Medium processing device

Abstract

A medium processing device (1) comprises a conveyer (41) and a shift mechanism (5) that changes the position of a medium in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, wherein the shift mechanism has: conveyance rollers (521, 531) that come into contact with a surface of the medium and convey the medium; a casing (533) that supports the conveyance rollers such that the conveyance rollers rotate about a rotation axis (X1); holders (535, 536, 537) that hold the casing around the casing such that the casing swings, together with the conveyance rollers, around a swing axis (Z1) perpendicular to the rotation axis; and a drive unit (56) that is connected to the casing and that swings the casing around the swing axis.

Description

Media processing device

[0007]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a media processing device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional paper handling device. The paper handling device includes a centering mechanism. The centering mechanism centers the position of the paper during conveyance in the width direction of the paper perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The centering mechanism conveys the paper while holding the paper with a ball roller and a conveyance roller, and changes the position in the width direction of the paper by tilting the conveyance roller with respect to the conveyance direction of the paper.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 181567

[0004] In the conventional centering mechanism, the support mechanism for tilting the conveyance roller is located on the opposite side of the ball roller across the conveyance roller. Since the ball roller, the conveyance roller, and the support mechanism overlap in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, the conventional centering mechanism becomes large-sized.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein miniaturizes a shift mechanism that changes the position of a conveyed media.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a media processing device. This media processing device includes a conveyor that conveys a media in a conveyance direction, and a shift mechanism that forms a part of the conveyor and changes the position of the media conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyor in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The shift mechanism has a conveyance roller that contacts the surface of the media and conveys the media, a casing that supports the conveyance roller so that the conveyance roller rotates about a rotation axis, a holder that holds the casing around the casing so that the casing swings about a swing axis perpendicular to the rotation axis together with the conveyance roller, and a drive unit that is connected to the casing and swings the casing about the swing axis.

[0007] The media processing device has a shift mechanism. The shift mechanism changes the position of the media in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The media is, for example, sheets of paper. The sheets of paper may be, for example, banknotes, checks, gift certificates, or securities. The conveyor transports the sheets of paper in a direction parallel to the paper surface. The shift mechanism changes the position of the sheets of paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the paper surface.

[0008] The shift mechanism has conveyor rollers. The casing supports the conveyor rollers. The conveyor rollers supported by the casing rotate around a rotation axis. The rotating conveyor rollers strike the surface of the medium and convey the medium.

[0009] The holder holds the casing around its circumference. The casing, held by the holder, can oscillate around a pivot axis together with the conveyor rollers. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The drive unit causes the casing to oscillate around the pivot axis.

[0010] Generally, a casing that pivots around a pivot axis is supported so as to be able to pivot by bearings positioned on the pivot axis. Because the casing and the bearings positioned on the pivot axis overlap in the direction in which the pivot axis extends, the shift mechanism becomes large.

[0011] In the aforementioned shift mechanism, the holder is located around the casing. The holder and the casing do not overlap in the direction in which the pivot axis extends. The shift mechanism does not become large.

[0012] The casing may have an arcuate surface around its circumference centered on the pivot axis, and the holder may include at least a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the casing centered on the pivot axis and that contact the arcuate surface.

[0013] The first, second, and third holders also contact the arcuate surface of the casing, thereby stably holding the casing so that it can pivot around the pivot axis.

[0014] The holder may be annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical.

[0015] Annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical holders reduce friction between the oscillating casing and the holder. The casing oscillates responsively to the drive unit's movement. The shift mechanism allows for quick and precise changes in the media's position.

[0016] The shift mechanism may further include an opposing roller that faces the conveying roller and conveys the medium with the medium sandwiched between it and the conveying roller, wherein the opposing roller maintains its orientation in the conveying direction with respect to the conveying roller swinging about the pivot axis.

[0017] As the conveyor rollers oscillate around their pivot axis, the opposing rollers maintain their orientation in the conveying direction. As a result, the medium changes position perpendicular to the conveying direction while being transported in that direction. In other words, the medium is transported at an angle to the conveying direction.

[0018] The casing and the conveying roller may oscillate by θ degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the pivot axis with respect to the direction of conveying.

[0019] Since the casing and conveying rollers swing in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions relative to the conveying direction, the shift mechanism can change the position of the medium to the first side and the second side, respectively, relative to the conveying direction. The shift mechanism can change the position of the medium to, for example, the center of the conveying path.

[0020] The aforementioned θ-degree may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

[0021] Because the oscillation angle of the casing and conveying rollers is limited, the shift mechanism can stably change the position of the medium.

[0022] The conveyor may have a first pair of rollers for gripping the medium located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, and the first pair of rollers may reduce the gripping force on the medium before the casing and conveying rollers of the shift mechanism begin to swing.

[0023] A reduction in gripping force means reducing it to a level lower than the gripping force of the first roller pair when conveying the medium. The gripping force of the first roller pair may be set to zero. The gripping force of the first roller pair may be reduced after the conveying rollers of the shift mechanism contact the medium and the shift mechanism begins conveying the medium, but before the conveying rollers begin to oscillate.

[0024] Reducing the gripping force of the first roller pair relieves the constraint on the medium by the first roller pair. Because the gripping force of the first roller pair is reduced while the shift mechanism is changing the position of the medium, the first roller pair does not hinder the change in the position of the medium. The shift mechanism can stably change the position of the medium.

[0025] The conveyor may have a second pair of rollers for gripping the medium located downstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, and the second pair of rollers may increase the gripping force on the medium after the oscillation of the casing and conveying rollers of the shift mechanism has finished.

[0026] Increasing the gripping force means increasing it to the level at which the second roller pair grips the medium when transporting it. The gripping force of the second roller pair may be increased from zero to the level at which the second roller pair grips the medium when transporting it.

[0027] Because the gripping force of the second roller pair decreases while the shift mechanism is changing the position of the medium, the second roller pair does not hinder the change in the position of the medium. The shift mechanism can stably change the position of the medium. After the shift mechanism has finished changing the position of the medium, the second roller pair can transport the medium.

[0028] The shift mechanism has a right shift mechanism and a left shift mechanism located on either side of the transport center line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, the right shift mechanism has a right gear that rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and transmits power from a second drive unit that drives the transport roller to the transport roller, the left shift mechanism has a left gear that rotates around a third rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and the second rotation axis and transmits power from the second drive unit to the transport roller, the distance from the transport center line to the right gear and the distance from the transport center line to the left gear may be different in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0029] In the right-shift mechanism, the right gear rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis, causing the conveyor roller to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis. As the conveyor roller oscillates around the pivot axis, the right gear moves along a circular trajectory centered on the pivot axis. Depending on the direction in which the right gear moves along the circular trajectory, the rotation of the conveyor roller meshed with the right gear increases or decreases. The same applies to the left gear in the left-shift mechanism.

[0030] In a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance from the conveying center line to the right gear is different from the distance from the conveying center line to the left gear. That is, in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, if the right gear in the right shift mechanism is located to the right of the conveying roller, then the left gear in the left shift mechanism is located to the right of the conveying roller, and if the right gear in the right shift mechanism is located to the left of the conveying roller, then the left gear in the left shift mechanism is located to the left of the conveying roller. The right shift mechanism and the left shift mechanism cause the conveying roller to oscillate in the same direction around the pivot axis. The right gear of the right shift mechanism and the left gear of the left shift mechanism move in the same direction along a circular trajectory. When the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism increases in speed, the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism also increases in speed, and when the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism decelerates, the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism also decelerates. The above configuration suppresses the discrepancy between the rotational speed of the conveying roller of the right shift mechanism and the rotational speed of the conveying roller of the left shift mechanism.

[0031] The device may further include an identification sensor located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction and which acquires information about the medium being conveyed by the conveyor, and the drive unit may pivot the casing around the pivot axis in accordance with the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0032] The identification sensor may identify the relative position of the medium being transported by the conveyor with respect to the conveyor center line. The drive unit may drive the shift mechanism so that the center of the medium aligns with the conveyor center line, according to the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0033] The system further includes a processor that acquires an amount X of change in the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on information acquired by the identification sensor, the shift mechanism has first to Nth (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) shift mechanisms arranged in the transport direction, and the processor calculates the amount of change X / N for each shift mechanism and sets the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the amount of change X / N.

[0034] Because multiple shifting mechanisms share the task of changing the position of the media, the amount of position change performed by a single shifting mechanism is relatively small. Multiple shifting mechanisms can stably change the position of the media to the desired position.

[0035] The media processing device further comprises an intake port for sending media into the housing, and a safe for storing the media sent from the intake port in a storage section, wherein the shift mechanism changes the position of the media in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on the media information acquired by the identification sensor, and the conveyor transports the media whose position has been changed to the storage section.

[0036] By changing the position of the media stored in the storage compartment, the positions of multiple media stored in the compartment become aligned. The media processing device can stably store the media in the storage compartment.

[0037] The medium may be defined as banknotes of different sizes depending on the denomination.

[0038] The shift mechanism can align the positions of multiple banknotes of different sizes. The media processing device is suitable for processing multiple banknotes of different sizes.

[0039] The identification sensor may have an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes, and the media processing device may perform processing according to the denomination of the euro banknotes based on the information acquired by the identification sensor.

[0040] The conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross-section that is circular in cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and the opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross-section that is circular in cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the opposing roller and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the opposing roller, and when the position of the medium is changed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by the shift mechanism, the conveying roller may swing about the pivot axis so that the axis of rotation of the conveying roller and the axis of rotation of the opposing roller become non-parallel.

[0041] The shift mechanism has first and second shift mechanisms arranged in the conveying direction, the processor calculates the change amount X / 2 for each shift mechanism and sets the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the change amount X / 2, in the first shift mechanism, the conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis and an outer surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the opposing roller and an outer surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the opposing roller, in the second shift mechanism, the conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis and an outer surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the opposing roller and an outer surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the opposing roller, When the position of the medium is changed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by the shift mechanism, in each of the first and second shift mechanisms, the conveying rollers may swing around the pivot axis so that the rotation axis of the conveying roller and the rotation axis of the opposing roller are not parallel, the rotation axis of the conveying roller of the first shift mechanism and the rotation axis of the conveying roller of the second shift mechanism are parallel, and the rotation axis of the opposing roller of the first shift mechanism and the rotation axis of the opposing roller of the second shift mechanism are parallel.

[0042] Euro banknotes are different sizes depending on the denomination. Because the media processing equipment can align the positions of multiple banknotes of different sizes using a shifting mechanism, it is well-suited for processing Euro banknotes.

[0043] The aforementioned media processing device allows for miniaturization of the shift mechanism.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a banknote processing apparatus. FIG. 2 shows a shift mechanism. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control device of the shift mechanism. FIG. 4 is a plan view and a side view of the shift mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a casing that supports a conveyance roller. FIG. 6 shows a conveyance roller, an opposing roller, and a gear set that transmits power to the conveyance roller. FIG. 7A is a part of a flowchart related to the control of the shift mechanism. FIG. 7B is a part of a flowchart related to the control of the shift mechanism. FIG. 8 is a modified example of the casing.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the media processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The media processing apparatus described here is an example.

[0046] (Overall Structure of Media Processing Apparatus) FIG. 1 shows the internal structure of a banknote processing apparatus 1 which is an example of a media processing apparatus. The banknote processing apparatus 1 processes banknotes as media. More specifically, the banknote processing apparatus 1 processes loose banknotes. Note that the media is not limited to banknotes. The banknote processing apparatus 1 is installed in a financial institution such as a bank, for example. The banknote processing apparatus 1 executes various processes including deposit processing and withdrawal processing. A teller at the bank operates the banknote processing apparatus 1. Note that the banknote processing apparatus 1 may be a device operated by a bank customer. Note that the banknote processing apparatus is not limited to a device installed in a financial institution. The banknote processing apparatus 1 may be a device installed in the back office of a retail store, for example.

[0047] The banknote processing apparatus 1 has an upper processing unit 11 and a lower safe 13. The processing unit 11 has a deposit unit 21, a withdrawal unit 22, a temporary storage unit 24, an identification sensor 25, and an upper conveyor 41. The safe 13 has a plurality of storage units 31 to 35 and a lower conveyor 42. The safe 13 protects the storage units 31 to 35 at a security level of a predetermined value or more.

[0048] In the banknote processing apparatus 1, an external cassette 36 can be used. The banknote processing apparatus 1 includes a mounting unit 28. The external cassette 36 is detachably mounted on the mounting unit 28. The external cassette 36 may be used for the replenishment processing or the collection processing of the banknote processing apparatus 1.

[0049] The operator inserts banknotes into the deposit unit 21, for example, during a deposit transaction. The deposit unit 21 can hold multiple banknotes stacked on top of each other. The deposit unit 21 has a feeder that sends banknotes one by one into the housing of the banknote processing device 1. The deposit unit 21 is an example of a banknote intake.

[0050] The banknote processing device 1, for example during a dispensing transaction, transports banknotes dispensed from the storage unit to the dispensing unit 22. The dispensing unit 22 can hold multiple banknotes stacked on top of each other. The operator manually removes the banknotes accumulated in the dispensing unit 22. The dispensing unit 22 may also have a shutter for opening and closing the dispensing slot.

[0051] The temporary holding section 24 can temporarily store banknotes, for example, during deposit processing. The temporary holding section 24 can also temporarily store banknotes that were not determined to be valid banknotes, for example, during replenishment or collection processing. The temporary holding section 24 can dispense the stored banknotes. The temporary holding section 24 is a tape-type storage unit. A tape-type storage unit with a known configuration can be used for the temporary holding section 24. The temporary holding section 24 stores banknotes by winding them onto a drum together with tape. The tape-type storage unit has the advantage of being able to store banknotes of various sizes in a mixed state.

[0052] The identification sensor 25 is located in the first transport path 411, which will be described later. The identification sensor 25 can identify at least the authenticity, denomination, and condition of each banknote being transported along the first transport path 411. The identification sensor 25 can also obtain the serial number of the banknote. The identification sensor 25 can also determine the position of the banknote in the first transport path 411, more precisely, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 2, the position of the banknote 9 being transported along the first transport path 411 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, with respect to the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411.

[0053] The banknote processing device 1 has a first storage section 31, a second storage section 32, a third storage section 33, a fourth storage section 34, and a fifth storage section 35. The number of storage sections in the banknote processing device 1 is not limited to a specific number. The first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34 can each store banknotes of different denominations. The first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34 may each store banknotes that are to be dispensed. The fifth storage section 35 stores banknotes that are not stored in the first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, and the fourth storage section 34. The fifth storage section 35 may not store banknotes that are to be dispensed. The fifth storage section 35 may also store banknotes that are to be recovered from the banknote processing device 1.

[0054] The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each have a transport path. The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each transport banknotes one by one along the transport path, leaving a gap between each banknote. The upper conveyor 41 and the lower conveyor 42 each transport banknotes with the long edge of the banknote facing forward, so as to be parallel to the surface of the paper. The transport path is composed of a combination of multiple rollers, multiple belts, motors that drive them, and multiple guides.

[0055] The upper conveyor 41 transports banknotes along a transport path connecting the deposit section 21, the dispensing section 22, the temporary holding section 24, the identification sensor 25, and the mounting unit 28. The lower conveyor 42 is connected to the upper conveyor 41. The lower conveyor 42 also transports banknotes along a transport path connecting the first storage section 31, the second storage section 32, the third storage section 33, the fourth storage section 34, and the fifth storage section 35.

[0056] The banknote processing device 1 is equipped with a shift mechanism 5. The shift mechanism 5 is located in the first transport path 411, alongside the identification sensor 25. The shift mechanism 5 is located downstream of the identification sensor 25 in the first transport path 411. The shift mechanism 5 changes the position of banknotes being transported along the first transport path 411 by the upper conveyor 41 in the transport direction to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Specifically, when the banknote processing device 1 performs a deposit process, if the center of each banknote in the width direction is offset from the transport center line Y1 after it has been identified by the identification sensor 25, the shift mechanism 5 changes the position of the banknote in the width direction so that the center of the banknote coincides with the transport center line Y1. As the positions of the banknotes to be stored in the storage units 31 to 35 are aligned, the storage units 31 to 35 can store banknotes stably. In addition, the storage units 31 to 35 can dispense banknotes stably.

[0057] The misalignment of banknotes is due to the position of the banknotes inserted into the deposit section 21. For example, when a customer of a financial institution operates the banknote processing device 1, there is considerable variation in the position of the banknotes inserted into the deposit section 21. By changing the position of the banknotes with the shift mechanism 5, the banknote processing device 1 can stably perform various processing tasks.

[0058] Here, for example, euro banknotes differ in size depending on the denomination. Smaller banknotes may have greater positional variation. When the banknote processing device 1 processes banknotes of different sizes, aligning the positions of the banknotes so that their centers coincide with the transport center line Y1 is advantageous for the stable execution of the processing device 1. The identification sensor 25 may have an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes so that the banknote processing device 1 can process euro banknotes. Note that banknotes that differ in size depending on the denomination are not limited to euro banknotes. The banknote processing device 1 is not limited to a device that processes euro banknotes. Also, the banknote processing device 1 may process banknotes of the same size even if they are of different denominations.

[0059] (Structure of the Shift Mechanism) Figure 2 schematically shows the shift mechanism 5 located on the first transport path 411. The upper part of Figure 2 is a plan view of the shift mechanism 5, and the lower part is a side view of the shift mechanism 5. The left side of Figure 2 is the side where the identification sensor 25 is located, and the right side of Figure 2 is the opposite side. The white arrows in Figure 2 indicate the direction in which the banknotes 9 are transported, and here they indicate the direction in which the banknotes 9 are transported along the first transport path 411 during deposit processing. In the following explanation, following the direction of the white arrows shown in Figure 2, the left side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the upstream side in the transport direction of the banknotes 9, and the right side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the downstream side in the transport direction of the banknotes 9.

[0060] The shift mechanism 5 has multiple shift mechanisms. Specifically, the shift mechanism 5 has a first shift mechanism 51 and a second shift mechanism 55. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 are arranged side by side along the transport direction. The first shift mechanism 51 is located on the side closer to the identification sensor 25, and the second shift mechanism 55 is located on the side further away from the identification sensor 25.

[0061] Upstream of the first shift mechanism 51 is the first roller pair 61. The first roller pair 61 is a pair of rollers that grips the banknote 9 and transports the banknote 9 in the transport direction. The first roller pair 61 has a roller 611 that contacts the first surface of the banknote 9 and a roller 612 that contacts the second surface of the banknote 9. Rollers 611 and 612 each rotate around a rotation axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. The upper roller 611 can move vertically upward and is configured to change its relative position to roller 612. When transporting the banknote 9, rollers 611 and 612 grip the banknote 9 with a predetermined gripping force. The first roller pair 61 can also reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9 by moving roller 611 away from roller 612, as shown by the black arrow in the lower part of Figure 2. More precisely, the first roller pair 61 can reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9 to zero.

[0062] The first roller pairs 61 are located on the right and left sides of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411. The right-side first roller pair 61 grips the right side of the banknote 9, and the left-side first roller pair 61 grips the left side of the banknote 9. The right-side first roller pair 61 and the left-side first roller pair 61 share a common shaft.

[0063] Downstream of the second shift mechanism 55 is the second roller pair 62. Like the first roller pair 61, the second roller pair 62 is a pair of rollers that grips the banknote 9 and transports the banknote 9 in the transport direction. The second roller pair 62 has a roller 621 that contacts the first side of the banknote 9 and a roller 622 that contacts the second side of the banknote 9. Rollers 621 and 622 each rotate around a rotation axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. When transporting the banknote 9, rollers 621 and 622 grip the banknote 9 with a predetermined gripping force. The second roller pair 62 can also reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9, or more precisely, reduce the gripping force on the banknote 9 to zero, by having roller 621 move away from roller 622, as shown by the black arrow in the lower part of Figure 2.

[0064] The second roller pairs 62 are located on the right and left sides of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411. The right-side second roller pair 62 grips the right side of the banknote 9, and the left-side second roller pair 62 grips the left side of the banknote 9. The right-side second roller pair 62 and the left-side second roller pair 62 share a common shaft.

[0065] The first shift mechanism 51 includes a right shift mechanism 52 and a left shift mechanism 53. The right shift mechanism 52 is located on the right side of the transport center line Y1 of the first transport path 411, and the left shift mechanism 53 is located on the left side of the transport center line Y1. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure, as will be described later.

[0066] The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 each have transport rollers 521 and 531 and opposing rollers 522 and 532, respectively. The transport rollers 521 and 531 are rollers that contact the first side of the banknote 9. The opposing rollers 522 and 532 are rollers that contact the second side of the banknote 9 and hold the banknote 9 between themselves and the transport rollers 521 and 531.

[0067] The conveying rollers 521 and 531 rotate around a rotation axis X1 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. As illustrated in the figure, the conveying rollers 521 and 531 may be rollers having a side cross section formed in a circular shape with a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis X1 and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X1. The conveying roller 521 also oscillates around a pivot axis Z1 that extends in a vertical direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the conveying roller 531 oscillates around a pivot axis Z2 that extends in a vertical direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (see the black arrow in the upper part of Figure 2).

[0068] The opposing rollers 522 and 532 rotate around a rotation axis X2 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The opposing rollers 522 and 532 may also be rollers having a side cross-section formed in a circular shape perpendicular to the rotation axis X2 and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X2. The opposing rollers 522 and 532 do not oscillate around the oscillation axes Z1 and Z2, and remain oriented in the direction of conveying the banknotes 9.

[0069] The second shift mechanism 55 has the same structure as the first shift mechanism 51. The second shift mechanism 55 has a right shift mechanism 52 located on the right side of the conveying center line Y1 and a left shift mechanism 53 located on the left side of the conveying center line Y1. The right shift mechanism 52 of the second shift mechanism 55 is the same as the right shift mechanism 52 of the first shift mechanism 51. The right shift mechanism 52 of the second shift mechanism 55 has a conveying roller 521 and an opposing roller 522. The left shift mechanism 53 of the second shift mechanism 55 is the same as the left shift mechanism 53 of the first shift mechanism 51. The left shift mechanism 53 of the second shift mechanism 55 has a conveying roller 531 and an opposing roller 532. The pivot axes Z1 and Z2 of the conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 are parallel to the pivot axes Z1 and Z2 of the conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55. The rotation axes X1 of the conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 and the rotation axes X1 of the conveying rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55 are parallel. The rotation axes X2 of the opposing rollers 522 and 532 of the first shift mechanism 51 and the rotation axes X2 of the opposing rollers 522 and 532 of the second shift mechanism 55 are parallel.

[0070] In the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, with the transport rollers 521 and 531 and the opposing rollers 522 and 532 gripping the banknote 9, both the transport rollers 521 and 531 tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2. The rotation axis X1 of the transport rollers 521 and 531 and the rotation axis X2 of the opposing rollers 522 and 532 become non-parallel. As a result, the banknote 9 changes position in the direction in which the transport rollers 521 and 531 are tilted. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can change the position of the banknote 9 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction while transporting the banknote 9 in the transport direction. In detail, the transport rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2, thereby shifting the position of the banknote 9 in a coordinated manner. The transport rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55 tilt to the right or left around the pivot axes Z1 and Z2, thereby coordinating to shift the position of the banknotes 9. Overall, with respect to banknotes 9 passing through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, the transport rollers 521 and 531 of the first shift mechanism 51 and the transport rollers 521 and 531 of the second shift mechanism 55 work together to shift the position of the banknotes 9. As shown by the dashed arrows in the upper part of Figure 2, the banknotes 9 are transported in a direction tilted with respect to the transport center line Y1. As a result, if the center position of the banknote 9 that has passed through the identification sensor 25 is misaligned with the transport center line Y1, the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can change the position of the banknote 9 so that its center position coincides with the transport center line Y1.

[0071] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control device for the shift mechanism 5. The control device comprises a controller 27. The controller 27 includes at least a processor, memory, I / O circuitry, and a timer. The processor executes programs. The memory stores programs and data for controlling the shift mechanism 5. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory). The I / O circuitry performs input and output of electrical signals between the controller 27 and devices connected to the controller 27. The shift mechanism 5 can change the position of the banknotes 9 by outputting control signals from the controller 27 to the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and the second roller pair 62. The timer is used to control the shift mechanism 5.

[0072] The identification sensor 25 is connected to the controller 27. The identification sensor 25 outputs information about the position of the banknotes 9 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to the controller 27. Based on the signal from the identification sensor 25, the controller 27 determines whether or not the position of the banknotes 9 needs to be changed. If a position change is necessary, it determines the amount of position shift of the banknotes 9 and outputs control signals to the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and / or the second roller pair 62.

[0073] A detection sensor 26 is connected to a controller 27. The detection sensor 26 is installed on the first transport path 411. The detection sensor 26 outputs positional information regarding the transport direction of the banknotes 9 being transported along the first transport path 411 to the controller 27. Based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, the controller 27 determines the control timing of the first shift mechanism 51, the second shift mechanism 55, the first roller pair 61, and / or the second roller pair 62.

[0074] Further details regarding the control of the shift mechanism 5 by the controller 27 will be described later.

[0075] (Detailed structure of the shift mechanism) Figure 4 is a top view of the shift mechanism 5. The shift mechanism 5 is either the first shift mechanism 51 or the second shift mechanism 55. The banknotes 9 are transported from the top to the bottom of the paper (in the direction of the Y arrow), as indicated by the white arrows in Figure 4. Figure 4 also includes a side view of the right shift mechanism 52. The side view corresponds to the right shift mechanism 52 in the top view of Figure 4, viewed from the top of the paper (see (a) and (b)).

[0076] As mentioned above, the shift mechanism 5 has a right shift mechanism 52 and a left shift mechanism 53. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure. In the following, the structure of the shift mechanism 5 will be explained using the right shift mechanism 52 as an example.

[0077] The right shift mechanism 52 has a conveyor roller 521. The conveyor roller 521 is held in a casing 533. The casing 533 holds the conveyor roller 521 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis X1.

[0078] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the casing 533. The casing 533 has a substantially hemispherical shape. As shown in the side view of Figure 4, the conveying roller 521 protrudes from the lower end of the casing 533. The conveying roller 521 protruding from the lower end of the casing 533 contacts the opposing roller 522. The conveying roller 521 and the opposing roller 522 transport the banknotes 9 by sandwiching them between them.

[0079] The casing 533 oscillates around the pivot axis Z1. When the casing 533 oscillates, the conveying rollers 521 held in the casing 533 also oscillate around the pivot axis Z1. The casing 533 has an arcuate surface 534. The arcuate surface 534 is centered on the pivot axis Z1. The arcuate surface 534 is located at the lower end of the casing 533.

[0080] The casing 533 is held by holders so as to pivot about a pivot axis Z1. The holders include a first holder 535, a second holder 536, and a third holder 537. The first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis Z1. In plan view, the pivot axis Z1 of the casing 533 is positioned equidistant from the centers of the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537. The first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are annular. Each of the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 can rotate about an axis parallel to the pivot axis Z1 while in contact with the arcuate surface 534.

[0081] Here, the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are each located at the same height as the casing 533. The bearings that pivotably support the casing 533 are generally positioned overlapping the casing 533 in the direction in which the pivot axis extends. However, this common structure makes the shift mechanism 5 larger in the vertical direction.

[0082] The structure in which the first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 hold the casing 533 around the casing 533 suppresses the increase in size of the shift mechanism 5.

[0083] Furthermore, the first holder 535, second holder 536, and third holder 537, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, can stably hold the casing 533. In addition, since the annular first to third holders 535 to 537 abut against the arcuate surface 534, friction with the casing 533 when the casing 533 swings can be reduced. The shift mechanism 5 can swing the transport roller 521 with good responsiveness to the drive of the drive unit 56, which will be described later. The shift mechanism 5 can quickly and accurately change the position of the banknotes 9 without reducing the transport speed of the banknotes 9.

[0084] The first holder 535, the second holder 536, and the third holder 537 are not limited to annular shapes, but may also be ball-shaped or cylindrical.

[0085] The casing 533 has a connecting portion 538. The connecting portion 538 protrudes radially outward from the casing 533. A link 54 is connected to the connecting portion 538. The link 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The link 54 is connected to the connecting portion 538 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the connecting portion 538 of the left shift mechanism 53, respectively.

[0086] Link 54 is connected to the drive unit 56. The drive unit 56 causes the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 to swing.

[0087] The drive unit 56 includes an electric motor 561 and an arm 562 connected to the shaft of the electric motor 561. The shaft of the electric motor 561 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis Z1. A link 54 is connected to the tip of the arm 562. When the shaft of the electric motor 561 rotates, the link 54 reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (see arrow in Figure 4). Due to the reciprocating motion of the link 54, the casing 533 oscillates θ degrees to the right and to the left around the pivot axis Z1. θ degrees may be set appropriately within a range greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees. Together with the casing 533, the conveying rollers 521 and 531 oscillate to the right and to the left around the pivot axis Z1.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6, even when the conveying roller 521 swings around the pivot axis Z1, the opposing roller 522 remains facing the conveying direction. The angle of the opposing roller 522 with respect to the conveying direction remains unchanged and fixed. This structure allows the shift mechanism 5 to stably change the position of the banknotes 9 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction while conveying the banknotes 9 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, because the swing angle is limited to θ degrees, the shift mechanism 5 can stably change the position of the banknotes 9.

[0089] Reference numeral 539 denotes the sensor target 539. The target 539 extends radially outward from the casing 533. The target 539 is a convex member. As the casing 533 oscillates, the target 539 moves along the trajectory of a circle centered on the oscillation axis Z1. An optical sensor is positioned to sandwich the target 539 in the vertical direction. By detecting the target 539, the sensor can detect the orientation of the casing 533 around the oscillation axis Z1.

[0090] Figure 6 shows the drive structure of the conveyor roller 521. This drive structure rotates the conveyor roller 521 around the rotation axis X1. The opposing roller 522 is a driven roller that is rotated by the conveyor roller 521.

[0091] The right shift mechanism 52 has a right gear set 57. The right gear set 57 includes a first gear 571 and a second gear 572. As shown by dashed lines in Figure 4, both the first gear 571 and the second gear 572 are supported by the casing 533. In detail, the first gear 571 is located above the casing 533, and the second gear 572 is located in an opening 5312 provided in the casing 533. The first support portion 5310 shown in Figure 5 supports the first gear 571, and the second support portion 5311 supports the second gear 572.

[0092] The first gear 571 is a gear coaxial with the oscillating shaft Z1 of the casing 533. The first gear 571 is connected to the second drive unit 58 and receives the driving force from the second drive unit 58. The second drive unit 58 is a drive unit that drives the conveyor rollers 521 and 531.

[0093] The second gear 572 is a gear that connects the first gear 571 and the conveyor roller 521. The second gear 572 is located to the side of the first gear 571 and rotates around an axis parallel to the oscillating axis Z1. When the first gear 571 rotates, the second gear 572 rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear 571. The second gear 572 has teeth 573 and teeth 574. Teeth 573 and 574 overlap in the axial direction of the second gear 572. Teeth 573 are teeth that mesh with the first gear 571, and teeth 574 are teeth that mesh with the bevel gear 5211 which is integrally provided with the conveyor roller 521. As shown in Figure 5, the casing 533 has an opening 5312. Through the opening 5312, the teeth 574 of the second gear 572 and the bevel gear 5211 of the conveyor roller 521 mesh. As the second gear 572 rotates, the conveyor roller 521 rotates around a rotation axis X1 that is perpendicular to the axis of the second gear 572.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 have substantially the same structure. The second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 is located to the right of the conveyor roller 521, and the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also located to the right of the conveyor roller 531. In the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the distance L1 from the conveyor center line Y1 to the second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the distance L2 from the conveyor center line Y1 to the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 are different. The right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 are not symmetrical with respect to the conveyor center line Y1.

[0095] In the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53, as the casing 533 and the conveying rollers 521, 531 oscillate around the pivot axis Z1, the second gear 572 moves along a circular trajectory centered on the pivot axis Z1 while meshed with the bevel gear 5211 of the conveying roller 521. Depending on the direction of movement of the second gear 572, the conveying roller 521 is accelerated or decelerated.

[0096] As mentioned above, the second gear 572 of the right shift mechanism 52 is located to the right of the conveyor roller 521, and the second gear 572 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also located to the right of the conveyor roller 531. Since the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53 oscillate in the same direction, the direction of movement of the second gear 572 accompanying the oscillation is also the same for both the right shift mechanism 52 and the left shift mechanism 53. Therefore, when the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 is accelerated, the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also accelerated, and when the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 is decelerated, the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53 is also decelerated. Since there is no speed difference between the conveyor roller 521 of the right shift mechanism 52 and the conveyor roller 531 of the left shift mechanism 53, the shift mechanism 5 can stably transport the banknotes 9 and change the position of the banknotes 9.

[0097] (Control of the Shift Mechanism) Figures 7A and 7B show the control procedure of the shift mechanism 5 performed by the controller 27. In step S71 after the start, the controller 27 receives information from the identification sensor 25. The identification sensor 25 outputs information to the controller 27 about the position of the banknote 9 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. In step S72, the controller 27 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the position of the banknote 9 by the shift mechanism 5. If the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1 and no change in position is necessary, the process proceeds to step S714 in Figure 7B. The controller 27 does not change the position of the banknote 9 by the shift mechanism 5. In step S714, the first roller pair 61 on the upstream side and the second roller pair 62 on the downstream side of the shift mechanism 5 grip the banknote 9 and transport the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 52 also transport the banknote 9 in the transport direction without changing its position in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0098] In step S72, if the discrepancy between the center position of the banknote 9 and the transport center line Y1 is greater than a predetermined amount and a position change is necessary, the controller 27 determines in step S73 whether the amount of position change, i.e., the shift amount X, is greater than a predetermined amount. If the shift amount X is large, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 cooperate to change the position of the banknote 9. If the shift amount X is small, only the first shift mechanism 51 changes the position of the banknote 9.

[0099] If the determination in step S73 is Yes, the controller 27 sets the shift amount X / N per shift mechanism in step S74. N is the number of shift mechanisms in the shift mechanism 5, and in this case, N = 2. In the following step S75, the controller 27 sets the oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 and the oscillation angle of the second shift mechanism 55 from the shift amount X / N per shift mechanism. The oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 and the oscillation angle of the second shift mechanism 55 are the same. The direction of oscillation is based on the position of the banknote 9. Since multiple shift mechanisms 51 and 52 share the task of changing the position of the banknote 9, the amount of position change by one shift mechanism 51 or 52 is relatively small. Multiple shift mechanisms 51 and 52 can stably change the position of the banknote 9 to the desired position even if the position of the banknote 9 is significantly shifted.

[0100] Then, in step S76, if the controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, it starts counting on the timer. Based on the timer count value, if the controller 27 determines that the first shift mechanism 51 has gripped the banknote 9, in the following step S77, the controller 27 releases the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62. Once the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, in step S78, the controller 27 swings the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 at the swing angle set in step S75.

[0101] The controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the timer count value and terminates the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 in step S715 (see Figure 7B). As the banknote 9 passes through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55, the position of the banknote 9 is changed, and after passing through the second shift mechanism 55, the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1 (see the dashed arrow in the upper part of Figure 2). The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 apply a force to the banknote 9 in a direction tilted by the oscillation angle obtained from the shift amount X / N with respect to the transport direction from upstream to downstream. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 transport the banknote 9 in the transport direction from upstream to downstream while changing its position in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction as it passes through the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55.

[0102] Once the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 have finished oscillating, the controller 27 restarts the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 in step S716. The first roller pair 61 and / or the second roller pair 62 then transport the banknotes 9.

[0103] While the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 are changing the position of the banknote 9, the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, so that the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 do not obstruct the changing of the position of the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 can stably perform the changing of the position of the banknote 9.

[0104] Alternatively, instead of releasing the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62, the gripping force of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 may be reduced to a level lower than the gripping force used when transporting the banknote 9.

[0105] Returning to step S73, if the determination in step S73 is No, the controller 27 sets the shift amount X of the first shift mechanism 51 in step S79. In the following step S710, the controller 27 sets the oscillation angle of the first shift mechanism 51 from the shift amount X. The direction of oscillation is based on the position of the banknote 9.

[0106] Then, in step S711, if the controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the signal from the detection sensor 26, it starts counting on the timer. If the controller 27 determines, based on the timer count value, that the first shift mechanism 51 has gripped the banknote 9, then in the following step S712, the controller 27 releases the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62. Once the grip of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released, the controller 27, in step S713, swings the first shift mechanism 51 at the swing angle set in step S710.

[0107] The controller 27 determines the position of the banknote 9 based on the timer count value and terminates the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 in step S717 (see Figure 7B). As the banknote 9 passes through the first shift mechanism 51, its position changes, and after passing through the first shift mechanism 51, the center position of the banknote 9 coincides with or approximately coincides with the transport center line Y1.

[0108] Once the oscillation of the first shift mechanism 51 is complete, the controller 27 resumes gripping the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 in step S718. As described above, since the gripping of the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 is released while the first shift mechanism 51 is changing the position of the banknote 9, the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62 do not obstruct the changing of the position of the banknote 9. The first shift mechanism 51 can stably change the position of the banknote 9.

[0109] Alternatively, instead of releasing the grip of the first roller pair 61, the gripping force of the first roller pair 61 may be reduced to a level lower than the gripping force used when transporting the banknote 9.

[0110] In addition, in step S712, the grip may be released or the grip force reduced only for the first roller pair 61 that is close to the first shift mechanism 51.

[0111] (Modified Version) Figure 8 shows a modified casing 533. This casing 533 has an engaging portion 5313 that restricts the vertical position of the casing 533. The engaging portion 5313 protrudes radially outward from the arcuate surface 534 of the casing 533. The upper and lower sides of the engaging portion 5313 engage with an engaging portion (not shown), thereby restricting the vertical displacement of the casing 533.

[0112] In step S73 of Figure 7, it is determined whether the amount of position change, i.e., the shift amount X, is greater than a predetermined value. If the shift amount X is large, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 work together to change the position of the banknote 9 (steps S74 to S715). If the shift amount X is small, only the first shift mechanism 51 changes the position of the banknote 9 (steps S79 to S717), but this is not limited to this. When a shift of the banknote 9 is necessary, regardless of the shift amount X, both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 may work together to change the position of the banknote 9. In this case, one drive unit 56 (electric motor 561) may be connected to both the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55 to operate the first shift mechanism 51 and the second shift mechanism 55.

[0113] The shift mechanism 5 is not limited to having a first shift mechanism 51 and a second shift mechanism 55. The shift mechanism 5 may have only the first shift mechanism 51. Furthermore, the shift mechanism 5 may have three or more shift mechanisms.

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus comprising: a conveyor for transporting a medium in a transport direction; a shift mechanism which constitutes a part of the conveyor and changes the position of the medium transported by the conveyor in the transport direction to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein the shift mechanism comprises: a transport roller that strikes the surface of the medium to transport the medium; a casing that supports the transport roller so that the transport roller rotates about a rotation axis; a holder that holds the casing around the casing so that the casing swings together with the transport roller about a pivot axis perpendicular to the rotation axis; and a drive unit connected to the casing that swings the casing about the pivot axis.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the casing has an arcuate surface around the pivot axis, and the holder includes at least a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the casing around the pivot axis and in contact with the arcuate surface.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder is annular, ball-shaped, or cylindrical.

4. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shift mechanism further comprises an opposing roller that faces the conveying roller and conveys the medium with the medium sandwiched between it and the conveying roller, and the opposing roller maintains its orientation in the conveying direction with respect to the conveying roller swinging about the pivot axis.

5. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the casing and the conveying rollers oscillate by θ degrees in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively, about the pivot axis, with respect to the direction of conveying.

6. The media processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the θ degree is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

7. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor has a first pair of rollers for gripping the medium at a position upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, and the first pair of rollers reduces the gripping force on the medium before the casing and conveying rollers of the shift mechanism swing.

8. The media processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conveyor has a second pair of rollers for gripping the medium at a position downstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction, and the second pair of rollers increases the gripping force on the medium after the oscillation of the casing and the conveying rollers of the shift mechanism has finished.

9. The shift mechanism comprises a right shift mechanism and a left shift mechanism located on both sides of the transport center line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein the right shift mechanism has a right gear that rotates around a second rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and transmits power from a second drive unit that drives the transport roller to the transport roller, and the left shift mechanism has a left gear that rotates around a third rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and the second rotation axis and transmits power from the second drive unit to the transport roller, wherein the distance from the transport center line to the right gear and the distance from the transport center line to the left gear are different in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an identification sensor located upstream of the shift mechanism in the conveying direction and which acquires information about the medium being conveyed by the conveyor, wherein the drive unit swings the casing about the pivot axis in accordance with the information acquired by the identification sensor.

11. The media processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a processor that acquires an amount X of change of the position of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on information acquired by the identification sensor, wherein the shift mechanism has first to Nth (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) shift mechanisms arranged in the transport direction, and the processor calculates the amount of change X / N for each shift mechanism and sets the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the amount of change X / N.

12. A media processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: an intake port for sending media into the housing; and a safe for storing the media sent out from the intake port in a storage section, wherein the shift mechanism changes the position of the media in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction based on information of the media acquired by the identification sensor; and the conveyor transports the media whose position has been changed to the storage section.

13. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the medium is banknotes of different sizes depending on the denomination.

14. The media processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the identification sensor has an algorithm for identifying euro banknotes, and the media processing apparatus performs processing according to the denomination of the euro banknotes based on the information acquired by the identification sensor.

15. The media processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and the opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the opposing roller and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the opposing roller, and when the position of the medium is changed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by the shift mechanism, the conveying roller swings about the swing axis so that the axis of rotation of the conveying roller and the axis of rotation of the opposing roller become non-parallel.

16. The shift mechanism has first and second shift mechanisms arranged in the conveying direction, the processor calculates the change amount X / 2 for each shift mechanism and sets the oscillation angle of each shift mechanism based on the change amount X / 2, in the first shift mechanism, the conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the opposing roller and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the opposing roller, in the second shift mechanism, the conveying roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross section with a circular cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, The opposing roller is a substantially cylindrical roller having a side cross-section whose cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the opposing roller is circular, and an outer circumferential surface extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the opposing roller, and when the position of the medium is changed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by the shift mechanism, in the first shift mechanism and the second shift mechanism, the conveying roller swings about the pivot axis so that the rotation axis of the conveying roller and the rotation axis of the opposing roller become non-parallel, the rotation axis of the conveying roller of the first shift mechanism and the rotation axis of the conveying roller of the second shift mechanism are parallel, and the rotation axis of the opposing roller of the first shift mechanism and the rotation axis of the opposing roller of the second shift mechanism are parallel, as described in claim 11.

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