Coin storage unit, coin processing device, and currency handling device

Abstract

To provide a coin storage unit, a coin processor, and a money handling device that are less likely to be erroneously detected as full with a lower number of coins than the specifications.SOLUTION: A coin processor includes a coin storage unit 30 for storing coins that are put in from above, having a cylindrical main body 31 with a coin insertion slot 31a on one side, and a bottom portion 32 closing the other side of the main body 31. The main body 31 has a space forming portion 33 which, together with the bottom portion 32, forms a space to accommodate the coins, and a neck portion 34 which is formed closer to the insertion slot 31a side than the space forming portion 33 and is narrower than the space forming portion 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin storage unit, a coin processing device, and a currency handling device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a coin processing device for managing coins of a register installed in a store or the like has been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This coin processing device includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores coins discriminated by a coin discrimination unit in a deposit transaction. The temporary storage unit is configured to store coins by denomination, and the coins fall into their respective coin storage units through openings formed in the upper part. The coins that have fallen into the coin storage unit may, for example, stack vertically one on top of the other or disperse into the empty spaces without stacking, and the stacked coins may also be scattered by the impact of the fall. A full detection sensor for detecting that the capacity of the coin storage unit is full is provided near the opening of the coin storage unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, if there is any bias in the behavior of the coins falling into the coin storage unit for some reason, they will concentrate in one place and stack vertically, and the full detection sensor may erroneously detect that the capacity is full with a smaller number of coins than the specification. In that case, for example, it becomes necessary to perform a process such as temporarily ending the deposit transaction, so it is not desirable for the full detection sensor to erroneously detect fullness.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a coin storage unit, a coin processing unit, and a currency handling device that are less likely to be mistakenly detected as full with a smaller number of coins than specified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, a coin storage unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a coin storage unit for storing coins inserted from above, comprising a cylindrical main body having a coin slot on one side, and a bottom that closes the other side of the main body, wherein the main body together with the bottom forms a space for storing the coins, and a constricted portion formed on the coin slot side of the space-forming unit and being more constricted than the space-forming unit. Furthermore, the constricted portion has a hole formed therein that allows light emitted by a full-detection sensor to pass through, and the width of the portion where the hole is formed is such that it is possible to block the light emitted by the full-detection sensor when the coin is in contact with the inner surface of the constricted portion. It is characterized by the following: A coin storage unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a coin storage unit for storing coins inserted from above, comprising a cylindrical main body having a coin slot on one side, and a bottom that closes the other end of the main body, wherein the main body has a space-forming portion that together with the bottom forms a space for storing the coins, and a constricted portion formed on the coin slot side of the space-forming portion and being more constricted than the space-forming portion, wherein the main body and the bottom are separate members and are not fixed, and the main body is movable on the surface of the other member forming the bottom.

[0007] Furthermore, a coin processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with the coin storage section described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the device from being mistakenly detected as full with a smaller number of sheets than specified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the internal structure of each embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front. [Figure 2] This figure shows the internal structure of a coin processing device as viewed from the side, according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the section III-III in Figure 4) of the coin storage section according to the first embodiment of the present invention, cut by planes composed of the top, bottom, left, and right. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the coin storage section according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which coins are stored in the coin storage section according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to VV in Figure 6. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which coins are stored in the coin storage section according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which coins are stored in the coin storage section according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the coin storage section according to the second embodiment of the present invention with planes composed of top, bottom, left, and right. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the coin storage section according to the third embodiment of the present invention with planes composed of top, bottom, left, and right. [Figure 10] These are external views of currency handling devices according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is only a schematic representation to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, the dimensions of the components constituting the present invention in the reference drawings may be exaggerated or otherwise represented to clarify the explanation. In each drawing, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numeral, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment> The configuration of the coin processing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the coin processing device 1 when viewed from the front. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the coin processing device 1 when viewed from the side. In the description of the coin processing device 1, "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" refer to the arrows in Figures 1 and 2. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the present invention.

[0012] The coin processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 manages coins handled by a register installed in a store or the like. After collectively receiving the coins, the coin processing device 1 performs coin recognition on each coin to determine the denomination. Thereafter, the coin processing device 1 sorts the coins by denomination according to the determination result, stores the sorted coins, and then pays them out.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the coin processing device 1 mainly includes a coin receiving unit 2, a coin payout unit 3, a coin recognition unit 4, a coin sorting unit 5, a reject coin storage unit 6, a temporary holding unit 7, a return box 8, a hopper unit 9, a conveyance gate 10, a payout box 11, a collection bin 12, and a control unit 13.

[0014] The coin receiving unit 2 is a part that receives the inserted coins C. The coin receiving unit 2 is located at the upper part and the left front side of the coin processing device 1. The coin receiving unit 2 has an insertion port 2m into which the coins are inserted. The insertion port 2m is widely open so that the coins can be inserted collectively. The coins inserted into the coin receiving unit 2 fall into the coin payout unit 3.

[0015] The coin payout unit 3 is located below the coin receiving unit 2 and pays out the coins that have fallen from the coin receiving unit 2 one by one. Inside the coin payout unit 3, for example, a rotating disk (not shown) is provided. The coins inside the coin payout unit 3 move due to the centrifugal force when the rotating disk rotates and are paid out to the coin recognition unit 4 one by one.

[0016] The coin recognition unit 4 determines the authenticity, denomination, etc. of the coins paid out from the coin payout unit 3. The coin recognition unit 4 has a sensor for recognizing the coins and determines the authenticity, denomination, etc. of the coins based on the characteristics of the coins detected by the sensor. The coin recognition unit 4 conveys the determined coins to the coin sorting unit 5.

[0017] The coin sorting unit 5 sorts and transports coins based on the determination results from the coin recognition unit 4. As shown in Figure 2, the coin sorting unit 5 has a reject port 21 and coin denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f. Coins determined by the coin recognition unit 4 to be not genuine pass through the reject port 21. Coins determined to be genuine pass through coin denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f.

[0018] The rejected coin storage section 6 stores coins that have passed through the rejection opening 21. As shown in Figure 2, a reject chute is located below the rejection opening 21 to guide the coins that have passed through the rejection opening 21 to the rejected coin storage section 6 (the arrow R in Figure 2 indicates the route to the rejected coin storage section 6). An openable and closable door 6n is installed on the front of the coin processing device 1, and when the door 6n is opened, the operator can pull out the rejected coin storage section 6 from the device.

[0019] The temporary holding section 7 temporarily stores coins discharged from the coin-separated outlets 22a to 22f, sorted by denomination. As shown in Figure 2, below the coin-separated outlets 22a to 22f, there are chutes 23a to 23f that guide the coins discharged from the coin-separated outlets 22a to 22f to the temporary holding section 7.

[0020] The temporary holding section 7 is equipped with coin storage sections 30a to 30f for each denomination (see Figure 2). The coin storage sections 30a to 30f for each denomination are arranged in a straight line within a space divided by denomination within a frame that surrounds the four sides of the perimeter. The coin storage sections 30a to 30f store coins guided from the corresponding chutes 23a to 23f. For example, chute 23a guides coins discharged from the denomination discharge port 22a to the coin storage section 30a for each denomination in the temporary holding section 7 located below it. Furthermore, the temporary holding section 7 is movable relative to the guide 14 that forms the bottom (see Figure 1) in the directions indicated by arrows H and S in Figure 1.

[0021] The return box 8 shown in Figure 1 collects coins that fall from the temporary holding section 7 (coin storage sections 30a to 30f for each denomination) when the temporary holding section 7 moves in the direction of arrow H. The return box 8 can be pulled out of the coin processing device 1 from the front by the user.

[0022] The hopper section 9 shown in Figure 1 stores coins by denomination as they fall from the temporary holding section 7 (coin storage sections 30a to 30f for each denomination) when the temporary holding section 7 moves in the direction of arrow S. As shown in Figure 2, the hopper section 9 is equipped with hoppers 40a to 40f corresponding to the coin storage sections 30a to 30f for each denomination. The hoppers 40a to 40f for each denomination are arranged in a straight line corresponding to the coin storage sections 30a to 30f. Hoppers 40a to 40f have a dispensing section that dispenses coins one at a time.

[0023] The transport gate 10 shown in Figure 1 is provided for each of the hoppers 40a to 40f, which are for different denominations, and branches the destination of the coins dispensed from the hoppers 40a to 40f. The transport gate 10 branches into two destinations: the route indicated by arrow T in Figure 1 and the route indicated by arrow U.

[0024] The payout box 11 holds the coins to be dispensed. The payout box 11 holds the coins that have been dispensed from the hoppers 40a to 40f for each denomination and transported by the transport gate 10 along the route indicated by arrow T. The payout box 11 is detachably attached to the main body of the device.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing box 11 contains dispensing boxes 50a to 50f, each for different denominations of coins, arranged in a straight line. The dispensing boxes 50a to 50f correspond to the hoppers 40a to 40f, each for different denominations.

[0026] The collection unit 12 stores the coins to be collected. The collection unit 12 stores the coins that have been dispensed from the hoppers 40a to 40f, which are for each denomination, and transported by the transport gate 10 along the route indicated by arrow U.

[0027] The control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the coin processing device 1. The control unit 13 includes, for example, a control unit that controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned components, and a storage unit that stores programs executed by the control unit and various data.

[0028] <Regarding the configuration of the coin storage section according to the first embodiment> Referring to Figures 3 and 4 (and Figures 1 and 2 as appropriate), the configuration of the coin storage sections 30a to 30f of the temporary holding section 7 will be explained. Since the configuration of the coin storage sections 30a to 30f is the same, they may be referred to as "coin storage section 30" when not distinguishing between them. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the line III-III in Figure 4) of the coin storage section 30 according to the first embodiment, cut along a plane composed of top, bottom, left, and right. Figure 4 is a plan view of the coin storage section 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] The coin storage section 30 shown in Figure 3 is structured to receive coins inserted from above and store them inside. In this embodiment, coins discharged from the denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f shown in Figure 2 and guided to the chutes 23a to 23f are stored in the coin storage section 30.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the coin storage section 30 comprises a cylindrical main body 31 having a coin slot 31a on one end, and a bottom 32 that closes the other end of the main body 31. In this embodiment, the bottom 32 is part of the guide 14 (see Figure 1). In other words, the main body 31 and the bottom 32 are separate components, and the main body 31 is placed on the surface of the guide 14, causing the guide 14 to perform the role of the bottom 32. As shown in Figure 4, the shape of the coin storage section 30 is mirror-symmetrical in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions (i.e., the shape remains the same even if the front-to-back and left-to-right directions are reversed).

[0031] The main body 31 is not fixed to the bottom 32 and is movable on the surface of the guide 14 that forms the bottom 32. When the main body 31 is positioned above the guide 14, the guide 14 acts as the bottom of the coin storage section 30, and the coin storage section 30 becomes capable of storing coins. On the other hand, when the main body 31 moves in the direction indicated by arrows H and S in Figure 1 and is no longer positioned above the guide 14 (moves away from the guide 14), the bottom of the coin storage section 30 becomes open (unable to store coins), and the coins stored in the coin storage section 30 fall out. In other words, although the overall shape of the main body 31 is cylindrical with both ends open, when the main body 31 is placed on the surface of the guide 14, one end becomes closed, and it becomes a container for storing coins (the coin storage section 30 shown in Figure 3). The main body 31 and the bottom 32 may be constructed as a single component (i.e., the main body 31 may have a structure that includes the bottom 32), in which case, for example, it is preferable that part or all of the bottom 32 of the coin storage section 30 be openable. Coins that fall from the coin storage section 30 reach the return box 8 or hopper section 9 shown in Figure 1 and are stored in these components.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 31 is erected on the guide 14 to form the peripheral wall. In this embodiment, the main body 31 has a rectangular tube shape with a square cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction (up and down direction in Figure 3). As shown in Figure 4, the main body 31 comprises a front wall 31p, a rear wall 31q, a left wall 31r, and a right wall 31s. The main body 31 has the same length in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. However, the front-to-back and left-to-right lengths of the main body 31 do not necessarily have to be the same. Also, in this embodiment, the thickness of each wall of the main body 31 is constant (uniform), but it does not necessarily have to be constant. The corners formed by each wall of the main body 31 have a rounded shape, but they may also include flat surfaces such as right angles or chamfered corners.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 31 has a space-forming portion 33 and a constricted portion 34. The space-forming portion 33 is the part that, together with the bottom portion 32, forms a space 39 for accommodating coins, and is formed continuously from the bottom portion 32. The constricted portion 34 is the part that is narrower (more constricted) towards the space 39 than the space-forming portion 33, and is formed closer to the coin slot 31a than the space-forming portion 33. The constricted portion 34 is preferably provided near the coin slot 31a.

[0034] The space-forming section 33 has a width L1 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions that is constant in the up-to-down direction (axial direction). In other words, the width at the boundary between the space-forming section 33 and the constricted section 34 is the same as the width at the boundary between the space-forming section 33 and the bottom section 32. The width L1 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the space-forming section 33 is preferably at least twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin to be stored, and preferably at least twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of two coins. There is no particular upper limit to the width L1, but for example, it is about twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of four coins. With this configuration, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the inserted coins C are accumulated in a state where they are stacked side by side in two rows in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which coins are stored in the coin storage section 30, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to VV in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which coins are stored in the coin storage section 30, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to VI-VI in Figure 5. When the width L1 is set to a length equal to or greater than twice the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of two coins, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, there is a predetermined gap M between the inner surface of the space-forming section 33 and the stacked coins C.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the constricted portion 34 has a shape in which the main body portion 31 is recessed inward. The constricted portion 34 constitutes a groove formed in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the main body portion 31, and also constitutes a protruding portion of a circumferential ridge formed on the inner surface of the main body portion 31.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the constricted portion 34 has an introduction portion 34a that is formed continuously from the insertion opening 31a, and a connecting portion 34b that connects the introduction portion 34a and the space forming portion 33. The introduction portion 34a narrows in width as it moves toward (approaches) the bottom portion 32. The introduction portion 34a plays the role of guiding the inserted coins into the coin storage portion 30. The connecting portion 34b has, for example, a first connecting portion 34c that is continuous from the lower end of the introduction portion 34a, and a second connecting portion 34d that is continuous from the space forming portion 33. The first connecting portion 34c is a portion that hangs down from the lower end of the introduction portion 34a, and its width is constant in the vertical direction (axial direction). The second connecting portion 34d widens in width as it moves toward the bottom portion 32.

[0037] The width L2 of the input opening 31a in the front-rear and left-right directions may be the same as the width L1 of the space-forming section 33. The width L3 of the first connecting section 34c in the front-rear and left-right directions is smaller than the width L1 of the space-forming section 33. The width L3 of the first connecting section 34c is the narrowest part of the constricted section 34.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a full detection sensor 15 is installed on the outside of the constricted portion 34. The full detection sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting when the coin storage compartment is full, and is, for example, an infrared sensor. The full detection sensor 15 detects coins in the coin storage compartment 30 through a hole 34k formed in the constricted portion 34. The full detection sensor 15 irradiates the coin storage compartment 30 with an infrared laser through a hole 34k in the rear wall portion 31q, for example, and receives the infrared laser that exits the coin storage compartment 30 through a hole 34k in the front wall portion 31p. The full detection sensor 15 determines that the coin storage compartment 30 is full when the infrared laser is blocked by a coin. The hole 34k is preferably formed in the narrowest part of the constricted portion 34, and in this embodiment, the hole 34k is formed in the first connecting portion 34c.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, the width L3 of the first connecting portion 34c is such that it can block the light emitted by the full detection sensor 15 when the coin C is in contact with the inner surface of the first connecting portion 34c (close to the inner surface) (i.e., it is such that the coin C can cover the hole 34k). It is desirable that the coin C covers more than half or all of the hole 34k, but it is not necessary for the coin C to cover the entire hole 34k; it is sufficient if it covers only a part of the hole 34k.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, a residual detection sensor 16 is installed on the outside of the space forming section 33. The residual detection sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the presence of residual coins, and is, for example, an infrared sensor. The principle by which the residual detection sensor 16 detects coins is the same as that of the full detection sensor 15, and the residual detection sensor 16 detects residual coins through holes 33k formed in the front wall 31p and the rear wall 31q. For example, when coins accumulated in the coin storage section 30 are dropped into the return box 8 or the hopper section 9, but if all the stored coins do not fall out and remain in the coin storage section 30, the residual detection sensor 16 detects the presence of residual coins. The holes 33k are, for example, formed in the front wall 31p and the rear wall 31q, and are located close to the bottom 32.

[0041] <Regarding the coin accumulation operation using the coin storage unit according to the first embodiment> Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the coin accumulation operation using the coin storage unit 30 will be explained. Coins inserted into the input slot 2m of the coin receiving unit 2 shown in Figure 1 are dispensed one by one by the coin dispensing unit 3 and sent to the coin recognition unit 4. The coin recognition unit 4 determines the authenticity and denomination of the coins and transports the determined coins to the coin sorting unit 5. Based on the determination results from the coin recognition unit 4, the coin sorting unit 5 transports the coins to the denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f. The coins transported to the denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f pass through the chutes 23a to 23f and fall into the denomination-specific coin storage units 30a to 30f (coin storage unit 30) of the temporary holding unit 7 for storage.

[0042] Coins falling from chutes 23a to 23f are collected one by one into the coin storage section 30. At this time, the coins may either be accumulated in a vertical stack at the point of impact, or they may bounce off each other due to the force of their fall, dispersing into empty spaces within the coin storage section 30 and being accumulated at those dispersed locations. In the coin storage section 30, the falling coins are repeatedly accumulated in a stacked state at the point of impact and dispersed, until the total number of coins inserted is accumulated in the coin storage section 30. The fallen coins are accumulated in a state where they are stacked in two rows side by side in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, for example.

[0043] Furthermore, depending on the number of coins falling, as shown in Figure 7, the coins may pile up in one place up to the constricted portion 34. In this case, regardless of the position where the coins fall, the connecting portion 34b will accumulate the coins so that they pass through the hole 34k of the full detection sensor 15.

[0044] Here, we consider the case where the width L1 of the space-forming section 33 is less than twice the length of the outer diameter of the coins to be stored. In that case, the coins cannot be stacked in two rows side by side, and some of the coins will be at an angle. The angled coins will support the coins that are stacked vertically, making it difficult to knock over the stack of coins, and thus increasing the likelihood that the coins will be concentrated in one place. As a result, the number of times the full capacity is detected before the original storage capacity is reached will increase compared to this embodiment.

[0045] As described above, according to the coin storage section 30 of the first embodiment, by widening the width L1 of the space forming section 33 to a length of at least twice the outer diameter of the coins to be stored, it becomes possible to stack coins in two rows side by side in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Therefore, when coins that have fallen into the coin storage section 30 disrupt the stacked state, the effect is obtained that the coins can be dispersed into the empty space and accumulated. Furthermore, since coins can be stacked in four places—front, back, left, and right—the storage space itself is increased, and the slanted stacking that would otherwise support vertically stacked coins is eliminated. As a result, the coin storage section 30 according to the first embodiment can suppress the false detection that the coin storage section is full with a number of coins less than the specified capacity. Furthermore, by providing a constricted portion 34 in the coin storage section 30, even when coins falling from above are concentrated on the inner surface of the constricted portion 34, the holes 34k of the full detection sensor 15 can still be covered by the coins. As a result, the state in which coins are concentrated and piled up in one place can be detected using conventional detection methods.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] <Regarding the configuration of the coin storage section according to the second embodiment> Referring to Figure 8, the configuration of the coin storage section 130 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the coin processing device 1 equipped with the coin storage section 130 may be the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the configuration of the constricted portion 134 of the coin storage section 130 differs from that of the first embodiment. The following will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The coin storage section 130 comprises a cylindrical main body 131 having a coin slot 31a on one end, and a bottom portion 32 that closes the other end of the main body 131. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 32 is part of the guide 14 (see Figure 1).

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the main body 131 has a space-forming portion 33 and a constricted portion 134. The space-forming portion 33 is the part that forms a space 39 for accommodating coins together with the bottom portion 32, and is formed continuously from the bottom portion 32. The constricted portion 134 is the part that is narrower (more constricted) towards the space 39 than the space-forming portion 33, and is formed closer to the coin slot 31a than the space-forming portion 33. The constricted portion 134 is preferably provided near the coin slot 31a.

[0048] The constricted portion 134 of this embodiment does not have a component corresponding to the first connecting portion 34c in the first embodiment, and its cross-sectional shape is substantially L-shaped (or substantially inverted L-shaped). The constricted portion 134 has an introduction portion 34a that is formed continuously from the input opening 31a, and a connecting portion 134b that connects the introduction portion 34a and the space forming portion 33. The width of the connecting portion 134b widens as it moves toward the bottom portion 32. The width L4 of the boundary portion between the introduction portion 34a and the connecting portion 134b is smaller than the width L1 of the space forming portion 33. The width L4 of the boundary portion is the narrowest in the constricted portion 134. The hole 34k of the full detection sensor 15 is formed in the boundary portion between the introduction portion 34a and the connecting portion 134b.

[0049] The coin storage section 130 according to the second embodiment described above can also achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0050] [Third Embodiment] <Regarding the configuration of the coin storage section according to the third embodiment> Referring to Figure 9, the configuration of the coin storage section 230 according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the coin processing device 1 equipped with the coin storage section 230 may be the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the configuration of the space forming section 233 of the coin storage section 230 differs from that of the first embodiment. The following will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The coin storage section 230 comprises a cylindrical main body 231 having a coin slot 31a on one end, and a bottom portion 32 that closes the other end of the main body 231. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 32 is part of the guide 14 (see Figure 1).

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, the main body 231 has a space-forming portion 233 and a constricted portion 34. The space-forming portion 233 is the part that forms a space 239 for accommodating coins together with the bottom portion 32, and is formed continuously from the bottom portion 32. The constricted portion 34 is the part that is narrower (more constricted) towards the space 239 than the space-forming portion 233, and is formed closer to the coin slot 31a than the space-forming portion 233. The constricted portion 34 is preferably provided near the coin slot 31a.

[0052] In this embodiment, the width of the space-forming portion 233 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions is not constant in the up-to-down direction (axial direction), and the width increases as it moves toward (approaches) the bottom portion 32. In other words, the space-forming portion 233 has a shape that widens towards the bottom. The inclination angle θ of the space-forming portion 233 with respect to the vertical direction may be, for example, a few degrees to a dozen degrees. As a result, the width L6 of the lower end of the space-forming portion 233 is larger than the width L5 of the boundary portion between the space-forming portion 233 and the constricted portion 34. The width L5 of the boundary portion between the space-forming portion 233 and the constricted portion 34 is preferably at least twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin to be stored, and preferably at least twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of two coins. There is no particular upper limit to the width L5, but for example, it is about twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of four coins.

[0053] The coin storage section 230 according to the third embodiment described above can also achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the coin storage section 230 has a space-forming section 233 that widens downwards, making it easier to eject coins accumulated in the coin storage section 230 compared to the first embodiment. As a result, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of coins in the coin storage section 230 from bridging and remaining (not being ejected in an arch shape).

[0054] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented without changing the spirit of the claims.

[0055] In each embodiment, we have described a case where coin storage sections 30a to 30f (coin storage section 30) are set up for each denomination, and each coin storage section 30a to 30f (coin storage section 30) is filled with coins of a single denomination. However, the coin storage sections 30, 130, and 230 of each embodiment can also be used when storing coins of multiple denominations (i.e., coins of different sizes). In that case, the width L1 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the space forming section 33 in the first and second embodiments is based on the coin with the largest outer diameter among the denominations used, and is widened to a width of, for example, the width of two coins' outer diameters plus two coins' thicknesses or more. Similarly, in the third embodiment, the width L5 of the boundary between the space-forming portion 233 and the constricted portion 34 is widened to a width equivalent to, for example, the outer diameter of two coins plus the thickness of two coins, based on the coin with the largest outer diameter among the denominations used. Furthermore, the width L3 of the first connecting portion 34c in the front-rear and left-right directions in the first and third embodiments, and the width L4 of the boundary portion between the introduction portion 34a and the connecting portion 134b in the second embodiment, are set to dimensions that allow the light emitted by the full detection sensor 15 to be blocked when, for example, the coin with the smallest outer diameter among the denominations used is in contact with the inner surfaces of the constricted portions 34 and 134 (close to the inner surfaces).

[0056] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the main body 31 of the coin storage section 30a to 30f (coin storage section 30) was assumed to be rectangular in shape. However, as explained in each embodiment, the shape of the main body 31 is not limited to rectangular in shape as long as coins can be accumulated in a state where they are stacked side by side in two rows in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0057] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the coin storage unit 30, 130, 230 was assumed to be the coin processing device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, the devices to which the coin storage units 30, 130, 230 according to each embodiment can be applied are not limited to the coin processing device 1, but can be used in various devices that handle coins. For example, the coin storage units 30, 130, 230 according to each embodiment can be used in the currency handling device 1001 shown in Figure 10. The currency handling device 1001 shown in Figure 10 consists of a central control device 1002 that centrally manages the entire system, a coin processing device 1003 that processes coins, and a banknote processing device 1004 that processes banknotes. The coin processing device 1003 performs, for example, deposit processing to deposit and store sales revenue collected from each register, dispensing processing of coins to be prepared as change for each register, and counting processing of stored coins, based on the control of the central control device 1002. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Coin processing device 2. Coin receiving section 3. Coin dispensing section 4. Coin recognition unit 5. Coin sorting section 6. Reject coin compartment 7 Temporary holding section 8. Return Box 9 Hoppers 10 Conveyor Gates 11 Withdrawal Box 12 Collection boxes 13 Control Unit 14 Guide 15 Full detection sensors 16 Residual detection sensor 21 Rejection slots 22a~22f Outlet by denomination 23a~23f Shoot 30a~30f, 30, 130, 230 Coin storage section 31,131,231 Main body 31a Inlet 32 Bottom 33,233 Space forming part 33k holes 34,134 Waist area 34a Introduction 34b,134b connection part 34c First connection part 34d Second connection part 34k holes 40a~40f hopper 50a~50f Small withdrawal box 1001 Currency handling device

Claims

1. A coin compartment for receiving coins inserted from above, A cylindrical body having a coin slot on one side, The main body comprises a bottom portion that closes the other end of the main body, The main body is, A space-forming portion that, together with the bottom portion, forms a space for accommodating the coins, It has a constricted portion that is formed on the side of the input opening that is closer to the space forming portion, and is more constricted than the space forming portion, The aforementioned constricted portion has a hole formed therein that allows light emitted by a full-detection sensor, which detects when the container is full, to pass through. The width of the portion where the hole is formed is such that it is possible to block the light emitted by the full detection sensor when the coin is in contact with the inner surface of the constricted portion. A coin storage compartment characterized by the following features.

2. The width of the boundary portion between the space-forming portion and the constricted portion is at least twice the length of the outer diameter of the coin plus the thickness of two coins. The coin storage compartment according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned constricted portion is, An introduction section is formed continuously from the aforementioned opening, and its width narrows as it moves toward the bottom, A connecting portion that connects the introduction portion and the space forming portion, The coin storage compartment according to feature 1.

4. The space-forming portion has an inner width that is the same in the axial direction, or widens as it moves towards the bottom. The coin storage compartment according to feature 1.

5. A coin processing device characterized by comprising a coin storage section according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A currency handling device characterized by comprising a coin storage section according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A coin compartment for receiving coins inserted from above, A cylindrical body having a coin slot on one side, The main body comprises a bottom portion that closes the other end of the main body, The main body is, A space-forming portion that, together with the bottom portion, forms a space for accommodating the coins, It has a constricted portion that is formed on the side of the input opening that is closer to the space forming portion, and is more constricted than the space forming portion, The main body and the bottom are separate components and are not fixed together. The main body is movable on the surface of the other members forming the bottom. A coin storage compartment characterized by the following features.

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