Banknote handling device and cash transaction device

Abstract

To provide a banknote handling device that can reduce the height dimension. [Solution] The banknote handling device comprises an upper unit, a lower unit, and a connecting part. The upper unit or safe unit is provided to be movable relative to the housing. The connecting part connects the upper banknote transport section and the lower banknote transport section. At least one of the upper unit or the lower unit is provided with a first guide unit facing the connecting part, which communicates with the upper banknote transport section or the lower banknote transport section. A second guide unit is rotatably provided on the connecting part. Before being connected to the first guide unit, the second guide unit is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the first guide unit. When the first guide unit moves in a predetermined direction and contacts the contact part, the second guide unit rotates until the transport path within the first guide unit and the transport path within the second guide unit are connected in a straight line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote handling device and a cash transaction device.

Background Art

[0002] A cash transaction device used in a financial institution or the like includes a banknote handling device for taking in and out banknotes from a safe unit (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a technique is disclosed that includes an upper unit for storing an incoming and outgoing money mechanism and a lower unit for storing a banknote storage, and connects the upper unit and the lower unit with a banknote conveyance path. And in Patent Document 1, even when the upper unit is fixed in a state shifted with respect to the lower unit, a banknote conveyance path that can convey banknotes without jamming is maintained.

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose at all a method for suppressing the height dimension of the banknote handling device, and by extension, a method for suppressing the height dimension of the cash transaction device.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure shows a method for providing a banknote handling device and a cash transaction device that can shorten the height dimension.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a banknote handling device according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an upper unit including a banknote discrimination unit and an upper banknote transport unit, a safe unit, a lower banknote transport unit, a housing that houses the safe unit and the lower banknote transport unit, and a connecting part fixed to the housing and located between the upper unit and the safe unit, wherein the upper unit or the safe unit is provided to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing, the connecting part connects the upper banknote transport unit and the lower banknote transport unit by the movement of the upper unit or the safe unit, and at least one of the upper unit or the lower unit is equipped with an upper banknote A first guide unit communicating with the transport section or the lower banknote transport section is provided facing the connection section, and a second guide unit connected to the first guide unit is rotatably provided at the connection section. Before being connected to the first guide unit, the second guide unit is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the first guide unit, and when the first guide unit moves in a predetermined direction and comes into contact with a contact portion provided on the first guide unit, the second guide unit rotates until the transport path within the first guide unit and the transport path within the second guide unit are connected in a straight line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the height dimension of the banknote handling device can be reduced compared to when the second guide unit is positioned vertically. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] External perspective view of a cash transaction machine. [Figure 2] Transparent side view of a cash transaction device. [Figure 3] A side view showing the upper unit displaced in a predetermined direction. [Figure 4] A side view showing the lower safe unit displaced in a predetermined direction. [Figure 5] An external perspective view showing a magnified view of the connection point. [Figure 6]External perspective view of the connection point with the upper unit removed. [Figure 7] A side view showing the upper unit pulled out in a predetermined direction, with the first guide unit and the second guide unit separated, and the second guide unit tilted toward the first guide unit and waiting. [Figure 8] A side view showing the upper unit approaching the lower unit and the first guide unit and the second guide unit in contact. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing an intermediate state where the upper unit moves closer to the lower unit, and the banknote transport path in the upper unit and the banknote transport path in the lower unit are connected, enabling the transport of banknotes. [Figure 10] A side view showing the state in which the upper unit approaches the lower unit and reaches a predetermined mounting position, and the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram summarizing the changes from Figure 7 to Figure 10. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the contact portion, the first guide unit, and the second guide unit. [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram following Figure 12. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram following Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a side view relating to Example 2, showing a state in which the first guide unit on the lower unit side and the guide unit on the upper unit side are separated. [Figure 16] A side view showing the state in which the first guide unit and the second guide unit are in contact. [Figure 17] A side view showing the state in which the banknote transport path in the first guide unit and the banknote transport path in the second guide unit are connected, enabling the transport of banknotes. [Figure 18] A side view showing the first guide unit and the second guide unit connected in a straight line. [Figure 19]A side view showing a first guide unit provided in both the upper unit and the lower unit, and a second guide unit that can be individually corresponded to each of the first guide units according to Embodiment 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the present embodiment, by making the height dimension of the connecting portion connecting the upper unit and the lower unit as low as possible, the height dimension of the banknote handling device is shortened, and the banknote handling device can be made compact.

Example

[0011] Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view showing a cash dispenser 1 including a banknote handling device 2.

[0012] The cash dispenser 1 includes, for example, a main body 10, a main body control unit 11 provided in the main body 10, a user operation unit 12 provided on the front side of the main body 10, a passbook processing device 13 and a card / detail processing device 14 provided above the user operation unit 12, and a banknote handling device 2 provided in the main body 10.

[0013] The main body control unit 11 controls the entire cash dispenser 1. The user operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel, and provides information to the user and receives information from the user. The passbook processing device 13 prints the transaction details on the passbook inserted by the user and returns it. The card / detail processing device 14, for example, accepts the user's bank card, reads out information, and issues transaction details.

[0014] The banknote handling device 2 stores banknotes. The banknotes deposited by the user from the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 31 are transported to the safe unit and stored. On the other hand, the cash withdrawn by the user from his / her bank account is taken out from the safe unit of the banknote handling device 2 and withdrawn to the user from the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 31. Details of the banknote handling device 2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0015] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a transparent side view of the banknote handling device 2. The banknote handling device 2 comprises, for example, an upper unit 3, a lower unit 4 having a safe unit 41 and a housing 40 that houses the safe unit 41, and a connecting part 5 located between the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4 and fixed to the housing 40. The upper unit 3 or the safe unit 41 is provided to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing 40. That is, the upper unit 3 is provided to be movable horizontally over the upper part of the housing 40 of the lower unit 4. Alternatively, the safe unit 41 is provided to be able to be pulled out horizontally from the housing 40 of the lower unit 4. The connecting part 5 connects the upper banknote transport section 34 and the lower banknote transport section 44, which will be described later, by the movement of the upper unit 3 or the safe unit 41.

[0016] The upper unit 3 includes, for example, a banknote deposit / discharge section 31, a banknote identification section 32, a temporary storage section 33, a banknote transport path 34 as an "upper transport section", a branch path 35 connecting the banknote transport path 34 and the connection section 5, a control unit 36, and a first guide unit 6, which will be described later.

[0017] The banknote deposit / discharge unit 31 is a device that accepts banknotes deposited by users and dispenses banknotes to users. Banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit / discharge unit 31 are separated one by one and transported in either the short-side direction or the long-side direction of the banknote.

[0018] The banknote discrimination unit 32 determines the type, authenticity, and condition of banknotes inserted from the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 31 and transmits the result to the control unit 36. The temporary storage unit 33 temporarily stores banknotes until the transaction is completed. For example, the temporary storage unit 33 temporarily stores banknotes deposited by a user. If the user approves the transaction, the banknotes are stored in the recycling unit 43. If the user does not approve the transaction, the banknotes are transported to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 31 and returned to the user. Banknotes whose denomination has been determined by the banknote discrimination unit 32 are transported to the recycling unit 43 for each denomination and stored.

[0019] The control unit 36 ​​controls the operation of the banknote handling device 2.

[0020] The lower unit 4 includes, for example, a safe unit 41, a reject box 42 within the safe unit 41, a recycling compartment 43 for each denomination within the safe unit 41, a banknote transport path 44 connecting the connection section 5 to the reject box 42 and each recycling compartment 43 within the safe unit 41, and a housing 40 that houses these. The banknote transport path 44 is an example of a "lower transport section".

[0021] The reject box 42 is a safe for storing banknotes for which a transaction has been completed upon deposit. One or more reject boxes 42 can be attached to one or more safe units 41. The reject box 42 stores banknotes that have only been deposited and banknotes that are unsuitable for handling by the banknote handling device 2. Banknotes unsuitable for handling by the banknote handling device 2 include, for example, torn banknotes, folded banknotes, and banknotes that have been transported at an angle.

[0022] The recycling compartments 43 are, for example, provided for each denomination. The recycling compartments 43 store banknotes that the user has approved for transaction, separated by denomination. Multiple denominations of banknotes can also be stored together in the recycling compartments 43. The recycling compartments 43 are equipped with a collection and separation device (not shown) that serves both as a deposit and withdrawal device. The collection and separation device stores the banknotes inserted by the user and, according to the transaction, feeds the stored banknotes into the banknote transport path 44 and withdraws them to the user.

[0023] The banknote transport paths 44 connected to the reject box 42 and each recycling compartment 43 are connected to the banknote transport path 34 in the upper unit 3 via the branch path 35 from the connection section 5.

[0024] Figure 3 is a side view showing the upper unit 3 displaced in the YY' direction, which is a predetermined direction. For example, maintenance personnel can pull the upper unit 3 forward for maintenance work. At this time, the connection between the banknote transport path 34 in the upper unit 3 and the banknote transport path 44 in the lower unit 4 is disconnected.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the state in which the safe unit 41 of the lower unit 4 is displaced in the YY' direction, which is a predetermined direction. Maintenance personnel can pull out the safe unit 41 from the housing 40 of the lower unit 4 for maintenance work, etc. At this time, the connection between the banknote transport path 34 in the upper unit 3 and the banknote transport path 44 in the lower unit 4 is severed.

[0026] Figure 5 is an enlarged external perspective view of the connection section 5. The connection section 5 is a mechanism that connects the banknote transport path 34 in the upper unit 3 and the banknote transport path 44 in the lower unit 4.

[0027] The connection section 5 includes a second guide unit 7 connected to the first guide unit 6. The first guide unit 6 is located on the underside of the upper unit 3 at a position corresponding to the connection section 5. The function of connecting and disconnecting the banknote transport path is realized by the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7, so in the figure, they are indicated by symbols as if they were the connection section 5 as a whole.

[0028] The first guide unit 6, located within the upper unit 3, comprises a pair of first guides 61 and 62 facing each other across a transport path 64 within the first guide unit. Furthermore, the first guide unit 6 is provided with contact portions 63 at both longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 5. As the upper unit 3 approaches the lower unit 4, the contact portions 63 come into contact with the tip side 711 of the third guide 71 of the second guide unit 7 (described later), pushing up and rotating the first guide 71. It can also be said that the transport path 64 within the first guide unit is formed by the first guide 61 and the second guide 62 being positioned opposite each other with a predetermined gap between them.

[0029] The second guide unit 7 is formed in a connection part separate from the upper unit 3 and is provided within a connection part 5 that is relatively movable relative to the upper unit 3 in a predetermined direction. The second guide unit 7 includes a third guide 71 and a fourth guide 72 that face each other across the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit. In other words, the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit is formed by arranging the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 facing each other with a predetermined gap between them.

[0030] A fixed part 73 is attached to the lower side of the third guide 71 by a shaft part 75 so as to be rotatable relative to it. Similarly, another fixed part 74 is attached to the lower side of the fourth guide 72 by another shaft part 76 so as to be rotatable relative to it. Between these fixed parts 73 and 74, a transport path 78 is formed that leads to the banknote transport path 44 in the lower unit 4. The transport path 78 is part of the transport path 77 in the second guide unit.

[0031] The third guide 71 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the shaft portion 75 as its center of rotation. The fourth guide 72 rotates in accordance with the third guide 71 while maintaining a parallel relationship with it. In other words, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 rotate in conjunction within a predetermined angular range while maintaining the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit.

[0032] The third guide 71 and the fourth guide 74 of the second guide unit 7 are biased counterclockwise in the figure by a spring member (not shown). In other words, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 of the second guide unit 7, which can rotate in conjunction with each other, are always biased toward the contact portion 63 of the first guide unit 6.

[0033] Therefore, as the upper unit 3 is pulled out in the Y' direction, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 rotate counterclockwise while sliding in contact with the contact portion 63. Eventually, when the upper unit 3 is completely separated from the connecting portion 5, the third guide 71 can no longer remain in contact with the contact portion 63 and rotates to a position where it is stopped by a stopper (not shown) and comes to rest. This relationship will be described further later.

[0034] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the first guide unit 6 has a first guide 61 with a comb-like tip and a second guide 62 with a comb-like tip, and the first guide 61 and the second guide 62 are arranged opposite each other with a transport path 64 inside the first guide unit in between.

[0035] Similarly, the second guide unit has a third guide 71 with a comb-like tip and a fourth guide 72 with a comb-like tip, and the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 are arranged opposite each other across the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit.

[0036] The tip of the first guide 61 and the tip of the third guide 71 interlock, and the tip of the second guide 62 and the tip of the fourth guide 72 interlock, thereby connecting the transport path 64 within the first guide unit and the transport path 77 within the second guide unit in a way that allows for the transport of banknotes. Because the comb teeth interlock, the gaps in the transport path can be reduced, preventing any portion of the banknotes from flying out of the transport path.

[0037] Figure 6 is an external perspective view of the connection section 5 with the upper unit 3 removed. For clarity, only the first guide unit 6 is shown among the elements that make up the upper unit 3. The lower unit 4 is shown centered on the connection section 5.

[0038] Figures 7 to 11 illustrate how the banknote transport path 34 of the upper unit 3 and the banknote transport path 44 of the lower unit 4 are connected by the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the upper unit 3 pulled out in a predetermined direction, with the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7 separated, and the second guide unit 7 tilted toward the first guide unit and waiting.

[0040] The tip 711 of the third guide 71 is the part that makes contact with the abutment portion 63 first when the upper unit 3 approaches the connection portion 5. Furthermore, the tip 711 is the part that remains in contact with the abutment portion 63 for the longest period when the upper unit 3 moves away from the connection portion 5. The shape of the tip 711 will be described further later.

[0041] The third guide 71 is constantly biased counterclockwise by a spring member (not shown) provided on the shaft portion 75. Therefore, when the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7 are completely separated, the third guide 71 rotates counterclockwise until it contacts a stopper (not shown). The fourth guide 72 rotates in conjunction with the third guide 71 and comes to a stop when the third guide 71 comes to a stop. The fourth guide 72 rotates in conjunction with the first guide 71 and maintains the transport path 77 within the second guide unit. However, in this state, the transport path 64 within the first guide unit and the transport path 77 within the second guide unit are not connected, so the control unit 36 ​​does not transport banknotes.

[0042] The state shown in Figure 7 is referred to as the open state, for example. In the open state, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 stop at a position rotated by a predetermined angle θ1 counterclockwise from the final contact position, which will be described later in Figure 10.

[0043] Figure 8 shows the contact initiation state where the upper unit 3 approaches the connection part 5 and the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7 come into contact. This state is immediately after the tip 711 of the third guide 71 comes into contact with the contact part 63, and the third guide 71 is in the contact initiation position. When the tip 711 of the third guide 71 comes into contact with the contact part 63 which is displaced in the Y direction, it receives a force that rotates it clockwise. The third guide 71 rotates clockwise against the spring force. The fourth guide 72 rotates in conjunction with the third guide 71, maintaining the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit. In the state shown in Figure 8, similar to the state shown in Figure 7, the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are not fully connected, so the transport of banknotes is prohibited by the control unit 36.

[0044] Figure 9 shows the state in which the upper unit 3 moves further closer to the connection part 5, and the banknote transport path 34 inside the upper unit 3 and the banknote transport path 44 inside the lower unit 4 are connected, making it possible to transport banknotes. This state is called the intermediate state. In the intermediate state, the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected. The connection part between the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit is slightly bent, but this does not cause any damage to the banknotes, such as chipping, bending, or tearing. Therefore, when the intermediate state is reached, the control unit 36 ​​permits the transport of banknotes. In the intermediate state, there is a slight misalignment between the upper unit 3 and the connection part 5, but this does not hinder the transport of banknotes, so the operation of the cash transaction device 1 can be started without correcting this misalignment.

[0045] Figure 10 shows the completed connection state where the upper unit 3 approaches the connection section 5 and reaches a predetermined final contact position, and the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line. At this final contact position, the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line, so the transport of banknotes in this state is smoother than the transport of banknotes in the intermediate state.

[0046] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram that shows the changes from the state shown in Figure 7 to the state shown in Figure 10. Some reference numerals have been omitted in Figure 11. As you move from left to right in Figure 11, the upper unit 3 approaches the connection part 5 and changes from the open state, contact start state, intermediate state, and contact completed state.

[0047] When the arc-shaped tip 711 of the second guide unit 7 contacts the contact portion 63 of the first guide unit 6, the third guide 71 receives a force that counteracts the spring force that constantly biases the third guide 71 toward the first guide unit 6. Due to a force opposite to the force when it contacts the contact portion 63, the third guide 71 rotates clockwise against the spring force. The arc-shaped tip 711 facing the contact portion 63 is displaced upward while in contact with the contact surface of the contact portion 63.

[0048] When the upper unit 3 reaches its final contact position, further movement is prohibited. The upper unit 3 reaches the correct position (final contact position) relative to the connection part 5. In this contact completed state, the banknotes are transported from the upper unit 3 through the connection part 5 to the lower unit 4, or from the lower unit 4 through the connection part 5 to the upper unit 3.

[0049] Even in the intermediate state before contact is completed, the banknotes are transported from the upper unit 3 through the connecting part 5 to the lower unit 4, or from the lower unit 4 through the connecting part 5 to the upper unit 3. The transport paths 64 in the first guide unit and 77 in the second guide unit are slightly bent at their connecting parts, but both transport paths 64 and 77 are correctly connected, so there is no hindrance to the transport of the banknotes.

[0050] Figures 12 to 14 illustrate the positional relationship between the contact portion 63 and the first guide unit 6 and the second guide unit 7.

[0051] The contact portion 63 is provided at a predetermined distance dL in a direction parallel to a predetermined direction YY' from a predetermined center P1 in the thickness direction of the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit formed between the first guide 61 and the second guide 62.

[0052] The predetermined center P1 can also be called the transport center between the pair of guides 61 and 62. Alternatively, the predetermined center P1 is the point where a perpendicular L2 drawn from the center P2 of the contact surface 631 of the contact portion 63 intersects with a plane containing a center line L1 parallel to the transport direction ZZ' in the transport path 64 within the first guide unit. The length of the perpendicular L2 is a predetermined distance dL. The predetermined center P1 is located within the region where the comb-shaped tip sides of the first guide unit 6 and the comb-shaped tip sides of the second guide unit 7 interlock in an alternating manner.

[0053] The contact portion 63 contacts the tip 711 of the third guide 71, which is closer to the contact portion 63, and displaces the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 while rotating them toward the base end side of the first guide unit 6 (upper side in Figure 12, Z direction side).

[0054] As shown in Figure 13, the tip 711 of the third guide 71 has a curved surface formed thereon that includes an arc A1, which is part of a circumference C1 with a radius of a predetermined distance dL from a predetermined center P1. The circumference C1 is located on a plane (the YZ plane in Figure 13) that is perpendicular to both the plane containing the center line L1 and the contact surface 631. Furthermore, the predetermined center P1 can also be described as being located in the center of the transport direction in the region where the comb-shaped tip side of the first guide unit 6 and the comb-shaped tip side of the second guide unit 7 interlock.

[0055] In this embodiment, since the position of the contact portion 63 is set with respect to the predetermined center P1 described above, as shown in Figure 14, the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit can be connected in a way that allows banknotes to be transported, even in an intermediate state before the second guide unit 7 becomes aligned with the first guide unit 6.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second guide unit 7 provided at the connection part 5 is positioned at a predetermined angle θ1 inclined toward the first guide unit 6 before being connected to the first guide unit 6. Therefore, the height dimension H1 (see Figure 7) of the second guide unit 7 can be shortened. Consequently, in this embodiment, the height of the banknote handling device 2, and thus the height of the cash transaction device 1, can be shortened, making the overall structure more compact.

[0057] In contrast, if the second guide unit 7 is configured to stand upright and wait for the first guide unit 6 to approach, the height dimension H2 of the second guide unit 7 will be longer than the height dimension H1. Therefore, the mounting position of the first guide unit 6, which engages with the second guide unit 7 to form the transport path, must be higher than the position shown in Figure 7, and as a result, the height dimension of the banknote handling device 2 will increase. If the height dimension of the banknote handling device 2 increases, the size of the cash transaction device 1 will also increase.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second guide unit 7 rotates when the first guide unit 6 moves in a predetermined direction Y and comes into contact with a contact portion 63 provided on the first guide unit 6, until the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit 6 and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit 7 are connected in a straight line.

[0059] More specifically, in this embodiment, the process from the contact start position where the second guide unit 7 contacts the contact portion 63 to the final contact position where the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line includes an intermediate state in which the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit and the transport path 77 inside the second guide unit are connected diagonally, enabling the transport of banknotes. Therefore, even if the alignment of the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4 is not precise, banknotes can be transported. In other words, even if the manufacturing tolerances of the upper unit 3, the manufacturing tolerances of the lower unit 4, and errors during the mounting and adjustment of the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4 accumulate and the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4 cannot be precisely positioned, banknotes can be transported smoothly. That is, according to this embodiment, even if variations in manufacturing tolerances occur, the performance of smoothly transporting banknotes can be maintained. Therefore, a banknote handling device 2 and a cash transaction device 1 with so-called robustness can be realized.

[0060] In this embodiment, the contact portion 63 is provided at a predetermined distance dL in a direction parallel to a predetermined direction YY' from a predetermined center P1 in the thickness direction of the transport path 64 inside the first guide unit formed between the first guide 61 and the second guide 62, and contacts the tip 711 side of the third guide 71, which is closer to the contact portion 63, thereby displacing the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 while rotating them toward the base end side (Z direction side) of the first guide unit 6. The predetermined center P1 is located within the region where the tip side of the first guide unit 6 and the tip side of the second guide unit 7 engage, and a curved surface is formed on the tip 711 side of the third guide 71, which includes an arc A1 that is part of the circumference C1 with a radius of a predetermined distance dL from the predetermined center P1.

[0061] Therefore, even if the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4 are slightly misaligned in a predetermined direction, the tip 711 of the third guide 71 can be brought into contact with the contact portion 63, thereby connecting the transport path 64 and the transport path 77. This allows for smooth transport of banknotes even if there are manufacturing tolerances and mounting adjustment errors between the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72, which constitute the second guide unit 7, rotate in conjunction with each other in the same direction. More specifically, the fourth guide 72 rotates following the third guide 71. Therefore, the second guide unit 7 can be rotated while keeping the shape of the transport path 77 within the second guide unit constant (thickness dimension in a predetermined direction YY'). In other words, banknotes can be transported smoothly while maintaining a nearly constant shape of the transport path.

[0063] In this embodiment, the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 are biased toward the contact portion 63 in a predetermined direction before they come into contact with the contact portion 63. Therefore, the lower unit 4 can wait for the upper unit 3 to return to its original position with the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 tilted toward the first guide unit 6. By biasing the third guide 71 and the fourth guide 72 toward the first guide unit 6 and waiting in that position, the height dimension of the banknote handling device 2, and consequently the height dimension of the cash transaction device 1, can be reduced. [Examples]

[0064] Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figures 15 to 18. In the following embodiments, including this embodiment, the differences from the embodiment described above will be the main focus. In this embodiment, the first guide unit 6A is provided on the safe unit 41, and the second guide unit 7A is positioned at the connection part 5A facing the lower unit 4.

[0065] The connection section 5A includes a second guide unit 7A which is connected to the first guide unit 6A. The first guide unit 6A is located on the upper side of the housing 40 of the lower unit 4, at a position corresponding to the connection section 5A.

[0066] The first guide unit 6A, provided within the safe unit 41, comprises a pair of first guides 61A and second guides 62A facing each other across the transport path 64A within the first guide unit. Furthermore, the first guide unit 6A is provided with contact portions 63A at both ends in the longitudinal direction. When the safe unit 41 approaches the housing, the contact portions 63A come into contact with the tip side 711A of the third guide 71A of the second guide unit 7A, pushing up and rotating the third guide 71A.

[0067] As described above, the second guide unit 7A is provided in the connection part 5A. The connection part 5A is formed in the housing 40 of the lower unit, which is separate from the safe unit 41, and is provided within the connection part 5A, which is movable relative to the lower unit 4 in a predetermined direction.

[0068] The second guide unit 7A includes a third guide 71A and a fourth guide 74 that are opposite each other across the transport path 77A within the second guide unit. A fixed part 73A is attached to the lower side of the third guide 71A by a shaft part 75A so as to be rotatable relative to it. Similarly, another fixed part 74A is attached to the lower side of the fourth guide 72A by another shaft part 76A so as to be rotatable relative to it. Between these fixed parts 73A and 74A, a transport path 78A is formed that connects to the banknote transport path 44 in the lower unit 4. The transport path 78A is part of the transport path 77A within the second guide unit.

[0069] The third guide 71A rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the shaft portion 75A as its center of rotation. The fourth guide 72A rotates in accordance with the third guide 71A while maintaining a parallel relationship with it.

[0070] The third guide 71A and the fourth guide 72A of the second guide unit 7A are biased clockwise in the figure by a spring member (not shown). In other words, the third guide 71A and the fourth guide 72A of the second guide unit 7A, which can rotate in conjunction with each other, are always biased toward the contact portion 63A of the first guide unit 6A.

[0071] Therefore, as the safe unit 41 is pulled out in the Y' direction, the third guide 71A and the fourth guide 72A rotate clockwise while sliding in contact with the contact portion 63A. Eventually, when the safe unit 41 is completely separated from the housing 40, the third guide 71A can no longer remain in contact with the contact portion 63A and rotates to a position where it is stopped by a stopper (not shown) and comes to rest.

[0072] As described in Example 1, the first guide unit 6A has a first guide 61A with a comb-shaped tip and a second guide 62A with a comb-shaped tip, and the first guide 61A and the second guide 62A are arranged opposite each other across the transport path 64A inside the first guide unit. The second guide unit 7A has a third guide 71A with a comb-shaped tip and a fourth guide 72A with a comb-shaped tip, and the third guide 71A and the fourth guide 72A are arranged opposite each other across the transport path 77A inside the second guide unit.

[0073] The tip of the first guide 61A engages with the tip of the third guide 71A, and the tip of the second guide 62A engages with the tip of the fourth guide 72A, thereby connecting the transport path 64A within the first guide unit and the transport path 77A within the second guide unit in a way that allows banknotes to be transported.

[0074] Figure 15 shows the safe unit 41 pulled out in a predetermined direction, with the first guide unit 6A and the second guide unit 7A separated, and the second guide unit 7A tilted toward the first guide unit 6A and waiting. This state is called the open state.

[0075] The tip 711A of the third guide 71A is the part that makes contact with the contact portion 63A first when the safe unit 41 approaches the connection portion 5 (the housing 40 of the lower unit 4). The tip 711A is the part that remains in contact with the contact portion 63A for the longest time when the safe unit 41 moves away from the connection portion 5 (the housing 40 of the lower unit 4).

[0076] The third guide 71A is constantly biased clockwise by a spring member (not shown) provided on the shaft portion 75A. When the first guide unit 6A and the second guide unit 7A are completely separated, the third guide 71A rotates clockwise until it contacts a stopper (not shown). Once completely separated from the contact portion 63A, the third guide 71A waits, tilted at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the perpendicular toward the contact portion 63A (first guide unit 6A). The fourth guide 72A rotates in conjunction with the third guide 71A and comes to a stop when the third guide 71A comes to a stop. The fourth guide 72A rotates in conjunction with the first guide 71A, maintaining the transport path 77A within the second guide unit.

[0077] Figure 16 shows the contact initiation state where the first guide unit 6A and the second guide unit 7A are in contact.

[0078] Figure 17 shows an intermediate state in which the banknote transport path 64A in the first guide unit 6A and the banknote transport path 77A in the second guide unit 7A are connected, enabling the transport of banknotes.

[0079] Figure 18 shows the completed connection state in which the first guide unit 6A and the second guide unit 7A are connected in a straight line.

[0080] This embodiment, configured in this way, also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, according to this embodiment, the height dimension of the banknote handling device 2 using the connecting part 5A can be shortened, and the cash transaction device 1 can be made more compact.

[0081] According to this embodiment, banknotes can be transported even if the alignment between the safe unit 41 and the housing 40 that houses it is not precise. In other words, according to this embodiment, even if variations such as manufacturing tolerances occur, the performance of smoothly transporting banknotes can be maintained. Therefore, a banknote handling device 2 and a cash transaction device 1 with excellent robustness can be realized. [Examples]

[0082] Embodiment 3 will be explained using Figure 19. In this embodiment, the upper first guide unit 6B1 is provided on the upper unit 3 and the lower first guide unit 6B2 is provided on the safe unit 41. Furthermore, the connection part 5B is rotatably provided with an upper second guide unit 7B1 connected to the upper first guide unit 6B1 and a lower second guide unit 7B2 connected to the lower first guide unit 6B2. Figure 19 shows the upper first guide unit 6B1, the lower first guide unit 6B2, the upper second guide unit 7B1 and the lower second guide unit 7B2.

[0083] Each of the second guide units 7B1 and 7B2 can independently change between the open state, the contact start state, the intermediate state, and the contact completed state. Therefore, maintenance work can be performed by separating only the upper unit 3 from the lower unit 4, or by separating only the lower unit 4 from the upper unit 3.

[0084] The banknote handling device 2 of this embodiment comprises an upper unit 3, a safe unit 41, and a connecting part 5B. The upper unit 3 is provided with an upper first guide unit 6B1 that communicates with the upper banknote transport unit 34 and faces the connecting part 5B, and the safe unit 41 is provided with a lower first guide unit 6B2 that communicates with the lower banknote transport unit 44 and faces the connecting part 5B.

[0085] Furthermore, the connection section 5B is rotatably provided with an upper second guide unit 7B1 connected to the upper first guide unit 6B1, and a lower second guide unit 7B2 connected to the lower first guide unit 6B2. Before being connected to the upper first guide unit 6B1, the upper second guide unit 7B1 is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the upper first guide unit 6B1, and before being connected to the lower first guide unit 6B2, the lower second guide unit 7B2 is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the lower first guide unit 6B2.

[0086] Furthermore, when the upper first guide unit 6B1 moves in a predetermined direction and contacts the upper contact portion 63B1 provided on the upper first guide unit 6B1, the upper second guide unit 7B1 rotates until the upper first guide unit internal transport path 64B1 within the upper first guide unit 6B1 and the upper second guide unit internal transport path 77B1 within the upper second guide unit 7B1 are connected in a straight line. Similarly, when the lower first guide unit 6B2 moves in a predetermined direction and contacts the lower contact portion 63B2 provided on the lower first guide unit 6B2, the lower second guide unit 7B2 rotates until the lower first guide unit internal transport path 64B2 within the lower first guide unit 6B2 and the lower second guide unit internal transport path 77B2 within the lower second guide unit 7B2 are connected in a straight line.

[0087] In this embodiment, the upper element is denoted by the reference numeral B1, and the lower element is denoted by the reference numeral B2. Figure 19 shows the upper first guide 61B1, the upper second guide 62B1, the upper third guide 71B1, the upper fourth guide 72B1, the other upper shaft portion 76B1, the common shaft portion 75B, the lower first guide 61B2, the lower second guide 62B2, the lower third guide 71B2, the lower fourth guide 72B2, and the other lower shaft portion 76B2.

[0088] This embodiment, configured in this manner, provides the same effects as the embodiments 1 and 2 described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the second guide units 7B1 and 7B2 are provided above and below the connecting portion 5B, the height dimension of the banknote handling device 2 can be made shorter than in the cases of embodiments 1 or 2.

[0089] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention. The features described in the embodiments can also be combined as appropriate.

[0090] The embodiments described above disclose the following implementable configurations.

[0091] (Note 1) A banknote handling device comprising: an upper unit including a banknote discrimination unit and an upper banknote transport unit; a safe unit, a lower banknote transport unit, a housing for housing the safe unit and the lower banknote transport unit; and a connecting part fixed to the housing and located between the upper unit and the safe unit, wherein the upper unit or the safe unit is provided to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing, the connecting part connects the upper banknote transport unit and the lower banknote transport unit by the movement of the upper unit or the safe unit, and at least one of the upper unit or the lower unit is provided with the upper banknote transport unit or the lower banknote transport unit. A banknote handling device comprising a first guide unit communicating with a banknote transport section, provided facing the connection section, a second guide unit rotatably provided at the connection section to connect with the first guide unit, the second guide unit being positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the first guide unit before being connected to the first guide unit, and the second guide unit rotating until the first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and contacts a contact portion provided on the first guide unit, until the internal transport path within the first guide unit and the internal transport path within the second guide unit are connected in a straight line.

[0092] (Note 2) The banknote handling device according to Note 1, which includes an intermediate state in which the transport path inside the first guide unit and the transport path inside the second guide unit are connected diagonally, enabling the transport of banknotes, during the transition from the contact start position in which the second guide unit contacts the contact portion to the final contact position in which the transport path inside the first guide unit and the transport path inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line.

[0093] (Note 3) The banknote handling device according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the first guide unit is provided with a first guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a second guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the transport path inside the first guide unit, and the second guide unit is provided with a third guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a fourth guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the transport path inside the second guide unit, and the transport path inside the first guide unit and the transport path inside the second guide unit are connected in a way that allows for the transport of banknotes by the engagement of the tip side of the first guide and the tip side of the third guide, and the engagement of the tip side of the second guide and the tip side of the fourth guide.

[0094] (Note 4) The contact portion is provided at a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the predetermined direction from a predetermined center in the thickness direction of the transport path within the first guide unit formed between the first guide and the second guide, and contacts the tip side of the third guide, which of the third and fourth guides is closer to the contact portion, thereby displacing the third and fourth guides while rotating them toward the base end side of the first guide unit, the predetermined center is located within the region where the tip side of the first guide unit and the tip side of the second guide unit interlock, and a curved surface including an arc which is part of the circumference with a radius of the predetermined distance from the predetermined center is formed on the tip side of the third guide, the banknote handling device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3.

[0095] (Note 5) The banknote handling device described in any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the third guide and the fourth guide constituting the second guide unit rotate in conjunction in the same direction.

[0096] (Note 6) The fourth guide is a banknote handling device described in any one of Notes 1 to 5, which follows the third guide and rotates in the same direction.

[0097] (Note 7) The banknote handling device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the third guide and the fourth guide are biased in a predetermined direction toward the contact portion in the state before they come into contact with the contact portion.

[0098] (Note 8) A banknote handling device comprising: an upper unit including a banknote discrimination unit and an upper banknote transport unit; a safe unit, a lower banknote transport unit, a housing housing the safe unit and the lower banknote transport unit; and a connecting part fixed to the housing and located between the upper unit and the safe unit, wherein the upper unit or the safe unit is provided to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing, and the connecting part moves the upper banknote transport unit as the upper unit or the safe unit moves. The feeding section and the lower banknote transport section are connected, the upper unit is provided with an upper first guide unit that communicates with the upper banknote transport section and faces the connection section, the lower unit is provided with a lower first guide unit that communicates with the lower banknote transport section and faces the connection section, the connection section is provided with an upper second guide unit that connects to the upper first guide unit and a lower second guide unit that connects to the lower first guide unit, both rotatably mounted, the upper second guide unit Before being connected to the upper first guide unit, the guide unit is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the upper first guide unit, and before being connected to the lower first guide unit, the lower second guide unit is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the lower first guide unit, and when the upper first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and comes into contact with the upper contact portion provided on the upper first guide unit, the upper second guide unit A banknote handling device, wherein the lower second guide unit rotates until the transport path inside the upper first guide unit and the transport path inside the upper second guide unit are connected in a straight line, and the lower second guide unit rotates until the transport path inside the lower first guide unit and the transport path inside the lower second guide unit are connected in a straight line when the lower first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and contacts the lower contact portion provided on the lower first guide unit.

[0099] (Note 9) The banknote handling device described in Note 8, wherein the upper second guide unit and the lower second guide unit each rotate independently.

[0100] (Note 10) The banknote handling device according to Note 8 or 9, wherein, during the transition from the contact start position in which the upper second guide unit contacts the upper contact portion to the final contact position in which the transport path inside the upper first guide unit and the transport path inside the upper second guide unit are connected in a straight line, the transport path inside the upper first guide unit and the transport path inside the upper second guide unit are connected at an angle, enabling the transport of banknotes, and during the transition from the contact start position in which the lower second guide unit contacts the lower contact portion to the final contact position in which the transport path inside the lower first guide unit and the transport path inside the lower second guide unit are connected in a straight line, the transport path inside the lower first guide unit and the transport path inside the lower second guide unit are connected at an angle, enabling the transport of banknotes.

[0101] (Note 11) The upper first guide unit is provided with an upper first guide and an upper second guide, both formed in a comb-like shape at their tip ends, facing each other across the transport path within the upper first guide unit, and the upper second guide unit is provided with an upper third guide and an upper fourth guide, both formed in a comb-like shape at their tip ends, facing each other across the transport path within the upper second guide unit, and the tip ends of the upper first guide and the tip ends of the upper third guide interlock, and the tip ends of the upper second guide and the tip ends of the upper fourth guide interlock, thereby connecting the transport path within the upper first guide unit and the transport path within the upper second guide unit in a manner that allows for the transport of banknotes, and the lower first guide The banknote handling device according to any one of appendices 8 to 10, wherein the unit is provided with a lower first guide and a lower second guide, both formed in a comb-like shape at their front ends, facing each other across the transport path within the lower first guide unit, and the lower second guide unit is provided with a lower third guide and a lower fourth guide, both formed in a comb-like shape at their front ends, facing each other across the transport path within the lower second guide unit, and the front ends of the lower first guide and the front ends of the lower third guide interlock, and the front ends of the lower second guide and the front ends of the lower fourth guide interlock, thereby connecting the transport path within the lower first guide unit and the transport path within the lower second guide unit in a manner that allows for the transport of banknotes.

[0102] (Note 12) A cash transaction device equipped with a banknote handling device as described in any one of the notes 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1: Cash transaction device, 2: Banknote handling device, 3: Upper unit, 4: Lower unit, 5, 5A, 5B: Connection part, 34, 44: Banknote transport path, 41: Safe, 6, 6A, 6B1, 6B2: First guide unit, 7, 7A, 7B1, 7B2: Second guide unit

Claims

1. A banknote handling device, An upper unit including a banknote discrimination unit and an upper banknote transport unit, A lower unit including a safe unit, a lower banknote transport section, and a housing that houses the safe unit and the lower banknote transport section, It comprises a connecting portion fixed to the housing and located between the upper unit and the safe unit, The upper unit or the safe unit is provided so as to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing, The aforementioned connecting section connects the upper banknote transport section and the lower banknote transport section by the movement of the upper unit or the safe unit. At least one of the upper unit or the lower unit is provided with a first guide unit that communicates with the upper banknote transport section or the lower banknote transport section, facing the connection section side. A second guide unit, which is connected to the first guide unit, is rotatably provided at the aforementioned connection portion. Before being connected to the first guide unit, the second guide unit is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the first guide unit. The second guide unit rotates when the first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and contacts a contact portion provided on the first guide unit, until the internal transport path within the first guide unit and the internal transport path within the second guide unit are connected in a straight line. Banknote handling device.

2. The process from the contact start position where the second guide unit contacts the contact portion to the final contact position where the transport path inside the first guide unit and the transport path inside the second guide unit are connected in a straight line includes an intermediate state in which the transport path inside the first guide unit and the transport path inside the second guide unit are connected diagonally, enabling the transport of banknotes. The banknote handling device according to claim 1.

3. The first guide unit is provided with a first guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a second guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the transport path within the first guide unit. The second guide unit is provided with a third guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a fourth guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the transport path within the second guide unit. The tip of the first guide engages with the tip of the third guide, and the tip of the second guide engages with the tip of the fourth guide, thereby connecting the transport path within the first guide unit and the transport path within the second guide unit in a manner that allows for the transport of banknotes. The banknote handling device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned contact portion is, It is provided at a predetermined distance from a predetermined center in the thickness direction of the transport path within the first guide unit formed between the first guide and the second guide, in a direction parallel to the predetermined direction, The third guide, which is closer to the contact portion, contacts the tip of the third guide, and displaces the third and fourth guides while rotating them toward the base end of the first guide unit. The predetermined center is located within the region where the tip side of the first guide unit and the tip side of the second guide unit engage. A curved surface is formed at the tip of the third guide, including an arc which is part of the circumference of a circle with a radius of the predetermined distance from the predetermined center. The banknote handling device according to claim 3.

5. The third guide and the fourth guide, which constitute the second guide unit, rotate in conjunction in the same direction. The banknote handling device according to claim 4.

6. The fourth guide follows the third guide and rotates in conjunction with it in the same direction. The banknote handling device according to claim 5.

7. The third guide and the fourth guide are biased in a predetermined direction toward the contact portion before they come into contact with the contact portion. The banknote handling device according to claim 6.

8. A banknote handling device, An upper unit including a banknote discrimination unit and an upper banknote transport unit, A lower unit including a safe unit, a lower banknote transport section, and a housing that houses the safe unit and the lower banknote transport section, It comprises a connecting portion fixed to the housing and located between the upper unit and the safe unit, The upper unit or the safe unit is provided so as to be movable in a predetermined direction relative to the housing, The aforementioned connecting section connects the upper banknote transport section and the lower banknote transport section by the movement of the upper unit or the safe unit. The upper unit is provided with an upper first guide unit that communicates with the upper banknote transport section and faces the connection section. The lower unit is provided with a lower first guide unit that communicates with the lower banknote transport section and faces the connection section. The connection portion is rotatably provided with an upper second guide unit connected to the upper first guide unit and a lower second guide unit connected to the lower first guide unit. The upper second guide unit, before being connected to the upper first guide unit, is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the upper first guide unit. The lower second guide unit, before being connected to the lower first guide unit, is positioned at a predetermined angle inclined toward the lower first guide unit. When the upper first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and contacts the upper contact portion provided on the upper first guide unit, the upper second guide unit rotates until the internal transport path within the upper first guide unit and the internal transport path within the upper second guide unit are connected in a straight line. The lower second guide unit rotates when the lower first guide unit moves in the predetermined direction and contacts the lower contact portion provided on the lower first guide unit, until the internal transport path within the lower first guide unit and the internal transport path within the lower second guide unit are connected in a straight line. Banknote handling device.

9. The upper second guide unit and the lower second guide unit rotate independently of each other. The banknote handling device according to claim 8.

10. As the upper second guide unit changes from the contact start position where it contacts the upper contact portion to the final contact position where the transport path inside the upper first guide unit and the transport path inside the upper second guide unit are connected in a straight line, the transport path inside the upper first guide unit and the transport path inside the upper second guide unit are connected diagonally, enabling the transport of banknotes. During the transition from the contact start position where the lower second guide unit contacts the lower contact portion to the final contact position where the transport path within the lower first guide unit and the transport path within the lower second guide unit are connected in a straight line, the transport path within the lower first guide unit and the transport path within the lower second guide unit are connected diagonally, enabling the transport of banknotes. The banknote handling device according to claim 9.

11. The upper first guide unit is provided with an upper first guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and an upper second guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the internal transport path of the upper first guide unit. The upper second guide unit is provided with an upper third guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and an upper fourth guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the internal transport path of the upper second guide unit. The tip of the upper first guide and the tip of the upper third guide engage with each other, and the tip of the upper second guide and the tip of the upper fourth guide engage with each other, thereby connecting the transport path within the upper first guide unit and the transport path within the upper second guide unit in a manner that allows for the transport of banknotes. The lower first guide unit is provided with a lower first guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a lower second guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the internal transport path of the lower first guide unit. The lower second guide unit is provided with a lower third guide whose tip is formed in a comb-like shape and a lower fourth guide whose tip is also formed in a comb-like shape, facing each other across the internal transport path of the lower second guide unit. The tip of the lower first guide and the tip of the lower third guide engage with each other, and the tip of the lower second guide and the tip of the lower fourth guide engage with each other, thereby connecting the transport path within the lower first guide unit and the transport path within the lower second guide unit in a manner that allows for the transport of banknotes. The banknote handling device according to claim 10.

12. A cash transaction device comprising a banknote handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images