Bill handling equipment

Abstract

To provide bill handling equipment that allows a user to suitably take out a bill from a dispensing port in which a shutter is arranged.SOLUTION: Bill handling equipment 1 comprises: a dispensing part tray 36 arranged at the back of a dispensing port 3 and configured to deposit a bill to be dispensed; a shutter 9 that opens / closes the dispensing port 3; and a dispensing lever 37 for pushing the bill to be deposited on the dispensing part tray 36 toward the dispensing port 3. Transmission means for transmitting a driving force that opens / closes the shutter 9 includes means for converting a rotary motion into a reciprocating motion and can open / close the shutter 9 without changing a direction of rotation of a motor. The transmission means can also transmit the driving force to the dispensing lever 37 and can drive the dispensing lever 37 together with the shutter 9. The bill handling equipment 1 opens the shutter 9 to drive the dispensing lever 37 after depositing the bill to be dispensed on the dispensing part tray 36, and moves the bill toward the dispensing port 3 so that the bill is easily taken out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote handling apparatus that receives and discharges banknotes. [Background technology]

[0002] A banknote handling device is, for example, a device that accepts banknotes, stores them by denomination, and discharges the stored banknotes.

[0003] A banknote processing device includes a deposit port for receiving banknotes, a dispensing port for discharging banknotes, a transport path for transporting the banknotes, a recognition unit for identifying the denomination of the banknotes, a sorting unit for sorting the banknotes by denomination, and a banknote storage device for storing or dispensing stored banknotes by denomination. Such a banknote processing device receives banknotes through the deposit port and identifies the denomination of the banknotes using the recognition unit arranged along the transport path. The banknotes whose denominations have been identified are sorted by the sorting unit arranged along the transport path and stored in the banknote storage device by denomination. When dispensing banknotes, the banknote processing device feeds banknotes of a specified denomination and number from the banknote storage device, transports them to the dispensing port, and dispenses them. Banknote processing devices are used, for example, in currency exchange machines and change dispensers.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-129135 discloses a banknote processing device in which a shutter for opening and closing a banknote passage is provided on the withdrawal port side of a temporary holding section that temporarily holds banknotes, and banknotes to be dispensed are piled up until they are all held, and when dispensed, the shutter is opened and the banknotes are pushed out towards the withdrawal port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-129135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional banknote processing devices, the shutter is located in a banknote temporary storage section that is recessed from the dispensing port, making it difficult for users to confirm whether the shutter is open or closed. Furthermore, when banknotes are pushed out, they tend to protrude from the banknote support section, and creased banknotes or old, easily bent banknotes have their leading edges bent downward, making it difficult for users to receive the dispensed banknotes. Furthermore, there is a demand for banknote processing devices that are compact so that they can be used in small spaces, such as on a desk.

[0007] The present invention provides a banknote processing device that can suitably receive banknotes dispensed by a user and that has a shutter disposed at a dispensing port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The banknote processing device of the present invention has a storage unit that stores banknotes, a loading platform on which the banknotes transported from the storage unit are stacked and placed, a dispensing port that removes the banknotes from the loading platform, a shutter that opens and closes the dispensing port, and a pushing body that pushes the banknotes placed on the loading platform from the side opposite the dispensing port towards the dispensing port, and is characterized in that it has a drive mechanism that drives the shutter and the pushing body, and the drive mechanism has a motor, a first mechanism that transmits a driving force to the shutter, a second mechanism that transmits a driving force to the pushing body, and a common unit that branches and transmits the driving force from the motor to the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit, and a torque limiter is arranged in the mechanism unit before the common unit branches the driving force to the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a banknote handling device that allows a user to conveniently receive dispensed banknotes, and also to reduce the size of the banknote handling device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a banknote handling apparatus. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the banknote handling machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating the configuration of a dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a first diagram illustrating the operation of the shutter of the banknote handling machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a second diagram illustrating the operation of the shutter of the banknote handling machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for transmitting a driving force to the shutter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the shutter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Each figure is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, in each figure, common or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0012] The following description will be given of a banknote processing device that processes banknotes. Instead of banknotes, the banknote processing device can also process paper sheets similar to banknotes, such as securities, checks, and other valuable documents, as well as paper or resin sheets of a predetermined size.

[0013] First, the external appearance of the banknote processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the banknote processing device. The banknote processing device 1 can receive banknotes through the deposit slot 2 and discharge them through the withdrawal slot 3. The banknote processing device 1 can insert multiple stacked banknotes into the deposit slot 2. Banknotes inserted in a stacked state into the deposit slot 2 are separated one by one by a separator located inside the device and transported. The banknote processing device 1 is covered by a rear case 4 and a front case 5 to prevent easy access to the interior. A functional unit including the front case 5 can be removed from the rear case 4. A lock 6 secures the front case 5 to the rear case 4 and prevents the front case 5 from being removed from the rear case 4. Access to the interior of the banknote processing device 1 is restricted by the lock 6. The lock 6 is unlocked with a key corresponding to the lock 6. A first indicator light 7 lights up or flashes when a banknote is present in the deposit slot 2, and a second indicator light 8 lights up or flashes when a banknote is present in the withdrawal slot 3. Each indicator light indicates whether or not there is banknote in the deposit port 2 or the withdrawal port 3. The withdrawal port 3 is equipped with a shutter 9. When the shutter 9 is open, the withdrawn banknote can be removed from the withdrawal port 3. When the shutter 9 is closed, the withdrawal port 3 is closed by the shutter 9, and the banknote cannot be removed from the withdrawal port 3.

[0014] Next, the main configuration of the banknote handling machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the banknote handling machine. The internal configuration of the banknote handling machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0015] In the banknote processing device 1, functional units that identify, transport, store, etc. banknotes are covered by a rear case 4 and a front case 5. The front case 5 has two openings, one of which is a deposit port 2 for inserting banknotes and the other is a withdrawal port 3 for withdrawing banknotes. The banknote processing device 1 also has a shutter 9 that opens and closes the withdrawal port 3.

[0016] The deposit recognition unit 15 receives one or more banknotes, separates the banknotes one by one, and detects the characteristics of the separated banknotes using the recognition sensor 21. Based on the detection result of the recognition sensor 21, the denomination of the banknote is recognized.

[0017] The first guide plate 10 is a plate that guides banknotes from the deposit slot 2 to the back. The second guide plate 11 is disposed opposite the first guide plate 10, and together with the first guide plate 10, forms a banknote passage that guides banknotes from the deposit slot 2 to the back. When multiple stacked banknotes are inserted into the deposit slot 2, they are placed one on top of the first guide plate 10 and guided to the back. The accepted banknotes are separated one by one and transported further to the back. The banknotes are transported with their front or back sides facing the first guide plate 10.

[0018] The pressure plate 12 is biased by a spring 13 toward the first guide plate 10 and presses the banknotes against the first guide plate 10. The first separation roller 14 is arranged so that a portion of it protrudes from the surface of the first guide plate 10 through a through hole provided in the first guide plate 10. The first separation roller 14 is also arranged opposite the pressure plate 12. The first separation roller 14 is driven by a motor (not shown). Banknotes inserted through the deposit slot 2 are sandwiched between the pressure plate 12 and the first separation roller 14, and the banknotes that come into contact with the first separation roller 14 are transported. When multiple banknotes are inserted, they are transported one by one to the back in order, starting from the banknote on the first guide plate 10 side.

[0019] The second separation roller 16 protrudes from a through-hole formed in the first guide plate 10 and contacts the third separation roller 17. The second separation roller 16 is driven by a motor (not shown). The third separation roller 17 does not rotate in the direction in which the banknotes are transported. When multiple banknotes are inserted in a stacked state, the leading edges of the banknotes are shifted and come into contact with the curved surface of the third separation roller 17. The leading edges of banknotes closer to the first guide plate 10 are located further back in the banknote transport path.

[0020] The banknote closest to the first guide plate 10 is sandwiched by the second separation roller 16 and the third separation roller 17, and this banknote is transported alone. The separation unit is a mechanism located between the deposit slot 2 and the deposit unit transport belt 19, which separates multiple stacked banknotes one by one and hands them over to the deposit unit transport belt 19.

[0021] The depositing section conveying belt 19 is looped around a plurality of depositing section pulleys 18. It is sufficient that the depositing section conveying belt 19 is looped around at least the depositing section pulleys 18 at both ends. One of the depositing section pulleys 18 at both ends is driven by a motor (not shown), which drives the depositing section conveying belt 19. The depositing section pinch roller 20 is urged in the direction of the depositing section conveying belt 19. The banknotes separated into individual sheets are pinched between the depositing section pinch roller 20 and the depositing section conveying belt 19 and conveyed.

[0022] The identification sensor 21 is disposed in the area between the deposit section pinch rollers 20 disposed at both ends. The identification sensor 21 is a sensor for detecting the characteristics of deposited banknotes. The denomination of banknotes transported by the deposit section pinch rollers 20 and the deposit section transport belt 19 is identified based on the detection results by the identification sensor 21. The portion where this identification sensor 21 is disposed is referred to as the identification section. Banknotes are stored or discharged according to the denomination identified based on the detection results of the identification sensor 21. Each element is controlled by a control section (not shown).

[0023] The deposit section inlet / outlet guide 22 constitutes a guide path for allowing banknotes to enter a linear transport path constituting the circulation unit 23 capable of circulating and transporting the banknotes, and this portion is curved to change the transport direction of the banknotes.

[0024] Next, the circulation unit 23 having a circulation path that can circulate and transport banknotes will be described.

[0025] The circulation unit 23 has a rounded rectangular conveyance path in which the ends of two linear conveyance paths for conveying banknotes are connected by a first curved conveyance path 24 and a second curved conveyance path 25. The linear conveyance paths are a conveyance path along a first conveyance belt 26 and a conveyance path along a second conveyance belt 27. The first conveyance belt 26 and the second conveyance belt 27 are driven by a motor (not shown). The first curved conveyance path 24 is disposed above the linear conveyance paths, and the second curved conveyance path 25 is disposed below the linear conveyance paths. A plurality of circulation section pinch rollers 28 are disposed on the first conveyance belt 26 and the second conveyance belt 27, and banknotes are conveyed while being sandwiched between the first conveyance belt 26 and the circulation section pinch rollers 28, and between the second conveyance belt 27 and the circulation section pinch rollers 28.

[0026] In addition to the deposit section input / output guide 22, a first branching plate 29, a second branching plate 30, a third branching plate 31, a fourth branching plate 32, and a fifth branching plate 33 are arranged on the linear transport path of the circulation unit 23. By driving these branching plates with an actuator (not shown), it is possible to select between feeding banknotes to the transport path, discharging banknotes from the transport path, and transporting banknotes without changing the transport direction. The first branching plate 29 either allows banknotes transported on the linear transport path to continue straight or takes them into a dispensing unit 41, which dispenses banknotes. The second branching plate 30 either allows banknotes transported on the linear transport path to continue straight or takes them into a first storage unit 47 that stores banknotes of a first denomination. The second branching plate 30 also supplies banknotes from the first storage unit 47 to the linear transport path. The third branching plate 31 either allows the banknotes being transported along the linear transport path to continue straight or takes them into a reject unit 48 that stores banknotes of a denomination to be collected. The fourth branching plate 32 either allows the banknotes being transported along the linear transport path to continue straight or takes them into a second storage unit 51 that stores banknotes of a second denomination. The fourth branching plate 32 also supplies banknotes from the second storage unit 51 to the linear transport path. The fifth branching plate 33 either allows the banknotes being transported along the linear transport path to continue straight or takes them into a third storage unit 54 that stores banknotes of a third denomination. The fifth branching plate 33 also supplies banknotes from the third storage unit 54 to the linear transport path.

[0027] In order to reduce the depth of the banknote processing device 1, the circulation unit 23 uses a circulation path that is a vertically long rectangle with rounded corners when viewed from the side of the banknote processing device 1. Multiple functional units are arranged stacked one above the other on the linear transport path of the circulation unit 23. Part of the linear transport path is formed by the side surfaces of each functional unit. In addition, the banknotes are arranged so that the entry angle or discharge angle with respect to the linear transport path of each functional unit is the same. This enables stable transport.

[0028] The first to third storage units 47, 51, 54 that store and dispense banknotes of the first, second, and third denominations have the same basic configuration, except for the denominations they store. The first storage unit 47 that stores the first denomination will be described below, and the others will be described supplementarily.

[0029] The first storage unit 47 can store banknotes of a first denomination in a stacked state and can discharge the stored banknotes one by one. The second branch plate 30 is driven to one of the following positions: a position for taking in the banknotes into the first storage unit 47, a position for transporting the banknotes along the transport path, and a position for discharging the banknotes from the first storage unit 47, and the banknotes are transported according to the position.

[0030] When storing banknotes in the first storage unit 47, the second branch plate 30 is driven to take in the transported banknotes, pinch the banknotes between the first storage unit drive roller 45 and the first storage unit pinch roller 46, and transport the banknotes toward the inside of the first storage unit 47. The first storage unit drive roller 45 is driven by a motor (not shown) and stores and discharges banknotes by changing its direction of rotation. The first storage unit pinch roller 46 is urged toward the first storage unit drive roller 45, pinches the banknotes together with the first storage unit drive roller 45, and transports the pinched banknotes. Depending on the rotation direction of the first storage unit drive roller 45, the banknotes are transported into the first storage unit 47 or in the opposite direction. The banknotes transported into the first storage unit 47 are stored in a stacked state.

[0031] When a banknote is discharged from first storage unit 47 to the transport path, second branch plate 30 is driven to change the guide direction of the banknote, and the banknote is guided from inside first storage unit 47 to the transport path. First storage unit drive roller 45 rotates in the direction in which the banknote is discharged, pinches the banknote together with first storage unit pinch roller 46, and transports the pinched banknote to the transport path. The banknote is pinched between first transport belt 26 and circulation unit pinch roller 28, and transported within the transport path.

[0032] The second storage section 51 and the third storage section 54 have the same basic configuration as the first storage section 47. Furthermore, the fourth branch plate 32 and the fifth branch plate 33 correspond to the second branch plate 30, the second storage section drive roller 52 and the third storage section drive roller 55 correspond to the first storage section drive roller 45, the second storage section pinch roller 53 and the third storage section pinch roller 56 correspond to the first storage section pinch roller 46, the second storage section 51 and the third storage section 54 correspond to the first storage section 47, and the second conveyor belt 27 corresponds to the first conveyor belt 26.

[0033] The above-mentioned reject section 48 will now be described. For example, it stores old banknotes, banknotes with low circulation, etc. The third branching plate 31 is driven to either a position where it takes in banknotes from the transport path into the reject section 48, or a position where it transports banknotes along the transport path, and the banknotes are transported according to this position. When storing banknotes in the reject section 48, the third branching plate 31 is driven to take in the banknotes from the transport path into the reject section 48. The reject section drive roller 49 is driven by a motor (not shown), and clamps the banknotes together with the reject section pinch roller 50, and transports the clamped banknotes inside the reject section 48. The transported banknotes are stored in a stack inside the reject section 48.

[0034] Next, the above-mentioned dispensing unit 41 will be described. The dispensing unit 41 stacks and places banknotes that are conveyed one by one on the dispensing unit tray 36 so that they can be dispensed all at once. After all of the banknotes to be dispensed have been placed on the dispensing unit tray 36, the shutter 9 opens and the dispensing lever 37 pushes the banknotes toward the dispensing slot, making it easier to remove the banknotes. It can also be said that the dispensing unit 41 has the function of temporarily storing banknotes. The dispensing unit tray 36 can also be said to be a platform on which banknotes are placed. The dispensing lever 37 can also be said to be a pushing body that pushes the banknotes.

[0035] The dispensing unit tray 36 stores banknotes to be dispensed in a stacked manner. Banknotes stored in a stacked manner in the dispensing unit tray 36 can be removed from the dispensing port 3 when the shutter 9 is open. By using the dispensing lever 37 to push the rear ends of banknotes stacked unevenly on the dispensing unit tray 36, the rear ends of the banknotes can be aligned and the banknotes can be moved toward the dispensing port 3. Here, the longitudinal direction of the banknotes is the direction in which the banknotes move toward the dispensing port 3.

[0036] When the first branching plate 29 is driven to change the direction in which the banknotes are guided and the banknotes are taken in from the conveyance path in the direction of the dispensing port 3, the dispensing unit belt 34 is driven and the banknotes guided by the first branching plate 29 are conveyed in the direction of the dispensing unit tray 36. A pinch roller, which will be described later, is arranged opposite the dispensing unit belt 34. This pinch roller is urged in the direction of the dispensing unit belt 34. The dispensing unit belt 34 and the pinch roller sandwich the banknotes, and the dispensing unit belt 34 rotates to convey the banknotes in the direction of the dispensing unit tray 36. The dispensing unit roller 35 is equipped with a plurality of flexible blades, which will be described later, and pushes out banknotes conveyed by the dispensing unit belt 34 and the pinch roller so that they are piled up on the dispensing unit tray 36.

[0037] An upper guide 38 is disposed opposite the dispensing tray 36, and is inclined toward the dispensing port 3 so as to gradually approach the dispensing tray 36. An opening is provided in the upper guide 38, and a first pressing bar 39 and a second pressing bar 40 are disposed to protrude from the opening. The first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 are disposed so as to be movable in the direction of protruding from and retracting from the opening. The upper guide 38, the first pressing bar 39, and the second pressing bar 40 guide banknotes supplied onto the dispensing tray 36 toward the dispensing tray 36, and regulate the movement of the banknotes on the dispensing tray 36. For example, this prevents the transported banknotes from being bent.

[0038] A dispensing lever 37 is disposed at a position facing the dispensing unit tray 36. The dispensing lever 37 is disposed in a direction away from the dispensing port 3, and pushes the rear ends of banknotes in the direction away from the dispensing port 3, moving them in the direction of the dispensing port 3. The dispensing lever 37 is supported so as to be able to rotate freely, and pushes the ends of banknotes stacked on the dispensing unit tray 36. The dispensing lever 37 works in conjunction with the shutter 9, and moves in a direction that pushes the banknotes when the shutter 9 is opened, and moves so as to return to the standby position when the shutter 9 is closed. When banknotes in the amount to be dispensed are placed on the dispensing unit tray 36, the shutter 9 opens, and the dispensing lever 37 operates to move the banknotes in the direction of the dispensing port 3, and the banknotes can be taken out from the dispensing port 3 with the shutter 9 open.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the dispensing unit 41 that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a first diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device.

[0040] The two dispensing section belts 34 are arranged parallel to the conveyance direction of the banknotes. In addition, at least two dispensing section pinch rollers 60, which are in contact with the dispensing section belt 34 and are biased toward the dispensing section belt 34, are provided for each dispensing section belt 34 in the conveyance direction. Banknotes sandwiched between the dispensing section belt 34 and the dispensing section pinch rollers 60 are conveyed into the dispensing section 41. The dispensing section belt 34 is looped around a pulley fixed to a dispensing section roller shaft 64, and the dispensing section roller shaft 64 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the dispensing section belt 34 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the dispensing section roller shaft 64. The dispensing section roller shaft 64 is rotatably supported by a frame 70. A dispensing section roller 35 is fixed to the dispensing section roller shaft 64, and a plurality of blades 61 are fixed radially to the dispensing section roller 35. The blades 61 are thin plates made of flexible rubber or resin. The blades 61 come into contact with banknotes being transported by the dispensing section belt 34 and the dispensing section pinch rollers 60 toward the dispensing section tray 36, and push the banknotes that have left the dispensing section belt 34 and the dispensing section pinch rollers 60 toward the shutter 9. The banknotes pushed out by the blades 61 are also pushed by the blades 61 toward the bottom of the dispensing section tray 36, and the banknotes are stacked.

[0041] The dispensing tray 36 has a plurality of linear protrusions 81 protruding from its surface and arranged parallel to the direction in which the banknotes are dispensed, thereby preventing the banknotes from sticking to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The end of the dispensing tray 36 facing the shutter 9 is also provided with a concavely cut-out removal recess 84. When a banknote is dispensed, part of one side of the banknote faces the removal recess 84. That is, when a banknote is pushed by the dispensing lever 37, the removal recess 84 is covered by the banknote. This allows a user to grasp only the banknote by grasping it at a position corresponding to the removal recess 84, making it easy to remove the banknote. The linear protrusions 81 are linear protrusions protruding from the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The banknote is placed on the linear protrusions 81, at a position away from the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The longitudinal direction of the linear protrusions 81 is arranged parallel to the rotation direction of the dispensing lever 37, and the tip of the dispensing lever 37 passes between adjacent linear protrusions 81. Banknotes are pushed by a part of the side of the dispensing lever 37 slightly closer to the base end than the tip.

[0042] At a position facing the dispensing section tray 36, the first pressing bar 39 is rotatably arranged on a first pressing bar shaft 82, and the second pressing bar 40 is rotatably arranged on a second pressing bar shaft 83. The first pressing bar 39 hangs down from the first pressing bar shaft 82 due to its own weight. The second pressing bar 40 hangs down from the second pressing bar shaft 83 due to its own weight. The first pressing bar shaft 82 and the second pressing bar shaft 83 are fixed to an upper guide, which will be described later.

[0043] A plurality of dispensing levers 37 (two in this example) are fixed in parallel to the axial direction of the dispensing lever shaft 63. The dispensing lever shaft 63 is rotatably supported by the frame 70. The two dispensing levers 37 push and move banknotes placed on linear protrusions 81 arranged on the dispensing tray 36 toward the shutter 9. The tip of the dispensing lever 37 passes between adjacent linear protrusions 81, and the side of the dispensing lever 37 abuts and pushes the banknotes on the linear protrusions 81. The dispensing lever 37 moves between the dispensing lever 62 in the storage position shown by the dashed line and the dispensing lever 37 position shown by the solid line in accordance with the rotation of the dispensing lever shaft 63 driven by a motor (not shown). The linear protrusions 81 are arranged from near the dispensing belt 34 on the side of the dispensing tray 36 where banknotes are supplied. The tip of the dispensing lever 37 passes from the end of the dispensing unit tray 36 between adjacent linear protrusions 81 to push the banknotes. The dispensing lever 37 is fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 63, which is a rotating shaft located above the placed banknotes, and even when the dispensing lever 37 is rotated, the placed banknotes can be pushed without being lifted up.

[0044] A pinion 65 is fixed to the end of the dispensing lever shaft 63. The pinion 65 meshes with a rack 68 provided on the side of the first arm 66, and as the first arm 66 moves back and forth, the pinion 65 meshing with the rack 68 rotates, causing the dispensing lever shaft 63 to rotate. The first arm 66 is a flat, straight plate. The second arm 67 is bent, and one end is rotatably connected to the end of the first arm 66. A first sector gear portion 69 is formed on the other end of the second arm 67.

[0045] The shutter 9 is divided into three stages: a first slat 77, a second slat 78, and a third slat 79. Movement of the first slat 77 causes the second slat 78 to move, and movement of the second slat 78 causes the third slat 79 to move. A second sector gear 80 is formed at the end of the first slat 77. The first slat 77, the second slat 78, and the third slat 79 are rotatably supported on a shutter shaft 88. The first sector gear portion 69 and the second sector gear portion 80 are meshed together, and when the second arm 67 moves, the first sector gear portion 69 moves, and the second sector gear portion 80 meshed with the first sector gear portion 69 moves as well. As a result, the first slat 77 moves, and the second slat 78 and the third slat 79 move accordingly, allowing the shutter 9 to open and close. The shutter 9 is made up of multiple slats that can be stacked, allowing for compact storage of the shutter 9. In addition, the shutter 9 is divided into multiple stages and operates to open and close, making it easy for the user to notice that the shutter 9 is operating.

[0046] The clutch shaft 75 is rotatably fixed to the frame 70. A rotor portion 71 and a cover portion 73 are fixed to the clutch shaft. An external gear 72 is connected to the rotor portion 71 via a torque limiter. This prevents the transmission of driving force when a load exceeding a predetermined force is applied. A detection target portion 74 is formed on the cover portion 73, with the detection target portion 74 protruding from its edge. The cover portion 73 rotates in conjunction with the clutch shaft 75. A position detection sensor 76 detects whether the detection target portion 74 is present on the edge of the cover portion 73 by determining whether the detection target portion 74 abuts against the position detection sensor 76. The rotor portion 71 and the second arm 67 are connected by a cam groove and a cam follower, as described below. This allows the first sector-shaped gear portion 69 of the second arm 67 to reciprocate in an arc, while the connection portion with the first arm 66 can reciprocate linearly. During one rotation of the rotor 71, the shutter 9 reciprocates, i.e., moves from the closed position to the open position and then from the open position to the closed position. The dispensing lever 37 also reciprocates, i.e., moves from the storage position to the push-out position and from the push-out position to the storage position.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device.

[0048] The upper guide 38 is positioned opposite the dispensing tray 36. The surface of the upper guide 38 facing the dispensing tray 36 has a flat portion that is arranged from the dispensing belt 34 side toward the shutter 9 side and gradually approaches the dispensing tray 36. Two openings are provided in the flat portion, and a first pressing bar 39 and a second pressing bar 40 protrude from the openings. An inclined portion 86 is provided at the end of the flat portion and is arranged gradually away from the dispensing tray 36 toward the shutter 9 side. This widens the space near the dispensing port, making it easier to remove banknotes. The upper guide 38 is arranged to limit the vertical movement of banknotes transported onto the dispensing tray 36 and to stack the transported banknotes in an appropriate order. Two first pressing bars 39 are arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the banknote transport direction and are arranged so that banknotes transported onto the dispensing tray 36 can be appropriately pressed down from above by their own weight. The second pressing bar 40 is disposed at a position closer to the shutter 9 and closer to the dispensing section tray 36 than the first pressing bar 39. The first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 have the same shape.

[0049] In the standby position, the dispensing lever 37 is stored inside an escape groove 87 provided in an upper plate that forms the transport path for banknotes so as not to interfere with the transported banknotes. The inclined protrusion 85 is a plate with an inclined surface that guides banknotes transported onto the dispensing unit tray 36 toward the dispensing unit tray 36.

[0050] Next, the operation of the shutter 9 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a first diagram illustrating the operation of the shutter of the banknote processing device. Figure 5 is a diagram viewed from one side in the axial direction of the clutch shaft 75. Figure 6 is a second diagram illustrating the operation of the shutter of the banknote processing device. Figure 6 is a diagram viewed from the other side in the axial direction of the clutch shaft 75.

[0051] A rotor portion 71 is fixed to the clutch shaft 75, and a cover portion 73 is fixed to the rotor portion 71. An external gear 72 is connected to the rotor portion 71 via a clutch mechanism (described later). A gear (not shown) is fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 97, and this gear meshes with a first drive gear 98. The first drive gear 98 meshes with a second drive gear 99. The second drive gear 99 meshes with the external gear 72. The rotation of the drive motor 97 is appropriately decelerated by the gear train and transmitted to the external gear 72. A cam groove 100 is provided on the surface of the rotor portion 71 facing the second arm 67. A cam follower 101 fixed to the second arm 67 fits into the cam groove 100. The cam follower 101 moves along the cam groove 100 in response to the rotation of the rotor portion 71, and the second arm 67 moves accordingly. The first arm 66 and the second arm 67 are rotatably connected by a joint 94. The cam groove 100 is formed in a shape that opens and closes the shutter 9 and that rotates the pinion 65 after opening or closing the shutter 9. The rotor portion 71 rotates in one direction, and depending on the shape of the cam groove 100, opens and closes the shutter 9 and rotates the pinion 65 in the forward or reverse direction.

[0052] A support roller 96 that supports the first arm 66 is disposed on the opposite side of the first arm 66 from the pinion 65 so that the pinion 65 and the rack 68 are always engaged with each other. In addition, a stopper portion 95 that limits the range of movement of the first arm 66 covers the first arm 66.

[0053] The position detection sensor 76 is equipped with a detection plate 93. The detection plate 93 is positioned so that it can abut against the detection target 74 of the cover portion 73. When the detection plate 93 abuts against the detection target 74, the position detection sensor 76 detects the detection plate 93. The detection target 74 is positioned according to the shape of the cam groove 100. On the cover portion 73, the detection target 74 is positioned corresponding to the position of the cam groove 100 that changes the shutter 9 from closed to open, and the detection target 74 is not positioned corresponding to the position of the cam groove 100 that changes the shutter 9 from open to closed. Based on the detection result of the detection target 74 by the position detection sensor 76, whether the shutter 9 is in the closed state or the open state is acquired by a control means (not shown) and used for various control purposes. Furthermore, even if you try to force open the closed shutter 9, because a groove cam mechanism is used, a large force is required to open the shutter 9 due to the shape of the cam groove 100 when the shutter 9 is in the closed position, making it difficult to open.

[0054] The shutter 9 opens and closes the dispensing port by linking the first slat 77, the second slat 78, and the third slat 79. A pushing shaft 89 is provided at the end of the first slat 77, a first pushing frame 90 at the end of the second slat 78, and a second pushing frame 91 at the end of the third slat 79. The pushing shaft 89 is disposed on the inner periphery of the first pushing frame 90, which is disposed on the inner periphery of the second pushing frame 91. As the first slat 77 moves, the pushing shaft 89 moves. As the pushing shaft 89 moves, the first pushing frame 90 is pushed by the pushing shaft 89 and moves, and as the first pushing frame 90 moves, the second pushing frame 91 is pushed by the first pushing frame 90 and moves. The second sector gear portion 80 provided at the end of the first slat 77 moves in conjunction with the movement of the first sector gear portion 69 provided at the end of the second arm 67. By rotating the rotor portion 71, the second arm 67 moves, and accordingly, the first slat 77, the second slat 78, and the third slat 79 move.

[0055] The second slat 78 and the third slat 79 are rotatably fixed to the shutter shaft 88 and hang down under their own weight.

[0056] When the shutter 9 is closed, the first slat 77 moves and reaches a predetermined position, after which the second slat 78 begins to move, and then the first slat 77 continues to move together with the second slat 78. Furthermore, after the second slat 78 moves and reaches a second predetermined position, the third slat 79 begins to move, and the first slat 77 moves together with the second slat 78 and third slats until the shutter 9 is closed. When the shutter 9 is opened, when the first slat 77 starts to move, the second slat 78 and third slat 79 also simultaneously sag under their own weight and follow the movement of the first slat 77. When the first slat 77 reaches a third predetermined position, the second slat 78 and third slat 79 stop moving under their own weight. When the first slat 77 reaches the fourth predetermined position, the second slat 78 and the third slat 79 move in conjunction with the first slat 77 to the open position 92 of the shutter 9 indicated by the dotted line.

[0057] The drive mechanism for the shutter 9 and the dispensing lever 37 (see Figure 3) can be broadly divided into three drive sections: a common section equipped with a torque limiter mechanism from the drive motor 97 to the first arm 66; a first mechanism section that is the shutter drive mechanism located at the end of the first arm 66 and extending from the first sector gear section 69 to the shutter 9; and a second mechanism section that is the pushing section drive mechanism from the second arm 67 connected to the first arm 66 by a joint 94 to the dispensing lever 37 (see Figure 3). In the common section, the unidirectional rotational motion of the drive motor 97 is converted into reciprocating motion of the first arm 66 by a groove cam mechanism. The torque limiter mechanism is located in the mechanism section before the drive force of the drive motor 97 is branched to the shutter 9 and the dispensing lever 37. This allows the transmission of drive force to be stopped if there is a malfunction in either section.

[0058] Next, the mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the shutter 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the shutter.

[0059] In Figure 7, the external gear 72 is shown with a dashed line so that it can be easily distinguished from other elements. The external gear 72 is driven by an external motor. The external gear 72 is an annular plate made of resin. The external gear 72 has a gear that receives driving force from the motor on the outer periphery of a base portion 105, and has an internal teeth portion 104 on the inner periphery via a spring portion 103. The rotor portion 71 has an external teeth portion 102. The external teeth portion 102 protrudes from the surface of the rotor portion 71, and a clutch shaft 75 is disposed at the center of rotation. The external teeth portion 102 meshes with the internal teeth portion 104. As the external gear 72 rotates, the rotor portion 71, which has the external teeth portion 102 that meshes with the internal teeth portion 104, rotates.

[0060] The spring portion 103 is an arm that protrudes from the base portion 105 and has spring properties when the arm flexes. The spring force varies depending on the length and thickness of the arm, so a predetermined spring force can be obtained using an arm of a predetermined length and thickness. When a predetermined force resisting the direction of rotation is applied to the rotor portion 71, the spring portion 103 of the external gear 72 deforms as it is unable to resist the force, and the external gear 72 rotates with the meshing between the external teeth portion 102 and the internal teeth portion 104 released. In other words, the external gear 72 spins freely. For example, if an object is caught in the first slat 77, the rotor portion 71, which is linked to the object, stops. The rotor portion 71 stopping increases the load between the rotor portion 71 and the external gear 72. If the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the external gear 72 spins freely, preventing damage to parts and objects.

[0061] Similarly, damage to the parts and damage to the object can be prevented even if the movement of the parts linked to the pinion 65 is obstructed. For example, if a jam occurs when pushing a banknote, an unexpected force may obstruct the rotation of the pinion 65.

[0062] Next, the mechanism of the shutter 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the shutter.

[0063] The first slat 77, second slat 78, and third slat 79 have protrusions at their widthwise ends, and the tips of these protrusions have through-holes through which shutter shafts 88 are inserted. The protrusions of the first slat 77, second slat 78, and third slats 79 are each provided with a pushing shaft 89, a first pushing frame 90, and a second pushing frame 91. The first slat 77 has a second sector gear portion 80 at the tip of one of its protrusions.

[0064] The back side of the first slat 77 is provided with a claw portion 106, and the tip portion 107 of the claw portion 106 is arranged to protrude from the first slat 77 in the direction of the second slat 78. The claw portion 106 extends to a position about halfway in the end direction of the second slat 78, and can support the second slat 78 from the back side. The claw portion 106 functions as a rib that reinforces the back side of the shutter 9. The claw portion 106 can prevent the shutter 9 from bending when pressed from the front side. The claw portions 106 are arranged at two locations on the first slat 77 with an interval between them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Banknote processing device 2 Deposit port 3 Withdrawal port 4 Rear case 5 Front case 6. Rock 7 1st indicator light 8 Second indicator light 9. Shutter 10 First Information Board 11 Second Information Board 12 Presser plate 13 Spring 14 First separation roller 15 Deposit Identification Section 16 Second separation roller 17 Third separation roller 18. Receipt pulley 19. Deposit section conveyor belt 20 Pinch roller for deposit section 21 Identification sensor 22 Deposit section deposit and withdrawal guide 23 Circulation Unit 24 First curved conveying path 25 Second curved conveying path 26 First conveyor belt 27 Second conveyor belt 28 Circulation section pinch roller 29 First branch plate 30 Second branch plate 31 Third branch plate 32 Fourth branch plate 33 5th Branch Plate 34 Withdrawal belt 35 Dispensing roller 36. Dispensing tray 37 Withdrawal lever 38 Upper guide 39 First pressure bar 40 Second pressure bar 41 Withdrawal Department 45 First storage section drive roller 46 First storage compartment pinch roller 47 First storage section 48 Rejection Department 49 Reject section drive roller 50 Reject section pinch roller 51 Second storage section 52 Second storage section drive roller 53 Second storage compartment pinch roller 54 Third storage section 55 Third storage section drive roller 56 Third storage compartment pinch roller 60 Pinch roller for dispensing section 61 Feather 62 Dispensing lever in storage position 63 Withdrawal lever shaft 64 Dispensing roller shaft 65 Pinion 66 First Arm 67 Second Arm 68 racks 69 First sector gear section 70 frames 71 Rotor section 72 External gear 73 Cover 74 Detected part 75 Clutch shaft 76 Position detection sensor 77 First slat 78 Second slat 79 Third slat 80 Second sector gear section 81 Linear process 82 First pressing bar shaft 83 Second pressing bar axis 84 Removal recess 85 Inclined protrusion 86 Slope 87 Relief groove 88 Shutter axis 89 Push shaft 90 First Push Frame 91 Second Push Frame 92 Open position 93 Detection plate 94 Joint 95 Stopper part 96 Support Roller 97 Drive motor 98 First driving gear 99 Second driving gear 100 Cam groove 101 Cam Followers 102 External tooth part 103 Spring part 104 Internal teeth 105 Base 106 Claw 107 Tip

Claims

1. a storage section for storing banknotes; a placement table on which the banknotes transported from the storage unit are stacked and placed; a dispensing port for removing the banknotes from the placement table; a shutter that opens and closes the withdrawal port; a pusher that pushes the banknotes placed on the placement table from a side facing the withdrawal port toward the withdrawal port; A banknote processing device having a drive mechanism for driving the shutter and the pusher; The drive mechanism includes: A motor and a first mechanism portion that transmits a driving force to the shutter; a second mechanism portion that transmits a driving force to the pushing body; a common unit that branches and transmits a driving force from the motor to the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit; and A banknote processing device, characterized in that a torque limiter is disposed in a mechanism section before a driving force is divided into the first mechanism section and the second mechanism section of a common section.

2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the common part includes a grooved cam mechanism that converts the unidirectional rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion, thereby causing the shutter and the pusher to reciprocate.

3. the mounting table has a linear protrusion protruding from a bottom surface of the mounting table, a plurality of linear protrusions are arranged on the placement table, and the banknotes are placed on the linear protrusions at a distance from the bottom surface; a plurality of the pushing bodies are fixed to a rotation shaft arranged in a direction facing the mounting table in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, 3. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pushing body comes into contact with the banknote and pushes the rear end of the banknote by rotating the rotation shaft.

4. a rotation direction of the pusher and a longitudinal direction of the linear protrusion are parallel to each other; The banknote processing device according to claim 3, wherein a tip of the pushing body passes between adjacent linear protrusions.

5. 2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the placement table has a recess on the side of the dispensing port, and after the shutter opens, the pushing body pushes the rear end of the banknote placed on the placement table, moving the front end of the banknote to a position where it covers the recess.

Images