JP7471995B2 - Coin processing device and coin processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coin processing device and a coin processing system that processes coins such as depositing and dispensing.

Patent Document 1 describes a currency deposit and withdrawal machine that is installed in the premises of a financial institution such as a bank, and that includes a banknote deposit and withdrawal unit that processes deposits and withdrawals of banknotes and a coin deposit and withdrawal unit that processes deposits and withdrawals of coins, both housed within an exterior body. Inside the premises, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine is installed, for example, inside the counter between two tellers (tellers) who perform counter duties, and can be used by either the teller on the left or right.

The money deposit and withdrawal machine has a banknote deposit port, a banknote withdrawal port, and a coin deposit port that are opened and closed by shutters. The money deposit and withdrawal machine also has a coin withdrawal box. The coin withdrawal box can be removed by pulling it forward from inside the machine.

When making a deposit, the teller receives bills and coins from the customer and inserts them into the bill deposit slot and coin deposit slot to perform the deposit operation. When making a withdrawal, the teller performs the withdrawal operation, and once the bills and coins have been dispensed into the bill withdrawal slot and coin withdrawal box, the teller removes the bills and coins and hands them over to the customer.

However, financial institutions are considering an alternative operation to the above, where the teller performs deposit and withdrawal operations, but the customer inserts and removes currency themselves. In this case, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine will be installed outside the reception counter inside the store.

JP 2019-057269 A

In an operation where customers themselves insert and remove currency, when coins are dispensed, the customer must pull the coin withdrawal box out of the machine, remove the coins, and then return the coin withdrawal box to the machine. However, customers who are not familiar with using currency deposit and withdrawal machines may have difficulty finding the coin withdrawal box stored inside the machine. There is also a risk that customers may forget to return the coin withdrawal box after removing coins.

The present invention aims to provide a coin processing device installed in a financial institution's branch that can smoothly dispense coins when a customer removes coins from the device, and a coin processing system that includes such a coin processing device.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a coin processing device. The coin processing device according to this aspect includes an exterior body, a coin storage section arranged within the exterior body and storing coins , an internal unit arranged within the exterior body and accessible from a front side of the exterior body, a coin dispensing section positioned in front of the internal unit so as to overlap with the internal unit and protruding forward from the front side of the exterior body, into which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed and accumulated in the protruding state, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the coin dispensing section between a front position of the exterior body and a retracted position where the coin dispensing section moves to a side of the exterior body and opens a front area of the internal unit .
Here, being able to access the internal unit means, for example, being able to touch the internal unit or to touch the inside of the internal unit.

According to the above configuration, the coin dispensing unit is not hidden inside the exterior body, so its location is easy to find, and since there is no need to take coins in and out of the exterior body when removing them, there is no need to worry about forgetting to put them back into the exterior body. Therefore, when the operation is performed in which a customer removes coins from the coin processing device, the coins can be dispensed smoothly.

According to the above configuration, when accessing the internal unit, the coin dispensing section can be moved away from the front position of the exterior body, preventing the coin dispensing section from getting in the way.

When the coin dispensing unit is configured to be retractable as described above, a detection unit for detecting whether the coin dispensing unit is in the front position and a control unit may be further provided. In this case, the control unit performs control processing according to the detection result of the detection unit.

With this configuration, appropriate control processing can be performed depending on whether the coin dispensing section is located at the front position of the exterior body or not.

In the above configuration, as a control process according to the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit can execute a dispensing process in which coins in the coin storage unit are dispensed to the coin dispensing unit based on the fact that the coin dispensing unit is in the front position.

This configuration prevents coins from being dispensed when they cannot be dispensed into the coin dispensing section.

In the above configuration, as a control process according to the detection result of the detection unit, when access to the internal unit is necessary, the control unit may execute a process to access the internal unit based on the fact that the coin dispensing unit is not in the front position.

This configuration can prevent access to the internal unit when the coin dispensing section is not retracted from the front position of the exterior body.

When the coin dispensing unit is configured to be retractable as described above, a control unit may be further provided. In this case, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification prompting the retraction of the coin dispensing unit when access to the internal unit is required.

With this configuration, the coin dispensing section can be evacuated without forgetting.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a coin processing device. The coin processing device according to this aspect includes an exterior body, a coin storage section arranged within the exterior body and storing coins, an attachment section provided in the exterior body and capable of selectively attaching a first coin dispensing unit and a second coin dispensing unit , and an internal unit arranged within the exterior body and accessible from a front direction of the exterior body . Here, the first coin dispensing unit includes a first coin dispensing section located in front of the internal unit so as to overlap with the internal unit and into which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed and accumulated , and a rotation mechanism that rotates the first coin dispensing section between a front position of the exterior body and a retracted position that moves away from the side of the exterior body to open a front area of the internal unit, and is attached to the attachment section so that the first coin dispensing section protrudes from the exterior body. Furthermore, the second coin dispensing unit includes a box-shaped second coin dispensing section from which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed, and is attached to the mounting section so that the second coin dispensing section can be pulled out from within the outer casing.

According to the above configuration, the coin processing device can be switched between a form having a first coin dispensing unit and a form having a second coin dispensing unit depending on the operation etc. implemented by the financial institution, thereby reducing the burden of costs etc. on the financial institution.

The coin processing device according to this aspect may be configured so that a first holding unit that holds first information indicating that the first coin dispensing unit is attached to the attachment unit and a second holding unit that holds second information indicating that the second coin dispensing unit is attached to the attachment unit can be selectively installed within the exterior body. In this case, the device may further include a control unit that determines a first control program for the coin processing device having the first coin dispensing unit as the control program to be executed based on acquisition of the first information from the first holding unit, and determines a second control program for the coin processing device having the second coin dispensing unit as the control program to be executed based on acquisition of the second information from the second holding unit.

With the above configuration, when switching the coin processing device to a form having a first coin dispensing unit or a form having a second coin dispensing unit, it is not necessary to incorporate a control program corresponding to the switching into the coin processing device by downloading or the like, which shortens the time required for switching and also reduces the effort required for switching.

The third aspect of the present invention relates to a coin processing system. The coin processing system according to this aspect includes a coin processing device according to the first or second aspect described above, and a terminal device connected to the coin processing device.

The above configuration can achieve the same effects as the first or second aspect.

As described above, the present invention provides a coin processing device installed in a financial institution's branch that can smoothly dispense coins when a customer removes coins from the device, and a coin processing system that includes such a coin processing device.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiment shown below. However, the embodiment shown below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a money depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin depositing and dispensing unit mounted on a money depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment, as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing tray unit according to the embodiment, in a state where the coin dispensing tray is located at the front position of the exterior body. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing tray unit in a state where the coin dispensing tray is in a retracted position according to the embodiment. 5(a) and (b) are plan sectional views each showing a schematic view of a main part of a dispensing tray unit according to an embodiment, in a state where the coin dispensing tray is in a front position of the exterior body and in a retracted position, respectively. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the front of the dispensing tray unit showing the coin dispensing tray according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a money depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is a flowchart showing a control process for performing a withdrawal process when the coin withdrawal tray is set at the front position of the exterior body according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of a set guidance screen according to an embodiment. FIG. 9(a) is a flowchart showing a control process for displaying guidance according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 9(b) and (c) are diagrams showing an example of an evacuation guidance screen and a removal guidance screen, respectively, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a money depositing and dispensing machine switched to the semi-self-service mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a money depositing and dispensing machine switched to full specifications according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control process for automatically determining a control program according to an embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a screen display on an operation and display unit of a full-featured money depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment. 14A to 14C are diagrams showing an example of a screen display on an operation display unit of a semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a coin depositing and dispensing machine having the function of depositing and dispensing coins is shown as an example of a coin processing device. Also, a coin processing system is shown as an example of a coin processing system. Note that each figure is appropriately provided with arrows indicating the up/down, left/right, and front/back directions of the coin depositing and dispensing machine.

Figure 1 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the coin deposit and withdrawal machine 1.

The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is installed outside a counter inside the premises of a financial institution such as a bank. The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is connected via a communication cable 3 to a higher-level terminal 2 operated by a teller (teller). Note that the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 and the higher-level terminal 2 may be connected wirelessly instead of by wire. The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 and the higher-level terminal 2 together constitute a currency processing system 4.

The teller uses the higher-level terminal 2 to make deposits and withdrawals to the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1, and the customer inserts the currency (banknotes, coins) to be deposited into the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 and removes the withdrawn currency from the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1. This type of operation is known as semi-self-operation.

The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 comprises a banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 11 and a coin deposit and withdrawal unit 12 within an exterior body 10 that forms the outer shell. The banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 11 is provided on the lower side within the exterior body 10, and performs processes such as depositing and withdrawing banknotes. The coin deposit and withdrawal unit 12 is provided on the upper side within the exterior body 10, and performs processes such as depositing and withdrawing coins.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exterior body 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a depth in the front-to-rear direction greater than its width in the left-to-right direction and a height in the up-down direction greater than its width in the left-to-right direction. The exterior body 10 includes a main body 10a, an exterior cover 10b provided on the upper front part of the main body 10a, and a door 10c provided on the front surface of the main body 10a. For example, the exterior cover 10b is made of a resin material, and the main body 10a and the door 10c are made of a metal material.

The banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 is accessible from the front of the exterior body 10. That is, the door 10c can be opened and the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 can be pulled out from inside the exterior body 10. By pulling out the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, banknotes can be replenished or collected from a banknote storage section (not shown) included in the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11. In addition, if a banknote jam occurs in the transport section (not shown) within the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, the jammed banknote can be removed.

The exterior cover 10b has a coin deposit port 13 formed on the top surface, a banknote withdrawal port 14 formed on the front surface, and a banknote deposit port 15 formed on a curved surface that curves from the top surface to the front surface. The coin deposit port 13, banknote withdrawal port 14, and banknote deposit port 15 are opened and closed by shutters 13a, 14a, and 15a, respectively. Coins and banknotes are inserted into the coin deposit port 13 and banknote deposit port 15, respectively, during the deposit process. Banknotes are dispensed into the banknote withdrawal port 14 during the withdrawal process.

An operation display unit 16 is provided at the rear of the exterior cover 10b. The operation display unit 16 is fixed to the exterior cover 10b so that it faces diagonally upward and forward. The operation display unit 16 is composed of a touch panel that includes a display and a touch sensor. The operation display unit 16 displays various images (screens) on the display, and detects touch operations by the user on the display using the touch sensor.

Four operation keys 17 are provided in the areas on both sides of the coin deposit port 13 on the top surface of the exterior cover 10b. Of the four operation keys 17, the front left and right operation keys 17a and 17b function as start keys for starting deposits after inserting bills or coins into the coin deposit port 13 or the bill deposit port 15, and the rear left and right operation keys 17c and 17d function as open keys for opening the shutter 14a after bills have been dispensed into the bill withdrawal port 14.

A coin dispensing tray 18 is provided at the left end of the front of the main body 10a so as to protrude forward from the front of the exterior body 10. Coins are dispensed into the coin dispensing tray 18 during a dispensing process. The customer removes coins from the coin dispensing tray 18. The coin dispensing tray 18 is included in the dispensing tray unit 200, which will be described later.

A substantially rectangular parallelepiped bill reject box 19 is disposed inside the front of the main body 10a. The bill reject box 19 stores rejected bills, such as bills whose denomination cannot be identified and bills that have been transported improperly (multiple feeds, slanting, etc.), during the bill dispensing process. The bill reject box 19 is accessible from the front of the exterior body 10. That is, the bill reject box 19 can be pulled out from inside the main body 10a by pulling it forward. The bill reject box 19 housed inside the main body 10a is locked, and the bill reject box 19 can be removed by unlocking it. The teller opens the door (not shown) of the removed bill reject box 19 and takes out the rejected bills.

When the coin withdrawal tray 18 is in the front position of the exterior body 10, the left end of the banknote reject box 19 overlaps with the back of the coin withdrawal tray 18. Therefore, the coin withdrawal tray 18 gets in the way when the banknote reject box 19 is pulled out from inside the exterior body 10. Also, the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 does not overlap the coin withdrawal tray 18, but is located near the coin withdrawal tray 18. Therefore, the coin withdrawal tray 18 can also get in the way when the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 is pulled out from inside the exterior body 10.

Therefore, the coin dispensing tray 18 is configured to be able to rotate leftward from the front position of the exterior body 10 to a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the "retracted position") that is removed from the front, that is, to be able to be retracted from the front position. The detailed configuration of the dispensing tray unit 200 including the coin dispensing tray 18 will be described later.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 mounted on the money deposit/withdrawal machine 1, viewed from above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 includes a coin receiving section 101, six coin storage sections 102, and a lump-sum holding section 103.

The coin receiving section 101 is disposed below the coin deposit port 13 and receives coins inserted into the coin deposit port 13. Coins inserted into the coin deposit port 13 fall into the coin receiving section 101. The six coin storage sections 102 each store coins by denomination. For example, the six coin storage sections 102 store, in order from the front of the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12, 1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins. The lump sum holding section 103 is for temporarily storing coins during deposit/withdrawal processing, processing to collect coins stored in the coin storage sections 102, and the like.

The coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 further includes a coin dispensing mechanism 104 associated with the coin receiving section 101, coin dispensing mechanisms 105 associated with each of the six coin storage sections 102, a coin dispensing mechanism 106 associated with the lump-sum holding section 103, a transport section 107, and a recognition section 108.

The coin dispensing mechanism 104 dispenses the coins received in the coin receiving section 101 one by one to the transport section 107. Each of the six coin dispensing mechanisms 105 dispenses the coins stored in the corresponding coin storage section 102 one by one to the transport section 107. The coin dispensing mechanism 106 dispenses the coins stored in the lump-sum holding section 103 one by one to the transport section 107.

The conveying unit 107 is equipped with a circulating belt 107a that moves in a clockwise direction. This circulating belt 107a has multiple protrusions (not shown) that are evenly spaced. Coins are caught on the protrusions on the circulating belt 107a, and are conveyed one by one as the circulating belt 107a moves in a circular motion. In this way, the coins dispensed by each of the dispensing mechanisms are conveyed along the circulation path of the circulating belt 107a.

The recognition unit 108 is provided on the coin transport path and recognizes the denomination and authenticity of the coins transported one by one by the transport unit 107. The coin identification information from the recognition unit 108 is transmitted to the control unit 301, which will be described later.

The coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 further includes a branching mechanism 109 associated with the lump-sum holding section 103, a branching mechanism 110 associated with each of the six coin storage sections 102, a branching mechanism 111 associated with the coin deposit port 13, and a branching mechanism 112.

The branching mechanism 109 selectively branches coins transported by the transport unit 107 from the transport unit 107 and sends them to the lump-sum holding unit 103. Each of the six branching mechanisms 110 selectively branches coins transported by the transport unit 107 from the transport unit 107 and sends them to the corresponding coin storage unit 102. The branching mechanism 111 selectively branches coins transported by the transport unit 107 from the transport unit 107 and sends them to a transport unit (not shown) that transports the coins to the coin deposit port 13 (coin receiving unit 101).

The diverter mechanism 112 selectively diverts coins being transported by the transport unit 107 from the transport unit 107 and sends them to a collection cassette (not shown). All coins that are not diverted by the diverter mechanism 112 are sent to the coin dispensing tray 18 by the transport unit 107. At this time, the coins fall from the discharge port 113 toward the coin dispensing tray 18.

In addition, there is an additional branching mechanism on the path to the collection cassette. As described below, if two coin withdrawal boxes, one on the left and one on the right, are provided at the front of the main body 10a instead of the coin withdrawal tray 18, the coins are branched by the additional branching mechanism and sent to the coin withdrawal box on the right or to the collection cassette.

When left and right coin dispensing boxes are provided instead of the coin dispensing tray 18, all coins that are not branched by the branching mechanism 112 are sent to the left coin dispensing box by the transport unit 107.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing tray unit 200 when the coin dispensing tray 18 is in the front position of the exterior body 10. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing tray unit 200 when the coin dispensing tray 18 is in the retracted position. Figures 5(a) and (b) are plan sectional views that show a schematic view of the main parts of the dispensing tray unit 200 when the coin dispensing tray 18 is in the front position and the retracted position of the exterior body 10, respectively. Figure 6 is a plan view of the front part of the dispensing tray unit 200 showing the coin dispensing tray 18.

In FIG. 4, the cover 212 constituting the coin dispensing tray 18 and the cover 236 constituting the moving mechanism 230 are omitted. Also, in FIGS. 5(a) and (b), for convenience, the rear portion of the detection plate 251 constituting the detection mechanism 250 is omitted, and the lever 241 constituting the locking mechanism 240 is colored.

The detailed configuration of the dispensing tray unit 200 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Note that hereafter, the "coin dispensing tray 18" will be referred to as the "coin dispensing tray 210" with its reference number changed.

The dispensing tray unit 200 includes a coin dispensing tray 210, a base member 220, a moving mechanism 230, a locking mechanism 240, a detection mechanism 250, and a chute 260.

The coin dispensing tray 210 includes a tray body 211 having a substantially semicircular shape in a plan view, and a cover 212 attached to the peripheral surface of the tray body 211. A recess 213 is formed on the upper surface of the tray body 211 to store the dispensed coins. The recess 213 is lowest at its center. An introduction groove 214 is formed on the left rear end of the tray body 211, which is connected to the recess 213. The introduction groove 214 has a width greater than the thickness of a 500 yen coin and a depth greater than half the diameter of a 500 yen coin. The bottom surface of the introduction groove 214 slopes downward toward the recess 213. When the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10 (FIGS. 3 and 5(a)), the entrance 214a of the introduction groove 214 is connected to the exit 262 of the chute 260.

As shown in FIG. 6, a coin detection unit 270 is provided in the center of the recess 213 to detect whether or not a coin is present in the recess 213, i.e., the coin dispensing tray 210. The coin detection unit 270 includes two photosensors 271, 272 in which light-emitting elements 271a, 272a and light-receiving elements 271b, 272b are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction, and a prism reflection type photosensor 273 in which a light-emitting element 273a, a light-receiving element 273b and a prism 273c are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. Eight holes 213a that transmit light are formed in the recess 213 in correspondence with these photosensors 271, 272, 273.

The base member 220 is formed by combining multiple parts having a predetermined shape. The base member 220 is equipped with a moving mechanism 230, a locking mechanism 240, a detection mechanism 250, and a chute 260. The base member 220 has a storage section 224 at the front, which is surrounded by a top surface section 221, a bottom surface section 222, and a right side surface section 223.

The moving mechanism 230 moves the coin dispensing tray 210 between a position facing the exterior body 10 (FIGS. 3 and 5(a)) and a retracted position outside the exterior body 10 and away from the front of the exterior body 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5(b)) by rotating the coin dispensing tray 210 in a horizontal plane. The moving mechanism 230 includes a frame 231, a rotating shaft 232, and a regulating member 233.

The frame 231 includes a holding portion 234 that holds the coin dispensing tray 210 from below, and an arm portion 235 that extends from the holding portion 234. The pivot shaft 232 is disposed at the left rear portion of the storage portion 224 of the base member 220, and extends vertically. The left rear end portion of the arm portion 235 is rotatably supported by the pivot shaft 232. A square-shaped cover 236 is attached to the left end portion of the arm portion 235.

The restricting member 233 includes a first member 237 and a second member 238 having an elongated plate shape. A slit-shaped hole 237a is formed in the first member 237, and two shafts 238a are formed in the front part of the second member 238. The first member 237 and the second member 238 are connected such that the two shafts 238a pass through the holes 237a, and the first member 237 can slide relative to the second member 238. The restricting member 233 expands and contracts as the first member 237 slides.

The front end of the first member 237 is rotatably fixed to an axis 235a provided at the front of the arm portion 235, and the rear end of the second member 238 is rotatably fixed to an axis 244c provided on a lock plate 244 that constitutes the lock mechanism 240.

The locking mechanism 240 locks the moving mechanism 230 so that the coin dispensing tray 210 does not move from its front position on the exterior body 10. The locking mechanism 240 includes a lever 241, a locking pin 242, a coil spring 243, and a locking plate 244.

The lever 241 is fixed to the arm portion 235 of the frame 231 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the arm portion 235. An operating piece 241a is formed at the front end of the lever 241. When moving the lever 241, a finger is placed on the operating piece 241a.

The lock pin 242 is fixed to the lever 241 and protrudes downward from the lever 241. The coil spring 243 is stretched between the lever 241 and the rear of the arm portion 235, and biases the lever 241 toward the rear of the arm portion 235.

The lock plate 244 is disposed in the storage section 224 of the base member 220 and fixed to the right side surface section 223. A groove section 244a that is cut into an approximately U-shape is formed in the front end section of the lock plate 244. In addition, the left side of the groove section 244a at the front end section of the lock plate 244 is cut diagonally, and this portion serves as a guide section 244b for guiding the lock pin 242 to the groove section 244a. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position, the lock pin 242 fits into the groove section 244a. This prevents the frame 231 from rotating.

The detection mechanism 250 includes a detection plate 251 and a photosensor 252. The detection plate 251 is fixed to the arm portion 235 of the frame 231. The detection plate 251 is provided with a detection piece 251a that rises from its front end. The photosensor 252 includes a light-emitting element 252a and a light-receiving element 252b that face each other. The photosensor 252 is attached to the front of the top surface portion 221 of the base member 220, and the light-emitting element 252a and the light-receiving element 252b face the inside of the storage portion 224.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10, the detection piece 251a enters between the light emitting element 252a and the light receiving element 252b, blocking the light from the light emitting element 252a to the light receiving element 252b. The photosensor 252 detects whether the light is blocked by the detection piece 251a, thereby detecting whether the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position.

The chute 260 is attached to the front of the top surface 221 of the base member 220. The chute 260 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that is flattened in the left-right direction, and is bent in the middle so that the gradient on the entrance 261 side is greater than the gradient on the exit 262 side. The entrance 261 of the chute 260 is connected to the discharge port 113 of the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12. The exit 262 of the chute 260 is connected to the entrance 214a of the introduction groove 214 of the coin withdrawal tray 210.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5(a), when the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10, the movement mechanism 230 is locked by the locking mechanism 240 so that the frame 231 cannot rotate. In addition, the photosensor 252 detects that the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position. The restricting member 233 is in its most contracted state. The left side of the storage section 224 of the base member 220 is covered by a cover 236, and the inside of the storage section 224 is hidden.

When the coin dispensing tray 210 is retracted from the front position, the operating piece 241a is pulled forward, and the lever 241 moves forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 243. This disengages the lock pin 242 from the groove 244a of the lock plate 244, unlocks the moving mechanism 230 by the lock mechanism 240, and allows the frame 231 to rotate. The coin dispensing tray 210 is rotated to the left together with the frame 231. As the frame 231 rotates, the restricting member 233 rotates while expanding.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5(b), when the coin dispensing tray 210 is rotated a predetermined angle (e.g., 80 degrees) from the front position and reaches the retracted position, the regulating member 233 reaches its maximum extension, and the regulating member 233 and the frame 231 cannot rotate any further. This stops the rotation of the coin dispensing tray 210 at the retracted position. The photosensor 252 detects that the coin dispensing tray 210 is not in the front position.

The coin dispensing tray 210 is returned to the front position by rotating rightward from the retracted position. During this rotation, the lock pin 242 comes into contact with the guide portion 244b of the lock plate 244 and is guided by the guide portion 244b to move forward. Then, when the coin dispensing tray 210 reaches the front position, the lock pin 242 fits into the groove portion 244a and is locked. Therefore, when returning the coin dispensing tray 210, there is no need to move the lever 241 forward with a finger.

When a withdrawal process is performed with the coin withdrawal tray 210 in the front position of the exterior body 10, coins are discharged from the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 through the discharge port 113 into the chute 260. The coins discharged into the chute 260 roll down the inside of the chute 260 in an upright position and are discharged from the outlet 262. As shown in FIG. 6, the discharged coins roll down the introduction groove 214 in an upright position and are discharged into the recess 213. For this reason, the coins are less likely to accumulate near the entrance of the recess 213 as shown by the dashed dotted line, and are more likely to accumulate in the center of the recess 213 as shown by the solid line. This is expected to improve the accuracy of the detection of remaining coins by the coin detection unit 270.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1. Figure 7 shows the main components related to the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12, and omits the components related to the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1 includes the above-mentioned banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, operation display unit 16, operation keys 17, shutters 13a, 14a, 15a, coin dispensing mechanisms 104, 105, 106, transport unit 107, recognition unit 108, branching mechanisms 109, 110, 111, 112, photosensor 252, coin detection unit 270, as well as a control unit 301, a memory unit 302, a communication unit 303, and an audio output unit 304.

The control unit 301 includes an arithmetic circuit (processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit according to a control program stored in the memory unit 302. The memory unit 302 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, and stores the control program for the control unit 301. It is also used as a work area during the control processing of the control unit 301. The communication unit 303 communicates with the higher-level terminal 2. The audio output unit 304 includes a speaker, and outputs a predetermined sound according to the control from the control unit 301.

Next, the coin deposit/withdrawal process and the coin withdrawal process in the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

In the coin deposit process, the teller uses the upper terminal 2 to perform operations for depositing. The customer then inserts the coin to be deposited through the coin deposit port 13 and presses the operation key 17a or operation key 17b, which is a start key. The inserted coin is received by the coin acceptance unit 101 and is dispensed one by one by the coin dispensing mechanism 104 to the transport unit 107. The dispensed coins are transported by the transport unit 107 to the recognition unit 108. Coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 108 are sent to the lump-sum holding unit 103 by the branching mechanism 109. Coins that cannot be identified as normal by the recognition unit 108 are sent to the coin dispensing tray 210 as rejected coins.

The customer removes the rejected coins from the coin withdrawal tray 210. After that, when the teller performs an operation to confirm the deposit using the upper terminal 2, the coins are dispensed one by one from the lump-sum holding section 103 and transported again to the recognition section 108. In the recognition section 108, the denomination of each coin is recognized. The coins are then sent by the branching mechanism 110 to the coin storage section 102 of the denomination corresponding to the recognition result. In this way, the coins are stored in the coin storage section 102 by denomination. In this way, the coin deposit process is completed.

In the coin withdrawal process, the teller uses the upper terminal 2 to perform operations for withdrawal, including inputting the withdrawal amount. In response, coins are dispensed one by one from the coin storage unit 102 corresponding to the denomination to be dispensed to the transport unit 107. The dispensed coins are transported by the transport unit 107 to the recognition unit 108. At this time, coins that cannot be identified as normal by the recognition unit 108 are sent as rejected coins by the branching mechanism 109 to the lump-sum holding unit 103. Coins that are identified as normal by the recognition unit 108 are sent to the coin withdrawal tray 210. The customer removes the dispensed coins from the coin withdrawal tray 210. In this way, the coin withdrawal process is completed.

When coins are dispensed into the coin dispensing tray 210, they are detected by the coin detection unit 270, and the presence of the coins is notified by an audio notification from the audio output unit 304. The presence of the coins is also visually notified by the flashing of an LED (not shown) located near the coin dispensing tray 210 or by a screen display from the operation display unit 16. When all coins have been removed from the coin dispensing tray 210 and the coin detection unit 270 detects that no coins are present, the notification stops.

When coins are dispensed during the dispensing process, if the coins are discharged from the chute 260 without the coin dispensing tray 210 being positioned at the front of the exterior body 10, the coins will be scattered around the coin deposit and dispensing machine 1. Therefore, in the coin deposit and dispensing machine 1 of this embodiment, the dispensing process is performed with the coin dispensing tray 210 set at the front position.

Figure 8 (a) is a flowchart showing the control process for performing a withdrawal process when the coin withdrawal tray 210 is set at the front position of the exterior body 10, and Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a set guidance screen D11.

When a withdrawal operation is performed, the control process in FIG. 8(a) is started. Based on the detection result of the photosensor 252, the control unit 301 determines whether the coin withdrawal tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10 (S101). If the coin withdrawal tray 210 is in the front position (S101: YES), the control unit 301 starts the withdrawal process (S104). The first screen for the withdrawal process, for example a screen encouraging the insertion of coins, is displayed on the operation display unit 16.

On the other hand, if the coin dispensing tray 210 is mistakenly moved to the retreat position and a dispensing operation is performed in that state, the control unit 301 determines in S101 that the coin dispensing tray 210 is not in the front position (S101: NO). In this case, the control unit 301 displays a set guidance screen D11 as shown in FIG. 8(b) on the operation display unit 16 as a notification to encourage the user to set the coin dispensing tray 210 in the front position (S102). At this time, in addition to or instead of displaying the set guidance screen D11, a sound notification may be issued from the sound output unit 304. It is even more preferable that the control unit 301 transmits a notification instruction to the upper terminal 2 via the communication unit 303, and the upper terminal 2 issues a notification using the set guidance screen D11 or a sound notification.

After viewing the setting guidance screen D11, the operator rotates the coin dispensing tray 210 from the retracted position and sets it to the front position.

Based on the detection result of the photosensor 252, the control unit 301 determines whether the coin dispensing tray 210 is set to the front position (S103). When the coin dispensing tray 210 is set to the front position (S103: YES), the control unit 301 starts the dispensing process (S104).

In this way, the control unit 301 executes the dispensing process based on whether the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position, and if the coin dispensing tray 210 is not in the front position, the control unit 301 does not execute the dispensing process even if a dispensing operation is performed. Note that a similar control process is also performed in the deposit process. This is because rejected coins that occur during deposit are transported to the coin dispensing tray 210.

In the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 of this embodiment, if a banknote jam occurs near the entrance located at the back of the banknote reject box 19 when banknotes are dispensed in the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 11, it is necessary to remove the banknote reject box 19 in order to remove the banknotes near the entrance. Also, when collecting rejected banknotes from inside the banknote reject box 19, it is necessary to remove the banknote reject box 19. As described above, when removing the banknote reject box 19, the coin withdrawal tray 210 located at the front position of the exterior body 10 gets in the way. Therefore, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation display unit 16 displays guidance for removing the banknote reject box 19 after retracting the coin withdrawal tray 210 from the front position.

Figure 9 (a) is a flowchart showing the control process for displaying guidance, and Figures 9 (b) and (c) are diagrams showing examples of the evacuation guidance screen D12 and the removal guidance screen D13, respectively.

The control unit 301 determines whether the bill reject box 19 needs to be removed, i.e., whether an event that requires removal (jam, collection) has occurred (S201). If the bill reject box 19 needs to be removed (S201: YES), the control unit 301 causes the operation display unit 16 to display an evacuation guidance screen D12, which guides the user through the procedure for evacuation of the coin withdrawal tray 210, as shown in FIG. 9(b) (S202).

After opening the door 10c, the operator moves the coin dispensing tray 210 to the evacuation position in accordance with the evacuation guidance screen D12. Note that the door 10c may be opened after the coin dispensing tray 210 has been evacuated.

Next, the control unit 301 determines whether the coin dispensing tray 210 has been withdrawn from the front position based on the detection result of the photosensor 252 (S203). Then, when the coin dispensing tray 210 is no longer in the front position, the control unit 301 determines that it has been withdrawn from the front position (S203: YES), and causes the operation display unit 16 to display a removal guidance screen D13 that guides the operator through the removal procedure of the banknote reject box 19, as shown in FIG. 9(c) (S204). The operator removes the banknote reject box 19 from inside the exterior body 10 by following the removal guidance screen D13.

Note that Figures 9(b) and (c) show the evacuation guidance screen D12 and removal guidance screen D13 when a banknote jam occurs, but the evacuation guidance screen D12 and removal guidance screen D13 when banknotes in the withdrawal reject box 19 are collected are also similar.

In this way, when access to the banknote reject box 19 is required, the control unit 301 displays the evacuation guidance screen D12 as a notification to encourage the evacuation of the coin withdrawal tray 210. Furthermore, the control unit 301 executes a process to display the removal guidance screen D13 as a process to access the banknote reject box 19 based on the fact that the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not located in front of the exterior body 10.

In addition, if the coin dispensing tray 210 is still in front of the exterior body 10 even after the time limit has elapsed since the evacuation guidance screen D12 was displayed, a warning voice or an alert sound may be output from the audio output unit 304.

Furthermore, when the banknote reject box 19 is returned inside the exterior body 10, a return guidance screen for returning the coin dispensing tray 210 to its original position may be displayed on the operation display unit 16. In this case, when the photosensor 252 detects that the coin dispensing tray 210 has been returned to the front position of the exterior body 10, the return guidance screen is closed.

In the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1 of this embodiment, the coin withdrawal tray 210 located at the front of the exterior body 10 can get in the way when the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 is withdrawn from within the exterior body 10. For this reason, the operation display unit 16 displays guidance for withdrawing the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 after withdrawing the coin withdrawal tray 210 from the front position, using control processing similar to that shown in FIG. 9(a). The operation display unit 16 sequentially displays an evacuation guidance screen similar to that shown in FIG. 9(b) and a withdrawal guidance screen that provides instructions on the withdrawal procedure for the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11.

Now, financial institutions may implement semi-self-operation, in which deposit and withdrawal operations are performed by the teller and the customer inserts and removes coins, or full operation, in which deposit and withdrawal operations and coin insertion and removal are performed by the teller. When full operation is implemented, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is installed inside the counter between two tellers. In this case, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is used by two tellers.

In addition to the coin dispensing tray 210, which is always exposed from the exterior body 10, a coin dispensing box 410 is used as the coin dispensing section from which the dispensed coins are dispensed. The coin dispensing box 410 has a box shape with an open top, and is stored inside the exterior body 10 when the coins are dispensed, and is pulled out from inside the exterior body 10 when the coins are removed.

Unlike the coin withdrawal box 410, the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not hidden within the exterior body 10, so its location is easy to find, and since there is no need to take coins in and out of the exterior body 10 when taking them out, there is no need to worry about forgetting to put them back into the exterior body 10. Therefore, when semi-self-operation is implemented in which customers operate the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 in addition to the teller, it is desirable to use the coin withdrawal tray 18. On the other hand, the coin withdrawal box 410 dispenses coins in an environment that is closed off from the outside, so coins can be strictly managed. Therefore, when full operation is implemented in which only the teller operates the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1, it is desirable to use the coin withdrawal box 410.

When a change is made between semi-self-service operation and full operation, if a coin deposit/withdrawal machine exclusively for semi-self-service operation equipped with a coin withdrawal tray 18 and a coin deposit/withdrawal machine exclusively for full operation equipped with a coin withdrawal box 410 are installed accordingly, the financial institution may bear a large burden in costs, etc.

The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 of this embodiment is therefore configured to be interchangeable between the coin withdrawal tray 210 and the coin withdrawal box 410 so as to flexibly accommodate operational changes.

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 that has been switched to the semi-self-service version. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 that has been switched to the full service version.

As shown in FIG. 11, the coin dispensing box 410 is included in the dispensing box unit 400. In addition to the coin dispensing box 410, the dispensing box unit 400 includes a base member 420, a chute 430, and a locking device 440.

The coin withdrawal box 410 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape with an open top and a handle 411 on the front. The base member 420 has a shape and size similar to the base member 220 of the withdrawal tray unit 200. The base member 420 is provided with a storage section 421 in which the coin withdrawal box 410 is stored so that it can be inserted and removed. The chute 430 has a flat rectangular cylindrical shape in the left-right direction, and its outlet faces the inside of the coin withdrawal box 410 stored in the storage section 421. The locking device 440 locks the coin withdrawal box 410 in a state where it is stored in the storage section 421.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the exterior body 10 is provided with an attachment section 20 at the lower left end position of the exterior cover 10b, to which a withdrawal tray unit 200 and a withdrawal box unit 400 can be selectively attached. In addition, the exterior body 10 is provided with an attachment section 21 at the lower right end position of the exterior cover 10b, to which a coin withdrawal box 410 can be attached. The attachment sections 20, 21 include storage recesses 20a, 21a recessed into the inside of the exterior body 10 and attachment surfaces 20b, 21b continuing from the storage recesses 20a, 21a into the interior of the exterior body 10.

A first control board 301a corresponding to the dispensing tray unit 200 and a second control board 301b corresponding to the dispensing box unit 400 are selectively installed within the exterior body 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is switched to the semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, the withdrawal tray unit 200 is attached to the left mounting section 20. The base member 220 is attached to the mounting surface 20b using screws or the like. The front part of the base member 220 having the storage section 224 is housed in the storage recess 20a, and the rear part of the base member 220 and the chute 260 are disposed inside the exterior body 10. The coin withdrawal tray 210 protrudes forward of the exterior body 10. A cover 22 that covers the storage recess 21a is attached to the right mounting section 21.

Furthermore, a door 10c corresponding to the dispensing tray unit 200 is attached to the front of the main body 10a. The upper part of the door 10c has an open shape in the portion corresponding to the coin dispensing tray 210. The banknote reject box 19 and the mounting portion 21 are covered by the upper part of the door 10c.

Furthermore, a first control board 301a is installed inside the exterior body 10. The first control board 301a is configured by mounting a circuit consisting of a CPU and the like on a board, and constitutes part of the control unit 301. For example, the photosensor 252 and coin detection unit 270 of the dispensing tray unit 200 are connected to the first control board 301a, and detection signals from these are input. The first control board 301a holds identification information, and this identification information becomes the first information indicating that the dispensing tray unit 200 is attached to the attachment unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is switched to the full-featured currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, two withdrawal box units 400 are attached to the left and right mounting sections 20, 21. The base member 420 is attached to the mounting surfaces 20b, 21b using screws or the like. The front part of the base member 420, with the coin withdrawal box 410 accommodated in the accommodation section 421, is accommodated in the accommodation recesses 20a, 21a, and the rear part of the base member 420 and the chute 430 are disposed inside the exterior body 10. The coin withdrawal box 410 can be pulled out from inside the accommodation recesses 20a, 21a, i.e., from inside the exterior body 10.

Furthermore, a door 10d corresponding to the dispensing box unit 400 is attached to the front of the main body 10a. The upper part of the door 10d has an open shape in the portions corresponding to the left and right coin dispensing boxes 410. The banknote reject box 19 is covered by the upper part of the door 10d.

Furthermore, a second control board 301b is disposed within the exterior body 10. The second control board 301b is configured by mounting a circuit consisting of a CPU and the like on a board, and constitutes part of the control unit 301. For example, the second control board 301b drives and controls the locking device 440 of the money box unit 400. The second control board 301b holds identification information, and this identification information becomes second information indicating that the money box unit 400 is attached to the attachment section 20.

When the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is switched to a full-spec currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, two higher-level terminals 2 are connected to the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b. When the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a is a semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, two higher-level terminals 2 may be connected to the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a.

In addition, in the semi-self-service coin deposit and dispensing machine 1a, the dispensing box unit 400 may be attached to the right-side mounting section 21 instead of the cover 22. In this case, the coin dispensing box 410 is covered by the door 10c and is not used.

The memory unit 302 prestores a first control program that is applied to the semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, and a second control program that is applied to the full-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b. The first control program and the second control program include at least a program for performing transaction processing such as deposit processing and withdrawal processing.

When the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is switched to a semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a equipped with a coin withdrawal tray 210, the first control program is automatically executed, and when the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is switched to a full-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b equipped with a coin withdrawal box 410, the second control program is automatically executed.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a control process for automatically determining a control program. This control process is executed, for example, when the power is first turned on to the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1. Alternatively, this control process is executed based on a predetermined operation.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit 301 acquires identification information from one of the first control board 301a and the second control board 301b, which is installed in the exterior body 10 (S301). Next, the control unit 301 determines whether the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is a semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a or a full-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b based on the acquired identification information (S302).

If the acquired identification information is for the first control board 301a, the control unit 301 determines that the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is a semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a (S302: YES), and determines the first control program as the control program to be executed (S303).

On the other hand, if the acquired identification information is for the second control board 301b, the control unit 301 determines that the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is a full-featured currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b (S302: NO) and determines the second control program as the control program to be executed (S304).

The functions of the four operation keys 17 differ between the semi-self-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a and the full-service currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a. As described above, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, the operation keys 17a and 17b function as start keys, and the operation keys 17c and 17d function as open keys.

On the other hand, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, the operation keys 17a and 17b function as occupancy keys operated by the tellers (operators) on the left and right sides, respectively, to instruct the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b to occupy the transaction processing related to banknotes, and the operation keys 17c and 17d function as occupancy keys operated by the tellers on the left and right sides, respectively, to instruct the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b to occupy the transaction processing related to coins. Each teller performs an operation on the operation display unit 16 or the upper terminal 2 to execute their own transaction processing after performing an operation on the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b to occupy the processing of the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b. In the coin dispensing process, when the teller on the left side operates the left operation key (occupancy key) 17c, the dispensed coin is dispensed into the left coin dispensing box 410, and when the teller on the right side operates the right operation key (occupancy key) 17d, the dispensed coin is dispensed into the right coin dispensing box 410. The teller pulls out and removes the coin withdrawal box 410 from inside the exterior body 10, and removes coins from the coin withdrawal box 410.

In addition, the screens displayed on the operation display unit 16 differ between the semi-self-service coin deposit and withdrawal machine 1a and the full-service coin deposit and withdrawal machine 1a.

Figures 13(a) to 13(c) are diagrams showing an example of a screen display on the operation display unit 16 of a full-featured money deposit and withdrawal machine 1b. Figures 14(a) to 14(c) are diagrams showing an example of a screen display on the operation display unit 16 of a semi-self-service money deposit and withdrawal machine 1a.

In the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1b, a standby screen D14 is displayed on the operation display unit 16 during standby as shown in FIG. 13(a). The standby screen D14 includes a display field C11 for displaying the current balance of each denomination, a button B11 for specifying a deposit process, and a button B12 for specifying a withdrawal process. Meanwhile, in the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1a, the operation display unit 16 is turned off during standby as shown in FIG. 14(a). This prevents customers from knowing the balance of the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1a. Note that in the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1a, a standby screen without the balance display field C11 may be displayed on the operation display unit 16.

In addition, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, as shown in Fig. 13(b), screen D15 indicating that the withdrawal process is in progress includes a button B13 for changing the display in display field C12 from displaying the amount withdrawn by denomination to displaying the number of coins withdrawn by denomination. On the other hand, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, as shown in Fig. 14(b), screen D15 does not include button B13. Similarly, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, as shown in Fig. 13(c), screen D16 prompting the user to remove the coins withdrawn in the withdrawal process includes button B13, while in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, as shown in Fig. 14(c), screen D16 does not include button B13. Furthermore, in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the screen D16 includes a display field C13 in which an image is displayed to guide the user to remove coins from the coin withdrawal box 410, and in the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the screen D16 includes a display field C14 in which an image is displayed to guide the user to remove coins from the coin withdrawal tray 210.

In addition, the screens for transaction processes other than withdrawal processes, such as deposit processes, may also be changed between the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1a and the currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1b.

Furthermore, in the full specification currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1b, the control process shown in FIG. 8(a) is not performed. Furthermore, in the full specification currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1b, the control process shown in FIG. 9(a) is not performed, and a control process is performed in which, when it becomes necessary to remove the banknote reject box 19, the evacuation guidance screen D12 is not displayed on the operation display unit 16, but the removal guidance screen D13 is displayed.

Effects of the embodiment
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

The coin deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is equipped with a coin withdrawal tray 210 that protrudes forward from the front of the exterior body 10 and, when in the protruding state, throws out coins withdrawn from the coin storage unit 102. As the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not hidden within the exterior body 10, its location is easy to find, and as there is no need to take the coin out or insert it into the exterior body 10 when removing the coin, there is no need to worry about forgetting to put it back into the exterior body 10. Therefore, when an operation is performed in which a customer removes coins from the coin deposit and withdrawal machine 1, the coins can be smoothly dispensed.

The currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1 also includes a banknote reject box 19 and a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 that are accessible from the front direction of the exterior body 10. The coin withdrawal tray 210 is configured to be retractable from the front position of the exterior body 10 by a movement mechanism 230 that moves the coin withdrawal tray 210 between a front position of the exterior body 10 and a position away from the front of the exterior body 10. This allows the coin withdrawal tray 210 to be retracted from the front position of the exterior body 10 when accessing the banknote reject box 19 or the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, thereby preventing the coin withdrawal tray 210 from getting in the way.

In particular, when the coin withdrawal tray 210 is located at the front position of the exterior body 10, the banknote reject box 19 cannot be pulled out because a portion of it overlaps the coin withdrawal tray 210 in the direction of withdrawal. However, the coin withdrawal tray 210 can be retracted to a position where it does not overlap the banknote reject box 19, making it possible to pull out the banknote reject box 19. In addition, by overlapping it with the banknote reject box 19, the size of the coin withdrawal tray 210 can be increased, making it easier to accumulate coins in the coin withdrawal tray 210.

The currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 further includes a photosensor 252 for detecting whether the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10, and the control unit 301 is configured to perform control processing according to the detection result of the photosensor 252. This allows appropriate control processing to be performed according to whether the coin dispensing tray 210 is in the front position of the exterior body 10.

Specifically, the control unit 301 executes the dispensing process based on the presence of the coin dispensing tray 210 at the front position of the exterior body 10. This prevents coins from being dispensed when they cannot be dispensed into the coin dispensing tray 210.

In addition, when access to the banknote reject box 19 or the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 is required, the control unit 301 executes a process of displaying the removal guidance screen D13 or the withdrawal guidance screen on the operation display unit 16 as a process for accessing the banknote reject box 19 or the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 based on the fact that the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not present in the front position of the exterior body 10. This makes it possible to prevent access to the banknote reject box 19 or the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 in a state in which the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not retracted from the front position of the exterior body 10.

Furthermore, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is configured such that the control unit 301 displays an evacuation guidance screen D12 on the operation display unit 16 as a notification to encourage the withdrawal of the coin withdrawal tray 210 when access to the banknote reject box 19 or the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 11 is required. This makes it possible to avoid forgetting to withdraw the coin withdrawal tray 210.

Furthermore, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is provided with an attachment section 20 that is provided on the exterior body 10 and that can selectively attach a withdrawal tray unit 200 or a withdrawal box unit 400. This allows the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 to be switched between a currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a equipped with a coin withdrawal tray 210 and a currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b equipped with a coin withdrawal box 410 depending on the operation carried out by the financial institution, thereby reducing the burden on the financial institution, such as costs.

Furthermore, the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 is configured such that the control unit 301 determines the first control program as the control program to be executed based on acquiring identification information from the first control board 301a, and determines the second control program as the control program to be executed based on acquiring identification information from the second control board 301b. This makes it possible to avoid the need to incorporate a control program corresponding to the switch into the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 by downloading or the like when switching the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1 to the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1a equipped with the coin withdrawal tray 210 or the currency deposit and withdrawal machine 1b equipped with the coin withdrawal box 410, thereby shortening the time required for switching and reducing the effort required for switching.

<Example of change>
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible in addition to those described above, as described below.

For example, in the above embodiment, the coin dispensing tray 210 is configured to be rotatable by the moving mechanism 230 so that it can be retracted from the front position of the exterior body 10. However, the coin dispensing tray 210 may be configured to be slidable by a moving mechanism having a different structure. Furthermore, as a retractable configuration, the coin dispensing tray 210 may be configured to be removable from the base member 220, i.e., the exterior body 10, without using tools. However, considering the loss of the coin dispensing tray 210, a configuration in which the coin dispensing tray 210 can be rotated or slid is preferable.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the internal units, the banknote reject box 19 and the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, are configured to be accessible from the front of the exterior body 10. However, other internal units, such as the coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12, may be configured to be accessible from the front of the exterior body 10.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the internal units, the banknote reject box 19 and the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11, are configured to be removable from within the exterior body 10. However, the internal unit may be configured not to be removable from within the exterior body 10, but rather to allow access to its interior by opening a door of the internal unit from the front of the exterior body 10.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the withdrawal process is performed with the coin withdrawal tray 210 set in the front position of the exterior body 10, instead of the control process of FIG. 8(a), a control process may be performed in which the withdrawal operation is not accepted (is invalidated) when the coin withdrawal tray 210 is not in the front position of the exterior body 10.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the control process for displaying the guidance in FIG. 9(a), the operation display unit 16 displays the evacuation guidance screen D12 as a notification to encourage the evacuation of the coin dispensing tray 210. However, the audio output unit 304 may output audio guidance indicating the evacuation procedure. In addition, the display and audio notification may not indicate the evacuation procedure, but may simply instruct evacuation.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the control process for displaying the guidance in FIG. 9(a), a process for displaying the removal guidance screen D13 was executed as a process for accessing the banknote reject box 19. However, a process other than displaying the removal guidance screen D13 may be executed. For example, if the banknote reject box 19 has a mechanism for automatically locking and unlocking, an unlocking process may be executed as a process for accessing the banknote reject box 19.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a photosensor 252 is used as a detection unit that detects whether or not the coin dispensing tray 210 is present at the front position of the exterior body 10. However, a sensor other than the photosensor 252, such as a magnetic sensor or a microswitch, may be used as the detection unit.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the door 10c may overlap a portion of the coin dispensing tray 210 from the front, so that the coin dispensing tray 210 cannot rotate unless the door 10c is opened. In this way, the coin dispensing tray 210 is less likely to be erroneously retracted.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the identification information is stored in the first control board 301a and the second control board 301b that constitute part of the control unit 301. However, the identification information may be stored in a storage unit other than the first control board 301a and the second control board 301b that is selectively installed in the exterior body 10 and is capable of storing information.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the second control board 301b is installed in the exterior body 10 when the dispensing tray unit 200 is installed in the mounting section 20, and if the first control board 301a is installed in the exterior body 10 when the dispensing box unit 400 is installed in the mounting section 20, an error notification may be performed. In this case, a discrimination unit is provided in the mounting section 20 to discriminate whether the dispensing tray unit 200 or the dispensing box unit 400 is installed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the exterior body 10 is provided with not only the mounting section 20 to which the dispensing tray unit 200 and the dispensing box unit 400 can be selectively attached, but also with the mounting section 21 to which the dispensing box unit 400 is attached. However, the exterior body 10 does not necessarily have to be provided with the mounting section 21.

In the above embodiment, a currency deposit/withdrawal machine 1 equipped with a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 11 and a coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12 is given as an example of a coin processing device of the present invention, but the present invention may also be applied to a coin deposit/withdrawal machine equipped only with a coin deposit/withdrawal unit 12.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims.

1. Coin deposit and withdrawal machine (coin processing device)
2 Upper terminal (terminal device)
4. Currency processing system (coin processing system)
10 Exterior body 11 Bill deposit/withdrawal unit (internal unit)
16 Operation display unit (notification unit)
18, 210 Coin dispensing tray (coin dispensing unit, first coin dispensing unit)
19 Bill reject box (internal unit)
102 Coin storage section 200 Dispensing tray unit (first coin dispensing unit)
230 Moving mechanism 252 Photosensor (detection unit)
301 Control unit 301a First control board (first holding unit)
301b Second control board (second holding part)
400 Dispensing box unit (second coin dispensing unit)
410 Coin dispensing box (second coin dispensing unit)

Claims (10)

In the coin processing device,
An exterior body;
a coin storage section disposed within the exterior body and in which coins are stored;
an internal unit disposed inside the exterior body and accessible from a front side of the exterior body;
a coin dispensing section that is positioned in front of the internal unit so as to overlap the internal unit and that protrudes forward from a front surface of the exterior body, and into which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed and accumulated in the protruding state;
a rotation mechanism that rotates the coin dispensing unit between a front position of the exterior body and a retracted position where the coin dispensing unit moves to the side of the exterior body to open a front area of the internal unit;
A coin processing device comprising: a detection unit for detecting whether the coin dispensing unit is present at the front position;
A control unit,
The control unit performs a control process according to a detection result of the detection unit.
The coin processing device according to claim 1 . the control unit executes a dispensing process in which the coins in the coin storage unit are dispensed to the coin dispensing unit based on the fact that the coin dispensing unit is located at the front position.
3. The coin processing device according to claim 2. the control unit, when access to the internal unit is necessary, executes a process for accessing the internal unit based on the fact that the coin dispensing unit is not present at the front position.
4. The coin processing device according to claim 2 or 3. A control unit is further provided.
The control unit causes a notification unit to issue a notification to prompt the user to evacuate the coin dispensing unit when access to the internal unit is necessary.
5. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the coin processing device is a coin processing device. In the coin processing device,
An exterior body;
a coin storage section disposed within the exterior body and in which coins are stored;
an internal unit disposed inside the exterior body and accessible from a front side of the exterior body;
a coin dispensing section that protrudes forward from a front surface of the exterior body and, in a protruding state, dispenses coins dispensed from the coin storage section;
a movement mechanism that moves the coin dispensing unit between a position in front of the exterior body and a position away from the front of the exterior body;
a detection unit for detecting whether the coin dispensing unit is present at the front position;
A control unit,
the control unit, when access to the internal unit is necessary, executes a process for accessing the internal unit based on the fact that the coin dispensing unit is not present at the front position.
A coin processing device. In the coin processing device,
An exterior body;
a coin storage section disposed within the exterior body and in which coins are stored;
an internal unit disposed inside the exterior body and accessible from a front side of the exterior body;
a coin dispensing section that protrudes forward from a front surface of the exterior body and, in a protruding state, dispenses coins dispensed from the coin storage section;
A control unit ,
The coin dispensing unit is configured to be retractable from a front position of the exterior body,
The control unit causes a notification unit to issue a notification to prompt the user to evacuate the coin dispensing unit when access to the internal unit is necessary.
A coin processing device. An exterior body;
a coin storage section disposed within the exterior body and in which coins are stored;
a mounting section provided on the exterior body, to which a first coin dispensing unit and a second coin dispensing unit can be selectively mounted ;
an internal unit disposed inside the exterior body and accessible from a front side of the exterior body ;
the first coin dispensing unit includes a first coin dispensing section located in front of the internal unit so as to overlap the internal unit, into which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed and accumulated , and a rotation mechanism that rotates the first coin dispensing section between a front position of the exterior body and a retracted position at which the first coin dispensing section moves out to the side of the exterior body to open a front area of the internal unit, and is attached to the attachment section so that the first coin dispensing section protrudes from the exterior body;
the second coin dispensing unit includes a box-shaped second coin dispensing section into which coins dispensed from the coin storage section are dispensed, and the second coin dispensing section is attached to the attachment section so as to be removable from the exterior body;
A coin processing device. A first holding unit that holds first information indicating that the first coin dispensing unit is attached to the attachment unit and a second holding unit that holds second information indicating that the second coin dispensing unit is attached to the attachment unit can be selectively installed in the exterior body,
a control unit that determines, based on acquisition of the first information from the first holding unit, a first control program for the coin processing device including the first coin dispensing unit as a control program to be executed, and that determines, based on acquisition of the second information from the second holding unit, a second control program for the coin processing device including the second coin dispensing unit as a control program to be executed.
9. The coin processing device according to claim 8. A coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A terminal device connected to the coin processing device;
A coin processing system comprising: