Money processing device

Abstract

To provide a money processing device which allows a depositing operation of bills and coins to be performed smoothly.SOLUTION: A money processing device 1A has in its first operation surface 101: a bill depositing port 120; a bill dispensing port 130; a coin depositing port 140; and a coin dispensing port 150. The bill depositing port 120 and the coin depositing port 140 are juxtaposed in the left / right direction and overlap as viewed in the left / right direction in the first operation surface 101. The bill dispensing port 130 and the coin dispensing port 150 are juxtaposed in the left / right direction and overlap in the left / right direction below the bill depositing port 120 and the coin depositing port 140 on the first operation surface 101. The bill depositing port 120 and the bill dispensing port 130 overlap as viewed in the vertical direction in the first operation surface 101. The coin depositing port 140 and the coin dispensing port 150 overlap as viewed in the vertical direction in the first operation surface 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A payment operation unit is described in Patent Document 1, in which a currency handling device consisting of a bill deposit / withdrawal device and a coin deposit / withdrawal device is built into a housing, and a bill insertion slot, a bill receiving slot, a coin insertion slot and a coin receiving slot are arranged on a front panel as operation sections operated by a user for payment. On the front panel, the bill insertion slot is arranged at an upper left position, the bill receiving slot at a lower left position, the coin insertion slot at an upper right position and the coin receiving slot at a lower right position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-276539 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the settlement operation unit of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the bill insertion slot and the coin insertion slot are arranged at positions separated in the height direction, that is, positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the left and right direction of the front panel. Therefore, it is difficult for a user to recognize these bill insertion slot and coin insertion slot as the same deposit slot. For this reason, there is a concern that it may become difficult to insert bills and coins, for example.

[0005] In view of the above problem, the present invention has an object to provide a currency processing device that can smoothly insert banknotes and coins. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A main aspect of the present invention relates to a currency handling device. The currency handling device according to this aspect includes a banknote handling unit that processes banknotes and a coin handling unit that processes coins, and a first operation surface having a banknote deposit port portion through which banknotes to be deposited into the banknote handling unit are inserted, a banknote withdrawal port portion through which banknotes withdrawn from the banknote handling unit are ejected, a coin deposit port portion through which coins to be deposited into the coin handling unit are inserted, and a coin withdrawal port portion through which coins withdrawn from the coin handling unit are ejected. The banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap when viewed in the left-right direction on the first operation surface. The banknote withdrawal port portion and the coin withdrawal port portion are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap when viewed in the left-right direction below the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion on the operation surface. The banknote deposit port portion and the banknote withdrawal port portion overlap when viewed in the up-down direction on the first operation surface. The coin deposit port portion and the coin withdrawal port portion overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction on the operation surface.

[0007] According to the currency processing device of this aspect, the banknote deposit port and the coin deposit port are arranged side by side at the same height, so that the user can easily recognize that they are the same deposit port. This makes it easier for the user to smoothly insert banknotes and coins into the banknote deposit port and the coin deposit port.

[0008] In addition, because the banknote dispensing port and the coin dispensing port are arranged side by side at the same height, the user can easily recognize that they are the same dispensing port, which allows the user to more smoothly remove banknotes and coins from the banknote dispensing port and the coin dispensing port.

[0009] Furthermore, the height positions of the banknote deposit port and the coin deposit port and the height positions of the banknote withdrawal port and the coin withdrawal port are the same, and the positions of the banknote deposit port and the banknote withdrawal port and the coin deposit port and the coin withdrawal port are aligned in the left-right direction of the first operation surface, so that the four portions of the banknote deposit port, the banknote withdrawal port, the coin deposit port and the coin withdrawal port are easily arranged together. This makes it easier for users to perform a series of operations from inserting banknotes and coins to taking them out. Furthermore, the concentration of the four portions of the banknote deposit port, the banknote withdrawal port, the coin deposit port and the coin withdrawal port makes it easier to make the device compact.

[0010] In the currency processing device according to this aspect, the banknote deposit port may be hollow and configured to have a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface. The coin deposit port may be hollow and configured to have a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a lower end of the banknote deposit port and a lower end of the coin deposit port are at the same position in the up-down direction.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the horizontal lines (height lines) of the lower ends of the banknote deposit opening and the coin deposit opening are aligned, improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0012] In the currency processing device according to this aspect, the banknote deposit port may be hollow and configured to have a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface. The coin deposit port may be hollow and configured to have a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface and to have a receiving tray portion at the bottom that can receive a plurality of coins. In this case, the vertical dimension of the coin deposit port may be larger than the vertical dimension of the banknote deposit port.

[0013] According to the above configuration, since the coin deposit port is wider in the vertical direction than the banknote deposit port, it is easy for a user to insert coins into the receiving tray through the coin deposit port. On the other hand, since the banknote deposit port is narrower in the vertical direction than the coin deposit port, there is no unnecessary space.

[0014] In the currency processing device according to this aspect, the coin deposit port section may be hollow and have a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, and a receiving tray section at the bottom that can receive a plurality of coins. In this case, an inlet for taking coins into the coin processing unit may be provided inside the receiving tray section at an end opposite to the coin deposit port side, and a passage may be provided whose bottom surface has a slope that descends toward the inlet side and through which coins flow toward the inlet. The passage may include a first passage whose entrance width is wider than the inlet width and whose width gradually narrows toward the inlet side, and a second passage extending from the exit of the first passage to the inlet.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when a coin jam occurs in the receiving tray, the jam occurs at the outlet of the first passage forward of the take-in opening, and the coins accumulate in the first passage. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm through the coin deposit opening that a coin jam has occurred in the receiving tray.

[0016] The currency handling device according to this aspect may be configured to include a first housing having the banknote handling unit and the coin handling unit disposed therein. In this case, a power supply unit that supplies power to both the banknote handling unit and the coin handling unit may be disposed in the first housing.

[0017] According to the above configuration, both the banknote handling unit and the coin handling unit can be driven by power supplied from a single power supply unit.

[0018] In the above configuration, the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit may be arranged in a direction in which the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are aligned, the banknote deposit port portion being located at the top of the banknote processing unit, and the coin deposit port portion being located at the top of the coin processing unit. In this case, the vertical dimension of the banknote processing unit may be larger than the vertical dimension of the coin processing unit. The power supply unit may be disposed below the coin processing unit within the first housing.

[0019] According to the above configuration, by arranging the coin handling units, which have smaller vertical dimensions than the banknote handling units, at a height such that the coin deposit port parts overlap the banknote deposit port parts when viewed from left to right, a space is created below the coin handling units and next to the banknote handling units within the first housing. The power supply unit is disposed in this space, allowing the device to be configured compactly.

[0020] In the above configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which a control unit for controlling the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit is further provided. In this case, the control unit may be disposed below the coin processing unit within the first housing and adjacent to the side of the power supply unit opposite to the banknote processing unit.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the control unit, like the power supply unit, is arranged in the space below the coin processing unit, making it possible to configure the device compact. Moreover, the control unit is arranged adjacent to the power supply unit on the opposite side to the banknote processing unit side, and is not arranged between the banknote processing unit and the power supply unit, making it easy to handle the control unit during maintenance, etc.

[0022] The currency processing device according to this aspect may be configured to be capable of arranging an operation display device including a display unit for inputting instructions regarding a transaction, an operation unit for performing an operation for electronically settling an amount corresponding to the transaction, and a second housing having a second operation surface on which the display unit and the operation unit are provided. In this case, the currency processing device may be configured to count the banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit port portion with the banknote processing unit, count the coins inserted into the coin deposit port portion with the coin processing unit, and, if there is a difference between the amount of the inserted banknotes and coins and the amount corresponding to the transaction, discharge the banknotes or coins to at least one of the banknote dispensing port portion and the coin dispensing port portion. The display unit may be provided on the second operation surface above the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion. The operation unit may be provided on the second operation surface between the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion and the display unit.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the device is arranged, from the top, with a display unit used to input instructions related to a transaction, an operation unit used to settle the amount corresponding to the transaction, a banknote deposit port unit and a coin deposit port unit, and a banknote dispensing port unit and a coin dispensing port unit used to receive change. This allows the user to input instructions related to a transaction, settle the transaction, and receive change in a continuous sequence from the top to the bottom of the device. This allows the user to smoothly perform operations from inputting instructions related to a transaction to receiving change, improving the usability of the device.

[0024] In the above configuration, the banknote deposit port section may be hollow and have a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface. The coin deposit port section may be hollow and have a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, and have a receiving tray section at the bottom that can receive a plurality of coins. The coin deposit port may be configured to have a vertical dimension larger than the vertical dimension of the banknote deposit port and to extend upward beyond the banknote deposit port. The operation section may be configured to overlap the banknote deposit port section when viewed in the vertical direction, and overlap the coin deposit port section when viewed in the left-right direction, on the second operation surface.

[0025] According to the above configuration, since the coin deposit port is wider in the vertical direction than the banknote deposit port, it is easy for a user to insert coins into the receiving tray through the coin deposit port. On the other hand, since the banknote deposit port is narrower in the vertical direction than the coin deposit port, there is no unnecessary space.

[0026] Furthermore, on the second operation surface, the operation unit is arranged so as to overlap with the banknote deposit port section when viewed in the vertical direction and to overlap with a portion of the coin deposit port section that extends upward beyond the banknote deposit port section when viewed in the horizontal direction, so that the area consisting of the operation unit, banknote deposit port section, and coin deposit port section can be made compact in the vertical and horizontal directions. This allows the device to be configured compactly.

[0027] When the operation display device can be arranged as described above, furthermore, an outlet for discharging receipts related to transactions printed by a printer can be arranged on the second operation surface alongside the operation unit in the left-right direction so as to overlap with the operation unit when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the receipt discharge outlet is provided on the second operation surface, utilizing the area between the display unit and the banknote deposit port and the coin deposit port, and to the side of the operation unit, so that the device can be configured compactly.

[0029] When the operation display device is provided as described above, it may further include a power supply unit that supplies power to both the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit, a power supply section that supplies power to the display section, and a power tap to which a plug of a power cord extending from the power supply unit and a plug of a power cord extending from the power supply section are connected, and the power cord of the power tap may be configured to extend outside the currency processing device.

[0030] According to the above configuration, both the banknote handling unit and the coin handling unit can be driven by power supplied from a single power supply unit.

[0031] Furthermore, by connecting the plug of the power cord of the power tap to a commercial power outlet, power can be supplied from the commercial power source to both the power supply unit and the power supply section via the power tap.

[0032] When the operation display device is provided as described above, the first operation surface and the second operation surface can be opened and closed separately, and the boundary between the first operation surface and the second operation surface can be configured in a stepped shape with the banknote deposit port side being lower and the coin deposit port side being higher.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the overall height of the currency handling device and the operation and display device can be reduced while the coin deposit port section can be made larger in the vertical direction than the banknote deposit port section.

[0034] In the currency handling device according to this aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which a deposit opening is provided on the first operation surface, and the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are provided within the deposit opening.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion can be provided on the first operation surface by forming them separately from the first operation surface and arranging them within the deposit opening.

[0036] In the case of the above configuration, a further configuration can be adopted in which the upper end of the deposit opening has a stepped shape with the banknote deposit opening side being lower and the coin deposit opening side being higher.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the coin deposit opening can be made larger in the vertical direction than the banknote deposit opening.

[0038] In the currency handling device according to this aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which a dispensing opening is provided on the first operation surface, and the banknote dispensing port portion and the coin dispensing port portion are provided within the dispensing opening.

[0039] According to the above configuration, the banknote dispensing port portion and the coin dispensing port portion can be provided on the first operation surface by forming them separately from the first operation surface and arranging them inside the dispensing opening.

[0040] In the currency handling device according to this aspect, the banknote handling unit and the coin handling unit may be configured to be able to be pulled out together to the outside of the first housing. In this case, the coin handling unit may be provided with a coin storage vault for storing coins on a surface side opposite to a surface adjacent to the banknote handling unit.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the coin storage vault can be easily accessed with the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit pulled out to the outside of the first housing. Effect of the Invention

[0042] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a currency handling device that enables smooth insertion of banknotes and coins.

[0043] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of an automatic transaction device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of an automatic transaction device according to an embodiment with a currency handling block pulled out from within a housing. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of an automatic transaction device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of a housing in cross section showing an internal configuration of the automatic transaction device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) is a front perspective view of a money handling block according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a rear perspective view of the money handling block according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing unit according to an embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5(a) and (b) are respectively a perspective view and a vertical cross-sectional view of a banknote deposit port member having a banknote deposit port part according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coin deposit port member having a coin deposit port portion and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are respectively a vertical cross-sectional view and a horizontal cross-sectional view of a coin deposit port member having a coin deposit port portion and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a wiring process of a power cord in an automatic transaction apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a deposit process and a withdrawal process, respectively, of the banknote handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the deposit process and the withdrawal process of the coin handling unit according to the embodiment, respectively. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the dispensing preparation process of the coin handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which coins are jammed in the receiving tray of the coin deposit port according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of a money deposit and withdrawal device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] In this embodiment, the currency handling device of the present invention is applied to an automated teller machine that accepts input of transaction-related instructions and settles the amount corresponding to the transaction. That is, the automated teller machine 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which an operation display device 1B that accepts transaction-related instructions and performs electronic settlement is integrally disposed on top of a currency handling device 1A that performs cash settlement using currency (banknotes, coins). The automated teller machine 1 is installed in a store that sells products and provides services. The transaction-related instructions are, for example, instructions for ordering products such as food and drink that a user will purchase or services that a user will receive.

[0047] However, the currency handling device according to the present invention is not limited to applications in automated teller machines, and may be other devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs) so long as it handles the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes and coins.

[0048] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of the automatic transaction device 1, and Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the automatic transaction device 1 with the currency handling block 10 pulled out from within the housing 100. Fig. 2(a) is a front view of the automatic transaction device 1, and Fig. 2(b) is a side view of the housing 100 in cross section, showing the internal configuration of the automatic transaction device 1.

[0049] The automated transaction device 1 includes a housing 100 that constitutes an outer shell. The housing 100 has a configuration in which a first housing 100a and a second housing 100b are integrally formed.

[0050] The first housing 100a has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a depth dimension (front-rear direction) smaller than the width dimension (left-right direction). The second housing 100b has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a depth dimension (front-rear direction) smaller than the width dimension (left-right direction) and is flat in the depth direction. The lower part of the second housing 100b protrudes further rearward than the upper part. The depth dimension of the second housing 100b is smaller than half the depth dimension of the first housing 100a.

[0051] The first housing 100a includes a first panel 111, which is an openable and closable front panel. The second housing 100b includes a second panel 112, which is openable and closable.

[0052] The front surface of the first housing 100a, that is, the front surface of the first panel 111, serves as a first operation surface 101. The first operation surface 101 receives the insertion and removal operations of bills and coins.

[0053] The front surface of the second housing 100b, i.e., the surface of the second panel 112, is the second operation surface 102. The second operation surface 102 accepts an order operation for a transaction object and an electronic payment operation for the fee for the transaction object. The order operation for a transaction object is an operation for issuing instructions regarding the transaction, and the electronic payment operation for the fee for the transaction object is an electronic payment operation for the amount corresponding to the transaction.

[0054] A first operation surface 101 of the first housing 100a is provided with a banknote deposit port 120, a banknote withdrawal port 130, a coin deposit port 140, and a coin withdrawal port 150. Banknotes to be deposited into the banknote handling unit 200 are inserted into the banknote deposit port 120. Banknotes withdrawn from the banknote handling unit 200 are discharged into the banknote withdrawal port 130. Coins to be deposited into the coin handling unit 300 are inserted into the coin deposit port 140. Coins withdrawn from the coin handling unit 300 are discharged into the coin withdrawal port 150.

[0055] The banknote deposit port portion 120 is formed in a hollow shape. Moreover, the banknote deposit port portion 120 has a substantially square banknote deposit port 121 that opens on the first operation surface 101. The coin deposit port portion 140 is formed in a hollow shape. Moreover, the coin deposit port portion 140 has a substantially square coin deposit port 141 that opens on the first operation surface 101.

[0056] The banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140 are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap when viewed in the left-right direction on the first operation surface 101. The lower end of the banknote deposit port 121 and the lower end of the coin deposit port 141 are at the same position in the up-down direction, and the height position of the banknote deposit port section 120 and the height position of the coin deposit port section 140 are the same. The coin deposit port 141 has a vertical dimension D1 that is larger than the vertical dimension D2 of the banknote deposit port 121, and extends upward beyond the banknote deposit port 121.

[0057] The banknote dispensing port portion 130 is formed in a hollow shape. Moreover, the banknote dispensing port portion 130 has a substantially square banknote dispensing port 131 that opens on the first operation surface 101. The coin dispensing port portion 150 is formed in a hollow shape. Moreover, the coin dispensing port portion 150 has a substantially square coin dispensing port 151 that opens on the first operation surface 101.

[0058] The banknote withdrawal port 130 and the coin withdrawal port 150 are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap each other when viewed in the left-right direction below the banknote deposit port 120 and the coin deposit port 140 of the first operation surface 101. The upper end of the banknote withdrawal port 131 and the upper end of the coin withdrawal port 151 are at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0059] The banknote deposit port portion 120 and the banknote withdrawal port portion 130 overlap when viewed in the up-down direction on the first operation surface 101. The left-right center of the banknote deposit port portion 120 is the same as the left-right center of the banknote withdrawal port portion 130. The coin deposit port portion 140 and the coin withdrawal port portion 150 overlap when viewed in the up-down direction on the first operation surface 101. The left-right center of the coin deposit port portion 140 is shifted slightly to the right from the left-right center of the coin withdrawal port portion 150.

[0060] The second operation surface 102 of the second housing 100b is provided with a display unit 610 for inputting instructions regarding a transaction, and an operation unit 620 for performing an operation for electronically paying the amount corresponding to the transaction.

[0061] The display unit 610 has a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is provided on the second operation surface 102, above the banknote deposit port unit 120 and the coin deposit port unit 140. The operation unit 620 is provided on the second operation surface 102, between the banknote deposit port unit 120, the coin deposit port unit 140, and the display unit 610.

[0062] The display unit 610 is a touch panel type operation display unit that displays a screen for ordering a transaction object and accepts operations related to ordering by touching the screen. Operations related to ordering performed by the display unit 610 include an operation for selecting the transaction object to be ordered and an operation for selecting a payment method (electronic payment, cash payment) for the fee for the ordered transaction object. In other words, the screen displayed on the display unit 610 includes displays (buttons, icons, etc.) for selecting a payment method.

[0063] Operation unit 620 is composed of payment terminal 621, a substantially square installation surface 622 recessed from second operation surface 102, and a frame 623 protruding from second operation surface 102 and surrounding payment terminal 621 installed on installation surface 622. Operation for electronically paying for the fee for the ordered transaction object is performed on operation unit 620.

[0064] Payment terminal 621 accepts operations for electronic payment (cashless payment). For electronic payment, cards such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and cards for electronic money payment, and mobile terminals such as smartphones equipped with an application for electronic payment are used. Operations on payment terminal 621 include operations for reading information required for electronic payment from cards and mobile terminals. Payment terminal 621 is installed on installation surface 622 facing diagonally upwards to make it easier to operate.

[0065] On the second operation surface 102, the operation unit 620 overlaps with the banknote deposit port portion 120 when viewed in the up-down direction, and overlaps with the coin deposit port portion 140 when viewed in the left-right direction. That is, when viewed in the left-right direction, the lower part of the operation unit 620 overlaps with a portion of the coin deposit port portion 140 that extends upward beyond the banknote deposit port portion 120.

[0066] A printer 630 and a control unit 640 are provided inside the second housing 100b. The printer 630 is installed on an installation plate 160 provided inside the second housing 100b. The control unit 640 is installed on the rear surface of the second housing 100b.

[0067] The printer 630 prints a receipt related to the transaction (the order that is the subject of the transaction). On the second operation surface 102, an outlet 170 through which receipts printed by the printer 630 are discharged is arranged alongside the operation unit 620 in the left-right direction so as to overlap with the operation unit 620 when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0068] The control unit 640 includes a control board on which a control circuit is mounted, and controls the display unit 610 , the payment terminal 621 of the operation unit 620 , and the printer 630 .

[0069] Furthermore, a human presence sensor 650 is provided on the second operation surface 102 at a position between the operation unit 620 and the outlet 170. The human presence sensor 650 is, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects a person facing the front of the first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 640.

[0070] The first panel 111, i.e., the first operation surface 101, and the second panel 112, i.e., the second operation surface 102, can be opened and closed separately. The boundary between the first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102 has a stepped shape in which the banknote deposit port 120 side is lower and the coin deposit port 140 side is higher.

[0071] A deposit opening 113 and a withdrawal opening 114 are provided on the first operation surface 101. A banknote deposit opening section 120 and a coin deposit opening section 140 are provided within the deposit opening 113. A banknote withdrawal opening section 130 and a coin withdrawal opening section 150 are provided within the withdrawal opening 114. The upper end of the deposit opening 113 has a stepped shape in which the banknote deposit opening section 120 side is lower and the coin deposit opening section 140 side is higher.

[0072] The second operation surface 102 is flush with the first operation surface 101. Furthermore, in the left-right direction of the first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102, the operation unit 620, the discharge port 170, the banknote deposit port 120, the banknote withdrawal port 130, the coin deposit port 140, and the coin withdrawal port 150 are contained within the left-right width of the display unit 610.

[0073] The first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102 are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first housing 100a and perpendicular to the floor surface on which the automated transaction device 1 is installed. At least one of the first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the first housing 100a and the floor surface.

[0074] A banknote processing unit 200, a coin processing unit 300, a power supply unit 400 and a control unit 500 are provided inside the first housing 100a.

[0075] The banknote processing unit 200 processes banknotes. More specifically, the banknote processing unit 200 deposits, i.e., counts and stores, banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit port 120 as the fee for the ordered transaction. In addition, the banknote processing unit 200 discharges, as a dispensing process, banknotes as change to the banknote dispensing port 130. The coin processing unit 300 processes coins. More specifically, the coin processing unit 300 deposits, i.e., counts and stores, coins inserted into the coin deposit port 140 as the fee for the ordered transaction. In addition, the coin processing unit 300 discharges, as a dispensing process, coins as change to the coin dispensing port 150.

[0076] The power supply unit 400 supplies power to both the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300.

[0077] The control unit 500 includes a control board on which a control circuit is mounted, and controls the functions and operations of each part constituting the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300. The control unit 500 is communicably connected to the control unit 640 via a communication interface. The control unit 500 can control each part while referring to various information stored in the memory based on operations performed on each part, information received via the communication interface, and the like. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit 500 is stored in advance in the memory, and the function and operation of the control unit 500 are realized by executing this program by hardware such as a CPU, thereby realizing the function and operation of the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 of this embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 500 includes one or more general-purpose processing circuits such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0078] The banknote handling unit 200, the coin handling unit 300, the power supply unit 400 and the control unit 500 are integrated together to form the money handling block 10. In the money handling block 10, the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 can be collectively referred to as the money handling unit 10a.

[0079] The currency handling block 10 is installed in the first housing 100a on a pair of pull-out rails 180. As shown in FIG. 1(b), by opening the first panel 111, the currency handling block 10 can be pulled out from inside the first housing 100a to the outside.

[0080] FIG. 3(a) is a front perspective view of the currency handling block 10, and FIG. 3(b) is a rear perspective view of the currency handling block 10. As shown in FIG.

[0081] Within the first housing 100a, the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 have an external shape close to a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the front-rear direction, and are arranged in the direction in which the banknote deposit port 120 and the coin deposit port 140 are lined up, i.e., in the left-right direction. The vertical dimension of the banknote handling unit 200 is larger than the vertical dimension of the coin handling unit 300. The banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 are arranged so that their upper ends are at the same height, and the lower end of the coin handling unit 300 is higher than the lower end of the banknote handling unit 200.

[0082] A banknote deposit port member 210 having a banknote deposit port portion 120 is disposed at the upper front side of the banknote handling unit 200. As a result, the banknote deposit port portion 120 is located at the upper part of the banknote handling unit 200. Furthermore, a coin deposit port member 310 having a coin deposit port portion 140 is disposed at the upper front side of the coin handling unit 300. As a result, the coin deposit port portion 140 is located at the upper part of the coin handling unit 300. Furthermore, in the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300, a payment port member 220 having a banknote withdrawal port portion 130 and a coin withdrawal port portion 150 is disposed below the banknote deposit port member 210 and the coin deposit port member 310.

[0083] The power supply unit 400 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is disposed within the first housing 100a below the coin processing unit 300. The control unit 500 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the left-right direction, and is disposed within the first housing 100a below the coin processing unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the side of the power supply unit 400 opposite the banknote processing unit 200 side.

[0084] By arranging the coin processing units 300, which have a smaller vertical dimension than the banknote processing units 200, at a height such that the coin deposit port 140 overlaps the banknote deposit port 120 when viewed left to right, a space S1 is generated within the first housing 100a below the coin processing units 300 and next to the banknote processing units 200. This space S1 is used to arrange the power supply unit 400 and the control unit 500.

[0085] Parts of the banknote deposit port member 210 and the coin deposit port member 310, i.e., the banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140, protrude upward from the first housing 100a and are housed in the second housing 100b. Furthermore, the first panel 111, i.e., the first operation surface 101, also extends upward from the first housing 100a and protrudes toward the second housing 100b. The second operation surface 102 is shorter in the vertical direction by an amount corresponding to the first operation surface 101 protruding toward the second housing 100b.

[0086] A gap space is provided between the lower end of the coin processing unit 300 and the upper end of the power supply unit 400. When a coin storage box is added to the coin processing unit 300, the storage box can be disposed in the gap space.

[0087] The currency handling device 1A is made up of the first housing 100a, the banknote handling unit 200, the coin handling unit 300, the power supply unit 400 and the control unit 500. The operation and display device 1B is made up of the second housing 100b, the display unit 610, the operation unit 620, the printer 630 and the control unit 640. The automated transaction device 1 has a configuration in which the operation and display device 1B is disposed on top of the currency handling device 1A.

[0088] Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the banknote processing unit 200. Figure 4(a) shows the banknote processing unit 200 as viewed from the right side.

[0089] The banknote processing unit 200 includes a banknote feeder 230, a banknote discharge mechanism 240, a first banknote storage vault 250, a second banknote storage vault 260, a banknote recovery vault 270, a banknote transport unit 280, and a banknote recognition unit 290.

[0090] The banknote feed unit 230 is disposed behind the banknote deposit port unit 120. The banknote feed unit 230 has a feed mechanism, and feeds the banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit port unit 120 one by one and sends them to the banknote transport unit 280.

[0091] The banknote discharge mechanism 240 is disposed behind the banknote dispensing port unit 130. The banknote discharge mechanism 240 includes a rubber impeller or the like, and discharges the banknotes sent from the banknote transport unit 280 to the banknote dispensing port unit 130.

[0092] The first banknote storage vault 250 and the second banknote storage vault 260 are arranged vertically side by side below the banknote dispensing port unit 130 and the banknote discharge mechanism 240. The first banknote storage vault 250 and the second banknote storage vault 260 are equipped with a feeding mechanism and can feed stored banknotes to the banknote transport unit 280. The first banknote storage vault 250 and the second banknote storage vault 260 store low-denomination banknotes to be paid out as change by denomination. For example, one-dollar banknotes are stored in the first banknote storage vault 250, and five-dollar banknotes are stored in the second banknote storage vault 260.

[0093] The bill collection box 270 is disposed below the first bill storage box 250 and the second bill storage box 260. The bill collection box 270 is longer in the front-rear direction than the first bill storage box 250 and the second bill storage box 260. The bill collection box 270 stores (collects) bills of high denominations that are not paid out as change, for example, bills of 10 dollars or more. Furthermore, the bill collection box 270 stores (collects) bills that cannot be stored in the first bill storage box 250 and the second bill storage box 260. The bills stored in the bill collection box 270 can be removed from the bill collection box 270 by pulling the bill collection box 270 forward.

[0094] The banknote transport unit 280 is disposed behind the banknote feed unit 230, the banknote discharge mechanism 240, the first banknote storage vault 250, and the second banknote storage vault 260. The banknote transport unit 280 runs between the banknote feed unit 230, the banknote discharge mechanism 240, the first banknote storage vault 250, the second banknote storage vault 260, and the banknote recovery vault 270, and transports banknotes among them. The banknote transport unit 280 includes a transport mechanism composed of a plurality of rollers, a plurality of belts, and the like.

[0095] The banknote transport unit 280 is provided with a first branching mechanism 281, a second branching mechanism 282, and a third branching mechanism 283. The first branching mechanism 281 can, for example, distribute a banknote flowing through the banknote transport unit 280 from the banknote deposit port 120 side to the banknote withdrawal port 130 side to the banknote recovery vault 270 side. The second branching mechanism 282 can, for example, distribute a banknote flowing through the banknote transport unit 280 from the banknote deposit port 120 side to the banknote withdrawal port 130 side to the second banknote storage vault 260 side. The third branching mechanism 283 can, for example, distribute a banknote flowing through the banknote transport unit 280 from the banknote deposit port 120 side to the banknote withdrawal port 130 side to the first banknote storage vault 250 side.

[0096] The banknote recognition unit 290 is provided on the banknote transport unit 280 closer to the banknote feeder 230 than the first diverting mechanism 281. The banknote recognition unit 290 recognizes attributes of banknotes flowing through the banknote transport unit 280 and outputs the recognition result. The recognized attributes include the authenticity, denomination, and fitness of the banknote. The first diverting mechanism 281, the second diverting mechanism 282, and the third diverting mechanism 283 operate according to the recognition result of the banknote recognition unit 290. Furthermore, the banknote recognition unit 290 also counts the banknotes. The banknote recognition unit 290 is composed of sensors such as optical sensors and magnetic sensors, for example.

[0097] Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the coin processing unit 300. Figure 4(b) shows the coin processing unit 300 as viewed from the right side.

[0098] The coin processing unit 300 includes a coin feeding section 320 , a coin storage unit 330 , a coin storage section 340 , a coin transport section 350 , and a coin recognition section 360 .

[0099] The coin payout unit 320 is disposed below the coin deposit port unit 140. Coins inserted into the coin deposit port unit 140 are introduced into the coin payout unit 320 via a chute 380. The coin payout unit 320 has a payout disk 321, and pays out coins one by one to the coin transport unit 350 by rotating the payout disk 321. Furthermore, a discharge port 322 connected to the coin dispensing port unit 150 is provided at the bottom of the coin payout unit 320. The discharge port 322 is closed by a shutter 323. When a deformed coin or foreign matter remains in the coin payout unit 320, the shutter 323 is opened and the coin or foreign matter is discharged to the coin dispensing port unit 150.

[0100] The coin storage vault 330 is disposed below the coin payout unit 320 and the coin transport unit 350. The coin storage vault 330 stores coins of various denominations. The coin storage vault 330 has a coin discharge port 331 connected to the coin payout unit 320, and has a transport mechanism 332 constituted by a conveyor or the like. The coins stored in the coin storage vault 330 are transported by the transport mechanism 332 and discharged into the coin payout unit 320 via the discharge port 331.

[0101] The coin storage unit 340 is disposed above the coin payout unit 320. The coin storage unit 340 stores coins transported from the coin transport unit 350. A shutter 341 is provided at the bottom of the coin storage unit 340. When the shutter 341 is opened, the coins in the coin storage unit 340 fall into the coin payout unit 320.

[0102] The coin transport unit 350 is arranged among the coin payout unit 320, the coin storage unit 330, the coin storage unit 340, and the coin dispensing port unit 150, and transports coins among them. The coin transport unit 350 includes a transport mechanism composed of a plurality of rollers, belts, etc.

[0103] The coin transporting unit 350 is provided with a first branching mechanism 351 and a second branching mechanism 352. The first branching mechanism 351 can branch the coins flowing through the coin transporting unit 350 to the coin storage vault 330 side or the coin dispensing port unit 150 side. The second branching mechanism 352 can branch the coins flowing through the coin transporting unit 350 to the coin storage unit 340 side.

[0104] The coin recognition unit 360 is provided on the coin transport unit 350, closer to the coin payout unit 320 than the first diversion mechanism 351. The coin recognition unit 360 recognizes the attributes of coins flowing through the coin transport unit 350, and outputs the recognition results. The recognized attributes include the coin's authenticity, denomination, and fitness. The first diversion mechanism 351 and the second diversion mechanism 352 operate according to the recognition result of the coin recognition unit 360. Furthermore, the coin recognition unit 360 also counts the coins. The coin recognition unit 360 is composed of a sensor, for example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 3(a), in the coin processing unit 300, the coin storage vault 330 is disposed on the side opposite to the side adjacent to the banknote processing unit 200. According to the above configuration, the coin storage vault 330 can be easily accessed when the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 are pulled out of the first housing 100a. This allows the coin storage vault 330 to be easily removed when it is necessary to manually replenish or collect coins, for example, when the coin processing unit 300 does not operate normally.

[0106] The banknote processing unit 200 has a configuration in which the first banknote storage vault 250, the second banknote storage vault 260, and the banknote recovery vault 270, i.e., a plurality of banknote storage units, are arranged in the up-down direction, not in the front-to-back direction. This allows the banknote processing unit 200 to be compact in size in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the coin processing unit 300 has only one coin storage vault 330. This allows the coin processing unit 300 to be compact in size in the front-to-back direction. In this way, the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 are compact in size in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of these units (front-to-back direction). This allows an automated transaction apparatus 1 that is thin in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300, i.e., in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0107] In a store, the automated transaction device 1 is often installed so that the rear surface, which is the surface opposite to the first operation surface 101, is close to the wall of the store. In such a case, since the automated transaction device 1 is thin in the depth direction, the amount of protrusion from the wall of the store can be reduced.

[0108] 5(a) and (b) are a perspective view and a vertical cross-sectional view, respectively, of a bill deposit port member 210 having a bill deposit port section 120. FIG.

[0109] In the banknote deposit port member 210, a banknote insertion tray 211 capable of receiving a plurality of banknotes is provided at the bottom of the banknote deposit port section 120. A substantially horizontally rectangular insertion slot 212 is formed at the rear of the banknote insertion tray 211, and a pair of guides 213 extending forward are formed on both sides of the insertion slot 212. A lid section 214 that can be opened and closed vertically is provided on the insertion slot 212.

[0110] Furthermore, a rectangular display plate 215 with an arrow mark is disposed at the bottom of the banknote deposit port 120, in front of the banknote insertion tray 211. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote deposit port 120, an LED provided on the display plate 215 lights up.

[0111] A banknote to be inserted is placed on the banknote insertion tray 211 with its front and back facing up and down, and is then moved to the back and inserted into the insertion slot 212. At this time, both ends of the banknote are guided by a pair of guides 213. When the lid part 214 is closed, a gap is formed between the insertion slot 212 and the lid part 214, and the banknote can be inserted into the gap. When more banknotes are to be inserted, the lid part 214 can be opened manually. The banknotes inserted into the insertion slot 212 are taken into the inside of the banknote processing unit 200 by the operation of the banknote take-in part 230. The vertical dimension of the banknote deposit slot part 120 is set to a size that allows the lid part 214 to be fully opened.

[0112] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the coin deposit port member 310 having the coin deposit port portion 140 and its peripheral parts. Fig. 7(a) and (b) are a vertical cross-sectional view and a horizontal cross-sectional view, respectively, of the coin deposit port member 310 having the coin deposit port portion 140 and its peripheral parts.

[0113] In the coin deposit port member 310, a receiving tray 370 capable of receiving a plurality of coins is provided at the bottom of the coin deposit port section 140. An intake port 371 opening in a substantially square shape is provided in the interior 370a of the receiving tray 370 at the rear end, which is the end opposite to the coin deposit port 141 side. Coins inserted into the receiving tray 370 are taken into the inside of the coin processing unit 300 through the intake port 371.

[0114] Inside 370a of receiving tray 370, passage 372 is provided, the bottom of which slopes downward toward inlet 371, through which coins flow toward inlet 371. Passage 372 includes first passage 373, the width of which is wider at the entrance than inlet 371 and which gradually narrows toward inlet 371, and second passage 374, which extends from the outlet of first passage 373 to inlet 371 with a substantially constant width. A plurality of circular holes 375 are formed in the bottom of passage 372. Small foreign objects inserted together with coins are discharged from holes 375, making it difficult for them to enter through inlet 371.

[0115] In the interior 370a of the receiving tray 370, the front tray 376 located in front of the passage 372, i.e., on the coin deposit port 141 side, has the same width as the entrance to the first passage 373 and has a horizontal bottom surface. A rectangular display plate 377 with an arrow mark is disposed on the bottom surface of the front tray 376. When a coin is inserted into the coin deposit port 140, an LED provided on the display plate 377 lights up. The display plate 377 is located on a horizontal surface, so it is easily visible to the user.

[0116] The coin deposit port portion 140 has a first side wall surface 142 located on both the left and right sides of the front tray portion 376 of the receiving tray portion 370, a second side wall surface 143 located on both the left and right sides of the first passage 373 of the receiving tray portion 370, a third side wall surface 144 located on both the left and right sides of the second passage 374 of the receiving tray portion 370, a rear wall surface 145, and a top wall surface 146.

[0117] The left and right second side wall surfaces 143 are inclined backward, i.e., toward the back of the coin deposit port portion 140. This allows the space above the receiving tray portion 370 to be expanded as much as possible, making it easy for the user to reach into that space. Also, the top wall surface 146 is inclined so that the coin deposit port 141 side (front side) is higher and the take-in port 371 side (rear side) is lower. This makes it possible to widen the coin deposit port 141 in the vertical direction while preventing components arranged in the second housing 100b from interfering with the coin deposit port member 310.

[0118] A chute 380 is connected to the inlet 371. The inlet 371 is opened and closed by a shutter 391. An opening and closing mechanism 390 including the shutter 391 and an actuator 392 that drives the shutter 391 is disposed behind the coin deposit port section 140. When a coin is inserted into the coin deposit port section 140, the shutter 391 is opened.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 3(a), a banknote discharge tray 132 is provided at the bottom of the banknote dispensing port 130. Banknotes are discharged from the banknote processing unit 200 to the banknote discharge tray 132 by the operation of the banknote discharge mechanism 240. A lid portion 133 that covers the discharged banknotes is provided to the banknote discharge tray 132. The lid portion 133 is locked by a locking mechanism, and is unlocked and opened when all banknotes to be dispensed have been discharged to the banknote discharge tray 132. The banknote discharge tray 132 is provided with a residual detection sensor, and when it detects that all discharged banknotes have been removed, the lid portion 133 is closed.

[0120] A receiving tray 152 is provided at the bottom of the coin dispensing port 150. A front portion of the receiving tray 152 protrudes forward beyond the first operation surface 101 of the first housing 100a. Coins discharged from the coin processing unit 300 to the coin dispensing port 150 accumulate in the receiving tray 152.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining wiring processing of the power cord in the automatic transaction device 1. Fig. 8 shows the inside of the first housing 100a and the second housing 100b as viewed from the rear.

[0122] In the second housing 100b, a power tap 190 having five plug sockets is arranged on an installation plate 160.

[0123] A plug 411 of a power cord 410 extending from a power supply unit 400 is connected to a power tap 190. A power supply unit 611 that supplies power to the display unit 610 is built in the display unit 610, and a plug 612a of a power cord 612 extending from the power supply unit 611 is connected to the power tap 190. Furthermore, the payment terminal 621, the printer 630, and the control unit 640 of the operation unit 620 also have built-in power supplies 624, 631, and 641 that supply power thereto, respectively, and plugs 625a, 632a, and 642a of power cords 625, 632, and 642 extending from the power supplies 624, 631, and 641 are also connected to the power tap 190.

[0124] A power cord 191 of the power tap 190 extends from inside the second housing 100b to the outside, and a plug 191a of the power cord 191 is connected to a commercial power outlet. AC power from the commercial power supply is supplied via the power tap 190 to the power supply unit 400 and each of the power supply sections 611, 624, 631, 641 of the display section 610, the payment terminal 621, the printer 630, and the control unit 640.

[0125] The power supply unit 611 of the display unit 610 and at least one of the power supplies of the payment terminal 621, the printer 630, and the control unit 640 may be integrated, in which case the integrated power supply unit is connected to the power tap 190. For example, when power is supplied from one power supply unit to the display unit 610, the payment terminal 621, the printer 630, and the control unit 640, the plug of the power cord of that power supply unit and the plug 411 of the power cord 410 of the power supply unit 400 are connected to the power tap 190.

[0126] Next, the operation of the automated transaction device 1 will be described.

[0127] When using the automated transaction device 1 to perform a transaction such as purchasing a product, a user (customer) stands in front of the first operation surface 101 and the second operation surface 102 of the automated transaction device 1. The human presence sensor 650 detects the user. The display unit 610 lights up, and a screen for placing an order for the transaction is displayed on the display unit 610.

[0128] The user performs a predetermined operation on the screen displayed on the display unit 610 to order a transaction object (goods, service) and select a payment method for the cost of the transaction object. Information on the ordered transaction object and the selected payment method are transmitted from the display unit 610 to the control unit 640.

[0129] The control unit 640 transmits information on the ordered transaction object to a terminal device, such as a personal computer, installed in the store and used to receive orders for the transaction object.

[0130] Furthermore, when the payment method is electronic payment, the control unit 640 accepts an operation related to electronic payment by the user on the operation unit 620, i.e., the payment terminal 621, and executes a process to electronically pay the fee for the ordered transaction based on the operation.

[0131] On the other hand, when the payment method is cash payment, the control unit 640 instructs the control unit 500 to accept the deposit.

[0132] In response to receiving an instruction to accept a deposit, the control unit 500 causes the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 to start the deposit processing operation. The banknote processing unit 200 turns on or blinks the LED of the display board 215 in the banknote deposit port section 120. Also, the coin processing unit 300 turns on or blinks the LED of the display board 377 in the coin deposit port section 140, and opens the shutter 391 to open the intake port 371 of the receiving tray section 370.

[0133] When paying the fee with bills, the user inserts one or more bills into the bill deposit port 120. That is, the user places the bills on the bill deposit tray 211 within the bill deposit port 120 and inserts them into the deposit port 212.

[0134] Furthermore, when the user pays the fee with coins, the user inserts one or more coins into the coin deposit port 140. That is, the user inserts the coins into the receiving tray 370 inside the coin deposit port 140. At this time, the user may insert the coins into a passage 372 of the receiving tray 370, or may temporarily place the coins on a front tray 376 of the receiving tray 370, check the number and denomination of the coins, and then pour the coins into the passage 372. The inserted coins flow into the intake port 371.

[0135] Furthermore, when the user pays the fee with bills and coins, the user inserts bills into the bill deposit port 120 and coins into the coin deposit port 140 .

[0136] In the automated transaction device 1, the banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140 are arranged side by side at the same height, so that the user can easily recognize that they are the same deposit port section. This allows the user to smoothly insert banknotes and coins into the banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140. Furthermore, the coin deposit port 141 is wider in the vertical direction than the banknote deposit port 121, so that the user can easily insert multiple coins into the receiving tray section 370 through the coin deposit port 141.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 9(a), when a deposit process is performed in the banknote processing unit 200, a banknote inserted into the banknote deposit port 120 is taken into the banknote processing unit 200 from the inlet 212 by the operation of the banknote take-in unit 230 and sent to the banknote transport unit 280. The banknotes flowing through the banknote transport unit 280 pass through the banknote recognition unit 290, where their attributes are recognized. As a result of the recognition by the banknote recognition unit 290, banknotes that are normal and whose denominations have been recognized are transported to and stored in the banknote recovery box 270, the first banknote storage box 250, or the second banknote storage box 260, depending on their denominations. On the other hand, as a result of the recognition by the banknote recognition unit 290, banknotes that are abnormal or whose denominations cannot be recognized are transported to the banknote discharge mechanism 240, and are discharged to the banknote withdrawal port 130 by the operation of the banknote discharge mechanism 240. When the banknotes pass through the banknote recognition unit 290, they are counted.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 10(a), when a deposit process is performed in the coin processing unit 300, a coin inserted into the coin deposit port 140 is taken into the coin processing unit 300 from an inlet 371, and introduced into the coin payout unit 320 through a chute 380. The coins in the coin payout unit 320 are paid out to the coin transport unit 350. The coins flowing through the coin transport unit 350 pass through the coin recognition unit 360, where their attributes are recognized. As a result of the recognition by the coin recognition unit 360, coins that are normal and whose denominations have been recognized are transported to the coin storage vault 330 and stored therein. On the other hand, as a result of the recognition by the coin recognition unit 360, coins that are abnormal or whose denominations cannot be recognized are transported to the coin withdrawal port 150 and discharged therefrom. When the coins pass through the coin recognition unit 360, they are counted.

[0139] When the deposit process is completed, the control unit 500 calculates the deposited amount based on the number of bills and coins of each denomination counted, and notifies the control unit 640 of the amount. The control unit 640 calculates the amount of change based on the notified deposited amount and the amount corresponding to the transaction, and if change is needed, a dispensing instruction is sent to the control unit 500 together with information on the amount of change. The information on the amount of change includes the denomination and number of bills and coins to be dispensed. In response to receiving the dispensing instruction, the control unit 500 controls the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 to dispense the change. Depending on whether the change is only banknotes, only coins, or both banknotes and coins, only the banknote processing unit 200, only the coin processing unit 300, or both of these processing units 200 and 300 start the dispensing process operation.

[0140] 9(b), in the banknote processing unit 200, when a dispensing process is started, banknotes of the denomination determined as change are fed from the first banknote storage vault 250 and / or the second banknote storage vault 260 to the banknote transport section 280, and transported to the banknote discharge mechanism 240. Then, the banknotes are discharged to the banknote dispensing port section 130 by the operation of the banknote discharge mechanism 240.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 10(b), in the coin processing unit 300, coins that can be used as change are stored in advance in the coin storage section 340 in a mixed denomination state by a dispensing preparation process described later. When a dispensing process is started, a shutter 341 of the coin storage section 340 opens, and the coins fall into the coin payout section 320. The coins in the coin payout section 320 are paid out to the coin transport section 350 and pass through the coin recognition section 360, where their denominations are recognized. Coins of the denomination determined as change are transported to the coin dispensing port section 150 and discharged therefrom. On the other hand, coins of the denominations not determined as change are returned to the coin storage section 340.

[0142] When the dispensing of the change is completed in this manner, the control unit 500 notifies the control unit 640 that the cash processing is completed.

[0143] When the electronic payment process is completed, or when the control unit 640 receives a notification that the cash process is completed, it causes the printer 630 to print a receipt. The printed receipt is discharged from the discharge port 170 of the second operation surface 102.

[0144] The calculation for cash settlement may be executed by the control unit 500. In this case, the control unit 640 notifies the control unit 500 of the fee for the transaction object ordered on the screen. The control unit 500 controls the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300, i.e., the money handling unit 10a, to count the money (banknotes, coins) inserted into at least one of the banknote deposit port 120 and the coin deposit port 140, and performs a deposit / withdrawal process to discharge the money to at least one of the banknote withdrawal port 130 and the coin withdrawal port 150 if there is a difference between the amount of the inserted money and the notified amount.

[0145] When the inserted money is counted and the deposit process is completed, the control unit 500 calculates the deposited amount based on the counted number of banknotes and coins of each denomination, and determines whether or not change is required by comparing the amount with the fee for the transaction. If change is required, the control unit 500 calculates the amount of change and determines the denomination and number of banknotes and coins to be paid out. The control unit 500 then controls the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300 to dispense the change, and performs a dispensing process to dispense at least one of banknotes and coins according to the change amount. After executing the deposit process and, if necessary, a dispensing process, and completing receipt of the amount of cash corresponding to the transaction, the control unit 500 notifies the control unit 640 that the cash transaction has been completed.

[0146] When a cash transaction is carried out and there are no coins or there are not enough coins in the coin storage unit 340, the withdrawal preparation process is started. As shown in Fig. 11, coins are transported from the coin storage unit 330 to the coin feeding unit 320, and then the coins are fed from the coin feeding unit 320 to the coin transport unit 350. The coin recognition unit 360 identifies the denomination of the coins, and coins of a denomination that requires replenishment are transported to the coin storage unit 340, and coins of a denomination that does not require replenishment are returned to the coin storage unit 330. When the appropriate amount of coins is stored in the coin storage unit 340, the withdrawal preparation process is completed.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which coins are jammed in the receiving tray 370 of the coin receiving opening 140. As shown in FIG.

[0148] When many coins are inserted into the receiving tray 370 of the coin inlet 140 at once, the coins may become jammed. As described above, the passage 372 of the receiving tray 370 is composed of the first passage 373, the width of which gradually narrows toward the inlet 371, and the second passage 374, which extends from the outlet of the first passage 373 to the inlet 371. Therefore, the coins do not become jammed near the inlet 371 located at the innermost part of the coin inlet 140 (see the dashed line), but at the outlet of the first passage 373, which is located forward of the inlet 371 by the second passage 374, and the coins are accumulated in the first passage 373. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm through the coin inlet 141 that the coins have become jammed in the receiving tray 370.

[0149] The automated transaction device 1 can perform a banknote replenishment process for replenishing the first banknote storage vault 250 and the second banknote storage vault 260 of the banknote handling unit 200 with banknotes, and a coin replenishment process for replenishing the coin storage vault 330 of the coin handling unit 300 with coins. Banknotes to be replenished are inserted into the banknote deposit port unit 120, and are transported by the banknote transport unit 280 to the first banknote storage vault 250 and the second banknote storage vault 260. Coins to be replenished are inserted into the coin deposit port unit 140, and are transported by the coin transport unit 350 to the coin storage vault 330.

[0150] In the automated transaction device 1, the height positions of the banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140 are aligned, so when replenishing banknotes and coins simultaneously, a dedicated tray can be placed in front of the banknote deposit port section 120 and the coin deposit port section 140, and the dedicated tray can be used to prevent the banknotes and coins from falling onto the floor while replenishing the banknotes and coins.

[0151] <Example of change> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

[0152] For example, the lower end of the banknote deposit port 121 and the lower end of the coin deposit port 141 may be misaligned in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the banknote withdrawal port 131 and the upper end of the coin withdrawal port 151 may be misaligned in the up-down direction. Also, the center of the banknote deposit port section 120 in the left-right direction may be misaligned with the center of the banknote withdrawal port section 130 in the left-right direction.

[0153] Furthermore, the coin deposit port 141 does not have to extend upward beyond the banknote deposit port 121. Even if the coin deposit port 141 extends upward beyond the banknote deposit port 121, the operation unit 620 does not have to overlap with the coin deposit port unit 140 when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0154] Furthermore, the vertical dimension D1 of the coin deposit opening 141 does not have to be larger than the vertical dimension D2 of the banknote deposit opening 121.

[0155] Furthermore, the receipt ejection opening 170 does not have to be arranged side by side with the operation unit 620 in the left-right direction so as to overlap with the operation unit 620 when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0156] Furthermore, the configurations of the banknote deposit port 120, the banknote withdrawal port 130, the coin deposit port 140, and the coin withdrawal port 150 are not limited to those of the above embodiment. For example, the banknote deposit port 120 may be configured as a banknote inlet having a substantially elongated rectangular shape, into which banknotes are inserted, and the banknote withdrawal port 130 may be configured as a banknote outlet having a substantially elongated rectangular shape, into which banknotes are discharged, and not a hollow shape. Also, for example, the coin deposit port 140 may have a receiving tray 370 that protrudes forward from the first operation surface 101, and the coin withdrawal port 150 may have a receiving tray 152 that does not protrude forward from the first operation surface 101. Furthermore, the coin deposit port 140 may have a receiving tray 370 that has a passage having a different shape from the passage 372.

[0157] Furthermore, the power supply unit 400 may be disposed at a position other than the above. Also, within the first housing 100a, two power supply units that supply power to the banknote processing unit 200 and the coin processing unit 300, respectively, may be provided in the space below the coin processing unit 300 or at another position. Similarly, the control unit 500 may also be disposed at a position other than the space below the coin processing unit 300.

[0158] Furthermore, the configurations of the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment, and may be any configuration as long as they can process the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes and coins.

[0159] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2(b), the first housing 100a and the second housing 100b may be configured to have the same dimensions in the front-to-back direction, that is, the housing 100 may be configured to be rectangular rather than L-shaped when viewed in the left-to-right direction.

[0160] However, as in the above embodiment, by making the second housing 100b thinner in the front-to-rear direction than the first housing 100a, the material required to form the second housing 100b can be reduced. Also, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 2(b), it is possible to install an operation display device having a configuration similar to that of the operation display device 1B and capable of placing orders for transaction objects and making electronic payments on the first housing 100a, i.e., on the currency processing device 1A and on the rear side of the second housing 100b, with the operation surface having a display unit, etc., facing backward.

[0161] Furthermore, by disposing a ticket issuing device inside the second housing 100b and providing a ticket issuing port on the second operation surface 102, an exchange ticket (use ticket) for the transaction object may be issued from the ticket issuing port when an order for the transaction object is placed on the display unit 610. Furthermore, input of instructions regarding the transaction is not limited to input for ordering the transaction object.

[0162] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a currency processing device that does not have an operation display device having a display unit for inputting instructions related to a transaction and an operation unit for making electronic payment of the amount corresponding to the transaction, such as a currency deposit and withdrawal device installed in a financial institution, etc., which deposits and dispenses cash.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 13, the currency deposit and withdrawal device 2 includes a currency processing block 10, which is formed by integrating a banknote handling unit 200, a coin handling unit 300, a power supply unit 400, and a control unit 500, the same as those of the currency processing device 1A, within a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 20. A banknote deposit port 120, a banknote withdrawal port 130, a coin deposit port 140, and a coin withdrawal port 150 are provided on an operation surface 21, which is the front surface of the housing 20. Banknotes and coins to be deposited in the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 are inserted into the banknote deposit port 120 and the coin deposit port 140, respectively. Banknotes and coins dispensed from the banknote handling unit 200 and the coin handling unit 300 are discharged into the banknote withdrawal port 130 and the coin withdrawal port 150, respectively. An information terminal device 3 is installed on the upper surface of the currency deposit and withdrawal device 2 so as to be able to communicate with the currency deposit and withdrawal device 2. The information terminal device 3 has an operation display unit 31 on which operations for depositing and withdrawing currency are performed. It is also possible to provide an operation display unit on the upper surface or front surface of the currency deposit and withdrawal device 2, rather than installing the information terminal device 3.

[0164] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1. Automatic transaction device 1A Money handling equipment 1B Operation display device 100 Case 100a 1st housing 100b Second housing 101 1st operation screen 102 2nd operation surface 113 Deposit Opening 114 Withdrawal opening 120 Bill deposit slot 121 Banknote deposit slot 130 Banknote withdrawal section 140 Coin deposit slot 141 Coin deposit / withdrawal slot 150 Coin withdrawal port 170 Outlet 190 Power Strip 191 Power cord 200 Bill Processing Unit 300 Coin Handling Unit 330 Coin Storage 370 Tray 371 Intake 372 Passage 373 1st aisle 374 2nd aisle 400 Power Supply Unit 410 Power cord 411 Plug 500 Control Unit 610 Display section 611 Power supply section 612 Power cord 612a Plug 620 Operation unit 630 Printer

Claims

1. a banknote processing unit for processing banknotes and a coin processing unit for processing coins; a first operation surface having a banknote deposit port section into which banknotes to be deposited into the banknote handling unit are inserted, a banknote withdrawal port section from which banknotes dispensed from the banknote handling unit are ejected, a coin deposit port section into which coins to be deposited into the coin handling unit are inserted, and a coin withdrawal port section from which coins dispensed from the coin handling unit are ejected, The banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap each other when viewed in the left-right direction on the first operation surface, the banknote dispensing port portion and the coin dispensing port portion are aligned in the left-right direction and overlap each other in the left-right direction below the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion on the first operation surface, The banknote deposit port portion and the banknote withdrawal port portion overlap each other when viewed in a vertical direction on the first operation surface, The coin deposit port portion and the coin withdrawal port portion overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction on the first operation surface. A currency processing device.

2. 2. The currency processing device according to claim 1, The banknote deposit port portion is formed in a hollow shape and has a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, The coin deposit port portion is formed in a hollow shape and has a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, The lower end of the banknote deposit port and the lower end of the coin deposit port are at the same position in the vertical direction. A currency processing device.

3. 3. The currency handling device according to claim 1, The banknote deposit port portion is formed in a hollow shape and has a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, The coin deposit port is formed in a hollow shape, has a coin deposit port that opens on the second operation surface, and has a receiving tray portion at a bottom portion capable of receiving a plurality of coins, The vertical dimension of the coin deposit port is larger than the vertical dimension of the banknote deposit port. A currency processing device.

4. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The coin deposit port is formed in a hollow shape, has a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, and has a receiving tray portion at a bottom portion capable of receiving a plurality of coins, An inlet for taking in coins into the coin processing unit is provided at an end portion opposite to the coin deposit port side inside the receiving tray, and a passage is provided with a bottom surface that slopes downward toward the inlet side and through which coins flow toward the inlet, The passage includes a first passage having an inlet width wider than the inlet width and a width gradually narrowing toward the inlet width, and a second passage extending from an outlet of the first passage to the inlet width. A currency processing device.

5. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first housing in which the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit are provided; A power supply unit that supplies power to both the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit is provided in the first housing. A currency processing device.

6. 6. The currency processing device according to claim 5, The banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit are arranged in a direction in which the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are aligned, The banknote deposit port is located at an upper portion of the banknote processing unit, The coin deposit port is located at an upper portion of the coin processing unit, The vertical dimension of the banknote processing unit is larger than the vertical dimension of the coin processing unit, The power supply unit is disposed below the coin processing unit within the first housing. A currency processing device.

7. 7. The currency processing device according to claim 6, A control unit for controlling the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit, The control unit is disposed below the coin processing unit within the first housing so as to be adjacent to the power supply unit on a side opposite to the banknote processing unit. A currency processing device.

8. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The currency processing device includes: a display unit for inputting instructions regarding a transaction; an operation unit for performing an operation for electronically paying an amount corresponding to a transaction; and a second housing having a second operation surface on which the display unit and the operation unit are provided, counting banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit port with the banknote processing unit, counting coins inserted into the coin deposit port with the coin processing unit, and if there is a difference between the amounts of the inserted banknotes and coins and an amount corresponding to the transaction, discharging the banknotes or coins to at least one of the banknote dispensing port and the coin dispensing port; The display unit is provided on the second operation surface above the banknote deposit port and the coin deposit port, The operation unit is provided on the second operation surface between the banknote deposit port unit and the coin deposit port unit and the display unit. A currency processing device.

9. 9. The currency processing device according to claim 8, The banknote deposit port portion is formed in a hollow shape and has a banknote deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, The coin deposit port is formed in a hollow shape, has a coin deposit port that opens on the first operation surface, and has a receiving tray portion at a bottom portion capable of receiving a plurality of coins, The coin deposit port has a vertical dimension larger than the vertical dimension of the banknote deposit port and extends upward beyond the banknote deposit port; The operation unit overlaps with the banknote deposit port when viewed in the up-down direction on the second operation surface, and overlaps with the coin deposit port when viewed in the left-right direction. A currency processing device.

10. 10. The currency handling device according to claim 8, On the second operation surface, an outlet through which receipts related to transactions printed by a printer are discharged is disposed alongside the operation unit in the left-right direction so as to overlap with the operation unit when viewed in the left-right direction. A currency processing device.

11. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The first operation surface and the second operation surface can be opened and closed separately, The boundary between the first operation surface and the second operation surface has a stepped shape in which the banknote deposit port side is low and the coin deposit port side is high. A currency processing device.

12. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A deposit opening is provided on the first operation surface, and the banknote deposit port portion and the coin deposit port portion are provided within the deposit opening. A currency processing device.

13. 13. The currency processing device according to claim 12, The upper end of the deposit opening has a stepped shape in which the banknote deposit port side is lower and the coin deposit port side is higher. A currency processing device.

14. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A dispensing opening is provided on the first operation surface, and the banknote dispensing port portion and the coin dispensing port portion are provided within the dispensing opening. A currency processing device.

15. In the currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit can be pulled out together from the first housing, The coin processing unit is provided with a coin storage container for storing coins on a surface side opposite to a surface adjacent to the banknote processing unit. A currency processing device.

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