JP2006011900A - Medium handling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medium handling apparatus capable of processing a plurality of kinds of media in a simultaneous and parallel fashion, while keeping fast processing of bills unaffected by slow processing speeds of media other than bills. <P>SOLUTION: The media handling apparatus capable of handling both bills and non-bill media includes a dedicated bill passage 3b used in conveying only bills, connected to a handling port 2 where both bills and non-bill media can be commonly handled, and connected to a common passage 3a used in conveying both bills and non-media bills; a dedicated non-bill media passage 3c used in conveying only non-bill media and connected to the common passage; a bill/non-bill media allocating means 5a for allocating media to different passages as they are conveyed over the common passage; bill allocating means 5b-5f for allocating bills to different bill passages according to the kinds and conditions of bills; and a non-bill media allocating means for allocating non-bill media to different non-bill media passages according to the kinds of non-bill media. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium handling device incorporated in a terminal device that handles cash, such as ATM (cash machine), for example, in addition to banknotes that are typical media, for example, bankbooks, checks, certificates, tickets, etc. The present invention relates to a medium handling apparatus that can handle various non-banknote media.

A terminal device that handles cash or a medium handling device incorporated therein tends to be multifunctional so that it can handle various media that mediate various transactions with financial institutions in addition to banknotes. For example, the “automatic cash transaction apparatus with check issuing function” disclosed in Patent Document 1 can issue a date printed on a check. The "multipurpose banknote dispensing machine" disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a cash storage unit that dispenses banknotes, a handprint printing unit that prints and sends a bill, and a receipt printing unit that prints and sends a receipt. . In this "multipurpose bill dispenser", a plurality of types of media can be handled by a single cash / receipt outlet.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-105797 JP 2003-168144 A

In order to make the medium handling device multifunctional so that various media other than banknotes can be handled together with banknotes, it is possible to handle a plurality of types of media with a single handling port as in the example disclosed in Patent Document 1. This is desirable in terms of convenience for the user. However, if multiple types of media can be handled by a single handling port, the processing of banknotes that can be processed at high speed is affected by the processing speed of media other than banknotes that have a low processing speed, and as a result, the overall processing speed is reduced. There is a problem that it becomes late and the convenience of the user is impaired.

In addition, regarding the multi-functionality of the medium handling device, it is hoped that the convenience of the user can be further improved by enabling simultaneous processing of multiple types of media. However, it was difficult to handle simultaneous processing of multiple types of media.

The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and the processing of banknotes capable of high-speed processing is not influenced by the processing speed of media other than banknotes having a low processing speed, and An object of the present invention is to provide a medium handling apparatus that can simultaneously process a plurality of types of media.

  For the above purpose, in the present invention, in a medium handling device that can handle both banknotes and non-banknote media other than banknotes as a medium, the banknote and the non-banknote medium can be exchanged with a user in common. Connected to the handling port, connected to the handling port, connected to the shared transport path, the shared transport path used for transporting both the banknote and the non-banknote medium, and only to transport the banknote The medium is connected to the banknote-dedicated conveyance path used, the non-banknote medium-dedicated conveyance path used only for conveyance of the non-banknote medium, and the medium conveyance path conveyed by the common conveyance path. Depending on whether it is a banknote or the non-banknote medium, the banknote / non-banknote medium distribution means, the transport path of the banknote transported by the banknote transport path, according to the denomination or state of the banknote It is characterized in that it comprises a non-paper money medium sorter for distributing according banknotes sorter, and the conveying path of the non-paper money medium in which the conveyed in a non-paper money medium dedicated transport path to the type of the non-paper money medium distributed.

  In the present invention, in the medium handling apparatus as described above, the shared transport path is configured by only a straight portion.

  Moreover, in this invention, about the said medium handling apparatus, the said conveyance path only for non-banknote media shall be formed so that a non-banknote medium may be conveyed by moving the movement basket holding the said non-banknote medium. .

  In the present invention, the medium handling apparatus as described above includes a non-banknote medium processing unit provided with a plurality of processing units for performing processing on the non-banknote medium, and the non-banknote medium-dedicated transport path includes the movement By positioning a car with respect to a target processing unit of the plurality of processing units so that the moving bank and the target processing unit can exchange the non-banknote medium, the non-banknote medium It is supposed to function as a distribution means.

  In the present invention, three types of media conveyance paths, a common conveyance path, a banknote-dedicated conveyance path, and a non-banknote medium-dedicated conveyance path are provided, and banknote / non-banknote medium distribution means, banknote distribution means, After each sorting means of the non-banknote medium sorting means is provided and after the first stage sorting by the banknote / non-banknote medium sorting means, the banknotes are sorted by the banknote sorting means, and the non-banknote media are non-banknote media The sorting by the sorting means can be performed as the second-stage sorting. For this reason, according to this invention, it can avoid that the influence by the non-banknote medium with a slow processing speed reaches to the process of a banknote, As a result, common handling of multiple types of media in one handling port, and a banknote and a non-banknote Concurrent processing of media can be realized without reducing the overall processing efficiency, and the convenience for the user of the medium handling device can be further enhanced.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a medium handling terminal incorporating the medium handling apparatus according to the first embodiment. The medium handling terminal 100 of FIG. 1 has a configuration in which the medium handling device 1, the customer display operation unit 102, the card processing unit 103, and the main body control unit 104 are incorporated or assembled in a casing 101 that covers the whole.

  The customer display operation unit 102 is configured with, for example, a display structure with a touch panel, and displays transaction details to the user, and is used by the user to input transaction details. The card processing unit 103 is used to acquire necessary information from a magnetic card or an IC card presented by the user and specify the user. The main body control unit 104 controls the entire medium handling terminal 100. The medium handling device 1 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration in the medium handling terminal 100. The medium handling device 1, the customer display operation unit 102, and the card processing unit 103 are connected to the main body control unit 104 via the data bus 104d, and perform predetermined operations under the control of the main body control unit 104, respectively. The main body control unit 104 automatically controls the medium handling device 1, the customer display operation unit 102, and the card processing unit 103 when manual control by an attendant of the medium handling terminal 100 is required. A manual control unit 104b for performing various operations and an external storage device 104c for storing various types of information. These are supplied with driving power from the power supply unit 105.

  FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the medium handling device 1. The medium handling apparatus 1 includes a handling port 2 through which a user inputs and removes media (banknotes and various non-banknote media), a shared transport path 3a that transports both banknotes and non-banknote media, and banknotes used for transporting only banknotes. Dedicated transport path 3b, non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c used for transporting only non-banknote media, product type discriminator 4 for discriminating the type of medium, and a plurality of sorting media transport directions and transport destinations according to the type of medium Gate 5 (5a to 5f), banknote discriminator 6 for discriminating the denomination and authenticity of banknotes, temporary storage 7 for storing the received banknotes until the transaction is completed, and storing banknotes that are deposited and used for withdrawal A banknote storage unit 8 that performs processing on a non-banknote medium, and a control unit 11 that controls these modules.

  Here, "banknote" includes a medium that requires a processing quantity per unit time equivalent to that of a normal banknote in addition to a normal banknote, and also includes a medium having flexibility similar to that of a banknote. "" Means a medium whose processing quantity per unit time is significantly smaller than that of "banknotes", that is, a medium whose processing speed may be slower than that of "banknotes". Such non-banknote media include, for example, bankbooks, checks, certificates, tickets, cards and the like. Since these non-banknote media are generally thicker and more rigid than banknotes, they are difficult to bend, and it is usually more time consuming to process information contained in the media than in the case of banknotes. .

  Below, each said component in the medium handling apparatus 1 is demonstrated more concretely. The handling port 2 is a part where a user who makes a transaction in the medium handling device 1 exchanges a medium (a bill or various non-banknote media) in the transaction with the medium handling device 1, and as shown in FIG. The shutter 201 is opened when a user inputs or receives a medium so that the medium can be taken in and out of the tray 202. The loaded medium is placed on the bottom plate 203 of the tray 202. The bottom plate 203 can be moved by the bottom plate driving device 204 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, that is, the direction opposite to the direction of the upper guide 209, and when the medium is placed, the bottom plate 203 moves in the direction of the upper guide 209. Then, the medium is brought into contact with the pickup roller 205 of the medium take-in / discharge mechanism.

  The medium take-in / release mechanism includes a feed roller 206 in addition to the pickup roller 205. These pickup roller 205 and feed roller 206 are formed by surrounding a high-friction material such as rubber on the outer peripheral surface, and when taking in the medium, the medium is taken in the direction of arrow B by a motor (not shown). On the other hand, when the medium (non-banknote medium) is discharged, the medium rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B. The pickup roller 205 is supported by the bracket 207 and is urged by a spring 208 attached to the bracket 207 in the direction indicated by the arrow C, that is, in the direction of pressing the medium on the bottom plate 203. The effects of the materials are combined to generate a force for taking the medium from the bottom plate 203 or a force for feeding the medium onto the bottom plate 203.

  The medium take-in / release mechanism also includes a gate roller 210 and a transport roller 211. The gate roller 210 functions to divide the medium one by one when the medium is picked up by the pickup roller 205. That is, the gate roller 210 functions to prevent overlap feeding. For this purpose, the gate roller 210 is unidirectional using a mechanism such as a one-way clutch so as to give resistance to movement in the direction of the arrow B to the medium sandwiched between the feed roller 206 and the conveyance roller 211. It is configured to be able to rotate only (clockwise in the state of FIG. 4). The gate roller 210 is supported by a gate roller hook 212 so that its position can be changed in the thickness direction of the medium (in the direction of arrow D), and is connected via a gate roller spring 213 to thereby adjust the thickness of the medium. Correspondingly, it can be moved in the direction of arrow D. For this reason, even when media having different thicknesses are fed, separation of each leaf becomes easy.

  Similarly to the pickup roller 205 and the feed roller 206, the conveyance roller 211 is driven to rotate by a motor, and functions to send out the medium taken in by the medium take-in / release mechanism to the common conveyance path 3a. It functions to feed the non-banknote medium conveyed in the common conveyance path 3a to the medium take-in / discharge mechanism for discharge. In the case of discharging the medium, the transport roller 211 rotates in the opposite direction to that in the case of taking in, whereby the non-banknote medium is sent from the common transport path 3a to the medium take-in / discharge mechanism, and further, the feed roller 206 and the pickup roller The non-banknote medium is sent by 205 and discharged onto the bottom plate 203. The user can take out the non-banknote medium from the bottom plate 203.

  Here, the nipping position of the medium by the feed roller 206, the gate roller 210, and the transport roller 211 is configured to be substantially parallel to the direction of feeding the medium to the common transport path 3a. By adopting such a configuration, even a medium that has high rigidity and is difficult to bend can be easily sent out to the shared transport path 3a, and can be easily taken in from the shared transport path 3a for discharge.

  The handling port 2 includes a mechanism system related to the release of banknotes as well as the medium take-in / discharge mechanism as described above. The bill release mechanism includes a transport guide 214 and a transport roller 215, and accepts the bill transported by the bill dedicated transport path 3 b by the transport guide 214 and discharges it onto the push plate 216 of the tray 202 by the transport roller 215. To do. Then, the user can take out the banknote from the pressing plate 216.

  Both the common conveyance path 3a and the banknote dedicated conveyance path 3b are configured to nipping and conveying the medium with a roller or belt that is driven to rotate. The shared transport path 3a is used for transporting both banknotes and non-banknote media handled in common at the handling port 2. That is, it is also used for transporting non-banknote media including those that are rigid and difficult to bend. For this reason, the shared conveyance path 3a is configured to include only a portion extending linearly from the handling port 2 toward the non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path 3c, so that a highly rigid medium can be conveyed without difficulty. .

  The bill-dedicated transport path 3b is used only for transporting bills that are easy to bend. Therefore, the banknote dedicated transport path 3b is connected to the shared transport path 3a so that the banknote is bent at the part of the gate 5a provided in the shared transport path 3a, and the transport direction is changed and received from the shared transport path 3a. . More specifically, the banknote transport path 3b is shared transport via a connection transport path 3d configured to sandwich and transport the medium with rollers and belts that are rotationally driven in the same manner as the banknote transport path 3b. It is connected to the path 3a, and the connection transport path 3d changes the banknote transport direction to a direction substantially perpendicular to the common transport path 3a, and the connection transport path 3d also changes the banknote transport direction to a substantially right angle direction. It is connected to the shared transport path 3a so that it can be received while changing. Further, the banknote-dedicated transport path 3b is provided with a turn portion utilizing the ease of bending of banknotes, and the turn direction is changed by 180 degrees. Then, one side of the turn part is directed to the banknote storage part 8, and the other side is directed to the temporary storage 7. Moreover, in order that the banknote conveyance path | route 3b can send out the banknote conveyed for discharge | release to the handling port 2, it connects with the conveyance guide 214 in the banknote discharge | release mechanism of the handling port 2 via the banknote discharge | release conveyance path 3e. Have been to. The configuration as described above makes it possible to store the bill-dedicated conveyance path 3b having a long conveyance distance in a compact manner, and thus the medium handling device 1 can be downsized.

  The non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c is used to transport non-banknote media including those that are rigid and difficult to bend, and at the same time, the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 sorts the non-banknote media according to the type. It also has a function as a bill medium sorting means. Therefore, the non-banknote medium conveyance path 3c moves the moving basket 9 linearly as shown by the vertical arrow in FIG. 1, and holds and transports the non-banknote medium with the moving basket 9 so that the non-banknote medium is conveyed. It is comprised so that it can convey, without bending. The non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c stops the moving basket 9 at a necessary position and exchanges the non-banknote medium with each processing unit 10a to 10c as described later in the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 without bending the non-banknote medium. Thus, the non-banknote medium can be distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the moving cage 9 includes a plurality of roller pairs (three pairs in the example in the figure) including a driving roller 401 and a driven roller 402 arranged inside the housing 404, and these rollers. An upper guide 405 and a lower guide 406 are arranged along the pair, and the roller pair and the upper guide 405 and the lower guide 406 are configured to hold the non-banknote medium therebetween. More specifically, the driven roller 402 supported by the casing 404 via the spring 403 applies a clamping pressure corresponding to the thickness of the non-banknote medium to the driving roller 401, and is not shown in the figure. When the driving roller 401 is driven to rotate by the motor, the driving roller 401 and the driven roller 402 take in the non-banknote medium between the upper guide 405 and the lower guide 406 while sandwiching the non-banknote medium with an appropriate clamping pressure, or the upper guide 405 and the lower guide. It can be sent out between 406. The moving cage 9 is connected to a drive mechanism 407 composed of a belt, a chain and the like that travels endlessly. The drive mechanism 407 makes the above-mentioned linear movement and the moving cage 9. The position detection sensor 408 attached to the processing unit 10 detects a stop position for each of the processing units 10a to 10c. The non-banknote medium can be distributed by exchanging the non-banknote medium with the processing units 10a to 10c.

  The type discriminator 4 is a module for discriminating the type of medium, and is provided in the middle of the shared transport path 3a in the vicinity of the handling port 2, and is obtained by an optical sensor such as a CCD sensor. If it is a type of medium, that is, whether it is a banknote or a non-banknote medium, or a non-banknote medium, for example, a passbook, It is determined whether it is a check, a certificate, a ticket or a card. The discrimination result by the type discriminator 4 is transmitted to the control unit 11 and used for control such as sorting according to the type of medium.

  Each of the gates 5a to 5f is provided in the middle of the shared transport path 3a or the banknote dedicated transport path 3b, and constitutes a sorting unit that sorts the transport path (transport direction and transport destination) of the medium according to the type of the medium. ing. The gate 5a is provided in the shared conveyance path 3a in the vicinity of the end thereof (end in conveyance of the taken-in medium), and functions as a bill / non-bill medium distributing unit. That is, as described above, the medium taken into the medium handling device 1 and transported through the shared transport path 3a is distributed in the transport direction depending on whether it is a banknote or a non-banknote medium. More specifically, sorting is performed such that the banknote is directed toward the banknote-dedicated transport path 3b, and the non-banknote medium is directed toward the non-banknote-medium dedicated transport path 3d.

  The gates 5b to 5f are all provided in the middle of the banknote dedicated transport path 3b, and constitute banknote sorting means. That is, the gate 5b serves as a banknote sorting unit that sorts the transport direction of the banknotes taken in the handling port 2 and sent from the common transport path 3a to the banknote transport path 3b via the connection transport path 3d toward the temporary storage box 7. The gate 5c functions as a banknote sorting unit that distributes the transport direction of the banknote transported in the banknote transport path 3b for discharge to the banknote discharge transport path 3e, and the gates 5d to 5f store banknotes. The bank 8 functions as a banknote sorting unit that sorts the banknote transport destinations into the banknotes (the incoming vault 8a, the outgoing vault 8b, the reflux box 8c, and the reject box 8d) as will be described later.

  The banknote discriminator 6 is a module for discriminating the denomination and authenticity of banknotes, and is provided in the middle of the banknote dedicated transport path 3b toward the temporary storage 7 and is obtained by an optical sensor such as a CCD sensor. The denomination and authenticity of the banknote are discriminated based on the shape of the banknote to be printed, information printed on the banknote, or magnetic information recorded on the banknote acquired by the magnetic sensor. The discrimination result by the banknote discriminator 6 is transmitted to the control unit 11 and used for control of various processes on the banknote.

  The temporary storage 7 is a module for storing the received banknotes until the transaction is completed, and has a configuration as shown in FIG. 6 as an example. The temporary storage 7 in FIG. 6 is provided with a bottom plate 302 for stacking and placing banknotes in a storage space formed by being surrounded by a side plate 301. The bottom plate 302 is moved in the stacking direction of banknotes by the bottom plate driving device 303, that is, moved up and down, so that an appropriate height position can be maintained according to the stacking amount of banknotes. Further, when the bills are ejected, the bottom plate 302 rises toward the upper guide 304 side of the bill take-in / release mechanism and comes into contact with the pickup roller 305 of the bill take-in / release mechanism so that the bills can be ejected. Has been.

  The bill take-in / release mechanism includes a feed roller 306 and a pinch roller 311 in addition to the pickup roller 305. The pick-up roller 305 and the feed roller 306 are formed by surrounding a high friction material such as rubber on the outer peripheral surface. When taking in the banknote, the banknote is transported from the banknote-dedicated transport path 3b (FIG. 1) by a motor (not shown). On the other hand, when the banknote is released, the banknote is rotated toward the banknote dedicated transport path 3b. The pickup roller 305 is supported by a bracket 307 and urged by a spring 308 attached to the bracket 307 in a direction in which a bill is pressed on the bottom plate 302, and the pressing by this urging and the effect of a high friction material are combined. Thus, a force for feeding the bill from the bottom plate 302 or a force for taking the bill onto the bottom plate 302 is generated. The feed roller 306 is configured to pinch and convey a banknote between the feed roller 306 and a pinch roller 311 that rotates while in contact therewith.

  The bill intake / release mechanism also includes a gate roller 309. The gate roller 309 functions to prevent overlapping feeding by dividing the bills one by one when the pick-up rollers 305 take in the bills. For this purpose, the gate roller 309 holds the bill that is transferred from the pickup roller 305 to the feed roller 306 and sandwiches it between the feed roller 306, and resists movement of the bill in the feeding direction in the clamping. As shown in FIG. 6, it can be rotated only in one direction (counterclockwise in the state of FIG. 6) using a mechanism such as a one-way clutch.

  The upper guide 304 of the bill take-in / release mechanism is paired with the gate guide 310 to guide the conveyance of the bill by the feed roller 306. In other words, the upper guide 304 and the gate guide 310 form an arcuate guide gap that allows passage of bills on the bill contact side of the feed roller 306 along the feed roller 306, and the bills are fed by the guide gap. It is guided so as to be conveyed along the circumferential surface of the roller 306.

  The banknote storage unit 8 is a functional part that stores banknotes that are deposited and used for banknotes and withdrawals, and is configured by providing a plurality of banknote stores. In the present embodiment, as a banknote storage, a safe 8a used only for storing deposited banknotes, a safe 8b used for storing banknotes in advance and used only for withdrawal, and storing deposited banknotes. A reflux box 8c that uses it for withdrawal and a reject box 8d that stores banknotes that are not used for withdrawal depending on the denomination and state are provided. Such banknote storage is provided in an appropriate combination according to the operation mode of the medium handling terminal 100. In addition, since all of the safe 8a, the safe 8b, the return box 8c, and the reject box 8d have the same structure as the temporary storage box 7, the description thereof is omitted.

  The non-banknote medium processing unit 10 is a functional part that performs various processes related to non-banknote media, and is configured by providing processing units for various processes that are required according to the type of non-banknote medium to be handled. In the present embodiment, an optical reading processing unit 10a, an electronic information reading / processing unit 10b, and a printing processing unit 10c are provided as processing units.

  The optical reading processing unit 10a is configured as in the example shown in FIG. 7, for example. The optical reading processing unit 10a in the example of FIG. 7 is provided with a conveyance path composed of a conveyance roller 501 and a conveyance guide 502, and receives a non-banknote medium from the moving basket 9 of the non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path 3c through this conveyance path. In addition, the optical reading means 503 arranged along the conveyance path can acquire necessary information from the non-banknote medium P, and the non-banknote medium after acquisition of information is completed. A non-banknote medium P that needs to be stored can be stored in a storage unit 505 installed at the end of the transport path. In the example shown in the figure, two storage units 505 are provided, and the storage of the non-banknote medium P is switched to each storage unit 505 by the gate 504. Note that the non-banknote medium that needs to be returned to the user is returned to the moving basket 9 through the transport path, and finally discharged from the non-banknote medium transport path 3c to the handling port 2 through the shared transport path 3a. Is done. In such an optical reading processing unit 10a, for example, a non-banknote medium such as a check or a transfer slip is processed.

  For example, the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b is configured as shown in FIG. As in the optical reading processing unit 10a, the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b in the example of FIG. 8 is provided with a conveyance path composed of a conveyance roller 501 and a conveyance guide 502. Non-banknote media can be received. Further, the electronic information reading means 506 arranged along the transport path can acquire necessary information from the non-banknote medium P or write necessary information on the non-banknote medium P. The non-banknote medium P that needs to be stored in the non-banknote medium that has been acquired and written can be stored in the storage section 505 installed at the end of the transport path. As for the non-banknote medium processed by the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b, a new non-banknote medium may be issued to the user. For this purpose, a storage unit 507 is provided at the end of the conveyance path so that necessary information can be written to the non-banknote medium taken out from the storage unit 507 by the electronic information reading means 506 and a new non-banknote medium can be issued. Has been. The non-banknote medium is taken out from the storage unit 507 one by one by the separating unit 508. The separating unit 508 is configured in the same manner as the mechanism including the pickup roller 305, the feed roller 306, and the gate roller 309 in the temporary storage 7 described above. In such an electronic information reading / processing unit 10b, for example, a non-banknote medium such as a plastic card in which an IC chip is incorporated or a securities having an RFID tag is processed. Some of these non-banknote media record magnetic information instead of electronic information. For such non-banknote media, a magnetic information reading / processing unit similar to the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b is separately provided, or a processing unit capable of reading and writing both electronic information and magnetic information is provided. Will be able to.

  The print processing unit 10c is configured as in the example shown in FIG. 9, for example. The print processing unit 10c in the example of FIG. 9 is provided with a transport path including a transport roller 501 and a transport guide 502, as with the optical reading processing unit 10a. The media can be received. A printing unit 509 is provided in the conveyance path, and the printing unit 509 can print characters on a non-banknote medium. The non-banknote medium for which necessary printing has been completed is returned to the moving car 9 by reversely transporting the conveyance path, and returned to the user from the non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path 3c through the common conveyance path 3a at the handling port 2. The print processing unit 10c is provided with a storage unit 507 so that a new non-banknote medium can be issued to the user as in the case of the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b. The printing unit 509 performs necessary printing on the non-banknote medium taken out by the separating unit 508 so that a new non-banknote medium can be issued. The non-banknote medium handled by the print processing unit 10c may require a process involving a page turning operation, such as a bankbook. For this purpose, a page turning apparatus 510 is provided at the end of the conveyance path. When necessary, the conveyance direction is switched by the gate 504 and the sheet is conveyed to the page turning apparatus 510. After page turning there, the page turning apparatus 510 is returned to the site. Necessary printing can be performed. In such a print processing unit 10c, for example, a non-banknote medium such as a passbook or a certificate is processed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 11 is connected to the automatic control unit 104 a in the main body control unit 104 of the medium handling terminal 100 via the data bus 104 d, and receives commands from the automatic control unit 104 a and the medium handling device 1. The medium handling device 1 is controlled according to the state detection. Further, the state of the medium handling device 1 is transmitted to the automatic control unit 104a as necessary. The main control contents of the control unit 11 for the medium handling device 1 include the modules constituting the medium handling device 1 (the handling port 2, the shared transport path 3a, the banknote dedicated transport path 3b, the non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c, the type. Connected to drive motors and sensors in the discriminator 4, the gate 5, the banknote discriminator 6, the temporary storage box 7, the banknote storage unit 8 and the non-banknote medium processing unit 10) Is to control the motor and the like while detecting.

  Next, a medium handling process in the medium handling apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 shows a banknote transport path from when a banknote is inserted as a medium until the user confirms the deposit amount. A banknote is conveyed by the conveyance path | route shown with the continuous line in the figure. The bills inserted into the handling port 2 are separated one by one, sent to the common transport path 3a and transported, and during this time, pass through the type discriminator 4 and are determined to be bills. The information is sent to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 switches between the gate 5a and the gate 5b in response to this, so that the conveyance direction of the banknotes is distributed to the connection conveyance path 3d and enters the banknote dedicated conveyance path 3b. It is conveyed in the direction of the banknote discriminator 6 by the banknote dedicated transport path 3b. The banknote discriminator 6 discriminates the denomination, authenticity, damage, etc. of the banknote and transmits the discrimination result to the control unit 11. When the banknote is regarded as normal, the control unit 11 switches the gate 5c so as to transport the banknote to the temporary storage box 7. On the other hand, when the banknote is regarded as abnormal, the gate 5c is switched so as to return the banknote from the banknote discharge conveyance path 3e to the handling port 2. When all the inserted banknotes are stored in the temporary storage 7 or returned to the handling port 2, the amount of money is calculated from the denomination and the number of sheets, and the result is displayed on the customer display operation unit 102 (FIG. 1). .

  FIG. 12 shows a conveyance route of banknotes until the banknotes are stored in the banknote storage of the banknote storage unit 8 after confirmation of the deposit amount. The banknotes are sent one by one from the temporary storage 7 to the banknote transport path 3b. The bill passes through the bill validator 6 again, and the denomination is reconfirmed. The result is transmitted to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 stores the banknote as a storage destination according to its denomination or damage state (any one of the safe 8a, the reflux box 8c, and the reject box 8d). The gates 5b, 5d, 5e, and 5f are switched so as to be conveyed to. If all the banknotes stored in the temporary storage 7 are stored in the banknote storage unit 8, the depositing process is completed.

  FIG. 13 shows a banknote transport path until the banknote is withdrawn to the user. The control unit 11 controls the bank safe 8b and the reflux box 8c of the banknote storage unit 8 to send out banknotes one by one according to the amount and denomination designated by the user. A banknote is conveyed by the banknote exclusive conveyance path 3b, and the presence or absence of abnormality is appraised by the banknote discriminator 6 in the middle. Abnormality here refers to a damaged state of banknotes or repeated feeding. The determination result is transmitted to the control unit 11. If the banknote is normal, the control unit 11 switches the gate 5 c to guide the banknote from the banknote discharge conveyance path 3 e to the handling port 2. When the designated amount is released to the handling port 2, the shutter 201 is opened and the banknote is withdrawn to the user. On the other hand, when it is determined that the banknote is abnormal, the gate 5 c is switched so as to guide the banknote to the temporary storage 7. The abnormal banknotes stored in the temporary storage 7 are stored in the reject storage 8d after the transaction is completed.

  FIG. 14 shows a conveyance path when a non-banknote medium is inserted as a medium. The non-banknote medium thrown into the handling port 2 is separated one by one, sent to the common transport path 3a and transported. During this time, it passes through the type discriminator 4 and is determined to be a non-banknote medium. The information is sent to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 switches the gate 5 a in response to this, so that the non-banknote medium is sent to the non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3 c with its transport direction being sorted. The non-banknote medium sent to the non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c is delivered to the moving basket 9, and the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 performs the non-banknote medium distribution function as described above in the non-banknote medium dedicated transport path 3c. It is distributed to the corresponding processing unit (any one of the optical reading processing unit 10a, the electronic information reading / processing unit 10b, and the printing processing unit 10c). That is, the moving basket 9 stops at the position of the corresponding processing unit and passes the non-banknote medium to the processing unit.

  When issuing a non-banknote medium from the non-banknote medium processing unit 10, contrary to the above, first, the control unit 11 controls the position of the moving basket 9 to move to the position of the corresponding processing unit and stop it. In this state, the moving basket 9 receives a non-banknote medium from the processing unit. The moving basket 9 that has received the non-banknote medium moves to a position where it is connected to the shared transport path 3a, and passes the non-banknote medium to the shared transport path 3a. Then, the shared conveyance path 3a conveys and discharges the non-banknote medium to the handling port 2. When the non-banknote medium designated by the user has been released to the handling port 2, the shutter 201 is opened and the issuance of the non-banknote medium is completed.

  Here, the above processing of banknotes and non-banknote media can proceed in parallel while sharing one handling port 2 for a plurality of types of media. In other words, when the user wants to conduct transactions related to non-banknote media at the same time as banknote deposit and withdrawal. First, a transaction of a non-banknote medium that takes time to process can be started first, and a transaction of a banknote can proceed simultaneously in parallel while a process related to the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 is proceeding. As described above, it is a major feature of the present invention to enable simultaneous processing of transactions for banknotes and transactions for non-banknote media while sharing one handling port 2 for various media. Such a feature of the present invention is that there are three types of media conveyance paths: a common conveyance path 3a, a banknote dedicated conveyance path 3b, and a non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path 3c. After the first-stage sorting by the banknote medium sorting means, the banknote is sorted by the banknote sorting means, and the non-banknote medium is sorted by the non-banknote medium sorting means as the second-stage sorting. This is possible depending on the configuration. In other words, in addition to the common conveyance path 3a, a bank-dedicated conveyance path 3b and a non-banknote medium-dedicated conveyance path 3c are provided. In each of the path 3b and the conveyance path 3c dedicated to the non-banknote medium, the distribution of the second stage according to the processing contents for the banknote and the non-banknote medium is performed, so that the influence of the non-banknote medium having a low processing speed is affected by the banknote. As a result, common handling of a plurality of types of media at one handling port 2 and simultaneous processing of banknotes and non-banknote media can be performed without causing a reduction in overall processing efficiency. It can be realized.

  In the above embodiment, a processing system for banknotes capable of high-speed processing is arranged below the medium handling device 1, and a processing system for non-banknote media, which is usually slow in processing speed, is used for the medium handling device 1. It has a configuration arranged above. Such a structure is a structure in which banknotes are stored in the banknotes from the top and banknotes are accumulated using gravity, and the stable accumulation of banknotes is a relatively simple mechanism. This is because it is advantageous for realization. Moreover, since such a structure can deliver a banknote in the upper part of the banknote store | warehouse | chamber 8, the banknote conveyance path 3b can be completed comparatively short, and there also exists an advantage that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved.

  Other embodiments will be described below. FIG. 15 shows the overall configuration of a medium handling device according to the second embodiment. The medium handling apparatus 1000 of the present embodiment is provided with an external non-banknote medium processing unit 10 similar to that in the first embodiment in order to enhance the expandability of the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 in the first embodiment. I am trying to provide it. That is, the connection part 12 is provided at the end of the shared conveyance path 3a, and the connection part 12 connects the non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path 3c of the non-banknote medium processing part 10 to the shared conveyance path 3a. It is designed to be installed externally. Since other configurations are the same as those in the medium handling device 1 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 15, the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 is not shown.

  FIG. 16 shows the overall configuration of a medium handling device according to the third embodiment. The medium handling device 2000 of the present embodiment is provided with a non-banknote medium processing unit 2010 corresponding to the non-banknote medium processing unit 10 in the first embodiment instead of the non-banknote medium processing unit 10. The non-banknote medium processing unit 2010 can handle more types of non-banknote media, and six processing units 2010a to 2010f are provided in the illustrated example. Since other configurations are basically the same as those in the medium handling device 1 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The present invention greatly enhances the convenience of a medium handling device, and can be widely used in the field of medium handling terminals such as ATMs installed by financial institutions.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the medium handling terminal incorporating the medium handling apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system in the medium handling terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the medium handling apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a handling port. It is a figure which shows the structure of a conveyance path only for a non-banknote medium. It is a figure which shows the structure of a temporary storage. It is a figure which shows the structure of an optical reading processing unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of an electronic information reading processing unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of a print processing unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system of the medium handling apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route of the inserted banknote. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route of the banknote until it inserts into the banknote accommodating part the inserted banknote. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route of a banknote until it pays out a banknote to a user. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route of the thrown non-banknote medium. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the medium handling apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the medium handling apparatus by 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medium handling apparatus 2 Handling port 3a Common conveyance path 3b Dedicated conveyance path 3c Non-banknote medium conveyance path 5a Gate (banknote / non-banknote medium distribution means)
9 moving basket 10 non-banknote medium processing unit 10a optical reading processing unit 10b electronic information reading / processing unit 10c printing processing unit

Claims (4)

In a medium handling apparatus that can handle both banknotes and non-banknote media other than banknotes as a medium,
A handling port adapted to be able to exchange the banknote and the non-banknote medium with a user in common, connected to the handling port, and used for transporting both the banknote and the non-banknote medium. A non-banknote medium dedicated transport connected to the shared transport path, connected to the shared transport path, and used only for transporting the banknotes, and connected to the shared transport path and used only for transporting the non-banknote media. A banknote / non-banknote medium sorting means for sorting the transport path of the medium transported by the path, the shared transport path, depending on whether the medium is the banknote or the non-banknote medium, and transported by the banknote dedicated transport path The banknote distribution means for distributing the banknote transport path according to the denomination and state of the banknote, and the transport path of the non-banknote medium transported by the non-banknote medium transport path That it comprises a non-paper money medium sorter medium handling apparatus according to claim distributing according to.   The medium handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shared conveyance path is configured by only a linear portion.   The medium handling device according to claim 1, wherein the non-banknote medium dedicated conveyance path is formed so as to convey the non-banknote medium by moving a moving cage that holds the non-banknote medium.   A non-banknote medium processing section provided with a plurality of processing units for performing processing on the non-banknote medium, and the non-banknote medium-dedicated transport path is a target processing unit of the plurality of processing units. The non-banknote medium distribution means is configured to function as the non-banknote medium distribution means by allowing the non-banknote medium to be exchanged with the target processing unit along with the movement case. The medium handling device described in 1.

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