Sheet processing apparatus and method

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet processing device and method for smoothly processing paper sheets by preventing a conveyance error of the paper sheets.SOLUTION: The banknote handling apparatus includes the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 provided with the kick roller 24 that feeds out the banknote B, the transport unit 50 that transports the banknote B toward the storage boxes 31 to 33 of the storage unit 30, the control unit, and the determination unit that determines whether or not the transport state of the banknote B is abnormal leading to a transport error, and the transport path 50 includes the first transport path 51 that transports the banknote B between the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and the storage unit 30, and the second transport path 52 that transports the banknote B between the first transport path 51 and the storage boxes 31 to 33. When the determination unit determines that the conveyance state of the banknote B is an abnormality leading to a conveyance error, the control unit stops the feeding of the kick roller 24 and the driving of the first conveyance path 51, conveys the banknote B toward the storage boxes 31 to 33, reversely drives the first conveyance path 51 to convey the banknote B to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, and then restarts the feeding and conveyance of the banknote B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus and method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a paper sheet processing device which, when transporting deposited banknotes to a storage section by a transport means, identifies the denomination of the banknotes in two stages, in the order of provisional determination and final determination, and if the provisionally determined and final determined denominations match, stores the banknotes in the storage section for the corresponding denomination, and if the provisionally determined and final determined denominations do not match, reverses (switches back) the transport means and stores the banknotes in a collection box located upstream from the storage section (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-94665 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the paper sheet processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a transport error such as a jam occurs during transport of banknotes, all transport units are immediately stopped, and then the operator manually turns the transport knob of the transport path or opens part of the transport unit to remove any banknotes remaining on the transport path, thereby resolving the transport error.

[0005] Since recovery work from such a transport error requires time and effort, there is a problem in that delays in paper sheet processing are unavoidable when a transport error occurs.

[0006] Therefore, there arises a technical problem that must be solved in order to prevent paper sheet transport errors and to smoothly process paper sheets, and an object of the present invention is to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a feed-out unit that feeds out paper sheets, a transport unit that transports the paper sheets fed by the feed-out unit toward a reach unit, a control unit that controls the feed-out unit and the transport unit, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a transport state of the paper sheets is abnormal and leads to a transport error, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of transport paths that are provided so that the paper sheets can be delivered to each other along a transport direction in which the paper sheets are transported from the feed-out unit toward the reach unit, and the plurality of transport paths are configured so that they can be controlled independently for forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stop, and the plurality of transport paths include a feed-out source side transport path connected to the feed-out unit, and a transport path between the feed-out source side transport path and the reach unit. and a destination-side conveying path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveying path and the destination-side conveying path, and when the determination unit determines that the conveying state of the paper sheets on the source-side conveying path is abnormal and will lead to a conveying error, the control unit stops the feeding of the feed unit and the driving of the source-side conveying path, and continues driving the destination-side conveying path to convey the paper sheets in the destination-side conveying path toward the arrival unit, and then drives the source-side conveying path in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to convey the paper sheets remaining in the source-side conveying path to the feed unit, and after the paper sheets in the source-side conveying path are returned to the feed unit, resumes the feeding of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the conveying of the paper sheets by the conveying unit.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a feed-out unit that feeds out paper sheets, a transport unit that transports the paper sheets fed by the feed-out unit toward a reach unit, a control unit that controls the feed-out unit and the transport unit, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a transport state of the paper sheets is abnormal and leads to a transport error, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of transport paths that are provided so that the paper sheets can be exchanged with each other along a transport direction in which the paper sheets are transported from the feed-out unit toward the reach unit, and the plurality of transport paths are configured so that forward drive, reverse drive, or stop can be controlled independently, and the plurality of transport paths include a feed-out source transport path connected to the feed-out unit, and a feed-out end transport path connected to the feed-out end. and a destination-side conveying path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveying path and the arrival section, and when the determination section determines that the conveying state of the paper sheets on the source-side conveying path is abnormal and will lead to a conveying error, the control section stops the payout section from paying out, drives the source-side conveying path in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to convey the paper sheets in the source-side conveying path to the payout section, and continues driving the destination-side conveying path to convey the paper sheets in the destination-side conveying path toward the arrival section, and after the paper sheets in the source-side conveying path are returned to the payout section, resumes the payout section and the conveying section from conveying the paper sheets.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a paper sheet processing method according to the present invention includes a feed-out unit that feeds out paper sheets, a transport unit that transports the paper sheets fed by the feed-out unit towards a reach unit, a control unit that controls the feed-out unit and the transport unit, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a transport state of the paper sheets is abnormal and leads to a transport error, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of transport paths that are provided so that the paper sheets can be delivered to each other along a transport direction in which the paper sheets are transported from the feed-out unit towards the reach unit, and each of the plurality of transport paths is configured so that forward drive, reverse drive or stop can be controlled independently, and the plurality of transport paths include a feed-out source side transport path connected to the feed-out unit, and a transport path that transports the paper sheets between the feed-out source side transport path and the reach unit. a destination-side conveying path along which the paper sheets are conveyed, and when the determination unit determines that the conveying state of the paper sheets in the source-side conveying path is abnormal and will lead to a conveying error, the control unit stops the feeding of the feed unit and the driving of the source-side conveying path, and continues driving the destination-side conveying path to convey the paper sheets in the destination-side conveying path toward the arrival unit, and then drives the source-side conveying path in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to convey the paper sheets remaining in the source-side conveying path to the feed unit, and after the paper sheets in the source-side conveying path are returned to the feed unit, resumes the feeding of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the conveying of the paper sheets by the conveying unit.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a paper sheet processing method according to the present invention includes a feed-out unit that feeds out paper sheets, a transport unit that transports the paper sheets fed by the feed-out unit toward a destination unit, a control unit that controls the feed-out unit and the transport unit, and a determination unit that determines whether a transport state of the paper sheets is abnormal and leads to a transport error, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of transport paths that are provided so that the paper sheets can be delivered to each other along a transport direction in which the paper sheets are transported from the feed-out unit toward the destination unit, and the plurality of transport paths are configured so that they can be controlled independently for forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stop, and the plurality of transport paths include a feed-out source side transport path connected to the feed-out unit, and a transport path between the feed-out source side transport path and the destination unit. and a destination-side transport path that transports the paper sheets between the source and destination conveyance paths, and when the determination unit determines that the transport state of the paper sheets in the source-side transport path is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit stops the feeding of the feed unit, drives the source-side transport path in a direction opposite to the transport direction to transport the paper sheets in the source-side transport path to the feed unit, and continues driving the destination-side transport path to transport the paper sheets in the destination-side transport path toward the arrival unit, and after the paper sheets in the source-side transport path are returned to the feed unit, resumes the feeding of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the transport of the paper sheets by the transport unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention can prevent errors in conveying paper sheets and allow smooth processing of paper sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a currency handling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a currency processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a currency handling device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5]10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which one banknote is being transported normally, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of a pair of travel sensors in the transport state of FIG. 10A. [Figure 6] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which one banknote is being transported obliquely, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of a pair of travel sensors in the transport state of FIG. [Figure 7] (a) is a schematic diagram showing a single horizontally folded ticket being conveyed to one side of the conveying path, and (b) is a timing chart showing the output of a pair of travel sensors in the conveying state of (a). [Figure 8] 10A is a schematic diagram showing how one vertically folded ticket is conveyed, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of a pair of travel sensors in the conveying state of FIG. 10A. [Figure 9] (a) is a schematic diagram showing two banknotes being transported normally with a gap between them, and (b) is a timing chart showing the outputs of a pair of travel sensors in the transport state of (a). [Figure 10] 10A is a schematic diagram showing two banknotes being transported in an overlapping state, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of a pair of travel sensors in the transport state of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] (a) is a schematic diagram showing how a removed banknote is transported in close proximity to the preceding banknote, and (b) is a timing chart showing the output of a pair of travel sensors in the transport state of (a). [Figure 12] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the taken-out banknote blocks light from the travel sensor, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of the pair of travel sensors in the transport state of FIG. [Figure 13] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which one banknote is being transported normally, and FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing the outputs of two pairs of travel sensors in the transport state of FIG. 10A. [Figure 14](a) is a schematic diagram showing a single sheet with a horizontal fold being transported near the center of the transport path, and (b) is a timing chart showing the outputs of two pairs of travel sensors in the transport state of (a). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a deposit process. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the second transport path is driven while the first transport path is stopped to transport banknotes to a storage vault. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how banknotes remaining in the first transport path are returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which all banknotes in the first transport path have been discharged to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the banknotes returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot are fed out again to the first transport path. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a withdrawal process. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the first transport path is driven while the second transport path is stopped to transport banknotes to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how banknotes remaining in the second transport path are returned to the storage bin. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which all banknotes in the second transport path have been discharged into the storage. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the banknotes returned to the storage are fed out again to the second transport path. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a replenishment process. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the first and second transport paths are driven to transport banknotes to a storage vault while the third transport path is stopped. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how banknotes remaining in the third transport path are returned to the cassette. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which all banknotes in the third transport path have been discharged into the cassette. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the banknotes returned to the cassette are fed out again to the third transport path. [Figure 30] FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the first and third transport paths are driven to transport banknotes to a cassette while the second transport path is stopped. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how banknotes remaining in the second transport path are returned to the storage bin. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which all banknotes in the second transport path have been discharged into the storage. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the banknotes returned to the storage are fed out again to the second transport path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, hereinafter, when referring to the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of components, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the number is not limited to that specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number.

[0014] Furthermore, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly considered otherwise in principle.

[0015] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional proportions of the components may not be the same as in reality. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0016] A currency handling device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the currency handling device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the currency handling device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the currency handling device 1. The currency handling device 1 is placed, for example, around a POS register and is used to deposit sales proceeds, dispense change, etc.

[0017] The currency processing device 1 has a body 2 that is roughly rectangular in shape, and the right side of the page in Figure 1 is the coin processing device 10 that stores deposited coins and dispenses the stored coins as needed, and the left side of the page in Figure 1 is the banknote processing device 20 that stores deposited banknotes and dispenses the stored banknotes as needed.

[0018] The coin processing unit 10 has a coin deposit port 11, into which coins are inserted, provided on the front surface of the machine body 2, and a coin withdrawal port 12, from which stored coins are withdrawn, provided below the coin deposit port 11. The coin withdrawal port 12 also serves as a coin reject port from which rejected coins are dispensed from the machine body 2. The coin processing unit 10 has a known configuration, and therefore a detailed description of the coin processing unit 10 will be omitted.

[0019] The banknote processing unit 20 is provided with a banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 on the front surface of the body 2, into which banknotes are inserted in a stacked state. The banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 also serves as a banknote withdrawal port for dispensing banknotes stored in the banknote processing unit 20. The banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 is provided with a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of banknotes. The banknote processing unit 20 is also provided with a banknote deposit reject port 22 below the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 as an evacuation section from which banknotes that cannot be stored in the storage section 30 (banknotes not to be stored), which will be described later, are fed from within the body 2 during deposit processing, and a banknote withdrawal reject vault 23 from which banknotes not to be stored are fed from within the body 2 during withdrawal processing.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the currency handling apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 30 and a cassette 40 each capable of storing banknotes B, and a transport unit 50 that transports banknotes B within the machine body 2.

[0021] The storage unit 30 includes three storage cabinets 31 to 33 arranged in order from the front to the rear of the machine body 2. The storage cabinets 31 to 33 are single-denomination storage stackers that store banknotes B of different denominations. In this embodiment, the storage cabinet 31 stores 10,000 yen bills, the storage cabinet 32 ​​stores 5,000 yen bills, and the storage cabinet 33 stores 1,000 yen bills. The denominations of banknotes B stored in the storage cabinets 31 to 33 can be changed as desired, and multiple denominations of banknotes B may be stored in the same stacker, or banknotes B of the same denomination may be stored in multiple stackers. The number of storage cabinets installed in the storage unit 30 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more.

[0022] The storage cabinets 31 to 33 have the same configuration. Each storage cabinet 31 to 33 is formed in a box shape with an opening at the top, and can deliver banknotes B accumulated on the lifting stages 34 to 36 to the transport unit 50 by kick rollers 37 to 39. The received banknotes B can be accumulated and stored in a horizontal position with their longitudinal directions aligned with the left-right direction of the machine body on the lifting stages 34 to 36 in the vertical direction.

[0023] The cassette 40 is provided below the banknote processing unit 20 inside the machine body 2. The cassette 40 can transfer the banknotes B accumulated on the lifting stage 41 to the transport unit 50 by means of the kick rollers 42, and can accumulate and store the received banknotes B in the vertical direction on the lifting stage 41 in a horizontal position with the longitudinal direction of the machine body aligned with the left-right direction.

[0024] The cassette 40 is configured to be able to store the banknotes B in the storage vaults 31 to 33. That is, for example, if it is found after a deposit process that the amount of stored banknotes B in any of the storage vaults 31 to 33 exceeds a predetermined amount, a certain amount of banknotes B can be collected from any of the storage vaults 31 to 33 as excess banknotes (overflow banknotes) in the cassette 40 so as not to affect the subsequent deposit process. Alternatively, the cassette 40 is configured to be able to collect banknotes B of denominations other than those set to be accepted in the storage vaults 31 to 33 (e.g., 2,000 yen notes) in the cassette 40 as non-designated denomination banknotes. Alternatively, the cassette 40 is configured to be able to collect the banknotes B in the storage vaults 31 to 33 to be collected in the cassette 40 in the case of full collection, in which all currency in the currency processing device 1 is collected at the closing time of a store or the like where the currency processing device 1 is installed, or in the case of residual collection, in which the remaining currency is collected while leaving some currency for the next day's change. The cassette 40 may be configured to be able to feed the banknotes stored therein toward the transport unit 50. That is, in the case of full recovery, since there are no banknotes in the currency processing device 1, it is necessary to load banknotes for change into the currency processing device 1 before the store or the like opens for business the next day. Therefore, the cassette 40 is configured to be able to feed banknotes B for change to the banknote processing unit 20 and distribute them to the storage vaults 31-33. Furthermore, by enabling the feeding of banknotes B in the cassette 40, a replenishment process is possible in which banknotes B previously set in the cassette 40 are replenished to the storage vaults 31-33. When the cassette 40 is detachable from the machine 2, it is preferable to provide a closable shutter at the opening of the cassette 40, so that the shutter automatically opens when the cassette 40 is attached to the machine 2 and automatically closes when the cassette 40 is removed from the machine 2. The number of cassettes 40 installed can be changed as long as the number required for various processes can be secured.

[0025] The transport unit 50 includes a first transport path 51 connecting the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 and the storage unit 30, and a second transport path 52 connecting the first transport path 51 and the storage vaults 31 to 33. Banknotes B are inserted into the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 in a stacked state with their longitudinal direction aligned with the left-right direction of the machine body, and a kick roller 24 provided in the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 separates the banknotes B in the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 one by one and feeds them to the first transport path 51. The banknotes B fed to the first transport path 51 are then transported within the machine body 2 while always maintaining this orientation.

[0026] The first conveying path 51 also includes a first main conveying path 51a, one end of which is connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and the other end of which is connected to the storage unit 30 via a first receiving unit 58 described below, a first branch conveying path 51b extending downward from the first main conveying path 51a, a second branch conveying path 51c branching off from the first branch conveying path 51b near the banknote deposit / reject port 22 and connected to the banknote deposit / reject port 22, and a third branch conveying path 51d branching off from the first branch conveying path 51b near the banknote withdrawal / reject vault 23 and connected to the banknote withdrawal / reject vault 23.

[0027] The second conveying path 52 also includes a second main conveying path 52a, one end of which is connected to the first conveying path 51 via a first receiving section 58 and the other end of which is connected to the storage cabinet 31, a fourth branch conveying path 52b, which branches off from the second main conveying path 52a near the storage cabinet 32 ​​and connects to the storage cabinet 32, and a fifth branch conveying path 52c, which branches off from the second main conveying path 52a near the storage cabinet 33 and connects to the storage cabinet 33.

[0028] The transport section 50 also includes a third transport path 53 that connects the first transport path 51 and the cassette 40. One end of the third transport path 53 is connected to the first branched transport path 51b via a second receiving section 59, which will be described later, and the other end is connected to the cassette 40. Hereinafter, when the first transport path 51, the second transport path 52, and the third transport path 53 are not particularly distinguished from one another, they will be collectively referred to simply as "transport path 50A."

[0029] By opening and closing gates (not shown) provided at the respective branching positions of the transport unit 50, the transport route along which the transport unit 50 transports the banknotes B can be arbitrarily switched.

[0030] The transport unit 50 is provided with travel sensors 54a to 54g arranged at arbitrary intervals. The travel sensors 54a to 54g detect that a banknote B has arrived within a predetermined detection range. The travel sensors 54a to 54g are, for example, optical sensors or physical sensors.

[0031] Specifically, when travel sensor 54a provided near banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has been fed out of or returned to banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. Furthermore, when travel sensor 54b provided near storage 31 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached the vicinity of storage 31, when travel sensor 54c provided near storage 32 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached the vicinity of storage 32, and when travel sensor 54d provided near storage 33 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached the vicinity of storage 33. Furthermore, when the travel sensor 54e provided near the cassette 40 detects the arrival of banknote B, it determines that banknote B has reached the vicinity of the cassette 40; when the travel sensor 54f provided near the banknote deposit reject port 22 detects the arrival of banknote B, it determines that banknote B has reached the vicinity of the banknote deposit reject port 22; and when the travel sensor 54g provided near the banknote withdrawal reject storage 23 detects the arrival of banknote B, it determines that banknote B has reached the vicinity of the banknote withdrawal reject storage 23. Furthermore, when travel sensor 54h provided near first receiving section 58 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached the vicinity of first receiving section 58; when travel sensor 54i provided near second receiving section 59 detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached the vicinity of second receiving section 59; when travel sensor 54j provided at any position on first main conveying path 51a detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached any position on first main conveying path 51a; and when travel sensor 54k provided at any position on second main conveying path 52a detects the arrival of banknote B, it is determined that banknote B has reached any position on second main conveying path 52a.

[0032] Furthermore, the travel sensors 54b to 54d can detect that banknote B has passed through their detection ranges, thereby detecting that banknote B has been stored in the storage containers 31 to 33. For example, when the transport unit 50 transports banknote B along the deposit direction D1, and the travel sensor 54b detects the arrival of banknote B and then stops detecting banknote B, the travel sensor 54b considers that banknote B has been stored in the storage container 31. Similarly, the travel sensor 54e can detect that banknote B has passed through its detection range, thereby detecting that banknote B has been stored in the cassette 40. Hereinafter, when the travel sensors 54a to 54g are not particularly distinguished from one another, they will be collectively referred to simply as "travel sensor 54."

[0033] The conveying unit 50 is configured so that the conveying rollers 56 rotate when driven by the conveying motors 55a to 55c, and is configured so that the conveying direction of the banknotes B can be switched between a deposit direction D1 in which the banknotes B are conveyed toward the storage unit 30, or an inversion direction D2 in which the banknotes B are conveyed toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, the banknote deposit reject port 22, the banknote withdrawal reject storage 23, or the cassette 40, depending on the rotation direction of the conveying motors 55a to 55c.

[0034] Specifically, the conveyance motor 55a drives the first conveyance path 51 to rotate forward in accordance with the deposit direction D1, rotate backward in accordance with the reverse direction D2, or stop the first conveyance path 51. The conveyance motor 55b drives the second conveyance path 52 to rotate forward in accordance with the deposit direction D1, rotate backward in accordance with the reverse direction D2, or stop the first conveyance path 51. The conveyance motor 55c drives the third conveyance path 53 to rotate forward in accordance with the deposit direction D1, rotate backward in accordance with the reverse direction D2, or stop the first conveyance path 51. That is, the first conveyance path 51, the second conveyance path 52, and the third conveyance path 53 are controlled to rotate forward, rotate backward, or stop the first conveyance path 51, the second conveyance path 52, and the third conveyance path 53 independently of each other. Note that, in FIG. 1, symbol U1 indicates the range of the conveyance rollers 56 driven and controlled by the conveyance motor 55a, symbol U2 indicates the range of the conveyance rollers 56 driven and controlled by the conveyance motor 55b, and symbol U3 indicates the range of the conveyance rollers 56 driven and controlled by the conveyance motor 55c.

[0035] The conveying motors 55a to 55c are, for example, DC brushless motors, AC motors, stepping motors, etc. The conveying speed of the conveying unit 50 may be approximately the same when conveying in the reverse direction D2 and when conveying in the deposit direction D1, but to prevent jams, it is preferable that the conveying speed in the reverse direction D2 is set slower than the conveying speed in the deposit direction D1. Furthermore, when there is no risk of jamming and the banknote B is not being recognized, the conveying speed of the conveying unit 50 may be set faster when conveying in the reverse direction D2 than when conveying in the deposit direction D1.

[0036] The conveying motors 55a to 55c are provided with encoders 57a to 57c that detect the rotational states of the conveying motors 55a to 55c. The encoders 57a to 57c are, for example, rotatable in conjunction with the conveying motors 55a to 55c and output pulse signals (for example, 4 pulses / mm) corresponding to their rotation. The number of pulse signals (number of pulses) output by the encoders 57a to 57c is stored in a memory unit 72 (described later) in chronological order with the detection or non-detection state of the banknote B read by the travel sensors 54a to 54g.

[0037] The first receiving unit 58 separably connects the first main conveying path 51a and the second main conveying path 52a to expose the first conveying path 51 and remove the banknotes B that are causing the error when a jam error of banknotes B occurs in the first conveying path 51. The second receiving unit 59 separably connects the first main conveying path 51a and the third conveying path 53 to allow the cassette 40 to be stored in and removed from the body 2. The first main conveying path 51a and the second main conveying path 52a may also be connected inseparably.

[0038] The banknote processing unit 20 is equipped with a recognition unit 60 that recognizes banknotes B passing through the first transport path 51. Specifically, when a banknote B passes through, the recognition unit 60 recognizes and counts the denomination, authenticity, fitness (presence or absence of folds, cuts, tears, dirt, etc.), and presence or absence of transport abnormalities (presence or absence of skew at a predetermined angle or more, presence or absence of multiple feeds, etc.) of the banknote B. When the recognition unit 60 recognizes a banknote B as a genuine banknote, a proper banknote, and a banknote that has been transported normally, the recognition unit 60 stores the banknote B in a storage unit 72 (described later) as a banknote to be stored in the storage unit 30. Banknotes B that are not recognized as banknotes to be stored by the recognition unit 60 and are recognized as unstorable are stored in the storage unit 72 as banknotes not to be stored.

[0039] For example, if the denomination of the recognized banknote B is one of three pre-assigned denominations, the recognition unit 60 stores the banknote B in the memory unit 72 as a banknote to be stored. If the denomination of the recognized banknote B is a denomination other than the three pre-assigned denominations, the recognition unit 60 stores the banknote B in the memory unit 72 as a banknote not to be stored. Furthermore, if a specific generation of banknotes is set as the banknote to be fed by the banknote processing unit 20, banknotes of the specific generation are designated as banknotes to be stored, and banknotes of other generations (old notes) are designated as banknotes not to be stored. Furthermore, if the storage vaults 31 to 33 that store the denomination of the banknote B recognized by the recognition unit 60 are full and cannot store the banknote B, the banknote B is stored in the memory unit 72 as a banknote not to be stored.

[0040] The recognition of banknotes B by the recognition unit 60 is not limited to being based on the entire banknote B, but may instead be based on the characteristics of a portion of the banknote B, followed by final recognition based on the characteristics of another portion of the banknote B. This allows the gate switching of the transport unit 50 to be performed early in accordance with the result of the temporary recognition, thereby enabling the banknote processing unit 20 to be made compact. If the result of the temporary recognition differs from the result of the final recognition, the gate switching is performed in accordance with the result of the temporary recognition, and then the transport direction of the transport unit 50 is switched to the reverse direction D2 in accordance with the result of the final recognition, and the banknote B is transported to the banknote deposit reject port 22. The portion of banknote B that forms the basis of temporary recognition may be set to an area ratio of 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 2 / 3, etc., to the entire banknote B. The recognition unit 60 is not limited to a type that performs recognition in two stages, namely, temporary recognition and final recognition, but may also be a type that performs recognition only once.

[0041] The operation of the banknote processing unit 20 is controlled by a control unit 70. The control unit 70 is, for example, a microcontroller made up of a CPU, memory, etc., and includes a control unit 71 and a storage unit 72. The control unit 71 controls each of the components that make up the banknote processing unit 20. The storage unit 72 includes a ROM, RAM, etc., and stores processing programs and the like that control the components of the banknote processing unit 20. The functions of the control unit 70 may be realized by control using software, or may be realized by operation using hardware.

[0042] The memory unit 72 appropriately updates and records the quantity of banknotes B stored in at least the storage containers 31 to 33. The quantity of banknotes B in storage container 31 is incremented when the travel sensor 54b detects the passage of a banknote B transported in the deposit direction D1, and is decremented when the travel sensor 54b detects the passage of a banknote B transported in the reverse direction D2. Similarly, the number of banknotes B stored in storage container 32 is incremented or decremented each time the travel sensor 54c detects the passage of a banknote B, and the number of banknotes B stored in storage container 33 is incremented or decremented each time the travel sensor 54d detects the passage of a banknote B. The memory unit 72 may also record the quantity of banknotes B stored in cassette 40. In this case, the quantity of banknotes B in cassette 40 is decremented when travel sensor 54e detects the passage of banknotes B transported along deposit direction D1, and is incremented when travel sensor 54e detects the passage of banknotes B transported along reverse direction D2. The memory unit 72 may also record the number of banknotes B inserted into banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. In this case, the quantity of banknotes B in banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 is decremented when travel sensor 54a detects the passage of banknotes B transported along deposit direction D1, and is incremented when travel sensor 54a detects the passage of banknotes B transported along reverse direction D2.

[0043] The control unit 70 includes a position calculation unit 73 that calculates the position of banknote B within the transport unit 50. When any of the travel sensors 54a to 54g detects the arrival of banknote B, the position calculation unit 73 determines the position of the travel sensor 54a to 54g that detected the arrival of banknote B as the position of banknote B. Furthermore, the position calculation unit 73 calculates the distance traveled by banknote B from the travel sensor 54a to 54g that detected the arrival of banknote B (transport distance) based on the number of pulses in the pulse signal output by the encoders 57a to 57c after the travel sensor 54a to 54g detects the arrival of banknote B, and calculates the position of banknote B located between adjacent travel sensors 54a to 54g by adding the transport distance starting from the travel sensor 54a to 54g that detected the arrival of banknote B. In this way, the position calculation unit 73 calculates the position of the banknote B located between the travel sensors 54a to 54g based on the transport distance of the banknote B, so that the position of the banknote B can be calculated with high accuracy even when the transport speed of the banknote B varies. The position of the banknote B calculated by the position calculation unit 73 is stored in the memory unit 72. Note that the position calculation unit 73 may be configured to calculate the position of the banknote B located between the travel sensors 54a to 54g based on the transport time of the banknote B, instead of being configured to calculate the position based on the transport distance of the banknote B.

[0044] The control unit 70 includes a determination section 74 that determines whether the conveying state of the conveying section 50 is abnormal and leads to a conveying error such as a jam.

[0045] The machine body 2 is also provided with a display unit 3 such as an LCD screen used to operate the currency handling device 1, and an input unit 4 through which operation input is made. The machine body 2 is also provided with a management unit 5 that controls the operation of the currency handling device 1 in response to external instructions and input operations via the input unit 4. Note that instead of a configuration in which the management unit 5 controls the entire currency handling device 1 and the control unit 70 controls the banknote handling device 20, for example, a configuration in which the entire currency handling device 1 is controlled by a single control unit may be used.

[0046] Next, we will explain the procedure for determining abnormality detection by the determination unit 74. The determination unit 74 determines whether or not the conveyance state of the conveyance unit 50 is abnormal and will lead to a conveyance error, based on the detection state of the travel sensors 54a to 54k, the interval between the pair of travel sensors 54a to 54k, the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit 50, etc. Abnormalities in the conveyance state determined by the determination unit 74 include, for example, skew, stubs, chaining, taking out, or spilling out.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, the travel sensors 54a to 54g are provided in pairs, two at a distance in the left-right direction (width direction) of the machine body. The distance between the left and right pairs of travel sensors 54a to 54k is, for example, about 50 to 100 mm, but is not limited to this. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between left and right pairs of travel sensors 54, the one located on the right side as viewed from the transport direction D of banknotes B will be designated by symbol 54R, and the one located on the left side as viewed from the transport direction D of banknotes B will be designated by symbol 54L.

[0048] (1) Abnormality detection (skew) When banknotes B are transported along the transport path 50A with their short edges aligned substantially parallel to the transport direction D, as in the normal transport state shown in Fig. 5(a), an appropriate amount of space is maintained between the banknotes B and the left and right sides of the transport path 50A. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 5(b), there is almost no difference in the timing at which the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect the banknotes B.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(a), when banknotes B are conveyed skewed, that is, at an angle relative to the conveying direction D, if banknotes B are inclined at an angle greater than a predetermined angle relative to the conveying direction D, there is a risk that they may get caught on the left or right side of the conveying path 50A and become jammed, so it is preferable to immediately stop conveying the skewed banknotes B in the conveying direction D. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 6(b), there is a difference in the timing at which the travel sensors 54L and 54R each detect banknotes B.

[0050] Therefore, an upper limit (allowable inclination angle) of the inclination angle of banknote B that can be transported without the banknote B getting caught on the left or right side of the transport path 50A is set in advance, and the judgment unit 74 measures the difference (amount of deviation) in timing when the travel sensors 54L and 54R each detect the banknote B, and if the inclination angle of banknote B calculated based on the transport speed of the transport unit 50, the spacing between the travel sensors 54L and 54R, and the amount of deviation in timing when the travel sensors 54L and 54R each detect the banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle, it is determined that the banknote B is inclined enough to get caught on the left or right side of the transport path 50A, and that this is an abnormality that could lead to a transport error.

[0051] For example, if the width of the transport path 50A is approximately 170 mm, the length of the banknote B is approximately 160 mm, and the width of the banknote B is approximately 76 mm, and if the banknote B is tilted at 7 degrees, a gap of approximately 1 mm can be secured between the banknote B and the left and right sides of the transport path 50A. However, if the banknote B is tilted at 9 degrees, both ends of the banknote B will come into contact with the left and right sides of the transport path 50A. If the banknote B is tilted at 10 degrees, both ends of the banknote B will exceed the width of the transport path 50A. Furthermore, if the banknote B is transported biased to either the left or right on the transport path 50A, the banknote B will be even more likely to come into contact with the left and right sides of the transport path 50A. Therefore, for the transport path 50A and banknotes B with the above-mentioned dimensions, it is considered that the allowable tilt angle be set to 7 degrees. Note that the value of the allowable tilt angle can be adjusted appropriately depending on the width of the transport path 50A, the size of the banknote B, etc., and is not limited to 7 degrees. Below, we will explain an example of banknote B being transported normally, with its short side direction transported approximately parallel to the transport direction D, but as mentioned above, the same applies even if banknote B is transported in an inclined state at an angle below the allowable inclination angle.

[0052] (2) Abnormality determination (horizontally folded ticket stub) As shown in Figure 7(a), when a banknote B folded lengthwise (a banknote folded horizontally), a banknote B partially torn lengthwise, or a receipt or the like whose length is shorter than that of the banknote B is being conveyed, the conveyance roller 56 cannot stably convey the banknote B or the like, and the banknote B or the like is likely to become jammed in the conveyance path 50A, so it is preferable to immediately stop conveying the banknote B or the like folded lengthwise in the conveyance direction D. When the banknote B or the like is conveyed biased to the right as viewed from the conveyance direction D as shown in Figure 7(a), the travel sensor 54R detects the banknote B or the like, but the travel sensor 54L does not detect the banknote B or the like, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 7(b).

[0053] Therefore, based on the short dimension of the banknote B and the conveying speed of the conveying path 50A, the time (allowable detection time difference) between when one of the running sensors 54L, 54R detects the banknote B and when the other detects the banknote B when a normal banknote B spread out in the longitudinal direction is conveyed is preset, and if one of the running sensors 54L, 54R does not detect the banknote B within the allowable detection time difference after the other detects the banknote B, the judgment unit 74 judges that the banknote B is folded in the longitudinal direction, that a part of the longitudinal direction is torn, or that a receipt or the like whose longitudinal dimension is shorter than the banknote B is being conveyed, and that this is an abnormality that could lead to a conveying error.

[0054] Instead of using the allowable detection time difference to determine whether an abnormality exists, the abnormality determination may be based on the transport distance of banknote B after it is detected by one of the travel sensors 54L, 54R. Specifically, when normal banknote B is transported and spread out in the longitudinal direction, the transport distance of banknote B from when it is detected by one of the travel sensors 54L, 54R until it is detected by the other travel sensor (allowable detection distance difference) is set in advance. Then, the transport distance of banknote B after it is detected by one of the travel sensors 54L, 54R is calculated based on the number of pulses from the encoders 57a to 57c. If the other travel sensor 54L, 54R does not detect banknote B before the transport distance of banknote B reaches the allowable detection distance difference, the determination unit 74 determines that the banknote B is folded longitudinally, partially torn longitudinally, or that a receipt or the like whose longitudinal dimension is shorter than that of banknote B is being transported, and determines that an abnormality leading to a transport error has occurred.

[0055] Alternatively, when it is stored that one of the travel sensors 54L, 54R has detected the passage of banknote B, but the other of the travel sensors 54L, 54R has not detected the passage of banknote B, the judgment unit 74 may determine that an abnormality has occurred that could lead to a transport error, such as that banknote B is folded longitudinally, that a portion of the banknote is torn longitudinally, or that a receipt or the like with a longitudinal dimension shorter than that of banknote B is being transported.

[0056] (3) Abnormality determination (vertical folded ticket stub) As shown in Figure 8(a), when banknotes B folded in the width direction (vertical folded notes) or banknotes B with a portion torn in the width direction are conveyed, the conveyance rollers 56 cannot convey the banknotes B stably, and the banknotes B are likely to become jammed in the conveyance path 50A, so it is preferable to immediately stop conveying banknotes B folded in the width direction, etc. in the conveyance direction D. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 8(b), the time during which the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect the banknotes B becomes shorter than during normal conveyance as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0057] Therefore, based on the short dimension (vertical dimension) of banknote B and the conveying speed of conveying path 50A, a threshold value (lower limit of detection time) for the time at which running sensors 54L, 54R detect banknote B when normal banknote B spread out in the short direction is conveyed is set in advance, and if the time at which running sensors 54L, 54R detect banknote B is below the lower limit of detection time, the judgment unit 74 judges that banknote B is folded in the short direction or that a part of the short direction is torn, and that this is an abnormality that could lead to a conveying error.

[0058] Instead of using the detection time lower limit to determine whether an abnormality exists, the abnormality determination may be based on the transport distance traveled by the banknote B after the travel sensors 54L, 54R detect it. Specifically, when a normal banknote B spread in the short-edge direction is transported, the transport distance of the banknote B from when the travel sensors 54L, 54R detect the arrival of the banknote B until when they detect the passage of the banknote B (detection distance lower limit) is set in advance. Then, the transport distance traveled by the banknote B from when the travel sensors 54L, 54R detect the arrival of the banknote B until when they detect the passage of the banknote B is calculated based on the number of pulses from the encoders 57a to 57c. If the transport distance of the banknote B falls below the detection distance lower limit, the determination unit 74 determines that the banknote B is folded in the short-edge direction or that a portion of the short-edge direction is torn, and determines that an abnormality has occurred that could lead to a transport error.

[0059] (4) Abnormality determination (chain) During normal conveyance as shown in Figure 9(a), one banknote B is fed into the conveyance path 50A each time the kick roller 24 etc. is driven once, and an appropriate gap is ensured between two banknotes B conveyed consecutively along the conveyance path 50A in the conveyance direction D. At this time, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 9(b), the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect the two banknotes B independently.

[0060] On the other hand, when the kick roller 24 or the like is driven once, two banknotes B may rub against each other or the folded corners of the banknotes B may get caught on each other, causing the two banknotes B to be fed out in a linked (chained) state onto the conveyance path 50A, and as shown in Figure 10(a), if the two banknotes B are conveyed along the conveyance path 50A with a portion of each banknote overlapping, a jam may easily occur within the conveyance path 50A, and it is preferable to immediately stop conveyance in the conveyance direction D. When multiple banknotes B are conveyed in a chain like this, the travel sensors 54L and 54R are unable to distinguish and detect the multiple banknotes B, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 10(b).

[0061] Therefore, based on the short dimension of the banknote B and the conveying speed of the conveying unit 50, a threshold value (upper detection time limit) for the time at which the running sensors 54L, 54R detect the banknote B when the banknote B is conveyed one by one is set in advance, and if the time at which the running sensors 54L, 54R detect the banknote B exceeds the upper detection time limit, the judgment unit 74 judges that multiple banknotes B are connected together, and that this is an abnormality that could lead to a conveying error.

[0062] Instead of using the upper limit of the detection time to determine whether an abnormality exists, the abnormality determination may be based on the transport distance of the banknote B after the detection of the banknote B by the travel sensors 54L and 54R. Specifically, when the banknotes B are transported one by one, the transport distance of the banknotes B from when the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect the arrival of the banknote B until when they detect the passage of the banknote B (the upper limit of the detection distance) is set in advance. Then, the transport distance of the banknotes B from when the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect the arrival of the banknote B until when they detect the passage of the banknote B is calculated based on the number of pulses from the encoders 57a to 57c. If the transport distance of the banknotes B exceeds the upper limit of the detection distance, the determination unit 74 determines that multiple banknotes B are connected together and determines that an abnormality leading to a transport error has occurred. Note that the chain of banknotes B is not limited to when two banknotes B are partially overlapping each other, but also applies, for example, to when there is a small gap between two banknotes B.

[0063] (5) Abnormality determination (taking out) If the kick rollers 24, etc. are driven once and one banknote B is fed into the conveying path 50A, and then the kick rollers 24, etc. are stopped, but the subsequent banknote B is picked up by the preceding banknote B and taken into the conveying path 50A at an unintended timing, the picked-up banknote B may be transported in an unstable state, slanted or with bent corners, or may be torn by rubbing against the kick rollers 24, etc., or may make abnormal noises, making the banknote B prone to clogging in the conveying path, and it is preferable to immediately stop transporting the picked-up banknotes B, etc. in the conveying direction D.

[0064] As an example of such removal of banknotes B, as shown in Fig. 11(a), a case can be considered in which the interval between the removed banknote B and the preceding banknote B is narrow (near feed). In this case, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 11(b), the interval at which the travel sensors 54L and 54R detect two banknotes B becomes shorter than that during normal transport as shown in Fig. 9(b).

[0065] Therefore, based on the short dimension (vertical dimension) of the banknote B and the conveying speed of the conveying path 50A, the interval (lower limit of the detection interval) at which the running sensors 54L, 54R detect two banknotes B when normal banknotes B are being conveyed is set in advance, and if the interval at which the running sensors 54L, 54R detect two banknotes B is below the lower limit of the detection interval, the judgment unit 74 judges that a banknote B has been taken out, and that this is an abnormality that could lead to a conveying error.

[0066] As another example of the removal of banknotes B, as shown in Fig. 12(a), it is possible that the removed banknotes B are retained on the kick rollers 24 or the like at the payout source so as to block the traveling sensors 54L and 54R. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 12(b), the traveling sensors 54L and 54R continue to detect the removed banknotes B, and therefore cannot measure the interval between the removed banknotes B and the preceding banknotes B or the length of the removed banknotes B.

[0067] Therefore, if the travel sensors 54L and 54R are unable to measure the distance between two banknotes B based on the short dimension (vertical dimension) of the banknote B and the transport speed of the transport path 50A, the judgment unit 74 judges that a take-out has occurred, in which the banknote B has become stuck on the kick roller 24 or the like at the payout source so as to block the light from the travel sensors 54L and 54R, and judges that this is an abnormality that could lead to a transport error.

[0068] (6) Abnormality determination (welling) During normal transport as shown in Figure 13(a), banknotes B are transported along transport path 50A with their widthwise edges spread out in the longitudinal direction, with the banknotes B transported along transport path 50A with the widthwise edges of the banknotes roughly parallel to transport direction D. At this time, a pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 and a pair of travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 provided downstream of the pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 in the transport direction D sequentially detect banknotes B as shown in the timing chart of Figure 13(b).

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14(a), banknotes B folded lengthwise (horizontally folded notes) and receipts and the like whose longitudinal dimensions are shorter than banknotes B are likely to jam within conveyance path 50A, and it is preferable to immediately stop conveyance in conveyance direction D. When such horizontally folded notes, receipts, and the like are conveyed near the center of conveyance path 50A in the left-right direction, and the distance between the pair of travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 located downstream in conveyance direction D is narrower than the distance between the pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 located upstream, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 14(b), travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 do not detect banknotes B and the travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 detect banknotes B as if they had suddenly appeared.

[0070] Therefore, if travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 located upstream in conveyance direction D do not detect banknote B, etc. before travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 located downstream in conveyance direction D detect banknote B, etc., the determination unit 74 determines that an abnormality leading to a conveyance error has occurred, such as that banknote B is folded in the longitudinal direction. In this way, by setting the spacing between the pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 and the spacing between the pair of travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 to be different, it is possible to reduce the number of travel sensors installed compared to the conventional case where three or four travel sensors are arranged side by side in the width direction.

[0071] In addition, if the distance between a pair of travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 located downstream in the conveying direction D is wider than the distance between a pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 located upstream, and the pair of travel sensors 54L1, 54R1 located upstream in the conveying direction D detect banknote B, etc., but the travel sensors 54L2, 54R2 located downstream in the conveying direction D do not detect banknote B, etc., the judgment unit 74 may judge that an abnormality has occurred that could lead to a conveying error, such as that banknote B is folded longitudinally.

[0072] Next, the procedure for processing various types of banknotes using the currency handling apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0073] <Deposit processing> As shown in FIG. 15, in the deposit process of banknotes B, banknotes B inserted into the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 as a feeding section are stored in storage boxes 31 to 33 as arrival sections.

[0074] Specifically, first, when the control unit 71 receives an input operation to perform a "deposit process" via the input unit 4, the kick roller 24 is driven, and the banknote B inserted into the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 is fed to the first main conveying path 51a, and the conveying motors 55a and 55b are driven in the forward direction, and the banknote B fed to the first main conveying path 51a is conveyed along the first main conveying path 51a in the deposit direction D1.

[0075] Next, the recognition unit 60 recognizes the banknote B. The recognition result of the recognition unit 60 is stored in the memory unit 72. The control unit 71 also determines the destination of the banknote B based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 60. The memory unit 72 stores the recognition result of the recognition unit 60 and the destination of the banknote B. The memory unit 72 also stores the current position of the banknote B being transported.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the conveying unit 50 so that the banknote B identified as the banknote to be stored is conveyed toward the storage cabinet 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination via the second conveying path 52, which is being driven in the forward direction, and conveys the banknote B toward the storage cabinet 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination along the deposit direction D1.

[0077] The banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 corresponding to their denominations are stored in the storage containers 31 to 33. When the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 determines that the banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 are banknotes that have been confirmed to be deposited into the currency handling device 1, and adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the storage containers 31 to 33 that are stored in the memory unit 72.

[0078] Meanwhile, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the conveying unit 50 so that banknote B identified as a banknote not to be stored is conveyed toward the banknote deposit reject port 22 via the first main conveying path 51a and the first branch conveying path 51b, and reverses the rotation direction of the conveying motors 55a and 55b to convey banknote B along the reverse direction D2 toward the first branch conveying path 51b.

[0079] <Flow of gradual stop of the transport path when an abnormality is detected that may lead to a transport error during deposit processing> During the deposit process, if the judgment unit 74 determines that an abnormality that leads to a conveying error has occurred in the first conveying path 51, which serves as the source conveying path, the control unit 71 immediately stops the first conveying path 51, while causing the second conveying path 52, which serves as the destination conveying path, to convey the banknote B being conveyed to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then stops the second conveying path 52.

[0080] Specifically, first, during the transport of banknote B as shown in Figure 16, if the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of the first transport path 51 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error based on the manner in which the travel sensors 54a, 54j detect the arrival of banknote B, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55a to stop the kick roller 24 and the first main transport path 51a, and continues to drive the transport motor 55b to transport the banknote B being transported by the second transport path 52 along the deposit direction D1 toward the storage cabinets 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination.

[0081] The following cases are possible as the manner in which the travel sensors 54a, 54j detect the arrival of the banknotes B when the determining unit 74 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the deposit process. (1) Slanting The tilt angle of the banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54a detect the banknote B is greater than the allowable tilt angle. The tilt angle of the banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54j detect the banknote B is greater than the allowable tilt angle. (2) Folded ticket stub When one of the pair of left and right travel sensors 54a does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other travel sensor 54a detects banknote B. When one of the pair of left and right travel sensors 54j does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other travel sensor 54j detects banknote B. (3) Vertically folded ticket stub When the time it takes for the travel sensor 54j to detect banknote B is below the lower limit of the detection time. Or when the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54j detects it is below the lower limit of the detection distance. Note that chattering occurs immediately after the banknote is dispensed from the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, so it is preferable not to use the travel sensor 54a to determine whether there is an abnormality in a vertically folded stub. (4) Chain When the time it takes for the travel sensor 54j to detect banknote B exceeds the upper detection time limit. Or when the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54j detects it exceeds the upper detection distance limit. Note that when multiple banknotes B are dispensed from the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 in a state where they tend to accumulate, it is preferable not to use the travel sensor 54a to determine whether there is a chain abnormality, because the travel sensor 54a cannot detect each banknote B individually. (5) Taking out When the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54a is below the lower limit of the detection interval, or when the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54a cannot be measured. (6)Gushing The traveling sensor 54a does not detect the banknote B before the traveling sensor 54j detects the banknote B.

[0082] 17, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 determines that the banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 are banknotes whose deposit into the currency handling device 1 has been confirmed, and adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the memory unit 72. Furthermore, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55b.

[0083] Next, the control unit 71 drives the conveyance motor 55a in the reverse direction, so that the banknotes B remaining in the first main conveyance path 51a are conveyed toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. Note that instead of temporarily suspending the reverse driving of the conveyance motor 55a until the banknotes B in the second conveyance path 52 are conveyed to the storage containers 31 to 33 after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, the conveyance motor 55a may be stopped immediately after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, and the conveyance motor 55a may then be driven in the reverse direction immediately thereafter, so that the banknotes B remaining in the first main conveyance path 51a are quickly discharged to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21.

[0084] 18, when the travel sensor 54a detects that all of the banknotes B in the first main transport path 51a have been transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, the control unit 71 again drives the transport motors 55a and 55b in the forward direction, as shown in FIG. 19, and the deposit process of the banknotes B returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 is resumed. Banknotes B that have been determined to have an abnormality by the determination unit 74, such as skewing or chaining, are discharged to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 and released from the state held by the transport rollers, belts, etc. (not shown) of the transport unit 50, and then hit against the wall of the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, whereby their posture is corrected and the abnormality is resolved, so that the deposit process of the banknotes B can be resumed without confirmation by the operator. For banknotes B that have been determined to have an abnormality by the determination unit 74, such as vertical folds, horizontal folds, or overflowing, the deposit process of the banknotes B is resumed after the operator resolves the abnormality of the banknotes B discharged to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. The deposit process may be resumed after a manual operation to "resume deposit process" is received from the operator via the input unit 4. Furthermore, the control unit 71 may display a message or the like on the display unit 3 urging the operator to check the condition of the banknotes B in the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 after the banknotes B determined to be abnormal are returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21.

[0085] When banknotes B remaining in the first main transport path 51a are returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, the banknotes B may be withdrawn at the normal transport speed during a deposit process, or may be returned at a speed slower than the normal transport speed. By transporting the banknotes B at a slow speed, the transport rollers 56 can more easily grip the banknotes B, reducing slippage of the banknotes B and enabling stable transport of the banknotes B.

[0086] In this way, the currency handling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes the banknote receiving / dispensing port 21 provided with the kick rollers 24 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the banknote receiving / dispensing port 21 toward the storage vaults 31 to 33 of the storage unit 30, a control unit 71 that controls the kick rollers 24 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 includes a first transport path 51 and a second transport path 52 that are arranged to be able to transfer banknotes B to each other and are configured to be independently controllable for forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stop. If the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in the transport path 51 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the delivery of the kick roller 24 and the driving of the first transport path 51, while continuing to drive the second transport path 52 to transport the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 towards the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then drives the first transport path 51 in the reverse direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the first transport path 51 to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, and after the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 have been returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, the delivery of banknotes B by the kick roller 24 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50 are resumed.

[0087] According to this configuration, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport condition of the first transport path 51 is abnormal while banknotes B are being transported from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 are transported to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 and processed for deposit, while the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 are returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and then fed out again to the first transport path 51 and processed for deposit, thereby preventing the occurrence of transport errors, shortening the time required for the deposit process, and enabling the deposit process to be carried out smoothly.

[0088] The currency handling method according to the present embodiment is a currency handling method using a currency handling device 1 including: a banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 provided with a kick roller 24 capable of feeding out banknotes B; a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 toward the storage vaults 31 to 33 of the storage unit 30; a control unit 71 that controls the kick roller 24 and the transport unit 50; and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 is provided with a first transport path 51 and a second transport path 52 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped independently. In this method, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in the first transport path 51 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the feeding of the kick roller 24 and the driving of the first transport path 51, while continuing to drive the second transport path 52 to transport the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 towards the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then drives the first transport path 51 in the reverse direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the first transport path 51 to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, and after the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 have been returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, the feeding of banknotes B by the kick roller 24 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50 are resumed.

[0089] According to this method, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport condition of the first transport path 51 is abnormal while banknotes B are being transported from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 are transported to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 and processed for deposit, while the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 are returned to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and then fed out again to the first transport path 51 and processed for deposit. This prevents transport errors from occurring, shortens the time required for the deposit process, and enables the deposit process to be carried out smoothly.

[0090] <Withdrawal process> As shown in FIG. 20, in the dispensing process of banknotes B, banknotes B stored in storage boxes 31 to 33 serving as a feeding section are discharged to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 serving as a reaching section.

[0091] Specifically, first, when the control unit 71 receives an input operation to perform a "dispensing process" via the input unit 4, the kick rollers 37 to 39 are driven to feed the banknotes B stored in the storage containers 31 to 33 to the second conveyance path 52, and the conveyance motors 55a and 55b are driven in the reverse direction to convey the banknotes B fed to the second conveyance path 52 through the second conveyance path 52 and the first main conveyance path 51a in the reverse direction D2. When the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B have been fed from the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 subtracts one from the number of banknotes B stored in the storage containers 31 to 33, which is stored in the memory unit 72.

[0092] Next, the recognition unit 60 recognizes the banknote B. The recognition result of the recognition unit 60 is stored in the memory unit 72. The control unit 71 also determines the destination of the banknote B based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 60. The memory unit 72 stores the recognition result of the recognition unit 60 and the destination of the banknote B. The memory unit 72 also stores the current position of the banknote B being transported.

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the transport unit 50 so that the banknote B identified as the banknote to be stored is transported via the first transport path 51, which is being driven in the reverse direction, towards the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, and transports the banknote B in the reverse direction D2 towards the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. When the travel sensor 54a detects that the banknote B has been transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, the control unit 71 adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the memory unit 72.

[0094] On the other hand, the control unit 71 transports banknote B, which has been identified as a banknote not to be stored, to the vicinity of the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, and then transports (switches back) banknote B along the deposit direction D1, and then transports banknote B towards the banknote withdrawal reject vault 23 along the inversion direction D2.

[0095] Specifically, when banknote B is identified as a banknote not to be stored, even if an attempt is made to quickly switch the transport route of banknote B located on the first main transport path 51a from the first main transport path 51a to the first branch transport path 51b, there is a risk that the gate located at the branch point between the first main transport path 51a and the first branch transport path 51b will not be able to switch in time.

[0096] Therefore, first, banknote B identified as a non-storage eligible banknote is transported in the reverse direction D2 via the first main transport path 51a towards the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21. Next, when the travel sensor 54a detects the arrival of banknote B, the control unit 71 stops the transport motors 55a and 55b, and then controls the opening and closing of the gate of the transport unit 50 so that banknote B is transported in the deposit direction D1 via the first main transport path 51a and the second transport path 52 towards one of the storage vaults 31 to 33, and reverses the rotation direction of the transport motors 55a and 55b. Next, when any of the travel sensors 54b to 54d detects the arrival of banknote B, which is a banknote not to be stored, the control unit 71 stops the conveyance motors 55a and 55b, and then controls the opening and closing of the gates of the conveyance unit 50 so that banknote B is conveyed toward the banknote withdrawal rejected vault 23 along the second conveyance path 52, the first main conveyance path 51a, the first branch conveyance path 51b, and the third branch conveyance path 51d in the reverse direction D2, and reverses the rotation direction of the conveyance motors 55a and 55b. Note that, for ease of control, the conveyance motors 55a to 55c may be controlled uniformly. In this way, banknote B, which has been identified as a banknote not to be stored, is conveyed to the banknote withdrawal rejected vault 23. In addition, if the gate that switches the transport route of banknote B located on the first main transport path 51a from the first main transport path 51a to the first branch transport path 51b can be switched in time at the time when banknote B is identified as a banknote not to be stored, banknote B may be transported directly to the banknote withdrawal reject vault 23 without performing the above-mentioned switchback.

[0097] <Flow of gradual stop of the conveyance path when an abnormality is detected that may lead to a conveyance error during dispensing processing> During the withdrawal process, if the judgment unit 74 determines that an abnormality that leads to a transport error has occurred in the second transport path 52, which serves as the source transport path, the control unit 71 immediately stops the second transport path 52, while causing the first transport path 51, which serves as the destination transport path, to transport the banknote B being transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, and then stops the first transport path 51.

[0098] Specifically, first, during the transport of banknote B as shown in Figure 21, if the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of the second transport path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error based on the manner in which the travel sensors 54b to 54d, 54h, and 54k detect the arrival of banknote B, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55b to stop the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the second transport path 52, and continues to drive the transport motor 55a to transport the banknote B being transported by the first transport path 51 along the inversion direction D2 toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21.

[0099] The following cases are possible as the manner in which the travel sensors 54b to 54d, 54h, and 54k detect the arrival of the banknotes B when the determining unit 74 determines that an abnormality has occurred during a dispensing process. (1) Slanting When banknote B is fed from the storage 31, the inclination angle of banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54b detect banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle. When banknote B is fed from the storage 32, the inclination angle of the banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54c detect the banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle. When banknote B is fed from storage cabinets 31 and 32, the inclination angle of banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54k respectively detects banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle. When banknote B is fed from the storage 33, the inclination angle of banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54d detect banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle. When banknote B is fed from the storage 33, the inclination angle of banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54h detect banknote B is greater than the allowable inclination angle. (2) Folded ticket stub When banknote B is being fed out of the storage 31, when one of the pair of left and right running sensors 54b does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other running sensor 54b detects banknote B. When banknote B is being fed out of the storage 32, when one of the pair of left and right running sensors 54c does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other running sensor 54c detects banknote B. When banknote B is being fed out of the storage 33, when one of the pair of left and right running sensors 54d does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other running sensor 54d detects banknote B. (3) Vertically folded ticket stub When banknote B is being fed from the storage cabinets 31 and 32, and the time it takes for the travel sensor 54k to detect banknote B falls below the lower limit of the detection time. Or, when banknote B is being fed from the storage cabinets 31 and 32, and the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54k detects banknote B falls below the lower limit of the detection distance. When banknote B is being fed from the storage 33, the time at which the travel sensor 54h detects banknote B falls below the lower limit of the detection time. Or, when banknote B is being fed from the storage 33, the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54h detects banknote B falls below the lower limit of the detection distance. (4) Chain When banknotes B are dispensed from storage containers 31 and 32, and the time it takes for travel sensor 54k to detect banknote B exceeds the upper detection time limit. Or, when banknotes B are dispensed from storage containers 31 and 32, and the transport distance of banknote B when travel sensor 54k detects banknote B exceeds the upper detection distance limit. Note that if multiple banknotes B are dispensed from storage containers 31 and 32 while they are slightly stuck, it is preferable not to use travel sensors 54b and 54c to determine whether there is a chain abnormality, because travel sensors 54b and 54c cannot detect each banknote B individually. When banknote B is dispensed from the storage 33, and the time it takes for the travel sensor 54h to detect banknote B exceeds the upper detection time limit. Or, when banknote B is dispensed from the storage 33, and the transport distance of banknote B when it is detected by the travel sensor 54h exceeds the upper detection distance limit. Note that if multiple banknotes B are dispensed from the storage 33 while they are slightly stuck, it is preferable not to use the travel sensor 54d to determine whether there is an abnormality in the chain, because the travel sensor 54d cannot detect each banknote B individually. (5) Taking out When banknotes B are being fed from the storage 31, and the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54b is below the lower limit of the detection interval. Or, when banknotes B are being fed from the storage 31, or the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54b cannot be measured. When banknotes B are being dispensed from the storage 32, and the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54c is below the lower limit of the detection interval. Or, when banknotes B are being dispensed from the storage 32, and the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54b is not measurable. When banknotes B are being fed from the storage 33, and the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54d is below the lower limit of the detection interval. Or, when banknotes B are being fed from the storage 33, and the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54b is not measurable. (6)Gushing When a banknote B is fed from the storage 31, the traveling sensor 54b does not detect the banknote B before the traveling sensor 54k detects the banknote B. When a banknote B is fed from the storage 32, the traveling sensor 54c does not detect the banknote B before the traveling sensor 54k detects the banknote B. When a banknote B is fed from the storage 33, the traveling sensor 54d does not detect the banknote B before the traveling sensor 54h detects the banknote B.

[0100] 22, when the travel sensor 54a detects that the banknote B in the first transport path 51 has been transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, the control unit 71 adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the memory unit 72. Furthermore, when the travel sensor 54a detects that the banknote B in the first transport path 51 has been transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55a.

[0101] Next, the control unit 71 drives the conveyance motor 55b in the forward direction, and the banknotes B remaining on the second conveyance path 52 are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33. Note that, instead of temporarily suspending the reverse driving of the conveyance motor 55b until the banknotes B in the first conveyance path 51 are conveyed to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21 after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, the conveyance motor 55b may be stopped immediately after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, and then the conveyance motor 55b may be driven in the forward direction immediately thereafter, so that the banknotes B remaining on the second conveyance path 52 are quickly returned to the storage containers 31 to 33.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 23, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that all of the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 drives the transport motors 55a and 55b in the reverse direction again, as shown in Fig. 24, and the dispensing process of the banknotes B returned to the storage containers 31 to 33 is resumed. Banknotes B determined to have an abnormality such as skewing or chaining by the determination unit 74 have the abnormality resolved when discharged to the storage containers 31 to 33, and banknotes B determined to have an abnormality such as vertical fold, horizontal fold, or overflow by the determination unit 74 have the abnormality resolved by the operator when discharged to the storage containers 31 to 33. The dispensing process may be resumed after a manual operation to "resume dispensing process" is received from the operator via the input unit 4. In addition, after the banknotes B determined to be abnormal are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 may display a message on the display unit 3 urging the operator to check the condition of the banknotes B in the storage containers 31 to 33.

[0103] When banknotes B remaining in the second transport path 52 are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33, the banknotes B may be withdrawn at the normal transport speed during a dispensing process, or may be returned at a speed slower than the normal transport speed. By transporting the banknotes B at a slow speed, the transport rollers 56 can more easily grip the banknotes B, reducing slippage of the banknotes B and allowing the banknotes B to be transported stably.

[0104] In this way, the currency handling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes storage containers 31 to 33 each provided with kick rollers 37 to 39 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports banknotes B fed from the storage containers 31 to 33 toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, a control unit 71 that controls the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 includes a first transport path 51 and a second transport path 52 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be controlled independently to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped. If the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the feeding of kick rollers 37 to 39 and the driving of second transport path 52, while continuing to drive first transport path 51 to transport banknotes B in first transport path 51 toward banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, and then drives second transport path 52 in the forward direction to transport banknotes B remaining in second transport path 52 to storage cabinets 31 to 33, and after banknotes B in second transport path 52 have been returned to storage cabinets 31 to 33, resumes the feeding of banknotes B by kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport of banknotes B by transport unit 50.

[0105] According to this configuration, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport condition of the second transport path 52 is abnormal while banknotes B are being transported from the storage cabinets 31 to 33 to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 are transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and processed for withdrawal, while the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 are returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 and then fed out again to the second transport path 52 and processed for withdrawal, thereby preventing the occurrence of transport errors, shortening the time required for the withdrawal process, and enabling the withdrawal process to be carried out smoothly.

[0106] Furthermore, the currency handling method according to this embodiment is a currency handling method using a currency handling device 1 that includes: storage containers 31 to 33 each provided with kick rollers 37 to 39 capable of feeding out banknotes B; a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the storage containers 31 to 33 toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21; a control unit 71 that controls the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport unit 50; and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 is provided with a first transport path 51 and a second transport path 52 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be independently controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped. When the determination unit 74 determines that the transport state of banknotes B in the second transport path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the feeding of the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the driving of the second transport path 52, while continuing to drive the first transport path 51 to transport the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 21, and then drives the second transport path 52 in the forward direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the second transport path 52 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and after the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, resumes the feeding of banknotes B by the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50.

[0107] According to this method, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport condition of the second transport path 52 is abnormal while banknotes B are being transported from the storage cabinets 31 to 33 to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21, the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 are transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 and processed for withdrawal, while the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 are returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 and then fed out again to the second transport path 52 and processed for withdrawal. This prevents transport errors from occurring, shortens the time required for the withdrawal process, and enables the withdrawal process to be carried out smoothly.

[0108] <Replenishment process> As shown in FIG. 25, in the process of replenishing banknotes B, banknotes B stored in a cassette 40 serving as a feeding section are replenishing in storage boxes 31 to 33 serving as arrival sections.

[0109] Specifically, first, when the control unit 71 receives an input operation to perform a "replenishment process" via the input unit 4, the kick roller 42 is driven to feed the banknotes B stored in the cassette 40 to the third conveying path 53, and the conveying motors 55a to 55c are driven in the forward direction, so that the banknotes B fed to the third conveying path 53 are conveyed through the third conveying path 53 and the first branch conveying path 51b along the deposit direction D1.

[0110] Next, the recognition unit 60 recognizes the banknote B. The recognition result of the recognition unit 60 is stored in the memory unit 72. The control unit 71 also determines the destination of the banknote B based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 60. The memory unit 72 stores the recognition result of the recognition unit 60 and the destination of the banknote B. The memory unit 72 also stores the current position of the banknote B being transported.

[0111] Furthermore, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the conveying unit 50 so that the banknote B identified as the banknote to be stored is conveyed toward the storage cabinet 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination via the second conveying path 52, which is being driven in the forward direction, and conveys the banknote B toward the storage cabinet 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination along the deposit direction D1.

[0112] The banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 corresponding to their denominations are stored in the storage containers 31 to 33. When the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 determines that the banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 are banknotes that have been confirmed to be replenished to the currency handling device 1, and adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the storage containers 31 to 33 that are stored in the memory unit 72.

[0113] Meanwhile, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the conveying unit 50 so that banknotes B identified as banknotes not to be stored are conveyed toward the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 21 via the first main conveying path 51a, the first branch conveying path 51b, and the second branch conveying path 51c, and reverses the rotation direction of the conveying motors 55a to 55c to convey the banknotes B along the reverse direction D2 toward the first branch conveying path 51b.

[0114] <Flow of gradual stop of the transport path when an abnormality is detected that may lead to a transport error during replenishment processing> During the replenishment process, if the judgment unit 74 determines that an abnormality leading to a conveying error has occurred in the third conveying path 53, which serves as the source conveying path, the control unit 71 immediately stops the kick roller 42 and the third conveying path 53, while causing the first conveying path 51 and the second conveying path 52, which serve as the destination conveying paths, to convey the banknotes B being conveyed to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then stops the first conveying path 51 and the second conveying path 52.

[0115] Specifically, first, during the transport of banknote B as shown in Figure 26, if the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of the third transport path 53 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error based on the manner in which the travel sensors 54e, 54i detect the arrival of banknote B, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55c to stop the third transport path 53, and continues to drive the transport motors 55a, 55b to transport the banknote B being transported by the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 along the deposit direction D1 toward the storage cabinets 31 to 33 corresponding to the denomination.

[0116] The following cases are possible as the manner in which the travel sensors 54e, 54i detect the arrival of the banknotes B when the determining unit 74 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the replenishment process. (1) Slanting When the tilt angle of the banknote B calculated based on the difference in timing at which the pair of left and right travel sensors 54e detect the banknote B is greater than the allowable tilt angle. (2) Folded ticket stub When one of the pair of left and right travel sensors 54e does not detect banknote B within the allowable detection time difference or allowable detection distance difference after the other travel sensor 54e detects banknote B. (3) Vertically folded ticket stub When the time it takes for the travel sensor 54i to detect banknote B is below the lower limit of the detection time. Or when the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54i detects it is below the lower limit of the detection distance. Note that chattering occurs immediately after banknote B is fed from the cassette 40, so it is preferable not to use the travel sensor 54e to determine whether a vertically folded stub is abnormal. (4) Chain When the time it takes for the travel sensor 54i to detect banknote B exceeds the upper detection time limit. Or when the transport distance of banknote B when the travel sensor 54i detects it exceeds the upper detection distance limit. Note that when multiple banknotes B are fed out of the cassette 40 in a manner that causes them to accumulate, it is preferable not to use the travel sensor 54e to determine whether there is an abnormality in the chain reaction, because the travel sensor 54e cannot detect each banknote B individually. (5) Taking out When the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54e is below the lower limit of the detection interval, or when the interval between two banknotes B detected by the travel sensor 54e cannot be measured. (6)Gushing The traveling sensor 54e does not detect the banknote B before the traveling sensor 54i detects the banknote B.

[0117] 27, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 determines that the banknotes B transported to the storage containers 31 to 33 are banknotes that have been confirmed to be replenished to the currency handling device 1, and adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the memory unit 72. Furthermore, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 stops the transport motors 55a and 55b.

[0118] Next, the control unit 71 drives the conveying motor 55c in the reverse direction, so that the banknotes B remaining in the third conveying path 53 are returned to the cassette 40. Note that, instead of temporarily suspending the forward rotation of the conveying motor 55c until the banknotes B in the first conveying path 51 and the second conveying path 52 are conveyed to the storage containers 31 to 33 after the determination unit 74 makes the abnormality determination, the conveying motor 55c may be stopped immediately after the determination unit 74 makes the abnormality determination, and then the conveying motor 55c may be driven in the reverse direction immediately thereafter, so that the banknotes B remaining in the third conveying path 53 are quickly returned to the cassette 40.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 28, when the travel sensor 54e detects that all banknotes B in the third transport path 53 have been transported to the cassette 40, the control unit 71 drives the transport motors 55a to 55c in the forward direction again, as shown in FIG. 29, and the replenishment process of the banknotes B returned to the cassette 40 is resumed. Banknotes B determined to be abnormal by the determination unit 74, such as skewing or chaining, have the abnormality resolved when discharged to the cassette 40. Banknotes B determined to be abnormal by the determination unit 74, such as vertical folds, horizontal folds, or overflowing, have the abnormality of the banknotes B discharged to the cassette 40 resolved by the operator. The replenishment process may be resumed after a manual operation to "resume the replenishment process" is received from the operator via the input unit 4. After the banknotes B determined to be abnormal are returned to the cassette 40, the control unit 71 may display a message on the display unit 3 urging the operator to check the condition of the banknotes B in the cassette 40.

[0120] When banknotes B remaining in the third transport path 53 are returned to the cassette 40, the banknotes B may be withdrawn at the normal transport speed during the replenishment process, or may be returned at a speed slower than the normal transport speed. By transporting the banknotes B at a slow speed, the transport rollers 56 can more easily grip the banknotes B, reducing slippage of the banknotes B and allowing the banknotes B to be transported stably.

[0121] In this way, the currency handling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a cassette 40 provided with a kick roller 42 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the cassette 40 toward the storage vaults 31 to 33 of the storage unit 30, a control unit 71 that controls the kick roller 42 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 includes a first transport path 51, a second transport path 52, and a third transport path 53 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be independently controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped. If the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in the cassette 40 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the delivery of the kick roller 42 and the driving of the third transport path 53, while continuing to drive the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 to transport the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 towards the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then drives the third transport path 53 in the reverse direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the third transport path 53 to the cassette 40, and after the banknotes B in the third transport path 53 have been returned to the cassette 40, the delivery of banknotes B by the kick roller 42 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50 are resumed.

[0122] According to this configuration, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the conveying condition of the third conveying path 53 is abnormal while banknotes B are being conveyed from the cassette 40 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, the banknotes B in the first conveying path 51 and the second conveying path 52 are conveyed to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 for replenishment processing, while the banknotes B in the third conveying path 53 are returned to the cassette 40 and then fed out again to the third conveying path 53 for replenishment processing, thereby preventing the occurrence of conveying errors, shortening the time required for replenishment processing, and enabling the replenishment processing to be carried out smoothly.

[0123] Furthermore, the currency handling method according to the present embodiment is a currency handling method using a currency handling device 1 that includes a cassette 40 provided with a kick roller 42 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the cassette 40 toward storage vaults 31 to 33 of the storage unit 30, a control unit 71 that controls the kick roller 42 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, and the transport unit 50 is provided with a first transport path 51, a second transport path 52, and a third transport path 53 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be independently controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped. If the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in the third transport path 53 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the feed of the kick roller 42 and the driving of the third transport path 53, while continuing to drive the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 to transport the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 towards the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and then drives the third transport path 53 in the reverse direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the third transport path 53 to the cassette 40, and after the banknotes B in the third transport path 53 have been returned to the cassette 40, the feed of banknotes B by the kick roller 42 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50 are resumed.

[0124] According to this method, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the conveying condition of the third conveying path 53 is abnormal while banknotes B are being conveyed from the cassette 40 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, the banknotes B in the first conveying path 51 and the second conveying path 52 are conveyed to the storage cabinets 31 to 33 for replenishment processing, while the banknotes B in the third conveying path 53 are returned to the cassette 40 and then fed out again to the third conveying path 53 for replenishment processing, thereby preventing the occurrence of conveying errors, shortening the time required for replenishment processing, and enabling the replenishment processing to be carried out smoothly.

[0125] <Collection processing> As shown in FIG. 30, in the process of collecting banknotes B, the banknotes B stored in the storage boxes 31 to 33 serving as the feeding section are stored in the cassette 40 serving as the arrival section.

[0126] Specifically, first, when the control unit 71 receives an input operation to perform a "collection process" via the input unit 4, the kick rollers 37 to 39 are driven, and the banknotes B stored in the storage cabinets 31 to 33 are fed to the second conveying path 52, and the conveying motors 55a to 55c are driven in the reverse direction, and the banknotes B fed to the second conveying path 52 are conveyed through the second conveying path 52 and the first main conveying path 51a along the reverse direction D2.

[0127] Next, the recognition unit 60 recognizes the banknote B. The recognition result of the recognition unit 60 is stored in the memory unit 72. The control unit 71 also determines the destination of the banknote B based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 60. The memory unit 72 stores the recognition result of the recognition unit 60 and the destination of the banknote B. The memory unit 72 also stores the current position of the banknote B being transported.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the transport unit 50 so that the banknote B identified as the banknote to be stored is transported toward the cassette 40 via the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53, which are being driven in the reverse direction, and transports the banknote B toward the cassette 40 in the reverse direction D2. When the travel sensor 54e detects that the banknote B has been transported to the cassette 40, the control unit 71 adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the cassette 40, which is stored in the memory unit 72.

[0129] On the other hand, the control unit 71 transports banknote B, which has been identified as a banknote not to be stored, to the vicinity of the cassette 40, and then transports (switches back) banknote B along the deposit direction D1, and then transports banknote B along the inversion direction D2 toward the banknote withdrawal reject vault 23.

[0130] Specifically, when banknote B is identified as a banknote not to be stored, even if an attempt is made to quickly switch the transport route of banknote B located on the first branched transport path 51b from the third transport path 53 to the third branched transport path 51d, there is a risk that the gate located at the branch position between the first branched transport path 51b and the third branched transport path 51d will not be able to switch in time.

[0131] First, banknote B identified as a non-storage target banknote is transported toward cassette 40 via first main transport path 51a, first branched transport path 51b, and third transport path 53 in reverse direction D2. Next, when travel sensor 54e detects the arrival of banknote B, control unit 71 stops transport motors 55a to 55c, and then controls the opening and closing of the gates of transport unit 50 so that banknote B is transported toward one of storage vaults 31 to 33 via third transport path 53, first branched transport path 51b, first main transport path 51a, and second transport path 52 in deposit direction D1, and reverses the rotation direction of transport motors 55a to 55c. Next, when any of the travel sensors 54b to 54d detects the arrival of banknote B, which is a banknote not to be stored, the control unit 71 stops the transport motors 55a to 55c, and then controls the opening and closing of the gates of the transport unit 50 so that the banknote B is transported toward the banknote withdrawal rejected vault 23 along the second transport path 52, the first main transport path 51a, the first branch transport path 51b, and the third branch transport path 51d in the reverse direction D2, and reverses the rotation direction of the transport motors 55a and 55b. At this time, by driving the transport motors 55a and 55b while keeping the transport motor 55c stopped, it is possible to prevent banknote B from accidentally entering the cassette 40. Note that, for ease of control, the transport motors 55a to 55c may be controlled uniformly. In this way, banknote B, which has been identified as a banknote not to be stored, is transported to the banknote withdrawal rejected vault 23.

[0132] <Flow of gradual stop of the transport path when an abnormality is detected that may lead to a transport error during the collection process> During the collection process, if the judgment unit 74 determines that an abnormality leading to a conveying error has occurred in the second conveying path 52 as the source conveying path, the control unit 71 immediately stops the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the second conveying path 52, while causing the first conveying path 51 and the third conveying path 53 as the destination conveying paths to convey the banknote B being conveyed to the cassette 40, and then stops the first conveying path 51 and the third conveying path 53.

[0133] Specifically, first, during the transport of banknote B as shown in Figure 31, if the judgment unit 74 determines that the transport state of the second transport path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error based on the manner in which the travel sensors 54b to 54d, 54h, and 54k detect the arrival of banknote B, the control unit 71 stops the transport motor 55b to stop the second transport path 52, and continues to drive the transport motors 55a and 55c to transport the banknote B being transported by the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 along the inversion direction D2 toward the cassette 40.

[0134] When the determining unit 74 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the collection process, the manner in which the travel sensors 54b to 54d, 54h, and 54k detect the arrival of the banknotes B is the same as in the dispensing process.

[0135] 32, when the travel sensor 54e detects that the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 have been transported to the cassette 40, the control unit 71 adds one to the number of banknotes B stored in the cassette 40, which is stored in the memory unit 72. Furthermore, when the travel sensor 54e detects that the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 have been transported to the cassette 40, the control unit 71 stops the transport motors 55a and 55c.

[0136] Next, the control unit 71 drives the conveyance motor 55b in the forward direction, and the banknotes B remaining on the second conveyance path 52 are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33. Note that, instead of temporarily suspending the reverse driving of the conveyance motor 55b until the banknotes B in the first conveyance path 51 and the third conveyance path 53 are conveyed to the cassette 40 after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, the conveyance motor 55b may be stopped immediately after the determination unit 74 has made the abnormality determination, and then the conveyance motor 55b may be driven in the forward direction immediately thereafter, so that the banknotes B remaining on the second conveyance path 52 are quickly returned to the storage containers 31 to 33.

[0137] As shown in Figure 33, when the travel sensors 54b to 54d detect that all of the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been transported to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 drives the transport motors 55a to 55c in the reverse direction again, as shown in Figure 34, and the collection process of the banknotes B returned to the storage containers 31 to 33 is resumed. Banknotes B that have been determined to have an abnormality such as skewing or chaining by the determination unit 74 have the abnormality resolved when they are discharged to the storage containers 31 to 33, and banknotes B that have been determined to have an abnormality such as vertical folds, horizontal folds, or overflowing by the determination unit 74 have the abnormality resolved by the operator when they are discharged to the storage containers 31 to 33. The collection process may be resumed after a manual operation to "resume collection process" is received from the operator via the input unit 4. In addition, after the banknotes B determined to be abnormal are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33, the control unit 71 may display a message on the display unit 3 urging the operator to check the condition of the banknotes B in the storage containers 31 to 33.

[0138] When banknotes B remaining in the second transport path 52 are returned to the storage containers 31 to 33, the banknotes B may be withdrawn at the normal transport speed during the collection process, or may be returned at a speed slower than the normal transport speed. By transporting the banknotes B at a slow speed, the transport rollers 56 can more easily grip the banknotes B, reducing slippage of the banknotes B and allowing the banknotes B to be transported stably.

[0139] In this way, the currency handling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises storage containers 31 to 33 each provided with kick rollers 37 to 39 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports banknotes B fed from storage containers 31 to 33 towards cassette 40, a control unit 71 that controls kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error. The transport unit 50 comprises a first transport path 51, a second transport path 52 and a third transport path 53 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be independently controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation or stopped. If the determination unit 74 determines that the transport state of the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the delivery of the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the driving of the second transport path 52, while continuing to drive the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 to transport the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 towards the cassette 40, and then drives the second transport path 52 in the forward direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the second transport path 52 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and after the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, the delivery of the banknotes B by the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport of the banknotes B by the transport unit 50 are resumed.

[0140] According to this configuration, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the conveying condition of the second conveying path 52 is abnormal while banknotes B are being conveyed from storage cabinets 31 to 33 to cassette 40, banknotes B in the first conveying path 51 and third conveying path 53 are conveyed to cassette 40 for collection processing, while banknotes B in the second conveying path 52 are returned to storage cabinets 31 to 33 once and then fed out again to the second conveying path 52 for collection processing, thereby preventing the occurrence of conveying errors, shortening the time required for collection processing, and enabling the collection processing to be carried out smoothly.

[0141] Furthermore, the currency handling method according to this embodiment is a currency handling method using a currency handling device 1 that includes storage cabinets 31 to 33 each provided with kick rollers 37 to 39 capable of feeding out banknotes B, a transport unit 50 that transports the banknotes B fed from the storage cabinets 31 to 33 toward a cassette 40, a control unit 71 that controls the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport unit 50, and a determination unit 74 that determines whether the transport state of the banknotes B is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, and the transport unit 50 is provided with a first transport path 51, a second transport path 52, and a third transport path 53 that are arranged so that banknotes B can be transferred between each other and are configured so that they can be independently controlled to be driven in forward rotation, reverse rotation, or stopped, If the judgment unit 74 judges that the transport state of banknotes B in the second transport path 52 is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit 71 stops the feeding of the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the driving of the second transport path 52, while continuing to drive the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 to transport the banknotes B in the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 toward the cassette 40, and then drives the second transport path 52 in the forward direction to transport the banknotes B remaining in the second transport path 52 to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, and after the banknotes B in the second transport path 52 have been returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, resumes the feeding of banknotes B by the kick rollers 37 to 39 and the transport of banknotes B by the transport unit 50.

[0142] According to this method, when the judgment unit 74 judges that the conveying condition of the second conveying path 52 is abnormal while banknotes B are being conveyed from storage cabinets 31 to 33 to cassette 40, banknotes B in the first conveying path 51 and third conveying path 53 are conveyed to cassette 40 for collection processing, while banknotes B in the second conveying path 52 are returned to storage cabinets 31 to 33 once and then fed out again to the second conveying path 52 for collection processing, thereby preventing the occurrence of conveying errors, shortening the time required for collection processing, and enabling the collection processing to be carried out smoothly.

[0143] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention also covers such modifications.

[0144] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a transport error occurs on the third transport path 53 during the replenishment process. However, if a transport error occurs on the first transport path 51 during the replenishment process, the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 may be stopped together, and the banknotes B remaining on the first transport path 51 and the third transport path 53 may be returned to the cassette 40, while the second transport path 52, where no transport error has occurred, may continue to be used for transporting.

[0145] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a transport error occurs on the second transport path 52 during the collection process. However, if a transport error occurs on the first transport path 51 during the collection process, the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 may be stopped together, and the banknotes B remaining on the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52 may be returned to the storage cabinets 31 to 33, while the third transport path 53, on which no transport error has occurred, may continue to be used for transporting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1: Currency processing equipment 2: Machine, 3: Display, 4: Input, 5: Management 10: Coin processing section, 11: Coin deposit port, 12: Coin withdrawal port 20: banknote processing unit, 21: banknote deposit / withdrawal port, 22: banknote deposit reject port, 23: banknote withdrawal reject box, 24: kick roller 30: Storage section, 31-33: Storage cabinet, 34-36: Lifting stage, 37-39: Kick roller 40: cassette, 41: lifting stage, 42: kick roller 50: conveying section, 51: first conveying path, 51a: first main conveying path, 51b: first branch conveying path, 51c: second branch conveying path, 51d: third branch conveying path, 52: second conveying path, 52a: second main conveying path, 52b: fourth branch conveying path, 52c: fifth branch conveying path, 53: third conveying path, 54a to 54k: travel sensors, 55a to 55c: conveying motors, 56: conveying rollers, 57a to 57c: encoders, 58: first receiving section, 59: second receiving section 60: Identification unit 70: Control unit, 71: Control unit, 72: Storage unit, 73: Position calculation unit, 74: Determination unit B:Banknotes

Claims

1. a feeding unit that feeds out paper sheets; a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets fed by the feeding unit toward a reaching unit; a control unit that controls the feeding unit and the transport unit; a determination unit that determines whether the conveyance state of the paper sheets is abnormal or not, which may lead to a conveyance error; Equipped with the conveying unit includes a plurality of conveying paths that are provided along a conveying direction in which the paper sheets are conveyed from the feed unit to the arrival unit so that the paper sheets can be handed over to each other, and the plurality of conveying paths are configured so that each of the conveying paths can be independently controlled to be driven in a forward direction, driven in a reverse direction, or stopped; The plurality of transport paths include: a feed source side conveyance path connected to the feed unit; a destination-side conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveyance path and the arrival unit; Including, When the determination unit determines that the transport state of the paper sheets in the source conveying path is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit stops the feed of the feed unit and the driving of the source conveying path, and continues driving the destination conveying path to transport the paper sheets in the destination conveying path toward the arrival unit, and then drives the source conveying path in the opposite direction to the transport direction to transport the paper sheets remaining in the source conveying path to the feed unit, and after the paper sheets in the source conveying path are returned to the feed unit, resumes the feed of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the transport of the paper sheets by the transport unit.

2. the feeding unit is a deposit port through which the paper sheets can be fed, the arrival unit is a storage unit including at least one storage case for storing the paper sheets, The plurality of transport paths include: a first transport path that transports the paper sheets between the storage unit and the deposit port; a second conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the first conveyance path and each storage container; Including, the feed source side transport path is the first transport path, The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the destination transport path is the second transport path.

3. the feeding unit is a storage unit including at least one storage case capable of feeding the paper sheets, the arrival section is a dispensing port from which the paper sheets are discharged, The plurality of transport paths include: a first conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the storage unit and the dispensing port; a second conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the first conveyance path and each storage container; Including, the feed source side conveyance path is the second conveyance path, The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the destination transport path is the first transport path.

4. the feeding unit is a storage unit including at least one storage case capable of feeding the paper sheets, the arrival unit is a cassette that stores the paper sheets, The plurality of transport paths include: a first conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the storage unit and a dispensing port through which the paper sheets can be discharged; a second conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the first conveyance path and each storage container; a third transport path that transports the paper sheets between the cassette and the first transport path; Including, the feed source side conveyance path is the second conveyance path, The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the destination transport path is the first transport path and the third transport path.

5. the feeding unit is a cassette capable of feeding the paper sheets, the arrival unit is a storage unit including at least one storage case for storing the paper sheets, The plurality of transport paths include: a first conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the storage unit and a dispensing port through which the paper sheets can be discharged; a second conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the first conveyance path and each storage container; a third transport path that transports the paper sheets between the cassette and the first transport path; Including, the source-side conveying path is the third conveying path, The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the destination transport path is the first transport path and the second transport path.

6. a feeding unit that feeds out paper sheets; a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets fed by the feeding unit toward a reaching unit; a control unit that controls the feeding unit and the transport unit; a determination unit that determines whether the conveyance state of the paper sheets is abnormal or not, which may lead to a conveyance error; Equipped with the conveying unit includes a plurality of conveying paths that are provided along a conveying direction in which the paper sheets are conveyed from the feed unit to the arrival unit so that the paper sheets can be handed over to each other, and the plurality of conveying paths are configured so that each of the conveying paths can be independently controlled to be driven in a forward direction, driven in a reverse direction, or stopped; The plurality of transport paths include: a feed source side conveyance path connected to the feed unit; a destination-side conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveyance path and the arrival unit; Including, When the determination unit determines that the transport state of the paper sheets in the source side transport path is abnormal and will lead to a transport error, the control unit stops the feed unit from feeding, drives the source side transport path in the opposite direction to the transport direction to transport the paper sheets in the source side transport path to the feed unit, continues driving the destination side transport path to transport the paper sheets in the destination side transport path toward the arrival unit, and resumes the feed unit from feeding the paper sheets and the transport unit from transporting the paper sheets in the source side transport path after the paper sheets in the source side transport path have been returned to the feed unit.

7. a plurality of pairs of travel sensors arranged at intervals along a width direction perpendicular to the transport direction and capable of detecting the passage of the paper sheets being transported; the plurality of pairs of travel sensors are provided at different positions in the conveying direction, 2. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the transport state of the paper sheet is abnormal and will lead to a transport error when the pair of transport sensors with the narrower spacing among the plurality of pairs of transport sensors detects the paper sheet and the pair of transport sensors with the wider spacing does not detect the paper sheet.

8. a feeding unit that feeds out paper sheets; a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets fed by the feeding unit toward a reaching unit; a control unit that controls the feeding unit and the transport unit; a determination unit that determines whether the conveyance state of the paper sheets is abnormal or not, which may lead to a conveyance error; Equipped with the conveying unit includes a plurality of conveying paths that are provided along a conveying direction in which the paper sheets are conveyed from the feed unit to the arrival unit so that the paper sheets can be handed over to each other, and the plurality of conveying paths are configured so that each of the conveying paths can be independently controlled to be driven in a forward direction, driven in a reverse direction, or stopped; The plurality of transport paths include: a feed source side conveyance path connected to the feed unit; a destination-side conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveyance path and the arrival unit; A paper sheet processing method using a paper sheet processing device including: a control unit that stops the feeding of the feed unit and the driving of the feed unit conveying path, and continues driving the destination conveying path to transport the paper sheets in the destination conveying path toward the arrival unit, and then drives the feed unit conveying path in the opposite direction to the transport direction to transport the paper sheets remaining in the feed unit conveying path to the feed unit, and after the paper sheets in the feed unit conveying path are returned to the feed unit, resumes the feeding of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the transport of the paper sheets by the transport unit.

9. a feeding unit that feeds out paper sheets; a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets fed by the feeding unit toward a reaching unit; a control unit that controls the feeding unit and the transport unit; a determination unit that determines whether the conveyance state of the paper sheets is abnormal or not, which may lead to a conveyance error; Equipped with the conveying unit includes a plurality of conveying paths that are provided along a conveying direction in which the paper sheets are conveyed from the feed unit to the arrival unit so that the paper sheets can be handed over to each other, and the plurality of conveying paths are configured so that each of the conveying paths can be independently controlled to be driven in a forward direction, driven in a reverse direction, or stopped; The plurality of transport paths include: a feed source side conveyance path connected to the feed unit; a destination-side conveyance path that conveys the paper sheets between the source-side conveyance path and the arrival unit; A paper sheet processing method using a paper sheet processing device including: a control unit that, when determining that the conveying state of the paper sheets in the source conveying path is abnormal and will lead to a conveying error, stops the feeding of the feed unit, drives the source conveying path in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to convey the paper sheets in the source conveying path to the feed unit, continues driving the destination conveying path to convey the paper sheets in the destination conveying path toward the arrival unit, and resumes the feeding of the paper sheets by the feed unit and the conveying of the paper sheets by the conveying unit after the paper sheets in the source conveying path have been returned to the feed unit.

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