Banknote processing device

Abstract

Provided is a banknote processing device comprising: a depositing / dispensing unit; a conveying unit that is a conveying path capable of conveying banknotes and is connected to the depositing / dispensing unit; a sorting unit that is provided in the conveying unit and sorts the banknotes; two or more first storage compartments that store the banknotes; one or more second storage compartments that store the banknotes; and a control unit that is configured to, during inspection processing, convey all of the banknotes from the plurality of first storage compartments to one empty second storage compartment, then convey all of the banknotes from the second storage compartment to the sorting unit to be sorted, and then convey the banknotes to the first storage compartments according to the denomination. The one second storage compartment storing the banknotes conveyed from the plurality of first storage compartments during the inspection processing can store a number of the banknotes equal to or greater than the total number of the banknotes that can be stored in the plurality of first storage compartments.

Description

Banknote handling equipment

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-023180, filed February 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to a banknote processing device, and is applicable to systems used in checkout counters or backrooms of retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

[0002] In recent years, for example, cash register change systems have become widespread in which a change dispenser that processes the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes and coins is combined with a POS (Point of Sales) register connected to a POS system, etc. Among these change dispensers, some banknote processing devices that process banknotes include a deposit and withdrawal unit that exchanges banknotes with a cashier, a transport unit that transports banknotes, a discrimination unit that discriminates the denomination and authenticity of inserted banknotes, a stacker that stores reusable banknotes by denomination, and a collection box that stores banknotes that should not be reused (see, for example, JP 2023-77267 A).

[0003] Incidentally, banknote processing devices may perform a reconsideration process to reconfirm the number (i.e., balance), denomination, and fitness of banknotes stored in storage containers such as stackers. When performing the reconsideration process, the banknote processing device selects, for example, one storage container that stores banknotes as the source of transfer, and another storage container that does not store banknotes (i.e., is empty) as the destination of transfer. The banknote processing device then feeds out banknotes one by one from the source of transfer, transports them by a transport unit along a predetermined transport path that passes through the discrimination unit, and sequentially stores them in the destination storage container. During this process, the banknote processing device discriminates each banknote in the discrimination unit, determines the denomination and fitness of the banknote, and counts the number of banknotes.

[0004] In such a banknote processing device, it is desirable to use space efficiently to arrange various components, transport and store banknotes, and also perform a reconciliation process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a banknote processing device that can efficiently use space to arrange various components and transport and store banknotes.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a banknote processing device comprising: a deposit / withdrawal unit provided with at least one of a deposit unit that receives banknotes from a user and a withdrawal unit that hands over banknotes to a user; a transport unit that is a transport path capable of transporting banknotes and is connected to the deposit / withdrawal unit; a classification unit that is provided in the transport unit and classifies the banknotes; two or more first storage containers that store banknotes; one or more second storage containers that store banknotes; and a control unit that, during reconciliation processing, causes all banknotes to be transported from the multiple first storage containers to a single empty second storage container, and then transports all banknotes from the second storage container to be classified by the classification unit and transported to the first storage container according to their denominations; and the single second storage container that stores banknotes transported from the multiple first storage containers during reconciliation processing can store more banknotes than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in the multiple first storage containers.

[0007] This allows the present disclosure to determine the inventory levels of multiple first storage cabinets during the reconnaissance process while reducing the height and depth of the device.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the availability of multiple first storage cabinets during the reconciliation process while reducing the height and depth of the device, thereby realizing a banknote processing device that can efficiently use space to arrange various components, transport and store banknotes, and perform the reconciliation process.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of a banknote processing device. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (1) during reconciliation processing according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (2) during reconciliation processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (1) during reconciliation processing according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (2) during reconciliation processing according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (3) during reconciliation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a left side view showing transport of banknotes (4) during reconciliation processing according to the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 , a banknote processing device 1 according to a first embodiment is configured around a box-shaped housing 2, and is installed, for example, in financial institutions, various commercial facilities, etc., to carry out cash-related transactions such as deposit and withdrawal processes with users (i.e., customers of the financial institutions or commercial facilities, etc.). In the following description, the side of the banknote processing device 1 that a user faces is referred to as the front side, the opposite side is referred to as the rear side, and the left and right sides as seen from a user facing the front side are referred to as the left side and right side, respectively, with upper and lower sides further defined.

[0012] The housing 2 has a housing front opening 2A formed on its front side, which connects the internal space enclosed by the housing 2 with the outside. A front door 3 that can open and close the housing front opening 2A is provided on the front side, i.e., the opening side. When viewed from the left side, the front door 3 extends vertically upward from the lower end of the housing front opening 2A and has a shape resembling the letter "U" rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and protruding forward, covering the lower, front, and upper sides of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10. The banknote processing device 1 protects the interior of the banknote processing device 1 by closing the front door 3 during transaction processing between the banknote processing device 1 and a user. Meanwhile, during maintenance work performed by maintenance personnel, bank employees, or other workers, the front door 3 can be opened as needed to facilitate work on the various internal components of the banknote processing device 1. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , openings are formed in the front door 3 on the front and upper sides of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, allowing users to access the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10. The height of the housing 2 and the front door 3 is adjusted to match the number of stackers 16 in the banknote processing device 1 .

[0013] A banknote control unit 4 is provided inside the housing 2, and controls the entire banknote processing device 1. The banknote control unit 4 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), not shown, and performs various processes such as deposit processing, withdrawal processing, and reconciliation processing by reading and executing predetermined programs from a ROM, flash memory, etc., not shown. The banknote control unit 4 also has an internal storage unit made up of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and stores various information in this storage unit. In the banknote processing device 1, the banknote control unit 4 controls each unit (banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10, conveyance unit 12, discrimination unit 14, stacker 16 (stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C), collection box 18, recycle cassette 44 (recycle cassettes 44A and 44B), first linear conveyance unit 40, and second linear conveyance unit (43) in an integrated manner.

[0014] [1-2. Configuration of the Banknote Deposit / Withdrawal Unit] The banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 has a deposit unit 20 and a withdrawal unit 21, and receives and delivers banknotes to and from a user, thereby allowing the user to deposit or withdraw banknotes. The deposit unit 20 has a receptacle for storing banknotes, a shutter for opening and closing an opening, and a separation unit made up of various rollers that separates and feeds out banknotes one by one. During a deposit process, a user places banknotes on a plate-shaped lower guide 22. Above the lower guide 22, a top guide 23 is provided that guides the top surfaces of banknotes placed on the lower guide 22. The deposit unit 20 separates banknotes inserted by a user and placed on the lower guide 22 one by one, and feeds them to the transport unit 12, using the separation unit provided at the rear end inside the deposit unit 20.

[0015] The withdrawal unit 21 is located below the deposit unit 20 and has a stacking section that accumulates transported banknotes, a shutter that opens and closes the opening, and an intake section that is made up of various rollers and takes in banknotes.It stores banknotes that are returned as non-depositable banknotes during the deposit process and banknotes that are determined to be withdrawable banknotes during the withdrawal process, and hands them over to the user.

[0016] [1-3. Internal Configuration of the Transport Unit Housing] A transport unit housing 26 is provided behind the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10. The upper end of the transport unit housing 26 is approximately the same height as the upper end of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, and the depth in the front-to-rear direction is slightly longer than that of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10. Furthermore, the lower end of the front end of the transport unit housing 26 is approximately the same height as the lower end of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, and the transport unit housing 26 extends from the rear end of the linear transport unit 42A (described later) to the rear end of the transport unit housing 26 to a position lower than the lower end of the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, making it taller than the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10.

[0017] The transport unit housing 26 mainly contains the transport unit 12 and the discrimination unit 14. The transport unit 12 is made up of a circular transport unit 28, a deposit transport unit 30, an upper withdrawal transport unit 31, a lower withdrawal transport unit 32, a front storage cabinet transport unit 34, a rear storage cabinet transport unit 33, and a rear transport unit 35, and is appropriately equipped with a large number of rotating rollers, guides for guiding banknotes, and the like, and transports rectangular banknotes along the transport path shown by the solid line in the figure with their short edges aligned with the transport direction.

[0018] The circular transport unit 28 is a circular transport path that transports banknotes in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions in Fig. 1. This circular transport unit 28 is connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 via the deposit transport unit 30, the upper withdrawal transport unit 31, and the lower withdrawal transport unit 32, but is not connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 by itself, and forms a closed circular transport path. The banknote processing device 1 is provided with only one such circular transport path. The deposit transport unit 30, the upper withdrawal transport unit 31, the lower withdrawal transport unit 32, the front storage container transport unit 34, the rear storage container transport unit 33, and the rear transport unit 35 are connected to this circular transport unit 28.

[0019] The deposit transport unit 30 connects the deposit unit 20 and the annular transport unit 28 substantially along the front-to-rear direction. The upper withdrawal transport unit 31 connects the withdrawal unit 21 and the annular transport unit 28 substantially along the front-to-rear direction below the deposit transport unit 30. The lower withdrawal transport unit 32 connects the withdrawal unit 21 and the annular transport unit 28 substantially along the front-to-rear direction below the upper withdrawal transport unit 31. Hereinafter, the upper withdrawal transport unit 31 and the lower withdrawal transport unit 32 will be collectively referred to as the withdrawal transport unit. The front storage container transport unit 34 connects the linear transport unit 42A and the annular transport unit 28 substantially along the vertical direction below the lower withdrawal transport unit 32. The rear storage container transport unit 33 connects the linear transport unit 42A and the annular transport unit 28 substantially along the vertical direction behind the front storage container transport unit 34. Hereinafter, the front storage cabinet transport section 34 and the rear storage cabinet transport section 33 will be collectively referred to as the storage cabinet transport sections. The rear transport section 35 extends downward from approximately the rear end of the annular transport section 28 behind the rear storage cabinet transport section 33, and then curves and extends rearward.

[0020] A front branching section 36a where the banknote transport path branches is provided at the front of the circular transport unit 28. A front switching section (not shown) is provided at the front branching section 36a. The front switching section is composed of a blade (not shown) and a plurality of rollers (not shown) arranged around the blade, and switches the transport direction of banknotes by changing the inclination direction of the blade that rotates the blade. The rollers are arranged to face each other across the banknote transport path. Under the control of the banknote control unit 4, the front switching section changes the inclination direction of the blade according to the transport destination of each banknote and rotates each roller in a predetermined rotation direction, thereby appropriately switching the transport direction of the banknote and transporting it to the desired destination.

[0021] Specifically, the front switching unit switches between two transport paths for banknotes by changing the inclination direction of the blade with the tip facing upward. That is, the front switching unit forms a transport path connecting the validation unit 14 and the linear transport unit 42A, or forms a transport path connecting the validation unit 14 and the dispensing unit 21. Therefore, the front switching unit switches the transport path for banknotes transported clockwise on the circular transport unit 28 from top to bottom between the linear transport unit 42A and the dispensing unit 21.

[0022] Meanwhile, a lower branching portion 36b, from which the banknote conveyance path branches, is provided behind and below the front branching portion 36a in the circular conveyance unit 28. The lower branching portion 36b is provided with a lower switching portion (not shown) that has substantially the same configuration as the front switching portion. Specifically, the lower switching portion changes the inclination direction of a blade whose tip faces rearward to switch between two banknote conveyance paths. That is, the lower switching portion forms a conveyance path connecting the classification unit 14 and the linear conveyance unit 42A, or forms a conveyance path connecting the classification unit 14 and the dispensing unit 21. Therefore, the lower switching portion switches the conveyance path of banknotes conveyed counterclockwise on the circular conveyance unit 28 from rear to front between the linear conveyance unit 42A and the dispensing unit 21.

[0023] Meanwhile, a rear branching section 36c is provided at the rear of the circular conveying unit 28, from which the banknote conveying path branches. The rear branching section 36c is provided with a rear switching section (not shown) that has substantially the same configuration as the front switching section. Specifically, the rear switching section switches between two banknote conveying paths by changing the inclination direction of a blade whose tip faces upward. That is, the lower switching section forms a conveying path connecting the classification unit 14 and the lower branching section 36b, or forms a conveying path connecting the classification unit 14 and the rear conveying unit 35. Therefore, the rear switching section switches the conveying path of banknotes conveyed counterclockwise from top to bottom on the circular conveying unit 28 between the circular conveying unit 28 and the rear conveying unit 35. The switching is between the circular conveying unit 28 and the rear conveying unit 35.

[0024] The validator 14 is located almost at the top of the circular conveyor 28, and while conveying banknotes therein, it uses optical elements, magnetic detection elements, etc. to determine the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes, as well as the degree of damage (fitness), and notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the validation results. The validator 14 also reads and identifies serial numbers, which are banknote identification information composed of alphanumeric characters and the like assigned to each banknote and pre-printed on one side of the banknote, from image data of the captured banknote. At this time, the validator 14 notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the identified characters as the identification result. In response, the banknote control unit 4 determines the destination of the banknote based on the obtained validation and identification results.

[0025] [1-4. Configuration of Collection Box and Stacker] Inside the housing 2, below the transport unit housing 26, the collection box 18, stacker 16C, stacker 16B, and stacker 16A are attached to a frame (not shown) so as to be stacked one on top of the other vertically from bottom to top. Stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C (hereinafter collectively referred to as stackers 16) and the collection box 18 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and store banknotes inside the stackers 16 with the paper surface facing up and down. Furthermore, the stackers 16 and the collection box 18 have the same length in the front-to-back direction.

[0026] Each stacker 16 serving as a first storage cabinet has a predetermined denomination of banknotes to be stored therein and has the same configuration. Each stacker 16 takes in banknotes conveyed from the linear conveyance unit 42 (linear conveyance units 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C) through a feed-out stacking port and stores them, using a storing and feeding mechanism consisting of various rollers provided at the front end, and also discharges the stored banknotes from the feed-out stacking port and supplies them to the linear conveyance unit 42.

[0027] A banknote detection sensor (not shown) is provided near the feed-out stacking port outside each stacker 16 to detect banknotes taken into or discharged from the feed-out stacking port. The banknote detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and is composed of a light-emitting unit that emits detection light and a light-receiving unit that receives the detection light. The banknote detection sensor notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the light-receiving result of the detection light. Specifically, when a banknote crosses the detection light, the banknote detection sensor notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the light-receiving result indicating that the detection light has been blocked by the banknote and has not been received. On the other hand, when a banknote does not cross the detection light, the banknote detection sensor notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the light-receiving result indicating that the detection light has been received. Based on the light reception results, the banknote control unit 4 recognizes the number of banknotes stored in each stacker 16 and determines whether the number of banknotes stored in each stacker 16 has reached the upper limit of the number of banknotes that can be stored (hereinafter also referred to as the number of banknotes that can be stored) and the stacker 16 is full.

[0028] The collection box 18 takes in and stores banknotes conveyed from the linear conveyance unit 42 through an inlet using a storage mechanism comprising various rollers etc. provided at the front end. Specifically, the collection box 18 collects and stores banknotes that have been identified as damaged banknotes (so-called unfit banknotes) by the classification unit 14, banknotes that have been determined to be counterfeit, banknotes of denominations that are not recycled, such as 5,000 and 2,000 banknotes, and banknotes that the user has forgotten to take from the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 during a transaction.

[0029] A banknote detection sensor (not shown) that detects banknotes taken into the receiving port is provided near the receiving port outside the collection box 18. The banknote detection sensor has the same configuration as the banknote detection sensors provided outside each stacker 16, and notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the result of receiving detection light. Based on this light reception result, the banknote control unit 4 recognizes the number of banknotes stored in the collection box 18 and determines whether the number of banknotes stored in the collection box 18 has reached the storage capacity and the collection box 18 is full.

[0030] The collection box 18 is configured to be detachably attached to a slot provided in the banknote processing device 1. The collection box 18 can be removed from the housing 2 by being pulled out in the forward direction relative to the housing 2, and can be attached to the housing 2 by being aligned with the housing 2 and pushed in the rear direction. In other words, the collection box 18 is configured to be detachable from the front surface of the housing 2.

[0031] [1-5. Configuration of the First Linear Conveyance Unit] The first linear conveyance unit 40 is provided in front of the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and the recovery bin 18. The first linear conveyance unit 40 is configured such that linear conveyance sections 42C, 42B2, 42B1, and 42A are stacked vertically from bottom to top and fixed to a frame (not shown), allowing them to move as a unit. These linear conveyance sections 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C are modularized as independent units. Hereinafter, the linear conveyance sections 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C will be collectively referred to as linear conveyance section 42. The linear conveyance sections 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C have the same length in the front-to-rear direction.

[0032] The first linear transport unit 40 is configured to be openable and closable by rotating about a rotation shaft (not shown) as a fulcrum. During transaction processing between the banknote processing device 1 and a user, the banknote processing device 1 protects the interior of the banknote processing device 1 by closing the first linear transport unit 40 together with the front door 3. Meanwhile, during maintenance work performed by a maintenance technician or a bank employee, the banknote processing device 1 opens the first linear transport unit 40 together with the front door 3 as needed. At this time, the storing and feeding mechanism of each stacker 16 moves forward together with the first linear transport unit 40. This opens the front side of the banknote storage space in the stacker 16, exposing the banknote storage space to the outside. This allows the banknote processing device 1 to remove banknotes from inside the stacker 16 and to remove the collection box 18.

[0033] The linear conveying section 42A is disposed at the uppermost position of the first linear conveying unit 40, and its upper side and approximately the upper half of its rear side are in contact with the conveying section housing 26. The linear conveying section 42A has a transfer port provided at the rear end of its upper end, at which the upper end of the conveying path is connected to the lower end of the rear storage cabinet conveying section 33 and the front storage cabinet conveying section 34. The linear conveying section 42A has a conveying path that extends downward from the upper end, extends linearly along the vertical direction, and branches into a conveying path that is connected to the conveying path of the linear conveying section 42B1 via a transfer port provided on the bottom surface, and a conveying path that extends rearward and is connected to the feed-out accumulation port of the stacker 16A via a transfer port provided on the back surface.

[0034] The linear conveying sections 42B1 and 42B2 have the same configuration. The linear conveying section 42B1 is disposed between the linear conveying sections 42A and 42B2, and its lower end is located above the lower end of the stacker 16B. The upper end of the linear conveying section 42B1 is connected to the lower end of the linear conveying section 42A's conveying path at a delivery port provided at the upper end. The linear conveying section 42B1's conveying path extends downward from the upper end, extending linearly along the vertical direction and branching into two paths: one that connects to the linear conveying section 42B2's conveying path via a delivery port provided on the bottom surface, and one that extends rearward and connects to the feed-out / accumulation port of the stacker 16B via a delivery port provided on the back surface.

[0035] Linear conveying section 42B2 is disposed between linear conveying sections 42B1 and 42C, with its lower end positioned higher than the lower end of stacker 16C. Linear conveying section 42B2 has a transfer opening at its upper end, at which the upper end of the transfer path is connected to the lower end of the transfer path of linear conveying section 42B1. Linear conveying section 42B2 has a transfer path that extends downward from its upper end, extends linearly in the vertical direction, and branches into a transfer path that connects to the transfer path of linear conveying section 42C via a transfer opening on the bottom surface, and a transfer path that extends rearward and connects to the feed-out / accumulation opening of stacker 16C via a transfer opening on the back surface.

[0036] The linear conveying section 42C is disposed at the lowest position of the first linear conveying units 40, and its lower end is at the same height as the lower end of the recovery warehouse 18. The linear conveying section 42C has a transfer opening at its upper end, and the upper end of the transfer path is connected to the lower end of the transfer path of the linear conveying section 42B2. The transfer path of the linear conveying section 42C also extends downward from the upper end and then rearward to connect to the receiving opening of the recovery warehouse 18.

[0037] These linear conveying sections 42A, 42B1, 42B2 and 42C are connected to one another by a drive coupling mechanism (not shown).

[0038] [1-6. Configuration of Recycle Cassettes] The recycle cassettes 44A and 44B (hereinafter collectively referred to as recycle cassettes 44) serving as second storage chambers are made of metal or resin and are attached to a frame (not shown) behind the collection chamber 18 and the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C inside the housing 2, so that they are aligned horizontally from front to rear. Each recycle cassette 44 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the vertical direction than each stacker 16, and stores banknotes therein aligned vertically with the paper surface facing up and down. The banknote storage capacity of each recycle cassette 44 is greater than the combined capacity of all stackers 16. Specifically, the storage capacity of each recycle cassette 44A and 44B is set to be greater than the combined storage capacity of stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C. On the other hand, the number of sheets that can be stored in each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B is set to be less than the total number of sheets that can be stored in the stackers 16A, 16B and 16C, and the total number of sheets that can be stored in the collection box 18.

[0039] Each recycling cassette 44 has a predetermined denomination of banknotes to be stored therein, and they are identical in configuration. Each recycling cassette 44 uses a storage / feeding mechanism provided at its upper end to take in and store banknotes conveyed from the linear conveyance unit 45 (linear conveyance units 45B and 45C) through a feed-out stacking port, and also discharges the stored banknotes from the feed-out stacking port and supplies them to the linear conveyance unit 45. Each recycling cassette 44 has its lower end at the same height as the lower end of the recovery box 18, and its upper end at the same height as the upper end of the stacker 16A. The front-to-rear length of each recycling cassette 44 is approximately the same as the front-to-rear length of each stacker 16.

[0040] A banknote detection sensor (not shown) that detects banknotes taken into or discharged from the feed-out stacking port is provided near the feed-out stacking port outside each recycle cassette 44. The banknote detection sensor has the same configuration as the banknote detection sensors provided outside each stacker 16, and notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the result of receiving detection light. Based on this light reception result, the banknote control unit 4 recognizes the number of banknotes stored in each recycle cassette 44, and determines whether the number of banknotes stored in each recycle cassette 44 has reached the maximum number that can be stored and the recycle cassette 44 is full.

[0041] [1-7. Configuration of the second linear conveying unit] The second linear conveying unit 43 is disposed above the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B, and is configured to be movable as a unit by being fixed to a frame (not shown) so that linear conveying sections 45B and 45C are aligned in the front-to-rear direction from the front to the rear. Hereinafter, linear conveying sections 45B and 45C will also be collectively referred to as linear conveying section 45.

[0042] The linear conveyance unit 45B is disposed above the recycle cassette 44A and uses the same modules as the linear conveyance units 42B1 and 42B2, but mounted in a different orientation relative to the banknote processing device 1. Therefore, the linear conveyance unit 45B has the same configuration as the linear conveyance units 42B1 and 42B2. The linear conveyance unit 45B has approximately the same length in the front-to-rear direction as the recycle cassette 44A, and its front and rear ends are positioned approximately the same as the front and rear ends of the recycle cassette 44A. The front end of the linear conveyance unit 45B is connected to the rear end of the conveyance path of the rear conveyance unit 35 at a delivery port provided at the front end. The linear conveyance unit 45B has a conveyance path that extends linearly from the front end toward the rear, and branches into a conveyance path that extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction and connects to the conveyance path of the linear conveyance unit 45C via a delivery port provided on the back surface, and a conveyance path that extends downward and connects to the feed-out stacking port of the recycle cassette 44A via a delivery port provided on the bottom surface.

[0043] The linear conveying unit 45C is disposed above the recycle cassette 44B, and uses the same module as the linear conveying unit 42C, but with a different mounting orientation relative to the banknote processing device 1, and therefore has the same configuration as the linear conveying unit 42C. The linear conveying unit 45C also has approximately the same length in the front-to-rear direction as the recycle cassette 44B, and its front and rear ends are located at approximately the same front-to-rear positions as the front and rear ends of the recycle cassette 44B. The front end of the linear conveying unit 45C's conveying path is connected to the rear end of the conveying path of the linear conveying unit 45B at a delivery port provided at the front end. The linear conveying unit 45C's conveying path extends rearward from the front end and then downward to connect to the feed-out stacking port of the recycle cassette 44B.

[0044] These linear conveying units 45B and 45C are fixed to a frame (not shown) and connected to each other by a drive coupling mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, linear conveying units 45B and 45C are configured to be openable and closable around a rotation shaft (not shown) as a fulcrum. During a transaction operation in which a transaction is processed with a user, the banknote processing device 1 closes the second linear conveying unit 43 to protect the interior of the banknote processing device 1, particularly the recycle cassette 44. On the other hand, during maintenance work performed by a worker such as a maintenance technician or a bank employee, the banknote processing device 1 opens the second linear conveying unit 43 to make the recycle cassette 44 removable.

[0045] [1-8. Reconciliation Process] In the banknote processing device 1 configured as described above, the banknote control unit 4 controls each unit based on the banknote validation and identification results, etc., from the validation unit 14, and performs the banknote reconciliation process according to the first embodiment. The reconciliation process is a process of reconfirming the number (i.e., balance), denomination, fitness, etc. of banknotes stored in the stacker 16 and the recycle cassette 44. In this embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 performs the reconciliation process on stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C using the recycle cassette 44B. Furthermore, when the banknote processing device 1 starts the reconciliation process, the recycle cassette 44B is empty, with no banknotes stored therein.

[0046] 2 , the banknote processing device 1 feeds all banknotes BL from all stackers 16 and transports them to the classification unit 14 via the linear conveyance unit 42, the front storage container conveyance unit 34, and the circular conveyance unit 28 in this order, thereby obtaining the classification results and the serial number identification results. Next, regardless of the classification results and identification results of the classification unit 14, the banknote processing device 1 transports the banknotes BL from the classification unit 14 via the circular conveyance unit 28, the rear conveyance unit 35, and the linear conveyance unit 45 in this order to the recycle cassette 44B for temporary storage.

[0047] Specifically, the banknote processing device 1 may, for example, first transport all banknotes BL from stacker 16A to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them, although the order is not specific. Next, the banknote processing device 1 transports all banknotes BL from stacker 16B to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them. Next, the banknote processing device 1 transports all banknotes BL from stacker 16C to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 3 , the banknote processing device 1 feeds all banknotes BL from the recycle cassette 44B and transports them to the validation unit 14 sequentially via the linear transport unit 45, the rear transport unit 35, and the circular transport unit 28, thereby obtaining validation results and serial number identification results. At this time, all stackers 16 are empty. Here, the banknote processing device 1 transports storable banknotes determined to be storable based on the validation and identification results of the validation unit 14 from the circular transport unit 28 via the rear storage container transport unit 33 to the linear transport unit 42 to each stacker 16 corresponding to the transfer denomination for storage (i.e., returning them to each stacker 16), thereby determining the balance in each stacker 16. On the other hand, the banknote processing device 1 transports non-recyclable notes determined to be unsuitable for storage and banknotes of denominations not assigned to a stacker 16 from the circular transport unit 28 via the rear storage container transport unit 33 to the linear transport unit 42 to the transfer collection container 18 for storage, in the same way as storable banknotes.

[0049] [1-9. Method of Removing Banknotes from the Stacker and Method of Removing the Collection Box] Next, a method of removing banknotes from the stacker 16 and a method of removing the collection box 18 from the banknote processing device 1 will be described.

[0050] When the front door 3 of the banknote processing device 1 is opened by a maintenance person (which may be a store clerk or the like; the same applies below), the first linear transport unit 40 is exposed to the outside, enabling the maintenance person to open and close the first linear transport unit 40. When the first linear transport unit 40 is opened, the front of the stacker 16 is opened, exposing the banknote storage space to the outside, and enabling the collection box 18 to be removed. In this state, the maintenance person removes banknotes from inside the stacker 16 and pulls the collection box 18 forward to remove it from the banknote processing device 1. On the other hand, when loading banknotes into the stacker 16 and when attaching the collection box 18 to the banknote processing device 1, the maintenance person performs the operations of removing banknotes from the stacker 16 and removing the collection box 18 in the reverse order.

[0051] [1-10. Method of Adding Stackers] Next, a description will be given of a case where, for example, the denominations that can be handled or the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1 are increased by adding (i.e., expanding) one stacker to the banknote processing device 1. A maintenance technician adds, for example, a modularized stacker having the same configuration as stacker 16A and a linear conveyance unit having the same configuration as linear conveyance unit 42B1 between stacker 16C and linear conveyance unit 42B2 and collection box 18 and linear conveyance unit 42C. This allows the banknote processing device 1 to easily add more stackers, thereby increasing the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1.

[0052] The above has described a case where a stacker and linear conveying unit are added between stacker 16C and linear conveying unit 42B2 and collection box 18 and linear conveying unit 42C, but this is not a limitation, and a stacker and linear conveying unit may also be added between stacker 16A and linear conveying unit 42A and stacker 16B and linear conveying unit 42B1, or between stacker 16B and linear conveying unit 42B1 and stacker 16C and linear conveying unit 42B2. Also, the above has described a case where one set of stacker and linear conveying unit is added, but this is not a limitation, and any number of sets of stackers or linear conveying units, two or more, may be added.

[0053] [1-11. Method of Removing Stacker] Next, a case will be described in which, for example, removing one stacker 16C from the banknote processing device 1 reduces the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1, thereby reducing the overall height of the banknote processing device 1. A maintenance technician removes the stacker 16C and the linear transport unit 42B2 from the banknote processing device 1. This makes it possible to easily reduce, for example, the denominations that can be handled in the banknote processing device 1, and also to reduce the overall height of the banknote processing device 1.

[0054] [1-12. Method for Removing Recycle Cassette] Next, a method for removing the recycle cassette 44 from the banknote processing device 1 will be described. When a maintenance person opens the front door 3 of the banknote processing device 1 and pulls the banknote processing device 1 out from the housing 2 to the front side, the second linear transport unit 43 is exposed to the outside, and the maintenance person can open and close the second linear transport unit 43. When the maintenance person opens the second linear transport unit 43 in this state, the top surface of the recycle cassette 44 is exposed, and the recycle cassette 44 becomes removable. In this state, the maintenance person lifts the recycle cassette 44 almost straight up and removes it from the banknote processing device 1. On the other hand, when installing the recycle cassette 44 in the banknote processing device 1, the maintenance person performs the operations in the reverse order of the above-described procedure for removing the recycle cassette 44.

[0055] [1-13. Method for Adding Recycle Cassettes] Next, a description will be given of a case where, for example, the denominations that can be handled or the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1 are increased by adding (i.e., expanding) one recycle cassette to the banknote processing device 1. A maintenance technician adds a modularized recycle cassette having the same configuration as recycle cassette 44A and a modular linear conveyance unit having the same configuration as linear conveyance unit 45B between recycle cassette 44A and linear conveyance unit 45B and recycle cassette 44B and linear conveyance unit 45C. This allows the banknote processing device 1 to easily add more recycle cassettes, thereby increasing the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1.

[0056] The above has described a case where a recycle cassette and a linear conveying unit are added between recycle cassette 44A and linear conveying unit 45B and recycle cassette 44B and linear conveying unit 45C, but this is not a limitation, and a recycle cassette and a linear conveying unit may be added between recycle cassette 44A and linear conveying unit 45B and collection box 18 and stacker 16. Furthermore, the above has described a case where one set of recycle cassette and linear conveying unit is added, but this is not a limitation, and any number of sets of recycle cassettes and linear conveying units, two or more, may be added.

[0057] [1-14. Method for Removing Recycle Cassette] Next, a case will be described in which, for example, removing one recycle cassette 44 from the banknote processing device 1 reduces the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1, thereby reducing the length of the entire banknote processing device 1 in the front-to-rear direction. A maintenance technician removes the recycle cassette 44A and the linear transport unit 45B from the banknote processing device 1. This makes it possible to easily reduce, for example, the denominations that can be handled in the banknote processing device 1, and also to reduce the length of the entire banknote processing device 1 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0058] [1-15. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, the banknote processing device 1 is provided with only one annular conveying unit 28, and the stacker 16 and the collection container 18 are arranged vertically side by side below the annular conveying unit 28. Linear conveying units 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C having conveying paths along the vertical direction are arranged vertically side by side in front of the stacker 16 and the collection container 18. The banknote processing device 1 is also provided with a rear storage container conveying unit 33 and a front storage container conveying unit 34 as storage container conveying units that branch off from the annular conveying unit 28 and head downward, and banknotes can be conveyed between the annular conveying unit 28 and the stacker 16 and the collection container 18 via the rear storage container conveying unit 33, the front storage container conveying unit 34, and the linear conveying unit 42.

[0059] Therefore, the height and depth dimensions of the banknote processing device 1 can be reduced, and the banknote processing device 1 can be installed even in stores with limited installation space. Furthermore, even if the installation space behind the banknote processing device 1 is limited in the store where the banknote processing device 1 is installed, stackers 16 can be added without increasing the depth dimension of the banknote processing device 1 by simply adding a stacker 16 and a linear conveyance unit 42 below the annular conveyance unit 28 so that they overlap in the vertical direction with the other stackers 16 and linear conveyance units 42. This makes it possible to increase the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1 even in stores with limited installation space.

[0060] Furthermore, in the banknote processing device 1, recycle cassettes 44 are arranged so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction behind the collection box 18 and the stacker 16, and linear conveyance units 45B and 45C having conveyance paths along the front-to-rear direction are arranged so as to be aligned in the front-to-rear direction above the recycle cassettes 44. The banknote processing device 1 also has a rear-side conveyance unit 35 that branches off from the annular conveyance unit 28 and faces rearward, and banknotes can be conveyed between the annular conveyance unit 28 and the recycle cassettes 44 via the rear-side conveyance unit 35 and the linear conveyance units 45B and 45C.

[0061] Therefore, even if the installation space above the banknote processing device 1 is small in the store or the like where it is installed, recycling cassettes 44 can be added without increasing the height of the banknote processing device 1 by simply adding recycling cassettes 44 and linear conveying units 45 to the rear of the annular conveying unit 28 so that they overlap with other recycling cassettes 44 and linear conveying units 45 in the front-to-back direction, and this makes it possible to increase the denominations that can be handled and the number of banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 1 even in stores with a low installation space.

[0062] Furthermore, the banknote processing device 1 is configured to set the storage capacity of each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B to be greater than the combined storage capacity of the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C. The banknote processing device 1 then performs a reconciliation process using the recycle cassette 44B, targeting the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C as the reconciliation targets. During this reconciliation process, the banknote processing device 1 transports all banknotes from all stackers 16 to an empty recycle cassette 44B, then transports all banknotes from the recycle cassette 44B and validates them using the validation unit 14. The banknotes determined to be normal are then transported (i.e., returned) to an empty stacker 16 according to their denominations, thereby determining the balances of all stackers 16. Banknotes determined not to be stored in a stacker 16 are then transported to the collection repository 18. In this way, during the reconciliation process, the banknote processing device 1 temporarily stores banknotes of multiple denominations in a mixed state in one recycle cassette 44B. This allows the banknote processing device 1 to determine the amount of banknotes in all three stackers 16 during the reconciliation process while keeping the height and depth of the device small.

[0063] In particular, in the banknote processing device 1, the stackers 16 are arranged vertically below the circular transport unit 28, and the recycle cassettes 44 are arranged horizontally behind the collection box 18 and the stackers 16. With this arrangement, the banknote processing device 1 reduces the height of the stackers 16 arranged vertically, thereby reducing the height of the device. In contrast, in the banknote processing device 1, the recycle cassettes 44 are arranged one by one in the front-to-rear direction, and are not arranged vertically, so they do not affect the height of the device, and therefore are sufficiently taller than the height of each stacker 16. Therefore, in the banknote processing device 1, the number of banknotes that can be stored in each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B can be set to be greater than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in all of the stackers 16.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the banknote processing device 1 includes the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10 provided with at least one of the deposit unit 20 that receives banknotes from a user and the withdrawal unit 21 that hands over banknotes to a user, a circular conveyance unit 28 that is a conveyance path capable of conveying banknotes and is connected to the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, a classification unit 14 that is provided on the circular conveyance unit 28 and classifies the banknotes, two or more stackers 16 that store banknotes, one or more recycling cassettes 44 that store banknotes, and a banknote control unit 4 that, during reconciliation processing, causes all of the banknotes to be transported from the multiple stackers 16 to one empty recycling cassette 44, and then transports all of the banknotes from the recycling cassette 44 to be classified by the classification unit 14 and transport them to the stackers 16 according to their denominations, and during reconciliation processing, one recycling cassette 44 that stores the banknotes transported from the multiple stackers 16 can store more banknotes than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in the multiple stackers 16. This allows the banknote processing device 1 to determine the amount of money in all three stackers 16 during the reconciliation process while reducing the height and depth of the device.

[0065] 1, a banknote processing device 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the banknote processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a banknote control unit 104 instead of the banknote control unit 4, but is otherwise configured similarly. The banknote control unit 104 performs a scanning process that is different from that of the banknote control unit 4.

[0066] [2-2. Reconciliation Process] In this configuration, the banknote processing device 101 performs the reconciliation process of banknotes according to the second embodiment, with the banknote control unit 104 controlling each unit based on the banknote validation results and identification results, etc., from the validation unit 14. In this embodiment, the banknote processing device 101 performs the reconciliation process of banknotes using the reconciliation cassette 44B, targeting the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and the reconciliation cassette 44A. Furthermore, when the banknote processing device 101 starts the reconciliation process, the reconciliation cassette 44B is empty.

[0067] That is, the banknote processing device 101 starts the reconciliation process at a time when no transactions are being conducted with users, such as after business hours, and as shown in Fig. 4, it feeds out all banknotes BL from all stackers 16 and transports them to the classification unit 14 via the linear conveyance unit 42, the front storage container conveyance unit 34, and the circular conveyance unit 28 in this order, thereby obtaining the results of classification and identification of the serial numbers. Next, regardless of the results of classification and identification by the classification unit 14, the banknote processing device 101 transports the banknotes BL from the classification unit 14 via the circular conveyance unit 28, the rear conveyance unit 35, and the linear conveyance unit 45 in this order to the recycle cassette 44B for temporary storage.

[0068] Specifically, the banknote processing device 101 may, for example, first transport all of the banknotes BL from stacker 16A to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them, although this order is not specified. Next, the banknote processing device 101 transports all of the banknotes BL from stacker 16B to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them. Next, the banknote processing device 101 transports all of the banknotes BL from stacker 16C to recycle cassette 44B and temporarily store them.

[0069] Next, as shown in Fig. 5 , the banknote processing device 101 pays out all banknotes BL from the recycle cassette 44A and transports them to the validation unit 14 sequentially via the linear transport unit 45, the rear transport unit 35, and the circular transport unit 28, thereby obtaining the validation results and the serial number identification results. At this time, all stackers 16 are empty. Here, the banknote processing device 101 transfers storable banknotes that have been determined to be storable based on the validation and identification results of the validation unit 14 from the circular transport unit 28 to the linear transport unit 42 via the rear storage container transport unit 33, and transports them to, for example, stacker 16A for temporary storage. At this time, if stacker 16A is full, the banknote processing device 101 switches the destination of the banknotes BL transported from the recycle cassette 44A from stacker 16A to, for example, stacker 16B. Furthermore, when stacker 16B becomes full, the banknote processing device 101 switches the destination of banknotes BL transported from recycle cassette 44A from stacker 16B to, for example, stacker 16C. This allows the banknote processing device 101 to determine the balance in recycle cassette 44A. Meanwhile, the banknote processing device 101 transfers non-recyclable notes determined to be unsuitable for storage and banknotes of denominations not assigned to stacker 16 from the circular transport unit 28 via the rear storage container transport unit 33 to the linear transport unit 42, and transports them to the collection container 18 for storage, just like storable banknotes.

[0070] 6 , the banknote processing device 101 feeds all banknotes BL from all stackers 16, for example in the order of stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C, though in no particular order, and transports them to the classification unit 14 via the linear transport unit 42, the front storage container transport unit 34, and the circular transport unit 28 in this order, thereby obtaining the results of classification and the identification of the serial numbers. Subsequently, regardless of the results of classification and identification by the classification unit 14, the banknote processing device 101 transports the banknotes BL from the classification unit 14 via the circular transport unit 28, the rear transport unit 35, and the linear transport unit 45 in this order to the recycle cassette 44A for storage (i.e., returns them to the recycle cassette 44A).

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 7 , the banknote processing device 101 feeds all banknotes BL from the recycle cassette 44B and transports them to the validation unit 14 sequentially via the linear transport unit 45, the rear transport unit 35, and the circular transport unit 28, thereby obtaining validation results and serial number identification results. At this time, all stackers 16 are empty. Here, the banknote processing device 101 transports storable banknotes determined to be storable based on the validation and identification results of the validation unit 14 from the circular transport unit 28 via the rear storage container transport unit 33 to the linear transport unit 42 to each stacker 16 corresponding to the transfer denomination for storage (i.e., returning them to each stacker 16), thereby determining the balance in each stacker 16. Meanwhile, the banknote processing device 101 transports non-recyclable notes determined to be unsuitable for storage and banknotes of denominations not assigned to a stacker 16 from the circular transport unit 28 via the rear storage container transport unit 33 to the linear transport unit 42 to the transfer collection container 18 for storage, in the same way as storable banknotes.

[0072] [2-3. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, the banknote processing device 101 sets the storage capacity of each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B to be greater than the combined storage capacity of the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C. The banknote processing device 101 then targets the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and the recycle cassette 44A as the objects of inspection, and performs the inspection process using the recycle cassette 44B. In this inspection process, the banknote processing device 101 transports all banknotes from all stackers 16 to an empty recycle cassette 44B, then transports all banknotes from the recycle cassette 44A and validates them using the validation unit 14. Banknotes determined to be normal are transported to the stacker 16, thereby determining the balance of the recycle cassette 44A, and banknotes determined not to be stored in the stacker 16 are transported to the collection repository 18. Next, the banknote processing device 101 transports (i.e., returns) all banknotes to the recycle cassette 44A from all stackers 16. Next, the banknote processing device 101 transports all banknotes from the recycle cassette 44B and has them validated by the validation unit 14, and by transporting (i.e., returning) banknotes determined to be normal to the stackers 16 according to their denominations, the balances of all stackers 16 are determined, and banknotes determined not to be stored in the stackers 16 are transported to the collection box 18.

[0073] In this way, during the reconciliation process, the banknote processing device 101 temporarily stores banknotes of multiple denominations mixed together in one recycle cassette 44B. In addition, when the stacker 16 becomes temporarily empty due to the transport of banknotes from the stacker 16 to the recycle cassette 44B, the banknote processing device 101 transports all banknotes from the recycle cassette 44A to the stacker 16 and temporarily stores them therein, determines the balance of the recycle cassette 44A, and then returns all banknotes to the recycle cassette 44A. Thus, the banknote processing device 101 can determine the balance of all three stackers 16 as well as one recycle cassette 44A during the reconciliation process while keeping the height and depth of the device small.

[0074] In other respects as well, the banknote processing device 101 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the banknote processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] [3. Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 is configured by the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10, the annular conveyance unit 28 which is a single closed annular conveyance path capable of conveying banknotes in both directions and is connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10, the discrimination unit 14, the rear storage cabinet conveyance unit 33 and the front storage cabinet conveyance unit 34 which branch off from the annular conveyance unit 28 and extend downward, the stacker 16 which is arranged below the annular conveyance unit 28, the first linear conveyance unit 40 which is arranged in front of the stacker 16, the rear conveyance unit 35 which branch off from the annular conveyance unit 28 and extend rearward, the recycle cassette 44 which is arranged behind the stacker 16, and the second linear conveyance unit 43 which is arranged above the recycle cassette 44. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have various other layouts in which the various components described above are arranged. In short, it is sufficient that the number of sheets that can be stored in each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B is set to be greater than the total number of sheets that can be stored in the multiple stackers 16 that are the subject of close inspection.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as setting the number of banknotes that can be stored in each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B to be greater than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In a case where two stackers 16 are to be inspected, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may set the number of banknotes that can be stored in each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B to be greater than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in the two stackers 16.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the banknote processing device 1 has been described as targeting stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C for inspection and performing the inspection process using recycle cassette 44B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The banknote processing device 1 may target stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C for inspection and perform the inspection process using recycle cassette 44A. In this case, the banknote processing device 1 may empty recycle cassette 44A when starting the inspection process, and thereafter perform the inspection process by switching recycle cassette 44A and recycle cassette 44B.

[0078] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the banknote processing device 101 targets stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and recycle cassette 44A as reconciliation targets, and performs the reconciliation process using recycle cassette 44B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The banknote processing device 101 may target stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and recycle cassette 44B as reconciliation targets, and perform the reconciliation process using recycle cassette 44A. In this case, the banknote processing device 101 may empty recycle cassette 44A when starting the reconciliation process, and thereafter perform the above-described reconciliation process by switching recycle cassette 44A for recycle cassette 44B.

[0079] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the banknote processing device 101 switches the destination of banknotes in the order of stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C as soon as they become full, until recycle cassette 44A is emptied, as shown in Fig. 5. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 101 may switch the stackers 16 as the destination of banknotes in various other orders until recycle cassette 44A is emptied.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 recognizes the number of banknotes stored in each stacker 16, collection repository 18, and each recycle cassette 44 based on the detection results of banknote detection sensors provided near the feed-out stacking port outside each stacker 16, near the receiving port outside the collection repository 18, and at the feed-out stacking port outside each recycle cassette 44. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may recognize the number of banknotes stored in each stacker 16, collection repository 18, and each recycle cassette 44 based on the detection results of banknote detection sensors provided inside each stacker 16, inside the collection repository 18, and inside each recycle cassette 44.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C with the same configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have at least one of the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C with a different configuration from the other stackers 16.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B with the same configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B with different configurations.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the linear transport units 42B1, 42B2, and 45B configured identically to one another. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have at least one of the linear transport units 42B1, 42B2, and 45B configured differently from the other linear transport units 42B1, 42B2, and 45B.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the linear conveying units 42C and 45C with the same configuration. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have the linear conveying units 42C and 45C with different configurations.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing apparatus 1 or 101 is described as being based on a state in which three stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C are provided, and the stacker 16 is increased or decreased by one. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The banknote processing apparatus 1 or 101 may be based on a state in which any number of stackers 16 are provided, and the stackers 16 may be increased or decreased by any number. The same applies to the recycle cassettes 44. If the banknote processing apparatus 1 or 101 is provided with, for example, four stackers 16 and all of the stackers 16 are to be inspected, the storage capacity of each of the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B may be set to be greater than the total storage capacity of the four stackers 16. Furthermore, if the banknote processing apparatus 101 is provided with, for example, three recycle cassettes 44 and two recycle cassettes 44 are to be inspected, the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be performed on the two recycle cassettes 44 to be inspected.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as being configured such that the front door 3 and the first linear transport unit 40 are opened to expose the front surface of the stacker 16, and banknotes are removed from the banknote storage space. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may be configured such that the front door 3 and the first linear transport unit 40 are opened, the stacker 16 is pulled forward and removed from the banknote processing device 1 or 101, and the top plate of the stacker 16 is opened to expose the upper surface of the stacker 16, and banknotes are removed from the banknote storage space.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as being configured to be openable and closable by rotating the first linear transport unit 40 about a rotation axis as a fulcrum, thereby exposing the stacker 16 and the collection box 18 to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may be configured to be openable and closable by moving the first linear transport unit 40 in various other ways, such as by sliding, thereby exposing the stacker 16 and the collection box 18 to the outside.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the deposit unit 20 on the upper side and the withdrawal unit 21 on the lower side within the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may have the deposit unit 20 and the withdrawal unit 21 reversed in position within the banknote deposit and withdrawal unit 10, and may have the deposit unit 20 on the lower side and the withdrawal unit 21 on the upper side.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may be operated as a withdrawal-only machine by omitting the deposit unit 20 in the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10, or may be operated as a deposit-only machine by omitting the withdrawal unit 21 in the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 has been described as having the stacker 16 that is not to be removed from the banknote processing device 1 or 101 arranged at the front side of the device and the recycle cassette 44 that is to be removed from the banknote processing device 1 or 101 arranged at the rear side of the device. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device 1 or 101 may use the stacker 16 arranged at the front side of the banknote processing device 1 or 101 as the recycle cassette that is to be removed from the banknote processing device 1 or 101, and the recycle cassette 44 arranged at the rear side of the banknote processing device 1 or 101 as the stacker that is not to be removed from the banknote processing device 101.

[0091] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present disclosure also extends to embodiments in which the above-described embodiments are combined in part or in whole with any of the above-described other embodiments. In addition, the scope of application of the present disclosure also extends to cases in which a part of the configuration described in any of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments is extracted and replaced or diverted with a part of the configuration of any of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments, or where a part of the extracted configuration is added to any of the embodiments.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 or 101 as a banknote processing device is described as being configured by the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 as a deposit / withdrawal unit, the circular conveyance unit 28 as a conveyance unit, the discrimination unit 14 as a discrimination unit, the stacker 16 as a first storage unit, the recycle cassette 44 as a second storage unit, and the banknote control unit 4 as a control unit. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the banknote processing device may be configured by a deposit / withdrawal unit, a conveyance unit, a discrimination unit, a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a control unit having various other configurations.

[0093] The present disclosure can also be used in various conveying devices that convey and discriminate media such as banknotes.

Claims

1. A banknote processing device comprising: a deposit / withdrawal unit provided with at least one of a deposit unit that receives banknotes from a user and a withdrawal unit that hands over the banknotes to the user; a transport unit that is a transport path capable of transporting the banknotes and is connected to the deposit / withdrawal unit; a validation unit that is provided in the transport unit and validates the banknotes; two or more first storage containers that store the banknotes; one or more second storage containers that store the banknotes; and a control unit that is configured to, during reconciliation processing, transport all of the banknotes from the multiple first storage containers to one empty second storage container, and then transport all the banknotes from the second storage container to the validation unit to be validated by the validation unit and transport them to the first storage container according to their denominations, wherein one second storage container that stores the banknotes transported from the multiple first storage containers during the reconciliation processing can store more banknotes than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in the multiple first storage containers.

2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to, during the reconciliation process, transport all of the banknotes from all of the first storage cabinets to one empty second storage cabinet, then transport all of the banknotes from the second storage cabinet to be identified by the identification unit, and transport them to the first storage cabinet according to their denominations, and wherein one second storage cabinet that stores the banknotes transported from all of the first storage cabinets during the reconciliation process can store more banknotes than the total number of banknotes that can be stored in all of the first storage cabinets.

3. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein two or more second storage containers are provided, and the control unit is configured to, during the reconciliation process, transport all of the banknotes from the plurality of first storage containers to one of the empty second storage containers, then transport all of the banknotes from the other second storage container to be classified by the classification unit and transport them to the empty first storage container, then transport all of the banknotes from the first storage container to the other empty second storage container, then transport all of the banknotes from one of the second storage containers to be classified by the classification unit and transport them to the first storage container according to their denominations.

4. The transport section is a circular transport section which is a single closed circular transport path capable of transporting the banknotes in both directions, the first storage container is disposed below the circular transport section, the second storage container is disposed behind the first storage container, and further comprises a storage container transport section branching off from the circular transport section and extending downward, a first linear transport unit which is disposed in front of the first storage container below the circular transport section and has a transport path extending in the vertical direction, and transports the banknotes between the storage container transport section and the first storage container, a rear transport section branching off from the circular transport section and extending rearward, and a second linear transport unit which is disposed above the second storage container and has a transport path extending in the front-to-rear direction, and transports the banknotes between the rear transport section and the second storage container, and the control section 2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein during the reconciliation process, all of the banknotes are transported from a plurality of the first storage cabinets to one empty second storage cabinet via the first linear transport unit, the storage cabinet transport section, the circular transport section, the rear transport section, and the second linear transport unit, and then all of the banknotes are transported from the second storage cabinet via the second linear transport unit, the rear transport section, and the circular transport section to be classified by the classification section, and then the banknotes are transported to the first storage cabinet according to their denominations via the circular transport section, the storage cabinet transport section, and the first linear transport unit.

5. A banknote processing device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a collection box for collecting the banknotes, wherein the control unit is configured to, during the reconciliation process, transport all of the banknotes from the plurality of first storage boxes to one empty second storage box, then transport all of the banknotes from the second storage box to be validated by the validation unit, and transport the banknotes determined to be normal to the first storage box according to their denominations, while transporting the banknotes determined not to be stored in the first storage box to the collection box.

6. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more first storage cabinets stores the banknotes of a denomination different from that of the other first storage cabinets.

7. A banknote processing device according to claim 4, wherein the deposit / withdrawal unit has the deposit unit and the withdrawal unit, and further has a deposit transport unit that branches off from the annular transport unit, extends forward and is connected to the deposit unit, and transports the banknotes taken in from the deposit unit to the annular transport unit, and a withdrawal transport unit that branches off from the annular transport unit, extends forward and is connected to the withdrawal unit, and transports the banknotes from the annular transport unit to the withdrawal unit.

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