Money storage device

Abstract

Disclosed is a currency storage device that can assist in unblocking when a currency is blocked without substantially increasing costs. A coin change machine as the currency storage device includes an acceptance counting unit that counts the denomination and number of accepted coins, a storage state calculation unit as a calculation unit that calculates the denomination and number of stored coins by accumulating the counting results of the acceptance counting unit, a discharged coin counting unit that counts the denomination and number of discharged or recovered coins, and a lighting control unit that causes an LED as a lighting device to light up the inside of a storage unit by opening a cover unit that covers the storage unit, when the denomination and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit do not match the denomination and number of coins counted by the discharged coin counting unit when the coins are recovered, or when the indicated discharged coin content does not match the denomination and number of coins counted by the discharged coin counting unit.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2023-003517, filed on January 13, 2023, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a currency storage device. Background Technology

[0003] A coin storage device is known that identifies the authenticity of coins received from outside and stores coins that have been identified as genuine according to their face value.

[0004] In such coin storage devices, if a coin becomes clogged, the cover needs to be opened to clear the blockage. However, because the interior of the storage compartment is dark, it is difficult to confirm the extent of the blockage, resulting in poor operability. On the other hand, one disclosed technology involves installing a camera or similar device inside the coin storage device to image and monitor the internal state. Subsequently, a technology has been disclosed that incorporates LED lights inside the coin storage device to capture clear images. However, the need for a camera complicates the device's structure, increasing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a coin storage device that can assist in clearing blockages when coins become a problem without significantly increasing costs.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the currency storage device of this embodiment includes a receiving and counting unit, a calculation unit, a dispensing and counting unit, and an illumination control unit. The receiving and counting unit counts the denomination and quantity of currency received from the outside. The calculation unit calculates the denomination and quantity of the stored currency by accumulating the counting results from the receiving and counting unit. The dispensing and counting unit counts the denomination and quantity of currency dispensed or retrieved. The illumination control unit, when there is a discrepancy between the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit and the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the dispensing and counting unit during currency retrieval, or when the indicated dispensing content does not match the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the dispensing and counting unit, illuminates the interior of the storage unit if the cover covering the currency storage unit is opened.

[0007] The aforementioned coin storage device can assist in clearing blockages caused by coins without significantly increasing costs.

[0008] In the aforementioned currency storage device, the lighting device is provided for each denomination of currency stored in the storage unit, and the lighting control unit illuminates the lighting device corresponding to the denomination of the currency that has a mismatch.

[0009] According to the aforementioned coin storage device, power consumption can be saved by illuminating the light corresponding to the denomination of the coin that is blocked.

[0010] In the aforementioned coin storage device, the lighting control unit turns off the lighting device when the cover is closed.

[0011] According to the aforementioned coin storage device, the lighting device can be turned off without special operation.

[0012] In the aforementioned currency storage device, when the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit are consistent with the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit during currency collection, and the indicated discharge currency content is consistent with the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit, the lighting control unit illuminates all the lighting devices on the condition that the cover of the currency storage unit has been opened.

[0013] The aforementioned coin storage device improves the visibility of the storage compartment's interior during maintenance work.

[0014] In the aforementioned coin storage device, the lighting device is a white LED.

[0015] The aforementioned coin storage device improves the visibility of the storage section.

[0016] In the aforementioned coin storage device, the optical axis of the LED is arranged to face the interior of the storage section.

[0017] The aforementioned coin storage device can illuminate the interior of the storage compartment.

[0018] In the aforementioned coin storage device, the storage section has a distributing strip on its bottom surface, which is inclined to form a rising slope whose height increases as it moves downstream in the distributing direction, and the LED is positioned toward the lower part of the distributing strip.

[0019] The aforementioned coin storage device can illuminate the location where the coin is stored.

[0020] In the aforementioned currency storage device, the lighting control unit adjusts the light intensity of the lighting device according to the amount of currency stored in the storage unit.

[0021] According to the above-described currency storage device, the brightness of the lighting device can be adjusted according to the amount of currency stored in the storage unit.

[0022] In the aforementioned currency storage device, the lighting control unit sets the light intensity to a high level when the number of currencies calculated by the calculation unit is below a predetermined threshold, and sets the light intensity to a low level when the number of currencies calculated by the calculation unit is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0023] According to the above-described coin storage device, the coins stored inside the storage compartment can be easily identified, and the situation where the illumination reflects off the coins near the lighting device, making them difficult to observe, can be prevented.

[0024] In the aforementioned currency storage device, when the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit match the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit during currency collection, and the indicated discharge currency content matches the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit, the lighting control unit illuminates all the lighting devices with a light intensity equal to the small light intensity, provided that the cover of the currency storage unit is opened.

[0025] The aforementioned coin storage device can save the electricity required to drive the lighting device during maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an XY cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a YZ cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the lighting process performed by a coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 10. Coin change machine (currency storage device)

[0034] 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26LED (lighting device)

[0035] 28 Optical axis; 31 Receiving and counting unit; 32 Storage status calculation unit (calculation unit).

[0036] 33 Currency Dispensing Indicator 34 Currency Dispensing Counting Unit 35 Coin Blockage Detection Unit

[0037] 36 Notification Control Department; 37 Cover Opening / Closing Detection Department; 38 Lighting Control Department

[0038] 39. Communications Control Department; 40. Money Inlet; 41. Rejection Pallet

[0039] 42 Storage compartment 43 Cover 44 Currency outlet

[0040] 45 Display device 46 Opening 47 Recognition unit

[0041] 48 Conveying section 49 Conveying plane 50 Conveying belt

[0042] 51 Rejection Department 52 Storage Department Illumination angle Detailed Implementation

[0043] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the coin changer 10 of this disclosure will be described.

[0044] (Outline structure of a coin change machine)

[0045] use Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The general structure of the coin change machine 10 is described below. Figure 1 This is an exterior view showing an example of the change dispensing machine involved in the embodiment. Figure 2 This is an XY cross-sectional view illustrating the general internal structure of the change-making machine according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the general internal structure of the change-making machine according to an embodiment.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the coin dispenser 10 includes a coin insertion slot 40, a rejection tray 41, a storage compartment 42, a cover 43, a coin discharge slot 44, and a display device 45. Furthermore, the coin dispenser 10 is an example of a coin storage device disclosed herein.

[0047] The coin insertion slot 40 has an opening 46 that opens outwards (see...). Figure 2 The coin accepts a coin from opening 46 and stores it inside the coin change machine 10. The accepted coin is then identified by recognition unit 47 (see below). Figure 2 After identification, coins deemed normal are stored in the storage compartment 42 according to their face value. Coins deemed abnormal in the identification unit 47 are discharged to the rejection tray 41.

[0048] A cover 43 that can be opened and closed is provided on top of the storage compartment 42. The operator can open the cover 43 and visually observe the interior of the storage compartment 42.

[0049] Display device 45 displays information related to the operation of the coin changer 10. This information includes, for example, information indicating a malfunction such as coin blockage, information indicating no change has been given, information indicating the total amount of coins inserted, and information indicating the amount of change dispensed. Furthermore, display device 45 may be, for example, an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

[0050] The coin change machine 10 calculates the amount of change to be dispensed as the amount of currency inserted through the coin slot 40. Then, it dispenses coins corresponding to the calculated amount of dispensing currency through the coin dispensing slot 44.

[0051] Furthermore, the coin change machine 10 includes Figure 2 The identification unit 47, conveying unit 48, rejection unit 51, storage unit 52 and LED 20 are shown.

[0052] The identification unit 47 identifies whether the coin inserted through the coin slot 40 is genuine or counterfeit. The identification method performed by the identification unit 47 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, optical or mechanical methods to identify whether the coin is genuine.

[0053] The conveying unit 48 transports coins from the coin insertion slot 40 to the receiving unit 52 via the identification unit 47. The conveying unit 48 has a conveying plane 49 and a conveyor belt 50. The conveying plane 49 supports the coin from below through a plane formed of a metal plate. The conveyor belt 50 is a loop belt that is arranged on the conveying plane 49 at a predetermined tension by a pair of pulleys (not shown) and is rotated by driving one of the pulleys. The conveyor belt 50 contacts the upper surface of the coin on the conveying plane 49 and rotates, thereby causing the coin to slide along the conveying plane 49 and be transported to the receiving unit 52.

[0054] The rejection section 51 has a hole (not shown) formed on the conveying plane 49 and an opening and closing section (not shown) for opening and closing the hole. The opening and closing section is opened and closed based on the output of the identification section 47, so that the abnormal coin falls from the hole and is discharged to the rejection tray 41.

[0055] The receiving section 52 receives coins identified as normal (normal coins, genuine coins) by the identification section 47 and stores them in channels designated by denomination. Coins that pass through the rejection section 51 fall through the screening hole and are stored in the corresponding receiving section 52. Specifically, the receiving section 52 has six channels for storing coins, and in each channel, 1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins are arranged and stored in the thickness direction, respectively. A delivery belt is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving section 52. The delivery belt is mounted on a drive roller and a driven roller connected and driven by a motor. The delivery belt is inclined so that its height varies with the downstream side in the delivery direction ( Figure 3 The rising slope (on the right side of the screen) becomes higher. Coin blockage occurs at the lower part of the expenditure band where coins falling from the screen remain (on the right side of the screen). Figure 3 The tendency is higher on the left side of the spectrum.

[0056] LEDs 20 are provided corresponding to each channel constituting the storage section 52, and illuminate the interior of the storage section 53. Figure 2 (Negative side of the Y-axis). That is, six LEDs 20 are provided. For example, LED 21 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 1-yen coins. LED 22 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 5-yen coins. LED 23 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 10-yen coins. LED 24 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 50-yen coins. LED 25 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 100-yen coins. LED 26 illuminates the inside of the channel for storing 500-yen coins. In addition, the coin changer 10 only needs to illuminate the LEDs 20 when the cover 43 is opened.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, all LEDs 20 have an illumination angle. Then, the lighting angle The centerline, i.e., the optical axis 28 of LED 20, is set towards the interior of the housing 52 (negative Y-axis side). In other words, it is set towards the lower position of the outgoing band. Figure 3 (Left side of the image) (facing downwards). Accordingly, the inner side of the storage section 52 is brightly illuminated. Furthermore, the LED 20 is powered by direct current. Although the emission wavelength of the LED 20 is not limited, to improve visibility, it is preferable to use white light encompassing multiple wavelength ranges rather than light of a specific wavelength. The LED 20 is an example of a lighting device in this disclosure.

[0058] When the operator observes the interior of the storage compartment 52 within the storage compartment 42 through the opened cover 43, the state of the coins inside the storage compartment 52, illuminated by the LED 20, can be easily visually observed. The operator can then insert their fingers into the storage compartment 52 and easily remove any coin blockage.

[0059] Furthermore, as described later, the coin change dispenser 10 can specify the denomination of the coin that caused the blockage. Therefore, the coin change dispenser 10 preferably illuminates only the LEDs provided in the blocked channel, namely LEDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, that correspond to the denomination of the coin that caused the blockage, when the cover 43 is opened. Of course, the coin change dispenser 10 can illuminate all LEDs when the cover 43 is opened.

[0060] Additionally, closing the cover 43 turns off the lit LED 20.

[0061] (Hardware components of a coin change machine)

[0062] use Figure 4 To explain the hardware structure of the coin change machine 10. Figure 4 This is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the coin change machine 10 includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that performs various processes related to the coin change machine 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 as storage media. The ROM 112 stores various programs and data executed by the CPU 111. The RAM 113 temporarily stores data and programs while the CPU 111 executes various programs. In other words, the control unit 11 has the structure of a typical computer.

[0064] The control unit 11 is connected to the storage unit 12 and various peripheral devices via an internal bus.

[0065] Storage unit 12 is a storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, storage unit 12 can be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when power is cut off. Storage unit 12 stores control program 121 and status data 122.

[0066] Control program 121 is a program that controls the overall operation of the coin change machine 10.

[0067] Furthermore, the control program 121 executed by the coin changer 10 of this embodiment can be configured to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provided thereon. Alternatively, the control program 121 can be configured to be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided via network download, or the control program 121 can be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0068] The storage status data 122 is a data file representing the denomination and quantity (number of coins) of the coins stored in the storage section 52 of the coin dispenser 10 at that point in time. The coin dispenser 10 updates the storage status data 122 by counting the denomination and quantity of the coins to be inserted or dispensed each time coins are inserted or dispensed again.

[0069] Alternatively, a brightness adjustment unit can be set up to adjust the LED's light intensity based on the denomination and quantity of the coins stored in the data 122. In other words, the lighting device uses a brightness-adjustable lighting unit. Brightness adjustment is performed by varying the current supplied to the LED or by modulating the pulse interval.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 11 is connected to various necessary peripheral devices to enable the coin changer 10 to perform the required functions. Specifically, the control unit 11 is connected via an internal bus to the coin insertion recognition sensor 13, the coin dispensing counting sensor 14, the cover opening and closing sensor 15, the LED driver 16, the communication interface 17, and the display device 45.

[0071] The coin insertion recognition sensor 13 identifies whether the coins received from the outside are normal coins. In addition, the coin insertion recognition sensor 13 counts the denomination and quantity of the coins received from the outside.

[0072] The coin counting sensor 14 counts the denomination and quantity of coins that are discharged or collected.

[0073] The cover opening / closing sensor 15 detects the opening / closing status of the cover 43.

[0074] LED driver 16 enables LEDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 to be individually lit or turned off.

[0075] Communication interface 17 connects the coin change dispenser 10 to a checkout machine such as a POS terminal. The coin change dispenser 10 communicates with the checkout machine via communication interface 17 regarding information such as the amount of money inserted, the amount of money dispensed, and the amount of change given.

[0076] Display device 45 displays various information related to the operating status of coin change machine 10.

[0077] (Functional components of a coin change machine)

[0078] use Figure 5 Explain the functional composition of the coin change machine 10. Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a coin changer according to an embodiment.

[0079] The control unit 11 of the coin change machine 10 loads the control program 121 into the RAM 113 and activates it, thereby distributing the change. Figure 5 The accepting counting unit 31, the storage status calculation unit 32, the coin dispensing indicator unit 33, the coin dispensing counting unit 34, the coin blockage detection unit 35, the notification control unit 36, the cover opening / closing detection unit 37, the lighting control unit 38, and the communication control unit 39 shown are implemented as functional units. In addition, some or all of these functions can be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0080] The accepting and counting unit 31 counts the denomination and quantity of coins accepted from the outside. Furthermore, the accepting and counting unit 31 identifies whether the accepted coins are normal coins. In addition, if the accepted coin is not a normal coin, the accepting and counting unit 31 performs a rejection action by ejecting the coin to the rejection tray 41.

[0081] The storage status calculation unit 32 calculates the denomination and quantity of coins stored in the storage unit 52 by accumulating the counting results received from the counting unit 31. Based on the calculated results, the storage status data 122 is updated. The storage status calculation unit 32 is an example of a calculation unit in this disclosure.

[0082] The coin dispensing indicator 33 calculates the change amount by comparing the counting result of the receiving counter 31 with the necessary amount of inserted coins, and instructs the coin dispensing counter 34 to dispense the coins. Additionally, the coin dispensing indicator 33 instructs the coin dispensing counter 34 to collect the coins stored in the storage section 52 based on the operation instructions of the coin change machine 10.

[0083] The coin dispensing and counting unit 34 dispenses or collects coins upon receiving a dispensing or collecting instruction. Furthermore, the coin dispensing and counting unit 34 counts the denomination and quantity of the dispensed or collected coins.

[0084] The coin congestion detection unit 35 determines whether there is a mismatch between the denomination and quantity of coins calculated by the storage status calculation unit 32 and the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin discharge counting unit 34 during coin collection. If a mismatch exists, it is determined that a coin congestion has occurred. Furthermore, the coin congestion detection unit 35 determines whether there is a mismatch between the coin discharge content indicated by the coin discharge instruction unit 33 and the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin discharge counting unit 34. If a mismatch exists, it is determined that a coin congestion has occurred.

[0085] When the coin blockage detection unit 35 detects a coin blockage, it notifies the control unit 36 ​​to display information indicating a coin blockage on the display device 45. Additionally, the control unit 36 ​​can be notified by... Figure 4 The buzzer, not shown in the image, sounds to indicate that a coin is blocking the circuit.

[0086] The cover opening and closing detection unit 37 detects the opening and closing status of the cover 43.

[0087] When the denomination and quantity of coins calculated by the storage status calculation unit 32 do not match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin discharge counting unit 34 during coin collection, or when the coin discharge content indicated by the coin discharge indicator 33 does not match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin discharge counting unit 34, the lighting control unit 38 illuminates the LED 20 (lighting device) illuminating the interior of the storage compartment 52, provided that the cover 43 of the coin-covering compartment 52 is opened. Furthermore, the lighting control unit 38 illuminates the LED 20 corresponding to the denomination of the coins where the aforementioned mismatch occurs. Additionally, the lighting control unit 38 can also adjust the light intensity of the LED 20 using a brightness adjustment unit. Specifically, when the quantity included in the storage status data 122 calculated by the storage status calculation unit 32 is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 50 coins), the light intensity is set to a high level. This makes it easier to identify the coins stored inside the storage compartment. If the number of coins in the storage status data 122 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the light intensity is reduced. This prevents the illumination from reflecting off coins near the LED in the storage section, making them difficult to see. In other words, the lighting control unit 38 adjusts the light intensity of the lighting device based on the number of coins stored in the storage section. Furthermore, the threshold is preferably set to an appropriate number based on the denomination of the coins.

[0088] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 38 turns off the LEDs 20 when the cover 43 is closed. Additionally, if the denomination and quantity of coins calculated by the storage status calculation unit 32 match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin dispensing counting unit 34 during coin collection, and the indicated dispensing coin content matches the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34, the lighting control unit 38 illuminates all LEDs 20, provided that the cover 43 covering the coin storage unit 52 is opened. In this case, the LEDs can be illuminated with a light intensity equal to (smaller light intensity) the amount of light present when the quantity contained in the storage status data 122 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0089] The communication control unit 39 communicates information such as the amount of money inserted, the amount of money dispensed, and the amount of change given between the coin changer 10 and the checkout machine (not shown).

[0090] (The process of turning on the lights in a coin change machine)

[0091] use Figure 6 This explains the lighting process performed by the coin change machine 10. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the lighting process performed by the coin changer in this embodiment.

[0092] The accepting counting unit 31 determines whether a coin has been accepted from the outside, i.e., whether a coin has been inserted (step S11). If it is determined that a coin has been accepted from the outside (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that no coin has been accepted from the outside (step S11: No), step S11 is repeated.

[0093] In step S11, when it is determined that a coin has been received from the outside, the receiving counting unit 31 determines whether the received coin is a normal coin (step S12). If it is determined that the received coin is a normal coin (step S12: Yes), then proceed to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received coin is not a normal coin (step S12: No), then proceed to step S14.

[0094] In step S12, when it is determined that the accepted coin is a normal coin, the accepting counting unit 31 counts the denomination and quantity of the accepted coins (step S13). After that, proceed to step S15.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S12, when it is determined that the accepted coin is not a normal coin, the receiving counting unit 31 discharges the coin to the rejection tray 41 (step S14). After that, the process returns to step S11.

[0096] Next, in step S13, the storage status calculation unit 32 updates the storage status data 122 representing the storage status of the coin (step S15).

[0097] The coin dispensing counting unit 34 determines whether a coin dispensing instruction has been issued from the coin dispensing instruction unit 33 (step S16). If it is determined that a coin dispensing instruction has been issued (step S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that no coin dispensing instruction has been issued (step S16: No), the coin change machine 10 terminates. Figure 6 The processing.

[0098] In step S16, when it is determined that a coin ejection instruction has been issued, the coin ejection counting unit 34 counts the denomination and quantity of the coins to be ejected (step S17).

[0099] The coin blockage detection unit 35 determines whether the actual amount of coins dispensed is less than the amount instructed to be dispensed, i.e., whether there is insufficient dispensing (step S18). If it is determined that there is no insufficient dispensing (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no insufficient dispensing (step S18: No), i.e., insufficient dispensing is determined, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0100] In step S18, when it is determined that there is insufficient discharge, the control unit 36 ​​is notified to notify the display device 45 that a coin blockage has occurred (step S19).

[0101] The cover opening / closing detection unit 37 determines whether the cover 43 is open (step S20). If it is determined that the cover 43 is open (step S20: Yes), proceed to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cover is not open (step S20: No), step S20 is repeated.

[0102] In step S20, when it is determined that the cover 43 has been opened, the lighting control unit 38 illuminates the LED 20 corresponding to the number of coins that do not match the number present (step S21).

[0103] The cover opening / closing detection unit 37 determines whether the cover 43 is closed (step S22). If it is determined that the cover 43 is closed (step S22: Yes), proceed to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cover 43 is not closed (step S22: No), step S22 is repeated.

[0104] In step S22, when it is determined that the cover 43 is closed, the lighting control unit 38 turns off the illuminated LED 20 (step S23). After this, the coin change machine 10 stops operating. Figure 6 The processing.

[0105] Returning to step S18, if it is determined that there is no insufficient coin dispensing, the coin dispensing counting unit 34 determines whether a coin collection instruction has been issued from the coin dispensing instruction unit 33 (step S24). If it is determined that a coin collection instruction has been issued (step S24: Yes), proceed to step S25. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a coin collection instruction has been issued (step S24: No), the coin change machine 10 ends. Figure 6 The processing.

[0106] In step S24, when it is determined that a coin collection instruction has been issued, the coin counting unit 34 counts the face value and quantity of the coins to be collected (step S25).

[0107] The coin congestion detection unit 35 determines whether the coin storage status in the storage unit 52 matches the denomination and quantity of the coins collected by the coin dispensing counting unit 34 (step S26). When it is determined that the two match (step S26: Yes), the coin change machine 10 ends. Figure 6 The process continues. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the two are consistent (step S26: No), proceed to step S19. After that, the above-described process is performed.

[0108] In addition, when maintaining the coin changer 10, in order to improve the visibility of the inside of the storage section 52, when the cover 43 is opened in a state where there is no coin blockage, the lighting control section 38 can control all the LEDs 20 (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) to be lit.

[0109] Furthermore, although the coin changer 10 has been described here as an example, this disclosure can also be applied to currency storage devices that simultaneously store banknotes and coins.

[0110] (Effects of the Examples)

[0111] As explained above, the coin dispenser 10 (currency storage device) of this embodiment includes a receiving counting unit 31 that counts the denomination and quantity of coins received from the outside, a storage status calculation unit 32 (calculation unit) that calculates the denomination and quantity of stored coins by accumulating the counting results of the receiving counting unit 31, a dispensing currency counting unit 34 that counts the denomination and quantity of coins dispensed or collected, and a lighting control unit 38 that illuminates the LED 20 (lighting device) illuminating the interior of the storage section 52 when the cover 43 covering the coin storage section 52 is opened, provided that the cover 43 covering the coin storage section 52 is opened, in cases where the denomination and quantity of coins calculated by the storage status calculation unit 32 does not match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the dispensing currency counting unit 34 when collecting coins, or when the indicated dispensing currency content does not match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the dispensing currency counting unit 34. Therefore, by simply providing the LED 20, the operation of clearing blockages when coins become clogged can be assisted without significantly increasing costs.

[0112] Furthermore, in the coin change dispenser 10 (currency storage device) of this embodiment, the LED 20 (lighting device) is provided corresponding to the denomination of the coins stored in the storage section 52, and the lighting control unit 38 illuminates the LED 20 corresponding to the denomination of the coin that is mismatched. Therefore, since only the channel in the storage section 52 corresponding to the denomination of the coin that is blocked is illuminated, the power consumption of the LED 20 can be saved.

[0113] Furthermore, in the coin dispenser 10 (currency storage device) of this embodiment, when the cover 43 is closed, the lighting control unit 38 turns off the LED 20 (lighting device). Therefore, the LED 20 can be turned off without any special operation.

[0114] Furthermore, in the coin dispenser 10 (currency storage device) of this embodiment, the lighting control unit 38 illuminates all LEDs 20 when the denomination and quantity of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 (calculation unit) match the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the coin dispensing counting unit 34 during coin collection, and when the indicated dispensing currency content matches the denomination and quantity of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit, provided that the cover 43 of the coin storage section 52 is opened. Therefore, for example, the visibility of the interior of the storage section 52 can be improved during maintenance of the coin dispenser 10.

[0115] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in a wide variety of other forms and can be subject to various omissions, substitutions, and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A coin storage device, characterized in that, include: The counting department receives and counts the denominations and quantities of currency received from external sources. The calculation unit calculates the denomination and quantity of the collected currency by accumulating the counting results from the receiving counting unit; The currency counting department counts the denominations and quantities of currency that are discharged or collected. as well as If the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit do not match the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit when collecting currency, or if the indicated currency discharge content does not match the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit, the lighting control unit will turn on the lighting device that illuminates the interior of the currency storage unit, provided that the cover of the currency storage unit is opened.

2. The coin storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting device is provided for each denomination of currency stored in the storage compartment. The lighting control unit illuminates the lighting device corresponding to the denomination of the currency that is mismatched.

3. The coin storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lighting control unit turns off the lighting device when the cover is closed.

4. The coin storage device according to claim 2, wherein, When the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit match the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit during currency collection, and the indicated discharge currency content matches the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit, the lighting control unit illuminates all the lighting devices provided that the cover of the currency storage unit has been opened.

5. The coin storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting device is a white LED.

6. The coin storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The optical axis of the LED is arranged to face inwards towards the storage section.

7. The coin storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The receiving section has a branch strip on its bottom surface, which is inclined to form a rising slope whose height increases as it moves downstream in the direction of the outgoing transport. The LED is positioned towards the lower part of the outlet band.

8. The coin storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting control unit adjusts the light intensity of the lighting device according to the amount of currency stored in the storage unit.

9. The coin storage device according to claim 8, wherein, The lighting control unit sets the light intensity to a large level when the amount of currency calculated by the calculation unit is below a predetermined threshold, and sets the light intensity to a small level when the amount of currency calculated by the calculation unit is greater than the predetermined threshold.

10. The coin storage device according to claim 9, wherein, When the denomination and quantity of currency calculated by the calculation unit are consistent with the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit during currency collection, and the indicated discharge currency content is consistent with the denomination and quantity of currency counted by the currency discharge counting unit, the lighting control unit, on the condition that the cover of the currency storage unit is opened, illuminates all the lighting devices with a light intensity equal to the small light intensity.

Images