Media handling device

Abstract

This further reduces the possibility of foreign objects entering the device. [Solution] A media handling device is provided, comprising: a media receiving unit for receiving media; a processing unit for receiving the media received by the media receiving unit and performing predetermined processing on the media; a shutter unit provided between the media receiving unit and the processing unit, which is movable between a position that obstructs the movement of the media from the media receiving unit to the processing unit and a position that does not obstruct the movement of the media; and a drainage mechanism provided upstream of the shutter unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a media handling device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various media handling devices for handling media have been developed. Examples of media handling devices include automated transaction devices installed in financial institutions, automated ticket vending machines that issue tickets, vending machines that sell products, money changers that exchange currency, payment machines for paying fees, and coin dispensers that dispense change.

[0003] Here, various techniques are known for reducing the possibility of foreign matter (e.g., water, insects, and dust) entering the interior of a media handling device (hereinafter also referred to as "inside the device"). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of attaching a shutter member that prevents foreign matter from entering the device from the coin insertion slot. As a result, since the possibility of foreign matter entering deeper than the shutter member is reduced, the possibility of foreign matter entering the device can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, it is desired to provide a technique for further reducing the possibility of foreign matter entering the device.

[0006] [[ID=*42]] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of further reducing the possibility of foreign matter entering the device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a media handling device is provided, comprising: a media receiving unit for receiving a medium; a processing unit for receiving the medium received by the media receiving unit and performing predetermined processing on the medium; a shutter unit provided between the media receiving unit and the processing unit, which is movable between a position that obstructs the movement of the medium from the media receiving unit to the processing unit and a position that does not obstruct the movement of the medium; and a drainage mechanism provided upstream of the shutter unit.

[0008] The drainage mechanism may be a drainage hole.

[0009] The drainage hole may be provided in a position that is in contact with the shutter portion.

[0010] The drainage hole may be provided at a location away from the shutter portion.

[0011] The media receiving section is provided with a slope on which the media slides down, and the position that obstructs the movement of the media is a position where the lower end of the opening of the shutter section is above the position of the slope at the coin outlet of the media receiving section, and the position that does not obstruct the movement of the media may be a position where the lower end is below the position of the slope.

[0012] The media handling device may also include a shutter drive unit for driving the shutter unit.

[0013] The shutter drive unit may include a solenoid switch for moving a plunger connected to the shutter unit.

[0014] The aforementioned medium may be a coin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the present invention provides a technology that can further reduce the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory drawing for explaining the outline of the coin handling device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a comparative example. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the peripheral structure of the coin discharge port 118 when the shutter unit 124 is in the open position. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the peripheral structure of the coin discharge port 118 when the shutter unit 124 is in the closed position. [Figure 7] It is a view of the periphery of the shutter unit 12处于开放位置时,从硬币处理装置1的后面侧看到的视图。 [[ID=T]] [Figure 8] It is a view of the periphery of the shutter unit 124处于关闭位置时,从硬币处理装置1的后面侧看到的视图。

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0018] [[ID=C]] The present embodiment relates to a coin handling device. First, the outline of the coin handling device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0019] ​FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the coin handling device 1 according to the present embodiment. The coin handling device 1 according to the present embodiment is a device for handling coins. As shown in FIG. 1, in the following description, with respect to the coin handling device 1, the direction in which there is a user who operates the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "front", and the direction opposite to "front" is also expressed as "rear".

[0020] Also, the right direction as seen from the user who operates the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "right", and the left direction as seen from the user who operates the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "left". Further, the upward direction of the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "up", and the downward direction of the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "down".

[0021] In the present embodiment, it is mainly assumed that the coin handling device 1 is a change machine for making a payment of a fee. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is mainly assumed that the change machine is a toll calculator for calculating the toll for a highway. However, the change machine may be a toll calculator installed in a retail store or the like. Alternatively, the coin handling device 1 may be a device other than a change machine.

[0022] For example, the coin handling device 1 may be a change dispenser for dispensing change. Alternatively, the coin handling device 1 may be an automated teller machine installed in a financial institution, or an automated ticket vending machine for issuing tickets, or an automated vending machine for selling goods, or a money changer for exchanging currencies.

[0023] [[ID=ID=16]]Also, the coin handling device 1 may be installed indoors or outdoors. For example, when the coin handling device 1 is installed outdoors, there is a possibility that rainwater may enter the inside of the coin handling device 1. Therefore, when the coin handling device 1 is installed outdoors, stronger waterproof measures are required to be taken for the coin handling device 1 compared to the case where the coin handling device 1 is installed indoors.

[0024] As will be explained later, coins are an example of a medium handled by the coin handling device 1. In other words, the coin handling device 1 is an example of a medium handling device that handles a medium. Therefore, coins may be replaced with a medium. Also, the coin handling device 1 may be replaced with a medium handling device that handles a medium.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the coin handling device 1 comprises a coin receiving section 100, a display section 210, a hood 220, a coin return button 230, a ticket insertion slot 240, and a coin return unit 400. The coin receiving section 100 comprises a coin slot 112 and a coin tray 190. The coin return unit 400 comprises a returned coin discharge section 410 and a coin return tray 420. The coin handling device 1 also comprises a front door F1. The front door F1 will be described later.

[0026] (Display section 210) The display unit 210 is comprised of a display that shows screens related to various transactions. For example, the display unit 210 may display the amount due as the billing amount on the screen. Users of the coin handling device 1 can determine the type and number of coins to insert into the coin slot 112, which will be described later, by checking the billing amount displayed on the display unit 210.

[0027] (Food 220) The hood 220 is a covering member provided above the coin receiving section 100. By contacting the upper surface of the hood 220, the possibility of foreign matter entering the interior of the coin receiving section 100 located below the hood 220 can be reduced. For example, by contacting the upper surface of the hood 220 with rainwater, which is an example of foreign matter, the possibility of rainwater entering the interior of the coin receiving section 100 located below the hood 220 can be reduced.

[0028] (Coin return button 230) The coin return button 230 is used to return coins that have been inserted into the coin slot 112 by the user. The mechanism for returning coins is not limited. For example, the machine may be moved by the user's press on the coin return button 230 and the coins may be returned to the coin return unit 400. Alternatively, the machine may be moved by electricity based on the detection of the user's press on the coin return button 230 and the coins may be returned to the coin return unit 400.

[0029] (Pass ticket slot 240) The toll ticket slot 240 is a slot for receiving toll tickets from users. The toll ticket may have data recorded on it that is necessary to identify the amount to be paid by the user. For example, the amount to be paid by the user may be determined according to the section of the expressway traveled. In this case, the recorded data may include the interchange number to identify the starting point of the travel section. For example, the recorded data may be recorded on the magnetic stripe of the toll ticket.

[0030] (Coin receiving section 100) The coin receiving unit 100 is a unit that receives coins inserted into the coin slot 112 by a user. For example, the coin receiving unit 100 can receive multiple coins inserted into the coin slot 112 by a user. The multiple coins inserted into the coin slot 112 may be of different denominations.

[0031] Here, the coins inserted into the coin slot 112 may include various coins that circulate in Japan, such as 100 yen coins, 1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, or 500 yen coins. In addition, the coins inserted into the coin slot 112 may also include various coins that circulate in other countries (i.e., outside of Japan), such as 1 cent coins.

[0032] Coins inserted into the coin slot 112 may be placed directly onto the coin tray 190. In this case, the coins placed on the coin tray 190 may slide down the slope of the coin tray 190 and move into the coin handling device 1 via the coin slot 112. That is, the coin tray 190 can function as a receiving tray for temporarily holding coins inserted by the user.

[0033] (Coin return unit 400) The coin return unit 400 is a unit that returns coins. For example, the coin return unit 400 returns change that is generated when settling a fare. Specifically, if the billing amount is 400 yen and the user inserts 500 yen worth of coins into the coin slot 112, the coin return unit 400 will return 100 yen worth of coins as change.

[0034] Furthermore, the coin return unit 400 returns the coins inserted into the coin slot 112 by the user in conjunction with the user pressing the coin return button 230. More specifically, after the user inserts 300 yen worth of coins into the coin slot 112 and then presses the coin return button 230, the coin return unit 400 returns 300 yen worth of coins.

[0035] Specifically, the coin return unit 400 discharges the coins to be returned to the user via the coin return discharge unit 410. At this time, the coin return tray 420 can function as a receiving tray for the coins discharged by the coin return discharge unit 410. The coins discharged onto the coin return tray 420 can be received by the user.

[0036] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the coin handling device 1, but the functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 is not limited to this example. For example, the coin handling device 1 may have a configuration for accepting the insertion of various media such as banknotes and cards, a configuration for returning various media such as banknotes and cards, or a configuration for dispensing certificates such as receipts.

[0037] The outline of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0038] <<2. Overview of each part of coin handling device 1>> Next, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, an overview of each part of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0039] <2.1. Overview of the coin receiving section 100> First, let's describe the general layout of the coin receiving section 100. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1, part AA. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the coin receiving section 100 of the coin handling device 1, viewed from the right. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the coin receiving section 100, the coin handling device 1 includes a shutter section 124, a coin guiding section 610, a batch insertion unit 600, and a coin sorting section (hereinafter also referred to as "coin mechanism") 500. The coin guiding section 610, the batch insertion unit 600, and the coin mechanism 500 will be explained later.

[0040] The coin receiving section 100 is formed in the front door F1 of the coin handling device 1. In the example shown in Figure 2, the front door F1 is in a closed state. On the other hand, the front door F1 can be opened by the user pulling it forward. At this time, the coin receiving section 100 can also move in conjunction with the opening and closing of the front door F1.

[0041] The coin receiving section 100 includes a slope 114, a drain guide 116, and a coin discharge port 118. The coin tray 190 has a slope 191 that inclines from side to side, and the slope 114 is continuous with the slope 191 of the coin tray 190. As a result, coins placed on the slope 191 of the coin tray 190 slide down the slope 191 to the slope 114 of the coin receiving section 100, and slide down the slope 114. The coins that slide down the slope 114 are discharged from the coin discharge port 118.

[0042] The drainage guide 116 is located below the slope 114. A drainage channel 117 is formed in the drainage guide 116, and the drainage guide 116 guides rainwater into the drainage channel 117. For example, the drainage guide 116 has an upper surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and rainwater that falls from the slope 114 onto this upper surface slides down the upper surface and falls into the drainage channel 117. As a result, the rainwater is discharged from the drainage channel 117.

[0043] The shutter section 124 is located between the coin receiving section 100 and the coin mechanism 500. More specifically, the shutter section 124 is located between the coin receiving section 100 and the coin guide section 610, which is located upstream of the coin mechanism 500 in the direction of coin movement. It is also desirable that the shutter section 124 be located above the drainage guide 116. Details of the shutter section 124 will be described later.

[0044] The outline of the coin receiving unit 100 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0045] <2.2. Overview of the coin guidance unit 610> Next, an overview of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment will be described. The coin guide unit 610 guides coins that have slid down the slope 114 and been discharged from the coin outlet 118 to the bulk insertion unit 600. The coin guide unit 610 is located between the coin receiving unit 100 and the bulk insertion unit 600. Furthermore, the coin guide unit 610 is formed on the bulk insertion unit 600. Therefore, unlike the coin receiving unit 100, the coin guide unit 610 remains fixed to the bulk insertion unit 600 even if the front door F1 moves.

[0046] The coin guide unit 610 has an inlet opening 641 located close to the coin receiving unit 100 and an outlet opening 642 located in contact with the batch insertion unit 600. The coin guide unit 610 also has an internal space K2 that extends from the inlet opening 641 to the outlet opening 642. The internal space K2 is surrounded by a wall 620.

[0047] The wall 620 has a curved portion 643, and the wall 620 from the entrance-side opening 641 to the curved portion 643 is formed along a direction that substantially coincides with the inclination of the slope 114. On the other hand, the wall 620 from the curved portion 643 to the exit-side opening 642 is formed along the vertical direction. The coin that slides down the slope 114 enters the interior space K2 from the entrance-side opening 641 and moves through the interior space K2.

[0048] The coins that have moved into the internal space K2 may come into contact with the inner surface 621 of the wall 620. This allows the coins that have slid down the slope 114 to move through the internal space K2 without flying out of the bulk insertion unit 600. The coins that have moved through the internal space K2 fall into the bulk insertion unit 600 through the exit side opening 642. In this way, the coins that have slid down the slope 114 are guided into the bulk insertion unit 600 by the coin guide unit 610 (path L1).

[0049] The outline of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0050] <2.3. Overview of the Batch Input Unit 600> Next, an overview of the batch insertion unit 600 according to this embodiment will be described. The batch insertion unit 600 separates the multiple coins guided by the coin guidance unit 610 one by one. The coins separated by the batch insertion unit 600 are discharged to the coin sorting unit (hereinafter also referred to as "coin mechanism") 500 (path L2).

[0051] The overview of the batch input unit 600 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0052] <2.4. Overview of CoinMec 500> Next, an overview of the coin mechanism 500 according to this embodiment will be described. The coin mechanism 500 may correspond to a processing unit that receives coins and performs predetermined processing related to the coins. Specifically, as an example of predetermined processing, the coin mechanism 500 performs the processing of identifying coins discharged from the batch insertion unit 600 and the processing of storing the coins based on the identification result.

[0053] Furthermore, the processes performed by the coin mechanism 500 are not limited to coin identification and coin storage. For example, the coin mechanism 500 may perform a process of counting the total number of coins dispensed from the batch insertion unit 600.

[0054] The above describes the overview of the coin mechanism 500 according to this embodiment.

[0055] <2.5. Overview of the Functional Configuration of Coin Handling Device 1> Next, an overview of the functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment includes a reading unit 320, a shutter drive unit 122, a transmission unit 360, a control unit 340, a storage unit 350, a display unit 210, and a coin mechanism 500.

[0056] The display unit 210 and the coin mechanism 500 have been described above. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the reading unit 320, the shutter drive unit 122, the transmission unit 360, the control unit 340, and the storage unit 350.

[0057] (Reading unit 320) The reading unit 320 reads recorded data from the toll ticket inserted into the toll ticket slot 240 by the user. The reading unit 320 then outputs the recorded data read from the toll ticket to the control unit 340.

[0058] (Shutter drive unit 122) The shutter drive unit 122 drives the shutter unit 124 according to the control of the output control unit 343. For example, the shutter drive unit 122 may include a solenoid switch. The shutter drive unit 122 will be described in detail later.

[0059] (Control unit 340) The control unit 340 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and its functions can be realized by the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 350 by the processor. In this case, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded may also be provided.

[0060] Alternatively, the control unit 340 may be composed of dedicated hardware or a combination of multiple hardware components. Data necessary for calculations by the processor is appropriately stored in the storage unit 350. The control unit 340 comprises an acquisition unit 341, a processing unit 342, and an output control unit 343.

[0061] The acquisition unit 341 acquires various types of data. The processing unit 342 performs processing based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit 341. The output control unit 343 controls the output based on the processing results obtained by the processing unit 342.

[0062] For example, the acquisition unit 341 acquires the recorded data read by the reading unit 320. At this time, the processing unit 342 calculates the amount to be paid by the user based on the recorded data acquired by the acquisition unit 341 as the billing amount. Then, the output control unit 343 controls the display unit 210 so that the billing amount calculated by the processing unit 342 is displayed on the display unit 210.

[0063] When a coin is inserted into the coin slot 112 by a user and identified by the coin mechanism 500, the acquisition unit 341 acquires the coin identification result from the coin mechanism 500. Based on the coin identification result, the processing unit 342 calculates the amount of coins inserted by the user.

[0064] The output control unit 343 controls the transmission unit 360 so that, based on the amount inserted equal to or greater than the billed amount, an instruction signal for opening the gate bar (not shown) is sent to a gate bar opening / closing device (not shown). As a result, the gate bar (not shown) is opened by the gate bar opening / closing device (not shown), allowing the user to pass through the payment area. In addition, if the amount inserted exceeds the billed amount, the output control unit 343 returns coins to the user equivalent to the amount inserted minus the billed amount.

[0065] (Storage unit 350) The memory unit 350 is a storage device capable of storing programs and various information for operating the control unit 340. For example, the memory unit 350 may be composed of non-volatile memory. For example, the memory unit 350 can also temporarily store data required during the operation of the control unit 340.

[0066] (Transmitter 360) The transmitting unit 360 is comprised of a communication device. The transmitting unit 360 can, in accordance with the control of the output control unit 343, transmit an instruction signal to a gate bar opening / closing device (not shown) via the communication device to open a gate bar (not shown).

[0067] The above describes the general functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0068] <<3. Details of the coin handling device>> Next, the details of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, compared to the coin handling device according to the comparative example, we will describe the measures taken to realize a coin handling device 1 that can further reduce the possibility of foreign objects entering the device. More specifically, in this embodiment, the surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 is improved.

[0069] In this specification, the interior of the device may refer to the internal configuration of the coin handling device 1 located downstream of the coin receiving section 100 in the direction of coin movement. More specifically, the interior of the device may include the internal space K2 of the coin guiding section 610, the interior of the batch insertion unit 600, and the interior of the coin mechanism 500. The following explanation will use the case where the foreign object is rainwater as an example. However, the foreign object may be anything other than coins, and may be anything other than rainwater (for example, water other than rainwater, insects, dust, etc.).

[0070] <3.1. Comparative Examples> The comparative example will be explained below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram of the comparative example. Referring to Figure 4, the surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 in the comparative example is shown. As described above, coins placed on the inclined surface 191 of the coin tray 190 slide down the inclined surface 191 and reach the inclined surface 114 of the coin receiving section 100. Once the coin reaches the inclined surface 114, it slides down the inclined surface 114 and is discharged from the coin outlet 118.

[0071] Furthermore, the coin receiving section 100 is equipped with an inclined surface 113. The inclined surface 113 is located at a higher position than the inclined surface 114 and is continuous with the inclined surface 191 of the coin tray 190. Coins placed on the inclined surface 191 of the coin tray 190 may slide down the inclined surface 191, pass through the inclined surface 113, and reach the inclined surface 114. Coins that reach the inclined surface 114 slide down the inclined surface 114 and are discharged from the coin outlet 118.

[0072] Drainage holes H1 are provided in the slope 113. Multiple drainage holes H1 may be provided. In Figure 4, only one of the multiple drainage holes provided in the slope 113 is labeled with the symbol H1.

[0073] Furthermore, drainage holes H2 to H4 are provided on the slope 114. Drainage hole H2 is a drainage hole provided in the coin slot 112, drainage hole H3 is a drainage hole provided between the coin slot 112 and the coin outlet 118, and drainage hole H4 is a drainage hole provided in the coin outlet 118.

[0074] Multiple drainage holes H2 to H4 may be provided. In Figure 4, only one of the multiple drainage holes provided in the coin slot 112 is labeled H2, only one of the multiple drainage holes provided between the coin slot 112 and the coin outlet 118 is labeled H3, and only one of the multiple drainage holes provided in the coin outlet 118 is labeled H4.

[0075] Drainage holes H1 to H4 may be examples of drainage mechanisms. Below drainage holes H1 to H4, a drainage guide 116 (Figure 2) is provided. Rainwater that falls from drainage holes H1 to H4 onto the upper surface of the drainage guide 116 (Figure 2) slides down the upper surface and falls from the drainage channel 117 (Figure 2).

[0076] Here, the drainage holes H1 to H4 are located upstream of the coin outlet 118 in the direction of coin movement, and the interior of the device described above is located downstream of the coin outlet 118 in the direction of coin movement. Therefore, by providing the drainage holes H1 to H4 in these positions, the possibility of rainwater sliding down the slopes 113 and 114 entering the interior of the device can be reduced.

[0077] However, in the comparative example, if rainwater does not slide down slopes 113 and 114 but instead passes over slopes 113 and 114 to reach the coin outlet 118, there is a possibility that rainwater may enter the inside of the device. In particular, when there are strong winds, rainwater carried by the wind is more likely to pass over slopes 113 and 114 and reach the coin outlet 118.

[0078] The comparative examples have been explained above.

[0079] <3.3. Peripheral structure of the coin outlet 118 according to this embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the shutter section 124 is provided between the coin receiving section 100 and the coin guiding section 610. Furthermore, the shutter section 124 is configured to be movable between a position that prevents the movement of coins from the coin receiving section 100 into the inside of the device (hereinafter also referred to as the "closed position") and a position that does not prevent the movement of coins (hereinafter also referred to as the "open position").

[0080] The surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. In this embodiment, the configurations that differ from those of the comparative example will be mainly described, and the configurations that are the same as those of the comparative example will be omitted.

[0081] Figure 5 shows the surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 when the shutter 124 is in the open position. Referring to Figure 5, the shutter 124 is located at the back of the coin outlet 118. Further back from the shutter 124, although not shown, is a coin guide 610.

[0082] The shutter portion 124 has an opening 1241 and a frame portion 1243 (Figure 6) around the opening 1241. When the shutter portion 124 is in the open position, coins that have slid down the slope 114 move through the opening 1241 to the coin guide portion 610. The open position may be a position where the lower end 1242 of the opening 1241 is below the position of the slope 114. If the shutter portion 124 is in such a position, the movement of coins from the slope 114 to the coin guide portion 610 is not obstructed by the shutter portion 124.

[0083] For example, when settlement is performed by the coin handling device 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "settlement time"), it is necessary to move the coins from the slope 114 to the coin guide unit 610. For this reason, the shutter unit 124 may be in the open position.

[0084] When the shutter section 124 is in the open position, rainwater is not blocked by the shutter section 124, but falls from the drainage holes H1 to H4 onto the upper surface of the drainage guide 116 (Figure 2), slides down that upper surface, and is drained from the drainage channel 117 (Figure 2). This reduces the possibility of rainwater entering the coin guide section 610.

[0085] Figure 6 shows the surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 when the shutter portion 124 is in the closed position.

[0086] When the shutter portion 124 is in the closed position, coins sliding down the inclined surface 114 of the coin receiving portion 100 collide with the frame portion 1243 of the shutter portion 124, preventing them from moving from the inclined surface 114 to the coin guiding portion 610. The closed position may also be a position where the lower end 1242 of the opening 1241 is above the position of the inclined surface 114 in the coin discharge port 118. If the shutter portion 124 is in such a position, the shutter portion 124 prevents the coins from moving from the inclined surface 114 to the coin guiding portion 610.

[0087] For example, if settlement is not performed by the coin handling device 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "non-settlement time"), there is no need to move the coins from the slope 114 to the coin guide section 610. Therefore, the shutter section 124 may be in the closed position. When the shutter section 124 is in the closed position, rainwater is blocked by the shutter section 124. This can reduce the possibility of rainwater entering the coin guide section 610.

[0088] Furthermore, the drainage hole H4 is positioned in contact with the shutter portion 124. The drainage hole H4, positioned in contact with the shutter portion 124, can allow rainwater blocked by the shutter portion 124 to fall into the drainage guide 116, and the possibility of rainwater blocked by the shutter portion 124 entering the coin guide portion 610 can also be reduced.

[0089] Figure 7 is a view of the area around the shutter section 124 in the open position, as seen from the rear side of the coin handling device 1. Referring to Figure 7, the solenoid switch 125, plunger 126, shutter section 124, and inclined surface 114 are shown. The solenoid switch 125 and plunger 126 are provided in the shutter drive unit 122 (Figure 3). The solenoid switch 125 is fixed to the front door F1. The plunger 126 is connected to the upper surface of the shutter section 124.

[0090] The solenoid switch 125 comprises a coil and a fixed iron core. For example, when the billing amount is calculated by the processing unit 342 (i.e., at settlement), no energization instruction is output from the output control unit 343 to the solenoid switch 125. At this time, the solenoid switch 125 does not supply current to the coil and does not generate a magnetic field on the fixed iron core, so the fixed iron core does not attract the plunger 126. Therefore, the shutter section 124 connected to the plunger 126 is in the open position (i.e., the lower end 1242 of the opening 1241 is below the position of the slope 114).

[0091] Figure 8 is a view of the area around the shutter section 124 in the closed position, as seen from the rear side of the coin handling device 1. For example, between the completion of a billing transaction and the start of the next billing transaction, that is, when the billing amount is not calculated by the processing unit 342 (i.e., during non-settlement), the output control unit 343 outputs an energization instruction to the solenoid switch 125. At this time, the solenoid switch 125 flows current through the coil and generates a magnetic field on the fixed iron core, causing the fixed iron core to pull the plunger 126 upward. As a result, the shutter section 124 connected to the plunger 126 moves upward and reaches the closed position (i.e., the position where the lower end 1242 of the opening 1241 is above the position of the slope 114 in the coin outlet 118).

[0092] The surrounding structure of the coin outlet 118 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0093] <3.4. Effects> According to this embodiment, the shutter section 124 and drainage holes H1 to H4 make it possible to further reduce the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the device. For example, by providing the shutter section 124 to the coin handling device 1, the waterproof and dustproof performance of the coin handling device 1 can comply with the IPX3 standard.

[0094] <<4. Supplement>> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0095] For example, the above description refers to a coin handling device 1 that handles coins. However, coins are just one example of a medium, and the coin handling device 1 may be broadly applied to a medium processing device that handles a medium. That is, a medium processing device that processes a medium other than coins may be provided instead. In this case, the medium handled by the medium processing device may be a disc-shaped medium that is not used as currency (for example, a medal). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Coin handling device 100 Coin Receiving Section 112 Coin slot Slopes 113 and 114 116 Drainage Guide 117 Drainage 118 Coin ejection port 122 Shutter drive unit 124 Shutter section 1241 Opening 1242 bottom end 1243 Frame section 125 Solenoid switch 126 Plunger 190 coin tray 191 Slope 210 Display section 220 Food 230 Coin return button 240 Toll ticket slot 320 Reading Unit 340 Control Unit 341 Acquisition Department 342 Processing Unit 343 Output Control Unit 350 Storage section 360 Transmitter 400 coin return unit 410 Return coin dispensing unit 420 coin return tray 500 Coin Mech 600 Batch Input Unit 610 Coin guide 620 Wall 621 Inner surface 641 Entrance side opening 642 Outlet side opening 643 Bent part

Claims

1. The media receiving section that receives the media, A processing unit that receives the medium received by the medium receiving unit and performs predetermined processing on the medium, A shutter unit is provided between the media receiving unit and the processing unit, and is movable between a position that obstructs the movement of the media from the media receiving unit to the processing unit and a position that does not obstruct the movement of the media. A drainage mechanism is provided at the upstream position of the shutter section, A media handling device equipped with the following features.

2. The drainage mechanism is a drainage hole, The media handling device according to claim 1.

3. The drain hole is provided in a position that is in contact with the shutter portion. The media handling device according to claim 2.

4. The drain hole is located at a position away from the shutter portion. The media handling device according to claim 2.

5. The media receiving section is equipped with a slope on which the media slides down, The position that obstructs the movement of the medium is the position where the lower end of the opening of the shutter portion is above the position of the slope at the coin outlet of the medium receiving portion. The position that does not obstruct the movement of the medium is the position where the lower end is below the position of the slope. The media handling device according to claim 1.

6. The media handling device is The system includes a shutter drive unit that drives the shutter unit, The media handling device according to claim 1.

7. The shutter drive unit includes a solenoid switch that moves a plunger connected to the shutter unit. The media handling device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned medium is a coin. A media handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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