Automated teller machine

Abstract

An automated teller machine includes: a conveyance path; a medium storage cassette for receiving and storing paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path, or discharging the paper mediums to the conveyance path; and an inlet roller. The medium storage cassette includes: a drum; and an intermediate roller for transferring the paper mediums between the drum and the inlet roller. The inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the intermediate roller and the conveyance path. The inlet roller includes: an inlet transfer rotation shaft; and inlet transfer roller parts having a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft so that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes in contact with the paper mediums, the inlet transfer roller parts being arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the paper mediums.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated teller machine.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In general, in relation to financial services, an automated teller machine (ATM) refers to a financial automation device, such as a cash dispenser unit (CDU), a bill recycling machine (BRM) or the like, which is developed to provide most financial services unmanned, except for consultation services, quickly and conveniently without time constraints.

[0003] The automated teller machine has various additional functions, such as card processing, passbook processing, and check deposit modules, depending on the type of financial service, in addition to the automatic cash deposit and withdrawal functions.

[0004] In the automated teller machine, paper mediums are deposited through a user interface unit and conveyed through a conveyance path. The paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path are discriminated by the discrimination unit. Based on the discrimination result in the discrimination unit, the paper mediums are conveyed through the conveyance path and received into a medium storage cassette for storage. Further, the paper mediums stored in the medium storage cassette are discharged from the medium storage cassette, conveyed through the conveyance path, and dispensed through the user interface unit.

[0005] The medium storage cassette may be a tape drum-type medium storage cassette. In a tape drum-type medium storage cassette, paper mediums received into the medium storage cassette are held by a tape and the tape is wound around a drum, thereby storing the paper mediums on the drum. Further, when the tape wound around the drum while holding the paper mediums is unwound from the drum, the paper mediums are released from the tape. The released paper mediums are discharged from the medium storage cassette and conveyed through the conveyance path.

[0006] The transfer of paper mediums between the conveyance path and the drum of the medium storage cassette is carried out by an inlet roller arranged adjacent to the conveyance path and an intermediate roller of the medium storage cassette arranged between the inlet roller and the drum. The inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the conveyance path and the intermediate roller, and the intermediate roller transfers the paper mediums between the inlet roller and the drum.

[0007] In the conveyance path, paper mediums are conveyed with a predetermined spacing, taking into account that a gate switches the conveyance path. If the paper mediums are stored on the drum with the same spacing as in the conveyance path, as many paper mediums as possible cannot be stored on the drum, and the tape is wasted. To reduce the spacing between paper mediums in the medium storage cassette compared to the spacing between paper mediums in the conveyance path, the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the medium storage cassette can be made slower than the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the conveyance path. In other words, the inlet transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper mediums conveyed between the conveyance path and the intermediate roller by the inlet roller, can be the same as the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the conveyance path, while the intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper mediums conveyed between the inlet roller and the drum by the intermediate roller, can be made slower than the inlet transfer speed.

[0008] When the intermediate transfer speed is lower than the inlet transfer speed, in the case of skew where the paper medium is transferred while being tilted relative to the transfer direction, the skew of the paper medium can be corrected by the intermediate roller as the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller. In other words, the intermediate roller blocks the transfer of a portion of the paper medium that arrives earlier than the other portion, causing the paper medium to rotate in the opposite direction of the tilt. As a result, the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction, can be reduced. Accordingly, the paper mediums can be transferred to the drum with its skew corrected and stored on the drum.

[0009] However, in conventional automated teller machines, when the paper medium is transferred from the drum by the intermediate roller and then from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller, the corrected skew of the paper medium is restored to its original state by the inlet roller. In other words, since the inlet roller transfers the portion of the paper medium that arrives earlier than the other portion at a faster speed, the paper medium rotates in the tilted direction, causing its skew angle to increase back to the pre-correction skew angle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been devised in view of the above background, and provide an automated teller machine that, when a paper medium is transferred from an intermediate roller to an inlet roller, minimizes the restoration of skew of the paper medium, which has been corrected while the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automated teller machine including: a conveyance path for conveying paper mediums; a medium storage cassette configured to receive and store the paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path, or to discharge the stored paper mediums to the conveyance path; and an inlet roller, wherein the medium storage cassette includes: a drum on which the paper mediums are stored; and an intermediate roller for transferring the paper mediums between the drum and the inlet roller, wherein the inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the intermediate roller and the conveyance path, and wherein the inlet roller includes: an inlet transfer rotation shaft; and a plurality of inlet transfer roller parts having a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft so that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes in contact with the paper mediums, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts being arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the paper mediums.

[0012] Further, an inlet transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the inlet roller, may be greater than an intermediate transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the intermediate roller.

[0013] Further, a pitch between the intermediate roller and the inlet roller in the transfer direction may be smaller than a length of the paper medium in the transfer direction.

[0014] Further, the intermediate roller may be provided as a plurality of intermediate rollers, the plurality of intermediate rollers may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a gap between the intermediate rollers in the width direction.

[0015] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer roller parts.

[0016] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer rotation shaft.

[0017] Further, at least some of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction.

[0018] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the intermediate roller.EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0019] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the paper medium is transferred from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected as the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller, can be minimized.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an automated teller machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement, in the transfer direction of paper mediums, of a drum, an intermediate roller, and an inlet roller of a medium storage device of the automated teller machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the intermediate roller and the inlet roller as viewed along line I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where a paper medium is normally transferred without being tilted relative to the transfer direction. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where a paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction while being transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where the paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction while being transferred from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical ideas of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In addition, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] Further, when a component is mentioned to be "connected to" and "supported by" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to and supported by another component, but there may be other components therebetween.

[0024] The terms used in the present specification are used merely to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In addition, it should be noted in advance that in the present specification, expressions such as upper side, lower side, and side surface, etc. are described based on the illustrations in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the subject is changed. For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0027] The meaning of "include" used in the present specification is intended to specify certain features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and is not intended to exclude the existence or the addition of other specific features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0028] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a detailed configuration of an automated teller machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The automated teller machine 1 can receive deposited paper mediums 2, discriminate the deposited paper mediums 2 while separating the deposited paper mediums 2 into individual sheets and conveying the individual sheets, and then classify and store them or return them to a customer (not shown). In addition, the automated teller machine 1 transfers the stored paper mediums 2 so that the customer can withdraw them. The automated teller machine 1 may include a medium storage cassette 100, an inlet roller 200, a main body 300, a user interface unit 400, a deposit medium discrimination unit 500, a withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and a conveyance path 700.

[0029] Before describing the medium storage cassette 100 and the inlet roller 200, the main body 300, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, and the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 will first be described.

[0030] The main body 300 may house the medium storage cassette 100, the inlet roller 200, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, a withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and the conveyance path 700. A space may be formed inside the main body 300 to accommodate the medium storage cassette 100, the inlet roller 200, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and the conveyance path 700. A medium inlet / outlet may be formed in the main body 300. The medium entrance / exit may be connected to the user interface unit 400. A user can insert a paper medium 2 into the user interface unit 400 through the medium entrance / exit. In addition, the user can receive the paper mediums 2 transferred to the user interface unit 400 through the medium entrance / exit. The medium entrance / exit may be opened and closed by a shutter. When the shutter opens the medium entrance / exit, the user can insert paper mediums into the user interface unit 400 or receive paper mediums transferred to the user interface unit 400.

[0031] In the user interface unit 400, paper mediums 2 may be deposited through the medium entrance / exit, and the deposited paper mediums 2 may be accumulated and then transferred to the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In addition, in the user interface unit 400, paper mediums 2 transferred from the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 may be accumulated and then returned through the medium entrance / exit.

[0032] The deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can discriminate paper mediums 2 transferred one by one from the user interface unit 400. The deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can identify abnormalities, denominations, and other characteristics of the paper mediums 2, and can count the paper mediums 2. In addition, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can classify the paper mediums into normal notes and rejected notes based on the discrimination results, and the normal notes can be classified into non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes.

[0033] In this case, the rejected note refers to a paper medium 2 that cannot be processed for deposit, and may include a worn paper medium 2 whose image cannot be read, a folded paper medium 2, a counterfeit note, and a suspicious note. In addition, the non-recyclable note refers to a paper medium 2 that is used only for deposits and not for withdrawals, and the recyclable note refers to a paper medium 2 that is used for both deposits and withdrawals. Non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes may be distinguished based on the denomination values of the paper mediums 2. Recyclable notes may be set as relatively low denomination notes compared to non-recyclable notes, while non-recyclable notes may be set as relatively high denomination notes compared to recyclable notes. For example, recyclable notes may be used as change in automated teller machines 1 installed in retail markets such as convenience stores and large supermarkets.

[0034] The withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can discriminate paper mediums 2 transferred one by one from a recyclable note storage unit 104, which will be described later, for withdrawal. The withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can identify abnormalities, denominations, and other characteristics of the paper mediums 2, and can count the paper mediums 2. In addition, the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can classify the paper mediums into normal notes and rejected notes based on the identification results. Among the paper mediums 2 identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, the normal notes may be transferred to the user interface unit 400 for withdrawal. Among the paper mediums 2 identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, the withdrawal rejection notes, which are rejected notes, are temporarily stored in a temporary holding unit 101, which will be described later, and after the withdrawal of the normal notes is completed, they may be transferred and stored in a deposit-only storage unit 103, which will be described later.

[0035] The medium storage cassette 100 may be configured to receive and store paper mediums 2 or to discharge stored paper mediums 2. A plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be provided.

[0036] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a temporary holding unit 101. The temporary holding unit 101 can temporarily hold normal notes among the paper mediums 2 identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In other words, the temporary holding unit 101 can temporarily hold non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes identified as normal notes by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. The normal notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 may be transferred and stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103 or a recyclable note storage unit 104, which will be described later, or transferred to the user interface unit 400 and returned to the customer. When the customer selects deposit acceptance, the normal notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can be stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103 or the recyclable note storage unit 104. When the customer selects deposit cancellation, the normal notes temporarily held in the temporary hold unit 101 can be transferred to the user interface unit 400 and returned to the customer.

[0037] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a reject unit 102. The reject unit 102 can temporarily hold a rejected note among the paper mediums 2 identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In other words, the reject unit 102 can temporarily store a deposit reject note identified as an abnormal note by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500.

[0038] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a deposit-only storage unit 103. Non-recyclable notes, among the normal notes identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be transferred and stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103. In addition, withdrawal reject notes, identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103.

[0039] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a recyclable note storage unit 104. Recyclable notes, among the normal notes identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be transferred and stored in the recyclable note storage unit 104. A plurality of recyclable note storage units 104 may be provided so that recyclable notes can be separated and stored according to their denominations.

[0040] At least some of the medium storage cassette 100 may be configured as a tape drum-type medium storage cassette. For example, the temporary holding unit 101 and the reject unit 102 may be configured as a drum type medium storage cassette. When the medium storage cassette 100 is configured as a tape drum-type cassette, the medium storage cassette 100 may include a cassette body 110, a drum 120, and an intermediate roller 130.

[0041] The cassette body 110 may support at least one of the drum 120 and the intermediate roller 130. A space may be formed inside the cassette body 110 in which the drum 120 and the intermediate roller 130 are arranged.

[0042] The drum 120 can store paper mediums 2. The drum 120 may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. As the drum 120 rotates in one direction, the paper mediums 2 introduced into the cassette body 110 and transferred to the drum 120 can be stored on the drum 120. In addition, as the drum 120 rotates in the other direction, the paper mediums 2 stored on the drum 120 can be transferred from the drum 120 and discharged from the cassette body 110. For example, a reel (not shown) on which a tape is wound may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. Further, as the reel and the drum 120 rotate in one direction, the tape can be unwound from the reel, transferred to the drum 120, and wound around the drum 120. Furthermore, as the tape is wound around the drum 120, it holds the paper mediums 2 transferred to the drum 120, thereby storing the paper mediums 2 on the drum 120. In addition, as the reel and the drum 120 are rotated in the other direction, the tape can be unwound from the drum 120, transferred to the reel, and wound on the reel. As the tape is unwound from the drum 120, the paper mediums 2 held by the tape are released, and the paper mediums 2 can be transferred from the drum 120.

[0043] The intermediate roller 130 can transfer the paper mediums 2 between the drum 120 and the inlet roller 200. The intermediate roller 130 may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. For example, the tape may be wound onto the reel and the drum 120 via the intermediate roller 130. Further, the intermediate roller 130 may be rotated as the tape is transferred to the reel or the drum 120 by the rotation of the reel and the drum 120. In addition, by the rotation of the intermediate roller 130, the paper medium 2 may be transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the drum 120, or from the drum 120 to the inlet roller 200. In this case, an intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed at which the paper mediums 2 are transferred by the intermediate roller 130, may be the same as a tape transfer speed at which the tape is transferred.

[0044] A plurality of intermediate rollers 130 may be provided, and the plurality of intermediate rollers 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction, which is perpendicular to the transfer direction of the paper mediums 2. For example, two intermediate rollers 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0045] The inlet roller 200 can transfer the paper mediums 2 between the intermediate roller 130 and the conveyance path 700. The paper medium 2 conveyed through the conveyance path 700 can be transferred to the intermediate roller 130 by the inlet roller 200 and then transferred to the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130. In addition, the paper medium 2 transferred from the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130 can be transferred to the conveyance path 700 by the inlet roller 200. The inlet roller 200 may be arranged adjacent to the conveyance path 700 and configured to be rotatable inside or outside the cassette body 110.

[0046] The inlet transfer speed, which is the speed of the paper medium 2 transferred by the inlet roller 200, may be the same as the transfer speed of the paper medium 2 in the conveyance path 700. Accordingly, the transfer of the paper medium 2 from the conveyance path 700 to the intermediate roller 130 by the inlet roller 200 and the transfer of the paper medium 2 from the intermediate roller 130 to the conveyance path 700 by the inlet roller 200 can be smoothly performed.

[0047] The inlet transfer speed may be greater than the intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper medium 2 transferred by the intermediate roller 130. The inlet transfer speed may be proportional to the linear speed of the inlet roller 200, and the intermediate transfer speed may be proportional to the linear speed of the intermediate roller 130. When the inlet transfer speed is greater than the intermediate transfer speed, the spacing between paper mediums 2 as they are transferred to the drum 120 through the inlet roller 200 and the intermediate roller 130, may become smaller than the spacing between the paper mediums 2 in the conveyance path 700. In addition, as paper mediums 2 are transferred from the drum 120 to the conveyance path 700 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200, the spacing between the paper mediums 2 may become the same as the spacing between the paper mediums 2 in the conveyance path 700. In addition, when in the case of skew of a paper medium 2, where it is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130 while being tilted relative to the transfer direction, the skew of the paper medium 2 can be corrected by the intermediate roller 130. In other words, by blocking the transfer of a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion, the intermediate roller 130 causes the paper medium 2 to rotate in the opposite direction to the tilt, so that the skew angle, thereby reducing the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium 2 is tilted relative to the transfer direction.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3 of the present application, a pitch P between the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 in the transfer direction of the paper medium 2 may be smaller than a length L of the paper medium 2 in the transfer direction of the paper medium 2. Accordingly, the transfer of the paper medium 2 between the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 can be performed smoothly. In this case, the pitch P may be the distance between the center of the intermediate roller 130 and the center of the inlet roller 200.

[0049] The inlet roller 200 may include an inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 and a plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220. The inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 may be rotatably arranged inside or outside the cassette body 110, adjacent to the conveyance path 700. The plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210. The longitudinal direction of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 may be perpendicular to the transfer direction of the paper medium 2 and may be parallel to the width direction. In addition, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may have a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 such that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes into contact with the paper medium 2.

[0050] A gap G1 between adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than a gap G2 between adjacent intermediate rollers 130. Accordingly, when a paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0051] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the gap G2 between the intermediate rollers 130. Further, when a paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0052] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than a diameter D2 of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Further, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0053] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts may be smaller than a diameter D3 of the intermediate roller 130. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Further, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0054] At least some of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction. All of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction. In addition, the spacing in the width direction of some of the inlet transfer roller parts 220, arranged on the side where a portion of a skewed paper medium 2 arrives first, may be equal to each other.

[0055] The conveyance path 700 can convey paper mediums 2 between the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the medium storage cassette 100, and the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600. The conveyance path 700 may include an upper conveyance path 710, a lower conveyance path 720, and a gate 730.

[0056] The upper conveyance path 710 may be connected to each of the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the temporary holding unit 101, and the reject unit 102, so that paper mediums 2 can be conveyed between the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the temporary holding unit 101, and the reject unit 102. In addition, the upper conveyance path 710 may be connected to the lower conveyance path 720 so that normal notes or withdrawal reject notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can be conveyed to the recyclable note storage unit 104 or the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the withdrawal reject notes identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can be temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101.

[0057] The lower conveyance path 720 may be connected to the recyclable note storage unit 104, the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the upper conveyance path 710, so that normal notes or withdrawal reject notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can stored in the recyclable note storage unit 104 or the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the withdrawal reject notes identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can be temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101.

[0058] The gate 730 is disposed at a branch of the upper conveyance path 710 or a branch of the lower conveyance path 720, and switches the direction of the branch of the upper conveyance path 710 or the branch of the lower conveyance path 720, thereby enabling paper mediums 2 to be correctly conveyed.

[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the operation and effects of the automated teller machine 1 having the configuration described above will be described.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, a paper medium 2 may be conveyed through the conveyance path 700 without being tilted relative to the transfer direction to reach the inlet roller 200. In other words, the paper medium 2 may reach the inlet roller 200 in a non-skewed state while being conveyed through the conveyance path 700. When the paper medium 2 reaches the inlet roller 200 without being skewed, the paper medium 2 can be transferred to the drum 120 through the inlet roller 200 and the intermediate roller 130 without being skewed and can be stored on the drum 120 without being skewed. In addition, the paper medium 2 can be transferred from the drum 120 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 to the conveyance path 700 without being skewed, and then conveyed through the conveyance path 700.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a paper medium 2 may be conveyed through the conveyance path 700 while being tilted relative to the transfer direction to reach the inlet roller 200. In other words, the paper medium 2 may reach the inlet roller 200 in a skewed state while being conveyed through the conveyance path 700. When the paper medium 2 reaches the inlet roller 200 in a skewed state, the skew of the paper medium 2 can be corrected due to the difference between the inlet transfer speed and the intermediate transfer speed as the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130. In other words, the intermediate roller 130 blocks the transfer of a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion, thereby causing the paper medium 2 to rotate in the opposite direction to the tilt, and reducing the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium 2 is tilted relative to the transfer direction. In addition, the paper medium 2, with its skew corrected, can be transferred to the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130 and stored on the drum 120.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the skew-corrected paper medium 2 can be transferred from the drum 120 to the conveyance path 700 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200. When the skew-corrected paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the corrected skew may be restored by the difference between the intermediate transfer speed and the inlet transfer speed. In other words, the inlet roller 200 transfers a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portions at a faster speed, so that the paper medium 2 rotates in the tilted direction, which may increase the skew angle of the paper medium 2.

[0063] However, the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 in the width direction may be smaller than, at least, the gap G2 between the intermediate rollers 130 in the width direction. Accordingly, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion can relatively quickly come into contact with two adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 among the inlet transfer roller parts 220. When the paper medium 2 makes contact with two adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 among the inlet transfer roller parts 220, the restoration of skew in the paper medium 2 can be stopped. In other words, the rotation of the paper medium 2 being transferred in the direction that increases the skew angle can be stopped. Accordingly, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized. In other words, the skew angle of the paper medium 2, which has decreased while being transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be prevented from returning to its original value when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200. The paper medium 2 can be transferred to the conveyance path 700 with minimized skew restoration and discharged through the conveyance path 700.

[0064] As described above, according to the present disclosure, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected due to the difference in transfer speed while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above as specific embodiments, these are merely examples. The present disclosure is not limited to the above and should be construed as having the broadest scope according to the technical idea disclosed in the present specification. Those skilled in the art may implement a pattern of a shape not specified above by combining / substituting the disclosed embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily change or modify the embodiments disclosed based on the present specification, and it is clear that such changes or modifications also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical ideas of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022]In addition, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023]Further, when a component is mentioned to be "connected to" and "supported by" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to and supported by another component, but there may be other components therebetween.

[0024]The terms used in the present specification are used merely to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025]In addition, it should be noted in advance that in the present specification, express...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated teller machine.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In general, in relation to financial services, an automated teller machine (ATM) refers to a financial automation device, such as a cash dispenser unit (CDU), a bill recycling machine (BRM) or the like, which is developed to provide most financial services unmanned, except for consultation services, quickly and conveniently without time constraints.

[0003] The automated teller machine has various additional functions, such as card processing, passbook processing, and check deposit modules, depending on the type of financial service, in addition to the automatic cash deposit and withdrawal functions.

[0004] In the automated teller machine, paper mediums are deposited through a user interface unit and conveyed through a conveyance path. The paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path are discriminated by the discrimination unit. Based on the discrimination result in the discrimination unit, the paper mediums are conveyed through the conveyance path and received into a medium storage cassette for storage. Further, the paper mediums stored in the medium storage cassette are discharged from the medium storage cassette, conveyed through the conveyance path, and dispensed through the user interface unit.

[0005] The medium storage cassette may be a tape drum-type medium storage cassette. In a tape drum-type medium storage cassette, paper mediums received into the medium storage cassette are held by a tape and the tape is wound around a drum, thereby storing the paper mediums on the drum. Further, when the tape wound around the drum while holding the paper mediums is unwound from the drum, the paper mediums are released from the tape. The released paper mediums are discharged from the medium storage cassette and conveyed through the conveyance path.

[0006] The transfer of paper mediums between the conveyance path and the drum of the medium storage cassette is carried out by an inlet roller arranged adjacent to the conveyance path and an intermediate roller of the medium storage cassette arranged between the inlet roller and the drum. The inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the conveyance path and the intermediate roller, and the intermediate roller transfers the paper mediums between the inlet roller and the drum.

[0007] In the conveyance path, paper mediums are conveyed with a predetermined spacing, taking into account that a gate switches the conveyance path. If the paper mediums are stored on the drum with the same spacing as in the conveyance path, as many paper mediums as possible cannot be stored on the drum, and the tape is wasted. To reduce the spacing between paper mediums in the medium storage cassette compared to the spacing between paper mediums in the conveyance path, the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the medium storage cassette can be made slower than the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the conveyance path. In other words, the inlet transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper mediums conveyed between the conveyance path and the intermediate roller by the inlet roller, can be the same as the transfer speed of the paper mediums in the conveyance path, while the intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper mediums conveyed between the inlet roller and the drum by the intermediate roller, can be made slower than the inlet transfer speed.

[0008] When the intermediate transfer speed is lower than the inlet transfer speed, in the case of skew where the paper medium is transferred while being tilted relative to the transfer direction, the skew of the paper medium can be corrected by the intermediate roller as the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller. In other words, the intermediate roller blocks the transfer of a portion of the paper medium that arrives earlier than the other portion, causing the paper medium to rotate in the opposite direction of the tilt. As a result, the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction, can be reduced. Accordingly, the paper mediums can be transferred to the drum with its skew corrected and stored on the drum.

[0009] However, in conventional automated teller machines, when the paper medium is transferred from the drum by the intermediate roller and then from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller, the corrected skew of the paper medium is restored to its original state by the inlet roller. In other words, since the inlet roller transfers the portion of the paper medium that arrives earlier than the other portion at a faster speed, the paper medium rotates in the tilted direction, causing its skew angle to increase back to the pre-correction skew angle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been devised in view of the above background, and provide an automated teller machine that, when a paper medium is transferred from an intermediate roller to an inlet roller, minimizes the restoration of skew of the paper medium, which has been corrected while the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automated teller machine including: a conveyance path for conveying paper mediums; a medium storage cassette configured to receive and store the paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path, or to discharge the stored paper mediums to the conveyance path; and an inlet roller, wherein the medium storage cassette includes: a drum on which the paper mediums are stored; and an intermediate roller for transferring the paper mediums between the drum and the inlet roller, wherein the inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the intermediate roller and the conveyance path, and wherein the inlet roller includes: an inlet transfer rotation shaft; and a plurality of inlet transfer roller parts having a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft so that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes in contact with the paper mediums, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts being arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the paper mediums.

[0012] Further, an inlet transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the inlet roller, may be greater than an intermediate transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the intermediate roller.

[0013] Further, a pitch between the intermediate roller and the inlet roller in the transfer direction may be smaller than a length of the paper medium in the transfer direction.

[0014] Further, the intermediate roller may be provided as a plurality of intermediate rollers, the plurality of intermediate rollers may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a gap between the intermediate rollers in the width direction.

[0015] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer roller parts.

[0016] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer rotation shaft.

[0017] Further, at least some of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction.

[0018] Further, a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction may be smaller than a diameter of the intermediate roller.EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0019] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the paper medium is transferred from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected as the paper medium is transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller, can be minimized.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an automated teller machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement, in the transfer direction of paper mediums, of a drum, an intermediate roller, and an inlet roller of a medium storage device of the automated teller machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the intermediate roller and the inlet roller as viewed along line I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where a paper medium is normally transferred without being tilted relative to the transfer direction. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where a paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction while being transferred from the inlet roller to the intermediate roller. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams, similar to FIG. 3, showing a case where the paper medium is tilted relative to the transfer direction while being transferred from the intermediate roller to the inlet roller. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical ideas of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In addition, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] Further, when a component is mentioned to be "connected to" and "supported by" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to and supported by another component, but there may be other components therebetween.

[0024] The terms used in the present specification are used merely to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In addition, it should be noted in advance that in the present specification, expressions such as upper side, lower side, and side surface, etc. are described based on the illustrations in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the subject is changed. For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0027] The meaning of "include" used in the present specification is intended to specify certain features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and is not intended to exclude the existence or the addition of other specific features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0028] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a detailed configuration of an automated teller machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The automated teller machine 1 can receive deposited paper mediums 2, discriminate the deposited paper mediums 2 while separating the deposited paper mediums 2 into individual sheets and conveying the individual sheets, and then classify and store them or return them to a customer (not shown). In addition, the automated teller machine 1 transfers the stored paper mediums 2 so that the customer can withdraw them. The automated teller machine 1 may include a medium storage cassette 100, an inlet roller 200, a main body 300, a user interface unit 400, a deposit medium discrimination unit 500, a withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and a conveyance path 700.

[0029] Before describing the medium storage cassette 100 and the inlet roller 200, the main body 300, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, and the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 will first be described.

[0030] The main body 300 may house the medium storage cassette 100, the inlet roller 200, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, a withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and the conveyance path 700. A space may be formed inside the main body 300 to accommodate the medium storage cassette 100, the inlet roller 200, the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, and the conveyance path 700. A medium inlet / outlet may be formed in the main body 300. The medium entrance / exit may be connected to the user interface unit 400. A user can insert a paper medium 2 into the user interface unit 400 through the medium entrance / exit. In addition, the user can receive the paper mediums 2 transferred to the user interface unit 400 through the medium entrance / exit. The medium entrance / exit may be opened and closed by a shutter. When the shutter opens the medium entrance / exit, the user can insert paper mediums into the user interface unit 400 or receive paper mediums transferred to the user interface unit 400.

[0031] In the user interface unit 400, paper mediums 2 may be deposited through the medium entrance / exit, and the deposited paper mediums 2 may be accumulated and then transferred to the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In addition, in the user interface unit 400, paper mediums 2 transferred from the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 may be accumulated and then returned through the medium entrance / exit.

[0032] The deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can discriminate paper mediums 2 transferred one by one from the user interface unit 400. The deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can identify abnormalities, denominations, and other characteristics of the paper mediums 2, and can count the paper mediums 2. In addition, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 can classify the paper mediums into normal notes and rejected notes based on the discrimination results, and the normal notes can be classified into non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes.

[0033] In this case, the rejected note refers to a paper medium 2 that cannot be processed for deposit, and may include a worn paper medium 2 whose image cannot be read, a folded paper medium 2, a counterfeit note, and a suspicious note. In addition, the non-recyclable note refers to a paper medium 2 that is used only for deposits and not for withdrawals, and the recyclable note refers to a paper medium 2 that is used for both deposits and withdrawals. Non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes may be distinguished based on the denomination values of the paper mediums 2. Recyclable notes may be set as relatively low denomination notes compared to non-recyclable notes, while non-recyclable notes may be set as relatively high denomination notes compared to recyclable notes. For example, recyclable notes may be used as change in automated teller machines 1 installed in retail markets such as convenience stores and large supermarkets.

[0034] The withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can discriminate paper mediums 2 transferred one by one from a recyclable note storage unit 104, which will be described later, for withdrawal. The withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can identify abnormalities, denominations, and other characteristics of the paper mediums 2, and can count the paper mediums 2. In addition, the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can classify the paper mediums into normal notes and rejected notes based on the identification results. Among the paper mediums 2 identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, the normal notes may be transferred to the user interface unit 400 for withdrawal. Among the paper mediums 2 identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600, the withdrawal rejection notes, which are rejected notes, are temporarily stored in a temporary holding unit 101, which will be described later, and after the withdrawal of the normal notes is completed, they may be transferred and stored in a deposit-only storage unit 103, which will be described later.

[0035] The medium storage cassette 100 may be configured to receive and store paper mediums 2 or to discharge stored paper mediums 2. A plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be provided.

[0036] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a temporary holding unit 101. The temporary holding unit 101 can temporarily hold normal notes among the paper mediums 2 identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In other words, the temporary holding unit 101 can temporarily hold non-recyclable notes and recyclable notes identified as normal notes by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. The normal notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 may be transferred and stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103 or a recyclable note storage unit 104, which will be described later, or transferred to the user interface unit 400 and returned to the customer. When the customer selects deposit acceptance, the normal notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can be stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103 or the recyclable note storage unit 104. When the customer selects deposit cancellation, the normal notes temporarily held in the temporary hold unit 101 can be transferred to the user interface unit 400 and returned to the customer.

[0037] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a reject unit 102. The reject unit 102 can temporarily hold a rejected note among the paper mediums 2 identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500. In other words, the reject unit 102 can temporarily store a deposit reject note identified as an abnormal note by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500.

[0038] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a deposit-only storage unit 103. Non-recyclable notes, among the normal notes identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be transferred and stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103. In addition, withdrawal reject notes, identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be stored in the deposit-only storage unit 103.

[0039] At least one of the plurality of medium storage cassettes 100 may be used as a recyclable note storage unit 104. Recyclable notes, among the normal notes identified by the deposit medium discrimination unit 500 and temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101, can be transferred and stored in the recyclable note storage unit 104. A plurality of recyclable note storage units 104 may be provided so that recyclable notes can be separated and stored according to their denominations.

[0040] At least some of the medium storage cassette 100 may be configured as a tape drum-type medium storage cassette. For example, the temporary holding unit 101 and the reject unit 102 may be configured as a drum type medium storage cassette. When the medium storage cassette 100 is configured as a tape drum-type cassette, the medium storage cassette 100 may include a cassette body 110, a drum 120, and an intermediate roller 130.

[0041] The cassette body 110 may support at least one of the drum 120 and the intermediate roller 130. A space may be formed inside the cassette body 110 in which the drum 120 and the intermediate roller 130 are arranged.

[0042] The drum 120 can store paper mediums 2. The drum 120 may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. As the drum 120 rotates in one direction, the paper mediums 2 introduced into the cassette body 110 and transferred to the drum 120 can be stored on the drum 120. In addition, as the drum 120 rotates in the other direction, the paper mediums 2 stored on the drum 120 can be transferred from the drum 120 and discharged from the cassette body 110. For example, a reel (not shown) on which a tape is wound may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. Further, as the reel and the drum 120 rotate in one direction, the tape can be unwound from the reel, transferred to the drum 120, and wound around the drum 120. Furthermore, as the tape is wound around the drum 120, it holds the paper mediums 2 transferred to the drum 120, thereby storing the paper mediums 2 on the drum 120. In addition, as the reel and the drum 120 are rotated in the other direction, the tape can be unwound from the drum 120, transferred to the reel, and wound on the reel. As the tape is unwound from the drum 120, the paper mediums 2 held by the tape are released, and the paper mediums 2 can be transferred from the drum 120.

[0043] The intermediate roller 130 can transfer the paper mediums 2 between the drum 120 and the inlet roller 200. The intermediate roller 130 may be rotatably disposed in the cassette body 110. For example, the tape may be wound onto the reel and the drum 120 via the intermediate roller 130. Further, the intermediate roller 130 may be rotated as the tape is transferred to the reel or the drum 120 by the rotation of the reel and the drum 120. In addition, by the rotation of the intermediate roller 130, the paper medium 2 may be transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the drum 120, or from the drum 120 to the inlet roller 200. In this case, an intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed at which the paper mediums 2 are transferred by the intermediate roller 130, may be the same as a tape transfer speed at which the tape is transferred.

[0044] A plurality of intermediate rollers 130 may be provided, and the plurality of intermediate rollers 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction, which is perpendicular to the transfer direction of the paper mediums 2. For example, two intermediate rollers 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0045] The inlet roller 200 can transfer the paper mediums 2 between the intermediate roller 130 and the conveyance path 700. The paper medium 2 conveyed through the conveyance path 700 can be transferred to the intermediate roller 130 by the inlet roller 200 and then transferred to the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130. In addition, the paper medium 2 transferred from the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130 can be transferred to the conveyance path 700 by the inlet roller 200. The inlet roller 200 may be arranged adjacent to the conveyance path 700 and configured to be rotatable inside or outside the cassette body 110.

[0046] The inlet transfer speed, which is the speed of the paper medium 2 transferred by the inlet roller 200, may be the same as the transfer speed of the paper medium 2 in the conveyance path 700. Accordingly, the transfer of the paper medium 2 from the conveyance path 700 to the intermediate roller 130 by the inlet roller 200 and the transfer of the paper medium 2 from the intermediate roller 130 to the conveyance path 700 by the inlet roller 200 can be smoothly performed.

[0047] The inlet transfer speed may be greater than the intermediate transfer speed, which is the transfer speed of the paper medium 2 transferred by the intermediate roller 130. The inlet transfer speed may be proportional to the linear speed of the inlet roller 200, and the intermediate transfer speed may be proportional to the linear speed of the intermediate roller 130. When the inlet transfer speed is greater than the intermediate transfer speed, the spacing between paper mediums 2 as they are transferred to the drum 120 through the inlet roller 200 and the intermediate roller 130, may become smaller than the spacing between the paper mediums 2 in the conveyance path 700. In addition, as paper mediums 2 are transferred from the drum 120 to the conveyance path 700 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200, the spacing between the paper mediums 2 may become the same as the spacing between the paper mediums 2 in the conveyance path 700. In addition, when in the case of skew of a paper medium 2, where it is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130 while being tilted relative to the transfer direction, the skew of the paper medium 2 can be corrected by the intermediate roller 130. In other words, by blocking the transfer of a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion, the intermediate roller 130 causes the paper medium 2 to rotate in the opposite direction to the tilt, so that the skew angle, thereby reducing the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium 2 is tilted relative to the transfer direction.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3 of the present application, a pitch P between the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 in the transfer direction of the paper medium 2 may be smaller than a length L of the paper medium 2 in the transfer direction of the paper medium 2. Accordingly, the transfer of the paper medium 2 between the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 can be performed smoothly. In this case, the pitch P may be the distance between the center of the intermediate roller 130 and the center of the inlet roller 200.

[0049] The inlet roller 200 may include an inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 and a plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220. The inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 may be rotatably arranged inside or outside the cassette body 110, adjacent to the conveyance path 700. The plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210. The longitudinal direction of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 may be perpendicular to the transfer direction of the paper medium 2 and may be parallel to the width direction. In addition, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may have a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 such that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes into contact with the paper medium 2.

[0050] A gap G1 between adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than a gap G2 between adjacent intermediate rollers 130. Accordingly, when a paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0051] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the gap G2 between the intermediate rollers 130. Further, when a paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0052] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be smaller than a diameter D2 of the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Further, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0053] The gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts may be smaller than a diameter D3 of the intermediate roller 130. Accordingly, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 can be arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft 210 more densely than when the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inlet transfer roller parts 220. Further, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the paper medium 2 can stably come into contact with the inlet roller 200 relatively quickly. In addition, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of the skew of the paper medium 2, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0054] At least some of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction. All of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction. In addition, the spacing in the width direction of some of the inlet transfer roller parts 220, arranged on the side where a portion of a skewed paper medium 2 arrives first, may be equal to each other.

[0055] The conveyance path 700 can convey paper mediums 2 between the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the medium storage cassette 100, and the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600. The conveyance path 700 may include an upper conveyance path 710, a lower conveyance path 720, and a gate 730.

[0056] The upper conveyance path 710 may be connected to each of the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the temporary holding unit 101, and the reject unit 102, so that paper mediums 2 can be conveyed between the user interface unit 400, the deposit medium discrimination unit 500, the temporary holding unit 101, and the reject unit 102. In addition, the upper conveyance path 710 may be connected to the lower conveyance path 720 so that normal notes or withdrawal reject notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can be conveyed to the recyclable note storage unit 104 or the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the withdrawal reject notes identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can be temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101.

[0057] The lower conveyance path 720 may be connected to the recyclable note storage unit 104, the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the upper conveyance path 710, so that normal notes or withdrawal reject notes temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101 can stored in the recyclable note storage unit 104 or the deposit-only storage unit 103, and the withdrawal reject notes identified by the withdrawal medium discrimination unit 600 can be temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 101.

[0058] The gate 730 is disposed at a branch of the upper conveyance path 710 or a branch of the lower conveyance path 720, and switches the direction of the branch of the upper conveyance path 710 or the branch of the lower conveyance path 720, thereby enabling paper mediums 2 to be correctly conveyed.

[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the operation and effects of the automated teller machine 1 having the configuration described above will be described.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, a paper medium 2 may be conveyed through the conveyance path 700 without being tilted relative to the transfer direction to reach the inlet roller 200. In other words, the paper medium 2 may reach the inlet roller 200 in a non-skewed state while being conveyed through the conveyance path 700. When the paper medium 2 reaches the inlet roller 200 without being skewed, the paper medium 2 can be transferred to the drum 120 through the inlet roller 200 and the intermediate roller 130 without being skewed and can be stored on the drum 120 without being skewed. In addition, the paper medium 2 can be transferred from the drum 120 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200 to the conveyance path 700 without being skewed, and then conveyed through the conveyance path 700.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a paper medium 2 may be conveyed through the conveyance path 700 while being tilted relative to the transfer direction to reach the inlet roller 200. In other words, the paper medium 2 may reach the inlet roller 200 in a skewed state while being conveyed through the conveyance path 700. When the paper medium 2 reaches the inlet roller 200 in a skewed state, the skew of the paper medium 2 can be corrected due to the difference between the inlet transfer speed and the intermediate transfer speed as the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130. In other words, the intermediate roller 130 blocks the transfer of a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion, thereby causing the paper medium 2 to rotate in the opposite direction to the tilt, and reducing the skew angle, which is the angle at which the paper medium 2 is tilted relative to the transfer direction. In addition, the paper medium 2, with its skew corrected, can be transferred to the drum 120 by the intermediate roller 130 and stored on the drum 120.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the skew-corrected paper medium 2 can be transferred from the drum 120 to the conveyance path 700 through the intermediate roller 130 and the inlet roller 200. When the skew-corrected paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the corrected skew may be restored by the difference between the intermediate transfer speed and the inlet transfer speed. In other words, the inlet roller 200 transfers a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portions at a faster speed, so that the paper medium 2 rotates in the tilted direction, which may increase the skew angle of the paper medium 2.

[0063] However, the gap G1 between the inlet transfer roller parts 220 in the width direction may be smaller than, at least, the gap G2 between the intermediate rollers 130 in the width direction. Accordingly, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, a portion of the paper medium 2 that arrives earlier than the other portion can relatively quickly come into contact with two adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 among the inlet transfer roller parts 220. When the paper medium 2 makes contact with two adjacent inlet transfer roller parts 220 among the inlet transfer roller parts 220, the restoration of skew in the paper medium 2 can be stopped. In other words, the rotation of the paper medium 2 being transferred in the direction that increases the skew angle can be stopped. Accordingly, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized. In other words, the skew angle of the paper medium 2, which has decreased while being transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be prevented from returning to its original value when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200. The paper medium 2 can be transferred to the conveyance path 700 with minimized skew restoration and discharged through the conveyance path 700.

[0064] As described above, according to the present disclosure, when the paper medium 2 is transferred from the intermediate roller 130 to the inlet roller 200, the restoration of skew, which has been corrected due to the difference in transfer speed while the paper medium 2 is transferred from the inlet roller 200 to the intermediate roller 130, can be minimized.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above as specific embodiments, these are merely examples. The present disclosure is not limited to the above and should be construed as having the broadest scope according to the technical idea disclosed in the present specification. Those skilled in the art may implement a pattern of a shape not specified above by combining / substituting the disclosed embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily change or modify the embodiments disclosed based on the present specification, and it is clear that such changes or modifications also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical ideas of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022]In addition, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023]Further, when a component is mentioned to be "connected to" and "supported by" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to and supported by another component, but there may be other components therebetween.

[0024]The terms used in the present specification are used merely to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025]In addition, it should be noted in advance that in the present specification, express...

Claims

1. An automated teller machine comprising: a conveyance path for conveying paper mediums; a medium storage cassette configured to receive and store the paper mediums conveyed through the conveyance path, or to discharge the stored paper mediums to the conveyance path; and an inlet roller, wherein the medium storage cassette includes: a drum on which the paper mediums are stored; and an intermediate roller for transferring the paper mediums between the drum and the inlet roller, wherein the inlet roller transfers the paper mediums between the intermediate roller and the conveyance path, and wherein the inlet roller includes: an inlet transfer rotation shaft; and a plurality of inlet transfer roller parts having a diameter larger than that of the inlet transfer rotation shaft so that at least a portion of their outer circumference comes in contact with the paper mediums, the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts being arranged on the inlet transfer rotation shaft to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the paper mediums.

2. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein an inlet transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the inlet roller, is greater than an intermediate transfer speed, which is a transfer speed of the paper medium transferred by the intermediate roller.

3. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein a pitch between the intermediate roller and the inlet roller in the transfer direction is smaller than a length of the paper medium in the transfer direction.

4. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein the intermediate roller is provided as a plurality of intermediate rollers, the plurality of intermediate rollers are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction is smaller than a gap between the intermediate rollers in the width direction.

5. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction is smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer roller parts.

6. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction is smaller than a diameter of the inlet transfer rotation shaft.

7. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of inlet transfer roller parts are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the width direction.

8. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein a gap between the inlet transfer roller parts in the width direction is smaller than a diameter of the intermediate roller.

Images