Patent Description:
Conventionally, there has been proposed a paper sheet deposit/withdrawal apparatus including a first moving member that sandwiches a paper sheet from a side close to a feeding unit among a pair of moving members that sandwich the paper sheet inserted from a customer and moves from a position at the time of inserting the paper sheet to the feeding unit, rollers of the feeding unit that protrude from a gap on the first moving member to a storage space of the paper sheet and convey the paper sheet, and a shielding member that is driven by a motor to close the gap when the first moving member is at the position at the time of inserting the paper sheet and to retreat when the first moving member moves to the feeding unit (see, for example, Patent Literature <NUM>).

<CIT> discloses a paper sheet handling apparatus comprising an input/output unit which is provided with a moveable divider/pressing plate which separates an input region from an output region. The movable pressing plate can be moved so as to transport forgotten sheets in the output region to make contact with a transport roller of the input region. The pressing plate is provided with openings for the transport rollers to pass through to enable said contact for transporting. Citation List Patent Literature.

Incidentally, in an automatic transaction apparatus such as an automated teller machine (ATM), a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit is arranged in order to insert a banknote to be deposited and in order to take out a banknote to be withdrawn. As such a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit as described above, there is a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit including: a stage and a roof which are arranged to be opposed to each other across an insertion space into which paper sheets are inserted from an insertion port; and a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets inserted into this insertion space in a state of protruding from an opening portion of the stage toward the insertion space.

In such a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit, by arranging a partition portion (pusher) between the stage and the roof, an insertion space into which a banknote is inserted can be formed between the stage and the partition portion, and a taking-out space from which a banknote is withdrawn can be formed between the partition portion and the roof.

In the case where the partition portion is arranged as described above, when the banknote left in the taking-out space is taken in, it is conceivable that an opening portion is formed not only in the opening portion of the stage but also in the partition portion, and the banknote inserted into the insertion space is conveyed in a state where the conveying unit protrudes toward the insertion space from the opening portion of the stage and the opening portion of the partition portion.

However, when the opening portion is provided in the partition portion, foreign matter can pass through the partition portion to move to the stage side (insertion space side) and the roof side (taking-out space side). Therefore, when the opening portion of the partition portion is closed by arranging the above-described shielding member and motor, the motor is required, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power from the motor to the shielding member is required. Therefore, the structure of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit becomes complicated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet handling apparatus capable of opening a shutter that closes an opening portion of a partition portion that forms an insertion space of a paper sheet with a first opposing portion and forms a taking-out space of the paper sheet with a second opposing portion with a simple configuration.

Solution to Problem.

A paper sheet handling apparatus of the disclosure includes: a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion arranged to be opposed to each other; a partition portion that is arranged so as to be movable in an opposing direction in which the first opposing portion and the second opposing portion are opposed to each other, forms an insertion space into which a paper sheet is inserted from an insertion port with the first opposing portion, and forms a taking-out space from which the paper sheet is taken out from the insertion port with the second opposing portion; and a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheet inserted in the insertion space in a state of protruding toward the insertion space from a first opening portion of the first opposing portion, and conveys the paper sheet left in the taking-out space in a state of protruding toward the taking-out space from the first opening portion of the first opposing portion and a second opening portion of the partition portion, in which the partition portion is arranged so as to be movable to a remaining banknote conveyance position when the paper sheet left in the taking-out space is conveyed by the conveying unit, and in which the partition portion includes a second shutter that openably closes the second opening portion, and a second shutter opening/closing unit that opens the second opening portion by opening the second shutter in conjunction with an operation in which the partition portion moves to the remaining banknote conveyance position.

According to the disclosed paper sheet handling apparatus, it is possible to provide the paper sheet handling apparatus capable of opening the shutter that closes the opening portion of the partition portion that forms the insertion space of the paper sheet with the first opposing portion and forms the taking-out space of the paper sheet with the second opposing portion with a simple configuration.

Hereinafter, a paper sheet handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings using an automatic transaction apparatus <NUM> as an example.

<FIG> is a left side view illustrating an internal configuration of the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM>.

Note that the up and down, front and back, and left-right directions illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> to be described later are merely an example of a case where a customer side of the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM> is the front direction, but for example, the up-down direction is a vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction are horizontal directions.

The automatic transaction apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is, for example, an ATM, a bill recycle unit (BRU), a cash dispenser (CD), a teller cash recycler (TCR), or the like, and includes a main body unit <NUM>, an intermediate conveying unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. As an example, the main body unit <NUM> and the storage unit <NUM> are arranged in different spaces via a partition (not illustrated) interposed therebetween, and the intermediate conveying unit <NUM> conveys a banknote B (see <FIG>) so as to penetrate the partition. Note that the banknote B is an example of a paper sheet.

The main body unit <NUM> includes a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>, conveying units <NUM> and <NUM>, a distinguishing unit <NUM>, a temporarily holding unit <NUM>, and a reject unit <NUM>.

The banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> includes a stage <NUM>, a roof <NUM>, a pusher <NUM>, a taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>, a discharge conveying unit <NUM>, a front panel <NUM>, a shutter <NUM>, a first contact portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a banknote receiving portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). Note that only the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> can be regarded as an example of the paper sheet handling apparatus.

The stage <NUM>, the roof <NUM>, the pusher <NUM>, the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>, the first contact portion <NUM>, and the banknote receiving portion <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, and <FIG>, but the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B inserted from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> to the insertion space S1 (see <FIG>) between the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> to take the banknote B into the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B for withdrawal left without being taken out in a taking-out space S2 (see <FIG>) between the pusher <NUM> and the roof <NUM> to take the banknote B into the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM>.

The discharge conveying unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> discharges the banknote B between the roof <NUM> and the pusher <NUM>.

On an upper front surface of the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM>, the front panel <NUM> is disposed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so as to be located rearward as going upward. The front panel <NUM> is provided with an insertion/taking-out port <NUM>.

The shutter <NUM> openably closes the insertion/taking-out port <NUM>, which is an example of an insertion port, through which the banknote B (paper sheet) is inserted. Note that, in <FIG>, the shutter <NUM> in an opened state is illustrated by a solid line, and the shutter <NUM> in a closed state is illustrated by a dotted line.

The conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B from the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> to the distinguishing unit <NUM>, and conveys the banknote B between the distinguishing unit <NUM> and the intermediate conveying unit <NUM>.

The distinguishing unit <NUM> determines authenticity, contamination, corner breakage, and the like of the banknote B.

The conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B between the distinguishing unit <NUM> and the temporarily holding unit <NUM>, and conveys the banknote B from the distinguishing unit <NUM> to the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>.

The temporarily holding unit <NUM> temporarily stores the banknote B that is inserted into the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> and determined to be normal in the distinguishing unit <NUM>.

The reject unit <NUM> stores a banknote B, which is not to be returned, among such banknotes B determined to be abnormal in the distinguishing unit <NUM>.

The intermediate conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B between the main body unit <NUM> and the storage unit <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM> is disposed below the main body unit <NUM>, and includes a plurality of banknote storage cassettes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a storage conveying unit <NUM>.

The plurality of banknote storage cassettes <NUM> to <NUM> store, for example, such banknotes B of which money types are different from one another. The banknote storage cassettes <NUM> to <NUM> can eject the stored banknotes B. Therefore, the banknotes B stored in the banknote storage cassettes <NUM> are <NUM> are used for withdrawal.

The storage conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknotes B between the intermediate conveying unit <NUM> and the respective banknote storage cassettes <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> are explanatory views for explaining conveyance routes R1 to R4 of the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM> for the banknotes B.

First, as in the conveyance route R1 indicated by a thick solid arrow in <FIG>, the banknote B inserted into the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> is conveyed to the distinguishing unit <NUM> by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> and the conveying unit <NUM>. Further, the banknote B determined to be normal in the distinguishing unit <NUM> is conveyed to the temporarily holding unit <NUM> by the conveying unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as in the conveyance route R2 indicated by a thick dotted arrow in <FIG>, the banknote B (counterfeit banknote and the like) determined to be abnormal in the distinguishing unit <NUM> is returned to the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> by the conveying unit <NUM> and the discharge conveying unit <NUM>.

As in the conveyance route R3 indicated by a thick solid arrow in <FIG>, the banknotes B temporarily stored in the temporarily holding unit <NUM> are conveyed to the respective banknote storage cassettes <NUM> to <NUM> by the conveying unit <NUM>, the distinguishing unit <NUM>, the conveying unit <NUM>, the intermediate conveying unit <NUM>, and the storage conveying unit <NUM>.

As in the conveyance route R4 indicated by a thick solid arrow in <FIG>, the banknotes B stored in the respective banknote storage cassettes <NUM> to <NUM> are discharged, at the time of withdrawal, to the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> by the storage conveying unit <NUM>, the intermediate conveying unit <NUM>, the conveying unit <NUM>, the distinguishing unit <NUM>, the conveying unit <NUM>, and the discharge conveying unit <NUM>.

Next, a depositing operation and a remaining banknote taking-in operation of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams for explaining the depositing operation of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are explanatory diagrams for explaining the remaining banknote taking-in operation of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the stage <NUM> as viewed from the V direction in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view of the stage <NUM> as viewed from the VI direction in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view of the pusher <NUM> when viewed from the direction VII in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view of the pusher <NUM> when viewed from the direction VIII in <FIG>.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams for explaining opening and closing of second shutters <NUM> of the pusher <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the banknote receiving portion <NUM>.

First, configurations of the stage <NUM>, the roof <NUM>, the pusher <NUM>, the first contact portion <NUM>, and the banknote receiving portion <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are arranged so as to be opposed to each other across the insertion space S1. In the insertion space S1, the banknote B is inserted from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> of the front panel <NUM> indicated by a two-dot chain line in <FIG>.

The stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are arranged to be inclined in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so as to be positioned upward toward the front in parallel to an insertion/taking-out direction D2 in which the banknote B is inserted and taken out. Therefore, an opposing direction D1 in which the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are opposed to each other is orthogonal to the insertion/taking-out direction D2, and is inclined in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so as to be upward toward the rear side.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the stage <NUM> includes a stage main body <NUM>, two first shutters <NUM> (hatched portions), two gears <NUM>, two gears <NUM>, and two racks <NUM>. Note that the stage <NUM> is an example of a first opposing portion.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the stage <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable in the opposing direction D1 in which the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are opposed to each other, to an insertion position P11 (see <FIG> and <FIG>) at the time of inserting the banknote B and a conveyance position P12 (see <FIG>) at the time of conveying the inserted banknote B by pickup rollers <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> to be described later. In addition, the stage <NUM> is also arranged so as to be movable to a taking-out position P13 (see <FIG>) at which the banknote B is taken out and a remaining banknote conveyance position P14 (<FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stage main body <NUM> is provided with two first opening portions 11a that are penetrated by the pickup rollers <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>.

The two first shutters <NUM> openably close the first opening portions 11a.

The two gears <NUM> are respectively provided at left and right end portions of a lower end of the stage <NUM> (stage main body <NUM>). When the stage <NUM> moves from the insertion position P11 illustrated in <FIG> to the conveyance position P12 illustrated in <FIG>, the two gears <NUM> mesh with two racks <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> described later and rotate.

The two gears <NUM> rotate along with the rotation of the two gears <NUM>.

The two racks <NUM> move up and down along with the rotation of the two gears <NUM>. The two racks <NUM> are provided integrally with the first shutters <NUM>, or are fixed to the first shutters <NUM>.

Therefore, when the stage <NUM> moves from the insertion position P11 illustrated in <FIG> to the conveyance position P12 illustrated in <FIG> or the remaining banknote conveyance position P14 illustrated in <FIG>, the two gears <NUM> mesh with the two racks <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> and rotate, so that the two gears <NUM> rotate, the two racks <NUM> ascend, and the two first shutters <NUM> ascend. As a result, as illustrated in <FIG>, the two first shutters <NUM> open so as to open the two first opening portions 11a.

On the other hand, when the stage <NUM> moves from the conveyance position P12 illustrated in <FIG> or the remaining banknote conveyance position P14 illustrated in <FIG> to the insertion position P11 illustrated in <FIG> or the taking-out position P13 illustrated in <FIG>, the two gears <NUM> mesh with the two racks <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> and reversely rotate, so that the two gears <NUM> reversely rotate, the two racks <NUM> descend, and the two first shutters <NUM> descend. As a result, as illustrated in <FIG>, the two first shutters <NUM> close the two first opening portions 11a.

Here, the two gears <NUM>, the two gears <NUM>, and the two racks <NUM> of the stage <NUM> are an example of a first shutter opening/closing unit that opens the first opening portion 11a by meshing with each other and opening the first shutter <NUM> when the stage <NUM> moves from the insertion position P11 to the conveyance position P12 and the remaining banknote conveyance position P14. The two racks <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> are an example of a first shutter opening/closing unit included in the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>.

Note that the opening/closing direction of the two first shutters <NUM> is not limited to the up-down direction, and may be the left-right direction. Further, when the two first shutters <NUM> are opened, they may move downward instead of upward. As described above, the opening/closing direction of the first shutter <NUM> is arbitrary. Although the two first opening portions 11a are provided according to the number of pickup rollers <NUM>, one or three or more first opening portions 11a may be provided. In addition, when a single first shutter <NUM> closes the plurality of first opening portions 11a, the number of first shutters <NUM> may be smaller than the number of first opening portions 11a.

The roof <NUM> is movable in the opposing direction D1, and moves so as to approach the pusher <NUM> in order to sandwich the banknote B with the pusher <NUM> at the time of taking in and conveying the banknote B illustrated in <FIG>. Note that the roof <NUM> is an example of a second opposing portion.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> includes a movable member <NUM>, a rotating shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>), a pusher main body <NUM>, two second shutters <NUM> (hatched portions), two fitting portions <NUM>, two gears <NUM>, and two racks <NUM>.

The pusher <NUM> is an example of a partition portion arranged between the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> so as to be movable in the opposing direction D1 between the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> forms, with the stage <NUM>, the insertion space S1 into which the banknote B is inserted from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> at the insertion position P21.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> forms, with the roof <NUM>, the taking-out space S2 in which the banknote B is taken out from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> at a taking-out position P23.

In addition, the pusher <NUM> is also movable to a conveyance position P22 illustrated in <FIG> or the remaining banknote conveyance position P14 illustrated in <FIG> when the inserted banknote B is conveyed by the pickup rollers <NUM>.

In addition, the pusher <NUM> includes a movable member <NUM> that is provided at a distal end on the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> side and is movable toward the stage <NUM> side (see <FIG>) and the roof <NUM> side (see <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the movable member <NUM> is preferably provided only in a part near the center of the pusher <NUM> (pusher main body <NUM>) in the left-right direction (the left-right direction in <FIG>) intersecting the opposing direction D1 and the insertion/taking-out direction D2.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotating shaft <NUM>. Further, the movable member <NUM> is preferably biased by an elastic body such as a torsion spring so as to maintain a position parallel to the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM>. A pressed projection 31a protruding downward (toward the stage <NUM>) is provided on the movable member <NUM> on the side opposite to the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> across the rotating shaft <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pusher main body <NUM> is provided with two second opening portions 33a which are penetrated by two pickup rollers <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> described later.

The two second shutters <NUM> openably close the second opening portions 33a.

The two fitting portions <NUM> are respectively provided at left and right end portions of a lower end of the pusher <NUM> (pusher main body <NUM>). In a case where the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are at the remaining banknote conveyance positions P14 and P24 illustrated in <FIG>, the two fitting portions <NUM> are pressed by fitting portions <NUM> in a state of being fitted to the fitting portions <NUM> of the stage <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, so that the two fitting portions <NUM> move away from each other in the left-right direction.

The two gears <NUM> rotate in conjunction with the movement of the two fitting portions <NUM> away from each other in the left-right direction.

The two racks <NUM> move in the left-right direction as the two gears <NUM> rotate. The two racks <NUM> are provided integrally with the second shutters <NUM>, or are fixed to the second shutters <NUM>.

Therefore, when the two fitting portions <NUM> of the stage <NUM> move the two fitting portions <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> away from each other in the left-right direction, the two gears <NUM> rotate, and the two racks <NUM> together with the two second shutters <NUM> move away from each other in the left-right direction. As a result, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second shutters <NUM> open so as to open the second opening portions 33a.

On the other hand, when the pusher <NUM> retreats from the remaining banknote conveyance position P24 illustrated in <FIG>, the two fitting portions <NUM> move so as to approach each other, so that the two gears <NUM> rotate reversely, and the two racks <NUM> move so as to approach each other in the left-right direction together with the two second shutters <NUM>. Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second shutters <NUM> close the second opening portions 33a.

Here, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the two fitting portions <NUM> of the stage <NUM> are, for example, levers. When the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are at the remaining banknote conveyance positions P14 and P24 as illustrated in <FIG>, the two fitting portions <NUM> are rotated by being fitted to the two fitting portions <NUM>, and the two fitting portions <NUM> are moved away from each other in the left-right direction.

On the other hand, in a case where the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are located at the conveyance positions P12 and P22 of the deposited banknote B as illustrated in <FIG>, and in a case where the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are located at the taking-out positions P13 and P23 when the banknote B to be withdrawn is taken out as illustrated in <FIG>, the fitting between the two fitting portions <NUM> and the two fitting portions <NUM> is released, and the two fitting portions <NUM> are returned to the original positions by, for example, a biasing force of a biasing means (not illustrated). In addition, the two fitting portions <NUM> also return to the original positions by, for example, a biasing force of a biasing means (not illustrated).

Herein, the two fitting portions <NUM>, the two gears <NUM>, and the two racks <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> are an example of a second shutter opening/closing unit that opens and closes the second shutters <NUM>. It is desirable that the second shutter opening/closing unit be configured to open the second shutters <NUM> by being fitted to the stage <NUM> (fitting portion <NUM>) and pressed by the stage <NUM> (fitting portion <NUM>). However, for example, the second shutter opening/closing unit may be configured to open the second shutters <NUM> in conjunction with an operation in which the pusher <NUM> moves to the remaining banknote conveyance position P24 by being pressed at the remaining banknote conveyance position P24 by a member (not illustrated) provided inside the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>, or any mechanism may be adopted.

For example, two rollers provided at both left and right ends of the pusher <NUM> may be pressurized toward the center side in the left-right direction by a guide (not illustrated) while rotating along the guide at the time of movement of the pusher <NUM> at a position other than the remaining banknote conveyance position P24, so that the two second shutters <NUM> may be closed via the operation of the gears <NUM> and the racks <NUM> described above, and the two rollers may not be pressurized toward the center side in the left-right direction by the guide at the remaining banknote conveyance position P24, so that the two second shutters <NUM> may be opened via the operation of the gears <NUM> and the racks <NUM> described above. However, in this case, the pusher <NUM> is less likely to move in the opposing direction D1 due to the stiffness of the roller, and eventually, the two second shutters <NUM> may be less likely to open and close.

Note that the opening/closing direction of the two second shutters <NUM> is not limited to the left-right direction, and may be the up-down direction. Moreover, when opening, the two second shutters <NUM> may move not in such a mutually separating direction but in a mutually approaching direction. As described above, the opening/closing direction of the second shutters <NUM> is arbitrary. Although the two second opening portions 33a are provided according to the number of pickup rollers <NUM>, but one or three or more second opening portions 33a may be provided. In addition, when a single second shutter <NUM> closes the plurality of second opening portions 33a, the number of second shutters <NUM> may be smaller than the number of second opening portions 33a.

The taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the pickup rollers <NUM> and the racks <NUM>. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the two pickup rollers <NUM> and the two racks <NUM> are arranged (see <FIG> for the two pickup rollers <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two pickup rollers <NUM> convey the banknote B inserted into the insertion space S1 in a state of protruding from the two first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> toward the insertion space S1 (see <FIG>).

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the two pickup rollers <NUM> convey the banknote B left in the taking-out space S2 in a state of protruding toward the taking-out space S2 (see <FIG>) from the two first opening portions 11a (see <FIG>) of the stage <NUM> and the two second opening portions 33a (see <FIG>) of the pusher <NUM>.

Here, the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> is an example of a conveying unit that conveys the banknote B (paper sheet) inserted in the insertion space S1 in a state of protruding from the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> toward the insertion space S1, and conveys the banknote B left in the taking-out space S2 in a state of protruding from the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> and the second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM> toward the taking-out space S2.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two racks <NUM> mesh with the two gears <NUM> of the stage <NUM> as described above.

Note that the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> may be arranged not on the stage <NUM> side but on the roof <NUM> side. In this case, the first opening portions 11a and the first shutters <NUM> are arranged on the roof <NUM> instead of the stage <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>, the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are positioned below the taking-out space S2 (the stage <NUM> is further positioned below the insertion space S1) unlike the roof <NUM>, and thus foreign matter easily enters the inside of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> from the second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM> and the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> as compared with the case where the roof <NUM> is provided with the first opening portions. However, as in the present embodiment, there is a case where the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> is arranged not on the roof <NUM> side but on the stage <NUM> side due to restrictions on the device structure of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM>. In this case, in particular, foreign matter easily falls into the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> from the second opening portions 33a and the first opening portions 11a. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the second shutters <NUM> that openably close the second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM> and the first shutters <NUM> that openably close the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> are arranged, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from falling into the inside of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> from the second opening portions 33a and the first opening portions 11a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first contact portion <NUM> is a protrusion that is provided behind the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> and protrudes downward from the back surface of the front panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the banknote receiving portion <NUM> includes four support members <NUM>, a base portion <NUM>, and four reinforcement portions <NUM>. The banknote receiving portion <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable in the insertion/taking-out direction D2, that is, a direction approaching and separating from the taking-out port <NUM>.

The support members <NUM> are arms that support the banknote B. The support members <NUM> are arranged in the taking-out space S2 so as to face the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The four support members <NUM> are fixed to the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> is provided with a recessed portion 92a for avoiding interference with the pusher <NUM>.

Each of the four reinforcement portions <NUM> is provided between each support member <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> to reinforce the support member <NUM>, and has a triangular plate shape.

Hereinafter, the flow of the depositing operation and the remaining banknote taking-in operation of the banknote deposit/withdrawal unit <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> forms the insertion space S1 with the stage <NUM> at the insertion position P21 when the banknote B is inserted. At this time, the movable member <NUM> comes into contact with the first contact portion <NUM> and is pressed against the elastic force of the elastic body, so that the movable member <NUM> moves to be inclined toward the roof <NUM>. As a result, the insertion space S1 (between the pusher <NUM> and the stage <NUM>) becomes wider toward the insertion/taking-out port <NUM>, so that the customer can easily insert the banknote B. Note that the movable member <NUM> may move so as to be inclined toward the roof <NUM> by, for example, power of a driving means (not illustrated).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> moves toward the stage <NUM> after completion of the insertion of the banknote B, and sandwiches the banknote B with the stage <NUM>. Thereafter, as illustrated in <FIG>, the stage <NUM> moves obliquely downward toward the front together with the pusher <NUM> to the conveyance position P12 on the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> side. As a result, as described above, as illustrated in <FIG>, the two first shutters <NUM> of the stage <NUM> are opened, and the first opening portion 11a is exposed. Then, the banknote B is conveyed toward the conveying unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> in a state where the two pickup rollers <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> protrude from the two first opening portions 11a provided in the stage <NUM>.

At the time of withdrawal of the banknote B, after the discharge-scheduled number of banknotes B is conveyed between the pusher <NUM> and the roof <NUM> by the discharge conveying unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> moves toward the stage <NUM> together with the roof <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. At the time of taking out the banknote B, the pusher <NUM> forms the taking-out space S2 with the roof <NUM> at the taking-out position P23. At this time, the pressed projection 31a comes into contact with the stage <NUM> and is pressed against the elastic force of the elastic body, so that the movable member <NUM> moves so as to be inclined toward the stage <NUM>. As a result, since the taking-out space S2 (between the pusher <NUM> and the roof <NUM>) becomes wider toward the insertion/taking-out port <NUM>, the customer can easily take out the banknote B.

Here, the stage <NUM> functions as an example of a second contact portion that moves the movable member <NUM> toward the stage <NUM> by coming into contact with the movable member <NUM>. As described above, the movable member <NUM> may be moved so as to be inclined toward the stage <NUM> by, for example, power of a driving means (not illustrated). In addition, the movable member <NUM> may move so as to be inclined toward the stage <NUM> by coming into contact with the second contact portion other than the stage <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> may be in contact with the stage <NUM> (second contact portion) at a portion other than the pressed projection 31a.

Thereafter, the support member <NUM> supporting the banknote B moves toward the insertion/taking-out port <NUM>. Then, the customer takes out the banknote B.

When the customer forgets to take out the banknote B, as illustrated in <FIG>, the stage <NUM> moves obliquely downward toward the front to the remaining banknote conveyance position P14, and the pusher <NUM> moves obliquely downward toward the front to the remaining banknote conveyance position P24. As a result, as described above, as illustrated in <FIG>, the two first shutters <NUM> of the stage <NUM> are opened, and the two first opening portions 11a are exposed. As illustrated in <FIG>, the two second shutters <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> are opened, and the two second opening portions 33a are exposed. In addition, the roof <NUM> also moves obliquely downward toward the front so as to sandwich the banknote B left between the roof <NUM> and the pusher <NUM>.

Thereafter, in a state where the two pickup rollers <NUM> of the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> protrude from the two first opening portions 11a provided in the stage <NUM> and the two second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM>, the left banknote B is conveyed toward the conveying unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>.

In the present embodiment described above, the automatic transaction apparatus <NUM>, which is an example of a paper sheet handling apparatus, includes the stage <NUM> (an example of a first opposing portion), the roof <NUM> (an example of a second opposing portion), the pusher <NUM> (an example of a partition portion), and the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> (an example of a conveying unit). The stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are arranged so as to be opposed to each other. The pusher <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable in the opposing direction D1 in which the stage <NUM> and the roof <NUM> are opposed to each other, forms the insertion space S1 in which the banknote B (an example of a paper sheet) is inserted from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> (an example of an insertion port) with the stage <NUM>, and forms the taking-out space S2 in which the banknote B is taken out from the insertion/taking-out port <NUM> with the roof <NUM>. The taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> conveys the banknote B inserted in the insertion space S1 in a state of protruding from the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> toward the insertion space S1, and conveys the banknote B left in the taking-out space S2 in a state of protruding from the first opening portions 11a of the stage <NUM> and the second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM> toward the taking-out space S2. The pusher <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable to the remaining banknote conveyance position P24 when the banknote B left in the taking-out space S2 is conveyed by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>. In addition, the pusher <NUM> includes the second shutters <NUM> that openably close the second opening portions 33a, and the second shutter opening/closing unit (for example, the two fitting portions <NUM>, the two gears <NUM>, and the two racks <NUM>) that opens the second opening portions 33a by opening the second shutters <NUM> in conjunction with the operation in which the pusher <NUM> moves to the remaining banknote conveyance position P24.

As described above, even when the second opening portions 33a through which the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM> (pickup rollers <NUM>) passes are provided in the pusher <NUM>, the second shutters <NUM> that close the second opening portions 33a are arranged, so that it is possible to prevent foreign matter from moving from the second opening portions 33a to the stage <NUM> side (insertion space S1 side) and the roof <NUM> side (taking-out space S2 side). In addition, the fitting portions <NUM> or the like, which are an example of a second shutter opening/closing unit, open the second shutters <NUM> in conjunction with the operation in which the pusher <NUM> moves to the remaining banknote conveyance position P24, so that it is possible to omit arrangement of a driving unit such as a motor, a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the driving unit to the second shutters <NUM>, and the like.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the second shutters <NUM> that close the second opening portions 33a of the pusher <NUM> can be opened with a simple configuration.

Further, in the present embodiment, the stage <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable to the remaining banknote conveyance position P14 when the banknote B left in the taking-out space S2 is conveyed by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>, and the second shutter opening/closing unit is fitted to the stage <NUM> (fitting portions <NUM>) and pressed by the stage <NUM> (fitting portions <NUM>) to open the second shutters <NUM> when the stage <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> are at the remaining banknote conveyance positions P14 and P24.

As a result, since the fitting portions <NUM> of the pusher <NUM> are pressed by the stage <NUM> (fitting portions <NUM>) moving to the remaining banknote conveyance position P14 together with the pusher <NUM>, the second shutters <NUM> can be opened with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the fitting portions <NUM> are pressed by a member other than the stage <NUM> such as the periphery of the stage <NUM>. In addition, since the fitting portions <NUM> press the fitting portions <NUM> in a state of being fitted to the fitting portions <NUM>, the second shutters <NUM> can be reliably opened.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the stage <NUM> includes the first shutters <NUM> that openably close the first opening portions 11a, the stage <NUM> is arranged so as to be movable in the opposing direction D1 at the insertion position P11 at the time of inserting the banknote B, the conveyance position P12 at the time of conveying the banknote B by the taking-in and conveying unit <NUM>, and the remaining banknote conveyance position P14, and each of the stage <NUM> and the taking and conveying unit <NUM> includes the first shutter opening/closing unit (for example, the two gears <NUM>, the two gears <NUM>, and the two racks <NUM>, and the two racks <NUM>) that opens the first opening portions 11a by opening the first shutters <NUM> by meshing with each other when the stage <NUM> moves from the insertion position P11 to the conveyance position P12 and the remaining banknote conveyance position P14.

Claim 1:
A paper sheet handling apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a first opposing portion (<NUM>) and a second opposing portion (<NUM>) arranged to be opposed to each other;
a partition portion (<NUM>) that is arranged so as to be movable in an opposing direction (D1) in which the first opposing portion (<NUM>) and the second opposing portion (<NUM>) are opposed to each other, forms an insertion space (S1) into which a paper sheet (B) is inserted from an insertion port (<NUM>) with the first opposing portion (<NUM>), and forms a taking-out space (S2) from which the paper sheet (B) is taken out from the insertion port (<NUM>) with the second opposing portion (<NUM>); and
a conveying unit (<NUM>) that is configured to convey the paper sheet (B) put in the insertion space (S1) in a state of protruding toward the insertion space (S1) from a first opening portion (11a) of the first opposing portion (<NUM>), and is configured to convey the paper sheet (B) left in the taking-out space (S2) in a state of protruding toward the taking-out space (S2) from the first opening portion (11a) of the first opposing portion (<NUM>) and a second opening portion (33a) of the partition portion (<NUM>),
wherein the partition portion (<NUM>) is arranged so as to be movable to a remaining banknote conveyance position (P24) when the paper sheet (B) left in the taking-out space (S2) is conveyed by the conveying unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the partition portion (<NUM>) includes a second shutter (<NUM>) that is configured to openably close the second opening portion (33a), and a second shutter opening/closing unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that is configured to open the second opening portion (33a) by opening the second shutter (<NUM>) in conjunction with an operation in which the partition portion (<NUM>) moves to the remaining banknote conveyance position (P24).