includes a coin storage unit for each coin type, and stores the coins sent from the coin holding unit 400 for each coin type. Here, the 10-yen metal coin and the 100-yen metal coin are accommodated in the respective accommodating parts.

In addition, in an automatic vending machine or the like, since there is a case where change is returned to the user, metal coins for change may be stored in the coin storage unit 500 in advance.

The coin delivery unit 600 takes in and delivers the coins accommodated in the coin accommodating unit 500 . Typically, in an automatic vending machine or the like, when returning change to the user, each metal coin stored in the coin storage unit 500 is sent out according to an instruction from a control unit (not shown) such as a CPU. number of pieces.

In addition, the coin delivery unit 600 is configured as a coin delivery unit that reliably delivers the coins stored in the coin storage unit 500 one by one using the rotary disk. The coin delivery unit 600 and the coin storage unit 500 described above constitute a so-called coin hopper.

The coin conveyance unit 700 conveys the coins accommodated in the coin storage unit 500 to the coin return unit 800 . For example, when the coin processing apparatus 10 is an automatic ticket vending machine installed in a station and a user purchases a desired ticket, there is a case where change is returned to the user's input amount. In this case, each metal coin accommodated in the coin accommodating unit 500 is fed out through the coin feeding unit 600 by a required number (change amount), and the coin feeding unit 700 feeds the coins to the coin returning unit 800 .

For change, for example, a control unit (not shown) such as a CPU calculates the amount based on the input amount and the purchase amount, and determines the required number of each of the metal coins stored in the coin storage unit 500 . Furthermore, the control unit may operate the coin delivery unit 600 to deliver the required number of metal coins, and may manage and confirm the delivered coins by arranging various sensors or the like.

Typically, the coin return unit 800 is configured as a take-out port for a user to take out coins. Here, the coin return unit 800 may be a single outlet or a plurality of outlets may be provided.

For example, when the inserted coin is recognized as unusable by the coin recognition unit 200 or when the coin held by the coin holding unit 400 is returned, one outlet is provided to return the user's inserted coin as it is. When it is necessary to return the coins accommodated in the coin accommodating portion 500 by returning the change to the user, a different outlet may be provided separately.

<Details of the coin identification unit (coin identification unit) 200>

Next, the coin identification unit (coin identification unit) 200 in the coin processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

2 : is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 2 , the coin recognition unit 200 is mainly composed of a first unit 210 and a second unit 220, receives coins from a receiving port 230, recognizes the coins in the coin recognition unit 200, and sends them out from a delivery port (not shown). . The 1st unit 210 and the 2nd unit 220 are connected by the hinge mechanism 240, and are arrange|positioned so that it can be opened and closed.

3 : is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 3 , the coin identification unit 200 includes a first unit 210 , a second unit 220 , a receiving port 230 , a hinge mechanism 240 , and a conveyance path 250 . The coin identification unit 200 is in a state in which the first unit 210 and the second unit 220 are opened by the hinge mechanism 240 .

The first unit 210 has a first conveyor belt 211, a first reading surface 212, a first guide member 213, and a first image acquisition mechanism (not shown), and the second unit 220 has a second conveyor belt 221, a second reading surface The surface 222, the second guide member 223, and the second image acquisition mechanism (not shown).

The receiving port 230 receives a coin inserted into the coin receiving unit 100 of the coin processing apparatus 10 , and guides the coin to the inside of the coin discriminating unit 200 while maintaining the upright state of the coin.

The conveyance path 250 maintains the upright state of the coins guided from the receiving port 230 to the inside of the coin identification unit 200 and guides them to a delivery port (not shown) in the inside of the coin identification unit 200 .

The first image acquisition means is, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS), which is arranged inside the first unit 210 and acquires, via the first reading surface 212 , one side of a coin conveyed to the first position in the conveying path 250 in an upright state. image. Here, the first position refers to a position where the first reading surface 212 is arranged.

Here, when the image of one side of the coin is acquired by the first image acquisition means, the second conveyor belt 221 conveys the coin while pressing the coin from the other side of the coin. Since the one side of the coin is in close contact with the first reading surface 212 by the second conveyor belt 221, the first image acquisition means can accurately acquire the image of the one side of the coin. Furthermore, since the coins are conveyed on the conveyance path 250 in an upright state, regardless of the type of the coin (difference in the size of the coin in the radial direction), one point on the outer circumference of the coin abuts the conveyance path 250 . As a result, when the first image acquisition means acquires an image of one side of a coin, it is easy to grasp, for example, the diameter of the coin and the position of the coin, and the first image acquisition means can accurately acquire an image of the one side of the coin.

In addition, the second conveyor belt 221 needs to press the coin in a substantially horizontal direction from the other surface side while conveying the coin in an upright state with one surface of the coin in close contact with the first reading surface 212 . Since the load due to the self-weight of the coins is not applied to the second conveyor belt 221, deterioration is reduced, and the tension and frictional force of the second conveyor belt 221 are maintained.

In addition, the weight of the coin may vary depending on the type of the coin, but since the second conveyor belt 221 presses the coin in a substantially horizontal direction, it is not necessary to change the pressing force according to the weight of the coin, and a constant pressing force is required. The coin is conveyed while pressing the pressure.

In other words, the coin in the upright state is conveyed while the one side of the coin is in contact with the first reading surface 212, and the pressing force from the second conveyor belt 221 is constant, so the one side of the coin is in contact with the first reading surface 212. The state is stable, and the first image acquisition means can accurately acquire an image of one side of the coin. In addition, since the contact state between the one side of the coin and the first reading surface 212 is stable, the risk of damage or breakage of the first reading surface 212 can also be reduced.

The second conveyor belt 221 needs to have a frictional force in order to convey the coins in the upright state, and may be formed of a material with high frictional force such as rubber, or may have a concave-convex shape.

4 : is a figure which shows the surface of the 2nd conveyor belt 221 (1st conveyor belt 211) in the coin identification part (coin identification unit) 200 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 4 , the second conveyor belt 221 is formed with concavo-convex shapes on the surface, and the frictional force between the second conveyor belt 221 and the coins is increased, and the coins can be conveyed more reliably.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the concavo-convex portion. In the example shown in FIG.5(A), the boundary part of the recessed part and the convex part in an uneven|corrugated shape is inclined. More specifically, the boundary portion between the concave portion and the convex portion is inclined so as to spread from the convex portion having a protruding shape with respect to the first reading surface 212 in the second conveyor belt 221 in a direction away from the reading surface. An optical sensor such as a CIS is arranged inside the first reading surface 212 (inside the first unit 210 ), and when the second conveyor belt 221 is irradiated with light from a light source, a shadow is less likely to be generated. In particular, when there is no coin on the surface of the conveyor belt or in a portion where there is no coin, the possibility of misrecognizing the shadow portion as the edge of the coin due to the presence of shadow is reduced.

In the example shown in FIG.5(B), the boundary part of the recessed part and the convex part in an uneven|corrugated shape has a curved surface shape. For example, foreign matter such as edges generated by the concave-convex shape and/or dust accumulated by the concave-convex shape may induce misrecognition. However, as shown in FIG. 5(B) , although the second conveyor belt 221 has a concavo-convex shape on the surface, the boundary portion between the concave and convex portions in the concave-convex shape has a curved surface shape, so that the erroneous determination of the coin is reduced. possibility of identification.

In the example shown in FIG. 5(C), the concavo-convex shape is a so-called wave shape. When the second conveyor belt 221 is irradiated with light from the light source, shadows are less likely to occur, and there are no edges due to the uneven shape. Therefore, the shadows and edges are less likely to erroneously identify the edge of the coin. Moreover, foreign matter such as dust accumulated due to the concave-convex shape is less likely to accumulate, which also reduces the possibility of causing misrecognition. The curved surface shape (curve of the cross-sectional waveform) shown here may be formed by, for example, a part of an arc, a part of an ellipse, a part of an ellipse, a part of a parabola, another curve, or a combination thereof.

As shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 5 , the second conveyor belt 221 has a concavo-convex shape on the surface in order to reliably convey coins in an upright state, thereby increasing the frictional force, but try to reduce errors caused by the concave-convex shape. identify. The concavo-convex shape may be appropriately adopted such that the boundary between the concave portion and the convex portion in the concave-convex shape is an inclined surface or a curved surface according to the performance of the CIS, the intensity and/or angle of the irradiated light, and the type of the coin to be conveyed. Mitigate misrecognition of coins.

By the second conveyor belt 221 , the coins conveyed while maintaining the upright state in the conveyance path 250 pass through the first reading surface 212 . The conveyance of the coins is transferred from the second conveyer belt 221 to the first conveyer belt 211 , and thereafter, the coins are conveyed while maintaining the upright state in the conveyance path 250 by the first conveyer belt 211 .

The second conveyor belt 221 and the first conveyor belt 211 are arranged along the conveyance path 250 in the second unit 220 and the first unit 210, respectively, and are partially overlapped. More specifically, the coins conveyed while maintaining the upright state in the conveying path 250 are first conveyed while being pressed by the second conveying belt 221 from the second unit 220 side, and then are conveyed between the second conveying belt 221 and the first conveying belt 221. The range in which the conveyor belts 211 are arranged to be overlapped is conveyed by the second conveyor belt 221 and the first conveyor belt 211 from both sides of the coin, and then conveyed while being pressed by the first conveyor belt 211 from the first unit 210 side.

In this way, by providing a range in which the second conveyor belt 221 and the first conveyor belt 211 are arranged to overlap, the coins are smoothly conveyed while maintaining the upright state in the conveyance path 250 .

In addition, when the 2nd conveyor belt 221 and the 1st conveyor belt 211 are comprised from materials, such as rubber, the color is usually formed in black. On the other hand, coins are made of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, and the like, so the colors of coins are often composed of gold, silver, and brown depending on these materials, and when used for a long time, they become black due to dirt. Here, in order to more clearly identify the edge of the conveyed coin, and to reduce the possibility of misrecognition even if the coin has holes or defects, the second conveyor belt 221 is configured with a color system different from that of the coin. and the color of the 1st conveyor belt 211. For example, at least one of the second conveyor belt 221 and the first conveyor belt 211 is given a blue color tone. In addition, the color tone given is not limited to a blue type, For example, other colors, such as a green type, may be sufficient.

Like the first image acquisition means, the second image acquisition means is, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS), and is arranged inside the second unit 220 . The second image acquisition means acquires, via the second reading surface 222 , an image of the other side of the coin in an upright state conveyed to a second position (a position separated by a predetermined distance from the first position in the coin conveyance direction) in the conveyance path 250 . Here, the second position refers to a position where the second reading surface 222 is arranged.

Here, when the image of the other side of the coin is acquired by the second image acquisition means, the first conveyor belt 211 conveys the coin while pressing the coin from the one side of the coin. Since the other side of the coin is brought into close contact with the second reading surface 222 by the first conveyor belt 211, the second image acquisition unit can accurately acquire the image of the other side of the coin.

This is the same as when the first image acquisition means acquires one side of a coin in an upright state conveyed at the first position in the conveying path 250 via the first reading surface 212 , and the first conveying belt 211 has the same characteristics as the second conveying belt 221 .

In addition, the first guide member 213 and the second guide member 223 are respectively arranged on the sides of the first reading surface 212 and the second reading surface 222 on which coins are conveyed.

FIG. 6 shows the direction from the first guide member 213 (second guide member 223 ) to the first reading surface 212 (second reading surface 222 ) in the coin identifying unit (coin identifying unit) 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention ) of the situation where the coin is guided.

In FIG. 6, the 1st guide member 213 is provided in the side from which the coin of the 1st reading surface 212 is conveyed, and a level|step difference is formed. When the conveyed coin enters the first reading surface 212, it abuts on the first reading surface 212 in an inclined state due to the step (FIG. 6(A)).

After that, before the entire coin passes through the first guide member 213, the coin is not conveyed in a state where the entire one side of the coin is in contact with the first reading surface 212, but one end of the coin is in contact with the first reading surface 212. The coin is conveyed in a contacted state ( FIG. 6(B) ).

Then, when the entire coin passes through the first guide member 213, the coin is conveyed with one side of the coin abutting on the first reading surface 212 (FIG. 6(C), (D)).

In this way, when the coin passes through the first reading surface 212, the coin is conveyed in a state where the coin is in point contact with the first reading surface 212 by using the step formed by the first guide member 213, and the state of surface contact is reduced. In case of delivery. As a result, the burden on the first reading surface 212 is reduced, and the risk of damage or breakage of the first reading surface 212 is reduced.

Moreover, the surface of the 1st guide member 213 shown in FIG. 6 may be substantially parallel to the 1st reading surface 212, and may have the shape which tapers toward the conveyance direction of a coin. When the first guide member 213 has a tapered shape, when the conveyed coin enters the first reading surface 212, the impact on the first reading surface 212 is alleviated, so that the impact on the first reading surface 212 can be further reduced. Take the burden of face 212. In addition, the first reading surface 212 may be protected by tempered glass.

On the first reading surface 212, one side of the conveyed coin is read by the first image acquisition mechanism, but if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the first reading surface 212, the coin cannot be accurately read and there is a risk of erroneously reading the coin. possibility of identification. The conveyed coin acts to remove foreign matter such as dust adhering to the first reading surface 212 while passing through the first reading surface 212. Even if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the first reading surface 212, the coin handling apparatus 10 can automatically remove the foreign matter adhering to the first reading surface 212 and maintain a clean state.

Although the 1st guide member 213 is arrange|positioned at the side from which the coin was conveyed of the 1st reading surface 212, the step is not provided in the side where this coin is conveyed away. As a result, in particular, foreign matter such as dust does not remain on the side of the first reading surface 212 on which the coins are conveyed, but is sent out to the outside of the first reading surface 212 .

Moreover, in order to maintain the 1st reading surface 212 in a clean state, you may have the structure which blows air to the 1st reading surface 212. Even if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the first reading surface 212 , the air is blown out to the outside of the first reading surface 212 .

In addition, it goes without saying that the second guide member 223 and the second reading surface 222 also have the same structures, features, and effects as those of the first guide member 213 and the first reading surface 212 described above.

In this way, images of both sides of a coin are acquired, and, for example, a recognition unit or the like (not shown) in the coin recognition unit 200 recognizes, based on the images, whether the coin fed to the coin recognition unit 200 is usable in the coin handling apparatus 10 or not. coins.

As described above, according to the coin identification unit 200 of one embodiment of the present invention, images of both sides of a coin are obtained while maintaining the upright state of the coin, and therefore, the coin can be more accurately identified regardless of the type of the coin to be processed. .

In addition, in this embodiment, although the conveyance path 250 is formed in the 1st unit 210, it may be formed in the 2nd unit 220 according to the arrangement|positioning of the receiving port 230.

In addition, the first unit 210 and the second unit 220 are connected by the hinge mechanism 240, but not limited to this. For example, a simple screw-connected structure may be used, or a sliding mechanism may be used for easy disassembly.

As the first image acquisition means and the second image acquisition means arranged inside the first unit 210 and the second unit 220, a contact image sensor has been described as an example, but as long as it is a contact image sensor, the first image acquisition means can be realized Miniaturization of the first unit 210 and the second unit 220 . The first image acquisition means and the second image acquisition means are not necessarily limited to contact image sensors, and may be other image sensors such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera, for example.

In addition, in order to obtain a more accurate image of the coin by the first image obtaining means and the second image obtaining means, a light source for illuminating the first reading surface 212 and the second reading surface 222 may be arranged. Specifically, the light source is an LED, which is provided at a position adjacent to the second conveyor belt 221 so as to illuminate the first reading surface 212 , or is provided at a position adjacent to the first conveyor belt 211 so as to illuminate the second reading surface 222 . Adjacent positions may be used, but are not limited to this. For example, as long as light can be guided to the first reading surface 212 or the second reading surface 222 by using a light guide plate or a reflection plate, the light source may be provided at other positions.

In this way, by providing a light source for irradiating the first reading surface 212 and the second reading surface 222, it becomes easy to recognize coins more accurately, and the possibility of erroneous recognition can be reduced.

In addition, the light source does not need to always emit light. For example, it may have a switching function so as to illuminate the first reading surface 212 and the second reading surface 222 when the image of the conveyed coin is acquired.

The first conveyor belt 211 and the second conveyor belt 221 preferably have a structure in which the surface has concavo-convex shapes, but are not limited to the cross-sectional shapes shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 5 . For example, a plurality of protrusions having a part of spherical body may be arranged on the surface, and the surface may be flat as long as there is a frictional force capable of reliably conveying coins.

In addition, in the present embodiment, metal coins (coins) are used as examples of processing objects, but the processing objects are not limited to metal coins. For example, game coins used in gaming machines such as automatic lottery machines may be used. , and chips used in casinos, etc.

As mentioned above, each embodiment of this invention was demonstrated concretely. The above description is merely an illustration of an embodiment, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and can be broadly interpreted as a range that can be grasped by those skilled in the art.

Industrial Availability

The utility model can be used for game machines such as automatic gaming machines, automatic vending machines, metal coin identification (sorting) machines, and automatic teller machines (ATMs) installed in financial institutions and the like to insert coins and store or return them. The coin handling device of the invention is particularly useful for coin identification units and the like for identifying coins.

Claims (13)

1. A coin identification unit, the coin identification unit identifies a coin, characterized in that it has: a receiving port, the receiving port receives coins; a conveying path that maintains the upright state of the coins conveyed from the receiving port and guides them to the sending port; a first reading surface, the first reading surface is at the first position of the conveying path, and reads one side of the conveyed upright coin; a first image acquisition unit, the first image acquisition unit acquires an image of one side of the coin via the first reading surface; a second conveyor belt that conveys the coin while pressing the coin from the other side of the coin when an image of one side of the coin is acquired by the first image acquisition means; a second reading surface that reads the other side of the conveyed upright coin at a second position of the conveying path that is separated by a predetermined distance from the first position in the conveying direction of the coin; a second image acquisition unit, the second image acquisition unit acquires an image of the other side of the coin via the second reading surface; a first conveyor belt that conveys the coin while pressing the coin from one side of the coin when the image of the other side of the coin is acquired by the second image acquisition means; and a recognition unit that recognizes the coin based on an image of one side of the coin and an image of the other side, The first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged to overlap at least partially. 2. The coin identification unit of claim 1, wherein The first image acquisition mechanism, the first reading surface, and the first conveyor belt disposed on the coin conveyance direction side of the first reading surface constitute a first unit, The second image acquisition mechanism, the second conveyor belt, and the second reading surface disposed on the coin conveyance direction side of the second conveyor belt constitute a second unit, The first unit and the second unit are arranged to face each other. 3 . The coin identification unit according to claim 2 , wherein the first unit and the second unit are connected by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. 4 . 4 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt has a concavo-convex shape. 5 . 5 . The coin identification unit according to claim 4 , wherein the boundary portion between the concave portion and the convex portion in the concave-convex shape is a distance away from the first reading surface or the second reading surface from the convex portion. 6 . The convex portion is inclined so as to expand in a direction, and the convex portion has a protruding shape so as to be opposed to the first reading surface or the second reading surface. 6 . The coin identification unit according to claim 4 , wherein the boundary portion between the concave portion and the convex portion in the concave-convex shape has a curved surface shape. 7 . 7 . The coin identification unit according to claim 5 , wherein the boundary portion between the concave portion and the convex portion in the concave-convex shape has a curved surface shape. 8 . 8 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is made of a different color from the coin. 9 . Composition of colors. 9 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a guide member provided on each of the first reading surface and the second reading surface. 10 . The side of the coin to which the coin is conveyed guides the coin to the first reading surface and the second reading surface, respectively. 10 . The coin identification unit according to claim 9 , wherein the guide member has a shape with a tapered end toward the conveying direction of the coin. 11 . 11 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first reading surface and the second reading surface are protected by tempered glass. 12 . 12 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first image acquisition means and the second image acquisition means are contact image sensors. 13 . 13 . The coin identification unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a light source that illuminates at least one of the first reading surface and the second reading surface. 14 .

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