Media processing equipment

Abstract

The shift mechanism that changes the position of the transported medium will be miniaturized. [Solution] The media processing device (banknote processing device 1) comprises a conveyor 41 and a shift mechanism 5 that changes the position of the media being conveyed by the conveyor in the conveying direction to a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The shift mechanism comprises conveying rollers 521 and 531 that strike the surface of the media and convey the media, a casing 533 that supports the conveying rollers so that the conveying rollers rotate around a rotation axis X1, holders (first holder 535, second holder 536, third holder 537) that hold the casing around the casing so that the casing swings together with the conveying rollers around a pivot axis Z1 perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a drive unit 56 connected to the casing that swings the casing around the pivot axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a media processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional paper handling apparatus. The paper handling apparatus includes a centering mechanism. The centering mechanism centers the position of the paper during conveyance in the width direction of the paper perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The centering mechanism conveys the paper while holding the paper with a ball roller and a conveyance roller, and changes the position of the paper in the width direction by tilting the conveyance roller with respect to the conveyance direction of the paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional centering mechanism, the support mechanism for tilting the conveyance roller is located on the opposite side of the ball roller across the conveyance roller. Since the ball roller, the conveyance roller, and the support mechanism overlap in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, the conventional centering mechanism becomes large-sized.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein miniaturizes a shift mechanism that changes the position of a conveyed medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a media processing apparatus. This media processing apparatus a conveyor that conveys a medium in a conveyance direction, The conveyor comprises a shift mechanism which forms part of the conveyor and changes the position of the medium being transported in the transport direction by the conveyor to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The aforementioned shift mechanism is A transport roller that contacts the surface of the medium and transports the medium, A casing that supports the conveying roller so that the conveying roller rotates around a rotation axis, A holder that holds the casing around the casing such that the casing swings together with the conveyor rollers around a pivot axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, It has a drive unit connected to the casing and which causes the casing to swing about the pivot axis.

[0007] The media processing device has a shift mechanism. The shift mechanism changes the position of the media in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The media is, for example, sheets of paper. The sheets of paper may be, for example, banknotes, checks, gift certificates, or securities. The conveyor transports the sheets of paper in a direction parallel to the paper surface. The shift mechanism changes the position of the sheets of paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the paper surface.

[0008] The shift mechanism has conveyor rollers. The casing supports the conveyor rollers. The conveyor rollers supported by the casing rotate around a rotation axis. The rotating conveyor rollers strike the surface of the medium and convey the medium.

[0009] The holder holds the casing around its circumference. The casing, held by the holder, can oscillate around a pivot axis together with the conveyor rollers. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The drive unit causes the casing to oscillate around the pivot axis.

[0010] Generally, a casing that pivots around a pivot axis is supported so as to be able to pivot by bearings positioned on the pivot axis. Because the casing and the bearings positioned on the pivot axis overlap in the direction in which the pivot axis extends, the shift mechanism becomes large.

[0011] In the aforementioned shift mechanism, the holder is located around the casing. The holder and the casing do not overlap in the direction in which the pivot axis extends. The shift mechanism does not become large.

[0012] The casing has an arcuate surface around the pivot axis, The holder may include at least a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis and that contact the arcuate surface.

[0013] The first, second, and third holders can also stably hold the casing so that it can pivot around the pivot axis by contacting the arcuate surface of the casing.

[0014] The holder may be annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical.

[0015] Annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical holders reduce friction between the oscillating casing and the holder. The casing oscillates responsively to the drive unit's movement. The shift mechanism allows for quick and precise changes in the media's position.

[0016] The shift mechanism further includes an opposing roller that faces the conveying roller and conveys the medium with the medium sandwiched between it and the conveying roller, The opposing roller may maintain its orientation in the conveying direction while the conveying roller swings around the pivot axis.

[0017] As the conveyor rollers oscillate around their pivot axis, the opposing rollers maintain their orientation in the conveying direction. As a result, the medium changes position perpendicular to the conveying direction while being transported in that direction. In other words, the medium is transported at an angle to the conveying direction.

[0018] The casing and the conveying roller may oscillate by θ degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the pivot axis with respect to the direction of conveying.

[0019] Since the casing and the conveying roller swing in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions respectively with respect to the conveying direction, the shift mechanism can change the position of the medium to each of the first side and the second side with respect to the conveying direction. The shift mechanism can change the position of the medium, for example, to the center of the conveying path.

[0020] The θ degrees may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

[0021] Since the swing angles of the casing and the conveying roller are limited, the shift mechanism can stably change the position of the medium.

[0022] The conveyor has a first roller pair that holds the medium at an upstream position in the conveying direction with respect to the shift mechanism. The first roller pair may reduce the holding force of the medium before the casing and the conveying roller of the shift mechanism swing.

[0023] Reducing the holding force means reducing it below the holding force when the first roller pair conveys the medium. Note that the holding force of the first roller pair may be zero. The holding force of the first roller pair may be reduced at the timing before the conveying roller of the shift mechanism hits the medium and the shift mechanism starts conveying the medium and before the conveying roller swings.

[0024] When the holding force of the first roller pair is reduced, the restraint of the medium by the first roller pair is relaxed. While the shift mechanism is changing the position of the medium, the holding force of the first roller pair is reduced, so the first roller pair does not impede the change in the position of the medium. The shift mechanism can stably execute the change in the position of the medium.

[0025] The conveyor has a second roller pair that holds the medium at a downstream position in the conveying direction with respect to the shift mechanism. The second roller pair may increase the holding force of the medium after the swinging of the casing and the conveying roller of the shift mechanism ends.

[0026] Increasing the gripping force means increasing it to the level at which the second roller pair grips the medium when transporting it. The gripping force of the second roller pair may be increased from zero to the level at which the second roller pair grips the medium when transporting it.

[0027] Because the gripping force of the second roller pair decreases while the shift mechanism is changing the position of the medium, the second roller pair does not hinder the change in the position of the medium. The shift mechanism can stably change the position of the medium. After the shift mechanism has finished changing the position of the medium, the second roller pair can transport the medium.

[0028] The shift mechanism has a right shift mechanism and a left shift mechanism located on both sides of the transport center line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The right shift mechanism has a right gear that rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis, which transmits power from the second drive unit that drives the conveyor roller to the conveyor roller. The left shift mechanism has a left gear that rotates around a third rotation axis parallel to the oscillating axis and the second rotation axis, which transmits the power of the second drive unit to the transport roller. In a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance from the conveying center line to the right gear and the distance from the conveying center line to the left gear may be different.

[0029] In the right-shift mechanism, the right gear rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis, causing the conveyor roller to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis. As the conveyor roller oscillates around the pivot axis, the right gear moves along a circular trajectory centered on the pivot axis. Depending on the direction in which the right gear moves along the circular trajectory, the rotation of the conveyor roller meshing with the right gear increases or decreases. The same applies to the left gear in the left-shift mechanism.

[0030] In a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance from the conveying center line to the right gear is different from the distance from the conveying center line to the left gear. That is, in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, if the right gear in the right shift mechanism is located to the right of the conveying roller, then the left gear in the left shift mechanism is located to the right of the conveying roller, and if the right gear in the right shift mechanism is located to the left of the conveying roller, then the left gear in the left shift mechanism is located to the left of the conveying roller. The right shift mechanism and the left shift mechanism cause the conveying roller to oscillate in the same direction around the pivot axis. The right gear of the right shift mechanism and the left gear of the left shift mechanism move in the same direction along a circular trajectory. When the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism increases in speed, the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism also increases in speed, and when the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism decelerates, the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism also decelerates. The above configuration suppresses the discrepancy between the rotational speed of the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism and the rotational speed of the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism.

[0031] The system further includes an identification sensor located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, which acquires information about the medium being conveyed by the conveyor. The drive unit may also cause the casing to swing around the pivot axis in accordance with the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0032] The identification sensor may identify the relative position of the medium being transported by the conveyor with respect to the conveyor center line. The drive unit may drive the shift mechanism so that the center of the medium aligns with the conveyor center line, according to the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0033] The system further includes a processor that acquires the amount of change X of the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, based on the information acquired by the identification sensor. The shift mechanism has first to Nth (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) shift mechanisms arranged in the transport direction. The processor may calculate the change amount X / N for each shift mechanism and set the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the change amount X / N.

[0034] Because multiple shifting mechanisms share the task of changing the position of the media, the amount of position change performed by a single shifting mechanism is relatively small. Multiple shifting mechanisms can stably change the position of the media to the desired position.

[0035] The media processing device is An intake port for sending the media into the enclosure, The system further comprises a safe for storing the medium sent out from the intake port, The shift mechanism changes the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on the medium information acquired by the identification sensor. The conveyor may transport the medium whose position has been changed to the storage unit.

[0036] By changing the position of the media stored in the storage compartment, the positions of multiple media stored in the compartment become aligned. The media processing device can stably store the media in the storage compartment.

[0037] The medium may be defined as banknotes of different sizes depending on the denomination.

[0038] The shift mechanism can align the positions of multiple banknotes of different sizes. The media processing device is suitable for processing multiple banknotes of different sizes.

[0039] The identification sensor has an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes. The media processing device may perform processing according to the denomination of the euro banknote based on the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0040] Euro banknotes are different sizes depending on the denomination. Because the media processing equipment can align the positions of multiple banknotes of different sizes using a shifting mechanism, it is well-suited for processing Euro banknotes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] The aforementioned media processing device allows for miniaturization of the shift mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a banknote processing device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the shift mechanism. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control device for the shift mechanism. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a plan view and a side view of the shift mechanism. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the casing that supports the conveyor rollers. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the conveyor roller, the opposing roller, and the gear set that transmits power to the conveyor roller. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a portion of the flowchart related to the control of the shift mechanism. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a portion of the flowchart related to the control of the shift mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the casing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The following describes an embodiment of the media processing apparatus with reference to the drawings. The media processing apparatus described here is illustrative.

[0044] (Overall structure of the media processing device) Figure 1 shows the internal structure of a banknote processing device 1, which is an example of a media processing device. The banknote processing device 1 processes banknotes as a medium. More specifically, the banknote processing device 1 processes loose banknotes. Note that the medium is not limited to banknotes. The banknote processing device 1 is installed in a financial institution such as a bank. The banknote processing device 1 performs various processes, including deposit and withdrawal processing. A bank teller operates the banknote processing device 1. Note that the banknote processing device 1 may be operated by a bank customer. Note that the banknote processing device is not limited to devices installed in financial institutions. The banknote processing device 1 may be installed in the back office of a retail store, for example.

[0045] The banknote processing device 1 has an upper processing unit 11 and a lower safe 13. The processing unit 11 has a deposit unit 21, a dispensing unit 22, a temporary holding unit 24, an identification sensor 25, and an upper conveyor 41. The safe 13 has a plurality of storage units 31-35 and a lower conveyor 42. The safe 13 protects the storage units 31-35 with a security level of a predetermined or higher.

[0046] An external cassette 36 can be used with the banknote processing device 1. The banknote processing device 1 includes a loading unit 28. The external cassette 36 is detachably mounted on the loading unit 28. The external cassette 36 may be used for replenishment or collection of banknotes in the banknote processing device 1.

[0047] The operator inserts banknotes into the deposit unit 21, for example, during a deposit transaction. The deposit unit 21 can hold multiple banknotes stacked on top of each other. The deposit unit 21 has a feeder that sends banknotes one by one into the housing of the banknote processing device 1. The deposit unit 21 is an example of a banknote intake.

[0048] The banknote processing device 1, for example during a dispensing transaction, transports banknotes dispensed from the storage unit to the dispensing unit 22. The dispensing unit 22 can hold multiple banknotes stacked on top of each other. The operator manually removes the banknotes accumulated in the dispensing unit 22. The dispensing unit 22 may also have a shutter for opening and closing the dispensing slot.

[0049] The temporary holding section 24 can temporarily store banknotes, for example, during deposit processing. The temporary holding section 24 can also temporarily store banknotes that were not determined to be valid banknotes, for example, during replenishment or collection processing. The temporary holding section 24 can dispense the stored banknotes. The temporary holding section 24 is a tape-type storage unit. A tape-type storage unit with a known configuration can be used for the temporary holding section 24. The temporary holding section 24 stores banknotes by winding them onto a drum together with tape. The tape-type storage unit has the advantage of being able to store banknotes of various sizes in a mixed state.

[0050] The identification sensor 25 is located in the first transport path 411, which will be described later. The identification sensor 25 can identify at least the authenticity, denomination, and condition of each banknote being transported along the first transport path 411. The identification sensor 25 can also obtain the serial number of the banknote. The identification sensor 25 can also determine the position of the banknote in the first transport path 411, more precisely, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 2, the position of the banknote 9 being transported along the first transport path 411 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, with respect to the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411.

[0051] The banknote processing device 1 has a first storage section 31, a second storage section 32, a third storage section 33, a fourth storage section 34, and a fifth storage section 35. The number of storage sections in the banknote processing device 1 is not limited to a specific number. The first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34 can each store banknotes of different denominations. The first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34 may each store banknotes that are to be dispensed. The fifth storage section 35 stores banknotes that are not stored in the first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34. The fifth storage section 35 may not store banknotes that are to be dispensed. The fifth storage section 35 may also store banknotes that are to be recovered from the banknote processing device 1.

[0052] The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each have a transport path. The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each transport banknotes one by one along the transport path, leaving a gap between each banknote. The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each transport banknotes with the long edge of the banknote facing forward, so as to be parallel to the surface of the paper. The transport path is composed of a combination of multiple rollers, multiple belts, motors that drive them, and multiple guides.

[0053] The upper conveyor 41 transports banknotes along a transport path connecting the deposit section 21, the dispensing section 22, the temporary holding section 24, the identification sensor 25, and the mounting unit 28. The lower conveyor 42 is connected to the upper conveyor 41. The lower conveyor 42 also transports banknotes along a transport path connecting the first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, the fourth storage section 34, and the fifth storage section 35.

[0054] The banknote processing device 1 is equipped with a shift mechanism 5. The shift mechanism 5 is located in the first transport path 411, alongside the identification sensor 25. The shift mechanism 5 is located downstream of the identification sensor 25 in the first transport path 411. The shift mechanism 5 changes the position of banknotes being transported along the first transport path 411 by the upper conveyor 41 in the transport direction to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Specifically, when the banknote processing device 1 performs a deposit process, if the center of each banknote in the width direction is offset from the transport center line Y1 after it has been identified by the identification sensor 25, the shift mechanism 5 changes the position of the banknote in the width direction so that the center of the banknote coincides with the transport center line Y1. As the positions of the banknotes to be stored in the storage units 31-35 are aligned, the storage units 31-35 can store banknotes stably. In addition, the storage units 31-35 can dispense banknotes stably.

[0055] The misalignment of banknotes is due to the position of the banknotes inserted into the deposit section 21. For example, when a customer of a financial institution operates the banknote processing device 1, there is considerable variation in the position of the banknotes inserted into the deposit section 21. By changing the position of the banknotes with the shift mechanism 5, the banknote processing device 1 can stably perform various processing operations.

[0056] Here, for example, euro banknotes differ in size depending on the denomination. Smaller banknotes may have greater positional variation. When the banknote processing device 1 processes banknotes of different sizes, aligning the positions of the banknotes so that their centers align with the transport center line Y1 is advantageous for the stable execution of the processing device 1. The identification sensor 25 may have an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes so that the banknote processing device 1 can process euro banknotes. Note that banknotes that differ in size depending on the denomination are not limited to euro banknotes. The banknote processing device 1 is not limited to a device that processes euro banknotes. Also, the banknote processing device 1 may process banknotes of the same size even if they are of different denominations.

[0057] (Structure of the shift mechanism) Figure 2 schematically shows the shift mechanism 5 located on the first transport path 411. The upper part of Figure 2 is a plan view of the shift mechanism 5, and the lower part is a side view of the shift mechanism 5. The left side of Figure 2 is the side where the identification sensor 25 is located, and the right side of Figure 2 is the opposite side. The white arrows in Figure 2 indicate the direction in which the banknotes 9 are transported, and here they indicate the direction in which the banknotes 9 are transported along the first transport path 411 during deposit processing. In the following explanation, following the direction of the white arrows in Figure 2, the left side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the upstream side in the transport direction of the banknotes 9, and the right side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the downstream side in the transport direction of the banknotes 9.

[0058] The shift mechanism 5 has multiple shift mechanisms. Specifically, the shift mechanism 5 has a first shift mechanism 51 and a second shift mechanism 55. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 are arranged side by side along the transport direction. The first shift mechanism 51 is located on the side closer to the identification sensor 25, and the second shift mechanism 55 is located on the side further away from the identification sensor 25.

[0059] Upstream of the first shift mechanism 51 is the first roller pair 61. The first roller pair 61 is a pair of rollers that grips the banknote 9 and transports the banknote 9 in the transport direction. The first roller pair 61 has a roller 611 that contacts the first side of the banknote 9 and a roller 612 that contacts the second side of the banknote 9. Rollers 611 and 612 each rotate around a rotation axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. The upper roller 611 can move vertically upward and is configured to change its relative position to roller 612. When transporting the banknote 9, rollers 611 and 612 grip the banknote 9 with a predetermined gripping force. The first roller pair 61 can also reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9 by moving roller 611 away from roller 612, as shown by the black arrow in the lower diagram of Figure 2. More precisely, the first roller pair 61 can reduce the gripping force on banknote 9 to zero.

[0060] The first roller pairs 61 are located on the right and left sides of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411. The right-side first roller pair 61 grips the right side of the banknote 9, and the left-side first roller pair 61 grips the left side of the banknote 9. The right-side first roller pair 61 and the left-side first roller pair 61 share a common shaft.

[0061] Downstream of the second shift mechanism 55 is the second roller pair 62. Like the first roller pair 61, the second roller pair 62 is a roller pair that grips the banknote 9 and transports the banknote 9 in the transport direction. The second roller pair 62 has a roller 621 that contacts the first side of the banknote 9 and a roller 622 that contacts the second side of the banknote 9. Rollers 621 and 622 each rotate around a rotation axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. When transporting the banknote 9, rollers 621 and 622 grip the banknote 9 with a predetermined gripping force. The second roller pair 62 can also reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9, or more precisely, reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9 to zero, by having roller 621 move away from roller 622, as shown by the black arrow in the lower part of Figure 2.

[0062] The second roller pairs 62 are located on the right and left sides of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411. The right-side second roller pair 62 grips the right side of the banknote 9, and the left-side second roller pair 62 grips the left side of the banknote 9. The right-side second roller pair 62 and the left-side second roller pair 62 share a common shaft.

[0063] The first shift mechanism 51 includes a right shift mechanism 52 and a left shift mechanism 53. The right shift mechanism 52 is located on the right side of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411, and the left shift mechanism 53 is located on the left side of the transport center line Y1. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure, as will be described later.

[0064] The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 each have transport rollers 521 and 531 and opposing rollers 522 and 532, respectively. The transport rollers 521 and 531 are rollers that contact the first side of the banknote 9. The opposing rollers 522 and 532 are rollers that contact the second side of the banknote 9 and hold the banknote 9 between themselves and the transport rollers 521 and 531.

[0065] The conveyor rollers 521 and 531 rotate around a rotation axis X1 that extends perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. The conveyor roller 521 also oscillates around a pivot axis Z1 that extends vertically perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the conveyor roller 531 oscillates around a pivot axis Z2 that extends vertically perpendicular to the conveying direction (see the black arrows in the upper diagram of Figure 2).

[0066] The opposing rollers 522 and 532 rotate around a rotation axis X2 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The opposing rollers 522 and 532 do not oscillate around the oscillation axes Z1 and Z2, and remain oriented in the direction of conveying the banknotes 9.

[0067] The second shift mechanism 55 has the same structure as the first shift mechanism 51. The second shift mechanism 55 has a right shift mechanism 52 located on the right side of the conveying center line Y1 and a left shift mechanism 53 located on the left side of the conveying center line Y1. The right shift mechanism 52 of the second shift mechanism 55 is the same as the right shift mechanism 52 of the first shift mechanism 51. The right shift mechanism 52 of the second shift mechanism 55 has a conveying roller 521 and an opposing roller 522. The left shift mechanism 53 of the second shift mechanism 55 is the same as the left shift mechanism 53 of the first shift mechanism 51. The left shift mechanism 53 of the second shift mechanism 55 has a conveying roller 531 and an opposing roller 532.

[0068] In the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, with the conveying rollers 521 and 531 and the opposing rollers 522 and 532 gripping the banknote 9, the conveying rollers 521 and 531 both tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2. As a result, the banknote 9 changes position in the direction in which the conveying rollers 521 and 531 are tilted. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can change the position of the banknote 9 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction while conveying the banknote 9 in the conveying direction. Specifically, the conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2, thereby shifting the position of the banknote 9 in a coordinated manner. The conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55 tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2, thereby shifting the position of the banknote 9 in a coordinated manner. Overall, with respect to the banknotes 9 passing through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, the transport rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 and the transport rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55 work together to shift the position of the banknotes 9. As shown by the dashed arrow in the upper part of Figure 2, the banknotes 9 are transported in a direction inclined with respect to the transport center line Y1. As a result, if the center position of the banknote 9 that has passed through the identification sensor 25 is misaligned with the transport center line Y1, the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can change the position of the banknote 9 so that its center position coincides with the transport center line Y1.

[0069] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control device for the shift mechanism 5. The control device comprises a controller 27. The controller 27 has at least a processor, memory, I / O circuitry, and a timer. The processor executes a program. The memory stores the program and data for controlling the shift mechanism 5. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory). The I / O circuitry performs input and output of electrical signals between the controller 27 and devices connected to the controller 27. The shift mechanism 5 can change the position of the banknotes 9 by outputting control signals from the controller 27 to the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and the second roller pair 62. The timer is used to control the shift mechanism 5.

[0070] The identification sensor 25 is connected to the controller 27. The identification sensor 25 outputs information about the position of the banknotes 9 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to the controller 27. Based on the signal from the identification sensor 25, the controller 27 determines whether or not the position of the banknotes 9 needs to be changed. If a position change is necessary, it determines the amount of position shift for the banknotes 9 and outputs control signals to the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and / or the second roller pair 62.

[0071] A detection sensor 26 is connected to a controller 27. The detection sensor 26 is installed on the first transport path 411. The detection sensor 26 outputs positional information regarding the transport direction of the banknotes 9 being transported along the first transport path 411 to the controller 27. Based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, the controller 27 determines the control timing of the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and / or the second roller pair 62.

[0072] Further details regarding the control of the shift mechanism 5 by the controller 27 will be described later.

[0073] (Detailed structure of the shift mechanism) Figure 4 is a top view of the shift mechanism 5. The shift mechanism 5 is either the first shift mechanism 51 or the second shift mechanism 55. The banknotes 9 are transported from top to bottom (in the direction of the Y arrow) as shown by the white arrows in Figure 4. Figure 4 also includes a side view of the right shift mechanism 52. The side view corresponds to the right shift mechanism 52 in the top view of Figure 4, viewed from top to bottom (see (a) and (b)).

[0074] As mentioned above, the shift mechanism 5 has a right shift mechanism 52 and a left shift mechanism 53. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure. Below, the structure of the shift mechanism 5 will be explained using the right shift mechanism 52 as an example.

[0075] The right shift mechanism 52 has a conveyor roller 521. The conveyor roller 521 is held in a casing 533. The casing 533 holds the conveyor roller 521 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis X1.

[0076] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the casing 533. The casing 533 has a roughly hemispherical shape. As shown in the side view of Figure 4, the conveyor roller 521 protrudes from the lower end of the casing 533. The conveyor roller 521 protruding from the lower end of the casing 533 contacts the opposing roller 522. The conveyor roller 521 and the opposing roller 522 transport the banknotes 9 by sandwiching them between them.

[0077] The casing 533 oscillates around the pivot axis Z1. When the casing 533 oscillates, the conveying rollers 521 held in the casing 533 also oscillate around the pivot axis Z1. The casing 533 has an arcuate surface 534. The arcuate surface 534 is centered on the pivot axis Z1. The arcuate surface 534 is located at the lower end of the casing 533.

[0078] The casing 533 is held by holders so as to pivot about a pivot axis Z1. The holders include a first holder 535, a second holder 536, and a third holder 537. The first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis Z1. In plan view, the pivot axis Z1 of the casing 533 is positioned equidistant from the centers of the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537. The first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are annular. Each of the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 can rotate about an axis parallel to the pivot axis Z1 while in contact with the arcuate surface 534.

[0079] Here, the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are each located at the same height as the casing 533. The bearings that pivotally support the casing 533 are generally positioned overlapping the casing 533 in the direction in which the pivot axis extends. However, this common structure makes the shift mechanism 5 larger in the vertical direction.

[0080] The structure in which the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 hold the casing 533 around the casing 533 suppresses the increase in size of the shift mechanism 5.

[0081] Furthermore, the first holder 535, second holder 536, and third holder 537, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, can stably hold the casing 533. In addition, since the annular first to third holders 535 to 537 abut against the arcuate surface 534, friction with the casing 533 when the casing 533 swings can be reduced. The shift mechanism 5 can swing the transport roller 521 with good responsiveness to the drive of the drive unit 56, which will be described later. The shift mechanism 5 can quickly and accurately change the position of the banknotes 9 without reducing the transport speed of the banknotes 9.

[0082] Furthermore, the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are not limited to annular shapes, but may also be ball-shaped or cylindrical.

[0083] The casing 533 has a connecting portion 538. The connecting portion 538 protrudes radially outward from the casing 533. A link 54 is connected to the connecting portion 538. The link 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The link 54 is connected to the connecting portion 538 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the connecting portion 538 of the left shift mechanism 53, respectively.

[0084] Link 54 is connected to the drive unit 56. The drive unit 56 causes the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 to swing.

[0085] The drive unit 56 includes an electric motor 561 and an arm 562 connected to the shaft of the electric motor 561. The shaft of the electric motor 561 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis Z1. A link 54 is connected to the tip of the arm 562. When the shaft of the electric motor 561 rotates, the link 54 reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (see arrow in Figure 4). Due to the reciprocating motion of the link 54, the casing 533 oscillates θ degrees to the right and to the left, respectively, around the pivot axis Z1. θ degrees may be set appropriately within a range greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees. Together with the casing 533, the conveying rollers 521 and 531 oscillate to the right and to the left, respectively, around the pivot axis Z1.

[0086] As shown in Figure 6, even when the conveying roller 521 swings around the pivot axis Z1, the opposing roller 522 remains oriented in the conveying direction. The angle of the opposing roller 522 with respect to the conveying direction remains unchanged and fixed. This structure allows the shift mechanism 5 to stably change the position of the banknotes 9 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction while conveying the banknotes 9 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, because the swing angle is limited to θ degrees, the shift mechanism 5 can stably change the position of the banknotes 9.

[0087] Reference numeral 539 denotes the sensor target 539. The target 539 extends radially outward from the casing 533. The target 539 is a convex-shaped member. As the casing 533 oscillates, the target 539 moves along the trajectory of a circle centered on the oscillation axis Z1. An optical sensor is positioned to sandwich the target 539 in the vertical direction. By detecting the target 539, the sensor can detect the orientation of the casing 533 around the oscillation axis Z1.

[0088] Figure 6 shows the drive structure of the conveyor roller 521. This drive structure rotates the conveyor roller 521 around the rotation axis X1. The opposing roller 522 is a driven roller that is rotated by the conveyor roller 521.

[0089] The right shift mechanism 52 has a right gear set 57. The right gear set 57 includes a first gear 571 and a second gear 572. As shown by dashed lines in Figure 4, both the first gear 571 and the second gear 572 are supported by the casing 533. In detail, the first gear 571 is located above the casing 533, and the second gear 572 is located in an opening 5312 provided in the casing 533. A first support 5310, shown in Figure 5, supports the first gear 571, and a second support 5311 supports the second gear 572.

[0090] The first gear 571 is a gear coaxial with the oscillating shaft Z1 of the casing 533. The first gear 571 is connected to the second drive unit 58 and receives the driving force from the second drive unit 58. The second drive unit 58 is a drive unit that drives the conveyor rollers 521 and 531.

[0091] The second gear 572 is a gear that connects the first gear 571 and the conveyor roller 521. The second gear 572 is located to the side of the first gear 571 and rotates around an axis parallel to the pivot axis Z1. When the first gear 571 rotates, the second gear 572 rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear 571. The second gear 572 has teeth 573 and teeth 574. Teeth 573 and 574 overlap in the axial direction of the second gear 572. Teeth 573 are teeth that mesh with the first gear 571, and teeth 574 are teeth that mesh with the bevel gear 5211 which is integrally provided with the conveyor roller 521. As shown in Figure 5, the casing 533 has an opening 5312. Through the opening 5312, the teeth 574 of the second gear 572 and the bevel gear 5211 of the conveyor roller 521 mesh. As the second gear 572 rotates, the conveyor roller 521 rotates around a rotation axis X1 that is perpendicular to the axis of the second gear 572.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure. The second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 is located to the right of the conveyor roller 521, and the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also located to the right of the conveyor roller 531. In the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance L1 from the conveyor center line Y1 to the second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the distance L2 from the conveyor center line Y1 to the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 are different. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 are not symmetrical with respect to the conveyor center line Y1.

[0093] In the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53, as the casing 533 and the conveying rollers 521, 531 oscillate around the pivot axis Z1, the second gear 572 moves along a circular trajectory centered on the pivot axis Z1 while meshed with the bevel gear 5211 of the conveying roller 521. Depending on the direction of movement of the second gear 572, the conveying roller 521 is accelerated or decelerated.

[0094] As mentioned above, the second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 is located to the right of the conveyor roller 521, and the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also located to the right of the conveyor roller 531. Since the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 oscillate in the same direction, the direction of movement of the second gear 572 accompanying the oscillation is also the same for both the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53. Therefore, when the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 is accelerated, the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also accelerated, and when the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 is decelerated, the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also decelerated. Since there is no speed difference between the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53, the shift mechanism 5 can stably transport the banknotes 9 and change the position of the banknotes 9.

[0095] (Control of the shift mechanism) Figures 7A and 7B show the control procedure of the shift mechanism 5 performed by the controller 27. In step S71 after the start, the controller 27 receives information from the identification sensor 25. The identification sensor 25 outputs position information of the banknote 9 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to the controller 27. In step S72, the controller 27 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the position of the banknote 9 by the shift mechanism 5. If the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1 and no position change is necessary, the process proceeds to step S714 in Figure 7B. The controller 27 does not change the position of the banknote 9 by the shift mechanism 5. In step S714, the first roller pair 61 on the upstream side and the second roller pair 62 on the downstream side of the shift mechanism 5 grip the banknote 9 and transport the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 52 also transport the banknote 9 in the transport direction without changing its position in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0096] In step S72, if the discrepancy between the center position of the banknote 9 and the transport center line Y1 is greater than a predetermined amount and a position change is necessary, the controller 27 determines in step S73 whether the amount of position change, i.e., the shift amount X, is greater than a predetermined amount. If the shift amount X is large, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 cooperate to change the position of the banknote 9. If the shift amount X is small, only the first shift mechanism 51 changes the position of the banknote 9.

[0097] If the decision in step S73 is Yes, the controller 27 sets the shift amount X / N per shift mechanism in step S74. N is the number of shift mechanisms in the shift mechanism 5, and in this case, N=2. In the following step S75, the controller 27 sets the oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 and the oscillation angle of the second shift mechanism 55 from the shift amount X / N per shift mechanism. The oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 and the oscillation angle of the second shift mechanism 55 are the same. The direction of oscillation is based on the position of the banknote 9. Since multiple shift mechanisms 51 and 52 share the task of changing the position of the banknote 9, the amount of position change by a single shift mechanism 51 or 52 is relatively small. Multiple shift mechanisms 51 and 52 can stably change the position of the banknote 9 to the desired position even if the position of the banknote 9 is significantly shifted.

[0098] Then, in step S76, if the controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, it starts counting on the timer. Based on the timer count value, if the controller 27 determines that the first shift mechanism 51 has gripped the banknote 9, in the following step S77, the controller 27 releases the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62. Once the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, in step S78, the controller 27 swings the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 at the swing angle set in step S75.

[0099] The controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the timer count value and terminates the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 in step S715 (see Figure 7B). As the banknote 9 passes through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, its position changes, and after passing through the second shift mechanism 55, the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1 (see the dashed arrow in the upper part of Figure 2). The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 apply a force to the banknote 9 in a direction tilted by the oscillation angle obtained from the shift amount X / N with respect to the transport direction from upstream to downstream. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 transport the banknote 9 in the transport direction from upstream to downstream while changing its position in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction as it passes through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55.

[0100] Once the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 is complete, the controller 27 restarts the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 in step S716. The first roller pair 61 and / or the second roller pair 62 transport the banknotes 9.

[0101] While the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 are changing the position of the banknote 9, the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, so that the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 do not obstruct the changing of the position of the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can stably perform the changing of the position of the banknote 9.

[0102] Alternatively, instead of releasing the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62, the gripping force of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 may be reduced to a level lower than the gripping force used when transporting the banknote 9.

[0103] Returning to step S73, if the determination in step S73 is No, the controller 27 sets the shift amount X of the first shift mechanism 51 in step S79. In the following step S710, the controller 27 sets the oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 from the shift amount X. The direction of oscillation is based on the position of the banknote 9.

[0104] Then, in step S711, if the controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, it starts counting on the timer. Based on the timer count value, if the controller 27 determines that the first shift mechanism 51 has gripped the banknote 9, in the following step S712, the controller 27 releases the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62. Once the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, the controller 27, in step S713, swings the first shift mechanism 51 at the swing angle set in step S710.

[0105] The controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the timer count value and terminates the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 in step S717 (see Figure 7B). As the banknote 9 passes through the first shift mechanism 51, its position changes, and after passing through the first shift mechanism 51, the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1.

[0106] Once the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 is complete, the controller 27 resumes gripping the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 in step S718. As described above, since the gripping of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released while the first shift mechanism 51 is changing the position of the banknote 9, the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 do not obstruct the changing of the position of the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 can stably change the position of the banknote 9.

[0107] Alternatively, instead of releasing the grip of the first roller pair 61, the gripping force of the first roller pair 61 may be reduced to a level lower than the gripping force used when transporting the banknote 9.

[0108] In addition, in step S712, only the first roller pair 61 adjacent to the first shift mechanism 51 may have its grip released or its grip force reduced.

[0109] (modified version) Figure 8 shows a modified casing 533. This casing 533 has engaging portions 5313 that restrict the vertical position of the casing 533. The engaging portions 5313 protrude radially outward from the arcuate surface 534 of the casing 533. The upper and lower sides of the engaging portions 5313 engage with an engaging portion (not shown), thereby restricting the vertical displacement of the casing 533.

[0110] In step S73 of Figure 7, it is determined whether the amount of position change, i.e., the shift amount X, is greater than a predetermined value. If the shift amount X is large, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 work together to change the position of the banknote 9 (steps S74 to S715). If the shift amount X is small, only the first shift mechanism 51 changes the position of the banknote 9 (steps S79 to S717), but this is not limited to this. If a shift of the banknote 9 is necessary, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 may work together to change the position of the banknote 9 regardless of the shift amount X. In this case, a single drive unit 56 (electric motor 561) may be connected to both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 to operate both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55.

[0111] The shift mechanism 5 is not limited to having a first shift mechanism 51 and a second shift mechanism 55. The shift mechanism 5 may have only the first shift mechanism 51. Furthermore, the shift mechanism 5 may have three or more shift mechanisms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Banknote processing equipment (media processing equipment) 13 Safe 21. Deposit section (intake slot) 25 Identification Sensors 27. Controller (Processor) 41 Upper conveyor 5 Shift mechanism 51. First Shift Mechanism 52 Right shift mechanism 53 Left-hand shift mechanism 55. Second Shift Mechanism 521 Conveyor roller 522 Opposing Roller 531 Conveyor roller 532 Opposing roller 533 Casing 534 Circular arc surface 535 First holder 536 Second holder 537 Third holder 56 Drive unit 57 Right gear set 571 First Gear 572 Second gear (right gear, left gear) 58 Second drive unit 61 First Laura vs. 62. 2nd Laura vs. 9 Banknotes (medium) X1 Rotation axis Y1 Central Transport Line Z1 pivot axis Z2 pivot axis

Claims

1. A conveyor that transports the medium in the transport direction, The conveyor comprises a shift mechanism which forms part of the conveyor and changes the position of the medium being transported in the transport direction by the conveyor to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The aforementioned shift mechanism is A transport roller that contacts the surface of the medium and transports the medium, A casing that supports the conveying roller so that the conveying roller rotates around a rotation axis, A holder that holds the casing around the casing such that the casing swings together with the conveyor rollers around a pivot axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, A drive unit connected to the casing and which causes the casing to swing about the pivot axis, Media processing device.

2. The casing has an arcuate surface around the pivot axis, The holder includes at least a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder, which are positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis and in contact with the arcuate surface. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The holder is annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The shift mechanism further includes an opposing roller that faces the conveying roller and conveys the medium with the medium sandwiched between it and the conveying roller, The opposing roller maintains its orientation in the conveying direction while the conveying roller swings about the pivot axis. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The casing and the conveying rollers swing by θ degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the pivot axis with respect to the direction of conveying. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned θ degree is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees. The media processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The conveyor has a first pair of rollers for gripping the medium, located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction. The first roller pair reduces the gripping force on the medium before the casing and the conveying rollers of the shift mechanism begin to swing. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The conveyor has a second pair of rollers for gripping the medium, located downstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction. The second pair of rollers increases the gripping force of the medium after the oscillating of the casing and the conveying rollers of the shift mechanism has finished. The media processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The shift mechanism has a right shift mechanism and a left shift mechanism located on both sides of the transport center line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The aforementioned right shift mechanism has a right gear that rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis, which transmits the power of the second drive unit that drives the conveyor roller to the conveyor roller. The left shift mechanism has a left gear that rotates around a third rotation axis parallel to the oscillating axis and the second rotation axis, which transmits the power of the second drive unit to the transport roller. In a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance from the conveying center line to the right gear and the distance from the conveying center line to the left gear are different. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system further includes an identification sensor located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, which acquires information about the medium being conveyed by the conveyor. The drive unit causes the casing to swing around the pivot axis in accordance with the information acquired by the identification sensor. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The system further includes a processor that acquires the amount of change X of the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, based on the information acquired by the identification sensor. The shift mechanism has first to Nth (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) shift mechanisms arranged in the transport direction. The processor calculates the amount of change X / N for each shift mechanism and sets the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the amount of change X / N. The media processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. An intake port for sending the media into the enclosure, The system further comprises a safe for storing the medium sent out from the intake port, The shift mechanism changes the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on the medium information acquired by the identification sensor. The conveyor transports the medium whose position has been changed to the storage unit. The media processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The medium is banknotes, which vary in size depending on the denomination. A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The identification sensor has an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes. The media processing device performs processing according to the denomination of the euro banknote based on the information acquired by the identification sensor. The media processing apparatus according to claim 13.

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