Paper storage container

Abstract

A paper storage container is realized that can accurately remove paper sheets one by one using a simple mechanism. The paper stack is held in a manner that positions the topmost paper of the paper stack placed on the paper mounting platform (3) approximately in the same position as the air inlet. The paper stack is held by the paper mounting platform (3) and clamping members (5a, 5b) while applying upward force to the paper mounting platform using an elastic member. Furthermore, in this state, within the paper storage container (100), by blowing air laterally towards the topmost paper of the paper stack placed on the paper mounting platform (3), the topmost paper can be lifted up near its center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for containers for storing paper. Background Technology

[0002] A banknote processing system has been developed for recycling banknotes stored in collection boxes that are detachably installed on, for example, game machines in an amusement park, and for verifying whether the sales amount of each collection box matches the total amount of banknotes actually recycled from the collection box.

[0003] In a banknote processing system, counting banknotes on each bundle retrieved from a collection box is inefficient and cannot be done continuously. Therefore, in a banknote processing system, banknote bundles retrieved from multiple collection boxes (e.g., ...) are counted sequentially. Figure 24 Bills (CB1) to Bills (CBN), N: a natural number, CBk: the k-th (1≤k≤N) collection box, Bills (CBk): the bills collected from the k-th collection box. This creates a batch (stack) of bills (bill stacks). Figure 24 The batches (Batch1 to BatchN) are then combined to create batch bundles (e.g., ...). Figure 24 The batch (Batch_G1) is passed through an automatic banknote counter (sorter) for banknote counting. Thus, in the banknote handling system, banknote counting can be performed continuously without stopping the automatic banknote counter (sorter), resulting in efficient banknote counting. At this time, in order to obtain the total amount of banknotes stored in each collection box, the automatic banknote counter (sorter) separates the banknotes using dividers (e.g., Figure 24 The separator cards Sep_card1 to Sep_cardN are inserted into the bundles of banknotes taken from each collection box to generate a batch (a stack of banknote bundles) (e.g. Figure 24 (See, for example, Patent Document 1). A barcode, for example, is printed on the separator card. An automatic banknote counter (sorter) can identify the separator card by reading the barcode. The banknote processing system identifies the collection box by reading information from a label (e.g., an RF label) assigned to each collection box, obtains information about the separator card inserted into the banknote bundles removed from that collection box (e.g., information determined by the barcode printed on the surface of the separator card), and generates data that associates the information about the collection box with the information about the separator card. Furthermore, in the banknote processing system, the automatic banknote counter (sorter), based on the data that associates the information about the collection box and the information about the separator card, can identify that the banknote bundles separated by the separator card are banknote bundles recovered from the collection box associated with that separator card, and can obtain the total amount recovered from that collection box.

[0004] In this way, by using separator cards, continuous banknote counting can be achieved in the banknote processing system, and the total amount of banknote bundles recovered from each collection box can be obtained.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-67522 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In a banknote processing system, to perform the aforementioned processing, it is necessary to insert separator cards one by one into bundles of banknotes collected from the collection box. To achieve this, it is possible to remove the separator cards one by one from a container, for example, containing multiple separator cards, and insert the removed separator cards into the bundles of banknotes collected from the collection box (e.g., placing the separator cards on the bundles of banknotes collected from the collection box). In other words, it is possible to use a paper feeder that removes separator cards one by one from a container containing multiple separator cards.

[0010] However, such a paper feeding device requires a complex feeding mechanism (e.g., a feeding mechanism for picking up paper one by one) to remove divider cards one by one from a container containing multiple divider cards, as well as sensors to detect whether the fed divider cards are duplicates. Therefore, using the paper feeding device described above to remove divider cards one by one from a container containing multiple divider cards and insert the removed divider cards into bundles of banknotes returned from the collection box would increase costs.

[0011] Alternatively, one could consider manually removing the divider cards one by one from a container containing multiple divider cards and inserting them into the bundles of banknotes collected from the collection box. However, this would also require labor costs, increasing the overall cost.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can reliably remove sheets of paper one by one using a simple mechanism (e.g., separator cards).

[0013] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to realize a paper storage container that can use a simple mechanism to remove paper (e.g., dividers) one sheet at a time with high precision.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] To solve the above problems, the first invention is a paper storage container, comprising: a bottom, a paper holding platform for holding paper, an elastic member, a clamping member, and a side wall.

[0016] The elastic component is located between the bottom and the paper platform and is used to apply force upward to the paper platform.

[0017] A clamping component is a component used together with a paper carrier to clamp the paper placed on the paper carrier.

[0018] A hole is provided in the side wall to allow air to flow in from the outside when the paper is placed on the paper platform, so that the air is at a height approximately the same as the surface of the topmost paper.

[0019] In this paper storage container, an elastic member applies upward force to the paper mounting platform, and the paper mounting platform and clamping member clamp the paper stack so that the position (height) of the topmost paper in the paper stack on the paper mounting platform is approximately the same as the position (height) of the hole through which air flows in. Furthermore, in this state, by blowing air laterally (horizontally) towards the topmost paper in the paper stack on the paper mounting platform 3, the topmost paper can be lifted up near its center, and the air can separate the papers near the top (forming gaps). Also, in this state, by adsorbing, for example, the center of the topmost paper and lifting it upward, the topmost paper can be easily and reliably removed from the paper storage container 100.

[0020] Therefore, in this paper storage container, a simple mechanism (such as a divider card) can be used to remove the paper one by one with high precision.

[0021] The second invention is a paper storage container, comprising: a bottom, a paper holding platform for holding paper, an elastic member, a clamping member, and a side wall.

[0022] The elastic component is located between the bottom and the paper platform and is used to apply force upward to the paper platform.

[0023] A clamping component is a component used together with a paper carrier to clamp the paper placed on the paper carrier.

[0024] A hole is provided in the side wall to allow air to flow from the outside into a position lower than the surface of the topmost paper when the paper is placed on the paper platform.

[0025] In this paper storage container, an elastic member applies upward force to the paper mounting platform, and the paper mounting platform and clamping member clamp the paper stack so that the air inlet is located lower than the position (height) of the topmost paper in the paper stack on the paper mounting platform. Furthermore, in this state, by blowing air from below the topmost paper towards the topmost paper in the paper stack on the paper mounting platform 3, the topmost paper can be lifted up near its center, and the air can separate the papers near the top (forming gaps). In this state, by adsorbing, for example, the center of the topmost paper and lifting it upward, the topmost paper can be easily and reliably removed from the paper storage container 100.

[0026] Therefore, in this paper storage container, a simple mechanism (such as a divider card) can be used to remove the paper one by one with high precision.

[0027] The third invention, in addition to the first or second invention, includes a flow path limiting component for restricting the flow path of air.

[0028] Therefore, by restricting the airflow path within this paper storage container, the top sheet of paper on the paper platform can be lifted more efficiently. Specifically, when only one or more sheets of paper remain on the paper platform, the airflow into the paper storage container is limited by the flow path restriction component, increasing the airflow near the center of the lower surface of the remaining one or more sheets. This results in the remaining one or more sheets being lifted near their center. Thus, even when only one or more sheets remain on the paper platform, the paper can be reliably removed one sheet at a time from this paper storage container.

[0029] The fourth invention is an improvement upon the third invention, in which a flow path limiting member is provided on a paper carrier platform and positioned such that the flow rate of air flowing through the paper carrier platform near the center of the paper carrier platform is greater than the flow rate of air on the paper carrier platform excluding the area near the center.

[0030] Therefore, in this paper storage container, air can be concentrated near the center of the paper platform, resulting in a more efficient lifting of the center of the top layer of paper on the paper platform.

[0031] The fifth aspect of the invention is that, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the clamping member is configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis along the inner wall of the side wall near the upper end of the side wall portion, and has a locking mechanism for locking the rotation. Therefore, the clamping member (1) clamps the paper placed on the paper platform together with the paper platform when the rotation is locked by the locking mechanism, and (2) when the rotation is not locked by the locking mechanism, the clamping member can be rotated to insert the paper into the interior of the paper storage container from the outside.

[0032] Therefore, in this paper storage container, when the clamping member is in the unlocked state, paper can be inserted into the interior of the paper storage container from the outside, and when the clamping member is in the locked state, paper placed on the paper placement table can be reliably clamped together with the paper placement table.

[0033] Invention Effects

[0034] According to the present invention, a paper storage container is made that can use a simple mechanism to remove sheets of paper (e.g., separator cards) one by one with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 These are top views (above) and cross-sectional views (cross-sectional views along line AA) (below) of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and a view showing the rotation axis of the front panel portion 6.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram used to explain the rotation operation (opening and closing operation) of the front panel 6.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the holes in the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 The diagram shows a top view (top view) and an exterior view (perspective view) (bottom view) of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and schematically shows the flow path of air flowing into the paper storage container 100.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for illustrating the placement of paper on the paper mounting platform 3.

[0043] Figure 9 This is the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The sectional view along line AA is a diagram used to illustrate the placement of paper on the paper mounting platform 3.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a top view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram used to illustrate the airflow path restriction.

[0045] Figure 11 This is an enlarged top view and an enlarged view along the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0046] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a portion of the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment, which is an enlarged view and is used to explain the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front panel portion 6 of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the paper storage container 100, used to illustrate the action of inserting the bundle of paper G_sep_cards.

[0050] Figure 16 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view of the AA line, used to illustrate the action when inserting the bundle of paper G_sep_cards.

[0051] Figure 17 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view of the AA line, used to illustrate the action when inserting the bundle of paper G_sep_cards.

[0052] Figure 18This is a magnified top view of the paper storage container 100 (above) and the paper storage container 100 itself. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the paper removal process.

[0053] Figure 19 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along the AA line and is used to illustrate the paper insertion process.

[0054] Figure 20 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along the AA line and is used to illustrate the paper insertion process.

[0055] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100, illustrating the fixing components Dev_fixA and Dev_fixB used to stably fix the tube for allowing air to flow into the interior of the paper storage container 100.

[0056] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100A.

[0057] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of paper storage container 100 and paper storage container 100A.

[0058] Figure 24 It is a diagram used to illustrate banknote bundles, separator cards, batches, and batch bundles. Detailed Implementation

[0059] [First Implementation Method]

[0060] The first embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] <1.1: Structure of Paper Storage Container>

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 2 The figures below are a top view (above) and a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA) of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 4This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and a view showing the rotation axis of the front panel portion 6.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram used to explain the rotation operation (opening and closing operation) of the front panel 6.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the holes in the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment, and it is an enlarged view showing the arrangement along... Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0068] Figure 7 The diagram shows a top view (top view) and an exterior view (perspective view) (bottom view) of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and schematically shows the flow path of air flowing into the paper storage container 100.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for illustrating the placement of paper on the paper mounting platform 3.

[0070] Figure 9 The edge of the paper storage container 100 in the first embodiment Figure 2 The sectional view along line AA is a diagram used to illustrate the placement of paper on the paper mounting platform 3.

[0071] Figure 10 This is a top view of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram used to illustrate the airflow path restriction.

[0072] Figure 11 This is an enlarged top view and an enlarged view along the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0073] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0074] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a portion of the paper storage container 100 of the first embodiment, which is an enlarged view and is used to explain the structure of the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b.

[0075] Figure 14This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front panel portion 6 of the paper storage container 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0076] It should be noted that, as Figures 1 to 14 As shown, set the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0077] Paper storage container 100 is used, for example, in a banknote processing system to hold bundles of banknotes collected from multiple collection boxes, stacked together, and used to create batches (banknote stacks). The paper (e.g., separator cards) are used in this process. Figure 24 A container for the separator cards Sep_card1 to Sep_cardN.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the paper storage container 100 includes: a bottom 1, a side wall 2, a paper holding platform 3, a first flow path restriction part 4a (flow path restriction member), a second flow path restriction part 4b (flow path restriction member), a first baffle part 5a (clamping member), a second baffle part 5b (clamping member), and a front panel part 6 that can be opened and closed freely.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the paper storage container 100 has an elastic member Spr1 disposed between the bottom 1 and the paper mounting platform 3.

[0080] The bottom 1 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate that allows the paper storage container 100 to be placed on a flat floor or table and serves to support the side wall portion 2. Additionally, the bottom 1 is a component that supports the elastic member Spr1 on its upper surface. Furthermore, the bottom 1, together with the side wall portion 2 and the front panel portion 6 (the front panel portion 6 in the closed state), ensures space for storing paper in a position placed on the paper placement table 3.

[0081] The sidewall portion 2 is, for example, composed of a rectangular flat plate. The sidewall portion 2 includes a first sidewall portion 2a, a second sidewall portion 2b, and a third sidewall portion 2c. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sidewall portions 2 (first sidewall portion 2a, second sidewall portion 2b, and third sidewall portion 2c) extend vertically along the periphery of the bottom 1. Figure 1 The side wall 2, together with the bottom 1 and the front panel 6 (the front panel 6 in the closed state), extends in a manner that ensures space for storing paper on the paper placement table 3. It should be noted that, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first sidewall portion 2a has a rotation shaft support portion 2a1 that supports the rotation shaft rot_ax_6 for opening and closing the front panel portion 6 by rotation, and the second sidewall portion 2b has a rotation shaft support portion 2b1 that supports the rotation shaft rot_ax_6 for opening and closing the front panel portion 6 by rotation. Thus, as... Figure 5As shown, the front panel 6 can be configured to rotate freely around the rotation axis rot_ax_6, allowing it to open and close freely. It should be noted that when the front panel 6 is in the closed state, a predetermined locking mechanism can maintain this closed state. The front panel is kept in contact with the side wall 2 (the metal plate is attracted by the magnet) by magnets and metal plates respectively located at corresponding positions on, for example, the side wall 2 and the front panel 6, thereby keeping the front panel 6 in the closed state.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the side wall portion 2 has a hole near its upper part for allowing air to flow from the outside of the paper storage container 100 to the inside. Specifically, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the second sidewall portion 2b has three holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b) and Hole3 (2b) near its upper part, and the third sidewall portion 2c has one hole Hole1 (2c) near its upper part.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the three holes Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b), and Hole3(2b) each have a cylindrical shape, and their central axis height, i.e., the z-coordinate value z_center, is formed on the second sidewall portion 2b in approximately the same manner. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the positions (z-coordinate value z_center) of the central axes of the three holes Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b) and Hole3(2b) are formed to be approximately the same as (approximately the same height) as the position of the upper surface of the paper platform 3 when no paper is placed on it.

[0084] Furthermore, Hole 1 (2c) has a cylindrical shape, and the height (z-coordinate value z_center) of its central axis is approximately the same as that of Holes 1 (2b), 2 (2b), and 3 (2b) (approximately the same z-coordinate value). A cross-section orthogonal to the central axis is formed in the third sidewall portion 2c in a manner that is approximately the same shape as the cross-sections orthogonal to the central axis of Holes 1 (2b), 2 (2b), and 3 (2b). Moreover, the position (z-coordinate value z_center) of Hole 1 (2c) is formed so that it is approximately the same as the position (approximately the same height) of the upper surface of the paper mounting platform 3 in the state where no paper is mounted on the paper mounting platform 3.

[0085] It should be noted that the first flow path restriction part 4a and the second flow path restriction part 4b are provided on the paper mounting stage 3, such that the position (z coordinate value) of the upper surface of the second flow path restriction part 4b is approximately the same as the position (z coordinate value) of the upper surface of the first flow path restriction part 4a when no paper is mounted on the paper mounting stage 3.

[0086] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 7 As shown, tubes (e.g., airflow) for allowing air (e.g., air stream) to flow into the paper storage container 100 are connected to the holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b), Hole3 (2b), and Hole1 (2c) in the side wall portion 2. Figure 7 Pipes 1 through 4). And, from this pipe (e.g.) Figure 7 Air from pipes Pipe 1 to Pipe 4 flows into the interior of the paper storage container 100 through holes Hole 1 (2b), Hole 2 (2b), Hole 3 (2b), and Hole 1 (2c) in the side wall portion 2. It should be noted that the pipes used to allow air to flow into the interior of the paper storage container 100 (e.g., Figure 7 Pipes 1 through 4), for example... Figure 7 As shown, Pipe 0 can also be branched using distributor Pdist1, with the branched Pipes 1 to 4 connected to Hole 1 (2b), Hole 2 (2b), Hole 3 (2b), and Hole 1 (2c) in sidewall 2, respectively. Furthermore, Pipe 0 can be connected to a pump (not shown) and air can be supplied to Pipe 0 from the pump.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first sidewall portion 2a has rotating shaft support portions 2a2 and 2a3, which are used to support the rotating shaft rot_ax_5a that is used to rotatably support the first baffle portion 5a.

[0088] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second sidewall portion 2b has rotating shaft support portions 2b2 and 2b3, which are used to support the rotating shaft rot_ax_5a for rotatably supporting the first baffle portion 5a.

[0089] For example, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the paper mounting table 3 is a platform for holding paper (e.g., a divider card) in a flat, folded state (the paper is unfolded). The paper mounting table 3 has a shape that is approximately the same as or similar to the shape of the paper being held, and its size is approximately the same as or larger than the paper, allowing the paper to be held in a flat, folded state. The paper mounting table 3 is disposed within a space defined by the bottom 1, the side wall portion 2, and the front panel portion 6 (the front panel portion 6 in the closed state). Furthermore, the lower surface of the paper mounting table 3 is as follows... Figure 2 As shown in the figure below, one end is connected to the other end of the elastic member Spr1 provided on the bottom 1. The paper mounting stage 3 is exerted upward (in the positive z-axis direction) by the elastic member Spr1, thereby enabling the paper mounting stage 3 to clamp the object (e.g., paper) placed on the paper mounting stage 3 together with the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b (for example, see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 9 ).

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, on the paper mounting platform 3, a first flow path restriction part 4a and a second flow path restriction part 4b are provided on the side where the paper is mounted.

[0091] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the first flow path limiting part 4a is an elongated flat plate-shaped component provided on the upper surface of the paper mounting stage 3. The first flow path limiting part 4a is a component used to limit the flow direction of air (e.g., airflow) flowing into the paper storage container 100 from the outside through the holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b), Hole3 (2b) and Hole1 (2c) of the side wall part 2.

[0092] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the second flow path limiting part 4b is an elongated flat plate-shaped component provided on the upper surface of the paper mounting stage 3. The second flow path limiting part 4b is a component used to limit the flow direction of air (e.g., airflow) flowing into the paper storage container 100 from the outside through the holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b), Hole3 (2b) and Hole1 (2c) of the side wall part 2.

[0093] It should be noted that the first flow path restrictor 4a and the second flow path restrictor 4b are preferably positioned at a location where the flow rate towards the center of the upper surface of the paper tray 3 increases when air flows into the interior of the paper storage container 100 from the outside. For example, as Figure 10As shown, when Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b), Hole3(2b), and Hole1(2c) are provided in the sidewall portion 2, it is preferable that the first flow path restricting portion 4a is positioned further towards the front panel portion 6 in the x-axis direction than the position of the hole Hole1(2b). Furthermore, in the above case, it is preferable that the second flow path restricting portion 4b is positioned further towards the first sidewall portion 2a in the y-axis direction than the position of the hole Hole1(2c).

[0094] In this way, by configuring the first flow path restriction section 4a and the second flow path restriction section 4b, even when one or more sheets of paper remain on the paper mounting table 3, the paper can be reliably removed one by one from the paper storage container 100. When one or more sheets of paper remain on the paper mounting table 3, the airflow into the paper storage container 100 increases near the center of the lower surface of the remaining one or more sheets of paper on the paper mounting table through the first flow path restriction section 4a and the second flow path restriction section 4b. Therefore, a state is formed in which the center of the remaining one or more sheets of paper on the paper mounting table 3 is lifted.

[0095] Therefore, in this state, by using, for example, an adsorption device to adsorb the paper, it is possible to take out the paper one by one from the paper storage container 100.

[0096] In other words, in the paper storage container 100, as described above, by configuring the first flow path restriction part 4a and the second flow path restriction part 4b, even when there are only one or more sheets of paper remaining on the paper placement table 3, the paper can be reliably taken out one by one.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, the first baffle portion 5a has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and is disposed along the inner wall of the first sidewall portion 2a at its upper end. Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the first baffle portion 5a is configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis rot_ax_5a supported by rotation axis support portions 2a and 2a3 of the first sidewall portion 2a. A coil spring (not shown) is provided on the first baffle portion 5a or the rotation axis rot_ax_5a, and the coil spring is used to... Figure 12 When a force is applied in the rotational direction DirA, an elastic force is generated in the direction that repels that force (opposite to the rotational direction DirA). Therefore, when the force is released after the first baffle portion 5a is applied in the rotational direction DirA, it returns... Figure 12 State B1. It should be noted that, as... Figure 12As shown, the rotation of the first baffle portion 5a (caused by the elastic force generated by the coil spring) is restricted by the contact between the surface 5a_s1 of the first baffle portion 5a and the surface 2a_s1 of the first sidewall portion 2a, and the first baffle portion 5a is maintained in state B1.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first baffle portion 5a has a locking protrusion 51a, which is used to lock the first baffle portion 5a so that it does not rotate when the front panel portion 6 is closed.

[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, the second baffle portion 5b has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and is disposed along the inner wall of the second sidewall portion 2b at its upper end. Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the second baffle portion 5b is configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis rot_ax_5b supported by rotation axis support portions 2b2 and 2b3 of the second sidewall portion 2b. A coil spring (not shown) is provided on the second baffle portion 5b or the rotation axis rot_ax_5b, and the coil spring is used to... Figure 12 When a force is applied in the rotational direction DirB, an elastic force is generated in the direction that repels that force (opposite to the rotational direction DirB). Therefore, when the force is released after the second baffle portion 5b has been applied in the rotational direction DirB, it returns... Figure 12 State B1. It should be noted that, as... Figure 12 As shown, by making the surface 5b_s1 of the second baffle portion 5b abut against the surface 2b_s1 of the second sidewall portion 2b, the rotation of the second baffle portion 5b (the rotation caused by the elastic force generated by the coil spring) is restricted, and the second baffle portion 5b is maintained in state B1.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the second baffle portion 5b has a locking protrusion 51b, which is used to lock the second baffle portion 5b so that it does not rotate when the front panel portion 6 is closed.

[0101] like Figure 14 As shown, the front panel 6 has: a rotation axis holding part 62 for being provided in the state where the rotation axis is in the open; and a locking recess 61a for locking the first baffle part 5a so that it does not rotate when the front panel 6 is closed, and for locking the second baffle part 5b so that it does not rotate.

[0102] When the front panel 6 is closed, the locking recess 61a is positioned to accommodate the locking protrusion 51a of the first baffle 5a.

[0103] When the front panel 6 is closed, the locking recess 61b is positioned at the location of the locking protrusion 51b that accommodates the second baffle 5b.

[0104] The elastic component Spr1 is disposed between the upper surface of the bottom 1 and the lower surface of the paper mounting platform 3, and is a component for applying upward force to the paper mounting platform 3 (in the positive z-axis direction). The elastic component Spr1 is implemented by, for example, a spring. It should be noted that the elastic component Spr1 can be any component that generates elastic force, or it can be a component other than a spring.

[0105] <1.2: Handling (Actions) Using Paper Storage Containers>

[0106] The processing (action) of using the paper storage container 100 constructed as described above will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the paper storage container 100, used to illustrate the action of inserting the bundle of paper G_sep_cards.

[0108] Figure 16 , Figure 17 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view of the AA line, used to illustrate the action when inserting the bundle of paper G_sep_cards.

[0109] Figure 18 This is an enlarged top view (above) of the paper storage container 100 and the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the paper removal process.

[0110] Figure 19 , Figure 20 This is a magnified view of the edge of the paper storage container 100. Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA, used to illustrate the paper removal process.

[0111] (1.2.1: Unlocking process)

[0112] First, in the paper storage container 100, the front panel 6 is aligned with, for example... Figure 5 Rotating in the opposite direction of the arrow shown opens the front panel 6. In this state, the locking protrusion 51a of the first baffle 5a and the locking protrusion 51b of the second baffle 5b are open. As a result, the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b are respectively in a state where they can rotate around the rotation axis rot_ax_5a and rot_ax_5b (unlocked state).

[0113] (1.2.2: Paper Insertion Processing)

[0114] Next, insert the paper into the paper storage container 100 and store it there. Specifically, as follows: Figure 15 As shown, with the front panel 6 open and the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b rotatable, the bundle of paper (paper stack G_sep_cards) is pushed against the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b from above, causing the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b to rotate downwards, thereby placing the bundle of paper (paper stack G_sep_cards) onto the paper placement table 3. This process is as follows... Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown.

[0115] like Figure 16 As shown, when the stack of paper G_sep_cards is lowered from the top to the bottom of the unlocked paper storage container 100 ( Figure 16 In state C1), the bottommost end of the paper abuts against the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b. By applying a downward force, the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b respectively... Figure 16 The rotation directions of DirA and DirB rotate around the rotation axes rot_ax_5a and rot_ax_5b. Figure 16 State C2). Furthermore, by lowering the paper stack G_sep_cards, the paper stack G_sep_cards can be placed on the paper placement platform 3 ( Figure 16 (State C3). It should be noted that the lower surface of the paper at the end of the paper stack G_sep_cards is in contact with the upper surfaces of the first flow path restriction part 4a and the second flow path restriction part 4b, which have approximately the same height (approximately the same z-coordinate value), and the paper stack G_sep_cards is placed in a state that is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the paper placement stage 3.

[0116] When the force applied to the final lower surface of the stack of paper G_sep_cards is released, the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b utilize the elastic force of the helical springs provided on the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b to... Figure 17 The directions shown are DirA' and DirB' rotated ( Figure 17 State C4).

[0117] Then, the upper surface of the topmost paper in the stack of paper G_sep_cards abuts against the lower surfaces of the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b, while the lower surface of the bottommost paper in the stack of paper G_sep_cards is subjected to upward force by the elastic member Spr1 via the paper mounting platform 3, the first flow path restriction part 4a, and the second flow path restriction part 4b. This maintains the stack of paper G_sep_cards in a state where it is sandwiched between the lower surfaces of the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b and the paper mounting platform 3. Figure 17 State C5).

[0118] (1.2.3: Locking)

[0119] Next, in the paper storage container 100, in Figure 17 In state C5, the front panel 6 is directed, for example... Figure 5 The arrow shown rotates, closing the front panel 6. Consequently, the locking protrusions 51a and 51b of the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b are respectively accommodated in the locking recesses 61a and 61b of the front panel 6. As a result, the first baffle 5a and the second baffle 5b are respectively unable to rotate around the rotation axes rot_ax_5a and rot_ax_5b (locked state). This locked state can also be detected by a detection sensor (not shown). In this case, a detection sensor can also be installed on the front panel 6 side. This prevents forgetting to close the front panel 6.

[0120] (1.2.4: Paper Removal Process)

[0121] After the paper storage container 100 is locked as described above, for example, air (e.g., airflow) is pumped from an external pump into the interior of the paper storage container 100 through pipes Pipe 1 to Pipe 4, and through holes Hole 1 (2b), Hole 2 (2b), Hole 3 (2b) in the second side wall portion 2b of the paper storage container 100, and through hole Hole 1 (2c) in the third side wall portion 2c. Figure 18 , Figure 19 State D1).

[0122] like Figure 10 As shown, the first flow path restriction section 4a and the second flow path restriction section 4b are configured to increase the flow rate to the vicinity of the center of the upper surface of the paper mounting table 3 when air flows into the interior of the paper storage container 100 from the outside.

[0123] Furthermore, the height (z-coordinate value z_center) of the central axis of the holes Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b), Hole3(2b) and Hole1(2c) formed in the side wall portion 2 is approximately the same as that of the upper surface of the paper mounting platform 3 in the state where no paper is mounted on it (approximately the same height).

[0124] Therefore, in the paper storage container 100, when air (e.g., airflow) flows from the outside into the interior of the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b), Hole3 (2b) of the second side wall portion 2b and the hole Hole1 (2c) of the third side wall portion 2c, the area near the center of the upper surface of the paper at the uppermost part of the paper on the paper platform 3 is lifted.

[0125] Furthermore, by using a robotic arm equipped with, for example, an adsorption mechanism, to adsorb the paper that is being lifted near the center of the upper surface, the paper is lifted upwards while being adsorbed, thereby making it easy to remove the topmost paper from the paper storage container 100.

[0126] In response, use Figures 18-20 Please provide an explanation.

[0127] When air (e.g., airflow) flows from the outside into the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b), Hole3(2b) in the second sidewall portion 2b and the hole Hole1(2c) in the third sidewall portion 2c, the height (z-coordinate value) of the central axis of the holes Hole1(2b), Hole2(2b), Hole3(2b), and Hole1(2c) is approximately the same as the position (z-coordinate value) of the topmost paper in the stack of paper G_sep_cards placed on the paper placement platform 3. Therefore, air is blown laterally (from the horizontal direction) towards the topmost paper in the stack of paper G_sep_cards. Figure 19 As shown, the stack of paper G_sep_cards placed on the paper placement table 3 is sandwiched between the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b and the paper placement table 3. When air is blown laterally (horizontally) toward the topmost paper of the stack of paper G_sep_cards placed on the paper placement table 3, the air entering the lower surface of the topmost paper is concentrated near the center, forming a state in which the upper surface of the topmost paper is lifted upwards. Figure 19 State D2).

[0128] Furthermore, in this state, a robotic arm equipped with, for example, an adsorption mechanism is used to adsorb the paper that is being lifted near the center of the upper surface. While the paper is being adsorbed, it is lifted upwards, thereby making it easy to remove the topmost piece of paper from the paper storage container 100. Figure 19 (State D3). Furthermore, by allowing air to flow into the paper storage container 100 as described above, since the central portion of the paper at the top is raised, the paper can be reliably removed one sheet at a time by performing the process as described above.

[0129] Furthermore, after the topmost sheet of paper on the paper mounting platform 3 is removed, the next sheet becomes the topmost sheet, and its position (z-coordinate value (height)) is formed to be approximately the same as the height (z-coordinate value) of the central axis of holes Hole1 (2b), Hole2 (2b), Hole3 (2b), and Hole1 (2c) (state D1). By performing the same process as described above, the next sheet can be reliably removed. By repeating this operation, the sheets placed on the paper mounting platform 3 can be reliably removed one by one.

[0130] And, as Figure 20 As shown, when the last sheet of paper is placed on the paper placement table 3, the airflow into the paper storage container 100 increases near the center of the lower surface of the last sheet due to the first flow path restriction part 4a and the second flow path restriction part 4b. Therefore, the last sheet of paper is also in a state where its center is lifted (state D5).

[0131] Furthermore, in this state, as described above, a robotic arm with, for example, an adsorption mechanism is used to adsorb the last sheet of paper that is being lifted near the center of the upper surface, and the paper is lifted upwards while being adsorbed, thereby reliably removing the last sheet of paper from the paper storage container 100.

[0132] As described above, in the paper storage container 100, the position (height) of the topmost paper in the paper stack placed on the paper placement platform 3 is approximately the same as the position (height) of the air inlet. The elastic member Spr1 applies force upwards to the paper placement platform 3, and the paper stack is clamped by the first baffle portion 5a and the second baffle portion 5b, which are locked by rotation. Furthermore, in this state, by blowing air laterally (horizontally) towards the topmost paper in the paper stack placed on the paper placement platform 3, the topmost paper can be lifted up near its center. In this state, by adsorbing the area near the center of the topmost paper and lifting it upwards, the topmost paper can be easily and reliably removed from the paper storage container 100.

[0133] In other words, in the paper storage container 100, a simple mechanism (such as a divider card) can be used to remove the paper one by one with high precision.

[0134] As described above, the paper storage container 100 can use a simple mechanism to remove paper (e.g., separator cards) one by one with high precision. Therefore, in, for example, banknote processing systems, it can be used to remove separator cards one by one from a container containing multiple separator cards and insert the removed separator cards into bundles of banknotes recovered from a collection box. It should be noted that the application of the paper storage container 100 is not limited to the above, and can be used for applications requiring reliable removal of paper one by one.

[0135] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0136] In the above embodiment, the case where four holes are provided on the side wall portion 2 of the paper storage container 100 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The number of holes (air inlets) provided on the side wall portion 2 of the paper storage container 100 can also be other numbers (it can also be one). For example, in the paper storage container 100, at least two of the first side wall portion 2a, the second side wall portion 2b, the third side wall portion 2c and the front panel portion 6 (which corresponds to four sides in top view) can be provided with more than one hole (in top view, more than one hole can be provided on the parts that correspond to at least two of the four sides).

[0137] In addition, the shape of the hole in the sidewall portion 2 can also be other shapes (for example, the cross section orthogonal to the central axis is a shape other than a circle (e.g., a rectangle or an ellipse)).

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hole in the side wall portion 2 was described as being positioned at a height (z-coordinate value) that allows air to be blown laterally towards the paper at the top of the paper platform 3 (approximately the same height as the paper at the top of the paper platform 3). However, it is not limited to this. The hole in the side wall portion 2 may also be positioned at a height (z-coordinate value) that is lower than the paper at the top of the paper platform 3 (for example, the central axis of the hole is lower than the paper at the top of the paper platform 3).

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, a pipe (e.g., an airflow) may also be provided in the paper storage container 100 to allow air (e.g., an airflow) to flow into the interior of the paper storage container 100. Figure 21 The pipes Pipe 1 to Pipe 4 are fixed components Dev_fixA and Dev_fixB that are used to secure them.

[0140] like Figure 21As shown, the fixing component Dev_fixA(2b) is provided in the second side wall portion 2b, guides the front end of pipe Pipe1 to Pipe3 to the hole provided in the second side wall portion 2b, and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixB(2b) used for binding pipe Pipe1 to Pipe3.

[0141] The fixing component Dev_fixB(2b) is used to bundle pipes Pipe1 to Pipe3 and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixA(2b).

[0142] like Figure 21 As shown, the fixing component Dev_fixA(2c) is provided on the third side wall portion 2c, guides the front end of the pipe Pipe4 to the hole provided on the third side wall portion 2c, and connects to the fixing component Dev_fixB(2c) used to fix the pipe Pipe4.

[0143] The fixing component Dev_fixB(2c) is used to fix the pipe Pipe4 and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixA(2c).

[0144] By providing such fixing components Dev_fixA(2b), Dev_fixB(2b), Dev_fixA(2c), and Dev_fixB(2c) in the paper storage container 100, the pipe for allowing air (e.g., airflow) to flow into the interior of the paper storage container 100 can be stably configured.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 21 As shown, the case in which the paper storage container 100 is provided with a hole, a first flow path restriction part 4a (flow path restriction member) and a second flow path restriction part 4b (flow path restriction member) has been described, but it is not limited to this. In the paper storage container 100, the arrangement of the hole, the first flow path restriction part 4a (flow path restriction member) and the second flow path restriction part 4b (flow path restriction member) may be set to other configurations.

[0146] Figure 22 This indicates the appearance of the paper storage container 100A, with changes to the configuration of the orifices and flow path limiting components. For example... Figure 22 As shown, three holes can also be provided in the second sidewall portion 2a, and one hole can be provided in the third sidewall portion, thereby, as Figure 22 As shown, a first flow path restriction unit 4a' and a second flow path restriction unit 4b' can also be configured.

[0147] Alternatively, paper storage container 100 and paper storage container 100A may be configured with different orifices and flow path limiting components, for example... Figure 23The system is configured as shown, and a system for retrieving paper from the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A is constructed. It should be noted that... Figure 23 In the example shown on TB1, a paper storage container 100, a paper storage container 100A, and a waste container Bx_reject are displayed. The waste container Bx_reject is a container for storing paper that has been removed from the paper storage container 100A and is discarded when the paper stored in the paper storage container 100A is of an irregular usage type (e.g., an irregular divider card).

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, although there are expressions such as "roughly the same" and "roughly parallel", these expressions include errors, design errors, or errors determined by resolution, which are generated when the control is performed in a way that is "the same" or "parallel" as a target value (or design value). They also include the concept of the range that a person skilled in the art would judge as "the same" or "parallel".

[0149] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, only the main components required for the above embodiments are simplified. Therefore, any components not explicitly shown in the above embodiments can be included. Additionally, in the above embodiments and drawings, the dimensions of each component may not faithfully represent the actual dimensions and size ratios. Therefore, dimensions and size ratios can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0150] It should be noted that the specific structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0151] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0152] 100: Paper storage container

[0153] 1: Bottom

[0154] 2: Side wall portion

[0155] 3: Paper placement platform

[0156] 4a: First flow path limiting section (flow path limiting component)

[0157] 4b: Second flow path limiting section (flow path limiting component)

[0158] 51a, 51b: Locking protrusions (locking mechanisms)

[0159] 61a, 61b: Locking recesses (locking mechanism)

[0160] Spr1: Elastic component

Claims

1. A paper storage container, characterized in that, have: bottom; Paper support platform, used to hold paper; An elastic member, disposed between the bottom and the paper platform, is used to apply upward force to the paper platform; A clamping component for clamping paper placed on the paper platform together with the paper platform; as well as The flow path limiting component is configured to protrude from the upper surface of the paper platform, and when paper is placed on the paper platform, space is ensured between the lower surface of the lowest paper and the upper surface of the paper platform. The side wall is provided with a hole for air to flow in from the outside to a height approximately the same as the surface of the uppermost paper when the paper is placed on the flow path restriction member of the paper placement stage.

2. A paper storage container, characterized in that, have: bottom; Paper support platform, used to hold paper; An elastic member, disposed between the bottom and the paper platform, is used to apply upward force to the paper platform; A clamping component for clamping paper placed on the paper platform together with the paper platform; as well as The flow path limiting component is configured to protrude from the upper surface of the paper platform, and when paper is placed on the paper platform, space is ensured between the lower surface of the lowest paper and the upper surface of the paper platform. The side wall is provided with a hole for allowing air to flow from the outside to a position lower than the surface of the uppermost paper when the paper is placed on the flow path restriction member of the paper placement stage.

3. The paper storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flow path limiting component is disposed on the paper mounting platform, and is positioned such that the airflow near the center of the paper mounting platform is greater than the airflow on the paper mounting platform excluding the area near the center.

4. The paper storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping member is configured near the upper end of the side wall portion to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis along the inner wall of the side wall portion, and has a locking mechanism to lock the rotation. When the clamping component is locked by the locking mechanism during rotation, it clamps the paper placed on the paper platform together with the paper platform. When the rotation is not locked by the locking mechanism, the clamping component can be rotated to insert paper into the paper storage container from the outside.

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