JP2016031665A - Currency exchange device and currency pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a currency exchange device capable of properly coping with erroneous loading of a currency pack, and a currency pack using the currency exchange device.SOLUTION: A foreign currency exchange machine uses a foreign currency pack 10 that stores foreign currency thereinside and to which an identifier for identifying the kind of a content is attached. The foreign currency exchange machine includes: a pack loading unit 103 in which the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded; a pack transportation unit 110 that transports the foreign currency pack 10 from the pack loading unit to a transportation position; identifier sensors 161, 162 that are provided in a transportation path 105 of the pack transportation unit 110, and detect an identifier arranged in the foreign currency pack 10; and a control unit that blocks transportation of the foreign pack 10 to the transportation position on the basis of detection results of the identifier sensors 161, 162.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a currency exchange device for exchanging one currency for another type of currency and a currency pack used therefor.

  Foreign currency exchange machines for exchanging money distributed in the country for foreign currency are installed in banks and the like. In this type of foreign currency exchange, a foreign currency pack containing foreign currency is loaded into the foreign currency exchange. The foreign currency exchange is provided with a plurality of pack loading units into which different types of foreign currency packs are loaded. The foreign currency pack is loaded into the corresponding pack loading unit. The user inputs domestic currency into the foreign currency exchange and inputs the type of foreign currency to be exchanged into the foreign currency exchange. Thereby, the foreign currency pack which accommodated the foreign currency from the foreign currency exchange is provided to the user. This type of foreign currency exchange is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

JP-A-11-185091 JP-A-11-185092

  In a foreign currency exchange machine, wrong loading of foreign currency packs becomes a problem. If an inappropriate type of foreign currency pack is erroneously loaded into the pack loading unit, a foreign currency pack different from the type and amount desired by the user is provided to the user. In such a case, it results in imposing troubles such as exchange and refund of foreign currency on the user. There is also concern that the credit of foreign currency providers will decline. This problem can also occur in other types of currency exchange devices that exchange one currency for a currency other than a foreign currency.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a currency exchange device that can appropriately cope with erroneous loading of a currency pack and a currency pack used therefor.

  The 1st mode of the present invention is related with the money exchange device which uses the money pack in which the identifier for identifying the kind of contents was attached while accommodating money inside. The money exchange apparatus according to this aspect is provided in a pack loading unit in which the money pack is loaded, a pack conveyance unit that conveys the money pack from the pack loading unit to a carry-out position, and a conveyance path of the pack conveyance unit. And a detection unit that detects the identifier arranged in the money pack, and a control unit that blocks conveyance of the money pack with respect to the carry-out position based on a detection result of the detection unit.

  A 2nd aspect of this invention is related with the money pack accommodated in a money exchange apparatus while accommodating money inside. The money pack according to this aspect includes an identifier for identifying the type of contents.

  According to the present invention, since an identifier for identifying the type of money is attached to the money pack, even if an inappropriate type of money pack is accidentally loaded into the pack loading unit, this erroneous loading is detected. Based on the detection result of the part, the carrying out of the money pack is blocked. Therefore, it is avoided that an incorrect type of money pack is provided to the user.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a currency exchange device that can appropriately cope with erroneous loading of a currency pack and a currency pack used therefor.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an appearance of a foreign currency exchange according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a main part showing an arrangement state of pack units according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views of the foreign currency pack according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side and the back side, respectively, and FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an array pattern of identifiers according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of identifiers according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining the configuration of identifiers according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pack transport unit according to the embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 5D are perspective views showing the main part of the latter half of the pack transport unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the foreign currency exchange according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control at the time of carrying out the foreign currency pack according to the embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B are a plan view and a side view schematically showing the foreign currency pack carry-out operation (at the start of carry-out) according to the embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 8C and 8D are a plan view and a side view schematically showing the foreign currency pack carry-out operation (in the middle of carry-out) according to the embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 9A and 9B are a plan view and a side view schematically showing the foreign currency pack carry-out operation (at the end of carry-out) according to the embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing the action of the gate lever according to the embodiment (when carrying out the maximum thickness pack). FIGS. 10C and 10D are side views schematically showing the action of the gate lever according to the embodiment (when carrying out the minimum thickness pack). FIG. 11A is a plan view showing the configuration of the pack transport unit according to the first modification, and FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing the control when carrying out the foreign currency pack according to the first modification. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of identifiers according to the second modification, and FIG. 12B is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the pack transport unit according to the second modification. FIG. 13A is a plan view showing the configuration of the pack transport unit according to the third modification, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the control when carrying out the foreign currency pack according to the third modification. FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of an identifier according to Modification Example 4, and FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the configuration of a foreign currency pack according to Modification Example 5.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis that are orthogonal to each other are added for convenience. The XY plane is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The X-axis positive direction, the Y-axis positive direction, and the Z-axis positive direction are the forward direction, the left direction, and the upward direction, respectively.

  In the following embodiments, examples in which the present invention is applied to a foreign currency exchange are shown. In the present embodiment, the foreign currency exchange machine 1 and the foreign currency pack 10 correspond to a “money exchange device” and a “money pack” described in the claims, respectively.

  With reference to Fig.1 (a), the foreign currency exchange 1 is provided with the front panel 1a which can be opened and closed. A plurality of selection buttons 11 for selecting a foreign currency to be exchanged are arranged on the upper part of the front panel 1a. A pack unloading port 12 for unloading the foreign currency pack 10 (see FIG. 2A) is provided at a position directly below each selection button 11. A coin insertion slot 13 for inserting coins and a banknote insertion slot 14 for inserting banknotes are arranged in the center of the front panel 1a. Among these, there are provided a coin outlet 15 and a banknote outlet 16 for discharging rejected coins / banknotes which are not accepted, or for discharging change. In addition, the front panel 1a is provided with a touch panel 17 for performing various displays and operation inputs.

  When performing foreign currency exchange, the user inserts money from the coin insertion slot 13 and the bill insertion slot 14, and operates the touch panel 17 and the selection button 11 according to the display on the touch panel 17. When appropriate deposit and operation are performed, a part of the foreign currency pack 10 selected by the user is pushed out from the pack carry-out port 12. The user pulls out the pushed foreign currency pack 10 from the pack carry-out port 12. Thereby, the user can receive a desired foreign currency.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the front panel 1a is opened. With reference to FIG.1 (b), the several pack unit 100 is arrange | positioned at the upper part of the foreign currency exchange machine 1. FIG. The pack unit 100 is supported by the slide rail 18 so that the pack unit 100 can be pulled out in the X-axis direction while being stacked in two stages. FIG. 1B shows a state where the two pack units 100 in the third column from the left are pulled out. For convenience, the pulled-out upper pack unit 100 is shown with the side cover 102 removed.

  The pack unit 100 includes an opening 101 for carrying out the foreign currency pack 10, a side cover 102, and a pack loading unit 103 in which the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded. The opening 101 faces the pack carry-out port 12 shown in FIG. 1A when the front panel 1a is closed. The side cover 102 is attached to the side surface of the pack unit 100 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the pack loading unit 103 from the side surface. In other words, the side cover 102 has an upper end pivotally supported on the side surface of the pack unit 100, and the lower end is rotated around the upper end to open the side of the pack loading unit 103.

  The pack loading unit 103 is a space in which the X-axis positive / negative side, the Y-axis positive / negative side, and the Z-axis positive / negative side are partitioned by walls when the side cover 102 is attached. In a state where the side cover 102 is opened, the foreign currency pack 10 can be inserted from the Y axis positive side of the pack loading unit 103. The foreign currency pack 10 is loaded into the pack loading unit 103 such that the surface (see FIG. 2A) faces the positive direction of the Z axis. Thus, the foreign currency pack 10 is accommodated in the pack loading unit 103 so as to overlap in the Z-axis direction. The side cover 102 may be detachably attached to the side surface of the pack unit 100.

  A gap through which the foreign currency pack 10 can pass is provided between the side surface 103 a and the bottom surface 103 b on the positive side of the X axis of the pack loading unit 103. The foreign currency packs 10 loaded in the pack loading unit 103 are sent in the positive direction of the X axis in order from the lowest one. At this time, the foreign currency pack 10 is conveyed to the opening 101 through the gap between the side surface 103a and the bottom surface 103b. Thereafter, the foreign currency pack 10 is pushed out through the opening 101 from the pack carry-out port 12.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the surface of the foreign currency pack 10. Referring to FIG. 2A, the foreign currency pack 10 is made of a paper envelope having a rectangular outline in plan view. A banknote is accommodated in the foreign currency pack 10, and the foreign currency pack 10 is sealed. Predetermined character information is printed on the surface of the foreign currency pack 10. The character information includes the type of contents, that is, the type and number of foreign currencies accommodated in the foreign currency pack 10, and the total amount of contents. In the example of FIG. 2A, it is indicated by letters that five 100 US dollar bills are accommodated in the foreign currency pack 10.

  The foreign currency pack 10 has the same contour regardless of the type of contents. After the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the pack loading unit 103, the foreign currency pack 10 is conveyed in a direction parallel to the long side. That is, the direction parallel to the long side is the conveyance direction of the foreign currency pack 10. In a normal loading state, the right side in FIG.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state in which the foreign currency pack 10 is turned over in the short side direction from the state of FIG. Referring to FIG. 2B, on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10, identifier groups 10a and 10b each composed of a plurality of identifiers are respectively provided on the front side in the transport direction (right side in the figure) and on the rear side in the transport direction (left side in the figure). Is arranged. The identifiers of the identifier groups 10a and 10b are all arranged in a predetermined pattern so that the type of contents stored in the foreign currency pack 10, that is, the type and number of foreign currencies stored in the foreign currency pack 10 can be specified. Yes. The identifier groups 10 a and 10 b are printed on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 with black ink.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the identifier groups 10a and 10b. Referring to FIG. 3A, the identifier groups 10a and 10b are each composed of the same number of identifiers S. When the intersection of the short side center line L1 and the long side center line L2 of the foreign currency pack 10, that is, the center of the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 is O, each identifier S of the identifier group 10a and each identifier S of the identifier group 10b. Are arranged so as to be symmetric with respect to the center O.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the configuration of the identifier group 10a. Referring to FIG. 3B, each identifier S of the identifier group 10a is composed of bars having the same length and width. The arrangement positions of the identifiers S are set at regular intervals in the upper column 1 and the lower column 2 with respect to the center line L1. Here, six arrangement positions are set. Hereinafter, the arrangement positions are referred to as arrangement positions 1 to 6 in order from the top in the transport direction. In FIG. 3B, numbers indicating the arrangement positions 1 to 6 are added.

  In the arrangement position 1, the identifier S is arranged in both the column 1 and the column 2. Thus, it is only the arrangement position 1 that the identifier S is arranged in both the column 1 and the column 2. Accordingly, by reading the identifier S at the arrangement position 1, the start of the identifier group 10a can be detected. Thus, the identifier S at the arrangement position 1 exhibits a function indicating the start of reading. Hereinafter, the identifier S of the arrangement position 1 is particularly referred to as “start bar S1”.

  In the arrangement position 2, the identifier S is arranged in either one of the column 1 and the column 2. When the total number of identifiers S arranged in the subsequent arrangement positions 3 to 6 is an even number, the identifier S is arranged in the column 2 at the arrangement position 2. In addition, when the total number of identifiers S arranged in the subsequent arrangement positions 3 to 6 is an odd number, the identifier S is arranged in the column 1 at the arrangement position 2. Therefore, whether the total number of subsequent identifiers S is even or odd is identified depending on whether the identifier S at the arrangement position 2 is arranged in the column 1 or the column 2. Whether or not the identifier S is read can be determined based on whether the identification result matches the total number (even / odd) of the subsequent identifiers S actually detected. For example, in the case of FIG. 3B, when the total number of identifiers S detected after the arrangement position 3 becomes 3 or 5 (odd number) due to the attachment of dust or dirt (white dust or dirt adheres to the identifier S and If the identifier S is not detected, the total number of detections becomes 3. Alternatively, black dust or dirt is attached and misrecognized as an identifier, resulting in the total number of detections being 5.) As a result, reading of the identifier group 10a is regarded as an error. . Thus, the identifier S at the arrangement position 2 exhibits a function for determining whether or not reading is appropriate. Hereinafter, the identifier S of the arrangement position 2 is particularly referred to as “parity bar S2”.

  In the arrangement positions 3 to 6, the identifier S is arranged in one of the column 1 and the column 2, or the identifier S is not arranged in either the column 1 or the column 2. Here, depending on whether the identifier S arranged after the arrangement position 3 appears in the row 1 or the row 2 in the transport direction, the pattern of the identifier S after the arrangement position 3 has specificity. For example, in the example of FIG. 3B, the appearance order of the identifiers S after the arrangement position 3 when the foreign currency pack 10 is conveyed is “column 2 → column 1 → column 1 → column 2”. This order of appearance does not exist in the arrangement pattern of the identifiers S in other types of foreign currency packs 10. Therefore, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 can be identified by the identifier S at the arrangement positions 3 to 6. Thus, the identifiers S of the arrangement positions 3 to 6 exhibit a function for identifying the type of the foreign currency pack 10 based on the specificity of the arrangement pattern. Hereinafter, the identifier S at the arrangement positions 3 to 6 is particularly referred to as “identification bar S3”.

  As described above, the identifier group 10b is arranged symmetrically with the identifier group 10a with respect to the center O. Therefore, the identifier group 10b also has a start bar S1, a parity bar S2, and an identification bar S3 in the same pattern.

  FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an array pattern of identifiers. In FIG. 2C, the “right identifier group” corresponds to the identifier group 10a, and the “left identifier group” corresponds to the identifier group 10b.

  As described above, in the identifier groups 10a and 10b, the type of the foreign currency pack 10, that is, the type of contents of the foreign currency pack 10 is specified by the identifier S (identification bar S3) at the arrangement positions 3 to 6, respectively. Here, 16 types of arrangement patterns of the identification bar S3 are prepared, and the types of the foreign currency packs 10 can be assigned to these 16 arrangement patterns. Note that types 9 to 16 have an arrangement pattern in which the identification bar S3 is not arranged in both the column 1 and the column 2 at a predetermined arrangement position. The appearance order of the identification bar S3 in type 9 is “column 1 → column 1 → column 1”, and the appearance order of the identification bar S3 in type 15 is “column 2”.

  Thus, by giving the appearance order of the identification bar S3, the type corresponding to the identifier group 10a can be identified regardless of the transport speed of the foreign currency pack 10. That is, even if the conveyance speed of the foreign currency pack 10 changes during the detection of the identification bar S3, the appearance order of the identification bar S3 does not change. Therefore, by configuring the identification bar S3 as described above, the type corresponding to the identifier group 10a can be identified even if the transport speed of the foreign currency pack 10 is not constant.

  Further, since the identifiers S of the identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center O, the identifier group 10b is loaded even if the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded reversely and the identifier group 10b is positioned on the front side in the transport direction. The arrangement pattern of the identifier S is the same as the arrangement pattern of the identifier S of the identifier group 10a when the foreign currency pack 10 is normally loaded. Therefore, even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the reverse direction as described above, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 can be determined by reading the identifier group 10b.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of the pack transport unit 110. The pack transport unit 110 transports the foreign currency pack 10 loaded in the pack loading unit 103 in the direction toward the opening 101 in the pack unit 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 103 b of the pack loading unit 103 is a part of the transport path of the pack transport unit 110.

  The pack transport unit 110 includes a transport path 104 connected to the bottom surface 103 b of the pack loading unit 103, a transport path 105 connected to the transport path 104, rollers 111 to 117, and shafts 121 to 126. In addition, the pack conveyance unit 110 includes a motor and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor to each axis. The conveyance path 104 is inclined obliquely, and the conveyance path 105 is horizontal. The bottom surface 103b and the conveyance paths 104 and 105 have a substantially rectangular outline in plan view. The width of the bottom surface 103b and the conveyance paths 104 and 105 in the Y-axis direction are the same.

  A pair of rollers 111, a pair of rollers 112, and a pair of rollers 113 protrude upward from the bottom surface 103b. The pair of rollers 111 is fixed to the shaft 121, the pair of rollers 112 is fixed to the shaft 122, and the pair of rollers 113 is fixed to the shaft 123. The shafts 121 and 122 are rotated in the same direction by a common motor (not shown). The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the shafts 121 and 122 by a cooperation mechanism and a belt (not shown). The rollers 111, 112, and 113 have rubber surfaces. The same applies to the other rollers (excluding the roller 117) constituting the pack conveying unit 110. The roller 117 is a metal bearing.

  A pair of rollers 114 protrudes upward from the conveyance path 104. A pair of rollers 115 is disposed immediately above the pair of rollers 114 with a slight gap therebetween. The pair of rollers 114 is fixed to the shaft 124, and the pair of rollers 115 is fixed to the shaft 125. The shaft 125 is rotatably supported by the rotation frame 132. The shaft 125 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the shaft 125 by a cooperation mechanism and a belt (not shown).

  Further, the roller 116 protrudes upward from the conveyance path 105. A roller 117 is disposed immediately above the roller 116. The roller 116 is fixed to the shaft 126. The roller 117 is supported by support means (not shown) and is pressed against the roller 116 by biasing means (not shown). The shafts 123, 124, and 126 are rotated in the same direction by a common motor (not shown). The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the shafts 123, 124, and 126 by a cooperation mechanism and a belt (not shown).

  The rotation frame 132 is pivotally supported by a shaft 131 fixed to a chassis (not shown). The rotation frame 132 is restricted from rotating clockwise as viewed in the positive Y-axis direction by a stopper (not shown). Thereby, a gap is provided between the pair of rollers 114 and the pair of rollers 115. In addition to the rotation frame 132, a gate lever 140 and a rotation member 151 are supported on the shaft 131.

  FIG. 5A shows only the configuration related to the rotation frame 132 and the pair of rollers 115 from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 5B shows only the configuration related to the gate lever 140 from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 5C shows only the configuration related to the rotating member 151 from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 5D illustrates a configuration in which the member supported by the shaft 131 is omitted from the configuration of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a pair of gate levers 140 are pivotally supported on the shaft 131. The pair of gate levers 140 are disposed inside the rotation frame 132. The pair of gate levers 140 have shapes that are symmetrical to each other in a direction parallel to the shaft 131. The end portion 141 of the gate lever 140 is inclined in the direction toward the transport path 104 while hanging down in the direction toward the bottom surface 103b. Each of the pair of gate levers 140 is urged clockwise by the spring 133 when viewed in the positive direction of the Y axis. When the linear engaging portion 142 provided on the gate lever 140 contacts the shaft 125, the rotation of the gate lever 140 is restricted. Thereby, the initial position of the gate lever 140 is set.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the rotating member 151 is pivotally supported on the shaft 131. The rotating member 151 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the pair of gate levers 140. A roller 152 protrudes upward from the conveyance path 105. The roller 152 is rotatably supported by a shaft 153. A roller 154 is rotatably supported at the end of the rotating member 151, and the roller 154 is in contact with the roller 152. The rotating member 151 is urged clockwise by the spring 134 as viewed in the positive Y-axis direction. As a result, the roller 154 is pressed against the roller 152.

  Referring to FIG. 5D, an opening 105a is formed at the center of the conveyance path 105 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). A transparent cover 135 is fitted into the opening 105a from the back side of the transport path 105. The transparent cover 135 slightly protrudes from the conveyance path 105. A pair of identifier sensors 161 and 162 are disposed in the back (lower side) of the transparent cover 135. The identifier sensors 161 and 162 are reflection-type optical sensors that emit light in the Z-axis direction via the transparent cover 135, receive the reflected light, and output a detection signal. When the foreign currency pack 10 is transported along the transport path 105, the identifiers S of the respective rows arranged on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 pass through the detection areas of the identifier sensors 161 and 162, respectively. In this way, the identifier of the foreign currency pack 10 is read by the identifier sensors 161 and 162. By converting the detection signals from the identifier sensors 161 and 162 into pulse signals, pulse trains corresponding to the identifiers of the respective columns of the identifier groups 10a and 10b are generated.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 5A is used to prevent the foreign currency pack 10 from being over-delivered and to reversely feed the foreign currency pack 10 (return to the pack loading unit 103). In a normal transport operation in which the foreign currency pack 10 is transported from the pack loading unit 103 toward the opening 101, the roller 115 is not driven and the stopped state is maintained. For this reason, for example, when a situation occurs in which two foreign currency packs 10 overlap and are transported to the transport path 105, the upper foreign currency pack 10 comes into contact with the roller 115, and the friction force received from the roller 115 causes the downstream. Progress to the side is hindered. As a result, only the lower foreign currency pack 10 is transported to the downstream side, and overdelivery of the foreign currency pack 10 is prevented. If the foreign currency pack 10 remains in the transport path 105 without being carried outside, the roller 115 is reversed and the foreign currency pack 10 is returned to the pack loading unit 103. At this time, the roller 114 facing the roller 115 is also reversed, and the rollers 111 to 113 (see FIG. 4) are also reversed. When the foreign currency pack 10 is pinched between the roller 114 and the roller 115, the roller 115 can be rotated (forward rotation) in the feeding direction to release the foreign currency pack 10 and send it to the carry-out position. is there.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 5B is used to prevent over-delivery of the foreign currency pack 10. This will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The configuration of FIG. 5C is used for preventing over-delivery of the foreign currency pack 10 (thickness determination). When the foreign currency pack 10 is transported along the transport path 105, the foreign currency pack 10 is sandwiched between the roller 152 and the roller 154, and the rotating member 151 rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the positive Y-axis direction. . The amount of rotation at this time depends on the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10. The amount of rotation of the rotation member 151 is detected by a displacement sensor 155 (see FIG. 4) with an actuator. In the displacement sensor 155, the actuator portion is in contact with the upper surface of the rotation member 151, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation amount of the rotation member 151. Therefore, it is possible to detect the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10 passing through the transport path 105 based on the detection signal from the displacement sensor 155. When the detection result is out of the thickness range of one foreign currency pack 10 to be carried out, it is determined that the foreign currency packs 10 to be carried out are overlapped and carried out. In this case, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is interrupted. Thereby, the over delivery of the foreign currency pack 10 is prevented.

  Even when a foreign currency pack 10 different from the foreign currency pack 10 to be carried out is carried out, the detection signal of the displacement sensor 155 is out of the thickness range of one foreign currency pack 10 to be carried out. Become. Therefore, also in this case, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is interrupted, and erroneous delivery of the foreign currency pack 10 is prevented.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 5D is used for preventing the foreign currency pack 10 from being erroneously transmitted (determining whether the identifier is appropriate). As described above, the identifier S of each column (column 1, column 2: see FIG. 3B) of the identifier group 10a, 10b on the back of the foreign currency pack 10 is detected based on the detection signals from the identifier sensors 161, 162. Is done. Therefore, the type of foreign currency pack 10 is determined by collating this detection result with the pattern shown in FIG. When the determination result is different from the type of the foreign currency pack 10 to be carried out, it is determined that the foreign currency pack 10 is inappropriate. In this case, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is interrupted. Thereby, erroneous delivery of the foreign currency pack 10 is prevented.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the foreign currency exchange 1. The foreign currency exchange 1 includes a control unit 21, a selection button receiving unit 22, a coin processing unit 23, a banknote processing unit 24, a storage unit 25, a sensor unit 26, and a drive unit 27, and further includes FIG. The touch panel 17 shown in a) is provided.

  The control unit 21 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and controls each unit according to a program stored in the storage unit 25. The selection button receiving unit 22 includes a selection button 11 illustrated in FIG. 1A and a circuit unit that processes an operation on the selection button 11. The coin processing unit 23 includes a coin slot 13 and a coin outlet 15 shown in FIG. 1A, and a mechanism unit and a circuit unit for processing coins inserted from the coin slot 13. The banknote processing unit 24 includes a banknote insertion port 14 and a banknote outlet 16 shown in FIG. 1A, and a mechanism unit and a circuit unit for processing banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion port 14.

  The storage unit 25 includes a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores a program executed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 25 stores information that associates the arrangement pattern of the identifier S (the order in which the identification bar S3 appears) with the type of the foreign currency pack 10 illustrated in FIG. In addition, the storage unit 25 is also used as a work area in the arithmetic processing of the control unit 21. The sensor unit 26 includes a displacement sensor 155 shown in FIG. 4 and identifier sensors 161 and 162 shown in FIG. 5D, and other sensors necessary for the operation of the foreign currency exchange 1. The drive unit 27 includes other motors and transmission mechanisms necessary for the operation of the foreign currency exchange 1, in addition to the drive motor and transmission mechanism of the pack transport unit 110 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control when the foreign currency pack 10 is carried out. This control is performed by the control unit 21 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, control unit 21 determines whether or not an instruction to carry out foreign currency pack 10 has been received (S101). When a predetermined selection button 11 is operated after the appropriate amount of money is inserted from the coin insertion slot 13 and the bill insertion slot 14 shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 21 instructs the foreign currency pack 10 to be carried out. Is determined to have been accepted. When an instruction to carry out the foreign currency pack 10 is received (S101: YES), the control unit 21 drives the pack transport unit 110 of the pack unit 100 corresponding to the operated selection button 11 to start transporting the foreign currency pack 10. (S102). As a result, the foreign currency pack 10 at the lowest position of the pack loading unit 103 is conveyed toward the opening 101. More specifically, the rollers 111 to 113 rotate counterclockwise when viewed in the positive Y-axis direction, and send the foreign currency pack at the lowest position toward the gap between the rollers 114 and 115. From the function of each roller, the rollers 111 to 113 are also called kick rollers, the roller 114 is also called a feed roller, and the roller 115 is also called a gate roller.

  Further, in the foreign currency pack 10, banknotes of different sizes are encapsulated depending on the denomination, but the smallest banknote (5 euro banknote in the present embodiment) to be handled is encapsulated in the foreign currency pack 10 so as to be offset. Also, the rollers 111 to 113 are arranged so that the pair of rollers 111, 112, and 113 hang on the bill. As a result, one of the pair of rollers 111 to 113 is applied only to the foreign currency pack 10 and the other roller is applied to the banknote in the foreign currency pack 10, whereby the feeding force acting on the foreign currency pack 10 is unloaded. Preventing balance. Therefore, the foreign currency pack 10 can be smoothly transported regardless of the denomination of the bill inside.

  Moreover, the control part 21 starts the thickness detection with respect to the foreign currency pack 10 by operating the displacement sensor 155 (S103). More specifically, when the foreign currency pack 10 is transported and the foreign currency pack 10 is sandwiched between the rollers 152 and 154 shown in FIG. 5C, the rotating member 151 is counterclockwise as viewed in the positive direction of the Y axis. Rotate. The control unit 21 detects the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10 by detecting this rotation amount with the displacement sensor 155 shown in FIG. 4.

  Furthermore, the control part 21 operates the identifier sensors 161 and 162, and starts the reading operation | movement of the identifier groups 10a and 10b of the foreign currency pack 10 (S104). Specifically, when the foreign currency pack 10 is transported and the identifier group 10a on the front side in the transport direction arranged on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 passes through the identifier sensors 161 and 162, the identifier sensors 161 and 162 respond to the identifier group 10a. A waveform signal is output. The control unit 21 starts reading the identifier group 10a by detecting the start bar S1 based on the waveform signal. The control unit 21 detects the arrangement pattern of the identifier S by processing the waveform signal, and determines the type of the foreign currency pack 10 according to the detection result. When the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the pack loading unit 103 in the reverse direction, the identifier group 10b passes through the identifier sensors 161 and 162 before the identifier group 10a. Since the identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center O (see FIG. 3A) as described above, the control unit 21 also reads the identifier group 10b that passes first in this case. Based on the result, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 can be similarly determined.

  Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10 detected based on the detection signal from the displacement sensor 155 corresponds to the thickness of one foreign currency pack 10 received in S101 ( S105). The thickness of one foreign currency pack 10 varies depending on the number of banknotes stored in the foreign currency pack 10 and the type of banknote. In the storage unit 25 shown in FIG. 6, an allowable range of the thickness of one foreign currency pack 10 is held in advance for each type of foreign currency pack 10. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10 detected based on the detection signal from the displacement sensor 155 is included in the allowable thickness range for one piece stored in the storage unit 25.

  When the thickness of the conveyed foreign currency pack 10 is not appropriate (S105: NO), the control unit 21 assumes that the foreign currency packs 10 to be carried out may overlap and are carried out, or the wrong type of foreign currency packs. Assuming that 10 is likely to be carried out, a predetermined error is displayed on the touch panel 17 (S110), and at the same time, the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 by the pack transport unit 110 is stopped (S111). Thereby, it is avoided that the foreign currency pack 10 is pushed outside from the pack carry-out port 12.

  On the other hand, when the thickness of the conveyed foreign currency pack 10 is appropriate (S105: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the identifier group 10a is normally read by the identifier sensors 161 and 162 (S106). This determination is performed using the parity bar S2 shown in FIG. The control unit 21 determines whether the parity bar S2 is detected in column 1 or column 2, and further determines whether the total number of identification bars S3 is even or odd. Then, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the identifier group 10a is normally read depending on whether the column (even / odd) in which the parity bar S2 is detected matches the total number (even / odd) of the identification bar S3. Is determined. When the identifier group 10a is not read normally (S106: NO), the control unit 21 displays a predetermined error on the touch panel 17 (S110), and at the same time, stops the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 by the pack transport unit 110. (S111).

  When the identifier group 10a is normally read (S106: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the type of the foreign currency pack 10 identified based on the identification bar S3 of the identifier group 10a is appropriate ( S107). As described above, the storage unit 25 illustrated in FIG. 6 stores information that associates the array pattern of the identifier S (the appearance order of the identification bar S3) and the type of the foreign currency pack 10 illustrated in FIG. . The control unit 21 identifies the type of the foreign currency pack 10 by comparing the array pattern of the identifier S acquired via the identifier sensors 161 and 162 with the array pattern stored in the storage unit 25. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the type of the foreign currency pack 10 identified in this way matches the type of the foreign currency pack 10 instructed by the operation on the selection button 11, and if the type does not match, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is appropriate. It is determined that it is not.

  When the type of the conveyed foreign currency pack 10 is not appropriate (S107: NO), the control unit 21 performs a predetermined error display on the touch panel 17 assuming that the wrong type of foreign currency pack 10 may be carried out ( At the same time, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 by the pack conveyance unit 110 is stopped (S111). Thereby, it is avoided that the foreign currency pack 10 is pushed outside from the pack carry-out port 12.

  When the type of the foreign currency pack 10 transported is appropriate (S107: YES), the control unit 21 continues to transport the foreign currency pack 10, and the start bar S1 of the identifier group 10b on the rear side in the transport direction is the identifier sensor 161. It waits for detection by 162 (S108). When conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 proceeds and eventually the start bar S1 of the identifier group 10b on the rear side in the conveyance direction is detected by the identifier sensors 161 and 162 (S108: YES), the control unit 21 performs the foreign currency pack by the pack conveyance unit 110. 10 is finished (S109). At this timing, the front side of the foreign currency pack 10 is exposed to the outside from the pack carry-out port 12 shown in FIG. Then, the control part 21 complete | finishes the action | operation of the displacement sensor 155 and the identifier sensors 161 and 162, and complete | finishes thickness detection and reading of the identifier groups 10a and 10b (S112). Thus, the carry-out operation of the foreign currency pack 10 is completed.

  With reference to Fig.8 (a)-FIG.9 (b), the conveyance operation of the foreign currency pack 10 based on reading of identifier group 10a, 10b is demonstrated. FIGS. 8A and 8B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, schematically showing a state immediately before the conveyance to the foreign currency pack 10 is started, and FIGS. 8C and 8D are respectively a foreign currency. A plan view and a side view schematically showing the state immediately after the identifier group 10a of the pack 10 passes through the detection areas of the identifier sensors 161 and 162, and FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) show the foreign currency pack 10 being carried out, respectively. It is the top view and side view which show typically a state when it is located in a position.

  When the pack transport unit 110 is driven, the foreign currency pack 10 is transported leftward from the initial position P1 in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). Thereafter, when the conveyance proceeds, the foreign currency pack 10 is positioned at a detection position P2 where all the identifier groups 10a on the front side have passed the detection areas of the identifier sensors 161 and 162, as shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d). . At this timing, the type determination of the foreign currency pack 10 by the identifier group 10a is possible. If the reading of the identifier group 10a results in an error (FIG. 7, S106: NO), or the type of the foreign currency pack 10 determined by reading the identifier group 10a is inappropriate (FIG. 7, S107: NO), the foreign currency pack The conveyance of 10 is stopped. Therefore, the foreign currency pack 10 stops at the detection position P2 shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d). At this time, the foreign currency pack 10 remains in the pack unit 100 and is not exposed to the outside from the pack carry-out port 12. The foreign currency pack remaining in the pack unit 100 can be restarted by opening the side cover 102 and taking it out. If the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is appropriate, the conveying operation is continued.

  When the conveyance further proceeds, the foreign currency pack 10 is unloaded at the start position S3 where the start bar S1 of the rear identifier group 10b passes the detection area of the identifier sensors 161 and 162, as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b). Is positioned. At this timing, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is stopped. When the foreign currency pack 10 is positioned at the carry-out position P3, the front side of the foreign currency pack 10 is exposed to the outside from the pack carry-out port 12 as shown in FIG. The user grasps the front side of the foreign currency pack 10 and pulls out the foreign currency pack 10 from the pack carry-out port 12. In this way, the foreign currency pack 10 is acquired by the user.

By the way, when the front identifier group 10a is read by the identifier sensors 161 and 162, the front end in the traveling direction of the foreign currency pack 10 becomes a shadow particularly when the thickness of the foreign currency pack 10 is thick,
The identifier S may be mistakenly recognized. In order to solve this problem, a signal obtained by reading the identifier group 10a with the identifier sensors 161 and 162 is temporarily stored, and after the identifier group 10a passes the identifier sensors 161 and 162, the control unit 21 The stored signal may be read again from the opposite direction, and when the signal corresponding to the start bar S1 is read, the read end may be completed. In this case, the start bar S1 functions as an end bar. The timing for starting the re-reading process is preferably a time when the foreign currency pack 10 is advanced and a plain portion with no pattern on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 is positioned in the identifier sensors 161 and 162. In this way, accurate determination can be made without being affected by the shadow of the front end of the foreign currency pack 10 in the traveling direction.

  Next, the operation of the gate lever 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10A and 10B show a state when the maximum thickness foreign currency pack 10 is transported, and FIGS. 10C and 10D are views when the minimum thickness foreign currency pack 10 is transported. Indicates the state.

  Referring to FIG. 10 (a), the roller 113 and the rollers 114, 115 are the center in the thickness direction of the lowest-priced foreign currency pack 10 when the maximum-thick foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the pack loading unit 103. Are arranged so as to coincide with the center of the gap between the rollers 114 and 115. Referring to FIG. 10C, the initial position of the gate lever 140 is the height near the upper surface of the minimum thickness foreign currency pack 10 in which the lowermost end of the end portion 141 of the gate lever 140 is at the lowest position. Is set to For example, in the initial position, the lowermost end of the end portion 141 is positioned slightly below the height of the upper surface of the minimum thickness foreign currency pack 10 at the lowest position and above the thickness center of the foreign currency pack 10.

  Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the foreign currency pack 10 having the maximum thickness is transported, the foreign currency pack 10 at the lowest position is fed by the roller 113 and hits the end 141 of the gate lever 140. Touch. As shown in FIG. 10A, the end 141 is a rounded inclined surface. For this reason, the end 141 is pushed by the foreign currency pack 10 to avoid the upward force against the urging force of the spring 133 and rides on the upper surface of the foreign currency pack 10. As a result, the lowermost foreign currency pack 10 advances to the gap between the rollers 114 and 115.

  At this time, the foreign currency pack 10 is pressed against the roller 114 serving as a drive source by the weight of the gate lever 140 and the urging force of the spring 133. Thereby, the frictional resistance between the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 and the roller 114 increases, and the driving force of the foreign currency pack 10 is enhanced. For this reason, the foreign currency pack 10 with the maximum thickness can be smoothly conveyed downstream. The second foreign currency pack 10 from the bottom is blocked by the end 141 of the gate lever 140 as shown in FIG. Therefore, only the lowest foreign currency pack 10 can be smoothly transported to the downstream side.

  Referring to FIGS. 10C and 10D, when the foreign currency pack 10 having the minimum thickness is conveyed, the foreign currency pack 10 at the lowest position is sent by the roller 113 and below the end portion 141 of the gate lever 140. Dive into. In this way, the foreign currency pack 10 is pressed against the roller 114 serving as a drive source, sent to the downstream side by the roller 114, and proceeds to the gap between the rollers 114 and 115. Thereby, the foreign currency pack 10 is conveyed downstream while being sandwiched between the rollers 114 and 115. Progression of the second foreign currency pack 10 from the bottom is blocked by the end portion 141 of the gate lever 140 as shown in FIG. Therefore, only the lowest foreign currency pack 10 can be smoothly transported to the downstream side.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  Since identifier groups 10 a and 10 b for identifying the type of contents are attached to the foreign currency pack 10, even if an inappropriate type of foreign currency pack 10 is accidentally loaded into the pack loading unit 103, this erroneous loading is not performed. The determination is made based on the detection results of the identifier sensors 161 and 162, and the carry-out of the foreign currency pack 10 is blocked. Therefore, it is avoided that the wrong type of foreign currency pack 10 is provided to the user.

  The identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the foreign currency pack 10, respectively, and the identifier sensors 161 and 162 detect the identifier groups 10a and 10b even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the pack loading unit 103 in the reverse direction. It is arranged as possible. Therefore, even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the pack loading unit 103 in the reverse direction, it is possible to determine the type of the foreign currency pack 10 and avoid sending the wrong type of foreign currency pack 10.

  Since the identifier groups 10a and 10b are respectively arranged at the center position of the foreign currency pack 10 in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, the identifier sensors 161 and 162 are disposed only at the center position in the width direction of the transport path 105. good. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.

  The identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged at positions symmetrical in the front-rear direction, and the identifier sensors 161 and 162 are arranged in a foreign currency pack when the rear identifier group 10b (start bar S1) is positioned at the position of the identifier sensors 161 and 162. 10 is arranged at a position positioned at the carry-out position P3, and the control unit 21 finishes transporting the foreign currency pack 10 based on the fact that the identifier sensors 161 and 162 detect the rear identifier group 10b (start bar S1). Let As described above, since the rear identifier group 10b is shared as an index for the end of conveyance, it is not necessary to separately provide detection means for detecting the carry-out position P3. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. Moreover, since the identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged at positions symmetrical in the front-rear direction, the foreign currency pack 10 can be positioned at the carry-out position P3 even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the reverse direction.

  The identifier groups 10a and 10b are provided with two columns of identifiers S in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and the control unit 21 determines whether the foreign currency pack 10 is in accordance with the appearance order of the identifiers of the columns detected by the identifier sensors 161 and 162. The type is discriminated to determine whether or not the delivery is appropriate. When the delivery is not possible, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 to the carry-out position P3 is blocked. Thus, since the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is determined based on the detected order of appearance of the identifiers in each column, the foreign currency pack 10 even if the transport speed of the foreign currency pack 10 changes when the identifier groups 10a and 10b are read. Ten identifications can be made properly.

  The identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged so as to be symmetric with respect to the center O of the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10, and the control unit 21 is based on the detection results of the identifier sensors 161 and 162 with respect to the identifier group 10a on the front side in the transport direction. The propriety of sending the foreign currency pack 10 is determined. In this way, by arranging the identifier groups 10a and 10b so as to be symmetric with respect to the center O, the appearance order of the identifiers in each column is the same even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the reverse direction. . Therefore, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 can be determined smoothly based on the reading of the identifier groups 10a and 10b without performing special processing.

  The identifier groups 10a and 10b include an identifier (parity bar S2) for detection error check, and the control unit 21 detects the identifier group 10a detected by the identifier sensors 161 and 162 based on the detection result of the parity bar S2. The suitability of 10b is determined, and the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is controlled based on the determination result. As described above, the determination accuracy of the foreign currency pack 10 can be improved by providing the parity bar S2 and determining the appropriateness of reading. Therefore, the wrong type of foreign currency pack 10 can be more reliably avoided.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the upper surface of the transparent cover 135 protrudes above the surface of the transport path 105. For this reason, even if dust or the like adheres to the upper surface of the transparent cover 135, dust on the surface of the transparent cover 135 is wiped off by the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10 when the foreign currency pack 10 is transported. Accordingly, the identifier groups 161 a and 10 b can be satisfactorily read by the identifier sensors 161 and 162.

<Modification 1>
In the above embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in S105 to 107 in FIG. 7, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is stopped, and thereby the foreign currency pack 10 is avoided from being sent out from the pack carry-out port 12. In the first modification, a stopper is further provided for restricting the foreign currency pack 10 from being carried out.

  In FIG. 11A, two stoppers 201 are provided at the front end portion of the conveyance path 105. The stopper 201 is driven by driving means such as a plunger. In the initial state, the tip of the stopper 201 is at a position below the upper surface of the transport path 105, and when driven by the driving means, the tip protrudes in the positive direction of the Z axis from the upper surface of the transport path 105. The stopper 201 is disposed at a position downstream of the front end of the foreign currency pack 10 when the foreign currency pack 10 is positioned at the detection position P2.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 11B, S201 is added, and the other steps are the same as in FIG. If an abnormality is detected in any one of steps S105 to 107, the control unit 21 causes the stopper 201 to protrude (S201) and interrupts the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 to the downstream side.

  According to the modified example 1, since the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is blocked by the stopper 201, it is possible to more reliably avoid the wrong type of the foreign currency pack 10 being carried out.

<Modification 2>
In the above embodiment, the identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged at the center position in the short side direction, but the arrangement method of the identifier groups 10a and 10b is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, identifier groups 10a and 10b may be arranged at the positions where the center O is sandwiched. Also in this configuration, the identifier groups 10a and 10b have the identifier S arranged symmetrically with respect to the center O.

  In response to this change, identifier sensors 163 and 164 are arranged in addition to the identifier sensors 161 and 162 as shown in FIG. The identifier sensors 161 and 162 are disposed at positions where the identifier group 10a passes, and the identifier sensors 163 and 164 are disposed at positions where the identifier group 10b passes. A transparent cover 136 that covers the top surfaces of the identifier sensors 163 and 164 is provided.

  In the second modification, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is determined based on the detection results of the identifier sensors 161 and 162. Moreover, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is terminated in response to the identifier sensors 163 and 164 detecting the start bar S1 of the identifier group 10b. These processes can be appropriately performed even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded in the reverse direction.

  In the configuration of FIG. 12B, the identifier sensors 163 and 164 are separately provided in order to share the detection of the identifier group 10b (start bar S1) as a trigger for the end of the transport operation. When only the type determination is performed, the identifier sensors 163 and 164 are omitted.

<Modification 3>
In the above embodiment, the detection of the rear identifier group 10b (start bar S1) is shared by the trigger for the end of the transport operation. However, in the third modification, when the reading of the front identifier group 10a results in an error. Then, the rear identifier group 10b is read, and the type determination of the foreign currency pack 10 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, in the third modification, the width of the transport path 105 in the transport direction is wider than in the embodiment. A pair of rollers 301 are added near the center of the conveyance path 105. The pair of rollers 301 protrudes upward from the conveyance path 105 and conveys the foreign currency pack 10 in the same manner as the rollers 113, 114, and 116. At the timing immediately after the rear identifier group 10 b passes through the identifier sensors 161 and 162, the front end of the foreign currency pack 10 has not yet reached the end of the transport path 105.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 13B, S301 to S303 are added, and the other steps are the same as in FIG. If it is determined in S106 that an error has occurred in reading the front identifier group 10a (S106: NO), the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 is continued. Thereafter, when the rear identifier group 10b passes the identifier sensors 161 and 162, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the reading of the identifier group 10b is normal based on the detection result of the parity bar S2 of the identifier group 10b. (S301). When the reading is normal (S301: YES), the control unit 21 determines the type of the foreign currency pack 10 based on the detection result of the identification bar S3 of the identifier group 10b, and determines the suitability of the foreign currency pack 10 (S302). ). If the foreign currency pack 10 is appropriate (S302: YES), the control unit 21 continues to transport the foreign currency pack 10 until the foreign currency pack 10 reaches the carry-out position P3 (S303). When the reading with respect to the identifier group 10b is not normal (S301: NO) and when the foreign currency pack 10 is not appropriate (S302: NO), the control unit 21 displays an error (S110) and stops the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10. (S111).

  In this process, the rear identifier group 10b is read in a direction opposite to the reading direction with respect to the identifier group 10a. Therefore, when reading the identifier group 10b, the control unit 21 processes the signals from the identifier sensors 161 and 162 on the assumption that the reading direction is the reverse direction, and determines whether the reading is appropriate and the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is determined. I do. Moreover, in the modification 3, the sensor which detects separately that the foreign currency pack 10 reached | attained the carrying-out position P3 is provided. The control unit 21 refers to the output from this sensor and performs the determination in S303.

  According to the third modification, even if the reading of the front identifier group 10a results in an error, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is determined using the rear identifier group 10b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the frequency of sending out the foreign currency pack 10 and improve convenience.

<Modification 4>
In the above embodiment, the number of columns of the identifier groups 10a and 10b is 2, but the number of columns is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the number of columns of the identifier groups 10a and 10b may be 3, and the number of columns may be 4 or more.

  In the configuration example of FIGS. 14A and 14B, as in the above embodiment, in the identifier group 10a, the start bar S1 is arranged at the head in the transport direction, and the parity bar S2 is arranged second in the transport direction. If the parity bar S2 is in the center column as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the total number of identification bars S3 is an even number, and if the parity bar S2 is in the lower column as shown in FIG. 14 (b). The total number of identification bars S3 is an odd number. Also in the modified example 4, the type of the foreign currency pack 10 is specified by the appearance order of the identification bar S3. The identifier groups 10 a and 10 b are symmetrical with respect to the center O of the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10. In the case of the modification example 4, since the number of columns is 3, three identifier sensors are required.

<Modification 5>
In the above embodiment, the identifier groups 10a and 10b are arranged only on the back surface of the foreign currency pack 10, but as shown in FIG. 14C, the identifier groups 10c and 10d are also arranged on the front surface of the foreign currency pack 10. Also good. In this case, the identifier groups 10c and 10d are arranged on the surface of the foreign currency pack 10 by printing with invisible ink, for example. The identifier sensors 161 and 162 are configured to be able to read the identifier groups 10c and 10d formed of invisible ink. The identifier groups 10a and 10b on the back surface may also be formed of invisible ink. The identifier groups 10 c and 10 d are formed so as to be symmetric with respect to the surface center of the foreign currency pack 10.

  As described above, if the identifier groups 10c and 10d are arranged on the surface of the foreign currency pack 10, the type determination of the foreign currency pack 10 can be performed even when the foreign currency pack 10 is loaded upside down. Therefore, the wrong type of foreign currency pack 10 can be more reliably avoided.

<Others>
In the above embodiment, the identifier S is provided by black printing, but the method of forming the identifier S is not limited to this. For example, the identifier S may be arranged by a notch provided in a slit shape in the foreign currency pack 10 or a magnetic material applied inside the foreign currency pack 10. The method for detecting the identifier S can be appropriately changed according to the form of the identifier S. For example, when the identifier S is formed of a magnetic material, the identifier S is detected by a magnetic sensor. In addition, the form which detects the identifier S using an electrostatic capacitance type sensor can also be assumed.

  The contents of the foreign currency pack 10 are not limited to banknotes, and may be coins. Moreover, the foreign currency pack 10 may accommodate other contents having a monetary value, such as gift certificates. The present invention can also be applied to other types of currency exchange devices that exchange a single currency for a predetermined currency using a currency pack.

  As a method of taking out the foreign currency pack 10, various methods can be used in addition to a method of exposing a part of the foreign currency pack 10 from the pack carry-out port 12. For example, the foreign currency pack 10 may be removed by dropping the foreign currency pack 10 into the outlet. In this case, the pack transport unit 110 transports the foreign currency pack 10 to a position where the foreign currency pack 10 starts dropping. In this configuration, the position where the foreign currency pack 10 starts dropping corresponds to the “carrying position” described in the claims.

  In S110 of FIG. 7, the error is notified to the user by display, but the notification method is not limited to this. For example, the error may be notified by voice, or the error may be notified by both display and voice.

  In the above embodiment, the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 is terminated by detecting the start bar S1 of the rear identifier group 10b. However, the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 is terminated using another identifier S. Also good. For example, in the pattern of FIG. 2C, the identifier S is always arranged at the sixth arrangement position 6 from the top. Therefore, the conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 may be terminated in response to the detection of the identifier S at the arrangement position 6.

  In the above embodiment, two gate levers 140 are provided, but the number of gate levers 140 is not limited to this. When the number of the gate lever 140 is one, it is desirable that the end portion 141 of the gate lever 140 is positioned at the center of the conveyance path 105 in the width direction.

  Further, instead of the gate lever 140, a roller or bearing shape may be used, and the roller or bearing may be urged so as to be pressed from above the foreign currency pack 10 being conveyed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when it determines with abnormality by the step (S105, S106, S107) of FIG. 7, conveyance of the foreign currency pack 10 is stopped (S111), and a foreign currency pack is taken out from the pack loading part 103 each time. However, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in S105, S106, or S107, the foreign currency pack 10 determined to be abnormal is sent to another transport path instead of the carry-out position and temporarily retracted and stored therein. It is also possible to continue to transport a new foreign currency pack 10 without stopping the operation of 1. In this case, the foreign currency pack 10 temporarily saved may be taken out later.

  “Closing the transport of the money pack with respect to the carry-out position” in the scope of claims includes not only stopping the transport of the foreign currency pack 10 but also temporarily storing it in this manner.

  In the embodiment, the identifier sensors 161 and 162 are provided on the back side (Z-axis negative side) of the transport path 105, but the arrangement of the identifier sensors 161 and 162 is not limited thereto. For example, the identifier sensors 161 and 162 may be arranged above the transport path 105, and the identifier groups 10a and 10b may be detected from the upper side. In this case, the identifier groups 10 a and 10 b are arranged on the surface of the foreign currency pack 10. The identifier sensors 161 and 162 may be provided on the transport path until the foreign currency pack 10 reaches the carry-out position P3.

  In the embodiment, two identifier groups are provided. However, only one identifier group may be provided, or three or more identifier groups may be provided.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment and the modification of this invention were demonstrated, this invention is not restrict | limited to the said embodiment at all. In addition to the above, various modifications can be made to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In addition, the invention regarding the structure of the gate lever 140 can also be extracted from the disclosure of the specification and drawings. For example, the present invention may include, for example, a “loading unit in which objects to be conveyed are stacked and loaded, a conveyance unit that conveys the objects to be conveyed loaded in the loading unit, and a vertical direction above the conveyance path of the conveyance unit. A lever member that is pivotably provided and biased downward, and wherein the transport unit is in contact with a back surface of the transported object and applies a propulsive force to the transported object. A second roller that sandwiches the object to be conveyed together with the first roller, and a third roller that contacts the back surface of the object to be conveyed and sends the object to be nipped between the first and second rollers. The lever member, the support shaft is positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction from the clamping position, and the end is positioned between the clamping position and the third roller, the end Is inclined to recede toward the downstream side in the transport direction as it goes down When the object to be conveyed is sent by the third roller, the front end of the object to be conveyed contacts the inclined surface and the lever member rotates upward, and the end is It rides on the upper surface of the object to be transported. ” According to the present invention, the same effects as those described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D can be obtained. According to the present invention, the object of smoothly transporting the transported object while suppressing excessive delivery is achieved even if the transported object has different thicknesses. The transported object may include other transported objects such as a ticket in addition to the money pack.

1 ... Foreign currency exchange (money exchange device)
10 ... Foreign currency pack (money pack)
10a, 10b, 10c, 10d ... identifier group 21 ... control unit 103 ... pack loading unit 105 ... transport path 110 ... pack transport unit 161, 162, 163, 164 ... identifier sensor (detection unit)
S ... Identifier P3 ... Unloading position

Claims (15)

In a money exchange apparatus that uses money packs that contain money inside and an identifier for identifying the type of contents,
A pack loading section in which the money pack is loaded;
A pack transporting section for transporting the money pack from the pack loading section to the unloading position;
A detection unit which is provided in a conveyance path of the pack conveyance unit and detects the identifier arranged in the money pack;
A control unit that blocks conveyance of the money pack with respect to the carry-out position based on a detection result of the detection unit,
A currency exchange device characterized by that. The identifier is arranged on each of the front side and the rear side in the transport direction of the money pack,
2. The money exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is arranged to be able to detect the identifier at each position even when the money pack is loaded in the pack loading unit in the reverse direction. The identifier is arranged at a central position of the money pack in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction,
The money exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is arranged at a center position in the width direction of the transport path of the pack transport unit. The identifier is arranged at a symmetrical position in the front-rear direction,
The detection unit is disposed at a position where the money pack is positioned at the carry-out position when the identifier on the rear side arranged in the money pack is positioned at the detection unit,
The money exchange device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit ends conveyance of the money pack by the pack conveyance unit based on detection of the identifier on the rear side. The identifiers are arranged in a plurality of rows in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction,
The detection unit includes a configuration for detecting an identifier of each column,
The control unit determines whether or not the money pack is to be sent based on the appearance order of the identifiers of the respective columns detected by the detection unit, and when the money pack is unsuccessful, the money pack is transported to the carry-out position. The money exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The identifier is arranged on each of the front side and the rear side in the transport direction of the money pack,
The identifiers on the front side and the rear side are arranged so as to be symmetric with respect to the center of the surface of the money pack on which these identifiers are arranged,
The money exchange device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the money pack is to be sent based on a detection result of the detection unit with respect to an identifier on the front side in the transport direction. The identifier includes an identifier for detection error check,
The control unit determines suitability of the identifier detected by the detection unit based on an identifier for detection error check, and controls transport of the money pack by the pack transport unit based on a determination result. The money exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A money pack that contains money inside and is loaded into a money exchange device,
With an identifier for identifying the type of content,
A currency pack characterized by that.   The money pack according to claim 8, wherein the identifier is arranged on each of a front side and a rear side in a transport direction of the money pack when the money pack is loaded on the money exchange device.   The money pack according to claim 9, wherein the identifier is arranged at a central position of the money pack in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.   The money pack according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the identifier is arranged at a symmetrical position in the front-rear direction. The identifiers are arranged in a plurality of rows in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction,
The money pack according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a type of contents is specified based on an appearance order of the identifiers in each row in the transport direction. The identifier is arranged on each of the front side and the rear side in the transport direction of the money pack,
The money pack according to claim 12, wherein the front and rear identifiers are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center of a surface of the money pack on which the identifiers are arranged.   The money pack according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the identifier includes an identifier for detection error check.   The money pack according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the identifier is arranged on both a front surface and a back surface of the money pack.

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