Money processing device

Abstract

To effectively remove coin jams that occur in the transport path. [Solution] The coin processing machine 30 stores deposited coins in a coin storage compartment 40 and dispenses coins from any coin storage compartment 40 according to a dispensing instruction. The machine includes a first coin transport unit 60 having a first transport path R1 that transports the target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight. The first coin transport unit 60 has a first base 60a that extends along the vertical direction and has a first base portion 61, and together with the first base 60a, it constitutes the first transport path R1. The first base 60a is provided with a first cover 60b that is pivotable around a first pivot axis 63 such that its lower end approaches and moves away from the first base 61. In normal conditions, the first cover 60b is biased by a first biasing means 60c so that its lower end approaches the first base 61, and when its upper end is pressed so that it approaches the first base 61, it pivots so that its lower end moves away from the first base 61 against the biasing force of the first biasing means 60c.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a money processing device applied as a change machine has been proposed in Patent Document 1. The coin processing machine constituting this money processing device identifies coins deposited through a deposit slot, temporarily stores the coins identified as genuine coins in a temporary storage section, then distributes them according to the coin type at a distribution section, and stores them in storage bins provided for each coin type. When a withdrawal command, which is a change payout request, is given from an external device or the like, this coin processing machine causes coins corresponding to the requested amount to be delivered from the corresponding storage bin, conveys them by a withdrawal conveyance section, and pays them out to a withdrawal tray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a money processing device that identifies the authenticity and denomination of deposited coins, stores coins identified as genuine coins in corresponding storage compartments according to their denomination, and dispenses coins from any storage compartment upon a dispensing instruction, wherein the coin processing device includes a coin transport section having a transport path that transports target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight, and the coin transport section extends in the vertical direction and has at least the base of the transport path The device comprises a base and a cover which, together with the base, constitutes the transport path, and which is pivotably mounted on the base such that the lower end of the lower part of the transport path, which constitutes the downstream part of the transport path, moves toward and away from the base, wherein, under normal conditions, the lower end of the cover is biased toward the base by a biasing means interposed between itself and the base, while when the upper end is pressed toward the base, the cover pivots such that the lower end moves away from the base against the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned money processing device, the cover is arranged such that, in the normal state, the distance between itself and the base is smaller downstream than upstream.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned money processing device, the oscillating shaft is provided in the intermediate portion between the upstream and downstream of the transport path, in a portion where the distance between the base and the cover changes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a coin transport unit having a transport path for transporting target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight comprises a base extending in the vertical direction and having at least the base of the transport path, and a cover that together with the base constitutes the transport path and is provided so as to be swingable around a pivot axis relative to the base, with the lower end constituting the downstream of the transport path approaching and moving away from the base. In normal conditions, the cover is biased so that its lower end approaches the base by a biasing means interposed between itself and the base, while when the upper end is pressed so as to approach the base, the cover swings so that its lower end moves away from the base against the biasing force of the biasing means, thereby providing the effect of effectively removing coin jams that occur in the transport path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [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 diagram illustrating the internal structure of the banknote processing machine shown in Figure 2, etc. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the coin processing machine shown in Figure 2, etc. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the first coin transport unit, which is applied as the connecting chute shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the first coin transport unit, which is applied as the connecting chute shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first coin transport unit, which is applied as the connecting chute shown in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first coin transport unit, which is applied as the connecting chute shown in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the external configuration when the first pressing part of the first coin transport unit shown in Figure 5 is pressed. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure when the first pressing portion of the first coin conveying portion shown in FIG. 5 is pressed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the second coin conveying portion applied as the collection chute shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the second coin conveying portion applied as the collection chute shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the second coin conveying portion applied as the collection chute shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the second coin conveying portion applied as the collection chute shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the external configuration when the second pressing portion of the second coin conveying portion shown in FIG. 11 is pressed. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure when the second pressing portion of the second coin conveying portion shown in FIG. 11 is pressed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing the internal structure of the collection guide shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing the internal structure of the collection guide shown in FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the money processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the external configurations of a money processing apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. The money processing apparatus 1 illustrated here is connected to a host device (not shown) such as a POS (Point Of Sales) register in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and includes a device main body 2.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 portion of the front opening 2a. When the locking mechanism 3c is unlocked, the front door 3b becomes able to swing forward. Furthermore, the front door 3b has a function to hold down a portion of the closed front cover 3a, so that when the locking mechanism 3c is locked, the front cover 3a is held closed.

[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 and a coin processing machine 30 inside the main body 2 of the device.

[0020] The banknote processing machine 10 is housed inside the main body 2 of the device, within a banknote processing storage unit 5, which is a box-shaped body with an opening on the front. As shown in Figure 3, 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 (not shown).

[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 the banknote processing machine 10. First, let's explain the deposit operation. When banknotes are deposited into the banknote deposit slot 11a, the banknotes are transported to the authentication unit 17 by the banknote transport mechanism 10d. If the banknotes get jammed during transport, the banknote transport mechanism 10d returns the banknotes to the banknote deposit slot 11a via the banknote deposit unit 11.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Let's further explain the inspection process. Here, we will explain the inspection process for 1,000 yen banknotes stored in the 1,000 yen storage compartment 141. 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 inspection 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 inspection compartment 15, the banknote transport mechanism 10d feeds the 1,000 yen banknotes temporarily held in the inspection compartment 15 onto the transport path 16 and stores them back in the original 1,000 yen storage compartment 141.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 and the banknote processing storage section 5, which causes the door body 3 (front cover 3a and front door 3b) to open the front opening 2a, so that the upper banknote processing component 10a and the lower banknote processing component 10b slide forward as a single unit vertically.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned banknote processing machine 10, the lower banknote processing component 10b is capable of swinging vertically in a manner that moves closer to and away from the upper banknote processing component 10a. The lower banknote processing component 10b's maximum downward swing range is restricted by a swing restriction component (not shown).

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the coin processing machine 30 shown in Figure 2. The coin processing machine 30 illustrated here is retractable from the front opening 2a of the main body 2 by a pull-out mechanism (not shown) and is equipped with a coin transport mechanism 30a.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 52, 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.

[0044] 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 52.

[0045] The coin dispensing section 52 is located above the deposit temporary holding section 34 and below the coin deposit slot 31, and as shown in Figure 2, it is equipped with a dispensing guide 52a and a dispensing tray 52b.

[0046] The withdrawal guide 52a is for guiding coins transported from the second withdrawal transport unit to the withdrawal tray 52b. The withdrawal tray 52b is a concave body with an opening on its upper surface and receives the coins guided by the withdrawal guide 52a. The withdrawal tray 52b is exposed to the outside through a tray opening 3g formed in the front cover 3a.

[0047] The switching gate group 50 includes a first switching gate 50a, a second switching gate 50b, a third switching gate 50c, and a fourth switching gate 50d.

[0048] 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 two states: one in which coins that are being transported by the deposit transport unit 32 and identified as genuine by the inspection unit 32a are transported to the deposit chute 33a, and another in which coins that are being transported by the deposit transport unit 32 and identified as counterfeit by the inspection unit 32a are transported to the first refund chute 33b. The first refund chute 33b guides the coins from the deposit transport unit 32 to the temporary withdrawal holding unit 44.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The fourth switching gate 50d is located to the left of the inspection and temporary holding section 36 (downstream in the transport direction). This fourth switching gate 50d can selectively switch between a first transport state in which the coins held in the inspection and temporary holding section 36 are transported to the sorting section 38, and a second transport state in which the coins are transported to the collection chute 54. Normally, the fourth switching gate 50d is in the first transport state.

[0052] Here, the collection chute 54 guides the coins held in the inspection temporary holding section 36 to the coin collection cabinet 58 via the collection guide 56. The coin collection cabinet 58 is detachably attached to the main body of the device 2 and stores the coins when they are collected.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 52 for withdrawal (return).

[0055] 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 52 for withdrawal (return).

[0056] 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. Subsequently, the coins held in the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36 ​​are transported to the sorting unit 38 via the fourth switching gate 50d in the first transport state, 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 the deposit operation is then terminated by notifying the higher-level device that the deposit is complete.

[0057] 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 52 and dispensed into the dispensing tray 52b. 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.

[0058] The scrutiny operation will now be explained further. The scrutiny operation is the operation of measuring the number of coins stored in each coin storage compartment 40. When a scrutiny command is given from a higher-level device, the dispensing unit 401 in the corresponding coin storage compartment 40 is driven to dispense coins from the coin storage compartment 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. After that, the coins held in the scrutiny temporary holding unit 36 ​​are transported to the sorting unit 38 via the fourth switching gate 50d in the first transport state, where they are sorted by denomination, the number of coins is detected, and the scrutiny operation is completed by storing them in the predetermined coin storage compartment 40.

[0059] Next, the retrieval operation will be explained. The retrieval operation is the operation of receiving some or all of the coins stored in each coin storage unit 40 into the coin retrieval unit 58. When a retrieval command is given from a higher-level device, the dispensing unit 401 in each coin storage unit 40 is driven to dispense coins from the coin storage unit 40 to the first dispensing transport unit 42, and the coin discrimination unit 402 is made to discriminate predetermined discrimination elements. Then, the coins are transported to the rear by the first dispensing transport unit 42 and temporarily held in the inspection temporary holding unit 36. After that, the fourth switching gate 50d is changed from the first transport state to the second transport state, and the coins held in the inspection temporary holding unit 36 ​​are received into the coin retrieval unit 58 via the retrieval chute 54 and the retrieval guide 56 through the fourth switching gate 50d in the second transport state, thereby completing the retrieval operation.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Figures 5 to 8 show the first coin transport unit 60 applied as the connecting chute 35a shown in Figure 4, respectively. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external configuration, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure, and Figures 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views. The first coin transport unit 60 illustrated here comprises a first base 60a, a first cover 60b, and a first biasing means 60c.

[0062] The first base 60a is formed of, for example, a resin material, with its upper end connected to the deposit temporary holding section 34 and its lower end connected to the scrutiny temporary holding section 36. The first base 60a has a first receiving opening 611 formed at its upper end for receiving coins from the deposit temporary holding section 34, and a first dispensing opening 612 formed at its lower end for dispensing coins to the scrutiny temporary holding section 36.

[0063] The first base 60a has a first base portion 61 and a first side portion 62 formed thereon. The first base portion 61 is formed to connect the first inlet 611 and the first outlet 612. This first base portion 61 extends downward from the first inlet 611, curves along the way, and reaches the first outlet 612.

[0064] The first side portions 62 are formed on both sides of the first base portion 61. These first side portions 62 are formed in such a manner that they protrude from the first base portion 61 toward the first cover 60b. The first pivot shaft 63 is formed in the upper and lower intermediate portions of these first side portions 62 in such a manner that it protrudes laterally. In the first side portions 62, the upper portion 621, which is above the portion where the first pivot shaft 63 is formed, is formed to protrude more from the first base portion 61 than the lower portion 622, which is below the portion where the first pivot shaft 63 is formed.

[0065] The first cover 60b is formed of, for example, a resin material and extends vertically, similar to the first base 60a. The first cover 60b is provided with a first working portion 64 facing the first base 61, and a pair of first support pieces 65 are formed in the middle of the vertical portion, projecting toward the first base 60a.

[0066] The first cover 60b is attached to the first base 60a in such a manner that it can swing around the first pivot shaft 63 by inserting the first pivot shaft 63 through the first support hole 65a formed in the first support piece 65. When this first cover 60b is attached to the first base 60a, the first working part 64, together with the first base part 61 and the first side part 62, constitutes the first transport path R1.

[0067] Here, the first transport path R1 transports the target coins to be transported by allowing them to fall from upstream to downstream by their own weight, guiding the target coins received from the first receiving port 611 to the first discharge port 612 and releasing them from the first discharge port 612.

[0068] The first biasing means 60c is arranged to be interposed between the portion of the first base 60a above the first receiving port 611 and the first pressing portion 66 at the upper end of the first cover 60b. This first biasing means 60c biases the lower end of the first cover 60b to be close to the first base portion 61 of the first base 60a.

[0069] The first biasing means 60c biases the first cover 60b so that its lower end is close to the first base 61, and the distance between the first working part 64 and the first base 61 is smaller on the lower side of the first pivot shaft 63 than on the upper side of the first pivot shaft 63.

[0070] In other words, the first cover 60b is positioned such that, under normal conditions, the distance between the first working part 64 (itself) and the first base 61 is smaller downstream of the first transport path R1 than upstream. The first swing shaft 63 is located in the intermediate portion between the upstream and downstream of the first transport path R1, where the distance between the first base 61 and the first working part 64 (first cover 60b) changes.

[0071] In the first coin transport unit 60 having such a configuration, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the first pressing unit 66 is pressed so that it approaches the first base 60a, the first cover 60b swings in such a manner that its lower end separates from the first base 61 against the biasing force of the first biasing means 60c.

[0072] Therefore, by using the first coin transport unit 60 as a connecting chute 35a, coins received from the deposit temporary holding unit 34 through the first receiving port 611 are transported by their own weight along the first transport path R1 and released from the first discharge port 612 to the inspection temporary holding unit 36.

[0073] On the other hand, if a coin jam occurs in the first transport path R1, the coin processing machine 30 can be pulled forward from the main body 2 through the front opening 2a, or the rear plate (not shown) of the main body 2 can be removed to expose the connecting chute 35a, and the first pressing part 66 can be pressed closer to the first base 60a, causing the lower end of the first cover 60b to swing away from the first base 61, thereby increasing the distance between the first base 61 and the first working part 64 in the first transport path R1 and resolving the coin jam.

[0074] Figures 11 to 14 show the second coin transport section applied as the recovery chute 54 shown in Figure 4, respectively. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the external configuration, Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure, and Figures 13 and 14 are exploded perspective views. The second coin transport section 70 illustrated here comprises a second base 70a, a second cover 70b, and a second biasing means 70c.

[0075] The second base 70a is formed of, for example, a resin material, with its upper end connected to the inspection temporary holding section 36 and its lower end connected to the collection guide 56. The second base 70a has a second receiving port 711 formed at its upper end for receiving coins from the inspection temporary holding section 36, and a second discharge port 712 formed at its lower end for releasing coins to the collection guide 56.

[0076] The second base 70a has a second base portion 71 and a second side portion 72 formed thereon. The second base portion 71 is formed to connect the second inlet 711 and the second outlet 712. This second base portion 71 extends downward from the second inlet 711, curves along the way, and reaches the second outlet 712.

[0077] The second side portions 72 are formed on both sides of the second base portion 71. These second side portions 72 are formed in such a manner that they protrude from the second base portion 71 toward the second cover 70b. The second pivot shaft 73 is formed at the upper end portion of these second side portions 72 in such a manner that it protrudes laterally.

[0078] The second cover 70b is formed of, for example, a resin material and extends vertically, similar to the second base 70a. The second cover 70b is provided with a second working portion 74 that faces the second base portion 71, and a pair of second support pieces 75 are formed at its upper end portion, projecting toward the second base 70a.

[0079] The second cover 70b is attached to the second base 70a in such a manner that it can swing around the second pivot shaft 73 by inserting the second pivot shaft 73 through the second support hole 75a formed in the second support piece 75. When this second cover 70b is attached to the second base 70a, the second working part 74, together with the second base part 71 and the second side part 72, constitutes the second transport path R2.

[0080] Here, the second transport path R2 transports the target coins to be transported by allowing them to fall from upstream to downstream by their own weight, guiding the target coins received from the second receiving port 711 to the second discharge port 712 and releasing them from the second discharge port 712.

[0081] The second biasing means 70c is positioned so as to be locked to the second base locking piece 76 at the lower end of the second base 70a and the second cover locking piece 77 at the lower end of the second cover 70b. This second biasing means 70c biases the lower end of the second cover 70b to be close to the lower end of the second base 70a. With this second biasing means 70c, the second cover 70b is biased so that the lower end of the second working portion 74 is close to the lower end of the second base portion 71.

[0082] In the second coin transport unit 70 having such a configuration, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, when the second pressing portion 78 at the upper end of the second cover 70b is pressed so that it approaches the second base 70a, the lower end of the cover 70b swings in such a manner that it separates from the lower end of the second base 71 against the biasing force of the second biasing means 70c.

[0083] Therefore, by using the second coin transport section 70 as a collection chute 54, the coins received from the inspection temporary holding section 36 through the second receiving port 711 are transported by their own weight in the second transport path R2 and discharged from the second discharge port 712 to the collection guide 56.

[0084] On the other hand, if a coin jam occurs in the second transport path R2, the coin processing machine 30 can be pulled forward from the main body 2 through the front opening 2a, or the rear plate (not shown) of the main body 2 can be removed to expose the recovery chute 54, and the second pressing part 78 can be pressed closer to the second base 70a, causing the lower end of the second cover 70b to swing away from the lower end of the second base 71, thereby increasing the distance between the second base 71 and the second working part 74 in the second transport path R2 and resolving the coin jam.

[0085] As shown in Figure 17, the above-mentioned collection guide 56 has an upper end opening 56a that communicates with the second discharge port 712 of the second coin transport section 70 which constitutes the collection chute 54, and a lower end opening 56b that communicates with the coin collection storage 58. In this collection guide 56, a collection flapper 57 is provided near the lower end opening 56b.

[0086] The recovery flapper 57 is rotatable around the flapper pivot axis 57a. As shown in Figure 17, when the coin collection container 58 is located inside the device body 2, the recovery flapper 57 opens the lower end opening 56b. Conversely, as shown in Figure 18, when the coin collection container 58 is removed from inside the device body 2, the recovery flapper 57 rotates downward to close the lower end opening 56b.

[0087] As described above, according to the money processing device 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention, the first coin transport unit 60 having a first transport path R1 for transporting target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight includes a first base 60a that extends along the vertical direction and has at least a first base 61 of the first transport path R1, and a first cover 60b that together with the first base 60a constitutes the first transport path R1 and is swingably provided such that its lower end, which constitutes the downstream of the first transport path R1 around a first swing axis 63 relative to the first base 60a, approaches and moves away from the first base 61. In the present configuration, the first cover 60b is normally biased so that its lower end approaches the first base 61 by the first biasing means 60c interposed between itself and the first base 60a. However, when the first pressing part 66 (upper end) is pressed so that it approaches the first base 61, the lower end swings in a manner that moves away from the first base 61 against the biasing force of the first biasing means 60c. This increases the distance between the first base 61 and the first working part 64 in the first transport path R1, thereby resolving coin jams and effectively removing coin jams that occur in the first transport path R1.

[0088] According to the above-described money processing device 1, the second coin transport unit 70 has a second transport path R2 for transporting target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight, and comprises a second base 70a that extends in the vertical direction and has at least a second base 71 of the second transport path R2, and a second cover 70b that together with the second base 70a constitutes the second transport path R2 and is swingably provided so as to the second base 70a, with its lower end portion that constitutes the downstream of the second transport path R2 approaching and moving away from the second base 71 around a second swing axis 73, and the second cover 70 Under normal conditions, part b is biased so that its lower end approaches the second base 71 by the second biasing means 70c interposed between itself and the second base 70a. However, when the second pressing part 78 (upper end) is pressed so that it approaches the second base 71, part b swings in such a manner that its lower end moves away from the second base 71 against the biasing force of the second biasing means 70c. This increases the distance between the second base 71 and the second working part 74 in the second transport path R2, thereby resolving coin jams and effectively removing coin jams that occur in the second transport path R2.

[0089] According to the above-described money processing device 1, the collection flapper 57 opens the lower end opening 56b of the collection guide 56 when the coin collection box 58 is located in the device body 2, while closing the lower end opening 56b of the collection guide 56 when the coin collection box 58 is detached from the device body 2. Therefore, when the coin collection box 58 is detached, it is possible to prevent coins that have passed through the collection chute 54 and reached the collection guide 56 from being dispensed from the lower end opening 56b. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1…Money processing device, 2…Device body, 2a…Front opening, 3…Door body, 10…Banknote processing machine, 30…Coin processing machine, 35a…Connecting chute, 54…Collection chute, 60…First coin transport section, 60a…First base, 60b…First cover, 60c…First biasing means, 61…First base, 611…First receiving inlet, 612…First discharge port, 62…First side, 63…First pivoting shaft, 64…First operating part, 65… R1...First support piece, 65a...First support hole, 66...First pressing part, 70...Second coin transport part, 70a...Second base, 70b...Second cover, 70c...Second biasing means, 71...Second base, 711...Second receiving port, 712...Second discharge port, 72...Second side, 73...Second pivot shaft, 74...Second operating part, 75...Second support piece, 75a...Second support hole, 78...Second pressing part, R1...First transport path, R2...Second transport path.

Claims

1. A coin processing device equipped with a coin handling machine that identifies the authenticity and denomination of deposited coins, stores coins identified as legitimate coins in corresponding storage compartments according to their denomination, and dispenses coins from any storage compartment upon withdrawal instruction, The coin processing machine includes a coin transport section having a transport path that transports target coins by dropping them from upstream to downstream by their own weight. The aforementioned coin transport unit is A base that extends in the vertical direction and has at least the base of the transport path, A cover is provided that, together with the base, constitutes the transport path, and is swingably mounted relative to the base such that the lower end of the transport path, which constitutes the downstream portion of the transport path, moves toward and away from the base around the pivot axis. Equipped with, In its normal state, the cover is biased so that its lower end approaches the base by a biasing means interposed between itself and the base, while when its upper end is pressed so that it approaches the base, the cover swings in such a manner that the lower end moves away from the base against the biasing force of the biasing means. The money processing device is characterized in that the oscillating shaft is provided in the intermediate portion between the upstream and downstream sections of the transport path, in a portion where the distance between the base and the cover changes.

2. The money processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover is arranged such that, in the normal state, the distance between itself and the base is smaller downstream than upstream.

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