JP7568258B2 - Banknote transport direction switching mechanism and recycling banknote processing device using the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a banknote transport direction switching mechanism that is provided at a branching point of a banknote transport path and switches the transport direction of banknotes, and a recycling-type banknote processing device that uses the same.

Recycling banknote processing devices equipped with a deposit function for accepting inserted banknotes and a dispensing function for dispensing banknotes as change or money are installed in various vending machines, deposit/withdrawal devices, currency exchange machines, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a recycling banknote processing device that is configured to store banknotes prepared at the start of business or banknotes inserted during operation by denomination and to dispense them as change as needed.

In a recycling-type banknote processing device, multiple storage units that store banknotes by denomination are stacked. In such banknote recycling devices, a switching mechanism that switches between two directions to switch the transport path to send banknotes to the storage units is generally used. However, a switching mechanism that switches between two directions has limited functionality and cannot meet the demands of high-speed banknote processing, so a switching mechanism that switches between three directions is required.

Gate mechanisms that switch between three directions for the transport path of banknotes have already been considered. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a recycling-type banknote processing device that can speed up the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes from a banknote storage unit without increasing the number of parts or size by moving banknotes along one of two transport paths along the circumferential surface of a rotating member to switch the transport direction. This device comprises a rotating member that changes the transport direction of banknotes transported along its circumferential surface by rotating in a forward or reverse direction, a first transport path that extends from a direction that does not contact the circumferential surface of the rotating member, passes through a part of the circumferential surface of the rotating member, and extends in a direction away from the circumferential surface of the rotating member, a second transport path that has one end connected to the first transport path and extends in the other direction through the circumferential surface of the rotating member, a third transport path that has one end connected to the first transport path and extends in the other direction through a circumferential surface of the rotating member different from the second transport path, a fourth transport path that communicates with the other ends of the second and third transport paths, a first gate that permits the movement of banknotes between the first transport path and the second transport path, a second gate that permits the movement of banknotes between the first transport path and the third transport path, and a third gate that connects either the second transport path or the second transport path to the fourth transport path. The third gate, in cooperation with the first and second gates, distributes banknotes dispensed from the fourth transport path toward the first transport path to either the second transport path or the third transport path, making it possible to switch the transport direction of the banknotes.

JP 2001-250141 A JP 2016-006581 A

As described above, in conventional recycling-type banknote processing devices, multiple storage units that store banknotes by denomination are stacked, and the general configuration is that each storage unit is connected to the banknote transport path by controlling a banknote transport direction switching mechanism installed at the branching point of the transport path to switch the transport path.

In conventional recycling-type banknote processing devices, the vertical positional relationship of storage units and other components is predetermined by specifications and is fixed to the housing. However, in recent years, customers have been demanding a wide variety of vertical positional relationships for storage units and other components, and in order to meet these needs, a modular system in which storage units and other components are modularized and can be freely stacked vertically is being considered.

However, the conventional banknote transport direction switching mechanism described in Patent Document 2 has a relatively large rotating member (rotating drum) in the center, with multiple small diameter rollers and gates and other various members arranged around it, and it is necessary to provide and control individual drive sources such as solenoids to drive the multiple gates, which creates a problem in that the mechanism becomes unavoidably complicated and large due to the increased number of parts. Such a complex and large banknote transport direction switching mechanism is one of the factors that make it difficult to modularize a recycling-type banknote processing device, and improvements are needed.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a banknote transport direction switching mechanism that can switch between three transport paths for banknotes without increasing the size and complexity of the mechanism due to an increase in the number of parts, and a recycling-type banknote processing device using the same.

In order to solve the above problem, the banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention includes a first gate member that rotates around a first rotation axis to switch the connection destination of the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path, a second gate member that rotates around a second rotation axis to switch the connection destination of the second transport path to the first transport path or the third transport path, a third gate member that rotates around a third rotation axis to switch the connection destination of the third transport path to the first transport path or the second transport path, a drive source that drives the first to third gate members, and a gear mechanism that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the first to third gate members, and is characterized in that the first to third gate members are linked to each other via the gear mechanism to select one of a first communication mode that allows communication between the first and second transport paths, a second communication mode that allows communication between the first and third transport paths, and a third communication mode that allows communication between the second and third transport paths.

According to the present invention, by connecting the first to third gate members via a gear mechanism and mechanically interlocking the three gate members, a switching mechanism capable of switching between three directions of transport paths for banknotes can be realized with a simple configuration. In addition, bidirectional transport of banknotes is possible in all three directions, which makes it possible to simplify and simplify the transport paths within the device. Furthermore, because the switching mechanism is compact, it is easy to unitize the recycling-type banknote processing device.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the gear mechanism includes first to third gears fixed to the first to third gate members, respectively, and that one of the first to third gears is a drive gear, and the remaining two gears are driven gears that are linked to the drive gear. With this configuration, it is possible to realize switching between three directions of conveying paths for banknotes without increasing the number of parts, which would complicate and enlarge the mechanism.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the first and second gears mesh with the third gear. With this configuration, it is possible to switch between three directions of conveying paths for banknotes without increasing the number of parts, which would complicate and enlarge the mechanism.

The driving source is preferably a stepping motor. This allows precise control of the rotation angles of the first to third gate members without employing a complex mechanism.

In the banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention, when the third gate member is in a neutral position in which the connection between the third transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the third transport path and the second transport path are both blocked, the first gate member allows the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and blocks the connection between the first transport path and the third transport path, and the second gate member allows the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and blocks the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path, thereby allowing the banknote to travel back and forth between the first transport path and the second transport path, and the third gate member allows the connection between the third transport path and the first transport path, When the first gate member is moved to a first position permitting connection with the transport path, it is preferable that the first gate member permits connection between the first transport path and the third transport path and blocks the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path, thereby permitting reciprocating travel of banknotes between the first transport path and the third transport path, and when the third gate member is moved to a second position permitting connection between the third transport path and the second transport path, it is preferable that the second gate member permits connection between the second transport path and the third transport path and blocks the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path, thereby permitting reciprocating travel of banknotes between the second transport path and the third transport path.

The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention is preferably such that, when the third gate member moves to the first position, the second gate member moves to a position where it cuts off both the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path, and, when the third gate member moves to the second position, the first gate member moves to a position where it cuts off both the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path.

The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention has a first communication passage that communicates the first transport path and the second transport path, a second communication passage that communicates the first transport path and the third transport path, and a third communication passage that communicates the second transport path and the third transport path, and the third gate member blocks both the second and third communication passages when in the neutral position, opens the second communication passage and blocks the third communication passage when in the first position, and opens the third communication passage and blocks the second communication passage when in the second position, and the first gate member closes the first communication passage when the third gate member is in the neutral position. It is preferable that the second gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the second communication passage when the third gate member is in the first position, closes the first communication passage and opens the second communication passage when the third gate member is in the second position, closes both the first and second communication passages when the third gate member is in the second position, the second gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the third communication passage when the third gate member is in the neutral position, closes both the first and third communication passages when the third gate member is in the first position, and closes the first communication passage and opens the third communication passage when the third gate member is in the second position.

The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention has a first transport belt constituting the first transport path, a second transport belt constituting the second transport path, and a third transport belt that opposes both the first transport belt and the second transport belt and holds the banknotes by clamping them, and it is preferable that the first transport path is constituted by the first transport belt and a part of the third transport belt, and the second transport path is constituted by the second transport belt and another part of the third transport belt.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the first and second transport paths form a main transport path extending vertically, and the third transport path forms a branch transport path branching off from the main transport path midway and extending in a substantially horizontal direction.

The recycling-type banknote processing device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of banknote processing units arranged in a stack, each of which has a main transport path connecting the plurality of banknote processing units and a branch transport path branching off from the main transport path to transport banknotes to a functional section within each banknote processing unit, and a banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to the present invention having the above-mentioned characteristics is provided at the connection branch point between the main transport path and the branch transport path.

In the case of recycling-type banknote processing devices configured using a conventional large banknote transport direction switching mechanism, there was a problem in that it was difficult to unitize the recycling-type banknote processing device. However, when the small and simply structured transport direction branch switching mechanism of the present invention is used, it is easy to unitize the recycling-type banknote processing device, and the recycling-type banknote processing device can be freely designed to match the layout of a higher-level device such as a vending machine manufactured by a customer. In other words, since the recycling-type banknote processing device of the present invention has a banknote transport direction switching mechanism in which each of the multiple banknote processing units can switch the banknote transport direction between three directions, it can flexibly respond to layout changes in vending machines manufactured by customers, and layout changes in the recycling-type banknote processing device can be easily implemented.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the multiple banknote processing units include a deposit/withdrawal unit having a banknote deposit/withdrawal port and a banknote identification unit, a first banknote storage unit having a first recycling type banknote storage unit that stores banknotes of a first denomination, a second banknote storage unit having a second recycling type banknote storage unit that stores banknotes of a second denomination, a safe unit having a safe unit that stores banknotes, and a temporary pool unit having a pool unit that temporarily pools banknotes.

The present invention provides a banknote transport direction switching mechanism that can switch the transport path of banknotes in three directions without increasing the size and complexity of the mechanism due to an increase in the number of parts, and a recycling-type banknote processing device using the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a recycling-type banknote processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a recycling-type banknote processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the transport direction switching unit. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams of the transport paths in three directions. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit operating in a first transport mode that permits connection between the first and second transport paths. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit operating in the second transport mode which permits connection between the first and third transport paths. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit operating in the third transport mode which permits connection between the second and third transport paths.

The following describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a recycling-type banknote processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this recycling-type banknote processing device 1 has a configuration in which multiple banknote processing units 2 having different or similar functions are stacked vertically, and each banknote processing unit 2 includes a functional section 3 such as a banknote recognition section and a banknote storage section, a main transport path 4 extending vertically, a branch transport path 5 branching off from the main transport path 4 and extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and a transport direction switching section 10 (banknote transport direction switching mechanism) provided at the connection and branch point between the main transport path 4 and the branch transport path 5. The main transport path 4 is a single transport path that continues from the top layer to the bottom layer, and can transport banknotes from one banknote processing unit 2 to another banknote processing unit 2. Banknotes sent to a certain banknote processing unit 2 through the main transport path 4 are sent to the functional section 3 via the branch transport path 5, where various processes of the banknotes are performed.

In this embodiment, the multiple banknote processing units 2 include a deposit/withdrawal unit 2A that feeds deposited banknotes one by one into the device body and dispenses banknotes as change or refunds, a temporary pool unit 2B that temporarily pools banknotes, first and second banknote storage units 2C and 2D that store banknotes of a specific denomination used as change in a freely insertable and removable manner, and a safe unit 2E that collects and stores banknotes from the first and second banknote storage units 2C and 2D. The recycling-type banknote processing device 1 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the safe unit 2E, the second banknote storage unit 2D, the first banknote storage unit 2C, the temporary pool unit 2B, and the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A are stacked in order from bottom to top.

The deposit/withdrawal unit 2A includes a banknote deposit/withdrawal port 3i, a branched transport path 5 (deposit/withdrawal transport path) extending from the banknote deposit/withdrawal port 3i into the device, a banknote recognition unit 3A provided midway along the branched transport path 5, a main transport path 4 connected to the branched transport path 5, and a transport direction switching unit 10 provided at the connection branch point between the branched transport path 5 and the main transport path 4.

The first banknote storage unit 2C includes a recycling banknote storage section 3C (first recycling banknote storage section) that stores, for example, 1,000 yen banknotes (first denomination), a main transport path 4 that transports banknotes vertically, a branch transport path 5 that branches off from the main transport path 4 and is connected to the recycling banknote storage section 3C, and a transport direction switching section 10 provided at the connection branch point between the main transport path 4 and the branch transport path 5.

The second banknote storage unit 2D includes a recycling banknote storage section 3D (second recycling banknote storage section) that stores, for example, 5,000 yen banknotes (second denomination), a main transport path 4 that transports banknotes vertically, a branch transport path 5 that branches off from the main transport path 4 and is connected to the recycling banknote storage section 3D, and a transport direction switching section 10 provided at the connection branch point of the main transport path 4 and the branch transport path 5.

The safe unit 2E includes a safe section 3E, which is a non-return type banknote storage section, a main transport path 4 that transports banknotes vertically, a branch transport path 5 that branches off from the main transport path 4 and is connected to the safe section 3E, and a transport direction switching unit 10 provided at the connection branch point between the main transport path 4 and the branch transport path 5.

The temporary pool unit 2B includes a temporary pool section 3B that temporarily pools banknotes dispensed by the recycling banknote storage section 3C in the first banknote storage unit 2C or the recycling banknote storage section 3D in the second banknote storage unit 2D and then transfers them all at once to the safe unit 2E, or temporarily pools banknotes to be dispensed as change or refunds and then dispenses them, a branch conveying path 5 connected to the temporary pool section 3B, a main conveying path 4 connected to the branch conveying path 5, and a conveying direction switching section 10 provided at the connection branch point between the branch conveying path 5 and the main conveying path 4.

The 1,000 yen and 5,000 yen bills used as change are stored in recycling bill storage units 3C and 3D, respectively, but bills that do not fit into recycling bill storage units 3C and 3D are collected in safe unit 3E along with 10,000 yen bills not used as change. At this time, the bills in recycling bill storage units 3C and 3D are sent to safe unit 3E via temporary pool unit 3B.

The reason for using the temporary pool section 3B when collecting banknotes from the recycling banknote storage sections 3C, 3D to the safe section 3E is to accommodate the structure of the safe section 3E, which cannot directly deposit banknotes one by one from the recycling banknote storage sections 3C, 3D at high speed. In other words, the efficiency of collection to the safe section 3E can be improved by sending banknotes one by one from the recycling banknote storage sections 3C, 3D to the temporary pool section 3B and stacking them by a predetermined number, and transporting the bundle of banknotes in the temporary pool section 3B to the safe section 3E all at once.

Banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit/withdrawal port 3i pass through the branch transport path 5 and the main transport path 4 and are stored in either the first banknote storage unit 2C, the second banknote storage unit 2D, or the safe unit 2E. For example, 1,000 yen banknotes are stored in the recycling banknote storage section 3C in the first banknote storage unit 2C, 5,000 yen banknotes are stored in the recycling banknote storage section 3D in the second banknote storage unit 2D, and 10,000 yen banknotes are stored in the safe section 3E in the safe unit 2E.

In the first and second banknote storage units 2C, 2D, a transport direction switching unit 10 is provided along with the recycling banknote storage units 3C, 3D to transfer banknotes between the main transport path 4 and the branch transport path 5. When banknotes paid out as change from the recycling banknote storage units 3C, 3D in the first and second banknote storage units 2C, 2D are sent to the temporary pool unit 3B, or when banknotes are sent to the safe unit 3E, the action of each transport direction switching unit 10 allows direct transport over the shortest distance using the transport path.

The transport direction switching unit 10 is employed not only in the first and second banknote storage units 2C, 2D and the temporary pool unit, but also in the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A and the safe unit 2E. For example, in the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A located on the top layer, the only transport path for banknotes is from the branch transport path 5 downward to the main transport path 4, and there is no path upward to the main transport path 4, so the transport direction switching unit 10 is not necessarily required. However, as described below, when the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A is laid out on the bottom layer or an intermediate layer, it becomes necessary to switch the transport path. In order to flexibly respond to such layout changes of the banknote processing unit, the transport direction switching unit 10 is also employed in the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A and the safe unit 2E.

As described above, the recycling-type banknote processing device 1 according to this embodiment is configured by appropriately combining multiple independent banknote processing units 2, and the combination and arrangement can be flexibly set according to the user's requests. For example, it is possible to increase the number of recycling-type banknote storage units according to the denomination, or to omit the safe unit 2E and temporary pool unit 2B. It is also possible to arrange the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A on the lowest layer or an intermediate layer, or to arrange the safe unit 2E above the first and second banknote storage units 2C and 2D. Generally, such changes are made when the device is assembled in response to a user's order, but it is also possible to configure the product so that the user can make changes themselves after purchasing it.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a recycling-type banknote processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this recycling-type banknote processing device 1, the temporary pool unit 2B, the first banknote storage unit 2C, the second banknote storage unit 2D, and the safe unit 2E are installed above the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A, and the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A is located on the lowest layer. As described above, each function constituting the recycling-type banknote processing device is unitized, so that the vertical position of each function can be freely laid out. Even if each function is freely laid out, the action of the transport direction switching unit 10 provided in each banknote processing unit allows direct transport over the shortest distance using the transport path when sending banknotes dispensed as change from the banknote storage unit to the withdrawal pool unit or when sending banknotes to the temporary pool unit.

In the recycling-type banknote processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the path from the branched transport path 5 in the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A to the upper side of the main transport path 4 and the path from the branched transport path 5 in the safe unit 2E to the lower side of the main transport path 4 are not used, so there is no need to provide a transport direction switching unit 10. However, when the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A is placed on the bottom layer of the device as shown in FIG. 2, it becomes necessary to use the path from the branched transport path 5 in the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A to the upper side of the main transport path 4 and the path from the branched transport path 5 in the safe unit 2E to the lower side of the main transport path 4. In the present invention, in order to provide the freedom of design and commonality of parts associated with the unitization of such a recycling-type banknote processing device 1, a transport direction switching unit 10 capable of switching the transport path among three directions is provided in each banknote processing unit.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the transport direction switching unit 10. Also, Figures 4(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of the three-way transport path. Furthermore, Figures 5 to 7 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the transport direction switching unit 10, where Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit 10 operating in a first transport mode that allows connection between the first and second transport paths 11A and 11B, Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit 10 operating in a second transport mode that allows connection between the first and third transport paths 11A and 11C, and Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the transport direction switching unit 10 operating in a third transport mode that allows connection between the second and third transport paths 11B and 11C.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport direction switching unit 10 is provided at the connection branch point between the main transport path 4, which transports banknotes vertically, and the branch transport path 5, which branches off from the main transport path 4 and transports banknotes in a substantially horizontal direction. The main transport path 4 is composed of a first transport path 11A located above the connection branch point, and a second transport path 11B located below the connection branch point. The branch transport path 5 is composed of a third transport path 11C.

The banknotes transported from above to below the first transport path 11A are sorted by the transport direction switching unit 10 into either the second transport path 11B or the third transport path 11C. When the transport direction switching unit 10 sends the banknote to the third transport path 11C side, the connection between the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C is secured, and the connection between the first transport path 11A and the second transport path 11B is cut off, thereby allowing the banknotes to move in both directions between the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C. When the transport direction switching unit 10 sends the banknote to the second transport path 11B side, the connection between the first transport path 11A and the second transport path 11B is secured, and the connection between the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C is cut off, thereby allowing the banknotes to move in both directions between the first transport path 11A and the second transport path 11B.

As shown in Figs. 4(a) to (c), the conveying direction of banknotes that can be switched by the conveying direction switching unit 10 is the "up-down direction", "up-sideways", and "down-sideways". The "up-down direction" is the direction in which banknotes pass through the conveying direction switching unit 10 and are sent from above the main conveying path 4 to below, or the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 4(a). The "up-sideways" is the direction in which banknotes sent from above the main conveying path 4 are pulled into the branch conveying path 5, or the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 4(b). The "down-sideways" is the direction in which banknotes sent from below the main conveying path 4 are pulled into the branch conveying path 5, or the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 4(c).

For example, when attention is focused on the transport direction switching unit 10 in the first banknote storage unit 2C in FIG. 1, a transport mode (first transport mode) that enables banknotes to be transported in the "up and down direction" allows banknotes from the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A or the temporary pool unit 2B to be sent to the second banknote storage unit 2D or the safe unit 2E. Conversely, banknotes from the second banknote storage unit 2D or the safe unit 2E can be sent to the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A or the temporary pool unit 2B.

In addition, a transport mode (second transport mode) that allows banknotes to be transported in an "upward horizontal direction" allows banknotes from the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A or temporary pool unit 2B to be sent to the first banknote storage section 3C in the first banknote storage unit 2C, and conversely, banknotes in the first banknote storage section 3C can be sent to the deposit/withdrawal unit 2A or temporary pool unit 2B. Furthermore, a transport mode (third transport mode) that allows banknotes to be transported in a "downward horizontal direction" allows banknotes in the second banknote storage section 3D to be sent to the safe unit 2E.

As shown in Figures 3, 5 to 7, the transport direction switching unit 10 includes a first gate member 12A that connects the first transport path 11A to either the second transport path 11B or the third transport path 11C, a second gate member 12B that connects the second transport path 11B to either the first transport path 11A or the third transport path 11C, a third gate member 12C that connects the third transport path 11C to either the first transport path 11A or the second transport path 11B, and a stepping motor (not shown) that drives the first to third gate members 12A to 12C. The transport direction switching unit 10 also includes a first fixed guide member 15A that is disposed between the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C and defines a communication path that connects the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C, and a second fixed guide member 15B that is disposed between the second transport path 11B and the third transport path 11C and defines a communication path that connects the second transport path 11B and the third transport path 11C.

The first to third conveying paths 11A to 11C are each constructed using a conveying belt 17 (17A to 17E) stretched between a pair of pulleys 18, 18. The first conveying path 11A is made up of a pair of conveying belts 17A, 17C that face each other and convey banknotes while holding them in a pinch, and the second conveying path 11B is made up of a pair of conveying belts 17A, 17C that face each other and convey banknotes while holding them in a pinch. While the conveying belt 17A (first conveying belt) and the conveying belt 17B (second conveying belt) cover only the first and second conveying paths 11A and 11B, respectively, the conveying belt 17C (third conveying belt) is a long conveying belt that is common to the first conveying path 11A and the second conveying path 11B. Therefore, the first conveying path 11A is composed of the first conveying belt 17A and a part of the third conveying belt 17C, the second conveying path 11B is composed of the second conveying belt 17B and another part of the third conveying belt 17C, and the third conveying path 11C is composed of a pair of conveying belts 17D, 17E (fourth and fifth conveying belts) that face each other and convey banknotes while clamping and holding them.

The first gate member 12A is a movable guide member that is rotatable around the first rotating shaft 13A, and has a tip portion that is pointed toward the first transport path 11A, a base portion that is located on the second transport path 11B, and a flat portion that is formed in a straight line from the tip portion toward the base portion. When the flat portion of the first gate member 12A is in a state parallel to the main transport path 4 (neutral position), the communication path (first communication path 16A) from the first transport path 11A to the second transport path 11B is opened and the communication path (second communication path 16B) from the first transport path 11A to the third transport path 11C is closed, so that the first transport path 11A and the second transport path 11B can communicate with each other.

When the first gate member 12A rotates clockwise from the neutral position and the tip crosses the main transport path 4, the communication path from the first transport path 11A to the second transport path 11B is closed and the communication path from the first transport path 11A to the third transport path 11C is open, so that the first transport path 11A and the third transport path 11C can communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the first gate member 12A rotates counterclockwise from the neutral position and the tip moves away from the main transport path 4, both the communication path from the first transport path 11A to the second transport path 11B and the communication path from the first transport path 11A to the third transport path 11C are closed.

The second gate member 12B is a movable guide member that is rotatable around the second rotating shaft 13B, and has a tip that is pointed toward the second transport path 11B, a base end that is located on the first transport path 11A, and a flat portion that is formed in a straight line from the tip to the base end. When the flat portion of the second gate member 12B is in a state parallel to the main transport path 4 (neutral position), the communication path (first communication path 16A) from the second transport path 11B to the first transport path 11A is opened and the communication path (third communication path 16C) from the second transport path 11B to the third transport path 11C is closed, so that the second transport path 11B and the first transport path 11A can communicate with each other.

When the second gate member 12B rotates counterclockwise from the neutral position and the tip crosses the main transport path 4, the communication path from the second transport path 11B to the first transport path 11A is closed and the communication path from the second transport path 11B to the third transport path 11C is open, so that the second transport path 11B and the third communication path 16C can communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the second gate member 12B rotates clockwise from the neutral position and the tip moves away from the main transport path 4, both the communication path from the second transport path 11B to the first transport path 11A and the communication path from the second transport path 11B to the third transport path 11C are closed.

The third gate member 12C is a movable guide member that is rotatable around the third rotating shaft 13C and has a pointed tip toward the third transport path 11C. When the tip of the third gate member 12C is in a neutral position that is not biased toward either the upper side (first transport path 11A side) or the lower side (second transport path 11B side), the third transport path 11C is in a closed state that is not connected to either the first transport path 11A or the second transport path 11B. However, when the third gate member 12C rotates counterclockwise from the neutral position and the tip faces diagonally downward, the communication path (second communication path 16B) from the third transport path 11C to the first transport path 11A is opened and the communication path (third communication path 16C) from the third communication path 16C to the second transport path 11B is closed, so that the third transport path 11C and the first transport path 11A can communicate with each other. Furthermore, when the third gate member 12C rotates clockwise from the neutral position so that its tip faces diagonally upward, the communication path from the third communication path 16C to the first transport path 11A is closed and the communication path from the third communication path 16C to the second transport path 11B is open, so that the third transport path 11C and the second transport path 11B can communicate with each other.

In this embodiment, the third gate member 12C is rotated by a stepping motor (not shown). In particular, the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the third gate member 12C is precisely controlled by the stepping motor, which allows it to rotate to a position (first position) where the third transport path 11C is connected to the first transport path 11A, or to a position (second position) where the third transport path 11C is connected to the second transport path 11B.

First to third gears 14A to 14C are fixed to the first to third gate members 12C, respectively, and the second and third gears 14B, 14C mesh with the first gear 14A. Therefore, the rotational force of the third gate member 12C is also transmitted to the first gate member 12A and the second gate member 12B through the gear mechanism 14 consisting of the first to third gears 14A to 14C, and the first and second gate members 12A, 12B rotate in conjunction with the third gate member 12C. In this embodiment, the first and second gears 14A, 14C directly mesh with the third gear 14C, so the first and second gate members 12A, 12B rotate in the opposite direction to the third gate member 12C. The gear ratio of the first and second gears 14A, 14B to the third gear 14C is set based on the movable range of the tip of the third gate member 12C and the movable range of the tip of the first and second gate members 12A, 12B. In other words, the amount of rotation of the first to third gate members 12A to 12C can be adjusted by the gear ratio.

In this embodiment, the third gear 14C is the drive gear, the first and second gears 14A, 14B are driven gears, and the first and second gate members 12A, 12B are driven by the third gate member 12C, but the first gate member 12A may be driven to drive the second and third gate members 12B, 12C, or the second gate member 12B may be driven to drive the first and third gate members 12A, 12C.

The amount of rotation of the first gate member 12A can be precisely controlled by a stepping motor, but to enhance safety, a stopper mechanism may be provided to prevent the first gate member 12A from rotating too far. For example, when the tip of the first gate member 12A rotates downward significantly to open the second communication passage 16B, the lower rear end of the first gate member 12A abuts against the third gate member 12C, preventing excessive rotation. Similarly, when the tip of the first gate member 12A rotates downward significantly to open the first communication passage 16A, the upper rear end of the first gate member 12A abuts against the second gate member 12B, preventing excessive rotation.

Next, the operation of the transport direction switching unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the tip of the third gate member 12C is in a neutral position where it is not biased toward either the second communication passage 16B side (upward) or the third communication passage 16C side (downward), the first gate member 12A opens the first communication passage 16A and blocks the second communication passage 16B, and the second gate member 12B opens the first communication passage 16A and closes the third communication passage 16C. Therefore, the first conveying path 11A and the second conveying path 11B are in a communication state via the first communication passage 16A, and banknotes can travel back and forth between the first conveying path 11A and the second conveying path 11B as shown by the arrows.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the third gate member 12C rotates toward the third communication passage 16C (counterclockwise, downward) and its tip moves to a position (first position) where it opens the second communication passage 16B and closes the third communication passage 16C, the first gate member 12A rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise) to the third gate member 12C, opening the second communication passage 16B and closing the first communication passage 16A. Furthermore, the second gate member 12B also rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise) to the third gate member 12C, closing both the third communication passage 16C and the first communication passage 16A. Therefore, the first conveying path 11A and the third conveying path 11C are in a communicating state via the second communication passage 16B, and the banknotes can travel back and forth between the first conveying path 11A and the third conveying path 11C as shown by the arrows.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the third gate member 12C rotates toward the second communication passage 16B (clockwise, upward) and its tip moves to a position (second position) where it opens the third communication passage 16C and closes the second communication passage 16B, the second gate member 12B rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to the third gate member 12C, opening the third communication passage 16C and closing the first communication passage 16A. Furthermore, the first gate member 12A also rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to the third gate member 12C, closing both the second communication passage 16B and the first communication passage 16A. Therefore, the second conveying path 11B and the third conveying path 11C are in a communicating state via the third conveying path 16C, and the banknotes can travel back and forth between the second conveying path 11B and the third conveying path 11C as shown by the arrows.

As described above, the recycling-type banknote processing device according to this embodiment has a simple configuration in which the first to third gate members 12A to 12C are interconnected via a gear mechanism 14 consisting of the first to third gears 14A to 14C, and therefore can switch between three directions of banknote transport paths without increasing the complexity and size of the mechanism due to an increase in the number of parts. In addition, the positions of the first gate member 12A and the second gate member 12B can also be controlled simply by controlling the driving force (amount of rotation) from one stepping motor to control the position of the third gate member 12C. In other words, three transport directions can be selected by simply controlling the three positions of the tip of the third gate member 12C: "up," "middle," and "down."

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the main transport path extends vertically and the branch transport path extends approximately horizontally, but the orientations of the main transport path and the branch transport path are not particularly limited, and the main transport path may extend horizontally and the branch transport path may extend approximately vertically.

In the above embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the drive source for the first to third gate members 12A to 12C, but other drive sources such as various motors, cylinders, magnets, springs, etc. can also be used. However, a stepping motor is particularly preferred because it allows precise control of the three positions of the tip of the third gate member 12C - "up," "middle," and "down" - by controlling the amount of rotation.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Recycling-type banknote processing device 2 Banknote processing unit 2A Deposit/withdrawal unit 2B Temporary pool unit 2C First banknote storage unit 2D Second banknote storage unit 2E Safe unit 3 Functional unit 3A Banknote recognition unit 3B Temporary pool unit 3C Recycling-type banknote storage unit 3D Recycling-type banknote storage unit 3E Safe unit 3i Banknote deposit/withdrawal port 4 Main transport path 5 Branch transport path 10 Transport direction switching unit (banknote transport direction switching mechanism)
11A First conveying path 11B Second conveying path 11C Third conveying path 12A First gate member 12B Second gate member 12C Third gate member 13A First rotating shaft 13B Second rotating shaft 13C Third rotating shaft 14 Gear mechanism 14A First gear 14B Second gear 14C Third gear 15A Fixed guide member 15B Fixed guide member 16A First communicating path 16B Second communicating path 16C Third communicating path 17 Conveyor belt 17A First conveyor belt 17B Second conveyor belt 17C Third conveyor belt 17D Fourth conveyor belt 17E Fifth conveyor belt 18 Pulley

Claims (18)

A banknote transport direction switching mechanism is provided at a connection branch point of the first to third transport paths and switches a transport path of the banknotes,
a first gate member that rotates about a first rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path;
a second gate member that rotates about a second rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the second transport path to the first transport path or the third transport path;
a third gate member that rotates about a third rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the third transport path to the first transport path or the second transport path;
a gear mechanism that transmits a driving force from a driving source to the first to third gate members;
the first to third gate members are interlocked with each other via the gear mechanism to select one of a first transport mode in which communication between the first and second transport paths is permitted, a second transport mode in which communication between the first and third transport paths is permitted, and a third transport mode in which communication between the second and third transport paths is permitted;
when the third gate member is in a neutral position where the connection between the third transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the third transport path and the second transport path are both blocked, the first gate member permits the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and blocks the connection between the first transport path and the third transport path, and the second gate member permits the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and blocks the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path, thereby permitting the reciprocating travel of banknotes between the first transport path and the second transport path;
when the third gate member moves to a first position permitting connection between the third transport path and the first transport path, the first gate member permits connection between the first transport path and the third transport path and blocks connection between the first transport path and the second transport path, thereby permitting reciprocating travel of banknotes between the first transport path and the third transport path;
A banknote transport direction switching mechanism characterized in that, when the third gate member moves to a second position allowing connection between the third transport path and the second transport path, the second gate member allows connection between the second transport path and the third transport path and blocks connection between the second transport path and the first transport path, thereby allowing banknotes to travel back and forth between the second transport path and the third transport path. The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the gear mechanism includes first to third gears fixed to the first to third gate members, respectively, one of the first to third gears being a drive gear, and the remaining two gears being driven gears interlocked with the drive gear. The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the first and second gears are meshed with the third gear. The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive source is a stepping motor. when the third gate member moves to the first position, the second gate member moves to a position where it cuts off both the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path;
A banknote transport direction switching mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the third gate member moves to the second position, the first gate member moves to a position where it blocks both the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path. a first communication passage that communicates the first transport path and the second transport path;
a second communication passage that communicates the first transport path with the third transport path;
a third communication passage that communicates the second transport path with the third transport path,
The third gate member is
when in the neutral position, both of the second communication passage and the third communication passage are blocked;
When in the first position, the second communication passage is opened and the third communication passage is closed;
When in the second position, the third communication passage is opened and the second communication passage is blocked;
The first gate member is
When the third gate member is in the neutral position, the third gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the second communication passage,
When the third gate member is in the first position, the third gate member closes the first communication passage and opens the second communication passage,
when the third gate member is in the second position, the third gate member closes both the first communication passage and the second communication passage;
The second gate member is
When the third gate member is in the neutral position, the third gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the third communication passage;
when the third gate member is in the first position, the third gate member closes both the first communication passage and the third communication passage;
The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the third gate member closes the first communication passage and opens the third communication passage when the third gate member is in the second position. a first conveyor belt constituting the first conveying path;
A second conveyor belt constituting the second conveying path;
a third conveyor belt that faces both the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt and holds the banknotes by pressing them,
the first conveying path is formed by the first conveying belt and a part of the third conveying belt,
The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the second transport path is formed by the second transport belt and another part of the third transport belt. The banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second transport paths form a main transport path extending in a vertical direction, and the third transport path forms a branch transport path branching off from the middle of the main transport path and extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The banknote processing unit includes a plurality of banknote processing units arranged in a stack,
Each of the plurality of banknote processing units
a main transport path connecting the plurality of banknote processing units;
a branch transport path that branches off from the main transport path and transports banknotes to a functional section in each banknote processing unit;
9. A recycling-type banknote processing device, comprising: a banknote transport direction switching mechanism according to claim 1, provided at a connection/branch point between the main transport path and the branch transport path. The banknote processing unit includes a plurality of banknote processing units arranged in a stack,
The plurality of banknote processing units include
a deposit/withdrawal unit having a bill deposit/withdrawal port and a bill recognition unit;
a first banknote storage unit having a first recycling banknote storage section for storing banknotes of a first denomination;
a second bill storage unit having a second recycling bill storage section for storing bills of a second denomination;
a safe unit having a safe section for storing banknotes;
A temporary pool unit having a pool section for temporarily pooling banknotes,
Each of the plurality of banknote processing units
a main transport path connecting the plurality of banknote processing units;
a branch transport path that branches off from the main transport path and transports banknotes to a functional section in each banknote processing unit;
a banknote conveying direction switching mechanism is provided at a connection/branch point between the main conveying path and the branch conveying path,
The banknote transport direction switching mechanism includes:
a first gate member that rotates about a first rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the first transport path to the second transport path or the third transport path;
a second gate member that rotates about a second rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the second transport path to the first transport path or the third transport path;
a third gate member that rotates about a third rotation axis to switch a connection destination of the third transport path to the first transport path or the second transport path;
a gear mechanism that transmits a driving force from a driving source to the first to third gate members;
The first to third gate members are linked to each other via the gear mechanism to select one of a first transport mode that allows communication between the first and second transport paths, a second transport mode that allows communication between the first and third transport paths, and a third transport mode that allows communication between the second and third transport paths. The recycling-type banknote processing device according to claim 10, wherein the gear mechanism includes first to third gears fixed to the first to third gate members, respectively, one of the first to third gears being a drive gear, and the remaining two gears being driven gears interlocked with the drive gear. The recycling-type banknote processing device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second gears mesh with the third gear. The recycling-type banknote processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the driving source is a stepping motor. when the third gate member is in a neutral position where the connection between the third transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the third transport path and the second transport path are both blocked, the first gate member permits the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and blocks the connection between the first transport path and the third transport path, and the second gate member permits the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and blocks the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path, thereby permitting the reciprocating travel of banknotes between the first transport path and the second transport path;
when the third gate member moves to a first position permitting connection between the third transport path and the first transport path, the first gate member permits connection between the first transport path and the third transport path and blocks connection between the first transport path and the second transport path, thereby permitting reciprocating travel of banknotes between the first transport path and the third transport path;
14. The recycling type banknote processing device according to claim 10, wherein when the third gate member moves to a second position allowing connection between the third transport path and the second transport path, the second gate member allows connection between the second transport path and the third transport path and blocks connection between the second transport path and the first transport path, thereby allowing banknotes to travel back and forth between the second transport path and the third transport path. when the third gate member moves to the first position, the second gate member moves to a position where it cuts off both the connection between the second transport path and the first transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path;
15. The recycling-type banknote processing device according to claim 14, wherein when the third gate member moves to the second position , the first gate member moves to a position where it blocks both the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path and the connection between the second transport path and the third transport path. a first communication passage that communicates the first transport path and the second transport path;
a second communication passage that communicates the first transport path with the third transport path;
a third communication passage that communicates the second transport path with the third transport path,
The third gate member is
when in the neutral position, both of the second communication passage and the third communication passage are blocked;
When in the first position, the second communication passage is opened and the third communication passage is closed;
When in the second position, the third communication passage is opened and the second communication passage is blocked;
The first gate member is
When the third gate member is in the neutral position, the third gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the second communication passage,
When the third gate member is in the first position, the third gate member closes the first communication passage and opens the second communication passage,
when the third gate member is in the second position, the third gate member closes both the first communication passage and the second communication passage;
The second gate member is
When the third gate member is in the neutral position, the third gate member opens the first communication passage and closes the third communication passage;
when the third gate member is in the first position, the third gate member closes both the first communication passage and the third communication passage;
The recycling-type banknote processing device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the third gate member closes the first communication passage and opens the third communication passage when the third gate member is in the second position. a first conveyor belt constituting the first conveying path;
A second conveyor belt constituting the second conveying path;
a third conveyor belt that faces both the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt and holds the banknotes by pressing them,
the first conveying path is formed by the first conveying belt and a part of the third conveying belt,
The recycling-type banknote processing device according to claim 10 , wherein the second transport path is formed by the second transport belt and another part of the third transport belt. The recycling-type banknote processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the first and second transport paths form a main transport path extending in a vertical direction, and the third transport path forms a branch transport path branching off from the middle of the main transport path and extending in a substantially horizontal direction.

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