Patent Publication Number: US-2020286320-A1

Title: Apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins and more particularly, to an apparatus for automatically conducting separation and discrimination of coins which are stored in a storing unit and subsequent conveyance and distribution of the coins thus separated and discriminated. 
     In this specification, the term “coin” has a wide meaning that includes not only coins as currency but also coin equivalents such as tokens and medals other than coins as currency, in which the shape of a “coin” is not limited to a circular one and may be a polygonal or any other one. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, apparatuses for automatically conducting separation and discrimination of coins and subsequent conveyance and distribution of the coins thus separated and discriminated, which is typically used for a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus, have been known. For example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 5760233 issued on Jun. 19, 2015 discloses a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus which comprises a coin separation unit using a rotary disk (a rotary plate), a denomination discrimination unit using a rotary wiper (a rotor), and a coin conveyance and distribution unit using an endless belt and a guide rail. The coin separation unit, the denomination discrimination unit, and the conveyance and distribution unit are aligned in such a way that coins to be processed are conveyed along an approximately straight line in a horizontal plane when seeing macroscopically. 
     Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4997374 issued on May 25, 2012 discloses a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus which has an approximately the same structure as that disclosed by Publication No. 5760233. 
     Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6074640 issued on Jan. 20, 2017 discloses a coin sorting apparatus using image discrimination which has a rotary wiper for denomination discrimination and a chute mounted below the rotary wiper. The denomination of coins is discriminated using the rotary wiper and the coins thus discriminated are sorted according to their denominations and thereafter, the coins are guided by the chute to coin storing containers which are provided for the respective denominations. 
     With the conventional apparatuses for discrimination and conveyance of coins, such as the coin depositing/dispensing apparatus disclosed in Publication Nos. 5760233 and No. 4997374 described above, the coin separation and discrimination section contains the coin separation unit that separates coins which are stored in a container, and the denomination discrimination unit that discriminates the denomination of the coins thus separated and therefore, the whole length of this separation and discrimination section is likely to be long. For this reason, there arises a problem that the size of a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus increases inevitably if the said coin separation and discrimination section is combined with the coin conveyance and distribution unit that distributes the denomination-discriminated coins into the coin storing containers which are provided for the respective denominations while conveying the said coins, thereby constituting the coin depositing/dispensing apparatus. If the coin separation and discrimination section and/or the coin conveyance and distribution unit can be downsized, the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins (and therefore, the coin depositing/dispensing apparatus) can be downsized. However, it is not necessarily easy to downsize them. Accordingly, it is very effective if the coin depositing/dispensing apparatus can be downsized in a different manner from the method of downsizing the coin separation and discrimination section and/or the coin conveyance and distribution unit itself/themselves. 
     With the aforementioned structure disclosed in Publication No. 6074640, the rotary wiper and the chute mounted below the same are used to largely change the conveying direction of coins to be processed and therefore, from the aforementioned point of view, there is a possibility that the coin depositing/dispensing apparatus may be downsized as desired by using any structure which is the same as or similar to that disclosed in Publication No. 6074640. However, desired downsizing cannot be achieved by simply using such the manner as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention was created while taking the aforementioned circumstances into consideration. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins that makes it possible to achieve downsizing of this apparatus itself with a simple and low-cost structure compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatuses of this type. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins that makes it possible to achieve downsizing of this apparatus itself compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatuses of this type without changing the fundamental or basic structure of the coin discrimination unit. 
     The above objects together with others not specifically mentioned here will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following description. 
     An apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the present invention comprises: 
     a coin separation unit that is configured to separate coins which are stored in a coin storing unit from each other, thereby sending the separated coins in a predetermined attitude; 
     a coin discrimination unit, mounted on a supporting member which comprises an opening, that is configured to discriminate a denomination of coins which are sent from the coin separation unit, thereby sending the discriminated coins; and 
     a coin conveyance and distribution unit that is configured to distribute coins which are subjected to denomination discrimination in the coin discrimination unit according to respective denominations while conveying the coins. 
     wherein coins separated in the coin separation unit are moved in a first direction in a plan view through a first delivering region and delivered to the coin discrimination unit; wherein the first delivering region is formed at a connecting part of the coin separation unit to the coin discrimination unit; 
     coins whose denomination is discriminated in the coin discrimination unit are moved in a second direction which is approximately perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view through a second delivering region and delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit; wherein the second delivering region is formed at a connecting part of the coin discrimination unit and the coin conveyance and distribution unit; 
     a moving direction of coins is changed from the first direction to the second direction through the opening in the second delivering region; and 
     coins are subjected to distribution while being conveyed in the second direction in the coin conveyance and distribution unit. 
     With the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the present invention, as explained above, coins which are separated from each other by the coin separation unit are moved along the first direction in a plan view through the first delivering region to be delivered to the coin discrimination unit and then, the denomination of the coins are discriminated by the coin discrimination unit. Thereafter, the coins thus discriminated are moved along the second direction which is approximately perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view to be delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit. In the coin separation unit, a plate-shaped rotating member such as a rotary disk is usually used and therefore, when seeing in a plan view, the ratio (Ls/Ds) of the length Ls of the coin separation unit in the first direction with respect to the depth Ds of the same in the second direction is considerably large in value while taking the fact that a driving mechanism for the rotating member is disposed adjacent to the rotating member on its back side into consideration. This is because the length Ls of the coin separation unit in the first direction is considerably larger than the depth Ds of the coin separation unit in the second direction. 
     Moreover, in the coin discrimination unit, a plate-shaped rotating member such as a rotary wiper is usually used and therefore, when seeing in a plan view, the ratio (Ld/Dd) of the length Ld of the coin discrimination unit in the first direction with respect to the depth Dd of the same in the second direction is considerably large in value while taking the fact that a driving mechanism for the rotating member is disposed adjacent to the said rotating member on its back side, similar to the coin separation unit. This is because the length Ld of the coin discrimination unit in the first direction is considerably larger in value than the depth Dd of the coin separation unit in the second direction. 
     For this reason, regarding the combination of the coin separation unit and the coin discrimination unit (i.e., the coin separation and discrimination unit) which is formed by aligning the coin separation unit and the coin discrimination unit in the first direction to be adjacent to each other, the ratio (Lsd/Dsd) of the length Lsd of this combination in the first direction with respect to the depth Dsd of the same in the second direction is larger in value than each of the ratios (Ls/Ds) and (Ld/Dd). This means that the coin separation and discrimination unit as the combination has a feature that the length Lsd is relatively large and the depth Dsd is relatively small and that the ratio (Lsd/Dsd) of the length Lsd with respect to the depth Dsd is very large, in other words, the coin separation and discrimination unit has an elongated shape which is elongated in the first direction. 
     On the other hand, in the coin conveyance and distribution unit, since a plurality of coin ejection devices are arranged along a straight line, the length Lcd varies in accordance with the total number of the denominations to be processed. However, generally speaking, the coin conveyance and distribution unit has a feature that the length Lcd is relatively large and the depth Dcd is relatively small and that the ratio (Lcd/Dcd) of the length Lcd with respect to the depth Dcd is very large, in other words, the coin conveyance and distribution unit has an elongated shape which is elongated along the straight line. 
     Accordingly, when constituting the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins by combining the aforementioned combination (i.e., the coin separation unit and the discrimination unit which are aligned along a straight line) with the coin conveyance and distribution unit, it is preferred that the aforementioned combination and the coin conveyance and distribution unit are disposed so as to be perpendicular to each other in a plan view to reduce the size of the apparatus. For example, it is preferred that the aforementioned combination is disposed in the first direction and the coin conveyance and distribution unit (or the coin conveyance path) is disposed in the second direction in a plan view. This layout may be termed the “L-shaped layout”. This is because the length of apparatus using the L-shaped layout in the second direction is considerably smaller than that of the conventional linear layout where both of the aforementioned combination (i.e., the coin separation and discrimination unit) and the coin conveyance and distribution unit are disposed in the second direction. This is reflection of the aforementioned feature that the coin separation and discrimination unit (i.e., the combination of the coin separation unit and the coin discrimination unit) has an elongated shape extended in the first direction and the feature that the coin conveyance and distribution unit has an elongated shape extended in the second direction. 
     As a result, the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the present invention can be downsized compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatus of this type. 
     Moreover, since the need for realizing the aforementioned L-shaped layout is to change the moving direction of coins which are moved in the aforementioned combination (i.e., the coin separation and discrimination unit) to the second direction from the first direction and vice versa by way of the second delivering region formed at the connecting part of the coin discrimination unit and the coin conveyance and distribution unit, the aforementioned downsizing can be realized with a simple and low-cost structure. 
     Furthermore, to realize the aforementioned downsizing, it is sufficient to provide the second delivering region at the connecting part of the coin discrimination unit and the coin conveyance and distribution unit and therefore, it is unnecessary to change the fundamental or basic structure of the coin discrimination unit. Accordingly, downsizing of the said apparatus itself can be achieved compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatuses of this type without changing the fundamental or basic structure of the coin discrimination unit. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin discrimination unit conducts its discrimination operation for coins which are delivered from the coin separation unit by way of the first delivering region using a plate-shaped rotating member (e.g., a rotary wiper) which is rotationally driven on the supporting member. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin discrimination unit conducts its discrimination operation for coins which are delivered from the coin separation unit by way of the first delivering region using a plate-shaped rotating member (e.g., a rotary wiper) which is rotationally driven on the supporting member and a guide wall which is formed on the supporting member; and 
     the guide wall conducts its guiding operation (i) when coins are delivered from the coin separation unit to the coin discrimination unit by way of the first delivering region, (ii) when coins which are delivered to the coin discrimination unit are moved in the coin discrimination unit, and (iii) when coins which are moved in the coin discrimination unit are delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit by way of the second delivering region. 
     In still another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin discrimination unit comprises a plate-shaped rotary member (e.g., a rotary wiper) which is rotationally driven on the supporting member inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and 
     discrimination sensors fixed on the supporting member in a discrimination region that is overlapped with the rotary member; and 
     discrimination of coins which are delivered from the coin separation unit to the coin discrimination unit by way of the first delivering region is performed using the discrimination sensors when the coins pass through the discrimination region in response to rotation of the rotary member. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin separation unit conducts its separation operation for coins which are stored in the coin storing unit from each other using a plate-shaped rotary member (e.g., a rotary disk) which is rotationally driven on the supporting member. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin separation unit is mounted on the supporting member along with the coin discrimination unit; and 
     the first delivering region is formed on the supporting member. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, there are provided with a direction changing member that is formed to change a moving direction of coins which are delivered from the coin discrimination unit through the opening; and 
     a coin conveyance path, formed in the coin conveyance and distribution unit, that is configured to allow the delivered coins from the coin discrimination unit through the opening to move for distribution; 
     wherein the direction changing member is disposed near an entrance of the coin conveyance path; 
     the direction changing member is configured in such a way that the delivered coins from the coin discrimination unit through the opening are contacted with the direction changing member, thereby adjusting the moving direction of the delivered coins from the coin discrimination unit to the entrance of the coin conveyance path. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the direction changing member and the coin conveyance and distribution unit are placed on a back side of the supporting member; and 
     the delivered coins from the coin discrimination unit through the opening are contacted with the direction changing member and entered the entrance of the coin conveyance path on the back side of the supporting member using natural falling of the coins due to gravity. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the coin conveyance path is formed using a guide rail and an inclined surface; 
     the guide rail forms a bottom of the coin conveyance path; 
     the inclined surface forms one sidewall of the coin conveyance path; and 
     coins are conveyed on the coin conveyance path in an obliquely standing state while a periphery and one side of each coin are respectively supported by the guide rail and the inclined surface. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, an endless belt to which pins are fixed at intervals is extended along the coin conveyance path; and 
     each coin is engaged with any one of the pins and conveyed on the coin conveyance path according to traveling of the belt. 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the belt is travelled by a common driving force in synchronization with an operation motion of the coin separation unit and an operation of the coin discrimination unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the present invention may be readily carried into effect, it will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is seen obliquely downward from the upper left front. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , which is seen obliquely downward from the upper left rear. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which a substrate box is open and which is seen obliquely downward from the upper left rear. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , which is seen obliquely upward from the lower left rear. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , which is seen obliquely upward from the lower left front. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which a rear cover that covers an upper opening of an endless belt receiving section of a coin conveyance and distribution unit, a front cover that covers an upper opening of a sensor and solenoid receiving section of the same unit, a head, and a substrate box are detached. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view showing the overall structure of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the rear and front covers, the head, and the substrate box are detached. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view showing main constitutional elements of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the rear and front covers are detached, which is seen obliquely downward from the upper left front. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view showing the main constitutional elements of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1  in which the rear and front covers are detached, which is seen obliquely upward from the lower right rear. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged explanatory view showing the structure of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged explanatory view showing the structure of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the substrate box is detached so as to uncover underlying discrimination sensors. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged explanatory view showing the structure of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head, the substrate box, and a casing are detached. 
         FIG. 14A  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached. 
         FIG. 14B  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 14C  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14B . 
         FIG. 14D  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14C . 
         FIG. 14E  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14D . 
         FIG. 14F  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14E . 
         FIG. 14G  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14F . 
         FIG. 14H  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14G . 
         FIG. 14I  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14H . 
         FIG. 14J  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14I . 
         FIG. 14K  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14J . 
         FIG. 14L  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14K . 
         FIG. 14M  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14L . 
         FIG. 14N  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14M . 
         FIG. 14O  is an explanatory view showing the coin feeding operation of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the head and the substrate box are detached, which is subsequent to  FIG. 14N . 
         FIG. 15  is an explanatory view showing the structure of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which a lid of the substrate box is detached. 
         FIG. 16  is an explanatory view showing the structure of the coin separation and discrimination unit of the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which a control substrate provided in the substrate box is detached. 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged explanatory view showing the structure of the second delivering region which is formed at the connecting part of the coin separation and discrimination unit and the coin conveyance and distribution unit in the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged explanatory view showing the structure of the second delivering region which is formed at the connecting part of the coin separation and discrimination unit and the coin conveyance and distribution unit in the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19A  is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the situation where a coin or coins stored in the coin storing unit is/are returned in accordance with an ejecting action by a user in the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the state before the ejecting action is performed is shown. 
         FIG. 19B  is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the situation where a coin or coins stored in the coin storing unit is/are returned in accordance with an ejecting action by a user in the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins of  FIG. 1 , in which the state where a moving part of the head is opened after the ejecting action is performed is shown. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below while referring to the drawings attached. 
     Structure of Apparatus for Discrimination and Conveyance of Coins 
     The schematic overall structure of an apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 8 . Since this apparatus  1  is configured to conduct discrimination and conveyance operations for coins C of eight denominations, coins C that are distributed according to the eight denominations while being conveyed are sent to eight coin ejection devices (not shown) which are prepared to the respective denominations and stored therein. 
     The apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises mainly a coin storing unit  10 , a coin separation and discrimination unit  20 , and a coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . As dearly shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 , a second delivering region P 2  is formed at the connecting part of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . Coins C which are subjected to a coin separation operation and a denomination discrimination operation by the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  are then delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  by way of the second delivering region P 2 . Moreover, the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  is divided into a coin separation section which uses a rotary disk  26  and a coin discrimination section which uses a rotary wiper  27 . The details of the disk  26  and the wiper  27  will be explained later. A first delivering region P 1  is formed at the connecting part of the coin separation section and the coin discrimination section. Coins C which are subjected to the coin separation operation by the coin separation section are then delivered to the coin discrimination section by way of the first delivering region P 1 . 
     In addition, a coin discrimination region P 3  for discriminating the denomination and authenticity of coins C is formed in the coin discrimination section. When coins C which are rotated with the rotation of the rotary wiper  27  pass through the coin discrimination region P 3 , they are subjected to the denomination discrimination and the authenticity discrimination using discrimination sensors  46  provided in or near the coin discrimination region P 3 . 
     The coin storing unit  10  comprises a head  24  attached to the surface of an upper wall  22   a  (see  FIG. 9 ) of a casing  22  of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 . The head  24  is a curved plate-like member, here. A hollow space, to which the rotary disk  26  is exposed, is formed on the depressed inner surface of the head  24  and the surface of the upper wall  22   a . This space serves as a coin storing space of the coin storing unit  10 . 
     The coin separation and discrimination unit  20  comprises the coin separation section that is configured to separate coins C stored in the coin storing unit  10  from each other and to sends the coins C thus separated in a predetermined inclined attitude, and the coin discrimination section that is configured to discriminate the denomination and authenticity of the coins C which are sent from the coin separation section and to sends the coins C thus discriminated to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . As seen from  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the coin separation section and the coin discrimination section are arranged to be adjacent to each other on the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  which has a shape like a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper wall  22   a  is placed to be inclined at 45° with respect to a horizontal plane. The bottom of the casing  22  is opened and the inside of the casing  22  is hollow. An approximately rectangular base plate  21  is attached to the opened bottom of the casing  20 . 
     A first depressed part  22   b , a second depressed part  22   c , a through hole  22   d , and a guide wall  22   e  are formed on the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22 . Since the first depressed part  22   b  is formed to receive the rotary disk  26  for coin separation, this part  22   b  has a circular shape whose diameter is slightly larger than the disk  26  and whose depth is enough for receiving the entirety of the disk  26 . Since the second depressed part  22   d  is formed to receive the rotary wiper  27  for denomination discrimination and authentication discrimination of coins C, this part  22   c  has an approximately circular shape whose diameter is slightly larger than the wiper  27  and whose depth is enough for receiving the entirety of the wiper  27 , which is similar to the first depressed part  22   b . However, the second depressed part  22   c  is necessarily formed in such a way that coins C pass through the upper area of the discrimination sensors  46  for denomination discrimination and authentication discrimination while the coins C are being rotated by the rotary wiper  27  and therefore, the plan shape of this part  22   c  is slightly deformed from a perfect circle (see  FIG. 9 , for example). The discrimination sensors  46 , which are fixed in the casing  22 , are disposed in the coin discrimination region P 3  of the second depressed part  22   c  (see  FIGS. 11 to 13 ). The through hole  22   d  is formed to enable the coins C which have been subjected to denomination discrimination and authenticity discrimination on the upper wall  22   a  to arrive at the entrance of a coin conveyance path  76  which is disposed on the back side of the upper wall  22   a . The through hole  22   d  is placed at the top of the second depressed part  22   c , in other words, at the uppermost position to which the coins C can reach by the rotation of the wiper  27 . Since the coins C of all the denominations to be processed (eight denominations here) need to pass through the upper wall  22   a , the size of the through hole  22   d  is set in such a way as to be larger than the coins C having the largest diameter among all the denominations to be processed. The guide wall  22   e  is formed to define the second depressed part  22   c  and to guide the coins C which are rotated with the rotation of the wiper  27  for discriminating their denomination and authenticity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 , the rotary disk  26  for coin separation comprises a pushing part  26   a , three pushing members  26   b , and three dust drop prevention members  26   d . The pushing part  26   a  has a shape which is formed by removing three portions from the surface layer of a circular plate to form three engaging recesses  26   c , in which three coins C are respectively engaged with these engaging recesses  26   c . The three pushing members  26   b  are respectively placed in the three engaging recesses  26   c  of the pushing part  26   a . The three dust drop prevention members  26   c  are respectively placed right below the corresponding pushing members  26   b . The pushing part  26   a  is formed to push coins C which are engaged with the engaging recesses  26   c  by the rotation of the rotary disk  26  in the first depressed part  22   b . Each of the pushing members  26   b  is configured to be pivoted at the time immediately before a coin C which is being rotated by the rotation of the disk  26  passes through the first delivering region P 1 , thereby pushing the said coin C from the corresponding engaging recess  26   c  for smooth transition to the coin discrimination section. Each of the dust drop prevention member  26   d  is configured to prevent dust from falling to the position below the disk  26  to cause malfunctions. There is no restriction to the overall thickness of the disk  26 ; however, the thickness of the pushing part  26   a  is set so as not to be larger than the thickness of the thinnest coin C among all the denominations to be processed. This is because if the thickness of the pushing part  26   a  is set so as to be larger than the thickness of the thinnest coin C, there is a possibility that two or more of the coins C whose thicknesses are smaller than the thickness thus set are pushed simultaneously. 
     Coins C stored in the coin storing unit  10  tend to enter the three engaging recesses  26   c  of the rotary disk  26  at random to be moved according to the rotation of the disk  26 . Since a coin dropping member  30  is fixed onto the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  in the vicinity of the first depressed part  22   b , coins C which are raised wastefully by the rotation of the disk  26  are dropped and as a result, the coins C are entered the respective engaging recesses  26   c  one by one and rotated with the rotating disk  26  around the center of the disk  26 . For this reason, the coins C stored in the storing unit  10  are separated from each other and entered the respective engaging recesses  26   c  one by one and thereafter, sent successively toward the rotary wiper  27 . In this way, the coin separation operation for the coins C which are taken out of the storing unit  10  is carried out. 
     In the aforementioned coin separation process, each coin C which is entered and engaged with one of the three engaging recesses  26   c  is pushed by the pushing part  26   a . Since of the relevant pushing member  26   b  is configured to push out the coin C from the corresponding engaging recess  26   c  immediately before the said coin pass through the first delivering region P 1 , the said coin C can be shifted smoothly to the coin discrimination section by way of the first delivering region P 1 . This pushing action of the relevant pushing member  26   b  is realized by a grooved cam  28  which is formed on the casing  22  at the position right below the disk  26  and three cam followers  29  which are fixed to the back surface of the disk  26 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the grooved cam  28  is formed on the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22 , and three cam follower pins  29   a  of the cam followers  29  are engaged with the groove of the cam  28 . Since the cam follower pins  29   a  are moved along the groove of the cam  28  in accordance with the rotation of the disk  26 , the pushing members  26   b  are pivoted outward or inward around their rocking shafts  29   b  which are provided for the respective pins  29   a . As a result, each of the pushing members  26   b  can be pivoted to push out the coin C from the corresponding engaging recess  26   c  at the time immediately before the said coin C passes through the first delivering region P 1  during its rotation, and can be kept close to the corresponding engaging recess  26   c  except for the time of conducting this pushing action. 
     Since a delivering direction regulation or control member  31  is fixed near the first delivering region P 1 , the coins C which pass through the first delivering region P 1  are surely sent to the second depressed part  22   c  formed on the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22 . Here, the delivering direction regulation or control member  31  is fixed to the upper wall  22  at the position where the outer edge of the first depressed part  22   b  is next to the first delivering region P 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 , the rotary wiper  27  for denomination and authenticity discrimination has a simple shape which is formed by removing three portions from a circular plate to form three engaging holes for coins C. Thus, the wiper  27  has three radially extending arms which are arranged around the center of the wiper  27  at equal angular intervals. An engaging hole with which a coin C can be engaged is formed by the two adjoining arms of the wiper  27 . The wiper  27  receives the coins C sent to the second depressed part  22   c  by way of the first delivering region P 1  by using three arms, and discriminates the denomination and authenticity of the coins C thus received while rotating the coins C around the center of the wiper  27 . Thereafter, the coins C thus discriminated are sent to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  by way of the second delivering region P 2 . The discrimination operation for the denomination and authenticity of the coins C is carried out in the discrimination region P 3  formed in the second depressed part  22   c . The through hole  22   d  is formed in the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  at the corresponding position to the second delivering region P 2 , and an opening  21   a  is formed on the top end of the base plate  21  which is placed on the back side of the casing  22 . The opening  21   a  is disposed at the position overlapped with the through hole  22   d . Therefore, the coins C whose denomination and authenticity have been discriminated can pass through the through hole  22   d  and the opening  21   a  which are disposed in the second delivering region P 2  to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . This means that the said coins C can penetrate the casing  22  and the base plate  21  to reach the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . The overall thickness of the rotary wiper  27  (which is approximately equal to the height of the guide wall  22   e ) is approximately the same as the thickness of the thickest coin C among all the denominations to be processed. 
     The coins C sent to the second depressed part  22   c  (i.e., the coin discrimination section) by the rotation of the rotary disk  26  are entered and engaged with the respective engaging holes of the wiper  27  while keeping their attitude (in which one side face of each coin C is supported by the inclined surface of the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22 ) and then, moved in the second depressed part  22   c  along the guide wall  22   e  in accordance with the rotation of the rotary wiper  27 . The moving path of the coins C in the coin discrimination section is extended to the second delivering region R 2  from the first delivering region P 1 . However, the discrimination region P 3  is formed between these two delivering regions P 2  and P 1  and therefore, discrimination of the denomination and authenticity of the coins C can be automatically carried out when the coins C pass through the discrimination region P 3 . The shape of the guide wall  22   e  (i.e., the shape of the moving path of the coins C) is determined in such a way that a desired denomination and authenticity discrimination operation of the coins C is automatically carried out in the discrimination region P 3 . For this reason, the denomination and authenticity discrimination operation of the coins C is conducted only by moving the coins C along the guide wall  22   e  in the second depressed part  22   c  using the rotary wiper  27 . 
     The rotary disk  26  and the rotary wiper  27  that perform the above-described operations are rotationally driven using the driving force of a single electric motor  41  in the following way: 
     The electric motor  41  is fixed to the back surface of the base plate  21 . The rotational shaft of this motor  41  is protruded from the surface of the base plate  21  through the same. A driving gear  42 , which is connected to the rotational shaft of the motor  41 , is exposed from the surface of the base plate  21 . The rotation of the driving gear  42  is transmitted to driven gears  43 ,  44 , and  45  which are rotatably supported on the surface of the base plate  21  in this order. Since the rotational shaft of the rotary disk  26  is connected to the driving gear  42 , the rotary disk  26  is rotationally driven at the same rotational frequency as that of the driving gear  42 . Since the rotational shaft of the rotary wiper  27  is connected to the driven gear  45 , the wiper  27  is rotationally driven at the same rotational frequency as that of the driven gear  45 . Since the count of the gear teeth of each of the driven gears  43 ,  44 , and  45  is set in such a way that the rotational frequency per minute of the disk  26  is equal to that of the wiper  27 , the disk  26  and the wiper  27  are rotated in the opposite directions at the same rotational speed. This means that the disk  26  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the wiper  27  is rotated in the clockwise direction, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The discrimination sensors  46  are fixed to the surface of the base plate  12  in the discrimination region P 3 . As the discrimination sensors  46 , any known sensor may be used and therefore, detailed explanation about the sensors  46  are omitted here. In addition, the reference numeral  46   a  shown in  FIG. 10  denotes the part to which the discrimination sensors  46  are attached or mounted, which is termed a “discrimination sensor mounting part” here. 
     A wiper rotation detection sensor  47  is provided on the surface of the base plate  21  for the purpose of detecting whether or not the rotary wiper  27  keeps rotating at a predetermined rotational frequency. In this embodiment, the sensor  47  is configured to detect optically the rotation of the driven gear  44 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , small holes are formed on the driven gear  44  in the circumferential direction at equal intervals and a known light emitting device is provided on the back side of the driven gear  44 . The wiper rotation detection sensor  47  is configured to detect the light which passes through a designated one of the small holes from the light emitting device (see  FIG. 13 ). Since the light passing though the designated small hole flashes on and off according to the rotation of the driven gear  44  when seeing from the surface side of the base plate  21 , the rotational situation of the wiper  27  can be easily known by detecting this flashing light. 
     A residual quantity detection sensor  25 , which is mounted on the side face of the head  24 , is provided for detecting the residual quantity of coins C which are waiting for processing (i.e., the total number of the coins C retained in the coin storing unit  10  to wait for processing). The head  24  is not integrated with a substrate box  23 . In addition, the head  24  comprises a moving part  24   a , which is provided for returning a coin or coins C stored in the coin storing unit  10  in accordance with an ejecting operation by a user. Normally, the moving part  24   a  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 19A . However, when an ejecting operation is applied, the moving part  24   a  is opened, as shown in  FIG. 19B , and as a result, a coin or coins C is/are dropped through an opening formed by the moving part  24   a  to be returned. The opening and closing of the moving part  24   a  are detected by an opening/closing detection sensor (not shown) which is incorporated into the head  24 . 
     A linking part  48 , which is formed to protrude from the surface of the base plate  21 , is a part for linking a solenoid  40  which is provided on the back side of the base plate  21  with the moving part  24   a  of the head  24 . When the solenoid  40  is energized or deenergized, the linking part  48  is moved according to the reciprocating motion of the plunger of the solenoid  40 . The moving part  24   a  is configured to be opened or closed according to the reciprocating motion of the solenoid  40 . This means that the linking part  48  realizes a desired linking operation between the moving part  24   a  and the solenoid  40  regardless of whether the moving part  24   a  is opened or closed. 
     Next, the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  will be explained below with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 . 
     In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  comprises first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4  which are arranged along the extending direction of this unit  60  from the side of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 . Eight coin ejection devices (not shown) are provided right below the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4  according to the eight denominations of coins C to be processed in this apparatus  1 . Two of the eight coin ejection devices, one of which is placed at the front side and the other at the rear side, are assigned to each of the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4 . Coins C are distributed by the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4  according to the respective denominations while being conveyed in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  in a predetermined conveyance direction indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 1  and then, the coins C thus distributed are dropped naturally from the first to fourth distribution sections D 1  to D 4  into the corresponding coin ejection devices and stored therein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  comprises a body  61  that extends linearly in the coin conveyance direction. The body  61  is divided into an endless belt receiving section which is relatively high and disposed on the rear side, and a sensor and solenoid receiving section which is relatively low and disposed on the front side. 
     In the endless belt receiving section of the body  61 , a pair of driven gears  64  and  65  which are arranged at a predetermined distance, an endless belt  63  which is stretched between the driven gears  64  and  65 , and four distribution flap driving solenoids  72  are provided. The upper opening of the endless belt receiving section is covered with a rear cover  77 . An inclined portion  77   a  (see  FIG. 1 ) is formed in the front part of the rear cover  77 , and a guide rail  66  is mounted near the lower end of the inclined portion  77   a . The guide rail  66 , which has a plan shape like a J character, is extended from the vicinity of the second delivering region P 2  to an overflow path  75  which is disposed at the terminal of the endless belt receiving section. The guide rail  66  comprises four openings  66   a  that form gates  76   a  of the coin conveyance path  76  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). These four gates  76   a , which are disposed at predetermined intervals, are respectively assigned to the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4 . 
     In the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 , an introducing coin sensor  67 , four conveying coin sensors  68 , four falling coin sensors  69 , four distribution flap driving solenoids  72 , and a reject flap driving solenoid  73  are provided. The upper opening of the sensor and solenoid receiving section is covered with a front cover  78 . An inclined portion  78   a  is formed in the rear part of the front cover  78 . The inclined portion  78   a  of the front cover  78  is overlapped with the inclined portion  77   a  of the rear cover  77  (see  FIG. 1 ). The combination of these two inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a  and the guide rail  66  which is located near the lower end of the inclined portion  77   a  constitutes the coin conveyance path  76  in which coins C are conveyed in their standing state which is inclined with respect to a vertical plane. Thus, the cross section of the coin conveying path  76  is like an inclined U-shape. The coin conveying path  76 , which has a plan shape like a J character, is extended from the vicinity of the second delivering region P 2  to the overflow path  75 . Here, the inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a  of the rear and front covers  77  and  78  have the same inclination angle of approximately 45° with respect to the bottom surface of the body  61 . An inclined edge  61   a  of the body  61 , which is disposed at the terminal side end of the body  61  (at the opposite end to the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 ), has an inclination angle of approximately 30° with respect to the bottom surface of the body  61 . Accordingly, when (the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  of) the apparatus  1  is placed horizontally, each coin C is conveyed on the coin conveying path  76  in the inclined state at approximately 45° with respect to the horizontal plane in the coin conveyance direction shown in  FIG. 1  from the vicinity of the second delivering region P 2  to the overflow path  75 . 
     Engaging pins  63   a  are fixed to the endless belt  3 , which extends along the guide rail  66  so as to be adjacent to the same, at equal intervals and therefore, coins C placed on the guide rail  66  are respectively engaged with any one of the pins  63   a  and pushed in the coin conveying direction according to the movement of the belt  63 . As a result, the said coins C are successively conveyed on the guide rail  66 . 
     In addition, the front cover  77  and the rear cover  78  are attached to the body  61  to cover the endless belt receiving section and the sensor and solenoid receiving section, in which the inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a  of the rear and front covers  77  and  78  constitute the two side walls of the coin conveyance path  76  respectively. Thus, coins C placed on the bottom (i.e., the guide rail  66 ) of the coin conveyance path  76  are moved in the coin conveyance direction while being sandwiched by the inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a . As a result, there is no possibility that the coins C are dropped from the coin conveyance path  76  during conveyance. 
     In this embodiment, the four gates  76   a  are respectively provided in the coin conveying path  76  at the corresponding positions to the four openings  66   a  of the guide rail  66 . These four gates  76   a  are respectively assigned to the first to fourth distribution sections D 1  to D 4 . Each of these gates  76   a  comprises a distribution flap  70  which is driven by a corresponding one of the four distribution flap driving solenoids  72  placed in the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 ; thus, each gate  76   a  can be opened or closed by the corresponding flap  70 . 
     When no voltage is applied to each of the solenoids  72 , the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is kept closed. When a positive voltage is applied to each of the solenoids  72 , the plunger of the corresponding solenoid  72  is moved in a first direction and as a result, the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is moved in a first rotational direction around a predetermined axis. In this state, the corresponding gate  76   a  is opened and the distributed coins C are stored in a corresponding one of the coin ejection devices provided below on the rear side of the said gate  76   a . On the other hand, when a negative voltage is applied to each of the solenoids  72 , the plunger of the corresponding solenoid  72  is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction and as a result, the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In this state, the corresponding gate  76   a  is opened and the distributed coins C are stored in a corresponding one of the coin ejection devices provided below on the front side of the said gate  76   a . In this way, coins C of two denominations are distributed and stored in the corresponding coin ejection devices by way of each of the four gates  76   a  and therefore, coins C of eight denominations can be distributed and stored in the eight coin ejection devices. 
     Next, the aforementioned constituent elements of the coin conveying and distribution unit  60  will be explained in detail below. 
     The endless belt  63 , which is provided in the endless belt receiving section of the body  61 , comprises gear teeth and is stretched between the driven gears  64  and  65  which are fixed at the predetermined interval. The driven gears  64  and  65  are respectively supported by rotational axes  62   a  and  62   b  and respectively rotated around these axes  62   a  and  62   b . The belt  63  is supported to be approximately horizontal by the driven gears  64  and  65 . Since the driven gear  64  disposed near the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  is connected to the driven gear  45  disposed in the same unit  20  by way of a linking gear  64   a  (see  FIG. 18 ) which is directly connected to the overlying driven gear  64 , the driven gear  64  is rotationally driven by the electric motor  41  provided in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 . For this reason, the belt  63  is also rotationally driven by the motor  41  similar to the rotary disk  26  and the rotary wiper  27 . The driven gear  64  may be rotationally driven by any other electric motor than the motor  41 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the pins  63   a  are fixed to the belt  63  at the predetermined intervals and thus, coins C are successively engaged with any one of these pins  63   a  and conveyed on the coin conveyance path  76  according to the traveling of the belt  63 . Since the endless belt receiving section is covered with the rear cover  77 , the belt  63  and the driven gears  64  and  65  are not seen from the outside. 
     Regarding the sensors provided in the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 , the introducing coin sensor  67 , the conveying coin sensors  68 , and the falling coin sensors  69  are configured to conduct the following operations. 
     The introducing coin sensor  67 , which is disposed at the starting end of the coin conveyance path  76  (or the guide rail  66 ), detects the presence or absence of the introduction of a coin C into the path  76  and the introduction timing when the introduction of a coin C is present. By the output signal of the introducing coin sensor  67 , a control device (a control program) of the apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins, which is mounted on a control substrate  32  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) disposed in the substrate box  23  of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 , can know the presence or absence of the introduction of a coin C into the path  76  and the introduction timing when the introduction of a coin C is present. 
     The four conveying coin sensors  68 , which are arranged along the coin conveying path  76  at the predetermined intervals (here, at equal intervals), are respectively disposed at the positions immediately after the four gates  76   a  of the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4 . Each of the four conveying coin sensors  68  detects the presence or absence of the conveyance of a coin C at the corresponding gate  76   a  of the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4 , and the conveyance timing when the conveyance of a coin C is present. By the output signal of each conveying coin sensor  68 , the control device (the control program) of the apparatus  1  (which is mounted on the control substrate  32 ) can know the presence or absence of the conveyance of a coin C at the position immediately after the corresponding gate  76   a  of the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4 , and the conveyance timing when the conveyance of a coin C is present. 
     The four falling coin sensors  69 , which are arranged along the coin conveying path  76  at the predetermined intervals (here, at equal intervals) to be slightly apart forward from the coin conveying path  76 , are respectively disposed at the positions right above four distribution paths  79  which lead to the four gates  76   a  of the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4 . Each of the falling coin sensors  69  detects the presence or absence of the falling of a coin C through the corresponding gate  76   a  of the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  when the said gate  76   a  is opened and the number of the falling coins C when the falling of a coin C is present. By the output signal of each falling coin sensor  69 , the control device (the control program) of the apparatus  1  can know the presence or absence of the falling of a coin C through the corresponding gate  76   a  of the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4 , and the number of the falling coins C when the falling of a coin C is present. 
     Regarding the solenoids provided in the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 , the four distribution flap driving solenoids  72  and the reject flap driving solenoid  73  are configured to conduct the following operations. 
     The four distribution flap driving solenoid  72  are respectively provided for driving the four distribution flaps  70  to open and close the four gates  76   a  of the first to fourth distribution sections D 1  to D 4 . Each of the distribution flaps  70 , which is disposed in the corresponding gate  76   a , distributes coins C of two predetermined denominations into the corresponding two coin ejection devices (not shown) which are attached to the bottom of the body  61 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the eight distribution paths  79  in total are formed in the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 . Each of the distribution paths  79  has an opening at the bottom of the body  61 , which are clearly shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Each of the distribution paths  79  has another opening (not shown) connected to the corresponding gate  76   a  of the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4 . 
     As already explained above, when no voltage is applied to each of the distribution flap driving solenoids  72 , the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the corresponding gate  76   a  of first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is kept closed. When a positive voltage is applied to each of the solenoids  72 , the plunger of the corresponding solenoid  72  is moved in the first direction and as a result, the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is moved in the first rotational direction around the predetermined axis. In this state, the corresponding gate  76   a  is opened and the distributed coins C are stored in the coin ejection device provided on the rear side of the said gate  76   a . On the other hand, when a negative voltage is applied to each of the solenoids  72 , the plunger of the corresponding solenoid  72  is moved in the second direction opposite to the first direction and as a result, the corresponding distribution flap  70  in the first, second, third, or fourth distribution section D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , or D 4  is rotated in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In this state, the corresponding gate  76   a  is opened and the distributed coins C are stored in the other coin ejection device provided on the front side of the said gate  76   a . In this way, coins C of two denominations are distributed and stored in the corresponding two coin ejection devices by way of each gate  76   a . Accordingly, coins C of the predetermined eight denominations can be distributed and stored in the eight coin ejection devices, respectively, using the four distribution flap driving solenoids  72 . 
     The rejection flap driving solenoid  73  is provided for driving a rejection flap  71  (see  FIG. 9 ) to open and close a rejection gate (not shown) which is provided in or near the first distribution section D 1 . The rejection flap  72 , which is disposed in the rejection gate, distributes selectively rejecting coins C which are judged not to be processed (e.g., counterfeit coins) by the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  into a coin storing container (not shown) which is provided for storing the rejecting coins C. A dedicated rejection path (not shown) is formed in the sensor and solenoid receiving section of the body  61 . The rejection path has an opening at the bottom of the body  61 . The rejection path has another opening (not shown) connected to the rejection gate. 
     When no voltage is applied to the rejection flap driving solenoid  73 , the rejection flap in the rejection gate is kept closed. When a voltage is applied to the solenoid  73 , the plunger of the solenoid  73  is moved and as a result, the rejection flap is moved in a predetermined rotational direction around a predetermined axis. In this state, the rejection gate is opened and thus, the rejecting coins C are stored in the coin storing container. 
     The overflow path  75 , which is disposed at the terminal end of the endless belt receiving section of the body  61  (see  FIG. 1 ), is provided for discharging and collecting overflowed coins C, that is, coins C that exceed the corresponding storage limits of the eight coin ejection devices attached to the bottom of the body  61  and/or coins C that are instructed to be discharged by the control device of the apparatus  1 . Since the overflow path  75  has an opening which is formed at the bottom surface of the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  (see  FIG. 4 ), the overflowed coins C are quickly sent to a predetermined dispensing tray (not shown) to be returned to users. The judgement whether coins C are overflowed or not and the coin discharging process when coins C are judged overflowed are controlled by a control device (a control program) mounted on a main apparatus (e.g., a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus) into which the apparatus  1  is incorporated. Unlike this, only the processes in the coin discrimination section of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  are controlled by the control device (the control program) which is mounted on the control substrate  32  provided in the substrate box  23  of the apparatus  1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 17 , a plate-shaped direction changing member  74  is provided near the starting end of the coin conveyance path  76 . The direction changing member  74  is a member that is used for changing the moving direction of coins C which have passed through the second delivering region P 2  to go to the outside of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in order for the said coins C to correctly arrive at the starting end of the coin conveyance path  76  to enter the same. To enable the smooth transition of coins C to the coin conveying path  76  from the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 , the starting end of the guide rail  66  and that of the inclined portion  77   a  of the rear cover  77  are disposed near the exit of the second delivering region P 2  (which includes the through hole  22   d  of the casing  22  and the opening  21   a  of the base plate  21 ). At the exit of the second delivering region P 2 , the moving direction of the coins C is diagonally downward with respect to the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  and the base plate  21  and away from the upper wall  22   a  and the base plate  21  due to the rotational driving force of the rotary wiper  27  and the gravity. On the other hand, the opening of the starting end (i.e., the entrance) of the coin conveyance path  76  is pointed to a direction perpendicular to the upper wall  22   a  and the base plate  21  and therefore, the moving direction of the coins C and the direction of the entrance of the path  76  have a large difference. This means that it is difficult for the coins C to enter the entrance of the path  76  from the exit of the second delivering region P 2  surely and smoothly without changing the moving direction of the coins C. Accordingly, by mounting or providing the direction changing member  74  at the part between the exit of the second delivering region P 2  and the entrance of the coin conveying path  76 , i.e., the connecting part of the second delivering region P 2  and the coin conveying path  76 , the moving direction of the coins C that are delivered from the second delivering region P 2  is forcibly changed, thereby enabling the coins C to surely enter the entrance of the coin conveyance path  76 . In this way, the coins C that are delivered from the second delivering region P 2  can be introduced into the entrance of the path  76  surely and smoothly and as a result, the coins C can be conveyed by the endless belt  63  in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  in spite of the moving direction of the coins C being changed by approximately 90°. 
     Next, the relationship between the moving direction of coins C in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and that in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  will be explained below. 
     As dearly understood from the aforementioned explanation, the coin separation section using the rotary disk  26  and the coin discrimination section using the rotary wiper  27 , which are combined together to form the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in this embodiment, are mounted on the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22 . Coins C are separated from each other while being rotated by the rotary disk  26  in the coin separation section and thereafter, the coins C thus separated are delivered to the coin discrimination section by way of the first delivering region P 1  in the predetermined attitude, in other words, in the standing state which is inclined along the upper wall  22   a . In the coin discrimination section, the coins C thus delivered are subject to discrimination in denomination and authenticity while being rotated by the rotary wiper  27  and thereafter, the coins C thus discriminated are delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  by way of the second delivering region P 2 . Accordingly, it is apparent that these two processes, i.e., the separation process and the discrimination process, are carried out on the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  while rotating the coins C to be processed on the same surface. Moreover, it is also apparent that the delivering action of the coins C to the coin discrimination section from the coin separation section is conducted in an approximately horizontal direction on the upper wall  22   a . Accordingly, it is understood that the two processes of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  are carried out while moving the coins C along a plane which contains the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  in an approximately horizontal direction. 
     Here, when seeing the moving state or flow of the coins C in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  macroscopically, it can be said that the two processes of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  are carried out while moving the coins C in the upward direction X which is indicated by an up arrow in  FIG. 8  in a horizontal plane, in other words, the moving direction of the coins C during the processes of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  is the upward direction X indicated by the up arrow in  FIG. 8 . 
     On the other hand, in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , the linear coin conveyance path  76 , which is formed using the guide rail  66  and the inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a  of the rear and front covers  77  and  78 , is extended along the longitudinal axis of the body  61  in an approximately horizontal plane. Coins C to be processed are subjected to the distribution process according to the predetermined denominations and the discharge process for the (inappropriate) coins C to be rejected while being conveyed on the coin conveyance path  76  and then, the coins C thus subjected in this way are moved downward from the path  76 . 
     Accordingly, when seeing the moving state or flow of the coins C in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  macroscopically, it can be said that the two processes of the coin distribution and the rejecting coin discharge in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  are carried out while moving the coins C in the rightward direction Y which is indicated by a rightward arrow in  FIG. 8  in the horizontal plane, in other words, the moving direction of the coins C during the processes of the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  is the rightward direction Y indicated by the rightward arrow in  FIG. 8 . 
     Since the aforementioned directions X and Y are perpendicular in the horizontal plane, it can be said that the macroscopic moving direction (i.e., the X direction) of the coins C in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the macroscopic moving direction (i.e., the Y direction) of the coins C in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  have an orthogonal relationship to each other. As a result, there arises an advantage that the overall length of the apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention in the Y direction can be reduced compared with the conventional one where the macroscopic moving direction of the coins C in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and that in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  do not have an orthogonal relationship. This is due to the following reason. 
     Specifically, in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 , the rotary disk  26  is used for coin separation and the rotary wiper  27  is used for coin discrimination and furthermore, the processing surface of the coin separation section and that of the coin discrimination section are formed on the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  and are disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the length L 20  of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in the direction along the long sides of the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  in the horizontal plane (in other words, the length L 20  of the unit  20  in the X direction in  FIG. 8 ) is approximately equal to the sum obtained by adding the width of the first delivering region P 1  to the sum of the diameter of the disk  26  and the diameter of the wiper  27 . This means that it is inevitable that the length L 20  of the unit  20  in the X direction has a considerably large value. 
     On the other hand, the depth, i.e., the depth D 20  of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in the direction perpendicular to the long sides of the flat surface of the upper wall  22   a  in the horizontal plane (in other words, the depth D 20  of the unit  20  in the Y direction in  FIG. 8 ) is restricted to a small value. This is because both of the disk  26  and the wiper  27  themselves are flat and thin and because the depth of the unit  20  in the Y direction is restricted to a small value even if the inclination angle of the upper wall  22   a  and the driving mechanism for the disk  26  and the wiper  27  are taken into consideration. 
     As a result, in summary, the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  has the feature that the length L 20  of the unit  20  in the X direction is relatively large and the depth D 20  of the unit  20  in the Y direction is relatively small and that the ratio (L 20 /D 20 ) of the length L 20  to the depth D 20  is very small. Accordingly, in the apparatus  1  of the embodiment of the present invention in which the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  are arranged to have an orthogonal relationship, the total length L 1  in the Y direction of the apparatus  1  is given as the sum (D 20 +L 60 ) of the depth D 20  of the unit  20  and the length L 60  of the unit  60 . Unlike this, in the conventional layout where the two units  20  and  60  are arranged tin the same direction (i.e., the Y direction), the total length L 0  in the Y direction of the conventional layout is given as the sum (L 20 +L 60 ) of the length L 20  of the unit  20  and the length L 60  of the unit  60 . It is apparent that the former is considerably smaller in value than the latter, i.e., (D 20 +L 60 )&lt;&lt;(L 20 +L 60 ). This fact contributes downsizing of the apparatus  1 . 
     Furthermore, with the apparatus  1  for coin discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment o the present invention, it is sufficient that the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  are arranged or combined to have an orthogonal relationship, and that the through hole  22   d  of the upper wall  22   a  and the opening  21   a  of the base plate  21  are respectively formed and at the same time, the direction changing member  74  is mounted near the starting end of the coin conveyance path  76  of the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , the apparatus  1  can be realized with a simple and low-cost structure compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatuses of the same type. 
     Operation of Apparatus for Discrimination and Conveyance of Coins 
     Next, the operation of the apparatus  1  for coin discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to  FIGS. 14A to 14O . 
     First, as shown in  FIG. 14A , it is supposed that three coins C (which are respectively termed first to third coins) are introduced into the coin separation section of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 . Since the coin separation section is structured in such a way that coins C stored in the coin storing unit  10  enter the three engaging recesses  26   c  one by one, such the state as described here is easily realized. 
     When the rotary disk  26  is further rotated from the state in  FIG. 14A  to arrive at a position where the first coin C has gone beyond the uppermost position of the disk  26  slightly, the relevant pushing member  26   b  which is adjacent to the first coin C is moved around the relevant rocking shaft  29   b , thereby pushing the first coin C outward from the relevant engaging recess  26   c .  FIG. 14B  shows this state. 
     Following this, as shown in  FIG. 14C , when the first coin C is pushed out from the relevant engaging recess  26   c  by the pushing action of the relevant pushing member  26   b  at the position where the said coin C has gone beyond the uppermost position of the disk  26  slightly, the said coin C is contacted with the delivering direction regulation member  31  which is fixed to the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  and as a result, the moving direction of the said coin C is regulated to a direction toward the coin discrimination section. Consequently, the said coin C is forcibly moved to the side of the coin discrimination section. Furthermore, since the said coin C is kept falling at this stage due to the gravity, the said coin C is received by one of the three arms of the rotary wiper  27  which is disposed at the closest position, as shown in  FIG. 14D . At this stage, the said coin C is contacted with the upstream side edge of the closest-positioned arm. In this way, the said coin C is surely delivered to the coin discrimination section from the coin separation section by way of the first delivering region P 1 . 
     The first coin C which is received by the closest-positioned arm of the wiper  27  is moved downward along with the relevant arm by the clockwise rotation of the wiper  27 . This state is shown in  FIG. 14E . When the relevant arm is displaced upward due to the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the said coin C is unable to follow the motion of the said arm due to the gravity and thus, the said coin C is apart from the said arm. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 14F , the said coin C is temporarily stopped at the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e.    
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , (the downstream-side edge of) the next arm is contacted with the first coin C which is temporarily stopped at the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e , thereby raising the said first coin C by the said arm. At this stage, as shown in  FIG. 14G , the second coin C is contacted with (the upstream-side edge of) the said arm and supported by the same. The first coin C which is temporarily stopped is raised by the relevant arm due to the further rotation of the wiper  27 , as shown in  FIG. 14H . Since the first coin C passes through the discrimination region P 3  at this stage, the denomination discrimination and the authenticity discrimination for the first coin C are carried out automatically. Here, not only the denomination discrimination but also the authenticity discrimination are carried out. At this stage, similar to the first coin C, the third coin C is pushed out from the relevant engaging recess  26   c  by the pushing action of the relevant pushing member  26   b.    
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination is further raised by the relevant arm, as shown in  FIG. 14I . At this stage, the second coin C is raised by the relevant arm to pass through the discrimination region P 3  and furthermore, the third coin C passes through the first delivering region P 1  to be delivered to the coin discrimination section from the coin separation section. 
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination arrives at the second delivering region P 2 , as shown in  FIG. 14J . At this stage, since the second coin C is raised by the relevant arm to pass through the discrimination region P 3 , the second coin C is subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination. The state of the third coin C is approximately the same as that of the first coin C shown in  FIG. 14E . 
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C, which has arrived at the second delivering region P 2 , passes through this region P 2 , in other words, passes through the through hole  22   d  of the upper wall  22   a  and the opening  21   a  of the base plate  21 . As a result, the leading end of the first coin C arrives at the back side of the base plate  21  (in other words, the back side of the coin discrimination section), as shown in  FIG. 14K . At this stage, the second coin C, which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination in the discrimination region P 3 , is raised by the relevant arm. The third coin C is temporarily stopped at the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e.    
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C which has passed through the second delivering region P 2 , the leading end of which has arrived at the back side of the base plate  21 , starts to move downward due to the gravity, as shown in  FIG. 14L . At this stage, the first coin C is contacted with the direction changing member  74  mounted near the starting end of the coin conveyance path  76  of the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  and as a result, the first coin C changes its moving direction toward the said starting end (i.e., the entrance) of the path  76 . The second coin C which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination is raised by the relevant arm. The third coin C is still temporarily stopped at the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e.    
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C whose leading end has arrived at the back side of the base plate  21  is kept moving toward the starting end or entrance of the coin conveyance path  76  while the moving direction of the first coin C is being changed due to the gravity and the direction changing member  74 , as shown in  FIG. 14M . At this stage, the second coin C, which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination, is made closer to the second delivering region P 2 . The third coin C is still temporarily stopped at the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e.    
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the first coin C whose leading end has arrived at the back side of the base plate  21  is kept moving toward the starting end or entrance of the coin conveyance path  76 , as shown in  FIG. 14N . At this stage, the second coin C, which has been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination, arrived at the second delivering region P 2 . The third coin C is raised from the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e  by the relevant arm. 
     Because of the further rotation of the wiper  27 , the entirety of the first coin C arrives at the back side of the base plate  21  and the leading end of the said coin C is entered the entrance of the coin conveyance path  76 , as shown in  FIG. 14O . At this stage, the second coin C, which has already been subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination, starts to pass through the second delivering region P 2 . The third coin C is subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination in the discrimination region P 3  while being raised from the lowest position of the guide wall  22   e  by the relevant arm. 
     Through the aforementioned processes, the first coin C, which has been separated from the remaining coins C in the coin separation section, is delivered to the coin discrimination section from the coin separation section by way of the first delivering region P 1 . After the first coin C is subjected to the predetermined denomination and authenticity discrimination in the discrimination region P 3  in the coin discrimination section, the first coin C is delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  by way of the second delivering region P 2 . 
     In the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , the coins C which have been delivered from the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  by way of the second delivering region P 2  are conveyed on the linear coin conveyance path  76  using the pins  63   a  fixed onto the endless belt  63 . During the conveyance, the four gates  76   a , which are formed on the coin conveyance path  76  and respectively assigned to the first, second, third, and fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4 , are opened or closed based on the result of the denomination discrimination which is carried out in the coin discrimination section of the unit  20 , thereby distributing the coins C of the predetermined eight denominations into the corresponding coin ejection devices. The opening/closing operation of each gate  76   a  is realized by opening or closing the corresponding distribution flap  70  using the corresponding distribution flap driving solenoid  72 . 
     Moreover, during the conveyance of coins C along the coin conveyance path  76 , the rejection gate is opened or closed based on the result of the authenticity discrimination which is carried out in the coin discrimination section of the unit  20 , thereby discharging selectively the rejecting coins C (e.g., counterfeit coins) to be judged rejected into the dedicated storing container. The opening/closing operation of the rejection gate is realized by opening or closing the rejection flap  71  using the rejection flap driving solenoid  73 . 
     The aforementioned operation in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and that in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  are controlled by the control device (the control program) of the apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention which is mounted on the control substrate  32  in the substrate box  23  of the unit  20 . 
     With the apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention, as explained above in detail, the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  comprises the coin separation section that is configured to separate coins C stored in the storing unit  10  from each other, thereby sending the separated coins C in the predetermined attitude; and the coin discrimination section, which is mounted on the upper wall  22   a  of the casing  22  (which corresponds to the supporting member) having the through hole  22   d , that is configured to discriminate the denomination and authenticity of the coins C sent from the coin separation section, thereby sending the discriminated coins C. The coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  is configured to distribute the coins C which are subjected to the denomination and authenticity discrimination in the coin discrimination section according to the respective denominations while conveying the said coins C. 
     Moreover, when seeing the moving state or flow of the coins C macroscopically, the coins C separated in the coin separation section of the unit  20  are moved in the X direction shown in  FIG. 8  (which corresponds to the first direction) in the horizontal plane through the first delivering region P 1  and then, delivered to the coin discrimination section of the unit  20 ; in which the first delivering region P 1  is formed at the connecting part of the coin separation section to the coin discrimination section. The coins C whose denomination and authenticity are discriminated in the coin discrimination section are moved in the Y direction shown in  FIG. 8  (which corresponds to the second direction) which is perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane through the second delivering region P 2  and then, delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 ; in which the second delivering region P 2  is formed at the connecting part of the coin discrimination section and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . In the second delivering region P 2 , the conveying direction of the coins C is changed from the X direction to the Y direction by way of the through hole  22   d  of the upper wall  22  and the opening  21   a  of the base plate  21 . In the Y direction in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , the coins C are subjected to the distribution while being conveyed. 
     Accordingly, the coins C separated from each other by the coin separation section are moved in the X direction through the first delivering region P 1  to be delivered to the coin discrimination section and then, the denomination and authenticity of the coins C are discriminated by the coin discrimination section. Thereafter, the coins C thus discriminated are moved in the Y direction which is perpendicular to the X direction to be delivered to the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 . 
     In the coin separation section, the plate-shaped rotary disk  26  is used and therefore, when seeing in a plan view, the ratio (Lcs/Dcs) of the length Lcs of the coin separation section of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in the X direction to the depth Dcs of the coin separation section of the unit  20  in the Y direction is considerably large even if the inclination angle of the upper wall  22   a  and the driving mechanism (which includes the motor  41 , the driving gear  42 , and the driven gears  43 ,  44 , and  45 ) for the disk  26  are taken into consideration. This is because the length Lcs is considerably larger than the depth Dcs. 
     In the coin discrimination section, the plate-shaped rotary wiper  27  is used and therefore, when seeing in a plan view, the ratio (Lcd/Dcd) of the length Lcd of the coin discrimination section of the unit  20  in the X direction to the depth Dcd of the coin discrimination section of the unit  20  in the Y direction is considerably large even if the inclination angle of the upper wall  22   a  and the driving mechanism (which includes the motor  41 , the driving gear  42 , and the driven gears  43 ,  44 , and  45 ) for the wiper  27  are taken into consideration. This is because the length Lcd is considerably larger than the depth Dcd. 
     For this reason, regarding the combination of the coin separation section and the coin discrimination section (i.e., the coin separation and discrimination unit  20 ) which is formed by aligning the coin separation section and the coin discrimination section to be adjacent to each other in the X direction, the ratio (L 20 /D 20 ) of the length L 20  of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  in the X direction with respect to the depth D 20  of the same unit  20  in the Y direction is larger in value than each of the ratios (Lcs/Dcs) and (Lcd/Dcd). This means that the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  as the combination has the feature that the length L 20  is relatively large and the depth D 20  is relatively small and that the ratio (L 20 /D 20 ) is very large, in other words, the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  has an elongated plan shape along the X direction. 
     On the other hand, in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , since the four coin ejection devices are arranged along the coin conveyance path  76  of the unit  60 , the length L 60  varies in accordance with the total number of the denominations to be processed. However, generally speaking, the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  has the feature that the length L 60  in the Y direction is relatively large and the depth D 60  in the X direction is relatively small and that the ratio (L 60 /D 60 ) is very large, in other words, the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  has an elongated plan shape along the Y direction. 
     Accordingly, when constituting the apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention by combining the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  with the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , it is preferred that the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  are disposed so as to be perpendicular to each other in a plan view to reduce the size of the said apparatus  1 . For example, it is preferred that the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  is disposed to be extended in the X direction and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  is disposed to be extended in the Y direction in a plan view, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 . This layout may be termed the “L-shaped layout”. This is because the length L 1  of the apparatus  1  using the L-shaped layout in the Y direction is considerably smaller than that of the conventional linear layout where both of the two units  20  and  60  are aligned in the Y direction (which may be termed the “I-shaped layout”). This is reflection of the aforementioned feature that the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  has an elongated plan shape extended along the X direction and the feature that the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  has an elongated plan shape extended along the Y direction. 
     In addition, although the length L 1  of the apparatus  1  using the L-shaped layout in the Y direction is considerably smaller than that of the conventional linear layout, the depth D 1  of the apparatus  1  in the X direction is slightly larger than that of the conventional linear layout. However, this disadvantage can be easily solved and therefore, there arises no problem. 
     As a result, the apparatus  1  for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the embodiment of the present invention can be downsized compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatus of this type. 
     Moreover, since all the need for realizing the aforementioned L-shaped layout is to change the conveyance direction of coins C conveyed in the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  to the Y direction from the X direction by way of the second delivering region R 2  formed at the connecting part of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 , the aforementioned downsizing of the apparatus  1  can be realized with a simple and low-cost structure. 
     Furthermore, to realize the aforementioned downsizing of the apparatus  1 , it is sufficient to provide the second delivering region P 2  and the moving direction changing mechanism for the coins C (e.g., the direction changing member  74 ) at the connecting part of the coin separation and discrimination unit  20  and the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60  and therefore, it is unnecessary to change the fundamental or basic structure of the coin discrimination section. Accordingly, downsizing of the said apparatus  1  itself can be achieved compared with the aforementioned conventional apparatuses of this type without changing the fundamental or basic structure of the coin discrimination section. 
     With the apparatus  1  using the aforementioned L-shaped layout, as described above, the length L 1  of the apparatus  1  in the Y direction can be reduced compared with the conventional linear layout; however, there arises a disadvantage that the depth D 1  of the apparatus  1  in the X direction is slightly larger than that of the conventional one. However, this disadvantage can be easily addressed or solved on the side of the main apparatus (e.g., a coin depositing/dispensing apparatus) into which the apparatus  1  is incorporated. Accordingly, there arises no problem to achieve the objects of the present invention. 
     Modifications 
     The aforementioned embodiment is an exemplary embodied example of the present invention. Thus, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and any other modification is applicable to the embodiment without departing the spirit of the invention. 
     For example, in the aforementioned embodiment, the coin conveyance path  76  formed using the guide rail  66  and the inclined portions  77   a  and  78   a  of the rear and front covers  77  and  78 , the endless belt  63  having the pins  63   a , and the four gates  76   a  respectively arranged in the first to fourth distribution sections D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , and D 4  are provided in the coin conveyance and distribution unit  60 ; however, the present invention is not limited to this. Any other structure may be used for this purpose if it is capable of desired coin distribution while conveying coins. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the present invention is applicable not only to coins as currency but also to coin equivalents such as token and medals. Moreover, the apparatus for discrimination and conveyance of coins according to the present invention is applicable not only to any coin depositing/dispensing apparatus but also to any coin processing apparatus that necessitates selective conveyance and distribution of coins of desired denominations. 
     While the preferred forms of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.