Medium handling unit and medium handling device

Abstract

To further prevent a foreign matter from entering a discharge port.SOLUTION: The medium handling unit 107 includes a medium conveyance path 11 and a discharge port 12 that discharges a sheet-shaped medium in a discharge direction. The media handling unit includes the second shape portion 42 that is formed so as to protrude into the discharge outlet and that includes the inclined portion 142 that is inclined such that the surface on the discharge direction side (the discharge-direction surface 13out) forms an acute angle with respect to the media transport path, and the third shape portion 43 that is formed at a position separated from the second shape portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge outlet 12 (the orthogonal-to-transport direction A12). A locking area 61 for locking the foreign matter erroneously inserted into the discharge port is formed between the second shape part and the third shape part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media handling unit and a media handling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, financial institutions, distribution institutions, and the like have used automated teller machines (ATMs) to deposit cash, such as banknotes and coins, and to dispense cash to users depending on the content of transactions. Some such ATMs have a card slot through which cash cards, debit cards, and the like are inserted and ejected, and a receipt slot through which receipts with printed transaction information are printed, located adjacent to each other. In ATMs with this configuration, users may mistake the receipt slot for the card slot and erroneously insert the card into the receipt slot. If a card is inserted shallowly into the receipt slot with little force, it can be removed by pulling it out. However, if a card is pushed too far into the receipt slot with too much force, the card becomes deformed and stuck deep inside the receipt slot, making it impossible to remove. In this case, the card cannot be removed, reducing the operating rate of the ATM. Therefore, measures to prevent incorrect card insertion are desirable for ATMs.

[0003] Countermeasures against incorrect card insertion are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes "a media processing device comprising: an ejection port for ejecting paper-like media that has undergone predetermined processing; a transport path formed by an upper guide and a lower guide for transporting the paper-like media to the ejection port; and a shutter that can rotate in a direction to close or open the transport path, the shutter closing the transport path by abutting against the upper guide or the lower guide, and having an abutment portion that opens the transport path by being pressed by the paper-like media when the paper-like media is being ejected." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-49571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional automated teller machines, there is a concern that a user may forcefully push a card too far into the receipt issuing slot. Therefore, conventional automated teller machines are susceptible to the entry of foreign objects from the outside through the ejection slot, and it is desirable to further prevent the entry of foreign objects into the ejection slot. The concern that a user may forcefully push a card too far into the receipt issuing slot is not limited to automated teller machines, but also exists in media handling devices such as ticket issuing machines used in transportation facilities and change dispensers used in distribution institutions.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main object is to provide a media handling unit and a media handling device that further prevents foreign matter from entering the discharge port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention is a media handling unit having a media transport path for transporting sheet-like media, an outlet provided at one end of the media transport path for discharging the sheet-like media in an outlet direction, a second shaped portion formed to protrude into the outlet and having an inclined portion inclined so that the surface on the outlet direction side forms an acute angle with respect to the media transport path when viewed from the side in the longitudinal direction of the outlet, and a third shaped portion formed at a position spaced apart from the second shaped portion in the longitudinal direction of the outlet, and a locking area formed between the second shaped portion and the third shaped portion for locking foreign objects that are mistakenly inserted into the outlet.

[0008] In addition, the second invention is a media handling device comprising the media handling unit of the first invention and a housing that houses the media handling unit, and the housing has an opening at a position opposite the discharge outlet of the media transport path provided in the media handling unit, for discharging the sheet-like media discharged from the discharge outlet to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medium handling unit and a medium handling device that further prevents foreign matter from entering the discharge port. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an automated teller machine (medium handling device) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of the vicinity of a receipt issuing port (opening) of an automated teller machine (medium handling device) according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 4 is a side view of a guide member of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a guide member of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 is a front view of the guide member of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view (1) of the vicinity of the discharge port of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view (2) of the vicinity of the discharge port of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view (3) of the vicinity of the discharge port of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams (1) illustrating the operation of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is an explanatory diagram (2) of the operation of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5C] 10 is an explanatory diagram (3) of the operation of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5D]10 is an explanatory diagram (4) of the operation of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5E] 10 is an explanatory diagram (5) of the operation of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a guide member of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a front view of the guide member of the medium handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (1) illustrating the state of a foreign object (card) when the foreign object (card) is inserted straight and horizontally into the medium transport path. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view (2) illustrating the state of a foreign object (card) when the foreign object (card) is inserted straight in the horizontal direction into the medium transport path. [Figure 8A] This is an explanatory diagram (1) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8B] This is an explanatory diagram (2) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8C] This is an explanatory diagram (3) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8D] This is an explanatory diagram (4) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8E] This is an explanatory diagram (5) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8F] This is an explanatory diagram (6) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8G] This is an explanatory diagram (7) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8H] This is an explanatory diagram (8) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8I] This is an explanatory diagram (9) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 8J] This is an explanatory diagram (10) of the state of a foreign object (card) when a foreign object (card) with a width wider than the distance from the contact point to the end of the discharge outlet is inserted straight horizontally into the media transport path. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a guide member according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing the shape of a medium transport path of a modified medium handling unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each drawing, common or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0012] <Configuration of an automated teller machine (media handling device)> The configuration of an automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of the automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the vicinity of the receipt issuing port of the automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device). Here, the description will be made assuming that the automated teller machine 101 is configured as a medium handling device that handles sheet-like media. However, the medium handling device is not limited to the automated teller machine 101, and may be, for example, a ticket issuing machine used in transportation facilities or a change dispenser used in distribution institutions.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, an automated teller machine 101 is mainly composed of a box-shaped housing 102, and is installed in, for example, financial institutions or various commercial facilities, and performs cash-related transactions such as deposit and withdrawal processing between the machine and users (i.e., customers of financial institutions or commercial facilities, etc.).

[0014] Housing 102 has a reception unit 103 provided at the front where a user can easily insert bills or coins and operate the touch panel while facing the unit. Reception unit 103 is provided with a card slot 104, a coin slot 109, an operation display unit 110, a numeric keypad 112, and a receipt issuing slot 106. Reception unit 103 directly exchanges cash, cards, etc. with the user, and also notifies the user of transaction-related information and accepts operation instructions.

[0015] The card slot 104 is a section where various cards such as cash cards are inserted or ejected. At the back of the card slot 104, a card handling unit 105 is provided which reads account numbers and the like magnetically recorded on various cards. The coin slot 109 is a section where coins to be deposited by a user are inserted and where coins to be dispensed to the user are ejected. The coin slot 109 is opened or closed by driving a shutter. Incidentally, the reception area 103 is also provided with a banknote slot 108 and the like, where banknotes to be deposited by a user are inserted and where banknotes to be dispensed to the user are ejected.

[0016] The operation display unit 110 is a touch panel that combines a liquid crystal display panel that displays the operation screen and transaction details during a transaction with a touch sensor that detects user input operations. The numeric keypad 112 is a physical keypad that accepts input of numbers such as "0" to "9" and is used when entering a personal identification number, transaction amount, etc. The receipt issuing slot 106 is a section that issues receipts with transaction details and other information printed on them when the transaction process is completed. Behind the receipt issuing slot 106 is a media handling unit 107 that handles sheet media such as receipts 96 (Figure 2). This explanation assumes that the media handling unit 107 is configured as a receipt issuing unit that issues receipts 96 (Figure 2).

[0017] In the following explanation, the side of the automated teller machine 101 that the user faces will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side. The left and right sides as seen from the user facing the front side will be referred to as the left and right sides, respectively, and the upper and lower sides will also be defined for explanation.

[0018] Inside the housing 102, there are provided a main control unit 113 that controls the entire automated teller machine 101, a banknote processing unit 114 that performs various processes related to banknotes, a coin processing unit 115 that performs various processes related to coins, etc. The main control unit 113 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and performs various processes such as deposit processing and withdrawal processing by reading and executing predetermined programs from a ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory not shown. The main control unit 113 also has an internal storage unit made up of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and stores various information in this storage unit.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, a media handling unit 107 that handles sheet media such as receipts 96 is provided behind the receipt issuing slot 106. The media handling unit 107 includes a media transport path 11 that transports the receipt 96, and a first guide unit 14 and a second guide unit 15 that are arranged opposite each other across the media transport path 11. In this description, the first guide unit 14 is arranged above the media transport path 11, and the second guide unit 15 is arranged below the media transport path 11. The media transport path 11 also has an outlet 12 at one end that discharges the receipt 96. The outlet 12 is arranged to face the receipt issuing slot 106 (opening) provided in the housing 102 of the automated teller machine 101. The media handling unit 107 transports the receipt 96 in a transport direction A11. The medium transport path 11, the first guide portion 14, and the second guide portion 15 are configured to be integrated with a guide member 13 that is arranged near the discharge opening 12 of the medium transport path 11. The guide member 13 has a notch 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C). The notch 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C) is formed in the discharge direction surface 13out that faces the inner wall surface 102in of the housing 102.

[0020] <Configuration of media handling unit> An automated teller machine 101 (media handling device) has a built-in media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. The configuration of the media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment used in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Here, the description will be given assuming that the foreign object is a card 94 (Figure 5A) whose width is narrower than the distance from the contact portion 141 to the end of the discharge port 12.

[0021] <When a narrow card 94 is considered a foreign object> FIG. 3A is a side view of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107. FIG. 3C is a front view of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the vicinity of the discharge port 12 of the medium handling unit 107 when cut along the Y1-Y1 line shown in FIG. 3C. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the vicinity of the discharge port 12 of the medium handling unit 107 when cut along the Y2-Y2 line shown in FIG. 3C. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the vicinity of the discharge port 12 of the medium handling unit 107 when cut along the Y3-Y3 line shown in FIG. 3C. FIGS. 5A to 5E are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the medium handling unit 107.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the medium handling unit 107 includes a medium transport path 11 that transports the receipt 96 (sheet-like medium) shown in FIG. 2, and a first guide section 14 and a second guide section 15 that are arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path 11. The medium transport path 11 has an outlet 12 at one end through which the receipt 96 is discharged. A guide member 13 is arranged near the outlet 12 of the medium transport path 11. The guide member 13 is a member that integrates the medium transport path 11, the first guide section 14, and the second guide section 15. As shown in FIG. 3C, in this embodiment, the guide member 13 is configured as a plate-shaped member with a rectangular outer diameter in a front view. A notch 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C) is formed in the discharge direction surface 13out of the first guide section 14 and the second guide section 15 at a position inside the width of the receipt 96 in the perpendicular transport direction A12.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the medium handling unit 107 has a plurality of rib portions 20 on the guide member 13. Specifically, the medium handling unit 107 has a first rib portion 21 provided on the first guide portion 14 and a second rib portion 22 provided on the second guide portion 15. The first rib portion 21 and the second rib portion 22 are each provided to protrude into the discharge opening 12. A first notch 31 and a second notch 32 are formed on the discharge direction surfaces 13out of the first rib portion 21 and the second rib portion 22 as part of the notch 30. Note that in the example shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the configuration of the medium handling unit 107 is generally symmetrical, and for the sake of simplicity, only the components on either the left or right side are labeled with a reference numeral.

[0024] 3B and 3C, the medium handling unit 107 has a third rib portion 23 provided on the first guide portion 14 and a fourth rib portion 24 provided on the second guide portion 15. The third rib portion 23 and the fourth rib portion 24 are provided at positions closer to the center (inner side) of the first rib portion 21 and the second rib portion 22 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the discharge opening 12, respectively, and protrude toward the periphery (outside) of the discharge opening 12. A third notch 33 and a fourth notch 34 are formed on the discharge direction surfaces 13out of the third rib portion 23 and the fourth rib portion 24 as part of the notch 30.

[0025] 3B and 3C, the medium handling unit 107 has a fifth rib portion 25 provided on the first guide portion 14 and a sixth rib portion 26 provided on the second guide portion 15. The fifth rib portion 25 and the sixth rib portion 26 are provided at positions closer to the end (outside) of the first rib portion 21 and the second rib portion 22 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12, respectively, so as to protrude to the periphery (outside) of the discharge opening 12. A fifth notch 35 and a sixth notch 36 are formed on the discharge direction surfaces 13out of the fifth rib portion 25 and the sixth rib portion 26 as part of the notch 30.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4B, the first notch 31 and the second notch 32 have inclined portions 31a and 32a that guide the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106 diagonally in the conveyance direction A11 (FIG. 2) of the receipt 96. The first notch 31 and the second notch 32 also have contact portions 31b and 32b that contact the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of the card 94. The inclined portions 31a and 32a may be configured to guide the card 94 with their surfaces or with their sides (corners). The contact portions 31b and 32b may be configured to contact the card 94 with their surfaces or with their sides (corners).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the third notch 33, like the first notch 31 and the second notch 32, has an inclined portion 33a that diagonally guides the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106. The third notch 33 also has a contact portion 33b that abuts against the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of the card 94 and contacts the card 94. The inclined portion 33a may be configured to guide the card 94 with its surface or with its sides (corners). The contact portion 33b may be configured to abut against the card 94 with its surface or with its sides (corners).

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fourth notch 34 has a facing surface 34a that faces the housing 102 of the automated teller machine 101. The fourth notch 34 also has a contact portion 34b that contacts the insertion end portion 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106 and contacts the card 94. The facing surface 34a is configured to contact the insertion end portion 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106. The facing surface 34a may be configured to contact the card 94 on a surface (vertical surface) or on an edge (vertical edge). The contact portion 34b may be configured to contact the card 94 on a surface or on an edge (corner).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4C , the fifth notch 35, like the fourth notch 34, has a facing surface 35a that faces the housing 102 of the automated teller machine 101. The fifth notch 35 also has a contact portion 35b that contacts the insertion end portion 94a ( FIG. 5B ) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106. The facing surface 35a is configured to contact the insertion end portion 94a ( FIG. 5B ) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106. The facing surface 35a may be configured to contact the card 94 at a surface (vertical surface) or at an edge (vertical edge). The contact portion 35b may be configured to contact the card 94 at a surface or at an edge (corner).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4C, the sixth notch 36, like the third notch 33, has an inclined portion 36a that guides the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106 diagonally downward. The sixth notch 36 also has an abutting portion 36b that abuts against the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of the card 94. The inclined portion 36a may be configured to guide the card 94 with its surface, or may be configured to guide the card 94 with its sides (corners). The abutting portion 36b may be configured to abut against the card 94 with its surface, or may be configured to abut against the card 94 with its sides (corners).

[0031] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, which will be described in detail later, the medium handling unit 107 has deterrent sections 51, 52, and 53 on the second guide section 15. The deterrent sections 51, 52, and 53 are each configured to prevent the leading edge of a card 94 (Figure 5A) that has been misinserted into the receipt issuing port 106 from hitting them, thereby preventing misinsertion. The deterrent sections 51, 52, and 53 are each configured to protrude into the discharge port 12. The deterrent section 51 is located toward the center of the discharge port 12 in the longitudinal direction. The deterrent section 52 is located closer to the end (outside) of the discharge port 12 in the longitudinal direction. The deterrent section 53 is located even closer to the end (outside) of the discharge port 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] 4A to 4C, the medium handling unit 107 preferably has any one of a set of first rib portion 21 and second rib portion 22, a set of third rib portion 23 and fourth rib portion 24, and a set of fifth rib portion 25 and sixth rib portion 26. However, the medium handling unit 107 can be configured to exclude any one of the sets of ribs.

[0033] Now, let's say that the user mistakenly inserts the card 94 straight and horizontally between the contact portion 141 on the right side of the receipt issuing slot 106 (FIGS. 4A to 4C) and the end of the discharge slot 12, as indicated by arrows F11 and F12 in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Then, let's say that the user pushes the card 94 strongly and straight horizontally from the center or near the center of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106 toward the discharge slot 12 of the media transport path 11. As shown in FIG. 5C, in this case, the media handling unit 107 abuts the insertion end 94a of the incorrectly inserted card 94 against either or both of the first rib portion 21 and the second rib portion 22, depending on the position of the incorrectly inserted card 94 and the force with which the card 94 was inserted. The medium handling unit 107 then guides the card 94 upward or downward using the inclined portion 31a of the first notch 31 provided in the first rib portion 21 or the inclined portion 32a of the second notch 32 provided in the second rib portion 22, depending on the state of the card 94. The medium handling unit 107 then sandwiches and receives the insertion end 94a of the incorrectly inserted card 94 between the bottom 23a of the third rib portion 23 (FIG. 5B) and the abutting portion 31b of the first rib portion 21, thereby properly stopping the card 94. Alternatively, the medium handling unit 107 sandwiches and receives the insertion end 94a of the incorrectly inserted card 94 between the top 24a of the fourth rib portion 24 (FIG. 5B) and the abutting portion 32b of the second notch 32, thereby properly stopping the card 94. At this time, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 is slightly deformed upward or downward.

[0034] In other words, suppose the card 94 is inserted straight in the horizontal direction at a height above the center of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106, as indicated by arrow F11 in Figure 5B and the perspective view in Figure 7A. In this case, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 comes into contact with the inclined portion 31a of the first notch 31 provided in the first rib portion 21. In this case, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 moves diagonally upward and backward along the inclined portion 31a of the first notch 31. 5C and 7B, the insertion side end 94a of the card 94 abuts against the abutment portion 31b of the first notch 31, and deforms in the C14 direction while abutting against the bottom 23a of the third rib portion 23 (FIG. 5B) and the abutment portion 31b of the first notch 31. The card 94 is then sandwiched and stopped between the abutment portion 31b of the first notch 31 and the bottom 23a of the third rib portion 23 in a locking region 61 (FIG. 5A) between the first notch 31 and the third rib portion 23. At this time, the front end or bottom surface of the card 94 contacts the abutment portion 31b, and the top surface of the card 94 contacts the bottom 23a. The locking region 61 is the region extending from the inclined portion 31a of the first rib portion 21 to the bottom 23a of the third rib portion 23 shown in FIG. 5B, and the card 94 is locked in the locking region 61. The shape of the first guide part 14 in the vicinity of the locking region 61 is as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0035] When the insertion end 94a of the card 94 stops, the position where it comes into contact with the card 94 is designated as locking point Co61 (FIG. 7B). The location of locking point Co61 varies depending on the thickness, left-right size, hardness, elasticity, etc. of the medium, the insertion angle of the medium, etc. For example, if the medium is thick and hard, the medium may not penetrate all the way to the abutment portion 31b and may be locked at the inclined portion 31a and the bottom portion 23a. In this case, the lower surface of the medium contacts the inclined portion 31a, and the upper surface of the medium contacts the bottom portion 23a, so that the medium is sandwiched and locked between the inclined portion 31a and the bottom portion 23a.

[0036] Furthermore, if a thin and very soft medium is inserted incorrectly, the underside of the medium will come into contact with the first notch 31 and become pinched. Even if the medium is further deformed and pushed further in, it may still be locked by the insertion end 94a abutting against a part of the first guide section 14 between the first notch 31 and the bottom 23a of the third rib section 23, which is included in the locking area 61. Similarly, if the card 94 is inserted straight horizontally at the center height of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 will abut against the abutment section 31b of the first notch 31, and will be stopped by being pinched between the abutment section 31b and the bottom 23a of the third rib section 23. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow F12 in Figure 5C, when the card 94 is inserted straight in the horizontal direction at a height below the center of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 abuts against the inclined portion 32a of the second notch 32 provided in the second rib portion 22. In this case, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 moves diagonally downward and rearward along the inclined portion 32a of the second notch 32. The insertion end 94a of the card 94 then abuts against the abutment portion 32b of the second notch 32 and is sandwiched and stopped between the top 24a of the fourth rib portion 24 (Figure 5B) and the abutment portion 32b of the second notch 32.

[0037] Now, let's assume that the user mistakenly inserts the card 94 straight from the right end of the receipt issuing slot 106, diagonally from the upper to the lower side, as indicated by arrow F13 in FIGS. 5B and 5D. Then, let's assume that the card 94 gets stuck between the contact portion 141 on the right side of the discharge slot 12 and the right end of the discharge slot 12 (FIGS. 4A to 4C). Furthermore, let's assume that the user forcefully pushes the card 94 straight from the upper to the lower side of a line (not shown) connecting the receipt issuing slot 106 and the discharge slot 12 of the media transport path 11. In this case, the media handling unit 107 abuts the insertion end 94a of the mistakenly inserted card 94 against the opposing surface 34a of the fourth notch 34 provided in the fourth rib portion 24. Then, the media handling unit 107 guides the card 94 downward using the opposing surface 34a of the fourth notch 34. Thereafter, the medium handling unit 107 abuts the insertion end 94a of the erroneously inserted card 94 against the abutment portion 34b of the fourth notch 34, thereby properly stopping the card 94. At this time, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 is slightly deformed in the rearward direction (the direction of arrow G13).

[0038] In other words, suppose the card 94 is strongly pushed diagonally downward from a height above the center of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106, as indicated by arrow F13 in Figure 5D. In this case, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 comes into contact with the opposing surface 34a of the fourth notch 34 provided in the fourth rib portion 24. The insertion end 94a of the card 94 then moves downward along the opposing surface 34a of the fourth notch 34. The insertion end 94a of the card 94 then comes into contact with the abutment portion 34b of the fourth notch 34 and stops.

[0039] Now, let's assume that the user mistakenly inserts the card 94 straight between the contact portion 141 on the right side of the receipt issuance slot 106 and the end of the discharge slot 12 (FIGS. 4A-4C), diagonally from the lower to the upper side, as indicated by arrow F14 in FIGS. 5B and 5E. Then, let's assume that the user forcefully pushes the card 94 straight from the lower to the upper side of a line (not shown) connecting the receipt issuance slot 106 and the discharge slot 12 of the media transport path 11. In this case, the media handling unit 107 causes the insertion end 94a of the mistakenly inserted card 94 to abut against the inclined portion 33a of the third notch 33 provided in the third rib portion 23. The media handling unit 107 then guides the card 94 diagonally upward and backward using the inclined portion 33a of the third notch 33. Thereafter, the medium handling unit 107 abuts the insertion end 94a of the erroneously inserted card 94 against the abutment portion 33b of the third notch 33, thereby properly stopping the card 94. At this time, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 is slightly deformed in the rearward direction (the direction of arrow G14).

[0040] In other words, suppose the card 94 is strongly pushed diagonally upward from a height below the center of the vertical width of the receipt issuing slot 106, as indicated by arrow F14 in Figure 5E. In this case, the insertion end 94a of the card 94 abuts against the inclined portion 33a of the third notch 33 provided in the third rib portion 23. The insertion end 94a of the card 94 then moves diagonally upward and rearward along the inclined portion 33a of the third notch 33. The insertion end 94a of the card 94 then abuts against the abutment portion 33b of the third notch 33 and stops.

[0041] 5B to 5E assume that the card 94 does not hit the contact portion 141. However, even if the card 94 does not hit the contact portion 141, the medium handling unit 107 can pinch the card 94 between the bottom portion 23a of the third rib portion 23 and the contact portion 31b of the first rib portion 21, thereby receiving the card 94 in the locking area 61 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), and stopping the card 94 properly.

[0042] 5 also shows an example in which the card 94 is inserted into the outlet 12 close to the right end of the outlet 12. However, the medium handling unit 107 can insert the card 94 into the outlet 12 close to the left end of the outlet 12. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 receives the card 94 in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 5 and stops the card 94 properly.

[0043] 5 shows an example in which a foreign object, a card 94, whose width is narrower than the distance from the contact portion 141 to the end of the discharge slot 12 is inserted into the discharge slot 12 near the right end of the discharge slot 12 (i.e., not abutting the contact portion 141). However, the medium handling unit 107 is also configured to handle a case in which a card 194 (FIG. 8) whose width is wider than the distance from the contact portion 141 to the end of the discharge slot 12 is inserted as a foreign object, and stops the foreign object in the same manner when the card is erroneously inserted in the directions of arrows F12, F13, or F14. Note that when the card is erroneously inserted in the direction of arrow F11, the medium handling unit 107 receives the card 194 using the operation shown in FIG. 8 and properly stops the card 194. The operation when the card 194 is a foreign object will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In addition, when a narrow card 94 is the foreign object and is inserted into the outlet 12 so as to be centered in the left-right direction of the outlet 12, the results are generally the same as when a wide card 194 is inserted.

[0044] The guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107 is configured as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B to reliably stop and lock the card 94 even when the card 94 or 194 is erroneously inserted straight horizontally into the receipt issuing port 106 (the outlet 12 of the medium transport path 11) in the direction of arrow F11 shown in FIG. 5C, when positioned toward the center of the outlet 12 in the left-right direction. The configuration of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B will be described. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107. FIG. 6B is a front view of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107. FIGS. 6A and 6B indicate components not indicated in FIGS. 3B and 3C.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the guide member 13 of the media handling unit 107 has a first shape portion 41, a second shape portion 42, a third shape portion 43, a fourth shape portion 44, and a fifth shape portion 45.

[0046] The first shaped portion 41 is a portion formed to protrude into the discharge opening 12. In this embodiment, two first shaped portions 41 are provided at the center of the discharge opening 12 in the perpendicular conveyance direction A12. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first shaped portion 41 has a shape that protrudes forward, and at its front end has a contact portion 141 that vertically contacts the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing opening 106. In other words, the first shaped portion 41 has a contact portion 141 (FIG. 4B) on its surface facing the discharge direction that receives foreign matter. The contact portion 141 (FIG. 4B) may be configured to receive the card 94 on its surface or on its edges (corners).

[0047] The second shaped portion 42 is formed so as to protrude into the discharge opening 12 at a position spaced from the first shaped portion 41 in the transport orthogonal direction A12, which is the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 and orthogonal to the discharge direction, and has the same shape as the first rib portion 21. In this embodiment, two first shaped portions 41, one on each side of the discharge opening 12, are provided between a central third shaped portion 43a and an end third shaped portion 43b, which will be described later. The leading end of the second shaped portion 42 on the discharge direction side has a pointed shape facing the discharge opening 12. As shown in FIG. 6A, the second shaped portion 42 protrudes forward and has a sloped portion 142 at its front end that diagonally guides the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing opening 106. That is, the second shape portion 42 has an inclined portion 142 (FIG. 4A) inclined so that the surface on the discharge direction side (discharge direction surface 13out) forms an acute angle with respect to the medium transport path 11 in a side view seen from the transport orthogonal direction A12. The inclined portion 142 (FIG. 4B) may be configured to guide the card 94 with its surface or with its sides (corners).

[0048] The third shape portion 43 is a portion formed at a position farther from the medium transport path 11 than the second shape portion 42. In this embodiment, the medium handling unit 107 is described as having a central third shape portion 43a arranged on the central side of the discharge opening 12 in the transport orthogonal direction A12, and an end side third shape portion 43b arranged on the end side of the discharge opening 12. The central third shape portion 43a is provided between the first shape portion 41 and the second shape portion 42. The end side third shape portion 43b is provided on the outer side (end side) of the second shape portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the central third shape portion 43a is formed by the third rib portion 23, and the end side third shape portion 43b is formed by the fifth rib portion 25.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the central third shape portion 43a (FIG. 4B) and the end-side third shape portion 43b (FIG. 4C) have different shapes in a side view. As shown in FIG. 4B, the central third shape portion 43a has a facing surface 43out below the third notch 33 that faces the housing 102 of the automated teller machine 101. The facing surface 43out is configured to abut against the insertion-side end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106. The facing surface 43out may be configured to abut against the card 94 on a surface (vertical surface) or on an edge (vertical edge). In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4C, the end-side third shape portion 43b has the facing surface 35a described above inside the fifth notch 35.

[0050] The fourth shaped portion 44 is a portion formed at a position further away from the first shaped portion 41 in the perpendicular conveyance direction A12 than the second shaped portion 42. The fourth shaped portion 44 is formed to protrude into the discharge opening 12. In this embodiment, a total of two fourth shaped portions 44, one on each the right and left side of the discharge opening 12, are provided at positions outside the second shaped portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12. As shown in FIG. 4B, the fourth shaped portion 44 has a shape that protrudes forward, and has an inclined portion 144 at its front end that diagonally guides the insertion side end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing opening 106.

[0051] The fifth shaped portion 45 is a portion formed at a position further away from the first shaped portion 41 in the conveyance orthogonal direction A12 than the fourth shaped portion 44. The fifth shaped portion 45 is formed to protrude into the discharge opening 12. In this embodiment, a total of four fifth shaped portions 45 are provided outside the fourth shaped portion 44 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12, two on each side of the right and left of the discharge opening 12. As shown in FIG. 4C, the fifth shaped portion 45 has a shape that protrudes forward, and has an inclined portion 145 at its front end that diagonally guides the insertion end 94a (FIG. 5B) of a card 94 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing opening 106.

[0052] These shaped portions have the shapes shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C in side view. In this embodiment, these shaped portions are described as being rib-shaped and provided on the wall surface of the guide portion. However, these shaped portions can also have structures other than ribs (for example, a structure in which a separate member is attached to the wall surface of the guide portion). Furthermore, in this embodiment, these shaped portions are provided on the first guide portion 14. However, these shaped portions may also be provided on the second guide portion 15. Furthermore, these shaped portions may also be provided on both the first guide portion 14 and the second guide portion 15. Note that the fourth shaped portion 44 is not an essential component and may therefore not be provided.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6B, the components protruding into the discharge opening 12 include a first shaped portion 41, a second shaped portion 42, a fourth shaped portion 44, a fifth shaped portion 45, and stoppers 51, 52, and 53. These components are arranged above and below the discharge opening 12. A gap is provided between the upper and lower components to allow the passage of sheet media (receipts 96) but prevent the passage of misinserted foreign objects (cards 94). These components may have slopes that guide the foreign object (card 94) in any direction, or may have a pointed shape.

[0054] 6A and 6B, the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107 has a locking area 61 between the second shape portion 42 and the third shape portion 43. The locking area 61 is an area for locking a foreign object (card 94).

[0055] 7A and 7B, the function of the guide member 13 of the medium handling unit 107 when a wide card 194 is erroneously inserted straight in the horizontal direction, as in the direction of arrow F11, will be described. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views each illustrating the state of the foreign object (card 194) when the foreign object (card 194) is inserted straight in the horizontal direction into the medium transport path 11.

[0056] <When a wide card 194 is considered a foreign object> 7A and 7B, the guide member 13 of the media handling unit 107 has a first shaped portion 41 near the center of the discharge opening 12. The first shaped portion 41 has a shape that protrudes forward, and has a contact portion 141 at its front end that vertically contacts and receives the insertion end 194a of a wide card 194 that has been incorrectly inserted into the receipt issuing opening 106.

[0057] If a user mistakenly inserts a narrow card 94, which is a medium that does not come into contact with the contact portion 141, in a straight, horizontal direction so as not to come into contact with the contact portion 141, the medium handling unit 107 guides the insertion end portion 94a of the mistakenly inserted card 94 upward (i.e., the locking area 61) using the inclined portion 142 of the second shape portion 42, as described above. When the card 94 is guided to the locking area 61, the insertion end portion 94a is sandwiched and stopped between the central third shape portion 43a and the second shape portion 42 within the locking area 61. As a result, the medium handling unit 107 receives the insertion end portion 94a of the card 94 in the locking area 61.

[0058] The abutment portion 141 has the role of latching a foreign object at a position away from the medium transport path 11 when a card 194 (FIGS. 8A to 8J) with a width wider than the distance from the abutment portion 141 to the end of the ejection opening 12 is inserted as a foreign object, or when a narrow card 94 is inserted as a foreign object toward the center in the left-right direction of the ejection opening 12, and the role of changing the posture of the foreign object to make the user aware of the incorrect insertion if the user fails to notice the latch or ignores the latch and continues the incorrect insertion. FIGS. 8A to 8J are explanatory diagrams of the state of the card 194 when the foreign object is a card 194 with a width wider than the distance from the abutment portion 141 to the end of the ejection opening 12 and the card 194 is incorrectly inserted straight in the direction of the arrow F11 (horizontally) relative to the medium transport path 11. Note that the case where a narrow card 94 is inserted as a foreign object toward the center in the left-right direction of the ejection opening 12 is generally similar to the description of the wide card 194, and therefore will not be described here.

[0059] Now, suppose that a card 194 having a width wider than the distance from the contact portion 141 to the end of the ejection slot 12 is erroneously inserted in the direction of arrow F11 (FIG. 8B) (horizontal direction). As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in this case, the insertion side end portion 194a (FIG. 8B) of the card 194 collides with the contact portion 141 of the left first shape portion 41 provided in the region 201 on the left side of the center in the left-right direction of the ejection slot 12 and the contact portion 141 of the right first shape portion 41 provided in the region 202 on the right side of the center in the left-right direction of the ejection slot 12. At this time, the user stops the erroneous insertion because the card is locked.

[0060] If the user does not stop the erroneous insertion due to the locking by the first shape portion 41, the force of the erroneous insertion by the user is converted into a rotational force to either the left or right depending on the position where the foreign object abuts, with the first shape portion 41 as the fulcrum. As a result, as shown in Figures 8C to 8E, the insertion side end 194a of the card 194 abuts against the abutment portion 141 of the right-side first shape portion 41 in area 202, and rotates (yaws) in the direction of arrow G11 around the abutment portion 141 as an axis. As a result, the insertion side end 194a of the card 194 comes into contact with the inclined portion 31a of the first notch 31 provided in the second shape portion 42 (first rib portion 21) in the locking region provided in region 203 to the right of region 202, and moves diagonally upward and rearward along the inclined portion 31a while deforming in the C14 direction (FIG. 7B), and then is sandwiched between the second shape portion 42 (first rib portion 21) and the locking surface of the central third shape portion 43a (bottom portion 23a of the third rib portion 23) and locked in the locking region 61. At this time, the user feels uncomfortable because the card 194 has become tilted and has been deformed and locked, and stops the incorrect insertion.

[0061] Even in this situation, let us assume that the user still does not stop the erroneous insertion and pushes the card 194 sandwiched between the first rib portion 21 and the bottom portion 23a of the third rib portion 23 further back (rearward) by the user. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8F and 8G, the insertion-side end 194a of the card 194, while still sandwiched between the first rib portion 21 and the bottom portion 23a of the third rib portion 23, deforms in the direction of arrow G12 (FIG. 8F) such that the right end rises (escapes) upward due to the inclined portion of the fourth shape portion 44 provided in the region 204 to the right of the region 203. Furthermore, the insertion-side end 194a of the card 194 deforms in the direction of arrow G13 (FIG. 8G) such that the right end is pushed further back (upper rear).

[0062] If the user continues to push the card 194 in without stopping the erroneous insertion, the right end of the card 194 will rise further upward while the insertion end 194a of the card 194 remains sandwiched between the first rib portion 21 and the bottom portion 23a of the third rib portion 23, as shown in FIG. 8H. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8I, the insertion end 194a of the card 194 will come into contact with the contact portion 35b of the fifth notch 35 provided in the region 205 to the right of the region 204 (specifically, the region around the fifth notch 35 (FIG. 5B) of the end-side third shape portion 43b). Then, as shown in FIG. 8J, the card 194 will be locked by the first shape portion 41, the second shape portion 42, the locking region 61 (FIG. 8C) of the central third shape portion, and the end-side third shape portion 43b, and will not be able to be pushed further in (rearward).

[0063] The configuration of the medium handling unit 107 can be changed depending on the operation, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a front view showing the configuration of a modified guide member 13. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of the medium transport path 11 of the modified medium handling unit 107.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 9, the modified guide member 13 is configured so that the first shape portion 41 is positioned toward one end of the discharge outlet 12 in the longitudinal direction, and the second shape portion 42 is positioned toward the other end of the discharge outlet 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 10, a modified medium handling unit 107 is configured such that the discharge direction of the medium transport path 11 is tilted downward relative to the horizontal direction.

[0066] <Main features of the media handling unit and automated teller machine (media handling device)> The automated teller machine 101 (media handling device) according to this embodiment can be equipped with a media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, as described below. Each media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment has the following features. Below, the main features of the media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0067] (1) As shown in FIG. 6A, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment includes a medium transport path 11 and a first guide section 14 and a second guide section 15 arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path 11. The medium handling unit 107 also includes a discharge opening 12 located at one end of the medium transport path 11 and configured to discharge sheet media in the discharge direction. The discharge-direction surfaces 13out of the first guide section 14 and the second guide section 15 are formed with a notch 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C) that is partially cut away and has a side view shape in the transport-orthogonal direction A12, which is the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 and perpendicular to the discharge direction. The medium handling unit 107 also includes a second shaped section 42 and a third shaped section 43. The second shaped section 42 is configured to protrude into the discharge opening 12. The second shaped portion 42 has an inclined portion 142 (FIG. 4B) inclined so that the surface on the discharge direction side (discharge direction surface 13out) forms an acute angle with respect to the medium transport path 11 in a side view seen from the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 (transport orthogonal direction A12). The third shaped portion 43 is a portion formed at a position spaced apart from the second shaped portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12. A locking area 61 is formed between the second shaped portion 42 and the third shaped portion 43 to lock a foreign object (card 94, 194) that is erroneously inserted into the discharge opening 12.

[0068] A foreign object, such as a card (narrow card 94 ( FIG. 3C ) or wide card 194 ( FIG. 8A )), may be pushed with great force by a user into the media transport path 11 of the media handling unit 107. If the foreign object is pushed deep into the media transport path 11, it may become impossible to remove the foreign object from the outlet 12 of the media transport path 11. The media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment prevents the entry of such foreign objects using the notch 30 ( FIGS. 3B and 3C ). The media handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can further prevent the entry of foreign objects (cards 94, 194) into the outlet 12. Moreover, even if the card 94 is pushed straight into the media transport path 11 in a horizontal direction, the media handling unit 107 can sandwich the card 94 between the second shape portion 42 and the third shape portion 43 and lock (receive) the foreign object in the locking area 61. This also allows the medium handling unit 107 to further prevent foreign matter (cards 94) from entering the discharge port 12.

[0069] (2) As shown in FIG. 6A, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment further includes a first guide portion 14 and a second guide portion 15 that are disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path 11. The second shaped portion 42 and the third shaped portion 43 are provided in the first guide portion 14. A central third shaped portion 43a is provided in the center of the discharge opening 12 and is formed to protrude in the discharge direction from the wall surface of the first guide 14 on the side facing the discharge direction. The central third shaped portion 43a also has a locking surface that locks foreign matter between itself and the inclined portion 142 of the second shaped portion 42. In this embodiment, the locking surface is the bottom 23a of the third rib portion 23. The locking area 61 is formed between the inclined portion 142 of the second shaped portion 42 and the locking surface (bottom 23a) of the third shaped portion 43.

[0070] Suppose a foreign object (a narrow card 94) is erroneously inserted straight horizontally toward a position near the left-right end of the ejection slot 12, as indicated by arrow F11 in FIG. 5C . In this case, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can hold the foreign object (card 94) between the inclined portion 142 of the second shape portion 42 and the locking surface (bottom portion 23 a) of the third shape portion 43 and lock the foreign object in the locking area 61. Specifically, the medium handling unit 107 can hold and stop the card 94 even if a user tries to push the card 94 by holding the card 94 between the inclined portion 142 of the second shape portion 42 and the third shape portion 43, which form the locking area 61. Similarly, even if a foreign object (a wide card 194) is guided into the locking area 61, the foreign object can be caught by being held between the second shape portion 42 and the third shape portion 43.

[0071] (3) As shown in Figure 5B, in the media handling unit 107 of this embodiment, the engagement surface (bottom 23a) of the third shape portion 43 is farther away from the second guide portion 15 (Figure 5A) than part or the entire inclined portion 31a of the second shape portion 42.

[0072] The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment sandwiches the card 94 between the locking surface (bottom 23a) of the third shape portion 43, which is farther from the second guide portion 15 (FIG. 5A) than part or all of the inclined portion 31a of the second shape portion 42. This allows the medium handling unit 107 to lock the foreign object in the locking area 61.

[0073] (4) As shown in Figure 7B, the media handling unit 107 of this embodiment holds one side of the foreign object with the inclined portion 31a (Figure 5B) of the second shape portion 42, and holds the other side of the foreign object with the engaging surface (bottom portion 23a) of the third shape portion 43.

[0074] The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment sandwiches the card 94 between the inclined portion 31a of the second shape portion 42 and the locking surface (bottom portion 23a) of the third shape portion 43. This allows the medium handling unit 107 to lock the foreign object in the locking area 61.

[0075] (5) As shown in FIG. 7B, in the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, the inclined portion 31a (FIG. 5B) of the second shape portion 42 guides the foreign object into the locking region 61 when the foreign object comes into contact with the inclined portion 31a.

[0076] The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can guide foreign matter to the locking area 61 by the inclined portion 31a of the second shape portion 42 (FIG. 5B), and can lock the foreign matter in the locking area 61.

[0077] (6) As shown in FIG. 7B, in the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, the locking area 61 is located downstream of the discharge port 12 in the transport direction.

[0078] The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can lock foreign matter in a locking area 61 located downstream of the discharge port 12 in the transport direction.

[0079] (7) As shown in Figure 6A, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment further includes a first shape portion 41 formed to protrude into the discharge opening 12 at a position spaced apart from the locking surface (bottom portion 23a) in the longitudinal direction. The first shape portion 41 includes a contact portion 141 that contacts a foreign object (card 94, 194) that is erroneously inserted into the discharge opening 12 with a surface on the discharge direction side. The contact portion 141 is approximately perpendicular to the discharge direction.

[0080] Suppose a foreign object (card 94) is erroneously inserted straight horizontally into a position near the center of the discharge slot 12 in the left-right direction, as in the direction of arrow F11 shown in Figures 5B and 5C. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can receive the foreign object (card 94) in the first shape portion 41. Similarly, if a foreign object (card 194) is erroneously inserted straight horizontally into the discharge slot 12 in the same direction as the direction of arrow F11, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can receive the foreign object (card 194) in the first shape portion 41.

[0081] (8) As shown in FIG. 6A, in the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, the first shaped portion 41, the second shaped portion 42, and the third shaped portion 43 are ribbed.

[0082] The media handling unit 107 of this embodiment has a ribbed first shape portion 41, second shape portion 42, and third shape portion 43, so that it can lock in foreign objects (cards 94, 194) that are mistakenly inserted into the discharge port 12.

[0083] (9) As shown in Figure 6B, in the media handling unit 107 of this embodiment, the third shape portion 43 is formed at a position spaced apart from the first shape portion 41 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge outlet 12 (the conveying perpendicular direction A12).

[0084] Suppose a foreign object (card 94, 194) is mistakenly inserted straight into the outlet 12 from the diagonally upper side to the diagonally lower side, as indicated by arrow F13 in Figures 5B and 5D. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can receive the foreign object (card 94, 194) at the abutment portion 33b of the central third shape portion 43a. In this embodiment, the central third shape portion 43a is configured with the third rib portion 23.

[0085] (10) As shown in Figure 6B, in the media handling unit 107 of this embodiment, the third shape portion 43 is formed at a position spaced apart from the second shape portion 42 on the opposite side of the first shape portion 41 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge outlet 12 (the conveying perpendicular direction A12).

[0086] 5B and 5D, let us say that a foreign object (card 94, 194) is mistakenly inserted straight from the diagonally upper side to the diagonally lower side of the discharge opening 12. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can receive the foreign object (card 94, 194) at the abutment portion 33b of the central third shape portion 43a.

[0087] (11) As shown in FIG. 4B, in the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, the inclined portion 31a of the second shape portion 42 has a tip end in the ejection direction.

[0088] Suppose a foreign object (card 94, 194) is mistakenly inserted straight from the diagonally upper side to the diagonally lower side of the discharge slot 12, as shown in the direction of arrow F13 in Figures 5B and 5D. In this case, when the foreign object (card 94, 194) is mistakenly inserted into the discharge slot 12, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment guides the foreign object (card 94, 194) upward using the second shape portion 42. This allows the medium handling unit 107 to receive the foreign object (card 94, 194) at the abutment portion 33b of the central third shape portion 43a.

[0089] (12) As shown in FIG. 5A , in the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, the first shape portion 41 includes a contact portion 141 that contacts a foreign object (card 94, 194) misinserted into the discharge opening 12 on the discharge direction side. The contact portion 141 is located at the same position as the leading edge of the second shape portion 42 in a side view from the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 (the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction A12). Alternatively, although not shown, the contact portion 141 of the first shape portion 41 may be located further toward the discharge direction than the leading edge. Furthermore, if the foreign object (card 94, 194) continues to be misinserted after being received by the contact portion 141, the foreign object changes its position in the direction of arrow G11 in FIG. 8D while contacting one end of the contact portion 141 in the left-right direction. The contact portion 141 changes the position of the foreign object (card 94, 194), thereby guiding the foreign object toward the second shape portion and the third shape portion. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 can hold the foreign object (card 94, 194) between the second shaped portion 42 and the third shaped portion 43 and lock it in the locking area 61.

[0090] (13) As shown in Figure 6B, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment has multiple second shape portions 42. The first shape portion 41 is located on the longitudinal center side of the discharge port 12. Multiple second shape portions 42 are located on the longitudinal outside so as to sandwich the first shape portion 41.

[0091] Let's say that a foreign object (card 94, 194) is mistakenly inserted into the receipt issuing slot 106 either right-justified or left-justified. Even in these cases, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can guide the foreign object (card 94, 194) upward using the second shape portion 42 on one side.

[0092] (14) As shown in FIG. 6B, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of first shape portions 41.

[0093] (15) As shown in Figure 9, in the media handling unit 107 of this embodiment, the first shape portion 41 is positioned toward one end of the longitudinal direction of the discharge outlet 12, and the second shape portion 42 is positioned toward the other end of the longitudinal direction of the discharge outlet 12.

[0094] The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can receive foreign objects (cards 94, 194) at the guide member 13 even when using the modified guide member 13 shown in FIG.

[0095] (16) As shown in Figure 6B, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment has a fourth shape portion 44 located further away from the first shape portion 41 than the second shape portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 (the conveyance orthogonal direction A12). The fourth shape portion 44 is formed to protrude into the discharge opening 12. The fourth shape portion 44 has an inclined portion 144 inclined so that the surface on the discharge direction side (discharge direction surface 13out) forms an acute angle with respect to the medium conveyance path 11 in a side view seen from the longitudinal direction of the discharge opening 12 (the conveyance orthogonal direction A12).

[0096] In the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment, when a foreign object (card 94, 194) is erroneously inserted into the discharge port 12, the fourth shape portion 44 can lock the end of the foreign object (card 94, 194).

[0097] (17) As shown in Figure 1, an automated teller machine 101 (media handling device) according to this embodiment includes a media handling unit 107 and a housing 102 that houses the media handling unit 107. The housing 102 has an opening (receipt issuing opening 106) at a position opposite the outlet 12 of the media transport path 11 provided in the media handling unit 107, through which sheet media discharged from the outlet 12 is released to the outside.

[0098] Suppose a foreign object (card 94, 194) is erroneously inserted into the ejection opening 12 in the directions of arrows F11, F12, F13, and F14 shown in FIGS. 5B to 5E. In this case, the medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can prevent the card 94, 194 from entering using the notch 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C). The medium handling unit 107 according to this embodiment can further prevent the foreign object (card 94, 194) from entering the ejection opening 12. Moreover, even if a narrow card 94 is inserted straight into the medium transport path 11 in the horizontal direction, the medium handling unit 107 can lock the card 94 using the locking area 61 provided between the second shape portion 42 and the third shape portion 43. This also allows the medium handling unit 107 to further prevent the foreign object (card 94) from entering the ejection opening 12.

[0099] (18) As shown in FIG. 2, in the automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment, the medium handling unit 107 is arranged so that the discharge direction of the medium transport path 11 is horizontal.

[0100] The automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment can be applied to a configuration in which the discharge direction of the medium transport path 11 is arranged horizontally.

[0101] (19) As shown in FIG. 10, in the automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment, the medium handling unit 107 is arranged so that the discharge direction of the medium transport path 11 is tilted downward relative to the horizontal.

[0102] The automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) according to this embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which the discharge direction of the medium transport path 11 is inclined downward relative to the horizontal direction.

[0103] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a medium handling unit 107 and an automated teller machine 101 (medium handling device) that further prevents foreign objects (cards 94, 194) from entering the discharge port 12.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0105] For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the gist of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to an embodiment including all of the components described. Furthermore, the present invention may include some components by adding other components to them, or by replacing some components with other components. Furthermore, the present invention may also include some components by deleting them.

[0106] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the media handling device was described assuming that it was an automated teller machine. However, the media handling device may be a device other than an automated teller machine, such as a ticket issuing machine used in public transportation. When the media handling device is configured as a ticket issuing machine, the banknote handling unit built into the ticket issuing machine is configured as the media handling unit. In the above-described embodiment, the opening (receipt issuing port 106) is arranged horizontally, but when the banknote handling unit is configured as a media handling unit, the opening (banknote insertion / ejection port) may be arranged horizontally or vertically.

[0107] Foreign objects that are expected to be inserted incorrectly have a certain degree of elasticity (toughness), so there is a limit to the angle (magnitude) at which they can be bent. It is recommended that the automated teller machine 101 be designed so that the shortest distance between the inner wall surface 102in of the receipt issuing port 106 and the discharge port 12 of the media handling unit 107 in a side view, and the gap in the short direction of the receipt issuing port 106 in a front view, are small (narrowed). This allows the automated teller machine 101 to limit the range of movement of foreign objects, further preventing foreign objects (cards 94, 194) from entering the discharge port 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 11 Media transport path 12 Outlet 13 Guide member 13out Discharge direction surface 14 First guide section 15 Second guide section 20 Rib section 21 First rib section 22 Second rib section 23 Third rib section 23a Bottom (locking surface) 24 Fourth rib section 24a top 25 5th rib 26 6th rib section 30 Notch 31 First notch 32 Second notch 33 Third notch (center notch) 34 Fourth notch 35 5th notch (end side notch) 36 6th notch 31a,32a,33a,36a,142,144,145 Slope 31b,32b,33b,34b,35b,36b,141 Contact part 34a,35a Opposite surface (vertical surface) 41 1st shape part 42 Second shape part 43 Third shape part 43a Third shape part on center side 43b Third shape part on end side 43out Opposite surface (vertical surface) 44 Fourth shape part 45 Fifth shape part 51, 52, 53 Deterrent section 61 Locking area 94,194 cards 94a Insertion end 96 Receipts (sheet media) 101 Automatic teller machines (media handling devices) 102 Case 102in inner wall surface 103 Reception Department 104 Card slot 105 Card handling unit 106 Receipt issuing port (opening) 107 Media Handling Unit 108 Banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 109 Coin deposit / withdrawal slot 110 Operation display section 112 numeric keypad 113 Main control unit 114 Banknote processing unit 115 Coin Processing Department 201,202,203,204,205 area A11 Conveying direction (discharge direction) A12 Orthogonal transport direction Co61 Locking point

Claims

1. a medium transport path for transporting a sheet of medium; an outlet provided at one end of the medium transport path and configured to discharge the sheet medium in a discharge direction; a second shaped portion formed to protrude into the discharge port and including an inclined portion whose surface on the discharge direction side is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the medium transport path in a side view seen from the longitudinal direction of the discharge port; a third shape portion formed at a position spaced apart from the second shape portion in the longitudinal direction of the outlet, A locking area is formed between the second shaped portion and the third shaped portion to lock a foreign object that may be erroneously inserted into the outlet. Media handling unit.

2. The medium conveying device further includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion that are arranged opposite each other across the medium conveying path, the second shaped portion and the third shaped portion are provided on the first guide portion, the third shaped portion is formed to protrude in the discharge direction from a wall surface of the first guide portion on the side of the discharge direction, and has a locking surface that locks the foreign object between itself and the second shaped portion, The locking region is formed between the inclined portion of the second shape portion and the locking surface of the third shape portion. The media handling unit of claim 1 .

3. the engaging surface of the third shape portion is spaced further from the second guide portion than a part or the entirety of the inclined portion of the second shape portion; The media handling unit according to claim 2 .

4. one surface of the foreign object is held by the inclined portion of the second shape portion, and the other surface of the foreign object is held by the engaging surface of the third shape portion. The media handling unit according to claim 2 .

5. The inclined portion of the second shape portion guides the foreign object to a locking region when the foreign object comes into contact with the inclined portion of the second shape portion. The media handling unit of claim 1 .

6. the locking area is located downstream of the discharge port in the conveying direction; The media handling unit of claim 1 .

7. a first shaped portion formed so as to protrude into the outlet at a position spaced apart from the engaging surface in the longitudinal direction, the first shape portion includes a contact portion that contacts a foreign object erroneously inserted into the discharge port at a surface on the discharge direction side, The abutment portion is substantially perpendicular to the discharge direction. The media handling unit according to claim 2 .

8. The first shaped portion, the second shaped portion, and the third shaped portion are rib-shaped. The media handling unit of claim 7.

9. The third shape portion is formed at a position spaced apart from the first shape portion in the longitudinal direction. The media handling unit of claim 7.

10. the third shape portion is formed at a position spaced apart from the second shape portion on the opposite side of the first shape portion in the longitudinal direction, The media handling unit of claim 9.

11. The inclined portion of the second shape portion has a tip end in the discharge direction. The media handling unit of claim 7.

12. the first shape portion includes a contact portion that contacts a foreign object erroneously inserted into the discharge port at a surface on the discharge direction side, the abutment portion of the first shape portion is located at the same position as the tip end portion of the second shape portion or on the discharge direction side of the tip end portion in a side view seen from the longitudinal direction. The media handling unit of claim 11.

13. A plurality of the second shape portions are provided, The first shape portion is disposed on a center side in a longitudinal direction of the outlet, a plurality of the second shaped portions are arranged on the outer side in the longitudinal direction so as to sandwich the first shaped portion; The media handling unit of claim 7.

14. The first shape portion is provided in plurality. The media handling unit of claim 13.

15. The first shape portion is disposed near one end of the outlet in a longitudinal direction, The second shape portion is disposed near the other end of the outlet in the longitudinal direction. The media handling unit of claim 7.

16. a fourth shape portion at a position further separated from the first shape portion in the longitudinal direction than the second shape portion; the fourth shape portion is formed to protrude into the discharge port, and includes an inclined portion inclined such that a surface on the discharge direction side forms an acute angle with respect to the medium transport path in a side view seen from the longitudinal direction of the discharge port. The media handling unit of claim 7.

17. The medium handling unit according to claim 1; a housing that houses the media handling unit; The housing has an opening at a position opposite to a discharge opening of a medium transport path provided in the medium handling unit, for discharging the sheet medium discharged from the discharge opening to the outside. Media handling devices.

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