Currency storage device and currency handling device

Abstract

A currency storage device (2) comprises: a housing (22) that forms a storage space (25) in which currency is stored; and an endless conveyor belt (23) that transports the currency stored in the storage space to an exit (21) formed in the housing. The conveyor belt circulates within the housing in a vertical loop-forming plane along the inner walls (2211, 2212, 2213, 2214) of the housing that enclose the storage space.

Description

Money storage device and money processing device

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a money storage device and a money processing device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional money processing device. The conventional money processing device includes a coin storage container. The storage container mixes and stores coins of a plurality of denominations. An outlet opening is formed in a lower portion of the storage container. Coins moving toward the bottom by their own weight in the storage container are discharged out of the storage container through the outlet opening in the lower portion of the storage container.

[0003] The conventional money processing device includes a conveyor. The conveyor has a loop shape that goes around the periphery of the storage container. The conveyor receives coins discharged out of the storage container from the outlet opening. The conveyor conveys the coins to an identification unit outside the storage container. The identification unit is located at a position corresponding to an upper part of the storage container.

[0004] The conveyor also discharges coins that have passed through the identification unit to a gate selected from a plurality of exit gates in accordance with an identification result.

[0005] United States Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 398889

[0006] The conventional money processing device described above is a large device used on the floor. In contrast, a tabletop money processing device that is used by being placed on furniture such as a counter, table, or desk is required to be reduced in size.

[0007] When an attempt is made to reduce the size of a money processing device, the size of the money storage device included in the money processing device also becomes smaller. Unlike the storage container of the above-described conventional money processing device, in a money storage device that has, inside a housing, a discharge mechanism that discharges money to the outside of the housing from an outlet formed in an upper portion of the storage device, the capacity of the money storage device is reduced due to the discharge mechanism. If the size of the money storage device including the discharge mechanism is reduced, the capacity of the money storage device is further reduced. Reducing the size of the money storage device and increasing the capacity thereof are conflicting requirements.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein secures a large capacity while reducing the size of a money storage device.

[0009] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency storage device. This currency storage device comprises a housing that forms a storage space in which currency is stored, and an endless conveyor belt that transports the currency stored in the storage space to an outlet formed in the housing, wherein the conveyor belt circulates within the housing in a vertical circumferential plane along the inner wall of the housing that surrounds the storage space.

[0010] An endless conveyor belt transports the currency stored in the storage space within the enclosure to an exit formed in the enclosure. The conveyor belt constitutes an discharge mechanism that discharges the currency from inside the enclosure to the outside of the enclosure.

[0011] The conveyor belt circulates within a vertical circular plane along the belt path surrounding the storage space. In other words, the storage space is formed inside the loop-shaped belt path.

[0012] The belt path runs along the inner wall of the enclosure. The belt path is designed to expand as much as possible vertically and horizontally within the enclosure. Because the storage space is increased by expanding the belt path loop, the currency storage device can have a large capacity even with a small enclosure.

[0013] The outlet may be located at the top of the housing, and the conveyor belt may transport the currency from the bottom of the housing to the outlet.

[0014] The belt path may include a first path that runs along the vertical inner wall of the housing, from the bottom of the housing to the top of the housing.

[0015] The first path transports the currency vertically or nearly vertically along the vertical inner wall of the enclosure. The currency is quickly transported from the bottom to the top of the enclosure by a conveyor belt.

[0016] The belt path may include: a second path that is opposite to the first path and sandwiches the storage space horizontally; a third path that connects the first path and the second path at the bottom of the housing; and a fourth path that connects the first path and the second path at the top of the housing and is opposite to the third path and sandwiches the storage space vertically.

[0017] The belt path, including the first, second, third, and fourth paths, forms a roughly rectangular shape within the vertical circular plane. When the casing of the currency storage device is rectangular in shape, a roughly rectangular belt path is advantageous for expanding the storage space.

[0018] The motor that drives the conveyor belt may be located inside the belt path.

[0019] Because the motor is located inside the belt path, the belt path can be brought closer to the inner wall of the housing. Bringing the belt path closer to the inner wall increases the storage space.

[0020] Furthermore, since the motor is located inside the casing of the currency storage device, there is no need to provide space for the motor outside the casing. This improves the space efficiency of the currency processing device equipped with a currency storage device.

[0021] The motor may be located inside the belt path and at the top of the housing.

[0022] If the motor is located at the top of the enclosure, the space below the motor inside the enclosure can be used as storage space. The upper placement of the motor expands the available storage space.

[0023] In other words, because the motor is located inside the belt path in a space that is difficult to use for storing coins, the motor can be positioned without reducing the storage space of the coin storage device. This improves the space efficiency of the coin storage device.

[0024] The conveyor belt may be provided such that its belt path is perpendicular to the vertical circumferential plane, and the vertical circumferential plane lies along the inner wall of the housing.

[0025] The coin storage device may further include a second conveyor belt within the housing that conveys the coins stored in the storage space toward the conveyor belt.

[0026] The second conveyor belt transports the currency to a conveyor belt located at the end of the inside of the enclosure. Through the coordinated action of the second conveyor belt and the other conveyor belts, the currency stored in the storage space is smoothly transported to the exit and discharged outside the enclosure.

[0027] The conveyor belt may have pins positioned at intervals in the direction of travel of the belt and into which the coins engage.

[0028] The aforementioned storage space may be used to store coins of multiple denominations.

[0029] Because the currency storage device does not store coins separately by denomination, it can have a large capacity even if it is small in size.

[0030] The currency processing device disclosed herein includes the currency storage device described above.

[0031] The currency processing device further comprises a circulating transport path located above the currency storage device for transporting currency, and a dispensing unit located in the middle of the circulating transport path for dispensing the held currency one by one into the circulating transport path, wherein currency discharged from the outlet of the housing to the outside of the housing by the transport belt of the currency storage device is sent to the dispensing unit.

[0032] The circulating transport path is located above the coin storage device. If the casing of the coin storage device is made smaller, the overall height of the coin processing device, where the coin storage device and the circulating transport path overlap vertically, can be kept low.

[0033] The currency processing device may further include an identification unit located in the middle of the circulating transport path and for identifying the currency dispensed from the dispensing unit.

[0034] The identification unit can identify the coins dispensed from the coin storage device.

[0035] The currency processing device may further include a second currency storage unit to which the circulating transport path is connected, and which can switch between an open state for sending currency to the dispensing unit and a storage state for holding currency.

[0036] The second coin storage section may be located above the dispensing section.

[0037] Money can be fed from the second money storage portion to the feeding portion using a height difference.

[0038] The second money storage portion may store a specified number of coins of one or more denominations designated in advance.

[0039] For example, the second money storage portion may store money to be dispensed as change by the money handling apparatus.

[0040] The second money storage portion may store an amount of money corresponding to the minimum number of coins required for change.

[0041] Furthermore, the money handling apparatus can quickly dispense change to a customer by dispensing the money in the second money storage portion to the outside of the apparatus.

[0042] The money storage device stores money of a plurality of denominations in a mixed manner. Mixed storage enables an increase in the capacity of the money storage device.

[0043] The money handling apparatus may further include a branching portion located midway along the circulation conveyance path, which selectively feeds money that has passed through the identification unit to the money storage device, the second money storage portion, or a dispensing portion that discharges money to the outside of the apparatus, in accordance with the identification result.

[0044] The money handling apparatus can feed money discharged from the money storage device to the second money storage portion via the circulation conveyance path to store the money therein.

[0045] The money handling apparatus can also return money discharged from the money storage device back to the money storage device via the circulation conveyance path.

[0046] The money handling apparatus can further discharge money discharged from the money storage device to the dispensing portion via the circulation conveyance path. This realizes a recovery process for the money stored in the money storage device.

[0047] During a dispensing process of the money handling apparatus, the second money storage portion may feed money to the feeding portion, the feeding portion may feed money one by one onto the circulation conveyance path, and the branching portion may selectively feed money to be dispensed to the dispensing portion in accordance with the identification result from the identification unit.

[0048] The aforementioned money storage device can secure a large capacity despite its compact size. A money processing device equipped with the money storage device can be reduced in size while increasing the money storage capacity.

[0049] Figure 1 shows the money processing device. Figure 2 shows the conveyance of money during deposit. Figure 3 shows the conveyance of money during withdrawal. Figure 4 shows the internal structure of the money storage device. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the money storage device. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the money storage device and the money processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. The money storage device and the money processing device described herein are merely examples.

[0051] (Money Processing Device) Figure 1 shows the money processing device 1. The money processing device 1 is a coin processing device that processes coins.

[0052] Here, for the purpose of describing the money processing device 1, front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are defined as follows. The front side of the money processing device 1 is the left side of the drawing sheet in Figure 1, and the rear side of the money processing device 1 is the right side of the drawing sheet in Figure 1. The front side of the money processing device 1 is the side where a deposit unit 11 or a withdrawal unit 12, which will be described later, is located, and the rear side of the money processing device 1 is the opposite side.

[0053] The left side of the money processing device 1 is the left side of a user facing the front of the money processing device 1, and the right side of the money processing device 1 is the right side of the user (see also Figure 5).

[0054] The upper side of the money processing device 1 is the upper side of the drawing sheet in Figure 1, and the lower side of the money processing device 1 is the lower side of the drawing sheet in Figure 1. The upper side and lower side of the money processing device 1 correspond, for example, to the upper side and lower side of the money processing device 1 when placed on furniture.

[0055] The terms front, rear, left, right, upper and lower used in the following description are only used for describing the money processing device 1. The terms front, rear, left, right, upper and lower used in the following description are not used to limit the structure of the money processing device 1.

[0056] The currency processing device 1 is installed, for example, in a store and used for settling transactions between the store and customers. The currency processing device 1 is combined with another currency processing device for processing banknotes and an input / output device. The input / output device provides information to customers and receives customer operations.

[0057] The users of the currency processing device 1 are primarily customers of the store. Customers use the currency processing device 1 to pay for goods they purchase from the store and / or for services provided by the store.

[0058] In some cases, store staff may be responsible for managing the currency processing device 1.

[0059] The currency processing device 1 performs coin deposit and / or coin withdrawal processing. Coin deposit processing is the process of storing the coins paid by the customer into the currency processing device 1. Coin withdrawal processing is the process of dispensing coins as change from the currency processing device 1 to the outside.

[0060] The currency processing device 1 has a deposit section 11. The deposit section 11 sends the coins inserted by the customer to the dispensing section 13, which will be described later. The deposit section 11 has a shutter, and when the shutter is open, the customer can insert coins into the deposit section 11. When the shutter is closed, the customer cannot insert coins into the deposit section 11.

[0061] The currency processing device 1 has a dispensing unit 12. The dispensing unit 12 holds one or more coins to be dispensed to the customer. The customer takes the coins from the dispensing unit 12 by hand.

[0062] The currency processing device 1 has a dispensing unit 13. The dispensing unit 13 is located inside the currency processing device 1. The dispensing unit 13 has the function of temporarily holding coins and dispensing the held coins one by one. The dispensing unit 13 may be a rotating disc type dispensing unit 13, for example, having a rotating disc. The dispensing unit 13 is connected to the deposit unit 11. The dispensing unit 13 is also connected to the transport unit 15. The dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one to the transport unit 15 and sends them to the identification unit 14. The dispensing unit 13 is also connected to the first storage unit 2, which will be described later.

[0063] The currency processing device 1 has an identification unit 14 on a circulating transport path 16 of a transport unit 15. Coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 13 are transported by the transport unit 15 and pass through the identification unit 14. The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the passing coins. The identification unit 14 may also identify the authenticity and whether the coins are genuine or damaged. The identification unit 14 has at least one optical sensor, such as a line sensor or a camera, and a magnetic sensor.

[0064] The currency processing device 1 has a transport unit 15. The transport unit 15 transports coins inside the currency processing device 1. The transport unit 15 has a circulating transport path 16. The coins are transported along the circulating transport path 16. The circulating transport path 16 returns to the dispensing unit 13 from the dispensing unit 13 through the identification unit 14. The circulating transport path 16 is loop-shaped and has a turning point where the direction of coin transport reverses from the front to the back of the currency processing device 1 to the back to the front.

[0065] The transport unit 15 has a first gate 161. The first gate 161 is located on the circulating transport path 16. The first gate 161 is a gate that selectively sends coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 to the dispensing unit 12, the first storage unit 2, or the second gate 162. The first chute 191 connects the first gate 161 to the dispensing unit 12. The second chute 192 connects the first gate 161 to the first storage unit 2.

[0066] The transport unit 15 has a second gate 162. The second gate 162 is located in the circulating transport path 16 between the first gate 161 and the second storage compartment 18, which will be described later. The position of the second gate 162 is downstream of the first gate 161 in the direction of coin transport in the circulating transport path 16.

[0067] The second gate 162 is a gate that selectively sends coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 to either the second storage unit 18 or the dispensing unit 13. The third chute 193 connects the second gate 162 and the dispensing unit 13. The transport unit 15 switches the destination of the transported coins by a branching section that includes the first gate 161 and the second gate 162.

[0068] The currency processing device 1 has a first storage compartment 2. The first storage compartment 2 is an example of a currency storage device.

[0069] The first storage compartment 2 is installed inside the casing of the currency processing device 1. The first storage compartment 2 stores coins. The first storage compartment 2 stores coins of multiple denominations together. Mixed storage here means that the stored coins are not separated by denomination.

[0070] The first storage compartment 2 is a storage compartment with a larger capacity than the second storage compartment 18. The first storage compartment 2 is located in the lower part of the housing of the currency processing device 1. The circulating transport path 16 and the identification unit 14 are located above the first storage compartment 2.

[0071] The first storage compartment 2 is located below the first gate 161. Within the casing of the currency processing device 1, coins fall from the first gate 161 to the first storage compartment 2 through the second chute 192, which extends vertically. The fallen coins are stored in the first storage compartment 2.

[0072] The first storage compartment 2 also has a discharge mechanism 20. As will be described later, the discharge mechanism 20 discharges the coins stored in the first storage compartment 2 to the outside of the first storage compartment 2 through the outlet 21 of the first storage compartment 2. The coins discharged to the outside of the first storage compartment 2 are sent to the dispensing unit 13. The dispensing unit 13 is located at a position corresponding to the top of the first storage compartment 2.

[0073] Details of the structure of the first storage room 2 will be described later.

[0074] The currency processing device 1 has a second storage compartment 18. The second storage compartment 18 is installed inside the currency processing device 1. The second storage compartment 18 stores coins. The second storage compartment 18 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The second storage compartment 18 is a storage compartment with a smaller capacity than the first storage compartment 2. The second storage compartment 18 is an example of a second currency storage section.

[0075] The second storage unit 18 is connected to the circulating transport path 16 downstream of the second gate 162 in the circulating transport path 16. Coins that have passed through the second gate 162 are stored in the second storage unit 18.

[0076] The second storage compartment 18 is located above the dispensing section 13 and is connected to the dispensing section 13. The second storage compartment 18 has a shutter 181 below it. When the shutter 181 is opened, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the second storage compartment 18 becomes open, allowing all the stored coins to fall into the dispensing section 13 and be fed.

[0077] The currency processing device 1 has a controller 10. The controller 10 controls the functions and operations of each part of the currency processing device 1 by outputting control signals to each part. For example, a program corresponding to the controller 10 is pre-stored in a dedicated memory, and the functions and operations of the controller 10 are realized when this program is executed by hardware such as a CPU. Various processes performed by the currency processing device 1 are realized through the control of each part by the controller 10.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 10 is, for example, one or more general-purpose processing circuits such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0079] The currency processing device 1 has a storage device 19. The storage device 19 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a memory. The storage device 19 stores various information related to the currency processing device 1. The storage device 19 stores at least the number of coins of each denomination stored in the first storage compartment 2, and the number of coins of each denomination stored in the second storage compartment 18.

[0080] The deposit unit 11, withdrawal unit 12, dispensing unit 13, identification unit 14, transport unit 15, second storage unit 18, and first storage unit 2, as described above, are housed in the main body 101. The currency processing device 1 has a power supply box 102 at the rear of the main body 101. The power supply box 102 has the function of supplying power to each part of the main body 101. Because the power supply box 102 is aligned horizontally with respect to the main body 101, the overall height of the currency processing device 1 can be reduced.

[0081] (Processing in the currency processing device) Next, the operation of the currency processing device 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings. As mentioned above, the currency processing device 1 performs coin deposit processing and coin withdrawal processing. Coin deposit processing is the process in which the currency processing device 1 stores the coins inserted into the deposit section 11 into the first storage unit 2. Coin withdrawal processing is the process in which the currency processing device 1 dispenses coins to be given as change to customers from the second storage unit 18 to the withdrawal section 12.

[0082] The second storage unit 18 is a stacker for storing coins dispensed during the withdrawal process. The second storage unit 18 pre-stores at least the minimum number of coins required for change. The minimum number of coins required refers to the minimum number of coins of each denomination necessary to cover all amounts of change paid in coins.

[0083] When the currency processing device 1 processes, for example, euro coins, the minimum number of coins to be used is two 2 euro coins, one 1 euro coin, one 0.50 euro coin, two 0.20 euro coins, one 0.10 euro coin, one 0.05 euro coin, two 0.02 euro coins, and one 0.01 euro coin. The currency processing device 1 ensures that the second storage unit 18 is filled with change coins at least before starting the withdrawal process. To this end, after performing the withdrawal process, the currency processing device 1 performs a replenishment process to add change coins to the second storage unit 18.

[0084] Figure 2 shows the coin transport path during the deposit process. Coins inserted into the deposit section 11 are sent to the dispensing section 13, as indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 3.

[0085] The dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one to the identification unit 14, as indicated by arrow A2. The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the coins.

[0086] Coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161, as indicated by arrow A3. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 sends the coins that the currency processing device 1 can accept to the first storage unit 2 (see arrow A4). The first storage unit 2 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations.

[0087] The first gate 161 sends coins that the currency processing device 1 cannot accept to the dispensing section 12, as indicated by arrow A5. The unacceptable coins are returned to the customer.

[0088] After the first storage unit 2 has finished storing the coins, the currency processing unit 1 calculates the amount of coins deposited based on the identification result from the identification unit 14.

[0089] Storage 19 updates and stores the balance of the first storage unit 2 based on the denominations and number of coins of each denomination stored in the first storage unit 2. The balance of the first storage unit 2 includes the number of coins of each denomination and the total value of the coins stored in the first storage unit 2.

[0090] The upper diagram in Figure 3 shows the transport path of coins during the cash withdrawal process. During the cash withdrawal process, the second storage unit 18 opens its shutter 181 as shown by arrow B1, sending all the stored coins to the dispensing unit 13. After that, the shutter 181 is closed, returning the unit to a storage state that holds the coins.

[0091] As shown by arrow B2, the dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one from the second storage compartment 18 to the identification unit 14. The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the coins.

[0092] The coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161, as indicated by arrow B3. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 sends the coins to be dispensed as change to the dispensing unit 12 (see arrow B4). The dispensing unit 12 holds the change.

[0093] The first gate 161 sends the coins that are not dispensed to the second storage unit 18 through the second gate 162, as indicated by arrow B5. The second storage unit 18 stores the returned coins.

[0094] Once all the change has been dispensed to the dispensing unit 12, the dispensing process is complete. The storage unit 19 updates and stores the balance of the second storage unit 18. The balance of the second storage unit 18 includes the number of coins of each denomination and the total value of the coins stored in the second storage unit 18.

[0095] The lower diagram of Figure 3 shows the transport path of coins during the replenishment process. After the dispensing process is completed, the currency processing device 1 performs the replenishment process. During the replenishment process, the first storage unit 2 sends coins to the dispensing unit 13 as indicated by arrow C1.

[0096] The dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one from the first storage compartment 2 to the identification unit 14 (see arrow C2). The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the coins.

[0097] Coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161, as indicated by arrow C3. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 sends any coins that are not replenished in the second storage unit 18 to the first storage unit 2 (see arrow C4).

[0098] The coins to be replenished in the second storage unit 18 reach the second gate 162. The second gate 162 sends the coins to be stored in the second storage unit 18 to the second storage unit 18 (see arrow C5). The first storage unit 2 continues to dispense coins until the minimum number of change coins is stored in the second storage unit 18. Once the minimum number of change coins is stored in the second storage unit 18, the first storage unit 2 stops dispensing coins.

[0099] The currency processing device 1 comprises a relatively large capacity first storage compartment 2 and a relatively small capacity second storage compartment 18, and each of the first storage compartment 2 and the second storage compartment 18 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. Compared to a stacker of the same capacity that stores coins in multiple compartments for each denomination, the first storage compartment 2 and the second storage compartment 18 are smaller. Because the first storage compartment 2 and the second storage compartment 18 are small, the currency processing device 1 is also compact.

[0100] A coin stacker that stores multiple denominations of coins together may take time to dispense the desired denomination. In contrast, the aforementioned coin processing device 1 has a small-capacity second storage compartment 18, which stores the minimum number of change coins. By using the second storage compartment 18, the desired denomination of coins can be quickly selected, allowing the coin processing device 1 to complete the change dispensing process quickly.

[0101] The change coins stored in the second storage compartment 18 are not limited to the minimum number of coins required. For example, if the number of coins of some denominations that make up the minimum number of coins required is less than a predetermined number, the change coins may be replaced with coins of other denominations.

[0102] (Coin storage device) Figure 4 shows the internal structure of the first storage compartment 2. Figure 5 is a diagram corresponding to the V-V cross-section in Figure 4. The first storage compartment 2 has a housing 22. The discharge mechanism 20 is located inside the housing 22.

[0103] The enclosure 22 comprises a first enclosure 221 and a second enclosure 222. The first enclosure 221 and the second enclosure 222 are integrated into one unit.

[0104] The first housing 221 is located to the right of the second housing 222. The first housing 221 is located near the side wall 100 of the main body 101 (i.e., housing) of the currency processing device 1.

[0105] As shown in Figure 4, the first housing 221 has an upper wall 2211, a lower wall 2212, a front wall 2213, and a rear wall 2214. The lower wall 2212 faces the upper wall 2211 in the vertical direction. The upper wall 2211 and the lower wall 2212 are both horizontal walls.

[0106] The front wall 2213 is located between the front end of the upper wall 2211 and the front end of the lower wall 2212. The rear wall 2214 is located between the rear end of the upper wall 2211 and the rear end of the lower wall 2212 and faces the front wall 2213 in the front-rear direction. The front wall 2213 and the rear wall 2214 are both vertical walls.

[0107] The first housing 221 has a rectangular shape overall. The shape of the first housing 221 does not have to be a perfect rectangle.

[0108] The first housing 221 houses the discharge mechanism 20. The discharge mechanism 20 has a conveyor belt 23. As shown in Figure 5, the conveyor belt 23 runs along the right wall 2215 of the first housing 221. The conveyor belt 23 is located at the right end in the left-right direction within the housing 22, which includes the first housing 221 and the second housing 222.

[0109] The conveyor belt 23 is a flexible, endless belt. The conveyor belt 23 conveys coins. As shown in Figure 6, the conveyor belt 23 has projections 231 that protrude from the surface 230 of the conveyor belt 23. The surface 230 of the conveyor belt 23 is the surface facing inward along the belt path 24 of the conveyor belt 23 that circulates within the first housing 221.

[0110] Multiple projections 231 are positioned at intervals along the width of the conveyor belt 23, with some spaced apart in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt 23. The coins C are conveyed while engaged with the two projections 231. The conveyor belt 23 can stably convey the coins C even in a vertical or nearly vertical first path 241, as will be described later. The conveyor belt 23 can release the engagement with the coins C and stably discharge the coins C from the outlet 21.

[0111] The belt path 24 of the conveyor belt 23 is defined by pulleys 201, 203 or guides 202. The belt path 24 is set to follow the upper wall 2211, lower wall 2212, front wall 2213, and rear wall 2214 of the first housing 221, respectively. The conveyor belt 23 circulates within a vertical circumferential plane P (see Figure 5) that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0112] The belt path 24 includes a first path 241, a second path 242, a third path 243, and a fourth path 244. The first path 241 runs along the front wall 2213 from the bottom of the first housing 221 to the top of the first housing 221. The first path 241 lifts the coin C from the bottom to the top of the first housing 221.

[0113] The exit 21 of the first storage compartment 2 opens sideways at the top of the first housing 221. The coins C, lifted to the top of the first housing 221 by the first path 241, are discharged outside the first storage compartment 2 through the exit 21. The discharged coins C are sent to the dispensing unit 13, as shown by the white arrows in Figure 5.

[0114] The second path 242 faces the first path 241 in the front-rear direction. The second path 242 is located near the rear wall 2214. The conveyor belt 23 is wrapped around the drive pulley 203 in the second path 242. The drive pulley 203 contacts the back surface of the conveyor belt 23 and transmits power to the conveyor belt 23 to drive it.

[0115] The drive pulley 203 is located in the upper part of the first housing 221. The upper part of the first housing 221 may be the upper part when the inside of the first housing 221 is divided into upper and lower parts in the vertical direction.

[0116] The drive pulley is connected to the motor 204 via a gear train 205. The motor 204 and gear train are located in the upper part of the first housing 221. The motor 204 and gear train are also located inside the circulating conveyor belt 23.

[0117] The third path 243 extends along the lower wall 2212 at the bottom of the first housing 221, connecting the first path and the second path. As will be described later, the coins C in the first storage compartment 2 engage with the conveyor belt 23 in the third path 243.

[0118] The fourth path 244 is opposite to the third path 243 in the vertical direction. The fourth path 244 extends along the upper wall 2211 in the upper part of the first housing 221, connecting the first path 241 and the second path 242.

[0119] The housing 22 forms a storage space 25 enclosed by a dashed line in Figure 4 or Figure 5. The coins C are stored in the storage space 25. The storage space 25 is surrounded by the belt path 24. In other words, the storage space 25 is formed inside the loop-shaped belt path 24.

[0120] The first path 241 and the second path 242 face each other with the storage space 25 in the horizontal direction. The third path 243 and the fourth path 244 face each other with the storage space 25 in the vertical direction.

[0121] The storage space 25 is formed by a part of the first housing 221 and the second housing 222. The first housing 221 and the second housing 222 form a single continuous storage space 25.

[0122] The second enclosure 222 is connected to the second chute 192. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 5, the coins C sent from the first gate 161 through the second chute 192 are stored in the storage space 25. The coins C accumulate at the bottom of the storage space 25 due to their own weight.

[0123] The first storage compartment 2 is equipped with a second conveyor belt 26. The second conveyor belt 26 is located at the bottom of the housing 22 and is adjacent to the conveyor belt 23. The second conveyor belt 26 is wrapped between two pulleys 261 and 262 that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The second conveyor belt 26 travels in the left-right direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the conveyor belt 23 travels.

[0124] The coins C stored in the storage space 25 are placed on the second conveyor belt 26. As the second conveyor belt 26 moves toward the conveyor belt 23, the coins C in the storage space 25 move toward the conveyor belt 23 on the third path 243. The coins C are transferred from the second conveyor belt 26 to the conveyor belt 23. The coins C engage with the projections 231 on the surface 230 of the conveyor belt 23 on the third path 243.

[0125] As the conveyor belt 23 rotates clockwise in Figure 4, the coins C that engage with the conveyor belt 23 in the third path 243 are lifted upward in the first path 241 and transported to the exit 21.

[0126] The combination of the second conveyor belt 26 and the conveyor belt 23 allows the first storage unit 2 to smoothly discharge coins C from the outlet 21.

[0127] In the first storage compartment 2, the belt path 24 runs along the upper wall 2211, lower wall 2212, front wall 2213, and rear wall 2214 of the housing 22.

[0128] Since the shape of the belt path 24 corresponds to the rectangular shape of the first housing 221, it is advantageous for expanding the storage space 25.

[0129] The conveyor belt 23 transports the coins C to the outlet 21 formed at the top of the housing 22. The position of the coins C discharged from the outlet 21 is high. The coins C discharged from the first storage unit 2 can be sent to the dispensing unit 13 by utilizing the difference in height. The discharge mechanism 20 of the first storage unit 2 lifting the coins to the position of the outlet 21 makes the transport of the coins C discharged from the outlet 21 more efficient.

[0130] Since an exit 21 is formed at the top of the first housing 221, this space is difficult to use for storing coins C. The motor 204 and gear train 205 are located inside the belt path 24 and at the top of the first housing 221. In other words, the motor 204 and gear train 205 are located inside the belt path 24 in a space that cannot be used as storage space 25.

[0131] Since the motor 204 and gear train 205 are located at the top of the first housing 221, the space below the motor 204 and gear train 205 can be used as storage space 25. Because the motor 204 and gear train 205 do not reduce the storage space 25, the space efficiency of the first storage compartment 2 is improved.

[0132] Furthermore, since the motor 204 and gear train 205 are located inside the belt path 24, the belt path 24 can be brought closer to the upper wall 2211, lower wall 2212, front wall 2213, or rear wall 2214 inside the housing 22, which is advantageous for expanding the storage space 25.

[0133] Furthermore, since the motor 204 is located inside the housing 22, there is no need to provide space for the motor 204 outside the housing 22. This also improves the space efficiency of the currency processing device 1.

[0134] As shown in Figure 5, the conveyor belt 23 is located at the right end of the housing 22, which is advantageous for expanding the storage space 25. Even though the conveyor belt 23 is located at the end of the housing 22, the second conveyor belt 26 conveys the coins C to the conveyor belt 23, so the first storage compartment 2 can smoothly discharge the stored coins C.

[0135] Therefore, even if the first storage compartment 2 is made smaller, its capacity can be increased. Because the first storage compartment 2 is small, the currency processing device 1 can also be made small.

[0136] Furthermore, because the overall height of the first storage compartment 2 is low, the overall height of the currency processing device 1 can be kept low. The currency processing device 1 is a tabletop device that is easy to operate.

[0137] The belt path 24 in the first storage compartment 2 described above is just one example and can be modified. For example, one or more pulleys can be added to further increase the tension of the conveyor belt 23. The shape of the belt path will change from the example shown when pulleys are added.

Claims

1. A coin storage device comprising: a housing that forms a storage space for storing coins; and an endless conveyor belt that transports the coins stored in the storage space to an exit formed in the housing, wherein the conveyor belt circulates within the housing in a vertical circumferential plane along the inner wall of the housing that surrounds the storage space.

2. The coin storage device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is located at the top of the housing, and the conveyor belt conveys coins from the bottom of the housing to the outlet.

3. The coin storage device according to claim 2, wherein the belt path includes a first path that runs along the vertical inner wall of the housing from the bottom of the housing to the top of the housing.

4. The coin storage device according to claim 3, wherein the belt path includes a second path that is opposite to the first path and sandwiches the storage space horizontally; a third path that connects the first path and the second path at the bottom of the housing; and a fourth path that connects the first path and the second path at the upper part inside the housing, and is opposite to the third path and sandwiches the storage space vertically.

5. The money storage device according to claim 4, wherein the motor that drives the conveyor belt is located inside the belt path.

6. The money storage device according to claim 5, wherein the motor is located inside the belt path and on the upper part of the housing.

7. The money storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor belt is provided such that the belt path is perpendicular to the vertical circumferential plane, and the vertical circumferential plane is along the inner wall of the housing.

8. The currency storage device according to claim 7, further comprising a second conveyor belt within the housing for conveying the currency stored in the storage space toward the conveyor belt.

9. The currency storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conveyor belt has pins that are spaced apart in the direction of travel of the belt and into which currency is engaged.

10. The coin storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage space is used to store coins of multiple denominations.

11. A currency processing device comprising a currency storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a circulating transport path located above the currency storage device and transporting currency; and a dispensing unit located in the middle of the circulating transport path and dispensing the held currency one by one into the circulating transport path, wherein currency discharged from the outlet of the housing to the outside of the housing by the transport belt of the currency storage device is sent to the dispensing unit.

13. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an identification unit located in the middle of the circulating transport path and for identifying currency dispensed from the dispensing unit.

14. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a second currency storage unit to which the circulating transport path is connected, and which switches between an open state for sending currency to the dispensing unit and a storage state for holding currency.

15. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a branching unit located in the middle of the circulating transport path, which selectively sends the currency that has passed through the identification unit to the currency storage device, the second currency storage unit, or a dispensing unit that dispenses the currency outside the device, according to the identification result.

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