Automated teller machine

Abstract

FIELD: automated teller machine.SUBSTANCE: banking ATM which includes: a deposit and withdrawal unit configured to allow a stack of media in which a plurality of media is stacked to be deposited or withdrawn; a recognition unit configured to recognize the media; and a controller configured to control the deposit and withdrawal unit and the recognition unit. The insertion and output unit includes: a pressure plate arranged with the possibility of moving vertically so that a stack of media can be placed on it; and a media alignment unit arranged with the possibility of moving in the width direction of the pressure plate and configured to align the stack of media at the center of the pressure plate by moving in the width direction of the pressure plate in combination with raising and lowering the pressure plate.EFFECT: automated teller machine is proposed.6 cl, 12 dwg

Description

[0001] FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention relates to an automated banking machine.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] In general, an automated teller machine (ATM) includes devices such as a cash dispenser (CDU) and a banknote recycler (CRM), designed to provide most financial services quickly and conveniently, excluding consultations, without operator intervention and without time limitation.

[0005] In addition to cash acceptance and dispensing, depending on the financial service function, such an ATM may be equipped with various components, such as a card processing unit, a passbook processing unit, and a check depositing machine. The ATM may also accept a stack of media, which contains multiple media, such as stacked banknotes. When depositing a stack of media, the ATM must separate the media into individual sheets for transport.

[0006] However, in the case of a machine in which the media stack is inserted horizontally, the arrangement for separating the inserted media stack and transporting it as individual sheets was relatively complex. Furthermore, when inserting a media stack into the insertion and ejection unit, a phenomenon occurs in which the media stack is improperly aligned with the center of the insertion area of ​​the insertion and ejection unit.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the above-described prior art, an embodiment of the present invention is developed for providing an automated banking machine capable of aligning a stack of media inserted into a deposit and withdrawal unit relative to a central position.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated banking machine, including: a deposit and issue unit, configured to allow a stack of media in which a plurality of media are stacked, to be deposited or issued; a recognition unit, configured to recognize the media; and a controller, configured to control the deposit and issue unit and the recognition unit, wherein the deposit and issue unit includes: a pressure plate, arranged to move vertically so that a stack of media can be placed thereon; and a media aligning unit, arranged to move in a width direction of the pressure plate and configured to align the stack of media in the center of the pressure plate by moving in the width direction of the pressure plate in combination with raising and lowering the pressure plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the media alignment unit may include: a first side guide located on one side of the pressure plate and movable in the width direction of the pressure plate; a second side guide located on the other side of the pressure plate and movable in the width direction of the pressure plate; a torsion spring for imparting an elastic force to at least one of the first side guide and the second side guide in a first direction in which the first side guide and the second side guide approach each other; and a rotating lever for causing the first side guide and the second side guide to move in a second direction in which the first side guide and the second side guide move away from each other when the pressure plate is lowered.

[0011] Furthermore, the automated banking machine may further include: a first toothed rack formed on the first side guide; a second toothed rack formed on the second side guide; and a centering drive gear engaged with the first toothed rack and the second toothed rack, wherein the centering drive gear, when rotating, interconnectedly moves the first side guide and the second side guide in the first direction or in the second direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the first side guide or the second side guide may be supported so as to be elastically pressed by at least a portion of the torsion spring.

[0013] In addition, when the pressure plate is lowered, the rotating lever can impart a pushing force greater than the elastic force of the torsion spring, the first side guide, or the second side guide, so that the first and second side guides move in the second direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the depositing and discharging unit may further include: a first pick-up roller for transporting a stack of media in the depositing direction when the stack of media is placed on the pressure plate; a second pick-up roller located at a distance from the first pick-up roller in the depositing direction and configured to feed media from the stack of media into the individual sheet conveying unit; a first media detection sensor for determining whether at least a portion of the stack of media has reached an area immediately above the pressure plate; a second media detection sensor for determining whether at least a portion of the stack of media has reached a ready state before being fed into the individual sheet conveying unit; a first lifting drive unit for raising and lowering the first pick-up roller; and a second lifting drive unit for raising and lowering the second pick-up roller.

[0015] Furthermore, the controller may control the first lifting drive unit to lower the first pickup roller to bring it into contact with the media stack when the first media detection sensor detects the media stack, and control the second lifting drive unit to lower the second pickup roller to bring it into contact with the upper surface of the media stack and to raise the pressure plate to push the media stack upward when the second media detection sensor detects the media stack.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention, when a stack of media is inserted into a deposit / discharge unit, a media aligning unit pushes the left and right sides of the stack of media, thereby allowing the stack of media to be aligned in the center in the deposit slot of the deposit / discharge unit.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that the arrangement for dividing a stack of media in which a plurality of media such as banknotes are stacked and transporting these media in the form of individual sheets is relatively simple.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated banking machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a general view of the ATM of FIG. 1 with the deposit and withdrawal unit removed.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line VV of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the stack of media of FIG. 7 is completely centered.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the stack of media of FIG. 8 is completely aligned in the center position.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a position before aligning a stack of media in a center position in an automated banking machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a stack of media is completely aligned on the center in an automated banking machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Below, specific embodiments of implementing the technical ideas of the present invention are explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Furthermore, if, in describing the present invention, it appears that a detailed description of a corresponding known arrangement or function may obscure the main idea of ​​the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] Further, when a component is referred to as being “connected,” “supported,” “transported,” or “in contact” with another element, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to another element, supported by it, transported toward it, or in contact with another component, but other components may exist between them.

[0035] The terms used in this description are used solely to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, singular forms include plural forms.

[0036] Further, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, expressions such as "upper side," "lower side," "upper portion," "lower portion," and the like are described based on the drawings. However, when the orientation of the corresponding object changes, it may be described differently. Similarly, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or depicted schematically, and the dimensions of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions.

[0037] In addition, terms including ordinal numerals, such as "first," "second," and so on, may be used to describe the various components, but the corresponding components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0038] In the present description, the term "comprising" is intended to refer to specific features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements and / or components and is not intended to exclude the possibility that other specific features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, combinations and / or groups may exist or may be added.

[0039] A specific arrangement of an automated banking machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a stack of media in which a plurality of media are stacked can be deposited into the automated banking machine 1, and the machine can transport the stored media for dispensing to a user. The automated banking machine 1 may include a deposit and dispensing unit 100, a recognition unit 200, a storage unit 300, a media replenishment unit 400, a transport path 500, a single sheet transport unit 600, and a controller 700.

[0041] The insertion and ejection unit 100 can insert and eject a stack of media in which a plurality of media are stacked. When a single sheet of media is transported from the media stack to the location of the individual sheet conveying unit 600, the insertion and ejection unit 100 transports the media by pressing it at two points, thereby preventing the media from skewing. The insertion and ejection unit 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The recognition unit 200 can recognize media. The recognition unit 200 can recognize media that are transported individually from the deposit and discharge unit 100 along the transport path 500. In addition, the recognition unit 200 can recognize the media before they are stored in the storage unit 300, when the media are replenished in the storage unit 300 through the media replenishment unit 400. The recognition unit 200 can recognize the media for abnormalities, determine their denomination, and count the media. Based on the recognition results, the recognition unit 200 can separate the media into standard and non-standard banknotes, and standard banknotes can be separated into banknotes that cannot be reused and banknotes that can be reused.In this case, the term "non-standard banknote" refers to media that cannot be processed for deposit and may include old media with illegible images, folded media, counterfeit banknotes, and suspect banknotes. The term "non-reusable banknote" refers to media that is used only for deposit but not for withdrawal, while the term "reusable banknote" refers to media that is used for both deposit and withdrawal. A non-reusable banknote and a reusable banknote may be distinguished based on the denomination of the media. A reusable banknote may be a relatively low-denomination banknote, while a non-reusable banknote may be a relatively high-denomination banknote.At the same time, the user can also designate a banknote as non-reusable.

[0043] The media can be stored in the storage unit 300. The storage unit 300 can store the media based on the recognition result performed by the recognition unit 200. The storage unit 300 can include a banknote storage unit 310 for reusing, a banknote storage unit 320 for not reusing, and a counterfeit banknote storage unit 330. The banknote storage unit 310 for reusing can store the media recognized by the recognition unit 200 as a banknote for reusing. The banknote storage unit 310 for reusing, including the media storage drum 311, can be configured to wind and store the banknote for reusing on the media storage drum 311 using a tape (not shown).The non-reusable banknote storage unit 320 can store the media recognized by the recognition unit 200 as a banknote that cannot be reused. The counterfeit banknote storage unit 330 can store the media recognized by the recognition unit 200 as a counterfeit banknote among the media recognized as a non-standard banknote. The media replenishment unit 400 can replenish the media in the storage unit 300. The media replenishment unit 400 can replenish the reusable banknotes storage unit 310 of the storage unit 300 with the reusable banknotes.

[0044] Along the transport path 500, the media can move between the deposit and discharge unit 100, the recognition unit 200, the storage unit 300, and the single sheet transport unit 600. The transport path 500 can include a deposit transport path 510, an discharge transport path 520, an unload transport path 530, a return transport path 540, and a shutter 550. Along the deposit transport path 510, the media can move between the deposit and discharge unit 100, the recognition unit 200, the storage unit 300, and the single sheet transport unit 600. The deposit transport path 510 can be connected to the deposit and discharge unit 100, the recognition unit 200, the storage unit 300, and the single sheet transport unit 600. Along the transport path 520, when issuing, the media can move between the deposit and issuance unit 100 and the storage unit 300.The dispensing transport path 50 can be connected to the deposit and dispensing unit 100 and the storage unit 300. The dispensing transport path 520 can be connected to the storage unit 300 through the shutter 550. Along the unloading transport path 530, the media can be moved so that the media moved along the dispensing transport path 520 are unloaded outside the deposit and dispensing unit 100. The unloading transport path 530 can be connected to the deposit and dispensing unit 100 and to the dispensing transport path 520. When the media are recognized in the recognition unit 200 before the media are replenished in the storage unit 300 through the media replenishment unit 400, the return transport path 540 allows the media recognized by the recognition unit 200 to wait and be transported back to the recognition unit 200.The return transport path 540 may extend between the deposit transport path 510 and the dispensing transport path 520 in the direction of the dispensing transport path 520. The gate 550 may connect the deposit transport path 510 to the storage unit 300, the dispensing transport path 520 to the storage unit 300, or the deposit transport path 510 to the dispensing transport path 520.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2-6, the single sheet conveying unit 600 can convey the media in the form of a single sheet. The single sheet conveying unit 600 can convey the media deposited in the depositing and discharging unit 100 in the form of a single sheet to the recognition unit 200. The single sheet conveying unit 600 can be located between the depositing and discharging unit 100 and the recognition unit 200 and is closer to the depositing and discharging unit 100 than to the recognition unit 200. The single sheet conveying unit 600 can include a feed roller 610, a shutter roller 620, and a roller rotation drive unit 630. The feed roller 610 can convey the media in the form of a single sheet together with the shutter roller 620. The feed roller 610 can be rotated by the roller rotation drive unit 630. The shutter roller 620 can transport the media in the form of a single sheet together with the feed roller 610.The center of rotation CG of the shutter roller 620 can be offset in the direction of transporting the media from an imaginary line passing through the center of rotation CF of the feed roller 610 and perpendicular to the direction of transporting the media. The roller rotation drive unit 630 can rotate the feed roller 610. The roller rotation drive unit 630 can rotate the first pickup roller 120 and the second pickup roller 130.

[0046] The controller 700 can control the deposit and discharge unit 100, the recognition unit 200, the storage unit 300, the media replenishment unit 400, the transport path 500, and the individual sheet transport unit 600. The controller 700 can control the first lifting drive unit 140 and the second lifting drive unit 150 of the deposit and discharge unit 100. In addition, the controller 700 can control the roller rotation drive unit 630. The controller 700 can be connected to the link drive cylinder of the first lifting drive unit 140 to control the link drive cylinder. In addition, the controller 700 can be connected to the roller rotation drive motor 652 of the roller rotation drive unit 630 to control the roller rotation drive motor 652.

[0047] The controller 700 can control the first lifting drive unit 140 and the second lifting drive unit 150 based on the operation of at least one first media detection sensor 160 and a second media detection sensor 170 of the deposit and discharge unit 100. When the first media detection sensor 160 detects a stack of media, the controller 700 can control the first lifting drive unit 140 so as to lower the first pickup roller 120 to bring it into contact with the stack of media.In addition, when the second media detection sensor 170 detects a stack of media, the controller 700 can control the second lifting drive unit 150 so as to lower the second pickup roller 130 to bring it into contact with the media, and can control the second lifting drive unit 150 so as to lower the second pickup roller 130 to bring it into contact with the upper surface of the stack of media and raise the pressure plate unit 110 to push the stack of media upward.

[0048] When the media is conveyed to the single sheet conveying unit 600, the controller 700 can control the first lifting drive unit 140 and the second lifting drive unit 150 of the depositing and discharging unit 100 so that the first pickup roller 120 and the second pickup roller 130 work together. When the first media detection sensor 160 detects a stack of media, the controller 700 can control the first lifting drive unit 140 so as to lower the first pickup roller 120 to bring it into contact with the stack of media, and when the second media detection sensor 170 detects a stack of media, the controller 700 can control the second lifting drive unit 150 so as to lower the second pickup roller 130 and simultaneously raise the pressure plate 110 to bring it into contact with the stack of media.When the pressure plate 110 is lowered, the rotating lever 194 can move the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in a second direction, in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 move away from each other. The controller 700 can be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, memory, and the like, and since the implementation method is obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The following will describe in detail the deposit and withdrawal unit of the ATM.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1-6, when inserting a stack of media 2 in which individual media 2-1 are stacked, the insertion and ejection unit 100 can guide the stack of media 2 in a horizontal direction. In the insertion and ejection unit 100, a insertion port 100a and an ejection port 100b can be formed. The insertion port 100a can be exclusively for insertion, and the ejection port 100b can be exclusively for ejection. The insertion and ejection unit 100 can include a pressure plate 110, a first pick-up roller 120, a second pick-up roller 130, a first lifting drive unit 140, a second lifting drive unit 150, a first media detection sensor 160, a second media detection sensor 170, and an auxiliary transport roller 180.

[0051] A stack of media 2 can be placed on a pressure plate 110. The pressure plate 110 can be extended in the insertion direction, that is, in the direction of the recognition unit 200. A user (not shown) can place a stack of media 2 on the pressure plate 110 through the first insertion port 100a. For example, a stack of media 2 can be placed on the upper surface of the pressure plate 110. The pressure plate 110 can be raised and lowered by the second lifting drive unit 150. The pressure plate 110 can be supported by a plate support 111. A plate support protrusion 112 can be formed on the plate support 110, which pushes the rotating lever 194 when the pressure plate 110 is raised or lowered.

[0052] When the stack of media 2 is placed on the pressing plate 110, the first pick-up roller 120 can transport the stack of media 2 in the depositing direction. The first pick-up roller 120 together with the auxiliary transport roller 180 can move the stack of media 2 in the depositing direction. The first pick-up roller 120 can be located above the pressing plate 110 and can be raised and lowered by the first lifting drive unit 140. The first pick-up roller 120 can be rotated by the roller rotation drive unit 630 included in the single sheet transport unit 600. The first pick-up roller 120 can be located closer to the depositing port 100a than the second pick-up roller 130. The first shaft 121 of the first pick-up roller 120 can be rotatably disposed on one side of the first lifting support lever 141.

[0053] The second pick-up roller 130 can move the carrier 2-1 from the stack of carriers 2 in the depositing direction. The second pick-up roller 130 can transport the carriers 2-1 in the depositing direction from the stack of carriers 2 moved by the first pick-up roller 120 from the pressure plate 110 in the depositing direction. The second pick-up roller 130 can be located at a distance from the first pick-up roller 120 in the depositing direction. The second pick-up roller 130 can be located further from the depositing port 100a than the first pick-up roller 120. The second pick-up roller 130 is located above the pressure plate 110 and can be raised and lowered by the second lifting drive unit 150. In addition, the second pick-up roller 130 can be rotated by the roller rotation drive unit 630.

[0054] The first lifting drive unit 140 can raise and lower the first pick-up roller 120. When the first lifting drive unit 140 raises the first pick-up roller 120, the first pick-up roller 120 may not contact the stack of media 2 placed on the pressure plate 110. In addition, when the lifting drive unit 140 lowers the first pick-up roller 120, the first pick-up roller 120 can be driven into contact with the stack of media 2 placed on the pressure plate 110. The first lifting drive unit 140 is connected to the controller 700 and can be controlled by the controller 700. The first lifting drive unit 140 can include a first lifting support lever 141, a lifting link 142, a link drive cylinder 143 and a first elastic spring 144.

[0055] The first pick-up roller 120 can be rotatably arranged on one side of the first lifting support arm 141. In addition, the other side of the first lifting support arm 141 can be configured to rotate around the rotation center of the first arm. When the other side of the first lifting support arm 141 rotates around the rotation center of the first arm, the first pick-up roller 120 can be raised and lowered. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation center of the first arm can be the same as the rotation center CF of the feeding roller 610, which will be described later and which is included in the individual sheet conveying unit 600. In other words, the other side of the first lifting support arm 141 can be rotatably arranged on the rotation shaft of the feeding roller 610.

[0056] The lifting link 142 can be connected to the first lifting support lever 141. A plurality of lifting links 142 can be provided. In addition, the plurality of lifting links 142 are connected to each other, and one link of the plurality of lifting links 142 can be connected to the first lifting support lever 141. In addition, another link of the plurality of lifting links 142 can be connected to the link drive cylinder 143.

[0057] The link drive cylinder 143 can drive the lifting link 142. By driving the lifting link 142 by the link drive cylinder 143, the other side of the first lifting support lever 141 rotates around the rotation center of the first lever, and the first intake roller 120 can be raised and lowered. The link drive cylinder 143 can be connected to the lifting link 142. The rod of the link drive cylinder 143 can be connected to the lifting link 142. In the case where a plurality of lifting links 142 are provided, the link drive cylinder 143 can be connected to one of the plurality of lifting links 142, except for the lifting link 142 connected to the first lifting support lever 141. The link drive cylinder 143 can be connected to the controller 700 and can be controlled by the controller 700.

[0058] The second lifting drive unit 150 can raise and lower the second pick-up roller 130 by means of the lifting cam 152. When the second lifting drive unit 150 raises the second pick-up roller 130, the second pick-up roller 130 may not contact the media stack 2 placed on the pressure plate 110. In addition, when the second lifting drive unit 150 lowers the second pick-up roller 130, the second pick-up roller 130 can be brought into contact with the media stack 2 placed on the pressure plate 110.

[0059] The second lifting drive unit 150 can raise and lower the pressure plate 150 by means of the toothed rack 157 and the pinion 158. The raising and lowering of the pressure plate 110 by the second lifting drive unit 150 can cause the pressure plate 110 to approach or move away from the first intake roller 120 and the second intake roller 130. The second lifting drive unit 150 is connected to the controller 700 and can be controlled by the controller 700. The second lifting drive unit 150 can include a second lifting support lever 151, a lifting cam 152, a stopper 153, a plate lifting mechanism 154, a lifting drive motor 155, a toothed rack 157, a drive gear 158 and a second elastic spring.

[0060] The second intake roller 130 can be rotatably arranged on one side of the second lifting support lever 151. In addition, the other side of the second lifting support lever 151 can be configured to rotate around the rotation center of the second lever. When the other side of the second lifting support lever 151 rotates around the rotation center of the second lever, the second intake roller 130 can be raised and lowered. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation center of the second lever can be the same as the rotation center of the feed roller 610. In other words, the other side of the first lifting support lever 141 can be rotatably arranged on the rotation shaft of the feed roller 610.

[0061] The lifting cam 152 can raise and lower the second lifting support lever 151. The lifting cam 152 can rotate, and the second lifting support lever 151 can move up or down depending on the angular position of the lifting cam 152. A stopper engagement member 152-1 can be formed on the lifting cam 152, which moves along the stopper 153. In addition, the angular position of the lifting cam 152 can be limited by the stopper 153 and the stopper engagement member 152-1. In other words, the lifting cam 152 can rotate within a predetermined rotation range.

[0062] The stopper 153 can limit the rotation range of the lifting cam 152. In other words, the stopper 153 can limit the lifting cam 152 to rotate within a predetermined rotation range. In one embodiment of the invention, the stopper 153 can be an arc-shaped groove into which the engaging member of the stopper 152-1 of the lifting cam 152 can be inserted.

[0063] The plate lifting mechanism 154 can transmit the rotational force of the lifting drive motor 155 to the driving gear 158. The plate lifting mechanism 154 can be connected to the driving gear 158. The plate lifting mechanism 154 can be connected to the rotation shaft of the driving gear 158.

[0064] The lifting drive motor 155 can provide a rotational force. The lifting drive motor 155 can provide a rotational force for rotating the lifting cam 152 so that the second lifting support lever 151 moves up or down. The rotational force of the lifting drive motor 155 can be communicated to the lifting cam 152 via a lever lifting mechanism. A plurality of lever lifting mechanisms can be provided. The plurality of lever lifting mechanisms are connected to each other, one of the plurality of lever lifting mechanisms can be connected to the lifting cam 152, and another mechanism can be connected to the lifting drive motor 155. One of the plurality of lever lifting mechanisms can be connected to the rotation shaft of the lifting cam 152, and another mechanism can be connected to the lifting drive motor 155.

[0065] The lifting drive motor 155 can provide a rotational force for rotating the drive gear 158 so that the pressure plate 110 is raised and lowered. The rotational force of the lifting drive motor 155 can be communicated to the lifting cam 152 via a lever lifting mechanism. The lifting drive motor 155 can be connected to one of a plurality of lever lifting mechanisms. The lifting drive motor 155 can be connected to one of a plurality of lever lifting mechanisms, different from the lever lifting mechanism connected to the lifting cam 152. The lifting drive motor 155 is connected to the controller 700 and can be controlled by the controller 700.

[0066] The toothed rack 157 can raise and lower the pressure plate 110 together with the drive gear 158. The toothed rack 157 can be disposed on the pressure plate 110. The toothed rack 157 can be disposed on the pressure plate 110 and extend in the lifting / lowering direction of the pressure plate 110.

[0067] The driving gear 158 can raise and lower the pressing plate 110 together with the toothed rack 157. The driving gear 158 can be engaged with the toothed rack 157 to move along the toothed rack 157. The second elastic spring can impart an elastic force to the second lifting support lever 151 in such a direction as to press the second pick-up roller 130 against the media stack 2. For example, when the second lifting support lever 151 rotates in the lower direction due to the rotation of the lifting cam 152, the second pick-up roller 130 can be brought into contact with the media stack 2 and pressed thereto due to the action of the elastic force of the second elastic spring.

[0068] The first media detection sensor 160 can detect whether the media stack 2 has reached the area immediately above the pressure plate 110. The first media detection sensor 160 can be located on the pressure plate 110. The first media detection sensor 160 can be located on the pressure plate 110 between the first pickup roller 120 and the second pickup roller 130. The first media detection sensor 160 is connected to the controller 700 and can transmit information to the controller 700 indicating whether the media stack 2 has reached the area immediately above the pressure plate 110.

[0069] The second media detection sensor 170 may be located at a distance from the first media detection sensor 160 in the deposition direction to detect the media stack 2. The second media detection sensor 170 may be located on the pressure plate 110 at a distance from the first media detection sensor 160 in the deposition direction. In other words, the second media detection sensor 170 may be located on the pressure plate 110 further from the deposition port 100a than the first media detection sensor 160. In addition, the second media detection sensor 170 may be located on the pressure plate 110 closer to the recognition unit 200 than the first media detection sensor 160. The second media detection sensor 170 may be located on the pressure plate 110 at a distance from the second pickup roller 130 in the deposition direction.The first media detection sensor 160 is connected to the controller 700 and, upon detection of a stack of media 2, can transmit detection signals to the controller 700.

[0070] The auxiliary transport roller 180 can transport the stack of media 2 in the insertion direction together with the first pick-up roller 120. The auxiliary transport roller 180 can be rotatably arranged under the first pick-up roller 120 so as not to interfere with the lifting and lowering of the pressure plate 110.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7-10, the media alignment unit 190 can center the stack of media 2 inserted into the deposit and discharge unit 100. The media alignment unit 190 can be configured to operate in conjunction with the lifting and lowering of the pressure plate 110. The media alignment unit 190 may include a first side guide 191, a second side guide 192, a torsion spring 193, a rotary lever 194, a first toothed rack 195, a second toothed rack 196, and an alignment pinion gear 197.

[0072] The first side guide 191 can be disposed on one side of the pressure plate 110. The first side guide 191 can move in the width direction from one side of the pressure plate 110 to the center of the pressure plate 110. By moving toward the center of the pressure plate 110, the first side guide 191 can push one side of the media stack 2 inserted into the deposit and discharge unit. A guide support portion 199 can be formed on the first side guide 191, configured such that at least a portion of the torsion spring 193 exerts elastic pressure thereon.

[0073] The second side guide 192 can be disposed on the other side of the pressure plate 110. The second side guide 192 can move in the width direction from the other side of the pressure plate 110 to the center of the pressure plate 110. By moving toward the center of the pressure plate 110, the second side guide 192 can push the other side of the stack of media 2 inserted into the deposit and discharge unit. The second side guide 192 together with the first side guide 191 can move toward the center of the pressure plate 110, thereby aligning the stack of media 2 in the center of the pressure plate 110. A guide support portion 199 can be formed on the second side guide 192, configured in such a way that at least a part of the torsion spring 193 exerts elastic pressure thereon.

[0074] The torsion spring 193 can impart an elastic force to move the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in the width direction of the pressure plate 110. In other words, the torsion spring 193 can impart an elastic force to at least one first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in the first direction in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 approach each other. For example, when the first side guide 191 operates in combination with the second side guide 192 in opposite directions, the torsion spring 193 can impart elastic force to the first side guide 191 or the second side guide 192, and when the first side guide 191 operates independently of the second side guide 192, the spring 193 can impart elastic force to each of the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, the rotating lever 194 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. When the pressure plate 110 is lowered, the rotating lever 194 can move the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in a second direction in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 move away from each other. By rotating the rotating lever 194, one side of the rotating lever 194 can push one side of the guide support portion 199. A part of the rotating lever 194 can rest on one side of the guide support portion 199. When the pressure plate 110 is lowered, it exerts pressure on a part of the rotating lever 194 and rotates it.When the pressure plate 110 causes the rotating lever 194 to rotate, the latter imparts a pushing force that exceeds the elastic force of the torsion spring 193, the first side guide 191 or the second side guide 192, thereby moving the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in the second direction.

[0076] For example, when the pressure plate 110 is lowered, when the plate support protrusion 112 on the plate support 111 pushes one side of the rotating lever 194, in FIG. 9, the rotating lever 194 can rotate counterclockwise, and by rotating the rotating lever 194 counterclockwise, one side of the rotating lever 194 pushes one side of the guide support portion 199, due to which the first side guide 191 can move in the second direction, in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 move away from each other. When the pressure plate 110 is raised, the plate support 111 stops pushing one side of the rotating lever 194, and the torsion spring 193 imparts an elastic force to the other side of the support portion 199 of the guide, due to which the first side guide 191 can move in the first direction, in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 approach each other.

[0077] The first toothed rack 195 can be formed on the first side guide 191. The first toothed rack can be located opposite the second toothed rack 196. When the first side guide 191 moves in the width direction of the pressure plate 110, then through the alignment drive gear 197, the first toothed rack 195 can impart a driving force from the first side guide 191 to the second toothed rack 196.

[0078] The second toothed rack 196 can be formed on the second side guide 192. The second toothed rack 196 can be located opposite the first toothed rack 195. The second toothed rack 196 can be positioned so as to be movable in the width direction of the pressure plate 110. When the second side guide 192 moves in the width direction of the pressure plate 110, then through the alignment drive gear 197, the second toothed rack 196 can impart a driving force from the second side guide 192 to the first toothed rack 195.

[0079] The alignment drive gear 197 can be located between the first toothed rack 195 and the second toothed rack 196. The alignment drive gear 197 can be in engagement with the first toothed rack 195 and the second toothed rack 196. When the alignment drive gear 197 rotates, the first toothed rack 195 and the second toothed rack 196 can move in the first direction or in the second direction, and the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 can be moved by the first toothed rack 195 and the second toothed rack 196 in the first direction or in the second direction.

[0080] The following is a description of the operation and effects of an automated banking machine having the layout described above.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, when the stack of media 2 is inserted into the deposit and discharge unit 100, the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 may be positioned in a second direction in which they move away from each other.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, when the pressure plate 110 is raised, the torsion spring 193 can impart an elastic force to at least one of the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 in a first direction in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 approach each other. Due to the elastic force of the torsion spring 193, the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 can align the media stack 2 in the center of the deposit compartment of the deposit and discharge unit.

[0083] At the same time, when the pressure plate 110 is lowered, it can push a part of the rotating lever 194 and rotate it. By rotating, the rotating lever 194 can move the first side guide 191 and the second side guide in a second direction, in which the first side guide 191 and the second side guide 192 move away from each other. For example, when the rotating lever 194 moves the first side guide 191 in the second direction, the first toothed rack 195 of the first side guide 191 can move the second toothed rack 196 in the second direction through the alignment drive gear 197, and the second side guide 192 can move in the second direction together with the second toothed rack 196.

[0084] As described above, the automated banking machine according to the embodiment of the present invention achieves the following advantages: when a media stack is inserted into the deposit and dispensing unit, the media alignment unit pushes the left and right sides of the media stack to align it with the center of the deposit slot of the deposit and dispensing unit. Furthermore, the arrangement for separating the media stack and transporting the media as individual sheets is relatively simple.

[0085] The examples of the present invention are presented above in the form of specific embodiments, but they are only examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto and should be construed as having the widest scope in accordance with the technical essence disclosed in the present description. A person skilled in the art can combine / replace the disclosed embodiments to realize a shape model that is not disclosed, but this also does not go beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can easily change or modify the presented embodiments based on the present description, and it is obvious that such changes or modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An automated banking machine containing: a deposit and discharge unit configured to allow a media stack in which a plurality of media are stacked to be deposited or discharged; a recognition unit configured to recognize media; and a controller configured to control the deposit and dispensing unit and the recognition unit, wherein the insertion and withdrawal unit includes: a pushing plate arranged to move vertically so that a stack of media can be placed thereon; and a media alignment unit that is movable in the width direction of the push plate and is configured to align a stack of media at the center of the push plate by moving in the width direction of the push plate in combination with raising and lowering the push plate, wherein the insertion and output unit further comprises: a first pick-up roller for transporting the stack of media in the direction of insertion of the media when the stack of media is placed on the pusher plate; a second pick-up roller located at a distance from the first pick-up roller in the direction of insertion and configured to feed media from a stack of media into a single sheet transport unit; a first media detection sensor for determining whether at least a portion of a stack of media has reached an area immediately above the pusher plate; a second media detection sensor for determining whether at least a portion of a stack of media has reached a ready state before being fed into a single sheet transport unit; a first lifting drive unit for raising and lowering the first intake roller; and a second lifting drive unit for raising and lowering the second intake roller.

2. The automated banking machine according to claim 1, wherein the media alignment unit comprises: a first side guide located on one side of the pushing plate and capable of moving in the direction of the width of the pushing plate; a second side guide located on the other side of the pushing plate and capable of moving in the direction of the width of the pushing plate; a torsion spring for imparting an elastic force to at least one of the first side guide and the second side guide in a first direction in which the first side guide and the second side guide approach each other; and a rotating lever for moving the first side guide and the second side guide in a second direction, in which the first side guide and the second side guide move away from each other when the pushing plate is lowered.

3. The automated banking machine of claim 2, further comprising: a first toothed rack formed on the first side guide; a second toothed rack formed on the second side guide; and an alignment pinion engaged with the first rack and the second rack, wherein the alignment drive gear, when rotating, interrelatedly moves the first side guide and the second side guide in the first direction or in the second direction.

4. The automated banking machine of claim 2, wherein the first side guide or the second side guide is supported to be elastically pressed by at least a portion of the torsion spring.

5. The automated banking machine of claim 4, wherein, when the push plate is lowered, the rotating lever applies a pushing force greater than the elastic force of the torsion spring, the first side guide, or the second side guide, so that the first and second side guides move in a second direction.

6. The automated banking machine of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the first lift drive unit to lower the first pickup roller to bring it into contact with the stack of media when the first media detection sensor detects the stack of media, and controls the second lift drive unit to lower the second pickup roller to bring it into contact with the upper surface of the stack of media and to raise the push plate to push the stack of media upward when the second media detection sensor detects the stack of media.

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