Automated trading device

Abstract

When the magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe of a closed passbook, the magnetic head moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, preventing the passbook from being shaken relative to the transport direction. [Solution] The automated trading device includes a first guide wall and a second guide wall provided opposite to each other along the transport direction of a transport path for transporting a closed passbook to guide the passbook; a first transport roller; a second transport roller that transports the passbook along the transport direction with the passbook sandwiched between it and the first transport roller, and also moves the passbook toward the first guide wall; a magnetic head that writes information to a magnetic stripe provided along the width direction of the passbook; and a regulating member that is movable between a regulating position that contacts the end face of the passbook in the width direction and a retracted position that moves away from the transport path toward the second guide wall, and which regulates the position of the passbook. The magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe while the position of the passbook stopped in the transport path is regulated by the regulating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic transaction device.

Background Art

[0002] In automatic transaction devices such as automated cash deposit and payment machines and automated teller machines, it is known to write information to a magnetic stripe provided on a savings passbook (hereinafter referred to as a passbook) using a magnetic head when performing various transactions. In this type of automatic transaction device, for example, a two-fold passbook is conveyed along a conveyance path in an open state, and information is written by a magnetic head to a magnetic stripe extending along the conveyance direction in the passbook (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical magnetic stripe of a passbook. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a horizontal magnetic stripe of a passbook.

[0005] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, generally, on a passbook 3, a magnetic stripe is provided on the surface of a horizontally long rectangular front and back cover 3b. As the magnetic stripe of the passbook 3, as shown in FIG. 13, a vertical magnetic stripe M1 provided along the vertical direction of the front and back cover 3b is provided at the horizontal end of the front and back cover 3b, and as shown in FIG. 14, at the end 3d on the opposite side of the two-fold fold 3c in the vertical direction of the front and back cover 3b, there is a horizontal magnetic stripe M2 provided along the horizontal direction of the front and back cover 3b.

[0006] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a structure with a magnetic head that moves along the vertical magnetic stripe M1 of an open passbook 3. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing a structure with a magnetic head that moves along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of an open passbook 3. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the magnetic head writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of a closed passbook 3. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where normal information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of a closed passbook 3.

[0007] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the transport path 15 for the passbook 3 has multiple roller shafts 23, each having multiple transport rollers 21 for transporting the passbook 3, arranged in multiple rows at intervals in the transport direction (Y direction) of the transport path 15. The transport rollers 21 move the passbook 3 along the transport path 15 toward one end in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction). In this case, the transport path 15 for the passbook 3 has a gap G on the other end in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 in order to transport multiple types of passbooks 3 with different external dimensions of the front cover 3a and back cover 3b. The case in which the passbook 3 is stopped in a transport path 15 with such a gap G and magnetic information is written to the passbook 3 will be described.

[0008] When the magnetic head 26 moves along the vertical magnetic stripe M1 of the open passbook 3 to write information, as shown in Figure 15, the front cover 3a and back cover 3b of the open passbook 3 are supported, for example, by three rows of roller shafts 23, and the magnetic head 26 moves in the transport direction (Y direction) of the transport path 15 to write information along the vertical magnetic stripe M1. In addition, various transaction information is printed on the passbook 3, which is transported in an open state, by a print head 25 provided on the transport path 15. Next, when the magnetic head 26 moves along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the open passbook 3 to write information, as shown in Figure 16, the front cover 3a and back cover 3b of the open passbook 3 are supported, for example, by two rows of roller shafts 23, and the magnetic head 26 moves in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction), to write information along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2.

[0009] Furthermore, when writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, it becomes difficult to position the roller shaft 23 supporting the passbook 3 in the transport path 15 at a position along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 at the end 3d of the back cover 3b, in order to avoid obstructing the movement path of the magnetic head 26 along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. For this reason, when the magnetic head 26 moves along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3 to write information, as shown in Figure 17, the overlapping front cover 3a and back cover 3b of the closed passbook 3 are supported by only one row of roller shafts 23, and the magnetic head 26 moves in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 perpendicular to the transport direction, thereby writing information along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. At this time, when normal information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3, the information is written aligned with respect to the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the short direction (Y direction) of the horizontal magnetic stripe M2.

[0010] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the problem of the passbook 3 being shaken in the transport direction (Y direction) when the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case when abnormal information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3.

[0011] However, when the magnetic head 26 moves along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3 to write information, the posture of the passbook 3, which is supported only by a single row of roller shafts 23 in the transport path where the aforementioned gap G is secured, is susceptible to the influence of the movement of the magnetic head 26 along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. For example, if the holding force of the passbook 3 by the transport roller 21 decreases due to wear or contamination of the transport roller 21, as shown in Figure 19, the passbook 3 will be dragged by the magnetic head 26 sliding along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 and slide towards the gap G, causing the end portion 3d where the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 is located to swing relative to the transport direction. When information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 while the passbook 3 is swinging relative to the transport direction (Y direction) in this way, as shown in Figure 20, the information will be written at an angle relative to the short side of the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, and there is a risk that the written information cannot be read properly.

[0012] The disclosed technology was made in view of the above, and aims to provide an automated transaction device that can prevent a passbook from being shaken relative to the transport direction by a magnetic head moving in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction when the magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe of a closed passbook. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] One embodiment of the automated trading device disclosed in this application includes: a transport path for transporting a closed passbook; a first guide wall and a second guide wall provided opposite to each other along the transport direction of the transport path and guiding the passbook; a first transport roller for transporting the passbook along the transport direction between the first guide wall and the second guide wall; a second transport roller that transports the passbook along the transport direction with the passbook sandwiched between it and the first transport roller and has an inclined surface that brings the passbook toward the first guide wall; a magnetic head for writing information to a magnetic stripe provided along the width direction of the passbook in the transport path, perpendicular to the transport direction; and a regulating member provided to be movable between a regulating position in which it enters the transport path from the second guide wall side and contacts the end face of the passbook in the width direction, and a retracting position in which it retracts from the transport path toward the second guide wall side, and regulating the position of the passbook in the transport path. The magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe of the passbook while the position of the passbook, which has stopped in the transport path, is restricted by the restricting member that has moved to the restricted position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one embodiment of the automated trading device disclosed in this application, when a magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe of a closed passbook, the magnetic head moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, preventing the passbook from being shaken relative to the transport direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an automated trading system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the main parts of the transport path of the passbook handling section in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the transport path of the passbook handling section in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the first and second conveyor rollers of the conveyor path in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the magnetic head in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the first support and the second support of the conveyance path in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining each operation of the first support and the second support of the conveyance path in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the regulation mechanism has moved the regulation member to the retracted position in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the regulation mechanism has moved the regulation member to the regulation position in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of a state in which the regulation mechanism has moved the regulation member to the regulation position in the embodiment, as viewed from the side of the horizontal magnetic stripe in the conveyance direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe of the passbook in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view for explaining the operation of writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe in a state where the passbook is regulated by the regulation member in the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the vertical magnetic stripe of the passbook. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the horizontal magnetic stripe of the passbook. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a structure including a magnetic head that moves along the vertical magnetic stripe of the open passbook. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing a structure including a magnetic head that moves along the horizontal magnetic stripe of the open passbook. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the case where the magnetic head writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe of the closed passbook. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the case where normal information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe of the closed passbook. [Figure 19]Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the problem of the passbook being shaken relative to the transport direction when a magnetic head writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe of a closed passbook. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating what happens when abnormal information is written to the horizontal magnetic stripe of a closed passbook. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the automated trading device disclosed in this application. However, the following embodiment does not limit the automated trading device disclosed in this application. [Examples]

[0017] <Automated trading system> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an automated transaction device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the automated transaction device 1 is an automated cash deposit and withdrawal machine and includes a card slot 5 for inserting and ejecting cash cards, and a passbook slot 6 for inserting and ejecting passbooks. The automated transaction device 1 also includes a banknote deposit and withdrawal section 7 for depositing and withdrawing banknotes, a coin deposit and withdrawal section 8 for depositing and withdrawing coins, a display operation panel 9 for performing various transaction operations, a telephone 10 for communicating with an employee, and a control unit 11 for controlling the automated transaction device 1. In the drawing, the width direction (left-right direction) of the automated transaction device 1 is indicated as the X direction, the depth direction (front-back direction) of the automated transaction device 1 is indicated as the Y direction, and the height direction (up-down direction) of the automated transaction device 1 is indicated as the Z direction.

[0018] <Passbook> The passbook 3 handled by the automated trading device 1 of this embodiment is a bifold passbook having a horizontally elongated rectangular front cover 3a and back cover 3b, and a horizontal magnetic stripe M2 is provided along the edge 3d of the back cover 3b opposite to the fold line 3c (see Figure 14).

[0019] <Passbook Handling Department> Figure 2 is a plan view showing the main part of the transport path of the passbook handling unit in the embodiment. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the transport path of the passbook handling unit in the embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the automated transaction device 1 includes a passbook handling unit 12 inside the passbook entry / exit 6 that reads and writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the passbook 3, and the passbook handling unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 11.

[0021] The passbook handling section 12 of the automated trading device 1 includes a transport path 15 for transporting passbooks 3, a first guide wall 16 provided along the transport direction (Y direction) of the transport path 15 to guide the passbooks 3, a second guide wall 17 provided opposite the first guide wall 16 along the transport direction (Y direction) to guide the passbooks 3, an upper guide plate 18 provided along the transport direction (Y direction) on the upper side of the transport path 15 in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a lower guide plate 19 provided along the transport direction (Y direction) on the lower side of the transport path 15 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0022] Furthermore, the passbook handling section 12 includes a plurality of first transport rollers 21 that transport the passbook 3 along the transport direction (Y direction) between the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17, and a plurality of second transport rollers 22 that transport the passbook 3 along the transport direction (Y direction) with the passbook 3 sandwiched between each of the plurality of first transport rollers 21, and also have an inclined surface 22a that brings the passbook 3 toward the first guide wall 16.

[0023] The first guide wall 16 has a reference surface 16a for positioning the passbook 3 in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction). One end of the passbook 3 on the reference surface 16a side, which has been brought toward the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 by the first transport roller 21 and the second transport roller 22 as described later, contacts the reference surface 16a of the first guide wall 16.

[0024] The second guide wall 17 is provided at a distance L greater than the width W of the passbook 3 from the first guide wall 16 in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction). Therefore, in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15, a predetermined gap G is secured between the end face 3e on the second guide wall 17 side of the passbook 3 in the width direction (X direction), which is transported in contact with the reference surface 16a of the first guide wall 16, and the second guide wall 17. The gap G is set to, for example, about 1 [mm] to 2 [mm] in order to smoothly transport multiple types of passbooks 3 with different external dimensions of the front cover 3a and back cover 3b.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the upper guide plate 18 and the lower guide plate 19 are provided opposite each other in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the conveying path 15, so as to constitute the conveying path 15. The first conveying roller 21 is arranged on the upper guide plate 18 at intervals in the conveying direction (Y direction). The second conveying roller 22 is arranged on the lower guide plate 19 at intervals in the conveying direction (Y direction).

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the first conveyor roller 21 and second conveyor roller 22 of the conveyor path 15 in the embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each first conveyor roller 21 is spaced apart in the axial direction (X direction) of the first roller shaft 23. Multiple first roller shafts 23 are spaced apart in the conveying direction (Y direction) on the upper guide plate 18 located above the conveyor path 15. Each second conveyor roller 22 is spaced apart in the axial direction (X direction) of the second roller shaft 24. Multiple second roller shafts 24 are spaced apart in the conveying direction (Y direction) on the lower guide plate 19 located below the conveyor path 15. Furthermore, in order to properly convey the closed passbook 3, the distance between the axes of the first roller shaft 23 and the second roller shaft 24 in the conveying direction (Y direction) is set to be, for example, about 10 [mm] smaller than the length dimension of the closed passbook 3 in the conveying direction (Y direction).

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the second conveyor roller 22 has a conical inclined surface 22a formed on the side opposite to the first guide wall 16. The inclined surface 22a has a tapered cross-section on the side of the circumferential surface of the second conveyor roller 22 that faces the second guide wall 17, with the outer diameter gradually decreasing toward the second guide wall 17. As a result, the passbook 3, which is transported sandwiched between the first conveyor roller 21 and the second conveyor roller 22, is moved toward the reference surface 16a of the first guide wall 16 due to the displacement of the inclined surface 22a so that it contacts the circumferential surface of the first conveyor roller 21. Consequently, the passbook 3 transported by the first conveyor roller 21 and the second conveyor roller 22 is transported while in contact with the reference surface 16a of the first guide wall 16. This positions the passbook 3 in the width direction (X direction) within the transport path 15.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the passbook 3, when transported in a closed state along the transport path 15, is transported with the edge along the fold line 3c perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, the transport path 15 of the passbook handling unit 12 is configured to transport the passbook 3 in both open and closed states. Furthermore, although the transport path 15 in this embodiment is described as a structure that transports the passbook 3 along the Y direction, this does not limit the transport direction of the transport path in an automated transaction device.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the magnetic head in the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the passbook handling unit 12 includes a magnetic head 26 that writes information to a horizontal magnetic stripe M2 provided along the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 in the transport path 15, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction), and a head movement mechanism 27 that moves the magnetic head 26 along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2.

[0030] The magnetic head 26 is initially set to the outside of the transport path 15 on the first guide wall 16 side. It enters the transport path 15 from the outside of the first guide wall 16, moves to the outside of the transport path 15 on the second guide wall 17 side, and then moves back to its initial position on the first guide wall 16 side from the second guide wall 17 side. The magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 when it moves from the first guide wall 16 side to the second guide wall 17 side, and when it moves from the second guide wall 17 side to the first guide wall 16 side. The magnetic head 26 can read information from the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 when it moves from the first guide wall 16 side to the second guide wall 17 side, and when it moves from the second guide wall 17 side to the first guide wall 16 side.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17 have through-holes 28 through which the magnetic head 26, which crosses the transport path 15 in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 in the transport path 15, passes. The through-holes 28 are formed by cutting out a part of the first guide wall 16 and a part of the second guide wall 17. Therefore, because the through-holes 28 are formed in the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17, the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17 are not present on both sides in the X direction of the end 3d of the passbook 3 where the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 is located, so the end 3d of the passbook 3 is easily swayed with respect to the transport direction (Y direction) as the magnetic head 26 moves. When such a transport path 15 is provided, the effect of restricting the position of the end 3d of the passbook 3 by the regulating member 34, which will be described later, is high.

[0032] The head movement mechanism 27, although not shown, includes a drive shaft (or drive belt) that moves the magnetic head 26 in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 in the transport path 15, and a motor that drives the drive shaft. The head movement mechanism 27 also includes a lifting mechanism (not shown) that moves the magnetic head 26 up and down (Z direction) between a lowered position PL, which is an initial position away from the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the passbook 3, and an raised position PU, which is in contact with the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. When the magnetic head 26 moves to the raised position PU, it is properly pressed against the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 by the biasing force of a spring (not shown), and the passbook 3 is brought into contact with the upper guide plate 18.

[0033] In multiple types of passbooks 3, the thickness of the passbook 3 varies depending on the number of pages. Therefore, if the structure is designed to move the magnetic head 26 only in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, for example, the magnetic head 26 may collide with the width direction (X direction) edge of a passbook 3 with many pages, causing the position of the magnetic head 26 to fluctuate in the vertical direction (Z direction), potentially leading to poor contact with the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. For this reason, in the passbook handling unit 12 of the embodiment, in order to appropriately handle multiple types of passbooks 3 with different numbers of pages, the magnetic head 26 has a vertical movement that moves it between a lowered position PL and an raised position PU, making it possible to lightly contact the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 with the magnetic head 26 and improving the reliability of the information writing operation.

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the first and second supports of the transport path 15 in the embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first and second supports of the transport path 15 in the embodiment.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the transport path 15 is provided with a rectangular opening 30 extending along the direction of movement of the magnetic head 26, and a first support 31 and a second support 32 positioned within the opening 30 to support the back cover 3b side (lower side of the passbook 3) of the passbook 3 as it is transported along the transport path 15.

[0036] The opening 30 is provided in the lower guide plate 29 located below the transport path 15, and is sized to allow the first support 31 to move in the Y direction perpendicular to the transport path 15. Both sides of the opening 30 in the Y direction are connected to the through-holes 28 of the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17.

[0037] The first support 31 is connected to a magnetic head 26 that moves from the first guide wall 16 side to the second guide wall 17 side. The first support 31 is positioned within the transport path 15 adjacent to the through-hole 28 of the first guide wall 16 when the magnetic head 26 is in its initial position outside the transport path 15 on the first guide wall 16 side.

[0038] The second support 32 is supported at the edge of the opening 30 on the second guide wall 17 side via a pivot shaft 32a, and is provided within the opening 30 on the second guide wall 17 side so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the opening 30. In other words, as shown in Figure 7, the second support 32 is provided to retract from within the opening 30 by being rotated around the pivot shaft 32a by a pivot mechanism (not shown) so as not to obstruct the movement of the magnetic head 26 and the first support 31 as they traverse the transport path 15 along the opening 30. The pivot mechanism is controlled by the control unit 11.

[0039] The second support 32 rotates around the pivot axis 32a in conjunction with the operation of the head movement mechanism 27, on the side of the second guide wall 17 in the opening 30, to a position adjacent to the through-hole 28 of the second guide wall 17 and to a position retracted from the movement path of the magnetic head 26. As a result, when the passbook 3 is transported along the transport path 15, both sides of the passbook 3 in the width direction (X direction) are supported by the first support 31 and the second support 32. Therefore, even in a structure provided with an opening 30 through which the magnetic head 26 moves, transport defects such as the passbook 3 colliding with the edge of the opening 30 during transport are prevented, and the passbook 3 can be transported smoothly along the transport path 15.

[0040] Although not shown in the diagram, the transport path 15 is also equipped with a print head for printing transaction information onto the open pages of the passbook 3. Similar to the magnetic head 26, the print head is positioned to be movable in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 along the transport path 15. Note that when printing is performed on the pages of the passbook 3, the passbook 3 is transported in an open state.

[0041] <Regulatory component> Figure 8 is a plan view showing the state in which the regulating mechanism has moved the regulating member to the retracted position in the embodiment. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the state in which the regulating mechanism has moved the regulating member to the regulating position in the embodiment. Figure 10 is a side view of the state in which the regulating mechanism has moved the regulating member to the regulating position, as seen from the side of the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 in the transport direction (Y direction).

[0042] As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the passbook handling unit 12 includes a regulating member 34 that restricts the position of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15. The regulating member 34 is provided to be movable between a regulating position P1 in which it enters the transport path 15 from the second guide wall 17 side and contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 on the second guide wall 17 side in the width direction (X direction), and a retracted position P2 in which it moves away from the transport path 15 towards the second guide wall 17 side.

[0043] The restricting member 34 is positioned at the restricting position P1 such that it only makes contact with the end face 3e of a passbook 3 of a predetermined width W without pushing it toward the first guide wall 16. In other words, in a transport path 15 that ensures versatility to transport multiple types of passbooks 3, the restricting position P1 is set according to the width W of the passbook 3 so that the passbook 3 handled by the automated trading device 1 among the multiple types of passbooks 3 with different specifications makes contact with the first guide wall 16 without pushing it toward the first guide wall 16. As a result, the restricting member 34 prevents the passbook 3 from bending toward the thickness direction (Z direction) due to being pushed toward the reference surface 16a side of the first guide wall 16, so that the magnetic head 26 can properly write information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. Details of the shape of the restricting member 34 will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, the passbook handling unit 12 includes a regulating mechanism 35 that moves the regulating member 34 between a regulating position P1 and a retracted position P2, a detection unit 36 ​​that detects when the regulating member 34 has moved to the regulating position P1, a support plate 38 that serves as a support member to support the regulating member 34, the regulating mechanism 35 and the detection unit 36, and an adjustment member 39 for adjusting the position of the regulating member 34 with respect to the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15. The control unit 11 of the automatic transaction device 1 controls the regulating mechanism 35 and the head moving mechanism 27.

[0045] The regulating mechanism 35 includes a link member 41 that moves the regulating member 34 between a regulating position P1 and a retracted position P2, a connecting member 43 connected to the link member 41, an electromagnetic solenoid 45 that moves the link member 41 via the connecting member 43, and a tension coil spring 46 that biases the link member 41 to its initial position.

[0046] The restricting member 34 is pivotably supported on a first support shaft 48 provided on a support plate 38, and a fixing member 52 with a U-shaped cross-section is provided on the first support shaft 48. The restricting member 34 has a restricting piece 34a formed at one end that contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3, and the other end is connected to a link member 41 via a first connecting shaft 53. The restricting piece 34a of the restricting member 34 is formed such that when the restricting member 34 moves to the restricting position P1, the contact surface 34b that contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 becomes parallel to the transport direction (Y direction) and makes light contact along the end face 3e.

[0047] Furthermore, the restricting member 34 is positioned such that the restricting piece 34a enters the transport path 15 through the through-hole 28 of the second guide wall 17. For this reason, the restricting member 34 is positioned so that the restricting piece 34a contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 near the end 3d of the passbook 3, in other words, near the movement path of the magnetic head 26 (see Figure 12).

[0048] The link member 41 has one end connected to the regulating member 34 via a first connecting shaft 53, and the other end connected to the connecting member 43 via a second connecting shaft 54. The link member 41 also has a detection piece 41a that is detected by the detection unit 36. The detection piece 41a of the link member 41 moves along the Y direction as the link member 41 swings.

[0049] The connecting member 43 is pivotably supported on a second support shaft 55 provided on a support plate 38, and a U-shaped fixing member 56 is provided on the second support shaft 55. One end of the connecting member 43 is connected to the link member 41 via a second connecting shaft 54, and the other end is connected to the plunger 45a of the electromagnetic solenoid 45.

[0050] The electromagnetic solenoid 45 has a plunger 45a and a coil and iron core (not shown) that move the plunger 45a forward and backward, and is fixed to the lower side of the support plate 38. The electromagnetic solenoid 45 has an elongated hole 57a that extends in the Y direction, and is adjusted in the Y direction relative to the connecting member 43 by changing the fixing position of a fixing screw 58 that passes through the elongated hole 57a. The tension coil spring 46 has one end fixed to the link member 41 and the other end fixed to the support plate 38. The stopper 45b of the plunger 45a is fixed to the lower surface of the electromagnetic solenoid 45 with a screw 45c and is configured to allow adjustment of the amount the plunger 45a protrudes.

[0051] The detection unit 36 ​​is, for example, a transmissive light sensor and, although not shown, includes a light-receiving element that emits detection light and a light-receiving element that receives detection light. The detection unit 36 ​​is positioned in the movement path of the detection piece 41a of the link member 41 and is fixed on the support plate 38 by a mounting member 59. The mounting member 59 of the detection unit 36 ​​has an elongated hole 59a that extends in the Y direction, and is adjusted in the Y direction relative to the detection piece 41a of the link member 41 by changing the fixing position of a fixing screw 58 that passes through the elongated hole 57a.

[0052] The support plate 38 is fixed to a structure (not shown) that supports the passbook handling section 12. The adjustment member 39 has a first projection 39a against which the regulating member 34, when moved to the regulating position P1, abuts, and a second projection 39b against which the regulating member 34, when moved to the retracted position P2, abuts.

[0053] Furthermore, the adjustment member 39 is provided on the support plate 38 so as to be adjustable with respect to the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the adjustment member 39 has a plurality of elongated holes 39c extending in the X direction, and can be easily adjusted in the X direction with respect to the transport path 15 by changing the fixing position of the fixing screws 58 that pass through the elongated holes 39c. By adjusting the position of the first projection 39a by adjusting the adjustment member 39, the position of the regulating member 34 with respect to the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15, that is, the regulating position P1 in which the regulating member 34 contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 without pressing it, is adjusted.

[0054] <Adjustment of the regulatory position> When adjusting the restricting position P1 of the restricting member 34, with the restricting member 34 abutting against the first projection 39a of the adjusting member 39, the adjusting member 39 is adjusted in the X direction on the support plate 38 to position the restricting member 34 so that it contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 without pressing it. Next, from that state, the electromagnetic solenoid 45, which is electrically attracting the plunger 45a, is pushed in the direction that pulls in the plunger 45a in the Y direction until there is no play in the link member 41 and it is fixed with the fixing screw 58. Then, the attraction of the electromagnetic solenoid 45 is released, and the link member 41, which has been pulled in by the tension coil spring 46, brings the restricting member 34 to abutting position P2 with the restricting piece 34a of the restricting member 34 and the second projection 39b of the adjusting member 39. In that state, the fixing member 56, which has rotated via the link member 41, moves the plunger 45a to the protruding position. In that state, the stopper 45b of the plunger 45a attached to the lower surface of the electromagnetic solenoid 45 is lightly pressed against the plunger 45a without pushing it in, and then fixed with the screw 45c on the lower surface of the electromagnetic solenoid 45.

[0055] By making these adjustments, the impact on the restricting member 34 during link operation by the electromagnetic solenoid 45 and the tension coil spring 46 can be mitigated, and it is expected that the restricting member 34 will not break due to metal fatigue. Finally, by adjusting the detection unit 36 ​​in the Y direction with respect to the movement path of the detection piece 41a of the link member 41, which is linked to the forward and backward movement of the plunger 45a of the electromagnetic solenoid 45, the detection unit 36 ​​is positioned to appropriately detect the restricting position P1 and the retracted position P2 of the restricting member 34. In addition, the position of the restricting member 34 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is determined by the fixing position of the support plate 38 with respect to the structure (not shown) to which the support plate 38 is fixed.

[0056] As a result, the restricting member 34 is easily adjusted to move to a restricting position P1 that contacts the passbook 3 of a predetermined width W without pushing it in the width direction (X direction). The restricting position P1 of the restricting member 34 is adjusted appropriately according to the width W of the passbook 3 being transported on the transport path 15, from among several types of passbooks 3 with different specifications.

[0057] <Operation of Regulatory Bodies> The operation of the regulating mechanism 35, configured as described above, in moving the regulating member 34 will now be explained. First, as shown in Figure 8, the electromagnetic solenoid 45 causes the plunger 45a to protrude without being attracted, and the biasing force of the tension coil spring 46 pulls the link member 41, causing the regulating member 34 to move to the retracted position P2. When the regulating member 34 is in the retracted position P2, the detection piece 41a of the link member 41 is separated from the detection light of the detection unit 36, and the light receiving element of the detection unit 36 ​​receives the detection light, so the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the regulating member 34 is in the retracted position P2 and sends a detection signal to the control unit 11.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the restricting mechanism 35 uses electromagnetic force to attract and retract the plunger 45a of the electromagnetic solenoid 45, causing the connecting member 43 and the link member 41 to move in conjunction against the biasing force of the tension coil spring 46, thereby moving the restricting member 34 to the restricting position P1. When the restricting member 34 moves to the restricting position P1, the detection piece 41a of the link member 41 blocks the detection light of the detection unit 36, causing the detection unit 36 ​​to detect that the restricting member 34 has moved to the restricting position P1 and to send a detection signal to the control unit 11.

[0059] Then, in the automated trading device 1, after the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the contact surface 34b of the restricting piece 34a of the restricting member 34, which has moved to the restricted position P1, has come into contact with the end face 3e of the passbook 3, the control unit 11 activates the head moving mechanism 27, and the magnetic head 26 begins writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. That is, the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the passbook 3 while the position of the passbook 3 is restricted by the restricting member 34, which has moved to the restricted position P1.

[0060] <Magnetic head writing operation> Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process of writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the passbook 3 in the embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating the operation of writing information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 while the passbook 3 is restricted by the restricting member 34 in the embodiment.

[0061] In the automated trading device 1 of this embodiment, when a new passbook 3 is issued, the passbook 3 is sent closed from the storage unit (not shown) containing the passbook 3 to the transport path 15, where the closed passbook 3 is stopped at a predetermined position on the transport path 15. Once stopped on the transport path 15, the passbook 3 has various information, such as customer account information, written onto the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 by the magnetic head 26.

[0062] When the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 in this manner, the closed passbook 3 is held only between one first roller shaft 23, which is equipped with multiple first transport rollers 21, and one second roller shaft 24, which is equipped with multiple second transport rollers 22. In other words, the closed passbook 3 is supported between the first roller shaft 23 and the second roller shaft 24, which are arranged in only one row, via the first transport rollers 21 and the second transport rollers 22, and the holding force of the closed passbook 3 is less than that of the open passbook 3. For this reason, when the first transport rollers 21 and the second transport rollers 22 wear down or become contaminated, for example, the end 3d of the passbook 3 tends to swing with respect to the transport direction (Y direction) (see Figure 19). If the end 3d of the passbook 3 is shaken relative to the transport direction (Y direction) when the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, there is a risk that the information written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 may not be read correctly (see Figure 20).

[0063] Therefore, in the automated trading device 1, as shown in Figure 11, before the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the passbook 3, the control unit 11 activates the regulating mechanism 35 (step S1), and as shown in Figure 12, the regulating mechanism 35 moves the regulating member 34 to the regulating position P1 (step S2). At this time, the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the regulating member 34 has moved from the retracted position P2 to the regulating position P1 by detecting the detection piece 41a of the link member 41 (step S3).

[0064] Next, the control unit 11 controls the head movement mechanism 27 based on the detection result of the detection unit 36, and the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 when the contact surface 34b of the restricting piece 34a of the restricting member 34, which has moved to the restricting position P1, is in contact with the end face 3e of the passbook 3, which has stopped in the transport path 15 (step S4). In other words, after the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the restricting member 34 has moved to the restricting position P1, the control unit 11 controls the head movement mechanism 27 so that the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2.

[0065] <Effects of the Example> As described above, the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment includes a transport path 15 for transporting a closed passbook 3, a first guide wall 16 and a second guide wall 17 provided opposite each other along the transport direction (Y direction) of the transport path 15 to guide the passbook 3, a first transport roller 21 that transports the passbook 3 along the transport direction (Y direction) between the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17, and an inclined surface 22 that transports the passbook 3 along the transport direction (Y direction) with the passbook 3 sandwiched between the first transport roller 21 and brings the passbook 3 toward the first guide wall 16. The system includes a second transport roller 22 having a, a magnetic head 26 that writes information to a horizontal magnetic stripe M2 provided along the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 in the transport path 15, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction), and a regulating member 34 that is movable between a regulating position P1 that enters the transport path 15 from the second guide wall 17 side and contacts the end face 3e in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, and a retracted position P2 that moves away from the transport path 15 towards the second guide wall 17 side, and regulates the position of the passbook 3 in the transport path 15. The magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the passbook 3 while the position of the passbook 3, which has stopped in the transport path 15, is regulated by the regulating member 34 that has moved to the regulating position P1. This prevents the passbook 3 from being shaken relative to the transport direction by the magnetic head 26, which moves in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3, which is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction), when the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 of the closed passbook 3. As a result, the reliability of the information written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 can be improved.

[0066] Furthermore, in the automated trading device 1 of this embodiment, the regulating member 34 only contacts the end face 3e of the passbook 3 at the regulating position P1 without pushing the passbook 3 toward the first guide wall 16. As a result, bending of the passbook 3 by the regulating member 34 is avoided, and information can be properly written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 by the magnetic head 26.

[0067] Furthermore, in the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment, when the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, the passbook 3 is held between a first roller shaft 23 on which the first transport roller 21 is provided and a second roller shaft 24 on which the second transport roller 22 is provided. When the passbook 3 is supported by only one row of roller shafts 23 and 24 in the transport direction (Y direction) in this way, the passbook 3 is more likely to swing with respect to the transport direction (Y direction), so the effect of restricting the position of the passbook 3 with the regulating member 34 is high.

[0068] Furthermore, in the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment, the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17 have through-holes 28 through which the magnetic head 26, which crosses the transport path 15 in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15, passes. In this case, since the first guide wall 16 and the second guide wall 17 are not present on both sides in the X direction of the end 3d of the passbook 3 where the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 is located, the end 3d of the passbook 3 is easily shaken with respect to the transport direction (Y direction) as the magnetic head 26 moves. When such a transport path 15 is provided, the effect of restricting the position of the passbook 3 by the regulating member 34 is high.

[0069] Furthermore, in the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment, the transport path 15 is provided with an opening 30 extending along the direction of movement (X direction) of the magnetic head 26, and a first support 31 and a second support 32 positioned within the opening 30 to support the passbook 3 being transported along the transport path 15. The first support 31 is provided on the magnetic head 26 that moves from the first guide wall 16 side to the second guide wall 17 side, and the second support 32 is provided on the second guide wall 17 side of the opening 30 so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the opening 30. As a result, when the passbook 3 is transported along the transport path 15, both sides of the passbook 3 in the width direction (X direction) are supported by the first support 31 and the second support 32. Therefore, even with a structure provided with an opening 30 on which the magnetic head 26 moves, transport defects such as the passbook 3 colliding with the edge of the opening 30 during transport are prevented, and the passbook 3 can be transported smoothly along the transport path 15.

[0070] Furthermore, the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment includes a regulating mechanism 35 that moves a regulating member 34 between a regulating position P1 and a retracted position P2, a detection unit 36 ​​that detects when the regulating member 34 has moved to the regulating position P1, a head moving mechanism 27 that moves a magnetic head 26 along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, and a control unit 11 that controls the regulating mechanism 35 and the head moving mechanism 27. After the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the regulating member 34 has moved to the regulating position P1, the control unit 11 controls the head moving mechanism 27 so that the magnetic head 26 writes information to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. This makes it possible to improve the reliability of the information written to the horizontal magnetic stripe M2.

[0071] Furthermore, the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment includes a support plate 38 that supports the restricting member 34, the detection unit 36, and the restricting mechanism 35, and an adjustment member 39 that adjusts the position of the restricting member 34 with respect to the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15. The adjustment member 39 is provided on the support plate 38 so as to be adjustable in the width direction (X direction) of the passbook 3 within the transport path 15. This makes it easy to adjust to an appropriate restricting position P1 in which the restricting member 34 contacts the passbook 3 without pushing it toward the first guide wall 16.

[0072] Furthermore, the automated trading device 1 of the embodiment is equipped with a head movement mechanism 27 that moves the magnetic head 26 along the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. The head movement mechanism 27 raises and lowers the magnetic head 26 to a lower position PL, which is away from the horizontal magnetic stripe M2 in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the passbook 3, and to an upper position PU, which is in contact with the horizontal magnetic stripe M2. This prevents the magnetic head 26 from colliding with the edges of the passbook 3 when handling multiple types of passbooks 3 with different numbers of pages, and also allows the magnetic head 26 to lightly contact the horizontal magnetic stripe M2, thereby improving the reliability of the information writing operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Automated trading device 3. Passbook 3b Back cover (front cover) 3c fold 3e End face 11 Control Unit 15 Conveyor path 16. First Guide Wall 16a Reference plane 17. Second Guide Wall 21 First conveyor roller 22 Second conveyor roller 22a Slope 26 Magnetic Heads 27 Head movement mechanism 28 Through-hole 30 aperture 31 First support 32 Second support 34 Regulating members 35 Regulatory bodies 36 Detection unit 38. Support plate (support member) 39 Adjustment Member P1 Restriction location P2 Evacuation position PU rising position PL lowering position L distance M2 Horizontal Magnetic Stripe (Magnetic Stripe) W width dimension

Claims

1. A transport path for transporting a closed passbook, A first guide wall and a second guide wall are provided facing each other along the transport direction of the transport path, and guide the passbook. A first conveying roller that conveys the passbook along the conveying direction between the first guide wall and the second guide wall, A second conveying roller has an inclined surface that holds the passbook between itself and the first conveying roller and conveys it along the conveying direction, and also brings the passbook closer to the first guide wall, A magnetic head that writes information to a magnetic stripe provided along the width direction of the passbook, perpendicular to the transport direction, in the passbook within the transport path, The system includes a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position in which it enters the transport path from the second guide wall side and contacts the end face of the passbook in the width direction, and a retracting position in which it moves away from the transport path towards the second guide wall side, and which restricts the position of the passbook within the transport path. The magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe of the passbook while the position of the passbook, which has stopped in the transport path, is restricted by the restricting member that has moved to the restricted position.

2. The restricting member, at the restricting position, only contacts the end face of the passbook without pushing the passbook toward the first guide wall. The automated trading device according to claim 1.

3. When the magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe, the passbook is held between a first roller shaft on which the first transport roller is provided and a second roller shaft on which the second transport roller is provided. The automated trading device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned passbook is transported with the edge along the fold in half perpendicular to the transport direction. The automated trading device according to claim 3.

5. The first guide wall and the second guide wall have through openings through which the magnetic head, which crosses the transport path in the width direction of the passbook within the transport path, passes. The automated trading device according to claim 1.

6. The transport path is provided with an opening extending along the direction of movement of the magnetic head, and a first support and a second support arranged within the opening to support the passbook being transported along the transport path. The first support is provided on the magnetic head that moves from the first guide wall side to the second guide wall side, The second support is provided on the second guide wall side of the opening so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the opening. The automated trading device according to claim 5.

7. A regulating mechanism for moving the regulating member between the regulating position and the retracted position, A detection unit that detects when the regulating member has moved to the regulating position, A head movement mechanism for moving the magnetic head along the magnetic stripe, The system further comprises a control unit that controls the regulating mechanism and the head movement mechanism, After the detection unit detects that the restricting member has moved to the restricting position, the control unit controls the head movement mechanism so that the magnetic head writes information to the magnetic stripe. An automated trading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The regulating member, the detection unit and the support member that supports the regulating mechanism, The system further includes an adjusting member for adjusting the position of the restricting member in the width direction, The adjustment member is provided with respect to the support member so as to be adjustable in the width direction of the passbook within the transport path. The automated trading device according to claim 7.

9. The device further comprises a head movement mechanism for moving the magnetic head along the magnetic stripe, The head movement mechanism raises and lowers the magnetic head to a lower position that is away from the magnetic stripe in the thickness direction of the passbook and to a raised position that is in contact with the magnetic stripe. The automated trading device according to claim 1.

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