An object of the invention is to provide a banknote storing/feeding unit which is capable of effectively utilizing winding spaces of a drum and a reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored. The banknote storing/feeding unit includes the drum which winds and rewinds a banknote together with a tape, and the reel which winds and rewinds the tape on and from the drum. A guide body swinging according to winding and rewinding of the tape and the banknote on and from the drum is provided between the drum and the reel. The guide body has a guide passage that guides the tape and the banknote to be wound and rewound on the drum. The guide body swings centering on a supporting point located within a region parallel to a virtual line connecting a rotational center of the drum and a rotational center of the reel.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-142385, 2011-142386, 2011-142387, and 2011-142388 filed on Jun. 27, 2011, Jun. 27, 2011, Jun. 27, 2011 and Jun. 27, 2011. The content of the application is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a banknote storing/feeding unit which performs storing and feeding of banknotes along with winding and rewinding of tapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, among banknote handling machines such as a banknote depositing and dispensing machine that process depositing and dispensing of banknotes, there is a banknote handling machine equipped with a tape storage type (tape single-wound type) banknote storing/feeding unit using one tape in order to perform storing and feeding of banknotes.

For example, as disclosed in European Patent No. 0795842 or International Publication No. WO2008/047094, this banknote storing/feeding unit includes a drum that winds and rewinds one end of one tape, a reel that winds and rewinds the other end of the tape on and from the drum, an inlet/outlet for receiving banknotes transported from the outside and for feeding banknotes to the outside, and a guide body which is disposed so as to be swingable between the drum and the reel, to guide the tape and banknotes wound on and rewound from the drum, and the like. The guide body has a supporting point in the vicinity of the inlet/outlet, and forms a swinging passage swingable centering on this supporting point.

Then, banknotes transported from the outside are received from the inlet/outlet into the swinging passage of the guide body, to send the banknotes from the swinging passage of the guide body to a space between the tape to be wound on the drum and the outer circumferential surface of the drum, thereby the banknotes are wound on the drum together with the tape, to be stored. On the other hand, the tape is rewound from the drum, to feed the banknotes from between the tape to be rewound and the outer circumferential surface of the drum to the swinging passage of the guide body, and the banknotes are fed from the swinging passage to the outside via the inlet/outlet.

The guide body is configured to swing according to a wound amount of which the tape and the banknotes are wound on the drum (an outer wound diameter of the drum), to share a space for winding the tape and the banknotes on the drum and a space for winding the tape on the reel as a space in which the guide body swings.

However, because the supporting point around which the guide body swings is out of a region parallel to a virtual line connecting a rotational center of the drum and a rotational center of the reel, it is impossible to take a large turning angle of the guide body between the drum and the reel. Further, because the supporting point around which the guide body swings is near the inlet/outlet, it is impossible to take a large turning angle of the guide body.

As described above, in a tape single-wound type banknote storing/feeding unit, it is impossible to take a large turning angle of the guide body between the drum and the reel. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is impossible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, and the storing number of banknotes which are wound on the drum to be stored is small.

The present invention has been achieved in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote storing/feeding unit which is capable of effectively utilizing winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A banknote storing/feeding unit of the present invention, which stores a banknote transported from the outside, and feeds the stored banknote to the outside, includes a tape, a drum which one end of the tape is attached to, and winds and rewinds the banknote together with the tape, a reel which another end of the tape is attached to, and winds and rewinds the tape on and from the drum, and a guide body which has a guide passage that guides the tape to be wound and rewound on and from the drum, and guides the banknote to be wound and rewound together with the tape on and from the drum, wherein the guide body swings according to winding and rewinding of the tape and the banknote on and from the drum between the drum and the reel centering on a supporting point located within a region parallel to a virtual line connecting a rotational center of the drum and a rotational center of the reel. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body between the drum and the reel, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the supporting point of the guide body is out of a maximum outer diameter portion in a maximum wound state in which a wound amount of the tape and the banknote on the drum is maximized, and a distance from the maximum outer diameter portion to the supporting point of the guide body is shorter than a distance from a rotational center of the reel to the supporting point of the guide body. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the guide body is a curved shape so as to fit along the maximum outer diameter portion in the maximum wound state in which the wound amount of the tape and the banknote on the drum is maximized. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the guide body has a contact roller that contacts any one of the tape and the banknote wound on the drum, and a downstream side thereof in a winding direction from a contact point between the drum and the tape. Accordingly, even when a distance between the supporting point of the guide body and the contact point on the drum side is elongated, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored, thereby increasing a difference between the minimum and maximum wound amounts of the tape and the banknotes by the drum, it is possible to always appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum and the swinging angle of the guide body, which makes it possible to securely wind and rewind the banknotes on and from the drum.

Further, the banknote storing/feeding unit further includes an inlet/outlet which receives the banknote transported from the outside, and feeds the banknote to the outside, and a fixed passage through which the inlet/outlet and the guide body are connected, to transport the banknote, and the supporting point of the guide body is located on the fixed passage side. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body between the drum and the reel, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, a banknote storing/feeding unit of the present invention, which stores a banknote transported from the outside, and feeds the stored banknote to the outside, includes a tape, a drum which one end of the tape is attached to, and winds and rewinds the banknote together with the tape, a reel which another end of the tape is attached to, and winds and rewinds the tape on and from the drum, an inlet/outlet which receives the banknote transported from the outside, and feeds the banknote to the outside, a fixed passage which is formed toward the drum from the inlet/outlet, to transport the banknote therethrough, and a swinging passage which is connected to the fixed passage, guides the tape to be wound and rewound on and from the drum, and guides the banknote to be wound and rewound together with the tape on and from the drum, the swinging passage swings according to winding and rewinding of the tape and the banknote on and from the drum between the drum and the reel centering on a supporting point located on the fixed passage side. Accordingly, it is possible to dispose the supporting point of the swinging passage at any position other than the inlet/outlet. Therefore, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the swinging passage between the drum and the reel, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the supporting point of the swinging passage is out of a maximum outer diameter portion in a maximum wound state in which a wound amount of the tape and the banknote on the drum is maximized, and a distance from the maximum outer diameter portion to the supporting point of the guide body is shorter than a distance from a rotational center of the reel to the supporting point of the guide body. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the swinging passage, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the swinging passage is a curved shape so as to fit along the maximum outer diameter portion in the maximum wound state in which the wound amount of the tape and the banknote on the drum is maximized. Accordingly, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the swinging passage, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

Further, in the banknote storing/feeding unit, the swinging passage has a contact roller that contacts any one of the tape and the banknote wound on the drum, and a downstream side thereof in a winding direction from a contact point between the drum and the tape. Accordingly, it is possible to elongate a distance between the supporting point of the swinging passage and the contact point on the drum side, which makes it possible to take a large turning angle of the swinging passage, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum and the reel, to increase the number of banknotes to be stored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 7shows a cross-sectional view of a banknote handling machine11serving as a banknote depositing and dispensing machine that deposits and dispenses banknotes. This banknote handling machine11includes a machine body12, an upper unit13provided at the upper portion of the machine body12, and a lower unit14which is provided at the lower portion of the machine body12, and is able to be drawn out of the machine body12.

In the upper unit13, an inlet15into which banknotes are deposited, an outlet16from which the banknotes are dispensed, an upper transport path17through which the banknotes are transported, a recognition unit18that recognizes the banknotes transported through the upper transport path17, and an escrow unit19that stores the banknotes sent into from the upper transport path17are disposed. For the outlet16, a stacking wheel system stacking mechanism which receives the banknotes sent from the upper transport path17one by one, to stack those inside the outlet16is used.

In the lower unit14, a lower transport path20connected to the upper transport path17, denomination-specific banknote storing units21for storing the banknotes transported from the upper transport path17to the lower transport path20, and banknote collecting units22for collection are disposed.

The escrow unit19, the banknote storing units21, and the banknote collecting units22are composed of banknote storing/feeding units23which store the banknotes one by one in a separated state, and feed the stored banknotes one by one. For this banknote storing/feeding unit23, a tape storing type (tape single-wound type) using one tape is adopted.

In addition, at the respective positions at which the banknotes transported through the upper transport path17and the lower transport path20are diverted or jointed together, switching mechanisms (not shown) for smoothly diverting or joining the banknotes are disposed.

Further, in the present embodiment, a transporting direction of banknotes to be handled in the banknote handling machine11is a short edge direction perpendicular to a long edge direction of the banknotes. In addition, even when the transporting direction of the banknotes is directed to the long edge direction of the banknotes, it is possible to process those in the same way.

Then, in deposit processing of the banknote handling machine11, for example, a plurality of banknotes collectively input to the inlet15are sent one by one into the upper transport path17, to be recognized by the recognition unit18. Banknotes recognized as normal banknotes are transported to the escrow unit19, to be escrowed. Further, when an instruction is made to store the banknotes after the completion of processing up to escrowing of the banknotes input into the inlet15, the banknotes escrowed in the escrow unit19are fed one by one to the upper transport path17, to be recognized in the recognition unit18, and are thereafter transported to the lower transport path20, to be transported to the banknote storing unit21of a corresponding denomination, to be stored therein. In addition, provided that the storing order for the escrow unit19is memorized, recognition by the recognition unit18may be omitted. Further, when an instruction is made to return the banknotes, the banknotes escrowed in the escrow unit19are fed one by one to the upper transport path17, to be transported to the outlet16, to be returned.

In dispense processing of the banknote handling machine11, the banknotes stored in the banknote storing unit21of a corresponding denomination to be dispensed are one by one fed to the lower transport path20, and transported from the lower transport path20to the upper transport path17, to be recognized by the recognition unit18. Banknotes recognized as normal banknotes by the recognition unit18are transported to the outlet16, to be dispensed.

Next,FIGS. 1 to 6show the banknote storing/feeding unit23composing one of the banknote storing units21. The banknote storing/feeding unit23includes a cuboid-shaped frame32including side panels30on the both sides, and a plurality of coupling members31coupling these side panels30.

One surface of the frame32is formed as a passage surface33which faces the lower transport path20so as to compose a part of the lower transport path20. An inlet/outlet35for inputting and outputting a banknote34with respect to the lower transport path20is formed to open into the passage surface33.

Between the both side panels30of the frame32, a drum37which one end of a tape36is attached, a reel38which the other end of the tape36is attached, a diverter lever39which takes the banknote34transported inside the lower transport path20into the inlet/outlet35, or guides the banknote to be fed from the inlet/outlet35to the lower transport path20, a transport mechanism40for transporting banknotes which is connected to the inlet/outlet35, a swingable guide body41that guides the tape36and the banknote34between the transport mechanism40and the circumferential surface of the drum37, and the like are disposed.

The drum37is disposed in a substantially central area between the side panels30, the reel38is disposed alongside the inlet/outlet35and the side portion of the transport mechanism40, and the guide body41is disposed so as to be swingable between the drum37and the reel38.

A fixed passage42which is extended along a direction from the inlet/outlet35toward the drum37, to connect the inlet/outlet35and the guide body41is formed by the transport mechanism40. In the guide body41, a guide passage43guiding the tape36and the banknote34is formed. This guide passage43is configured as a swinging passage44because the guide body41swings.

Then, in storing banknotes, the banknote34is taken-in from the inlet/outlet35, and is transported to the drum37through the transport mechanism40and the guide body41, and the banknote34is wound together with the tape36to be wound on the drum37, to be stored. Further, in feeding banknotes, the banknote34is rewound from the drum37to the guide body41, to be fed to the inlet/outlet35through the transport mechanism40by winding the tape36on the reel38, that is, by rewinding the tape36from the drum37.

Further, the tape36is formed such that the width thereof is smaller than a width intersecting with the transporting direction of the banknote34, that is, the width in the long edge direction of the banknote34(hereinafter, simply called the width of the banknote34). The two tapes36are used, and those are disposed in parallel with a space in the axial direction of the drum37and the reel38. Therefore, the two tapes36are wound on the drum37so as to press two places in the width direction of the banknote34, and in the wound state, the central portion and the both side portions in the width direction of the banknote34are exposed from between the two tapes36and the both sides of the two tapes36.

The tape36is formed of, for example, a transparent film material having optical transparency at a predetermined level or more. For example, an opaque portion without optical transparency at a predetermined level or more, which is for sensing a limit to rewinding from the drum37is provided in the one end area of the tape36attached to the drum37. For example, an opaque portion without optical transparency at a predetermined level or more, which is for sensing a limit to winding on the drum37is provided in the other end area of the tape36attached to the reel38. These opaque portions are composed of, for example, opaque seals, and are pasted on the respective two tapes36.

In addition, the surface of the tape36which is on the inner diameter side when the tape is wound on the drum37and the reel38is called a first surface36aand the surface which is on the outer diameter side is called a second surface36b.

Further, the drum37is a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter as compared with the reel38, and is configured to be circumferentially rotatable at a fixed position centering on a drum axis47pivotally supported so as to be freely rotatable by the both side panels30. A motor48for rotating the drum37is disposed on the inside of the drum37, and the motor48is attached to one of the side panels30.

The reel38is attached to a reel axis49pivotally supported so as to be rotatable by the both side panels30via a torque limiter50, and is configured to be circumferentially rotatable at a fixed position centering on the reel axis49.

On the outer side of the one of the side panels30, a transmission mechanism that transmits rotary drive force from the drum37to the reel38is disposed, and a rotation amount sensing unit51that senses a rotation amount of the drum37is disposed. The transmission mechanism is equipped with a one-way clutch that transmits rotary drive force to the reel axis49in the winding direction of the reel38, and which does not transmit rotary drive force to the reel axis49in the rewinding direction of the reel38.

Then, in storing banknotes, when the drum37is rotary-driven in the winding direction by the motor48, rotary drive force is not transmitted to the reel38by the one-way clutch, and the tape36wound on the drum37is against the torque limiter to be pulled out of the reel38. Further, in feeding banknotes, when the drum37is rotary-driven in the rewinding direction by the motor48, rotary drive force is transmitted to the reel38via the one-way clutch, and the reel38is rotated in the winding direction. At this time, the rotary drive force is transmitted to the reel38via the torque limiter50such that the speed of winding the tape36by the reel38is always faster than the speed of rewinding the tape36from the drum37, which makes it possible to wind the tape36without slack by the reel38.

Further, the diverter lever39is configured to be swingable as a supporting point of a lever axis53, and to go forward and back with respect to the lower transport path20by driving of a solenoid. Then, due to the diverter lever39going forward to the lower transport path20, the banknote34transported inside the lower transport path20is taken into the inlet/outlet35, or the banknote34is fed from the inlet/outlet35to the lower transport path20. On the other hand, due to the diverter lever39going back to the lower transport path20, the banknote34transported inside the lower transport path20is allowed to pass through.

Further, the transport mechanism40is equipped with a pair of belts55aand55b, and a plurality of pulleys56a,56b,57a,57b, and58which install these belts55aand55bso as to stretch those along the both sides of the fixed passage42and the swinging passage44, and bring the surfaces of the belts55aand55binto contact with each other. Among the plurality of pulleys56a,56b,57a,57b, and58, the pulleys56aand56bdisposed on the fixed passage42side are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable at fixed positions with respect to the both side panels30on the both sides of the inlet/outlet35. Further, the pulleys57aand57bdisposed on the swinging passage44side are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable by the guide body41, to swing together with the guide body41. Further, the pulley58disposed at the intermediate portion of the one belt55ais pivotally supported so as to be rotatable at a fixed position with respect to the both side panels30at a position closer to the drum37than the inlet/outlet35.

The pulley axis59of the pulley58serves as a supporting point41aof the swinging guide body41. The portion from the inlet/outlet35to the vicinity of the supporting point41ais formed as the fixed passage42, and the portion from the vicinity of the supporting point41ato the inside of the guide body41is formed as the swinging passage44. A fixed guide60that guides the banknote34is disposed on the fixed passage42.

A gear61is attached to the axis of the pulley56b, and when the banknote storing/feeding unit23is mounted into the banknote handling machine11, the gear61engages with a gear of a driving mechanism disposed in the banknote handling machine11, to transmit the rotary drive force from the driving mechanism to the belt55bvia the gear61. The rotary drive force is transmitted from the gear61to the pulley axis59of the pulley58via a transmission unit62, thereby transmitting the rotary drive force to the belt55a.

Further, the guide body41has a first guide member64and a second guide member65, and the both sides of the first guide member64and the second guide member65are integrally coupled by supporting members66, and these supporting members66on the both sides are supported so as to be swingable by the pulley axis59. That is, the guide body41is supported so as to be swingable centering on the supporting point41a.

The inner surfaces of the first guide member64and the second guide member65facing each other are served as the passage surfaces, and the guide passage43that guides the tapes36and the banknote34is formed between these passage surfaces, that is, the swinging passage44swinging centering on the supporting point41ais formed.

The supporting point41aof the guide body41is located at the end portion (the end portion closer to the drum37) of the fixed passage42formed toward the drum37from the inlet/outlet35. That is, as shown inFIG. 1(a), the supporting point41aof the guide body41is located within a region A parallel to a virtual line L1connecting the rotational center of the drum37(the drum axis47) and the rotational center of the reel38(the reel axis49), and between a (second) virtual line L2perpendicular to the (first) virtual line L1from the rotational center of the drum37(the drum axis47) and a (third) virtual line L3perpendicular to the virtual line L1from the rotational center of the reel38(the reel axis49). Moreover, as shown inFIG. 1(b), the supporting point41aof the guide body41is located out of a maximum outer diameter portion37ain a maximum wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is maximized, and located at a position at which a distance from the maximum outer diameter portion37ato the supporting point41aof the guide body41is shorter than a distance from the rotational center of the reel38(the reel axis49) to the supporting point41aof the guide body41, and at a substantially intermediate position between the maximum outer diameter portion37aand the inlet/outlet35.

As shown inFIG. 1(b), the shape of the guide body41, that is, the shapes of the first guide member64and the second guide member65and the shapes of the guide passage43and the swinging passage44are curved shapes so as to fit along the maximum outer diameter portion37ain the maximum wound state in which the wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is maximized.

An extension portion64aextended so as to be longer than the tip end side opposite to the supporting point41aof the second guide member65is formed on the tip end side opposite to the supporting point41aof the first guide member64. Contact rollers67directly contacting the drum37or the banknote34wound on the drum37via the space between the two tapes36on the downstream side in the winding direction from a contact point P of the tape36wound on the drum37are disposed at the extension portion64aof the first guide member64.

The contact rollers67are composed of a first contact roller67aand a second contact roller67b. The first contact roller67ais brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is less than a predetermined amount is smaller than a predetermined outer diameter. The second contact roller67bis brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is greater than a predetermined amount is larger than the predetermined outer diameter. In addition, both of the first contact roller67aand the second contact roller67bcontact the downstream sides in the winding direction from the contact points P of the tapes36wound on the drum37.

A spring68serving as a biasing unit that biases the guide body41to approach the drum37is installed to be stretched between the second guide member65of the guide body41and the frame32. The contact rollers67are always pressed against the drum37by the bias from the spring68.

Accordingly, the guide body41is configured to swing according to winding and rewinding of the tapes36and the banknote34on the drum37centering on the supporting point41a.

Peeling claws69which peel the banknote34to be rewound together with the tape36from the drum37from the circumferential surface of the drum37to send the banknote34into the swinging passage44are disposed swingably on the tip end side of the second guide member65so as to correspond to the positions of the respective tapes36. The peeling claws69are biased by springs or the like so as to swing toward the drum37such that the tip ends of the peeling claws69always contact the tapes36.

The guide portions70whose both sides on the tip end side of the second guide member65are notched, and which guide the both side portions of the banknote34rewound from the drum37to easily go into the swinging passage44are formed on the both sides on the tip end side of the second guide member65.

Further, with respect to the first guide member64and the second guide member65, the pulleys57aand57bof the transport mechanism40are respectively pivotally supported so as to be rotatable.

Further, with respect to the first guide member64, a guide roller72that guides the tape36between the reel38and the swinging passage44is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable, and a tape guide73that guides the tape36between the reel38and the guide roller72is attached.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the tape guide73is formed of a tabular plate, and guide grooves74through which the respective tapes36are inserted to pass are formed in two places thereof, and guide surfaces75in which the tapes36slide are formed on the inner edges of these guide grooves74. A straight surface75aparallel to the axial direction of the reel38is formed on the center of the guide surface75, and curved surfaces75bare formed on the both sides of the straight surface75a. In addition, regulation surfaces76perpendicular to the axial direction of the reel38are formed on the both sides of these curved surfaces75b. The width of the straight surface75ain the guide surface75is shorter than the width of the tape36, and when the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal, the both sides in the width direction of the tape36are brought into contact with the curved surfaces75b. Then, when the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal, the center in the width direction of the tape36is brought into contact with the straight surface75aand the both sides in the width direction of the tape36are brought into contact with the curved surfaces75b, and the tape36is curved in the width direction such that the first surface36aof the tape36to be wound on the reel38becomes concave.

The tape guide73is supported by a tape guide moving unit77that moves the tape guide73according to a wound amount of the tapes36on the reel38. This tape guide moving unit supports the tape guide73slidably in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of the tapes36by attaching a supporting member79on the first guide member64side via a slide groove78formed in the tape guide73. A spring80serving as biasing unit is installed to be stretched between the tape guide73and the first guide member64, and the spring80is configured to always press the guide surface75of the tape guide73with a predetermined pressing force.

In addition, tape end sensing units82which sense the opaque portions respectively provided at the one end areas and the other end areas of the tapes36, to sense a limit to rewinding from the drum37and a limit to winding on the drum37are disposed at the first guide member64. These tape end sensing units82are respectively disposed so as to correspond to each of the respective tapes36.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, guide mechanisms84that guide the tapes36and the banknote34between the guide roller72and the swinging passage44(the guide passage43) are disposed in the vicinity of the tip end portion of the second guide member65, and in the vicinity of the end portion of the swinging passage44(the guide passage43) facing the drum37. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, these guide mechanisms84are respectively disposed separately so as to correspond to the positions of the two tapes36, and are equipped with driving rollers85and transmission rollers86which are disposed at the first guide member64, and first to fourth guidance rollers87,88,89, and90which are disposed at the second guide member65.

The driving rollers85and the transmission rollers86are composed of rubber rollers whose circumferential surfaces are parallel to the axial direction, and those are provided so as to coaxially rotate integrally. These driving rollers85and transmission rollers86are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable by a roller axis91attached to the first guide member64, and are projected from an opening portion formed in the first guide member64to the inside of the swinging passage44. Plate springs92attached to the first guide member64are made to touch the both ends of the roller axis91, and the driving rollers85and the transmission rollers86are biased so as to project to the inside of the swinging passage44by the plate springs92. Then, the driving rollers85are disposed at positions at which the driving rollers85contact the second surfaces36bof the tapes36to transmit the driving force, and the transmission rollers86are disposed at positions outward in the width direction of the tapes36, and disposed at positions corresponding to the side part portions of the banknote34projecting from the tapes36.

The first to fourth guidance rollers87,88,89, and90are configured to coaxially rotate integrally by a roller axis93pivotally supported so as to be rotatable by the second guide member65. The first, second, and fourth guidance rollers87,88, and90are composed of rubber rollers in which rubber O-rings are attached onto the circumferential surfaces thereof, and the third guidance rollers89are composed of rubber rollers whose circumferential surfaces are parallel to the axial direction. The first guidance rollers87are disposed at positions outward in the width direction of the tapes36, and which correspond to the side part portions of the banknote34projecting from the tapes36, and the first guidance rollers87are brought into point-contact with the transmission rollers86. The second guidance rollers88are brought into point-contact with the first surfaces36aof the tapes36, to hold the tapes36between the driving rollers85and the second guidance rollers88. The third guidance rollers89are disposed on the both sides in the axial direction of the second guidance rollers88, and are made to face each other with a predetermined clearance from the first surfaces36aof the tapes36. The fourth guidance rollers90are disposed at positions which are opposite to the positions at which the first guidance rollers87are outward in the width direction of the tape36, which correspond to the central portion of the banknote34between the two tapes36. In addition, because the third guidance rollers89are not to hold the tapes36, those may be not necessarily rubber rollers.

Then, at the time of winding and rewinding the tapes36on and from the drum37, driving force is transmitted from the moving tapes36to the driving rollers85contacting the second surfaces36bof the tapes36, and the driving force is transmitted from the transmission rollers86rotating integrally with the driving rollers85to the first guidance rollers87, and the driving force is transmitted from the first guidance rollers87to the second to fourth guidance rollers88,89, and90.

In addition, distances from the contact points between the driving rollers85of the guide mechanism84and the second guidance rollers88and the contact points between the transmission rollers86and the first guidance rollers87to the contact portion between the pair of belts55aand55bare set to be measurements shorter than the length in the transporting direction of the banknote34. With this, the banknote34in the swinging passage44is transported so as to be reliably held by at least one of the belts55aand55band the guide mechanism84. Further, distances from the contact points between the driving rollers85of the guide mechanism84and the second guidance rollers88and the contact points between the transmission rollers86and the first guidance rollers87to the contact point P at which the tapes36are wound on the drum37are set to be measurements shorter than the length in the transporting direction of the banknote34. With this, the banknote34wound and rewound on and from the drum37is to be reliably held by at least one of the drum37and the guide mechanism84.

Further, the peeling claws69are attached rotatably to the roller axis93. A plurality of ribs69athat get into the gaps between the first to fourth respective guidance rollers87,88,89, and90to guide the banknote34are provided at the peeling claws69.

Further, banknote sensing units95that sense the banknote34in a region in which the banknote34is transported together with the tapes36inside the swinging passage44are provided at the guide body41. These banknote sensing units95are composed of optical sensors, and sense the banknote34due to a sensor light being blocked at the time of passage of the banknote34.

Further,FIG. 8shows the lower transport path20and the banknote storing/feeding units23which are the plurality of banknote storing units21disposed along the lower transport path20. A timing sensor97that senses the banknote34which is transported from the upper transport path17, to be stored in each of the banknote storing units21is disposed on the lower transport path20.

In addition, the banknote storing/feeding units23used as the escrow unit19, the banknote storing units21, and the banknote collecting units22have the same basic configuration, and are different in layout according to its arrangement and direction.

Next, the operation of the banknote storing/feeding unit23will be described.

First, the operation at the time of storing banknotes will be described.

InFIG. 8, the recognized banknote34to be stored in the banknote storing unit21is transported from the upper transport path17to the lower transport path20.

When the banknote34transported to the lower transport path20is sensed by the timing sensor97, in the banknote storing/feeding unit23serving as the banknote storing unit21of a corresponding denomination in which the banknote34is to be stored, the diverter lever39advances into the lower transport path20to take the banknote34transported into the inlet/outlet35.

At this time, the transport mechanisms40of all the banknote storing/feeding units23are driven in the direction for storing the banknote34by the driving mechanism of the banknote handling machine11. However, the motor48of the drum37in each of the banknote storing/feeding units23is not driven unless the banknote34is taken in up to a predetermined position in the banknote storing/feeding unit23.

The banknote34taken into the inlet/outlet35is pinched between the belts55aand55bof the transport mechanisms40, to be transported from the fixed passage42to the swinging passage44in the guide body41.

After a predetermined time after the banknote34transported to the lower transport path20is sensed by the timing sensor97, the motor48of the banknote storing/feeding unit23of the corresponding denomination in which the banknote34is to be stored is driven in a direction corresponding to the banknote storing direction, to rotate the drum37in the winding direction, and the drum37starts winding the tapes36.

The rotation of the motor48is transmitted to the transmission mechanism of the reel axis49, but not transmitted to the reel axis49by the one-way clutch of the transmission mechanism. Therefore, the reel38attached to the reel axis49via the torque limiter50does not rotate in the rewinding direction, to apply a tension to the tapes36wound on the drum37. Further, when the tension applied to the tapes36exceeds a set torque value of the torque limiter50, a slippage is caused in the torque limiter50, and the reel38rotates in the rewinding direction. Accordingly, the tapes36are rewound from the reel38so as to be under a given tension.

The tapes36rewound from the reel38so as to be under tension move into the swinging passage44through the tape guide73. At this time, as shown inFIG. 9(c), in the case where the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal with respect to the guide surface75of the tape guide73, the center in the width direction of the tape36is brought into contact with the straight surface75aand the both sides in the width direction of the tape36are brought into contact with the curved surfaces75b, and the tape36is curved in the width direction. In this state, contact resistances with the curved surfaces75bon the both sides are applied to the both sides in the width direction of the tape36, to exert an action to bring the tape36to the center by the tensional force of the tape36, thereby holding the position in the width direction of the tape36in a normal state. If the tape36is shifted to the left side as shown inFIG. 9(a), the frictional resistance between the left side of the tape36and the curved surface75bon the left side is increased, thereby moving the tape36to the right side with less frictional resistance as shown inFIG. 9(b), and the position in the width direction of the tape36is corrected to be in a normal state as shown inFIG. 9(c). Accordingly, it is possible to wind the tape36on the drum37in a state in which the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal.

Then, when the tip end in the transporting direction of the banknote34reaches the guide mechanism84, the tapes36and the banknote34are pinched between the driving rollers85and the second guidance rollers88, to send the tapes36and the banknote34together toward the outer circumferential surface of the drum37. Further, the both side portions of the banknote34out of the tapes36are pinched between the transmission rollers86and the first guidance rollers87, to be sent toward the outer circumferential surface of the drum37. Moreover, the central portion of the banknote34out of the tapes36is transported toward the outer circumferential surface of the drum37by the fourth guidance rollers90. Moreover, the tapes36and the banknote34sent by the second guidance rollers88are guided by the third guidance rollers89disposed on the both sides in the axial direction of the second guidance rollers88.

The banknote34is pinched between the tapes36and the outer circumferential surface of the drum37at the contact points P at which the tapes36contact the outer circumferential surface of the drum37, to wind the banknote34on the drum37together with the tapes36to store it.

Then, when the passage of the banknote34to be wound on the drum37to be stored is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, the motor48is stopped to stop the rotation of the drum37, that completes the storage of the one banknote34.

Next, when the banknote sensing unit95senses the banknote34to be stored next, the motor48is again driven to rotate in the direction according to the banknote storing direction, to repeat the storing operation as described above.

With such a control, it is possible to wind the banknote34on the drum37to store it with an appropriate interval between banknotes.

Further, the contact rollers67directly contact the banknote34between the two tapes36on the downstream side in the winding direction from the contact points P of the drum37, to press the banknote34against the drum37. As shown inFIG. 10(a state in which the plurality of banknotes34are wound on the drum37is shown inFIG. 10), when the banknotes39are wound on the drum37, the portions of the banknotes34which the tapes36contact are tightened up. However, the portions of the banknotes34other than the portions contacted with the tapes36easily swell, and the outer wound diameter of the drum37is increased on the swollen portions of the banknotes34. When the contact rollers67contact the swollen portions of the banknotes34, it is possible to appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41, and it is also possible to suppress the swelling of the banknotes34to some extent.

Further,FIG. 1(a) shows a minimum wound state of the tapes36on the drum37(a state in which no banknote34is stored), andFIG. 1(b) shows a maximum wound state of the tapes36on the drum37(a state in which the banknotes34are stored to the maximum amount).

As shown inFIG. 1(a), in the minimum wound state of the tapes36on the drum37, the guide body41is detached from the reel38on which the tapes36are wound, and enters the winding space of the drum37, to be closer to the drum37than the reel38. Among the contact rollers67, the first contact roller67acontacts the drum37, to appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41.

As the tapes36and the plurality of banknotes34are wound on the drum37, the outer diameter in the wound state of the tapes36on the drum37is increased. Due to the increase in the outer diameter in the wound state of the tapes36on the drum37, the contact rollers67are pushed in the outer diameter direction of the drum37, and the guide body41swings from the drum37side toward the reel38side so as to be against the biasing of the spring68centering on the supporting point41a.

As shown inFIG. 1(b), when the unit comes to the maximum wound state of the tapes36on the drum37, the guide body41enters the winding space of the reel38, to be closer to the reel38than the drum37. Among the contact rollers67, the second contact roller67bcontacts the drum37, to appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41.

In addition, because the rotation amount of the motor48from the start of winding of the tapes36on the drum37is sensed by the rotation amount sensing unit51, the outer diameter of the drum37is judged on the basis of the rotation amount of the motor48, to control the motor48such that the rotational speed of the outer diameter portion of the drum37is kept constant, that is the storing speed of the banknote34is kept constant. On the basis of the rotation amount of the motor48, a full state in which the tape wound amount or the banknote stored amount is maximized is judged, to control the unit to stop the storage of the banknote34.

Next, the operation in feeding of banknotes will be described.

In feeding of banknotes, the transport mechanisms40of all the banknote storing/feeding units23are driven in the direction for feeding the banknote34by the driving mechanism of the banknote handling machine11.

Among the plurality of banknote storing/feeding units23, the motors48of the drums37in the banknote storing/feeding units23in which the banknotes34of types to be fed are driven in order, to feed the banknotes34to the lower transport path20for each denomination one by one.

When the motor98of the banknote storing/feeding unit23is rotary-driven in the direction corresponding to the banknote feeding direction, the drum37rotates in the rewinding direction, to start rewinding the tapes36from the drum37.

At the same time, the rotation of the motor48is transmitted to the reel axis49via the transmission mechanism and the one-way clutch, and the reel38rotates together with the reel axis49in the winding direction via the torque limiter50, to start winding the tapes36by the reel38.

At this time, regardless of a ratio of the tape wound amounts on the reel38and the drum37, the tape winding speed by the reel38is faster than the tape rewinding speed from the drum37, to apply a tension to the tapes36wound by the reel38.

When the tension applied to the tapes36exceeds a set torque value of the torque limiter50, a slippage is caused in the torque limiter50, and the reel38rotates in the tape winding direction at a rotational speed slower than that of the reel axis49in a state in which a given torque is applied. Accordingly, the tapes36are wound on the reel38so as to be under a given tension.

Then, the banknote34is rewound together with the tapes36by rewinding the tapes36from the drum37. The banknote34to be rewound from the drum37is securely peeled off from the circumferential surface of the drum37with the peeling claws69, to transport the banknote34into the guide mechanism84through the space between the tapes36and the peeling claws69.

In the guide mechanism84, the tapes36and the banknote34are pinched between the driving rollers85and the second guidance rollers88, and the tapes36and the banknote34are together sent into the swinging passage44. Further, the both side portions of the banknote34out of the tapes36are pinched between the transmission rollers86and the first guidance rollers87, to be sent into the swinging passage44. Moreover, the central portion of the banknote34out of the tapes36is sent into the swinging passage44by the fourth guidance rollers90. Moreover, the tapes36and the banknote34sent by the second guidance rollers88are guided by the third guidance rollers89disposed on the both sides in the axial direction of the second guidance rollers88.

At the time of rewinding the banknote34from the drum37, as shown inFIG. 11(a), if there is a torn portion34atorn at the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34at the side part portions of the banknote34out of the tapes36, the torn portion34aof the banknote34does not get into the swinging passage44of the guide body41, to get stuck on the outer side of the guide body41, which may enlarge the torn portion of the banknote34. Further, even if the banknote34is fed without being significantly torn, there is the problem that the banknote34gets stuck on the transport path, to easily cause a jam. In addition, the torn portion34aof the banknote34does not project from the surface of the banknote34to the extension portion64aside because there is the extension portion64aof the first guide member64. However, because there is the space on the second guide member65side, and the banknote34is curly because the banknote34has been wound around the drum37, the torn portion34aof the banknote34easily projects from the surface of the banknote34on the second guide member65side.

Because the first guidance rollers87rotary-driven in the rewinding direction are disposed at the positions which are out in the width direction of the tapes36at the end portions of the second guide member65, as shown inFIGS. 11(b) and11(c), in the case where the surface of the torn portion34aof the banknote34is brought into contact with the first guidance rollers87, the torn portion34aof the banknote34is forcibly folded in the opposite direction to the rewinding direction by the first guidance rollers87, and the torn portion34aof the banknote34is pinched between the first guidance rollers87and the transmission rollers86to be folded, to be sent into the swinging passage44. Or, as shown inFIGS. 11(d) and11(e), in the case where the tip end of the torn portion34aof the banknote34is brought into contact with the first guidance rollers87, the tip end of the torn portion34aof the banknote34is forcibly sent in the rewinding direction by the first guidance rollers87, and the torn portion34aof the banknote34is pinched between the first guidance rollers87and the transmission rollers86, to be sent into the swinging passage44.

Moreover, because the fourth guidance rollers90rotary-driven in the rewinding direction are disposed at the positions which are out in the width direction of the tape36at the end portions of the second guide member65, even if there is a torn portion in the central portion of the banknote34, it is possible to send the torn portion of the banknote34into the swinging passage44in the same way as the first guidance rollers87.

Accordingly, even if the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34to be rewound from the drum37is torn, it is possible to guide the torn portion of the banknote34into the swinging passage44, which makes it possible to prevent the torn portion of the banknote34from enlarging, or the banknote34from jamming in the transport path.

Further, among the tapes36and the banknote34which are rewound from the drum37to be transported in the swinging passage44, the tapes36are pulled out of the swinging passage44via the guide roller72, to be wound on the reel38, and the banknote34is pinched to be held between the pair of belts55aand55b, and is transported to the inlet/outlet35to be fed to the lower transport path20.

Further, the tapes36pulled out of the swinging passage44via the guide roller72are wound on the reel38through the tape guide73. At this time, as shown inFIG. 9(c), in the case where the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal with respect to the guide surface75of the tape guide73, the center in the width direction of the tape36is brought into contact with the straight surface75aand the both sides in the width direction of the tape36are brought into contact with the curved surfaces75b, and the tape36is curved in the width direction. In this state, contact resistances with the curved surfaces75bon the both sides are applied to the both sides in the width direction of the tape36, to exert an action to bring the tape36to the center by the tensional force of the tape36, thereby holding the position in the width direction of the tape36in a normal state. If the tape36is shifted to the left side as shown inFIG. 9(a), the frictional resistance between the left side of the tape36and the curved surface75bon the left side is increased, thereby moving the tape36to the right side with less frictional resistance as shown inFIG. 9(b), and the position in the width direction of the tape36is corrected to be in a normal state as shown inFIG. 9(c). Accordingly, it is possible to wind the tape36on the reel38in a state in which the position in the width direction of the tape36is normal.

Moreover, because the guide surface75of the tape guide73curves the first surface36aof the tape36wound on the reel38to be concave, even if the tape36reaches the reel38as is shifted in the width direction, the shifted side of the tape36is first brought into contact within the width of the reel38, to transfer the contacting point with the reel38from the shifted side of the tape36to the opposite side. Therefore, it is possible to normally wind the tape36within the width of the reel38.

Then, in the case where the number of the banknotes34to be fed is one, after the passage of the banknote34to be fed is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, when the tip end in the feeding direction of the banknote34to be fed next is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, the motor48is stopped to stop the rotation of the drum37. With this, it is possible to stop the tip end in the feeding direction of the banknote34to be fed next at a predetermined feed standby position in the swinging passage44, and it is possible to rapidly feed the banknote34at the time of next feeding of the banknote34.

Further, in the case where the plurality of banknotes34are fed, the motor48is continuously driven until the passage of the number of banknotes34to be fed is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, and after the passage of the banknote34to be finally fed is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, when the tip end in the feeding direction of the banknote34to be fed next is sensed by the banknote sensing unit95, the motor48is stopped, that completes the feeding of the plurality of banknotes34.

Further, as the tapes36are rewound from the drum37to feed the banknotes34, the outer diameter in the wound state of the tapes36on the drum37is decreased. Due to the decrease in the outer diameter in the wound state of the tapes36on the drum37, the guide body41swings from the reel38side toward the drum37side centering on the supporting point41aby the bias from the spring68.

As shown inFIG. 1(a), when the unit comes to the minimum wound state of the tapes36on the drum37, the guide body41enters the winding space of the drum37, to be closer to the drum37than the reel38. Among the contact rollers67, the first contact roller67adirectly contacts the banknote34wound on the drum37through the space between the two tapes36, to appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41according to an outer diameter of the drum37in the correctly wound state.

In addition, because the rotation amount of the motor48from the start of rewinding of the tapes36from the drum37is sensed by the rotation amount sensing unit51, the outer diameter of the drum37is judged on the basis of the rotation amount of the motor48, to control the motor48such that the rotational speed of the outer diameter portion of the drum37is kept constant, that is the feeding speed of the banknote34is kept constant.

As described above, in the banknote storing/feeding unit23of the present embodiment, the supporting point41aof the guide body41is disposed within the region A parallel to the virtual line L1connecting the rotational center of the drum37and the rotational center of the reel38, and within the region A between the virtual line L2perpendicular to the virtual line L1from the rotational center of the drum37and the virtual line L3perpendicular to the virtual line L1from the rotational center of the reel38. Therefore, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body41between the drum37and the reel38, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum37and the reel38to increase the number of banknotes34to be stored.

For example, in the case where the supporting point41aof the guide body41is disposed on the inlet/outlet35side out of the region A, the guide body41interferes with the reel38, which make it impossible to take a large turning angle of the guide body41. On the other hand, provided that the supporting point41aof the guide body41is disposed within the region A, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the guide body41between the drum37and the reel38.

Because the fixed passage42is provided toward the drum37from the inlet/outlet35, and the swinging passage44swinging centering on the supporting point41alocated on the fixed passage42side, it is possible to dispose the supporting point41aof the swinging passage44at any position other than the inlet/outlet35. Therefore, it is possible to take a large turning angle of the swinging passage44between the drum37and the reel38, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum37and the reel38to increase the number of banknotes34to be stored.

Because the supporting point41aof the guide body41and the swinging passage44is located out of the maximum outer diameter portion37ain the maximum wound state in which the wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is maximized, and located at the position at which the distance from the maximum outer diameter portion37ato the supporting point41aof the guide body41is shorter than the distance from the rotational center of the reel38to the supporting point41aof the guide body41, and at the substantially intermediate position between the maximum outer diameter portion37aand the inlet/outlet35, it is possible to have large turning angles of the guide body41and the swinging passage94, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum37and the reel38to increase the number of banknotes34to be stored.

Because the guide body41and the swinging passage44are curved shapes so as to fit along the maximum outer diameter portion37ain the maximum wound state in which the wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is maximized, it is possible to have large turning angles of the guide body41and the swinging passage44, and it is possible to effectively utilize the winding spaces of the drum37and the reel38to increase the number of banknotes34to be stored.

Because the contact rollers67of the guide body41contact any one of the tape36and the banknote34wound on the drum37, and the downstream side in the winding direction from the contact point P between the drum37and the tape36, even when a distance between the supporting point41aof the guide body41and the swinging passage44and the contact point P on the drum37side is elongated, to increase the number of banknotes34to be stored, thereby increasing a difference between the minimum and maximum wound amounts of the tapes36and the banknotes34by the drum37, it is possible to always appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41, which makes it possible to securely wind and rewind the banknote34on and from the drum37. In particular, even when the outer wound diameter of the drum37is changed, it is possible to lessen a change in angle of the tip end of the peeling claw69provided on the guide body41with respect to the outer circumferential surface in the wound state of the drum37, which makes it possible to securely rewind the banknote34from the drum37.

Meanwhile, conventionally, when the banknotes are wound on the drum by the tape, the portions of the banknotes which the tapes contact are tightened up. However, the portions of the banknotes other than the portions which the tapes contact easily swell, and the outer wound diameter of the drum is increased on the swollen portions of the banknotes. Because the contact rollers of the guide body contact the tapes, the outer wound diameter of the drum is not accurately sensed, and the swollen portions of the banknotes contact the guide body, which may damage the banknotes or cause a jam, and it is impossible to appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum and the swinging angle of the guide body, which makes it easy to have an effect on winding and rewinding of the banknotes on and from the drum.

Then, the banknote storing unit23of the present invention which stores the banknotes34transported from the outside, and feeds the stored banknotes34to the outside, includes the tape36, the drum37which one end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the banknote34together with the tape36, the reel38which the other end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the tape36on and from the drum37, and the guide body41which has the guide passage43that guides the tape36to be wound and rewound on and from the drum37, and guides the banknote34to be wound and rewound together with the tape36on and from the drum37, and has the contact rollers67contacting the banknote34wound on the drum37, the guide body41swings according to winding and rewinding of the tape36and the banknote34on and from the drum37between the drum37and the reel38. In this way, because the contact rollers67of the guide body41directly contact the banknote34wound on the drum37by the tape36, it is possible to always appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41according to an accurate outer wound diameter of the drum37, which makes it possible to securely wind and rewind the banknote34on and from the drum37.

Moreover, the contact rollers67contact the downstream side in the winding direction from the contact point P of the tape36wound on the drum37. Therefore, after the banknote34is wound on the drum37by the tape36, the contact rollers67contact the banknote34, which makes it possible to prevent the banknote34from being shifted by the contact with the contact rollers67.

Moreover, the tapes36are two, which are wound with a space in the axial direction of the drum37, and the contact rollers67contact banknote34between the two tapes36. In this way, because the contact rollers67contact the banknote34between the two tapes36wound with a space in the axial direction of the drum37, it is possible to press the banknote34that is going to be shifted due to a variation in tightening of the two tapes36with the contact rollers67, and it is possible to press the swollen portion of the banknote34between the two tapes36by the contact rollers67, to suppress the swelling of the banknote34.

Moreover, the contact rollers67have the first contact roller67awhich is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is less than a predetermined amount is smaller than a predetermined outer diameter, and the second contact roller37bwhich is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is greater than a predetermined amount is larger than the predetermined outer diameter. In this way, because the first contact roller67aof the contact rollers67is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is less than a predetermined amount is smaller than a predetermined outer diameter, and the second contact roller67bof the contact rollers67is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is greater than a predetermined amount is larger than the predetermined outer diameter, even when the wound amount of the drum37changes, it is possible to always appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41, which makes it possible to securely wind and rewind the banknote34on and from the drum37.

In particular, because the tip end of the peeling claw69is worn away by friction with the tapes36, as the outer wound diameter of the drum37increases, an angle between the tip end of the peeling claw69and the outer surface in the wound state of the drum37is reduced. Therefore, a gap is generated between the tip end of the peeling claw69and the outer surface in the wound state of the drum37, which makes it impossible to securely peel the banknote34from the drum37with the tip end of the peeling claw69in some cases. Therefore, when the outer wound diameter of the drum37is large, the second contact roller67bis brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37, which causes the tip end of the peeling claw69to swing the guide body41so as not to reduce the angle with the outer surface in the wound state of the drum37, to prevent generation of a gap between the tip end of the peeling claw69and the outer surface in the wound state of the drum37, which makes it possible to securely peel the banknote34from the drum37with the tip end of the peeling claw69.

Moreover, the tapes36are two, which are wound with a space in the axial direction of the drum37, and the contact rollers67contact the banknote34at the positions outward of the two tapes36. That is, as the contact rollers67are shown by the dashed-two dotted lines inFIG. 10, the contact rollers67may be configured to contact the banknote34at the outer sides from the two tapes36wound with a space in the axial direction of the drum37. In this case as well, it is possible to press the outer side portions of the banknote34swelling out of the two tapes36, to suppress the swelling of the banknotes34. In this case, the contact rollers67may be configured to contact only one side of the both side portions of the banknote34outward of the tapes36, or may be configured to contact the both sides. Even in the case where the contact rollers67are configured to contact only one side of the both side portions of the banknote34outward of the tapes36, the contact rollers67contact the downstream side in the winding direction from the contact points P of the tapes36wound on the drum37, thereby making the contact rollers67contact the banknote34after the banknote34is wound on the drum37by the tape36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the banknote34from being shifted by the contact of the contact rollers67. Further, the contact rollers67may be configured to contact the banknote34at both of the space between the two tapes36and the both outer sides of the tapes36.

Further, conventionally, at the time of rewinding a banknote from the drum, if there is a torn portion at the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote in the portion of the banknote out of the tapes, the torn portion at the banknote may not get into the guide passage of the guide body, to get stuck on the outer side of the guide body, which may enlarge the torn portion in the banknote. In addition, even if the banknote is fed without being significantly torn, there is the problem that the banknote gets stuck on the transport path, to easily cause a jam.

Then, the banknote storing unit23of the present invention which stores the banknotes34transported from the outside, and feeds the stored banknotes34to the outside, includes the tape36having the first surface36aand the second surface36b, the drum37which one end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the banknote34which is along the first surface36aof the tape36, together with the tape36, the reel38which the other end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the tape36on and from the drum37, and the guide body41which has the guide passage43that guides the tape36to be wound and rewound on and from the drum37, and guides the banknote34which is along the first surface36aof the tape36, to be wound and rewound together with the tape36on and from the drum37, and in the guide passage43facing the drum37, the first guidance roller87which is rotary-driven in a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the tape36wound and rewound on and from the drum37is disposed at the position out in the width direction of the tape36on the first surface36aside of the tape36. In this way, because the first guidance roller87which is rotary-driven in the direction corresponding to the moving direction of the tape36wound and rewound on and from the drum37is disposed at the position out in the width direction of the tape36on the first surface36aside of the tape36on the end portion side of the guide passage43facing the drum37, even when the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34to be rewound from the drum37is torn, it is possible to guide the torn portion of the banknote34into the guide passage43, which makes it possible to prevent the torn portion of the banknote34from enlarging, or the banknote34from jamming in the transport path.

Moreover, at the guide body41, the second guidance roller88which is coaxially rotated integrally with the first guidance roller87, and contacts the first surface36aof the tape36is disposed, and the driving roller85which contacts the second surface36bof the tape36to hold the tape36between the second guidance roller88, and to which driving force is transmitted is disposed, and the driving force is transmitted from the driving roller85to the first guidance roller87. In this way, because the second guidance roller88which is coaxially rotated integrally with the first guidance roller87, and contacts the first surface36aof the tape36is provided, and the driving roller85which contacts the second surface36bof the tape36to hold the tape36between the second guidance roller88, and to which driving force is transmitted from the tape36is provided, and the driving force is transmitted from the driving roller85to the first guidance roller87, it is possible to rotary-drive the first guidance roller87by the driving force from the tape36.

Moreover, at the guide body41, the transmission roller86which is coaxially rotated integrally with the driving roller85is disposed at a position out in the width direction of the tape36, and the transmission roller86contacts the first guidance roller87to transmit the driving force from the driving roller85to the first guidance roller87. In this way, because the transmission roller86which is coaxially rotated integrally with the driving roller85is provided at the position out in the width direction of the tape36, and the transmission roller86contacts the first guidance roller87, it is possible to transmit the driving force from the driving roller85to the first guidance roller87by the transmission roller86, and it is possible to forcibly fold the torn portion of the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34between the first guidance roller87and the transmission roller86, to guide the banknote34into the guide passage43, which makes it possible to prevent the torn portion of the banknote34from enlarging, or the banknote34from jamming in the transport path.

Moreover, the first guidance roller87is brought into point-contact with the transmission roller86. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the banknote34to be wound and rewound on and from the drum37from meandering, and it is possible to easily smooth wrinkles in and swelling of the banknote34.

Moreover, the second guidance roller88is brought into point-contact with the tape36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tape36to be wound and rewound on and from the drum37from meandering. Further, it is possible to prevent the banknote34to be wound and rewound on and from the drum37from meandering, and it is possible to easily smooth wrinkles in and swelling of the banknote34.

Moreover, at the guide body41, the third guidance roller89which is coaxially rotated integrally with the first guidance roller87, and guides the first surface36aof the tape36is disposed. In this way, because the third guidance roller89which is coaxially rotated integrally with the first guidance roller87, and guides the first surface36aof the tape36is provided, it is possible to securely guide the tape36.

Moreover, at the guide body41, the fourth guidance roller90which is coaxially rotated integrally with the first guidance roller87is disposed at a position opposite to the position at which the first guidance roller87is out in the width direction of the tape36. Therefore, by the first guidance roller87and the fourth guidance roller90, even when the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34is torn in the portion of the banknote out of the both sides of the tape36, it is possible to guide the torn portion of the banknote34into the guide passage43, which makes it possible to prevent the torn portion of the banknote34from enlarging, or the banknote from jamming in the transport path.

Moreover, the first guidance roller87and the transmission roller86are rubber rollers. Therefore, it is possible to securely transmit driving force, and it is easy to forcibly fold the torn portion of the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34between the first guidance roller87and the transmission roller86.

Moreover, the second guidance roller88is a rubber roller. Therefore, it is possible to securely guide the torn portion of the tip end in the rewinding direction of the banknote34into the guide passage43.

Furthermore, the fourth guidance roller90is a rubber roller. Therefore, it is possible to securely guide the torn portion of the tip end in the rewinding direction of the bank note34into the guide passage43.

Further, conventionally, it is regulated such that the tape is not shifted in the width direction with the vertical walls provided on the both sides of the moving region of the tape. However, in fact, the regulation starts working after a shift exceeding the width of the reel to some extent is caused, and it is impossible to securely regulate the shift. Further, when a shifted amount of the tape exceeds a predetermined amount, there is the problem that the tape is folded, to be wound on the reel or the drum in the folded state, which causes an abnormality in winding such as an increase in the wound diameter on the folded portion of the tape.

Then, the banknote storing unit23of the present invention which stores the banknotes34transported from the outside, and feeds the stored banknotes34to the outside, includes the tape36, the drum37which one end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the banknote34together with the tape36, the reel38which the other end of the tape36is attached to, and winds and rewinds the tape36on and from the drum37, and a tape guide73having a guide surface75that curves the tape36in the width direction between the drum37and the reel38. In this way, because the tape36is curved in the width direction between the drum37and the reel38by the guide surface75of the tape guide73, it is possible to prevent a shift in the width direction of the tape36moving between the drum37and the reel38, and even if a shift is caused, it is possible to automatically correct the shift.

Moreover, the guide surface75of the tape guide73curves the surface (the first surface36a) of the tape36to be wound on the reel38so as to be concave. Therefore, even if the tape36is shifted in the width direction, the shifted side of the tape36is first brought into contact within the width of the reel38, which makes it possible to normally wind the tape36within the width of the reel38.

Moreover, the guide surface75of the tape guide73has the straight surface75ain the center thereof, and the curved surfaces75bcurved from the both sides of the straight surface75a. Therefore, an action to bring the tape36to the center of the guide surface75is exerted, which makes it possible to keep the position in the width direction of the tape36constant, and even if the tape36is shifted in the width direction, it is possible to automatically correct the shift.

Moreover, the banknote storing unit23includes the tape guide moving unit77that moves the tape guide73according to a wound amount of the tape36on the reel38. With this, the tape guide moving unit77moves the tape guide73according to a wound amount of the tape36on the reel38, which makes it possible to appropriately keep the relationship between the wound amount of the tape36on the reel38and the position of the tape guide73.

Moreover, tape guide moving unit77has the biasing unit (the spring80) that biases the guide surface75of the tape guide73in a direction in which the guide surface75is pressed against the tape36. With this, because the guide surface75of the tape guide73is biased in the direction in which the guide surface75is pressed against the tape36by the biasing unit (the spring80) of the tape guide moving unit77, it is possible to keep the position in the width direction of the tape36constant, and even if the tape36is shifted in the width direction, it is possible to automatically correct the shift.

In addition,FIG. 12shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The contact roller67is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is less than a predetermined amount is smaller than a predetermined outer diameter, and the guide member41has a contact member99which is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in a wound state in which a wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is greater than a predetermined amount is larger than the predetermined outer diameter.

This contact member99may be formed integrally with the first guide member64, or may be formed separately from the first guide member64, to be attached to the first guide member64.

Then, because the contact roller67is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in the wound state in which the wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is less than the predetermined amount is smaller than the predetermined outer diameter, and the contact member99of the guide member41is brought into contact with the banknote34wound on the drum37when the outer diameter in the wound state in which the wound amount of the tapes36and the banknotes34on the drum37is greater than the predetermined amount is larger than the predetermined outer diameter, even when the wound amount of the drum37is changed, it is possible to always appropriately keep the relationship between the outer wound diameter of the drum37and the swinging angle of the guide body41, which makes it possible to securely wind and rewind the banknote34on and from the drum37.

Further, in place of the first contact roller67aand the second contact roller67b, contact members corresponding to the first contact roller67aand the second contact roller67bmay be provided at the first guide member64.

In addition, in the aforementioned present embodiment, the number of the tapes36is not limited to two, and it is possible even for only one tape to wind and rewind the banknote34on and from the drum37.