JPH07129803A - Coin throw-out device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a coin throw-out device which can prevent rotation abnormality of a disk and overloads on a motor due to the generation of a bridge in a hopper and interference of coins. CONSTITUTION:A rigid body rod 109 which is elliptically sectioned is fixed at the center of rotation of the disk 104 through a steel rod 110 and rotated integrally with the disk 104, and coins are agitated through the projecting/ retracting operation of a relative projection part on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid body rod 109. The steel rod 110 which supports the rigid body rod 109 is circularly sectioned, so even if a coin is caught between the internal peripheral wall 103a of the diameter reduction part 103 between a hopper 101 and a base board 102, and the steel rod 110, the rotation of the steel rod 110 and rigid body rod 109 is never locked to prevent the disk 104 and motor from being overloaded. The bridge generated at the tip of the rigid body rod 109 as a fulcrum is eliminated by agitating operation generated by the rotation of a V-shaped through groove 111 formed in the upper end surface 109a of the rigid body rod 109.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a money changer, a vending machine,
Alternatively, the present invention relates to improvement of a coin dispensing device used in a game machine or the like that uses pseudo coins as a game medal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various coin dispensers have been already used as a coin dispenser in which a disc provided between a hopper and a substrate is rotated to capture coins one by one inside the hopper and guide them to a coin outlet. Although both have been proposed, the wall surface of the hopper is inclined so that the coins are guided to the disk provided in the reduced diameter portion between the hopper and the substrate, so that the hopper in a flat cross section is The volume is squeezed toward the bottom of the hopper, and coins are taken out one after another from the bottom layer of the hopper.As a result, a so-called bridge phenomenon occurs, and voids are formed in the lower layer of the hopper to support the removal of coins. It may come. Figure 3
Is an example of a case where a large number of coins 4 are regularly superposed on the wall surface 2 and the wall surface 3 of the hopper 1 to form a bridge, and FIG. The following shows an example of a case where a bridge is generated by a large number of coins 4 overlapping irregularly with the wall surface 3 as a fulcrum, and in each case, the diameter-reduced portion 5 located at the lowest layer of the hopper 1 successively. It occurs because the coin 4 is taken out.

In order to solve such a problem, a coin dispensing device for stirring coins in a hopper to prevent the occurrence of bridges is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-19882 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-145767. It has already been proposed as a bulletin.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 53-51759, a coin stirring bar having a spiral ridge is provided along the center of rotation of a disk, and the coin stirring bar is rotated to rotate the surrounding area by the spiral ridge. The thrust in the vertical direction is applied to the coin so that the bridge in the hopper is pushed down.
In the case where a large number of coins 4 are piled up substantially horizontally as in the example shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral portion of the coin 4 slidingly contacting the coin stirring bar is hooked by the spiral ridge to push the coin 4 in the vertical direction. It is possible to eliminate the bridge relatively easily by giving. However, as shown in FIG.
If they are aligned with their surfaces parallel to the central axis of the coin stirring rod 6, the spiral ridges of the coin stirring rod 6 will not mesh with the outer peripheral portion of the coin 4, and thrust cannot be transmitted and the coins cannot be transmitted. The aligned state of 4 cannot be pushed through. Of course, when only one coin closest to the coin agitating rod 6 is in sliding contact with its surface parallel to the central axis of the coin agitating rod 6, preventing contact between other coins and the coin agitating rod 6, and The same problem occurs when some coins have their surfaces parallel to the central axis of the coin stirring rod 6 and are in sliding contact with the coin stirring rod 6 at the outer peripheral portion.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 56-145767 proposes a coin stirring rod bent in a crank shape so that the bridge is broken over a wide range, but the bent portion of the coin stirring rod is uneven. In order to revolve around the center, the coin stirring rod 7 having a cylindrical shape is provided eccentrically from the center of rotation of the disk 8 (see FIG. 6), or the radial cross-sectional profile is formed of a non-rotating body such as an ellipse. Coin stirring bar 9
The inner peripheral wall 5a of the reduced diameter portion 5 at the lower part of the hopper, similar to that provided along the rotation center of the disk 8 (see FIG. 7).
When a large number of coins 4 are tightly aligned with their surfaces parallel to the central axis of the coin stirring rod between the coin stirring rod and the coin stirring rod, the coin stirring is performed as in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The rotation of the rod may be hindered and the rotation of the disc may be locked.

If the coin stirring bar is made of a flexible material that is easily elastically deformed, for example, as shown in FIG. However, the coin 4 may be elastically supported between the coin stirring rod 10 made of a flexible material and the inner peripheral wall 5a of the reduced diameter portion 5 to prevent the coin 4 from falling.

A bridge as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is
In addition to the wall surface 2 and the wall surface 3 in the hopper 1, it may be generated by three-point support with the tip of the coin agitation rod as a fulcrum (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Since no stirring means was provided, such a bridge cannot be eliminated. It should be noted that when the coin stirring bar is bent in a crank shape, a bridge as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 does not occur, but it is very powerful for orbitally moving the crank-shaped bent portion over a wide range. There is a problem that torque is required and an excessive load acts on the motor that drives the disc and the coin stirring rod.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to prevent the occurrence of bridges in the hopper and the abnormal rotation of the disk and the overload of the motor due to the interference of coins. However, another object of the present invention is to provide a coin dispensing device that can smoothly perform a coin dispensing operation.

[0009]

The coin dispensing device of the present invention is integrally fixed by projecting to the upper surface of the disk along the center of rotation of the disk and having a height higher than the upper edge of the reduced diameter portion. The above object is achieved by a constitution characterized in that a rigid rod having a non-rotating body shape having a diameter larger than that of the steel rod is fixedly attached to the tip of the steel rod having a circular contour in the radial direction.

Further, by forming a V-shaped through groove on the upper end surface of the rigid rod, it is possible to more reliably eliminate the occurrence of the bridge.

[0011]

[Operation] A non-rotating body-shaped rigid rod fixed to the tip of the steel rod rotates integrally with the disk, and the relative protrusion of the non-rotating body shape is positioned on the coin slidably contacting the outer periphery of the rigid rod. Regardless of the type, the stirring action exerts an interaction on the coins stored in the hopper to prevent the occurrence of bridges.

Since the rigid rod having the non-rotating body shape is located above the reduced diameter portion between the hopper and the substrate, the coin slidably contacting the outer circumference of the rigid rod is restricted by the inner peripheral wall of the reduced diameter portion. Without moving, the rigid body rod can move freely in response to the protrusion and contraction of the peripheral surface due to the rotation. A steel rod that supports the rigid rod is provided along the center of rotation of the disc, and the radial cross-sectional contour of the steel rod is formed in a circular shape, so that the reduced diameter portion formed between the hopper and the substrate is The distance between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral surface of the steel rod is always the same. As a result, the steel rod can freely rotate even if a coin is sandwiched between the inner peripheral wall of the reduced diameter portion and the outer peripheral surface of the steel rod, and the lock and motor overload caused by the bite of the coin. Is prevented.

Further, since the rigid rod has a high rigidity and is not easily elastically deformed, the problem that the coin is elastically supported between the wall of the hopper and the rigid rod to prevent the coin from falling into the hole is solved. It

When a bridge is generated with the tip of the rigid rod that stirs the coin as a fulcrum, the V-shaped through groove formed at the tip of the rigid rod engages the coin at the fulcrum position to stir the coin. Clear the bridge.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a coin dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Is a semi-transparent hopper 1 for storing coins
01, a substrate 10 for mounting and supporting the hopper 101
2. A disc 104 (not shown) fitted in the reduced diameter portion 103 between the lower opening of the hopper 101 and the substrate 102, and a disc drive for rotating the disc 104 by a geared motor or the like provided on the back surface of the substrate 102. The unit 105 and two side plates 107 for mounting the ejecting apparatus main body 106 configured by each of these members in the housing of a money changer, a vending machine, or the like are provided on the upper surface of the disc 104. A coin stirring bar 108 is fixed along the center of rotation.

As shown in the top view of FIG. 2 (a), the front view of FIG. 2 (b), and the side view of FIG. 2 (c), the coin stirring rod 108 has a solid elliptical cross section in the radial direction. The rigid rod 109 has a solid rod 109 and a steel rod 110 having a solid circular cross section in the radial direction. The rigid rod 109 is integrally fixed to the steel rod 110, or the rigid rod 109 and the steel rod 110 are integrated. Is molded into. The shape of the cross section of the rigid rod 109 in the radial direction is not limited to the ellipse, but other non-rotating body shapes, that is, the outer peripheral portion of the rigid rod 109 has a relative protrusion due to the rotation of the rigid rod 109. The shape is not limited as long as the coin can be stirred. In the coin agitation rod 108 in one embodiment, the rigid rod 109 is formed of a synthetic resin material having high rigidity, and has a tip end portion that is bent or rolled or pinned to prevent rotation and slipping out. The steel rod 110 is integrally inserted.
Further, the rigid rod 10 is attached to the upper end surface 109a of the rigid rod 109.
V-shaped through groove 11 along the minor axis of the elliptical cross section in FIG.
1 is formed (see FIG. 2A), while the rigid rod 109 is formed.
The lower end portion 109b is formed in a conical shape whose diameter gradually decreases toward the joining point 112 with the steel rod 110 (FIG. 2).
(B) and FIG. 2 (c)). The term "joint point" as used herein means the point of appearance of the rigid rod 109 and the steel rod 110, and the rigid rod 109 when the steel rod 110 is inserted into and fixed to the rigid rod 109 is fixed. Does not refer to a joint or the like between the steel rod 110 and the steel rod 110.

The length of the steel rod 110 is as shown in FIG.
With the coin stirring rod 108 integrally fixed to the upper surface of the disc 104 along the center of rotation of the disc 104, the length of the exposed portion of the steel rod 110 is equal to or greater than the height of the reduced diameter portion 103 of the hopper 101. , Predetermined. That is, the length of the exposed portion of the steel rod 110 varies depending on design conditions such as the thickness of the disc 104 and the mounting method of the steel rod 110 with respect to the disc 104. The distance from this surface to the junction point 112 measured vertically should be longer than the distance from this surface to the upper edge 103b of the reduced diameter portion 103 measured vertically from this surface. That's what it means. The coin stirring rod 108 is fixed at a right angle to the surface of the disc 104 along the center of rotation of the disc 104.
Since coin 4 itself is attached diagonally, coin stirring rod 1
08 forms a predetermined angle of less than 1 right angle (for example, 60) with the horizontal plane.

The hopper 101 is formed by a rectangular box having an outer shape that is substantially the same as the contour formed when the substrate 102 is projected on a horizontal plane, except for the diameter-reduced portion 103 formed in an annular shape. Is provided with wall surfaces 113 and 114 forming slopes for guiding the coins stored in the hopper 101 to the disk 104 in the reduced diameter portion 103. Inside the hopper 101, the hopper 1
The load distribution plate 115 is provided on the side located on the front side of the worker when the coin is inserted into 01 when the coin is inserted. The load distribution plate 115 is rotatably supported by a swing shaft 117 provided horizontally along a wall surface 116 on the front side of the worker, and is engraved inside the wall surfaces 118, 118 adjacent to the wall surface 116. The upper and lower swing ranges are restricted by the engagement relationship between the arcuate grooves 119, 119 provided and the dowels 120, 120 provided on both sides of the end of the load distribution plate 115 on the side opposite to the shaft support, whereby the vertical swing range is regulated. Stir bar 10
It extends to the inside of the hopper 101 so as to cover 8.

The relationship between the grooves 119, 119 and the dowels 120, 120 is for restricting the lower swing limit of the load distribution plate 115, and this relationship causes the upper swing limit of the load distribution plate 115 to rise. Being regulated is simply the result. Therefore, the groove 119,
By forming a protrusion inside the wall surfaces 118, 118 corresponding to the position of the lower end portion of 119, and supporting both sides of the end portion of the load distributing plate 115 not having the dowels 120, 120 on the opposite shaft support side from below. Although the same object can be achieved, when a protrusion is formed inside the wall surfaces 118, 118, a coin is sandwiched between the protrusion and the load distribution plate 115 so that the load distribution plate 115 reaches a desired swing limit. There is a risk that it will not descend. In addition, the arc-shaped groove 119,
It is possible to use an arc-shaped through hole instead of 119. However, depending on the size of the through hole, there is a concern that the coin may fall out, and when a coin is caught in the through hole, it may move upward of the load distribution plate 115. Swinging may be restricted. Groove 1
The configurations of 19, 119 and the dowels 120, 120 were devised based on the above consideration. If the above-mentioned drawbacks are minor, the load distribution is performed by the protrusions formed inside the wall surfaces 118, 118. It does not matter if the plate 115 is supported, or the arc-shaped grooves 119 and 119 are replaced by arc-shaped through holes.

Further, these swing limit regulating means do not necessarily have to be provided on the side of the end of the load distribution plate 115 on the side opposite to the shaft support, and the mechanical strength of the material forming the load distribution plate 115 allows it. For example, the various rocking limit restricting means described above, or rocking limit restricting means in place of them, can be arranged at a position close to the rocking shaft 117. For example, the rocking shaft 117 is fixed to either the load distribution plate 115 or the wall surfaces 118, 118, and a fitting hole is provided in the other to pivotally support the rocking shaft 117, and the fitting portion of the rocking shaft 117 and The swing limit of the load distribution plate 115 can be regulated by devising the shape of the fitting hole. As an example, a sway of a solid fan shape having a radial cross section formed with the axial center of the oscillating shaft 117 as the apex over the axial length of about half of the fitting portion of the oscillating shaft 117 having a solid radial cross section. While providing the motion restricting fitting portion, a rocking restricting piece having a solid fan radial cross section is provided over the axial length of about half of the fitting hole, and further, the remaining half of the rocking shaft 117 and the fitting hole. Are both formed into a circular shape to ensure the rotation of the swing shaft, and are formed into a solid fan shape in the swing restriction fitting portion of the swing shaft 117 and a solid fan shape in the swing restriction piece of the fitting hole. We propose a method to regulate the rocking limit by interference. In this case, the apex angle of the solid fan shape in the rocking regulation fitting portion is A °, and the apex angle of the solid fan shape in the rocking regulation piece is B.
If the angle is °, the swingable angle of the load distribution plate 115 is [360 ° -A ° -B °] as a whole.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the load distribution plate 115 is lowered to its lower swing limit due to its own weight. This lower swing limit is the load distribution plate 115.
The coins placed along the line overcome the static frictional force between the coins and the load distribution plate 115, and the load distribution plate 1
It is set to be slightly larger than the angle at which the coin can slide off from the fifteen, that is, the coin on the load distribution plate 115 can easily slide down.

Another configuration of the coin dispensing device 100 of the embodiment, for example, the configuration of the substrate 102, the disc 104, the disc drive unit 105, the side plate 107, and the disc 1
The same process as the conventional coin dispensing device (for example, the one proposed as Japanese Patent Application No. 5-246151) regarding the process of capturing coins by the holes provided in 04 and the transporting process of coins up to the coin outlet 121. Is. In addition, the substrate 102,
Disk 104, disk drive unit 105, side plate 1
07 and the like, the process of capturing coins by the holes of the disc 104, the process of transporting coins to the coin outlet 121, and the like are the same as those of the coin stirring rod 108 and the load distribution plate 11 described above.
Since it does not affect the operation and effect of the present embodiment brought about by No. 5, description of the part having the same configuration and function as the conventional one will be omitted.

The operation and effect of the coin dispensing device 100 will be described below, focusing on the structure unique to this embodiment.

First, as a preparatory operation for allowing a user to use the coin dispensing device 100, an operator who manages the device 100 must fill the hopper 101 with a predetermined number or more of coins in advance. . As described above, the coin insertion work for filling is performed from the side of the wall surface 116 of the hopper 101, and at this time, the coins inserted by the worker flow into the hopper 101 at once, which causes a considerable impact. Although it is unavoidable, since the coins thrown into the hopper 101 collide with the load distribution plate 115 and are deenergized, the coins are gradually filled from the lower layer side of the hopper 101, so that the coin stirring bar 108 is directly fed. There is no impact, and damage such as involuntary bending is prevented.

The coins gradually filled from the lower layer side eventually reach the level of the position where the load distribution plate 115 is disposed. Then, when additional coins are additionally charged, the coins will be stacked on the load distribution plate 115. However, the load of the coins stacked on the load distribution plate 115 depends on the swing shaft 117 and the dowel. 120 is transmitted to the wall surfaces 118, 118 of the hopper 101 via the lower end of the groove 119 and is directly supported by the hopper 101 and the substrate 102. Therefore, assuming that the capacity of the hopper 101 is the same as that of the conventional product, The load acting on the disc 104 arranged in the lower layer of 101 is reduced as compared with the conventional product. As a result, the driving torque of the motor when the disk 104 has to be rotated in a state where a large amount of coins are thrown into the hopper 101 is greatly reduced, and an excessive pressing force acts from above. It also makes it difficult for the nodularization of coins to occur. That is,
The load distribution plate 115 prevents abnormal rotation of the disk and overload of the motor by reducing the load acting on the disk 104, and at the same time, causes agglomeration of coins caused by excessive load and inadvertent bridge generation. And functions as one means for smoothly performing the coin dispensing operation.

After the completion of coin filling, when the disc drive unit 105 starts to be driven by a coin throwing command from a money changer or a vending machine, the disc 104 rotates to capture coins as in the conventional case. The coins are taken out one after another from the lowermost layer side of the hopper 101 by the carrying operation, and are paid out from the coin outlet 121. As described above, the load acting on the motor is smaller than that of the conventional product even in the dispensing operation immediately after the coin filling operation for the hopper 101 is completed, and the coins stored on the downstream side of the hopper 101 are also reduced. Since the load acting on is small,
The coin can be thrown out smoothly.

When the coins located on the lower layer side are successively taken out by such a dispensing operation, the distribution state of the coins in the hopper 101 and the contact state between the coins change variously. Each time the ejecting operation is performed, the relative protrusion of the rigid rod 109 that rotates with the disc 104, that is, the coin whose side end on the major axis side is located on the outer periphery of the rigid rod 109 is agitated. Movement is propagated to many coins in hopper 101 via coins adjacent to each other. Since the stirring motion acts in a direction in which the distribution of coins becomes more natural, that is, in a direction in which the distribution of coins in the hopper 101 becomes uniform, at least the rigid rod 10
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the bridges as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 which may occur on the lower layer side of the upper end surface 109a of 9. This stirring action is caused by the relative protrusion of the rigid rod 109 pressing the coin located on the outer peripheral portion of the rigid rod 109. Therefore, if the coin has its surface parallel to the central axis of the rigid rod 109. Even when the coins are aligned and aligned, for example, the state shown in FIG. 5, the upright coins are different from the ones in which the spiral ridges apply vertical thrust to stir the coins. It is possible to gradually eliminate this without being affected by the posture of.

However, the upper end surface 109 of the rigid rod 109 is
For coins stacked on the upper side of a, the rigid bar 1
The stirring action generated by the movement of the outer peripheral portion of 09 is not always sufficiently propagated, and for example, the hopper 101
Wall surfaces 113 and 114 and the upper end surface 1 of the rigid rod 109
The bridge as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may occur with 09a as a fulcrum. However, the rigid rod 10
9 on the upper end surface 109a of V along the minor axis of the elliptical cross section.
Since the V-shaped through groove 111 is formed to extend to both ends in the long axis direction (see FIG. 2B), rotation of the rigid rod 109 arranged at a predetermined angle with the horizontal plane. Accordingly, both end portions 109c of the through groove 111 in the groove width direction,
109c moves up and down relatively large, and both ends 109c, 1
By the vertical movement of 09c, the upper end surface 109 of the rigid rod 109 is
The coin supported with a as a fulcrum is shaken in the vertical direction, and at the same time, the shake in the horizontal plane is caused by the scratching action from both end portions 109c and 109c.

As a result, the upper end surface 109 of the rigid rod 109 is
The coins supported with a as a fulcrum are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
It becomes difficult to maintain the supporting state as shown in (1), and the bridge at the center is eliminated by being ejected from the position on the upper end surface 109a of the rigid rod 109, and furthermore, the bridge as a whole collapses with this as a trigger. Will be eliminated. The fact that both end portions 109c, 109c of the through groove 111 move up and down is large in comparison with the case where the V-shaped through groove 111 is formed on the upper end surface 109a along the major axis of the elliptical cross section. In order to eliminate the bridge generated by using the tip of the rigid rod 109 as a fulcrum, a V-shaped through groove 111 is formed along the minor axis of the elliptical cross section of the upper end surface 109a, and a wedge shape is formed at both ends in the groove width direction. It is preferable to increase the vertical movement of the protrusion and scratching effect, but even if a groove is formed in the major axis direction, these effects are not lost. The same applies to the case where the radial cross section of the rigid rod 109 is formed into another non-rotating body shape, for example, a rectangular shape or a gourd shape, and the V-shaped through groove is formed in the direction orthogonal to the maximum diameter of the cross section. It is desirable to enhance the stirring effect generated by the vertical movement and scratching action of the wedge-shaped projections formed on both sides of the above.

Further, while the coin movement phenomenon associated with the coin ejection operation and the occurrence and elimination of the bridge occurs repeatedly in the hopper 101, the inner peripheral wall 103a of the reduced diameter portion 103 of the hopper 101 and the coin stirring rod 108 are Between,
For example, as in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a large number of coins may be closely aligned with their faces parallel to the central axis of the coin stirring bar 108. However, there is no rigid rod 109 having a non-rotating body-shaped cross section below the upper edge 103b of the reduced diameter portion 103, but simply the rigid rod 10
Since there is only a steel rod 110 supporting 9 and the cross-sectional contour of this steel rod 110 is a circle, the rotation of the steel rod 110 causes a strong coin between the steel rod 110 and the inner peripheral wall 103a. There is no possibility that the rotation of the steel rod 110 is hindered by being pinched. When such a phenomenon occurs at a position above the reduced diameter portion 103, the steel rod 110 is temporarily elastically bent and the relative protrusion of the rigid rod 109, that is, the length that interferes with the aligned coins. Axial end portions 109c, 109
Since c is retracted from the coin, rotation of the rigid rod 109 itself is not hindered. As a result of eliminating the factors that obstruct the rotation of the steel rod 110 and the rigid rod 109, the phenomenon of the disk 104 being locked and the motor being overloaded can be prevented.

Since the rigid rod 109 is made of a highly rigid material that is not easily deformed, the coin is elastically supported between the rigid rod 109 and the inner peripheral wall 103a of the reduced diameter portion 103 so that the disc 104 has a hole. The situation shown in FIG. 8 in which entry into the area is hindered is also prevented.

In this way, the hopper 10 is operated while the coins are repeatedly ejected by the rotation of the disk 104.
When the number of stored coins in 1 gradually decreases, the coins stored in the layer above the load distribution plate 115 gradually slides down along the inclination of the load distribution plate 115 to replenish the reduced amount. . Further, when the bulk of the coins in the hopper 101 temporarily increases due to changes in the distribution state of the coins or the contact state between the coins, and the level of the coins in the upper layer rises, the load distribution plate 115 is the swing shaft 11
It is possible to prevent the load acting on the disc 104 or the like located in the lowermost layer of the hopper 101 from being increased unintentionally by swinging upward about 7 and increasing the torque required for the rotation of the disc 104. Therefore, damage to the disk 104 caused by excessive rotation is prevented.

If the only purpose is to reduce the motor torque required for rotationally driving the disk 104 in the state where a large amount of coins are thrown into the hopper 101, the load distribution plate 115 is tilted and the hopper is tilted. 10
However, in such a case, the lower surface of the load distribution plate 115 suppresses an increase in the bulk of coins that occurs on the lower layer side than the load distribution plate 115.
There is a problem that the internal pressure rises below the load distribution plate 115 and an excessive load acts on the disk 104. To solve this, the load distribution plate 115 can be swung freely as in this embodiment. Is desirable.

If the purpose of the load distribution plate 115 is simply to support the load of coins when a large number of coins are thrown in, it is desirable to place it on the lower layer side of the hopper 101. However, if the deployment position is too lower, the load distribution plate 115 itself may interfere with the supply of coins to the reduced diameter portion 103, resulting in an inadvertent gap or bridge phenomenon. If the deployment position is too high, there is no meaning to support the load of the coins in the popper 101, and the load distribution plate 115 moves upward in response to an increase in the volume generated on the lower side of the load distribution plate 115. There is also a risk that the coins on the load distribution plate 115 will fall to the outside and spill when swung. In consideration of these situations, at least the position of the load distribution plate 115 that is optimal for the shape and size of the hopper 101 as shown in FIG. 1 is determined by the swing shaft 117, that is, the load distribution. The vertical distance between the upstream end of the plate 115 and the upper edge of the hopper 101 is roughly the position of one coin. Although the scale is not clarified with respect to FIG. 1,
The size of the hopper 101 can be estimated based on the size of the coin to be used and the relationship between the swing shaft 117 and the upper edge of the hopper 101.

[0035]

The coin dispensing device according to the present invention stirs the coins in the hopper by pressing the coins with the relative protrusions of the non-rotating body of the rigid rod that rotates integrally with the disc. Therefore, it is possible to surely stir the coins regardless of the postures of the coins such as the horizontal state and the upright state to prevent the occurrence of the bridge. Moreover, the rigid rod that stirs the coin is fixed to the disc through the steel rod, and the radial cross-section of the steel rod is formed in a circular shape, so that the inner peripheral wall of the reduced diameter portion between the hopper and the substrate is Even if a coin is caught between the steel rod and the steel rod, the rotation of the steel rod or the rigid rod is not locked, and the disk or the motor is prevented from being overloaded. Further, since the rigid rod has a high rigidity and is not easily elastically deformed, an accident in which the coin is elastically supported between the wall surface of the hopper and the rigid rod to prevent the coin from falling into the hole is prevented. Further, the bridge generated by using the tip of the rigid rod as a fulcrum can be eliminated by the stirring action generated by the V-shaped through groove formed at the tip of the rigid rod engaging with the coin and rotating.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a coin dispensing device of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

2A and 2B are diagrams showing in detail a coin stirring bar in the coin dispensing device of the embodiment, FIG. 2A being a top view and FIG. 2B.
Is a front view, and FIG. 2C is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge generated using a wall surface of a hopper as a fulcrum.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge generated using a wall surface of a hopper as a fulcrum.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge generated by aligning coins in parallel with a coin stirring bar.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a lock generated by aligning coins in parallel with a coin stirring bar.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lock generated by aligning coins in parallel with a coin stirring bar.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a problem caused by elastically supporting a coin by a coin stirring bar.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge generated using the wall surface of the hopper and the tip of the coin stirring rod as a fulcrum.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge generated using the wall surface of the hopper and the tip of the coin stirring rod as a fulcrum.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 coin dispenser 101 hopper 102 substrate 103 reduced diameter portion 103a reduced diameter portion inner peripheral wall 103b upper edge of reduced diameter portion 104 disc 108 coin stirring rod 109 rigid rod 110 steel rod 111 V-shaped through groove

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A disc having a plurality of holes for concentrating coins arranged concentrically is provided in a reduced diameter portion between a hopper and a substrate for rotation, and coins captured through the holes are rotated by the disc. In a coin dispensing device which is conveyed by the above and guided to a coin dispensing port, it is integrally fixed by projecting on the upper surface of the disc along the rotation center of the disc and having a height higher than the upper edge of the reduced diameter portion. And a non-rotating body-shaped rigid rod having a larger diameter than the steel rod is fixed to the tip of the steel rod having a circular cross-section in the radial direction. 2. The coin dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the rigid body rod has an elliptical cross-section in the radial direction. 3. The coin dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein a V-shaped through groove is formed along the short axis of the upper end surface of the rigid rod.