Coin processing device and coin processing method

Abstract

To provide a coin processing device and a coin processing method that can shorten the time for payment processing.SOLUTION: A coin processing device is provided with: a payment part 10; a feed part 20 which feeds coins sent from the payment part 10; a conveyance part 30 which conveys the coins fed by the feed part 20; an identification part 40 which is provided at the conveyance part 30, and identifies the coins fed by the feed part 20; a first holding part 50 which temporarily holds the coins identified by the identification part 40; a second holding part 60 which temporarily holds the coins identified by the identification part 40, and is different in storage amount from the first holding part 50; a distribution part 70 which is provided at the conveyance part 30, and distributes the coins conveyed by the conveyance part 30 to the first holding part 50 or second holding part 60; and a control part 80 which controls the distribution part 70 so as to distribute the coins identified by the identification part 40 from the conveyance part 30 to the first holding part 50 or second holding part 60 under predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coin processing device and a coin processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various coin processing devices are known that perform various processes such as coin deposit processing and withdrawal processing. Patent Document 1 discloses a coin depositing and dispensing device in which, during coin deposit processing, coins inserted into a transaction opening and dispensed from a feeding unit are identified by a recognition unit and then temporarily reserved in a retention unit, and when a command to confirm deposit is given, the coins dispensed from the retention unit are stored in each storage unit by denomination. Patent Document 2 discloses a coin depositing and dispensing device in which, during coin deposit processing, coins inserted into a transaction opening and dispensed from a feeding unit are identified by a recognition unit and then temporarily reserved in a retention unit for each denomination, and when a command to confirm deposit is given, the coins are sent from each retention unit to the corresponding storage unit, so that the coins are stored in each storage unit by denomination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-032029 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-162347 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The coin depositing and dispensing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it takes time to store the coins by denomination in each storage unit, since it is necessary to pay out all the coins reserved in the storage units from the storage units and re-identify them after a command to confirm the deposit is given. Also, in the coin depositing and dispensing device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when a command to confirm the deposit is given, coins are sent from each storage unit to the corresponding storage unit, but if it is not possible to store all the coins from each storage unit to the corresponding storage unit, it is necessary to temporarily pay out the coins from the storage unit, resulting in a problem that it takes time to process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a coin processing device and a coin processing method that can shorten the time required for deposit processing by providing multiple holding sections and allocating coins identified by an identification section to each holding section based on specified conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The coin processing device of the present disclosure is a coin processing device that performs at least a coin deposit process, The deposit department, a coin dispensing unit that dispenses coins sent from the deposit unit; A conveying unit that conveys the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit; a recognition unit provided in the transport unit and configured to recognize the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit; a first storage unit in which the coins recognized by the recognition unit are temporarily stored; a second storage unit in which the coins recognized by the recognition unit are temporarily stored and which has a capacity different from that of the first storage unit; A sorting unit that is provided in the transport unit and sorts the coins transported by the transport unit into the first storage unit or the second storage unit; a control unit that controls the sorting unit to sort the coins recognized by the recognition unit from the transport unit to the first storing unit or the second storing unit based on a predetermined condition; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] The coin processing device of the present disclosure includes: The coin machine further includes a storage unit in which the coins sent from the transport unit are stored, The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, the predetermined condition is whether or not to store the coin recognized by the recognition unit in the storage unit, When the control unit is to store the coin identified by the recognition unit in the storage unit, the control unit may distribute the coin identified by the recognition unit from the transporting unit to the first storage unit, and when the coin identified by the recognition unit is not to be stored in the storage unit, the control unit may distribute the coin identified by the recognition unit from the transporting unit to the second storage unit.

[0008] In addition, in the coin processing device of the present disclosure, The storage unit includes a plurality of storage sections in which coins are stored according to denomination, The conveying unit is provided with a second sorting unit that sorts the coins conveyed by the conveying unit into each of the storage sections by denomination, The control unit may control the second sorting unit to sort coins, which are sent from the first holding unit to the payout unit, then paid out to the transport unit by the payout unit and identified by the recognition unit, into each of the storage sections by denomination based on the recognition result.

[0009] The control unit may also control the sorting unit to sort overflow coins that cannot be stored in the storage unit of the corresponding denomination from the transport unit to the second storage unit.

[0010] In addition, the coin processing device of the present disclosure includes: Further comprising a collection unit that is removable from the housing, The coins reserved in the second reservation section may be sent to the collection section and stored in the collection section.

[0011] In addition, the coin processing device of the present disclosure includes: Further, a second transport unit that sends the coins stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit, The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, The control unit may control the second transport unit to send the coins stored in the second storing unit to the first storing unit when a second predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0012] In addition, the coin processing device of the present disclosure includes: Further, a second transport unit that sends the coins stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit, The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, The control unit may be configured to store coins dispensed from each of the storage sections in the second storage section, and then dispense the coins from the second storage section through the first storage section by the dispensing unit, and then return the coins from the transporting unit to their original storage sections by the second sorting unit, and at that time perform an inspection process in which the coins are identified by the identification unit.

[0013] In addition, in the coin processing device of the present disclosure, The capacity of the second storage section for storing coins may be greater than the capacity of each of the storage sections for storing coins.

[0014] The sorting unit may include a first sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transporting unit to the first storage unit, and a second sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transporting unit to the second storage unit.

[0015] The sorting unit may further include a third sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transport unit to the deposit unit.

[0016] The amount of coins stored in the first storage unit may be smaller than the amount of coins stored in the second storage unit.

[0017] The coin processing method of the present disclosure is a coin processing method using a coin processing device including a deposit unit, a payout unit that pays out coins sent from the deposit unit, a transport unit that transports coins paid out by the payout unit, a recognition unit provided in the transport unit that recognizes coins paid out by the payout unit, a first retention unit in which coins identified by the recognition unit are temporarily retained and the retained coins can be sent to the payout unit, a second retention unit in which coins identified by the recognition unit are temporarily retained and the coin storage capacity is different from that of the first retention unit, and a sorting unit provided in the transport unit that sorts coins transported by the transport unit to the first retention unit or the second retention unit, a step of feeding the coins sent from the deposit unit by the feeding unit; a step of conveying the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit by the conveying unit; a step of identifying the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit using the identifying unit; a step of distributing the coins recognized by the recognition unit from the transport unit to the first storage unit or the second storage unit by the sorting unit based on a predetermined condition; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the coin processing device and coin processing method disclosed herein, by providing multiple holding sections and distributing coins identified by the identification section to each holding section based on specified conditions, the time required for deposit processing can be shortened. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operational flow of a deposit process in a coin processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]2 is a diagram showing the flow of coins during a deposit process in the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operational flow of a dispensing process in a coin processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a flow of coins during a dispensing process in the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing the flow of coins during an exchange process in the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a second storing section of the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing a flow of coins in the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a third sorting section of the coin processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a deposit section of the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram showing a circulating transport path in the coin processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation flow of another aspect of a deposit process in the coin processing device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] [Coin processing device 1] A coin processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The coin processing device 1 according to the present disclosure is a coin processing device that performs at least a deposit process of coins, and as shown in Figs. 1(A) and (B), etc., includes a deposit unit 10, a payout unit 20, a transport unit 30, a recognition unit 40, a first storage unit 50, a second storage unit 60, a sorting unit 70, and a control unit 80. Note that the size, arrangement, etc. of each member (component) of the coin processing device 1 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and various modifications are possible.

[0021] (Deposit section 10) The deposit unit 10 is a mechanism for depositing coins into the coin processing device 1. The deposit unit 10 is not particularly limited as long as it has a deposit function, and can have various shapes, structures, etc. Furthermore, the deposit unit 10 may be configured as a deposit / withdrawal unit, also functioning as a withdrawal unit for withdrawing coins from inside the coin processing device 1. For crime prevention, the deposit unit 10 may be provided with a shutter or the like. Furthermore, a shutter opening / closing sensor, a coin detection sensor, etc. may be provided.

[0022] (Pay-out section 20) The payout unit 20 pays out coins sent from the deposit unit 10. The payout unit 20 is a mechanism for paying out coins sent from the deposit unit 10 one by one and sending them to the recognition unit 40. If a coin paid out from the payout unit 20 is not sorted by a first sorting section 70a (described later) or a second sorting section 70b (described later) of the sorting unit 70, the coin is returned from a third sorting section 70c (described later) of the sorting unit 70 via the deposit unit 10 to the payout unit 20, and the payout unit 20 pays out this coin again. In addition, the payout unit 20 sends foreign matter remaining after the coin is paid out to a foreign matter return port 21 (FIG. 1(B)). In addition, when coins are stored in the storage section 90 by denomination during a deposit process, or when coins are dispensed from the storage section 90 during a withdrawal process, coins that cannot be identified by the recognition section 40 or coins that are unsuitable for withdrawal (for example, deformed or dirty coins, old coins, etc.) are ultimately sent from the dispensing section 20 to the intake and recovery storehouse 22.

[0023] (Transport unit 30) The transport unit 30 transports the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit 20. The transport unit 30 is a transport mechanism (transport path) that is also used to transport coins sent from the storage unit 90, the second storage unit 60, etc. to the dispensing unit 20.

[0024] (Identification unit 40) The recognition unit 40 is provided in the transport unit 30, and is a mechanism for identifying coins dispensed by the dispensing unit 20. For example, the recognition unit 40 includes an image sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc., and recognizes the denomination, authenticity, fitness, heads and tails, new / old, transport status, etc. of the coin based on an image of the coin captured by the image sensor and the detection results by the magnetic sensor. In this way, the recognition unit 40 distinguishes between normal coins and abnormal coins. The coin recognition results by the recognition unit 40 are sent to the control unit 80. Abnormal coins found in the coin processing device 1 in this way are stored in the take-in and recovery box 22 as rejected coins (FIG. 1(B)).

[0025] (Reservation Department) In the example shown in FIG. 1 etc., the coin processing device 1 is provided with a first storage section 50 and a second storage section 60. The first storage section 50 temporarily stores coins identified by the recognition section 40. The second storage section 60 also temporarily stores coins identified by the recognition section 40, but the coin storage capacity is different from that of the first storage section 50. The coin storage capacity in the first storage section 50 is smaller than the coin storage capacity in the second storage section 60. The specific storage capacity of the first storage section 50 and the second storage section 60 can be appropriately designed and changed according to the purpose of use. The first storage section 50 and the second storage section 60 are mainly used as a deposit temporary storage section (deposit temporary storage) that stores deposited coins, but the detailed purpose, role, and usage are determined based on a predetermined condition under which the control section 80 controls the sorting section 70, which will be described later.

[0026] The structure of the first storage unit 50 is not particularly limited, but as an example, a belt conveyor is used to receive and transport coins sent from the storage unit 90. The structure of the second storage unit 60 is also not particularly limited, but the amount of coins stored in the second storage unit 60 is larger than the amount of coins stored in each of the storage sections 90a to 90f described below. For this reason, the second storage unit 60 is structured as a housing larger than the storage section that stores the largest amount of coins among the storage sections 90a to 90f. The first storage unit 50 and the second storage unit 60 have a payout mechanism.

[0027] (Distribution section 70) The sorting unit 70 is provided in the transport unit 30, and sorts the coins transported by the transport unit 30 into the first storage unit 50 or the second storage unit 60. The sorting unit 70 is a mechanism controlled by the control unit 80 to sort the coins based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 40.

[0028] Specifically, the sorting unit 70 includes a first sorting portion 70a that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 and a second sorting portion 70b that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the second storage unit 60. In the example shown in FIG. 1(A), the second sorting portion 70b is provided on the rear side of the sorting unit 70, and the first sorting portion 70a is provided on the front side thereof. Here, the first sorting portion 70a and the second sorting portion 70b are each provided with an openable and closable gate. The sorting unit 70 further includes a third sorting portion 70c that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the deposit unit 10.

[0029] The transport unit 30 is also provided with a second sorting unit 71 that sorts the coins transported by the transport unit 30 to each of the storage sections 90a-90f by denomination. The second sorting unit 71 has a plurality of openable and closable gates 71a-71f corresponding to each denomination (FIG. 1(A)), and the coins transported by the transport unit 30 are sorted by each of the gates 71a-71f to each of the storage sections 90a-90f by denomination.

[0030] (Control unit 80) The control unit 80 controls the sorting unit 70 to sort the coins recognized by the recognition unit 40 from the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 or the second storage unit 60 based on a predetermined condition. The control unit 80 is, for example, a CPU. The configuration of a control system of the coin processing device 1 will be described later.

[0031] The "predetermined condition" can be set depending on how the coins recognized by the recognition unit 40 are sorted from the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 or the second storage unit 60. For example, the control unit 80 may control the sorting unit 70 to sort overflow coins that cannot be stored in the storage sections 90a to 90f of the corresponding denomination from the transport unit 30 to the second storage unit 60. It is also possible to set the "predetermined condition" so that all recognized coins are sent to the second storage unit 60.

[0032] (Storage area 90) The coin processing device 1 of the present disclosure further includes a storage unit 90 in which coins sent from the transport unit 30 are stored. The coins stored in the first storage unit 50 can be sent to the pay-out unit 20 (FIGS. 1(B) and 6). When the "predetermined condition" is set as whether or not to store a coin identified by the recognition unit 40 in the storage unit 90, the control unit 80 distributes the coin identified by the recognition unit 40 from the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 when storing the coin identified by the recognition unit 40 in the storage unit 90, and distributes the coin identified by the recognition unit 40 from the transport unit 30 to the second storage unit 60 when not storing the coin identified by the recognition unit 40 in the storage unit 90.

[0033] The storage unit 90 includes a plurality of storage sections 90a-90f in which coins are stored by denomination. Each of the storage sections 90a-90f is provided with a payout mechanism 92 (see FIG. 2), and during a withdrawal process, the coins stored in the storage sections 90a-90f are paid out by the payout mechanism 92 to the first storage section 50 (FIGS. 1(B) and 6). During a deposit process, the control unit 80 controls the second sorting unit 71 to sort the coins that have been sent from the first storage section 50 to the payout section 20, then paid out by the payout section 20 to the transport section 30 and recognized by the recognition unit 40, into the storage sections 90a-90f by denomination based on the recognition result. The control unit 80 is configured to store the coins dispensed from each storage section 90a-90f in the second storage section 60, and then dispense them from the second storage section 60 via the first storage section 50 by the dispensing section 20, and then return them from the conveying section 30 to each original storage section 90a-90f by the second sorting section 71, and at this time perform an inspection process in which the coins are identified by the recognition section 40.

[0034] (Collection section 100) The coin processing device 1 of the present disclosure may further include a collection unit 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a collection cassette, a storage cassette, or a collection box) that is removable from the housing. The coins reserved in the second reservation unit 60 may be sent to the collection unit 100 and stored in the collection unit 100. Although two collection units 100a and 100b are shown in FIG. 1(B), the number of collection units 100 is not limited.

[0035] (Second conveying section 30a) The coin processing device 1 of the present disclosure further includes a second transport unit 30a that sends coins stored in the second storage unit 60 to the first storage unit 50 (FIG. 1(B)). The control unit 80 controls the second transport unit 30a to send the coins stored in the second storage unit 60 to the first storage unit 50 when a second predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the "second predetermined condition" refers to a condition for sending the coins stored in the second storage unit 60 to the first storage unit 50 via the second transport unit 30a, and an example of this is when the reconciliation process is performed as described above, but is not limited to this.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second transport unit 30a changes the loading process depending on whether or not continuous deposits are made, thereby shortening the waiting time. For example, when continuous deposits are made, a maximum of 100 coins can be loaded (100 coins are stored at one time), and when continuous deposits are not made, a maximum of 600 coins can be loaded (200 coins in the first storage unit 50, and 400 coins in the second storage unit 60). Continuous deposits include both the same operator and the next operator. Also, the continuous deposit mode and the continuous deposit non-mode are switched by a mode instruction from a higher-level device (such as an operating machine in a store). Under the above conditions, when 100 or more coins are deposited and the number of coins to be stored in the storage unit 90 exceeds 100 coins, in the case of the continuous deposit non-mode, the coins are transported from the second storage unit 60 to the first storage unit 50 via the second transport unit 30a, and the overflow coins can be additionally stored. On the other hand, in the case of the continuous deposit mode, direct storage from the second storage section 60 to the collection section 100 can be performed to shorten the deposit waiting time.

[0037] (Control system configuration) Next, the configuration of a control system of the coin processing device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] The coin processing device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a control unit 80 that controls the deposit unit 10, the payout unit 20, the transport unit 30, the recognition unit 40, the first storage unit 50, the second storage unit 60, the sorting unit 70, the second sorting unit 71, the storage unit 90, and the like. Specifically, the deposit unit 10, the payout unit 20, the transport unit 30, the recognition unit 40, the first storage unit 50, the second storage unit 60, the sorting unit 70, the payout mechanism 92 of the storage unit 90, and the like are connected to the control unit 80. Here, information related to the recognition result of the coin by the recognition unit 40 is sent to the control unit 80. Also, a command signal is sent from the control unit 80 to each component of the coin processing device 1, whereby these components are controlled.

[0039] The control unit 80 is also connected to an operation display unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The operation display unit 110 is configured, for example, by a touch panel or the like, and is configured to display various information such as the number of coins stored in the coin processing device 1. The operator is also configured to input various commands to the control unit 80 through the operation display unit 110. The storage unit 120 is also configured to store processing history such as coin deposit processing and withdrawal processing in the coin processing device 1, and information regarding the number of coins stored in the coin processing device 1, etc. The control unit 80 is also configured to transmit and receive signals to and from an external device (for example, a POS register or a terminal of a security company) provided separately from the coin processing device 1 via the communication unit 130. The control unit 80 is electrically connected to each unit via a bus 140 or the like.

[0040] (Basic functions and uses of coin processing device 1) The coin processing device 1 is preferably capable of depositing (dispensing) several to several hundred loose coins. The coin processing device 1 is installed, for example, in the lobby (customer area) of a financial institution and can be used by bank employees and customers. When the customer is the operator, the processing time must be further shortened compared to when the bank employee operates the device. In contrast, the coin processing device 1 of the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the process of sorting reserved coins to the denomination-specific storage sections 90a to 90f, the recovery section 100, etc. after the deposit is confirmed.

[0041] [Coin processing method] (Operation flow of the coin processing device 1) Next, a coin processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Here, an operation flow in the case where the coin processing device 1 is used will be described.

[0042] -Deposit processing- As shown in Fig. 3, first, the shutter is opened and coins are received in the deposit unit 10 (step S1). After the shutter is closed, the coins in the deposit unit 10 are sent to the payout unit 20, and the coins sent from the deposit unit 10 are paid out by the payout unit 20 (step S2). Next, the coins paid out by the payout unit 20 are transported by the transport unit 30 (step S3).

[0043] Next, the coin dispensed by the dispensing unit 20 is discriminated by the discriminating unit 40 (step S4). If the coin is discriminated as an abnormal coin in step S5 ("NO"), the coin is returned to the depositing unit 10 (step S6).

[0044] On the other hand, if the coin is identified as a normal coin (step S5, "YES"), the coin identified by the recognition unit 40 is then sorted by the sorting unit 70 from the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 and / or the second storage unit 60 based on predetermined conditions (step S7, FIG. 4(A)). In FIG. 4, the dashed arrows indicate the coin transport paths.

[0045] Here, for example, the predetermined condition can be set as follows. The memory unit 120 stores the reference number of coins in the denomination-specific storage sections 90a-90f and the number of stored coins. Based on this information, the control unit 80 determines whether the inserted coin is a coin that should be stored in the denomination-specific storage sections 90a-90f and recycled, or an overflow coin, as the "predetermined condition," and controls the sorting unit 70. That is, recycled coins are sent to the first storage unit 50, and overflow coins are sent to the second storage unit 60.

[0046] After step S7, a selection screen is displayed on operation display unit 110, prompting the operator to select whether to confirm the deposit ("YES") or to return the money ("NO") (step S8).

[0047] If the deposit is confirmed (step S9, "YES"), the transaction ends, the coins in the first storage unit 50 are sorted into the denomination-specific storage sections 90a-90f (step S10, FIG. 4(B)), and the coins in the second storage unit 60 are sent to the recovery unit 100 (FIG. 4(C)). On the other hand, if the deposit is not confirmed, that is, if a return instruction is given (step S9, "NO"), the reserved coins in both the first storage unit 50 and the second storage unit 60 are returned to the deposit unit 10 (step S11, FIG. 4(D)).

[0048] In this manner, the coin deposit process is completed.

[0049] In addition, two patterns of processing are possible in the processing in Fig. 4(B) and (C). First, the processing in Fig. 4(B) can be performed, and then the processing in Fig. 4(C) can be performed. Here, since the second storage section 60 is for storing overflow coins, when it is desired to replenish coins in the first storage section 50 after sending the coins in the first storage section 50 to the denomination-specific storage sections 90a to 90f, the overflow coins in the second storage section 60 can be additionally replenished in the first storage section 50. Alternatively, the processing in Fig. 4(B) and (C) can be performed simultaneously. In this way, it is possible to shorten the time required for deposit processing.

[0050] -Withdrawal process- As shown in FIG. 5, first, when the control unit 80 receives a withdrawal instruction for a predetermined amount from the operator via the operation display unit 110 or the like, the control unit 80 transmits an instruction to dispense coins to the dispensing mechanism 92 of the recycle storage (storage units 90a to 90f) (step S12). Then, the coins are dispensed from the recycle storage (storage unit 90) to the first reserve unit 50 and sent to the dispensing unit 20 (step S13; FIGS. 1(B) and 6). Next, the coins are dispensed from the dispensing unit 20, recognized by the recognition unit 40, and then transported to the deposit unit 10 (step S14). Thereafter, the shutter is opened, and the coins are taken out (step S15). In this manner, the dispensing process is completed. In FIG. 6, the dashed arrow indicates the transport path of the coins, and the two-dot chain line indicates the path along which the coins that were not recognized by the recognition unit 40 in the dispensing process are returned to the dispensing unit 20.

[0051] -Collection processing- Next, the coin collection process will be described. First, in response to an instruction from the control unit 80, the coins stored in the second storage unit 60 are sent to the collection unit 100. Also, the coins stored in the storage unit 90 are sent to the payout unit 20 via the first storage unit 50, and the coins paid out from the payout unit 20 are transported to the second storage unit 60 by the transport unit 30 and the sorting unit 70, and then sent to the collection unit 100. In the coin processing device 1 in FIG. 1(B), the area above the dotted line is managed by the store, and the area below the dotted line is managed by a person with a specified authority, and only collection companies such as security companies can access the collection unit 100.

[0052] -Scrutiny processing- Next, the reconciliation process will be described. First, coins are fed from each storage section 90a to 90f and are stored in the second storage section 60. Here, since the coins are transported from the storage sections 90a to 90f to the second storage section 60 via the first storage section 50, the feeding section 20, the transport section 30, the recognition section 40, and the sorting section 70 (see FIG. 1(B) and FIG. 6), the recognition section 40 may be used to recognize the coins at this time. Next, the coins are transported from the second storage section 60 to the feeding section 20 via the second transport section 30a and the first storage section 50. After the feeding section 20 feeds the coins, the second sorting section 71 returns the coins from the transport section 30 to the original storage sections 90a to 90f via the recognition section 40. At this time, the recognition section 40 may be used to recognize the coins. As described above, the reconciliation process can be performed.

[0053] -Exchange process- In the case of currency exchange processing, only the second storage section 60 can be used as a deposit storage section. That is, the deposited coins pass through the payout section 20, the transport section 30, and the recognition section 40, and are sent to the second storage section 60 by the sorting section 70 (second sorting section 70b) (FIG. 7(A)). In the withdrawal processing for currency exchange, the coins are paid out as in FIG. 6 (FIG. 7(B)). If there is a return instruction after depositing, the coins are paid out and returned to the deposit section 10 as in FIG. 4(D). On the other hand, if there is no return instruction, the deposited coins are sent from the second storage section 60 to the first storage section 50, the payout section 20, the transport section 30, and the recognition section 40, and are sent from the second sorting section 71 to the storage section 90 or to the collection section 100. In this way, the physical return of the deposited coins for exchange is possible without providing a dedicated path for deposit and withdrawal.

[0054] According to the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method of the present embodiment configured as described above, the coin processing device 1 performs at least a coin deposit process, and is provided with a deposit unit 10, a payout unit 20 that pays out coins sent from the deposit unit 10, a transport unit 30 that transports the coins paid out by the payout unit 20, a recognition unit 40 provided in the transport unit 30 that identifies the coins paid out by the payout unit 20, a first storage unit 50 in which coins identified by the recognition unit 40 are temporarily stored, a second storage unit 60 in which coins identified by the recognition unit 40 are temporarily stored and has a coin storage capacity different from that of the first storage unit 50, a sorting unit 70 provided in the transport unit 30 that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 or the second storage unit 60, and a control unit 80 that controls the sorting unit 70 to sort the coins identified by the recognition unit 40 from the transport unit 30 to the first storage unit 50 or the second storage unit 60 based on predetermined conditions. At this time, for example, the amount of coins stored in the first storing unit 50 can be made smaller than the amount of coins stored in the second storing unit 60.

[0055] According to such coin processing device 1 and coin processing method, as described above, it is possible to reduce the deposit processing time. To explain in more detail, in a conventional coin processing device having a temporary storage unit, it was necessary to re-identify all coins dispensed from the storage unit. In contrast, by providing a plurality of storage units (50, 60) and distributing coins based on a predetermined condition, it is possible to temporarily hold coins while separating them into, for example, coins to be replenished and other coins (overflow coins), and it is possible to reduce the storage processing time by recounting only the coins to be replenished and storing the others at high speed. More specifically, it is only necessary to dispense, transport, identify, and distribute and store only the coins to be recycled and stored in the storage unit 90 one by one, and the other coins (for example, overflow coins) can be stored at high speed in a cassette (collection unit 100), so that the time required for processing the reserved coins can be reduced. For example, recalculation (identification) is possible at about 10 coins / second for recycling storage from the first storage section 50 to the storage section 90 as shown in FIG. 4(B), and high-speed storage of about 50 coins / second is possible for direct storage from the second storage section 60 to the recovery section 100 as shown in FIG. 4(C). In addition, according to the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce suspension and the number of coins transported. That is, since there are two storage methods (the first storage section 50 and the second storage section 60) and there is no need to re-feed overflow coins, it is possible to minimize the number of coins transported. By reducing the number of coins transported, it is possible to reduce the frequency of error occurrence. In addition, it is possible to suppress suspension processing when individual storage sections overflow as in the conventional technology. Furthermore, it is also possible to grasp the store situation and shorten the processing waiting time. That is, on days when there are many deposits or when multiple customers are waiting, the loading process can be changed so that all coins are automatically transported to a large-volume storage section (for example, the second storage section 60), and high-speed storage can be realized. For example, during busy times, a higher-level device (such as an operating device at a store or a security company) can instruct the control unit 80 to operate in a mode in which collection is performed via the large-volume holding unit.

[0056] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, a storage section 90 is further provided in which coins sent from the conveying section 30 are stored, and coins held in the first holding section 50 can be sent to the pay-out section 20, and the specified condition is whether or not to store the coin identified by the recognition section 40 in the storage section 90, and if the control section 80 is to store the coin identified by the recognition section 40 in the storage section 90, it may distribute the coin identified by the recognition section 40 from the conveying section 30 to the first holding section 50, and if the control section 80 is to not store the coin identified by the recognition section 40 in the storage section 90, it may distribute the coin identified by the recognition section 40 from the conveying section 30 to the second holding section 60. The storage unit 90 includes a plurality of storage sections 90a-90f in which coins are stored by denomination, and the transport unit 30 is provided with a second sorting unit 71 that sorts the coins transported by the transport unit 30 to each of the storage sections 90a-90f by denomination, and the control unit 80 may control the second sorting unit 71 to sort the coins that are sent from the first retention unit 50 to the pay-out unit 20 and then fed to the transport unit 30 by the pay-out unit 20 and recognized by the recognition unit 40 to each of the storage sections 90a-90f by denomination based on the recognition result. In this way, according to the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method equipped with a plurality of retention units (50, 60), it is possible to sort coins to the storage unit 90 (storage sections 90a-90f) without providing a special passage.

[0057] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 80 may control the sorting unit 70 to sort overflow coins that cannot be stored in the storage sections 90a to 90f of the corresponding denomination from the transport unit 30 to the second storage unit 60. By setting predetermined conditions in this manner, the coin processing device 1 can be used in an optimal manner.

[0058] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the collection unit 100 that is removable from the housing may be further provided, and the coins reserved in the second reservation unit 60 may be sent to the collection unit 100 and stored in the collection unit 100. By setting the predetermined conditions in this manner, the coin processing device 1 can be used in an optimal manner.

[0059] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the second transport unit 30a may be further provided, which is capable of sending coins stored in the first storing unit 50 to the pay-out unit 20 and sends coins stored in the second storing unit 60 to the first storing unit 50. In this case, the control unit 80 may control the second transport unit 30a to send the coins stored in the second storing unit 60 to the first storing unit 50 when a second predetermined condition is satisfied. In this way, the coin processing device 1 can be used favorably by setting a "second predetermined condition" for collecting the reserved coins in the first storing unit 50 after depositing.

[0060] In addition, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of the present embodiment, as described above, the coins reserved in the first storage section 50 can be sent to the payout section 20, and when the second transport section 30a for sending the coins reserved in the second storage section 60 to the first storage section 50 is further provided, the control section 80 may perform a reconciliation process in which the coins fed from each storage section 90a-90f are stored in the second storage section 60, then fed by the payout section 20 from the second storage section 60 via the first storage section 50, and then returned from the transport section 30 to the original storage sections 90a-90f by the second sorting section 71, and at that time, the coins are recognized by the recognition section 40. In this way, the second predetermined condition is set, and the reconciliation process can be performed at a desired timing when the coin passes through the recognition section 40.

[0061] In addition, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of the present embodiment, as described above, the amount of coins stored in the second storage section 60 can be made larger than the amount of coins stored in each of the storage sections 90a to 90f. When a storage section is provided for each denomination as in the conventional device, the number of coins that can be automatically inspected at one time in each storage section is limited, and therefore the inspection process needs to be repeated several times, which lengthens the processing time. In contrast, in the above embodiment, automatic inspection is possible without limiting the number of coins stored (each of the storage sections 90a to 90f). That is, by configuring the capacity of the large-volume storage section (second storage section 60) to be equal to or larger than the maximum capacity of the storage sections 90a to 90f, all coins in each storage box can be moved to the second storage section 60.

[0062] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the sorting unit 70 may include a first sorting portion 70a that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the first storing unit 50 and a second sorting portion 70b that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the second storing unit 60. In this way, sorting by the control unit 80 can be suitably realized based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 40.

[0063] Furthermore, in the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the sorting unit 70 may further include a third sorting portion 70c that sorts coins transported by the transport unit 30 to the deposit unit 10. In this way, coins identified as abnormal can be returned to the outside of the device.

[0064] The coin processing device 1 described in this embodiment is an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. The design of the coin processing device 1 can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present disclosure. Other embodiments, examples, and application examples will be described below.

[0065] The second storage section 60 may have a structure having a horizontal disk feed mechanism and an arc-shaped rotary outlet gate or an annular rotary shutter. FIG. 8(A) shows the horizontal disk feed mechanism 60a, FIG. 8(B) shows the horizontal disk feed mechanism 60a and the arc-shaped rotary outlet gate 60b, and FIG. 8(C) shows the annular rotary shutter 60c (note that the feed mechanism 60a is disposed inside the shutter 60c). The amount of coins discharged can be controlled by changing the opening angle of the gate 60b or the shutter 60c. If the gate 60b is fully opened, a large amount of stored coins may collapse and cause a coin jam at the exit chute, but this can be prevented by controlling the opening angle.

[0066] 9, by conveying the coins toward the front of the device after being dispensed by the dispensing unit 20, the deposit unit 10 (deposit / withdrawal port) can be located as quickly as possible immediately after recognition by the recognition unit 40, thereby reducing errors and shortening processing time. Furthermore, by utilizing the path from the deposit unit 10 to the dispensing unit 20, rejected coins can be re-identified, improving the acceptance rate.

[0067] More specifically, the transport path is configured in the order of the payout unit 20 / the recognition unit 40 / the third sorting unit 70c (gate) / the deposit unit 10, and the coins are transported from the rear of the device toward the front of the device. The transport distance of rejected coins and dispensed coins after recognition is minimized, which makes it possible to reduce costs, shorten processing time, and reduce transport disruptions.

[0068] Furthermore, the downstream side (second sorting section 70b) of the sorting section 70 (gate) can be kept open at all times until the deposit is confirmed. By allowing the coins to fall from the second sorting section 70b by their own weight, it is possible to prevent coins inside the machine and those outside the machine from being mixed together when a deposit error occurs. Also, when a deposit error occurs, automatic return and recounting are possible, and it is possible to prevent coins outside the machine and foreign objects from entering the storage section 90.

[0069] Incidentally, when an inclined disk dispensing method is adopted for dispensing coins from the dispensing unit 20, two coins are likely to be dispensed, and the coins may be conveyed in a chain. Furthermore, if the dispensing speed is increased to shorten the processing time, the coins are likely to move about, and two coins are likely to be dispensed. There is also a risk that the coins may get caught in the components of the coin processing device, and the dispensing efficiency may deteriorate. Therefore, regarding the layout inside the coin processing device 1, an R-shaped end face opening and closing sorting gate G (FIG. 10) that can reliably remove dispensed coins (including chained coins) and foreign objects can be configured as the third sorting portion 70c. This makes it possible to remove chained coins immediately after recognition, and eliminates the need for an error recovery operation or circulating the coins on the in-machine coin sorting gate (sorting unit 70, etc.), thereby reducing errors and preventing the occurrence of coins being mixed in and out. The chained coins themselves can be identified by the recognition unit 40. FIG. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view of the AA portion of FIG. 10(A).

[0070] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the R-shaped portion (gate G) at the branching point where the conveying direction is changed at the coin pushing surface S (FIGS. 10(A) and (B)) is opened and closed, and sorting is performed using the conveying force. With a general up-down opening and closing gate, when an RJ coin (chained coin) is sent after a preceding coin (normal coin) has passed, the coin starts to separate from the tip of the coin, so the gate may not be able to open and close in time due to the positional relationship between the tip of the gate and the tip of the coin. However, by using the R-shaped portion (gate G), even if an RJ coin (chained coin) is sent after a preceding coin (normal coin) has passed, the coin starts to separate only after it has passed the center of the coin due to the positional relationship between the tip of the gate and the center of the coin, so the gate can be opened and closed in time. The difference is that the conveying time equivalent to the coin radius (11 mm, half of the 5 yen diameter: 22 mm, for 5 yen chained coins) can be used for the gate opening and closing time. In addition, the distance marked with * in Figure 10(A) needs to be 29.5 mm when configuring a top and bottom opening gate, but can be 18.6 mm when configuring an R-shaped portion (gate G).

[0071] As described above, dispensed RJ coins (including chained coins) and foreign objects can be separated in the shortest time possible after identification, which allows for an increase in dispensing speed and a reduction in the frequency of errors. Also, because dispensed chained coins can be separated in the shortest time possible after identification and do not need to be circulated, coins in the coin processing device 1 can be separated from deposited coins, preventing coins from being mixed in. Furthermore, unlike a shape that forces coins to hit a gate and change direction for separation, the gate G has a shape that allows for separation (passage) in the coin transport direction, which allows for smooth separation of coins.

[0072] Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the optical sensor 12 and the magnetic sensor 14 may be provided inside the deposit tray of the deposit unit 10 (Fig. 11(A) is a cross-sectional view, and (B) is a perspective view). By detecting using two types of methods in this way, it is possible to determine whether the object inside is metal (coins) or non-metal (banknotes, etc.).

[0073] Specifically, the optical sensor 12 can be used to determine whether the tray is full of coins, near-full, etc. The magnetic sensor 14 is provided on the bottom surface of the tray and can detect remaining coins. Depending on the detection state of the sensors, the state inside the tray can be determined as follows: If both the magnetic sensor 14 and the optical sensor 12 detect, it can be determined that a large amount of coins (metal) have been inserted. If the magnetic sensor 14 detects but the optical sensor 12 does not detect, it can be determined that only a small amount of coins (metal) have been inserted. If both the magnetic sensor 14 and the optical sensor 12 do not detect, it can be determined that nothing has been inserted. If the magnetic sensor 14 does not detect but the optical sensor 12 detects, it can be determined that a banknote, cash card, etc. has been inserted by mistake.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, it is possible to detect the incorrect insertion of bills, cash cards, etc. in a static state without moving the mechanism and with the shutter open, and the state can be grasped while the customer is inserting the bills, so they will not be taken into the device. Also, since the remaining detection sensor and full detection sensor used in normal processing can be used, a sensor dedicated to detecting incorrect insertion is not required. Furthermore, in addition to grasping the state during a deposit process, it is also possible to detect the state if trash has been inserted as a prank after a withdrawal process.

[0075] Furthermore, regarding the layout within the coin processing device 1, as shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to have multiple circulation transport paths that can return dispensed coins to the same dispensing unit 20 again (circulation paths A and B). This makes it possible to prevent cash troubles (uncertain amount of coins in the machine) due to jamming during deposit. Also, when dispensing, RJ coins can be counted again without passing through the depositing unit 10. Note that in Fig. 12, circulation paths A and B are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0076] Specifically, circulation path A circulates coins from the dispensing unit 20 / recognition unit 40 / sorting unit 70 / deposit unit 10 / dispensing unit 20 on the upstream side, and after dispensing / recognition, they can be immediately returned to the dispensing unit 20, and can be used for outside cash processing such as deposits. Circulation path B transports coins from the storage unit 90 on the downstream side to the first retention unit 50 and dispensing unit 20, and then circulates coins from the dispensing unit 20 / recognition unit 40 / sorting unit 70 / second sorting unit 71 / transport unit 30 / dispensing unit 20, and can be used for inside cash processing such as withdrawals.

[0077] According to these circulation routes A and B, rejected coins can be circulated and re-identified, which leads to an increase in the acceptance rate and pass rate (for example, if the reject rate is 10%, the reject rate will be 1% after the second identification and 0.1% after the third identification). In self-service machines, a bank employee may be called to accept rejected coins, so improving the pass rate is important. This type of coin processing device 1 can be applied to a processing machine that manages cash on board and cash outside the machine separately.

[0078] Furthermore, according to circulation route A, deposited and rejected coins that may be foreign objects such as deformed coins or buttons are circulated along the shortest route (removed immediately after identification), ensuring stable quality. Since no coins are passed through the second sorting section 71, the amount of coins in the machine does not become uncertain even if a jam occurs. Since deposited and rejected coins can be circulated upstream, rejected coins can be automatically returned. Since deposited and rejected coins are circulated only in the upstream passage and are not transported to the storage section 90, re-sorting errors do not occur.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the circulation path B, it is possible to circulate the coins via a route separate from the circulation path A without passing through the deposit unit 10, and since a circulation passage is also provided downstream, it is possible to clear the passage. In addition, since the cash inside the machine is transported, even if a jam occurs on the second sorting unit 71, the in-machine balance will not be unstable. It is possible to automatically return coins that have been rejected for withdrawal, which also shortens the waiting time.

[0080] Also, the coin deposit process may be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, "coin deposit work" (steps S23, S28, S123) refers to the work of a customer manually loading coins from a plastic bag or the like into the deposit section 10, "counting process" (steps S25, S125) refers to counting the deposited coins and transporting them to the temporary storage section (two in the present embodiment), and "storage process" (steps S28, S127) refers to counting the coins in the temporary storage section and transporting them to the storage section 90 or the recovery section 100. FIG. 13 also shows an operation flow of the prior art as a comparative example. In addition, steps S21 to S25, S28, and S30 of the present embodiment are the same as steps S121 to S125, S127, and S128 of the prior art.

[0081] In this embodiment having two storage sections (50, 60), after deposit acceptance input (step S21), shutter opening (step S22), coin insertion operation (step S23), shutter closing (step S24), and counting processing (step S25), the operator is prompted to select whether the number of coins to be inserted is small or not (step S26). If a small number of coins are inserted ("YES"), the operator is prompted to select whether to approve or cancel the deposit (step S29). If approved, the deposit is completed. If canceled, a return process is performed and the inserted coins are returned to the deposit section 10 (step S30), and cancellation is completed.

[0082] If the coins to be inserted are not a small number, i.e., if a large number of coins are inserted ("NO" in step S26), the user inputs whether additional counting is required (step S27). If additional calculation is not required ("NO" in step S27), the process proceeds to step S29 as described above. On the other hand, if additional calculation is required ("YES" in step S27), the storage process and additional insertion operation are performed. The shutter is opened before the additional insertion operation, and closed after the additional insertion operation. Then, the counting process is performed again (step S25).

[0083] In contrast, in the conventional technology, after the deposit acceptance input (step S121), the shutter opening (step S122), the coin insertion operation (step S123), the shutter closing (step S124), and the counting process (step S125), the necessity of additional counting is input (step S126). If the deposit is approved without additional calculation (step S126: "No (approved)"), the deposit is completed. Alternatively, if the deposit is canceled without additional calculation (step S126: "No (cancelled)"), the return process is performed (step S128), and the cancellation is completed. On the other hand, if additional calculation is required (step S126: "required"), the storage process is performed (step S127), and then the second shutter opening (step S122), the coin insertion operation (step S123), the shutter closing (step S124), and the counting process (step S125) are performed.

[0084] In this embodiment according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the operator is prompted to input whether additional counting is required only when the counting result is a large number of coins (steps S26 to S27). If additional counting is required, the shutter is opened in parallel with the storage process to prompt the operator to insert additional coins. This allows the process to be completed in a short time with simpler operations. The criterion for determining whether the amount is "small" or "large" in step S26 can be approximately half the capacity of the deposit unit 10. This takes into consideration the fact that some customers may insert coins in portions if they are unable to insert a large number of coins in one go.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment relating to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to reduce the input work of customers who make small deposits. That is, according to this embodiment, customers select "normal deposit or large deposit." Since it is considered that the majority of transactions are small deposits, when making a small deposit, it is sufficient to select a small amount ("YES") in step S26, and additional counting (additional deposit) is not performed. In addition, by performing the storage process and coin deposit work in parallel (step S28), the time required for large deposit processing is shortened. In the conventional technology, as shown in FIG. 13, it takes 60 seconds for one additional count, but in this embodiment, it takes only 40 seconds.

[0086] It should be noted that the coin processing device 1 and the coin processing method according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0087] For example, when both the cassette (collection section 100) and the storage section 90 are full of coins, only the first storage section 50 can be used as a temporary storage section, and the second storage section 60 can be used instead of the collection section 100. That is, the coin processing device 1 can be operated with coins that can be processed only by the first storage section 50, and after the cassette is collected and replaced, the coins in the second storage section 60 are collected in another cassette (collection section 100), and the coins in the storage section 90 are sent to the second storage section 60 after being dispensed. Alternatively, when both the collection section 100 and the storage section 90 are full, as a "predetermined condition", all overflow coins may be dispensed only to the first storage section 50, or the coins may be identified again after the cassette is collected and distributed to the predetermined storage sections 90a to 90f or the second storage section 60. In this way, various settings are possible as the "predetermined condition". In this way, the life of the device until the cassette is replaced can be extended, and downtime can be shortened.

[0088] As another pattern for distinguishing between the first storage unit 50 and the second storage unit 60, coins determined to be damaged during deposit or withdrawal may be transported to the second storage unit 60 and collected in a cassette, while normal coins may be transported to the first storage unit 50 and stored for recycling. During automatic inspection, confirmed coins may be sorted to the second storage unit 60 and unconfirmed coins (in-machine rejected coins) to the first storage unit 50. Furthermore, during the collection process, 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins may be sorted to the collection unit 100a and the other four denominations (1-yen coins, 5-yen coins, 50-yen coins, and 500-yen coins) may be sorted to the collection unit 100b for post-processing (processing of coins collected outside the machine) (each denomination withdrawn to the first storage unit 50 is sent again to the second storage unit 60 and then transported to the collection unit 100b).

[0089] Furthermore, in the above example, a deposit unit 10 (deposit / withdrawal unit) with an integrated withdrawal unit was described, but the coin processing device 1 and coin processing method disclosed herein may also be applied to a coin deposit / withdrawal machine in which the deposit unit and withdrawal unit are configured separately, or to a deposit-only machine that does not have a withdrawal function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Coin processing device 10 Entrance and Exit 12 Optical Sensor 14 Magnetic Sensor 20 Payout section 21 Foreign object return port 22 Collection and Collection Storehouse 30 Conveyor 30a Second conveying section 40 Identification section 50 1st holding section 60 2nd holding section 60a Horizontal disk extension mechanism 60b Circular rotating outlet gate 60c Annular rotating shutter 70 Sorting section 70a 1st distribution part 70b 2nd allocation part 70c 3rd distribution part 71 Second distribution section Gates 71a-71f 80 Control section 90 Storage area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f Storage area 92 Payout mechanism 100, 100a, 100b Collection section 110 Operation display section 120 Storage section 130 Communications Department 140 Bus A, B circulation route GR type end face opening and closing sorting gate S Coin push-up surface

Claims

1. A coin processing device that performs at least a coin deposit process, The deposit department, a coin dispensing unit that dispenses coins sent from the deposit unit; A conveying unit that conveys the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit; a recognition unit provided in the transport unit and configured to recognize the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit; a first storage unit in which the coins recognized by the recognition unit are temporarily stored; a second storage unit in which the coins identified by the identification unit are temporarily stored and which has a capacity different from that of the first storage unit; A sorting unit that is provided in the transport unit and sorts the coins transported by the transport unit into the first storage unit or the second storage unit; a control unit that controls the sorting unit to sort the coins recognized by the recognition unit from the transport unit to the first storage unit or the second storage unit based on a predetermined condition; The coin processing device includes:

2. The coin machine further includes a storage unit in which the coins sent from the transport unit are stored, The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, the predetermined condition is whether or not to store the coin recognized by the recognition unit in the storage unit, 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when storing the coin identified by the identification unit in the storage unit, distributes the coin identified by the identification unit from the transporting unit to the first storage unit, and when not storing the coin identified by the identification unit in the storage unit, distributes the coin identified by the identification unit from the transporting unit to the second storage unit.

3. The storage unit includes a plurality of storage sections in which coins are stored according to denomination, The conveying unit is provided with a second sorting unit that sorts the coins conveyed by the conveying unit into each of the storage portions by denomination, The coin processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the second sorting unit to sort coins that are sent from the first holding unit to the payout unit, then paid out to the transport unit by the payout unit and identified by the recognition unit, into each of the storage sections by denomination based on the recognition result.

4. The coin processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls the sorting unit to sort overflow coins that cannot be stored in the storage unit of the corresponding denomination from the transport unit to the second storage unit.

5. Further comprising a collection unit that is removable from the housing, The coin processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the coins stored in the second storage section are sent to the recovery section and stored in the recovery section.

6. The coin reel may further include a second transport unit that sends the coins stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit. The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, The coin processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the second transport unit to send the coins stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit when a second predetermined condition is satisfied.

7. The coin reel may further include a second transport unit that sends the coins stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit. The coins stored in the first storage unit can be sent to the pay-out unit, The coin processing device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to store coins dispensed from each of the storage sections in the second storage section, and then dispense the coins from the second storage section through the first storage section by the dispensing unit, and then return the coins from the transporting unit to their original storage sections by the second sorting unit, and at that time perform an inspection process in which the coins are identified by the identification unit.

8. The coin processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the amount of coins stored in the second storage section is greater than the amount of coins stored in each of the storage sections.

9. The coin processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sorting section includes a first sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transporting section to the first storage section, and a second sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transporting section to the second storage section.

10. The coin processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the sorting unit further includes a third sorting portion that sorts the coins transported by the transport unit to the deposit unit.

11. The coin processing device according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of coins stored in the first storage unit is smaller than an amount of coins stored in the second storage unit.

12. A coin processing method using a coin processing device including a deposit unit, a payout unit that pays out coins sent from the deposit unit, a transport unit that transports coins paid out by the payout unit, a recognition unit provided in the transport unit that recognizes coins paid out by the payout unit, a first storage unit in which coins identified by the recognition unit are temporarily stored and the stored coins can be sent to the payout unit, a second storage unit in which coins identified by the recognition unit are temporarily stored and the coin storage capacity is different from that of the first storage unit, and a distribution unit provided in the transport unit that distributes coins transported by the transport unit to the first storage unit or the second storage unit, a step of feeding the coins sent from the deposit unit by the feeding unit; a step of conveying the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit by the conveying unit; a step of identifying the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit using the identifying unit; a step of distributing the coins recognized by the recognition unit from the transport unit to the first storage unit or the second storage unit by the sorting unit based on a predetermined condition; A coin processing method comprising:

Images