Coin processor

Abstract

To ensure that coins can be stably stored in a removable coin collector.SOLUTION: When attaching a coin collector 3 of a coin processor 1 to a coin processing main unit 2, an operator inserts a right restriction unit 51 and a left restriction unit 52 provided on a fixing part 31 of the coin collector 3 into a right insertion space 17NR and a left insertion space 17NL provided on a deposit slot panel 17 of the coin processing main unit 2, respectively. Thus, the coin processor 1 can prevent the fixing part 31 from rotating with a front end 18AE of a withdrawal tray covering as a rotation fulcrum when a large number of coins are stored in a collection bag 32. This allows the coin processor 1 to maintain the coin collector 3 attached to the coin processing main unit 2 and stably store coins discharged into a withdrawal tray 13 into the collection bag 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device, and is suitable for use in a cash register change dispenser used at the cash registers of retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cash register change machines that combine a register unit connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) system or the like with a change processing unit that processes the deposit and withdrawal of paper money and coins as media are becoming more and more common. The coin processing device that processes coins in this change processing unit has, for example, a coin insertion unit that allows a cashier to insert coins, a transport unit that transports the coins, a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of coins, a storage unit that stores the coins, and a discharge unit that discharges coins for change. The discharge unit has, for example, a dispensing tray with a shape that is recessed downward near the center, and the coins discharged from the storage unit are accumulated in the dispensing tray.

[0003] In a coin processing device, for example, after the business hours of a store for the day are finished, a collection operation may be performed to collect coins stored in the storage unit and store them in a specified collection bag. When this collection operation is performed, for example, when a cashier performs a specified operation involving designation of the denomination, quantity, etc., the coin processing device sequentially discharges the coins stored in the storage unit into a dispensing tray of the discharge unit.

[0004] At this time, the coins sequentially discharged onto the dispensing tray need to be sequentially stored in a collection bag. As a result, a coin processing device has been proposed that uses a coin collector in which a discharge hole is provided at the bottom of the dispensing tray and an opening / closing lid is provided to open and close the discharge hole, and a collection bag is attached to a fixing part (coin collection member) that is detachable from the dispensing tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-219889 A (FIG. 11, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned coin processing device, the fixing parts of the coin collector are shaped to cover the front part and the upper edge part of the dispensing tray, from the viewpoints of ease of attachment and detachment and ensuring strength to withstand the weight of the collection bag, etc. For this reason, in the coin processing device, the fixing parts are displaced from the front side of the dispensing tray to the rear side when the coin processing device is attached, and the fixing parts are displaced toward the front side of the dispensing tray when the coin processing device is detached.

[0007] Furthermore, coin processing devices are often installed on a predetermined installation stand or the like so as to be at a height that is convenient for users. Such installation stands may have their front faces closed by panels or the like for the purpose of storing fixtures or the like inside. For this reason, in the coin processing device, when a large amount of coins are stored in a collection bag, the rear side of the collection bag will bulge forward because it interferes with the front panel of the stand or the like, and as a result, the center of gravity of the collection bag will shift forward.

[0008] In this case, in the coin processing device, a force is applied from the collection bag of the coin collector to the fixing part in a downward as well as a forward direction, causing the fixing part to be displaced forward relative to the dispensing tray, which could cause the fixing part to come off the dispensing tray and cause the coin collector to fall off.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a coin processing device that can stably store coins in a detachable coin collector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the coin processing device of the present invention is a coin processing device in which a coin recovery device can be attached and detached to a coin processing main device, and the coin processing main device is provided with a dispensing tray that accumulates coins discharged from a storage vault that stores coins and holds them in a state where they can be removed by a user from a dispensing opening, a discharge hole formed in the bottom of the dispensing tray, an opening and closing cover that opens or closes the discharge hole, and a panel section that covers at least a part of the dispensing tray excluding the dispensing opening, and the coin recovery device is provided with a collection bag that stores coins and a collection bag attached thereto, and can be attached by being displaced relative to the panel section in an attachment direction, and can be moved away from the panel section in the opposite direction to the attachment direction. The coin collector has a fixing part which can be detached by being displaced in the removal direction, and which, when attached to the panel part and with the opening / closing lid open, guides coins discharged from the storage and dropping through the discharge hole of the dispensing tray into the inside of the collection bag. When the coin collector fixing part is attached, the panel part has a panel part side rotation regulating part which abuts against the fixing part to regulate rotation in the load rotation direction in which the fixing part tends to rotate due to the weight of the coin when a coin is stored in the collection bag, and the fixing part, when attached to the panel part, has a collector side rotation regulating part which abuts against the panel part to regulate rotation in the load rotation direction.

[0011] In the present invention, when the fixing part of the coin collector is attached to the panel part of the coin processing main unit, if coins dropping from the discharge hole of the dispensing tray are stored in a collection bag and the load increases, a force that tries to rotate the fixing part in the load rotation direction due to the weight of the coins acts on the fixing part. At this time, the present invention can restrict the rotation of the fixing part in the load rotation direction by abutting the collector-side rotation regulating part of the fixing part with the panel-side rotation regulating part of the panel part, and can prevent the fixing part from coming off against the user's will. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a coin processing device that can stably store coins in a detachable coin collector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the coin processing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the coin processing main unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the coin processing main unit; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a coin recovery device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a coin recovery device according to a first embodiment is attached to a coin processing main unit. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a right side portion of a coin collector according to a first embodiment when attached to a coin processing main unit. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the left side portion of the coin collector attached to the coin processing main unit. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a schematic right side view showing the coin collector attached to the coin processing main unit. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic right side view showing the configuration of a coin collector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the right side portion of a coin collector according to a second embodiment when attached to a coin processing main unit. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a coin recovery device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a coin recovery device according to a third embodiment is attached to a coin processing main unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1. First embodiment [1-1. Configuration of coin processing device] As shown in Figure 1, the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is broadly composed of a coin processing main unit 2 that performs processing related to coins, and a coin collector 3 that is configured to be detachable from the coin processing main unit 2.

[0016] The coin processing main device 2 is configured as a part of a cash register change machine (not shown). The cash register change machine is configured from a register unit having, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, etc., a banknote processing device that performs various processes related to banknotes, and the coin processing device 1. This cash register change machine is operated by a cashier or a customer (hereinafter referred to as a user) at a checkout counter (a so-called cash register) of a retail store such as a supermarket or convenience store when a customer pays for products that he or she wishes to purchase. This cash register change machine is placed on a cash register stand 100 and is positioned at a height that allows a user to easily operate it while standing.

[0017] In the following description, the side facing the user and the opposite side are respectively referred to as the front and rear, and left and right and top and bottom are further defined as viewed from the user.

[0018] The coin processing main device 2 is configured as a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole, as shown in the perspective view of Fig. 1, the plan view of Fig. 2, and the front view of Fig. 3, and a mechanical unit 11 that handles coins mechanically is provided inside a main body cover 10 that covers the top, left and right sides, etc. The main body cover 10 is a molded part made of, for example, a specified resin material, and has sufficient strength.

[0019] Various components for performing various processes related to coins are attached to a sturdy frame (not shown) in the mechanical unit 11. Specifically, the mechanical unit 11 is provided with, for example, a coin insertion section that accepts coins inserted from the outside and separates the coins one by one, a transport section that transports the coins, a recognition section that recognizes the coin denomination and authenticity, etc., a return section that returns foreign objects, etc., a storage unit that stores coins by denomination, and a discharge section that discharges coins, etc.

[0020] Incidentally, the coin processing main unit 2 is stored in a storage space formed in the housing of a cash register change machine (not shown). In the cash register change machine, the front side of this storage space is open while the other parts are closed, and the coin processing main unit 2 is stored in this storage space by displacing it from the front side to the rear side.

[0021] A deposit tray 12 into which coins are inserted is disposed on the upper left side in front of the mechanical unit 11, a dispensing tray 13 from which coins are ejected is disposed on the lower right side, and a return tray 14 from which coins are returned is disposed on the left side of that. The deposit tray 12 is part of a coin insertion section (not shown), and is formed in a bowl or mortar shape with a large opening on the upper side, allowing the user to easily insert coins.

[0022] The dispensing tray 13 is a part of the discharge section (not shown), has a large opening on the upper side, is formed in a bowl or mortar shape, and allows coins to be lowered and accumulated along an inclined guide surface, and allows the user to easily remove the coins by scraping them from the front. Hereinafter, the open portion on the upper side of the dispensing tray 13 will be referred to as the dispensing opening 13A.

[0023] 2, the dispensing tray 13 has a sufficiently large discharge hole 21H formed in the bottom of the tray main body 21, and is provided with an opening / closing lid 22 that opens or closes this discharge hole 21H. The opening / closing lid 22 is a plate-shaped member that corresponds to the discharge hole 21H, and is rotatably attached to the tray main body 21 via a rotation mechanism 23 provided in front of the discharge hole 21H.

[0024] In the closed state where the opening / closing lid 22 closes the discharge hole 21H, the dispensing tray 13 forms a generally continuous curved surface with the tray body 21 and the opening / closing lid 22, accumulates coins discharged from a storage (not shown) and allows the user to remove the coins. When the rear portion of the opening / closing lid 22 is rotated so as to be lifted upward, the dispensing tray 13 opens the discharge hole 21H and enters an open state. At this time, the dispensing tray 13 drops most of the coins discharged from the storage (not shown) downward from the discharge hole 21H without accumulating them. Incidentally, the rotation range of the opening / closing lid 22 is restricted so that it can only be rotated in a direction that lifts the rear portion upward from the closed state.

[0025] The return tray 14 is part of the return section (not shown), and like the dispensing tray 13, is formed in a bowl or mortar shape with a large opening at the top, guiding and accumulating coins, and allowing the user to easily remove the coins by scraping them off from the front. However, the return tray 14 is about half the size of the dispensing tray 13.

[0026] The portion of the mechanical unit 11 extending from the upper side near the front end to the front side is covered by a front panel 16. The front panel 16 serving as a panel portion is a molded part made of a predetermined resin material, and is attached to the front side of the body cover 10. This front panel 16 is formed in a complex shape combining various flat and curved surfaces, has a sufficient thickness, and is provided with ribs (not shown) inside to ensure sufficient strength.

[0027] The front panel 16 is composed of a deposit panel 17 that covers approximately 3 / 5 of the upper part and front part of the mechanical unit 11, and a withdrawal panel 18 that covers approximately 2 / 5 of the lower part.

[0028] On the left side, deposit port panel 17 exposes the upper portion of deposit tray 12 while covering the surrounding area. On the right side, deposit port panel 17 covers only a portion of the rear side above dispensing tray 13, and further has through-hole 17H ​​formed therein, which opens so as to penetrate from the top to the bottom, leaving only upper front beam portion 17B.

[0029] That is, in the deposit port panel 17, a space that is connected from the front side is formed below and behind the beam-shaped portion 17B. The lower surface of the beam-shaped portion 17B is formed as a substantially horizontal plane. The rear surface of the beam-shaped portion 17B is formed as a substantially vertical plane. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the portion of the beam-shaped portion 17B near the right end is referred to as the right restriction portion 17ER, the lower surface of the right restriction portion 17ER is referred to as the right restriction surface 17SR, and the space below and behind the right restriction surface 17SR is referred to as the right insertion space 17NR.

[0030] Further, the lower part of the deposit port panel 17, in the range located directly above the dispensing tray 13, forms a generally curved surface, but a left restricting portion 17EL is provided in a narrow range directly above the vicinity of the left end of the dispensing tray 13, and a left restricting surface 17SL consisting of a generally horizontal plane is formed on the lower surface of the left restricting portion 17EL. A left insertion space 17NL, which is a space communicating from the front side, is formed below this left restricting surface 17SL.

[0031] Incidentally, when the coin processing main device 2 is pulled out from the housing of the cash register change machine, the deposit port panel 17 can be displaced forward or upward relative to the mechanical unit 11, etc., to remove it, thereby allowing maintenance work, etc. to be performed on the mechanical unit 11.

[0032] The dispensing port panel 18 exposes the opening portions of the dispensing tray 13 and the return tray 14, while generally covering the other portions. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, the portion of the dispensing port panel 18 that covers the upper edge of the dispensing tray 13 will be referred to as a dispensing tray covering portion 18A.

[0033] On the other hand, the coin collector 3 (FIG. 1) is broadly composed of a fixing part 31 and a collection bag 32. The fixing part 31 is a molded part made of, for example, a predetermined resin material, and as shown in the enlarged perspective view of FIG. 4, is broadly composed of a lower tray attachment part 41 and an upper columnar part 42.

[0034] The tray attachment portion 41 is generally shaped such that the rear side is open and the center area is largely recessed forward. The tray attachment portion 41 is also slightly larger than the portion of the dispensing port panel 18 that covers the dispensing tray 13. In addition, the tray attachment portion 41 is formed with an upper covering portion 41T that covers the dispensing tray covering portion 18A of the dispensing port panel 18 from above. The upper covering portion 41T has a shape similar to the English capital letter "U" when viewed from the upper front.

[0035] The columnar portion 42 is configured as a whole by appropriately curving and connecting rectangular columnar parts, and has a right columnar portion 43 on the right side, a left columnar portion 44 on the left side, and a central columnar portion 45 in the center.

[0036] The right columnar portion 43 stands upward from the upper surface near the right end of the upper covering portion 41T of the tray attachment portion 41, and has a shape like a rectangular column that is aligned in the vertical direction and has a curved upper end near the rear direction. A right regulating portion 51 is provided at the upper rear end of the right columnar portion 43. The right regulating portion 51 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its upper surface, that is, a right regulating surface 51S, is a substantially flat plane. On the other hand, the lower surface of the right regulating portion 51 is formed with an inclined surface that rises as it proceeds in the rear direction.

[0037] The left pillar-shaped portion 44 is shaped like a relatively short rectangular pillar extending in the front-rear direction, stacked on the upper side of the upper covering portion 41T near the left end of the upper covering portion 41T of the tray attachment portion 41. A left regulating portion 52 is provided at the rear end of the left pillar-shaped portion 44. The left regulating portion 52 is generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped overall, and its upper surface, a left regulating surface 52S, is a substantially flat surface. This left regulating surface 52S is located slightly above the upper surface of the upper covering portion 41T. In addition, a portion of the lower surface of the left regulating portion 52 near the rear end is formed with an inclined surface that rises as it proceeds in the rear direction.

[0038] The central columnar portion 45, which serves as a regulating connection portion, comprises a right central columnar portion 45R extending forward from near the upper end of the right central columnar portion 43, a front central columnar portion 45F connected to the front end of the right central columnar portion 45R and extending along the left-right direction, and a left central columnar portion 45L extending upward from near the center in the front-to-rear direction of the left columnar portion 44 and connected to the left end of the front central columnar portion 45F. The connection portion between the right central columnar portion 45R and the front central columnar portion 45F, and the connection portion between the front central columnar portion 45F and the left central columnar portion 45L, all have a shape resembling a curved rectangular column.

[0039] On the other hand, the collection bag 32 (FIG. 1) is made of, for example, a relatively thick cloth or a core material (not shown) and is attached with the mouth of the bag open on the lower side of the fixing part 31. This collection bag 32 can store, for example, several hundred to several thousand coins.

[0040] In addition, although both the tray attachment portion 41 and the columnar portion 42 of the fixing part 31 are molded parts made of a resin material, the material is appropriately selected and the structure is appropriately designed, so that the fixing part 31 has sufficient rigidity. Therefore, even if the weight of the fixing part 31 is sufficiently large (heavy) due to a large amount of coins being stored in the collection bag 32, for example, and the load acts on each part of the tray attachment portion 41, the right regulation portion 51, the left regulation portion 52, or the central columnar portion 45, the fixing part 31 can maintain its shape with almost no deformation.

[0041] [1-2. Installation of the coin collector] As described above, the coin processing device 1 is configured so that the coin collector 3 can be attached and detached to the coin processing main device 2. For example, when the coin processing device 1 performs a coin collection process, first, the opening and closing cover 22 (FIG. 2) of the dispensing tray 13 is rotated from a closed state to an open state by a cashier, a maintenance worker, or the like (hereinafter referred to as a worker).

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the user of the coin processing device 1 positions the tray mounting portion 41 of the fixing part 31 of the coin collector 3 in front of the dispensing tray 13 in the coin processing main body device 2, and displaces the fixing part 31 in the rear direction.

[0043] 5, the coin processing device 1 can mount the coin collector 3 to the coin processing main device 2 by covering the front side of the dispensing tray 13 with the tray mounting part 41 of the fixing part 31. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the rear direction is also referred to as the mounting direction.

[0044] At this time, the coin processing device 1 covers the upper covering portion 41T of the tray attachment portion 41 on the dispensing tray covering portion 18A of the dispensing port panel 18. As a result, when gravity acts on the coin collector 3 and a downward force acts from the coin collector 3 to the dispensing tray covering portion 18A, the coin processing device 1 can transmit this force from the dispensing tray covering portion 18A to the dispensing tray 13 and the mechanical unit 11 ( FIG. 1 ) and support the coin collector 3.

[0045] In addition, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of Fig. 6, the right regulation part 51 of the fixing part 31 on the right side of the coin collector 3 is inserted into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17. As a result, in the coin processing device 1, the right regulation surface 51S, which is the upper surface of the right regulation part 51 on the coin collector 3 side, faces the right regulation surface 17SR of the deposit port panel 17 on the coin processing main device 2 side, and the two are brought very close to each other or abut against each other.

[0046] 7, the left regulating portion 52 of the fixing part 31 of the coin collector 3 is inserted into the left insertion space 17NL of the deposit port panel 17 on the left side. As a result, in the coin processing device 1, the left regulating surface 52S, which is the upper surface of the left regulating portion 52 on the coin collector 3 side, faces the left regulating surface 17SL of the deposit port panel 17 on the coin processing main device 2 side, and the two are brought very close to each other or are abutted against each other.

[0047] At this time, a first gap 81 having a sufficient length for an operator's fingertips to easily fit in is formed between the central columnar portion 45 of the columnar portion 42 and the deposit port panel 17. Also, a second gap 82 having a sufficient length for an operator's fingertips to easily fit in and large enough to allow the operator to easily view the inside of the dispensing tray 13 is formed between the central columnar portion 45 and the dispensing tray covering portion 18A.

[0048] In this way, when the coin collector 3 is attached to the coin processing main unit 2, the coin processing device 1 is in a state in which the upper covering portion 41T of the tray mounting portion 41 is placed on the dispensing tray covering portion 18A that covers the dispensing tray 13, the right regulating portion 51 is inserted into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17, and the left regulating portion 52 is inserted into the left insertion space 17NL.

[0049] Thereafter, when a predetermined operation is performed by an operator via a register section (not shown) or the like, the coin processing device 1 sequentially discharges coins from the storage in the mechanical unit 11 to the dispensing tray 13. The coins discharged at this time fall downward through the discharge hole 21H (FIG. 2) of the dispensing tray 13, and are guided and stored in the collection bag 32. The weight of all the coins stored in the collection bag 32 at this time is applied to the dispensing tray covering section 18A of the dispensing port panel 18 via the fixing parts 31, and is supported by the mechanical unit 11, etc.

[0050] Incidentally, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of Fig. 8, in the coin processing device 1, due to restrictions on the size of the coin processing main device 2 including the dispensing tray 13, the presence of the cash register 100, and the like, the collection bag 32 of the coin collector 3 is positioned slightly biased forward from directly below the dispensing tray 13. For this reason, in the coin processing device 1, when coins are stored in the collection bag 32 of the coin collector 3, the center of gravity G3 of the coin collector 3 is positioned forward of the dispensing tray covering front end 18AE, which is the front end of the dispensing tray covering part 18A that covers the dispensing tray 13. Note that Fig. 8 shows a vertical auxiliary line LG3 passing through the center of gravity G3 and a vertical auxiliary line L18AE passing through the dispensing tray covering front end 18AE.

[0051] In other words, while gravity acts on the coin processing device 1 in a downward direction from the center of gravity G3 of the coin collector 3, the coin processing main device 2 supports the coin collector 3 only on the rear side of the dispensing tray covering front end 18AE.

[0052] In this case, in the coin processing device 1, particularly when a large number of coins are stored in the collection bag 32 and the weight of the entire coin collector 3 increases, a relatively large force due to a relatively large load acts on the center of gravity G3 in front of the dispensing tray cover front end 18AE in the front-rear direction. As a result, the coin collector 3 attempts to rotate so as to lift the rear side of the fixing part 31 upward, with the dispensing tray cover front end 18AE as the rotation fulcrum. Hereinafter, the direction in which the coin attempts to rotate at this time, i.e., the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 6 and the clockwise direction in Fig. 7, will also be referred to as the load rotation direction R1.

[0053] At this time, in the coin processing device 1, the right regulating surface 51S of the right regulating portion 51 abuts against the right regulating surface 17SR of the right insertion space 17NR on the right side of the fixing part 31, and the left regulating surface 52S of the left regulating portion 52 abuts against the left regulating surface 17SL of the left insertion space 17NL on the left side of the fixing part 31.

[0054] As a result, in the coin processing device 1, the movement of rotating in the load rotation direction R1 with the front end 18AE of the dispensing tray cover as the rotation fulcrum is restricted, and the entire coin collector 3 can continue to be stably supported by the dispensing tray cover part 18A, the mechanical unit 11, etc.

[0055] For convenience of explanation, the right and left restriction portions 51 and 52 of the fixing part 31 are collectively referred to as the collector-side rotation restriction portion hereinafter. Also, the right and left restriction portions 17ER and 17EL of the deposit port panel 17 are collectively referred to as the panel-side rotation restriction portion hereinafter.

[0056] Incidentally, when the collection process is completed, the fixing part 31 is displaced forward by the operator to be removed from the dispensing port panel 18, and the coin collector 3 is detached from the coin processing main body device 2. For convenience of explanation, the forward direction will be referred to as the detachment direction below. Next, in the coin processing device 1, the opening / closing cover 22 of the dispensing tray 13 is rotated from the open state to the closed state (FIG. 2). This allows the coin processing device 1 to normally perform various processes related to normal operations, such as deposit processing and dispensing processing.

[0057] [1-3. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, when the coin collection process is performed for the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, an operator attaches the tray mounting portion 41 of the fixing part 31 in the coin collector 3 to the dispensing tray covering portion 18A that covers the dispensing tray 13 in the coin processing main body device 2 (Figure 5, etc.).

[0058] At this time, the coin collector 3 inserts the right regulating portion 51 on the right side of the fixing part 31 into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17 of the coin processing main body device 2, and inserts the left regulating portion 52 on the left side of the fixing part 31 into the left insertion space 17NL of the deposit port panel 17 of the coin processing main body device 2 (Figures 6 and 7).

[0059] Therefore, when a large number of coins are stored in the collection bag 32 and the weight of the entire coin collection device 3 increases, the coin processing device 1 can abut the right regulating surface 51S of the right regulating portion 51 against the right regulating surface 17SR of the deposit port panel 17 and the left regulating surface 52S of the left regulating portion 52 against the left regulating surface 17SL of the deposit port panel 17.

[0060] This prevents the fixing part 31 from rotating in the load rotation direction R1 with the dispensing tray covering front end 18AE as the rotation fulcrum, and prevents the fixing part 31 from sliding downward and forward from the dispensing tray covering part 18A, i.e., prevents the coin collector 3 from coming off the coin processing main device 2. As a result, the coin processing device 1 can maintain the state in which the coin collector 3 is attached to the coin processing main device 2, and allows coins discharged to the dispensing tray 13 to be stably stored in the collection bag 32.

[0061] In particular, the right and left regulating parts 51 and 52 of the fixing part 31 are each configured as a rectangular parallelepiped roughly aligned in the front-rear direction, and the right and left regulating faces 51S and 52S, which are their upper faces, are roughly horizontal and planar. Therefore, in the coin processing device 1, when attaching the coin collector 3, the operator only needs to perform a simple task of displacing (i.e., pushing) the fixing part 31 from the front side of the dispensing tray 13 to the rear side.

[0062] This allows the coin processing device 1 to cover the tray attachment portion 41 on the dispensing tray covering portion 18A, and to insert the right regulating portion 51 and the left regulating portion 52 into the right insertion space 17NR and the left insertion space 17NL, respectively. Furthermore, when removing the coin collector 3 from the coin processing main device 2, the coin processing device 1 only requires the operator to perform a simple task of displacing the fixing part 31 forward (i.e., pulling it out).

[0063] In other words, the coin processing device 1 allows an operator to easily attach and detach the coin collector 3 to and from the coin processing main body device 2 while also allowing the coin collector 3 to be maintained in an attached state.

[0064] Furthermore, the coin collector 3 is provided with a right regulating portion 51 and a left regulating portion 52 on both the left and right sides of the fixing part 31. Therefore, when a large number of coins are stored in the collection bag 32 with the coin collector 3 attached to the coin processing main body device 2 and the weight of the coins increases, the coin processing device 1 can abut the right regulating surface 51S of the right regulating portion 51 and the left regulating surface 52S of the left regulating portion 52 against the right regulating surface 17SR and the left regulating surface 17SL of the deposit port panel 17, respectively, thereby maintaining left and right balance.

[0065] As a result, when a large number of coins are stored in the collection bag 32, the coin processing device 1 can avoid twisting in the left-right direction around the front end 18AE of the dispensing tray cover, and can maintain the fixing part 31 in a good condition when attached to the dispensing tray cover portion 18A.

[0066] Furthermore, the coin collector 3 is provided with a central column portion 45 that connects the right column portion 43 and the left column portion 44 on the fixing part 31, and when attached, a panel front space 80 is formed between the coin collector 3 and the deposit port panel 17. Therefore, when an operator attaches the coin collector 3 to the coin processing main device 2, when detaching the coin collector 3 from the coin processing main device 2, or when transporting the coin collector 3 by itself, the operator can grasp the central column portion 45 as a handle (grab), making it easy to handle the coin collector 3.

[0067] According to the above configuration, in the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, when an operator attaches the coin collector 3 to the coin processing main device 2, the right regulating portion 51 and the left regulating portion 52 provided on the fixing part 31 of the coin collector 3 are inserted into the right insertion space 17NR and the left insertion space 17NL provided on the deposit port panel 17 of the coin processing main device 2, respectively. Therefore, when a large number of coins are stored in the collection bag 32, the coin processing device 1 can prevent the fixing part 31 from rotating around the dispensing tray cover front end 18AE as a rotation fulcrum. This allows the coin processing device 1 to maintain the state in which the coin collector 3 is attached to the coin processing main device 2, and allows coins discharged to the dispensing tray 13 to be stably stored in the collection bag 32.

[0068] 2. Second embodiment The coin processing device 201 according to the second embodiment differs from the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a coin collector 203 instead of the coin collector 3, but the coin processing main device 2 is configured in the same way. The coin collector 203 differs from the coin collector 3 according to the first embodiment in that it has a fixing part 231 instead of the fixing part 31, and the collection bag 32 is configured in the same way. The fixing part 231 differs from the fixing part 31 according to the first embodiment in that it has a columnar part 242 instead of the columnar part 42, and the tray attachment part 41 is configured in the same way.

[0069] As shown in the schematic right side view of Fig. 9, the columnar part 242 is different from the columnar part 42 according to the first embodiment in that an engagement protrusion 261 is provided on the upper side of the right regulating part 51, but is otherwise configured in the same manner. The engagement protrusion 261 is formed in a small rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding upward from the right regulating surface 51S, which is the upper surface of the right regulating part 51, and its rear side is inclined so as to connect the front upper side and the rear lower side. For convenience of explanation, the right regulating surface 51S parallel to the front-rear direction in which the fixing part 231 is displaced when the coin collector 203 is attached or detached will also be referred to as the attachment / detachment parallel surface below.

[0070] On the other hand, as described above, the beam-shaped portion 17B (FIGS. 3 and 6, etc.) of the deposit port panel 17 has a rear surface formed as a substantially vertical flat surface. When the coin processing main device 2 is stored in the housing of the cash register change machine, a small gap is formed between the coin processing main device 2 and the housing of the cash register change machine. Therefore, if an upward force is applied to the deposit port panel 17, the deposit port panel 17 can utilize the gap with the housing of the cash register change machine to be slightly displaced upward relative to the mechanical unit 11, etc.

[0071] In this second embodiment, when attaching the coin collector 203 to the coin processing main unit 2, as in the first embodiment, an operator positions the tray attachment portion 41 of the fixing part 231 of the coin collector 203 in front of the dispensing tray 13 of the coin processing main unit 2 and displaces the fixing part 231 in the rear direction (i.e., the attachment direction).

[0072] As a result, in the coin collector 203, similar to the first embodiment, the upper covering portion 41T of the tray attachment portion 41 covers the dispensing tray covering portion 18A of the dispensing port panel 18. In addition, in the coin collector 203, similar to the first embodiment, the right regulating portion 51 of the fixing part 31 is inserted into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17 on the right side, and the left regulating portion 52 of the fixing part 31 is inserted into the left insertion space 17NL of the deposit port panel 17 on the left side.

[0073] At this time, in the process of inserting the right regulating portion 51 of the coin collector 203 into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17, the engagement protrusion 261 comes into contact with the beam portion 17B of the deposit port panel 17. Then, an upward force acts on the beam portion 17B from the engagement protrusion 261, so that the deposit port panel 17 is displaced slightly upward using the gap with the housing of the cash register change dispenser, allowing the engagement protrusion 261 to pass. Furthermore, when the engagement protrusion 261 reaches the rear side of the beam portion 17B, the upward force is released, so the deposit port panel 17 is displaced downward and returns to its original position.

[0074] As a result, in the coin processing device 201, the engaging protrusion 261 is located on the rear side of the beam-shaped portion 17B, and the two are engaged with each other, as shown in the schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 10. This allows the coin processing device 201 to maintain the state in which the engaging protrusion 261 and the beam-shaped portion 17B are engaged with each other even if vibration or a relatively small force in the forward direction acts on the fixing part 231. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the beam-shaped portion 17B is also referred to as the engaged portion.

[0075] That is, the coin processing device 201 can maintain a state in which the right regulating portion 51 of the fixing part 231 is inserted into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17 and the right regulating surface 51S is extremely close to or in contact with the right regulating surface 17SR.

[0076] Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the coin processing device 201 can prevent the fixing part 231 from rotating around the front end 18AE of the dispensing tray cover as the rotation fulcrum, thereby preventing the coin collector 203 from detaching from the coin processing main device 2 and further maintaining this state in a good condition.

[0077] Incidentally, when the coin processing device 201 is to remove the coin collector 203 from the coin processing main device 2, the worker can displace the fixing part 231 forward, as in the first embodiment. At this time, in the coin processing device 201, the coin collector 203 can be removed smoothly by having the worker apply a relatively strong force to the fixing part 231 or apply a force to slightly lift the deposit port panel 17 upward.

[0078] In other respects as well, the coin processing device 201 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0079] 3. Third Embodiment The coin processing device 301 according to the third embodiment differs from the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a coin collector 303 instead of the coin collector 3, but the coin processing main device 2 is configured in the same way. The coin collector 303 differs from the coin collector 3 according to the first embodiment in that it has a fixing part 331 instead of the fixing part 31, and the collection bag 32 is configured in the same way. The fixing part 331 differs from the fixing part 31 according to the first embodiment in that it has a columnar part 342 instead of the columnar part 42, and the tray attachment part 41 is configured in the same way.

[0080] As shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the columnar portion 342 differs from the columnar portion 42 of the first embodiment in that a display body 371 is attached to the upper side of the right central columnar portion 45R of the central columnar portion 45, but is otherwise configured in the same manner.

[0081] The indicator 371 is a thin plate-like member having a width equal to or shorter than that of the right restricting portion 51 and a length slightly shorter than that of the straight portion of the right central columnar portion 45R along the width. The indicator 371 is generally white in color and has a position mark 372 provided at its rear end.

[0082] The position mark 372 as a position indicator is a red straight line along the left-right direction. The position of the position mark 372 is adjusted in the front-rear direction so that when the coin collector 303 is attached to the coin processing main device 2 and the right regulating part 51 is inserted into the right insertion space 17NR of the deposit port panel 17, the position of the position mark 372 is directly below the front lower end of the beam part 17B.

[0083] With this configuration, the coin processing device 301 can prompt the worker who is attempting to attach the coin collector 303 to the coin processing main device 2 to use the position mark 372 on the display 371 to align the fixing part 331 to the appropriate position, specifically, to position the position mark 372 directly below the front lower end of the beam-shaped portion 17B.

[0084] In the coin processing device 301, a prepared instruction manual or the like is provided to ensure that the operator is aware in advance that when attaching the coin collector 303 to the coin processing main unit 2, the position mark 372 of the display 371 must be aligned with the front lower end of the beam-shaped portion 17B.

[0085] That is, when an operator attaches the coin collector 303 to the coin processing main unit 2, the coin processing device 301 positions the coin collector 303 in front of the dispensing tray 13 and displaces the fixing part 331 rearward, as in the first embodiment. At this time, the operator stops displacing the fixing part 331 rearward when the position mark 372 of the indicator 371 is positioned directly below the front lower end of the beam-shaped part 17B. This allows the coin processing device 301 to stop the fixing part 331 at an appropriate position relative to the dispensing tray 13, the deposit port panel 17, the dispensing port panel 18, etc.

[0086] As a result, when an operator attaches the coin collector 303 to the coin processing main unit 2, the coin processing device 301 allows the operator to easily attach the fixing part 331 to the appropriate position using the position mark 372 of the indicator 371.

[0087] In other respects as well, the coin processing device 301 according to the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] [4. Other embodiments] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the lower side and the rear side of the beam-shaped portion 17B in the deposit port panel 17 are defined as the right insertion space 17NR, and the lower part of the deposit port panel 17 directly above the vicinity of the left end of the dispensing tray 13 is defined as the left insertion space 17NL, and the right regulation portion 51 and the left regulation portion 52 are inserted into the right insertion space 17NR (FIGS. 3 and 4, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and insertion spaces may be formed at various places in the deposit port panel 17, and the right regulation portion 51 and the left regulation portion 52 may be inserted into the insertion spaces. In these cases, it is only necessary to restrict the movement of the fixing part 31 that tends to rotate around the dispensing tray covering front end 18AE due to the position of the center of gravity of the collection bag 32 by abutting the right regulation portion 51, etc. against the upper surface part of the insertion space in the deposit port panel 17. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0089] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, two insertion spaces, such as the right insertion space 17NR and the left insertion space 17NL, are formed in the deposit port panel 17, and two restriction portions, such as the right restriction portion 51 and the left restriction portion 52, are provided in the fixing part 31 (FIGS. 4, 6, 7, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, one or three or more insertion spaces may be provided in the deposit port panel 17, and the same number of restriction portions as the number of insertion spaces may be provided in the fixing part 31 at locations corresponding to each insertion space. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, an embodiment has been described in which the columnar portion 42 of the fixing part 31 is provided with a curved columnar central columnar portion 45 that connects the right columnar portion 43 and the left columnar portion 44 (FIG. 4). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the columnar portion 42 may be provided with a central columnar portion 45 of another shape, or the central columnar portion 45 may be omitted. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, the engagement protrusion 261 is provided on the upper side of the right regulating portion 51 of the fixing part 231, and when the coin collector 203 is attached to the coin processing main body device 2, the engagement protrusion 261 is engaged with the beam-shaped portion 17B of the deposit port panel 17 (FIGS. 9 and 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an engagement protrusion may be provided on the upper side of the left regulating portion 52 of the fixing part 231, and a recess may be formed in the upper surface portion of the left insertion space 17NL of the deposit port panel 17, and the engagement protrusion may be engaged with the recess. Alternatively, for example, a recess instead of the engagement protrusion 261 may be formed on the upper surface of the right regulating portion 51, and a protrusion protruding downward may be formed on the lower surface of the beam-shaped portion 17B of the deposit port panel 17, and the protrusion may be engaged with the recess.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, a white indicator 371 is provided on the upper side of the right central columnar part 45R of the fixing part 331, i.e., in the vicinity of the right regulating part 51, and the indicator 371 is provided with a position mark 372 consisting of a red straight line (FIGS. 11 and 12). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the indicator 371 may be provided on the upper surface of the left columnar part 44, which is in the vicinity of the left regulating part 52. In addition, the position mark 372 may be various figures or symbols, such as a plurality of small circles or triangles aligned in a straight line along the left-right direction. Furthermore, the indicator 371 and the position mark 372 may be various colors different from each other, such as the indicator 371 being black and the position mark 372 being yellow. In this case, it is preferable that the colors are combined so that the operator can easily see the position mark 372. Alternatively, for example, the indicator 371 may be omitted, and the position mark 372 may be directly displayed on the upper surface of the right central columnar part 45R. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the position mark 372 may be formed by projections and recesses on the surface of the right central columnar portion 45R.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a coin processing device 1 (FIG. 1) that combines a coin processing main device 2 that is part of a cash register change machine (not shown) and a detachable coin collector 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a portion where coins are discharged (dispensed) in various devices that handle coins, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or a vending machine. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0094] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments in which the above-mentioned embodiments and the other embodiments are combined in part or in whole in any manner. The scope of application of the present invention also extends to embodiments in which a part of the configuration described in any of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments is extracted and replaced or diverted with a part of the configuration of any of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments, or an embodiment in which a part of the extracted configuration is added to any of the embodiments.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the coin processing device is configured by a coin processing main device and a coin recovery device. Of these, the coin processing main device is configured by a dispensing tray, a discharge hole, an opening / closing lid, and a panel section. Also, the coin recovery device is configured by a recovery bag and a fixing part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the coin processing device may be configured by a coin processing main device and a coin recovery device having various other configurations. In this case, the coin processing main device may be configured by a dispensing tray, a discharge hole, an opening / closing lid, and a panel section having various other configurations. Also, the coin recovery device may be configured by a recovery bag and a fixing part having various other configurations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present invention can be used, for example, in a cash register change dispenser used at the cash register of a retail store. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1, 201, 301... coin processing device, 2... coin processing main body device, 3, 203, 303... coin recovery device, 13... dispensing tray, 13A... dispensing opening, 16... front panel, 17... deposit port panel, 17B... beam-shaped portion, 17EL... left regulating portion, 17ER... right regulating portion, 17H... through hole, 17NL... left insertion space, 17NR... right insertion space, 17SL... left regulating surface, 17SR... right regulating surface, 18... dispensing port panel, 18A... ...dispensing tray covering part, 18AE...front end of dispensing tray covering, 31, 231, 331...fixing part, 32...collection bag, 41...tray mounting part, 41T...upper covering part, 42, 242, 342...column-shaped part, 45...central column-shaped part, 51...right regulating part, 51S...right regulating surface, 52...left regulating part, 52S...left regulating surface, 81, 82...gap, 100...cash register stand, 261...engagement protrusion, 371...indicator, 372...position mark, G3...center of gravity.

Claims

1. A coin processing device in which a coin recovery unit can be attached to and detached from a coin processing main unit, The coin processing main unit comprises: a dispensing tray that accumulates coins discharged from a coin storage vault and holds the coins in a state that allows the coins to be removed by a user through a dispensing opening; A discharge hole formed in the bottom of the coin dispensing tray; an opening / closing lid for opening or closing the discharge hole; a panel portion that covers at least a portion of the coin dispensing tray excluding the coin dispensing opening; Equipped with The coin collector includes: A collection bag for storing the coins; a fixing part to which the collection bag is attached, which can be attached by being displaced in an attachment direction relative to the panel part and can be detached by being displaced in a detachment direction opposite to the attachment direction, and which guides the coins discharged from the storage and dropping from the discharge hole of the dispensing tray into the inside of the collection bag when the collection bag is attached to the panel part and the opening / closing lid is open; Equipped with the panel portion has a panel portion-side rotation regulating portion that abuts against the fixing part to regulate rotation in a load rotation direction in which the fixing part tends to rotate due to the load of the coin when the coin is stored in the collection bag in a state in which the fixing part of the coin collection device is attached, The fixing part has a recovery device side rotation restricting part that restricts the rotation in the load rotation direction by contacting the panel part when the fixing part is attached to the panel part. A coin processing device.

2. the recovery device side rotation restriction portion has an attachment / detachment parallel surface that is parallel to the mounting direction and the removal direction, and has an engagement protrusion that protrudes in the load rotation direction beyond the attachment / detachment parallel surface, The panel portion has an engaged portion that engages with the engaging projection when the fixing part of the coin collector is attached.

2. The coin processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The recovery device side rotation regulating portion has a parallel mounting / removal surface that is parallel to the mounting direction and the removal direction, and a position mark is provided at a position on the parallel mounting / removal surface that should be aligned with the surface of the panel portion when the fixing part is mounted on the panel portion.

2. The coin processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the panel unit has the panel unit-side rotation regulating portions at a plurality of positions facing each other across the coin dispensing tray, The fixing part has the collector side rotation regulating parts at a plurality of positions facing the panel part side rotation regulating parts when the fixing part is attached to the panel part.

2. The coin processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The fixing part has a restricting connection part which connects the plurality of recovery device side rotation restricting parts to each other and forms a gap between the payment tray and the fixing part when the fixing part is attached to the panel part, the gap being large enough to allow at least the fingertips of an operator to pass through.

5. The coin processing device according to claim 4.

6. When the restricting connection portion of the fixing part is attached to the panel portion, a gap is formed between the restricting connection portion and a surface of the panel portion through which at least the fingertips of the operator can pass.

6. The coin processing device according to claim 5.

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