[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-2000-187752 discloses
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;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism in the automatic teller
machine to which the present invention is applied;
Fig. 3 is an elevation view illustrating a configuration of a paper money receiving
and paying apparatus;
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;
Fig. 5 is an elevation view for explaining operation of loading of paper moneys in
the embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a flow-chart for loading paper moneys in the embodiment of the present invention:
Fig. 7 is an elevation view for explaining operation of recovery of paper moneys in
the embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a flow chart for recovery of paper moneys in the embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 9 is a side view for explaining a condition in which paper moneys are stored
into a loading and recovering bin;
Fig. 10 is a side view for explaining a condition in which paper moneys are discharged
from the loading and recovering bin;
Fig. 11 is a top view illustrating the loading and recovering bin installed in the
paper money receiving and paying apparatus;
Fig. 12 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a travel regulating means;
Fig. 13 is a view for explaining operation of storing paper moneys in the loading
and recovering bin;
Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism for storing and discharging
paper moneys into and from the loading and recovering bin;
Fig. 15 is a flow-chart for controlling the travel regulating means during stacking
of paper moneys;
Fig. 16 is a flow chart for controlling the travel regulating means during stacking
of paper moneys;
Fig. 17 is a side view illustrating another example of an interference preventing
means;
Fig. 18 is a side view illustrating another example of the interference preventing
means;
Fig. 19 is a top view illustrating another friction reducing member;
Fig. 20 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a stacking assist means;
Fig. 21 is a side view for explaining storing of paper moneys into the loading and
recovering bin
Fig. 22 is a side view for explaining discharging of paper moneys from the loading
and recovering bin;
Fig. 23 is a top view illustrating the loading and recovering bin installed in the
paper money receiving and paying apparatus;
Fig. 24 is a view for explaining operation of storing of paper moneys into the loading
and recovering bin;
Fig. 25 is a view for explaining operation of storing of paper moneys into the loading
and recovering bin;
Fig. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism for storing and discharging
paper moneys into and from the loading and recovering bin;
Figs. 27A to 27D are views for explaining operation of storing of paper moneys into
the loading and recovering bin;
Fig. 28 is a flow-chart for controlling the stacking assist means during stacking
of paper moneys;
Fig. 29 is a view for explaining operation of storing paper moneys into the loading
and recovering bin; and
Fig. 30 is a view illustrating another example of the loading and recovering bin.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0030] 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.
[0031] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control scheme of the present invention.
[0032] 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.
[0033] Fig. 3 is a view illustrating the configuration of the paper money receiving and
paying apparatus mounted in the automatic teller machine 101.
[0034] Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a control mechanism.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] Fig. 6 is a flow-chart for the above-mentioned loading of the paper moneys.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] Fig. 8 shows a flow-chart for the recovery operation.
[0047] The number of paper moneys in the apparatus can be confirmed by carrying out the
recovery operation and the loading operation.
[0048] Fig. 9 is a side view illustrating a state in which paper moneys are stored in the
loading and recovering bin 8.
[0049] Fig. 10 is a side view illustrating a sate in which paper moneys are discharged from
the loading and recovering bin 8.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
Four Blade Mechanism
[0064] 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.
[0065] Fig. 12 is a view illustrating a donfiguration of the travel regulating means 891.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
Operation of Four Blades
[0074] 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.
[0075] Fig. 14 is a schematic view which shows control of storing and discharging of paper
moneys into and from the loading and discharging bin.
[0076] 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.
[0077] Fig. 13 is a view for explaining the operation for storing paper moneys into the
loading and recovering bin in this embodiment.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] Fig. 15 is a view which shows a control flow-chart for storage operation of the travel
regulating means 891 in this embodiment.
[0085] Fig. 16 is a view which shows a control flow chart for storage operation of the travel
regulating means 891 in this case.
[0086] 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.
Separating Operation of Four Blades
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] Fig. 17 is a view for illustrating the interference preventing means in another embodiment.
[0091] Fig. 18 is a view for illustrating the interference preventing means in the other
embodiment.
[0092] 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.
[0093] Fig. 19 is a view for explaining the friction reducing means in another embodiment.
Single Blade Mechanism
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
Stacking Operation of Single Blade
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
Separating Operation of Single Blade
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] Further, the apparatus according to the present invention can be applied not only
to paper moneys but also to all paper sheets.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
1. A paper money receiving and paying apparatus, characterized by a stacking and separating device for stacking and separating paper moneys (1000),
a paper money size detecting means (3) for detecting sizes of paper moneys (1000)
stacked in the stacking and separating device, and a travel regulating means (891;
812a) for regulating a travel of a paper money (1000) in the stacking and separating
device, and a control part (9) for controlling the travel regulating means in accordance
with a size of a paper money (1000).
2. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the travel regulating means (891; 812a) causes a leading end of a paper money (1000)
to impinge thereupon, and a position of the travel regulating means (891; 812a) is
changed in accordance with a size of the paper money (1000).
3. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the travel regulating means (891; 812a) is adapted to rotate so as to change the
position where the leading end of a paper money (1000) impinges thereupon.
4. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an external shape of the travel regulating means (891; 812a) is arcuated in a part
thereof, or in its entirety.
5. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized by an interference preventing means for preventing paper moneys after accumulation thereof
from entering into a space for accumulating paper moneys (1000).
6. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the stacking and separating device includes a storage space where accumulated paper
moneys (1000) are stored, and the interference preventing means is an inclined floor
surface in the storage space.
7. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the stacking and separating device comprises a push-plate (806) for retaining stacked
paper moneys (1000), and the interference preventing means is the push-plate (806)
which defines an inclined surface upon stacked of paper moneys (1000).
8. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the travel regulating means (891; 812a) and the interference preventing means are
integrally incorporated with each other.
9. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the travel regulating means (891; 812a) and the interference preventing means can
be retracted so as to prevent interference with stacked paper moneys (1000).
10. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a friction reducing member is incorporated in either or both of the travel regulating
means and the interference preventing means.
11. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that there are provided either or both of the travel regulating means (891; 812a) and
the interference preventing means in a plural number.
12. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the travel regulating means (891; 812a) includes a paper money entrance preventing
means for preventing stacked paper moneys (1000) from being caught.
13. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stacking and separating device incorporates a separating and accumulating guide
for guiding stacked paper money (1000) which has been introduced, and the separating
and stacking guide has an end part which is curved.
14. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1-13, characterized in that the paper money size detecting means comprises a paper money determining part for
determining a denomination of a paper money (1000), and a memory part incorporating
a data base in which denominations and sizes of paper moneys (1000) are assigned to
each other.
15. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized by a paper money detecting means for detecting a paper money conveyed to the stacking
and separating means, and the travel regulating means (891; 812a) is controlled through
the detection of a paper money (1000) by the paper money (1000) detecting means (3).
16. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a stacking space volume detecting means for detecting an occupying value of stacked
paper moneys (1000) which occupy a space for stacking paper moneys (1000) within the
stacking and separating device, and the travel regulating means (891; 812a) is controlled
in accordance with a result of detection by the stacking space volume detecting means.
17. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the stacking and separating device stacks paper moneys (1000) in a standing posture.
18. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, 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 (3) for determining a denomination of a paper money, a temporary
storage bin (4) for temporarily storing paper moneys, either or both of a receiving
bin (6) for storing therein paper moneys (1000) which are inappropriate for payment
and a return bin for respectively storing therein and discharging different denominations
of paper moneys (1000) therefrom, and a conveying path (5) connecting the paper money
determining part (3), the temporary storage bin (4) and the bins to one another, for
conveying paper moneys (1000), and characterized in that the stacking and separating device is the temporary storage bin (4).
19. Paper money receiving and paying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized by a receiving and paying port (2) for carrying out either or both of separation of
paper moneys (1000) introduced by a user and stacking of paper moneys (1000) to be
paid to a user, a paper money determining means (3) for determining a denomination
of a paper money (1000), a temporary storage bin (4) for temporarily storing paper
moneys, return bins (7) for respectively storing therein and discharging therefrom
different denominations of paper moneys (1000), a loading and recovering bin (8) for
charging paper moneys to and from the return bins (7), and a conveying path (5) connecting
the paper money determining means, the temporary storage bin (4) and the bins to one
another, for conveying paper moneys (1000), and characterized in that the stacking and separating device is either or both of the temporary storage bin
(4) and the loading and recovering and discharging bin (8).
20. An automatic teller machine (101) comprising a paper money receiving and paying apparatus
according to any one of claims 1 to 19.