Coin processing machine

Abstract

This invention provides a coin processing machine that allows for diverse sorting conditions to be set and is easy to use. [Solution] A coin processing machine 1 sorts coins of multiple denominations by denomination and transports them to different discharge units 70 based on the identification result, wherein the discharge unit 70 comprises a number of denomination-specific discharge units 70A corresponding to the number of denominations, and a first special discharge unit 70B to which coins identified as soiled are transported, and the coin processing machine 70A is equipped with a denomination designation means, which accepts input of a designated denomination, and if the designated denomination is a specific denomination, it is set to select a discharge unit 70 according to the coin type of the specific denomination, and to transport the specific coins of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit 70, and if the designated denomination is not a specific denomination, it sorts the specified coins of the designated denomination to the denomination-specific discharge unit 70A and the first special discharge unit 70B corresponding to the designated denomination and transports them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing machine that sorts and counts coins.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a coin processing machine that separates and discharges coins one by one, transports them, discriminates authenticity, further transports the coins discriminated as genuine coins, and sorts them through a denomination sorting unit (Patent Document 1). Also, at the time of discrimination, coins not discriminated as genuine coins are sorted into a reject box before the sorting unit, and damaged coins that are discriminated as genuine coins but not suitable for circulation are further discriminated and sorted by a dedicated sorting unit for damaged coins located before the denomination sorting unit. There is also known a coin processing machine for this purpose.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional coin processing machines, there are limitations in setting the sorting conditions for coins, and there is room to improve the flexibility of the sorting conditions for coins.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a coin processing machine capable of variously setting sorting conditions and being easy to handle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The means for solving the above problems are as follows. (1) A coin processing machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a coin processing machine that sorts coins of multiple denominations by denomination and transports them to different discharge units based on an identification result, wherein the discharge unit comprises a number of denomination-specific discharge units corresponding to the number of denominations, and a first special discharge unit to which coins identified as soiled are transported, and the coin processing machine is equipped with a denomination designation means, which receives input of a designated denomination, and if the designated denomination is a specific denomination, it is set to select the discharge unit according to the coin type of the specific denomination, and to transport the specific coins of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit, and if the designated denomination is not a specific denomination, it sorts and transports the specified coins of the designated denomination to the denomination-specific discharge unit and the first special discharge unit corresponding to the designated denomination. (2) In the above (1), setting information indicating the correspondence between the coin type of the specific denomination and the dispensing unit may be maintained. (3) In (1) or (2) above, the device may be provided with a display unit that displays both first setting information indicating the correspondence between the coin type of the specified denomination and the dispensing unit, and second setting information indicating the correspondence between the designated denomination that is not the specified denomination and the dispensing unit. (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, if the designated denomination is not the specified denomination, when the number of designated denominations that have passed through the denomination-specific discharge section reaches a predetermined number, the designated denominations may be transported to the first special discharge section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a coin processing machine can be provided that allows for diverse settings of sorting conditions and is easy to handle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating a coin processing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the top of a coin handling machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the lower part of a coin handling machine. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a coin processing machine. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the initial screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting menu screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the counting menu screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the counting mode setting screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the designated coin type setting screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the counting menu screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the handling menu screen for 500 yen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the handling setting screen for the new 500 yen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the handling setting screen for the old yellow 500 yen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the handling setting screen for the old white 500 yen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the designated coin type setting screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the various setting information display screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the initial screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the coin processing machine with the sorting conditions set. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the coin processing machine with the sorting conditions set. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the coin processing machine with the sorting conditions set.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the coin processor 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0010] The coin processor 1 according to the embodiment sorts and conveys a plurality of types of coins C inserted from the deposit slot 10 to different discharge parts 70 according to the identification result. Here, the types of coins are, for example, six types: 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coin processor 1 includes a deposit slot 10 for receiving the inserted coins C, an openable and closable cover 20, a reject box 79, a return box 49, and a storage door 50 for openably and closably covering an opening for the user to access a storage bag or a coin storage case (not shown) attached to the chute 80.

[0012] The deposit slot 10 opens upward in a funnel shape. Below the deposit slot 10, a supply tray 61 for feeding the coins C to the turntable 62 is arranged.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 20 can cover the turntable 62 for feeding the coins C from the supply tray 61 to the taking-in part 63, the taking-in part 63 for separating the coins C one by one, the first conveying part 64 for identifying the coins C, and the second conveying part 65 for sorting the coins C by type in a closed state. And in the open state as shown in FIG. 2, the cover 20 can expose the taking-in part 63, the turntable 62, the first conveying part 64, and the second conveying part 65. The cover 20 is usually locked in a closed state as shown in FIG. 1 and can be unlocked by an administrator (hereinafter also referred to as a user), but it is not necessarily limited to this.

[0014] The reject box 79 is a case for discharging coins C that have been rejected for counting or storage by the coin processing machine 1, such as counterfeit coins. The reject box 79 is located below the second special discharge section 70C (see Figure 4), which branches off from the first transport section 64. The reject box 79 is normally locked in a closed state and can be unlocked by the administrator, but when the coin processing machine 1 is stopped, it is unlocked and controlled to make it easier to remove the counterfeit coins and the like that have been discarded into the reject box 79.

[0015] The temporary storage unit 40 is a section that temporarily stores coins C before the confirmation operation. The temporary storage unit 40 is also the section that discharges coins C to be returned to the user, and when a return is made, the temporarily stored coins C are released from the temporary storage unit 40 into the return box 49. For this reason, the return box 49 is locked and cannot be removed during normal operation, and after the coins are returned from the temporary storage unit 40 to the return box 49, the lock is released, and the returned coins can be collected from the return box 49. The temporary storage unit 40 is located below the second transport unit 65. As shown in Figure 4, the temporary storage 40 is divided into temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen, 42 for 50 yen, 43 for 5 yen, 44 for 100 yen, 45 for 10 yen, and 46 for 500 yen, according to the denomination. The temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen, 42 for 50 yen, 43 for 5 yen, 44 for 100 yen, 45 for 10 yen, and 46 for 500 yen are arranged in this order below the denomination-specific discharge section 70A leading to the second transport section 65, along the transport direction of the coins C. Below the temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen, 42 for 50 yen, 43 for 5 yen, 44 for 100 yen, 45 for 10 yen, and 46 for 500 yen, there are chutes 80 corresponding to each, for sending the coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage 40 to the storage bags 90. Alternatively, the temporary storage unit 40 may be omitted, and the coins C may be sent directly from the denomination-specific dispensing unit 70A to the chute 80. Then, through the chute 80, the coins C from the temporary storage 40 for each denomination are stored in the corresponding storage bags 90 (91-96) for each denomination. The storage bags 90 (91-96) include a storage bag 91 for 1 yen, a storage bag 92 for 50 yen, a storage bag 93 for 5 yen, a storage bag 94 for 100 yen, a storage bag 95 for 10 yen, and a storage bag 96 for 500 yen.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the storage door 50, when closed, is capable of covering the chute 80 for coins C sorted by denomination. The chute 80 may open and close the communication between the inside of the temporary storage cases for each denomination housed in the temporary storage room 40 and the inside of storage bags (not shown, also called large bags or small bags depending on the number of coins C that can be stored) or coin storage cases attached below each temporary storage case for each denomination. When the storage door 50 is open, the chute 80 is exposed. The storage door 50 is normally locked in the closed state so that it can be released by the administrator.

[0017] Next, the operation and function of the coin processing machine 1 will be explained using Figures 1 to 4, following the flow of coins C. Coins C of various denominations inserted into the deposit slot 10 by the user fall into a supply plate 61 located below the deposit slot 10.

[0018] The coin C that falls onto the supply plate 61 is then fed by the supply plate 61 to the rotating plate 62.

[0019] The coins C fed from the supply plate 61 are separated one by one by the rotation of the turntable 62 and fed out to the intake unit 63.

[0020] The coins C dispensed into the intake unit 63 are sent one by one to the first transport unit 64.

[0021] Coins C sent from the intake unit 63 are identified by an identification unit (not shown), a known means provided in the first transport unit 64, to determine their authenticity, denomination, condition of soiling, or coin type. The identified coins C are then sorted into authenticity or inauthenticity by a reject sorting unit (not shown), a known means. Coins C that are not identified as authentic (or are identified as inauthentic) by the identification unit are sorted by the reject sorting unit, pass through the second special discharge unit 70C, and are sent to the reject box 79. Coins C identified as authentic by the identification unit are sent from the reject sorting unit to the second transport unit 65. A coin type refers to coins C of the same denomination that have physically different specifications in terms of structure, shape, material, pattern, etc. For example, the 500 yen coin comes in three types depending on the period of issuance: a cupronickel coin, a nickel-brass coin, and a bicolor clad coin with cupronickel sandwiching copper on the inside and nickel-brass on the outside.

[0022] The coins C sent from the first conveying unit 64 are sorted by denomination by the second conveying unit 65 using known means. Specifically, the second conveying unit 65 is equipped with branching units that, for example, separate and sort coins C with different outer diameters by denomination in ascending order, and these branching units are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the second conveying unit 65. Each branching unit in the second conveying unit 65 is connected to a denomination-specific discharge unit 70A (discharge unit 70) arranged along the conveying direction of the second conveying unit 65.

[0023] The discharge section 70 has denomination-specific discharge sections 70A, which are divided into a number of sections corresponding to the number of denominations. The denomination-specific discharge sections 70A are arranged along the transport direction in the second transport section 65, at positions corresponding to the branching sections. The denomination-specific discharge sections 70A include, for example, a 1-yen denomination-specific discharge section 71, a 50-yen denomination-specific discharge section 72, a 5-yen denomination-specific discharge section 73, a 100-yen denomination-specific discharge section 74, a 10-yen denomination-specific discharge section 75, and a 500-yen denomination-specific discharge section 76. The 1-yen denomination-specific discharge section 71, the 50-yen denomination-specific discharge section 72, the 5-yen denomination-specific discharge section 73, the 100-yen denomination-specific discharge section 74, the 10-yen denomination-specific discharge section 75, and the 500-yen denomination-specific discharge section 76 are arranged in this order along the transport direction in the second transport section 65. The number of sections divided by the denomination-specific discharge sections 70A corresponds to the number of denominations, for example, 6.

[0024] Furthermore, the discharge section 70 includes a denomination-specific discharge section 70A, which is divided into sections corresponding to the number of denominations, and a first special discharge section 70B. That is, the coin processing machine 1 has the first special discharge section 70B located in a different position from where the denomination-specific discharge section 70A is located. For example, the denomination-specific discharge section 70A is located above the temporary storage 40. The first special discharge section 70B is located above the temporary storage 40, next to the upstream side of the denomination-specific discharge section 70A.

[0025] The first special discharge section 70B is, for example, a section through which coins C identified as soiled by an identification section (not shown) provided in the first transport section 64, which identifies coins C, pass. Coins C identified as soiled by the identification section of the first transport section 64 do not go to the denomination-based discharge section 70A, but instead pass through the first special discharge section 70B and are sent to the temporary storage section 48 for soiled coins. Furthermore, as will be described later, the coin processing machine 1 is capable of sorting specific coins by coin type and transporting them to the denomination sorting discharge section 70A and the first special discharge section 70B. This allows coins C to be sorted and transported according to their type to the denomination sorting discharge section 70A and the first special discharge section 70B when there are multiple coin types for the same denomination. Thus, by using the first special discharge section 70B, which is a different discharge section 70 from the denomination sorting discharge section 70A, coins C of the same denomination but different coin types can be sorted. Furthermore, coins C sent to the temporary storage unit for soiled coins 48, along with coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage units 40 for each denomination, are either returned together to the return box 49, or, when stored, are guided together via the chute 80 to the storage bags 90 (91-96) for each denomination or to the soiled coin storage bag 98.

[0026] Furthermore, the discharge section 70 includes a denomination-specific discharge section 70A, which is divided into sections corresponding to the number of denominations, and a second special discharge section 70C. That is, the coin processing machine 1 has the second special discharge section 70C located in a different position from where the denomination-specific discharge section 70A is located. For example, the denomination-specific discharge section 70A is located above the temporary storage 40, and the second special discharge section 70C is located above the reject box 79.

[0027] The second special discharge section 70C may be the section through which coins C that were not identified as true (or were identified as false) by the identification section of the first transport section 64 are passed after being sorted by the reject sorting section. Coins C that were not identified as true (or were identified as false) by the identification section of the first transport section 64 are sorted by the reject sorting section and do not go to the second transport section 65, but instead pass through the second special discharge section 70C and are sent to the reject box 79. Furthermore, as will be described later, the coin processing machine 1 is capable of sorting specific coins by coin type and transporting them to the denomination-specific discharge section 70A and the second special discharge section 70C. This allows coins C to be sorted and transported according to their type to the denomination-specific discharge section 70A and the second special discharge section 70C when there are multiple coin types for the same denomination. Thus, by using the second special discharge section 70C, which is a different discharge section 70 from the denomination-specific discharge section 70A, coins C of the same denomination but different coin types can be sorted.

[0028] The coins C sorted by denomination by the second transport unit 65 reach the temporary storage unit 40 via the denomination sorting discharge unit 70A. The temporary storage unit 40 is equipped with temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen to 46 for 500 yen coins, located below the denomination sorting discharge unit 70A and corresponding to the denomination sorting discharge units 71 for 1 yen to 76 for 500 yen coins. Therefore, the coins C sorted by denomination by the second transport unit 65 are sorted by denomination via the denomination sorting discharge unit 70A and stored in one of the temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen to 46 for 500 yen coins.

[0029] Coins C, stored in temporary storage cases 41 for 1 yen to 46 for 500 yen, can be moved as needed through the chute 80 to storage bags 90 (or storage cases) of the same denomination. The storage bags 90 are detachable from the chute 80. Coins C stored in the storage bags 90 can be collected by removing the storage bags 90 containing the coins C from the chute 80. The storage bags 90 include, for example, small bags and large bags with different capacities (number of coins C that can be stored). The same capacity storage bag 90 may be used even if the denominations are different. The number of coins C that can be stored in the storage bag 90 is specified by denomination (for example, in the case of a large bag, 2000 coins (500 yen coins), 5000 coins (1 yen coins), 4000 coins (other coins); in the case of a small bag, 500 coins (500 yen coins), 1000 coins (other denominations)). In this way, the coins C of multiple denominations inserted into the deposit slot 10 can be recovered by at least discharging them into the reject box 79 or storing them in separate storage bags 90 according to their denomination.

[0030] Here, the coin processing machine 1 further sorts specific coins of a specific denomination from among multiple denominations according to their coin type and transports them to a designated discharge unit 70. The specific denomination is, for example, 500 yen. The specific coin is, for example, a 500 yen coin when the specific denomination is 500 yen. In detail, the coin processing machine 1 can be set to sort, for example, 500 yen coins, which are specific coins of a specific denomination, according to three types: cupronickel type, nickel brass type, and bicolor clad type. In this way, the user can configure the coin processing machine 1 to further sort specific coins of a specific denomination from among multiple denominations by coin type and transport them to any discharge unit 70. As a result, the coin processing machine 1 can count and store coins by type, even if they are of the same denomination. Therefore, a variety of sorting conditions can be set by the coin processing machine 1, making it easy to use the coin processing machine 1.

[0031] The coin processing machine 1 may sort specific coins by coin type and transport them to the denomination-based discharge section 70A, the first special discharge section 70B, and the second special discharge section 70C. This allows for the sorting and transport of multiple types of specific coins in any combination to the denomination-based discharge section 70A, the first special discharge section 70B, and the second special discharge section 70C. For example, if there are three types of specific coins, each type can be sorted and transported to a different location. Thus, specific coins can be counted and stored independently by coin type.

[0032] In detail, the coin processing machine 1 is configured to transport, for example, the new bicolor clad type 500 yen coin to the 500 yen coin sorting In this way, the user can configure the coin processing machine 1 to sort specific coins by coin type and transport them to the denomination-specific discharge unit 70A, the first special discharge unit 70B, and the second special discharge unit 70C. This allows specific coins of a specific denomination to be sorted by coin type and distributed to the first special discharge unit 70B and the second special discharge unit 70C, which are located in different positions from the denomination-specific discharge unit 70A. Therefore, for example, only the new 500 yen coins can be sent to the 500 yen denomination-specific discharge unit 76 for counting and storage, while the old white 500 yen coins and old yellow 500 yen coins can be sent to the reject box 79 for counting and storage.

[0033] (display screen) Next, an example of the operation procedure for the coin processing machine 1 will be given, and the functions of the denomination selection means 200 and the display means 300 provided on the display unit 100 will be explained in accordance with the display screen shown on the display unit 100.

[0034] The coin processing machine 1 may be equipped with a display unit 100, as shown in Figure 5. The display unit 100 mainly displays information including sorting conditions set in the coin processing machine 1. The display unit 100 may be a so-called touch panel type graphical user interface that accepts input of specified coin denominations from the user. The display unit 100 may be capable of displaying at least multiple coin denominations to facilitate input of specified coin denominations from the user. The coin processing machine 1 accepts input of a specified denomination (for example, 500 yen) specified by the user, and if the specified denomination is a specific denomination (for example, 500 yen), it is equipped with a denomination designation means 200 that selects a discharge unit 70 according to the coin type of that specific denomination, and sets the machine to transport the specific coin of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit 70. The denomination designation means 200 may be provided on the display unit 100. Furthermore, the coin processing machine 1 is equipped with a display means 300 that indicates the correspondence between the coin type and the dispensing unit 70. The display means 300 may be provided on the display unit 100.

[0035] First, as shown in Figure 5, the display unit 100 displays the initial screen 110. The initial screen 110 displays the number of coins C stored in the storage bags 90 (91-96) for each denomination (in this case, all are 0). The initial screen 110 also displays buttons (icons) for "Settings," "Amount," "Display Switching," and "Information." The initial screen may display, as indicated by the box A, the type of coin stored in the storage bag 90 corresponding to the temporary storage section 48 for soiled coins, and the number of coins of that type C stored there (in this case, the coin type is 100 yen coins, and the number of coins stored is 0). Alternatively, the initial screen may display, as indicated by the box B, the total number of coins C stored in all denomination storage bags 90 (91-96) and the soiled coin storage bag 98 (in this case, 0).

[0036] When the user presses the "Settings" button on the initial screen 110, the display unit 100 displays the settings menu screen 111, as shown in Figure 6. The settings menu screen 111 displays buttons for "Counting," "Device," "Maintenance Personnel Mode," and "Back." When the user presses the "Back" button, the display unit 100 displays the initial screen 110, as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] When the user presses the "Count" button on the settings menu screen 111, the display unit 100 displays the counting menu screen 112, as shown in Figure 7. The counting menu screen 112 displays buttons for "Counting Mode," "Specified Denomination," "Handling 500 Yen," "Damaged Coin Function," "Batch Mode," "Local Mode," and "Back." When the user presses the "Back" button, the display unit 100 displays the settings menu screen 111, as shown in Figure 6.

[0038] When the user presses the "Counting Mode" button on the counting menu screen 112, the display unit 100 displays the counting mode setting screen 113, as shown in Figure 8. The counting mode setting screen 113 displays the denominations of coins C (in this case, "soiled coins") that are sorted into the first special discharge unit 70B and stored in the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48 or the soiled coin storage bag 98, within a frame labeled "Current Settings." The counting mode setting screen 113 also displays buttons for "Soiled Coins," "Specified Denominations," and "Back." When the user presses the "Back" button, the display unit 100 displays the counting menu screen 112, as shown in Figure 7. When a soiled coin is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 distributes the soiled coin to the first special discharge unit 70B so that it can be stored in the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48 or the soiled coin storage bag 98.

[0039] When the user presses the "Specified Denomination" button on the counting mode setting screen 113, the display unit 100 displays the specified denomination setting screen 114, as shown in Figure 9. The designated denomination setting screen 114 displays the denomination of coin C (in this case, a 500 yen coin) that will be distributed to the first special discharge unit 70B and stored in the temporary storage unit 48 for soiled coins, within a frame labeled "Current setting". The designated denomination setting screen 114 also displays buttons for "500 yen", "100 yen", "50 yen", "10 yen", "5 yen", "1 yen", and "Back". The user can select and press one of these buttons. For example, if "500 yen" is selected and the user presses the "Back" button, the display unit 100 will display the counting mode setting screen 113 with "500 yen" displayed within the frame labeled "Current setting". If 500 yen is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 will sort the 500 yen coins into the first special discharge unit 70B so that they can be stored in the temporary storage unit 48 for soiled coins. Similarly, if any other denomination is set, for example, if 1 yen is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 will sort the 1 yen coins into the first special discharge unit 70B so that they can be stored in the temporary storage unit 48 for soiled coins.

[0040] By the way, as shown in Figure 10, when the user returns to the counting menu screen 112 and presses the "Handling 500 Yen" button, the display unit 100 displays the 500 Yen Handling Menu screen 115, as shown in Figure 11. The 500 Yen Handling Menu screen 115 displays buttons for "New 500 Yen," "Old Yellow 500 Yen," "Old White 500 Yen," and "Back." The user can select and press one of these buttons. If the user presses the "Back" button, the display unit 100 displays the counting menu screen 112, as shown in Figure 10. Thus, the denomination selection means 200 provided on the display unit 100 of the coin processing machine 1 accepts input of a specified denomination (for example, 500 yen) specified by the user.

[0041] When a user presses the "New 500 Yen" button on the 500 Yen handling menu screen 115, the display unit 100 displays the New 500 Yen handling setting screen 116, as shown in Figure 12. The New 500 Yen handling setting screen 116 displays the destination for the new 500 yen coins, selected from the 500 yen temporary storage case 46 (located below the 500 yen coin dispensing unit 76 included in the coin-type dispensing unit 70A), the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48 (located below the first special dispensing unit 70B), or the reject box 79 (located below the second special dispensing unit 70C) (here, the 500 yen temporary storage case 46 is abbreviated as "500 yen bag"), within a frame labeled "Current setting". Furthermore, the new 500 yen handling settings screen 116 displays buttons for "500 yen bag" corresponding to the 500 yen temporary storage case 46, "soiled coin storage bag" corresponding to the soiled coin temporary storage section 48, "reject" corresponding to the reject box 79, and "back". The user can select and press one of these buttons. If the user presses the "back" button, the display unit 100 displays the 500 yen handling menu screen 115 shown in Figure 11. If "500 yen bag" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the new 500 yen coins into the 500 yen denomination sorting unit 76 so that they can be stored in the 500 yen temporary storage case 46. Similarly, if "soiled coin storage bag" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the new 500 yen coins into the first special sorting unit 70B so that they can be stored in the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48. If "reject" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the new 500 yen coins into the second special sorting unit 70C so that they can be stored in the reject box 79.

[0042] By the way, returning to the 500 yen handling menu screen 115 shown in Figure 11, when the user presses the "Old Yellow 500 Yen" button, the display unit 100 displays the Old Yellow 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 117, as shown in Figure 13. The Old Yellow 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 117 displays the destination for the Old Yellow 500 yen coins, selected from the 500 yen temporary storage case 46, the damaged coin temporary storage unit 48, or the reject box 79 (here, the 500 yen temporary storage case 46 is abbreviated as "500 yen bag"), within a frame labeled "Current Settings". The Old Yellow 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 117 also displays buttons for "500 yen bag" corresponding to the 500 yen temporary storage case 46, "damaged coin storage bag" corresponding to the damaged coin temporary storage unit 48, "reject" corresponding to the reject box 79, and "Back". The user can select and press one of these buttons. When the user presses the "back" button, the display unit 100 displays the 500 yen transaction menu screen 115 shown in Figure 11. If "Current setting" is set to "500 yen bag," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old yellow 500 yen coins into the 500 yen denomination sorting unit 76 and stores them in the 500 yen temporary storage case 46. Similarly, if "Current setting" is set to "soiled coin storage bag," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old yellow 500 yen coins into the first special sorting unit 70B and stores them in the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48. If "Current setting" is set to "reject," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old yellow 500 yen coins into the second special sorting unit 70C and stores them in the reject box 79.

[0043] Furthermore, returning to the 500 yen handling menu screen 115 shown in Figure 11, when the user presses the "Old White 500 Yen" button, the display unit 100 displays the Old White 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 118, as shown in Figure 14. The Old White 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 118 displays the destination for the Old White 500 yen coins, selected from the 500 yen temporary storage case 46, the damaged coin temporary storage unit 48, or the reject box 79 (here, the 500 yen temporary storage case 46 is abbreviated as "500 yen bag"), within a frame labeled "Current Settings". The Old White 500 Yen Handling Settings screen 118 also displays buttons for "500 yen bag" corresponding to the 500 yen temporary storage case 46, "damaged coin storage bag" corresponding to the damaged coin temporary storage unit 48, "reject" corresponding to the reject box 79, and "Back". The user can select and press one of these buttons. When the user presses the "back" button, the display unit 100 displays the 500 yen transaction menu screen 115 shown in Figure 11. If "500 yen bag" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old white 500 yen coins into the 500 yen denomination sorting unit 76 and stores them in the 500 yen temporary storage case 46. Similarly, if "soiled coin storage bag" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old white 500 yen coins into the first special sorting unit 70B and stores them in the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48. If "reject" is set as the "current setting," the coin processing machine 1 sorts the old white 500 yen coins into the second special sorting unit 70C and stores them in the reject box 79.

[0044] As described above, the denomination selection means 200 provided on the display unit 100 of the coin processing machine 1 accepts input of a specified denomination (for example, 500 yen) specified by the user (see Figure 10), and if the specified denomination is a specific denomination (for example, 500 yen), it allows the user to select a discharge unit 70 according to the coin type of that specific denomination (see Figure 11) (see Figures 12 to 14), and the machine is set to transport specific coins of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit 70. This allows the user to discharge coins of a specific denomination that has multiple coin types into different discharge units 70 and store them in different storage bags 90, according to the coin type specified by the user. Thus, the sorting conditions of the coin processing machine 1 can be set in a variety of ways, making it easy to handle.

[0045] Returning to the designated denomination setting screen 114, when the user presses the "100 yen" button, as shown in Figure 15, if 100 yen is set as the "current setting", the coin processing machine 1 sorts the 100 yen coins into the first special discharge unit 70B so that they can be stored in the temporary storage unit 48 for soiled coins.

[0046] At this point, the system returns to the initial screen 110 (see Figure 5), and when the user presses the "Information" button, the display unit 100 displays a screen 119 showing various setting information, which indicates the correspondence between coin types and the dispensing unit 70, as shown in Figure 16. The various settings information display screen 119 shows an example in the upper right corner where 100 yen is selected as the specified denomination on the specified denomination setting screen 114 (see Figure 9), labeled as "Counting Mode Specified Denomination" and "Specified Denomination Setting 100 Yen". Furthermore, the various setting information display screen 119 has a display means 300 that shows the correspondence between coin types and the dispensing unit 70. The display means 300 shows the correspondence between coin types and the dispensing unit 70. Specifically, the display means 300 displays an example in the upper right of the various setting information display screen 119 where, for the 500 yen coin, which has three types of coins, the new 500 yen coin is sorted into the temporary storage case 46 for 500 yen coins (the 500 yen coin denomination dispensing unit 76, which is one of the coin denomination dispensing units 70A), the old yellow 500 yen coin is sorted into the temporary storage case 46 for 500 yen coins (the 500 yen coin denomination dispensing unit 76, which is one of the coin denomination dispensing units 70A), and the old white 500 yen coin is sorted into the reject box 79 (the second special dispensing unit 70C). Thus, the coin processing machine 1 is equipped with a display means 300 that shows the correspondence between the coin type and the dispensing unit 70. This allows the user to easily understand the sorting conditions currently set in the coin processing machine 1.

[0047] The various setting information display screen 119 may, as shown in Figure 16, display the level of soiling detected as soiled for each denomination of coin C in stages. Furthermore, the various setting information display screen 119 may display the maximum number of coins C of each denomination that can be stored in the storage bag 90, as shown in Figure 16.

[0048] After setting predetermined sorting conditions and operating the coin processing machine 1 to collect the coins C, the initial screen 110 is displayed. As shown in Figure 17, the initial screen 110 displays the number of coins C stored in the storage bags 90 (91-96) by denomination (here, 2,500 coins in the 1-yen storage bag 91, 3,000 coins in the 50-yen storage bag 92, 3,000 coins in the 5-yen storage bag 93, 2,000 coins in the 100-yen storage bag 94, 600 coins in the 10-yen storage bag 95, and 1,000 coins in the 500-yen storage bag 96). Additionally, the initial screen may display, as indicated by the boxed line AA, the type of coins to be stored in the soiled coin storage bag 98 and the number of coins of that type C stored there (in this case, the coin type is soiled coins, and the number of coins stored there is 21). Furthermore, the initial screen may display, as indicated by the boxed line BB, the total number of coins C stored in the storage bag 90 and the soiled coin storage bag 98 (in this case, 12121).

[0049] (Example of distribution conditions) Next, examples of sorting conditions set in the coin processing machine 1 will be explained using Figures 18 to 20. As shown in Figure 18, the coin processing machine 1 is configured with sorting conditions that sort new 500 yen coins into the 500 yen coin sorting section 76, which is one of the denomination sorting sections 70A, and sort old yellow 500 yen coins and old white 500 yen coins into the first special sorting section 70B.

[0050] Here, if the maximum number of storage bags 90 for 500 yen coins is set to 2000 (large bag setting), when the number of new 500 yen coins counted by the coin processing machine 1 reaches 2000, or when the total number of old yellow 500 yen coins and old white 500 yen coins counted reaches 2000, the coin processing machine 1 interrupts the identification, counting, and sorting of coins C, and displays information on the display unit 100 prompting the user to replace the storage bag 90 that has reached 2000 coins.

[0051] Then, when the empty storage bag 90 is reset, the coin processing machine 1 checks the bag detection signal for the identification, counting, and sorting operations, and displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 100 to indicate whether or not to resume the identification, counting, and sorting operations.

[0052] In response to these issues, the coin processing machine 1 controls the system so that, when a denomination other than 500 yen, which is not a specified denomination, is selected on the designated denomination setting screen 114, the coins C of the selected denomination are transported to the denomination-specific discharge section 70A corresponding to that denomination. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, for example, if the designated denomination is 100 yen, the coin processing machine 1 controls itself to discharge 100 yen coins to the 100 yen denomination sorting discharge unit 74 until the number of 100 yen coins reaches the maximum capacity of the storage bag 90, which is 4000 coins (in the case of a large bag). The 100 yen coins discharged from the 100 yen denomination sorting discharge unit 74 are then stored in the corresponding storage bag 90 (100 yen storage bag) via the appropriate temporary storage case 44 for 100 yen coins. Then, when the number of 100-yen coins discharged (counted) to the 100-yen coin sorting discharge unit 74 reaches 4000, as shown in Figure 20, the coin processing machine 1 switches the destination of the 100-yen coins and controls it to discharge the 4001st and subsequent 100-yen coins to the first special discharge unit 70B. The 100-yen coins discharged from the first special discharge unit 70B are then stored in the corresponding storage bags 90 (soiled coin storage bags) via the soiled coin temporary storage unit 48 as appropriate.

[0053] In other words, if the specified denomination (100 yen in the above example) is not a specific denomination (500 yen in the above example), the coin processing machine 1 sorts the specified coin of the specified denomination (100 yen coin in the above example) into the denomination sorting discharge unit 70A (100 yen denomination sorting discharge unit 74 in the above example) and the first special discharge unit 70B, and transports them. In this way, the coins C can be sorted even more precisely according to the user's requests. Therefore, a user-friendly coin processing machine 1 can be provided.

[0054] As described above, the coin processing machine 1 according to the embodiment sorts coins C of multiple denominations by denomination based on the identification result and transports them to different discharge units 70. The coin processing machine 1 further sorts specific coins of a specific denomination from among the multiple denominations by coin type and transports them to any set discharge unit. As a result, even for a specific denomination that has multiple coin types, the coin processing machine 1 can discharge them to different discharge units 70 specified by the user according to coin type and store them in different storage bags 90. Therefore, the sorting conditions of the coin processing machine 1 can be set in a variety of ways, making it easy to handle.

[0055] Furthermore, the coin processing machine 1 according to the embodiment sorts coins C of multiple denominations by denomination based on the identification result and transports them to different discharge units 70. The discharge unit 70 comprises a number of denomination-specific discharge units 70A corresponding to the number of denominations, and a first special discharge unit 70B. The coin processing machine 1 is equipped with a denomination designation means 200. The denomination designation means 200 accepts input of a designated denomination, and if the designated denomination is a specific denomination, it causes the machine to select a discharge unit 70 according to the coin type of the specific denomination, and sets the machine to transport the specific coin of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit 70. This allows the user to set the machine to discharge coins of a specific denomination, which has multiple coin types, to different discharge units 70 specified by the user according to the coin type, and to store them in different storage bags 90. Thus, the sorting conditions of the coin processing machine 1 can be set in a variety of ways, making it easy to handle.

[0056] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, as mentioned above, the temporary storage area 40, including the temporary storage section 48 for soiled cargo, is not a mandatory requirement. The temporary storage unit 40 sorts and counts small amounts of coins separately from the coins already stored in the storage bags 90 (or storage cases). After confirming the counting results, it issues a storage instruction, causing the coins from the temporary storage unit 40 to be stored in the storage bags 90 (or storage cases) via the chute 80. Therefore, when the temporary storage unit 40 is provided, the display unit 100 will display the counting results immediately after sorting and counting the small amount of coins. After issuing a storage instruction, it may also display the total amount of coins by denomination, which is the sum of the amount of coins already stored in the storage bags 90 (or storage cases) and the counting results from the sorting and counting. Furthermore, if the sorting conditions impose a limit on the amount of coins that can be stored in the storage bags 90 (or storage cases), the sorting and counting of coins at that time may be interrupted when the sum of the amount of coins already stored in the storage bags 90 (or storage cases) and the amount of coins sorted and counted and temporarily stored in the temporary storage 40 matches the limit value set in the sorting conditions. The display unit 100 may then display the storage of the temporarily stored coins into the storage bags 90 (or storage cases), the removal of the storage bags 90 (or storage cases) that have reached the predetermined storage capacity, and the installation of new empty storage bags 90 (or storage cases).

[0057] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the above modifications may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Coin processing machine 10 Deposit port 40 Temporary storage 41 Temporary storage case for 1 yen coins 42 Temporary storage case for 50 yen coins 43 5 yen temporary storage case 44 Temporary storage case for 100 yen coins 45 Temporary storage case for 10 yen coins 46 Temporary storage case for 500 yen 48 Temporary storage area for soiled cargo 49 Return Box 61 Supply board 62 RPM disc 63 Intake section 64. First Conveyor Unit 65 Second Conveyor Unit 70 Discharge section 70A Discharge section by metal type 70B 1st special discharge section 70C 2nd special discharge section 71. Dispensing section for 1 yen coins by denomination. 72. Dispensing section for 50 yen coins by denomination. 73. Dispensing section for 5 yen coins by denomination. 74. Dispensing section for 100 yen coins by denomination. 75 10 yen coin dispenser by denomination 76. Dispensing section for 500 yen coins by denomination. 79 Reject Boxes 80 shots 90 storage bags 91 1 yen storage bag 92 Storage bag for 50 yen 93 5 yen storage bag 94 Storage bag for 100 yen 95 10 yen storage bag 96 Storage bag for 500 yen 98. Damaged Storage Bag C coin

Claims

1. A coin processing machine that sorts coins of multiple denominations by denomination based on the identification result and transports them to different discharge sections, The discharge unit comprises a number of denomination-specific discharge units corresponding to the number of denominations, and a first special discharge unit into which coins identified as defaced are transported. The coin processing machine is equipped with a means for specifying the denomination, The aforementioned denomination designation means accepts input of the designated denomination, If the designated denomination is a specific denomination, the system is configured to select the discharge unit according to the coin type of the specific denomination, and to transport the specific coin of the specific denomination to the selected discharge unit. A coin processing machine characterized in that, if the designated denomination is not the specified denomination, it sorts and transports the designated coins of the designated denomination to the denomination-specific discharge unit and the first special discharge unit corresponding to the designated denomination.

2. The coin processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it holds setting information indicating the correspondence between the coin type of the specified denomination and the dispensing unit.

3. The coin processing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays both first setting information indicating the correspondence between the coin type of the specified denomination and the dispensing unit, and second setting information indicating the correspondence between the designated denomination that is not the specified denomination and the dispensing unit.

4. The coin processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the designated denomination is not the specified denomination, when the designated denomination has passed through the denomination-specific discharge section and reached a predetermined number, the designated denomination is transported to the first special discharge section.

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