Banknote processing equipment

Abstract

The system will allow users to easily remove banknotes from the dispensing slot of the banknote processing device. [Solution] The banknote processing device 1 includes a shutter 9 that opens and closes a dispensing slot 3 for dispensing banknotes, a dispensing tray 36 positioned behind the dispensing slot 3 for accumulating the banknotes to be dispensed, a dispensing lever 37 that pushes the banknotes accumulated in the dispensing tray 36 toward the dispensing slot 3, and a guide 41 that guides the banknotes being transported from the transport unit toward the dispensing tray 36. The guide 41 is pivotably positioned above the dispensing tray 36, and guides the banknotes while preventing transport failures by changing the direction of guidance when banknotes being transported onto the dispensing tray 36 come into contact with it. The banknotes accumulated on the dispensing tray 36 are pushed toward the dispensing slot 3 by the dispensing lever 37, which rotates in accordance with the opening operation of the shutter 9, so that the banknotes can be easily removed from the dispensing slot 3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote handling apparatus that deposits and withdraws banknotes. [Background Art]

[0002] A banknote handling apparatus is, for example, an apparatus that receives banknotes, stores the banknotes by denomination, and discharges the stored banknotes.

[0003] For example, a banknote handling apparatus includes a deposit slot that receives banknotes into the apparatus, a withdrawal slot that discharges banknotes to the outside, a conveyance path that conveys banknotes, an identification unit that identifies the denomination of a banknote, a sorting unit that sorts banknotes by denomination, and a banknote storage device that stores banknotes by denomination or feeds out stored banknotes. In such a banknote handling apparatus, banknotes are deposited through the deposit slot, and the denomination of each banknote is identified by the identification unit disposed in the middle of the conveyance path. Banknotes with identified denominations are sorted by denomination by the sorting unit disposed along the conveyance path, and stored in the banknote storage devices provided for respective denominations. When dispensing banknotes, the banknote handling apparatus feeds out banknotes of the instructed denomination and number of sheets from the banknote storage device, conveys them to the withdrawal slot, and dispenses the banknotes. The banknote handling apparatus is used, for example, in money changers and change dispensers.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-129135 discloses a banknote handling apparatus in which a shutter that opens and closes a banknote passage vertically is provided on the withdrawal slot side of a temporary storage unit that temporarily holds banknotes. The shutter is closed until all banknotes to be dispensed are held in the temporary storage unit, and is opened after all banknotes are held. The banknote is configured to be pushed out toward the withdrawal slot when the shutter opens.

[0005] The shutter moves up and down in conjunction with the push mechanism that pushes banknotes toward the dispensing slot. When the shutter is closed, the banknote holder is separated from the banknotes, with its tip resting on top of the shutter. Because the banknotes and the banknote holder are separated, the transport of banknotes to the temporary holding section is not obstructed by the banknote holder. When the shutter is opened, the banknote holder comes into contact with the top surface of the banknotes. Because the banknotes and the banknote holder are in contact, the banknote holder can restrain the force with which the banknotes are pushed out by the push mechanism.

[0006] This configuration prevents problems such as banknotes with creases or weak stiffness getting stuck because they cannot push up the banknote holder and collide with subsequent banknotes, causing jams, and banknotes being forcefully pushed out of the dispensing slot by the ejection mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-129135 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Conventional banknote processing devices required a banknote holder to be placed on top of the shutter, and because the shutter was positioned in a recessed area, it was difficult for users to confirm whether the shutter was open or closed. Furthermore, when banknotes were pushed out, they would protrude from the banknote support section, causing banknotes with creases, old and easily bent banknotes, or banknotes with little stiffness to bend downwards at the tip, making it difficult for users to receive the dispensed banknotes.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a banknote processing device that allows users to suitably receive the banknotes that are dispensed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a banknote processing device comprising: a storage section for storing banknotes; a dispensing section having a banknote dispensing slot; a transport section for transporting the banknotes from the storage section to the dispensing section; and a pushing section for pushing the banknotes transported from the storage section and temporarily stored in the dispensing section toward the dispensing slot, wherein the dispensing section comprises: a placement table for placing the banknotes; a pushing body for pushing the banknotes placed on the placement table toward the dispensing slot; and a rotating mechanism positioned above the placement table to which the pushing body is fixed. The device comprises a rotating shaft and a guide that is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft and positioned away from the aforementioned base, and guides the banknotes to the aforementioned base. When the banknotes dispensed from the transport unit come into contact with the guide, the guide rotates relative to the rotating shaft and guides the banknotes toward the aforementioned base. When the rotating shaft rotates, the guide does not rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the pushing body rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft and pushes the banknotes placed on the aforementioned base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a banknote processing device that can suitably receive banknotes dispensed by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a banknote processing device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the banknote processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is the first diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the guide section that guides banknotes to the dispensing section of a banknote processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Each figure is only a schematic representation to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, common or similar components in each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] The following description concerns a banknote processing device. It is also possible to process paper sheets similar to banknotes instead of banknotes using the device; such paper sheets include securities, checks, and sheets of paper or resin of a predetermined size.

[0015] First, the external appearance of the banknote processing device 1 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the banknote processing device. The banknote processing device 1 can accept banknotes from the deposit slot 2 and dispense them from the dispensing slot 3. The banknote processing device 1 can accept multiple banknotes stacked together into the deposit slot 2. The banknotes inserted in stacks into the deposit slot 2 are separated one by one by a separation unit located inside the device and then transported. The banknote processing device 1 is covered by a rear case 4 and a front case 5 to prevent easy access to the interior. The functional unit, including the front case 5, can be pulled out from the rear case 4. A lock 6 fixes the front case 5 to the rear case 4 and restricts the removal of the front case 5 from the rear case 4. Access to the interior of the banknote processing device 1 is restricted by the lock 6. The lock 6 is unlocked by a key corresponding to the lock 6. The first indicator light 7 lights up or flashes when banknotes are present in the deposit slot 2, and the second indicator light 8 lights up or flashes when banknotes are present in the dispensing slot 3. Each indicator light shows whether banknotes are present in deposit slot 2 or withdrawal slot 3. Withdrawal slot 3 is equipped with a shutter 9. When shutter 9 is open, banknotes can be taken out of withdrawal slot 3. When shutter 9 is closed, withdrawal slot 3 is blocked by shutter 9, and banknotes cannot be taken out of withdrawal slot 3.

[0016] Next, a main configuration of the banknote processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the banknote processing apparatus. An internal configuration of the banknote processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0017] In the banknote processing apparatus 1, functional units that perform banknote identification, conveyance, storage and the like are covered by a rear case 4 and a front case 5. Two openings are formed in the front case 5, one of which is a deposit slot 2 for inserting banknotes, and the other is a withdrawal slot 3 for dispensing banknotes. Further, the banknote processing apparatus 1 is provided with a shutter 9 that opens and closes the withdrawal slot 3.

[0018] The deposit identification unit 10 receives one or a plurality of banknotes, separates the banknotes one by one, and detects characteristics of the separated banknotes one by one by means of an identification sensor 21. The denomination of the banknote is identified based on the detection result of the identification sensor 21.

[0019] A banknote path for guiding banknotes is formed extending inward from the deposit slot 2. Banknotes inserted into the deposit slot 2 are separated one by one and further conveyed inward. The pressing plate 12 is biased toward the first separation roller 13 by a spring 11. The first separation roller 13 is driven by a motor (not shown). A banknote inserted from the deposit slot 2 is sandwiched between the pressing plate 12 and the first separation roller 13, and the banknote in contact with the first separation roller 13 is conveyed. When a plurality of banknotes are inserted, the banknotes on the side of the first separation roller 13 are sequentially conveyed inward one by one. Furthermore, a second separation roller 14 is disposed, and the second separation roller 14 is driven by a motor (not shown). A stationary fixed roller is disposed at a position facing the second separation roller 14. When a plurality of banknotes enter in an overlapping state, the leading ends of the respective banknotes are abutted against each other with an offset along the curved surface of the fixed roller, and are conveyed by the second separation roller 14 sequentially from the banknote at the lowermost position. In this way, when a plurality of banknotes are inserted from the deposit slot 2, the banknotes are separated one by one by the separation unit and conveyed.

[0020] The deposit section conveyance belt 19 is wound around pulleys disposed at least at both ends of the deposit section conveyance belt 19. One of the pulleys at both ends is driven by a motor (not shown), so that the deposit section conveyance belt 19 is driven. The deposit section pinch roller 20 is biased in the direction of the deposit section conveyance belt 19. The banknotes separated one by one are transferred between the deposit section pinch roller 20 and the deposit section conveyance belt 19, and are nipped and conveyed thereby.

[0021] The identification sensor 21 is disposed in a region between the deposit section pinch rollers 20 disposed at both ends. The identification sensor 21 is a sensor for detecting characteristics of deposited banknotes. The denomination of a banknote conveyed while being nipped by the deposit section pinch roller 20 and the deposit section conveyance belt 19 is identified based on the detection result from the identification sensor 21. The portion where the identification sensor 21 is disposed is referred to as an identification section. Banknotes are stored or discharged according to the denomination identified based on the detection result of the identification sensor 21. Each component is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0022] The deposit section inlet / outlet guide 22 constitutes a guide path for allowing banknotes to enter a linear conveyance path that forms a part of the circulation conveyance path 15 capable of circulating conveyance, and this portion is curved to change the conveyance direction of banknotes.

[0023] Next, the circulation conveyance path 15 capable of circulating and conveying banknotes will be described.

[0024] The circulation conveyance path 15 is a rounded rectangular conveyance path in which the ends of the upper sides and the ends of the lower sides of two linear conveyance paths for conveying banknotes are connected by semicircular curved conveyance paths. The linear conveyance paths include a conveyance path along the first conveyance belt 16 and a conveyance path along the second conveyance belt 17. The first conveyance belt 16 and the second conveyance belt 17 are connected to a motor (not shown) via gears and are driven thereby. A plurality of circulation section pinch rollers 18 are disposed on the first conveyance belt 16 and the second conveyance belt 17, and banknotes are conveyed while being nipped between the first conveyance belt 16 and the circulation section pinch rollers 18, and between the second conveyance belt 17 and the circulation section pinch rollers 18.

[0025] In addition to the deposit / exit guide 22, the linear transport path of the circulating transport path 15 is equipped with a first branching plate 29, a second branching plate 30, a third branching plate 31, a fourth branching plate 32, and a fifth branching plate 33. These are driven by actuators (not shown) and can be selected to supply banknotes to the transport path, discharge banknotes from the transport path, and transport banknotes without changing their transport direction.

[0026] The first branching plate 29 can change its orientation to either direct the transported banknotes straight ahead or take them into the dispensing section 42.

[0027] The second branching plate 30 can change its orientation to either direct the transported banknotes in a straight line, take them into the first storage unit 23, or supply banknotes from the first storage unit 23 to a straight transport path.

[0028] The third branching plate 31 can change its orientation to either direct the transported banknotes straight ahead or take them into the reject section 43.

[0029] The fourth branching plate 32 can change its orientation to either direct the transported banknotes in a straight line, take them into the second storage unit 25, or supply banknotes from the second storage unit 25 to a straight transport path.

[0030] The fifth branching plate 33 can change its orientation to either direct the transported banknotes in a straight line, take them into the third storage unit 27, or supply banknotes from the third storage unit 27 to a straight transport path.

[0031] The circulating transport path 15 is a vertically elongated, rounded rectangular circulating path when viewed from the side of the banknote processing device 1, in order to shorten the depth of the banknote processing device 1. Multiple functional units are arranged in a stack of vertical lines on a straight transport path that constitutes part of the circulating transport path 15. Part of the straight transport path is formed by the side of each functional unit. Furthermore, the angle at which banknotes enter each functional unit from the straight transport path, and the angle at which banknotes are discharged from each functional unit to the straight transport path, are arranged to be the same. This enables stable transport without variation for each functional unit.

[0032] The first to third storage sections 23, 25, and 27, which store and dispense banknotes of the first to third denominations respectively, have the same basic structure, differing only in the denominations they store. The first storage section 23, which stores the first denomination, will be described first, and the others will be explained in supplementary terms.

[0033] The first storage section 23 can store banknotes of a first denomination in stacks and can discharge the stored banknotes one by one. The second branching plate 30 is driven to one of three positions: a position for taking banknotes into the first storage section 23, a position for transporting banknotes along the transport path, or a position for discharging banknotes from the first storage section 23, and the banknotes are transported according to that position.

[0034] When storing banknotes in the first storage section 23, the second branching plate 30 is driven to capture the transported banknotes, which are then gripped by the first roller pair 24 and transported into the first storage section 23 for storage. The first roller pair 24 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can be used to store and discharge banknotes by changing its rotation direction. When discharging banknotes from the first storage section 23, the second branching plate 30 is driven to further grip the captured banknotes by the first roller pair 24 and send them to the transport path.

[0035] The second storage section 25 and the third storage section 27 have the same basic configuration as the first storage section 23. Also, the fourth branching plate 32 and the fifth branching plate 33 correspond to the second branching plate 30, and the second roller pair 26 and the third roller pair 28 correspond to the first roller pair 24.

[0036] The reject section 43 described above will now be explained. For example, it stores old banknotes, banknotes with low circulation, etc. The third branching plate 31 is driven to either a position where banknotes are taken into the reject section 43 from the transport path, or a position where banknotes are transported along the transport path, and the banknotes are transported according to that position. When storing banknotes in the reject section 43, the third branching plate 31 is driven to take the banknotes into the reject section 43 from the transport path. The reject section roller pair 44 is driven by a motor (not shown) to grip the banknotes and transport the gripped banknotes into the inside of the reject section 43. The banknotes are stacked and stored inside the reject section 43.

[0037] Next, the dispensing unit 42 described above will be explained. The dispensing unit 42 stacks the banknotes that are transported one by one onto the dispensing unit tray 36 in order to dispense the banknotes at once. The dispensing unit tray 36 can also be described as a temporary storage platform for the transported banknotes. The banknotes are transported from the storage units 23, 25, and 27 to the dispensing unit 42 by the transport unit. In addition to the circulating transport path 15, the transport unit includes transport means within the dispensing unit 42 and the storage units, such as the dispensing unit belt 34, the dispensing unit rollers 35, the roller pairs 24, 26, and 28 of each storage unit, and the branching plates 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33. After all the banknotes to be dispensed are placed on the dispensing unit tray 36, the shutter 9 is opened and the dispensing lever 37 is driven. Banknotes pushed in the direction of the dispensing opening 3 become easier to remove. The dispensing section 42 can also be described as having a function to temporarily hold banknotes. Furthermore, the dispensing lever 37 can be described as a push mechanism that pushes banknotes forward.

[0038] When banknotes are stacked on the dispensing tray 36, the dispensing lever 37 rotates in response to the opening of the shutter 9, allowing the banknotes to be removed from the dispensing slot 3, which is opened by the opened shutter 9. It can also be said that the dispensing lever 37 rotates in sync with the opening of the shutter 9. The dispensing lever 37 pushes the rear ends of the banknotes that are unevenly stacked on the dispensing tray 36, aligning the rear ends of the banknotes and moving them toward the dispensing slot 3. The direction of movement of the banknotes is the same as the longitudinal direction of the banknotes.

[0039] The first branching plate 29 is driven, changing the direction in which the banknotes are guided, thereby allowing the banknotes to be taken from the transport path into the dispensing section 42. At this time, the banknotes guided by the first branching plate 29 are transported by the dispensing section belt 34 toward the dispensing section tray 36. Pinch rollers are arranged opposite each other on the dispensing section belt 34, and the pinch rollers are biased toward the dispensing section belt 34. The banknotes are gripped and transported by the dispensing section belt 34 and the pinch rollers. The dispensing section roller 35 is fixed to the rotation axis of a pulley located on the dispensing port 3 side of the dispensing section belt 34. The dispensing section roller 35 is equipped with a plurality of flexible blades, which will be described later, and these blades push the banknotes so that they are piled up on the dispensing section tray 36.

[0040] An upper guide 38 is positioned opposite the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36, and has a flat surface that slopes toward the dispensing opening 3 and gradually approaches the dispensing tray 36. Two openings are provided in the flat surface of the upper guide 38, and a first pressing bar 39 and a second pressing bar 40 are positioned through these openings. The first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 are positioned to move in and out of their openings. The upper guide 38, the first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 guide the banknotes toward the surface of the dispensing tray 36 to prevent the banknotes supplied onto the dispensing tray 36 from curling, and restrict the vertical movement of the banknotes on the dispensing tray 36. For example, this prevents the conveyed banknotes from bending. A guide 41 is positioned between the upper guide 38 and the dispensing roller 35. The guide 41 guides the banknotes into the dispensing tray 36. The guide 41 is pivotable. The guide 41 is positioned so that the distance from the upper guide 38 to the dispensing tray 36 is shorter than that of the upper guide 38, so that the banknotes do not come into contact with the upper guide 38.

[0041] A dispensing lever 37 is positioned opposite the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The dispensing lever 37 is positioned away from the dispensing slot 3 and can push the rear end of the banknotes furthest from the dispensing slot 3, moving the banknotes toward the dispensing slot 3. The dispensing lever 37 is fixed to a pivot shaft and rotates in conjunction with the pivot shaft. The dispensing lever 37 is linked to the shutter 9 and rotates when the shutter 9 is open, pushing the banknotes toward the dispensing slot 3. When the shutter 9 is closed, it rotates in the opposite direction to when it pushes the banknotes. When the amount of banknotes to be dispensed is placed in the dispensing tray 36, the dispensing lever 37 operates simultaneously with the opening of the shutter 9, pushing the banknotes. The banknotes moved toward the dispensing slot 3 can be easily removed from the dispensing slot 3 when the shutter 9 is open.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the dispensing unit 42, which dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device 1, will be described in detail using Figures 3, 4, and 5.

[0043] Figure 3 is the first diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device.

[0044] Two dispensing belts 34 are arranged parallel to each other along the direction of banknote transport. At least two pinch rollers (not shown), which contact and are biased in the direction of the dispensing belts 34, are provided for each dispensing belt 34 in the transport direction. Banknotes gripped by the dispensing belts 34 and pinch rollers are transported into the dispensing section 42. The dispensing belts 34 are wrapped around pulleys fixed to roller shafts, and the roller shafts are driven by a motor (not shown), causing the dispensing belts 34 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the roller shafts. A dispensing roller 35 is fixed to the roller shaft, and multiple blades 50 are radially fixed to the dispensing roller 35. The blades 50 are thin, flexible rubber or resin plates. The blades 50 come into contact with the banknotes being transported towards the dispensing tray 36 by the dispensing belt 34 and pinch rollers, and push the banknotes that have separated from the dispensing belt 34 and pinch rollers toward the shutter 9. The banknotes pushed out by the blades 50 are stacked on the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36.

[0045] Multiple protrusions 56, which project linearly from the surface, are arranged parallel to the direction in which banknotes are fed out, on the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. Banknotes are placed on the protrusions 56 and positioned away from the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. This prevents banknotes from sticking to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 and reduces frictional resistance due to contact, so that even banknotes that are easily bent can be transported smoothly. In addition, a concave-shaped retrieval recess 57 is provided at the end of the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 on the shutter 9 side. Users can grasp the front and back of banknotes in the retrieval recess 57 of the dispensing tray 36. The retrieval recess 57 improves the ease of removing banknotes. The longitudinal direction of the protrusions 56 is arranged parallel to the rotation direction of the dispensing lever 37, and the tip of the dispensing lever 37 passes between adjacent protrusions 56. The banknote is pressed at a point slightly closer to the base end than the tip of the dispensing lever 37.

[0046] The bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 is surrounded by a shutter 9, a side wall in the width direction, and a step on the dispensing belt 34 side. Banknotes are piled up inside. A stopper 58 is positioned on the shutter 9. The side of the stopper 58 facing the dispensing tray 36 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The stopper 58 prevents the leading edge of a banknote dispensed from the dispensing belt 34 from moving upward along the curved surface of the shutter 9 due to the force of dispensing, and from getting caught between the components of the shutter 9. The shutter 9 is composed of multiple components, for example, three components. The shutter 9 is open when the three components are lowered, and closed when the three components are raised upward in sequence, partially overlapping. Since each component rotates around a pivot axis, the shutter 9 has a curved shape along the circumference of a circle centered on the pivot axis, and the movement of banknotes is restricted by the stopper 59. Since the shutter 9 is a mechanism that opens and closes by rotation, it can be positioned on the surface of the housing when closed. Also, because the shutter 9 rotates, it creates space below the dispensing recess 57 and can be housed inside the housing, allowing the device to be miniaturized. If the shutter were a mechanism that moves up and down, it would be necessary to provide an outer wall for the storage area to house the shutter, and this outer wall would cause the dispensing slot 3 to be recessed, making it difficult to take out banknotes. In addition, if space is created below the dispensing recess 57, the shutter will be vertically elongated, and a large storage area would be required above or below the shutter to house it, resulting in a larger device.

[0047] Multiple dispensing levers 37 are fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 51; in this example, two are fixed. The two dispensing levers 37 are positioned on a lever fixing part 54, which is fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 51. The dispensing lever shaft 51 is rotatably supported on the side wall of the dispensing tray 36. The dispensing lever shaft 51 also includes a gear 52, which is connected to a motor (not shown) that drives the dispensing lever shaft 51 by a coupling mechanism including a gear. By rotating the dispensing lever shaft 51, the two dispensing levers 37 rotate. The tip of each dispensing lever 37 passes between adjacent protrusions 56. A portion slightly closer to the base end of the tip contacts the banknotes on the protrusions 56. The dispensing levers 37 that push the banknotes, the dispensing lever shaft 51 that rotates them, and the driving means including the motor (not shown) that drives them can also be called a pushing part that pushes the banknotes placed on the dispensing tray 36.

[0048] The guide 41 is equipped with a guide fixing part 55, which has a hole with a larger diameter than the dispensing lever shaft 51, through which the dispensing lever shaft 51 passes. In other words, the guide 41 is pivotably supported on the dispensing lever shaft 51. For example, when a transported banknote comes into contact with the guide 41, the guide 41 rotates relative to the stationary dispensing lever shaft 51. The guide 41 is also equipped with a weight 53 to prevent it from moving due to the rotation of the dispensing lever shaft 51 or to reduce the amount of movement. Friction acts between the guide fixing part 55 and the dispensing lever shaft 51, causing the guide 41 to swing in response to the rotation of the dispensing lever shaft 51. Therefore, a weight 53 is attached to the guide 41 to make it heavier, and the weight 53 applies a vertical force to prevent or reduce rotation against the frictional force. This allows the guide 41 to be held in a predetermined position. The guide 41 is constantly subjected to a vertical force by the weight 53. For example, even if the guide 41 is moved by an external force, it will either remain motionless against the force or move only slightly, and will return to its original fixed position once the external force is removed. The weight of the weight 53 can be adjusted. The guide 41 has a recess on the side of its constituent members opposite to the surface that contacts the banknotes, corresponding to the shape of the weight 53, where the weight 53 is fixed. When no external force is applied to the guide 41, the weight 53 is fixed at the lowest position within its range of rotation. Furthermore, the weight 53 is positioned in the center of the guide 41 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the dispensing lever shaft 51, so that similar forces are applied to the two guide fixing parts 55.

[0049] The dispensing lever 37 is positioned above the banknotes, and there are no components in the banknote movement path for pushing out the banknotes. In addition, to reduce friction between the banknotes and the dispensing tray 36, a protrusion 56 is provided on the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36, on which the banknotes are stacked and moved. Since there is nothing to obstruct the banknotes, the dispensing lever 37 can move the banknotes smoothly. For example, if a component for driving the banknotes were located on the bottom surface, there would be a risk of the banknotes getting caught on that component.

[0050] Furthermore, by allowing the guide 41 to move freely relative to the dispensing lever shaft 51, the guide 41 moves when a banknote comes into contact with it, thereby changing the direction in which the banknote is guided, and allowing the banknote to be guided in the desired direction. However, this is not possible if the guide 41 is fixed. The banknotes are subjected to force in the direction they are dispensed by the dispensing belt 34, and this direction is constant. If the guide 41 moves due to the banknote, the angle at which the guide 41 and the banknote come into contact changes accordingly, and the direction of transport can be slightly altered. Also, if the guide 41 is fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 51, it will operate simultaneously with the dispensing lever 37, which may cause problems with the transport of banknotes. Moreover, since the guide 41 is positioned between the dispensing lever shaft 51 and the dispensing tray 36, it prevents the banknotes from moving in the direction of the dispensing lever shaft 51, thus preventing jams.

[0051] Figure 4 is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of the dispensing unit that dispenses banknotes from the banknote processing device.

[0052] The upper guide 38 is positioned opposite the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. The surface of the upper guide 38 that faces the dispensing tray 36 has a flat surface that is arranged to gradually approach the dispensing tray 36 from the dispensing belt 34 side toward the shutter 9 side, and two openings are provided in this flat surface, from which the first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 protrude. The end of the upper guide 38 is equipped with a dispensing lever shaft 51, as well as a guide 41 and a dispensing lever 37.

[0053] The distance from the guide guide 41 to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 is shorter than the distance from the flat surface of the upper guide 38 to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36. In other words, the guide guide 41 is positioned so that the transported banknotes are less likely to come into contact with the upper guide 38.

[0054] The upper guide 38 restricts the vertical movement of banknotes transported onto the dispensing tray 36, and is positioned to sequentially and suitably stack the transported banknotes. Two first pressing bars 39 are arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the banknote transport direction, and are positioned to suitably press down on the banknotes transported onto the dispensing tray 36 from above by their own weight. The first pressing bars 39 are spaced away from the dispensing tray 36, so they do not constantly contact the banknotes and press them against the dispensing tray 36. The second pressing bar 40 is positioned closer to the shutter 9 and closer to the dispensing tray 36 than the first pressing bar 39, and performs the same function as the first pressing bar 39. The first pressing bar 39 and the second pressing bar 40 have the same shape.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates the guide section that guides banknotes to the dispensing section of a banknote processing device.

[0056] The dispensing lever shaft 51 is equipped with a gear fixing part 64, which can fix the gear in place. For example, the gear fixing part 64 on the dispensing lever shaft 51 is a hole, and the gear can be fixed to the dispensing lever 51 so as not to rotate by a pin fitted into the hole.

[0057] Two dispensing levers 37 are connected to lever fixing parts 54 at predetermined intervals, and the lever fixing parts 54 are fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 51 in a way that prevents rotation. Guide fixing parts 55 are rotatably connected to the dispensing lever shaft 51 at both outer ends of the lever fixing parts 54 which are fixed to the dispensing lever shaft 51.

[0058] The guide 41 is roughly divided into three parts: a central guide section 63 and two end guide sections 62. A recess is located between the central guide section 63 and the end guide sections 62, through which the dispensing lever 37 passes. A guide fixing section 55 extends from the end guide sections 62. The portion of the guide 41 facing the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 is provided with a first contact section 59, which is the first point of contact for the leading edge of the supplied banknotes, followed by a curved contact section 60, and then a second contact section 61. The banknotes are guided by these surfaces and piled up in the dispensing tray 36 (see Figure 3).

[0059] When a banknote is supplied, the leading edge of the banknote first comes into contact with the first contact portion 59, which pushes the guide 41. The first contact portion 59 of the pushed guide 41 reduces the angle with respect to the bottom surface of the dispensing tray 36 (see Figure 3), making it easier for the banknote to be guided towards the dispensing slot of the dispensing tray 36. The weight 53 (see Figure 3) on the guide 41 may be replaceable, and by changing the weight of the weight 53, the amount of movement pushed by the banknote and the force resisting external forces can be changed. For example, the weight 53 can be changed when the transport speed is changed or depending on the type of banknote being handled.

[0060] The guide 41, the first pressing bar 39 (see Figure 4), and the second pressing bar 40 (see Figure 4) do not constantly press against the bottom of the tray, and even if the stacked banknotes are bent, the guides or levers prevent the banknotes from curling up, allowing for optimal guidance of the banknotes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Banknote processing device 2 Deposit port 3 Withdrawal port 4 Rear Cases 5 Front Case 6 Rock 7 1st indicator light 8 2nd indicator light 9 Shutter 10. Deposit Identification Section 11 Springs 12 Pressing plate 13. First Separation Roller 14. Second Separation Roller 15 Circular transport route 16. First conveyor belt 17. Second conveyor belt 18 Circulation section pinch roller 19. Conveyor belt for deposit section 20. Pinch roller for deposit area 21 Identification Sensor 22 Deposit and Withdrawal Guide 23. Storage Unit 1 24 First Roller vs. 25 Second Storage Compartment 26. Second Roller vs. 27 Third Storage Compartment 28. Third Roller vs. 29. First branching plate 30 Second Branch Plate 31 Third Branch Board 32. Fourth branching plate 33 Fifth Branch Board 34. Discharge Belt 35. Withdrawal Roller 36. Withdrawal tray 37 Withdrawal Lever 38 Upper Guide 39. First pressure bar 40. Second pressure bar 41 Guide 42 Withdrawal Department 43 Rejected Section 44 Reject section roller pair 50 feathers 51 Withdrawal lever axis 52 Gears 53 Weight 54 Lever fixing part 55 Guide fixing part 56 Convex part 57 Removal recess 58 Stopper 59 1st contact part 60 Curved contact section 61 Second contact part 62 End guide section 63 Central guide section 64 Gear fixing part

Claims

1. A compartment for storing banknotes, A dispensing section equipped with a slot for dispensing the aforementioned banknotes, A transport unit that transports the banknotes from the storage unit to the dispensing unit, A banknote processing device comprising: a pushing unit for pushing the banknotes, which are transported from the storage unit and temporarily stored in the dispensing unit, toward the dispensing slot, A tray is placed in the dispensing section for placing the banknotes, A pushing body is positioned in the pushing section and pushes the banknotes placed on the aforementioned base toward the dispensing slot, and a rotating shaft is positioned above the aforementioned base and to which the pushing body is fixed, It has a guide that is rotatably supported on the aforementioned rotating shaft and positioned away from the aforementioned base, and that guides the banknotes to the aforementioned base, When the banknote dispensed from the transport unit comes into contact with the guide, the guide rotates relative to the rotation axis and guides the banknote toward the aforementioned placement platform. A banknote processing device characterized in that, when the rotating shaft rotates, the guide does not rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft, while the pushing body rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft to push the banknote placed on the aforementioned base.

2. The aforementioned mounting base has a linear protrusion that extends from the bottom surface of the mounting base described above. Multiple of the aforementioned protrusions are arranged on the aforementioned stand, and the banknotes are placed on the protrusions, separated from the bottom surface. The banknote processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip of the pushing body passes between adjacent protrusions and pushes the banknote placed on the protrusions.

3. The banknote processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide is equipped with a weight, and the guide is biased in the direction of the stand described above by the weight.

4. The banknote processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispensing slot is provided with a shutter for opening and closing the dispensing slot, and the rotating shaft rotates in synchronization with the opening operation of the shutter, thereby pushing the banknote with the pushing body.

Images