JP7808518B2 - Storage mechanism and coin processing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a storage mechanism and a coin processing machine.

The coin processing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a so-called recycling coin processing machine that reuses deposited coins for withdrawal. In the coin processing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, during the coin deposit process, coins received in the coin receiving section are sent by a transport section to a storage cylinder of a coin storage mechanism by denomination, and stored in the storage cylinder. Furthermore, during the coin withdrawal process, this type of coin processing machine is configured to feed coins one by one from the storage cylinder to the transport section, and the transport section sends the coins to a coin withdrawal box.

Patent document 2 also discloses a coin storage device equipped with a lid that forms the side of the coin storage cylinder and can be opened and closed to cover it.

JP 2016-009378 A JP 2013-101434 A

Conventional coin change machines, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, have the problem that even if foreign matter such as dust and dirt accumulates in the storage cylinder, it is not easy to remove the foreign matter from the storage cylinder. Furthermore, the coin storage device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has the problem that the lid opens around an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the coin accumulation direction, so it is necessary to secure space to open the lid.

The present invention was made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a storage mechanism and coin processing machine that can easily remove foreign objects from the storage area.

The storage mechanism of the present invention comprises:
a cylindrical storage portion in which coins are stored in a stacked state and in which an opening extending along the coin stacking direction is formed;
an opening/closing door that opens and closes the opening;
a guide member extending along the coin stacking direction in the storage section;
Equipped with
The opening and closing door rotates around an axis extending along the coin stacking direction ,
The width of the gap formed around the guide member is smaller than the diameter of the coins to be stored in the storage section .

The storage mechanism of the present invention comprises:
The coin machine further includes a cam that stores coins sent from a transport unit that transports coins in the storage unit,
The cam may be configured to feed out the coin located at the top layer of the coins stored in the storage portion.

Furthermore, the guide member may be positioned inside the opening/closing door when the opening/closing door closes the opening.

Furthermore, the inner surface of the opening/closing door may be formed with a recess in which the guide member is housed when the opening is closed.

Furthermore, multiple guide members may be provided, and the width of the gap between the multiple guide members may be smaller than the diameter of the coins to be stored in the storage section.

A second opening may also be formed near the cam in the storage section for removing the top coin stacked in the storage section from the storage section.

The coin processing machine of the present invention comprises:
The storage mechanism described above;
a conveying unit that conveys coins;
Equipped with
The coins branched from the conveying section are sent to the storage mechanism and stored in the storage mechanism, and coins dispensed from the storage mechanism by the cam are sent to the conveying section.

The storage mechanism and coin processing machine of the present invention make it easy to remove foreign objects from the storage area.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a currency handling machine including a coin handling machine and a banknote handling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic internal configuration of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a branching section provided in a circulating transport section in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an insertion unit in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the appearance of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc., and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the configuration when the top door is open. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a tray, a dispensing chute, etc. of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the tray shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from the front side of the coin processing machine. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing the configuration of the tray, dispensing chute, and reject chute of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from the front side of the coin processing machine. FIG. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the tray and the coin dispensing chute shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of each storing and feeding unit of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing the storing and feeding section shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 12 is a side view of each storing and feeding unit shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing each component of each storing and feeding section shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the storing and feeding section shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cam and guide member of the storing and feeding section shown in FIG. 14 when viewed from below. FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the cam and the guide member shown in FIG. 16 . FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the cam and the guide member shown in FIG. 16 . 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the storing and feeding section shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the opening and closing door of the storing and feeding unit shown in FIG. 19 is open. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 1 etc. is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of coins when a coin deposit process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when a coin dispensing process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc.. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of coins when a coin reconciliation process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of coins when a coin reconciliation process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a coin reconciliation process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow when a coin dispensing process is performed in the coin processing machine shown in FIG. 1 etc.; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing machine according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing machine according to another modified example. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a banknote processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 31 is a side view schematically showing the internal configuration of the banknote processing machine shown in FIG. 30 . FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the banknote processing machine shown in FIG. 30 etc. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the inside of a conventional coin processing machine as viewed from above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 27 show a coin processing machine 10 and a coin processing method according to this embodiment. In Figures 1 to 27, coins are indicated by the reference character C.

First, the overall configuration of the coin handling machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 3, etc. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a money handling machine equipped with the coin handling machine 10 and banknote handling machine 200 according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the general internal configuration of the coin handling machine 10 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a configuration diagram showing the general internal configuration of the coin handling machine 10 shown in Figure 1 as viewed from above. The money handling machine shown in Figure 1 is used as a change dispenser installed at a checkout counter in the front area where product shelves are located in a store such as a supermarket or convenience store.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 12, an insertion unit 20 provided at the top of the housing 12, a circulating conveying unit 30 arranged along a horizontal plane at the top of the housing 12, multiple storing and dispensing units 40 that store coins by denomination, an identification unit 50 that identifies coins conveyed by the circulating conveying unit 30, a tray 60 from which dispensed coins and rejected coins are removed from the housing 12, a dispensing chute 80 that drops dispensed coins from the circulating conveying unit 30 onto the tray 60, a reject chute 70 that drops rejected coins to be rejected from the circulating conveying unit 30 onto the tray 60, and a control unit 90 that controls each component of the coin processing machine 10. Each component of the coin processing machine 10 is described in detail below.

The configuration of the insertion unit 20 will be described using Figures 2, 3, and 5. Figure 5 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the insertion unit 20 in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figure 1 and other figures. As shown in Figure 5, the insertion unit 20 includes a circulating belt 22 stretched over multiple pulleys, a drive motor 21 (see Figure 21) that rotates one of the multiple pulleys around which the circulating belt 22 is stretched, a reverse roller 24, a payout detection sensor 26, and a remaining coin detection sensor 28 (see Figure 21). Coins inserted into the insertion unit 20 are accumulated on the circulating belt 22. Furthermore, the drive motor 21 rotates the pulley, causing the circulating belt 22 to circulate counterclockwise in Figure 5. In this way, coins accumulated on the circulating belt 22 move leftward in Figure 5 (upward in Figure 3) and are dispensed into the circulating conveyance unit 30, which will be described later.

The reverse roller 24 is positioned above the circulating belt 22, separated from the circulating belt 22 by a gap greater than the thickness of one coin but less than the thickness of two coins. When the drive motor 21 rotates the pulley, the rotational drive force is transmitted to the reverse roller 24 via gears (not shown), causing the reverse roller 24 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 5. This prevents two or more coins from passing through the gap between the circulating belt 22 and the reverse roller 24 in a stacked state, allowing the circulating belt 22 to dispense coins one by one. A dispense detection sensor 26, comprised of, for example, an optical sensor, is provided downstream of the reverse roller 24 in the direction of movement of the circulating belt 22. This dispense detection sensor 26 can detect coins dispensed by the circulating belt 22 to the circular conveying unit 30 (described later). A residual detection sensor 28 detects coins present on the circulating belt 22 at the insertion unit 20. The residual detection sensor 28 is comprised of, for example, a magnetic sensor. In this embodiment, when a coin is detected by the remaining coin detection sensor 28, the drive motor 21 rotates the pulley to circulate the circulating belt 22, and when the remaining coin detection sensor 28 no longer detects a coin, the drive motor 21 stops the pulley.

As shown in FIG. 6, a top door 14 is provided on the top surface of the housing 12 above the insertion port 20. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing a portion of the exterior of the coin processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, etc., and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration when the top door 14 of the coin processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 6(a) is open. The top door 14 rotates around an axis 15. As a result, the top door 14 can be opened by rotating it around the axis 15 as shown in FIG. 6(b). When the top door 14 is open, the operator can insert a large number of coins into the insertion port 20 at once. In other words, the operator can accumulate a large number of coins on the circulating belt 22 at once. The top door 14 also has an opening 16 shaped to allow the passage of the largest coin among the coins to be processed. When the top door 14 is closed, the operator can insert coins one by one into the opening 16, and the inserted coins will accumulate on the circulating belt 22 of the insertion port 20. In addition, on the back side of the top door 14, an insertion detection sensor 18 (see Figure 21), such as an optical sensor, is provided near the top of the insertion port 20, and coins passing through the opening 16 are detected by the insertion detection sensor 18. In addition, a door opening/closing detection sensor 19 (see Figure 21) is provided to detect whether the top door 14 is open or closed.

When the top door 14 is closed, the operator cannot see the inside of the insertion port 20 from outside the housing 12, so the control unit 90 must reliably detect the insertion of a coin and drive the circulating belt 22 when the insertion of a coin is detected. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the door open/close detection sensor 19 detects that the top door 14 is closed, the insertion detection sensor 18 detects a coin inserted into the opening 16, or when the remaining coin detection sensor 28 detects a coin, the drive motor 21 rotates the pulley, thereby circulating the circulating belt 22. Therefore, even if the inside of the insertion port 20 cannot be seen from outside the housing 12, the control unit 90 can reliably detect the insertion of a coin and drive the circulating belt 22 when the insertion of a coin is detected.

In addition, when the door opening/closing detection sensor 19 detects that the top door 14 is open, the drive motor 21 does not drive the pulley to rotate, even if the insertion detection sensor 18, located near the top of the insertion port 20, detects it. When the top door 14 is open, the operator can see the inside of the insertion port 20 from outside the housing 12. Therefore, if there are coins remaining on the circulating belt 22, the operator can recognize this. Furthermore, even if the operator inserts their finger into the insertion port 20 when inserting a coin into the insertion port 20 and the insertion detection sensor 18 detects the operator's finger, the drive motor 21 does not drive the pulley to rotate. This prevents the operator's finger from getting caught in the circulating movement of the circulating belt 22 and becoming pinched. In addition, when the door opening/closing detection sensor 19 detects that the top door 14 is open, the insertion detection sensor 18 may be turned off.

As described above, the circulating conveying unit 30 is disposed along a horizontal plane at the top of the housing 12 and is configured to convey coins along a predetermined circular path. The circular path is generally rectangular in shape. Note that the circular path is not limited to a generally rectangular shape and may be generally square in shape. The above-described insertion port 20 is located inside the generally rectangular or generally square circular path. The circulating conveying unit 30 includes an endless circulating belt 32, multiple pulleys 34 around which the circulating belt 32 is tensioned, a tensioning mechanism 36 for adjusting the tension of the circulating belt 32, and a drive motor 30a for rotating one of the multiple pulleys 34. The drive motor 30a rotates the pulley 34, allowing the circulating belt 32 to move in a circular motion in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in FIG. 3 . Coins are dispensed in the direction of the arrow in Figure 3 by the circulating belt 22 of the insertion unit 20 and sent to the circulating conveyance unit 30, where they are transported one by one along the circular path by the circulating belt 32. More specifically, pins are provided at equal intervals on the circulating belt 32, and coins are pushed by each pin on the conveyance surface extending along a substantially horizontal plane in the circulating conveyance unit 30, causing them to be transported along the circular path.

Furthermore, a diverter mechanism 38 that sends coins transported by the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the insertion port 20 is provided at a position in the vicinity of the insertion port 20 in the circulating conveyance unit 30 (a position below the insertion port 20 in FIG. 3 ). The configuration of the diverter mechanism 38 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the diverter mechanism 38 is provided with a diverter member 39, and coins transported along the transport surface by the circulating belt 32 are selectively sent to the insertion port 20 by the diverter member 39 in the diverter mechanism 38. As shown in FIG. 4 , the diverter member 39 has a pair of swinging portions 39b, 39c that rotate around an axis 39a, and a gap 39d provided between these swinging portions 39b, 39c, and the circulating belt 32 is configured to pass through the gap 39d. The diverter 39 is provided with a solenoid 30b (see FIG. 21 ), and when the solenoid 30b is driven, a pair of swinging portions 39b and 39c project upward from the coin conveying surface around the shaft 39a as shown in FIG. 4 , causing the coins to be sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the insertion port 20 along the guide surface 39e of the swinging portion 39b. The diverter mechanism 38 changes the conveying direction of the coins conveyed by the circulating belt 32 of the circulating conveyance unit 30 by 90° using the guide surface 39e of the diverter 39, and sends the coins to the insertion port 20 through the insertion port 38a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , coins diverted from the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverter mechanism 38 are discharged in the direction indicated by reference character _C1 at the insertion port 20. As a result, coins are accumulated near the center of the circulating belt 32 at the insertion port 20, rather than near the downstream end of the circulating belt 32, allowing the coins to be smoothly dispensed from the insertion port 20. If the diverter mechanism 38 were provided with a diverter member that would cause coins conveyed by the circulating belt 32 of the circulating conveyance unit 30 to fall directly downward, the coins diverted from the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverter mechanism 38 in Fig. 5 would be released in the direction indicated by reference character _C2 (i.e., directly downward) at the insertion port 20, and the coins would accumulate at the downstream end of the circulating belt 32. In this case, the coins would not be able to be dispensed smoothly from the insertion port 20.

As shown in Figure 3 and other figures, a diverter member 31 is provided on the conveying surface corresponding to each storing and dispensing unit 40, and coins conveyed along the conveying surface by the circulating belt 32 are selectively sent to each storing and dispensing unit 40 by the diverter member 31. The configuration of the diverter member 31 is substantially the same as the configuration of the diverter member 39 of the diverting mechanism 38 described above. Specifically, a solenoid 30b (see Figure 21) is provided on the diverter member 31, and when the solenoid 30b is driven, the diverter member 31 protrudes upward from the conveying surface, causing coins to be sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to each storing and dispensing unit 40.

A diverter 33 is provided at a position corresponding to the dispensing chute 80 on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30, and coins conveyed by the circulating belt 32 along the conveying surface in the clockwise direction in Figure 3 are selectively sent to the dispensing chute 80 by the diverter 33. The configuration of the diverter 33 is substantially the same as the configuration of the diverter 39 of the diverting mechanism 38 described above. Specifically, a solenoid 30b (see Figure 21) is provided on the diverter 33, and when the solenoid 30b is driven, the diverter 33 protrudes upward from the conveying surface, causing coins to be sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80.

A diverter 35 is provided at a position corresponding to the reject chute 70 on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30, and coins conveyed by the circulating belt 32 along the conveying surface in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 3 are selectively sent to the reject chute 70 by the diverter 35. The configuration of the diverter 35 is substantially the same as the configuration of the diverter 39 of the diverting mechanism 38 described above. Specifically, a solenoid 30b (see Figure 21) is provided on the diverter 35, and when the solenoid 30b is driven, the diverter 35 protrudes upward from the conveying surface, allowing coins to be sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the reject chute 70.

As will be described later, the coin conveying direction by the circulating conveying unit 30 when coins conveyed by the circulating conveying unit 30 are branched by the branching member 33 and sent to the dispensing chute 80 (clockwise direction, see Figure 23) is opposite to the coin conveying direction by the circulating conveying unit 30 when coins conveyed by the circulating conveying unit 30 are branched by the branching member 35 and sent to the reject chute 70 (counterclockwise direction, see Figure 22). Furthermore, coins are sent to the same tray 60 from the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70.

In addition, in this embodiment, the circulating belt 32 of the circulating conveying unit 30 is tensioned by multiple pulleys 34 and a tensioning mechanism 36, and the tension of the circulating belt 32 is adjusted by the tensioning mechanism 36. Specifically, the tensioning mechanism 36 is movable left and right in FIG. 3. When the tensioning mechanism 36 moves leftward in FIG. 3, the tension applied to the circulating belt 32 increases, and when the tensioning mechanism 36 moves rightward in FIG. 3, the tension applied to the circulating belt 32 decreases. The tensioning mechanism 36 is movable left and right, with the pulleys and conveying path integrated. Even when the tensioning mechanism 36 moves left and right, the relationship between the pulleys and the conveying path within the tensioning mechanism 36 remains unchanged, reducing conveying defects. Therefore, the tensioning mechanism 36 can be installed within the circular path of the circulating conveying unit 30. This eliminates the need to provide additional space for the tensioning mechanism 36 within the housing 12, thereby saving space within the housing 12.

The arrangement of this tension mechanism 36 will be explained by comparing it with the configuration of a conventional coin processing machine 400 shown in Figure 33. The conventional coin processing machine 400 includes an input unit 420, a transport unit 430, a storage and feeding unit 440 to which each denomination of coin is assigned, a pair of left and right dispensing boxes 460, 462, and a collection box 464. Coins inserted into the input unit 420 are fed out one by one to the left in Figure 33. The transport unit 430 also includes a circulating belt 432 stretched over multiple pulleys 434 and a tension mechanism 436, and the circulating belt 432 moves in a clockwise direction in Figure 33. During coin deposit processing, coins inserted into the input unit 420 are fed out one by one from the input unit 420 to the left in Figure 33 and transported clockwise in Figure 33 by the circulating belt 432. Specifically, the coins are transported by the circulating belt 432 in the upward, rightward, and downward directions in FIG. 33 . The transport unit 430 is also provided with a recognition unit 450, and the coins transported by the circulating belt 432 are recognized by the recognition unit 450 and then sent by denomination from the right-hand region 431 of each storing and feeding unit 440 in the transport unit 430 to each storing and feeding unit 440, where they are stored by denomination in each storing and feeding unit 440. In addition, during the coin dispensing process, coins dispensed from each storing and feeding unit 440 to the left-hand region 433 in FIG. 33 are transported one by one in the clockwise direction in FIG. 33 by the circulating belt 432. That is, the coins dispensed from each storing and feeding unit 440 to the left-hand region 433 in FIG. 33 are transported by the circulating belt 432 in the upward, rightward, and downward directions in FIG. 33 , and the coins are sent to the dispensing box 460 or the dispensing box 462.

The coin processing machine 400 shown in Figure 33 also has a tension mechanism 436 for adjusting the tension of the circulating belt 432. The tension mechanism 436 is movable left and right in Figure 33; when the tension mechanism 436 moves left in Figure 33, the tension applied to the circulating belt 432 increases, and when the tension mechanism 436 moves right in Figure 33, the tension applied to the circulating belt 432 decreases. However, in the coin processing machine 400 shown in Figure 33, this tension mechanism 436 moves the pulley regardless of the conveying path, so if the conveying path includes a tension mechanism, this can cause conveying problems. For this reason, a tension mechanism cannot be provided in the coin conveying path used by the conveying unit 430, and coins cannot be conveyed in a circular motion. In contrast, in the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, the tension mechanism 36 is configured so that the pulley and the conveying path are integrated and can move in both the left and right directions, so that moving the tension mechanism 36 does not affect the conveying. The tension mechanism 36 can be installed within the circular path of the circulating conveying unit 30, so coins can be conveyed in a circular motion, and there is no need to provide a separate space within the housing 12 to install the tension mechanism 36, thereby saving space within the housing 12.

As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, in the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, multiple (specifically, seven) storing and dispensing units 40 are provided along the circular path of the circulating conveying unit 30. Each storing and dispensing unit 40 is capable of storing coins sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 and dispensing the stored coins to the circulating conveying unit 30. In this embodiment, the number of storing and dispensing units 40 is greater than the number of coin denominations to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. In this embodiment, the circular path is generally rectangular as described above, and each storing and dispensing unit 40 is arranged along a pair of path portions (path portions extending vertically on the left and right sides in FIG. 3) that are perpendicular to the path portion of the circular path located on the front side of the housing 12 (path portion extending horizontally on the lower side in FIG. 3). The configuration of such a storing and dispensing unit 40 will be described using FIG. 3 and FIGS. 11 to 20.

3 and other figures, the storage and dispensing unit 40 is composed of a 5-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40A that stores 5-yen coins, a 50-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40B that stores 50-yen coins, a 1-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40C that stores 1-yen coins, a 10-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40D that stores 10-yen coins, a mixed-denomination storage and dispensing unit 40E that can store a mixture of 10-yen and 100-yen coins, a 100-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40F that stores 100-yen coins, and a 500-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40G that stores 500-yen coins. Here, the 5-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40A and the 50-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40B are located on the left side of the circulating transport unit 30 in FIG. 3. Meanwhile, 1-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40C, 10-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40D, mixed-denomination storage and dispensing unit 40E, 100-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40F, and 500-yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40G are disposed on the right side of circulating transport unit 30 in Fig. 3. When dispensing processing is performed, if coin processing machine 10 is a coin change machine, a maximum of four 1-yen coins, four 10-yen coins, four 100-yen coins, one 5-yen coin, one 50-yen coin, and one 500-yen coin (a total of 999 yen) are dispensed as change, and the number of 1-yen coins, 10-yen coins, and 100-yen coins dispensed is greater than the number of 5-yen coins, 50-yen coins, and 500-yen coins dispensed. Here, when coins are dispensed, they are transported clockwise in the circulating transport unit 30, so the time it takes for coins to be dispensed from the storage and dispensing unit 40 located on the left side of the circulating transport unit 30 and sent to the tray 60 is longer than the time it takes for coins to be dispensed from the storage and dispensing unit 40 located on the right side of the circulating transport unit 30 and sent to the tray 60. However, by locating the 5 yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40A and the 50 yen coin storage and dispensing unit 40B, which correspond to the 5 yen and 50 yen coins dispensed in smaller numbers, on the left side of the circulating transport unit 30, the time required for the dispense process can be shortened as much as possible.

As shown in Figure 11, each storing and feeding unit 40 is cylindrical, and coins sent from the circulating transport unit 30 are stored inside in a stacked state, one by one, starting from the top. Furthermore, of the coins accumulated in a stacked state inside each storing and feeding unit 40, the coins in the top layer are fed out one by one from that storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating transport unit 30.

As shown in Figures 11 to 15, the storing and dispensing unit 40 includes a cam 41, a stage 42 on which coins are accumulated in a stacked state, a lifting member 43 that raises and lowers the stage 42, a spring 42a provided between the stage 42 and the lifting member 43, a pair of upper guide members 44, 45, a cylindrical storage portion 46, an opening/closing door 47, a first guide member 48, and a pair of second guide members 49. In the storing and dispensing unit 40, coins are stored in a stacked state on the stage 42 inside the cylindrical storage portion 46. Each component of the storing and dispensing unit 40 is described in detail below.

The cam 41 rotates in both forward and reverse directions around a vertical axis. As shown in FIG. 14 and other figures, the cam 41 has three downwardly extending protrusions 41a. When a coin is caught on each of the protrusions 41a, the coin being transported by the circulating belt 32 in the circulating conveyance unit 30 is sent to the storage section 46, or the top coin among the coins stored in the storage section 46 is dispensed to the circulating conveyance unit 30. The storage and dispensing unit 40 is provided with a drive motor 41b (see FIG. 21), which rotates the cam 41 in both forward and reverse directions. In this embodiment, the cam 41 rotates in the opposite direction to the coin transport direction by the circulating conveyance unit 30. As a result, for example, during the coin deposit process, as described below, the coins are transported counterclockwise by the circulating conveyance unit 30 (see FIG. 22), and the cam 41 rotates clockwise at this time. As a result, coins to be sent to a certain storing and feeding unit 40 (specifically, a storing and feeding unit 40 to which a denomination is assigned) among the coins transported by the circulating conveying unit 30 are diverted from the conveying path of the circulating conveying unit 30 by the diverting member 31 corresponding to that storing and feeding unit 40, and the diverted coins can then be sent to the storing and feeding unit 40 by the rotation of the cam 41 while hooking onto the protruding portions 41a of the cam 41. Meanwhile, as described below, during the coin dispensing process, coins are transported clockwise by the circulating conveying unit 30 (see FIG. 23), but at this time the cam 41 rotates counterclockwise. As a result, coins to be dispensed among the coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are sent to the circulating conveying unit 30 by the rotation of the cam 41 while hooking onto the protruding portions 41a of the cam 41, and the circulating conveying unit 30 can continue transporting the coins.

14 and 15, the storing and feeding unit 40 is cylindrical with a hollow interior, and coins are stacked on the upper surface of the stage 42 inside the storage section 46. The stage 42 is constantly pushed upward by a spring 42a. A linear motor 43a (see FIG. 21) is attached to the lower part of the lifting member 43, and the lifting member 43 is raised and lowered by the linear motor 43a. More specifically, the linear motor 43a raises and lowers the lifting member 43 so that each time a coin is stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 from the circulating transport unit 30, the lifting member 43 moves downward by the thickness of one coin, and each time a coin is dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating transport unit 30, the lifting member 43 moves upward by the thickness of one coin. In addition, a spring 42a is provided between the lifting member 43 and the stage 42, so that when the lifting member 43 moves up and down, the stage 42 also moves up and down.

The pair of upper guide members 44, 45 press down on the coins on the stage 42 from above to prevent them from flying out of the storage section 46. A gap is formed between the pair of upper guide members 44, 45, through which the protrusion 41a of the cam 41 passes. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, recesses 44a, 45a are formed on the surfaces of each upper guide member 44, 45 that come into contact with the coins. Each recess 44a, 45a extends in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis of the cam 41. If the topmost coin among the multiple coins accumulated on the stage 42 inside the storage section 46 is not bent and is completely flat, as shown in Figure 17, this topmost coin is fed to the circulating conveying section 30 by the protrusion 41a of the cam 41 without entering each recess 44a, 45a. On the other hand, if the top coin among the multiple coins accumulated on the stage 42 inside the storage section 46 is bent, the edge of this top coin will be inserted into each of the recesses 44a, 45a and then fed out to the circulating transport unit 30 by the protrusion 41a of the cam 41, as shown in Figure 18. If such recesses 44a, 45a were not provided in the upper guide members 44, 45, the edge of the bent coin would come into contact with the lower surfaces of the upper guide members 44, 45. In this case, the center portion of the bent coin in the top layer will be separated downward from the lower surfaces of the upper guide members 44, 45, and therefore may not be caught by the protrusion 41a of the cam 41 and may not be fed out to the circulating transport unit 30. In contrast, by forming recesses 44a, 45a on the surfaces of each upper guide member 44, 45 that come into contact with the coins, even if the top layer of coins is bent, the edge of the coin will fit into the recesses 44a, 45a, so the central portion of the bent coin in the top layer will not be significantly separated downward from the underside of the upper guide members 44, 45. This prevents the central portion of the bent coin from getting caught on the protruding portion 41a of the cam 41 and preventing it from being fed to the circulating transport unit 30.

Each storing and feeding unit 40 is also provided with a full detection sensor 40a (see Figure 21) that detects when the coins stored in that storing and feeding unit 40 are full, an empty detection sensor 40b (see Figure 21) that detects when no coins are stored in the storing and feeding unit 40, and an upper end detection sensor 40c (see Figure 21) that detects the upper end of the coins accumulated on the stage 42. The full detection sensor 40a and the empty detection sensor 40b are each configured to detect when the coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are full or when no coins are stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 based generally on the position of the stage 42.

The operation when storing coins from the circulating conveyance unit 30 into such a storing and dispensing unit 40 will be described. As shown in Figure 12, when a coin of a certain denomination being transported in the circulating conveyance unit 30 is stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40 corresponding to that denomination, the branching member 31 corresponding to that storing and dispensing unit 40 is protruded upward from the coin transport surface. This causes the coin being transported in the circulating conveyance unit 30 to change direction toward the storing and dispensing unit 40. In addition, the cam 41 rotates 120° clockwise in Figure 12. As a result, the coin is caught on the protruding portion 41a of the cam 41, and the coin is sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the storing and dispensing unit 40, where it is accumulated on the stage 42. When a coin is sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the storing and dispensing unit 40, the linear motor 43a moves the lifting member 43 downward by the thickness of one coin. This creates a coin storage space between the top surface of the topmost coin among the multiple coins stacked on the stage 42 and each of the upper guide members 44, 45.

Next, we will explain the operation when coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are fed to the circulating conveyance unit 30. When coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are fed to the circulating conveyance unit 30, the linear motor 43a moves the lifting member 43 upward by an amount greater than the thickness of a single coin. As a result, the stage 42 is pushed upward by the lifting member 43 via the spring 42a, and the topmost coin of the multiple coins accumulated on the stage 42 comes into contact with the underside of each upper guide member 44, 45. In this state, the cam 41 rotates 120° counterclockwise in Figure 12. As a result, the coin is caught on the protrusion 41a of the cam 41, and is sent from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveyance unit 30, where it continues to be conveyed by the circulating belt 32 of the circulating conveyance unit 30.

19 and 20, the storage section 46 has an opening extending in the coin stacking direction, and the opening/closing door 47 opens and closes this opening. Specifically, the opening/closing door 47 rotates around an axis 47a extending in the coin stacking direction (i.e., vertical direction). By providing such an opening/closing door 47, the interior of the storage section 46 can be accessed simply by opening the opening/closing door 47 when cleaning the interior of the storage section 46. A guide member 48 is also provided near the inner surface of the opening/closing door 47 when the opening is closed. The guide member 48 extends in the coin stacking direction (i.e., vertical direction). The width of the gap formed around the guide member 48 is smaller than the diameter of the coin to be stored in the storage section 46. This prevents coins stored in the storage section 46 from flying out of the opening, even when the opening/closing door 47 is open, as shown in FIG. 20. The inner surface of the door 47 is formed with a recess 47b into which the guide member 48 is accommodated when the opening is closed. A pair of guide members 49 is provided near the storage section 46. The width of the gap between the guide members 48, 49 is smaller than the diameter of the coins to be stored in the storage section 46. Therefore, the coins accumulated on the stage 42 are stored in the storage section 46 by the guide members 48, 49 without being significantly disrupted by the accumulated state. As shown in FIG. 12 and other figures, a top opening 46a (see FIG. 12) is formed near the cam 41 in the storage section 46 for removing the topmost coin accumulated in the storage section 46. Coins can be sent from the circulating transport section 30 to the inside of the storage section 46, or coins dispensed from the inside of the storage section 46 can be sent to the circulating transport section 30 through this top opening 46a.

The opening/closing door 47 is not limited to a shape that extends over substantially the entire length of the storage section 46. The opening/closing door 47 may be divided into multiple door sections in the longitudinal direction of the storage section 46. In this case, by opening each door section, it becomes possible to access the interior of the storage section 46 and clean the interior of the storage section 46. Therefore, if debris has accumulated in only a portion of the interior of the storage section 46, it is only necessary to open only some of the door sections, making maintenance easier.

The shape and size of the cam 41 in each storing and dispensing unit 40, the shape and size of each upper guide member 44, 45, the shape and size of the storage section 46, and the movement distance of the lifting member 43 when a coin is sent to or dispensed from the storage section 46 are preset to predetermined values based on the denomination of coins assigned to that storing and dispensing unit 40. Furthermore, for the storing and dispensing unit 40E, which can store a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, the shape and size of the cam 41, the shape and size of each upper guide member 44, 45, the shape and size of the storage section 46, and the movement distance of the lifting member 43 when a coin is sent to or dispensed from the storage section 46 are preset so that both 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins can be stored and dispensed.

The recognition unit 50 is configured to recognize the denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. of coins transported by the circulating belt 32 in the circulating transport unit 30. Specifically, the recognition unit 50 has a line sensor and a magnetic sensor. The line sensor captures an image of the surface of the coin transported by the circulating belt 32, and the material of the coin is determined based on the detection information from the magnetic sensor. The denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. of the coins transported by the circulating belt 32 are then recognized based on the detection results from the line sensor and magnetic sensor. The coin recognition results from the recognition unit 50 are sent to the control unit 90, which will be described later.

As shown in Figure 2, the tray 60 is located vertically below the circulating conveyance unit 30 on the front surface of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 9, a reject chute 70 is located on the left side of the tray 60, and a dispensing chute 80 is located on the right side of the tray 60. As described above, coins diverted from the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverting members 33 and 35 fall by their own weight inside the reject chute 70 or dispensing chute 80, and are sent to the tray 60.

The configuration of the tray 60 will be described using Figures 8 and 9, etc. As shown in Figure 8, wall surfaces 66, 67, and 68 are formed on the rear side and both left and right sides of the tray 60, respectively. Furthermore, outlets 62 and 64 are formed on the wall surfaces 67 and 68 on both left and right sides of the tray 60, respectively. Discharge coins are discharged from the dispensing chute 80 through the outlet 62 onto the tray 60, and rejected coins are discharged from the reject chute 70 through the outlet 64 onto the tray 60. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, coins are sent to the tray 60 from the reject chute 70 and the dispensing chute 80 along the width direction of the coin processing machine 10 (i.e., the left-right direction in Figure 9). Because coins are sent to the tray 60 along the width direction of the coin processing machine 10 in this way, it is possible to prevent coins from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front side of the housing 12 when they are discharged from the reject chute 70 and the dispensing chute 80 onto the tray 60.

A wall surface 68 is formed on the opposite side of the tray 60 from the discharge port 62 of the dispensing chute 80. As a result, coins discharged from the discharge port 62 hit the wall surface 68, weakening their momentum, further preventing the coins discharged from the discharge port 62 from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front of the housing 12. A wall surface 67 is formed on the opposite side of the tray 60 from the discharge port 64 of the reject chute 70. As a result, coins discharged from the discharge port 64 hit the wall surface 67, weakening their momentum, further preventing the coins discharged from the discharge port 64 from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front of the housing 12.

The configuration of the dispensing chute 80 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the tray 60 and dispensing chute 80 shown in Figure 7. The dispensing chute 80 is composed of a first chute portion 82, a second chute portion 84, and a third chute portion 86. Coins diverged from the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverging member 33 are first sent to the first chute portion 82. The second chute portion 84 and the third chute portion 86 branch off from the lower end of the first chute portion 82, and a diverging member 88 is provided at this branching point. This diverging member 88 allows coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80 to be sent to the tray 60 or an area other than the tray 60. Specifically, the diverting member 88 rotates around an axis 88a between the position indicated by the solid line and the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in Figure 10. A solenoid 80a (see FIG. 21 ) is connected to the shaft 88a of the diverter 88 via a plurality of gears (not shown), and the diverter 88 rotates about the shaft 88a by the solenoid 80a. When the diverter 88 is located at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 10 , coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80 are sent from the first chute portion 82 to the second chute portion 84, and are discharged from the second chute portion 84 through the discharge port 62 onto the tray 60. On the other hand, when the diverter 88 is located at the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10 , coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80 are sent from the first chute portion 82 to the third chute portion 86, and fall downward by their own weight from the lower end opening of the third chute portion 86. Here, when coins are dispensed to a customer during a coin dispensing process in the coin processing machine 10, the dispensed coins are sent from the dispensing chute 80 to the tray 60. This allows customers to remove coins to be dispensed from the tray 60. Meanwhile, when store staff are collecting coins stored in each storage and dispensing unit 40 in the coin processing machine 10, a collection box with an open top is placed directly below the third chute portion 86 of the dispensing chute 80. In addition, the branching member 88 is positioned as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 10, so that coins sent to the dispensing chute 80 from the circulating transport unit 30 are sent from the first chute portion 82 to the third chute portion 86, where they fall downward under their own weight. This allows store staff to send a large number of coins to be collected from the dispensing chute 80 directly to the collection box without passing through the tray 60.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first chute portion 82 drops coins vertically, and the second chute portion 84 sends coins diagonally downward to the tray 60. Because the second chute portion 84 sends coins diagonally downward to the tray 60, the falling speed of the coins can be slowed down, and the momentum of the coins as they are discharged from the discharge port 62 to the tray 60 can be weakened, further preventing coins discharged from the discharge port 62 from flying out of the tray 60 to the front side of the housing 12. In addition, in the dispensing chute 80, the vertical length (the length perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 9, the length in the left-right direction in Figure 10) of the cross section of the first chute portion 82 perpendicular to the coin feed direction (downward) is smaller than the diameter of the coin to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. Furthermore, in the dispensing chute 80, the horizontal length (the length in the left-right direction in Figure 9, the length perpendicular to the paper surface in Figure 10) of the cross section of the first chute portion 82, which is perpendicular to the coin feed direction (downward), is larger than the diameter of the coin to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. This enables the first chute portion 82 of the dispensing chute 80 to reliably drop coins vertically. If coins drop vertically in the first chute portion 82, it is possible to more reliably prevent coins from jamming at the branching points from the first chute portion 82 to the second chute portion 84 and the third chute portion 86.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the reject chute 70 is composed of a first chute portion 72 and a second chute portion 74. Coins diverted from the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverter member 35 are first sent to the first chute portion 72. In the reject chute 70, coins from the first chute portion 72 are not diverted but sent to the second chute portion 74, from which they are discharged to the tray 60 via the discharge port 64. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the first chute portion 72 drops coins vertically, while the second chute portion 74 sends coins diagonally downward to the tray 60. Because the second chute portion 74 sends coins diagonally downward to the tray 60, the falling speed of the coins can be slowed down, and the momentum of the coins as they are discharged from the discharge port 64 to the tray 60 can be weakened. This further prevents coins discharged from the discharge port 64 from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front of the housing 12. In addition, in the reject chute 70, the vertical length (length perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 9) of the cross section of the first chute portion 72, which is perpendicular to the coin feed direction (downward), is smaller than the diameter of the coin to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. In addition, in the reject chute 70, the horizontal length (length in the left-right direction in Figure 9) of the cross section of the first chute portion 72, which is perpendicular to the coin feed direction (downward), is larger than the diameter of the coin to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. This ensures that the first chute portion 72 in the reject chute 70 drops coins in a vertical orientation.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the tray 60 is partially located inside the housing 12, and when the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically, the tray 60 and the circulating conveying unit 30 at least partially overlap. This reduces the depth of the coin processing machine 10, making it possible to make the coin processing machine 10 more compact. In this embodiment, the tray 60 may be located further inside the housing 12, and when the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically, the tray 60 and the insertion unit 20 may at least partially overlap. In this case, the depth of the coin processing machine 10 is further reduced, making it possible to make the coin processing machine 10 even more compact. In addition, the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 are also partially located inside the housing 12, and when the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically, the dispensing chute 80, the reject chute 70, and the circulating conveying unit 30 at least partially overlap. In this case, the length of the coin processing machine 10 in the depth direction of the housing 12 is even smaller than when the dispensing chute 80 and reject chute 70 are located at the front of the housing 12, making it possible to make the coin processing machine 10 even more compact.

The coin processing machine 10 also includes a control unit 90 that controls each component of the coin processing machine 10. The configuration of the control system for the coin processing machine 10 will be described using Figure 21. As shown in Figure 21, the control unit 90 is connected to the insertion detection sensor 18, door open/close detection sensor 19, drive motor 21 of the insertion unit 20, payout detection sensor 26, remaining detection sensor 28, drive motor 30a of the circulating conveyance unit 30, solenoid 30b, recognition unit 50, full detection sensor 40a, empty detection sensor 40b, upper end detection sensor 40c, drive motor 41b, linear motor 43a, and solenoid 80a of the dispensing chute 80, etc. Here, detection information from the input detection sensor 18, door open/close detection sensor 19, payout detection sensor 26, remaining detection sensor 28, full detection sensor 40a, empty detection sensor 40b, top end detection sensor 40c, etc. of each storing and paying out section 40, and identification information from the recognition section 50 are sent from each sensor 18, 19, 26, 28, 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. and recognition section 50 to the control section 90. The control section 90 also controls the operation of the drive motor 21 of the input section 20, the drive motor 30a and solenoid 30b of the circulating conveyance section 30, the drive motor 41b and linear motor 43a of the storing and paying out section 40, the solenoid 80a of the dispensing chute 80, etc. by sending command signals to these components.

The coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment is also provided with an operation and display unit 92, a memory unit 94, and a communication unit 96, which are connected to the control unit 90. The operation and display unit 92 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and upon receiving display commands from the control unit 90, various information is displayed on the operation and display unit 92, and the operator can input various information to the control unit 90 via the operation and display unit 92. The memory unit 94 stores various information, such as the denomination and number of coins stored in each storing and dispensing unit 40, and the history of coin deposit and withdrawal processes performed in the coin processing machine 10. In this embodiment, the memory unit 94 also stores the order in which each coin was stored and the denomination of each coin stored in each storing and dispensing unit 40. The control unit 90 is also capable of sending and receiving various signals to and from external devices via the communication unit 96.

Next, we will explain the various processes performed by this coin processing machine 10. Note that the various processes performed by the coin processing machine 10 described below are performed by the control unit 90, which controls each component of the coin processing machine 10.

First, the operation of the coin processing machine 10 when a coin deposit process is performed will be described using Figure 22. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the movement of coins when a coin deposit process is performed in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figure 1, etc. When an operator inserts a coin into the opening 16 (see Figure 6(a)) of the top door 14 provided on the top surface of the housing 12, or when the operator opens the top door 14 (see Figure 6(b)) and inserts a coin directly into the insertion port 20, the coin is accumulated on the circulating belt 22 of the insertion port 20. When the insertion detection sensor 18 detects a coin inserted into the opening 16, or when the remaining coin detection sensor 28 detects a coin accumulated on the circulating belt 22, the drive motor 21 rotates the pulley around which the circulating belt 22 is stretched, causing the circulating belt 22 to move in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 5 (the direction of the arrow in Figure 3). Furthermore, when a coin inserted into opening 16 is detected by insertion detection sensor 18, or when a coin accumulated on circulating belt 22 is detected by remaining detection sensor 28, drive motor 30a rotates the pulley around which circulating belt 32 is stretched, causing circulating belt 22 to move counterclockwise in Figures 3 and 22. As a result, coins accumulated on circulating belt 22 are fed out one by one to circulating conveying unit 30, and the fed coins move one by one on the conveying surface of circulating conveying unit 30 in the counterclockwise direction in Figures 3 and 22. Coins transported by circulating conveying unit 30 are identified by recognition unit 50 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc.

Coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 or that could not be identified by the recognition unit 50 are diverted from the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 by the diverting member 35 as rejected coins and sent to the reject chute 70. Rejected coins sent to the reject chute 70 are ejected from the reject chute 70 through the discharge outlet 64 onto the tray 60. This allows the operator to remove the rejected coin from the tray 60 and re-insert it into the insertion unit 20 or insert a different coin into the insertion unit 20. Furthermore, coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 are sent to the respective storage and dispensing unit 40 corresponding to the coin's denomination and stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40. Specifically, coins identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 are diverted from the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 by the diverting member 31 corresponding to the storage and dispensing unit 40 to which that denomination is assigned. The drive motor 41b of this storing and feeding unit 40 also rotates the cam 41 in a clockwise direction. As a result, coins diverted from the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 by the diverter member 31 are caught on the protruding portion 41a of the cam 41 and sent to the inside of the storing section 46, where they are accumulated in a stack on the stage 42. In this way, when all coins inserted into the insertion unit 20 have been sent to each storing and feeding unit 40 or tray 60, the coin deposit process is complete.

Next, the operation of the coin processing machine 10 when a coin is dispensed will be described using Figure 23. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when a coin is dispensed in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figure 1, etc. When an operator inputs a command for the coin dispensing process using the operation and display unit 92, or when a command for the coin dispensing process is transmitted from an external device to the control unit 90 via the communication unit 96, the control unit 90 receives a command for the coin dispensing process (specifically, a command including information on the number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed or the total amount), and the control unit 90 calculates how many coins of each denomination to dispense. Furthermore, when a command for the coin dispensing process is received by the control unit 90, the drive motor 30a rotates the pulley around which the circulating belt 32 is stretched, causing the circulating belt 22 to circulate in a clockwise direction in Figures 3 and 23. Furthermore, coins to be dispensed are fed by denomination from each storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30, and the fed coins move one by one in the clockwise direction in Figures 3 and 23 on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30. Specifically, the lifting member 43 is moved upward by the linear motor 43a of the storing and feeding unit 40, and the uppermost coin of the multiple coins accumulated on the stage 42 comes into contact with the lower surfaces of the upper guide members 44, 45. Then, in this state, the cam 41 is rotated counterclockwise by the drive motor 41b, and the uppermost coin on the stage 42 is caught by the protrusion 41a of the cam 41, and the coin is moved from the storage section 46 to the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30. Coins fed from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveyance unit 30 and moving clockwise in FIGS. 3 and 23 on the conveyance surface of the circulating conveyance unit 30 are diverted from the conveyance surface of the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverting member 33 and sent to the dispensing chute 80. The dispensing coins sent to the dispensing chute 80 are discharged from the dispensing chute 80 through the discharge port 62 onto the tray 60. Note that if the dispensing coins are to be dropped directly downward from the third chute portion 86 of the dispensing chute 80 rather than sent to the tray 60, a command is given to the control unit 90 to discharge the dispensing coins directly from the dispensing chute 80. In this case, the solenoid 80a moves the diverting member 88 to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10. As a result, the coins sent to the dispensing chute 80 from the circulating conveyance unit 30 are sent from the first chute portion 82 to the third chute portion 86.

Next, the operation when the coin processing machine 10 performs a coin reconciliation process will be explained using Figures 24, 25, and 26. Figures 24 and 25 are explanatory diagrams that schematically show the movement of coins when the coin reconciliation process is performed in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figure 1, etc. Also, Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the processing flow when the coin reconciliation process is performed in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figure 1, etc.

In this embodiment, the coin processing mode during the reconciliation process can be switched between a hold mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 are temporarily returned to the original storage and dispensing unit 40 and the storage and dispensing unit 40 is determined to have not been inspected, and a dispense mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 during the reconciliation process are dispensed outside the housing 12 (machine body). The coin processing mode during this reconciliation process can be switched by the operator inputting a command to the control unit 90 via the operation and display unit 92. In other words, the control unit 90 switches the processing mode between the hold mode and the dispense mode based on the received reconciliation command.

When a command for coin reconciliation processing is given to the control unit 90 ("YES" in STEP 1 of FIG. 26) by an operator inputting a command for coin reconciliation processing via the operation display unit 92 or by an external device transmitting a command for coin reconciliation processing to the control unit 90 via the communication unit 96, the recognition unit 50 recognizes the coins stored in each storage and dispensing unit 40. Specifically, when a command for coin reconciliation processing is given to the control unit 90, the drive motor 30a rotates the pulley around which the circulating belt 32 is stretched, causing the circulating belt 22 to circulate in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 3 and 24. Furthermore, if the coin processing mode for the reconciliation processing is the hold mode ("YES" in STEP 2), coins are dispensed from a storage and dispensing unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30, and the dispensed coins move one by one on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 3 and 24. 3 and 24 on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30, a coin is diverted from the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 by a diverting member 39 in the diverting mechanism 38 and sent to the insertion unit 20 (STEP 3). When all coins are dispensed from a certain storing/feeding unit 40 and sent to the insertion unit 20, as shown in FIG. 25, the pulley around which the circulating belt 22 is wound is driven to rotate by the drive motor 21, causing the circulating belt 22 to circulate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 5 (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3). The pulley around which the circulating belt 22 is wound is driven to rotate by the drive motor 30a, causing the circulating belt 22 to circulate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 and 25. As a result, the coins accumulated on the circulating belt 22 are fed one by one to the circulating conveying unit 30 and move one by one in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 and 25 on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30. The coins transported by the circulating transport unit 30 are identified by the recognition unit 50 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. Then, coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 are returned to the original storing and dispensing unit 40. On the other hand, coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 are also sent to the original storing and dispensing unit 40 and stored in this storing and dispensing unit 40 (STEP 4). Furthermore, the storing and dispensing unit 40 to which coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 are returned is determined by the control unit 90 to be a storing and dispensing unit 40 that has not yet completed inspection.

Once all coins have been sent from the insertion unit 20 to the storage and dispensing unit 40 in this way, the same process is performed for each of the other storage and dispensing units 40. Then, once the above-described process has been performed for all storage and dispensing units 40 (YES in STEP 5), if there are no storage and dispensing units 40 that have been determined to have not been inspected (NO in STEP 6), the control unit 90 determines that the coin inspection process has been completed.

On the other hand, if there is a storage and feeding unit 40 for which inspection has been determined to be incomplete ("YES" in STEP 6), all coins stored in that storage and feeding unit 40 are again fed to the circulating conveyance unit 30 and sent to the insertion unit 20, as shown in Figure 24 (STEP 7). As a result, the coins sent from the storage and feeding unit 40 to the insertion unit 20 are accumulated on the circulating belt 32. Then, after all coins have been sent from the storage and feeding unit 40 to the insertion unit 20, as shown in Figure 25, the coins accumulated on the circulating belt 22 are fed one by one to the circulating conveyance unit 30, and move one by one on the conveyance surface of the circulating conveyance unit 30 in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 3 and 25. The coins transported by the circulating conveyance unit 30 are identified by the recognition unit 50 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. (STEP 8). Then, coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 ("YES" in STEP 9) are returned to the original storing and feeding unit 40 (STEP 10). On the other hand, coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 or coins that could not be identified by the recognition unit 50 ("NO" in STEP 9) are diverted as rejected coins from the conveying surface of the circulating conveyance unit 30 by the diverter 35 and sent to the reject chute 70. The rejected coins sent to the reject chute 70 are discharged from the reject chute 70 through the discharge port 64 onto the tray 60 (STEP 11). This allows the operator to remove the rejected coins from the tray 60. In this way, when all coins have been fed from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating conveyance unit 30 and sent to the original storing and feeding unit 40 or tray 60 ("YES" in STEP 12), the control unit 90 switches the state of this storing and feeding unit 40 from "inspection not completed" to "examination completed." In this way, the control unit 90 determines that the coin reconciliation process is complete. In this embodiment, all coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are again fed to the circulating transport unit 30 and sent to the insertion unit 20. However, the coin feeding operation from the storing and feeding unit 40 may be stopped when a coin that is identified as an abnormal coin stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 based on the storage order stored in the memory unit 94 is fed to the circulating transport unit 30, and only coins that have already been fed from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating transport unit 30 may be sent to the insertion unit 20. In this case, coins are then fed one by one from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating transport unit 30, and the coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 are returned to the original storing and feeding unit 40. On the other hand, coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 or that cannot be recognized by the recognition unit 50 are ejected from the reject chute 70 through the ejection port 64 onto the tray 60.

In this embodiment, in the processing of STEP 4 of the above-mentioned hold mode, coins that were not identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 may be re-recognized a predetermined number of times by the recognition unit 50, and coins that were not identified as normal even after being identified a predetermined number of times by the recognition unit 50 may be temporarily returned to the original storing and feeding unit 40, and the storing and feeding unit 40 may be determined to have not been inspected. Specifically, coins that were not identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 may be temporarily returned to the insertion unit 20 and then fed again from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating conveyance unit 30, thereby re-identifying the coins. Alternatively, coins that were not identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 may be transported in the reverse direction by the circulating conveyance unit 30, thereby moving them upstream of the recognition unit 50, and then re-identifying the coins by transporting them in the forward direction again by the circulating conveyance unit 30. Even if a coin is normal, there is a risk that it may be mistakenly identified as abnormal after only one recognition operation by the recognition unit 50. However, by having the recognition unit 50 recognize such a coin again, it is possible to prevent normal coins from being identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 and the storage and dispensing unit 40 in which the coin is stored from being mistakenly determined to have not been inspected.

On the other hand, if the coin processing mode during the reconciliation process is not the hold mode but the dispensing mode ("NO" in STEP 2), the processes in STEPs 3 to 7 described above are not performed. That is, for a certain storing and feeding unit 40, as shown in FIG. 24, coins are fed from that storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30 and sent to the insertion unit 20 (STEP 13). As a result, the coins sent from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the insertion unit 20 are accumulated on the circulating belt 32. Then, after all the coins have been sent from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the insertion unit 20, as shown in FIG. 25, the coins accumulated on the circulating belt 22 are fed one by one to the circulating conveying unit 30 and move one by one on the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 in a counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 3 and 25. The coins transported by the circulating conveying unit 30 are identified by the recognition unit 50 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. (STEP 8). Then, coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 ("YES" in STEP 9) are returned to the original storing and feeding unit 40 (STEP 10). On the other hand, coins that are identified as abnormal by the recognition unit 50 or coins that could not be identified by the recognition unit 50 ("NO" in STEP 9) are diverted as rejected coins from the conveying surface of the circulating conveying unit 30 by the diverter member 35 and sent to the reject chute 70. The rejected coins sent to the reject chute 70 are discharged from the reject chute 70 through the discharge port 64 onto the tray 60 (STEP 11). This allows the operator to remove the rejected coins from the tray 60. When all coins have been sent from the insertion unit 20 to the storing and feeding unit 40 or the tray 60 in this way ("YES" in STEP 12), the same process is performed for each of the other storing and feeding units 40. Once the above-described processing has been performed for all storing and dispensing units 40, the control unit 90 determines that the coin inspection processing has been completed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the coin processing mode during the reconciliation process can be switched between a hold mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 are temporarily returned to the original storing and dispensing unit 40 and the reconciliation of the storing and dispensing unit 40 is determined to be incomplete, and a dispense mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 during the reconciliation process are dispensed outside the housing 12 (machine body). Here, when the clerk performing the reconciliation process is always in front of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10, the dispense mode can be used to quickly perform the reconciliation process. On the other hand, when the clerk leaves the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10 during the coin reconciliation process, the hold mode can be used to prevent coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 from being taken away by a third party. Furthermore, the clerk may be able to select which processing mode to use when instructing the control unit 90 to perform the reconciliation process via the operation and display unit 92.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 90 may be able to set either a self-checkout mode when the coin processing machine 10 is installed at a self-checkout register, or a manned mode when an attendant operates the coin processing machine 10 at the register. When the self-checkout mode is set at the control unit 90, the coin processing mode when performing the reconciliation process may be set to a hold mode, and when the attended mode is set at the control unit 90, the coin processing mode when performing the reconciliation process may be set to a dispense mode. When the coin processing machine 10 is installed at a manned register, the dispense mode can be used when the attendant at the register performs the reconciliation process, thereby enabling the reconciliation process to be performed quickly. On the other hand, when the coin processing machine 10 is installed at a self-checkout register, the hold mode can be used when performing the reconciliation process when no attendant is present in front of the coin processing machine 10, thereby preventing coins that have not been identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 from being taken away by a third party. Furthermore, if the number of storage and dispensing units 40 that store one or more coins is less than a predetermined number (for example, if only one storage and dispensing unit 40 stores coins), the coin processing mode when performing the reconciliation process may be set to dispensing mode. If the number of storage and dispensing units 40 that store one or more coins is less than a predetermined number, the reconciliation process is completed in a short time, so even if an attendant is in front of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10, the attendant will not be kept waiting for a long time, and therefore using dispensing mode does not place a significant burden on the attendant.

In addition, if an attendant directly inputs a command for the reconciliation process to the control unit 90 via the operation and display unit 92, the coin processing mode for performing the reconciliation process may be set to dispensing mode, and if the reconciliation process is performed automatically at a predetermined time, the coin processing mode for performing the reconciliation process may be set to hold mode. If the reconciliation process is performed automatically at a predetermined time, it is highly likely that an attendant will not be in front of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10, but by setting the hold mode, it is possible to prevent coins that have not been identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 from being taken away by a third party.

In addition, in the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, for the storage and dispensing unit 40E, which can store a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, the operator can use the operation and display unit 92 to set the denomination of coins to be stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40E to either 10-yen coins or 100-yen coins. In this way, when the denomination of coins to be stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40E is set to either 10-yen coins or 100-yen coins, the coin processing machine 10 can store approximately double the amount of coins of that denomination.

Furthermore, with regard to the storing and dispensing unit 40E, the operator can use the operation display unit 92 to configure the control unit 90 so that 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins are stored in a mixed state in the storing and dispensing unit 40E. In this case, when the coin deposit process is performed, if the recognition unit 50 recognizes that the coins transported by the circulating transport unit 30 are 10-yen coins or 100-yen coins, and the full detection sensor 40a does not detect that the storing and dispensing unit 40D or storing and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to the 10-yen or 100-yen coin denomination is full, the 10-yen coin or 100-yen coin identified by the recognition unit 50 is sent to the storing and dispensing unit 40D or storing and dispensing unit 40F of the corresponding denomination, and is stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40D or storing and dispensing unit 40F. On the other hand, when a coin deposit process is being performed and the recognition unit 50 recognizes that the coin being transported by the circulating transport unit 30 is a 10-yen coin or a 100-yen coin, and the full detection sensor 40a detects that the storing and feeding unit 40D or the storing and feeding unit 40F corresponding to the denomination of the 10-yen coin or the 100-yen coin is full, the coin is sent to the storing and feeding unit 40E and is stored in the storing and feeding unit 40E. The memory unit 94 also stores the order in which the coins were stored and the denomination of each coin stored in the storing and feeding unit 40E. For example, information that the first coin stored in storing and feeding unit 40E (i.e., the coin located lowest on stage 42) is a 10 yen coin, the second coin stored (i.e., the coin located second from the bottom on stage 42) is a 100 yen coin, and the third coin stored (i.e., the coin located third from the bottom on stage 42) is also a 10 yen coin is stored in memory unit 94. As a result, when coins are fed from storing and feeding unit 40E to circulating transport unit 30, control unit 90 recognizes the denomination of each fed coin based on the information stored in memory unit 94.

Furthermore, the operation of the coin dispensing process when the storage and feeding unit 40E is set to store 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins in a mixed state will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 27. When a dispensing process command is input to the control unit 90 ("YES" in STEP 101 of Figure 27), if the storage and feeding unit 40E is set to store 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins in a mixed state ("YES" in STEP 102), based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, when a 10-yen coin or a 100-yen coin is dispensed, the coin is first dispensed from the storage and feeding unit 40E, where 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins are stored in a mixed state, to the circulating conveying unit 30, and the dispensed coin is sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the tray 60 via the dispensing chute 80. That is, if the coin to be dispensed can be dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40E (mixed storing and dispensing unit) ("YES" in STEP 103), the coin is dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40E to circulating conveying unit 30, and the dispensed coin is sent from circulating conveying unit 30 to tray 60 via dispensing chute 80 (STEP 104). Also, if the coin to be dispensed can no longer be dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40E, in which 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins are stored in a mixed state, to circulating conveying unit 30 ("NO" in STEP 103), the coin is dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40D or storing and dispensing unit 40F, which are assigned to 10-yen coins or 100-yen coins, to circulating conveying unit 30, and the dispensed coin is sent from circulating conveying unit 30 to tray 60 via dispensing chute 80 (STEP 105). When all coins to be dispensed have been sent to tray 60 ("YES" in STEP 106), the coin dispensing process is complete. According to this coin dispensing process, by preferentially dispensing coins from storage and dispensing unit 40E and sending them to tray 60, as many coins as possible can be left in storage and dispensing unit 40D and storage and dispensing unit 40F, which store coins of a specific denomination. Furthermore, since it may not be possible to immediately dispense the desired denomination from storage and dispensing unit 40E, which stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, preferentially leaving coins in storage and dispensing unit 40D and storage and dispensing unit 40F, which store coins of a specific denomination, this can avoid a situation where coins cannot be immediately dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40E when storage and dispensing unit 40D and storage and dispensing unit 40F, which store coins of a specific denomination, become empty.

In addition, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, coins dispensed from the storage and feed unit 40E that are not the coins that should be dispensed are not dispensed. This prevents coins dispensed from the storage and feed unit 40E that are not the coins that should be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 40E from being sent to tray 60, for example, and becoming available for the operator to remove. In addition, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, if the denomination of the coin to be dispensed next from the storage and feed unit 40E is not included in the denomination of the coins to be dispensed, the coin is dispensed from the storage and feed unit 40D or storage and feed unit 40F that corresponds to the denomination of the coin to be dispensed. This prevents unnecessary coins (i.e., coins that are not of the denomination that should be dispensed) from the storage and feed unit 40E, thereby enabling the coin dispensing process to be performed more quickly.

Furthermore, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, based on the information stored in memory unit 94, if it is necessary to dispense a predetermined number of coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed before dispensing the coins to be dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40E, the coins may be dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40D or storage and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to the denomination of the coins to be dispensed. For example, when control unit 90 receives a dispensing command for 100 yen coins, if a predetermined number (e.g., five) of 10 yen coins or more are stored in storage and dispensing unit 40E and it is necessary to dispense a predetermined number of coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed (i.e., 10 yen coins) from storage and dispensing unit 40E in order to dispense all of the 100 yen coins to be dispensed, the coins are dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to 100 yen coins and sent to tray 60 without dispensing coins from storage and dispensing unit 40E. This prevents large amounts of coins of denominations not included in the coins to be dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40E, allowing for faster coin dispensing processing.

Furthermore, if it is necessary to continuously dispense coins of a denomination not included in the predetermined number of coins to be dispensed from storage/feeding unit 40E based on the information stored in memory unit 94, the coins may be dispensed from storage/feeding unit 40D or storage/feeding unit 40F corresponding to the denomination of the coins to be dispensed. For example, when control unit 90 receives a dispensing command for 100 yen coins, if several 100 yen coins and a predetermined number (e.g., five) or more 10 yen coins are stored in storage/feeding unit 40E from top to bottom, and it is necessary to continuously dispense coins of a denomination not included in the predetermined number or more of coins to be dispensed (i.e., 10 yen coins), several 100 yen coins are dispensed from storage/feeding unit 40E, and then coins are dispensed from storage/feeding unit 40F corresponding to the 100 yen coins and sent to tray 60. In this case, it is possible to prevent large amounts of coins of denominations that are not included in the coins to be dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40E, thereby making it possible to carry out the coin dispensing process more quickly.

In addition, in the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, when an instruction to perform a coin dispensing process is given to the control unit 90, a re-allocation process of coins stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40E may be performed as shown below. There are three patterns for the re-allocation process of coins stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40E. In the first pattern, when an instruction to perform a coin dispensing process is given to the control unit 90, coins are first dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40E, which stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, to the circulating conveying unit 30. If the dispensed coin is to be dispensed, the coin is sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the tray 60 via the dispensing chute 80. On the other hand, if the coin dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40E to the circulating conveying unit 30 is not to be dispensed, the coin is temporarily accumulated on the conveying path of the circulating conveying unit 30. At this time, if the coins continuously dispensed from storing and feeding unit 40E to circulating conveyance unit 30 are of the same denomination, multiple coins of the same denomination are accumulated on the conveyance path of circulating conveyance unit 30. Thereafter, as circulating belt 32 of circulating conveyance unit 30 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 3, the coins accumulated on the conveyance path (10-yen coins or 100-yen coins) are sent to storing and feeding unit 40D or storing and feeding unit 40F assigned to the coin's denomination, and are stored in storing and feeding unit 40D or storing and feeding unit 40F. Note that when full detection sensor 40a detects that storing and feeding unit 40D or storing and feeding unit 40F corresponding to the denomination of the coin (10-yen coins or 100-yen coins) accumulated on the conveyance path is full, this coin is returned to storing and feeding unit 40E and stored in storing and feeding unit 40E. After that, the coins to be dispensed are not dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40E, and the coins dispensed from storage and dispensing unit 40D or storage and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to the denomination of the coins to be dispensed are sent from circulating conveyance unit 30 to tray 60 via dispensing chute 80.

In a second pattern of the re-allocation process for coins stored in the storage and payout unit 40E, when an instruction to dispense coins is given to the control unit 90, coins are first dispensed from the storage and payout unit 40E, which stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, to the circulating conveyance unit 30, and all of these dispensed coins are sent to the insertion unit 20. Once all of the coins stored in the storage and payout unit 40E have been sent to the insertion unit 20, the coins are dispensed one by one from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating conveyance unit 30, and the dispensed coins are transported counterclockwise in Figure 3 by the circulating conveyance unit 30 while their denominations are identified by the recognition unit 50. Based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 50, if the coin identified by the recognition unit 50 is a coin that should be dispensed, the coin is sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the tray 60 via the reject chute 70. On the other hand, if the coin identified by the recognition unit 50 is not a coin that should be dispensed, the coin continues to be transported by the circulating transport unit 30 and is sent to the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F that is assigned to the coin's denomination, and is stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F. Also, if the recognition unit 50 identifies the coin being transported by the circulating transport unit 30 as a 10 yen coin or a 100 yen coin, and the full detection sensor 40a detects that the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to the 10 yen coin or the 100 yen coin is full, the coin is returned to the storing and dispensing unit 40E and stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40E.

In the third pattern of the re-allocation process for coins stored in the storage and payout unit 40E, when an instruction to dispense coins is given to the control unit 90, coins are first dispensed from the storage and payout unit 40E, which stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, to the circulating conveyance unit 30. If the dispensed coin is to be dispensed, it is sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80 and to the tray 60. On the other hand, if the coin dispensed from the storage and payout unit 40E to the circulating conveyance unit 30 is not to be dispensed, it is sent to the insertion unit 20. Then, once all coins to be dispensed have been sent to the tray 60, coins are dispensed one by one from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating conveyance unit 30. As the dispensed coins are transported by the circulating conveyance unit 30 in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3, their denominations, etc., are identified by the recognition unit 50. Then, based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 50, the coin recognized by the recognition unit 50 continues to be conveyed by the circulating conveyance unit 30 and sent to the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F assigned to the coin's denomination, where it is stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F. Furthermore, if the recognition unit 50 recognizes that the coin being conveyed by the circulating conveyance unit 30 is a 10 yen coin or a 100 yen coin, and the full detection sensor 40a detects that the storing and dispensing unit 40D or the storing and dispensing unit 40F corresponding to the 10 yen coin or the 100 yen coin is full, the coin is returned to the storing and dispensing unit 40E and stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40E.

Which of the three patterns for re-sorting coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40E described above will be used for the coin re-sorting process is preset at the time of shipping the coin processing machine 10. The operator may also be able to set which pattern for the re-sorting process will be used using the operation display unit 92.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned coin re-allocation process is not limited to being performed when a coin dispensing command is input to the control unit 90. The above-mentioned coin re-allocation process may also be performed at a predetermined time when the coin processing machine 10 is in standby mode outside the business hours of the store in which the coin processing machine 10 is installed.

In addition, whether or not to perform the re-allocation process may be switched based on the number of coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40D or the storage and dispensing unit 40F. Specifically, if the number of coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40D or the storage and dispensing unit 40F is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the re-allocation process is not performed, and if the number of coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40D or the storage and dispensing unit 40F is less than the predetermined number, the re-allocation process is performed. In this case, the coin re-allocation process can be performed when the number of coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40D or the storage and dispensing unit 40F, which stores coins of a specific denomination, becomes low, thereby preventing the amount of coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40D or the storage and dispensing unit 40F from becoming empty or near-empty.

Furthermore, during the coin dispensing operation from each storage and dispensing unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30, the topmost coin among the multiple coins stacked on the stage 42 comes into contact with the upper guide members 44, 45 and is forced by the spring 42a against the stage 42, applying a pressing force to the coins on the stage 42. However, if this pressing force is too great, the frictional force acting between the upper guide members 44, 45 and the coin increases, which may result in a problem in which the cam 41 is unable to dispense the coins on the stage 42 into the circulating conveying unit 30. Here, in this embodiment, each time a coin is dispensed from each storage and dispensing unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30, the lifting member 43 is raised by the thickness of one coin of the denomination assigned to that storage and dispensing unit 40, thereby preventing such a problem from occurring. Based on the information stored in memory unit 94, lifting member 43 is raised by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the coins dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40E to circulating transport unit 30, allowing for appropriate dispensing even in a storing and dispensing unit 40E that stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins. Furthermore, if the order of coins stored in storing and dispensing unit 40E becomes unclear due to error cancellation or other reasons, lifting member 43 is raised by a fixed distance (specifically, the average thickness of a 10-yen coin and a 100-yen coin) each time a coin is dispensed from storing and dispensing unit 40E to circulating transport unit 30. However, if lifting member 43 continues to be raised by a distance corresponding to the average thickness of a 10-yen coin and a 100-yen coin, errors may accumulate, resulting in an inappropriate pressure being applied to the coins on stage 42.

To address this issue, in this embodiment, when coins are dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40E, which stores a mixture of 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins, to the circulating transport unit 30, each time a predetermined number of coins (e.g., five coins) are dispensed from the storage section 46 by the cam 41, the lifting member 43 is lowered, thereby lowering the stage 42, and the coin located in the uppermost layer of coins stacked on the stage 42 is separated from the upper guide members 44 and 45. The upper end detection sensor 40c then detects the position of the coin located in the uppermost layer of coins stacked on the stage 42. As a result, the upper end position of the coins on the stage 42 is detected and reset each time a predetermined number of coins (e.g., five coins) are dispensed from the storage section 46 by the cam 41, thereby preventing problems such as excessive pressure being applied to the coins on the stage 42.

The coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, configured as described above, includes a circular transport unit 30 that transports coins along a predetermined circular path; an input unit 20 located inside the circular path for inputting coins into the machine; and a storage and payout unit 40 located along the circular path for storing coins sent from the circular transport unit 30 and for feeding the stored coins to the circular transport unit 30. With this coin processing machine 10, the input unit 20 for inputting coins into the machine is located inside the circular path of the circular transport unit 30, thereby reducing the depth of the housing 12 (machine body) of the coin processing machine 10. In other words, in conventional coin processing machines, the input unit is located in front of the circular transport unit that transports coins along the predetermined circular path, and the operator inserts coins into the input unit located in front of the housing. However, in such conventional coin processing machines, the input unit and the circular transport unit are arranged side by side along the depth of the machine body, which poses a problem of increasing the depth of the machine body. In contrast, in the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, the insertion unit 20 is positioned inside the circular path of the circulating transport unit 30, which makes it possible to reduce the depth of the housing 12 (machine body) of the coin processing machine 10.

As described above, the circulating conveying unit 30 is capable of conveying coins in both forward and reverse directions along the circular path. In this case, compared to when the circulating conveying unit 30 conveys coins in only one direction along the circular path, the amount of movement required when the circulating conveying unit 30 conveys coins can be reduced, thereby shortening the time required to process the coins. Furthermore, the direction in which the circulating conveying unit 30 conveys coins when a coin deposit process is performed is opposite to the direction in which the circulating conveying unit 30 conveys coins when a coin withdrawal process is performed.

Furthermore, as described above, coins are sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the insertion unit 20, and when the coin reconciliation process is performed, coins stored in the storing and dispensing unit 40 are dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40 to the circulating conveyance unit 30 and sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the insertion unit 20, and then the coins sent from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating conveyance unit 30 are sent back to the storing and dispensing unit 40. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate storing and dispensing unit for the reconciliation process, which makes it possible to save space within the housing 12.

As described above, the storing and feeding unit 40 has a storage section 46 in which coins are stored in a stacked state, and a cam 41 that stores coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 in the storage section 46 and feeds the top coin of the coins stored in the storage section 46 to the circulating conveyance unit 30, and the cam 41 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. In this case, the cam 41, which can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, can perform both the operation of storing coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 in the storage section 46 and the operation of feeding the top coin of the coins stored in the storage section 46 to the circulating conveyance unit 30. The cam 41 also rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which coins are transported by the circulating conveyance unit 30.

As described above, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with an identification unit 50 that identifies coins transported by the circulating conveying unit 30, a withdrawal chute 80 to which coins to be withdrawn from the circulating conveying unit 30 are sent during the coin withdrawal process, and a reject chute 70 to which coins that are identified by the identification unit 50 as not to be stored in the storage and payout unit 40 or coins that were not identified by the identification unit 50 are sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 during the coin deposit process, and the coin transport direction by the circulating conveying unit 30 when coins are sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the withdrawal chute 80 is opposite to the coin transport direction by the circulating conveying unit 30 when coins are sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 to the reject chute 70. In this case, the coin transport direction when rejected coins are sent to the reject chute 70 and the coin transport direction when dispensed coins are sent to the dispensing chute 80 are opposite, so compared to when the two transport directions are the same, the amount of movement required by the circulating transport unit 30 when conveying rejected coins and dispensed coins can be reduced, thereby shortening the time required to process coins. Furthermore, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment further includes a tray 60 on which coins to be dispensed are accumulated, and coins are sent from the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 to the same tray 60. In this case, the configuration of the coin processing machine 10 can be simplified compared to when separate trays are provided for receiving rejected coins from the reject chute 70 and receiving dispensed coins from the dispensing chute 80, thereby enabling a reduction in the installation space required for the coin processing machine 10.

As described above, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment further includes a dispensing chute 80 to which coins to be dispensed are sent from the circulating transport unit 30 during the coin dispensing process, and a tray 60 on which the coins to be dispensed are accumulated. When the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically, the tray 60 and the circulating transport unit 30 at least partially overlap. This reduces the depth of the coin processing machine 10's housing 12, making the coin processing machine 10 more compact. The tray 60 and the insertion unit 20 may also at least partially overlap when the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically. In this case, the depth of the coin processing machine 10's housing 12 is even shorter, making the coin processing machine 10 even more compact.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the number of storage and dispensing units 40 is greater than the number of coin denominations to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. In this case, when the denominations of coins to be processed are assigned to each storage and dispensing unit 40, there will be storage and dispensing units 40 to which a specific denomination is not assigned. Therefore, operational flexibility can be increased by configuring these storage and dispensing units 40 to store coins of multiple denominations in a mixed state, or by assigning coin denominations that are processed in large quantities.

As described above, the circulating conveying unit 30 has a circular circulating belt 32 (conveyor belt) that extends along the circular path, and is provided with a tensioning mechanism 36 for adjusting the tension of the circulating belt 32. In this case, adjusting the tension of the circulating belt 32 with the tensioning mechanism 36 prevents the circulating belt 32 from becoming too loose or having too much tension, thereby enabling the circulating belt 32 to more reliably convey coins. In addition, the tensioning mechanism 36 is movable integrally with the conveying path. In this case, because the tensioning mechanism 36 can be placed within the circular path used to transport coins, there is no need to provide a separate space for the tensioning mechanism 36 within the housing 12, thereby saving space within the housing 12.

As mentioned above, multiple storage and dispensing units 40 are provided, the circular path is generally rectangular or square, and the storage and dispensing units 40 are arranged along a pair of side path sections that are perpendicular to the path section located on the front side of the machine body. In this case, the storage and dispensing units 40 are arranged on the left and right sides of the generally rectangular or square circular path of the circulating conveying unit 30, so the width or depth of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10 can be prevented from becoming too large compared to when the storage and dispensing units are arranged in a row along the conveying path.

Furthermore, according to the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, the coin dispensing unit of the coin processing machine 10 is equipped with a dispensing chute 80 and a reject chute 70 (chute) through which coins branching off from the circulating transport unit 30 (transport unit) fall under their own weight, and a tray 60 on which coins sent from the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 are accumulated, and coins are sent from the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 to the tray 60 along the width direction of the coin processing machine 10. In this case, because coins are sent to the tray 60 along the width direction of the coin processing machine 10, it is possible to prevent coins from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front side of the housing 12 when they are ejected from the reject chute 70 or the dispensing chute 80 into the tray 60.

As described above, coins are discharged from the outlets 62, 64 of the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 onto the tray 60 along the width direction of the coin processing machine 10, and wall surfaces 67, 68 are formed on the opposite side of the tray 60 from the outlets 62, 64. In this case, coins discharged from the outlets 62, 64 hit the wall surfaces 67, 68, weakening their momentum, which further prevents coins discharged from the outlets 62, 64 from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front of the housing 12.

As mentioned above, the dispensing chute 80 is provided with a branching member 88 (branching section), which allows coins sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30 to the dispensing chute 80 to be sorted to tray 60 or an area other than tray 60. Coins sorted to an area other than tray 60 fall from the dispensing chute 80. In this case, when a store clerk collects coins stored in each storage and feeding unit 40 in the coin processing machine 10, a collection box with an open top is placed directly below the third chute section 86 of the dispensing chute 80. The coins sent to the dispensing chute 80 from the circulating conveyance unit 30 are sent from the first chute section 82 to the third chute section 86, and then allowed to fall downward from this third chute section 86 under their own weight. This allows the store clerk to send a large number of coins to be collected directly from the dispensing chute 80 to the collection box without passing through tray 60.

As described above, a pair of chutes (specifically, a dispensing chute 80 and a reject chute 70) are arranged on either side of the tray 60. One of the pair of chutes includes the dispensing chute 80, from which coins to be dispensed from the circulating transport unit 30 are branched during the coin dispensing process, and the other chute includes the reject chute 70, from which coins that have been identified by the recognition unit 50 as not to be stored in the storing/feeding unit 40 (storage unit) or coins that have not been identified by the recognition unit 50 are branched from the circulating transport unit 30 during the coin deposit process.

As described above, the reject chute 70 and the dispensing chute 80 have first chute sections 72, 82 to which coins are sent from the circulating conveyance unit 30, and second chute sections 74, 84 located downstream of the first chute sections 72, 82. The first chute sections 72, 82 drop coins vertically, while the second chute sections 74, 84 send coins diagonally downward to the tray 60. In this case, because the coins are sent diagonally downward to the tray 60 in the second chute sections 74, 84, the coin drop speed can be slowed and the momentum of the coins being discharged from the discharge ports 62, 64 onto the tray 60 can be weakened, further preventing coins discharged from the discharge ports 62, 64 from flying out of the tray 60 toward the front of the housing 12. Furthermore, the vertical length of the cross section of the first chute sections 72, 82, which is perpendicular to the coin feed direction, is smaller than the diameter of the coins to be processed by the coin processing machine 10, and the horizontal length of the cross section is larger than the diameter of the coins to be processed by the coin processing machine 10. In this case, coins can be reliably dropped vertically in the first chute sections 72, 82.

Furthermore, as described above, when the coin processing machine 10 is viewed vertically, the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 at least partially overlap with the circulating transport unit 30. In this case, compared to when the dispensing chute 80 and the reject chute 70 are positioned at the front of the housing 12, the coin processing machine 10 has an even shorter length in the depth direction of the housing 12, making it possible to make the coin processing machine 10 even more compact.

In addition, according to the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, the storage and dispensing unit 40 (storage mechanism) of the coin processing machine 10 has a cylindrical storage section 46 in which coins are stored in a stacked state and which has an opening extending along the coin accumulation direction, and an opening/closing door 47 for opening and closing the opening. The opening/closing door 47 rotates around an axis 47a extending along the coin accumulation direction. With this type of storage and dispensing unit 40, opening the opening/closing door 47 allows access to the interior of the storage section 46, making it easy to remove foreign matter from the storage section 46. More specifically, conventional coin processing machines have had the problem that even if foreign matter such as dust and dirt accumulates in the storage tube in which coins are stored, it is difficult to remove the foreign matter from the storage tube because the storage tube is sealed. Furthermore, coin processing machines in which the storage section lid opens around an axis extending along a direction perpendicular to the coin accumulation direction have had the problem of requiring space to open the lid. In contrast, in the storage and dispensing unit 40 of the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, the opening and closing door 47 rotates around an axis 47a that extends in the coin accumulation direction, making it easy to remove foreign objects from the storage section 46 and reducing the space required to open the opening and closing door 47.

The storage and dispensing unit 40 also includes a cam 41 that stores coins sent from the circulating transport unit 30 (transport unit) in the storage section 46, and the cam 41 dispenses the coins located in the top layer of coins stored in the storage section 46 to the outside. By providing such a cam 41, it becomes possible to use a single cam 41 to move coins from the circulating transport unit 30 to the storage section 46 and dispense coins from the storage section 46 to the circulating transport unit 30.

The storing and feeding unit 40 also includes guide members 48, 49 that extend in the direction in which the coins are accumulated in the storage section 46, and the width of the gap formed around the guide members 48, 49 is smaller than the diameter of the coins to be stored in the storage section 46. In this case, when the opening/closing door 47 is opened, it is possible to prevent the coins stored in the storage section 46 from flying out of the opening to the outside of the storage section 46. Furthermore, the guide member 48 is positioned inside the opening/closing door 47 when the opening is closed. In this case, the installation space for the guide member 48 can be reduced compared to when the guide member 48 is installed outside the opening/closing door 47. Furthermore, a recess 47b is formed on the inner surface of the opening/closing door 47 to accommodate the guide member 48 when the opening is closed.

Furthermore, the storing and feeding unit 40 is provided with multiple guide members 48, 49, and the width of the gap between the multiple guide members 48, 49 is smaller than the diameter of the coins to be stored in the storage section 46. In this case, too, when the opening and closing door 47 is opened, it is possible to prevent coins stored in the storage section 46 from flying out of the storage section 46 through the opening.

In addition, in the storing and feeding unit 40, a top opening 46a (second opening) is formed near the cam 41 in the storage section 46 for removing the topmost coin accumulated in the storage section 46 from the storage section 46. This makes it possible to feed coins from the circulating transport unit 30 to the storage section 46, or to feed coins from the storage section 46 and feed them to the circulating transport unit 30, via the top opening 46a.

In addition, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a first storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing units 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40F, 40G) that stores coins of a predetermined denomination in a single row and is capable of dispensing the stored coins, a second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E) that stores coins of multiple denominations in a single row and is capable of dispensing the stored coins, a control unit 90 that controls the first storage and dispensing unit and the second storage and dispensing unit, and a memory unit 94 that stores the coin denomination set in the first storage and dispensing unit and the amount of coins stored in the first storage and dispensing unit, and stores the denominations of each coin stored in the second storage and dispensing unit in the order in which they were stored. When the control unit 90 receives a dispensing command including the number of coins to be dispensed for each denomination, it controls the first storage and dispensing unit and the second storage and dispensing unit based on the information stored in the memory unit 94 so that if coins of the denomination to be dispensed are stored in the first storage and dispensing unit and the second storage and dispensing unit, respectively. In this case, compared to a case where a second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E) that stores coins of multiple denominations in a single row and can dispense stored coins is not provided, it is possible to increase the number of stored coins for multiple specific denominations (e.g., 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins) and leave as many coins as possible in the first storage and dispensing unit that stores coins of the specific denomination.

In addition, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, the control unit 90 controls the second storing and feeding unit (storing and feeding unit 40E) to prevent the dispensing of coins that are not to be dispensed, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94. This prevents coins that are not to be dispensed from the second storing and feeding unit from being sent to tray 60, for example, and becoming available for removal by the operator.

In addition, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, if it is necessary to dispense a predetermined number of coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed before dispensing the coins to be dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E), the control unit 90 controls the first storage and dispensing unit to dispense coins from the first storage and dispensing unit corresponding to the denomination of the coins to be dispensed. This makes it possible to prevent large quantities of coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit, thereby making it possible to perform the coin dispensing process more quickly.

Furthermore, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, if it is necessary to dispense coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed continuously from the second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E) based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, the control unit 90 may control the first storage and dispensing unit to dispense coins from the first storage and dispensing unit corresponding to the denomination of the coins to be dispensed. In this case, too, it is possible to prevent coins of a denomination not included in the coins to be dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit in large quantities, thereby making it possible to perform the coin dispensing process more quickly.

Furthermore, while the coin dispensing process is being performed, the control unit 90, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, controls the first storage and dispensing unit to dispense coins from the first storage and dispensing unit corresponding to the denomination of the coin to be dispensed if the denomination of the coin to be dispensed next from the second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E) is not included in the denomination of the coin to be dispensed. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary coins (i.e., coins that are not of the denomination to be dispensed) from being dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit, thereby enabling the coin dispensing process to be performed more quickly.

The control unit 90 is also capable of executing a re-allocation process in which coins stored in the second storage and dispensing unit (storage and dispensing unit 40E) are dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit and stored in the first storage and dispensing unit. In this case, it becomes possible to store as many coins as possible in the first storage and dispensing unit, which stores coins of a specific denomination. Furthermore, when the re-allocation process is performed, the control unit 90 causes coins dispensed from the second storage and dispensing unit that are not to be dispensed to be stored in the first storage and dispensing unit corresponding to the denomination of the coin.

Furthermore, when the re-sorting process is performed, the control unit 90 sends coins dispensed from the second storage and feed unit that are not to be dispensed to the input unit 20 (temporary holding unit), and then stores the coins dispensed from the input unit 20 that are not to be dispensed in the first storage and feed unit corresponding to the denomination of the coin. In this case, by temporarily sending coins dispensed from the second storage and feed unit that are not to be dispensed to the input unit 20, coins dispensed from the second storage and feed unit that are to be dispensed can be quickly paid out of the housing 12, while coins dispensed from the second storage and feed unit that are not to be dispensed can be temporarily held in the input unit 20, allowing the operation of sending coins from the input unit 20 to the first storage and feed unit to be performed after the dispensing process.

The control unit 90 also switches whether or not to perform the re-allocation process based on the number of coins stored in the first storage and feed unit. The control unit 90 does not perform the re-allocation process if the number of coins stored in the first storage and feed unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and performs the re-allocation process if the number of coins stored in the first storage and feed unit is less than the predetermined number. In this case, the coin re-allocation process can be performed when the number of coins stored in the first storage and feed unit, which stores coins of a specific denomination, becomes low, thereby preventing the amount of coins stored in the first storage and feed unit from becoming empty or near-empty.

In addition, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a circulating conveying unit 30 (conveying unit) that conveys coins, a storage and dispensing unit 40 that stores coins sent from the circulating conveying unit 30 and can dispense the stored coins to the circulating conveying unit 30, an identification unit 50 that identifies coins transported by the circulating conveying unit 30, and a control unit 90 that controls the circulating conveying unit 30 and the storage and dispensing unit 40.The control unit 90 performs a coin inspection process in which coins stored in the storage and dispensing unit 40 are dispensed from the storage and dispensing unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30, and the circulating conveying unit 30 sends the coins to a location (specifically, the insertion unit 20) different from the original storage and dispensing unit 40 for storage, and then the coins sent to the other location are returned to the original storage and dispensing unit 40 by the circulating conveying unit 30, at which time the identification unit 50 identifies the coins. In addition, the control unit 90 temporarily returns coins that are not recognized as valid by the recognition unit 50 during the reconciliation process to the original storing and feeding unit 40 and determines that the reconciliation of the coins is incomplete. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate storage unit for storing coins that are not recognized as valid during the coin reconciliation process, and it is possible to prevent third parties from taking away coins even if the operator is away from the machine during the coin reconciliation process. More specifically, in conventional coin processing machines, coins that are not recognized as valid by the recognition unit during the coin reconciliation process are moved to a spare storage unit, thereby completing the reconciliation of coins that are recognized as valid. However, this requires the provision of a separate spare storage unit in addition to coin storage units for each denomination, which results in problems such as an increase in the size of the coin processing machine and a complex device structure. Furthermore, in other conventional coin processing machines, coins that cannot be counted properly during the coin reconciliation process are discharged to a dispensing port. However, with this type of coin processing machine, there is a problem in that if an attendant is not present near the machine, there is a possibility that ejected coins may be taken away by a third party. In contrast, with the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment, when the coin inspection process is performed, coins that are not identified as valid by the identification unit 50 are temporarily returned to the original storing and dispensing unit 40, and the storing and dispensing unit 40 is determined to have not been inspected. This eliminates the need to provide a spare storage unit, and also prevents coins that are not identified as valid from being immediately dispensed outside the housing 12, preventing them from being taken away by a third party.

In the above explanation, the recognition unit 50 recognizes coins sent to another location (specifically, the insertion unit 20) when the circulating conveyance unit 30 returns the coins to the original storing and feeding unit 40. However, the coin processing machine 10 of this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. In another configuration, the recognition unit 50 may recognize coins when coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 are fed from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveyance unit 30 and sent by the circulating conveyance unit 30 to a location other than the original storing and feeding unit 40 (specifically, the insertion unit 20).

As mentioned above, multiple storage and dispensing units 40 are provided, and the control unit 90 performs coin inspection processing for each storage and dispensing unit 40. In this case, even if it is determined that inspection of a certain storage and dispensing unit 40 has not been completed, inspection processing of the coins stored in the next storage and dispensing unit 40 is performed. In this case, inspection processing of the coins stored in each of the multiple storage and dispensing units 40 can be performed continuously.

Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 90 may cause the recognition unit 50 to recognize again a predetermined number of times any coin that was not recognized as a normal coin by the recognition unit 50 during the reconciliation process, and may return any coin that was not recognized as a normal coin even after being recognized a predetermined number of times by the recognition unit 50 to the original storing and dispensing unit 40, and determine that the storing and dispensing unit 40 has not been reconciled. In this case, it is possible to prevent a normal coin from being identified as an abnormal coin by the recognition unit 50, and to erroneously determine that the storing and dispensing unit 40 in which the coin is stored has not been reconciled.

Furthermore, as described above, when the control unit 90 receives a predetermined command, it controls the circulating conveying unit 30 and the storing and feeding unit 40 so that coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 that have been determined to have not been inspected are fed from the storing and feeding unit 40 to the circulating conveying unit 30 for identification by the recognition unit 50, coins that have been identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 are returned to the storing and feeding unit 40, and coins that have not been identified as normal by the recognition unit 50 are dispensed outside the housing 12 (machine body). As a result, coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 40 that have been determined to have not been inspected are identified again by the recognition unit 50, and coins that have not been identified as normal are dispensed outside the housing 12, allowing for more accurate inspection processing.

As described above, the control unit 90 can switch the coin processing mode during the reconciliation process between a hold mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 are temporarily returned to the original storing and dispensing unit 40 and the reconciliation of the storing and dispensing unit 40 is determined to be incomplete, and a dispense mode, in which coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 during the reconciliation process are dispensed outside the housing 12 (machine body). In this case, when the staff member performing the reconciliation process is always in front of the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10, the dispense mode can be used to quickly perform the reconciliation process. Furthermore, when the staff member leaves the housing 12 of the coin processing machine 10 while performing the reconciliation process, the hold mode can be used to prevent coins not identified as valid by the recognition unit 50 from being taken away by a third party. The control unit 90 also switches the processing mode between the hold mode and the dispense mode based on the received reconciliation instruction.

Note that the coin processing machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the above explanation, a type of storage and dispensing unit 40 is used in which coins are placed into the storage section 46 from the top end and the coins stored in the storage section 46 are dispensed one by one from the top end, but this embodiment is not limited to this type. In other embodiments, a storage and dispensing unit may be used in which coins are placed into the storage section from the top end and the coins stored in the storage section are dispensed one by one from the bottom end, or in which coins are placed into the storage section from the bottom end and the coins stored in the storage section are dispensed one by one from the bottom end or the top end.

The coin processing machine 10a shown in Figure 28 may also be used as a modified example. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the modified coin processing machine 10a. In the coin processing machine 10a shown in Figure 28, the same components as those in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figures 1 to 27 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

In the coin processing machine 10a shown in Figure 28, instead of multiple cylindrical storing and dispensing units 40, multiple storing and dispensing units 40p are provided vertically below the circulating transport unit 30, and each storing and dispensing unit 40p is assigned to a different denomination of coins. Furthermore, the coin transport surface of the circulating transport unit 30 is provided with an opening 31p or gate member (not shown) corresponding to the diameter of the coin corresponding to each storing and dispensing unit 40p, and a chute 41p is provided between the opening 31p or gate member and each storing and dispensing unit 40p. Coins sent from the circulating transport unit 30 to the chute 41p by the opening 31p or gate member fall by their own weight within the chute 41p, and are sent to each storing and dispensing unit 40p.

Each storing and dispensing unit 40p is provided with a circulating belt, and coins sent from the chute 41p to each storing and dispensing unit 40p are accumulated on the circulating belt. In this way, during coin deposit processing, coins dispensed from the insertion unit 20 to the circulating transport unit 30 are identified by the recognition unit 50 and then stored in each storing and dispensing unit 40p. Furthermore, during coin withdrawal processing, the circulating belt of the storing and dispensing unit 40p moves in a circular motion, thereby dispensing coins to be dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 40p, and the dispensed coins are sent to tray 60 via the first dispensing belt 42p and the second dispensing belt 44p. As a result, the dispensed coins are accumulated on tray 60, allowing the operator to remove the dispensed coins from tray 60.

The coin processing machine 10a shown in Figure 28 comprises a circular transport unit 30 that transports coins along a predetermined circular path, an input unit 20 located inside the circular path for inputting coins into the machine body, and a storage and payout unit 40p located below the circular transport unit 30 for storing coins sent from the circular transport unit 30 and for paying out the stored coins. In this coin processing machine 10a, as in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figures 1 to 27, the input unit 20 for inputting coins into the machine body is located inside the circular path of the circular transport unit 30, so the depth of the body of the coin processing machine 10a can be reduced.

Furthermore, the coin processing machine 10b shown in Figure 29 may be used as another modified example. Figure 29 is a top view showing the general configuration of the modified coin processing machine 10b. In the coin processing machine 10b shown in Figure 29, the same components as those in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figures 1 to 27 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 29, in a coin processing machine 10b according to another modified example, each storing and dispensing unit 40 is arranged inside the circular path along which coins are transported in the circulating transport unit 30. Here, the shape and number of each storing and dispensing unit 40 in the coin processing machine 10b are the same as the shape and number of each storing and dispensing unit 40 in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figures 1 to 27. In this coin processing machine 10b as well, the storing and dispensing unit 40 is able to store coins sent from the circulating transport unit 30 and dispense stored coins to the circulating transport unit 30.

The coin processing machine 10b shown in Figure 29 comprises a circular transport unit 30 that transports coins along a predetermined circular path, an input unit 20 located inside the circular path for inputting coins into the machine, and a storage and payout unit 40 located along the circular path for storing coins sent from the circular transport unit 30 and for feeding the stored coins to the circular transport unit 30. In this coin processing machine 10b, as in the coin processing machine 10 shown in Figures 1 to 27, the input unit 20 for inputting coins into the machine is located inside the circular path of the circular transport unit 30, so the depth of the machine body of the coin processing machine 10b can be reduced.

Furthermore, the money handling machine according to the present invention is not limited to coin handling machines that process coins. A banknote handling machine that processes banknotes may also be used as the money handling machine according to the present invention. Such a banknote handling machine will be described using Figures 30 to 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, the banknote handling machine 200 according to the present invention is installed alongside the coin handling machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 30 to 32, the banknote handling machine 200 comprises a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 212, a banknote receiving section 220 provided on the front side of the housing 212, a banknote dispensing section 222 provided below the banknote receiving section 220 on the front side of the housing 212, a transport section 230 that transports banknotes one by one within the housing 212, and a plurality of storage and pay-out sections 234, 236, 238, 240 that store banknotes within the housing 212 and can pay out the stored banknotes. In FIG. 31, the right side of the housing 212 is the front side of the banknote handling machine 200, and the leftward direction in FIG. 31 is the depth direction of the banknote handling machine 200. 31 , the transport unit 230 is composed of a circulating transport unit 230a and a plurality of connecting transport units 230b, which are arranged at the center of the housing 212. In addition, the banknote receiving unit 220, the banknote dispensing unit 222, the withdrawal rejection unit 224, a cassette mounting unit 226 to which a storage cassette 300 can be detachably attached, and four storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240 are arranged to surround the circulating transport unit 230a. In addition, as shown in FIG. 31 , each of the plurality of connecting transport units 230b connects the banknote receiving unit 220, the banknote dispensing unit 222, the withdrawal rejection unit 224, the cassette mounting unit 226, and the four storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240 to the circulating transport unit 230a. The circular transport unit 230a is also provided with an identification unit 232, which is configured to identify the denomination, authenticity, fitness, front/back, transport status, etc. of the banknotes transported by the circular transport unit 230a.

The circulating conveying unit 230a is capable of conveying banknotes one by one along a circulation path in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in Figure 31. In addition, in the conveying unit 230, a path switching unit (not shown) that switches the banknote conveying path between the circulating conveying unit 230a and each connecting conveying unit 230b is arranged along the circulating conveying unit 230a.

As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the front of the housing 212 is provided with a banknote receiving opening 220a of the banknote receiving unit 220 and a banknote dispensing opening 222a of the banknote dispensing unit 222. In addition, a door 226a is provided on the front side of the cassette mounting unit 226, and by opening this door 226a, the storage cassette 300 can be mounted in the cassette mounting unit 226 or removed from the cassette mounting unit 226. The storage cassette 300 mounted in the cassette mounting unit 226 stores banknotes sent from the connecting transport unit 230b of the transport unit 230 in a stacked state, and is capable of feeding the stored banknotes one by one to the connecting transport unit 230b of the transport unit 230.

The banknote receiving unit 220 is provided with a banknote dispensing mechanism 221. When a banknote receiving sensor (not shown) detects that one or more banknotes have been inserted into the banknote receiving opening 220a, the banknote dispensing mechanism 221 is activated, causing the banknotes to be dispensed one by one to the circulating transport unit 230a via the connecting transport unit 230b.

The banknote dispensing unit 222 is configured to discharge banknotes dispensed from each storage and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, and 240 to the circulating transport unit 230a to the outside of the housing 212 through the banknote dispensing outlet 222a.

The withdrawal rejection unit 224 stores as withdrawal-rejected banknotes banknotes that cannot be identified by the recognition unit 232 due to transport abnormalities such as double feeding or skewing among the banknotes fed from each storage and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, and 240 during the withdrawal process. In addition, among the banknotes taken into the housing 212 from the banknote receiving unit 220, banknotes that cannot be identified by the recognition unit 232 due to soiling or the like during the deposit process are returned to the banknote dispensing unit 222 as deposit-rejected banknotes.

Each of the three storing and feeding sections 234, 236, and 238 is configured to store banknotes by denomination based on the recognition results of the recognition section 232. These storing and feeding sections 234, 236, and 238 are configured to store banknotes as sales proceeds deposited into the banknote processing unit 210 and banknotes to be dispensed as change. Specifically, for example, storing and feeding section 234 stores 1,000 yen bills, storing and feeding section 236 stores a mixture of 2,000 yen and 5,000 yen bills, and storing and feeding section 238 stores 10,000 yen bills. Furthermore, storing and feeding section 240 stores a mixture of 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen bills. In addition, each storage and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, 240 is provided with a banknote feeding mechanism 235, 237, 239, 241, respectively, and the banknotes stored in these storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 are fed one by one by each banknote feeding mechanism 235, 237, 239, 241 to the circulating transport unit 230a side via the connecting transport unit 230b.

Next, the configuration of the control system in such a banknote processing machine 200 will be explained using Figure 32. As shown in Figure 32, the banknote processing machine 200 is equipped with a control unit 290, which is connected to the banknote dispensing mechanism 221, the transport unit 230, the recognition unit 232, each banknote dispensing mechanism 235, 237, 239, 241, the cassette mounting unit 226, etc. Banknote identification information etc. from the recognition unit 232 is sent to the banknote control unit 210a, and the control unit 290 controls each component of the banknote processing unit 210 by sending command signals to these components. The banknote processing machine 200 is also provided with an operation and display unit 292, a memory unit 294, and a communication unit 296, which are connected to the control unit 290. The operation and display unit 292 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and upon receiving display commands from the control unit 290, various information is displayed on the operation and display unit 292, and the operator can input various information to the control unit 290 via the operation and display unit 292. The memory unit 294 is configured to store various information such as the denominations and numbers of banknotes stored in each of the storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240, and the history of banknote deposit and withdrawal processes performed in the banknote processing machine 200. The memory unit 294 is also configured to store the denominations of each banknote stored in the storing and feeding unit 240 in the order in which they were stored. The control unit 290 is also capable of sending and receiving various signals to and from external devices via the communication unit 296.

Next, we will explain the various processes performed by this banknote processing machine 200. Note that the various processes performed by the banknote processing machine 200 described below are performed by the control unit 290 controlling each component of the banknote processing machine 200.

First, we will explain the operation when the banknote processing machine 200 processes the deposit of banknotes. When an operator inserts banknotes into the banknote receiving opening 220a of the banknote receiving unit 220, and a banknote receiving sensor (not shown) detects that one or more banknotes have been inserted into the banknote receiving opening 220a, the banknote dispensing mechanism 221 is driven, and the banknotes are dispensed one by one to the circulating conveying unit 230a via the connecting conveying unit 230b. The banknotes dispensed to the circulating conveying unit 230a are transported by the circulating conveying unit 230a and recognized by the recognition unit 232. Then, based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 232, the banknotes are sent to the storing and dispensing units 234, 236, 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknote recognized by the recognition unit 232. In this way, banknotes inserted into the banknote receiving opening 220a of the banknote receiving unit 220 are stored in each storing and feeding unit 234, 236, 238. Note that if the storing and feeding unit 234, 236, 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknote identified by the recognition unit 232 is full and no more banknotes can be stored in this storing and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, the banknote identified by the recognition unit 232 is sent to the storing and feeding unit 240 and stored in this storing and feeding unit 240. The memory unit 294 stores the order and denomination of the banknotes stored in the storing and feeding unit 240.

Next, we will explain the operation of the banknote handling machine 200 when it performs a banknote dispensing process. When a command to dispense a banknote is input to the control unit 290, based on the information stored in the memory unit 294, when a 1,000 yen or 10,000 yen note is dispensed, the banknote is first fed from the storage and feed unit 240, which stores a mixture of 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen notes, to the transport unit 230, and then sent from the transport unit 230 to the banknote dispensing unit 222. Furthermore, if the banknote to be dispensed cannot be fed from the storage and feed unit 240, which stores a mixture of 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen notes, to the transport unit 230, the banknote is fed from the storage and feed unit 234, storage and feed unit 236, and storage and feed unit 238, which are assigned to 1,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen notes, respectively, to the transport unit 230, and then sent from the transport unit 230 to the banknote dispensing unit 222. Then, when all of the banknotes to be dispensed have been sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222, the banknote dispensing unit 222 releases the banknotes sent from the transport unit 230 to the outside of the housing 212 through the banknote dispensing outlet 222a. In this way, the banknote dispensing process is completed. According to this banknote dispensing process, by preferentially feeding banknotes from the storing and feeding unit 240 and sending them to the banknote dispensing unit 222, it is possible to leave as many banknotes as possible in the storing and feeding units 234 and 238, which store banknotes of specific denominations.

In addition, while the banknote dispensing process is being performed, based on the information stored in the memory unit 294, banknotes dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 240 that are not the banknotes that should be dispensed are not dispensed. This prevents banknotes dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 240 that are not the banknotes that should be dispensed from being sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222, for example, and thereby making them accessible to the operator. In addition, while the banknote dispensing process is being performed, based on the information stored in the memory unit 94, if the denomination of the banknote to be next dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 240 is not included in the denomination of the banknotes to be dispensed, the banknote is dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 234 or storing and feeding unit 238 that corresponds to the denomination of the banknote to be dispensed. This prevents unnecessary banknotes (i.e., banknotes that are not of the denomination that should be dispensed) from the storing and feeding unit 240, thereby enabling the banknote dispensing process to be performed more quickly.

Furthermore, while the banknote dispensing process is being performed, if it is necessary to dispense a predetermined number of banknotes of a denomination not included in the banknotes to be dispensed before dispensing the banknotes to be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 240 based on the information stored in the memory unit 294, the banknotes may be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 234 or storage and feed unit 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknotes to be dispensed. This prevents a large number of banknotes of a denomination not included in the banknotes to be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 240, thereby enabling the banknote dispensing process to be performed more quickly. Further, if it is necessary to continuously dispense a predetermined number of banknotes of a denomination not included in the banknotes to be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 240 based on the information stored in the memory unit 294, the banknotes may be dispensed from the storage and feed unit 234 or storage and feed unit 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknotes to be dispensed. In this case, it is possible to prevent large amounts of banknotes of denominations other than those included in the banknotes to be dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 240, thereby enabling the banknote dispensing process to be carried out more quickly.

Furthermore, in the banknote handling machine 200 of this embodiment, when an instruction to perform a banknote dispensing process is given to the control unit 290, the banknotes stored in the storing and feeding unit 240 may be reassigned as shown below. There are three patterns for the reassignment process of banknotes stored in the storing and feeding unit 240. In the first pattern, when an instruction to perform a banknote dispensing process is given to the control unit 290, banknotes are first fed from the storing and feeding unit 240, which stores a mixture of 1,000 yen bills and 10,000 yen bills, to the transport unit 230, and if the fed banknotes are to be dispensed, they are sent from the transport unit 230 to the banknote dispensing unit 222. On the other hand, if the banknotes dispensed from the storing and feeding unit 240 to the transport unit 230 are not to be dispensed, they are temporarily held on the transport path of the transport unit 230. At this time, if the denominations of banknotes continuously fed from storing and feeding unit 240 to transport unit 230 are the same, multiple banknotes of the same denomination are reserved on the transport path of transport unit 230. Thereafter, transport unit 230 sends the banknotes (thousand-yen bills or ten-thousand-yen bills) reserved on the transport path to storing and feeding unit 234 or storing and feeding unit 238 to which the denomination of the banknotes is assigned, and stores them in storing and feeding unit 234 or storing and feeding unit 238. Note that when storing and feeding unit 234 or storing and feeding unit 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknotes (thousand-yen bills or ten-thousand-yen bills) reserved on the transport path is full, the banknotes are returned to storing and feeding unit 240 and stored in storing and feeding unit 240. After that, the banknotes to be dispensed are not dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 240, and the banknotes dispensed from the storing and dispensing unit 234 or the storing and dispensing unit 238 corresponding to the denomination of the banknotes to be dispensed are sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222 by the transport unit 230.

In the second pattern of the re-allocation process for banknotes stored in the storage and feed unit 240, when an instruction to dispense banknotes is given to the control unit 290, banknotes are first fed from the storage and feed unit 240, which stores a mixture of 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen bills, to the transport unit 230, and all of these fed banknotes are sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or an empty storage cassette 300 attached to the cassette attachment unit 226. Then, when all of the banknotes stored in the storage and feed unit 240 have been sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300, the banknotes are fed one by one from the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300 to the transport unit 230, and the denominations of the fed banknotes are identified by the recognition unit 232 as they are transported by the transport unit 230. If the banknote identified by the recognition unit 232 is a banknote that should be dispensed based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 232, the banknote is sent from the transport unit 230 to the banknote dispensing unit 222. On the other hand, if the banknote identified by the recognition unit 232 is not a banknote that should be dispensed, the banknote continues to be transported by the transport unit 230 and sent to the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 236 that is assigned to the denomination of this banknote, and is stored in the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 236. Furthermore, if the recognition unit 232 identifies that the banknote being transported by the transport unit 230 is a 1,000 yen note or a 10,000 yen note, and the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 238 that corresponds to the 1,000 yen note or the 10,000 yen note is full, the banknote is returned to the storing and feeding unit 240 and stored in the storing and feeding unit 240.

In the third pattern of the re-allocation process for banknotes stored in the storage and feed unit 240, when an instruction to perform a banknote dispensing process is given to the control unit 290, banknotes are first fed from the storage and feed unit 240, which stores a mixture of 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen bills, to the transport unit 230, and if the fed banknotes are to be dispensed, they are sent from the transport unit 230 to the banknote dispensing unit 222. On the other hand, if the banknotes fed from the storage and feed unit 240 to the transport unit 230 are not to be dispensed, they are sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or an empty storage cassette 300 attached to the cassette attachment unit 226. Then, when all of the banknotes to be dispensed have been sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300, the banknotes are fed out one by one from the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300 to the transport unit 230, and the denominations and the like of the fed banknotes are identified by the recognition unit 232 while being transported by the transport unit 230. Then, based on the identification result by the recognition unit 232, the banknote identified by the recognition unit 232 continues to be transported by the transport unit 230 and sent to the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 238 to which the denomination of the banknote is assigned, and is stored in the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 238. Furthermore, when the recognition unit 232 identifies that the banknote being transported by the transport unit 230 is a 1,000 yen note or a 10,000 yen note, and it is detected that the storing and feeding unit 234 or the storing and feeding unit 238 corresponding to the 1,000 yen note or the 10,000 yen note denomination is full, the banknote is returned to the storing and feeding unit 240 and stored in this storing and feeding unit 240.

Which of the three patterns for re-sorting banknotes stored in the storage and payout unit 240 described above will be used for the re-sorting process is preset at the time of shipping the banknote processing machine 200. The operator may also be able to set which pattern for the re-sorting process will be used via the operation display unit 292.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned banknote redistribution process is not limited to being performed when a banknote dispensing command is input to the control unit 290. The above-mentioned banknote redistribution process may also be performed at a predetermined time when the banknote processing machine 200 is in standby mode outside the business hours of the store in which the banknote processing machine 200 is installed.

Next, we will explain the operation when banknotes are inspected in the banknote processing machine 200.

In this embodiment, the banknote processing mode during the reconciliation process can be switched between a hold mode, in which banknotes not identified as valid by the recognition unit 232 are temporarily returned to the original storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 and the storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 are determined to have not been inspected, and a dispensing mode, in which banknotes not identified as valid by the recognition unit 232 during the reconciliation process are dispensed outside the housing 212 (machine body). The banknote processing mode during this reconciliation process can be changed by the operator inputting a command to the control unit 290 via the operation and display unit 292. In other words, the control unit 290 changes the processing mode between the hold mode and the dispensing mode based on the received reconciliation command.

When a command to perform banknote reconciliation processing is given to the control unit 290 by an operator inputting a command to perform banknote reconciliation processing via the operation display unit 292, or by an external device transmitting a command to perform banknote reconciliation processing to the control unit 290 via the communication unit 296, the recognition unit 232 recognizes the banknotes stored in each of the storage and pay-out units 234, 236, 238, 240. Specifically, when a command to perform banknote reconciliation processing is given to the control unit 290, if the banknote processing mode for performing the reconciliation processing is the hold mode, banknotes are fed from a certain storage and pay-out unit 234, 236, 238, 240 to the transport unit 230, and the fed banknotes are sent by the transport unit 230 to an empty storage cassette 300 attached to the banknote receiving unit 220 or the cassette attachment unit 226. When all banknotes have been fed from a certain storing and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, 240 and sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300, the banknotes stored in the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300 are fed one by one to the transport unit 230 and transported one by one by the transport unit 230. The banknotes transported by the transport unit 230 are identified by the recognition unit 232 as to their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. Then, banknotes identified as normal banknotes by the recognition unit 232 are returned to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240. On the other hand, banknotes identified as abnormal banknotes by the recognition unit 232 are also sent to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 and stored in these storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240. Furthermore, the control unit 290 determines that the storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240 to which banknotes that have been identified as not being normal by the recognition unit 232 have been returned are storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240 that have not yet completed inspection.

In this way, once all banknotes have been sent from the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300 to the original storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240, the same process is performed for the other storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240. Once the above-described process has been performed for all storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240, if there are no storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 that have been determined to have not been inspected, the control unit 290 determines that the banknote inspection process has been completed.

On the other hand, if there are any storage and payout units 234, 236, 238, 240 that have been determined to have not yet been inspected, the banknotes for those storage and payout units 234, 236, 238, 240 that have been determined to have not yet been inspected are fed to the transport unit 230 and sent to the banknote receiving unit 220 or an empty storage cassette 300 attached to the cassette attachment unit 226. Then, after all the banknotes have been sent from the storage and payout units 234, 236, 238, 240 to the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300, the banknotes stored in the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300 are fed one by one to the transport unit 230 and transported one by one by the transport unit 230. The banknotes transported by the transport unit 230 are identified by the recognition unit 232 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. Then, banknotes that are identified as normal banknotes by the recognition unit 232 are returned to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240. On the other hand, banknotes that are identified as abnormal banknotes by the recognition unit 232 or banknotes that could not be identified by the recognition unit 232 are branched from the transport unit 230 as rejected banknotes and sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222. The banknotes sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222 are discharged to the outside of the housing from the banknote dispensing outlet 222a. This allows the operator to remove the rejected banknotes from the banknote dispensing outlet 222a. In this way, when all banknotes have been fed from the banknote receiving unit 220 or storage cassette 300 to the transport unit 230 and sent to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 or banknote dispensing unit 222, the control unit 290 switches the status of these storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 from "incomplete inspection" to "complete inspection." In this way, the control unit 290 determines that the banknote inspection process has been completed.

In this embodiment, in the above-described hold mode processing, banknotes that have not been recognized as normal by the recognition unit 232 may be recognized again a predetermined number of times by the recognition unit 232, and banknotes that have not been recognized as normal even after being recognized a predetermined number of times by the recognition unit 232 may be temporarily returned to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240, and the storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 may be determined to have not been inspected. There is a risk that a normal banknote may be mistakenly identified as abnormal after only one recognition operation by the recognition unit 232. However, by having the recognition unit 232 recognize such banknotes again, it is possible to prevent normal banknotes from being recognized as abnormal by the recognition unit 232 and the storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 containing such banknotes from being mistakenly determined to have not been inspected.

On the other hand, if the banknote processing mode during the reconciliation process is processing mode rather than hold mode, the following process is carried out. That is, for a certain storage and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, 240, banknotes are fed from that storage and feeding unit 234, 236, 238, 240 to the transport unit 230 and sent to an empty storage cassette 300 attached to the banknote receiving unit 220 or the cassette attachment unit 226. Then, after all banknotes have been sent from the storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 to the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300, the banknotes stored in the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300 are fed one by one to the transport unit 230 and transported one by one by the transport unit 230. The banknotes transported by the transport unit 230 are identified by the recognition unit 232 for their denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. Then, banknotes that are recognized as normal by the recognition unit 232 are returned to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240. On the other hand, banknotes that are recognized as abnormal by the recognition unit 232 or banknotes that could not be recognized by the recognition unit 232 are branched from the transport unit 230 as rejected banknotes and sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222. The banknotes sent to the banknote dispensing unit 222 are discharged to the outside of the housing through the banknote dispensing outlet 222a. This allows the operator to remove the rejected banknotes from the banknote dispensing outlet 222a. In this way, when all banknotes have been sent from the banknote receiving unit 220 or the storage cassette 300 to the original storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240 or the banknote dispensing unit 222, the same process is performed for the other storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240. Once the above-described processing has been performed for all storing and feeding units 234, 236, 238, and 240, the control unit 290 determines that the banknote inspection processing has been completed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the banknote processing mode during the reconciliation process can be switched between a hold mode, in which banknotes not recognized as valid by the recognition unit 232 are temporarily returned to the original storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 and the storage and feeding units 234, 236, 238, 240 are determined to have not been reconciled, and a dispensing mode, in which banknotes not recognized as valid by the recognition unit 232 during the reconciliation process are dispensed outside the housing 212 (machine body). Here, when the staff member performing the reconciliation process is always in front of the housing 212 of the banknote processing machine 200, the dispensing mode can be used to speed up the reconciliation process. In addition, when the staff member is away from the housing 212 of the banknote processing machine 200 during the reconciliation process, the hold mode can be used to prevent banknotes not recognized as valid by the recognition unit 232 from being taken away by a third party.

10, 10a, 10b Coin processing machine 12 Housing 14 Top door 15 Shaft 16 Opening 18 Insertion detection sensor 19 Door open/close detection sensor 20 Insertion section 21 Drive motor 22 Circulating belt 24 Reverse roller 26 Payout detection sensor 28 Remaining detection sensor 30 Circulating conveyance section 30a Drive motor 30b Solenoid 31 Diverting member 31p Opening 32 Circulating belt 33 Diverting member 34 Pulley 35 Diverting member 36 Tension mechanism 38 Diverting mechanism 38a Insertion port 39 Diverting member 39a Shafts 39b, 39c Oscillating portion 39c Oscillating portion 39d Gap 39e Guide surface 40 (40A to 40G) Storing and paying out section 40a Full detection sensor 40b Empty detection sensor 40c Upper end detection sensor 40p Storing and paying out section 41 Cam 41a Projection 41b Drive motor 41p Chute 42 Stage 42a Spring 42p First coin-dispensing belt 43 Elevating member 43a Linear motor 44 Upper guide member 44a Recess 44p Second coin-dispensing belt 45 Upper guide member 45a Recess 46 Storage section 46a Top opening 47 Openable/closable door 47a Shaft 47b Recess 48 First guide member 49 Second guide member 50 Recognition section 60 Trays 62, 64 Discharge ports 66, 67, 68 Wall surface 70 Reject chute 72 First chute section 74 Second chute section 80 Coin-dispensing chute 80a Solenoid 82 First chute section 84 Second chute section 86 Third chute section 88 Branching member 88a Shaft 90 Control section 92 Operation display section 94 Memory section 96 Communication section 200 Banknote processing machine 210 Banknote processing unit 210a Banknote control section 212 Housing 220 Banknote receiving unit 220a Banknote receiving opening 221 Banknote feeding mechanism 222 Banknote dispensing unit 222a Banknote dispensing opening 224 Dispensing reject unit 226 Cassette mounting unit 226a Door 230 Transport unit 230a Circulating transport unit 230b Connecting transport unit 232 Recognition units 234, 236, 238, 240 Storing and feeding units 235, 237, 239, 241 Banknote feeding mechanism 290 Control unit 292 Operation display unit 294 Memory unit 296 Communication unit 300 Storage cassette 400 Coin processing machine 420 Insertion unit 430 Transport unit 431 Right-side area 432 Circulating belt 433 Left-side area 434 Pulley 436 Tension mechanism 440 Storing and feeding unit 450 Recognition unit 460 Dispensing box 462 Withdrawal box 464 Collection box

Claims (7)

a cylindrical storage portion in which coins are stored in a stacked state and in which an opening extending along the coin stacking direction is formed;
an opening/closing door that opens and closes the opening;
a guide member extending along the coin stacking direction in the storage section;
Equipped with
The opening and closing door rotates around an axis extending along the coin stacking direction ,
A storage mechanism in which the width of the gap formed around the guide member is smaller than the diameter of the coin to be stored in the storage portion . The coin machine further includes a cam that stores coins sent from a transport unit that transports coins in the storage unit,
2. The storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the cam is configured to feed out the coin located at the top layer of the coins stored in the storage section. 2. The storage mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein said guide member is positioned inside said door when said door closes said opening . 4. The storage mechanism according to claim 3, wherein a recess is formed on the inner surface of the door, in which the guide member is housed when the opening is closed . 2. The storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said guide members are provided, and the width of the gap between said plurality of guide members is smaller than the diameter of the coin to be stored in said storage portion . 3. The storage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein a second opening is formed in the storage section near the cam for removing the top coin stacked in the storage section from the storage section . The storage mechanism according to claim 2;
a conveying unit that conveys coins;
Equipped with
A coin processing machine in which coins branched from the conveying section are sent to the storage mechanism and stored in the storage mechanism, and coins fed out from the storage mechanism by the cam are sent to the conveying section.