Medium identification device and medium processing device

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a fixed drum which has a substantially columnar shape and in which a portion of the outer periphery is formed in a linear shape when viewed from the center axis direction; an annular conveyance path which is provided along the outer periphery of the fixed drum and in which a portion is formed linearly when viewed from the center axis direction of the fixed drum; a plurality of first belt pulleys which are provided inside the fixed drum at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixed drum so that a portion of the first belt pulley protrudes into the annular conveyance path from the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum; a conveyance and drive belt which is stretched over the plurality of first belt pulleys; a counter roller which is provided so as to face a part of the first belt pulley protruding into the annular conveyance path, and which sandwiches a medium between itself and the conveyance and drive belt; and a medium identification unit which is provided in a straight line portion of the annular conveyance path.

Description

Media identification device and media processing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media identification device and a media processing device.

[0002] Conventionally, some media identification devices for identifying media such as banknotes have a circular transport path in order to reduce the overall size of the device. Specifically, this media identification device has a circular rotating drum that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, a circular circular transport path provided along the outer periphery of the rotating drum, a pressure roller that is pressed against the outer periphery of the rotating drum, and an identification sensor provided at a predetermined location on the circular transport path.

[0003] In this media identification device, the media is conveyed by being sandwiched between a rotating drum and a pressure roller, and an identification sensor provided on the circular conveyance path identifies the media (for example, distinguishes the denomination of banknotes) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-288630 (Patent Document 1)).

[0004] In conventional media identification devices, the annular conveying path is provided along the outer periphery of the rotating drum, so the shape of the annular conveying path must be circular, and when the media are conveyed along the annular conveying path, they pass along the outer periphery (outside course) of the annular conveying path. As a result, in conventional media identification devices, when the media pass through the identification sensor, they tend to move toward the outer periphery of the annular conveying path, making it difficult to accurately identify the media.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a medium identification device and a medium processing device that can accurately identify media passing through a circular transport path.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the medium identification device disclosed herein comprises a fixed drum that is approximately cylindrical and has a portion of its outer periphery formed in a straight line when viewed from the direction of the central axis, a circular conveying path that is provided along the outer periphery of the fixed drum and has a portion formed in a straight line when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the fixed drum, a plurality of first belt pulleys that are provided inside the fixed drum at intervals around the periphery of the fixed drum so that a portion of the first belt pulley protrudes into the circular conveying path from the outer periphery of the fixed drum, a conveying and driving belt that is stretched over the plurality of first belt pulleys, an opposing roller that is provided opposite the portion of the first belt pulley that protrudes into the circular conveying path and that clamps the medium between the conveying and driving belt, and a medium identification unit that is provided in the straight portion of the circular conveying path.

[0007] In this way, the media identification device of the present disclosure has a circular transport path on the outer periphery of the fixed drum, and transports the media by sandwiching them between the transport / drive belt and the opposing roller, thereby making it possible to provide a straight section on the circular transport path. Furthermore, by providing a media identification unit on this straight section, it is possible to prevent the media from shifting to the outer periphery of the circular transport path when the media passes through the media identification unit.

[0008] The media processing device of the present disclosure also includes the above-described media identification device.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a medium identification device and a medium processing device that can accurately identify media passing through a circular transport path.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a left side view showing the internal configuration of the banknote processing device according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a left side view showing the transport of banknotes during a deposit process according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a left side view showing the transport of banknotes during a withdrawal process according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 is a left side view showing the configuration of a transport unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drive system of a transport unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 10 is a left side view showing the transport of banknotes on a straight portion of a circular transport path according to an embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1, a banknote processing device 1 according to this 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 the user facing the front side are referred to as the left side and right side, respectively, with upper and lower sides further defined.

[0013] 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 a maintenance technician or a bank employee, 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 .

[0014] A banknote control unit 4 is provided inside the housing 2, which controls the entire banknote processing device 1. The banknote control unit 4 is configured mainly around a CPU (Central Processing Unit), not shown, and performs various processes such as deposit processing and withdrawal 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 (the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10, the transport unit 12, the discrimination unit 14, the stackers 16 (stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C), and the collection box 18) in an integrated manner.

[0015] [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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] [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 at 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 at 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.

[0018] The transport unit 12 is disposed inside the transport unit housing 26. The transport unit 12 has the discrimination unit 14, the circular transport path 28, the deposit transport path 30, the upper dispensing transport path 31, the lower dispensing transport path 32, the front storage cabinet transport path 34, the rear storage cabinet transport path 33, and the rear transport path 35, and is appropriately equipped with a large number of rotating rollers, guides for guiding banknotes, and the like, and transports rectangular banknotes along each transport path with their short edges aligned with the transport direction.

[0019] The annular transport path 28 is an annular transport path that transports banknotes in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions in Fig. 1. This annular transport path 28 is connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 via the deposit transport path 30, the upper withdrawal transport path 31, and the lower withdrawal transport path 32, but is not connected to the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 10 by itself, and is a closed annular transport path. The banknote processing device 1 is provided with only one such annular transport path. The deposit transport path 30, the upper withdrawal transport path 31, the lower withdrawal transport path 32, the front storage container transport path 34, the rear storage container transport path 33, and the rear transport path 35 are connected to this annular transport path 28.

[0020] The deposit transport path 30 connects the deposit unit 20 and the annular transport path 28 substantially along the front-rear direction. The upper withdrawal transport path 31 connects the withdrawal unit 21 and substantially the front end of the annular transport path 28 substantially along the front-rear direction below the deposit transport path 30. The lower withdrawal transport path 32 connects the withdrawal unit 21 and the annular transport path 28 substantially along the front-rear direction below the upper withdrawal transport path 31. Hereinafter, the upper withdrawal transport path 31 and the lower withdrawal transport path 32 will be collectively referred to as the withdrawal transport path. The front storage container transport path 34 connects the linear transport section 42A and the annular transport path 28 substantially along the vertical direction below the lower withdrawal transport path 32. The rear storage container transport path 33 connects the linear transport section 42A and the annular transport path 28 substantially along the vertical direction behind the front storage container transport path 34. Hereinafter, the front storage cabinet transport path 34 and the rear storage cabinet transport path 33 will also be collectively referred to as the storage cabinet transport path. The rear transport path 35 extends downward from approximately the rear end of the annular transport path 28 behind the rear storage cabinet transport path 33, then curves and extends rearward.

[0021] A front branching section 36a, from which the banknote transport path branches, is provided at the front of the annular transport path 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 rotating the blade to change the inclination direction. The rollers are arranged to face each other across the banknote transport path. Under the control of the banknote control section 4, the front switching section changes the inclination direction of the blade according to the transport destination of each banknote and rotates the rollers in a predetermined rotation direction, thereby appropriately switching the transport direction of the banknotes and transporting them to the desired destination.

[0022] Specifically, the front switching unit switches between two conveyance paths for banknotes by changing the inclination direction of the blade with the tip facing upward. That is, the front switching unit forms a conveyance path connecting the validation unit 14 and the linear conveyance unit 42A, or forms a conveyance path connecting the validation unit 14 and the dispensing unit 21. Therefore, the front switching unit switches the conveyance path for banknotes conveyed clockwise from top to bottom on the annular conveyance path 28 between two directions, the linear conveyance unit 42A or the dispensing unit 21, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0023] Meanwhile, a lower branching portion 36b, from which the banknote transport path branches, is provided behind and below the front branching portion 36a on the annular transport path 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 transport paths for banknotes. That is, the lower switching portion forms a transport path connecting the classification unit 14 and the linear transport unit 42A, or forms a transport path connecting the classification unit 14 and the dispensing unit 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the lower switching portion switches the transport path for banknotes transported counterclockwise on the annular transport path 28 from rear to front between the linear transport unit 42A and the dispensing unit 21.

[0024] Meanwhile, a rear branching portion 36c is provided at the rear of the annular conveying path 28, from which the banknote conveying paths branch off. The rear branching portion 36c is provided with a rear switching portion (not shown) that has substantially the same configuration as the front switching portion. Specifically, the rear switching portion changes the inclination direction of a blade whose tip faces upward to switch between two banknote conveying paths. That is, the rear switching portion forms a conveying path connecting the discrimination unit 14 and the lower branching portion 36b, or forms a conveying path connecting the discrimination unit 14 and the rear conveying path 35. Therefore, the rear switching portion switches the conveying path of banknotes conveyed counterclockwise from top to bottom on the annular conveying path 28 between the annular conveying path 28 and the rear conveying path 35.

[0025] The discrimination unit 14 is provided above the circular conveyance path 28, and while conveying banknotes therein, it discriminates the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes, as well as the degree of damage (fitness), and notifies the banknote control unit 4 of the results. The banknote control unit 4 determines the conveyance destination of the banknote based on the discrimination results notified by the discrimination unit 14. The conveyance unit 12 is configured as described above. The conveyance unit 12 will be described in detail later.

[0026] [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 mounted so as to be stacked one on top of the other along the vertical direction from bottom to top. The 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 them lined up along the vertical direction with the paper surface facing up and down. The stackers 16 and the collection box 18 also have the same length in the front-to-back direction.

[0027] Each stacker 16 has a predetermined denomination of banknotes to be stored therein and has the same configuration. The stacker 16 takes in banknotes conveyed from the linear conveyance unit 42 (linear conveyance units 42A, 42B, and 42C) through a feed-out stacking port and stores them, using a storage and feeding mechanism comprised 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.

[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] The collection box 18 is configured to be detachable from 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 rearward direction. In other words, the collection box 18 is configured to be detachable from the front surface of the housing 2.

[0030] [1-5. Configuration of Recycle Cassette] Recycle cassettes 44A and 44B are provided behind the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and the collection box 18. The recycle cassettes 44A and 44B are made of metal or resin and are mounted side by side horizontally from front to rear. The recycle cassettes 44A and 44B (hereinafter collectively referred to as recycle cassettes 44) are formed into rectangular parallelepiped shapes that are longer in the vertical direction than the stacker 16, and store banknotes therein with the paper surface facing up and down. The recycle cassette 44 has a larger banknote storage capacity than the stacker 16.

[0031] Each recycling cassette 44 has a predetermined denomination of banknotes to be stored therein, and they are identical in configuration. The recycling cassette 44 uses a storage / feeding mechanism provided at its upper end to take in banknotes conveyed from the linear conveyance unit 45 (linear conveyance units 45B1 and 45C) through a feed-out stacking port and store them, and also discharges the stored banknotes from the feed-out stacking port and supplies them to the linear conveyance unit 45. The lower end of the recycling cassette 44 is at the same height as the lower end of the recovery box 18, and the upper end is at the same height as the upper end of the stacker 16A. The length of the recycling cassette 44 in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as the length of the stacker 16 in the up-down direction.

[0032] [1-6. Configuration of the Linear Conveyance Unit] A linear conveyance unit 40 is provided in front of the stackers 16A, 16B, and 16C and the recovery bin 18. The linear conveyance unit 40 is configured such that linear conveyance sections 42C, 42B2, 42B1, and 42A are stacked vertically from top to bottom, and are fixed to a frame (not shown) so that they can 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 the linear conveyance section 42. The linear conveyance sections 42A, 42B1, 42B2, and 42C have the same length in the front-to-rear direction.

[0033] The linear conveying section 42A is disposed at the uppermost position of the linear conveying unit 40, with its upper side and approximately the upper half of its rear side 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 transfer path is connected to the lower end of the rear storage cabinet transfer path 33 and the front storage cabinet transfer path 34. The linear conveying section 42A has a transfer path that extends downward from the upper end, extends linearly along the vertical direction, and branches into a transfer path that is connected to the transfer path of the linear conveying section 42B1 via a transfer port provided on the bottom surface, and a transfer path that extends forward 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 conveying section 42A's conveying section at a delivery port provided at the upper end. The linear conveying section 42B1 has a conveying path that extends downward from the upper end, extends linearly along the vertical direction, and branches into a conveying path that connects to the conveying path of the linear conveying section 42B2 via a delivery port provided on the bottom surface, and a conveying path that extends forward 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 along 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 forward 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 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, at which 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, connecting 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] A linear conveying unit 43 is provided above the recycle cassettes 44A and 44B. The 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 45B1 and 45C are aligned in the front-to-rear direction from the front to the rear. Hereinafter, the linear conveying sections 45B1 and 45C will be collectively referred to as linear conveying section 45.

[0039] The linear conveyance unit 45B1 is disposed above the recycle cassette 44A and has the same configuration as the linear conveyance units 42B1 and 42B2, since the same modules as the linear conveyance units 42B1 and 42B2 are used, but mounted in a different orientation relative to the banknote processing device 1. The linear conveyance unit 45B1 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 45B1 is connected to the rear end of the rear conveyance path 35 at a delivery opening provided at the front end. The linear conveyance unit 45B1 has a conveyance path that extends linearly from the front end to 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 opening 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 opening provided on the bottom surface.

[0040] 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 a length in the front-to-rear direction substantially the same as that of the recycle cassette 44B, and its front and rear ends are positioned substantially the same as those 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 45B1 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.

[0041] These linear conveying sections 45B1 and 45C are fixed to a frame (not shown) and are connected to each other by a drive coupling mechanism (not shown).

[0042] [2. Deposit Processing] In the banknote processing device 1 configured as described above, during a deposit transaction, when a user selects a deposit transaction via the operation display unit (not shown) and further inserts banknotes BL into the deposit unit 20, the separator transports the inserted banknotes BL one by one from the deposit unit 20 to the annular transport path 28 via the deposit transport path 30, and then transports them to the classification unit 14. Here, the banknote processing device 1 transports depositable banknotes that have been determined to be depositable based on the identification result of the classification unit 14 from the annular transport path 28 via the rear storage transport path 33 to the linear transport unit 42 to store them in one of the stackers 16 corresponding to the transfer denomination, as shown by solid lines in Fig. 2 , or transports them from the annular transport path 28 via the rear transport path 35 to the linear transport unit 45 to store them in one of the recycle cassettes 44 corresponding to the transfer denomination.

[0043] On the other hand, the banknote processing device 1 transfers non-recyclable notes determined to be unsuitable for storage from the annular transport path 28 via the rear storage transport path 33 to the linear transport unit 42 and stores them in the collection box 18, just like depositable banknotes, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 2. On the other hand, the banknote processing device 1 returns deposit-rejected banknotes determined to be unsuitable for deposit from the annular transport path 28 via the lower withdrawal transport path 32 to the withdrawal unit 21, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2, and returns them to the user by opening the shutter.

[0044] [3. Withdrawal Process] During a withdrawal transaction, when a user selects a withdrawal transaction via the operation display unit (not shown) and inputs the withdrawal amount, the banknote processing device 1 recognizes the number of banknotes of each denomination required according to the requested amount, and either feeds banknotes BL from each stacker 16 according to the number of banknotes of each denomination and transports them to the classification unit 14 via the linear transport unit 42 and the rear storage transport path 33, or feeds banknotes BL from each recycle cassette 44 and transports them to the classification unit 14 via the linear transport unit 45 and the rear transport path 35 to obtain the recognition result. Here, the banknote processing device 1 transports dispenseable banknotes that have been determined to be dispenseable based on the recognition result of the classification unit 14 from the annular transport path 28 to the dispensing unit 21 via the upper dispensing transport path 31, as shown by solid lines in FIG. 3 .

[0045] On the other hand, when the banknote processing device 1 determines that the banknotes are not suitable for withdrawal and the number of the rejected banknotes is less than a predetermined number, for example, one, the banknote processing device 1 transfers the rejected banknotes from the annular conveying path 28 via the front storage container conveying path 34 to the linear conveying section 42 and transports them to the collection container 18 for storage, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3.

[0046] Then, when the banknotes BL of the requested amount are stacked in the dispensing unit 21, the banknote processing device 1 opens the shutter. This makes it possible to receive the banknotes BL stacked in the dispensing unit 21, and the user receives the banknotes BL.

[0047] 4. Configuration of the Transport Unit Next, the transport unit 12 provided inside the transport unit housing 26 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a left side view of the transport unit 12 as viewed from the left side, Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drive system of the transport unit 12 as viewed from the rear side.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the conveying unit 12 includes a fixed drum 101, an outer circumferential guide 102, a belt pulley 103, a conveying and driving belt 104, a pressure roller 105, a motor 106, a noise shielding unit 107, and an identification unit 14.

[0049] The fixed drum 101 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is fixed inside the transport unit housing 26 with its central axis oriented left-right. The length of this fixed drum 101 in the central axis direction is longer than, for example, the longitudinal length of the denomination with the longest longitudinal length among the denominations of banknotes normally circulating in the operating environment (i.e., banknotes handled by the banknote processing device 1) (for example, the longitudinal length of a 10,000 yen bill when normally used in Japan), and a portion of the outer circumferential surface (specifically, the upper portion) is formed in a straight line when viewed in the central axis direction. In other words, the fixed drum 101 is generally cylindrical, and the upper end of the outer circumferential surface is flat.

[0050] The outer periphery guide 102 is a member provided to cover the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 at a fixed distance from the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101, and has a guide surface that faces the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101. The gap formed between the guide surface of this outer periphery guide 102 and the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 forms the annular conveying path 28. In other words, the inner periphery of the annular conveying path 28 is formed by the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101, and the outer periphery of the annular conveying path 28 is formed by the guide surface of the outer periphery guide 102.

[0051] In this way, the annular conveying path 28 is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101, and therefore is a substantially circular conveying path with a portion (specifically, the upper portion) formed in a straight line when viewed from the central axial direction of the fixed drum 101. In other words, the annular conveying path 28 is made up of an upper straight portion 28S and the remaining arc portion 28R.

[0052] In addition, the annular conveyance path 28 is connected to a deposit conveyance path 30, an upper dispensing conveyance path 31, a lower dispensing conveyance path 32, a front storage cabinet conveyance path 34, a rear storage cabinet conveyance path 33, and a rear conveyance path 35. Furthermore, the annular conveyance path 28 is provided with a front branching portion 36a, a lower branching portion 36b, and a rear branching portion 36c. Note that these have been described above, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] The belt pulley 103 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is provided with a central axis oriented in the left-right direction. A plurality of belt pulleys 103 (for example, seven) are provided inside the conveying unit housing 26.

[0054] Of these, belt pulleys 103A to 103F as first belt pulleys are provided inside the fixed drum 101 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixed drum 101, with portions of them protruding into the annular conveying path 28 from holes provided in the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101. Specifically, belt pulley 103A is provided at the front side of the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101, belt pulley 103B is provided in the vertical center of the front end of the outer peripheral surface, belt pulley 103C is provided at the front side of the lower end of the outer peripheral surface, belt pulley 103D is provided at the rear side of the lower end of the outer peripheral surface, belt pulley 103E is provided in the vertical center of the rear end of the outer peripheral surface, and belt pulley 103F is provided at the rear side of the upper end of the outer peripheral surface.

[0055] Furthermore, a belt pulley 103G serving as a second belt pulley is provided near the central axis inside the fixed drum 101. The belt pulley 103G does not protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101, and its entire portion is located inside the fixed drum 101.

[0056] The conveying and driving belt 104 is a circular belt that is looped around a plurality of belt pulleys 103A to 103G. Specifically, the conveying and driving belt 104 is looped around the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101, over the upper side of belt pulley 103A, the front side of belt pulley 103B, the lower side of belt pulley 103C, the lower side of belt pulley 103D, the rear side of belt pulley 103E, and the upper side of belt pulley 103F, and is further pulled toward the central axis of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., downward) at the top of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., the straight portion 28S of the circular conveying path 28) and looped around the lower side of belt pulley 103G.

[0057] For this reason, the conveying and driving belt 104 stretched over the belt pulleys 103A to 103G has a shape in which a recess extending to the center of a hexagon is formed at the top of the hexagon along the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the fixed drum 101. Furthermore, the conveying and driving belt 104 is exposed to the annular conveying path 28 from holes provided in the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 together with each of the belt pulleys 103 (103A to 103F) at the portions in contact with the belt pulleys 103A to 103F, that is, the upper side of the belt pulley 103A, the front side of the belt pulley 103B, the lower side of the belt pulley 103C, the lower side of the belt pulley 103D, the rear side of the belt pulley 103E, and the upper side of the belt pulley 103F.

[0058] The pressure roller 105 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is provided with its central axis oriented in the left-right direction. Inside the conveying unit housing 26, the same number of pressure rollers 105A to 105F as the number of belt pulleys 103A to 103F (e.g., six), each of which has a portion protruding into the annular conveying path 28, are provided.

[0059] The pressure rollers 105A to 105F are provided opposite to portions (referred to as protruding portions) of the outer peripheral surfaces of the belt pulleys 103A to 103F that protrude into the annular conveying path 28, and are pressed against the protruding portions of the belt pulleys 103A to 103F across the conveying and driving belt 104. The pressure rollers 105A to 105F are attached to, for example, the outer peripheral guide 102, and are pressed against the belt pulleys 103A to 103F by elastic members such as springs (not shown).

[0060] In this way, the pressure rollers 105A to 105F are in contact with the conveying and driving belt 104 that is stretched over the belt pulleys 103A to 103F, and rotate together with the conveying and driving belt 104 as it moves.

[0061] Here, each pressure roller 105 is disposed opposite each belt pulley 103 in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the annular conveying path 28). For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the pressure roller 105A located on the front end side of the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28 (i.e., one end side in the banknote conveying direction) is disposed opposite the belt pulley 103A located on the front end side of the straight portion 28S in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion at the top of the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the straight portion 28S). Also, for example, the pressure roller 105F located on the rear end side of the straight portion 28S at the top of the annular conveying path 28 is disposed opposite the belt pulley 103F located on the rear end side of the straight portion 28S (i.e., the other end side in the banknote conveying direction) in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion at the top of the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the straight portion 28S).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the contact points between each pressure roller 105 and the conveying / driving belt 104 (for example, the points indicated by PtA and PtF in the figure) are located in the middle of the distance D1 between the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101 and the guide surface of the outer peripheral guide 102 (i.e., the distance between the inner and outer peripheries of the annular conveying path 28).

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the distance D2 in the conveying direction of the circular conveying path 28 between the contact point between the pressure roller 105 and the conveying / driving belt 104 and the contact point between the adjacent pressure roller 105 and the conveying / driving belt 104 is shorter than, for example, the short-side length of the denomination of banknotes that has the smallest short-side length among the denominations of banknotes handled by the banknote processing device 1 (for example, the short-side length of a 1,000 yen note).

[0064] 6, the belt pulleys 103A to 103G are provided at predetermined intervals on the left and right sides of the circular conveying path 28. A single conveying and driving belt 104 is stretched over the left-side belt pulleys 103A to 103G, and another conveying and driving belt 104 is stretched over the right-side belt pulleys 103A to 103G.

[0065] Similarly, the pressure rollers 105A to 105F are arranged at predetermined intervals on the left and right sides of the annular conveying path 28, with the left pressure rollers 105A to 105F facing the left belt pulleys 103A to 103F, respectively, and the right pressure rollers 105A to 105F facing the right belt pulleys 103A to 103F, respectively.

[0066] Here, the distance between each of the left belt pulleys 103A to 103G and each of the right belt pulleys 103A to 103G is shorter than, for example, the longitudinal length of the smallest denomination of banknotes (for example, the longitudinal length of a 1,000 yen bill) among the denominations of banknotes handled by the banknote processing device 1. Similarly, the distance between each of the left pressure rollers 105A to 105F and each of the right pressure rollers 105A to 105F, and the distance between the left conveying and driving belt 104 and the right conveying and driving belt 104 are also shorter than, for example, the longitudinal length of the smallest denomination of banknotes (for example, the longitudinal length of a 1,000 yen bill) among the denominations of banknotes handled by the banknote processing device 1.

[0067] Furthermore, the left belt pulley 103E and the right belt pulley 103E are connected by a countershaft 108. Here, the left and right belt pulleys 103E are connected by the countershaft 108, but other left and right belt pulleys 103 may also be connected by the countershaft 108. Also, the number of countershafts 108 may be two or more.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 4, the motor 106 is fixed to a predetermined position inside the fixed drum 101. As shown in Fig. 6, a first reduction gear 110 is attached to a motor shaft 109 of the motor 106. A second reduction gear 111 that meshes with the first reduction gear 110 is provided on one side surface (left or right surface) of the left belt pulley 103G in the axial direction.

[0069] As a result, when the motor 106 is driven, the driving force of the motor 106 is transmitted to the left belt pulley 103G via the first reduction gear 110 and the second reduction gear 111, causing the left belt pulley 103G to rotate.

[0070] When the left belt pulley 103G rotates in this manner, the left conveying and driving belt 104 runs accordingly, and as the left conveying and driving belt 104 runs, the left belt pulleys 103A to 103F rotate.

[0071] Furthermore, at this time, as the left belt pulley 103E rotates, the right belt pulley 103E, which is connected to the left belt pulley 103E by the countershaft 108, rotates. As the right belt pulley 103E further rotates, the right conveying and driving belt 104 runs and the right belt pulleys 103A to 103F rotate.

[0072] In this way, in the conveying section 12, the driving force of a single motor 106 can drive the left belt pulleys 103A to 103G and the left conveying and driving belt 104, as well as the right belt pulleys 103A to 103G and the right conveying and driving belt 104.

[0073] In the conveying unit 12, the left side of the banknote is sandwiched between the left conveying and driving belt 104 and the left pressure roller 105, and the right side of the banknote is sandwiched between the right conveying and driving belt 104 and the right pressure roller 105, and the left and right conveying and driving belts 104 are driven to convey the banknote along the circular conveying path 28. Note that in the conveying unit 12, the conveying direction of the banknote can be switched between, for example, a clockwise direction in the figure and a counterclockwise direction in the figure by switching the rotation direction of the motor 106.

[0074] 4, the discriminator 14 is provided on a straight portion 28S of the circular conveying path 28. The discriminator 14 includes, for example, an image sensor, and has a first sensor component 14A and a second sensor component 14B.

[0075] The first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction with the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28 in between, for example, the first sensor component 14A is arranged above the straight portion 28S and the second sensor component 14B is arranged below the straight portion 28S.

[0076] The first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B are each a rectangular prism that is elongated in the width direction (left-right direction) of the annular conveying path 28, and their longitudinal length (left-right direction) is approximately the same as the width of the annular conveying path 28 and is longer than the distance between the left belt pulley 103 and the right belt pulley 103. The lower surface of the upper first sensor component 14A is flush with the guide surface of the outer circumferential guide 102 (i.e., the upper surface of the straight portion 28S), and the upper surface of the lower second sensor component 14B is flush with the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., the lower surface of the straight portion 28S).

[0077] An image sensor is provided in one of the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B (for example, the second sensor component 14B), and the discrimination unit 14 identifies the banknote based on the output image of the image sensor obtained when the banknote passes between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B.

[0078] Furthermore, the discrimination unit 14 is a module that integrates, for example, a first sensor component 14A, a second sensor component 14B, and a portion of the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28 located between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B, and is detachably mounted on the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28.

[0079] In addition, by opening the cover on the top surface of the transport unit housing 26, it is possible to access the discrimination unit 14 located at the top inside the transport unit housing 26, and the discrimination unit 14 can be replaced as a module.

[0080] The validator 14 is configured to be able to identify banknotes with high accuracy when the banknote passes flat through the intermediate position between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B. For this reason, it is desirable for the banknote to pass flat through the intermediate position between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B without warping or leaning toward the first sensor component 14A or the second sensor component 14B.

[0081] In addition, in the conveying section 12, the conveying and driving belt 104 is pulled toward the central axis of the fixed drum 101 (i.e., downward) at the top of the fixed drum 101 to prevent the conveying and driving belt 104 from getting caught between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B.

[0082] Noise shielding portion 107 is a shield that blocks noise generated by motor 106 from reaching discrimination unit 14, and is provided in a position that blocks the gap between motor 106 and discrimination unit 14. Specifically, motor 106 is located diagonally below and behind discrimination unit 14, and noise shielding portion 107 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical SUS (stainless steel) member that covers the upper, front, and lower parts of the outer periphery of motor 106. Note that it is desirable that the length of noise shielding portion 107 in the central axis direction (left-right direction) is sufficiently longer than motor 106.

[0083] 7, a case will be described in which a banknote BL conveyed from the front side of the straight portion 28S of the annular conveyance path 28 into the straight portion 28S of the annular conveyance path 28 passes between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B of the discrimination unit 14. Note that in this case, the banknote BL has been conveyed from, for example, the deposit unit 20, and the front side of the straight portion 28S is the inlet side (the upstream side in the banknote conveyance direction).

[0084] In this case, the banknote BL is clamped between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A and sent into the straight section 28S, where it passes between the first sensor part 14A and the second sensor part 14B, which are arranged opposite each other with the straight section 28S in between.

[0085] Here, since the banknote BL is transported along the straight portion 28S of the circular transport path 28, it is less likely to move toward the first sensor component 14A or the second sensor component 14B, and passes between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B in an almost flat state.

[0086] Furthermore, since the pressure roller 105A and the belt pulley 103A are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion at the top of the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101 that forms the straight portion 28S (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface of the straight portion 28S), the banknote BL sandwiched between the conveying / driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A is sent into the straight portion 28S by the conveying / driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A along the flat portion at the top of the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101.

[0087] Furthermore, since the contact point PtA (see Figure 5) between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A is located midway between the distance D1 (see Figure 5) between the outer surface of the fixed drum 101 and the guide surface of the outer guide 102 (i.e., midway between the distance D1 between the outer and inner circumferences of the annular conveying path 28), the banknote sent into the straight portion 28S by the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A passes through a midway position between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B.

[0088] In this way, the banknote sent into the straight section 28S by the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A passes through the intermediate position between the first sensor part 14A and the second sensor part 14B in a flat state.

[0089] Thereafter, the leading edge of the banknote BL is sandwiched between the conveying and driving belt 104, which is located at the rear side, that is, the exit side of the straight portion 28S, and the pressure roller 105F. At this time, the contact point PtF (see FIG. 5) between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A is also located at the midpoint of the distance D1 (see FIG. 5) between the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101 and the guide surface of the outer circumferential guide 102. Therefore, even after the leading edge of the banknote BL is sandwiched between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105F, the banknote BL continues to pass through the midpoint between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B in a flat state.

[0090] In this way, in the conveying section 12, when a banknote BL that has been conveyed from the front side of the straight portion 28S of the circular conveying path 28 into said straight portion 28S passes between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B of the classification section 14, the banknote BL passes through the intermediate position between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B in a flat state, and therefore the classification section 14 can identify the banknote BL with high accuracy.

[0091] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, when a banknote BL is transported from the rear side of the straight portion 28S of the circular conveying path 28 into the straight portion 28S and passes between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B of the classification unit 14, the banknote BL passes through the intermediate position between the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B in a flat state, and therefore the classification unit 14 can identify the banknote BL with high accuracy.

[0092] [6. Summary and Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the banknote processing device 1, which is an example of a medium processing device, is provided with the transport unit 12, which is an example of a medium identification device. The transport unit 12 also includes a fixed drum 101 that is substantially cylindrical and has a portion of its outer circumferential surface formed in a linear shape when viewed from the central axis direction (i.e., a portion of the outer circumferential surface is flat), an annular transport path 28 that is provided along the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 and has a portion of its outer circumferential surface formed in a linear shape when viewed from the central axis direction of the fixed drum 101, and a plurality of belts serving as first belt pulleys that are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the fixed drum 101 and that protrude into the annular transport path 28 from the outer circumferential surface of the fixed drum 101. The apparatus includes a belt pulley 103 (103A to 103F), a conveying and driving belt 104 stretched over the belt pulleys 103 (103A to 103F), a pressure roller 105 (105A to 105F) which is an example of an opposing roller that is disposed opposite a portion of the belt pulley 103 (103A to 103F) that protrudes into the annular conveying path 28 and clamps the medium between the belt pulley 103 (103A to 103F) and the conveying and driving belt 104, and an identification unit 14 which is an example of a medium identification unit disposed in the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28.

[0093] In this way, the conveying unit 12 of this embodiment uses not a rotating drum but a fixed drum 101. Furthermore, in the conveying unit 12, banknotes are sandwiched between the conveying and driving belt 104 stretched over the belt pulleys 103 (103A to 103F) and the pressure rollers 105 (103A to 103F), and the banknotes are conveyed along the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101. This means that the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 does not need to be a perfect circle when viewed from the central axis direction, and a portion of the outer periphery can be formed linearly.

[0094] In this way, a part of the annular conveying path 28 provided along the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 can be formed in a straight line, and the discrimination section 14 is provided in the straight line portion 28S thus formed.

[0095] This allows the conveying unit 12 to prevent banknotes from moving toward the outer periphery of the annular conveying path 28 when they pass through the discrimination unit 14, thereby enabling banknotes passing through the annular conveying path 28 to be accurately identified.

[0096] In addition, in the conveying section 12, the pressure roller 105A and belt pulley 103A provided on the entrance side of the straight portion 28S are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101 (the inner peripheral surface of the straight portion 28S of the annular conveying path 28), so that the banknote BL sandwiched between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A can be sent into the straight portion 28S along the flat portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 101.

[0097] In this way, the conveying unit 12 can prevent banknotes from moving toward the outer periphery of the annular conveying path 28 when they pass through the discrimination unit 14, and can accurately identify banknotes passing through the annular conveying path 28.

[0098] Furthermore, in the conveying section 12, the contact point PtA between the conveying and driving belt 104 and the pressure roller 105A is positioned at the middle of the distance D1 between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the annular conveying path .

[0099] In this way, when a banknote passes through the discrimination section 14, the banknote passes through the middle position of the distance D1 between the outer and inner circumferences of the annular conveying path 28, so that the conveying section 12 can accurately identify the banknote passing through the annular conveying path 28.

[0100] Furthermore, the conveying unit 12 uses a fixed drum 101 instead of a rotating drum, and the banknotes are sandwiched between a conveying and driving belt 104 stretched over a belt pulley 103 (103A to 103F) and a pressure roller 105 (105A to 105F), and the banknotes are conveyed along the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101. This eliminates the need for the outer periphery of the fixed drum 101 to be a perfect circle when viewed from the central axis direction, and allows the shape of the annular conveying path 28 to be matched to the shape of the fixed drum 101.

[0101] By doing so, the conveying unit 12 can maintain a constant distance D1 between the inner and outer peripheries of the annular conveying path 28, and can prevent a decrease in the conveying performance of banknotes.

[0102] Furthermore, in the conveying section 12, the drive system, that is, the motor 106, a portion of the belt pulley 103 (103A to 103F), the belt pulley 103G as a second belt pulley connected to the motor shaft 109 of the motor 106, a portion of the conveying and driving belt 104, and the countershaft 108 are arranged in the space inside the fixed drum 101, thereby making it possible to make the entire conveying section 12 smaller.

[0103] Furthermore, in the conveying unit 12, banknotes are conveyed by running the conveying and driving belt 104 rather than by rotating a rotating drum, so a smaller motor 106 with less output can be used compared to when a rotating drum is rotated.

[0104] Furthermore, in the conveying unit 12, a noise shielding unit 107 is provided between the motor 106 and the discriminator 14. This prevents the discrimination accuracy of the discriminator 14 from being reduced by noise generated by the motor 106 in the conveying unit 12, and enables banknotes passing through the annular conveying path 28 to be discriminated with high accuracy.

[0105] [7. Other embodiments] [7-1. Other embodiment 1] In the above-described embodiment, first reduction gear 110 attached to motor shaft 109 of motor 106 meshes with second reduction gear 111 provided on one side (left side or right side) of left belt pulley 103G, thereby transmitting the driving force of motor 106 to left belt pulley 103G and rotating said belt pulley 103G.

[0106] Here, various drive transmission methods can be used to transmit the driving force of the motor 106 to one of the belt pulleys 103. For example, the left belt pulley 103G may be directly attached to the motor shaft 109 of the motor 106, so that the driving force of the motor 106 is transmitted directly to the left belt pulley 103G. Alternatively, for example, the driving force of the motor 106 may be transmitted to the right belt pulley 103 rather than the left belt pulley 103. Furthermore, for example, one or more gears may be engaged between the first reduction gear 110 and the second reduction gear 111.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the driving force of the motor 106 rotates the left belt pulley 103G provided near the central axis inside the fixed drum 101, thereby causing the left conveying and driving belt 104, which is stretched around the left belt pulleys 103A to 103G, to run.

[0108] This is not limiting, and although not shown in the figure, for example, the left-side belt pulley 103G may be omitted, while two left-side conveying and driving belts 104 may be prepared, and one conveying and driving belt 104 may be hung on the front belt pulleys 103A to 103C of the left-side belt pulleys 103A to 103F, and the other conveying and driving belt 104 may be hung on the rear belt pulleys 103D to 103F.

[0109] The driving force of the motor 106 may be transmitted to one of the front belt pulleys 103A to 103C and one of the rear belt pulleys 103D to 103F, thereby causing the front conveying and driving belt 104 and the rear conveying and driving belt 104 to run.

[0110] In this case, the left conveying and driving belt 104 is divided into a front conveying and driving belt 104 and a rear conveying and driving belt 104, and a space is formed between them to provide the discrimination unit 14. Similarly, the right conveying and driving belt 104 may be divided into a front conveying and driving belt 104 and a rear conveying and driving belt 104.

[0111] [7-2. Other Embodiment 2] In the above-described embodiment, the straight portion 28S is formed at the upper end of the annular conveying path 28, and the discriminating unit 14 is provided on the straight portion 28S. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the straight portion 28S may be formed at a location other than the upper end of the annular conveying path 28, and the discriminating unit 14 may be provided on the straight portion 28S.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the validator 14 is equipped with an image sensor and includes the first sensor component 14A and the second sensor component 14B. However, the validator 14 is not limited to this and may be any component that can identify banknotes transported along the circular transport path 28. For example, the validator 14 may be one that identifies banknotes using a sensor other than an image sensor or one that identifies banknotes using multiple sensors.

[0113] [7-3. Alternative Embodiment 3] In the above-described embodiment, the noise shielding portion 107 covering the outer periphery of the motor 106 is provided at a position that blocks communication between the motor 106 and the discrimination unit 14. This is not limiting, and for example, instead of the noise shielding portion 107 covering the outer periphery of the motor 106, a noise shielding portion covering the outer periphery of the discrimination unit 14 may be provided. Specifically, if the motor 106 is disposed diagonally below and behind the discrimination unit 14, for example, a noise shielding portion having a U-shaped cross section may be provided that covers the lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the outer periphery of the second sensor component 14B located below the discrimination unit 14.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the noise shielding portion 107 is a semi-cylindrical member that covers the upper, front, and lower portions of the outer periphery of the motor 106, but this is not limiting and the noise shielding portion may be a cylindrical member that covers the entire outer periphery of the motor 106. Note that, in order to more reliably shield noise, it is more desirable to provide the noise shielding portion 107 that covers the motor 106 side rather than providing a noise shielding portion that covers the discriminator 14 side. The reason for this is that covering the motor 106, which is the noise source, provides a greater noise shielding effect, and also because the discriminator 14 has portions that cannot be covered, such as the top surface of the second sensor component 14B.

[0115] [7-4. Other Embodiment 4] In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been applied to the transport unit 12, which is an example of a medium identification device, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a medium identification device that has a different configuration from the transport unit 12, as long as it identifies banknotes while transporting a medium. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to a medium identification device that identifies media other than banknotes.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been applied to the banknote processing device 1, which is an example of a medium processing device equipped with a medium identification device, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to any medium processing device having a configuration different from the banknote processing device 1, as long as it is equipped with a medium identification device that identifies the medium while transporting the medium. It can also be applied to medium processing devices that handle media other than banknotes.

[0117] [7-5. Other Embodiment 5] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, the present disclosure also covers embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments are combined in any manner, or embodiments in which some of the embodiments are extracted.

[0118] The present disclosure can be used in various media identification devices that identify media such as banknotes while they are being transported, for example.

[0119] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-023773 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0120] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A media identification device comprising: a fixed drum that is approximately cylindrical and has a portion of its outer periphery formed in a straight line when viewed from the direction of its central axis; an annular transport path that is provided along the outer periphery of said fixed drum and has a portion formed in a straight line when viewed from the direction of said central axis of said fixed drum; a plurality of first belt pulleys that are provided inside said fixed drum at intervals in the circumferential direction of said fixed drum so that a portion of the first belt pulley protrudes from the outer periphery of said fixed drum into said annular transport path; a transport and drive belt that is stretched around the plurality of first belt pulleys; an opposing roller that is provided opposite the portion of said first belt pulley that protrudes into the annular transport path and that holds a media between it and the transport and drive belt; and a media identification unit that is provided in the straight portion of said annular transport path.

2. The medium identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first belt pulley and the opposing roller opposing the first belt pulley are provided at one end of the straight portion of the annular transport path in the media transport direction, and the first belt pulley and the opposing roller are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface of the straight portion.

3. A media identification device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the contact point between the opposing roller provided at one end of the straight portion of the annular transport path in the media transport direction and the transport / drive belt is located midway between the inner and outer circumferences of the straight portion.

4. A media identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first belt pulley and the opposing roller opposing the first belt pulley are provided at the other end of the straight portion of the annular transport path in the media transport direction, and the first belt pulley and the opposing roller are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface of the straight portion.

5. A media identification device as described in claim 4, characterized in that the contact point between the opposing roller provided at the other end of the straight portion of the annular transport path in the media transport direction and the transport and drive belt is located midway between the inner and outer circumferences of the straight portion.

6. The medium identification device according to claim 1, further comprising a motor provided inside the fixed drum, wherein the conveying and driving belt is driven by the driving force of the motor.

7. The medium identification device described in claim 6, further comprising a second belt pulley provided near the central axis of the inside of the fixed drum, wherein the transport and drive belt is stretched over the first belt pulley and the second belt pulley so as to be pulled towards the central axis of the fixed drum in the straight portion of the annular transport path.

8. The medium identification device according to claim 7, wherein the driving force of the motor is transmitted to the second belt pulley to rotate the second belt pulley, thereby causing the transport and drive belt to run.

9. The medium identification device according to claim 6, further comprising a noise shielding section provided at a position that separates the medium identification section from the motor, to prevent noise generated by the motor from reaching the medium identification section.

10. The medium identification device according to claim 9, wherein the noise shielding portion is a member that covers at least a portion of the outer periphery of the motor.

11. A media processing device comprising the media identification device according to claim 1.

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