The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-049794 filed on Mar. 15, 2017 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a banknote processing apparatus.
PTL 1 discloses a winding-type storage module that receives a banknote in the short-edge orientation and winds up and stores the banknote. PTL 1 also discloses a stacking-type storage module that receives each banknote in the short-edge orientation and stacks and stores the banknotes.
In recent years, for example, banknotes each including a strip-like member of, e.g., a polymer material or a metal wire have appeared. Such banknotes have the characteristic of being less bendable in either the short-edge orientation or the long-edge orientation depending on the position at which the strip-like member is to be attached.
Thus, a winding-type storage module that receives a banknote in the short-edge orientation and stores the banknote may fail to properly store the banknote depending on the orientation in which the banknote is less bendable.
Also, friction coefficients between a paper material and a roller may differ from those between a strip-like member and the roller, and thus, a feeding speed of the roller may be different in a part including the strip-like member from a part not including the strip-like member, and result in oblique passage of the banknote.
Thus, a stacking-type storage module that receives a banknote in the short-edge orientation and stores the banknote may fail to properly feed the banknote depending on the position of the strip-like member in the banknote.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables a banknote to be properly stored and fed out.
A banknote processing apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a banknote; a long-edge orientation storage unit that receives and stores, in a first orientation, the banknote transported by the transport unit, the first orientation being an orientation in which a short edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof; a short-edge orientation storage unit that receives and stores, in a second orientation, the banknote transported by the transport unit, the second orientation being an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof; and a control unit that selects, by controlling the transport unit, a storage destination for the banknote transported by the transport unit, from among any of the long-edge orientation storage unit and the short-edge orientation storage unit.
The present invention enables a banknote to be properly stored and fed out.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As illustrated in
The upper unit 2a includes an inlet 3 and outlets 4a, 4b. The inlet 3 is an inlet for depositing a banknote into the banknote processing apparatus 1. The outlets 4a, 4b are outlets for removing a banknote dispensed from the banknote processing apparatus 1. Also, the outlets 4a, 4b are outlets for removing a rejected banknote or an unrecognizable banknote, etc.
The lower unit 2b includes an open/close door 5a and an electronic lock 5b. The open/close door 5a is a door for access to the inside of the lower unit 2b. Upon the open/close door 5a being opened, storage units that store banknotes, which are housed in the lower unit 2b, can be accessed (see the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h in
As illustrated in
The control unit 11 controls the entire banknote processing apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 11 performs depositing processing for a banknote deposited from the inlet 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the transport unit 12 to transport the banknote deposited from the inlet 3, to the recognition unit 13. The control unit 11 controls the recognition unit 13 to cause the recognition unit 13 to recognize authenticity, a state of damage, a state of tearing, a transported position or a denomination, etc. of the banknote. The state of damage includes a state of a banknote being faded (stained) as a result of being worn out and a state of a banknote being soiled by an ink, etc. The state of tearing includes a state of a banknote having a hole, a state of a banknote being partially missing and a state of a banknote being partially torn out. The transported position includes a short-edge position and a long-edge position and also may include four, face, back, top and bottom, positions of a banknote. The control unit 11 temporarily retains, e.g., a normal banknote in the escrow unit 14 and transports, e.g., a rejected banknote or an unrecognizable banknote to the outlets 4a, 4b, based on a result of the recognition by the recognition unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 transports the banknote temporarily retained in the escrow unit 14 to any of the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
Also, the control unit 11 performs, for example, dispensing processing for banknotes stored in the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h. Specifically, the control unit 11 feeds banknotes according to a dispensing request from a user, from the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h. The control unit 11 controls the transport module 15 and the transport unit 12 to transport the fed banknotes to the outlets 4a, 4b. The aforementioned functions of the control unit 11 are provided by, for example, an apparatus including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and, e.g., a memory that stores programs and predetermined data.
The transport unit 12 includes a looped transport path. The transport unit 12 is connected to the inlet 3, the outlets 4a, 4b, the escrow unit 14 and the transport module 15. The transport unit 12 transports a banknote in a short-edge orientation.
The recognition unit 13 is provided on the transport unit 12. The recognition unit 13 includes an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor or a magnetic sensor, etc. and recognizes authenticity, a state of damage, a state of tearing, a transported position or a denomination, etc. of the banknote transported by the transport unit 12.
The escrow unit 14 temporarily retains, for example, a banknote deposited from the inlet 3. Also, the escrow unit 14 temporarily retains, for example, a rejected banknote, etc. resulting from dispensing processing. The escrow unit 14 is, for example, a winding-type storage unit including a drum that allows a banknote to be wound up thereon.
The transport module 15 includes a transport path connecting the transport unit 12, the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h, which will be described below (for example, in
The long-edge orientation storage module 16 is a winding-type storage unit including a drum that allows a banknote to be wound up thereon. The long-edge orientation storage module 16 includes a long-edge orientation storage unit and receives a banknote transported from the transport module 15 in the long-edge orientation and stores the banknote, which will be described later (for example,
Each of the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h is a winding-type storage unit including a drum that allows a banknote to be wound up thereon. Each of the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h receives a banknote transported from the transport module 15 in the short-edge orientation and stores the banknote, which will be described below (for example,
Upon the transport module 15 being mounted in the lower unit 2b, the transport unit 21 is connected to a transport unit connected to the transport unit 12. The transport unit 22 is connected to a transport unit connected to the long-edge orientation storage module 16. The transport unit 23 is connected to a transport unit connected to the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
The transport module 15 includes a plurality of diverter units for selecting a transport route for a banknote. The transport module 15 selects a transport destination for a banknote according to control of the diverter units by the control unit 11.
For example, the transport module 15 transports a banknote transported from the transport unit 12, to the transport unit 22 to transport the banknote to the long-edge orientation storage module 16, or transports a banknote transported from the transport unit 12, to the transport unit 23 to transport the banknote to the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h. Also, the transport module 15 transports a banknote transported from the long-edge orientation storage module 16, to the transport unit 21 to transport the banknote to the transport unit 12, or transports a banknote transported from the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h, to the transport unit 21 to transport the transport unit 12.
The transport module 15 can be replaced with the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h illustrated in
The shifting unit 31 is disposed upstream, in the transport direction, of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33, and a banknote is transported from the transport module 15 to the shifting unit 31. The banknote is transported in a short-edge orientation from the back side toward the front side of the sheet of
The shifting unit 31 shifts a transported position of the banknote transported from the transport module 15 so as to match an orientation in which the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 receive a banknote, and feeds the banknote to the transport unit 34, which will be described below (for example,
The long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 store the banknote transported by the transport unit 34. Also, the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 feed a stored banknote to the transport unit 34. The banknote fed to the transport unit 34 is transported to the shifting unit 31. The shifting unit 31 shifts a transported position of the transported banknote and feeds the banknote to the transport module 15.
Here, in
As described above, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 transport a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Therefore, the banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof to the shifting unit 31 illustrated in
For example, arrow A1 illustrated in
The transport direction of the banknote P1 is shifted by the shifting unit 31 illustrated in
The banknote P1 whose transport direction has been shifted is transported to the long-edge orientation storage unit 32 by the transport unit 34 illustrated in
The long-edge orientation storage unit 32 includes an opening portion for storing the banknote P1 in a side surface as viewed from the −y-axis side. The long-edge orientation storage unit 32 receives the banknote P1 transported by the transport unit 34 in an orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof (long-edge orientation), from the opening portion provided in the side surface.
For example, as indicated by arrow A4, the long-edge orientation storage unit 32 receives the banknote P1 in the long-edge orientation. Then, the long-edge orientation storage unit 32 winds up the banknote P1 received in the long-edge orientation, on the drum 41 to store the banknote P1.
As indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in
A flow of an operation for feeding the banknote P1 stored in the long-edge orientation storage unit 32 is opposite to the above-described flow. For example, the drum 41 rotates in a direction that is opposite to the arrow A5 direction in
The banknote P1 fed to the transport unit 34 is transported with a short edge of the banknote as the leading edge thereof to the shifting unit 31. The shifting unit 31 shifts the transport direction of the banknote P1 transported from the transport unit 34 so that a long edge of the banknote becomes the leading edge thereof and feeds the banknote P1 to the transport module 15.
Here, as with the long-edge orientation storage unit 32, the long-edge orientation storage unit 33 receives a banknote transported by the transport unit 34, from an opening portion for storing a banknote, in an orientation in which a short edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof and stores the banknote. Also, the long-edge orientation storage unit 33 feeds the banknote in the orientation in which a short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof.
As described above, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 transport a banknote in the short-edge orientation. Therefore, the banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof to the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a illustrated in
For example, arrow A11 illustrated in
The short-edge orientation storage unit 17a includes an opening portion for storing the banknote P11, in a bottom surface thereof. The short-edge orientation storage unit 17a receives the banknote P11 transported from the transport module 15, in an orientation in which the long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof (short-edge orientation), from the opening portion provided in the bottom surface.
For example, as indicated by arrow A12, the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a receives the banknote P11 in the short-edge orientation. Then, the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a winds up the banknote P11 received in the short-edge orientation, on the drum 42 to store the banknote P11.
As indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in
A flow of an operation for feeding the banknote P11 stored in the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a is opposite to the above-described flow. For example, the drum 42 rotates in a direction opposite to the arrow A13 direction in
Here, as with the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a, the short-edge orientation storage units 17b to 17h each receive a banknote in a short-edge orientation and store the banknote. Also, the short-edge orientation storage units 17b to 17h each feed a banknote in a short-edge orientation.
Where the banknote 51 includes the other member 52, there may be a direction in which the banknote is less bendable. For example, as illustrated in
As described above, if the banknote 51 that is less bendable in the arrow A22 direction is stored in the short-edge orientation storage unit 17a illustrated in
Therefore, the control unit 11 selects a storage destination for a banknote from among the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h based on a type of the banknote to be recognized by the recognition unit 13. For example, in the case of the banknote 51 including the other member 52 that is parallel to the short edges of the banknote, the control unit 11 stores the banknote 51 in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33. If the banknote 51 is stored in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33, the banknote 51 is bent in the arrow A21 direction in
On the other hand, for example, if the banknote 51 includes another member that is parallel to long edges of the banknote, the banknote 51 is less bendable in the arrow A21 direction in
As described above, the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 each receive a banknote transported by the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15, in an orientation in which a short edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof, and store the banknote. The short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h each receive a banknote transported by the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15, in an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof and store the banknote. The control unit 11 controls the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 so as to select a storage destination for a banknote transported by the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15, from among any of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 and the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
Consequently, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can properly store and feed a banknote. For example, the banknote processing apparatus 1 controls the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 so as to store a banknote that is less bendable in the arrow A22 direction illustrated in
Also, the banknote processing apparatus 1 provides an easy cassette interface with another banknote processing apparatus. For example, the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h can be demounted, and then mounted in another banknote processing apparatus that processes a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Also, the long-edge orientation storage module 16 can be demounted, and then mounted in another banknote processing apparatus that processes a banknote in a long-edge orientation.
Here, although in the above, the shifting unit 31 is provided inside the long-edge orientation storage module 16, the shifting unit 31 may be provided outside the long-edge orientation storage module 16.
Also, the control unit 11 selects a storage destination for a transported banknote, based on a type of the banknote recognized by means of recognition processing performed by the recognition unit 13. The type of the banknote includes the one classified based on at least one of a denomination of the banknote, a size of the banknote, a position of a thread provided in the banknote, a material of the banknote, a state of damage of the banknote, a state of tearing of the banknote and a transported position of the banknote. For example, the control unit 11 stores a banknote including a strip-like other member provided in parallel to short edges of the banknote, in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33. Also, the control unit 11 stores a banknote including a strip-like other member provided in parallel to long edges of the banknote, in any of the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h. Also, the control unit 11 stores a banknote whose long edges have a length that is larger than a predetermined length, in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33. Also, the control unit 11 stores a banknote whose short edges have a length that is smaller than a predetermined length, in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33. Also, the control unit 11 stores, for example, a banknote formed of a material that is less bendable in the arrow A22 direction in
The size of the banknote, the position of the thread provided in the banknote and the material of the banknote can be identified by the denomination of the banknote, and thus, the storage destination of the transported banknote may be selected based on the denomination of the banknote. Also, the control unit 11 stores, for example, a torn banknote including a tear that is parallel to short edges of the banknote, in either of the long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33. Each of the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h winds up a banknote on the relevant drum via later-described tapes (see
Also, the type of the banknote may be the one classified based on bending rigidity when the short edges of the banknote are bent (bending rigidity in the direction indicated by arrow A22 in
Also, although in the above, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 transport a banknote in a short-edge orientation, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 may transport a banknote in a long-edge orientation. In this case, a shifting unit that shifts a transport direction of a banknote is provided upstream of the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h and shifts a transport direction of a banknote to a short-edge orientation. Consequently, the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h can receive a banknote in an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof and store the banknote.
Also, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can perform reconciliation processing. For example, the control unit 11 controls the transport module 15 and the transport unit 12 to transport a banknote stored in the long-edge orientation storage module 16 or the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h to the recognition unit 13 and retain the banknote in the escrow unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 returns the banknote retained in the escrow unit 14 to the long-edge orientation storage module 16 or the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
Also, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may include no transport module 15. In other words, the transport unit 12 may extend to and be connected to the long-edge orientation storage module 16 and the respective short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
Also, in the above, the banknote processing apparatus 1 includes one long-edge orientation storage module and eight short-edge orientation storage units; however, the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of long-edge orientation storage modules and the number of short-edge orientation storage units can be changed depending on the status of use as necessary. For example, if a denomination is allocated to each storage unit, for each denomination, whether the denomination is suitable for short-edge winding or long-edge winding is determined, and storage units of types suitable for the respective denominations are mounted in the lower unit 2b. Also, as described next, in the banknote processing apparatus 1, all the storage units may be configured by long-edge orientation storage modules.
As with a transport module 15, a transport module 61, which is illustrated in
The long-edge orientation storage modules 62a to 62c each have a configuration that is similar to that of the long-edge orientation storage module 16. For example, each of the long-edge orientation storage modules 62a to 62c includes a shifting unit 31, long-edge orientation storage units 32, 33 and a transport unit 34, which are illustrated in
As described above, in the banknote processing apparatus 1, all storage units may be configured by the long-edge orientation storage modules 16 and 62a to 62c. As a matter of course, in the banknote processing apparatus 1, all the storage units may be configured by short-edge orientation storage units.
If all the storage units are configured by the long-edge orientation storage modules 16 and 62a to 62c, rotation axes of the respective drums all extend in the x-axis direction.
Embodiment 1 has been described in terms of winding-type storage units. Embodiment 2 will be described in terms of stacking-type storage units. The parts that are different from those of Embodiment 1 will be described below.
As illustrated in
The shifting unit 81 is disposed upstream, in a transport direction, of the long-edge orientation storage unit 82, and a banknote is transported from a transport module 15 to the shifting unit 81. The banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof from the back side toward the front side of the sheet of
The shifting unit 81 shifts a transported position of a banknote transported from the transport module 15 so as to match an orientation in which the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 receives a banknote, and feeds the banknote to the transport unit 83, which will be described below (for example,
The long-edge orientation storage unit 82 stores the banknote transported by the transport unit 83. Also, the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 feeds a stored banknote to the transport unit 83. The banknote fed to the transport unit 83 is transported to the shifting unit 81. The shifting unit 81 shifts a transported position of the transported banknote and feeds the banknote to the transport module 15.
As described above, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 transport a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Therefore, the banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof to the shifting unit 81 illustrated in
For example, arrow A31 illustrated in
The transport direction of the banknote P21 is shifted by the shifting unit 81 illustrated in
The banknote P21 whose transport direction has been shifted is transported to the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 by the transport unit 83 illustrated in
The long-edge orientation storage unit 82 receives the banknote P21 transported by the transport unit 83, in an orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, from the opening portion 91 provided in an upper surface. For example, as indicated by arrow A33, the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 receives the banknote P21 in an orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof. Then, the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 stacks the banknote P21 received in the orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, in a direction perpendicular to printed surfaces thereof (see, for example, banknotes stacked inside the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 in
A flow of an operation for feeding the banknote P21 stored in the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 is opposite to the above-described flow. For example, the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 feeds the banknote P21 in an orientation in which a short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, to the transport unit 83.
The banknote P21 fed to the transport unit 83 is transported with the short edge of the banknote as the leading edge thereof to the shifting unit 81. The shifting unit 81 shifts a transport direction of the banknote P21 transported from the transport unit 83 so that a long edge of the banknote becomes the leading edge thereof and feeds the banknote P21 to the transport module 15.
As described above, the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 transport a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Therefore, the banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof, to the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a illustrated in
For example, arrow A41 illustrated in
The short-edge orientation storage unit 72a includes an opening portion 92 for storing the banknote P31, in an upper surface thereof. The short-edge orientation storage unit 72a receives the banknote P31 transported from the transport unit 12 in an orientation in which the long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, from the opening portion 92 provided in the upper surface. For example, as indicated by arrow A41, the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a receives the banknote P31 in the orientation in which the long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof. Then, the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a stacks the banknote P31 received in the orientation in which the long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, in a direction perpendicular to printed surfaces thereof.
A flow of an operation for feeding the banknote P31 stored in the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a is opposite to the above-described flow. For example, the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a feeds the banknote P31 in an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof. The banknote P31 fed from the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a is transported to the transport unit 12.
Here, as with the short-edge orientation storage unit 72a, the short-edge orientation storage units 72b to 72d also each receive a banknote in an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof, and store the banknote. Also, the short-edge orientation storage units 72b to 72d each feed a banknote in an orientation in which a long edge of the banknote is a leading edge thereof.
As described above, the banknote processing apparatus 1 includes the stacking-type long-edge orientation storage unit 82 and the stacking-type short-edge orientation storage units 72a to 72d. The control unit 11 controls the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15 so as to select a storage destination for a banknote transported by the transport unit 12 and the transport module 15, from among any of the long-edge orientation storage unit 82 and the short-edge orientation storage units 72a to 72d. Consequently, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can properly store and feed a banknote.
Here, although the shifting unit 81 is provided inside the long-edge orientation storage module 71, the shifting unit 81 may be provided outside the long-edge orientation storage module 71.
For stacking-type storage units, also, the control unit 11 selects a storage destination for a banknote transported, based on a type of the banknote recognized by recognition processing performed by the recognition unit 13. The type of the banknote includes the one classified based on at least one of a denomination of the banknote, a size of the banknote, a position of a thread provided in the banknote, a material of the banknote, a state of damage of the banknote, a state of tearing of the banknote and a transported position of the banknote. For example, the control unit 11 stores a banknote including a strip-like other member provided in parallel to short edges of the banknote and having a thickness that is only increased at the strip-like other member, in any of the short-edge orientation storage units 72a to 72d. If such banknote is stored in the long-edge orientation storage unit 82, a front edge of the banknote to be stored may be caught by a strip-like other member of a banknote previously stored, which results in poor storage. Also, for example, the control unit 11 stores a banknote including a strip-like other member provided in parallel to short edges of the banknote, the strip-like other member having friction coefficients that are different from the rest part of the banknote, in the long-edge orientation storage unit 82. This is because: a stacking-type storage unit is configured to transport a banknote using a plurality of rollers simultaneously to store or feed a banknote; and if such banknote is stored in any of the short-edge orientation storage units 72a to 72d, only some of the plurality of rollers are brought into contact with the strip-like other member thereof, which may result in transport failure at the time of storing or feeding.
Also, in the above, the banknote processing apparatus 1 include a stacking-type long-edge orientation storage module and stacking-type short-edge orientation storage units; however, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may include all of a stacking-type long-edge orientation storage module, a stacking-type short-edge orientation storage unit, a winding-type long-edge orientation storage module and a winding-type short-edge orientation storage unit, or a partial combination thereof.
In each of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, a transported position of a banknote is shifted by shifting a transport direction of the banknote. For example, as illustrated in
As with the transport module 15, the transport module 101 illustrated in
The transport module 101 includes a shifting unit 101a. The shifting unit 101a shifts a transported position of a banknote by rotating the banknote without changing a transport direction of the banknote, which will be described below (for example,
The long-edge orientation storage units 111a, 111b each include a drum that allows a banknote to be wound up thereon. A rotation axis of each of the drums extends in the y-axis direction, which is the same as rotation axes of drums in the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h.
The transport unit 12 and the transport module 101 transport a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Therefore, a banknote is transported with a long edge of the banknote as a leading edge thereof, to the shifting unit 101a.
For example, arrow A51 illustrated in
A transported position of the banknote P41 is shifted by the shifting unit 101a illustrated in
The banknote P41 whose transported position has been shifted is transported to the long-edge orientation storage unit 111a, with the transport direction kept as the +x-axis direction. For example, as indicated by arrow A53 in
The long-edge orientation storage unit 111a includes an opening portion for storing the banknote P41, in a bottom surface thereof. The long-edge orientation storage unit 111a receives the banknote P41 transported by the transport unit, in an orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof, from the opening portion provided in the bottom surface. Then, the long-edge orientation storage unit 111a winds up the banknote P41 received in the orientation in which the short edge of the banknote is the leading edge thereof on the drum 121 to store the banknote P41.
As indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in
A flow of an operation for feeding the banknote P41 stored in the long-edge orientation storage unit 111a is opposite to the above-described flow. For example, the drum 121 rotates in a direction opposite to the arrow A54 direction in
The shifting unit 101a shifts (rotates) a position of the banknote P41 transported from the long-edge orientation storage unit 111a so that a long edge of the banknote becomes the leading edge thereof.
Here, as with the long-edge orientation storage unit 111a, the long-edge orientation storage unit 111b receives a banknote in a short-edge orientation. Also, the long-edge orientation storage unit 111b feeds a banknote in a short-edge orientation.
As described above, the shifting unit 101a of the banknote processing apparatus 1 shifts a transported position of a banknote by rotating the banknote around an axis perpendicular to printed surfaces of the banknote, without changing a transport direction of the banknote. Consequently, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can store banknotes in storage units suitable for the respective banknotes.
Here, in the above, the transport module 101 includes the shifting unit 101a; however, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the shifting unit 101a may be provided in a transport unit between the transport module 101 and the long-edge orientation storage units 111a, 111b.
Also, the above-described method is applicable to stacking-type storage units. For example, stacking-type storage units that receive a banknote transported by a transport unit in a short-edge orientation to store the banknote may be provided downstream, in a transport direction, of the transport module 101 in
In Embodiment 4, some of storage units are housed in a secure space such as a safe.
The safe 131 is provided in a lower unit 2b. The safe 131 houses a transport module 15 and short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h. An electronic lock 132 for opening an open/close door provided at a front surface is provided at the safe 131.
At one surface (for example, a front surface) of the lower unit 2b, an open/close door 5a is provided. A long-edge orientation storage module 133 is provided on a back surface of the open/close door 5a of the lower unit 2b. The long-edge orientation storage module 133 is a winding-type storage unit and has a configuration that is similar to that of the long-edge orientation storage module 16 illustrated in
Authority to access the short-edge orientation storage units 17a to 17h inside the safe 131 is different from authority to access the long-edge orientation storage module 133 provided in the space between the safe 131 and the open/close door 5a (referred to as “normal space”). Since the long-edge orientation storage module 133 is provided in the normal space outside the safe 131, banknotes can easily be added to or collected from the long-edge orientation storage module 133 without accessing the inside of the safe 131.
As described above, the long-edge orientation storage module 133 is provided in the normal space outside the secure space. Consequently, banknotes can easily be added or collected.
Here, in the above, the long-edge orientation storage module 133 is of a winding type, but may be of a stacking type. Also, a short-edge orientation storage unit may be provided at the open/close door 5a. Also, either of a short-edge orientation storage unit and a long-edge orientation may selectively be provided at the open/close door 5a. Also, a long-edge orientation storage module may be housed inside the safe 131. Also, the open/close door 5a of the lower unit 2b is not necessarily needed and the long-edge orientation storage module 133 may be exposed outside depending on administrative restrictions. In this case, the long-edge orientation storage module 133 is attached to a bottom surface of the upper unit 2a or an attachment unit provided separately. Also, the long-edge orientation storage module 133 may be provided at a rear surface of the banknote processing apparatus 1 (right side in
In Embodiment 5, a tape structure of a winding-type storage unit will be described.
Tapes 142a, 142b are wound up by rotation of the drum 141. For example, upon rotation of the drum 141 in the arrow A61 direction in
The banknote P61 is disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the drum 141 and surfaces S1a, S1b of the tapes 142a, 142b, the surfaces facing the drum 141. Consequently, upon rotation of the drum 141 in the direction indicated by arrow A61, the banknote P61 is wound up on the drum 141.
When the banknote P61 wound up on the drum 141 is fed, the drum 141 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow A61. Then, the tapes 142a, 142b wound up on the drum 141 are fed from the drum 141, and the banknote P61 wound up between the tapes 142a, 142b and the drum 141 is also fed.
As illustrated in the banknote P71, opposite ends E1a, E1b of the banknote P71 are positioned off from tapes 142a, 142b because of the long length in the long-edge direction. In this case, the opposite ends E1a, E1b of the banknote P71 are less bound by the tapes 142a, 142b and are likely to curl up. In this case, a storage rate of the winding-type storage unit is lowered, and a jam is likely to occur.
As illustrated in the banknote P81, the short length in the long-edge direction may cause, for example, one of the opposite ends of the banknote P81 to fail to be placed on a relevant tape 142a or 142b because of, e.g., displacement during transport. In this case, the banknote P81 is not wound up on the drum 141, resulting in occurrence of a jam.
Therefore, widths of and/or an interspace between tapes 142a, 142b are changed based on a size of a banknote to be stored in a winding-type storage unit.
For example, tape widths d1, d2, which are illustrated in
Specifically, if the banknote to be stored is small, the tape widths d1, d2 are increased and/or the tape interspace d3 is reduced. Also, if the banknote is large, the tape widths d1, d2 are increased and/or the tape the interspace d3 is enlarged. Also, if the banknote is large, the number of tapes may be increased.
As described above, a banknote processing apparatus includes plural types of winding-type storage units. A part or all of the plurality of winding-type storage units have tape structures that differ depending on a size of a banknote to be stored. Consequently, the banknote processing apparatus can stably store banknotes.
Here, the tape structures may be changed based on a material of a banknote. For example, where a banknote that is less bendable because of a material thereof such as a polymer banknote is to be stored, tapes 142a, 142b of a material having large tension are used. Also, where a banknote that is less bendable because of a material thereof is to be stored, the number of tapes is increased and/or the tape widths d1, d2 are increased.
Also, a tape structure involves widths of a plurality of tapes, the number of the tapes, an interspace between the tapes and a material of the tapes. Each of the plural types of winding-type storage units may be different only in the widths of the plurality of tapes, the number of the tapes, the interspace between the tapes or the material of the tapes. Also, each of the plurality of winding-type storage units may be different in any combination of the widths of the plurality of tapes, the number of the tapes, the interspace between the tapes and the material of the tapes.
Also, the above-described winding-type storage units having different tape structures are applicable to the winding-type long-edge orientation storage units and winding-type short-edge orientation storage units described above.
Also, the plurality of winding-type storage units may be different in drive mechanism and/or control for driving the drum and/or the tapes. For example, where a banknote that is less bendable because of a material thereof such as a polymer banknote is to be stored, a drive mechanism that increases tension of the tapes may be provided or drive control may be changed.
(Supplement)
A banknote processing apparatus comprising a plurality of winding-type storage units each including a drum and tapes, wherein
a part or all of the plurality of winding-type storage units are different in at least one of a width of the tapes, the number of tapes, an interspace between the tapes and a material of the tapes or control for driving the drum and/or the tapes, based on a type of a banknote to be stored, the type including a size or a material of the banknote.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2017-049794 | Mar 2017 | JP | national |