Switching gate and media processing device

Abstract

To provide a switching gate capable of reducing the probability of clogging of a carried medium.SOLUTION: A switching gate has a plurality of blades for switching the transport direction of a medium transported by a conveyor belt to one transport direction among a plurality of directions including at least a first direction or a second direction by coming into contact with the medium. The plurality of blades include a blade pair disposed at a first interval which is an interval wider than a length in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and a blade disposed at a second interval narrower than the first interval relative to other blades. The blade pair disposed at the first interval has an auxiliary blade for narrowing an interval of the blade pair.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching gate and a media processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, apparatuses for processing various media such as paper sheets have become widespread. As an example of such an apparatus, there is a banknote processing apparatus that performs processing related to the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes. Further, among banknote processing apparatuses, there are some that include a switching gate for switching the conveyance destination of banknotes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a switching gate in which the interval between a pair of blades adjacent to a conveyance belt for conveying banknotes is made wider than the interval between other pairs of blades.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, between the pair of blades adjacent to the conveyance belt, due to the wide interval between the pair of blades, there is a risk that the conveyed banknotes may jam.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved switching gate and media processing apparatus capable of reducing the probability that the conveyed media will jam.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, the conveying direction of a medium conveyed by a conveyor belt is changed by contacting the medium, with a plurality of blades that switch the conveying direction from a plurality of directions including at least a first direction or a second direction, wherein the plurality of blades are arranged at a first interval that is wider than the length in the width direction of the conveyor belt. Two first The blade and The First They are arranged at a second interval, which is narrower than the first interval, relative to the blade. 2nd A blade and, arranged at the first interval Each of the 1st blade teeth, On the other side, opposite to the aforementioned first blade Auxiliary blade, The auxiliary blade has a side surface and an inclined portion on the side facing the other auxiliary blade, the inclined portion connects the side surface of the first blade and the side surface of the auxiliary blade without a step, and is inclined to approach the other first blade as it extends from the side surface of the first blade toward the side surface of the auxiliary blade, the distance between the sides of the auxiliary blades is a third distance which is narrower than the first distance and wider than the length in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is positioned so as viewed from the second direction that it is sandwiched between the first blades without contacting them within the first distance, and also positioned so as to be sandwiched between the auxiliary blades without contacting them within the third distance. A switching gate is provided.

[0009] The first direction may be the straight-line direction of the medium being transported on the conveyor belt.

[0010] The switching gate is the auxiliary The system may further include small blades between the blades for guiding the medium being transported in the second direction.

[0015] The first blade, the second blade, and the auxiliary blade are attached to a shaft, and the two first blades are spaced apart by a first interval at their tip ends, and the sides of the auxiliary blades may be spaced apart by a third interval at the base end where the first blades are connected to the shaft.

[0017] The aforementioned medium may include banknotes.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the conveying direction of the medium being conveyed by the conveying belt is changed by contacting the medium, with a plurality of blades that switch the conveying direction from a plurality of directions including at least a first direction or a second direction, and the plurality of blades are arranged at a first interval that is wider than the length in the width direction of the conveying belt. Two first The blade and The First They are arranged at a second interval, which is narrower than the first interval, relative to the blade. 2nd A blade and, arranged at the first interval Each of the 1st blade teeth, On the other side, opposite to the aforementioned first blade Auxiliary blade, The auxiliary blade has a side surface and an inclined portion on the side facing the other auxiliary blade, the inclined portion connects the side surface of the first blade and the side surface of the auxiliary blade without a step, and is inclined to approach the other first blade as it extends from the side surface of the first blade toward the side surface of the auxiliary blade, the distance between the sides of the auxiliary blades is a third distance which is narrower than the first distance and wider than the length in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the first blades without contact within the first distance when viewed from the second direction, and is also positioned so as not to contact the auxiliary blades within the third distance. A media processing apparatus provided with a switching gate is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the probability that the conveyed medium gets jammed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the appearance of a change-making system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a left side view showing the internal configuration of a paper currency depositing / withdrawing device. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration around a branch portion. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a switching gate. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a top view of the periphery of a branch portion including a switching gate. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a switching gate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a top view of the periphery of a branch portion including a switching gate. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of the area in the top view shown in FIG. 7.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0024] <<1. Outline of the Change-Making System>> One embodiment of the present invention relates to a cash register change dispenser that can reduce the probability of the transported medium becoming jammed. First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the cash register change dispenser will be described.

[0025] <1.1. Example of a cash register change dispensing system configuration> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a cash register change dispensing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cash register change dispensing system 1 is a device that processes various media such as paper sheets, coins, and cards. The media also includes, for example, banknotes, gift certificates and other monetary vouchers, tickets, and slips. In the following description, an example in which the media is banknotes will be mainly described.

[0026] The cash register change dispensing system 1 is a payment machine operated by a cashier at the checkout counter (so-called register) of a retail store, such as a supermarket or convenience store, when a customer pays for the items they wish to purchase.

[0027] For example, the cash register change dispensing system 1 may be a semi-self-service change dispenser operated by the customer in a retail store or the like. However, the cash register change dispensing system 1 is not limited to a semi-self-service change dispenser. For example, the cash register change dispensing system 1 may be a self-service change dispenser.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the cash register change system 1 includes a POS (Point of Sales) register 2 and a change dispenser 3. The POS register 2 and the change dispenser 3 may be separate devices or an integrated device.

[0029] In the following explanation, the side of the cashier's (hereinafter also referred to as the user) face of the cashier change system 1 will be referred to as the front, and the opposite side as the rear. Furthermore, the left-right and up-down directions will be described as being as viewed from the user's perspective.

[0030] <1.2.POS Register 2> As shown in Figure 1, the POS register 2 according to this embodiment comprises a register control unit 5, an operation display unit 6, a receipt processing unit 7, and a receipt output port 7A. Note that the arrangement of each component of the POS register 2 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0031] The register control unit 5 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the POS register 2. The register control unit 5 is built into the POS register 2.

[0032] Furthermore, a barcode reader (not shown) is connected to POS register 2. By reading the barcode attached to a product with this barcode reader, various information such as the product's name and price is recognized.

[0033] The operation display unit 6 according to this embodiment has the function of a display unit that displays the name and price of the product recognized by the barcode reader.

[0034] Furthermore, the operation display unit 6 displays input keys such as numbers on a part of the display screen, and when the area corresponding to the input key is pressed by the user, it functions as an operation unit that accepts the input operation corresponding to the input key.

[0035] The display function can be implemented using a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The operation function can be implemented, for example, using a touch panel or a keyboard. Note that the display function and the operation function may be configured separately.

[0036] Furthermore, the operation display unit 6 outputs the information received from the input operation to the cash register control unit 5. The cash register control unit 5 then performs various processes, such as increasing or decreasing the quantity of goods and correcting the amount, according to the information input from the operation display unit 6.

[0037] The receipt processing unit 7 according to this embodiment prints the name and price of the product recognized by the barcode reader onto the receipt. The receipt output port 7A ejects the receipt printed by the receipt processing unit 7. The receipt processing unit 7 is built into the POS register 2.

[0038] <1.3. Change machine> As shown in Figure 1, the change dispenser 3 according to this embodiment includes a banknote deposit / discharge device 11, a coin deposit / discharge device 12, an operation display unit 13, and a change control unit 21.

[0039] In Figure 1, the banknote deposit / discharge device 11 is located on the right side, the coin deposit / discharge device 12 is located on the left side, and the operation display unit 13 is located at the front upper part. However, the arrangement of each component is not limited to this example.

[0040] The banknote deposit and withdrawal device 11 according to this embodiment is an example of a media processing device, which takes in banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit and withdrawal slot 14 by the user and stores the banknotes in a banknote storage compartment (details will be described later with reference to Figure 2).

[0041] Furthermore, the banknote deposit and withdrawal device 11 dispenses banknotes from the banknote storage compartment corresponding to the denomination and number of banknotes in accordance with the amount instructed by the cash register control unit 5, and dispenses the banknotes as change from the banknote deposit and withdrawal slot 14.

[0042] The coin deposit and withdrawal device 12 according to this embodiment takes in coins inserted into the coin deposit slot 16 by the user and stores the coins in the coin storage compartment.

[0043] Furthermore, the coin deposit and withdrawal device 12 dispenses coins from the coin storage unit corresponding to the denomination and number of coins in accordance with the amount instructed by the cash register control unit 5, and dispenses these coins as change from the coin dispensing slot 18.

[0044] On the front of the coin deposit / discharge device 12, for example as shown in Figure 1, a coin deposit slot 16 may be provided at the top, and a reject slot 17 and a coin discharge slot 18 may be provided below it.

[0045] The operation display unit 13 according to this embodiment is composed of a combination of a predetermined display panel and predetermined operation buttons.

[0046] For example, the display panel of the operation display unit 13 functions as a display unit that shows the operating status of the banknote deposit / discharge device 11 and the coin deposit / discharge device 12. The display panel of the operation display unit 13 also displays, for example, that there is a shortage of change coins in the coin deposit / discharge device 12, that an abnormality has been detected by a predetermined sensor, and the location where the abnormality was detected.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation buttons on the operation display unit 13 function as an operation unit that receives instructions, for example, regarding the transport of coins, through a user's press operation.

[0048] The display function can be implemented using a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED device. The operation function can be implemented using, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. Note that the display function and the operation function may be configured separately.

[0049] The change control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the change dispenser 3. The change control unit 21 is built into the change dispenser 3. The change control unit 21 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and controls the change dispenser 3 by reading and executing various programs from memory such as flash memory, and performs various processes such as deposit transactions and withdrawal transactions.

[0050] The overview of the cash register change system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the internal configuration of the banknote deposit and withdrawal device 11 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0051] <<2. Example of internal configuration of the banknote deposit / dispensing device 11>> Figure 2 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of the banknote deposit and withdrawal device 11. The banknote deposit and withdrawal device 11 has various internal configurations related to the transport and storage of banknotes. Below, a specific example of the flow after banknotes are inserted into the banknote deposit and withdrawal slot 14 shown in Figure 1 will be explained in the deposit process.

[0052] First, banknotes inserted into the banknote input / output slot 14 shown in Figure 1 are collected in the dispensing and accumulating unit 24, as shown in Figure 2. The dispensing and accumulating unit 24 takes in the banknotes inserted by the user, separates them one by one, and dispenses them into the transport path 27a.

[0053] The banknotes that are fed into the transport path 27a are then stored in the collection cassette 30 or the banknote storage unit 31.

[0054] The collection cassette 30 is used to collect banknotes stored in the banknote storage compartment 31 and take them outside the banknote deposit / disbursement device 11. It is also a banknote storage compartment for storing and collecting banknotes that have been determined to be unsuitable for withdrawal by an authentication unit (not shown). Banknotes that have been determined to be unsuitable for withdrawal by the authentication unit include, in the deposit process, 2,000 yen notes and old banknotes that are usable as banknotes but are not recycled and therefore not used for withdrawal, and in the withdrawal process, banknotes that have been dispensed from the banknote storage compartment 31 but have been determined to be in poor condition by the authentication unit and are therefore rejected for withdrawal.

[0055] The banknote storage compartment 31 includes, for example, a banknote storage compartment 31A for storing 1,000 yen bills, a banknote storage compartment 31B for storing 5,000 yen bills, and a banknote storage compartment 31C for storing 10,000 yen bills. However, the denominations corresponding to banknote storage compartments 31A to 31C are not limited to these examples. For example, 10,000 yen bills may be stored in banknote storage compartment 31A, and 1,000 yen bills may be stored in banknote storage compartment 31C.

[0056] Furthermore, the direction of transport of banknotes transported along the transport path 27 is switched by switching gates 26 (26a to 26c) located at multiple points along the transport path 27. For example, switching gate 26a rotates to switch the transport direction of banknotes transported along transport path 27a to either the straight transport path 27b or the downward transport path 27e. Banknotes transported to the downward transport path 27e are stored in the collection cassette 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the switching gate 26b switches the transport direction of the banknotes transported by the transport path 27b to either the straight transport path 27c or the downward transport path 27f. Banknotes transported to the downward transport path 27f are stored in the banknote storage compartment 31A.

[0058] Furthermore, the switching gate 26c switches the transport direction of the banknotes transported by the transport path 27c to either the straight-ahead transport path 27d or the downward-facing transport path 27g. Banknotes transported on the downward-facing transport path 27g are stored in the banknote storage compartment 31B. Banknotes transported on the straight-ahead transport path 27d are stored in the banknote storage compartment 31C.

[0059] As explained above, banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit / discharge slot 14 are stored in the collection cassette 30 or in banknote storage compartments 31 (31A to 31C) corresponding to each denomination, via multiple transport paths 27 (27a to 27g) and multiple switching gates 26 (26a to 26c).

[0060] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the configuration of the branching area S, which is the area around the switching gate 26b and serves as the branching point where the direction of banknote transport changes.

[0061] <<3. Overview of the area around the branching point S>> <3.1. Example of configuration of the area around the branching section S> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the area S around the branching section. Figure 3 describes an example of the configuration around the switching gate 26b, which switches the transport direction of banknotes transported by the transport path 27b to either the transport path 27c or the transport path 27f. However, switching gates 26a to 26c are considered to have the same characteristics (e.g., shape, size, etc.), and switching gate 26b may be simply referred to as switching gate 26.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, rollers R1 to R8 are provided at eight locations in a side view around the branching section S.

[0063] More specifically, in the side view shown in Figure 3, roller R2 is positioned to the right of roller R1, and roller R3 is positioned to the lower left of roller R1. Furthermore, roller R4 is positioned to the lower right of roller R1 and to the right of roller R3.

[0064] Furthermore, Roller R5 is positioned to the lower left of Roller R2 and to the right of Roller R4, and Roller R6 is positioned to the lower right of Roller R2 and to the right of Roller R5.

[0065] Furthermore, below Roller R5, Roller R7 and Roller R8 are positioned side by side.

[0066] Note that in Figure 3, only the rollers on the front side of the drawing are shown as rollers R1 to R8, but in reality, there is one roller on the back side as well. In other words, around the branching section S, there are a total of two rollers R1 to R8 at eight positions when viewed from the side, one on the front side and one on the back side, that is, along the width direction of the banknote deposit / dispensing device 11.

[0067] Furthermore, belt B2 is attached to the pair of rollers R1 and R2, belt B1 is attached to the pair of rollers R3 and R4, and belt B3 is attached to the pair of rollers R5 and R6. Note that although Figure 3 only shows the belts attached to the rollers on the near side, in reality, belts B1 to B3 are also attached to the rollers R1 to R6 on the far side.

[0068] Belts B1 and B2 form a belt pair BC1 that holds the banknote P between them. Belts B2 and B3 form a belt pair BC2 that also holds the banknote P between them. Belt pairs BC1 and BC2 form part of transport paths 27b and 27c that transport the banknote in the direction of arrow α (from right to left in Figure 3). There are two of each of these belt pairs BC1 and BC2, one at the front and one at the back, and the front belt pair BC1 (or BC2) and the back belt pair BC1 (or BC2) hold the banknote P at two points along its longitudinal direction and transport it.

[0069] A switching gate 26, which switches the direction of banknote transport, is rotatably supported between rollers R4 and R5.

[0070] When the switching gate 26 is in the position shown by the solid line in Figure 3, it guides the banknotes P, which have been transported by the belt pair BC2 in the direction of arrow α, in the direction of arrow β (downward), which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of arrow α, and transports them towards the transport path 27f passing between rollers R7 and R8. Note that the direction of arrow α is an example of a first direction, and the direction of arrow β is an example of a second direction.

[0071] Furthermore, a transport guide 45 is provided between the switching gate 26 and the roller R7 to continue guiding the banknotes P, which are guided and transported in the direction of arrow β by the switching gate 26, in the direction of arrow β until they reach the vicinity of the roller R7.

[0072] This transport guide 45 has a guide surface 45a parallel to the direction of arrow β (i.e., parallel to the transport path 27f), and the banknotes P are guided in the direction of arrow β by this guide surface 45a. The banknotes guided by the guide surface 45a are then transported in the direction of arrow β (i.e., along the transport path 27f) by the transport force from rollers R7 and R8.

[0073] On the other hand, when the switching gate 26 is in the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the switching gate 26 guides the banknotes P that have been transported by the belt pair BC2 in the direction of arrow α in a straight line (i.e., in the straight direction) toward the belt pair BC1.

[0074] Furthermore, the area around the branching section S allows for bidirectional transport of banknotes P. Specifically, the change control unit 21 can rotate the switching gate 26 to the position shown by the solid line in Figure 3, guiding banknotes P that have been transported along the transport path 27f in the opposite direction of arrow β (i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 3) in the opposite direction of arrow α (i.e., from left to right in Figure 3) towards the transport path 27b, or it can rotate the switching gate 26 to the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, guiding banknotes P that have been transported by belt pair BC1 in the opposite direction of arrow α towards belt pair BC2.

[0075] As explained above, the switching gate 26 switches the transport direction of the banknotes P transported by the belt pairs BC1 and BC2, including the α direction or the β direction, by contacting the banknotes P.

[0076] To summarize the problems of the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a switching gate 36 having a structure that is partially different from the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0077] <3.2. Example of the structure of the switching gate 36> Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a switching gate 36. The switching gate 36 has multiple blades as shown in Figure 4.

[0078] More specifically, the switching gate 36 includes a shaft 360, a first blade 361, and second blades 363A and 363B.

[0079] The first blade 361 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 360. The first blade 361 is a blade that is positioned such that the distance between it and adjacent blades is a second distance D2. In the example shown in Figure 4, the switching gate 36 has 10 first blades 361. However, the number of first blades 361 that the switching gate 36 has is not limited to 10.

[0080] For example, the first blade 361 is provided on the switching gate 36 such that the distance between the two first blades 361 is a second distance D2. Also, the first blade 361 is provided on the switching gate 36 such that the distance between the first blade 361 and the second blade 363A (or second blade 363B) is a second distance D2.

[0081] The second blades 363A and 363B are fixedly mounted on the shaft 360. Furthermore, the second blades 363A and 363B are positioned adjacent to the belt B2 (Figure 3). The blade pair 363, consisting of the second blades 363A and 363B, must be mounted on the switching gate 36 so as not to interfere with the belt B2. As a result, the second blades 363A and 363B are mounted on the switching gate 36 such that the spacing between the blade pair 363 becomes a first spacing D1, which is wider than the second spacing D2. In the example shown in Figure 4, the switching gate 36 has two of each of the second blades 363A and 363B, but the number of second blades 363A and 363B on the switching gate 36 is not limited to two of each.

[0082] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a top view of the area around the branching section S, including the switching gate 36. Of the two belts B2 shown in Figure 5, the upper belt B2 in Figure 5 is the rear belt B2 in the area around the branching section S shown in Figure 3, and the lower belt B2 in Figure 5 is the front belt B2 in the area around the branching section S shown in Figure 3.

[0083] For example, among the multiple blades of the switching gate 36, the blade pair 363 located adjacent to the belt B2 is arranged at a first spacing D1 that is wider than the length in the width direction of the structure including the belt B2 (hereinafter referred to as the conveyor belt). As a result, the blade pair 363 does not interfere with the conveyor belt.

[0084] Furthermore, among the multiple blades of the switching gate 36, the blade pairs including the first blade 361 located in a position not adjacent to the belt B2 are arranged at a second spacing D2 that is narrower than the first spacing D1.

[0085] Thus, the spacing between blade pairs 363 adjacent to the conveyor belt (i.e., the first spacing D1) is wider than the spacing between blade pairs including the first blade 361 that is not adjacent to the conveyor belt (i.e., the second spacing D2) because it is necessary to avoid interference with the conveyor belt.

[0086] Furthermore, if a banknote has folds or cuts, there is a risk that the folds or cuts may become trapped in the gaps between the blades when the banknote is transported. This trapping of the folds or cuts in the banknotes could cause the banknotes to jam. Therefore, it is desirable that the gap between the blades be narrowed to a certain extent to prevent the folds or cuts in the banknotes from becoming trapped.

[0087] Therefore, the first blade 361 is positioned such that the spacing between blades is narrowed to a certain extent, and the spacing between blade pairs, including the first blade 361 located not adjacent to belt B2, becomes the second spacing D2. On the other hand, as described above, a conveyor belt exists between blade pairs 363, so the spacing between blade pairs 363 becomes narrower than the conveyor belt (i.e., the second spacing D 2 It is difficult to arrange blade pair 363 in such a way as to achieve the desired result.

[0088] Therefore, the switching gate 36 may further have small blades 367 (Figure 4) to guide the banknotes so that the spacing between the blade pairs 363 does not become too wide. More specifically, the switching gate 36 has small blades 367 between blade pairs 363 adjacent to the conveyor belt, as shown in Figure 4.

[0089] The small blade 367 has a small blade-like structure as shown in Figure 4 so as not to interfere with the conveyor belt. Banknotes P that get caught between the blade pair 363 collide with the inclined portion 367a of the small blade 367 and are guided in the direction of arrow β shown in Figure 3.

[0090] However, in order to ensure that the small blade 367 does not interfere with other parts such as the conveyor belt, the amount the tip of the small blade 367 penetrates (for example, the adjacent side of a right triangle with the inclined portion 367a as the hypotenuse) may be shallow, or the angle of attack with respect to the banknote P may be large. As a result, the banknote P may bend in a direction different from the direction that the small blade 367 should guide it, and the banknote P may get caught on the small blade 367, potentially causing the banknote P to jam in the switching gate 36.

[0091] Herein, the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention aims to solve these problems and is characterized by having a shape that can further prevent banknotes P from jamming. An example of the structure of the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 6.

[0092] <<4. Example of the structure of a switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a shaft 260, a first blade 261, second blades 263A and 263B, and a small blade 267.

[0093] Furthermore, the blade pair 263 of the second blades 263A and 263B according to one embodiment of the present invention has an auxiliary blade 264 as shown in Figure 6. Note that the configuration of the switching gate 26 other than the auxiliary blade 264 is the same as that of the switching gate 36, so it will not be explained here.

[0094] The auxiliary blades 264 are fixedly mounted on the shaft 260 or the second blades 263A and 263B. The auxiliary blades 264 are positioned between the second blades 263A and 263B, and the spacing between the auxiliary blades 264 is narrower than the first spacing D1 of the blade pair 263.

[0095] In other words, the distance between the tip of the second blades 263A and 263B is the first distance D1, but as the second blades 263A and 263B move towards the base where they are fixed to the shaft 260, the first distance D1 is narrowed by the auxiliary blade 264.

[0096] As explained above and in Figure 3, the switching gate 26 is rotated at multiple angles, so the tip side of the second blades 263A and 263B avoids interference with the belt B2 due to the first spacing D1, while the base side of the second blades 263A and 263B does not interfere with the belt B2 regardless of the rotation angle of the switching gate 26, and is therefore narrower than the first spacing D1.

[0097] The conditions for positioning the auxiliary blades 264 between blade pairs 263 will now be described. For example, the auxiliary blades 264 may be provided to narrow the spacing between blade pairs 263 that are positioned in a location where their positional relationship with the conveyor belt satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0098] On the other hand, the auxiliary blade 264 may be provided in such a way as not to narrow the spacing between blade pairs 263 that are in a position where their positional relationship with the conveyor belt does not meet a predetermined standard. Below, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, specific examples of criteria for determining whether the positional relationship between the blade pairs 263 and the conveyor belt meets a predetermined standard when the auxiliary blade 264 is provided will be explained.

[0099] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a top view of the area around the branching section S, including the switching gate 26. Figure 7 is a diagram in which the switching gate 36 is replaced with the switching gate 26 in the area around the branching section S shown in Figure 5.

[0100] Here, region T shown in Figure 7 includes the area around the blade pair 263 and the auxiliary blade 264.

[0101] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of region T in the top view shown in Figure 7. In the example shown in Figure 8, the conveyor belt is described as a structure including a belt B2 and a support part M that supports the belt B2.

[0102] Similar to the small blade 267, the auxiliary blade 264 needs to be provided on the blade pair 263 so as not to interfere with the conveyor belt. Therefore, the condition for positioning the auxiliary blade 264 on the second blade 263A (263B) is whether or not the position allows for a reduction in the gap between the second blade 263A (263B) and the conveyor belt. This can be rephrased as whether or not the positional relationship between the blade pair 263 and the conveyor belt satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0103] For example, a position that satisfies a predetermined standard in relation to the conveyor belt may be a position where the spacing between the blade pairs 263 is narrowed beyond a predetermined value without interfering with the conveyor belt.

[0104] Furthermore, any position where the positional relationship with the conveyor belt does not meet a predetermined standard may be a position where the blade pair 263 interferes with the conveyor belt if the spacing between the blade pairs 263 is narrowed by more than a predetermined value.

[0105] For example, in the example shown in Figure 8, even if the spacing between the blade pairs 263 is narrowed by a predetermined width using the auxiliary blade 264, the blade pairs 263 do not interfere with the conveyor belt. In this case, the base of the blade pair 263 that does not interfere with the conveyor belt when narrowed by the predetermined width may be positioned such that its positional relationship with the conveyor belt satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0106] On the other hand, at the tip end of the blade pair 263, if the spacing between the blade pair 263 is narrowed by the auxiliary blade 264 by a predetermined width, the blade pair 263 will interfere with the support part M that supports the belt B2. In this case, the tip end of the blade pair 263 that interferes with the conveyor belt when narrowed by the predetermined width may be positioned such that its positional relationship with the conveyor belt does not meet a predetermined standard.

[0107] Therefore, an auxiliary blade 264 is provided in a position that does not interfere with the conveyor belt (belt B2 or support part M) on the second blade 263A (263B), and the spacing between the blade pairs 263 is narrowed to a third spacing D3.

[0108] As described above, the position on the second blade 263A (263B) that does not interfere with the conveyor belt (belt B2 or support part M) is at the base of the blade pair 263. As a result, the spacing at the base of the blade pair 263 is narrowed by the auxiliary blade 264 compared to the first spacing D1 at the tip of the blade pair 263. In this way, the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to prevent the blade pair 263 from interfering with the conveyor belt (belt B2 or support part M) while reducing the probability of banknotes jamming as they move toward the base of the blade pair 263.

[0109] Furthermore, the auxiliary blade 264 may be provided so as to continuously narrow the distance between the blade pairs 263 from the tip side to the root side of the blade pairs 263. For example, one end of the auxiliary blade 264 may be connected to the vicinity of the center of the second blade 263A (263B), and the distance between the blades may be gradually narrowed from this connection point toward the root side of the second blade 263A (263B).

[0110] As a result, an inclined portion 265 is formed at the connection point between the second blade 263A (263B) and the auxiliary blade 264, and this inclined portion 265 continuously connects the side surface of the second blade 263A (263B) and the side surface of the auxiliary blade 264 without any steps. In this way, the banknotes are transported along the inclined portion 265, which further prevents the banknotes from being crushed at the base side of the blade pair 263.

[0111] Furthermore, auxiliary blades 264 may be provided based on the distance between the conveyor rollers (rollers R7, R8) and the blade pair 263, which are included in the branching area S shown in Figure 3. Specifically, auxiliary blades 264 may be provided such that the spacing between blade pairs 263 at positions closer to the conveyor rollers is narrower than the spacing between blade pairs 263 at positions further away from the conveyor rollers (rollers R7, R8), which are included in the branching area S shown in Figure 3. For example, the auxiliary blades 264 may be provided so as not to narrow the spacing between blade pairs 263 on the belt B2 side, but to narrow the spacing between blade pairs 263 on the roller R7, R8 side, as shown in Figure 3.

[0112] By providing auxiliary blades 264 based on the distance between the transport rollers (rollers R7, R8) and the blade pair 263, the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the blade pair 263 from interfering with the transport belt (belt B2 or support part M), while allowing the banknotes to move toward the base side of the blade pair 263 and reducing the probability of defects occurring in the transport of banknotes when the banknotes are handed over to the transport rollers (rollers R7, R8).

[0113] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the switching gate 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to have a small blade 267 in order to narrow the spacing between the blade pairs 263, but since the predetermined spacing is narrowed by the auxiliary blade 264, it is not necessarily required to have a small blade 267.

[0115] Furthermore, this specification primarily describes an example in which belt B2 is attached to the pair of rollers R1 and R2, belt B1 is attached to the pair of rollers R3 and R4, and belt B3 is attached to the pair of rollers R5 and R6. However, it is not necessary for all of belts B1 to B3 to be attached to rollers R1 to R6. For example, if belt B2 is attached to the pair of rollers R1 and R2, then belt B1 does not need to be attached to the pair of rollers R3 and R4.

[0116] Furthermore, although this specification mainly describes examples where the banknote transport direction is in two directions, either the direction of arrow α or the direction of arrow β, the banknote transport direction may be three or more directions. Also, the directions of arrow α and arrow β are not limited to the straight-ahead or downward direction of the banknote. For example, the direction of arrow α may be upward, and the direction of arrow β may be backward.

[0117] Furthermore, this specification describes the application of the present invention to a change dispenser 3, which is a payment machine operated by a cashier. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to a self-service payment machine or a semi-self-service payment machine operated by the customer themselves.

[0118] Furthermore, this specification describes the application of the present invention to a change dispenser 3 connected to a POS register 2 used in the checkout area of ​​supermarkets, convenience stores, etc., which processes the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes and coins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to various devices of terminals used by bank employees, such as automated teller machines (counter terminals) used within banks. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. Cash register change system 2 POS registers 3. Change machine 5. Register Control Unit 6 Operation display section 7. Receipt Processing Unit 7A Receipt Dispenser 11. Banknote deposit and withdrawal machine 12 Coin deposit and withdrawal machines 13 Operation display section 21 Change Dispenser 24 Dispensing and Accumulation Section 26 Switching Gate 260 shaft 261 The First Blade 263A, B Second Blade 263 blade pairs 264 Auxiliary Blades 265 Slope 267 Small Blade 30 recovery cassettes 31 Banknote storage 36 Switching Gate 360 shaft 361 The First Blade 363A, B Second Blade 363 blade pairs 367 Small Blade 45 Conveyor Guide

Claims

1. The conveying direction of a medium being transported by a conveyor belt is changed by a plurality of blades that contact the medium to switch the conveying direction from a plurality of directions including at least a first direction or a second direction, The aforementioned multiple blades are It includes two first blades arranged at a first interval wider than the length of the conveyor belt in the width direction, and a second blade arranged at a second interval narrower than the first interval relative to the first blades. Each of the first blades arranged at the first interval has an auxiliary blade on the side facing the other first blade, The aforementioned auxiliary blade is The other side facing the auxiliary blade has a side surface and an inclined portion, The inclined portion connects the side surface of the first blade and the side surface of the auxiliary blade without any step, and is inclined so as it extends from the side surface of the first blade toward the side surface of the auxiliary blade, it approaches the other first blade. The distance between the sides of the auxiliary blades is a third distance, which is narrower than the first distance and wider than the length in the width direction of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the first blades within the first spacing without contacting them, and also positioned so as to be sandwiched between the auxiliary blades within the third spacing, when viewed from the second direction, in a switching gate.

2. The first direction is the straight-line direction of the medium being transported on the conveyor belt. The switching gate according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned switching gate is Between the auxiliary blades, a small blade guides the medium conveyed in the second direction. The switching gate according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

4. The first blade, the second blade, and the auxiliary blade are attached to a shaft, The switching gate according to claim 1, wherein the two first blades are spaced apart by a first interval at the tip side of the first blades, and the sides of the auxiliary blades are spaced apart by a third interval at the base side of the first blades where they are connected to the shaft.

5. The aforementioned medium includes banknotes, A switching gate according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The conveying direction of a medium being transported by a conveyor belt is changed by a plurality of blades that contact the medium to switch the conveying direction from a plurality of directions including at least a first direction or a second direction, The aforementioned multiple blades are It includes two first blades arranged at a first interval wider than the length of the conveyor belt in the width direction, and a second blade arranged at a second interval narrower than the first interval relative to the first blades. Each of the first blades arranged at the first interval has an auxiliary blade on the side facing the other first blade, The aforementioned auxiliary blade is The other side facing the auxiliary blade has a side surface and an inclined portion, The inclined portion connects the side surface of the first blade and the side surface of the auxiliary blade without any step, and is inclined so as it extends from the side surface of the first blade toward the side surface of the auxiliary blade, it approaches the other first blade. The distance between the sides of the auxiliary blades is a third distance, which is narrower than the first distance and wider than the length in the width direction of the conveyor belt. A media processing apparatus comprising a switching gate, wherein the conveyor belt is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the first blades without contacting them when viewed from the second direction, and also positioned so as to be sandwiched between the auxiliary blades without contacting them within the third interval.

Images