Paper sheet processing device and transport relay component

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to provide a paper handling apparatus that can easily remove paper that is blocked in the transport relay section. The paper handling apparatus 1 of this invention comprises: a housing 100 having a communication port FW1; an input / output processing unit 200 disposed outside the housing; a storage section 700 disposed inside the housing; a transport path extending from inside the input / output processing unit through the communication port into the storage section; and a transport relay member 800 embedded in the communication port for transporting paper between the transport path on the input / output processing unit side and the transport path on the storage section side, and composed of two or more components; the transport path passes through the inside of the transport relay member, and one portion of the two or more components 801 is fixed inside the communication port, while the other components 802 are detachably mounted on one portion, exposing the transport path when the other components are removed from the other portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a paper handling apparatus and a transport relay component. Prior Technology

[0002] In the past, a proposal has been made for "a banknote deposit and withdrawal device, characterized in that the banknote deposit and withdrawal device for handling banknote deposits and withdrawals in response to transactions includes: an upper unit having a deposit and withdrawal slot for banknote deposit and withdrawal and a banknote discrimination section for judging banknotes; a sturdy vault frame disposed below the upper unit and containing a banknote collection compartment; and a banknote transport path that passes through the banknote discrimination section and connects the deposit and withdrawal slot and the collection compartment; when depositing or withdrawing money, money is deposited through the deposit and withdrawal slot, and the banknotes judged by the banknote discrimination section are transported through the banknote transport path and stored in the collection compartment within the vault frame; when withdrawing money, banknotes removed from the collection compartment within the vault are transported through the banknote transport path, judged by the banknote discrimination section, and withdrawn from the deposit and withdrawal slot" (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-085736, etc.). <Previous Technical Documents> <Patent Documents>

[0003] <Patent Document 1> Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-085736 Summary of the Invention

[0004] <The problem the invention aims to solve> Incidentally, in banknote deposit and withdrawal devices like the one described above, a transfer relay section, such as a transfer roller, is installed at the connection opening of the vault frame to relay the transfer of banknotes between the transfer path on the upper transfer mechanism side and the transfer path on the lower banknote mechanism side. However, in banknote deposit and withdrawal devices like the one described above, if banknotes become blocked at the transfer relay section, there is a risk that the blocked banknotes may not be easily retrieved.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a paper handling apparatus that can easily remove paper that is blocked in the transport relay. <Methods for solving problems>

[0006] The paper handling apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing, an input / output processing unit, a storage unit, a transport path, and a transport relay member. The housing has a communication opening. The input / output processing unit is disposed on the outside of the housing. The storage unit is disposed inside the housing. The transport path extends from the inside of the input / output processing unit through the communication opening to the inside of the storage unit. The transport relay member is embedded in the communication opening and is used to relay the transport of paper between the transport path on the input / output processing unit side and the transport path on the storage unit side; it is composed of two or more members. The transport path passes through the inside of the transport relay member. One portion of the two or more members is fixed inside the communication opening. The other portions of the two or more members are detachably mounted on a portion of the member. When the other portions are removed from the portion of the member, the aforementioned transport path is exposed.

[0007] Based on the above configuration, by removing other components from one of the components (two or more), the paper obstructed in the transport relay section can be exposed as much as possible. Therefore, in this paper handling apparatus, the paper obstructed in the transport relay section can be removed as easily as possible.

[0008] The paper handling apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is based on the paper handling apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the transport relay member is composed of two members: a first relay member and a second relay member. The first relay member has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. The second relay member has a reflective part. The reflective part reflects light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part when the second relay member is installed on the first relay member.

[0009] Based on the above configuration, when the light-receiving part does not receive light from the light-emitting part, it is possible to recognize: a paper blockage occurs in the transport relay part, and the second transport relay part is not installed in the first transport relay part.

[0010] The paper handling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is a paper handling apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the first relay member further has a locking portion. The second relay member further has a locking portion and is capable of sliding relative to the first relay member in the extending direction of the aforementioned transport path. The locking portion is capable of locking the locking portion. By sliding the second relay member relative to the first relay member, the locking portion is locked relative to the locking portion, thereby mounting the second relay member onto the first relay member.

[0011] Based on the above configuration, the second transport relay unit can be installed on the first transport relay unit as easily as possible.

[0012] The fourth aspect of this invention relates to a transport relay member embedded in a housing having a communication opening. The transport relay member comprises a first relay member and a second relay member. The first relay member has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion and is fixed inside the communication opening. The second relay member has a reflective portion and is detachably mounted on the first relay member. The reflective portion reflects light from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion when the second relay member is mounted on the first relay member.

[0013] Based on the above configuration, when the light-receiving part does not receive light from the light-emitting part, it can recognize that: the transported material (paper, etc.) being transported from the outside of the box to the inside of the box through the communication port is blocked in the transport relay part, and the second transport relay part is not installed in the first transport relay part. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0014] Figure 1 is a right side view of a paper handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The right wall of the frame is omitted in this figure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the paper processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, the top wall, right wall, and front door of the frame are omitted in this figure, and the input / output processing device is shown removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame and recycling bin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this figure shows the recycling bin mounted on the frame. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame and the first external support member of the external support members according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this figure shows the first external support member being fastened to the middle wall of the frame. Also, the top wall, right wall, and front door of the frame are omitted in this figure. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame, the first external support member of the external support members, and the internal support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this figure shows the state before the internal support member is fastened to the middle wall of the frame, and before the first external support member of the external support members is fastened to the middle wall of the frame. Also, the top wall, right wall, and front door of the frame are omitted in this figure. Figure 6 is a front view of the first relay member of the relay member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a back view of the second relay member of the relay member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the relay component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this figure shows the second relay component being installed on the first relay component. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the relay component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this figure shows the state of the second relay component during the process of being removed from the first relay component. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view near the communication opening of the middle wall of the frame when the paper handling apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention passes through the center in the left-right direction and cuts through the surface along the up-down and front-back directions. In addition, the second relay member of the relay member is omitted in this figure. Figure 11 shows the state in which the first rod of the frame is placed on the lower front end of the first recess forming part of the internal support member related to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows the state in which the rear side of the frame, as shown in Figure 11, is raised so that the second rod of the frame is located in front of the second recess of the internal support member. Implementation

[0015] <The configuration of the paper handling apparatus related to the embodiments of the present invention> The paper processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device that can accept paper (e.g., banknotes, vouchers, tickets, securities, etc.). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1-3 and 10, the paper processing apparatus 1 mainly consists of a frame 100, an input / output processing device 200, an external support member 300, an internal support member 400, a frame 500, a recycling bin 700, a relay member 800, an internal control board IB, a first relay connector CO, a second relay connector CP, a connector support member CS, a power supply unit (not shown), and an optical prism PR. These constituent elements will be described in detail below.

[0016] 1. Frame The frame 100 is roughly rectangular in shape, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, and is mainly composed of the main body 101 and the front door 102, etc. The constituent elements are described in detail below.

[0017] (1-1) Main body part The main body 101, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, has an opening on its front side and is formed by a top wall AW, a bottom wall BW, a rear wall CW, a left wall DW, a right wall (not shown), and a middle wall FW. The top wall AW is approximately square in plan view. The bottom wall BW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, is located below the middle wall FW. The rear wall CW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, extends from the rear end of the top wall AW through the rear end of the middle wall FW to the rear end of the bottom wall BW. The left wall DW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, extends from the left end of the top wall AW through the left end of the middle wall FW to the left end of the bottom wall BW. The right wall extends from the right end of the top wall AW through the right end of the middle wall FW to the right end of the bottom wall BW. The intermediate wall portion FW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, is located between the top wall portion AW and the bottom wall portion BW. Furthermore, a communication port FW1 for embedding the relay member 800 is formed at the rear of the intermediate wall portion FW (refer to Figures 2, 4, and 5). Also, as shown in Figure 4, first insertion ports FW2 for screws (vis) FM1 are formed at four positions in front of the communication port FW1 and at two positions in the intermediate wall portion FW, respectively. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, second insertion ports FW3 for the upper end of the body portion 403a of the protrusion 403 of the internal support member 400 to pass through are formed at two positions in front of the communication port FW1 and at two positions in the intermediate wall portion FW, respectively.

[0018] (1-2) Front door As shown in FIG1, the front door 102 has an opening in the main body 101, and the opening below the middle wall portion FW is openable. It is connected to the front end of the portion below the middle wall portion FW in the left wall portion DW via a hinge or the like. When the front door 102 is closed, it can be locked to prevent it from being open. Therefore, in the paper handling apparatus 1, as shown in FIG1, the vault SB is constructed via the bottom wall portion BW, the portion below the middle wall portion FW in the rear wall portion CW, the portion below the middle wall portion FW in the left wall portion DW, the portion below the middle wall portion FW in the right wall portion, the middle wall portion FW, and the front door 102.

[0019] 2. Input / output processing device As shown in Figure 1, the input / output processing device 200 is located outside the vault SB of the frame 100, above the middle wall FW. It mainly consists of an inlet / outlet 201, a conveying mechanism (not shown), an identification unit (not shown), and a control board (not shown). The inlet / outlet 201 is an opening for loading paper into the input / output processing device 200. It can also be used, for example, to discharge paper or other items deemed unacceptable by the microcomputer on the control board based on identification information from the identification unit. The conveying mechanism is a mechanism for generating and transmitting the driving force to convey paper along a conveying path; it may consist of, for example, a motor, pulleys, or belts. The motor can rotate in both directions and, when driven by the microcomputer on the control board, transmits the driving force to the pulleys. There are multiple pulleys, with one pulley being transferred to the others via a belt. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the belt through the pulleys. The identification unit, such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, transmits paper identification information to a microcomputer on a control board. The control board is equipped with a microcomputer, such as a motor connected to a conveying mechanism or the identification unit. This microcomputer, for example, determines the type and authenticity of the paper based on the identification information from the identification unit, thus determining whether receiving the paper is possible or not.

[0020] 3. External support components The external support member 300, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, is installed on the upper part of the middle wall FW of the frame 100; it is mainly composed of the first external support member OS and the second external support member OT, etc. The constituent elements of these are described in detail below.

[0021] (3-1) First external support member The first external support member OS, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is mainly formed by a bottom wall portion OS1 and a side wall portion OS2. The bottom wall portion OS1 has a roughly square shape in plan view. Furthermore, in plan view, the bottom wall portion OS1 has a first insertion port OS1a at a position overlapping with the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 (see Figures 4 and 5). When the relay member 800 is embedded in the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100, the relay member 800 passes through the first insertion port OS1a. The side wall portion OS2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, extends from the outer end of the bottom wall portion OS1 to the upper side. Additionally, the second external support member OT, as shown in Figure 2, is disposed above the bottom wall portion OS1 and inside the side wall portion OS2, and is fastened to the first external support member OS.

[0022] Furthermore, in plan view, the bottom wall portion OS1 has a second insertion port (not shown) formed at six positions overlapping with the first insertion port FW2 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100. As shown in Figure 4, the screw FM1 passes through the first insertion port FW2 and the second insertion port of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 from the lower side (inside the vault SB). Next, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the screw FM1 is screwed into the nut FM2 at the upper part of the bottom wall portion OS1. In this way, the first external support member OS, as shown in Figure 5, is fastened to the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100. Furthermore, in plan view, the bottom wall portion OS1 has a third insertion port OS1b formed at four positions overlapping with the second insertion port FW3 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 (see Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figure 5, the upper end of the body portion 403a of the protrusion 403 of the internal support member 400 passes through the second insertion port FW3 and the third insertion port OS1b of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 from the lower side of the frame 100 (inside the vault SB). Next, as shown in Figure 5, the male thread portion 403b of the protrusion 403 of the internal support member 400 is screwed into the nut FM3. In this manner, the internal support member 400 is fastened to the external support member 300 by clamping the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100.

[0023] (3-2) Second external support member The second external support member OT, as shown in Figure 2, is a sliding mechanism OT1 having a track mechanism, etc. The input / output processing device 200 is supported by the sliding mechanism OT1, allowing it to slide back and forth. The sliding mechanism OT1 allows the input / output processing device 200 to slide from the front to the rear relative to the second external support member OT, thereby mounting the input / output processing device 200 on the second external support member OT. Furthermore, the input / output processing device 200 mounted on the external support member 300 can slide from the rear to the front, thereby removing the input / output processing device 200. Also, in plan view, the second external support member OT has an insertion port formed at the overlapping position of the first insertion port OS1a of the first external support member OS. When the relay member 800 is inserted into the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100, the relay member 800 passes through the insertion port.

[0024] 4. Internal support components The internal support member 400, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, is installed below the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 and is mainly formed by an upper wall portion 401, a side wall portion 402, and a protrusion 403. The upper wall portion 401, as shown in Figure 5, is approximately square in plan view. Furthermore, in plan view, an insertion opening 401a is formed on the upper wall portion 401 at a position overlapping with the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 (see Figure 5). When the relay member 800 is inserted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100, the relay member 800 passes through the insertion opening 401a. The side wall portion 402, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, extends from the outer end of the upper wall portion 401 to the lower side. Furthermore, a first recess RE1, recessed at the rear side, is formed at the center of the upper and lower direction of the front end of the right wall portion of the side wall portion 402 and at the center of the upper and lower direction of the front end of the left wall portion of the side wall portion 402 (see Figures 1 and 5). Also, a second recess RE2, recessed at the rear side, is formed at the lower part of the rear end of the right wall portion of the side wall portion 402 and at the lower part of the rear end of the left wall portion of the side wall portion 402 (see Figures 1 and 5). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the first recess RE1 is located at a higher position than the second recess RE2. Also, the distance from the rear end of the first recess RE1 to the rear end of the second recess RE2 is equal to the distance from the rear end of the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 to the rear end of the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500. Furthermore, the length of the first mounting portion 402a for the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 that supports the first recess RE1 is longer than the length of the second mounting portion 402b for the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 that supports the second recess RE2. The protrusion 403, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, extends upwards from the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right portions of the upper wall portion 401, and is formed by the body portion 403a and the male thread portion 403b. The body portion 403a, as shown in Figure 5, is approximately cylindrical. Additionally, as shown in Figure 5, the radius of the upper end of the body portion 403a is smaller than the radius of the lower portion of the upper end of the body portion 403a. The male thread portion 403b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the body portion 403a (see Figure 5). As described above, the male thread portion 403b is capable of engaging with the nut FM3.

[0025] 5. Framework The frame 500, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is mainly composed of the main body FR, the first rod RO1, and the second rod RO2. The constituent elements of these components will be described in detail below.

[0026] (5-1)Main body part The main body FR, as shown in Figures 1-3, is formed by a bottom wall FR1, a rear wall FR2, a left wall FR3, and a right wall FR4. The bottom wall FR1, in plan view, has a roughly square shape. The rear wall FR2, as shown in Figure 1, extends from the rear end of the bottom wall FR1 to the upper side. The left wall FR3, as shown in Figure 3, extends from the left end of the bottom wall FR1 to the upper side. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a first left-side insertion opening is formed at the front end of the upper part of the left wall FR3, and a second left-side insertion opening is formed at the rear end of the upper part of the left wall FR3. The first left-side insertion opening is located higher than the second left-side insertion opening. The right wall FR4, as shown in Figures 1-3, extends from the right end of the bottom wall FR1 to the upper side. Additionally, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a first right-side insertion opening is formed at the front end of the upper end of the right wall portion FR4; a second right-side insertion opening is formed at the rear end of the upper end of the right wall portion FR4. The first right-side insertion opening is located at the same height as the first left-side insertion opening, and the second right-side insertion opening is located at the same height as the second left-side insertion opening.

[0027] (5-2) First rod section As shown in Figures 1-3, the first rod portion RO1 passes through the first left-side insertion port and the first right-side insertion port of the main body portion FR and is fixed to the main body portion FR. Although detailed later, the first rod portion RO1 can enter the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the first rod portion RO1 is located at a higher position than the second rod portion RO2.

[0028] (5-3) Second rod section The second rod portion RO2, as shown in Figures 1-3, passes through the second left-side insertion port and the second right-side insertion port of the main body portion FR and is fixed to the main body portion FR. Although detailed later, the second rod portion RO2 can enter the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. Furthermore, as described above, the distance from the rear end of the first rod portion RO1 to the rear end of the second rod portion RO2 is equal to the distance from the rear end of the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400 to the rear end of the second recess RE2.

[0029] 6. Recycling bin The recycling bin 700 is a roughly rectangular box for storing papers transported from the input / output processing device 200, as shown in Figures 1-3, and is disposed inside the vault SB of the frame 100. Furthermore, with the recycling bin 700 located between the left wall FR3 and the right wall FR4 on the upper side of the bottom wall FR1 of the frame 500, the recycling bin 700 can be installed in the frame 500 by pushing it into the rear wall FR2 (see Figure 3). Inside the recycling bin 700 is a recognition sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) for identifying the number and status of the papers inside. This recognition sensor is connected to the internal control board IB and transmits the paper recognition information to the microcomputer of the internal control board IB.

[0030] 7. Relay components As described above, the relay member 800 is embedded in the communication port FW1 of the middle wall portion FW of the frame 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6-9, the relay member 800 is mainly composed of a first relay member 801 and a second relay member 802. In addition, the paper handling apparatus 1 has a transport path extending from the inside of the input / output processing device 200 through the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802 to the inside of the recycling bin 700; the relay member 800 is used to relay the transport of paper between the transport path on the input / output processing device 200 side and the transport path on the recycling bin 700 side. These constituent elements will be described in detail below.

[0031] (7-1) First relay component The first relay member 801 is embedded in the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 and then fastened to the external support member 300 by screws or the like. That is, the first relay member 801 is fixed inside the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the first relay member 801 is mainly composed of the body portion MA, the roller MB, and the optical sensor MC.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the main body MA is primarily formed by the base MA1, the left side wall MA2, the left side protrusion MA3, the right side wall MA4, and the right side protrusion MA5. The base MA1, as shown in Figure 6, is a plate-like portion that appears roughly square in shape when viewed from the front. Additionally, as shown in Figure 6, openings MA1a are formed on the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right sides of the base MA1. The left side wall MA2, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, extends from the left end of the base MA1 to the front side. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a left-side locking portion MA2a, recessed on the inner side (left side), is formed at the upper right end of the left side wall MA2. As shown in Figure 8, the left-side locking portion NA3 of the main body NA of the second relay member 802 is capable of locking relative to the left-side locking portion MA2a. As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the left protrusion MA3 extends from the right end of the left wall MA2, starting from the portion below the left locking portion MA2a, to the right side. The right wall MA4, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, extends from the right end of the base MA1 to the front side. Furthermore, although not shown, a right locking portion with an inward (right) recess is formed at the upper end of the left end of the right wall MA4. The right locking portion NA5 of the body NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked relative to the right locking portion. As shown in Figure 6, the right protrusion MA5 extends from the left end of the right wall MA4, starting from the portion below the right locking portion, to the left side.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the roller MB is rotatably disposed inside the opening MA1a of the base part MA1 of the main body part MA.

[0034] The optical sensor MC, for example, is composed of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, as shown in FIG. 6, and is located at the lower end of the central part of the base part MA1 in the left-right direction of the main body part MA. Furthermore, the optical sensor MC is connected to the internal control board IB via the second relay connector CP, and transmits the detection result information of the light received by the light-emitting part to the microcomputer of the internal control board IB. Also, when the second relay member 802 is installed on the first relay member 801, the optical sensor MC faces the reflective member NC of the second relay member 802. Additionally, when the light-receiving part receives light from the light-emitting part, the second relay member 802 is installed on the first relay member 801, and there is no paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. When the second relay member 802 is not installed on the first relay member 801, the light emitted by the light-emitting part is not reflected by the reflective member NC of the second relay member 802, and the light-receiving part does not receive the light emitted by the light-emitting part. Although the second relay member 802 is installed on the first relay member 801, if there is paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802, the light emitted by the light-emitting part is blocked by the paper; the light-receiving part does not receive the light emitted by the light-emitting part.

[0035] (7-2) Second relay component The second relay component 802 is a component that can be freely installed and detached from the first relay component 801 (see Figures 8 and 9). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the second relay component 802 is mainly composed of a body part NA, a roller NB, and a reflective component NC.

[0036] The main body NA, as shown in Figures 7-9, is primarily formed by the base NA1, the left protrusion NA2, the left locking part NA3, the right protrusion NA4, and the right locking part NA5. The base NA1, as shown in Figure 7, is a plate-like portion with a roughly square shape when viewed from the back. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7-9, openings NA1a are formed on the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right portions of the base NA1. Also, a left groove (not shown) is formed on the left wall of the base NA1 below the left protrusion NA2; and a right groove NA1b is formed on the right wall of the base NA1 below the right protrusion NA4 (see Figure 9). The left protrusion NA2, as shown in Figures 7-9, extends from the center of the left wall of the base NA1 downwards to the left side and then upwards. The left locking portion NA3, as shown in Figures 7-9, extends from the center of the left protrusion NA2 in a vertical direction to the left side. The right protrusion NA4, as shown in Figures 7-9, extends from the center of the right wall of the base portion NA1 in a vertical direction to the right side and then to the upper side. The right locking portion NA7, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, extends from the center of the right protrusion NA4 in a vertical direction to the right side.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the roller NB is rotatably disposed inside the opening NA1a of the base part NA1 of the main body part NA.

[0038] The reflective member NC is, for example, an optical prism, as shown in FIG7, and is located at the lower part of the center of the base part MA1 in the left-right direction of the main body part NA. As described above, the reflective member NC is facing the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 when the second relay member 802 is installed on the first relay member 801.

[0039] Here, the method of installing the second relay member 802 onto the first relay member 801 is described. First, the left groove of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 is positioned directly above the left protrusion MA3 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right groove NA1b of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 is positioned directly above the right protrusion MA5 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801. Next, the second relay member 802 is moved downwards, so that the left protrusion MA3 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801 is embedded in the left groove of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802, and the right protrusion MA5 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801 is embedded in the right groove NA1b of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802. When the protrusion is embedded in the groove, the second relay member 802 can slide vertically relative to the first relay member 801. Next, by sliding the second relay member 802 downward relative to the first relay member 801, the left locking portion NA3 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the left locking portion MA2a of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right locking portion NA5 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the right locking portion of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801. In this manner, the second relay member 802 can be installed on the first relay member 801.

[0040] Next, the method for removing the second relay member 802 from the first relay member 801 will be explained. First, for example, the left protrusion NA2 and the right protrusion NA4 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 are grasped with fingers or the like and tilted inward. This releases the locking state of the left locking portion NA3 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 relative to the left locking portion MA2a of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and releases the locking state of the right locking portion NA5 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 relative to the right locking portion of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801. Next, the second relay member 802 is slidably moved upward relative to the first relay member 801. Next, the left protrusion MA3 of the body MA of the first relay member 801 is pulled out from the left groove of the body NA of the second relay member 802, and the right protrusion MA5 of the body MA of the first relay member 801 is pulled out from the right groove NA1b of the body NA of the second relay member 802. In this way, the second relay member 802 can be removed from the first relay member 801. In addition, when the second relay member 802 is removed from the first relay member 801, the transport path will be exposed in the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the frame 100.

[0041] 8. Internal control board The internal control board IB, as shown in Figure 3, is located at the rear of the top wall of the recycling bin 700, inside the vault SB of the frame 100, directly below the communication port FW1 of the middle wall FW. Furthermore, the internal control board IB is equipped with a microcomputer, LEDs, etc. The microcomputer, for example, identifies the number and status of papers inside the recycling bin 700 based on identification information from the identification sensors inside the recycling bin 700, and turns the LEDs on or off accordingly.

[0042] Furthermore, the internal control board IB is connected to the control board of the input / output processing device 200 via the first relay connector CO, and is also connected to the power supply circuit board of the power supply unit.

[0043] Furthermore, the internal control board IB is connected to the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 via the second relay connector CP. Next, the microcomputer receives and obtains detection result information from the optical sensor MC, showing the light received by the light-emitting part of the optical sensor MC. When this detection result information is received from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer determines that the second relay member 802 is installed on the first relay member 801, and that the paper is not present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. On the other hand, when this detection result information is not received from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer determines that the second relay member 802 is not installed on the first relay member 801 or that the paper is present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0044] 9. First relay connector The first relay connector CO, as described above, is used to relay the connection between the internal control board IB and the control board of the input / output processing device 200. Also, as described above, the first relay connector CO is used to relay the connection between the internal control board IB and the power supply circuit board of the power supply unit. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 10, the first relay connector CO is embedded in the left opening of the top wall of the connector support member CS and supported by the connector support member CS. Additionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 10, the first relay connector CO is located on the upper side of the middle wall FW of the frame 100 (outside the vault SB).

[0045] 10. Second relay connector The second relay connector CP, as described above, is used to relay the connection between the internal control board IB and the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second relay connector CP is embedded in the right opening of the top wall of the connector support member CS and supported by the connector support member CS. Additionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second relay connector CP is located on the upper side of the middle wall FW of the frame 100 (outside the vault SB).

[0046] 11. Connector support components The connector support member CS, as described above, is a component used to support the first repeater connector CO and the second repeater connector CP. The connector support member CS is mainly formed by a top wall, a front wall, a left wall, a right wall, and a protrusion. The top wall, in plan view, has a roughly square shape. An opening for inserting the first repeater connector CO is formed on the left side of the top wall, and an opening for inserting the second repeater connector CP is formed on the right side of the top wall. The front wall extends downwards from the front end of the top wall. The left wall extends downwards from the left end of the top wall. The right wall extends downwards from the right end of the top wall. The protrusion extends upwards from the center of the rear end of the top wall in a left-right direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG10, the connector support member CS is disposed on the upper side of the bottom wall OS1 of the first external support member OS of the external support member 300 and on the front side of the rear wall of the side wall OS2. Next, the protrusion of the connector support member CS is the rear wall of the side wall of the first external support member OS of the external support member 300 (see Figure 10).

[0047] 12. Department of Electricity Supply The power supply unit is mainly composed of a power supply circuit board, etc. As described above, the power supply circuit board is connected to the internal control board IB via the first relay connector CO. Furthermore, the power supply circuit board is connected to the control board of the input / output processing device 200.

[0048] 13. Optical prism As shown in Figure 10, the optical prism PR is installed inside the communication port FW1 of the middle wall portion FW of the frame 100, behind the base portion MA1 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800. Furthermore, the optical prism PR is used to reflect the light from the LED mounted on the internal control board IB, illuminating the interior of the communication port FW1 of the middle wall portion FW of the frame 100.

[0049] <Method for mounting a frame on an internal support member in a paper processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention> First, as shown in FIG. 11, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is inserted into the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400, with the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 supported on the front end of the first mounting portion 402a of the internal support member 400. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the rear side of the frame 500 (the side of the second rod portion RO2) is raised, so that the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is located in front of the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. At this time, the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 has not yet entered the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. Next, the frame 500 is moved from the front side to the rear side. Thereby, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is pushed deep into the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400, and the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is pushed deep into the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400 (see FIG. 1). In this way, the frame 500 can be mounted on the internal support member 400 (see Figure 1).

[0050] Furthermore, the recycling bin 700, as described above, is mounted on the frame 500. Therefore, the recycling bin 700 can be freely installed and detached from the front through the frame 500 onto the internal support member 400. Alternatively, the recycling bin 700 can be installed on the frame 500 first, and then the frame 500 can be installed on the internal support member 400 as described above; or the frame 500 can be installed on the internal support member 400 first, and then the recycling bin 700 can be installed on the frame 500.

[0051] <Method for removing the frame from the internal support member in a paper handling apparatus related to an embodiment of the present invention> First, the frame 500 is moved from the rear to the front, and the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is pulled out from the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. At this time, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is placed at the front end of the first mounting portion 402a of the internal support member 400. Next, the rear side of the frame 500 (the side of the second rod portion RO2) is lowered, and the frame 500 is moved from the rear to the front, and the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is pulled out from the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400. In this way, the frame 500 can be removed from the internal support member 400.

[0052] <The flow of paper when it is determined to be acceptable at the inlet and outlet of the input / output processing device> First, when paper is installed at the inlet / outlet 201 of the input / output processing device 200, the microcomputer on the control board of the input / output processing device 200 drives the motor of the conveying mechanism of the input / output processing device 200. In this way, the paper is guided into the input / output processing device 200 through the conveying path. Next, the paper is recognized by the recognition unit of the input / output processing device 200. Then, when the microcomputer on the control board determines that the paper is acceptable based on the recognition information from the recognition unit of the input / output processing device 200, the paper is conveyed between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 in the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100. Finally, the paper is conveyed to and stored inside the recycling bin 700.

[0053] <The flow of paper when it is determined to be unacceptable at the inlet and outlet of the input / output processing device> First, when paper is placed at the inlet / outlet 201 of the input / output processing device 200, the microcomputer on the control board of the input / output processing device 200 drives the motor of the conveying mechanism of the input / output processing device 200. The paper is then guided into the input / output processing device 200 via the conveying path. Next, the paper is recognized by the recognition unit of the input / output processing device 200. Then, if the microcomputer on the control board of the input / output processing device 200 determines that the paper is unacceptable based on the recognition information from the recognition unit, it causes the motor of the conveying mechanism of the input / output processing device 200 to rotate in the reverse direction. Finally, the paper is discharged from the inlet / outlet 201 of the input / output processing device 200.

[0054] Features of the paper handling apparatus related to this embodiment> (1) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 is fastened to the external support member 300 by screws or the like after being inserted into the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100. Furthermore, the second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 is detachably mounted to the first relay member 801. The transport path passes between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802, and the second relay member 802 is exposed when it is removed from the first relay member 801. Therefore, in this paper handling apparatus 1, by removing the second relay member 802 from the first relay member 801, paper blocked in the relay member 800 can be exposed as much as possible. Thus, in this paper handling apparatus 1, paper blocked in the relay member 800 can be removed as easily as possible.

[0055] (2) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 is an optical sensor MC consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. Furthermore, the second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 has a reflective member NC that reflects light from the light-emitting part of the optical sensor MC to the light-receiving part when the first relay member 801 is installed. Therefore, in this paper handling apparatus 1, when the light-receiving part does not receive light from the light-emitting part of the optical sensor MC, it is possible to recognize that paper blockage has occurred in the relay member 800 and that the second relay member 802 is not installed in the first relay member 801.

[0056] (3) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second relay member 802 can slide downward relative to the first relay member 801. Furthermore, the left-side locking portion NA3 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked with the left-side locking portion MA2a of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right-side locking portion NA5 of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked with the right-side locking portion of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801. Therefore, in this paper handling apparatus 1, the second relay member 802 can be installed on the first relay member 801 as easily as possible. <Variation Example> (A) Although not mentioned in the previous embodiment of the paper handling apparatus 1, a recirculating storage device connected to the recycling bin 700 can also be installed inside the vault SB. The recirculating storage device, for example, consists of a drum section and a conveying mechanism. The drum section rolls the paper onto its outer periphery, allowing the paper to be stored inside the recirculating storage device. The conveying mechanism is a mechanism for generating and transmitting the driving force that moves the paper along the conveying path; for example, it consists of a motor, pulleys, and belts. The motor is capable of rotating in both directions, and when the motor is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the pulleys. There are multiple pulleys, with one pulley connected to the others via a belt. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the belt through the pulleys.

[0057] When paper is received at the inlet / outlet 201 of the input / output processing device 200, the paper can be stored not only inside the recycling bin 700, but also inside the recirculation storage device. Furthermore, the paper stored inside the recirculation storage device can be discharged from the inlet / outlet 201 of the input / output processing device 200, for example, as loose change.

[0058] (B) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of the previous embodiment, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB receives detection result information from the optical sensor MC, indicating that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC receives light from the light-emitting part. However, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB can also receive detection result information from the optical sensor MC, indicating that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC does not receive light from the light-emitting part. When this detection result information is received from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB determines that the second relay member 802 is not installed in the first relay member 801 or that paper is present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. On the other hand, when this detection result information is not received from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB determines that the second relay member 802 is installed in the first relay member 801 and that paper is not present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0059] Furthermore, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB can also receive from the optical sensor MC both: detection result information showing that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC receives light from the light-emitting part, and detection result information showing that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC does not receive light from the light-emitting part. When receiving the former detection result information from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB determines that: the second relay member 802 is installed in the first relay member 801 and the paper is present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. Conversely, when receiving the latter detection result information from the optical sensor MC, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB determines that: the second relay member 802 is not installed in the first relay member 801, or the paper is present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0060] (C) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of the previous embodiment, the relay member 800 is composed of a first relay member 801 and a second relay member 802. However, the relay member 800 may also be composed of three or more members. In this case, one part of the three or more members may be embedded in the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the frame 100 and then fastened to the external support member 300 by screws or the like. Furthermore, the other members of the three or more members may be members that can be freely installed and detached from one part of the three or more members.

[0061] (D) In the paper handling apparatus 1 of the previous embodiment, the second relay member 802 is mounted on the first relay member 801 by positioning the left groove of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 directly above the left protrusion MA3 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and positioning the right groove NA1b of the body portion NA of the second relay member 802 directly above the right protrusion MA5 of the body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and then sliding the second relay member 802 downward relative to the first relay member 801. However, the method of mounting the second relay member 802 on the first relay member 801 can also be other methods. For example, the second relay member 802 can be mounted on the first relay member 801 by means of a hinge, allowing the second relay member 802 to rotate freely relative to the first relay member 801.

[0062] In addition, the above variations can be used individually or in combination.

[0063] 1: Paper handling device 100: Frame (Box) 200: Input / output processing unit (I / O processing section) 700: Recycling Bin (Storage Section) 800: Relay Component (Transportation Relay Unit) 801: First relay component 802: Second relay component FW1: Connector MA:Main body department MA1: Base MA2: Left side wall MA2a: Left side stuck part (stuck part) MA3: Left protrusion MA4: Right side wall MC: Optical sensor (light-emitting part, light-receiving part) NA1a: Opening NA1b: Right side groove NA2: Protrusion NA3: Left side locking part (locking part) NA4: Right protrusion NA5: Right side locking part (locking part) NB: Roller NC: Reflector

Claims

1. A paper handling apparatus comprising: a housing having a communication port; an input / output processing unit disposed outside the housing; a storage unit disposed inside the housing; a transport path extending from inside the input / output processing unit through the communication port to inside the storage unit; and a transport relay member embedded in the communication port for relaying paper transport between the transport path on the side of the input / output processing unit and the transport path on the side of the storage unit, and comprising two or more members; wherein the transport path passes through the inside of the transport relay member; a portion of the two or more members is fixed inside the communication port; the other members of the two or more members are detachably mounted to the portion; when the other members are removed from the portion, the transport path is exposed.

2. The paper handling apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned transport relay member is composed of two members, a first relay member and a second relay member; the aforementioned first relay member has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part; the aforementioned second relay member has a reflective part, which, when installed on the aforementioned first relay member, reflects light from the aforementioned light-emitting part to the aforementioned light-receiving part.

3. The paper handling apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein the first relay member further has a locking portion; the second relay member further has a locking portion capable of locking the locking portion, and is capable of sliding relative to the first relay member in the extension direction of the transport path; the locking portion locks the locking portion by sliding the second relay member relative to the first relay member, thereby allowing the second relay member to be mounted on the first relay member.

4. A transport relay component, which is a transport relay component embedded in a housing having a communication port, and comprising: a first relay component having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and fixed inside the aforementioned communication port; a second relay component having a reflective portion, and detachably mounted on the aforementioned first relay component; wherein the aforementioned reflective portion reflects light from the aforementioned light-emitting portion to the aforementioned light-receiving portion when the aforementioned second relay component is mounted on the aforementioned first relay component.

Images