U.S. patent application number 10/772277 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for paper money receiving and paying apparatus and automatic teller machine.
Invention is credited to Kato, Riichi, Nomiyama, Akira.
Application Number | 20040256784 10/772277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33410940 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nomiyama, Akira ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Paper money receiving and paying apparatus and automatic teller
machine
Abstract
Provided is a paper money receiving and paying apparatus and an
automatic teller machine which can stack and separate paper moneys
having different sizes in a mixed condition. A loading and
recovering part incorporates, within its stacking part, a travel
regulating means for materializing changing of the height of a
stacking space in dependence upon a size of paper moneys to be
stacked. With this configuration, it is possible to store and
discharge paper moneys having different sizes in a mixed condition
into and from the paper money receiving and paying apparatus.
Inventors: |
Nomiyama, Akira; (Kashiwa,
JP) ; Kato, Riichi; (Nagoya, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANTONELLI, TERRY, STOUT & KRAUS, LLP
1300 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 1800
ARLINGTON
VA
22209-9889
US
|
Family ID: |
33410940 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772277 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/3.14 ;
271/10.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2301/42142
20130101; B65H 1/02 20130101; B65H 2301/4191 20130101; B65H 2513/40
20130101; G07D 7/162 20130101; B65H 1/24 20130101; B65H 83/025
20130101; B65H 2404/1521 20130101; B65H 29/006 20130101; G07D 11/50
20190101; B65H 2404/54 20130101; B65H 2404/65 20130101; B65H
2511/10 20130101; B65H 31/06 20130101; B65H 2701/1912 20130101;
B65H 2513/40 20130101; G07D 11/16 20190101; G07D 11/23 20190101;
B65H 2220/01 20130101; B65H 2220/02 20130101; B65H 2220/11
20130101; B65H 2511/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/003.14 ;
271/010.01 |
International
Class: |
B65H 005/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 18, 2003 |
JP |
2003-172759 |
Claims
1. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus characterized by a
stacking and separating device for stacking and separating paper
moneys, a paper money size detecting means for detecting sizes of
paper moneys stacked in the stacking and separating device, and a
travel regulating means for regulating a travel of a paper money in
the stacking and separating device, and a control part for
controlling the travel regulating means in accordance with a size
of a paper money.
2. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the travel regulating means causes a
leading end of a paper money to impinge thereupon, and a position
of the travel regulating means is changed in accordance with a size
of the paper money.
3. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the travel regulating means is
adapted to rotate so as to change the position where the leading
end of a paper money impinges thereupon.
4. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that an external shape of the travel
regulating means is arcuated in a part thereof, or in its
entirety.
5. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further characterized by an interference preventing means
for preventing paper moneys after accumulation thereof from
entering into a space for accumulating paper moneys.
6. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 5, characterized in that the stacking and separating device
includes a storage space where accumulated paper moneys are stored,
and the interference preventing means is an inclined floor surface
in the storage space.
7. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 5, characterized in that the stacking and separating device
comprises a push-plate for retaining stacked paper moneys, and the
interference preventing means is the push-plate which defines an
inclined surface upon stacked of paper moneys.
8. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 5, wherein the travel regulating means and the interference
preventing means are integrally incorporated with each other.
9. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the travel regulating means and
the interference preventing means can be retracted so as to prevent
interference with stacked paper moneys.
10. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1 or 5, characterized in that a friction reducing member is
incorporated in either or both of the travel regulating means and
the interference preventing means.
11. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1 or 5, characterized in that there are provided either or
both of the travel regulating means and the interference preventing
means in a plural number.
12. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the travel regulating means includes
a paper money enterance preventing means for preventing stacked
paper moneys from being caught.
13. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the stacking and separating device
incorporates a separating and accumulating guide for guiding
stacked paper money which has been introduced, and the separating
and stacking guide has an end part which is curved.
14. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the paper money size detecting means
comprises a paper money determining part for determining a
denomination of a paper money, and a memory part incorporating a
data base in which denominations and sizes of paper moneys are
assigned to each other.
15. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further characterized by a paper money detecting means for
detecting a paper money conveyed to the stacking and separating
means, and the travel regulating means is controlled through the
detection of a paper money by the paper money detecting means.
16. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further characterized by a stacking space volume detecting
means for detecting an occupying value of stacked paper moneys
which occupy a space for stacking paper moneys within the stacking
and separating device, and the travel regulating means is
controlled in accordance with a result of detection by the stacking
space volume detecting means.
17. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, characterized in that the stacking and separating device
stacks paper moneys in a standing posture.
18. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
any one of claims 1 to 17, further characterized by a receiving and
paying port for carrying out either or both of separation of paper
moneys introduced by a user and stacking of paper moneys to be paid
to a user, a paper money determining means for determining a
denomination of a paper money, a temporary storage bin for
temporarily storing paper moneys, either or both of a receiving bin
for storing therein paper moneys which are inappropriate for
payment and a return bin for respectively storing therein and
discharging different denominations of paper moneys therefrom, and
a conveying path connecting the paper money determining part, the
temporary storage bin and the bins to one another, for conveying
paper moneys, and characterized in that the stacking and separating
device is the temporary storage bin.
19. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus as set forth in
any one of claims 1 to 17, further characterized by a receiving and
paying port for carrying out either or both of separation of paper
moneys introduced by a user and stacking of paper moneys to be paid
to a user, a paper money determining means for determining a
denomination of a paper money, a temporary storage bin for
temporarily storing paper moneys, return bins for respectively
storing therein and discharging therefrom different denominations
of paper moneys, a loading and recovering bin for charging paper
moneys to and from the return bins, and a conveying path connecting
the paper money determining means, the temporary storage bin and
the bins to one another, for conveying paper moneys, and
characterized in that the stacking and separating device is either
or both of the temporary storage bin and the loading and recovering
and discharging bin.
20. An automatic teller machine comprising a paper money receiving
and paying apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 19.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a paper money receiving and
paying apparatus and an automatic teller machine for receiving
and/or paying paper moneys.
[0002] An automatic teller machine which has been used in a
financial institution is adapted to receive and pay paper
moneys.
[0003] It is necessary to take various paper moneys having
different sizes into consideration, as those to be handled in the
automatic teller machine. JP-A-2000-187752discloses a means for
stacking and separating paper moneys having different sizes. This
means can stack and separate paper moneys by manually adjusting the
height of a top plate in accordance with a length of the narrow
side of a paper money even thought paper moneys to be handled have
different sizes. That is, after the position of the top plate is
manually adjusted, only paper moneys having a certain size can be
stacked and separated.
[0004] By the way, when paper moneys are loaded in an automatic
teller machine, all denominations of paper moneys to be loaded are
led through a paper money determining part from a loading and
recovering bin in which the paper moneys have been packed, so as to
determine denominations and numbers of paper moneys which are then
conveyed to and loaded in return bins for respectively storing the
denominations of paper moneys.
[0005] Further, in order to recover paper moneys in the automatic
teller machine, paper moneys are conveyed from the return bins and
through the paper money determining part so as to determine
denominations and number of paper moneys. The paper moneys of
different denominations are then conveyed to and stored into the
loading and recovering bin. Further, in order to precisely check a
number of paper moneys in the automatic teller machine, the
recovering and loading are successively repeated.
[0006] In the above-mentioned handling, it is required to
accumulate and separate paper moneys of different denominations
which are mixed together in the loading and recovering bin.
However, the device disclosed in the JP-A-2000-187752 cannot cope
with storage of paper moneys having different sizes in a mixed
condition, that is, the conventional automatic teller machine
cannot load, recover and precisely check paper moneys having
different sizes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a paper
money receiving and paying apparatus and an automatic teller
machine which includes a device for stacking and separating paper
moneys having different sizes in a mixed condition.
[0008] The above-mentioned object can be achieved by a
configuration comprising a stacking and separating device for
stacking and separating paper moneys, a size detecting means for
detecting sizes of paper moneys stacked in the stacking and
separating device, a travel regulating means for regulating a
travel of a paper money in the accumulating and separating device,
and a control part for controlling the travel regulating means in
accordance with sizes of the paper moneys.
[0009] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the travel regulating means causes the leading
end of a paper money to impinge thereupon, and the position of the
travel regulating means is changed depending upon a size of a paper
money.
[0010] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the travel regulating means is rotated so as
to change the position where the leading end of a paper money
impinge thereupon, depending upon a size of a paper money.
[0011] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that a part or all of the external shape of the
travel regulating means is arcuated.
[0012] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by an
interference preventing means for preventing a paper money having
stacked from entering into a space where paper moneys are
stacked.
[0013] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the stacking and separating device
incorporates a storage space for storing paper moneys, and the
interference preventing means is an inclined floor surface in the
storage space.
[0014] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the stacking and separating device comprises a
push-plate for supporting paper moneys having been stacked, and the
interference preventing means is the push-plate defining an
inclined surface during stacking of paper moneys.
[0015] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the travel regulating means and the
interference preventing means are integrally incorporated with each
other.
[0016] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the travel regulating means and the
interference preventing means can be retracted so as to prevent
interference with stacked paper moneys.
[0017] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that either or both of the travel regulating means
and the interference preventing means incorporate a friction
reducing member for reducing friction with respect to a paper
money.
[0018] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a confutation that there are provided a plurality of travel
regulating means and/or interference preventing means.
[0019] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the travel regulating means incorporates a
paper money entrance preventing means for preventing a paper money
from being caught after stacking.
[0020] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the paper money stacking and separating device
incorporates a separating and stacking guide for guiding introduced
and stacked paper moneys, the separating and stacking guide having
one end part which has a curved surface.
[0021] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the paper money size detecting means
incorporates a paper money determining means for determining a
denomination of a paper money, and a memory part having a data base
in which denominations and sizes of paper moneys are related to one
another.
[0022] Further, the above-mentioned object incorporates a paper
money detecting means for detecting a paper money to be conveyed to
the stacking and separating device, and the travel regulating means
is controlled through detection of a paper money by the paper money
detecting means.
[0023] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that there is provided a stacking space volume
detecting means for detecting an occupied space by paper moneys
after stacking, which occupy a space for stacking therein paper
moneys within the stacking and separating device, and the travel
regulating means is controlled inn accordance with a result of
detection by the stacking space volume detecting means.
[0024] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by such
a configuration that the stacking and separating device stacks
paper moneys in a standing posture.
[0025] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by the
paper money receiving and paying apparatus comprising a receiving
and paying port for carrying out either or both of separation of
paper moneys introduced by a user, and stacking of paper moneys to
be paid for a user, a paper money determining part for determining
a denomination of a paper money, a temporary storage bin for
temporarily storing paper moneys, either or both of a receiving bin
for storing paper moneys which are inappropriate for payment and
return bins for storing therein and discharging denominations of
paper moneys, respectively, and a conveying path connecting the
paper money determining part, the temporary storage bin and the
above-mentioned bins, for conveying paper moneys, characterized in
that the above-mentioned stacking and separating device is the
temporary storage bin.
[0026] The above-mentioned object can be achieved by the paper
money receiving and paying apparatus comprising a receiving and
paying port for carrying out either or both of separation of paper
moneys introduced by a user, or stacking of paper moneys to be paid
for a user, a paper money determining part for determining a
denomination of a paper money, a temporary storage bin for
temporarily storing paper moneys, return bins for storing therein
and discharging denominations of paper moneys, respectively, a
charge and recovery bin for recovering paper and loading moneys
from and into the return bins, and a conveying path connecting the
paper money determining part, the temporary storage bin and the
above-mentioned bins, for conveying paper moneys, characterized in
that the above-mentioned stacking and separating device is either
or both of the temporary storage bin and the charge and recovery
bin.
[0027] Further, the above-mentioned object can be achieved by an
automatic teller machine incorporating the above-mentioned paper
money receiving and paying apparatus.
[0028] The present invention will be detailed in the form of
preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of an automatic teller machine to which the present
invention is applied;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism
in the automatic teller machine to which the present invention is
applied;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an elevation view illustrating a configuration of
a paper money receiving and paying apparatus;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism
in the paper money receiving and paying apparatus in an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an elevation view for explaining operation of
loading of paper moneys in the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow-chart for loading paper moneys in the
embodiment of the present invention:
[0035] FIG. 7 is an elevation view for explaining operation of
recovery of paper moneys in the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flow chart for recovery of paper moneys in the
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining a condition in which
paper moneys are stored into a loading and recovering bin;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a side view for explaining a condition in which
paper moneys are discharged from the loading and recovering
bin;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating the loading and
recovering bin installed in the paper money receiving and paying
apparatus;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a
travel regulating means;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a view for explaining operation of storing paper
moneys in the loading and recovering bin;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism
for storing and discharging paper moneys into and from the loading
and recovering bin;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a flow-chart for controlling the travel
regulating means during-stacking of paper moneys;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a flow chart for controlling the travel
regulating means during stacking of paper moneys;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating another example of an
interference preventing means;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating another example of the
interference preventing means;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a top view illustrating another friction reducing
member;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a
stacking assist means;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a side view for explaining storing of paper
moneys into the loading and recovering bin
[0050] FIG. 22 is a side view for explaining discharging of paper
moneys from the loading and recovering bin;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a top view illustrating the loading and
recovering bin installed in the paper money receiving and paying
apparatus;
[0052] FIG. 24 is a view for explaining operation of storing of
paper moneys into the loading and recovering bin;
[0053] FIG. 25 is a view for explaining operation of storing of
paper moneys into the loading and recovering bin;
[0054] FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism
for storing and discharging paper moneys into and from the loading
and recovering bin;
[0055] FIGS. 27A to 27D are views for explaining operation of
storing of paper moneys into the loading and recovering bin;
[0056] FIG. 28 is a flow-chart for controlling the stacking assist
means during stacking of paper moneys;
[0057] FIG. 29 is a view for explaining operation of storing paper
moneys into the loading and recovering bin; and
[0058] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating another example of the
loading and recovering bin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1 which is a view illustrating an external
appearance of an automatic teller machine in which the present
invention is applied, the automatic teller machine 101 in this
embodiment, comprises, a card/check processing mechanism 102 for
processing a traction card or a traction check owned by the
customer, a banknote processing part 105 for processing a banknote,
a housing 104, and a customer manipulation part 105 for displaying
or inputting data required for traction. A paper money receiving
and paying apparatus 1 is incorporated in the housing 104.
[0060] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control scheme of
the present invention.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the card/check processing mechanism
102, the bank note processing mechanism 103, the customer
manipulation part 105 and the paper money receiving and paying
apparatus 1 are connected to the main control part 106 through the
intermediary of a bus 110 so that they carry out required operation
under the control of the main control part 106. In addition to the
above, there are provided an interface part 107, an operator
manipulation part 108 and an external memory device 109 which are
also connected to the bus 110, for transmitting data therebetween.
However, detailed description thereto will be omitted. Further, the
above-mentioned mechanisms and components are powered by a power
source part 111.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the configuration of the paper
money receiving and paying apparatus mounted in the automatic
teller machine 101.
[0063] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a control mechanism.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the paper money receiving and
paying apparatus 1 comprises a receiving and paying port 2 for
receiving and paying paper moneys, a paper money determining part 3
for determining a denomination of a paper money, or determining
whether a paper money is true or false, a temporary storage part 4
for temporarily storing received paper moneys until a transaction
is completed, paper money bins for storing paper moneys, and a
conveying path 5 connecting components in the paper money receiving
and paying device 1 to one another, for conveying paper moneys.
[0065] The paper money bins are sorted in view of their roles, into
for example, a receiving bin for storing therein paper moneys which
are no more used as paper moneys to be paid, return bins for
respectively storing denominations of paper moneys, and discharging
them upon payment, a loading and recoverying bin for loading paper
moneys into the return bins, and recovering paper moneys from the
return bins.
[0066] In this embodiment, a receiving bin 6 is incorporated in a
lower right part of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the
remainder of the paper money bins is used as return bins 7. For
example, they are for 50 Euro-dollar, 100 Euro-dollar and 200
Euro-dollar in the mentioned order as viewed from the left side of
the figure. Further, the loading and recovering bin 8 is located in
the middle stage of the apparatus. The loading and recovering bin 8
is adapted to store thereinto and discharge therefrom paper moneys
to be handed in the paper money receiving and paying apparatus, in
a mixed condition so as to be load or recover paper moneys into and
from the return bins.
[0067] Further, the paper money receiving and paying apparatus 1
incorporates a memory part DB in which correspondence between
denominations and sizes of paper moneys is recorded. Thus, a size
of a paper money can be found by determining a denomination
thereof. The control part 9 is connected to the main control part
106 through the intermediary of the bus 110 so as to control the
paper money receiving and paying apparatus 1 in accordance with an
instruction from the main control part 106 and a detected state of
the paper money receiving and paying apparatus 1, and the state of
the paper money receiving and paying apparatus 1 is transmitted to
the main control part 106 as required.
[0068] The loading of paper moneys can be carried out when the
apparatus is replenished with paper moneys, for example, in the
case of loading of paper moneys into the apparatus before operation
of the automatic teller machine 101, and in the case of loading of
paper moneys when the number of loaded paper moneys becomes less
during operation.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the configuration of the
automatic teller machine, for explaining the loading operation of
paper moneys in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, upon loading of paper moneys, paper
moneys in the loading and recovering bin 8 are fed onto the
conveying path 5, and are conveyed in the direction of the arrow in
the figure. At this stage, denominations and a number and
conditions of paper moneys are determined by means of the paper
money determining part 3, and paper moneys which are not for
payment are stored in the receiving bin 6, and paper moneys which
are for payment are stored in the returning bins 7, being sorted
into respective denomination groups.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a flow-chart for the above-mentioned loading of
the paper moneys.
[0072] Meanwhile, the recovery of paper moneys are carried out as
required, in the case of recovery of paper moneys in the automatic
teller machine 101 after the operation is closed, or upon
requirement of recovery of paper moneys in the apparatus when the
number of loaded paper moneys becomes excessive during the
operation.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a configuration of an
automatic teller machine for explaining the operation during
recovery of paper moneys in this embodiment.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, during recovery of paper moneys, paper
moneys in the return bins 7 are fed onto the conveying path 5, and
are conveyed in the direction of the arrow. At this time,
denominations and numbers of paper moneys are determined by way of
the paper money determining part 3, and then the paper moneys are
stored in the loading and recovering bin 8. It is noted that, in
this embodiment, the receiving bin 6 is adapted to be directly
removed in order to recover paper moneys therein.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows a flow-chart for the recovery operation.
[0076] The number of paper moneys in the apparatus can be confirmed
by carrying out the recovery operation and the loading
operation.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a state in which paper
moneys are stored in the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a sate in which paper
moneys are discharged from the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0079] FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating the configuration of the
loading and recovering bin 8 mounted in the paper money receiving
and paying apparatus 1.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the loading and recovering
bin 8 is a horizontal paper money bin in which paper moneys are
horizontally stored in a standing posture, and is adapted to store
and separate paper moneys having different sizes.
[0081] A paper money introducing and discharging mechanism is
composed of stack feed rollers 801, pick-up rollers 811, driven
backup rollers 802 and gate rollers 803 which are rotated in a
storing direction but is not rotated in a pay-out direction, and
brush rollers 804 which are coaxial-with the gate rollers 803 and
to which flexible push-in members are radially arranged, and a
separating and stacking guide 805 whose position is changed between
separation and stacking.
[0082] The stack feed rollers 801 are driven for rotation with the
use of a drive source and gears which are not shown, so as to feed
paper moneys to be stored, and feed paper moneys to be discharged
onto the conveying path 5. The backup rollers 802 are rotated being
driven by the stack feed rollers 801 so as to pinch a paper money
between itself and the stack feed roller 801 in order to convey the
paper money. The gate roller 803 are rotated being driven by the
stack feed rollers 80 when paper moneys are stored but is not
rotated when they are discharged.
[0083] That is, when paper moneys are separated and paid out by the
pick-up rollers 811 and the stack-feed rollers 801, a paper money
adjacent to a paper money to be discharged makes contacts with the
gate rollers 803 in order to prevent the paper money from being
paid out following the paper money to be discharged.
[0084] The stack feed rollers 801 and the gate rollers 803 define
an introduction and discharge port communicated with the stacking
space. That is, after the paper money introduced from the outside
is released from the pinch between the stack feed rollers 801 and
the gate rollers 803, it falls in a unrestrained condition, and is
therefore introduced into the stacking space.
[0085] It is noted the brush rotor 804 has the flexible push-in
members only for a substantially semicircular circumference thereof
in order to carry out discharge operation of paper moneys. When
paper moneys are stored, it is rotated in the storing direction of
paper moneys, the paper moneys stacked in the stacking space are
scraped into the storage space by the flexible push-in members
which are radially arranged. When the paper moneys are discharged,
the brush rollers 804 come to a stop at a position at which no
flexible push-in members appear in the stacking space. Thus, paper
moneys can be discharged without interference with the flexible
push-in members.
[0086] Further, the pick-up rollers 811 are driven in
synchronization with the stack-feed rollers 801, and further, the
brush rollers 804 are adapted to be rotated, reverse to the
rotation of the stack feed roller 801 so as to aim at commonly
using the drive source.
[0087] It is noted that the brush rollers 804 is coupled to the
stack feed rollers 801 through the intermediary of a one-way
clutch, and accordingly, the brush rollers 804 are not rotated upon
discharge of paper moneys.
[0088] Further, the one-way clutch is the one which is rotated in
one direction but is not in a reverse direction, that is, it is
rotated clockwise, but is not counterclockwise.
[0089] The separating and stacking guide 805 has a surface on the
stacking space side, which serves as a paper money guide surface
for guiding a paper money when it is stored or discharged. Upon
storing of a paper money, the paper money guide surface is located
at a position which is along an extension from the introduction and
discharge opening of the introducing and discharging mechanism in
the traveling direction of paper moneys. Upon discharging of paper
moneys, the paper money guide surface is retraced up to a position
where the pickup rollers 811 are exposed.
[0090] The storage space is defined being surrounded by the floor
surface 808, a floor surface belt 807 which is suspended so as to
support the lower ends of paper moneys at a surface above the floor
surface 808, the push-plate 806, the separating and stacking guide
805, the top plate 810 and side walls 913.
[0091] The side walls 913 are mounted at positions which can be set
in accordance with a size of a paper money. The width between the
side walls 813 is appropriately set, being adjusted to a value
which is larger that a widthwise dimension of a paper money by 2 to
10 mm. Further, the distance between the floor surface 808 and the
top plate 810 is set to a value which is larger than the heightwise
length of a paper money having a largest size. Thus, paper moneys
having a largest size to be handled in the paper money receiving
and paying apparatus can be stored.
[0092] A transmission sensor is composed of a light emitting
element 888a and a light receiving element 888b. When a paper money
is present in the vicinity of the introduction and discharge
opening, the paper money blocks a light beam so that the presence
of the paper money in the vicinity of the introduction and
discharge opening can be known.
[0093] Four Blade Mechanism
[0094] In this embodiment, the travel regulating means 891 for
restraining an excessive travel of a paper money to be stacked is
provided above the separating and stacking guide 805.
[0095] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a donfiguration of the travel
regulating means 891.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 12, the travel regulating means 891
incorporates, at each distal end thereof, a rolling member 891a as
a friction reducing member for reducing friction with respect to a
paper money.
[0097] It is noted that there may be used, as another example of
the friction reducing member, a spherical or rhombus part at the
distal end of the travel regulating means 891, or a spherical or
rhombus movable element, as shown in FIG. 19, instead of the
rolling member 891a.
[0098] The stacking space is defined by the separating and stacking
guide 805, the floor surface 808 and the travel regulating means
891, and paper moneys introduced from the outside are stacked in
this stacking space.
[0099] It is noted, as shown in FIG. 9, that the floor surface belt
807 and the floor surface 808 are inclined so as to serve as the
interference preventing means, and accordingly, the side walls 813,
a rail for the push plate 806 and the top plate 810 are inclined.
Thus, paper moneys are prevented from being caught to the
separating and stacking guide 805, thereby it is possible to ensure
the stacking space.
[0100] It is noted that the loading and recovering bin 8 may be
installed, being inclined in its entirety in the paper money
receiving and paying apparatus 1 as another means for attaining the
above-mentioned object.
[0101] The travel regulating means 891 has a role of restraining a
paper money from excessively traveling upward when it is stacked in
the stacking space.
[0102] It is noted, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of travel
regulating means 891 are provided widthwise of a paper money so
that the upper ends of the stacked paper moneys are regulated at a
plurality of positions.
[0103] Further, in order to prevent a paper money from entering
thereabove, being accompanied with the rotation of the travel
regulating means 891, as shown in FIG. 9, a paper money entrance
preventing means having a shape for catching a paper money may be
provided above the stacking space.
[0104] Operation of Four Blades
[0105] Next, explanation will be made of the operation in such a
case that paper moneys having different sizes are stored, being
mixed together, in the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0106] FIG. 14 is a schematic view which shows control of storing
and discharging of paper moneys into and from the loading and
discharging bin.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 14, the control part 9 runs under control
drive parts and sensors and the like in the loading and recovering
bin 8. Further, a paper money size detecting means composed of the
paper money determining part 3 for determining a denomination of a
paper money, and the memory part DB having the data base for
correspondence between denominations and sizes of paper moneys,
recognizes a size of a paper money passing through the paper money
determining part 3, and delivers at once data thereof to the
control part. At this stage, data corresponding to an order number
on conveyance thereof is also transmitted to the control part
9.
[0108] FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the operation for storing
paper moneys into the loading and recovering bin in this
embodiment.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 13, a paper money is passed through the
paper money determining part 3, and thereafter, it is conveyed to
the loading and recovering bin 8. The control part 9 drives a motor
801m for the stack feed rollers so as to rotate the stack feed
roller 801 and the gate roller 803, and accordingly, the paper
money 1000 is pinched therebetween so as to be conveyed into the
loading and recovering bin 8. At this time, the paper money 1000 is
conveyed, being maintained in its standing posture along the paper
money guide surface of the separating and stacking guide 805.
[0110] Further, after it is released from the pinching between the
stack feed rollers 801 and the gate rollers 803, the leading end of
the paper money 1000 impinges upon a projection (the rolling member
891a) of the travel regulating means 891.
[0111] It is noted that the control part 9 drives a motor 891 for
the travel regulating means in accordance with a paper money
conveying time from the paper money determining part 3 to the
loading and separating bin 8 when data concerning a paper money to
be introduced into the loading and recovering bin 8 is delivered to
the control part 9, and accordingly, the travel regulating means
891 is rotated counterclockwise under control as viewed in FIG. 13
so that the distance from the floor surface 808 to the protrusion
of the travel regulating means 891 becomes equal to a length of any
of paper moneys to be stacked, in the traveling direction.
[0112] It is noted that the travel regulating means 891 is
controlled so as to be rotated, in principle, by a portion of one
protrusion for one paper money. Thus, the leading end of the paper
money 1000 is regulated in order to prevent excessive travel
thereof, and accordingly, paper money can be stacked with their
leading ends are aligned with one another on the floor surface
808.
[0113] Further, the protrusions of the travel regulating means 891
are rotated one by one for every paper money, and accordingly,
paper moneys having different sizes can be successively
stacked.
[0114] It is noted as shown in FIG. 13 that a paper money detecting
means 892 for detecting a paper money on running may be arranged in
the vicinity of the back-up roller 802 so as to rotate, under
control, the travel regulating means 891 for every paper money to
be stacked with a timing of passing of the paper money.
[0115] FIG. 15 is a view which shows a control flow-chart for
storage operation of the travel regulating means 891 in this
embodiment.
[0116] FIG. 16 is a view which shows a control flow chart for
storage operation of the travel regulating means 891 in this
case.
[0117] It is noted that the lower ends of paper moneys stacked in
the stacking space are restrained by the brush rollers 804 so as to
prevent a next paper money from impinging upon them. Meanwhile when
a number of paper moneys in the vicinity of the stacking space is
increased so that a time by which the transmission sensor 888 is
shielded is longer than a predetermined time, the control part 9
drives the drive motor 806m for the push-plate so as to displace
the push-plate 806 in a direction in which the storage space is
enlarged.
[0118] Separating Operation of Four Blades
[0119] Next, explanation will be made of operation in the case of
discharging paper moneys from the loading and recovering bin 8.
When paper moneys are discharged from the loading and recovering
bin 8, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive motor 806m for the push-plate
is driven so as to displace the push-plates 809 toward the
separating and stacking guide 805 so as to press stored paper
moneys against the separating and stacking guide 805.
Simultaneously, the separating and stacking guide 805 and the
travel regulating means 891 are retracted so as to expose the
pick-up rollers 811. Further, by rotating the pick-up rollers 811,
stored paper moneys are separated one by one while they are
discharged outside from the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0120] It is noted that stable discharge of paper moneys can be
made since the lower ends of paper moneys are stacked being aligned
with one another along the floor surface 808 upon stacking of paper
moneys, as mentioned above.
[0121] Thus, according to the present invention, paper moneys
having different sizes can be stored in one and the same loading
and recovering bin, being mixed with one another.
[0122] FIG. 17 is a view for illustrating the interference
preventing means in another embodiment.
[0123] FIG. 18 is a view for illustrating the interference
preventing means in the other embodiment.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, although it has been explained
that the floor surface belt 807 and the floor surface 808 are
inclined so as to serve as the interference preventing means, a
push-plate 806a incorporating a push-plate inclining spring 806s
may be used as the interference preventing means. In this case, as
shown in FIG. 17, the push-plate 806a is inclined by a force of the
push-plate inclining spring 806s so as to incline the stored paper
moneys in the storage space, and accordingly, the stored paper
moneys are prevented from being caught by the separating and
stacking guide 805, thereby it is possible to ensure the stacking
space. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 18, as the push-plate 806a is
displaced toward the separating and stacking guide 805 during
separation of paper moneys, the postures of the stored paper moneys
and the push-plate 806a are changed in a direction along the
separating and stacking guide 805, due to a reaction force of the
separating and stacking guide 805, and accordingly, stable
separation can be carried out.
[0125] FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the friction reducing means
in another embodiment.
[0126] Single Blade Mechanism
[0127] It is noted that a stacking assist means 812 having both
functions of the travel regulating means and the interference
preventing means may be used as shown in FIG. 20 which will be
hereinbelow explained, instead of the travel regulating means 891
shown in FIG. 12. The stacking assist means 812 is composed of a
stopper part 812a capable of executing the function of the travel
regulating means and a paper money supporting part 812b capable of
executing the function of the interference preventing means.
[0128] The stopper part 612a has a role of regulating an upward
travel of a paper money when paper moneys are stacked in the
stacking space. The paper money supporting part 812b defines a
boundary between the stacking space and the storage space, and has
a role of supporting the paper moneys stored in the storage space.
The distance between the distal end of the paper money supporting
part 512b to the floor surface 808 is shorter than the length of a
paper money having a smallest size in the traveling direction,
which is to be handled in the paper money receiving and paying
apparatus 1, that is, it is shorter than the height of the paper
money which is stored in its standing posture. With this
configuration, a paper money introduced in its standing posture is
prevented from turning over, and as well, paper moneys having
stored in the storage space from entering into the stacking
space.
[0129] Although the stacking assist means shown in FIG. 20 has only
one paper support part 812b, it may have two paper money support
parts 812b.
[0130] It is noted that paper moneys are not held between one of
the paper money supporting members 812b and the other one of them,
but the paper moneys are stacked in the stacking space defined by
the paper support parts 812b, the stopper part 612a, the separating
and stacking guide 805 and the floor surface 808.
[0131] FIG. 23 is a top view illustrating the configuration of the
loading and recovering bin 8 incorporating the stacking assist
means 812. Further, FIG. 21 is a side view which shows such a state
that paper moneys are stored in the loading and recovering bin 8
while FIG. 22 is a side view which shows such a state that paper
moneys are discharged from the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0132] It is noted, as shown in FIG. 24, that the separating and
stacking guide 805 incorporates a stacking space volume detecting
means 890 which is normally projected into the stacking space by a
spring which is not shown, but which is turned down toward the
separating and stacking guide 805 by paper moneys when the paper
moneys occupies the stacking space. Thus, occupation of the
stacking space by paper moneys can be detected.
[0133] Stacking Operation of Single Blade
[0134] Next, explanation will be made of the operation of the
loading and recovering bin 8 in the case of storing paper moneys.
In the case of the storing paper money in the loading and
recovering bin 8, recovery or precisely investigation of paper
moneys are caried out. That is, paper moneys are successively
conveyed to the loading and recovering bin 8 for each of the return
bins 7 for respectively storing different denominations of paper
moneys, in other words, paper moneys having one and the same size
are conveyed in a bundle to the associated loading and recovering
bin 8.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 26, the control part 9 runs drive parts,
sensors and like in the loading and recovering bin 8. Further, the
paper money size detecting means which is composed of the paper
money determining part 3 for determining a denomination of a paper
money, and the memory part DB having a data base in which
denominations and sizes of paper money are related to one another
recognizes a size-of a paper money passing through the paper money
determining part 3, and transmits data thereof to the control part
9.
[0136] When the data of a size of a paper money to be introduced
into the loading and recovering bin 8 is transmitted to the control
part 9, the control part 9 drives a drive motor 812m for the
stacking assist means 812 which is therefore rotated up to a
position where the distance from the floor surface 808 to the
stopper part 812a becomes equal to the length of the paper money to
be introduced in the traveling direction, and is then fixed. It is
noted that FIG. 24 shows such a state that the size of a paper
money to be introduced is relatively small, and FIG. 25 shows such
a state that the size of a paper money to be introduced is
relatively large. Further, it is noted, as shown in FIG. 29, that
the upper part of the separating and stacking guide 805 may be
formed in a circular shape so as to increase the upper limit of the
size of paper moneys which are allowed to be stacked.
[0137] Next, the drive motor 801m for the stack feed rollers is
driven so as to rotate the stack feed rollers 801 and the gate
rollers 503 in order to clamp and convey a paper money 1000 into
the loading and recovering bin 8. At this time, the paper money
1000 is conveyed being held in its standing posture along the
separating and stacking guide 805.
[0138] Further, when the clamp between the stack feed rollers and
the gate rollers 803 is released, the leading end of the paper
money 1000 impinges upon the stopper part 812 of the stacking
assist means 812. That is, by regulating the leading end of the
paper money 1000, excessive traveling is prevented, and
accordingly, paper moneys can be stacked with their trailing ends
aligned along the floor surface 808.
[0139] When stacking of paper moneys as mentioned above is
continued so that the degree of occupation of the stacking space by
the stacked paper moneys becomes larger, which is detected by the
stacking space volume detecting means 890, as shown in FIG. 27, the
control part 9 drives the drive motor 812m for the stacking assist
means 812 which is therefore rotated. Thus, a paper moneys existing
between the separating and stacking guide 805 and the paper money
supporting part 812b are shifted into the storage space, and
accordingly, no paper moneys are present in the stacking space. It
is noted that the conveyance of the paper moneys to the loading and
recovering bin 8 is desirably interrupted when the stacking assist
means 812 is being rotated.
[0140] After the storage of paper moneys having a certain size has
been completed through the above-mentioned procedure, the position
of the stacking assist means 812 is changed in accordance with a
size of paper moneys to be then stored, the storage thereof is
carried out. With the repetitions of these steps, paper moneys
stored in the return bins 7 can be stored in the single loading and
recovering bin 8 by a number which is as large as that allowed by
the capacity thereof. FIG. 28 shows a control flow-chart for the
storage operation of the stacking assist means 812 in this
embodiment.
[0141] It is noted the configurations of the brush rollers 804 and
the push plate 806, and the control thereof are the same as those
stated above. However, the driving timing of the push-plate 806 may
be synchronized with the rotating timing of the above-mentioned
stacking assist means 512.
[0142] Separating Operation of Single Blade
[0143] Next, explanation will be made of the operation in the case
of discharging paper moneys from the loading and recovering bin 8.
When paper moneys are discharged from the loading and recovering
bin 8, as shown in FIG. 22, the drive motor 806m for the push-plate
is driven so as to displace the push-plate 805 toward the
separating and stacking guide 805 in order to press stored paper
moneys against the separating and stacking guide 805.
Simultaneously, the separating and stacking guide 805 and the
stacking assist means 812 are retracted from the storage space so
as to expose the pick-up rollers 811 which are then rotated so as
to discharge stored paper moneys, being separated one by one,
outside of the loading and recovering bin 8. It is noted that the
paper moneys can be stably discharged since the paper moneys are
stored with their lower ends are aligned along the floor surface
808 during stacking thereof, as stated above.
[0144] With the use of the loading and recovering bin 8 stated
above, it is possible to provide an automatic teller machine
capable of loading and recovering paper moneys having different
sizes into the paper money receiving and paying apparatus.
[0145] It is noted that the temporary storage part 4 for
temporarily storing received paper moneys until the transaction
thereof is completed, is the one which stacks, at first, paper
moneys introduced in the receiving and paying port 2 by a user, and
accordingly, it has a function of stacking paper moneys having
different sizes, similar to the loading and recovering bin 8. Thus,
with the application of the present invention to the temporary
storage part 4, it is possible to provide an automatic teller
machine which can receive and pay paper moneys having different
sizes.
[0146] Further, in this embodiment, although explanation has been
made of such an example that the receiving bin is used for
receiving reject paper moneys, and the return bins are used to
receive different denominations of paper moneys, respectively, the
loading and recovering bin 8 in this embodiment may be used as the
receiving bin or the return bin.
[0147] Further, although explanation has been made of the paper
money bin of a horizontal type in which paper moneys are stored in
a standing posture, the present invention can be applied to a paper
money bin of a vertical type in which paper moneys are horizontally
stacked, as shown in FIG. 30. It is noted as shown in FIG. 30 that
a push-plate 806b may be inclines so as to align the left ends of
paper moneys along the floor surface 808 side under the
gravitation. In this case, although the direction of inclination of
the push-plate 806b is different from that of the push-plate 806a
as stated above, the function thereof is the same as that of the
latter.
[0148] The other components shown in FIG. 30 have functions similar
to those as stated above. Thus, even in the loading and recovering
bin 8 of a horizontal type, the stacking of paper moneys which are
aligned along the floor surface 808 can be made with the provision
of the travel regulating means 891 for restraining excessive
travel, thereby it is also possible to stably separate paper
moneys.
[0149] Further, the apparatus according to the present invention
can be applied not only to paper moneys but also to all paper
sheets.
[0150] With the use of the present invention, there can be provided
a paper money receiving and paying apparatus and an automatic
teller machine which can stack and separate paper moneys having
different sizes in a mixed condition.
[0151] It should be further understood by those skilled in the art
that although the foregoing description has been made on
embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited thereto
and various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *