JP5274303B2 - Paper sheet handling equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a paper money jam during conveyance while enabling a user to insert and take out paper sheets without inserting his or her hand or finger in a paper sheet handling device. <P>SOLUTION: The paper sheet handling device is provided with: a paper sheet slot; a pair of push plates configured to hold the paper sheet inserted into and discharged through the paper sheet slot and apply pressing force to the paper sheets in the thickness direction thereof; a pair of conveying units including a first conveyance section and a second conveyance section configured to hold and convey the paper sheets to be inserted and discharged through the paper sheet slot; and a moving mechanism configured to move the first conveyance section and the second conveyance section in an approaching or separating direction, and arrange the first conveyance section and the second conveyance section at any position between inside and outside the pair of push plates, when seen from the paper sheet slot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for conveying paper sheets in a paper sheet handling apparatus.

  Paper sheet handling apparatuses that handle paper sheets such as banknotes and forms are used as, for example, automatic cash transaction apparatuses in financial institutions. As an automatic cash transaction apparatus, an automatic cash transaction comprising a plate-like member (pressing plate) for applying a pressing force to banknotes and a belt for conveying banknotes arranged in parallel with the pressing plate inside the deposit / withdrawal port An apparatus has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this automatic teller machine, banknotes inserted at the time of depositing are automatically drawn into the inside by the belt for transporting banknotes, or banknotes are automatically discharged from the deposit / withdrawal port at the time of withdrawal. The banknote can be inserted / removed without inserting a finger.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-192049

  However, due to the positional relationship between the conveyor belt and the pressing plate, the bill may be bent or folded inside the deposit / withdrawal port, and a bill jam may occur when the inserted bill is fed into the apparatus. there were. For example, when there is a level difference between the arrangement position of the conveying belt and the arrangement position of the push plate with respect to the inserted banknote, the banknote is bent by this level difference, and the banknote is fed into the apparatus in the bent state. Banknote jams can occur. Moreover, when a user inserts without aligning banknotes or when a large amount of banknote bundles are inserted, there is a possibility that banknote jams may occur. Such a problem can also occur when banknotes are discharged. Moreover, it may occur not only in the automatic cash transaction apparatus but also in any kind of paper sheet handling apparatus.

The present invention provides a paper sheet handling apparatus that allows a user to input or remove a paper sheet without inserting a hand or a finger, and suppresses the occurrence of a paper sheet jam during conveyance. Objective.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A paper sheet handling apparatus, in which a paper sheet inlet / outlet and a paper sheet inserted / removed through the inlet / outlet are sandwiched and a pressing force is applied in a thickness direction of the paper sheet. A pair of push plates to be added, a pair of transport units including a first transport unit and a second transport unit that sandwich and transport the paper sheets that are put in and out through the entrance / exit, and the first transport unit And moving the second transport unit and the second transport unit in directions close to each other or in directions away from each other, and arranged at arbitrary positions between the inside and the outside of the pair of push plates as viewed from the entrance / exit And a paper sheet handling device.

  In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to the application example 1, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are moved in a direction approaching each other or in a direction away from each other, so that the pair of pressing plates viewed from the entrance / exit Arranged at an arbitrary position between the inner side and the outer side, so that when the paper is loaded, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are arranged inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit. By doing so, the paper sheet can be sandwiched and conveyed inside, and the user can insert the paper sheet without inserting a hand or a finger. In addition, after the paper sheets are inserted, the first paper transport section and the second transport section can be sandwiched between the press plates by arranging the first transport section and the second transport section outside the pair of press plates, When feeding out into the apparatus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of bending and folding of the paper sheets. Moreover, since the 1st conveyance part and the 2nd conveyance part can be arrange | positioned in the arbitrary positions between the inner side and outer side of a pair of pressing plate seen from the entrance / exit, when inserting paper sheets In countries where many users are afraid of inserting hands and fingers, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are arranged inside the pair of push plates, and in other countries, they are placed outside the push plates. As described above, the operation can be switched and used.

  Application Example 2 In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to Application Example 1, the pair of pressing plates and the pair of transport units include a distance between the pair of pressing plates and a distance between the pair of transport units. Is a paper sheet handling device that is arranged so as to overlap each other in a state where they match.

  With such a configuration, the length of the paper sheet handling device in the paper sheet insertion / discharge direction can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the pair of push plates and the pair of transport units do not overlap each other. This can reduce the size of the apparatus.

  Application Example 3 The paper sheet handling apparatus according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, wherein the pair of transport units sandwich a central portion in the width direction of the paper sheet.

  With such a configuration, in a portion near both ends in the width direction of the paper sheet, the paper sheet is not in contact with the pair of transport units and is disposed in a relatively wide space. Here, when the user holds or removes the central portion of the bundle of paper sheets, if the thickness of the paper sheet is large, both ends of the bundle of paper sheets spread. Also in this case, since both ends of the spread bundle of paper sheets can be accommodated in a relatively wide space, the user can easily insert the paper sheets.

  Application Example 4 In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3, at least one of the pair of transport units and the pair of pressing plates is such that the paper sheet is in a vertical direction. A paper sheet handling apparatus for sandwiching the paper sheets so as to be disposed along the line.

  With such a configuration, when a paper sheet is sandwiched, foreign matters such as coins mixed in between the paper sheet and the paper sheet can be dropped and removed by gravity. Further, since the paper sheets are arranged along the vertical direction, the lower ends of the paper sheets can be easily aligned by pressing the lower end of the paper sheets against an arbitrary plane (for example, a bottom plate).

  Application Example 5 In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, the first sensor that detects that the paper sheet has been inserted into the entrance / exit, and A second sensor for detecting that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where the paper sheet can be sandwiched between the pair of push plates, and the moving mechanism is configured to insert the paper sheet into the entrance / exit. The first transport unit and the second transport unit are arranged inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit, and the first transport unit and the second transport unit are: When it is detected in the first sensor that the paper sheet has been inserted into the inlet / outlet, the paper sheet is sandwiched and conveyed in a direction to be taken into the paper sheet handling device, and the moving mechanism is In the second sensor, the sheet can be held between the pair of push plates. When it is detected that the arranged, placing said first conveying portion and the second conveying unit, on the outside of the pair of push plates as viewed from the entering the outlet, the paper sheet handling apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the inserted paper sheet can be sandwiched between the pair of transport units and transported to the inside, so that the user can feel the paper sheet being pulled. Paper sheets can be inserted without inserting a finger. In addition, when the paper sheets are arranged at a position where the paper sheets can be clamped by the pair of pressing plates, the pair of conveying units are arranged outside the pair of pressing plates, so that the paper sheets do not contact the pair of conveying units. It is possible to suppress bending and folding of the paper sheet.

  Application Example 6 In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, it is further detected that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where the paper sheet can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units. A third sensor, wherein the moving mechanism is configured such that the pair of the first transport unit and the second transport unit viewed from the entrance / exit before discharging the paper sheets from the entrance / exit. And when the third sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where it can be sandwiched between the pair of transport units, the first transport unit and the second transport unit A conveying unit is disposed inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit, and the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are configured such that the paper sheet is the first sensor in the third sensor. When it is detected that the sheet is disposed at a position that can be sandwiched between a pair of conveyance units, Transported to the entering exit direction by sandwiching the like, the paper sheet handling apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the paper sheet is sandwiched by the pair of transport units and transported in the entrance / exit direction, so the user can insert a hand or finger by grasping the paper sheet discharged from the entrance / exit. It is possible to take out paper sheets. In addition, since the pair of transport units is disposed outside the pair of push plates until the paper sheets are disposed at a position where the paper sheets can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units, the position where the paper sheets can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units The paper sheets can be prevented from coming into contact with the pair of transport units when placed on the paper sheet, and the bending and folding of the paper sheets can be suppressed.

  Application Example 7 In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are respectively configured to have a transport direction of the paper sheet. A paper sheet handling apparatus having a plurality of belts arranged in parallel.

  With such a configuration, since the paper sheet is conveyed while being supported by a plurality of belts, the folding and bending of the paper sheet during conveyance can be suppressed.

  [Application Example 8] In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7, the driving source that generates a conveyance driving force for the paper sheet in the first conveyance unit; A frame that supports the first conveyance unit movably in a direction approaching the second conveyance unit or in a direction away from the second conveyance unit; and the first conveyance unit, which is joined to the first conveyance unit. A paper sheet handling apparatus, comprising: a transmission unit that moves along with the movement of the first transmission unit to transmit the driving force to the first conveyance unit.

  With such a configuration, it is not necessary to move the drive source together with the first transport unit, and the structure of the paper sheet handling apparatus can be suppressed from becoming complicated.

[Application Example 9] A paper sheet receiving method in a paper sheet handling apparatus, wherein the paper sheet handling apparatus includes an entrance / exit of the paper sheet and the paper sheet that is taken in / out through the entrance / exit A pair of pressing plates that apply a pressing force in the thickness direction of the paper sheet, a first transport unit that transports the paper sheet that is put in and out through the inlet / outlet, and a second transport section A pair of transport units composed of a transport unit, a first sensor that detects that the paper sheet has been inserted into the inlet / outlet, and a position where the paper sheet can be clamped by the pair of push plates. A) the pair of the first and second conveyance units as viewed from the entrance / exit by moving the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit in directions approaching each other. A step of placing the inner side of the pressing plate; and b) in front of the inlet / outlet in the first sensor. When it is detected that a paper sheet has been inserted, the step of sandwiching the paper sheet by the first transport unit and the second transport unit and transporting the paper sheet in the direction of taking in the paper sheet handling apparatus And c) when the second sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where it can be sandwiched between the pair of push plates, the first transport unit and the second transport unit, Arranging the outside of the pair of pressing plates viewed from the entrance and exit,
A method for receiving paper sheets.

  In the paper sheet receiving method of the application example 9, since the inserted paper sheet can be sandwiched and transported inside by a pair of transport units, the user can be given a sense that the paper sheet is pulled and used. A person can insert a paper sheet without inserting a hand or a finger. In addition, when the paper sheets are arranged at a position where the paper sheets can be clamped by the pair of pressing plates, the pair of conveying units are arranged outside the pair of pressing plates, so that the paper sheets do not contact the pair of conveying units. It is possible to suppress bending and folding of the paper sheet.

[Application Example 10] A paper sheet discharging method in a paper sheet handling apparatus,
The paper sheet handling device includes a pair of pressing plates that apply a pressing force in the thickness direction of the paper sheet by sandwiching the paper sheet that is inserted and exited through the inlet / outlet and the paper sheet. A pair of transport units including a first transport unit and a second transport unit that sandwich and transport the paper sheets that are put in and out through the inlet / outlet, and the paper sheets are the pair of transport units And (a) the pair of the first transport unit and the second transport unit as viewed from the entrance / exit. A step of arranging outside the pressing plate; and (b) when detecting that the third sensor is arranged at a position that can be sandwiched by the pair of conveying units in the third sensor, A step of arranging the second transport unit inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance and exit; c) When the third sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where the paper sheet can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units, the first transport unit and the second transport unit cause the paper sheet to be sandwiched between the pair of transport units. A paper sheet discharge method comprising: a step of holding the paper and transporting the paper in the direction of the entrance / exit.

  In the paper sheet discharge method of Application Example 10, since the paper sheet is sandwiched by a pair of transport units and transported in the entrance / exit direction, the user can grasp the paper sheet ejected from the entrance / exit, Paper sheets can be taken out without inserting a finger. In addition, since the pair of transport units is disposed outside the pair of push plates until the paper sheets are disposed at a position where the paper sheets can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units, the position where the paper sheets can be sandwiched by the pair of transport units The paper sheets can be prevented from coming into contact with the pair of transport units when placed on the paper sheet, and the bending and folding of the paper sheets can be suppressed.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the automatic teller machine as one Example of the paper sheet handling apparatus of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the banknote depositing / withdrawing machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit 300. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the deposit or withdrawal mechanism 20. FIG. An explanatory view showing the detailed composition of rear side clamp mechanism 402. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the front side clamp mechanism 403. FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote acceptance process performed in the deposit or withdrawal mechanism. The 1st explanatory view showing the composition of depositing / withdrawing mechanism 20 after performing Step S130. The 2nd explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the deposit or withdrawal mechanism 20 after performing step S130. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote discharge process performed in the deposit or withdrawal mechanism. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the deposit or withdrawal mechanism 20 immediately after performing step S235. The 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote acceptance process in a 2nd Example. The 2nd flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote acceptance process in a 2nd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the deposit or withdrawal mechanism after performing step S126 in a 2nd Example. The 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote acceptance process in a 3rd Example. The 2nd flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote acceptance process in a 3rd Example. The 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote discharge | emission process in a 3rd Example. The 2nd flowchart which shows the procedure of the banknote discharge | emission process in a 3rd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the arrangement | positioning state of the banknote bundle in banknote accommodation area | region Ra after driving a clamp belt only predetermined amount in step S415. Explanatory drawing which shows the deposit / withdrawal mechanism in the modification 1 typically. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the sensor arrangement | positioning state of the automatic teller machine in the modification 2. FIG.

A. First embodiment:
A1. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic teller machine as an embodiment of the paper sheet handling apparatus of the present invention. The automatic cash transaction apparatus 500 is an apparatus for performing transactions such as depositing, withdrawal, and transfer of cash (banknotes).

  The automatic cash transaction apparatus 500 includes a bill depositing / dispensing machine 10, a safe housing 106, and a card / detail slip processing mechanism 102 inside the housing 101. The automatic teller machine 500 includes a card slot 103, a customer operation unit 105, and a deposit / withdrawal port 21 on the front surface of the housing.

  The banknote deposit / withdrawal machine 10 receives and discharges banknotes. The banknote depositing / dispensing machine 10 includes a mechanism (not shown) for storing banknotes in the lower part, and this banknote storing mechanism is disposed inside the safe housing 106. The safe housing 106 is formed of a thick metal plate (for example, an iron plate having a thickness of about 50 millimeters). The card / detail slip processing mechanism 102 communicates with the card slot 103, processes the inserted user's cash card, and prints out and outputs the transaction statement. The card slot 103 receives / discharges a user's cash card. The customer operation unit 105 includes a touch panel display and displays various menus for transactions. The deposit / withdrawal port 21 is used when a user inserts banknotes and discharges banknotes to the user.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the banknote depositing and dispensing machine 10 shown in FIG. The banknote depositing / dispensing machine 10 includes an upper transport mechanism 10a and a lower transport mechanism 10b. The upper transport mechanism 10a includes a deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20, a bill discriminating unit 30, a temporary storage 40, a forgotten collection collection 61, a fake ticket collection collection 62, a loading / collection collection 63, and six switching gates 50a. To 50 f and a bill conveyance path (indicated by an arrow).

  The deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 accepts a bill inserted via the deposit / withdrawal port 21 shown in FIG. 1 into the cash automatic transaction apparatus 500 and discharges the bill to the user via the deposit / withdrawal port 21. The banknote discrimination | determination part 30 judges the money type and authenticity of a banknote. The temporary storage 40 temporarily stores the inserted banknotes and the banknotes to be discharged until the transaction is established. The forgotten collection container 61 stores banknotes that the user forgot to collect when depositing or withdrawing. The counterfeit bill collection box 62 stores bills that are discriminated as fake bills in the bill discriminating unit 30. The loading / recovery store 63 stores banknotes to be replenished to the later-described recycle stores 81 and 82 and banknotes recovered from the recycle stores 81 and 82. The six switching gates 50a to 50f switch the bill conveyance route.

  The lower transport mechanism 10b is disposed below the upper transport mechanism 10a and surrounded by the safe casing 106. The lower transport mechanism 10b includes an incoming vault 60, two outgoing vaults 71 and 72, two recycle boxes 81 and 82, a reject box 83, five switching gates 50g to 50k, and a bill transfer path (indicated by arrows). ).

  The deposit box 60 stores banknotes for which transactions were established at the time of deposit. The two withdrawal vaults 71 and 72 store banknotes for withdrawal. The two recycle boxes 81 and 82 serve as both a safe deposit box and a safe deposit box. The reject box 83 stores banknotes that are inappropriate for withdrawal (for example, banknotes that are torn or broken). The five switching gates 50g to 50k switch the bill conveyance route, similarly to the six switching gates 50a to 50f described above.

  The above-described banknote transport path in the upper transport mechanism 10a and the banknote transport path in the lower transport mechanism 10b are both a belt (not shown) for holding banknotes and a roller (not shown) for driving the belt. And a motor (not shown) for driving the roller, and a pulley for supporting the belt. In addition, it can also be set as the structure which provides a drive motor for each roller. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which drives a some roller with one motor.

  The banknote transport path in the upper transport mechanism 10a and the banknote transport path of the lower transport mechanism 10b communicate with each other via a slit SL provided on the upper surface of the safe housing 106, and the banknotes are transferred to the upper transport mechanism 10a. And the lower transport mechanism 10b can be transported in both directions. Note that the lower transport mechanism 10b is surrounded by the safe housing 106, and the upper transport mechanism 10a and the lower transport mechanism 10b communicate with each other only in the slit SL. This is to provide strong protection and security.

  Each component constituting the upper transport mechanism 10 a and the lower transport mechanism 10 b described above is electrically connected to the control circuit 300.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit 300. The control circuit 300 includes a memory 312 and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 313. The memory 312 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU 313 executes a control program stored in the memory 312 to thereby execute a main control unit 320, an entrance safe control unit 321, a reject storage control unit 322, a safe storage control unit 323, and a recycle storage control unit. 324, bill transport path control unit 325, switching gate control unit 326, operation control unit 327, deposit / withdrawal control unit 328, discrimination control unit 329, temporary storage control unit 330, and forgotten collection control Functions as a unit 331, a counterfeit bill collection storage control unit 332, and a loading / collection storage control unit 333.

  The main control unit 320 controls the automatic teller machine 500 as a whole. The safe deposit control unit 321 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the safe deposit box 60. The reject store control unit 322 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the reject store 83. The bank safe control unit 323 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the two safes 71 and 72. The recycle box control unit 324 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the two recycle boxes 81 and 82. The bill conveyance path control unit 325 controls a motor (not shown) that constitutes the bill conveyance path. The switching gate control unit 326 controls the eleven switching gates 50a to 50k. The operation control unit 327 controls the customer operation unit 105. The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20. The discrimination control unit 329 controls the banknote discrimination unit 30. The temporary storage control unit 330 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the temporary storage 40. The collection storage control unit 331 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the collection storage 61. The fake ticket collection storage control unit 332 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the fake ticket collection storage 62. The loading / collecting warehouse control unit 333 controls storage and discharge of banknotes in the loading / collecting warehouse 63.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20. The deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 includes a shutter 201, a front pressing plate 203, a rear pressing plate 202, a front clamping mechanism 403, a rear clamping mechanism 402, a partition plate 600, a bottom plate 208, and a foreign material receiving box 602. , A stopper 214, four actuators A1 to A3, A6, three sensors S1 to S3, a pick roller r1, a separation roller r2, a gate roller r3, and a stack roller r4. The deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity (vertical direction).

  The shutter 201 suppresses the entry of rain, dust, foreign matter, etc. into the automatic teller machine 500. The shutter 201 is disposed along the deposit / withdrawal port 21 and is perpendicular to the bill insertion direction (hereinafter referred to as “payment direction”) and the bill discharge direction (hereinafter referred to as “payout direction”). It is configured to be slidable.

  The front pressing plate 203 is a plate-like member arranged so as to be substantially parallel to a bill (not shown) inserted from the deposit / withdrawal port 21. As shown by a solid line and a broken line in FIG. 4, the front pressing plate 203 is configured to be movable so as to draw an arc with the upper end portion (the end closer to the deposit / withdrawal port 21) as an axis. As the arrangement position of the front push plate 203, a position relatively close to the rear push plate 202 shown by a solid line (hereinafter referred to as “payment position”) and a position relatively far from the rear push plate 202 shown by a broken line (hereinafter referred to as “take-in”). (Referred to as “position”) is preset. The movement of the front push plate 203 is performed by an actuator (not shown). Note that “front side” means the front side when viewed from the user.

The rear push plate 202 is a plate-like member similar to the front push plate 203 and is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the front push plate 203. As shown by a solid line and a broken line in FIG. 4, the rear pressing plate 202 is configured to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction (a direction parallel to the shutter 201). As the arrangement position of the rear push plate 202, a position relatively close to the front push plate 203 indicated by a solid line (hereinafter referred to as “payment position”) and a position relatively far from the front push plate 203 indicated by a broken line (hereinafter referred to as “take-in position”). ") Is preset. The rear pressing plate 202 is slid by an actuator (not shown). The front side pressing plate 203 and the rear side pressing plate 202 can apply an appropriate pressing force to the inserted bill. The “rear side” means the rear side as viewed from the user.

  The front clamp mechanism 403 includes a banknote transport belt (clamp belt), a pulley that drives the clamp belt, and a pulley that supports the belt (for example, the pulley p3 in FIG. 4). The clamp belt is driven in both the direction of taking in the banknotes and the direction of discharging the banknotes. As shown by a solid line and a broken line in FIG. 4, a part of the front clamp mechanism 403 is configured to be movable so as to draw an arc around the pulley p3. As the arrangement position of the front clamp mechanism 403, a position indicated by a solid line relatively close to the rear clamp mechanism 402 (hereinafter referred to as “pay-in position”) and a position indicated by a broken line relatively far from the rear clamp mechanism 402 (hereinafter referred to as “retraction”). (Referred to as “position”) and a discharge position (not shown) are preset. The movement of the front clamp mechanism 403 is performed by an actuator A6. The detailed configuration of the front clamp mechanism 403 will be described later.

  The rear clamp mechanism 402 is configured to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction, as indicated by a solid line and a broken line in FIG. As the arrangement position of the rear clamp mechanism 402, a position in contact with the front clamp mechanism 403 (not shown, hereinafter referred to as “clamping position”) and a position indicated by a solid line relatively close to the front clamp mechanism 403 (hereinafter referred to as “release position”) And a position indicated by a broken line that is relatively far from the front clamp mechanism 403 (hereinafter referred to as “retracted position”) is set in advance. The detailed configuration of the rear clamp mechanism 402 will be described later.

  A pair of clamping mechanisms including the front clamping mechanism 403 and the rear clamping mechanism 402 described above can hold a banknote and transport it in the depositing direction or the dispensing direction in the banknote detention area Ra.

  Here, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 move in a direction toward each other or in a direction away from each other. Similarly, the pair of push plates 202 and 203 move in a direction toward each other or in a direction away from each other. By such an operation, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed inside (between the front pressing plate 203 and the rear pressing plate 202) and outside (front pressing plate 203 and the rear side) of the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203. It can be arranged at an arbitrary position between the pressing plate 202 and the pressing plate 202. As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and the pair of push plates 202 and 203 can be arranged to overlap each other. At this time, the front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 are accommodated in notches (not shown) provided in the corresponding pressing plates.

  The partition plate 600 is a plate-like member arranged in parallel with the push plates 202 and 203 between the front push plate 203 and the rear push plate 202. The partition plate 600 is configured to be slidable between the front push plate 203 and the rear push plate 202. The sliding of the partition plate 600 is performed by an actuator (not shown). The bottom plate 208 is a plate-like member having a slit, and is disposed on the opposite side of the deposit / withdrawal port 21 via a bill inserted from the deposit / withdrawal port 21. The pair of push plates 202 and 203, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, the bottom plate 208, and a horizontal plate (not shown) form a banknote storage area Ra. This banknote storage area Ra is an area for temporarily holding banknotes inserted from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 or banknotes discharged from the deposit / withdrawal port 21.

  The foreign material receiving box 602 accumulates foreign materials that enter the banknote storage area Ra from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 and fall through the slits of the bottom plate 208. The stopper 214 receives a bill inserted through the deposit / withdrawal port 21. The stopper 214 is slidable in parallel with the shutter 201 and is exposed to the banknote storage area Ra (hereinafter referred to as “payment position”) and not exposed to the banknote storage area Ra (hereinafter referred to as “retraction position”). ). In the initial state, the stopper 214 is disposed at the deposit position shown in FIG. Here, the arrangement position of the stopper 214 is set such that the distance from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 to the stopper 214 is shorter than the length in the height direction (payment direction) of the inserted bill.

  The actuator A1 drives a pulley that constitutes the front clamp mechanism 403 to drive the belt. The actuator A2 slides the stopper 214. The actuator A3 slides the shutter 201. The actuator A6 moves a part of the front clamp mechanism 403.

  The three sensors S1 to S3 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction. Among these sensors S1 to S3, the sensor S1 is closest to the deposit / withdrawal port 21, the sensor S3 is farthest from the deposit / withdrawal port 21, and the sensor S2 is disposed between the two sensors S1 and S3. . These sensors S1 to S3 are all optical sensors having a pair of light sources and a light receiving unit. In these sensors S1-S3, the presence or absence of the banknote in banknote accommodation area | region Ra can be detected by detecting whether light was interrupted | blocked, respectively.

  The pick roller r1 picks banknotes accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra one by one. The separation roller r2 feeds the banknote picked by the pick roller r1 into the banknote conveyance path. The gate roller r3 is arrange | positioned so that it may overlap with the separation roller r2, and suppresses sending out a several banknote in piles. The stack roller r4 carries the banknotes transported through the banknote transport path into the banknote placement area Ra.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the rear clamp mechanism 402. The rear clamp mechanism 402 includes a guide plate 415, a support plate member 417, a slide plate 420, a drive shaft 430, six pulleys 421 to 426, and two clamp belts 411 and 412. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, components other than the rear side clamp mechanism 402 (two frames 603 and 604, a first driving pulley 450, a driving belt 460, and second driving pulleys 451 and 2). Two actuators A4, A5) are also shown.

  The guide plate 415 is disposed between the two frames 603 and 604 so as to be perpendicular to the frames 603 and 604. Note that both ends of the guide plate 415 have bent portions parallel to the two frames 603 and 604. A support plate member 417 bent in a U-shape is joined to the center of the guide plate 415, and this support plate member 417 supports four pulleys 421, 422, 424, and 425. The slide plate 420 is a plate-like member disposed so as to be parallel to the bent portion provided at the end of the guide plate 415.

  The drive shaft 430 is a cylindrical member disposed in parallel with the guide plate 415. The drive shaft 430 is disposed through two frames 603 and 604, a slide plate 420, bent portions at both ends of the guide plate 415, and two pulleys 421 and 424. One end of the drive shaft 430 is disposed so as to protrude from a slit (not shown) included in the frame 604 via the slide plate 420, and the other end is disposed so as to protrude from a slit 605 included in the frame 603.

  The pulley 421 and the pulley 422 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction. Moreover, the pulley 422 and the pulley 423 are arrange | positioned along with the payment direction. The clamp belt 411 is stretched around these three pulleys 421 to 423. The pulley 424 is disposed along the drive shaft 430 away from the pulley 421 by a predetermined distance. The pulley 424 and the pulley 425 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction. Further, the pulley 425 and the pulley 426 are arranged side by side along the deposit direction. The clamp belt 412 is stretched around these three pulleys 424 to 426. The pulley 422 and the pulley 425 correspond to the pulley p2 in FIG.

  Since the two pulleys 421 and 424 are attached to the central portion of the drive shaft 430 between the two frames 603 and 604, the two clamp belts 411 and 412 are in the width direction of the inserted bill Ca. It will be located in the central part.

  The pulley 423 is configured to be movable (swinging) so as to draw an arc with the pulley 422 as an axis. Specifically, when no banknote is present in the banknote placement area Ra, the pulley 423 is urged in a direction approaching the front clamp mechanism 403 facing by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, when a bill is inserted or discharged, the pulley 423 moves in a direction away from the front clamp mechanism 403 according to the thickness of the bill. At this time, the pulley 423 applies a pressing force to the bill. Since the pulley 426 has the same configuration as the pulley 423 described above, description thereof is omitted.

  The two frames 603 and 604 are thin plate members each having a rectangular planar shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 603 includes a slit 605 along the longitudinal direction. The frame 604 also has a slit at the same position as the frame 603, but is omitted for convenience of illustration. Further, the upper half of the frame 604 is also omitted for convenience of illustration. These two frames 603 and 604 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other. The distance between these two frames 603 and 604 is slightly longer than the length of the inserted bill in the width direction.

A first drive pulley 450 and a second drive pulley 451 are attached to the frame 604, and the drive belt 460 is stretched over these two drive pulleys 450 and 451. The actuator A4 is disposed independently of the rear clamp mechanism 402 and the two frames 603 and 604. The actuator A5 is disposed outside the frame 603 and connected to the guide plate 415 through the slit 605.

  The first drive pulley 450 is connected to the actuator A4 and is driven by the actuator A4. At this time, the actuator A4 can rotate the first drive pulley 450 in any direction. The drive belt 460 is driven according to the drive of the first drive pulley 450. The second drive pulley 451 is joined to the tip of the drive shaft 430 on the frame 604 side. The second drive pulley 451 is wound around the drive belt 460 and is driven to rotate according to the drive of the drive belt 460.

  The driving of the two clamp belts 411 and 412 will be described. The drive shaft 430 is driven to rotate according to the rotation of the second drive pulley 451. Then, the two pulleys 421 and 424 attached to the drive shaft 430 are driven in synchronization with each other according to the rotation of the drive shaft 430. In accordance with the driving of these two pulleys 421 and 424, the two clamp belts 411 and 412 are driven. At this time, the two clamp belts 411 and 412 are configured to receive a bill to be inserted according to the driving direction of the first drive pulley 450 (hereinafter simply referred to as “accepting direction”) and to eject the bill. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as “discharge direction”).

  A sliding operation of the rear clamp mechanism 402 will be described. The actuator A5 slides the guide plate 415 along the slit 605 in a direction perpendicular to the deposit direction. At this time, the drive shaft 430 and the support plate member 417 slide along with the slide of the guide plate 415. As the support plate member 417 slides, the six pulleys 421 to 426 and the two clamp belts 411 and 412 also slide. As the drive shaft 430 slides, the second drive pulley 451 joined to the tip of the drive shaft 430 also slides. Here, since the second drive pulley 451 is configured to be slidable in a state of being wound around the drive belt 460, even if the drive shaft 430 is slid and arranged at an arbitrary position, the actuator The driving force A4 is transmitted to the driving shaft 430 through the second driving pulley 451.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the front clamp mechanism 403. The front clamp mechanism 403 includes a guide plate 715, a support plate member 714, a first drive shaft 770, a second drive shaft 771, a third drive shaft 733, and ten pulleys 722 to 725, 730. , 731, 750 to 753, two clamp belts 727 and 728, a first drive belt 760, a second drive belt 762, and a third drive belt 732. In FIG. 6 , for convenience of explanation, components (two frames 703 and 704 and two actuators A1 and A6) other than the front-side clamp mechanism 403 are also shown.

  The guide plate 715 is disposed between the two frames 703 and 704 so as to be perpendicular to the frames 703 and 704. Note that both ends of the guide plate 715 have bent portions parallel to the two frames 703 and 704. A support plate member 714 bent in a U-shape is joined to the center of the guide plate 715, and the support plate member 714 supports four pulleys 722 to 725. The two pulleys 723 and 725 are connected to the support plate member 714 by a support member (not shown). The ends of the two bent portions of the guide plate 715 are supported by the first drive shaft 770.

  The first drive shaft 770 is a cylindrical member disposed in parallel with the guide plate 715. The first drive shaft 770 is disposed through two pulleys 751 and 753 and is supported by two frames 703 and 704. The first drive shaft 770 is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal central axis. The two pulleys 751 and 753 correspond to the pulley p3 shown in FIG. The second drive shaft 771 is a columnar member arranged in parallel with the guide plate 715. The second drive shaft 771 is disposed through the bent portion of the guide plate 715, the support plate member 714, and the pulley 730. One end of the second drive shaft 771 is connected to the pulley 752, and the other end is disposed so as to protrude from the slit 705 included in the frame 703. An actuator A6 is connected to the end of the second drive shaft 771 arranged so as to protrude from the slit 705. The third drive shaft 733 is rotatably supported by the tip portion of the support plate member 714. The third drive shaft 733 passes through the pulley 731 at the intermediate position, passes through the pulley 722 near one end, and passes through the pulley 724 near the other end.

  The pulley 722 and the pulley 723 are arranged side by side along a direction substantially parallel to the deposit direction and the withdrawal direction. The clamp belt 727 is stretched around these pulleys 722 and 723. Similarly, the pulley 724 and the pulley 725 are arranged side by side along a direction substantially parallel to the deposit direction and the withdrawal direction. The clamp belt 728 is stretched around these pulleys 724 and 725. Since the two clamp belts 727 and 728 are disposed in the vicinity of the middle between the two frames 703 and 704, the clamp belts 727 and 728 are located at the center portion in the width direction of the inserted bill Cb. The third drive belt 732 is bridged between two pulleys 731 and 730.

  The first drive belt 760 is stretched between two pulleys 750 and 751. An actuator A1 is connected to the pulley 750, and the actuator A1 drives the pulley 750. The second drive belt 762 is stretched around two pulleys 752 and 753.

  The pulley 723 is configured to be movable (swinging) so as to draw an arc with the pulley 722 as an axis. Specifically, when no banknote is present in the banknote placement area Ra, the pulley 723 is biased in a direction approaching the rear clamp mechanism 402 facing the pulley by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, when a bill is inserted or discharged, the pulley 723 moves in a direction away from the rear clamp mechanism 402 according to the thickness of the bill. At this time, the pulley 723 applies a pressing force to the bill. Since the pulley 725 has the same configuration as the pulley 723 described above, description thereof is omitted.

  The two frames 703 and 704 are thin plate members each having a rectangular planar shape. The frame 703 includes an arc-shaped slit 705. For convenience of illustration, the upper half of the frame 704 is omitted. These two frames 703 and 704 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other. The distance between the two frames 703 and 704 is slightly longer than the length in the width direction of the inserted bill Cb.

The driving of the two clamp belts 727 and 728 will be described. When the pulley 750 is driven by the actuator A1, the pulley 751 rotates via the first drive belt 760. Since the first drive shaft 770 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the pulley 751, the pulley 753 attached to the first drive shaft 770 also rotates in synchronization with the second drive belt 762. The driving force of the second driving belt 762 is transmitted to the pulley 752, the second driving shaft 771, and the pulley 730, and the third driving belt 732 is driven. Since the third drive shaft 733 rotates via the pulley 731 according to the driving of the third drive belt 732, the two pulleys 722 and 724 rotate in synchronization with each other. In accordance with the driving of these two pulleys 722 and 724, the two clamp belts 727 and 728 are driven. At this time, the two clamp belts 727 and 728 can be driven in either the receiving direction or the discharging direction according to the driving direction of the pulley 750.

  The movement operation of the entire front clamp mechanism 403 will be described. The actuator A6 moves the second drive shaft 771 along the slit 705 so as to draw an arc. Along with this, the guide plate 715 and the support plate member 714 move so as to draw an arc with the first drive shaft 770 as an axis. Therefore, the entire front clamp mechanism 403 moves so as to draw an arc. At this time, regardless of the position of the front clamp mechanism 403, the driving force by the actuator A1 is transmitted to the two clamp belts 727 and 728 through the above-described path. Therefore, these clamp belts 727 and 728 can carry the banknote Cb to be inserted (or discharged) regardless of the position of the front clamp mechanism 403.

  The pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 described above correspond to a pair of transport units in the claims. Also, the two actuators A5 and A6 are in the moving mechanism in the claims, the drive shaft 430 is in the transmitting portion in the claims, the sensors S1 to S3 and the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 are in the detecting unit in the claims, and the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 Corresponds to a determination unit and a movement amount measurement unit in the claims.

A2. Operation of deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 at the time of depositing:
Hereinafter, the operation of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 during deposit will be described as an example in which the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 accepts banknotes. When the user selects the deposit transaction menu in the customer operation unit 105 (FIG. 1), the bill acceptance process is started in the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20. In addition, before execution of a banknote acceptance process, all of a pair of push plates 202 and 203 are arrange | positioned in a taking-in position, and a pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are all arrange | positioned in a retracted position.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of banknote acceptance processing executed in the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20. First, the deposit / withdrawal controller 328 (FIG. 3) controls an actuator (not shown) to move the pair of push plates 202 and 203 (FIG. 4) to the deposit position (step S105). The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls the actuator A6 (FIG. 4) to move the front clamp mechanism 403 to the deposit position, and controls the actuator A5 (FIG. 5) to move the rear clamp mechanism 402 to the clamping position. (Step S110). At this time, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 (clamp belts) come into contact with each other at the lower pulley portion.

  The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls the actuator A2 (FIG. 4) to move the stopper 214 to the retracted position (step S115). Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls the actuator A3 (FIG. 4) to open the shutter 201 (step S120).

  When the shutter 201 is opened, the user can insert a bill into the deposit / withdrawal port 21 (FIG. 1). The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not a bill is inserted based on the output of the sensor S1, and waits until the bill is inserted (step S125). When a bill is inserted, light is blocked in the sensor S1, and the output of the light receiving unit changes. Therefore, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine whether or not a bill is inserted based on a change in the output value of the light receiving unit at this time.

  If it determines with the banknote having been inserted, the deposit or withdrawal control part 328 will control the actuator A4 (FIG. 5), and will drive the clamp belts 411 and 412 in a receiving direction (step S130).

FIG. 8 is a first explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 after executing Step S130. In FIG. 8, for convenience of illustration, some elements such as the stack roller r4 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the pair of push plates 202 and 203 and the front side clamp mechanism 403 are disposed at the deposit position and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 is disposed at the clamping position , the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are , Located between the pair of push plates 202 and 203. At this time, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are arranged in a V shape in contact with each other at positions of pulleys (for example, pulleys 423 and 426 shown in FIG. 5) positioned below each other, and each belt (for example, The clamp belts 411 and 412) shown in FIG. 5 are driven in the receiving direction. Therefore, the user can obtain a feeling that the banknote strikes and a feeling that the banknote is pulled immediately after inserting the banknote C1 into the deposit / withdrawal port 21. At this time, when the user releases the banknote from the hand, the banknote is automatically taken into the automatic cash transaction apparatus 500. Therefore, the user can insert a banknote without inserting a hand or a finger from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 into the banknote detention area Ra.

  FIG. 9 is a second explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 after executing Step S130. In FIG. 9, for convenience of illustration, some elements such as the shutter 201 and the frames 703 and 704 in the front clamp mechanism 403 are omitted. When many bills are inserted, the thickness of the bill bundle is large, and since there are many cases where the user has the center of the bill bundle, both ends of the bill bundle inserted are spread as shown in FIG. Here, the two clamp belts of the front side clamp mechanism 403 protrude toward the bill C1 side from the front side push plate 203, and the two clamp belts of the rear side clamp mechanism 402 are closer to the bill C1 side than the rear side push plate 202. Protruding. Further, the two clamp belts of the front clamp mechanism 403 and the two clamp belts of the rear clamp mechanism 402 sandwich the central portion in the width direction of the bill C1. Therefore, both ends of the banknote bundle are located in a relatively wide space sandwiched between the front side pressing plate 203 and the rear side pressing plate 202, and even if both ends of the banknote bundle spread, the user can Easy to put in.

  After the above-described step S130, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the bill insertion into the bill placement area Ra is completed based on the outputs of the two sensors S1 and S3, and until the bill insertion is completed. Wait (step S135). When the insertion of the bill is completed, the light is not blocked by the sensor S1, and the light is blocked by the sensor S3. Therefore, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can detect the completion of bill insertion based on the outputs of the sensors S1 and S3. Note that it is possible to determine the completion of the insertion of the bill by detecting that the light has been changed from the blocked state to the unblocked state using only the sensor S1. In addition, it is possible to determine the completion of the insertion of the banknote by using the sensor S3 alone to detect that the light has changed from the non-blocked state to the blocked state.

  If it determines with the insertion of a banknote having been completed (step S135: YES), the deposit or withdrawal control part 328 will control the actuator A4 (FIG. 5), and will stop the drive of the clamp belts 411 and 412 (step S140).

The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls the actuator A3 (FIG. 4) and closes the shutter 201 (step S145). Withdrawal control unit 328 moves the front clamping mechanism 403 to the retreat position by controlling the actuators A6, moving the rear clamp mechanism 402 to the retreat position by controlling the actuator A5 (Fig. 5) (step S150 ). The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 controls an actuator (not shown) to move the pair of push plates 202 and 203 (FIG. 4) to the take-in positions (step S155). Note that the rear push plate 202 can be left in the deposit position without being moved to the take-in position.

  At this time, the inserted banknotes are stacked in a state of standing in contact with the bottom plate 208 in the banknote detention area Ra. Therefore, even if a banknote bundle is inclined and inserted, when the banknote stack is accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra, the banknote is tilted. Even if foreign matter such as coins is mixed in between bills, the foreign matter falls downward according to gravity in the bill placement area Ra, and is accumulated in the foreign matter receiving box 602 through the slit of the bottom plate 208. It will be.

  The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 drives the pick roller r1 to pick the banknotes accumulated in the banknote storage area Ra, and passes the banknotes between the separation roller r2 and the gate roller r3 to the banknote transport path. Feed out (step S160).

  When executing step S160 described above, the front side clamping mechanism 403 is retracted to the outside of the front side pressing plate 203 (on the side opposite to the bill via the front side pressing plate 203). Accordingly, the banknotes C1 accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra are arranged facing the front pressing plate 203 according to gravity. At this time, the banknote C1 is supported on a surface without unevenness. Therefore, the banknote C1 can be prevented from being conveyed between the separation roller r2 and the gate roller r3 in a state where the banknote C1 is bent or the banknote C1 is bent as shown in FIG. Generation can be suppressed.

A3. Operation of deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 at the time of withdrawal:
Hereinafter, the operation of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 at the time of withdrawal will be described as an example in which the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 such as withdrawal or withdrawal of cash discharges banknotes. When the user designates an amount in the customer operation unit 105 (FIG. 1) and selects the withdrawal (withdrawal) menu, the bill of the designated amount is sent from the two dispensing safes 71 and 72 or the two recycling boxes 81 and 82. The paper is discharged and conveyed to the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 through the bill conveyance path. Moreover, the banknote discharge process is started in the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of banknote discharge processing executed in the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20. First, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 (FIG. 3) controls an actuator (not shown) to move the pair of push plates 202 and 203 (FIG. 4) to the take-in positions (step S205). The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the front clamp mechanism 403 and the rear clamp mechanism 402 to the retracted position (step S210).

  The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the stopper 214 to the retracted position (step S215), and also stacks the banknotes sent from the banknote transport path by driving the stack roller r4 in the banknote detention area Ra (step S220). . When the banknotes are stacked, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 to the discharge position (step S225). At this time, when the thickness of the banknote bundle is large, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 abut against the banknote bundle and stop before reaching the discharge position. The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can detect the accumulation of banknotes in the banknote detention area Ra using, for example, the sensor S3 and the sensor S2.

  Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 opens the shutter 201 (step S230), and drives the clamp belts 411 and 412 in the discharge direction (step S235). At this time, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the banknotes have been discharged based on the output of the sensor S3 (step S240), and drives the clamp belt until the discharge is completed. The state where the banknotes are completely discharged means a state where a part of the banknotes is exposed from the deposit / withdrawal port 21. At this time, since light is no longer blocked by the sensor S3, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine that the banknotes have been discharged by detecting this state.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 immediately after executing step S235. The front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 are each arrange | positioned in the discharge | release position shown in FIG. At this release position, the front clamp mechanism 403 protrudes inward (the banknote C2 side) from the front pressing plate 203, and the rear clamp mechanism 402 protrudes inward from the rear pressing plate 202, so The banknote C2 accumulated on Ra is held. And since the clamp belt for conveyance of the front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 is driven in a discharge | emission direction until a part of banknote C2 is exposed from the deposit or withdrawal port 21, a user is banknote detainment area | region Ra. It becomes possible to take out a banknote without inserting a hand or a finger.

  Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 stops the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 (step S245 in FIG. 10). The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the banknote has been extracted by the user based on the output of the sensor S1 (step S250), and waits until the extraction is completed. When the banknote is removed, the light is not blocked by the sensor S1, so the output of the light receiving unit changes. Therefore, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can detect the completion of the withdrawal of the banknote based on the output change of the light receiving unit at this time. When the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines that the withdrawal of the banknote has been completed, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 closes the shutter 201 (step S255).

  As described above, in the automatic teller machine 500 according to the first embodiment, at the time of depositing, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402, 403 move in a direction approaching each other and are positioned between the pair of push plates 202, 203. And since the inserted banknote is pinched and conveyed inside, the user can insert the banknote without inserting a hand or a finger into the banknote detention region Ra. Also, at the time of withdrawal, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402, 403 move in a direction approaching each other and are positioned outside the pair of push plates 202, 203, hold the banknote, and a part of the banknote is a deposit / withdrawal port. Since it conveys to the position exposed to 21, the user can take out a banknote, without inserting a hand and a finger | toe into banknote detainment area | region Ra.

  Further, when the inserted banknote is fed out to the banknote conveyance path, the front side clamp mechanism 403 is retracted to the outside of the front side pressing plate 203 (on the side opposite to the banknote via the front side pressing plate 203). Therefore, the banknote contacts only the front side pressing plate 203, and the banknote bundle is not bent or broken. Therefore, generation | occurrence | production of the banknote jam when a banknote bundle is drawn | fed out from banknote holding | maintenance area | region Ra to a banknote conveyance path can be suppressed. In addition, since the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203 can be arranged to overlap each other, the depth of the banknote storage area Ra (the length in the deposit / withdrawal direction) can be shortened. The deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 can be downsized.

  Further, at the time of depositing, the clamp belts of the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are arranged in a V shape in contact with each other at the pulley position at the lower end, so that it is possible to give the user a sense that a bill hits. Therefore, the user can release a banknote in comfort at the time of insertion of a banknote. Moreover, since the banknote bundle to be inserted abuts between the clamp belts of the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, at least the inclination of the banknote with respect to the insertion direction can be eliminated, and the banknote bundle can be aligned and accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra. Further, due to the V-shaped arrangement of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, the distance between the two clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 is relatively wide at a position close to the deposit / withdrawal port 21. Therefore, when inserting many banknotes, the user can easily insert the banknote bundle into the deposit / withdrawal port 21. In addition, the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 both sandwich the central portion in the width direction of the bill, and a wide space is formed between the pair of push plates 202 and 203 at both ends of the bill. Even when the thickness of the bundle is large and both ends of the banknote bundle spread, the user can easily insert the banknote bundle.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a first flowchart showing a procedure of banknote acceptance processing in the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a second flowchart showing a procedure of banknote acceptance processing in the second embodiment.

The automatic teller machine according to the second embodiment performs step S110a instead of step S110, omits step S115, and executes step S125a instead of step S125 in the bill acceptance process. When, in the point of run by adding the steps S 126, S128, unlike the automatic teller machine 500 (FIG. 1), and the other configuration is the same as the first embodiment.

  In the automatic teller machine according to the second embodiment, when the banknote is inserted from the deposit / withdrawal port 21, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are not brought into contact with each other, and the stopper 214 is placed in the banknote detention area Ra. Is configured to expose.

  After executing Step S105 described above, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves only the front clamp mechanism 403 of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 to the deposit position, unlike the first embodiment (Step S110a). Therefore, since the rear side clamp mechanism 402 remains disposed at the retracted position, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 do not contact each other, and the distance between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 is relatively wide. Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 opens the shutter 201 (step S120).

  At this time, since the stopper 214 remains in the deposit position, unlike the first embodiment, the stopper 214 is disposed between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403. The arrangement position of the stopper 214 is set such that the distance from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 to the stopper 214 is shorter than the length in the height direction (short direction) of the inserted bill. Therefore, the user can abut the bill against the stopper 214 without inserting a hand or a finger into the bill placement area Ra. Moreover, since the space | interval between the front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 is large at the time of banknote insertion, the user can insert a banknote bundle into the deposit or withdrawal port 21 easily.

  The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the bill has reached the stopper 214 based on the output of the sensor S2, and waits until the bill reaches the stopper 214 (step S125a). When the bill reaches the stopper 214, the light of the sensor S2 is blocked, so that the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine whether the bill has reached the stopper 214 based on the output change of the light receiving unit at this time. When it is determined that the bill has reached the stopper 214, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the rear side clamp mechanism 402 to the clamping position (step S126).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism after step S126 is executed in the second embodiment. In FIG. 14, for convenience of illustration, some elements such as the stack roller r4 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 14, the bottom of the banknote bundle C3 is in contact with the stopper 214. Therefore, the deviation of the banknote bundle C3 with respect to the insertion direction is eliminated. Note that the lower end of the banknote bundle C3 is sandwiched between the front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402.

  Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the stopper 214 to the retracted position (step S128 in FIG. 12). At this time, since the banknote bundle C3 is held between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, the banknote bundle C3 does not fall toward the bottom plate 208. Thereafter, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 executes steps S130 to S160 described in the first embodiment (FIG. 13).

  The automatic teller machine according to the second embodiment having the above configuration has the same effect as the automatic teller machine 500 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, since the rear side clamp mechanism 402 is arrange | positioned in the retracted position when inserting a banknote, between the front side clamp mechanism 403 and the rear side clamp mechanism 402 becomes comparatively wide. Therefore, even if the banknote bundle is relatively thick, the user can easily insert it into the deposit / withdrawal port 21.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 15 is a first flowchart showing a procedure of banknote acceptance processing in the third embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a second flowchart showing a procedure of banknote acceptance processing in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a first flowchart showing a procedure of banknote discharge processing in the third embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a second flowchart showing a procedure of banknote discharge processing in the third embodiment.

  The automatic teller machine according to the third embodiment is configured to execute cash by adding steps S305 to S325 in the banknote acceptance process, and to execute steps S405 to S470 in the banknote discharge process. Unlike the automatic transaction apparatus 500 (FIG. 1), other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the automatic teller machine according to the third embodiment, the state (the thickness of the banknote bundle or the presence / absence of the banknote bank) is detected when the banknote bundle is transported, and the banknotes are clamped by the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403. It is configured to determine whether or not the sheet can be conveyed, and when the sheet cannot be conveyed, the banknote is released from the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and is retained in the banknote storage area Ra.

  First, banknote acceptance processing will be described. Since the processing of steps S105 to S130 (FIG. 15) is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 7), description thereof is omitted. Note that the banknote (banknote bundle) inserted from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 is held between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 at the time of executing step S135 described later.

  After executing Step S130, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the bill insertion into the bill detention area Ra is completed based on the outputs of the two sensors S1 and S3, as in the first embodiment. (Step S135). At this time, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the bill insertion is completed within a predetermined period, unlike the first embodiment. When the bill insertion is completed within a predetermined period, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 executes the above-described steps S140 to S160. Note that this predetermined period is a period from when the insertion is detected until the banknote bundle is normally conveyed to the vicinity of the bottom plate 208, and can be set by measurement in advance through experiments.

  On the other hand, in the above-described step S135, when the bill insertion is not completed within the predetermined period, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 stops the driving of the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 (FIG. 16, step S305). . As a case where banknote insertion is not completed within a predetermined period, for example, it is assumed that the thickness of the banknote bundle to be inserted is large and the banknote bundle stays at the deposit / withdrawal port 21, so that light is blocked at the sensor S <b> 1. Further, for example, it is assumed that the user inserts a hand or a finger up to the detection line of the sensor S1, and the light is blocked at the sensor S1.

  The deposit / withdrawal controller 328 moves the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 away from each other (step S310). At this time, the two clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are moved by a predetermined amount, respectively. Note that the two clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can be moved to a predetermined position. In addition, only one of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can be moved away from the other. When this step S310 is executed, the banknote bundle is released from the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and falls toward the bottom plate 208 in the banknote detention area Ra.

  The deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether there is an obstacle near the deposit / withdrawal port 21 based on the output of the sensor S1 (step S315). Since the banknote bundle is accommodated below the banknote retention area Ra by the above-described step S310, the light is not blocked by the sensor S1 when there is no other obstacle near the deposit / withdrawal port 21. On the other hand, when there is an obstacle near the deposit / withdrawal port 21, the light is blocked in the sensor S1. As the obstacle, for example, a user's hand or finger, a banknote bundle that stays in the vicinity of the deposit / withdrawal port 21 without being released from the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, and the like are assumed.

  When it is determined that there is an obstacle near the deposit / withdrawal port 21, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 moves the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 to the retracted position (step S320). The operation control unit 327 (FIG. 3) displays a message for urging obstacle removal on the display (not shown) of the customer operation unit 105 (step S325). After executing Step S325, the process returns to Step S315 described above, and the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether there is an obstacle. If the obstacle detected in step S315 is the user's hand or finger, the user who has seen the message can pull out the hand or finger from the deposit / withdrawal port 21.

  If it is determined in step S315 described above that there is no obstacle, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 executes steps S145 to S160 (FIG. 15) described above. In addition, when the banknote bundle which stays in the deposit / withdrawal port 21 vicinity is removed, a banknote bundle is not accumulated in banknote detainment area | region Ra, and a banknote is not drawn | fed out inside an apparatus in step S160 (FIG. 15). In this case, the user can select the deposit transaction menu in the customer operation unit 105 and deposit again.

  Next, banknote discharge processing will be described. Since the processing from step S205 to S225 (FIG. 17) is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 10), description thereof is omitted. Note that the banknotes (banknote bundles) accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra are held between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 at the time of executing step S405 described later.

  After executing Step S225, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 detects the thickness of the banknote bundle sandwiched between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, and determines whether the thickness of the banknote bundle is normal (Step S405). ). The thickness of the banknote bundle can be detected by, for example, the moving distance of the rear clamp mechanism 402. Specifically, it can be realized as follows. The relationship between the slide amount of the front clamp mechanism 403 and the thickness of the banknote bundle is obtained in advance by experiment and stored in the memory 312 (FIG. 3) as a map. In step S225 described above, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 measures the slide amount when the front clamp mechanism 403 is moved, and measures the thickness of the banknote bundle with reference to the above-described map based on the measured slide amount. Then, a threshold value is provided for the slide amount in advance, and the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine that the thickness of the banknote bundle is abnormal when the measured slide amount is smaller than the threshold value.

In step S405 described above, when it is determined that the thickness of the banknote bundle is normal, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 drives the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction to stop (step). S410). The predetermined driving amount is that when the banknote bundle is transported in a normal state (the banknote is not jammed), the tip of the banknote bundle (the end on the side close to the shutter 201) is directly under the shutter 201. Thus, the amount is such that it is arranged at a position higher than the detection line of the sensor S1 (position closer to the shutter 201). Such a driving amount can be obtained in advance by experiments.

  Based on the output of the sensor S1, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether or not the banknote bundle has been transported to just below the shutter 201 (step S415).

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory view schematically showing the arrangement state of the banknote bundle after the clamp belt is driven by a predetermined amount in step S415. In FIG. 19, the upper stage shows a case where the banknote bundle C4 is normally conveyed to the position immediately below the shutter 201, and the lower stage shows a case where the banknote bundle C4 is not normally conveyed.

  When the banknote bundle C4 is normally conveyed to the position immediately below the shutter 201, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 19, the tip of the banknote bundle C4 is positioned above the detection line of the sensor S1. Therefore, since light is blocked in the sensor S1, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine that the banknote bundle has been conveyed to just below the shutter 201 based on the output of the sensor S1. On the other hand, when the sheet is not normally conveyed to the position immediately below the shutter 201, the tip of the banknote bundle C4 is positioned below the detection line of the sensor S1, as shown in the lower part of FIG. Accordingly, since the sensor S1 does not block light, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can determine that the banknote bundle is not conveyed to the position immediately below the shutter 201 based on the output of the sensor S1. In other words, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 determines whether the banknote bundle can be normally conveyed by executing steps S410 and S415.

  Note that it is also possible to determine whether or not the banknote bundle has been conveyed to just below the shutter 201 based on the output of the sensor S3 instead of the sensor S1 or together with the sensor S1. Specifically, when the banknote bundle is normally conveyed, the light is not blocked by the sensor S3, and when the banknote bundle is not normally conveyed, the light is blocked by the sensor S3. Therefore, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 can also determine whether or not the banknote bundle has been conveyed to just below the shutter 201 based on the output of the sensor S3.

  In step S415 (FIG. 17) described above, when it is determined that the banknote bundle has been conveyed to just below the shutter 201, steps S230 to S255 (FIG. 18) are executed. Since these steps S230 to S255 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 10), description thereof will be omitted. However, the processing in the case where it is determined in step S240 that “banknote discharge has not been completed” is different from that in the first embodiment, and will be described below.

  When it is determined in step S240 that the banknotes are not completely discharged, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 stops driving the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 (step S440), and the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and All 403 are moved to the retracted position (step S445). Next, the operation control unit 327 (FIG. 3) displays a message for prompting the withdrawal of banknotes on the display (not shown) of the customer operation unit 105 (step S450).

  As a case where it is determined that the banknote has not been completely discharged, for example, a case where the banknote is caught in any place of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 during conveyance by the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 is assumed. In this case, the user can take out the banknote bundle accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra by looking at the message displayed on the customer operation unit 105. At this time, since the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed at the retracted position, the banknote depot area Ra is relatively wide, and the user can easily insert his / her hand and fingers into the banknote depot area Ra. Easy to take out a bundle.

  After executing Step S450, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 executes the processing after Step S250 described above.

If it is determined in step S405 (FIG. 17) that the banknote bundle is not normal, or if it is determined in step S415 (FIG. 17) that the banknote bundle is not transported directly below the shutter 201, the entry / exit The gold controller 328 moves both of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 to the retracted position (step S460 in FIG. 18). Thereby, the banknote bundle is released from the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403. If many banknotes are to be transported by the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, some banknotes may fall off and not be transported, or the banknotes may strike one of the banknote detention areas Ra and bend or bend. . Therefore, when the thickness of the banknote bundle is large, the banknote bundle is opened from the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and is not conveyed by the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403. In addition, since the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are retracted to the outside of the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203 by step S460, the banknote placement area Ra becomes a relatively wide space.

  Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 opens the shutter 201 (step S465), and the operation control unit 327 (FIG. 3) displays a message for prompting the withdrawal of banknotes on the display (not shown) of the customer operation unit 105 ( Step S470). As described above, since the banknote depot area Ra is relatively wide, the user can easily take out the banknote bundle from the banknote depot area Ra. Moreover, even when a banknote is caught in any position in banknote detainment area | region Ra, the user can remove this banknote easily.

  After executing Step S470, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 328 executes the processing after Step S250 described above.

The automatic teller machine according to the third embodiment having the above configuration has the same effect as the automatic teller machine 500 according to the first embodiment. Further, at the time of payment, if the bill is not completed within a predetermined period of time, since to open the bill which has been held between the pair of clamping mechanisms 402 and 403, and out reasons such as bill bundle to be inserted is thick Even in the case where banknotes stay in the vicinity of the coin opening 21, banknotes can be accumulated in the banknote detention area Ra. Further, when the banknote bundle to be discharged is thick at the time of withdrawal, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 stops transporting the banknotes and keeps them in the banknote storage area Ra. It is possible to suppress folds of banknotes and the like resulting from the conveyance by. Further, at this time, since the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed outside the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203, the banknote storage area Ra can be made a relatively wide space, and the user can use the banknotes as banknotes It can be easily taken out from the indwelling region Ra.

D. Variations:
In addition, elements other than the elements claimed in the independent claims among the constituent elements in each of the above embodiments are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

D 1 . Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 and the pair of push plates 202 and 203 can be arranged so as to overlap each other (see FIG. 4). 403 and the pair of push plates 202 and 203 may be configured not to overlap each other.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory view schematically showing a deposit / withdrawal mechanism in the first modification. In FIG. 20, the upper stage shows a deposit / withdrawal mechanism when a banknote is inserted, and the lower stage shows a deposit / withdrawal mechanism when the inserted banknote is fed out to the banknote conveyance path. The deposit / withdrawal mechanism in Modification 1 is different from the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 of the first embodiment in that the pair of clamp mechanisms 402, 403 and the pair of pressing plates 202, 203 are configured not to overlap. Other configurations are the same. In FIG. 20, some components of the deposit / withdrawal mechanism such as the three sensors S1 to S3 and the pick roller r1 are omitted for convenience of explanation.

The pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed above the pair of push plates 202 and 203 (on the side closer to the deposit / withdrawal port 21). Therefore, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 do not overlap with the pair of push plates 202 and 203. Here, as in the first embodiment, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are arranged in a V shape when a bill is inserted (step S125 in FIG. 7). Further, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed inside the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203 when viewed from the deposit / withdrawal port 21. Therefore, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can hold the banknote bundle C5 inserted when the banknote is inserted.

  When paying out the banknote (step S160 in FIG. 7), the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are moving away from each other as compared to when the banknote is inserted. At this time, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed outside the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203 when viewed from the deposit / withdrawal port 21. The banknote bundle C5 is disposed between the pair of pressing plates 202 and 203, and the above-described step S160 is executed and fed out from between the separation roller r2 and the gate roller r3 to the banknote transport path.

  The automatic cash transaction apparatus including the deposit / withdrawal mechanism having such a configuration can achieve the same effect as the automatic cash transaction apparatus 500 of the first embodiment. That is, generally, a configuration in which the pair of transport units is arranged at an arbitrary position between the inside and the outside of the pair of plate-like members viewed from the entrance / exit is employed in the paper sheet handling apparatus of the present invention. Can do.

D2. Modification 2:
In the third embodiment described above, the basis for determining whether or not the sheet can be normally conveyed is the thickness of the banknote bundle and the presence or absence of the banknote bundle, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, it can be determined whether or not the paper can be normally conveyed based on the inclination of the banknote and the positional deviation in the width direction of the banknote.

  FIG. 21A is an explanatory view schematically showing a sensor arrangement state of the automatic teller machine according to the first embodiment of the second modification. The automatic teller machine according to the first embodiment of the modified example 2 is different from the automatic teller machine in that it includes six sensors S1a to S3f in addition to the three sensors S1 to S3 described above. Is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment of the second modification, the columns of sensors S1a, S2b, and S3c and the columns of sensors S1d, S2e, and S3f are arranged in parallel with the above-described columns of sensors S1 to S3. In addition, the distance between the row | line | column of sensor S1a, S2b, S3c and the row | line | column of sensor S1d, S2e, S3f is shorter than the width | variety of a banknote. The two sensors S1a and S1d are arranged side by side across the sensor S1 in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the deposit / withdrawal direction. Similarly, the two sensors S2b and S2e are arranged side by side with the sensor S2 in the horizontal direction, and the two sensors S3c and S3f are arranged side by side with the sensor S3 in the horizontal direction.

  In such a configuration, for example, in step S135 (FIG. 15) of the banknote acceptance process, the banknote insertion completion is determined based on the outputs of the three sensors S3, S3c, and S3f in consideration of the inclination of the inserted banknote. be able to. Specifically, for example, in the case where the banknote bundle is sandwiched in a normal posture with no inclination like the banknote bundle C6, light is blocked by the two sensors S3c and S3f in addition to the sensor S3. On the other hand, in the case where the banknote bundle is held in an abnormal posture with an inclination like the banknote bundle C7, light is blocked by the sensor S3, but light is not blocked by the sensor S3c. Accordingly, when the light is blocked by any of the three sensors S3, S3c, and S3f, it is determined that the bill insertion is completed, and when the light is not blocked by any of the sensors, it is determined that the bill insertion is not completed. be able to.

  Note that when light is not blocked by any of the three sensors S1, S1a, S1d (or S2, S2b, S2e), it is determined that the bill has been inserted, and the light is blocked by any of the sensors. In this case, it can be determined that the bill insertion is not completed. Further, not only in step S135, for example, after determining that the thickness of the banknote bundle is normal in step S405 (FIG. 17) of the banknote discharging process, the banknote is tilted by determining the inclination of the banknote described above. If it is determined that it is (abnormal posture), the processing after step S460 can be performed.

FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a sensor arrangement state of the automatic teller machine according to the second embodiment of the second modification. The automatic teller machine according to the second embodiment of the modified example 2 is described above in that the distance between the columns of the sensors S1a, S2b, and S3c and the columns of the sensors S1d, S2e, and S3f is longer than the width of the banknote. first embodiment modification 2 differs from (FIG. 2 1 (a)).

  In such a configuration, for example, in step S135 (FIG. 15) of the banknote acceptance process, the banknote is inserted in consideration of the positional deviation in the width direction of the inserted banknote based on the outputs of the three sensors S3, S3c, and S3f. Completion can be determined. Specifically, for example, in a case where a banknote bundle is held at a normal position as in the banknote C8, light is blocked only by the sensor S3 among the three sensors S3, S3c, and S3f. On the other hand, in the case of being sandwiched by shifting in the banknote width direction from the normal position like the banknote bundle C9, light is blocked by the sensor S3c in addition to the sensor S3. Accordingly, it can be determined that the bill insertion is completed when the light is blocked only by the sensor S3, and it is determined that the bill insertion is not completed when the light is blocked by the sensor S3c or the sensor S31.

  That is, in general, a detection unit capable of detecting conveyance-related information, which is arbitrary information related to the state during conveyance of banknotes, can be employed in the paper sheet handling apparatus of the present invention.

D3. Modification 3:
In the first embodiment described above, when the insertion of a banknote is detected (step S125 in FIG. 7: YES), the clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are driven (step S130). The clamp belts of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can be driven after waiting for a predetermined period after the bill insertion is detected. For example, the clamp belt can be driven after waiting for one second after detecting bill insertion. By doing so, the banknote bundle can be reliably abutted against the clamp belt, and the clamp belt can be driven after correcting the banknote bundle inclination. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of banknote jam due to the inclination of the banknote during conveyance by the clamp belt.

D4. Modification 4:
In the second embodiment described above, the rear clamp mechanism 402 is disposed at the retracted position before the bill is inserted, but it may be disposed at a position overlapping the rear pressing plate 202 instead. In the second embodiment, the front clamp mechanism 403 is disposed at the deposit position before the bill is inserted (step S110a). Instead, the front clamp mechanism 403 is disposed at the retracted position in the same manner as the rear clamp mechanism 402. You can also. In this case, the banknote is not automatically drawn at the time of insertion, but the banknote is abutted by the stopper 214, so that the user does not have to insert a hand or a finger into the banknote placement area Ra.

  Here, the operation mode of each embodiment described above and the operation mode in which both the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are disposed at the retracted position and the stopper 214 is at the retracted position when the bill is inserted (hereinafter referred to as a conventional mode). And can be configured to be switchable. In this configuration, for example, a plurality of control programs are stored in the memory 312 in advance so that the CPU 320 can function as a deposit / withdrawal control unit corresponding to each mode, and a maintenance person operates using a maintenance terminal or the like. This can be achieved by switching modes. In this way, in countries where many users are afraid of inserting their hands and fingers into the device, it operates as in the first and third embodiments, and automatic teller machines are widespread. In countries where the user is not afraid of inserting their hands or fingers into the device, it can be switched to operate in the conventional mode. Therefore, the automatic teller machine of the present invention can be used in any country.

D5. Modification 5:
In the first and third embodiments described above, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 are in contact with each other at the time of bill insertion, but instead of this, the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 may be arranged with a slight distance therebetween. . Specifically, as in the first and third embodiments, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 may be arranged in a V shape, and the tip portions may be arranged slightly apart (for example, about 5 millimeters). it can. Even in this configuration, at a position close to the deposit / withdrawal port 21, the distance between the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 is relatively wide, so that the user can easily insert a banknote and the banknote is inserted. In this case, the user can get a sense of abutment. In this configuration, the clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 (pulleys arranged at the lowermost end) may be fixed so as not to swing.

  Further, for example, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can be arranged slightly parallel to each other. Even in this configuration, the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 can be moved (swinged) according to the thickness of the bill bundle to be inserted, so that the user can feel the bill drawn. it can.

D6. Modification 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the two clamp belts of the front clamp mechanism 403 and the two clamp belts of the rear clamp mechanism 402 sandwich the banknote at the central portion in the width direction of the banknote. Thus, the banknotes can be held at both end portions in the width direction of the banknotes. Further, in the two clamp mechanisms 402 and 403, the portion for sandwiching and transporting the banknote is configured by the clamp belt, but instead, it can be configured by using a plurality of pulleys arranged in a row. .

D7. Modification 7:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the actuator A4 that generates the driving force of the clamp belts 411 and 412 of the rear clamp mechanism 402 is configured independently of the rear clamp mechanism 402 and does not move with the rear clamp mechanism 402. Although it is a structure, this invention is not limited to this. The actuator A4 may be attached to, for example, the guide plate 415 as a part of the rear clamp mechanism 402 and moved together with the rear clamp mechanism 402.

D8. Modification 8:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the deposit / withdrawal mechanism 20 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity (vertical direction), but may be disposed along the direction of gravity (vertical direction) instead. . By doing in this way, at the time of banknote insertion, when a banknote strikes against the bottom plate 208 or the stopper 214, the lower end portion of the banknote can be aligned, and the inclination of the banknote can be easily corrected.

D9. Modification 9:
In the third embodiment described above, whether or not the thickness of the banknote bundle is normal is determined based on the moving distance of the front clamp mechanism 403. Instead, it is determined by any other method. You can also. Specifically, for example, the movement time of the pair of clamp mechanisms 402 and 403 is measured, and when the movement time is shorter than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the thickness of the banknote bundle is abnormal. . Further, for example, the thickness of the banknote bundle can be directly measured using an ultrasonic sensor or the like, and the determination can be made based on the thickness.

D10. Modification 10:
In each of the embodiments described above, as an example of the paper sheet handling apparatus of the present invention, an example of application to an automatic teller machine has been described, but instead of an automatic teller machine, any check, postcard, commuter pass, etc. The present invention can be applied to an apparatus that handles paper sheets.

D11. Modification 11:
In the embodiment described above, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. .

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Banknote depositing / withdrawing machine, 10a ... Upper conveyance mechanism, 10b ... Lower conveyance mechanism, 20 ... Depositing / withdrawing mechanism, 21 ... Deposit / withdrawal port, 30 ... Bill discriminating part, 40 ... Temporary storage, 50a-50k ... Switching gate, 60 ... Inbox, 61 ... Collection box, 62 ... Fake ticket collection box, 63 ... Loading / collecting box, 71,72 ... Deposit box, 81,82 ... Recycle box, 83 ... Reject box, 101 ... Case, 102 ... Card / detail slip processing mechanism, 103 ... card slot, 105 ... customer operation unit, 106 ... safe casing, 201 ... shutter, 202 ... rear side pressing plate, 203 ... front side pressing plate, 208 ... bottom plate, near 208 ... bottom plate, 214 ... Stopper, 300 ... Control circuit, 312 ... Memory, 313 ... CPU, 320 ... Main control unit, 321 ... Inbox safe control unit, 322 ... Reject storage control unit, 323 ... Exit safe control unit, 324 ... Recycle Storage control unit, 325 ... bill transport path control unit, 326 ... switching gate control unit, 327 ... operation control unit, 328 ... deposit and withdrawal control unit, 329 ... discrimination control unit, 330 ... temporary storage storage control unit, 331 ... collection storage Control unit, 332 ... Fake ticket collection storage control unit, 333 ... Loading / collection storage control unit, 402 ... Rear side clamping mechanism, 403 ... Front side clamping mechanism, 411, 412 ... Clamp belt, 415 ... Guide plate, 417 ... Support plate Member, 420 ... Slide plate, 421-426 ... Pulley, 430 ... Drive shaft, 450 ... First drive pulley, 451 ... Second drive pulley, 460 ... Drive belt, 500 ... Cash automatic transaction apparatus, 600 ... Partition plate , 602 ... Foreign matter receiving box, 603, 604 ... Frame, 605 ... Slit, 703, 704 ... Frame, 705 ... Slit, 714 ... Support Member, 715 ... Guide plate, 722 ... Pulley, 722-725,730-731,750-753 ... Pulley, 727,728 ... Clamp belt, 732 ... Third drive belt, 733 ... Third drive shaft, 760 ... 1st drive belt, 762 ... 2nd drive belt, 770 ... 1st drive shaft, 771 ... 2nd drive shaft, A1-A6 ... actuator, S1-S3, S1a, S2b, S3c, S1d, S2e, S3f ... sensor, r1 ... pick roller, C1-C8, Ca ... banknote, r2 ... separation roller, p2 ... pulley, r3 ... gate roller, p3 ... pulley, r4 ... stack roller, SL ... slit, Ra ... bank placement area

Claims (10)

A paper sheet handling device,
Paper entry and exit,
A pair of pressing plates that sandwich the paper sheets that are put in and out through the inlet / outlet and apply a pressing force in the thickness direction of the paper sheets;
A pair of transport units composed of a first transport unit and a second transport unit that sandwich and transport the paper sheets that are put in and out through the entrance and exit;
The first transport unit and the second transport unit are moved in a direction approaching each other or in a direction away from each other, and an arbitrary portion between the inside and the outside of the pair of pressing plates viewed from the entrance / exit. A moving mechanism to be placed at a position;
A paper sheet handling apparatus. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to claim 1,
The pair of pressing plates and the pair of transport units are arranged to overlap each other in a state where a distance between the pair of pressing plates and a distance between the pair of transport units coincide with each other. . In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The pair of transport units is a paper sheet handling apparatus that holds a central portion in the width direction of the paper sheet. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
At least one of the pair of transport units and the pair of pressing plates is a paper sheet handling device that holds the paper sheets so that the paper sheets are arranged along a vertical direction. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A first sensor for detecting that the paper sheet has been inserted into the inlet / outlet;
A second sensor for detecting that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be sandwiched between the pair of push plates;
With
The moving mechanism is configured such that before the paper sheet is inserted into the entrance / exit, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are placed inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit. Place and
When the first transport unit and the second transport unit detect that the paper sheet is inserted into the entrance / exit in the first sensor, the paper sheet is sandwiched between the first transport unit and the second transport unit. Transport it in the direction of taking it into
When the moving mechanism detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where the paper sheet can be held between the pair of pressing plates in the second sensor, the moving mechanism moves the first transport unit and the second transport unit. A paper sheet handling device disposed outside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A third sensor that detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be sandwiched between the pair of transport units;
The moving mechanism disposes the first transport unit and the second transport unit outside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance / exit before discharging the paper sheets from the entrance / exit. When the third sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position where the paper sheet can be held between the pair of transport units, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are inserted into the input unit. Arranged inside the pair of pressing plates seen from the outlet,
When the first transport unit and the second transport unit detect that the third sensor is disposed at a position where the paper can be sandwiched between the pair of transport units, the third sensor A paper sheet handling apparatus that sandwiches and conveys the paper in the direction of the entrance / exit. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Each of the first transport unit and the second transport unit includes a plurality of belts arranged in parallel with the transport direction of the paper sheets. In the paper sheet handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A drive source that generates a conveyance driving force for the paper sheets in the first conveyance unit;
A frame that supports the first transport unit movably in a direction approaching the second transport unit or in a direction away from the second transport unit;
A transmission unit that is joined to the first conveyance unit, moves with the movement of the first conveyance unit, and transmits the driving force to the first conveyance unit;
A paper sheet handling apparatus. A paper sheet receiving method in a paper sheet handling apparatus,
The paper sheet handling device includes a pair of pressing plates that apply a pressing force in the thickness direction of the paper sheet by sandwiching the paper sheet that is inserted and exited through the inlet / outlet and the paper sheet. And a pair of transport units including a first transport unit and a second transport unit that sandwich and transport the paper sheets that are put in and out through the entrance / exit, and the paper sheets are inserted into the entrance / exit A first sensor that detects that the paper sheet has been placed, and a second sensor that detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be sandwiched between the pair of push plates,
(A) moving the first transport unit and the second transport unit in directions approaching each other, and placing the first transport unit and the second transport unit inside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance and exit;
(B) When it is detected in the first sensor that the paper sheet is inserted into the entrance / exit, the paper sheet is sandwiched between the first transport unit and the second transport unit. A process of transporting in the direction of taking in the paper sheet handling device;
(C) When the second sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be held between the pair of pressing plates, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are moved forward. Arranging the outside of the pair of pressing plates viewed from the entry outlet;
A method for receiving paper sheets. A paper sheet discharging method in a paper sheet handling apparatus,
The paper sheet handling device includes a pair of pressing plates that apply a pressing force in the thickness direction of the paper sheet by sandwiching the paper sheet that is inserted and exited through the inlet / outlet and the paper sheet. A pair of transport units including a first transport unit and a second transport unit that sandwich and transport the paper sheets that are put in and out through the inlet / outlet, and the paper sheets are the pair of transport units And a third sensor for detecting that it is arranged at a position where it can be clamped by
(A) disposing the first transport unit and the second transport unit outside the pair of pressing plates as viewed from the entrance and exit;
(B) When it is detected in the third sensor that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be held between the pair of transport units, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are moved forward. A step of arranging inside the pair of pressing plates viewed from the entry outlet;
(C) When the third sensor detects that the paper sheet is disposed at a position that can be held between the pair of transport units, the first transport unit and the second transport unit cause the paper A process of sandwiching leaves and transporting them in the entrance / exit direction;
A method for discharging paper sheets.

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