Recovery tool

Abstract

To provide a collection tool that is more convenient than conventional ones.SOLUTION: A bag-shaped collection device 1 having a storage space 10a for storing coins collected from a device includes: a collection opening 1a for taking in coins discharged from the device; an outlet 1b for taking out the collected coins; and blocking means 30 for closing a first passageway 12a connecting the collection opening 1a and the storage space 10a and a second passageway 13a connecting the outlet 1b and the storage space 10a. The blocking means 30 has, for example, a string member 31. By tightening the string member 31 in a state of being wrapped around the body of the collection device, the first passageway 12a and the second passageway 13a are squeezed and blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a collecting tool.

Background Art

[0002] As a change dispenser installed at the cash register in retail stores such as supermarkets, discount stores, and shopping centers, a device in which a register unit and a change processing unit are combined has become widespread. The register unit is a component that communicates with a POS (Point Of Sales) system to perform accounting processing. The change processing unit is a component that performs deposit processing of banknotes and coins and withdrawal processing of change. The change processing unit is composed of, for example, a banknote depositing and withdrawing machine that handles banknotes and a coin depositing and withdrawing machine (coin processing device) that handles coins.

[0003] The coin depositing and withdrawing machine (coin processing device) includes, for example, a denomination storage unit that stores coins by denomination, a dispensing tray for dispensing coins fed out from the denomination storage unit, and the like. The dispensing tray is also used for collecting the coins stored in the coin depositing and withdrawing machine, and an opening that can be opened and closed for coin collection is formed at the bottom of the dispensing tray. When collecting coins, a collecting tool (for example, a bag-like one) is placed below the dispensing tray, and the coins that have fallen from the opening of the dispensing tray are received by the collecting tool for collection. Conventionally, a collecting tool that can be attached to the dispensing tray is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). An operator (collecting operator) who collects coins transports the collecting tool in which the coins are stored to the final collection location and transfers the coins to a predetermined device or container. Thereby, the collection work is completed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the conventional coin collectors have not been sufficiently studied for coin transportation and coin transfer operations, they have not necessarily been easy to use for collectors. For example, when the coin collector is accidentally dropped during transportation, there is a problem that coins spill out of the collector and scatter on the floor. Also, regarding the coin transfer operation, since the coins were taken out from the opening where the coins were inserted, there was a problem that it was difficult to take out the coins. The coin inlet of the collector has, for example, a structure that smooths the flow of coins into the collector (for example, a shape that becomes narrower as it goes inside).

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a coin collector with higher convenience than conventional ones.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a coin collector according to an aspect of the present invention is a bag-shaped coin collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, an outlet for taking out the collected coins, and closing means for closing a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the outlet and the storage space. The blocking means has a string member, and the first passage and the second passage are narrowed and blocked by tightening the string member in a wound state. It is characterized by this. Moreover, a coin collector according to an aspect of the present invention is a bag-shaped coin collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, and includes a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, an outlet for taking out the collected coins, and blocking means for blocking a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the outlet and the storage space. The first passage and the second passage are provided in a branched manner, and the blocking means is characterized by blocking a portion of a common passage where the first passage and the second passage merge. Moreover, a coin collector according to an aspect of the present invention is a bag-shaped coin collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, and includes a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, an outlet for taking out the collected coins, and blocking means for blocking a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the outlet and the storage space. The coin collector further includes other blocking means for blocking the second passage at a position closer to the outlet than the blocking means.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin collector with higher convenience than conventional ones.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure only schematically shows to the extent that the present invention can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in the drawings to be referred to, the dimensions of the members constituting the present invention may be exaggerated or otherwise expressed for the sake of clarity of explanation. In each figure, common components and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Regarding the configuration of the recovery tool according to the first embodiment, etc.> With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the recovery tool 1 according to the first embodiment and the outline of the coin processing device 2 for which coins are to be recovered will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing a state where the recovery tool 1 is attached to the coin processing device 2. Note that the rear part of the coin processing device 2 is not shown in FIG. 1. In the description of the recovery tool 1 and the coin processing device 2, “up and down”, “front and back”, and “left and right” follow the arrows in FIG. 1. This direction is defined for convenience of explanation and does not limit the present invention.

[0012] The coin processing device 2 is a device that processes coins. The coin processing device 2 includes various types of devices for handling coins, and the content of the processing and the installation location are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, a coin depositing and withdrawing machine that constitutes a cash register for change at a checkout in a retail store such as a shopping center is assumed. Note that the coin processing device 2 is an example of a "device".

[0013] The collecting tool 1 is a tool used for collecting coins stored in the coin processing device 2. An operator (collecting operator) who collects coins installs the collecting tool 1 in the coin processing device 2 and operates the coin processing device 2 to take in the stored coins into the collecting tool 1. Then, the collecting operator transports the collecting tool 1 in which the coins are stored to the final collection location and transfers the coins to a predetermined device or container.

[0014] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the coin processing device 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coin processing device 2, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the coin processing device 2. Note that the configuration of the coin processing device 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an example. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the description of the rear part of the coin processing device 2 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the coin processing device 2 mainly includes a coin depositing unit 3, a coin withdrawing unit 4, a reject unit 5, and a coin storage unit 6. Note that the recess 7 is a lifting operation unit used to lift the front panel when performing maintenance on the coin processing device 2.

[0015] The coin depositing unit 3 is a part where coins for deposit are inserted by a cashier or the like. The coin depositing unit 3 includes, for example, a coin insertion opening 3a that is an opening for inserting coins, and a disk 3b disposed below the coin insertion opening 3a. The disk 3b rotates to apply centrifugal force to the inserted coins and convey them into the device.

[0016] The coin dispensing unit 4 is the part where change coins are discharged. The coin dispensing unit 4 includes, for example, a coin discharge opening 4a which is an opening for discharging coins, and a dispensing tray 4b which is arranged near the coin discharge opening 4a and receives the discharged coins. The dispensing tray 4b is formed to protrude forward. The dispensing tray 4b has a bottom 4ba and a wall portion 4bb provided by rising from the edge of the bottom 4ba. The wall portion 4bb is provided at the front portion and the left and right portions of the bottom 4ba. The coin dispensing unit 4 is also the part where coins for collection are discharged during coin collection. An opening / closing portion 4c (see FIG. 3) is provided at the bottom of the dispensing tray 4b. When the opening / closing portion 4c is opened during collection, a collection hole 4d is exposed, and the coins fall below the dispensing tray 4b through the exposed collection hole 4d. The opening / closing portion 4c rotates, for example, about a rotation axis arranged in the left-right direction.

[0017] The reject unit 5 is the part where reject coins and the like that are determined to be invalid by a discrimination unit (not shown) are discharged. The reject unit 5 has a structure similar to that of the coin dispensing unit 4, and includes, for example, a reject coin discharge opening (not shown) for discharging reject coins and a reject tray 5b for receiving the discharged reject coins.

[0018] The coin storage unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 is the part for storing coins. The coin storage unit 6 is arranged behind the coin dispensing unit 4 and the reject unit 5. The coin storage unit 6 has a structure for storing coins by denomination, for example, and the coins inserted into the coin dispensing unit 4 are conveyed. During coin collection, the coins are discharged from the coin storage unit 6 to the coin dispensing unit 4 using a conveying means (for example, a rotating belt) not shown.

[0019] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 (and appropriately referring to FIGS. 1 to 3), the configuration of the collector 1 will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the collector 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to VI-VI of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the collector 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to VIII-VIII of FIG. 6.

[0020] The coin collector 1 is structured to be able to receive coins that fall from the collection hole 4d of the payout tray 4b (see Fig. 2) and has a space for storing the collected coins. Also, the coin collector 1 is structured such that the coins stored inside can be taken out. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the overall shape of the coin collector 1 is bag-shaped. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, it is provided with a collection port 1a for taking in the coins discharged from the coin processing device 2 (see Fig. 2) and an outlet 1b for taking out the collected coins. The arrow marked with the symbol K1 indicates the path (collection path) when coins are collected into the coin collector 1, and the coins are taken into the coin collector 1 through the collection port 1a. The arrow marked with the symbol K2 indicates the path (extraction path) when coins are taken out from the coin collector 1, and the coins are taken out from the coin collector 1 through the outlet 1b. Also, although details will be described later, the coin collector 1 is structured such that the coins stored inside do not spill out (or are difficult to spill out). Note that the configuration shown in the figure is merely an example, and for example, the number of parts and materials constituting the coin collector 1 are not particularly limited.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the coin collector 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a main body portion 10, a mounting portion 20, and a closing means 30. The main body portion 10 is a component that forms the basis of the coin collector 1. The main body portion 10 has an overall shape that is bag-shaped (including a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end of a cylinder closed), and is formed of a flexible member such as cloth, vinyl, nylon, or polyester.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 6, the main body portion 10 includes a storage portion 11 having a storage space 10a capable of storing coins, a first passage portion 12 that forms a first passage 12a connecting the collection port 1a and the storage space 10a, and a second passage portion 13 that forms a second passage 13a connecting the outlet 1b and the storage space 10a. As shown in Fig. 1, in a state where the coin collector 1 is attached to the coin processing device 2, it is preferable to provide the second passage portion 13 on the side opposite to the surface facing the coin processing device 2 (here, the front surface).

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first passage portion 12 is located above the main body portion 10 and has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the coins discharged from the coin processing device 2 are collected in the storage space 10a through the first passage 12a. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the second passage portion 13 is formed to protrude from the front surface of the first passage portion 12, and has a substantially triangular shape in side view as the protruding amount increases upward (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the coins collected in the storage space 10a are taken out to the outside through the second passage 13a.

[0024] In the range indicated by the reference sign Ma in FIG. 6, the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a are connected, and in the range indicated by the reference sign Mb, the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a are branched. That is, the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a merge in the range Ma to form a common passage. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 20 is provided at the upper part of the first passage portion 12 (that is, the collection port 1a portion) to realize the branching of the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a. However, the branching of the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a may be realized by sewing the main body portion 10 without using the attachment portion 20.

[0025] The attachment portion 20 is a component that enables the attachment of the collection tool 1 to the coin payout tray 4b of the coin payout portion 4. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the attachment portion 20 in the present embodiment serves to guide the coins discharged from the coin processing device 2 into the main body portion 10, and the collection port 1a is formed. The method of fixing the attachment portion 20 to the main body portion 10 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper rear portion of the main body portion 10 is cut out in a rectangular shape, and the vicinity of the cut edge portion 10c is fixed using fixing means 15 (for example, rivets).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment portion 20 includes an introduction portion 21, a fitting portion 22, and a handle portion 23. The handle portion 23 is the portion (the gripping portion) held by the collector. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle portion 23 has a shape in which both ends of a rod-shaped member are bent in the same direction (substantially U-shaped in plan view). The collector grips the handle portion 23 to attach the recycler 1 to the pay-out tray 4b and also to detach it from the pay-out tray 4b. The handle portion 23 is a component for facilitating the attachment and detachment of the recycler 1.

[0027] The fitting portion 22 shown in FIG. 5 is the portion that fits into the pay-out tray 4b (see FIG. 2). The fitting portion 22 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pay-out tray 4b. The fitting portion 22 has a bottom portion 22a corresponding to the lower surface of the bottom portion 4ba of the pay-out tray 4b, a wall portion 22b corresponding to the outer surface of the wall portion 4bb, and a ceiling portion 22c corresponding to the upper surface of the wall portion 4bb. A collection port 1a is formed in the bottom portion 22a at a position corresponding to the collection hole 4d of the pay-out tray 4b.

[0028] The introduction portion 21 shown in FIG. 6 is the portion that guides the collected coins entering from the collection port 1a into the main body portion 10. The introduction portion 21 is entirely cylindrical and has a passage 21a through which the coins pass. The inner diameter of the introduction portion 21 gradually narrows downward. The passage 21a of the introduction portion 21 is a part of the first passage 12a. In the present embodiment, the introduction portion 21 realizes the branching of the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, with the introduction portion 21 inserted into the opening 10b of the main body portion 10, the introduction portion 21 and the main body portion 10 are fixed by fixing means 15.

[0029] The blocking means 30 shown in FIG. 4 is a means for blocking the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a formed inside the main body portion 10. The blocking means 30 only needs to block the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a so that at least coins do not pass through, and the blocking means 30 includes those that do not completely close the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a.

[0030] The blocking means 30 in the present embodiment includes a string member 31 and a movable part 32 that can move along the string member 31. As shown in FIG. 8, the string member 31 is alternately passed through through holes 10d provided side by side in the circumferential direction of the main body 10. For example, when the string member 31 is passed through the first through hole 10d from the outside, the string member 31 is passed through the next through hole 10d from the inside. As a result, the string member 31 is in the same state as being wound around the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 8, in order not to interfere with the coin extraction, the string member 31 is passed through the second passage portion 13 without providing the through hole 10d. However, if the coin extraction is not hindered even when the string member 31 is passed through the second passage portion 13, the string member 31 may be passed through the second passage portion 13.

[0031] Both ends of the string member 31 penetrate through the movable part 32. By pushing the movable part 32 in the direction approaching the main body 10, the string member 31 is tightened, and the main body 10 around which the string member 31 is wound is constricted. The movable part 32 preferably includes a locking mechanism for fixing the position on the string member 31, and the constricted state of the main body 10 continues by fixing the position of the movable part 32 in the state where the string member 31 is tightened.

[0032] The blocking means 30 is provided at a position where the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a can be blocked. As shown in FIG. 6, the blocking means 30 in the present embodiment is provided so as to block a range Ma (common passage) where the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a merge. Note that two blocking means 30 may be used to separately block the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the collector 1 is attached to the coin processing device 2, it is preferable to arrange the movable part 32 on the side opposite to the surface facing the coin processing device 2 (here, the front surface). By arranging it in such a manner, the movable part 32 can be operated in a state where the collector 1 is attached to the coin processing device 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to arrange the movable part 32 on the surface provided with the second passage part 13. By arranging it in such a manner, when the movable part 32 is pushed into the main body part 10, it is possible to visually confirm that the second passage 13a is blocked.

[0034] <Usage example of the collector according to the first embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a usage example of the collector 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The collection operator holds the handle part 23 (see FIG. 4) and attaches the collector 1 to the coin payout tray 4b of the coin processing device 2 (see FIG. 2). At this time, the collector 1 is in a state where the first passage 12a (see FIG. 6) and the second passage 13a (see FIG. 6) are not blocked by the blocking means 30 (that is, a state where the string member 31 is not tightened). Next, the collection operator operates the coin processing device 2 to discharge coins from the coin storage part 6 to the coin payout tray 4b. The coins for collection discharged to the coin payout tray 4b fall through the collection hole 4d of the coin payout tray 4b. The fallen coins are guided to the introduction part 21 (see FIG. 6), taken into the main body part 10, and reach the storage space 10a. Thereby, the collection of coins into the collector 1 is completed.

[0035] Next, the collection operator operates the blocking means 30 to block the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a. Then, the collection operator holds the handle part 23, removes the collector 1 from the coin processing device 2, and manually transports the collector 1 with the coins stored therein to the final collection location. Thereby, when the collector 1 is removed from the coin processing device 2 or when the collector 1 is transported, it is possible to prevent the collected coins from spilling out from the collection port 1a and the discharge port 1b.

[0036] As described above, according to the collector 1 according to the first embodiment, the passageways (the first passageway 12a and the second passageway 13a) connecting the storage space 10a for storing coins and the outside can be blocked by the blocking means 30. Therefore, when the collector 1 is removed from the coin processing device 2 or when the collector 1 is transported, it is possible to prevent the coins from spilling out of the collector 1. Also, according to the collector 1 according to the first embodiment, since the collection port 1a and the extraction port 1b are provided separately, coins can be smoothly taken out from the extraction port 1b during transfer. Furthermore, with the configuration of the present embodiment, two passageways (the first passageway 12a and the second passageway 13a) can be blocked by one string member 31. Therefore, the collector 1 according to the first embodiment is easy to use for the collection operator and can be said to have high convenience.

[0037] [Second Embodiment] [Configuration of the Collector According to the Second Embodiment] Referring to FIG. 9 (and referring to FIGS. 1 to 8 as appropriate), the configuration of the collector 101 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the collector 101 according to the second embodiment is attached to the coin processing device 2. The collector 101 is provided with blocking means 40 at the extraction port 1b as compared with the collector 1 (see FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the collector 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The blocking means 40 is a means for blocking the second passageway 13a (see FIG. 6) formed inside the main body portion 10. The blocking means 40 only needs to block the second passageway 13a so that at least coins do not pass through, and includes those that do not completely close the second passageway 13a. The blocking means 40 is, for example, a fastener such as a button or a fastener (including a wire fastener and a surface fastener). The blocking means 40 may have a string member and a movable portion in the same manner as the blocking means 30 and may have a structure that blocks by tightening.

[0039] The blocking means 40 is disposed at a position closer to the outlet 1b than the blocking means 30. Specifically, the blocking means 40 is preferably disposed in a range Mb (see FIG. 6) where the second passage 13a branches from the first passage 12a and in the vicinity of the outlet 1b. The blocking means 40 has a role of blocking the second passage 13a to prevent coins that have inadvertently entered the second passage 13a from being discharged from the outlet 1b.

[0040] <Regarding the usage example of the coin collector according to the second embodiment> Referring to FIG. 9 (and referring to FIGS. 1 to 8 as appropriate), a usage example of the coin collector 101 according to the second embodiment will be described. The usage method of the coin collector 101 is the same as that of the coin collector 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, after a coin collection operator attaches the coin collector 101 in a state where the first passage 12a (see FIG. 6) and the second passage 13a (see FIG. 6) are not blocked using the blocking means 30 to the coin payout tray 4b, the coin processing apparatus 2 is operated to take in the coins discharged from the coin storage section 6 into the main body section 10. At this time, the second passage 13a (see FIG. 6) is blocked using the blocking means 40.

[0041] Here, assume a case where a coin collection operator makes a mistake in the procedure and performs coin intake with the blocking means 30 blocked. In that case, coins accumulate above the blocking means 30, and in the coin collector 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the coins taken in spill out from the outlet 1b. On the other hand, in the coin collector 101 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, since the outlet 1b is closed by the blocking means 40, it is possible to prevent the coins accumulated above the blocking means 30 from spilling out from the outlet 1b.

[0042] After the coin collection into the collection device 1 is completed, the collector then operates the blocking means 30 to block the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a. Here, assume a case where the collector makes a mistake in the control of the force and the pushing of the movable part 32 is weak, and the first passage 12a and the second passage 13a are not blocked. In that case, for example, if the collection devices 1 and 101 are accidentally dropped during transportation, the coins will spill out from the outlet 1b in the collection device 1 according to the first embodiment, but in the collection device 101 according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the coins from spilling out from the outlet 1b. Note that by providing the introduction part 21, it is difficult for the coins to spill out from the collection port 1a.

[0043] The collection device 101 according to the second embodiment described above can also achieve substantially the same effect as the first embodiment. Further, according to the collection device 101 according to the second embodiment, even if a procedural error by the collector or an operation error of the blocking means 30 occurs, since the outlet 1b is closed by the blocking means 40, it is possible to prevent the coins from spilling out from the outlet 1b.

[0044] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be implemented within the scope not changing the gist of the claims.

[0045] Also, some of the components described in each embodiment may be combined / omitted. Also, all or part of the configurations and / or functions of the above-described embodiments and each modification example may be combined. Also, at least part of the configurations and / or functions of each embodiment and each modification example may be omitted. Or at least part of the configurations and / or functions of each embodiment and each modification example may be replaced with the configurations and / or functions of other embodiments and other modification examples. Or at least part of the configurations and / or functions of each embodiment and each modification example may be added as new configurations and / or functions to at least one of other embodiments and other modification examples.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0046] 1, 101 Collection device 1a Recovery port 1b Outlet 2 Coin processing device (device) 3 Coin deposit section 4 Coin payout section 4a Coin discharge port 4b Payout tray 5 Reject section 6 Coin storage section 10 Main body section 10a Storage space 11 Storage section 12 First passage section 12a First passage 13 Second passage section 13a Second passage 20 Mounting section 21 Introduction section 22 Fitting section 23 Handle section 30 Closing means 31 String member 32 Movable section 40 Closing means (other closing means)

Claims

1. A bag-shaped collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, a take-out port for taking out the collected coins, and a closing means for closing a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the take-out port and the storage space. The closing means has a string member, and by tightening the string member in a wound state, the first passage and the second passage are narrowed and closed. A collector characterized by the above.

2. A bag-shaped collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, a take-out port for taking out the collected coins, and a closing means for closing a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the take-out port and the storage space. The first passage and the second passage are provided in a branched manner. The closing means closes a portion of a common passage where the first passage and the second passage merge. A collector characterized by the above.

3. A bag-shaped collector having a storage space for storing coins collected from a device, a collection port for taking in coins discharged from the device, a take-out port for taking out the collected coins, and a closing means for closing a first passage connecting the collection port and the storage space and a second passage connecting the take-out port and the storage space. It further has another closing means for closing the second passage at a position closer to the take-out port than the closing means. A collector characterized by the above.

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