Money processing device

Abstract

To reduce the floor area occupied by the property. [Solution] A money processing device 1 comprises a rectangular device body 2 whose front opening 2a is opened and closed by a door body 3, a banknote processing machine 10 which is disposed inside the device body 2 in such a manner that a portion of the banknote deposit section 11 and the banknote dispensing section 12 are exposed through an opening formed in the door body 3 for depositing and dispensing banknotes, and a coin processing machine 30 which is disposed inside the device body 2 in such a manner that a portion of the coin deposit slot 31 and the coin dispensing section 51 are exposed through an opening formed in the door body 3, wherein the banknote processing machine 10 and the coin processing machine 30 are housed in the device body 2 so that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically, and are detachably attached to any part of the device body 2 on the condition that the front opening 2a is opened by the door body 3, and are equipped with a coin collection container 58 for collecting the dispensed coins.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a money processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a money processing device equipped with a bill processor and a coin processor is known. The bill processor stores the deposited bills in a bill storage corresponding to the denomination, and when a withdrawal instruction is given, it dispenses the bills from the corresponding bill storage for withdrawal. The coin processor stores the deposited coins in coin storages provided for each denomination, and when a withdrawal instruction is given, it dispenses the coins from the corresponding coin storage for withdrawal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the money processing device of Patent Document 1, there was a problem that the bill processor and the coin processor were arranged side by side left and right, resulting in an excessive occupied area.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a money processing device capable of reducing the occupied area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the money processing device according to the present invention comprises a rectangular device body whose front opening is opened and closed by a door, a banknote processing machine for depositing and dispensing banknotes, disposed inside the device body in such a manner that a portion of the banknote deposit section and banknote dispensing section are exposed through an opening formed in the door, and a coin processing machine for depositing and dispensing coins, disposed inside the device body in such a manner that a portion of the coin deposit slot and coin dispensing section are exposed through an opening formed in the door, wherein the banknote processing machine and the coin processing machine are housed in the device body so that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically, are detachably attached to any part of the device body provided that the front opening is opened by the door, and are equipped with a coin collection container for collecting the dispensed coins.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned money processing device, the dispensing tray that receives the dispensed coins while constituting the coin dispensing section is positioned in the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine when the front opening is closed by the door, and is positioned so as to be retractable from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine when the front opening is opened by the door, and the coin collection container is detachably attached to the components of the coin dispensing section when the dispensing tray is retracted from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, since the banknote processing machine and the coin processing machine are housed in the main body of the device so that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically, the occupied area can be reduced. Furthermore, since the coin collection container, which is detachably attached to any part of the main body of the device, collects the dispensed coins, provided that the front opening is opened by the door, the coin collection work in the coin processing machine can be made easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a money processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a money processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a characteristic control system of a money processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the door body shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the banknote processing machine and its surrounding structure as shown in Figures 2 and 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the banknote processing machine shown in Figure 2, etc. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the banknote processing machine shown in Figure 2, etc. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the main components of the banknote processing machine shown in Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the components of the oscillation reduction means shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the components of the oscillation reduction means shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the banknote processing machine shown in Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the banknote processing machine shown in Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the banknote processing machine shown in Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a coin processing machine, which constitutes a money processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of a coin processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the coin dispensing area shown in Figures 14 and 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the withdrawal guide shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the withdrawal guide shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the withdrawal guide shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the withdrawal tray shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the withdrawal tray shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the withdrawal tray shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the withdrawal trays shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 are positioned. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the withdrawal trays shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 are abutted against the banknote processing machine and swung to the retracted position. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the withdrawal trays shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 are swung to the retracted position and a coin collection container is attached to the withdrawal guide. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the notification unit and the light source output control performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a side view showing a modified example of the banknote processing machine. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a side view showing a modified example of the banknote processing machine. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the conveyance path cover shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the money processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0011] FIGS. 1 to 3 each show a money processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the external configuration, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system.

[0012] The cash processing device 1 illustrated here is connected to a higher-level device (not shown), such as a POS (Point of Sales) register, in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and comprises a main unit 2.

[0013] The device body 2 is a rectangular housing having a front opening 2a at the front and a top opening 2b at the top, and is movable with multiple (for example, four) casters 2d provided at the bottom 2c. The front opening 2a of the device body 2 can be opened and closed by a door 3, and the top opening 2b can be opened and closed by a top plate 4.

[0014] The door body 3 comprises a front cover 3a and a front door 3b. The front cover 3a is pivotally supported in front of the top opening 2b. By pivoting upward, the front cover 3a opens the upper portion of the front opening 2a, while by pivoting downward, it closes the upper portion of the front opening 2a.

[0015] The front door 3b is pivotably supported at the front end of the left edge of the main body 2 of the device. By swinging forward, the front door 3b opens the lower part of the front opening 2a, i.e., the part that cannot be closed by the front cover 3a, while by swinging backward, it closes the lower part of the front opening 2a.

[0016] The front door 3b is equipped with a locking mechanism 3c. When the locking mechanism 3c is locked, the front door 3b is held closed to the lower part of the front opening 2a. When the locking mechanism 3c is unlocked, the front door 3b becomes able to swing forward.

[0017] Furthermore, the front door 3b has a function to hold down a portion of the front cover 3a when it is in the closed state, and when the locking mechanism 3c is locked, the front cover 3a is held in the closed state as shown in Figure 4.

[0018] The top plate 4 is slidable in the front-to-back direction. By sliding it backward, the top opening 2b is opened, while by sliding it forward, the top opening 2b is closed.

[0019] Such a money processing device 1 includes a banknote processing machine 10, a coin processing machine 30, an opening / closing detection unit 71, a notification unit 73, a light source group 75, and a control unit 80 inside the main body 2 of the device.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, the banknote processing machine 10 is housed inside the main body 2 of the device, in a banknote processing storage unit 5 which is a box-shaped body with an opening on the front. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the banknote processing machine 10 consists of an upper banknote processing component 10a and a lower banknote processing component 10b, which are integrated vertically by a frame 10c.

[0021] Such a banknote processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport mechanism 10d, an authentication unit 17, and a discrimination unit 18. The banknote transport mechanism 10d includes a banknote deposit unit 11, a banknote dispensing unit 12, a banknote collection unit 13, a banknote storage unit 14, and a scrutiny unit 15, which are connected by a transport path 16.

[0022] The banknote deposit section 11 is located at the front upper part of the upper banknote processing component 10a. This banknote deposit section 11 has a banknote deposit slot 11a and is for introducing banknotes inserted through the banknote deposit slot 11a into the processing machine. This banknote deposit slot 11a is exposed to the outside through a banknote deposit opening 3d formed in the front cover 3a.

[0023] The banknote dispensing section 12 is located below the banknote deposit section 11 in the upper banknote processing section 10a. This banknote dispensing section 12 has a banknote dispensing opening 12a and is for dispensing banknotes into the banknote dispensing opening 12a. This banknote dispensing opening 12a is opened and closed by a banknote dispensing door 12b and is exposed to the outside through a banknote dispensing opening 3e formed in the front cover 3a.

[0024] The banknote collection box 13 is located below the banknote dispensing section 12 in the upper banknote processing unit 10a, and is used to store banknotes when they are collected.

[0025] The banknote storage compartment 14 is located in the lower banknote processing component 10b and has a 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 and a mixed compartment 142. The 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 stores 1,000 yen banknotes (banknotes of a single denomination) which are frequently used. The mixed compartment 142 stores banknotes other than 1,000 yen banknotes, namely 2,000 yen banknotes, 5,000 yen banknotes and 10,000 yen banknotes mixed together.

[0026] The scrutiny compartment 15 is located behind the banknote dispensing section 12 and the banknote collection compartment 13 in the upper banknote processing unit 10a. This scrutiny compartment 15 is used as a temporary holding compartment during scrutiny operations, etc.

[0027] The authentication unit 17 is located in the transport path 16 behind the banknote deposit unit 11 in the upper banknote processing unit 10a. This authentication unit 17 authenticates the authenticity and denomination of the banknotes passing through.

[0028] The discrimination unit 18 is located in the transport path 16 between the scrutiny compartment 15 and the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 in the lower banknote processing component 10b. This discrimination unit 18 is responsible for determining the denomination of the banknotes.

[0029] In the above-described banknote processing machine 10, the upper banknote processing component 10a has a banknote deposit section 11, a banknote dispensing section 12, a banknote collection box 13, a scrutiny box 15, and an authentication section 17, while the lower banknote processing component 10b has a banknote storage box 14 (a 1,000 yen storage box 141 and a mixing box 142) and a discrimination section 18.

[0030] Let's briefly explain the operation of such a banknote processing machine 10. First, let's explain the deposit operation.

[0031] When banknotes are deposited into the banknote deposit slot 11a, the banknotes are transported to the authentication section 17 by the banknote transport mechanism 10d. If the banknotes become jammed during transport, the banknote transport mechanism 10d returns the banknotes to the banknote deposit slot 11a via the banknote deposit section 11.

[0032] Banknotes that the authentication unit 17 determines are not legal tender are transported to the banknote dispensing unit 12 by the banknote transport mechanism 10d and dispensed from the banknote dispensing slot 12a. On the other hand, banknotes that the authentication unit 17 determines to be legal tender are stored by the banknote transport mechanism 10d in either the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 or the mixing compartment 142, depending on the denomination.

[0033] Next, the dispensing operation will be explained. When a dispensing command is given, the banknote transport mechanism 10d dispenses banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 or mixing compartment 142, transports them to the banknote dispensing section 12, and dispenses them from the banknote dispensing slot 12a.

[0034] Let's further explain the inspection process. Specifically, we will explain the process for inspecting 1,000 yen banknotes stored in the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141.

[0035] The banknote transport mechanism 10d feeds the 1,000 yen banknotes stored in the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 onto the transport path 16 and transports them backward. During transport, the identification unit 18 identifies the denomination and number of 1,000 yen banknotes, and the identified 1,000 yen banknotes are stored in the scrutiny compartment 15. This allows the number of 1,000 yen banknotes to be measured and confirmed. After the 1,000 yen banknotes are stored in the scrutiny compartment 15, the banknote transport mechanism 10d feeds the temporarily held 1,000 yen banknotes back onto the transport path 16 and stores them back in the original 1,000 yen storage compartment 141.

[0036] In the above-described banknote processing machine 10, the scrutiny compartment 15 is positioned on the banknote transport path 16 closer to the banknote dispensing section 12 than the banknote storage compartment 14, and the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141 is positioned upstream of the mixing compartment 142 on the banknote transport path 16.

[0037] Such a banknote processing machine 10 can be pulled out of the main body 2 by a sliding mechanism (not shown) interposed between the frame 10c and the banknote processing storage section 5, which causes the upper banknote processing component 10a and the lower banknote processing component 10b to slide forward as a single unit when the door 3 (front cover 3a and front) opens the front opening 2a.

[0038] In the above-described banknote processing machine 10, the lower banknote processing component 10b is pivotable around the central axis of a first axial portion 20a (see Figure 11, etc.) through which a pair of left and right first axial holes 19a formed on its rear side are inserted, as shown in Figure 8. That is, it is pivotable in the vertical direction in a manner that moves closer to and further away from the upper banknote processing component 10a. The lower banknote processing component 10b's maximum downward pivoting range is restricted by a pivoting restricting component (not shown).

[0039] Furthermore, a transport path cover 21 is provided on the lower banknote processing component 10b. The transport path cover 21 is provided on the lower banknote processing component 10b by inserting a second shaft-shaped portion 21a, formed at its rear end, into a second shaft hole 19b, which is formed on the rear side of the lower banknote processing component 10b and above the first shaft hole 19a.

[0040] The transport path cover 21 has a locking shaft 21b located on its front side that is constantly biased towards the rear by a spring (not shown). When this locking shaft 21b enters the front locking recess 19c of the lower banknote processing component 10b and locks into the lower banknote processing component 10b, it forms part of the transport path 16 between itself and the lower banknote processing component 10b.

[0041] Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the lower part of the transport path cover 21 is provided with several cover-side transport rollers (not shown), and each cover-side transport roller contacts a main body-side transport roller (not shown) that is provided in a manner facing the transport path 16 in the lower banknote processing component 10b, thereby enabling the transport of banknotes by gripping them in the transport path 16.

[0042] Then, when the locking shaft 21b slides forward against the biasing force of the spring and disengages from the front locking recess 19c, releasing the locking state with the lower banknote processing component 10b, the transport path cover 21 can swing upward around the central axis of the second axial portion 21a in a manner that separates it from the lower banknote processing component 10b. When the transport path cover 21 swings upward in this manner that separates it from the lower banknote processing component 10b, a part of the transport path 16 in the lower banknote processing component 10b is exposed.

[0043] The frame 10c is provided with a oscillation reduction means 22 for the lower banknote processing component 10b, as shown in Figure 8. Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the components of the oscillation reduction means 22 shown in Figure 8, respectively.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the oscillation reduction means 22 is configured to include a first link member 221, a second link member 222, and a link spring (biasing member) 223.

[0045] The first link member 221 is formed by integrally molding a flat first link base 2211 and a pair of left and right first link side portions 2212 that extend downward from both left and right edges of the first link base 2211.

[0046] The first link member 221 is rotatable around the link pivot shaft 23a, which is provided on the link fixing part 10e fixedly supported by the frame 10c, by passing through the first link shaft hole 2212a formed in the first link side portion 2212.

[0047] The second link member 222 is formed by integrally molding a flat second link base 2221 and a pair of left and right second link sides 2222 that extend downward from both left and right edges of the second link base 2221. The left-right dimension of this second link member 222 is slightly smaller than the distance between the first link sides 2212 of the first link member 221.

[0048] The second link member 222 is pivotally supported by the first link member 221 by inserting the first connecting shaft 23b, which is installed between the front ends (one end) of the first link side portion 2212, into the second base end shaft support hole 2222a formed at the base end, which is the rear end of the second link side portion 2222.

[0049] Furthermore, the second link member 222 is pivotally supported by the lower banknote processing component 10b by inserting a second connecting shaft 23c, which is installed on the rear side of the lower banknote processing component 10b and below the first shaft hole 19a, through a second tip shaft support hole 2222b formed at the front end of the second link side portion 2222.

[0050] The second link member 222 has its base end pivotally supported at one end of the first link member 221, and its tip end pivotally supported at the lower banknote processing component 10b. When the lower banknote processing component 10b swings up and down in a manner that moves closer to and away from the upper banknote processing component 10a, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the tip end (the second connecting shaft 23c) forms a swing trajectory R around the first axial portion 20a (swing axis).

[0051] The link springs 223 are, for example, provided in pairs, with one end of each being locked to a locking shaft 23d installed between the rear ends (other ends) of the first link side portion 2212, and the other end being locked to a support shaft 23e installed on the frame 10c in such a manner that it penetrates below the link pivot shaft 23a in the link fixing portion 10e.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, when the lower banknote processing component 10b is swinging upward in a manner that brings it closest to the upper banknote processing component 10a, and the front end locking portion 24a formed on the lower banknote processing component 10b is locked to the front end locking portion 24b formed on the upper banknote processing component 10a, the oscillation reduction means 22 applies a biasing force of the link spring 223 along the tangential direction of the oscillation trajectory R (the direction of the arrow in Figure 11).

[0053] In this state, where the lower banknote processing component 10b is closest to the upper banknote processing component 10a, the biasing force of the link spring 223 acts along the tangential direction of the oscillation trajectory R of the second connecting shaft 23c, thereby maximizing the braking force of the oscillation reduction means 22.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, when the front end locking portion 24a detaches from the front end locked portion 24b and the locking state is released, causing the lower banknote processing component 10b to swing downward in the manner in which it is furthest away from the upper banknote processing component 10a, the oscillation reduction means 22 applies a biasing force of the link spring 223 along the radial direction (direction of the arrow in Figure 12) of the oscillation trajectory R.

[0055] In this state, where the lower banknote processing component 10b is furthest away from the upper banknote processing component 10a, the biasing force of the link spring 223 acts along the radial direction of the oscillation trajectory R of the second connecting shaft 23c. Although the biasing force of the link spring 223 increases, the braking force of the oscillation reduction means 22 can be minimized.

[0056] In such a banknote processing machine 10, when the lower banknote processing component 10b swings downward after being pulled out of the main body 2 through the front opening 2a, the transport path cover 21 can be swung upward, as shown in Figure 13, thereby exposing a part of the transport path 16 and removing any banknotes jammed in the transport path 16.

[0057] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the coin processing machine 30, which constitutes the money processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the coin processing machine 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The internal structure of the coin processing machine 30 will be explained functionally using Figures 14 and 15. In the following, the configuration of each part of the coin processing machine 30 will be explained in accordance with the direction indicated in Figure 14.

[0058] The coin processing machine 30 illustrated here is pullable forward from the front opening 2a of the main body 2 of the device by a pull-out mechanism (not shown), and is equipped with a coin transport mechanism 30a.

[0059] The coin transport mechanism 30a includes a deposit transport unit 32, a deposit temporary holding unit 34, a verification temporary holding unit 36, a sorting unit 38, a coin storage unit 40, a first withdrawal transport unit 42, a withdrawal temporary holding unit 44, a direction change unit 46, a second withdrawal transport unit 48, and a switching gate group 50.

[0060] The deposit and transport unit 32 transports coins that are inserted through the coin deposit slot 31 and detected by a coin deposit detection sensor (not shown). The coin deposit slot 31 is an opening for inserting coins and is exposed to the outside through a coin deposit opening 3f formed in the front cover 3a. The deposit and transport unit 32 is equipped with a coin inspection unit 32a. The coin inspection unit 32a identifies the authenticity and denomination of the coins.

[0061] The deposit temporary holding section 34 is located below the deposit transport section 32 and is connected to the deposit transport section 32 via the deposit chute 33a. The scrutiny temporary holding section 36 is located below the deposit temporary holding section 34 and is connected to the deposit temporary holding section 34 via the connecting chute 35a. This scrutiny temporary holding section 36 temporarily holds coins that have fallen through the connecting chute 35a.

[0062] The sorting unit 38 sorts the coins that have been held in the scrutiny and temporary holding unit 36 ​​and then transported, according to their denomination. Coin storage units 40 are provided for each denomination and store the coins sorted by the sorting unit 38. More specifically, there are six coin storage units 40, from the rear: a 1-yen coin storage unit 40a, a 50-yen coin storage unit 40b, a 5-yen coin storage unit 40c, a 100-yen coin storage unit 40d, a 10-yen coin storage unit 40e, and a 500-yen coin storage unit 40f. Each coin storage unit 40 also has a dispensing unit 401 that dispenses the stored coins to the first dispensing and transporting unit 42, and this dispensing unit 401 is equipped with a coin discrimination unit 402 that discriminates predetermined discrimination elements of the coins to be dispensed, such as the denomination and number.

[0063] The first dispensing and transporting unit 42 is located to the right of the coin storage unit 40. This first dispensing and transporting unit 42 transports the coins dispensed from the coin storage unit 40 toward the rear.

[0064] The temporary withdrawal holding section 44 is located to the rear right of the first withdrawal transport section 42 and below the temporary deposit holding section 34. This temporary withdrawal holding section 44 temporarily stores coins to be withdrawn from the coin withdrawal section 51, which will be described later. The direction changing section 46 is located in front of the temporary withdrawal holding section 44. This direction changing section 46 receives the coins held in the temporary withdrawal holding section 44 one by one and transports them to the second withdrawal transport section 48.

[0065] The second coin dispensing and transporting unit 48 is located in front of the direction changing unit 46. This second coin dispensing and transporting unit 48 extends in a manner that gradually inclines upward as it moves forward, transporting coins from rear to front, that is, transporting coins upward so that they can be dispensed into the coin dispensing unit 51.

[0066] The coin dispensing section 51 is located above the deposit temporary holding section 34 and below the coin deposit slot 31, and as shown in Figure 16, it is equipped with a dispensing guide 52 and a dispensing tray 54. These dispensing guide 52 and dispensing tray 54 will be described later.

[0067] The switching gate group 50 comprises a first switching gate 50a, a second switching gate 50b, and a third switching gate 50c. The first switching gate 50a is located on the rear side (downstream side in the transport direction) of the deposit transport unit 32. This first switching gate 50a can selectively switch between a state in which coins that are being transported by the deposit transport unit 32 and identified as genuine coins by the inspection unit 32a are transported to the deposit chute 33a, and a state in which coins that are being transported by the deposit transport unit 32 and identified as counterfeit coins by the inspection unit 32a are transported to the first refund chute 33b. Here, the first refund chute 33b guides the coins from the deposit transport unit 32 to the temporary withdrawal holding unit 44.

[0068] The second switching gate 50b is located behind the deposit temporary holding section 34 (downstream in the transport direction). This second switching gate 50b can selectively switch between a state in which the coins held in the deposit temporary holding section 34 are transported to the connecting chute 35a, and a state in which the coins are transported to the second refund chute 35b. The second refund chute 35b guides the coins from the deposit transport section 32 to the withdrawal temporary holding section 44.

[0069] The third switching gate 50c is located on the rear side (downstream side in the transport direction) of the first dispensing transport unit 42. This third switching gate 50c can selectively switch between a transport state in which the coins transported by the first dispensing transport unit 42 are transported to the dispensing temporary holding unit 44, and a circulating state in which the coins are transported to the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36. Under normal circumstances, this third switching gate 50c is in the transport state.

[0070] The operation of the coin transport mechanism 30a described above will be briefly explained. First, the deposit operation will be explained. When a deposit permission command is given from a higher-level device, the coins inserted into the coin deposit slot 31 are detected by the deposit detection sensor, then transported by the deposit transport unit 32, and the authenticity and denomination are identified by the coin inspection unit 32a. If the coins are genuine coins, they are held in the deposit temporary holding unit 34 via the deposit chute 33a.

[0071] On the other hand, if the coin is not legal tender, it is transported to the temporary withdrawal holding section 44 via the first switching gate 50a and the first refund chute 33b. After that, the coin is transported from the temporary withdrawal holding section 44 and the direction change section 46 to the second withdrawal transport section 48, and from the second withdrawal transport section 48 to the coin withdrawal section 51 for withdrawal (return).

[0072] Furthermore, if a refund command is issued from a higher-level device for coins held in the deposit temporary holding unit 34, the coins are transported to the withdrawal temporary holding unit 44 via the second switching gate 50b and the second refund chute 35b. Subsequently, the coins are transported from the withdrawal temporary holding unit 44 and the direction change unit 46 to the second withdrawal transport unit 48, and from the second withdrawal transport unit 48 to the coin withdrawal unit 51 for withdrawal (return).

[0073] When a deposit command is issued from a higher-level device for coins held in the deposit temporary holding unit 34, the coins held in the deposit temporary holding unit 34 are held in the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36, and then the coins held in the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36 ​​are transported to the sorting unit 38, where they are transported forward and sorted by denomination. The coins sorted by the sorting unit 38 are stored in the coin storage unit 40 according to their denomination, and then the deposit operation is terminated by notifying the higher-level device that the deposit is complete.

[0074] Next, the dispensing operation will be explained. When a dispensing command is issued from a higher-level device, coins of the corresponding denomination are dispensed from the coin storage unit 40 to the first dispensing and transporting unit 42. The coins dispensed to the first dispensing and transporting unit 42 are transported backward and sent to the temporary dispensing and holding unit 44 via the third switching gate 50c, which is in a transport state. Subsequently, the coins are transported from the temporary dispensing and holding unit 44 and the direction changing unit 46 to the second dispensing and transporting unit 48, where they are transported to the coin dispensing unit 51 and dispensed into the dispensing tray 54. After dispensing the predetermined number of coins to the outside in this manner, the dispensing operation is terminated by notifying the higher-level device that the dispensing is complete.

[0075] Let me now explain the inspection process. The inspection process involves measuring the number of coins stored in each coin storage compartment 40.

[0076] When a scrutiny command is issued from a higher-level device, the dispensing unit 401 in the corresponding coin storage unit 40 is driven to dispense coins from the coin storage unit 40 to the first dispensing and transporting unit 42, and the coin discrimination unit 402 is made to discriminate predetermined discrimination elements. The coins are then transported to the rear by the first dispensing and transporting unit 42 and temporarily held in the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36.

[0077] Then, the coins held in the inspection temporary holding unit 36 ​​are transported to the sorting unit 38, where they are sorted by denomination, the number of coins is detected, and the coins are stored in the designated coin storage unit 40, thus completing the inspection operation.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, the banknote processing machine 10 is housed in the main body of the device 2 so as to be positioned above the coin storage compartment 40, which is part of the coin processing machine 30. As a result, the banknote processing machine 10 and the coin processing machine 30 are housed in the main body of the device 2 so that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically.

[0079] Figures 17 to 19 show the withdrawal guide 52 shown in Figure 16, respectively. Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views, and Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the withdrawal guide 52 includes a guide body 52a.

[0080] The guide body 52a is a box-shaped body made of, for example, a resin material, and has a guide path section 521 and a posture regulating section 53. The guide path section 521 is formed inside the guide body 52a and is a passage connecting the inlet 522 and the outlet 523. The inlet 522 is an opening formed at the rear upper part of the guide body 52a, and the outlet 523 is an opening formed at the left lower part of the guide body 52a.

[0081] Such a guide body 52a is detachably attached to the device body 2 in such a manner that the inlet 522 communicates with the outlet of the second dispensing transport section 48, and coins introduced from the inlet 522 pass through the guide path section 521 and are dispensed from the dispensing outlet 523. Multiple window sections 524 are formed on the front of the guide body 52a. The window sections 524 are openings that allow the guide path section 521 to be seen.

[0082] The posture regulating section 53 is integrally formed with the front part of the guide body 52a and has a contact surface 53a that gradually inclins downward as it approaches the inlet 522, that is, as it approaches the second payout conveying section 48.

[0083] The attitude regulating portion 53 is formed above the inclined surface 521a that forms the bottom portion of the guide path portion 521, that is, the inclined surface 521a that is continuous with the lower end opening edge of the outlet 523. Furthermore, the attitude regulating portion 53 is formed such that the minimum dimension L between the rear end portion of the contact surface 53a and the opening edge of the inlet 522 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the largest coin (500 yen coin).

[0084] As shown in Figure 19, the posture regulating unit 53 reduces the momentum of the coins transported by the second dispensing transport unit 48, i.e., the coins introduced from the inlet 522, by contacting the contact surface 53a, causing the coins to pass through the dispensing opening 523 in a sideways position along the inclined surface 521a. In other words, the posture regulating unit 53 prevents the coins transported by the second dispensing transport unit 48 from being guided to the dispensing tray 54 in an upright position by contacting the contact surface 53a.

[0085] Figures 20 to 22 are perspective views showing the withdrawal tray 54 shown in Figure 16, respectively. As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the withdrawal tray 54 is a concave body with an opening on its upper surface, and is designed to receive coins guided by the withdrawal guide 52.

[0086] The cash dispenser tray 54 is supported by a tray support member 55. More specifically, the cash dispenser tray 54 is supported by the tray support member 55 by a screw member 551 that is inserted through the tray support member 55 into a cylindrical portion 541 formed at the front, and by a projection 542 formed at the rear that penetrates an irregularly shaped hole 552 in the tray support member 55 from the front. The cash dispenser tray 54 is provided to be slightly displaceable in the front-rear, left-right and up-down directions relative to the tray support member 55 by a first tray support spring 543 arranged in a manner that winds around the cylindrical portion 541 and a second tray support spring (not shown) arranged on the rear wall of the tray support member 55.

[0087] The tray support member 55 is pivotally supported so as to be able to swing along the left-right direction around the central axis of the tray shaft portion 554, by having a tray shaft portion 554 that passes through a support shaft hole 553a of a support piece 553 formed at the rear right end, provided on a tray mounting piece 56 attached to the device body 2. As a result, the dispensing tray 54 is pivotably mounted on the device body 2 so as to be able to move back and forth between an extended position (see Figures 2 and 16) where it has advanced into the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine 10 housed in the device body 2, and a retracted position where it has retracted from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine 10.

[0088] The dispensing tray 54 is biased to extend to the extended position by a tray biasing spring (tray biasing means) 57 interposed between the tray support member 55 and the tray mounting piece 56 in a manner that winds around the tray shaft portion 554. In other words, the dispensing tray 54 is normally positioned in the extended position by the tray biasing spring 57.

[0089] When the dispensing tray 54 is positioned in the extended position, it has a pair of left and right protrusions 544 that project forward. When the door 3 closes the front opening 2a, the dispensing tray 54 is positioned as shown in Figure 23 by the protrusions 544 relatively entering the notches 3g formed in the front cover 3a, and is exposed to the outside through the tray opening 3h formed in the front cover 3a. When the dispensing tray 54 is positioned in the extended position in this way, coins guided through the dispensing guide 52 can be received through the tray opening 3h.

[0090] On the other hand, when the front opening 2a is opened by the door body 3, the dispensing tray 54 becomes able to swing from the extended position to the retracted position, and as shown in Figure 24, when the banknote processing machine 10 is pulled out toward the front, it comes into contact with the banknote processing machine 10 and swings to the retracted position against the biasing force of the tray biasing spring 57.

[0091] When the front opening 2a is opened by the door body 3 in this manner, the dispensing tray 54 can swing from the extended position to the retracted position against the biasing force of the tray biasing spring 57. Therefore, in the money processing device 1, with the dispensing tray 54 swung to the retracted position, the coin collection container 58 can be detachably attached to the dispensing guide 52 in such a manner that it closes the dispensing outlet 523 of the dispensing guide 52, as shown in Figure 25.

[0092] The coin collection container 58 is detachably attached to a component (dispensing guide 52) of the coin dispensing unit 51, and is a container capable of collecting coins dispensed from the coin processing machine 30 when attached in a manner that closes the dispensing opening 523 of the dispensing guide 52.

[0093] The opening / closing detection unit 71 is provided on the opening edge of the upper part of the front opening 2a of the device body 2, and detects the opening and closing of the upper part of the front opening 2a. More specifically, the opening / closing detection unit 71 detects that the upper part of the front opening 2a is closed when the front cover 3a closes it, and detects that the upper part of the front opening 2a is opened when the front cover 3a opens it, and sends the detection result to the control unit 80.

[0094] The notification unit 73 performs notification operations such as emitting a buzzer sound, and is located near the front opening 2a of the device body 2, as shown in Figure 2. This notification unit 73 is exposed when the front opening 2a is opened by the door body 3, and performs notification operations in response to output commands provided by the control unit 80.

[0095] The light source group 75 is composed of multiple light sources (LEDs) 75a. These light sources 75a are installed in multiple locations inside the main body 2 of the device and are exposed when the front opening 2a is opened by the door 3. These light sources 75a are illuminated at a predetermined output according to an output command provided by the control unit 80.

[0096] The control unit 80 is communicatively connected to the banknote processing machine 10, the coin processing machine 30, the opening / closing detection unit 71, the notification unit 73, and the light source group 75. It comprehensively controls the operation of each unit according to the programs and data stored in the memory unit 81, which is also communicatively connected. In other words, the deposit operations by the banknote processing machine 10 and the coin processing machine 30 are performed by the control unit 80.

[0097] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the processing details of the notification unit and light source output control performed by the control unit 80 shown in Figure 3.

[0098] In the notification unit and light source output control, the control unit 80 determines whether the opening / closing detection unit 71 has detected a change from closed to open (step S101). If the opening / closing detection unit 71 detects a change from closed to open (step S101: Yes), that is, when the front cover 3a swings upward and the upper part of the front opening 2a changes from a closed state to an open state, the control unit 80 reduces the output of the notification unit 73 and the light source 75a by a predetermined amount (step S102), and then returns to the previous step to end the current process.

[0099] This allows for a reduction in the buzzer sound during the notification operation in the notification unit 73, and also reduces the illumination output of each light source 75a in the light source group 75.

[0100] If the opening / closing detection unit 71 does not detect a change from closed to open (step S101: No), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the opening / closing detection unit 71 has detected a change from open to closed (step S103). If the opening / closing detection unit 71 detects a change from open to closed (step S103: Yes), that is, if the front cover 3a swings downward and closes the upper part of the front opening 2a, the control unit 80 increases the output of the notification unit 73 and the light source 75a by a predetermined amount (step S104), and then returns to the previous step to end the current process.

[0101] This allows for an increase in the buzzer sound during the notification operation in the notification unit 73, as well as an increase in the illumination output of each light source 75a in the light source group 75.

[0102] If the opening / closing detection unit 71 does not detect a change from open to closed (step S103: No), that is, if the opening / closing detection unit 71 does not detect a change from closed to open, nor does it detect a change from open to closed, the control unit 80 maintains the output of the notification unit 73 and the light source 75a (step S105), and then returns to the previous step to terminate the current process.

[0103] As described above, according to the money processing device 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention, the banknote processing machine 10 has an upper banknote processing component 10a having a banknote deposit section 11, an authentication section 17, and a banknote dispensing section 12, and a lower banknote processing component 10b having a banknote storage compartment 14, and the upper banknote processing component 10a and the lower banknote processing component 10b are arranged in an upper and lower pair, and the lower banknote processing component 10b is made swingable around the axis of the first axial portion 20a in a manner that moves toward and away from the upper banknote processing component 10a. When the banknote processing unit has a supporting frame 10c and is housed in the main body of the device 2, the lower banknote processing unit 10b is positioned close to the upper banknote processing unit 10a. However, when the front opening 2a of the main body of the device 2 is opened and the lower banknote processing unit 10b is pulled out of the main body of the device 2 through the front opening 2a, the lower banknote processing unit 10b is allowed to swing downward in a manner that separates it from the upper banknote processing unit 10a. This reduces the depth dimension of the banknote processing machine 10 itself, thereby making the entire device more compact.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the money processing device 1, the oscillation reduction means 22 in the frame 10c reduces the downward oscillation force of the lower banknote processing component 10b. Therefore, when the banknote processing machine 10 is pulled forward and the lower banknote processing component 10b swings downward, it is possible to suppress the downward oscillation force of the lower banknote processing component 10b, thereby improving safety.

[0105] In particular, the oscillation reduction means 22 includes a first link member 221 that is rotatably disposed around a link pivot axis 23a through which it is inserted in the frame 10c, a second link member 222 whose base end is pivotally supported at one end of the first link member 221 and whose tip is pivotally supported at the lower banknote processing component 10b, and whose tip forms an oscillation trajectory R around the first axial portion 20a when the lower banknote processing component 10b oscillates, and a link spring 223 interposed between the other end of the first link member 221 and the frame 10c. When the lower banknote processing component 10b is closest to the upper banknote processing component 10a, the biasing force of the link spring 223 is applied along the tangential direction of the oscillation trajectory R, ​​thereby maximizing the braking force of the oscillation reduction means 22 on the lower banknote processing component 10b. This allows the greatest braking force to be applied when the lower banknote processing component 10b starts to swing downward, thereby preventing the lower banknote processing component 10b from swinging downward due to its own weight.

[0106] Furthermore, when the lower banknote processing component 10b is at its furthest distance from the upper banknote processing component 10a, the oscillation reduction means 22 applies the biasing force of the link spring 223 along the radial direction of the oscillation trajectory R. This minimizes the braking force of the oscillation reduction means 22 on the lower banknote processing component 10b, thereby preventing the lower banknote processing component 10b from oscillating upward due to the biasing force of the link spring 223 when it is at its furthest distance from the upper banknote processing component 10a.

[0107] According to the above-described money processing device 1, the banknote processing machine 10 and the coin processing machine 30 are housed in the main body 2 such that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically, thus reducing the occupied area.

[0108] According to this money processing device 1, when the front opening 2a of the coin dispensing unit 51 is closed by the door 3, the dispensing tray 54 is positioned in an extended position that extends into the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine 10. However, when the front opening 2a is opened by the door 3, the tray 54 comes into contact with the banknote processing machine 10 as it is pulled out forward, causing it to swing to a retracted position that is moved away from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine 10. This allows the banknote processing machine 10 to be pulled out smoothly while overlapping a portion of the banknote processing machine 10 and the coin processing machine 30 vertically.

[0109] According to the above-described money processing device 1, when the front opening 2a of the device body 2 is opened by the door body 3 and the dispensing tray 54 swings from the extended position to the retracted position in the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine 10, the coin collection container 58 is attached to the dispensing guide 52, which is a component of the coin dispensing unit 51, to collect the dispensed coins, thereby making the coin collection work in the coin processing machine 30 easier.

[0110] According to the above-described money processing device 1, the orientation regulating unit 53 provided on the dispensing guide 52 that constitutes the coin dispensing unit 51 has a contact surface 53a that gradually slopes downward as it approaches the introduction opening 522 (the exit of the second dispensing transport unit 48). When a coin transported by the second dispensing transport unit 48 comes into contact with this contact surface 53a, it restricts the coin from being guided to the dispensing tray 54 in an upright position, thereby preventing the dispensed coin from flying out of the dispensing tray 54.

[0111] According to the above-described money processing device 1, when the control unit 80 detects that the opening / closing detection unit 71 has changed from closed to open, that is, when the front cover 3a swings upward and the upper part of the front opening 2a changes from a closed state to an open state, the control unit 80 reduces the output of the notification unit 73 and the light source 75a by a predetermined amount. This prevents the light emitted by the light source 75a from hindering the worker's work and prevents the buzzer sound from causing discomfort to those around.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the money processing device 1, the notification unit 73 and the light source 75a that constitute the light source group 75 are provided on the main body of the device 2 and not on the door body 3. Therefore, there is no need to run the wiring for the notification unit 73, etc., along the door body 3, and the structure can be made simpler.

[0113] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made.

[0114] In the banknote processing machine 10 of the embodiment described above, the transport path cover 21 was provided on the lower banknote processing component 10b, but the banknote processing machine 10 may be configured as follows.

[0115] Figures 27 and 28 are side views showing modified versions of the banknote processing machine, respectively. Components identical to those in the banknote processing machine 10 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0116] In the banknote processing machines shown in Figures 27 and 28, the transport path cover 21' is positioned such that the second shaft portion 21a passes through the second shaft hole 19b of the lower banknote processing component 10b, while the locking shaft 21c passes through a square hole (not shown) formed in the upper banknote processing component 10a. In other words, the transport path cover 21' is engaged with the upper banknote processing component 10a.

[0117] In such a banknote processing machine, when the lower banknote processing component 10b swings downward after being pulled out of the main body 2 through the front opening 2a, it also separates from the transport path cover 21' that engages with the upper banknote processing component 10a, as shown in Figure 28. This exposes a portion of the transport path 16, allowing the banknotes jammed in the transport path 16 to be removed. In other words, there is no need to swing the lower banknote processing component 10b downward and then swing the transport path cover 21' upward, thus simplifying the operation procedure.

[0118] Furthermore, when the transport path cover 21' is engaged with the upper banknote processing component 10a in this manner, it is preferable that the front end portion of the transport path cover 21' is provided with a pressing roller 21d that protrudes upward and is biased upward by a biasing means such as a roller spring 21e, as shown in Figure 29. When a part of this pressing roller 21d contacts the lower surface of the upper banknote processing component 10a, the transport path cover 21' is pressed downward, causing the lower banknote processing component 10b to swing upward and the front end locking portion 24a to lock with the front end locked portion 24b, the cover-side transport roller 21f can make good contact with the corresponding main body-side transport roller (not shown).

[0119] In the embodiment described above, the posture regulating section 53 provided on the dispensing guide 52 had a contact surface 53a. However, the shape of the posture regulating section is not particularly limited as long as it prevents coins from coming into contact with it and being guided to the dispensing tray in an upright position. For example, instead of the contact surface 53a, a contact section may be provided that gradually extends downward as it approaches the inlet (the exit of the second dispensing transport section), or the posture regulating section itself may be made of a soft material such as sponge.

[0120] In the embodiment described above, the coin collection container 58 was detachably attached to the dispensing guide 52 after the dispensing tray 54 swung to the retracted position. However, the location where the coin collection container is attached is not limited to the dispensing guide, as long as it can collect the coins transported by the dispensing transport unit. For example, the dispensing guide may be removed and the coin collection container may be attached in a manner that closes the outlet of the dispensing transport unit (second dispensing transport unit). In this way, the dispensed coins can also be collected in the coin collection container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1...Money processing device, 2...Device body, 2a...Front opening, 3...Door body, 3a...Front cover, 3b...Front door, 10...Banknote processing machine, 10a...Upper banknote processing component, 10b...Lower banknote processing component, 10c...Frame body, 22...Oscillation reduction means, 221...First link member, 222...Second link member, 223...Link spring, 30...Coin processing machine, 51...Coin dispensing unit, 52...Dispensing guide, 54...Dispensing tray, 58...Coin collection container, 71...Opening / closing detection unit, 73...Notification unit, 75...Light source group, 80...Control unit.

Claims

1. A rectangular device body whose front opening is opened and closed by a door, A banknote processing machine is installed inside the main body of the device, which is used for depositing and withdrawing banknotes, and a portion of the banknote deposit section and the banknote withdrawal section are exposed through an opening formed in the door body. The device is used for depositing and withdrawing coins, and a coin processing machine is installed inside the main body of the device such that a portion of the coin deposit slot and coin dispensing section are exposed through an opening formed in the door body. A money processing device equipped with, The banknote processing machine and the coin processing machine are housed in the main body of the device such that at least a portion of them overlap each other vertically. Provided that the front opening is opened by the door body, a coin collection container is detachably attached to the components of the coin dispensing section and is used to collect the dispensed coins. The coin dispensing tray, which constitutes the coin dispensing section and receives the dispensed coins, is positioned in the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine when the front opening is closed by the door, and is positioned so as to be retractable from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine when the front opening is open by the door. The money processing device is characterized in that the coin collection container is detachably attached to a component of the coin dispensing unit when the dispensing tray is retracted from the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine.

2. The components of the coin dispensing unit are a dispensing guide that dispenses and guides coins from an opening formed therein to the dispensing tray, The money processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coin collection container is detachably attached to the dispensing guide in such a manner that it closes the dispensing outlet when the dispensing tray is moved out of the front area of ​​the banknote processing machine.

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