Currency storage device, currency processing device, and currency processing method

Abstract

A currency storage device (2) comprises a storage unit (25) that stores currency, a transport unit (26) that transports bulk currency stored at the storage unit toward an outlet (251) of the storage unit, and a flexible shutter that includes a flexible member (27) and a rigid member (271) and covers at least a portion of the outlet. The flexible member is pressed by the currency transported by the transport unit and flexes to allow the currency to pass through the outlet.

Description

Money storage device, money processing device, and money processing method

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional coin depositing and dispensing machine. The conventional coin depositing and dispensing machine includes a plurality of storage units that store coins for each denomination. Each of the plurality of storage units can dispense the stored coins one by one.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-740

[0004] The conventional coin depositing and dispensing machine is a large-sized device. The structure of the conventional coin depositing and dispensing machine is not suitable for a desktop money processing device used by being placed on furniture such as a counter, a table, or a desk.

[0005] A storage device that mixes and stores money of a plurality of denominations can reduce the number of required storage units, which is advantageous for reducing the size of the money processing device. However, a storage device that stores mixed money is required to be capable of adjusting the discharge amount of money. This is because it is necessary to sort the money discharged from the storage device that stores mixed money. If an excessive amount of money is discharged from the storage device, extra time will be required for sorting the money.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein adjusts the discharge amount of money from a money storage device.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein relates to a money storage device. The money storage device includes: a storage unit that stores money; a conveyance unit that conveys bulk money stored in the storage unit toward an outlet of the storage unit; and a shutter that includes a flexible flexible member and a non-flexible rigid member and covers at least a part of the outlet, wherein money passes through the outlet when the flexible member is bent by being pushed by the bulk money conveyed by the conveyance unit.

[0008] The money storage device does not include a mechanism for discharging money one by one. The money storage device can be reduced in size because it has a simple mechanism.

[0009] The transport unit carries bulk currency, consisting of multiple stacked coins, towards the exit of the storage unit. If there were no shutter, the amount of currency passing through the exit would depend on the stacked amount of currency, making it impossible for the currency storage device to control the amount of currency passing through the exit.

[0010] A shutter with a flexible member restricts the passage of coins through the exit. Specifically, the flexible member flexes when pressed by the coins being transported by the transport unit, creating a gap through which the coins can pass. Since the coins pass through the exit through the formed gap, the amount of coins passing through the exit can be controlled. The flexible member may be made of, for example, urethane rubber.

[0011] The combination of the transport unit and the shutter allows the currency storage device to adjust the amount of currency dispensed.

[0012] The rigid member may interfere with the upright coin as it attempts to pass through the exit.

[0013] When a coin is in an upright position, it causes the flexible material to bend significantly, resulting in a larger-than-necessary gap through which the coin can pass.

[0014] The upright coins, transported to the exit of the storage compartment, fall over upon contact with a rigid member. This prevents the gap through which the coins can pass from becoming unnecessarily large, allowing the coin storage device to stably dispense the coins in a predetermined quantity.

[0015] The conveying unit may have a conveying belt that carries bulk currency and moves toward the exit, and the conveying belt may move when discharging currency from the storage unit and stop when not discharging currency from the storage unit.

[0016] As the conveyor belt moves, the bulk coins placed on the conveyor belt push against the flexible member. As the flexible member flexes, some of the bulk coins on the conveyor belt are discharged from the exit.

[0017] The conveyor belt may move a predetermined amount and then stop in response to an instruction to discharge the currency.

[0018] By keeping the amount of movement of the conveyor belt constant, the currency storage device can maintain a constant rate of currency discharge.

[0019] The shutter may change its position relative to the exit between a first position and a second position in which it covers less of the exit than the first position.

[0020] If the amount of currency being transported by the transport section is small, the force pushing on the flexible member is weak, so the flexible member does not bend easily. If the amount of currency stored in the storage section decreases, the amount of currency discharged from the outlet decreases.

[0021] When the shutter is positioned in the second position, the exit opens, so even if the amount of currency stored in the storage compartment decreases, the currency storage device can ensure that currency is dispensed.

[0022] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing device. The currency processing device comprises the aforementioned currency storage device and a controller for changing the position of the shutter, wherein the storage device stores a mixture of several denominations of currency, and the currency processing device further comprises a second storage device for storing currency used in the dispensing process from the currency discharged from the storage device, and the controller positions the shutter to the first position when dispensing currency from the storage device in order to replenish the second storage device with currency.

[0023] The currency processing device may dispense change. The second storage unit may store 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. If the minimum number of coins required for change is stored in the second storage unit, the currency processing device can quickly complete the change dispensing process by dispensing coins from the second storage unit.

[0024] Because the storage compartment stores a mixture of multiple denominations of coins, the storage capacity relative to the size of the compartment can be increased compared to cases where coins are stored by denomination. A coin processing device equipped with a storage compartment and a second storage compartment is advantageous for miniaturization of the device.

[0025] Replenishing the second storage compartment with currency involves selecting a predetermined denomination of currency from the currency discharged from the storage compartment, and then replenishing it with a predetermined number of the selected currency.

[0026] When replenishing the second storage compartment with currency, the shutter is positioned to the first position, and the amount of currency discharged from the storage compartment is limited. Since excessive amounts of currency are not discharged from the storage compartment, no extra time is required for currency sorting. The currency processing device can quickly complete the replenishment of the second storage compartment with currency.

[0027] The controller may position the shutter in the second position when discharging coins from the storage unit in order to collect the coins from the storage unit.

[0028] When collecting currency from a storage compartment, a larger volume of currency discharged from the compartment shortens the time required for collection. Because the shutter is positioned in the second position, the volume of currency discharged from the storage compartment increases, allowing the currency processing device to complete the collection process quickly.

[0029] The technology disclosed herein relates to a method for handling currency. In this currency handling method, a transport unit transports bulk currency stored in the storage unit toward the exit of the storage unit, and a shutter that opens and closes the exit is positioned in a first position to limit the amount of currency discharged from the exit, and when predetermined conditions are met, the shutter is positioned in a second position that opens the exit more than the first position to relax the restriction on the amount of currency discharged from the exit.

[0030] The shutter may be flexible, and when the shutter is positioned in the first position, the shutter may bend when pressed by the bulk currency being transported by the transport unit, thereby allowing the currency to pass through the exit.

[0031] When the shutter is positioned in the first position, the conveyor belt carrying the bulk currency may be moved by a predetermined amount in response to an instruction to discharge currency.

[0032] When the conveyor belt moves by a predetermined amount, a predetermined amount of currency is discharged from the storage unit. Each time the conveyor belt moves by a predetermined amount, the same amount or approximately the same amount of currency is discharged from the storage unit.

[0033] The storage compartment stores a mixture of several denominations of coins, and the shutter may be positioned in the first position when discharging coins from the storage compartment in preparation for withdrawal, and in the second position when retrieving coins from the storage compartment.

[0034] When discharging currency from a storage unit in preparation for withdrawal, the preparation can be completed quickly by limiting the amount of currency discharged. Alternatively, the preparation for withdrawal may involve storing the currency discharged from the storage unit into a separate storage unit as currency for withdrawal.

[0035] When retrieving currency from the storage unit, the restrictions on the amount of currency released will be relaxed, allowing for the quick retrieval of currency from the storage unit.

[0036] The shutter may be positioned in the first position and begin discharging money from the storage unit in preparation for discharging. If the amount of money stored in the storage unit falls below a threshold value during the discharging of money, the shutter may be changed from the first position to the second position.

[0037] The system may be configured such that the transport belt carrying the bulk currency is moved by a predetermined amount to transport the currency stored in the storage section to the exit, the specified currency is selectively stored in the second storage section from among the currency discharged from the storage section, and if the specified currency to be stored in the second storage section is insufficient, the transport belt is moved again by the predetermined amount in a retry, and the shutter is positioned at the second position when the retry is performed.

[0038] The currency stored in the second storage unit is the specified currency, whereas the storage unit that stores mixed currency cannot selectively dispense the desired currency. The storage unit continues to dispense currency until the specified currency is dispensed.

[0039] When retrying to re-discharge money from the storage unit, positioning the shutter at the second position can increase the amount of money discharged from the storage unit. This increases the possibility that the designated money stored in the second storage unit will be discharged from the storage unit, and allows the replenishment of money into the second storage unit to be completed quickly.

[0040] After the shutter is positioned at the first position and starts discharging money from the storage unit for withdrawal preparation, if the conveying time of the conveying unit exceeds a first threshold value, the shutter may be changed from the first position to the second position.

[0041] If the average of the conveying operation time of the conveying unit for withdrawal preparation performed in the past exceeds a second threshold value, discharging of money for withdrawal preparation may be started after the shutter is positioned at the second position.

[0042] According to the money storage device, money processing device and money processing method described above, the discharge amount of money from the money storage device can be adjusted.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows the money processing apparatus. Fig. 2 shows the internal structure of the money storage apparatus. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the money storage apparatus. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the money storage apparatus. Fig. 5 shows the conveyance of money during deposit. Fig. 6 shows the conveyance of money during withdrawal. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view showing the shutter of the storage compartment. Fig. 8 shows the opening and closing of the shutter. Fig. 9 is a flowchart related to opening and closing control of the shutter.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the money storage device, money processing device, and money processing method will be described with reference to the drawings. The money storage device, money processing device, and money processing method described herein are illustrative.

[0045] (Money Processing Apparatus) Fig. 1 shows a money processing apparatus 1. The money processing apparatus 1 is a coin processing apparatus that processes coins.

[0046] Here, for the description of the money handling apparatus 1, front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are defined as follows. The front of the money handling apparatus 1 is the left side of the drawing sheet in Fig. 1, and the rear of the money handling apparatus 1 is the right side of the drawing sheet in Fig. 1. The front of the money handling apparatus 1 is the side where a deposit unit 11 or a withdrawal unit 12 described later is located, and the rear of the money handling apparatus 1 is the opposite side.

[0047] The left of the money handling apparatus 1 is the left side of a user facing directly the front of the money handling apparatus 1, and the right of the money handling apparatus 1 is the right side of said user.

[0048] The top of the money handling apparatus 1 is the top side of the drawing sheet in Fig. 1, and the bottom of the money handling apparatus 1 is the bottom side of the drawing sheet in Fig. 1. The top and bottom of the money handling apparatus 1 correspond, for example, to the top and bottom of the money handling apparatus 1 in a state where it is placed on furniture.

[0049] The terms front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom used in the following description are only used for the description of the money handling apparatus 1. The terms front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom used in the following description are not used to limit the structure of the money handling apparatus 1.

[0050] The money handling apparatus 1 is installed, for example, in a store, and is used for settlement of transactions between the store and customers. The money handling apparatus 1 is combined with another money handling apparatus that processes banknotes, and an input / output device. The input / output device provides information to store staff or customers and accepts operations from the store staff or customers. The input / output device is, for example, a touch panel display. The input / output device may be installed on the money handling apparatus 1.

[0051] Users of the money handling apparatus 1 are mainly customers of the store. A customer uses the money handling apparatus 1 to pay the price for commodities purchased from the store and / or the price for services provided by the store.

[0052] A store staff may operate the money handling apparatus 1 for management of the money handling apparatus 1.

[0053] 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 (deposited coins) into the currency processing device 1. Coin withdrawal processing is the process of dispensing coins as change (withdrawn coins) from the currency processing device 1 to the outside.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 storage device 2, which will be described later.

[0057] The currency processing device 1 has an identification unit 14 on the transport path 16 of the 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 of an optical sensor, such as a line sensor or a camera, and a magnetic sensor.

[0058] 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 transport path 16. The coins are transported along the transport path 16. The transport path 16 passes from the dispensing unit 13 through the identification unit 14. The downstream end of the transport path 16 is connected to the first storage space 25 of the storage device 2, which will be described later. The transport path 16 is not loop-shaped and does not have a return section, so the overall height of the currency processing device 1 is kept low.

[0059] The transport unit 15 has a first gate 161. The first gate 161 is located on the 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 second storage unit 18, 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 second storage unit 18.

[0060] The transport unit 15 has a second gate 162. The second gate 162 is located at the downstream end of the transport path 16. The second gate 162 is a gate that sends coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 to the first storage space 25 of the storage device 2. When the second gate 162 opens, the coins are sent to the first storage space 25. A third chute 193 connects the second gate 162 and the first storage space 25. 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.

[0061] The currency processing device 1 has a storage device 2. The storage device 2 is an example of a currency storage device.

[0062] The storage device 2 is installed inside the casing of the currency processing device 1. The storage device 2 stores coins in the first storage space 25. The storage device 2 stores coins of multiple denominations together. Mixed storage here means that the stored coins are not separated by denomination.

[0063] The storage device 2 is located at the bottom of the housing of the currency processing device 1. The transport path 16 and the identification unit 14 are located above the storage device 2.

[0064] The storage device 2 is located below the second gate 162. Within the casing of the currency processing device 1, coins fall from the second gate 162 to the storage device 2 through the third chute 193 which extends vertically. The fallen coins are stored in the first storage space 25.

[0065] The currency processing device 1 has a second storage section 18. The second storage section 18 is located inside the storage device 2. The second storage section 18 forms a second storage space independent of the first storage space 25.

[0066] The second storage compartment 18 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The second storage compartment 18 has a smaller capacity than the first storage space 25.

[0067] The second storage section 18 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 second storage section 18 through a second chute 192 that extends vertically. The fallen coins are stored in the second storage section 18.

[0068] The storage device 2 also has a discharge mechanism 20. As will be described later, the discharge mechanism 20 discharges the coins stored in the storage device 2 to the outside of the storage device 2 through the outlet 21 of the storage device 2. The coins discharged to the outside of the storage device 2 are sent to the dispensing unit 13. The dispensing unit 13 is located at a position corresponding to the top of the storage device 2.

[0069] Details of the structure of the storage device 2 will be described later.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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 space 25, and the number of coins of each denomination stored in the second storage unit 18.

[0073] The storage device 2, including the deposit section 11, withdrawal section 12, dispensing section 13, identification section 14, transport section 15, and second storage section 18, is 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. A currency processing device 1 with a low overall height is suitable as a tabletop currency processing device 1 to be placed on a fixture.

[0074] (Coin storage device) Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the storage device 2. Figure 3 is a diagram corresponding to the III-III cross section in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a diagram corresponding to the IV-IV cross section in Figure 2. The storage device 2 has a housing 22. The discharge mechanism 20 is located inside the housing 22.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The first housing 221 has a rectangular shape overall. The shape of the first housing 221 does not have to be a perfect rectangle.

[0080] The first housing 221 houses the discharge mechanism 20. The discharge mechanism 20 has a conveyor belt 23. As shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, 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.

[0081] The conveyor belt 23 is a flexible, endless belt. The conveyor belt 23 conveys coins.

[0082] The belt path 24 of the conveyor belt 23 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 4) that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0083] 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 extends along the lower wall 2212 at the bottom of the first housing 221. As will be described later, coins C in the first storage space 25, or coins C discharged from the second storage section 18, engage with the conveyor belt 23 in the first path 241.

[0084] The second path 242 is a path that is continuous with the first path 241. The second path 242 runs along the front wall 2213 from the bottom of the first housing 221 to the top of the first housing 221. The second path 242 lifts the coin C from the bottom to the top of the first housing 221.

[0085] The outlet 21 of the storage device 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 second path 242, are discharged outside the storage device 2 through the outlet 21. The discharged coins C are sent to the dispensing unit 13, as shown by the white arrows in Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0086] The third path 243 is opposite to the first path 241 in the vertical direction. The third path 243 is continuous with the second path 242 and extends rearward along the upper wall 2211 in the upper part of the first housing 221.

[0087] The fourth path 244 faces the second path 242 in the front-rear direction. The fourth path 244 connects the third path 243 and the first path 241, and the fourth path 244 is located near the rear wall 2214.

[0088] Reference numeral 204 denotes a motor 204 for driving the conveyor belt 23.

[0089] The housing 22 forms a first storage space 25 enclosed by a dashed line in Figure 2 or Figure 4. The first storage space 25 stores coins C. The first storage space 25 is formed inside the loop-shaped belt path 24 and surrounded by the belt path 24. The first storage space 25 is an example of a storage section.

[0090] The first storage space 25 is connected to the third chute 193. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 4, the coins C sent from the second gate 162 through the third chute 193 are stored in the first storage space 25. The coins C accumulate at the bottom of the first storage space 25 due to their own weight.

[0091] The storage device 2 includes a second conveyor belt 26. The second conveyor belt 26 is located at the bottom of the first storage space 25 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 rotates in the left-right direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 23. The second conveyor belt 26 is an example of a conveying unit that transports bulk currency, which is a plurality of coins.

[0092] The coins C stored in the first 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 first storage space 25 move toward the conveyor belt 23 on the first path 241. The coins C are transferred from the second conveyor belt 26 to the conveyor belt 23 through the exit 251 of the first storage space 25, which is located between the second conveyor belt 26 and the conveyor belt 23 (see Figures 4, 7, or 8).

[0093] The storage device 2 has a shutter 27. The shutter 27 is located at the exit 251 of the first storage space 25 and can cover at least a portion of the exit 251. The shutter 27 regulates the amount of coins C discharged through the exit 251. Details of the structure of the shutter 27 and the control of opening and closing the shutter 27 will be described later.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2, the second storage section 18 is located inside the belt path 24. The second storage section 18 forms a closed second storage space 180 within the housing 22. The second storage space 180 has a smaller capacity than the first storage space 25. The second storage section 18 is connected to the second chute 192. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 3, the coins C sent from the first gate 161 through the second chute 192 are stored in the second storage space 180.

[0095] The second storage section 18 has a hopper-like structure, as shown in Figure 3. The second storage section 18 has a discharge port 181 that is opened and closed by a swing-type cover 182. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, when the cover 182 opens the discharge port 181, the second storage space 180 is opened into the housing 22, and all the coins C stored in the second storage section 18 are discharged into the housing 22. The discharged coins C are placed on the conveyor belt 23 in the first path 241. The second storage section 18 discharges the stored coins C onto the conveyor belt 23 without sorting.

[0096] The second storage unit 18 discharges the coins C stored in the second storage space 180 to the conveyor belt 23 via the first path 241, separately from the coins C stored in the first storage space 25.

[0097] In the storage device 2, both the coins C in the first storage space 25 and the coins C in the second storage section 18 can be supplied to the conveyor belt 23.

[0098] As the conveyor belt 23 rotates clockwise in Figure 2, the coins C are lifted upwards in the second path 242 and transported to the exit 21.

[0099] (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 at least 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 space 25 of the storage device 2. Coin withdrawal processing is the process in which the currency processing device 1 dispenses the coins to be dispensed to the customer from the second storage section 18 to the withdrawal section 12.

[0100] The second storage unit 18 is a stacker for storing coins dispensed during the cash withdrawal process. The second storage unit 18 pre-stores at least the minimum number of coins required for the 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.

[0101] When the currency processing device 1 processes euro coins, the minimum number of coins to be used is, for example, 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. Before starting the withdrawal process, the currency processing device 1 ensures that the second storage unit 18 is filled with coins for change. To this end, after performing the withdrawal process, the currency processing device 1 performs a withdrawal preparation process to replenish the second storage unit 18 with coins for withdrawal.

[0102] Figure 5 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 5.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 allows the currency processing device 1 to pass through to the second gate 162. Acceptable coins are sent through the second gate 162 to the first storage space 25 of the storage device 2, as indicated by arrow A3. The first storage space 25 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations.

[0105] The first gate 161 sends coins that the currency processing device 1 cannot accept to the dispensing section 12, as indicated by arrow A4. The unacceptable coins are returned to the customer.

[0106] After the storage device 2 has finished storing the coins, the currency processing device 1 calculates the amount of coins deposited based on the identification result from the identification unit 14.

[0107] The storage 19 updates and stores the balance of the first storage space 25 based on the denominations and number of coins of each denomination stored in the first storage space 25. The balance of the first storage space 25 includes the number of coins of each denomination and the total value of the coins stored in the first storage space 25.

[0108] The upper diagram of Figure 6 shows the transport path of coins during the withdrawal process. When the second storage unit 18 receives a withdrawal instruction during the withdrawal process, it discharges all the stored coins into the storage device 2, as shown by arrow B1.

[0109] The discharge mechanism 20 discharges the coins discharged by the second storage unit 18 from the storage device 2. The discharged coins are sent to the dispensing unit 13, as shown by arrow B2.

[0110] The dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one to the identification unit 14, as shown by arrow B3. The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the coins.

[0111] Coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 sends the coins to be dispensed as change through the first chute 191 to the dispensing unit 12 (see arrow B4). The dispensing unit 12 holds the change.

[0112] The first gate 161 sends the coins of the denomination corresponding to the predetermined change coins (the minimum number of coins or an alternative number of coins) from the coins that are not dispensed to the second storage unit 18 via the second chute 192, as indicated by arrow B5. The second storage unit 18 stores the returned coins. The remaining coins from the coins that are not dispensed are sent to the second gate 162 and return to the first storage space 25 via the second gate 162.

[0113] 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 in the second storage unit 18. The balance in 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.

[0114] The lower diagram of Figure 6 shows the transport path of coins during the cash withdrawal preparation process. After the cash withdrawal process is executed, the currency processing device 1 performs the cash withdrawal preparation process. During the cash withdrawal preparation process, the storage device 2 supplies coins from the first storage space 25 to the transport belt 23.

[0115] In the withdrawal preparation process, the second conveyor belt 26 of the first storage space 25 may move by a predetermined amount of rotation. The amount of rotation is set, which determines the amount of coins supplied from the first storage space 25 to the conveyor belt 23. The control to keep the amount of rotation of the second conveyor belt 26 constant may be controlled based on the operating time of the motor that rotates the second conveyor belt 26, or it may be controlled based on the rotation angle of the motor.

[0116] The discharge mechanism 20 transports the coins toward the exit 21, as shown by arrow C1. The coins discharged from the storage device 2 are sent to the dispensing unit 13, as shown by arrow C2.

[0117] The dispensing unit 13 dispenses coins one by one to the identification unit 14 (see arrow C3). The identification unit 14 identifies the denomination of the coins.

[0118] The coins that have passed through the identification unit 14 reach the first gate 161. Based on the identification result of the identification unit 14, the first gate 161 sends the coins to be replenished in the second storage unit 18 to the second storage unit 18, as shown by arrow C4.

[0119] The first gate 161 also sends any coins that are not replenished in the second storage unit 18 to the second gate 162. The coins that are not replenished in the second storage unit 18 return to the first storage space 25 through the second gate 162, as shown by arrow C5.

[0120] The storage device 2 continues to dispense coins from the first storage space 25 until the minimum number of change coins is stored in the second storage section 18. Once the minimum number of change coins is stored in the second storage section 18, the storage device 2 stops dispensing coins.

[0121] The currency processing device 1 comprises a relatively large-capacity first storage space 25 and a relatively small-capacity second storage section 18, with the first storage space 25 and the second storage section 18 each storing multiple denominations of coins together. A storage device 2 that stores coins together can be made smaller compared to a stacker of the same capacity that stores coins in multiple storage compartments for each denomination.

[0122] A coin stacker that stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations may take time to dispense the desired denomination. In contrast, the aforementioned coin processing device 1 has a small-capacity second storage section 18, which stores the minimum number of change coins. By using the second storage section 18, the desired denomination of coins can be quickly selected, allowing the coin processing device 1 to complete the change dispensing process quickly.

[0123] The number of change coins stored in the second storage section 18 is 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 is less than a predetermined number, the change coins may be replaced with coins of other denominations.

[0124] (Structure of the storage compartment shutter and control of opening and closing the shutter) Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the area around the exit 251 of the first storage space 25 of the storage device 2. The shutter 27 of the storage device 2 has a main body 271 and a curtain 272. The curtain 272 is supported by the main body 271 and hangs down from the bottom of the main body 271.

[0125] The curtain 272 is flexible. The curtain 272 may be made of, for example, silicone rubber. However, the curtain 272 is not limited to being made of silicone rubber.

[0126] Figure 7 shows the shutter 27 in the first position. When the currency processing device 1 performs a cash dispensing preparation process, the shutter 27 is positioned in the first position.

[0127] When the shutter 27 is positioned in the first position, the lower end of the curtain 272 is located near the second conveyor belt 26. The shutter 27 substantially blocks the exit 251.

[0128] As the second conveyor belt 26 travels toward the exit 251, the curtain 272 is pushed by the bulk coins BC placed on the second conveyor belt 26, causing it to bend outward from the first storage space 25, that is, to the right of the currency processing device 1 (see the solid and dashed lines in the upper diagram of Figure 7). The bulk coins BC consist of multiple coins stacked on top of each other. The bending of the curtain 272 creates a gap at the exit 251 through which coins C can pass. The coins C placed on the second conveyor belt 26 pass through the gap to the exit 251. The coins C that have passed through the exit 251 are placed on the conveyor belt 23.

[0129] In the cash withdrawal preparation process, the second conveyor belt 26 travels a predetermined distance. The curtain 272 allows coins C to pass through the exit 251, while restricting a large number of coins C from passing through the exit 251 at once. The amount of coins C discharged by the second conveyor belt 26 per trip is constant or approximately constant.

[0130] The main body 271 of the shutter 27 is made of a rigid member that does not have flexibility. The main body 271 may be made of metal, specifically steel.

[0131] When the shutter 27 is positioned in the first position, the main body 271 blocks the top of the exit 251. As shown in the lower part of Figure 7, the main body 271 interferes with the upright coins C being transported by the second conveyor belt 26.

[0132] If coin C is allowed to pass through exit 251 in an upright position, the upright coin C will cause the curtain 272 to bend significantly, creating an unnecessarily large gap through which coin C can pass.

[0133] Since the upright coin C hits the main body 271 and falls over, the gap through which the coin C can pass is prevented from being formed to be unnecessarily large.

[0134] The first storage space 25 of the storage device 2 does not have a mechanism for dispensing coins one by one. Because the mechanism of the storage device 2 is simple, it can be small while having a large capacity.

[0135] The storage device 2 can also adjust the amount of coins C discharged from the first storage space 25 to the conveyor belt 23 by combining a shutter 27 having a non-flexible body 271 and a flexible curtain 272, and a second conveyor belt 26 that travels a predetermined distance.

[0136] The main body 271 is attached to the housing 22 of the storage device 2 so as to be able to move back and forth in the vertical direction. As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, when the shutter 27 is positioned in the second position, the curtain 272 moves upward. The exit 251 is opened wide.

[0137] If the amount of coins C stored in the first storage space 25 is small, the curtain 272 will not sag as the second conveyor belt 26 travels, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 8. This is because the small number of coins C cannot push the curtain 272 sufficiently. When the amount of coins C stored in the first storage space 25 decreases, the amount discharged from the outlet 251 decreases.

[0138] When the amount of coins C stored in the first storage space 25 is small, the shutter 27 is positioned in the second position, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, thereby ensuring that coins C are discharged from the first storage space 25.

[0139] Furthermore, since the coins C discharged from the first storage space 25 are random, there are cases in the dispensing preparation process where the coins C that should be stored in the second storage section 18 are not discharged for a long time. In such cases, by positioning the shutter 27 in the second position and opening the exit 251 wide, the amount of coins C discharged from the first storage space 25 increases with each pass of the second conveyor belt 26. This increases the probability that the coins C that should be stored in the second storage section 18 are discharged from the first storage space 25.

[0140] Furthermore, when the currency processing device 1 performs a collection process, the shutter 27 is positioned in the second position. The collection process is the process of dispensing all the coins inside the currency processing device 1 to the outside of the device.

[0141] In the collection process, the second conveyor belt 26 may be driven continuously without limiting the amount of rotation. Since the coins C are quickly discharged from the first storage space 25, the currency processing device 1 can complete the collection process quickly.

[0142] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the control performed by the controller 10 regarding the opening and closing of the shutter 27. Note that the flowchart in Figure 9 can be modified by rearranging the order of steps, deleting some steps, or adding other steps.

[0143] In step S90 after the start, the controller 10 decides whether to execute the withdrawal preparation process. If the withdrawal preparation process is not executed, the process in Figure 9 proceeds to step S91.

[0144] When executing a withdrawal preparation process, the controller 10 determines in step S92 whether the average time the second conveyor belt 26 spent in conveying operations in past withdrawal preparation processes exceeds the threshold th1. The number of past withdrawal preparation processes and / or the threshold th1 used to calculate the average can be set as appropriate.

[0145] The withdrawal preparation process involves discharging coins from the first storage space 25 until the second storage unit 18 is replenished with the minimum number of coins required. If a previous withdrawal preparation process took a long time to complete, accelerating the discharging of coins from the first storage space 25 in the upcoming withdrawal preparation process can shorten the processing time. Therefore, the controller 10 takes into account the time taken for previous withdrawal preparation processes.

[0146] If the determination in step S92 is No, that is, if it has not taken a long time to complete the withdrawal preparation process that was performed in the past, the process in Figure 9 proceeds to step S93. In step S93, the controller 10 positions the shutter 27 to the first position, and in the following step S94, drives the second conveyor belt 26. As the second conveyor belt 26 rotates by a predetermined amount and the curtain 272 of the shutter 27 restricts the discharge of coins, a predetermined amount of coins is discharged from the first storage space 25.

[0147] On the other hand, if the determination in step S92 is Yes, that is, if it took a long time to complete the withdrawal preparation process that was performed in the past, the process in Figure 9 proceeds to step S99. In step S99, the controller 10 positions the shutter 27 to the second position, and in the following step S94, drives the second conveyor belt 26. At this time, the curtain 272 of the shutter 27 does not restrict the discharge of coins. A large amount of coins can be discharged from the first storage space 25. It can be expected that the withdrawal preparation process will be completed quickly.

[0148] In step S95, the controller 10 determines whether the withdrawal preparation process is complete. If the withdrawal preparation process is complete, the process shown in Figure 9 ends. If the withdrawal preparation process is not complete, the withdrawal preparation process continues. That is, the second conveyor belt 26 is driven again, and coins are discharged from the first storage space 25.

[0149] If the withdrawal preparation process is not complete, the controller 10 determines in step S96 whether the amount of coins stored in the first storage space 25 has fallen below the threshold th2. This is because if the amount of coins stored in the first storage space 25 decreases, the sag of the curtain 272 decreases or does not sag at all. The amount of coins stored in the first storage space 25 can be calculated or estimated based on the amount of coins stored in the first storage space 25 stored in the storage 19 before the withdrawal preparation process and the number of coins stored in the second storage unit 18 during the withdrawal preparation process. The threshold th2 can be set as appropriate.

[0150] If the decision in step S96 is Yes, the process in Figure 9 returns to step S99.

[0151] If the decision in step S96 is No, the controller 10 determines in step S97 whether the number of retries to restart the second conveyor belt 26 exceeds the threshold th3. The second conveyor belt 26 is driven repeatedly (i.e., retried) until the withdrawal preparation process is completed. If the number of retries for the second conveyor belt 26 exceeds the threshold th3, the process in Figure 9 returns to step S99. The threshold th3 can be set as appropriate, with a value of 1 or greater.

[0152] If the determination in step S97 is No, the controller 10 determines in step S98 whether the cumulative driving time of the second conveyor belt 26 in the disbursement preparation process exceeds the threshold th4. If the driving time of the second conveyor belt 26 exceeds the threshold th4, the process in Figure 9 returns to step S99. The threshold th4 can be set as appropriate.

[0153] If the determination in step S98 is No, the process in Figure 9 returns to step S93, and the controller 10 positions the shutter 27 in the first position and drives the second conveyor belt 26 again (step S94).

[0154] If the determination in step S96, S97, or S98 is Yes, the controller 10 determines that a sufficient amount of coins has not been discharged from the first storage space 25. Therefore, in step S99, during the execution of the cash dispensing preparation process, the controller 10 changes the shutter 27 from the first position to the second position. Then, in step S94, the controller 10 drives the second conveyor belt 26. Since the shutter 27 does not restrict the discharge of coins, a sufficient amount of coins is discharged from the first storage space 25. The cash dispensing preparation process can be expected to be completed quickly.

[0155] In step S91, the controller 10 determines whether to perform the retrieval process. If the retrieval process is not performed, the process in Figure 9 returns to step S90.

[0156] When the currency processing device 1 performs the collection process, the controller 10 positions the shutter 27 to the second position in step S910. In the following step S911, the controller 10 continuously drives the second conveyor belt 26. Coins are discharged sequentially from the first storage space 25.

[0157] Then, in step S912, the controller 10 determines whether the recovery process is complete. If it is not complete, in step S911, it continues to drive the second conveyor belt 26. If it is complete, the process shown in Figure 9 ends.

[0158] In step S92, the controller 10 may determine whether the average number of retries in past withdrawal preparation processes exceeds a threshold. Based on the number of retries, the controller 10 can determine that it took a long time to complete past withdrawal preparation processes.

[0159] Furthermore, in step S96, the controller 10 may determine the amount of coins stored in the first storage space 25 based on the volume of coins stored in the first storage space 25, rather than the storage capacity of the first storage space 25, i.e., the number of coins stored.

[0160] Furthermore, in step S94, the amount of travel may be increased when the second conveyor belt 26 is driven for the second time or later. Increasing the amount of travel may be done by extending the driving time of the second conveyor belt 26, increasing the travel speed of the second conveyor belt 26, or extending the driving time of the second conveyor belt 26 and increasing the travel speed of the second conveyor belt 26.

[0161] 1. Currency processing unit 10. Controller 14. Identification unit 15. Conveying unit 18. Second storage unit 2. Storage compartment (currency storage device) 25. First storage space (storage unit) 251. Exit 26. Second conveyor belt (conveying unit, conveyor belt) 27. Shutter 271. Main body (rigid member) 272. Curtain

Claims

1. A currency storage device comprising: a storage section for storing currency; a transport section for transporting bulk currency stored in the storage section toward an exit of the storage section; and a shutter having a flexible member having flexibility and a rigid member having inflexibility, and covering at least a part of the exit, wherein the currency passes through the exit as the flexible member bends under pressure from the bulk currency transported by the transport section.

2. The coin storage device according to claim 1, wherein the rigid member interferes with a coin in an upright position that is attempting to pass through the outlet.

3. The currency storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying unit has a conveying belt that carries bulk currency and moves toward the exit, and the conveying belt moves when discharging currency from the storage unit and stops when not discharging currency from the storage unit.

4. The currency storage device according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor belt moves by a predetermined amount and stops in response to an instruction to discharge currency.

5. The coin storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shutter changes its position relative to the exit between a first position and a second position in which the amount covering the exit is less than that of the first position.

6. A currency processing device comprising: a currency storage device according to claim 5; and a controller for changing the position of the shutter, wherein the storage unit stores a mixture of several denominations of currency, and further comprises a second storage unit for storing currency used in the dispensing process from among the currency discharged from the storage unit, and the controller positions the shutter to the first position when dispensing currency from the storage unit in order to replenish the second storage unit.

7. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the controller positions the shutter to the second position when discharging currency from the storage unit in order to collect currency from the storage unit.

8. A currency processing method comprising: a transport unit transporting bulk currency stored in a storage unit toward the exit of the storage unit; positioning a shutter that opens and closes the exit in a first position to limit the amount of currency discharged from the exit; and, when predetermined conditions are met, positioning the shutter in a second position that opens the exit more than the first position to relax the restriction on the amount of currency discharged from the exit.

9. The currency processing method according to claim 8, wherein the shutter is flexible, and when the shutter is positioned in the first position, the shutter is pushed by the bulk currency being transported by the transport unit and bends, thereby allowing the currency to pass through the exit.

10. The currency processing method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, when the shutter is positioned in the first position, the conveyor belt carrying the bulk currency is moved by a predetermined amount in response to an instruction to discharge currency.

11. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the storage unit stores a mixture of several denominations of currency, and the shutter is positioned in the first position when discharging currency from the storage unit in preparation for discharging, and is positioned in the second position when retrieving currency from the storage unit.

12. The money handling method according to claim 11, wherein, after the shutter is positioned in the first position and the dispensing of money from the storage unit in preparation for dispensing money has begun, if the amount of money stored in the storage unit falls below a threshold value during the dispensing of money, the shutter is changed from the first position to the second position.

13. A currency processing method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the currency stored in the storage section is transported to the outlet by moving a conveyor belt carrying bulk currency by a predetermined amount, specified currency is selectively stored in a second storage section from among the currency discharged from the storage section, and if the specified currency to be stored in the second storage section is insufficient, a retry is performed by moving the conveyor belt again by the predetermined amount, and the shutter is positioned at the second position when the retry is performed.

14. The money handling method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, after the shutter is positioned in the first position and the discharge of money from the storage unit has begun in preparation for dispensing, the shutter is changed from the first position to the second position if the time of the transport operation of the transport unit exceeds a first threshold.

15. The money handling method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein if the average time of the transport operation of the transport unit for preparing the money for withdrawal that has been performed in the past exceeds a second threshold, the shutter starts discharging the money for preparation for withdrawal after it has been positioned in the second position.

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