Media handling device

Abstract

To improve the detection accuracy of media placed in media handling equipment. [Solution] A media handling device is provided, comprising: a media receiving section for receiving a medium; a media guiding section for guiding the medium received by the media receiving section; a sensor for detecting the medium present within a detection range of the internal space of the media guiding section; and a contact member provided in the internal space that contacts the medium to position it within the detection range.

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 automatic transaction devices installed in financial institutions, automatic ticket vending machines that issue tickets, vending machines that sell products, currency exchange machines that exchange currency, payment machines for paying fees, and coin dispensers that dispense change.

[0003] Here, various techniques for improving the detection accuracy of media are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enhancing the detection accuracy of media discharged onto a tray by a sensor. Also, media are inserted into a media handling device through a media insertion slot. The media inserted into the media handling device can be detected by a sensor, similar to the media discharged onto the tray.

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 improving the detection accuracy of media inserted into a media handling device.

[0006] 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 improving the detection accuracy of media inserted into a media handling 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 section for receiving a medium; a media guiding section for guiding the medium received by the media receiving section; a sensor for detecting the medium present within a detection range of the internal space of the media guiding section; and a contact member provided in the internal space that contacts the medium and positions the medium within the detection range.

[0008] The media handling device includes an execution unit that performs a predetermined operation relating to the media guided by the media guidance unit, and the execution unit may transition from a dormant state to an active state based on the detection of the media by the sensor.

[0009] The contact member may be composed of multiple members.

[0010] The contact member has a contact surface that contacts the medium, and the inclination angle of the contact surface with respect to the bottom surface of the inner circumferential surface of the medium guide portion may change at predetermined inclination change points.

[0011] The angle of inclination may be greater at the lower part of the inclination change point than at the upper part of the inclination change point.

[0012] Within the internal space, there is a non-detection range that is not detected by the sensor, and at least a portion of the contact member and at least a portion of the non-detection range may overlap.

[0013] The sensor may include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and the medium may be detected when the amount of light detected by the light-receiving unit decreases due to the light emitted by the light-emitting unit being blocked by the medium.

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

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, a technology capable of improving the detection accuracy of media input into a media handling device can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the coin handling device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-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 for explaining the problems of the comparative example. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the coin guiding unit 610 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of the contact member 644 shown in FIG. 2.

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 the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0018] <<1. Outline of the Coin Handling Device>> 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 reference to the coin handling device 1, the direction in which the user who operates the coin handling device 1 exists is also expressed as "front", and the direction opposite to "front" is also expressed as "rear".

[0020] Also, the right direction as seen from a user operating the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "right", and the left direction as seen from a user operating the coin handling device 1 is also expressed as "left". Furthermore, 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 cashier for making a payment of a fee. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is mainly assumed that the cashier is a toll calculator for calculating the toll for a highway. However, the cashier 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 cashier.

[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 transaction device installed in a financial institution, an automatic ticket vending machine for issuing tickets, an automatic vending machine for selling goods, or a money changer for exchanging currency.

[0023] 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 as compared with the case where the coin handling device 1 is installed indoors.

[0024] As will be described later, a coin is an example of a medium handled by the coin handling device 1. That is, the coin handling device 1 is an example of a medium handling device for handling a medium. Therefore, a coin may be replaced with a medium. Also, the coin handling device 1 may be replaced with a medium handling device for handling 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 also includes 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 outline of the coin receiving unit 100 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0044] <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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] As an example of a sensor that detects coins present in the internal space K2 of the coin guide unit 610, a light-emitting unit 631 and a light-receiving unit 632 are shown. The light-emitting unit 631 and the light-receiving unit 632 will be described in detail later. In addition, a contact member 644, which is a component that comes into contact with coins moving in the internal space K2, is provided in the internal space K2 of the coin guide unit 610. The contact member 644 will also be described in detail later.

[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 batch insertion unit 600 may correspond to an execution unit that performs predetermined operations related to coins. Specifically, as an example of a predetermined operation, the batch insertion unit 600 performs the operation of separating multiple coins one by one. When the state of the batch insertion unit 600 transitions from a dormant state to an active state, the batch insertion unit 600 becomes capable of performing the operation of separating multiple coins one by one.

[0052] The outline of the batch input unit 600 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0053] <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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The above describes the overview of the coin mechanism 500 according to this embodiment.

[0056] <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 sensor unit 630, a transmission unit 360, a control unit 340, a storage unit 350, a display unit 210, and a coin mechanism 500.

[0057] The display unit 210 and the coin mechanism 500 have been described above. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the reading unit 320, the sensor unit 630, the transmission unit 360, the control unit 340, and the storage unit 350.

[0058] (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.

[0059] (Sensor unit 630) The sensor unit 630 is composed of a sensor for detecting coins. For example, the sensor unit 630 may include a separate type sensor that includes a light-emitting unit 631 and a light-receiving unit 632. Also, as will be explained later, the sensor unit 630 may include a separate type sensor that includes a light-emitting unit 633 and a light-receiving unit 634. Note that the type of sensor unit 630 is not limited to such separate type sensors. The sensor unit 630 will be explained in detail later.

[0060] (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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] (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.

[0067] (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).

[0068] The above describes the general functional configuration of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] <<3. Details of the coin handling device>> Next, the details of the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, in this embodiment, we will describe the ingenuity required to realize a coin handling device 1 that can improve the accuracy of coin detection compared to the coin handling device according to the comparative example. More specifically, in this embodiment, the internal structure of the coin guidance unit 610 is modified.

[0070] In this specification, the interior of the device may refer to the internal configuration of the coin handling device 1 that is 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.

[0071] <3.1. Comparative Examples> The comparative example will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram of the comparative example. Referring to Figure 4, the structure of the coin guide unit 610 in the comparative example is shown. Outside the wall 620 of the coin guide unit 610, there are light-emitting units 631 and 632, and light-emitting units 633 and 634. The light-emitting unit 631 and 634 constitute a pair of separate sensors. On the other hand, the light-emitting unit 633 and 632 constitute a pair of separate sensors.

[0072] The wall 620 is provided with light-passing holes Q1 to Q4. Light emitted by the light-emitting unit 631 passes through light-passing hole Q1. If the light that has passed through light-passing hole Q1 is not blocked by a coin, it passes through light-passing hole Q4 and reaches the light-receiving unit 634 (light path P1). Therefore, the coin is not detected. On the other hand, if the light that has passed through light-passing hole Q1 is blocked by a coin, less light passes through light-passing hole Q4, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving unit 634 decreases. As a result, the light-receiving unit 634 detects the coin.

[0073] Similarly, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 633 passes through the light-passing hole Q3. If the light that has passed through the light-passing hole Q3 is not blocked by the coin, it passes through the light-passing hole Q2 and reaches the light-receiving unit 632 (light path P2). Therefore, the coin is not detected. On the other hand, if the light that has passed through the light-passing hole Q3 is blocked by the coin, less light passes through the light-passing hole Q2, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving unit 634 decreases. As a result, the light-receiving unit 632 detects the coin.

[0074] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the problems with the comparative example. Referring to Figure 5, optical paths P1 and P2 are shown. Optical path P1 is the path of light from the light-emitting unit 631 to the light-receiving unit 634. Optical path P2 is the path of light from the light-emitting unit 633 to the light-receiving unit 632.

[0075] For example, coins C1, C4, and C5 intersect with at least one of the optical paths P1 and P2, and are therefore detected by the light receiving unit 632 or 634. On the other hand, coins C2 and C3 do not intersect with either the optical path P1 or P2, and are therefore not detected by the light receiving units 632 and 634.

[0076] Here, the area through which at least one of the optical paths P1 and P2 passes is the detection range. Figure 5 shows detection ranges R1 and R2 as examples of detection ranges.

[0077] On the other hand, areas that do not pass through either optical path P1 or optical path P2 are undetectable areas. Figure 5 shows examples of undetectable areas N1 and N2. The problem with the comparative example is that these undetectable areas occur, and coins that pass through these areas reach the unactivated batch insertion unit 600.

[0078] Figure 5 shows the length D1 (=18mm) of the entrance opening 641 in the short direction, the length D2 (=41mm) of the entrance opening 641 in the long direction, the diameters W1 and W2 (=20mm) of the smallest diameter coins, 1 yen coins C1 to C5, and the thickness T1 (=1.5mm) of the smallest diameter coins, 1 yen coins C1 to C5.

[0079] The comparative examples have been explained above.

[0080] <3.3. Internal structure of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment> The surrounding structure of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Of the configurations according to this embodiment, the configurations that differ from the comparative example will be mainly described, and the description of the configurations that are the same as the comparative example will be omitted.

[0081] Figure 6 shows the internal structure of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 6, detection ranges R1 and R2 are shown. Coins located in detection ranges R1 and R2 are detected by the light receiving unit 632 or 634. Non-detection ranges N1 and N2 are also shown. Coins located in non-detection ranges N1 and N2 are not detected by the light receiving unit 632 or 634.

[0082] In this embodiment, contact members 644 and 645 are provided in the internal space K2 of the coin guide unit 610. The contact members 644 and 645 contact the coin to position it within the detection range R1 and detection range R2. This is expected to improve the accuracy of coin detection by the light receiving unit 632 and 634.

[0083] The light receiving units 632 and 634 output the coin detection result to the control unit 340, and the acquisition unit 341 acquires the coin detection result from the light receiving units 632 and 634. Based on the fact that a coin has been detected by the light receiving unit 632 or 634, the output control unit 343 outputs a start command to the batch insertion unit 600.

[0084] The batch insertion unit 600 transitions from a dormant state to an active state based on a start command. This enables power saving for the batch insertion unit 600 while ensuring reliable separation of coins by the batch insertion unit 600.

[0085] The contact members 644 and 645 may be composed of one large member, or they may be composed of two separate members. When the contact members 644 and 645 are composed of two separate members, either the contact member 644 or the contact member 645 is more easily pushed by a coin. Therefore, a coin that collides with the contact member 644 or the contact member 645 is more likely to be positioned within the detection range R1 or detection range R2.

[0086] The contact members 644 and 645 may be composed of three or more separate members.

[0087] The positions in which the contact members 644 and 645 are provided are not limited. However, it is desirable that the contact members 644 and 645 be provided such that at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the non-detection range N1 and non-detection range N2. This can reduce the possibility that coins may pass through the non-detection range N1 or non-detection range N2 and reach the batch insertion unit 600.

[0088] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the contact member 644 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the contact member 644 has contact surfaces (upper contact surface 644a and lower contact surface 644b) that come into contact with the coin. The inclination angle of the contact surfaces (upper contact surface 644a and lower contact surface 644b) with respect to the bottom surface 622 of the inner circumferential surface 621 of the coin guide part 610 changes at the inclination change point 644c.

[0089] The inclination angle of the contact surface with respect to the bottom surface 622 may be greater at the lower part of the inclination change point 644c than at the upper part of the inclination change point 644c. In other words, the inclination angle of the lower contact surface 644b with respect to the bottom surface 622 may be greater than the inclination angle of the upper contact surface 644a with respect to the bottom surface 622. As a result, the back surface of the upper contact surface 644a is fixed to the upper surface 623 of the inner circumferential surface 621 of the coin guide part 610, while the lower contact surface 644b can come into contact with the coin at a high frequency.

[0090] A coin that comes into contact with the lower contact surface 644b will be positioned on the bottom surface 622 of the inner circumferential surface 621 of the coin guide unit 610 before falling into the bulk insertion unit 600. In other words, the lower contact surface 644b can guide the orientation of the coin as it falls into the bulk insertion unit 600 so that the top and bottom surfaces of the coin are nearly horizontal.

[0091] Although the contact member 645 is not shown in Figure 7, as shown in Figure 6, the contact member 645 has contact surfaces (upper contact surface 645a and lower contact surface 645b) that come into contact with the coin. The inclination angle of the contact surfaces (upper contact surface 645a and lower contact surface 645b) with respect to the bottom surface 622 of the inner circumferential surface 621 of the coin guide part 610 changes at the inclination change point 645c. It is desirable that the orientation of the contact member 645 is the same as the orientation of the contact member 644.

[0092] Furthermore, the material of the contact members 644 and 645 is not limited. However, as an example, the contact members 644 and 645 may be made of resin sheets or the like.

[0093] The internal structure of the coin guide unit 610 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0094] <3.4. Effects> According to this embodiment, by providing a contact member 644 in the internal space K2 of the coin guide unit 610, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of coins inserted into the coin handling device 1. For example, in a typical coin handling device, the detection accuracy of coins when inserting 1 yen coins, which are the smallest diameter coins, one at a time was 50%, but the inventors of this application have confirmed that in the coin handling device 1 according to this embodiment, the detection accuracy of coins when inserting 1 yen coins one at a time is 100%.

[0095] <<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.

[0096] 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]

[0097] 1. Coin handling device 100 Coin Receiving Section 112 Coin slot Slopes 113 and 114 116 Drainage Guide 117 Drainage 118 Coin ejection port 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 622 Bottom 623 Top surface 630 Sensor Unit 631, 634 Light-emitting parts 632, 633 Light receiving section 641 Entrance side opening 642 Outlet side opening 643 Bent part 644, 645 Contact members 644a, 645a Upper contact surface 644b, 645b Lower contact surface 644c, 645c: Slope change points

Claims

1. The media receiving section that receives the media, A media guidance unit that guides the media received by the media receiving unit, A sensor for detecting the medium present within the detection range of the internal space of the medium induction unit, A contact member provided in the internal space, which contacts the medium and positions the medium within the detection range, A media handling device equipped with the following features.

2. The media handling device includes an execution unit that performs a predetermined operation relating to the media guided by the media guidance unit, The execution unit transitions from a dormant state to an active state based on the detection of the medium by the sensor. The media handling device according to claim 1.

3. The contact member is composed of multiple members. The media handling device according to claim 1.

4. The contact member has a contact surface that contacts the medium, The inclination angle of the contact surface with respect to the bottom surface of the inner circumferential surface of the media guide portion changes at a predetermined inclination change point. The media handling device according to claim 1.

5. The angle of inclination is greater at the lower part of the inclination change point than at the upper part of the inclination change point. The media handling device according to claim 4.

6. Within the aforementioned internal space, there exists a non-detection range that is not detected by the sensor. At least a portion of the contact member and at least a portion of the non-detection range overlap. The media handling device according to claim 1.

7. The sensor is composed of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, The light emitted by the light-emitting unit is blocked by the medium, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving unit decreases, thereby detecting the medium. The media handling device according to claim 1.

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

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