Paper removal method and paper removal processing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a paper removal method that can remove paper (e.g., separator cards) stored in a paper storage container one by one with high precision at low cost. In the paper removal method, air is blown from the side or below of the unfolded paper to form a state in which the upper surface of the paper floats. In this state, the upper surface of the paper is sucked by a suction mechanism (1), so that the paper can be removed with high precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for taking out paper from a container storing paper. Background Art

[0002] For example, a banknote processing system has been developed for collecting banknotes stored in cash drawers detachably mounted on gaming machines at an amusement park, and for verifying whether the sales amount of each cash drawer matches the total amount of banknotes actually collected from the cash drawers.

[0003] In a banknote processing system, the banknote counting process is performed for each banknote bundle collected from a cash box, and the banknote counting process cannot be performed continuously, which is inefficient. Figure 39 Bills(CB1) to Bills(CBN), N: natural number, CBk: kth (1≤k≤N) cash box, Bills(CBk): bills collected from the kth cash box) are aggregated (accumulated) to create a batch (bundle of bills) (for example, Figure 39 Batch1 to BatchN), and then aggregate multiple batches to create batch bundles (for example Figure 39 The batch of banknotes (Batch_G1) is counted by the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter). As a result, in the banknote processing system, the banknote counting process can be continuously performed without stopping the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter), so the banknote counting process can be performed efficiently. At this time, in order to obtain the total amount of banknotes stored in each cash box, the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) inserts the separator card (for example Figure 39 The separator cards Sep_card1 to Sep_cardN) are inserted into the banknote bundles taken out from each cash box to generate a batch (banknote bundle) (for example Figure 39 Batch 1 to Batch N) (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). A barcode, for example, is printed on the separator card, and the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) can identify the separator card by reading the barcode. The banknote processing system identifies the cash drawer by reading the information of the label (for example, RF tag) assigned to each cash drawer, for example, and obtains the information identifying the separator card inserted into the banknote bundle taken out from the cash drawer (for example, information identified by the barcode printed on the surface of the separator card), and generates data that associates the information identifying the cash drawer with the information identifying the separator card. Furthermore, in the banknote processing system, the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) can identify that the banknote bundle separated by the separator card is a banknote bundle collected from the cash drawer associated with the separator card based on the data that associates the information identifying the cash drawer with the information identifying the separator card, and can obtain the total amount collected from the cash drawer.

[0004] In this manner, in the banknote processing system, by using the separator card, continuous banknote counting processing can be realized, and the total amount of banknote bundles collected from each cash box can be obtained.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

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

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] In order to perform the above-mentioned processing in a banknote processing system, separator cards must be inserted one by one into a bundle of banknotes collected from a cash drawer. To achieve this, separator cards can be removed one by one from, for example, a container storing multiple separator cards and then inserted into a bundle of banknotes collected from the cash drawer (e.g., by placing the separator cards on the bundle of banknotes collected from the cash drawer). In other words, a paper feed device can be used that removes separator cards one by one from a container storing multiple separator cards.

[0010] However, such a paper feeder requires a complex feeder mechanism (e.g., a feeder mechanism for removing paper sheets one by one) to remove the separator cards one by one from a container storing multiple separator cards. Furthermore, a sensor is required to detect whether the removed separator cards are duplicated. Therefore, using such a paper feeder to remove the separator cards one by one from a container storing multiple separator cards and inserting the removed separator cards into a bundle of banknotes collected from a cash drawer increases costs.

[0011] Alternatively, it is possible to manually remove the separator cards one by one from a container storing a plurality of separator cards and insert the removed separator cards into the banknote bundle collected from the cash box. However, this also requires labor and increases the cost.

[0012] Therefore, a technology is needed that can reliably remove paper sheets (eg, separator cards) one by one using a simple mechanism.

[0013] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to realize a paper removal method and a paper removal processing system capable of removing paper (eg, separator cards) stored in a paper storage container one by one with high precision at low cost.

[0014] Means of solving problems

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention is a paper removal method that removes paper by blowing air from the lateral direction or from below the unfolded paper and sucking the upper surface of the paper with a suction mechanism.

[0016] In this paper removal method, air is blown from the side or bottom of the unfolded paper, causing the top surface of the paper to float. In this state, the top surface of the paper is sucked by a suction mechanism, allowing the paper to be removed with high precision (for example, one by one).

[0017] The second invention is a paper removal method, comprising: a first step of blowing air from the side or bottom of the paper while the paper is unfolded and at least a portion of the end portion is clamped; a second step of using an adsorption mechanism to suck the portion of the upper surface of the paper that floats due to the air being blown from the side of the paper, thereby removing the paper.

[0018] In this paper removal method, air is blown from the side or below the unfolded paper, causing the top surface of at least a portion of the paper at the clamped end (or the topmost paper in a bundle) to float. In this state, the top surface of the paper is sucked by a suction mechanism, allowing the paper to be removed with high precision (e.g., one by one).

[0019] The third invention is the second invention, wherein in the second step, the suction mechanism is lowered from above the upper surface of the paper, and after sucking the paper, the suction mechanism is raised to remove the paper.

[0020] Therefore, in this paper taking-out method, the paper can be taken out with high accuracy by lowering and raising the suction mechanism.

[0021] The fourth invention is the third invention, wherein when the pressure in the adsorption mechanism is lower than a predetermined value, or when the pressure drop in the adsorption mechanism is greater than a predetermined value, the adsorption mechanism is stopped from descending and is raised.

[0022] Thus, in this paper removal processing method, by monitoring the pressure in the suction mechanism, it is possible to simply and accurately detect whether the paper is in a suction state. As a result, the paper removal process can be performed with high accuracy.

[0023] Note that, in this paper removal processing method, when the amount of pressure reduction in the suction mechanism exceeds a predetermined value, the suction mechanism may be stopped from descending and raised.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the second step, the front end of the suction mechanism is lowered only to a position higher than the upper surface of the paper.

[0025] Therefore, in this paper removal processing method, the suction mechanism is not excessively lowered, and as a result, the paper can be removed at a high speed.

[0026] A sixth aspect of the invention is a paper taking-out system for taking out paper, comprising: a paper storage container for storing paper; a pump for flowing air into the paper storage container; and a suction mechanism.

[0027] The paper storage container has:

[0028] bottom;

[0029] A paper loading platform for loading paper;

[0030] an elastic component, disposed between the bottom and the paper loading platform, for applying force upward to the paper loading platform;

[0031] A clamping component, used for clamping the paper placed on the paper placing table together with the paper placing table;

[0032] The side wall is arranged to surround the paper placement platform and is provided with a hole for allowing air to flow from the outside to a height approximately the same as the surface of the uppermost paper when paper is placed on the paper placement platform.

[0033] When air flows into the paper container by a pump, the suction mechanism moves downward from above the paper placed on the paper loading table, sucks the paper, and then moves upward to remove the paper from the paper container.

[0034] In this paper removal processing system, air can be blown from the side or bottom of the paper placed on the paper loading platform of the paper storage container, so that the upper surface of the paper placed on the paper loading platform is floated. In this state, the upper surface of the paper is attracted by the adsorption mechanism, so that the paper can be removed with high precision (for example, one by one with high precision).

[0035] The seventh invention is the sixth invention, further comprising a pressure detection unit for detecting the internal pressure of the adsorption mechanism.

[0036] When the pressure detecting unit detects that the pressure inside the suction mechanism is lower than a predetermined value, the suction mechanism moves upward to remove the paper from the paper container.

[0037] Thus, in this paper removal processing system, by monitoring the pressure in the suction mechanism, it is possible to easily and accurately detect whether the paper is in a suction state. As a result, the paper removal process can be performed with high accuracy.

[0038] Note that, in this paper removal processing system, when the amount of pressure reduction in the suction mechanism exceeds a predetermined value, the suction mechanism may be stopped from descending and raised.

[0039] Effects of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, a paper removal method and a paper removal processing system can be realized for removing paper (eg, separator cards) stored in a paper storage container one by one with high precision at low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction mechanism 1 and the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction mechanism 1 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 1 and 2. These are a plan view (upper view) and a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA) (lower view) of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a view showing the rotation axis of the front panel portion 106 .

[0049] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the rotation operation (opening and closing operation) of the front panel portion 106 .

[0050] Figure 10 This is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the holes of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is an enlarged view showing the position of the holes along the paper storage container 100. Figure 6 FIG is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the AA line.

[0051] Figure 11The top view (top view) and the external appearance (perspective view) (bottom view) of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment are schematically illustrating the flow path of air flowing into the paper container 100 .

[0052] Figure 12 This is a diagram (perspective diagram) showing the appearance of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining how paper is placed on the paper placement table 103 .

[0053] Figure 13 The paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 of the first embodiment Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the placement of paper on the paper placement table 103 .

[0054] Figure 14 This is a plan view of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining air flow path restriction.

[0055] Figure 15 The paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment is shown in an enlarged plan view and along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG, and is a figure for explaining the structure of the first baffle portion 105 a and the second baffle portion 105 b.

[0056] Figure 16 The paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG, and is a figure for explaining the structure of the first baffle portion 105 a and the second baffle portion 105 b.

[0057] Figure 17 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first shutter portion 105 a and the second shutter portion 105 b .

[0058] Figure 18 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the front panel portion 106 of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 19 Flowchart 1 is a flowchart of the process executed by the paper removal processing system 1000 .

[0060] Figure 20 Flowchart 1 is a flowchart of the process executed by the paper removal processing system 1000 .

[0061] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 and is a diagram for explaining the operation when a bundle of paper G_sep_cards is inserted.

[0062] Figure 22 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 , which is a part of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a diagram for explaining an operation when inserting a bundle of paper sheets G_sep_cards.

[0063] Figure 23 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 , which is a part of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a diagram for explaining an operation when inserting a bundle of paper sheets G_sep_cards.

[0064] Figure 24 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 in a state where a bundle of paper sheets G_sep_cards is inserted.

[0065] Figure 25 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a paper take-out processing system 1000 including a paper storage container 100 in a state in which a bundle G_sep_cards of paper sheets is inserted.

[0066] Figure 26 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0067] Figure 27 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0068] Figure 28 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0069] Figure 29 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0070] Figure 30The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0071] Figure 31 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0072] Figure 32 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0073] Figure 33 The top view (upper view) and the side view of the paper storage container 100 are enlarged. Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a figure for explaining the paper removal process.

[0074] Figure 34 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a figure for explaining the paper removal process.

[0075] Figure 35 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a figure for explaining the paper removal process.

[0076] Figure 36 It is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 and is a view for explaining fixing members Dev_fixA and Dev_fixB for stably fixing a tube for allowing air to flow into the paper storage container 100 .

[0077] Figure 37 It is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100A.

[0078] Figure 38 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A.

[0079] Figure 39 Diagram for explaining a banknote bundle, a separator card, a batch, and a batch bundle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] [First embodiment]

[0081] A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0082] <1.1: Structure of paper removal processing system>

[0083] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0084] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction mechanism 1 and the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction mechanism 1 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] Figure 6 1. It is a top view (upper figure) and a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA) (lower figure) of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0090] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a view showing the rotation axis of the front panel portion 106 .

[0091] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the rotation operation (opening and closing operation) of the front panel portion 106 .

[0092] Figure 10 This is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the holes of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is an enlarged view showing the position of the holes along the paper storage container 100. Figure 6 FIG is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the AA line.

[0093] Figure 11The top view (top view) and the external appearance (perspective view) (bottom view) of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment are schematically illustrating the flow path of air flowing into the paper container 100 .

[0094] Figure 12 This is a diagram (perspective diagram) showing the appearance of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining how paper is placed on the paper placement table 103 .

[0095] Figure 13 The paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 of the first embodiment Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the placement of paper on the paper placement table 103 .

[0096] Figure 14 This is a plan view of the paper container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining air flow path restriction.

[0097] Figure 15 The paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment is shown in an enlarged plan view and along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG, and is a figure for explaining the structure of the first baffle portion 105 a and the second baffle portion 105 b.

[0098] Figure 16 The paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG, and is a figure for explaining the structure of the first baffle portion 105 a and the second baffle portion 105 b.

[0099] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the paper storage container 100 of the paper removal processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a view for explaining the structure of the first shutter portion 105 a and the second shutter portion 105 b .

[0100] Figure 18 This is a diagram (perspective view) showing the appearance of the front panel portion 106 of the paper storage container 100 of the paper take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

[0101] It should be noted that if Figures 1 to 18 As shown, set the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0102] The paper removal processing system 1000 is a paper (eg, separator card (eg, Figure 39 It is used when taking out the paper sheets one by one from the paper storage container 100 using the separator cards Sep_card1 to Sep_cardN.

[0103] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the paper removal processing system 1000 includes: a suction mechanism 1 for sucking and removing paper, a moving mechanism Rbt1 for moving the suction mechanism 1, a suction pump Pump1, the suction mechanism 1, a pressure detection unit 2, a data reading unit L_scan1, an air delivery pump Pump2, a control unit CPU1, a communication interface IF1, and a paper storage container 100.

[0104] The suction pump Pump 1 is connected to the suction mechanism 1 (via a tube, for example) and is a pump for suction. The suction pump Pump 1 is also connected to the pressure detector 2. Furthermore, the suction pump Pump 1 is connected to the control unit CPU 1 and operates according to instructions from the control unit CPU 1.

[0105] The adsorption mechanism 1 is a mechanism for adsorbing paper etc. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the adsorption mechanism 1 includes a first adsorption portion 11 a , a second adsorption portion 11 b , a first plate member plt1 for holding the first adsorption portion 11 a and the second adsorption portion 11 b , and a second plate member plt2 .

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, the first suction part 11a includes a tube connection part 11a1, a connecting part 11a2, and a corrugated pad part 11a3. The first suction part 11a has a hollow structure and is connected to a suction pump Pump1 via a tube, for example, to suction the suction pump Pump1, thereby sucking, for example, paper.

[0107] The tube connection portion 11a1 is a member having a hollow structure and is used to connect a tube connected to the adsorption pump Pump 1. The first adsorption portion 11a is connected to the adsorption pump Pump 1 via a tube connected to the tube connection portion 11a1.

[0108] The connecting portion 11a2 is a hollow structure component that connects the pipe connecting portion 11a1 and the corrugated gasket portion 11a3. Figure 4As shown, the connecting portion 11a2 is provided so as to pass through a hole provided in the first plate member plt1, and is fixed to the first plate member plt1 by two screws so as to sandwich the first plate member plt1.

[0109] The corrugated gasket portion 11a3 is a hollow member connected to the connecting portion 11a2. The corrugated gasket portion 11a3 has a corrugated structure and is formed to be flexible.

[0110] The second adsorption part 11b has the same structure as the first adsorption part 11a. Figure 4 As shown, it has a tube connection part 11b1, a connecting part 11b2 and a corrugated pad part 11b3. The second suction part 11b has a hollow structure and is connected to the suction pump Pump1 via a tube, for example, to suck paper, etc.

[0111] The tube connection portion 11b1 is a member having a hollow structure and is used to connect a tube connected to the adsorption pump Pump 1. The second adsorption portion 11b is connected to the adsorption pump Pump 1 via a tube connected to the tube connection portion 11b1.

[0112] The connecting portion 11b2 is a hollow structure component that connects the pipe connecting portion 11b1 and the corrugated liner portion 11b3. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 11b2 is provided so as to pass through a hole provided in the first plate member plt1, and is fixed to the first plate member plt1 by two screws so as to sandwich the first plate member plt1.

[0113] The corrugated gasket portion 11b3 is a hollow member connected to the connecting portion 11b2. The corrugated gasket portion 11b3 has a corrugated structure and is formed to be flexible.

[0114] The first flat plate member plt1 is a member for fixing the first adsorption portion 11a and the second adsorption portion 11b, and penetrates the first adsorption portion 11a and the second adsorption portion 11b and is fixed by screws. Figure 3 As shown, the first plate component plt1 is connected to the second plate component plt2 through spacers sp1 and sp2.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, the second plate member plt2 is connected to the suction mechanism moving rotation axis rot_ax1_Rbt1 of the moving mechanism Rbt1 via the connecting member bx1. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , positioning components gd1 and gd2 are connected to the second flat plate component plt2. Figure 3As shown, the second plate member plt2 is connected to the first plate member plt1 via spacers sp1 and sp2. Figure 3 The suction mechanism 1 can be moved in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) by moving the suction mechanism Dir1_up_down (z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The suction mechanism 1 can be rotated around the rotation direction Dir1_rot by rotating in the rotation direction Dir1_rot (the rotation direction with the suction mechanism moving rotation axis rot_ax1_Rbt1 as the rotation axis).

[0116] The moving mechanism Rbt1 is a mechanism for moving the adsorption mechanism 1 to a predetermined position, and is implemented by using, for example, a multi-joint robot arm. Figure 2 As shown, the moving mechanism Rbt1 is connected to the control unit CPU1 and moves the suction mechanism 1 to a predetermined position based on a command from the control unit CPU1.

[0117] The pressure detection unit 2 detects the pressure in the space being sucked by the suction pump Pump 1 (the suction pump Pump 1, the tube connecting the suction pump Pump 1 to the first suction unit 11a and the second suction unit 11b, and the space formed by the hollow structure of the first suction unit 11a and the second suction unit 11b). The pressure detection unit 2 also transmits data related to the detected pressure to the control unit CPU 1.

[0118] The data reader L_scan1 is a device for reading barcodes printed on paper (eg, separators), and is implemented by, for example, a laser scanner. The data reader L_scan1 is connected to the control unit CPU1 and operates according to instructions from the control unit CPU1.

[0119] The air delivery pump Pump2 is connected to the paper container 100 (via a tube, for example) and is a pump for delivering air. The air delivery pump Pump2 is also connected to the control unit CPU1 and operates according to commands from the control unit CPU1.

[0120] The control unit CPU1 is a functional unit for controlling each functional unit of the paper removal processing system 1000 and is realized using, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The control unit CPU1 is connected to the communication interface IF and can perform data communication with the outside via the communication interface IF.

[0121] The communication interface IF1 is an interface for data communication with the outside of the paper removal processing system 1000. The communication interface IF1 is connected to the control unit CPU1, and transmits data from the control unit CPU1 to the outside and / or transmits data received from the outside to the control unit CPU1.

[0122] like Figure 5 As shown, the paper storage container 100 includes: a bottom 101, a side wall portion 102, a paper loading platform 103, a first flow path limiting portion 104a (flow path limiting component), a second flow path limiting portion 104b (flow path limiting component), a first baffle portion 105a (clamping component), a second baffle portion 105b (clamping component), and a front panel portion 106 that is freely openable and closable.

[0123] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the paper storage container 100 includes an elastic member Spr1 disposed between the bottom 101 and the paper placement platform 103 .

[0124] The bottom portion 101 is a rectangular, flat member, for example, that allows the paper storage container 100 to be placed on a flat floor or table and supports the side wall portion 102. Furthermore, the bottom portion 101 supports the elastic member Spr1 on its upper surface. Together with the side wall portion 102 and the front panel portion 106 (when the front panel portion 106 is closed), the bottom portion 101 ensures a space for storing paper placed on the paper loading platform 103.

[0125] The side wall portion 102 is formed of, for example, a rectangular flat plate-shaped member. The side wall portion 102 includes a first side wall portion 102a, a second side wall portion 102b, and a third side wall portion 102c. Figure 5 As shown, the side wall portion 102 (the first side wall portion 102a, the second side wall portion 102b and the third side wall portion 102c) is formed in a vertical direction ( Figure 5 Thus, the side wall portion 102, together with the bottom portion 101 and the front panel portion 106 (the front panel portion 106 in the closed state), ensures a space for storing the paper in a state of being placed on the paper loading platform 103. It should be noted that, if Figure 8 As shown, the first side wall portion 102a has a rotation axis support portion 102a1 for supporting the rotation axis rot_ax_106 for rotating and opening and closing the front panel portion 106, and the second side wall portion 102b has a rotation axis support portion 102b1 for supporting the rotation axis rot_ax_106 for rotating and opening and closing the front panel portion 106. Figure 9As shown, the front panel portion 106 can be set to rotate freely around the rotation axis rot_ax_106, and the front panel can be set to open and close freely. It should be noted that when the front panel portion 106 is closed, the closed state of the front panel portion 106 can be maintained by a predetermined locking mechanism. For example, by attracting magnets and metal plates respectively provided at corresponding positions of the side wall portion 102 and the front panel portion 106, the front panel is maintained in contact with the side wall portion 102 (the metal plate is attracted by the magnet), thereby closing the front panel portion 106.

[0126] In addition, if Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 As shown, the side wall portion 102 is provided with a hole near the upper portion for allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the paper storage container 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 As shown, the second side wall portion 102b has three holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b) and Hole3 (102b) near its upper portion, and the third side wall portion 102c has one hole Hole1 (102c) near its upper portion.

[0127] like Figure 10 As shown, the three holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b) and Hole3 (102b) are cylindrical in shape and are formed on the second side wall portion 102b in such a way that the height of their central axes, i.e., the z coordinate value z_center, is substantially the same. Figure 10 As shown, the positions of the center axes of the three holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b) and Hole3 (102b) (z coordinate value z_center) are formed to be approximately the same as the position of the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103 when no paper is loaded on the paper loading platform 103 (approximately the same height).

[0128] Furthermore, the hole 1 (102c) has a cylindrical shape, and the height of its central axis (z coordinate value z_center) is substantially the same height (substantially the same z coordinate value) as the holes 1 (102b), 2 (102b), and 3 (102b). The cross section perpendicular to the central axis is formed in the third side wall portion 102c so as to have substantially the same shape as the cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the holes 1 (102b), 2 (102b), and 3 (102b). Furthermore, the hole 1 (102c) is formed so that the position of its central axis (z coordinate value z_center) is substantially the same as the position (substantially the same height) of the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103 when no paper is loaded on the paper loading platform 103.

[0129] It should be noted that the first flow path restricting portion 104a and the second flow path restricting portion 104b are arranged on the paper loading platform 103, so that the position (z coordinate value) of the upper surface of the second flow path restricting portion 104b when no paper is loaded on the paper loading platform 103 is approximately the same as the position (z coordinate value) of the upper surface of the first flow path restricting portion 104a.

[0130] In addition, for example, Figure 11 As shown, the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) and Hole1 (102c) of the side wall portion 102 are connected to tubes (e.g., pipes) for allowing air (e.g., air flow) to flow into the interior of the paper storage container 100. Figure 11 Pipe1 to Pipe4). And, from this pipe (for example Figure 11 The air from the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe4 flows into the interior of the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) and Hole1 (102c) of the side wall 102. It should be noted that the pipes (e.g. Figure 11 For example, the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe4 Figure 11 As shown, the pipe Pipe0 may be branched by a distributor Pdist1, and the branched pipes Pipe1 to Pipe4 may be connected to holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b), and Hole1 (102c) of the side wall portion 102, respectively. Furthermore, the pipe Pipe0 may be connected to the air delivery pump Pump2, and air may be supplied from the air delivery pump Pump2 to the pipe Pipe0.

[0131] In addition, if Figure 15As shown, the first side wall portion 102a has rotation axis support portions 102a2 and 102a3 for supporting a rotation axis rot_ax_105a for rotatably supporting the first baffle portion 105a.

[0132] In addition, if Figure 15 As shown, the second side wall portion 102b has rotation axis support portions 102b2 and 102b3 for supporting a rotation axis rot_ax_105a for rotatably supporting the first flap portion 105a.

[0133] For example, Figure 12 、 Figure 13 As shown, the paper loading platform 103 is a platform for loading paper (such as a separator card) in a flat state (a state in which the paper is unfolded). The paper loading platform 103 can load paper in a flat state, and its shape is substantially the same as or substantially similar to the shape of the paper to be loaded, and its size is substantially the same as or larger than the paper. The paper loading platform 103 is arranged in a space ensured by the bottom 101, the side wall portion 102 and the front panel portion 106 (the front panel portion 106 in the closed state). In addition, the lower surface of the paper loading platform 103 is as shown. Figure 6 As shown in the figure below, one end is connected to the other end of the elastic member Spr1 provided on the bottom 101. The paper loading platform 103 is urged upward (in the positive direction of the z axis) by the elastic member Spr1, whereby the paper loading platform 103 can clamp the object (e.g., paper) placed on the paper loading platform 103 together with the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b (for example, see Figure 12 、 Figure 13 ).

[0134] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , a first flow path restricting portion 104 a and a second flow path restricting portion 104 b are provided on a surface of the paper placement table 103 on a side where the paper is placed.

[0135] like Figures 5 to 14 As shown, the first flow path restricting portion 104a is a slender, flat-plate-shaped member provided on the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103. The first flow path restricting portion 104a is a member for restricting the flow direction of air (e.g., air flow) flowing from the outside into the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b), and Hole1 (102c) of the side wall portion 102.

[0136] like Figures 5 to 14As shown, the second flow path restricting portion 104b is a slender, flat plate-shaped member provided on the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103. The second flow path restricting portion 104b is a member for restricting the flow direction of air (e.g., air flow) flowing from the outside into the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b), and Hole1 (102c) of the side wall portion 102.

[0137] It should be noted that the first flow path restricting portion 104a and the second flow path restricting portion 104b are preferably arranged at positions where the flow rate toward the center of the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103 increases when air flows from the outside into the paper storage container 100. Figure 14 As shown, in the case where the side wall portion 102 is provided with holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b), and Hole1 (102c), it is preferable to provide the first flow path restricting portion 104a so that the position of the first flow path restricting portion 104a is closer to the front panel portion 106 than the position of the hole Hole1 (102b) in the x-axis direction. In addition, in the above case, it is preferable to provide the second flow path restricting portion 104b so that the position of the second flow path restricting portion 104b is closer to the first side wall portion 102a than the position of the hole Hole1 (102c) in the y-axis direction.

[0138] By providing the first flow path restricting portion 104a and the second flow path restricting portion 104b in this manner, even when one or more sheets of paper remain on the paper loading platform 103, paper can be reliably removed one by one from the paper container 100. When one or more sheets of paper remain on the paper loading platform 103, the flow rate of air flowing into the paper container 100 increases near the center of the lower surface of the remaining one or more sheets of paper on the paper loading platform 103 through the first flow path restricting portion 104a and the second flow path restricting portion 104b. Consequently, the center of the remaining one or more sheets of paper on the paper loading platform 103 is lifted.

[0139] Then, in this state, the paper sheets can be taken out from the paper container 100 one by one by sucking the paper sheets using, for example, the suction mechanism 1 .

[0140] That is, in the paper container 100 , by disposing the first flow path restricting portion 104 a and the second flow path restricting portion 104 b as described above, even when one to several sheets of paper remain on the paper loading platform 103 , the paper can be reliably removed one by one.

[0141] like Figure 15As shown, the first baffle portion 105a has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and is arranged along the inner wall of the first side wall portion 102a at the upper end portion of the first side wall portion 102a. Figure 15 、 Figure 16 As shown, the first baffle portion 105a is set to rotate freely around the rotation axis rot_ax_105a supported by the rotation axis support portions 102a2 and 102a3 of the first side wall portion 102a. A coil spring (not shown) is provided on the first baffle portion 105a or the rotation axis rot_ax_105a. Figure 16 When a force is applied in the rotation direction DirA, an elastic force is generated in the direction of repelling the force (the direction opposite to the rotation direction DirA). Figure 16 State B1. It should be noted that, if Figure 16 As shown, the surface 105a_s1 of the first baffle portion 105a abuts the surface 102a_s1 of the first side wall portion 102a, thereby restricting the rotation of the first baffle portion 105a (rotation caused by the elastic force of the coil spring) and maintaining the first baffle portion 105a in the state B1.

[0142] In addition, if Figure 17 As shown, the first shutter portion 105a has a locking protrusion 1051a for locking the first shutter portion 105a so as not to rotate when the front panel portion 106 is closed.

[0143] like Figure 15 As shown, the second baffle portion 105b has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above, and is arranged along the inner wall of the second side wall portion 102b at the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 102b. Figure 15 、 Figure 16 As shown, the second baffle portion 105b is arranged to rotate freely around the rotation axis rot_ax_105b supported by the rotation axis support portions 102b2 and 102b3 of the second side wall portion 102b. A coil spring (not shown) is provided on the second baffle portion 105b or the rotation axis rot_ax_105b. Figure 16 When a force is applied in the rotation direction DirB, an elastic force is generated in the direction of repelling the force (the direction opposite to the rotation direction DirB). Figure 16 State B1. It should be noted that, if Figure 16As shown, the surface 105b_s1 of the second flap portion 105b abuts the surface 102b_s1 of the second side wall portion 102b, thereby restricting the rotation of the second flap portion 105b (rotation caused by the elastic force of the coil spring) and maintaining the second flap portion 105b in the state B1.

[0144] In addition, if Figure 17 As shown, the second shutter portion 105b has a locking protrusion 1051b for locking the second shutter portion 105b so as not to rotate when the front panel portion 106 is closed.

[0145] like Figure 18 As shown, the front panel portion 106 has: a rotation axis retaining portion 1062, which is used to be set in the through rotation axis state; a locking recess 1061a, which is used to lock the first baffle portion 105a so that it does not rotate when the front panel portion 106 is closed; and a locking recess 1061b, which is used to lock the second baffle portion 105b so that it does not rotate when the front panel portion 106 is closed.

[0146] The locking recess 1061 a is provided at a position where the locking protrusion 1051 a of the first shutter portion 105 a is accommodated when the front panel portion 106 is closed.

[0147] The locking recess 1061 b is provided at a position where the locking protrusion 1051 b of the second shutter portion 105 b is accommodated when the front panel portion 106 is closed.

[0148] The elastic member fixing portion 107 is provided on the bottom portion 101 and is a member for supporting the elastic member Spr1 on its upper surface.

[0149] The elastic member Spr1 is disposed between the upper surface of the base 101 and the lower surface of the paper loading platform 103 and is used to apply a force upward (in the positive z-axis direction) to the paper loading platform 103. The elastic member Spr1 is implemented, for example, by a spring. It should be noted that the elastic member Spr1 can be any component that generates an elastic force and can also be a component other than a spring.

[0150] <1.2: Operation of the paper removal system>

[0151] The operation of the paper removal processing system 1000 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0152] Figure 19 、 Figure 20 Flowchart 1 is a flowchart of the process executed by the paper removal processing system 1000 .

[0153] Figure 21This is a perspective view of the paper storage container 100 and is a diagram for explaining the operation when a bundle of paper G_sep_cards is inserted.

[0154] Figure 22 、 Figure 23 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 , which is a part of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a diagram for explaining an operation when inserting a bundle of paper sheets G_sep_cards.

[0155] Figure 24 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the paper container 100 in a state where a bundle of paper sheets G_sep_cards is inserted.

[0156] Figure 25 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a paper take-out processing system 1000 including a paper storage container 100 in a state in which a bundle of paper G_sep_cards is inserted.

[0157] Figures 26 to 32 The diagram schematically shows the first suction portion 11 a and the second suction portion 11 b of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of paper placed on the paper placement table 103 of the paper storage container 100 , and is used to explain paper removal processing.

[0158] Figure 33 The top view (upper view) and the side view of the paper storage container 100 are enlarged. Figure 6 The figure is a part of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is a figure for explaining the paper removal process.

[0159] Figure 34 、 Figure 35 The paper storage container 100 is enlarged and shown along the Figure 6 The diagram is a part of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , and is used to explain a paper removal and insertion process.

[0160] The following is based on Figure 19 、 Figure 20 The operation of the paper removal processing system 1000 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0161] (Step S1):

[0162] In step S1 , a process of inserting paper sheets (a bundle of paper sheets) into the paper storage container 100 is executed.

[0163] First, in the paper storage container 100, the front panel portion 106 is oriented toward the paper storage container 100. Figure 9The front panel portion 106 is opened by rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow shown. In this state, the locking protrusion 1051a of the first flap portion 105a and the locking protrusion 1051b of the second flap portion 105b are opened, and as a result, the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b are respectively rotatable around the rotation axes rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b (unlocked state).

[0164] In this state (unlocked state), paper is inserted into the paper storage container 100 and stored in the paper storage container 100. Specifically, Figure 21 As shown, when the front panel 106 is opened and the first flap 105a and the second flap 105b are in a state where they can rotate, the bundle of paper (paper stack G_sep_cards) is pushed from above against the first flap 105a and the second flap 105b, so that the first flap 105a and the second flap 105b are rotated downward, thereby placing the bundle of paper (paper stack G_sep_cards) on the paper loading platform 103. Figure 22 、 Figure 23 shown.

[0165] like Figure 22 As shown, when the paper bundle G_sep_cards is lowered from the upper side of the unlocked paper storage container 100 ( Figure 22 In the state C1), the end of the paper at the bottom abuts against the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b, and a force is applied downward, thereby the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b are respectively moved downward. Figure 22 The directions of rotation of DirA and DirB rotate around the rotation axes rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b ( Figure 22 Then, by lowering the paper bundle G_sep_cards, the paper bundle G_sep_cards can be placed on the paper placement table 103 ( Figure 22 It should be noted that the lower surface of the final sheet of the paper bundle G_sep_cards is in contact with the upper surfaces of the first and second flow path restricting portions 104a, 104b, which have substantially the same height (substantially the same z-coordinate value), and the paper bundle G_sep_cards is placed substantially parallel to the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103.

[0166] When the force applied from the final lower surface of the paper bundle G_sep_cards is released, the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b are moved toward the upper surface by the elastic force of the coil springs provided on the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b. Figure 23 The directions of DirA' and DirB' are shown as follows ( Figure 23 State C4).

[0167] Furthermore, the upper surface of the topmost sheet of the paper bundle G_sep_cards abuts against the lower surface of the first flap 105a and the lower surface of the second flap 105b, and the lower surface of the bottommost sheet of the paper bundle G_sep_cards is biased upward by the elastic member Spr1 via the paper loading platform 103 and the first and second flow path restricting portions 104a and 104b. Thus, the paper bundle G_sep_cards is held between the lower surface of the first flap 105a, the second flap 105b, and the paper loading platform 103 ( Figure 21 、 Figure 23 State C5).

[0168] Next, in the paper storage container 100, Figure 21 、 Figure 23 In the state C5, the front panel portion 106 is moved to the position such as Figure 5 、 Figure 21 As a result, the first baffle 105a and the second baffle 105b are respectively accommodated in the locking recesses 1061a and 1061b of the front panel 106. As a result, the first baffle 105a and the second baffle 105b are respectively unable to rotate around the rotation axes rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b (locked state). Figure 24 The locked state may be detected by a detection sensor (not shown). In this case, a detection sensor may be installed on the front panel portion 6 side. This prevents forgetting to close the front panel portion 6.

[0169] (Step S2):

[0170] In step S2 , a process of flowing air into the paper storage container 100 is executed.

[0171] Specifically, the control unit CPU1 activates the air delivery pump Pump2 to allow air to flow into the paper storage container 100 from the air delivery pump Pump2 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) and Hole1 (102c) in the side wall portion 102 of the paper storage container 100.

[0172] (Step S3):

[0173] In step S3, the control unit CPU1 instructs the suction pump Pump1 to start the suction operation. The suction pump Pump1 starts the suction operation according to the instruction (command) of the control unit CPU1.

[0174] (Step S4):

[0175] In step S4 , a paper removal process is executed.

[0176] (Step S401):

[0177] In step S401, the control unit CPU1 sends a control signal to the moving mechanism Rbt1 to move the suction mechanism 1 above the location where the paper storage container 100 is located. The moving mechanism Rbt1 moves the suction mechanism 1 above the location where the paper storage container 100 is located based on the control signal (command) from the control unit CPU1. It should be noted that it is assumed that the control unit CPU1 has information about the location where the paper storage container 100 is located. In addition, if Figure 25 As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction mechanism 1 may be moved to a predetermined position based on the positional relationship between the positioning members gd1 and gd2 and the paper storage container 100 . Figure 25 In this case, when the positioning members gd1 and gd2 are in contact with the first side wall 102a of the paper storage container 100, the first suction portion 11a and the second suction portion 11b are positioned substantially above the center of the uppermost sheet of paper stored in the paper storage container 100. This allows for smooth movement control of the suction mechanism 1.

[0178] (Step S402):

[0179] In step S402, the suction mechanism 1 is lowered. When the control unit CPU 1 completes the movement process in step S401 and recognizes that the first suction unit 11a and the second suction unit 11b are positioned substantially above the center of the topmost sheet of paper stored in the paper container 100, a control signal is sent to the movement mechanism Rbt1 to lower the suction mechanism 1.

[0180] The moving mechanism Rbt1 lowers the adsorption mechanism 1 according to the control signal (command) from the control unit CPU1. Figure 26state α1).

[0181] (Steps S403, S404):

[0182] In step S403, the control unit CPU 1 determines whether the vertical position (height (z coordinate value) of the adsorption mechanism 1 is a value (height) less than the prescribed value Pos_lowest in order to detect whether the adsorption mechanism 1 has descended to the prescribed position Pos_lowest. (1) When the vertical position of the adsorption mechanism 1 is ≤ Pos_lowest, the processing proceeds to step S404. (2) When the vertical position of the adsorption mechanism 1 is ≤ Pos_lowest, the processing proceeds to step S405.

[0183] It should be noted that, if the upper end portion of the corrugated portion of the corrugated gasket portion 11a3, 11b3 (the lower end portion of the connecting portion 11a2) is used ( Figure 4 、 Figure 32 The position (height (z coordinate value)) represented by Pos_z in the figure determines the vertical position (height (z coordinate value)) of the suction mechanism 1. The value Pos_lowest is set to the upper end of the corrugated portion of the corrugated cushion portion 11a3, 11b3 (the lower end of the connecting portion 11a2) when the corrugated cushion portion 11a3, 11b3 is flat and sucks the surface of the uppermost sheet of paper in the paper storage container 100 and the corrugated portion is maximally contracted ( Figure 4 、 Figure 32 The position (height (z coordinate value)) indicated by Pos_z (refer to Figure 32 It should be noted that the above setting method of the value Pos_lowest is an example and is not limited to this. The value Pos_lowest can also be set to, for example Figure 32 The height (z coordinate value) of the position of the specified part (for example, the front end part or the part connected to the first flat part plt1) of the first adsorption part 11a and the second adsorption part 11b in state α0 is taken as the "vertical position of the adsorption mechanism 1", and the judgment processing of the vertical position of the adsorption mechanism 1 ≤ Pos_lowest is performed, taking the position of the specified part of the first adsorption part 11a and the second adsorption part 11b (the position of the object to be compared with the value Pos_Lowest (for example, the front end part or the part connected to the first flat part plt1)).

[0184] In step S404, if the vertical position (height (z-axis coordinate value) of the adsorption mechanism 1 is a value (height) lower than the specified value Pos_lowest, it is determined that the adsorption mechanism 1 has descended to an abnormally low position, and error processing is performed. For example, the control unit CPU1 determines that an abnormal descending process has been performed on the adsorption mechanism 1, and instructs the moving mechanism Rbt1 to perform movement control to raise the adsorption mechanism 1 and return it to the specified position. The moving mechanism Rbt1 raises the adsorption mechanism 1 and returns it to the specified position according to the instruction (command) from the control unit CPU1.

[0185] (Step S405, Step S406):

[0186] In step S405 , a process is performed to determine whether the pressure in the adsorption mechanism 1 is a value lower than a predetermined threshold value Th1 .

[0187] Specifically, the pressure detection unit 2 detects the pressure in the space being sucked by the suction pump Pump 1 (the suction pump Pump 1, the tube connecting the suction pump Pump 1 to the first suction unit 11a and the second suction unit 11b, and the space formed by the hollow structure of the first suction unit 11a and the second suction unit 11b). The pressure detection unit 2 then transmits the detected pressure data to the control unit CPU 1. The control unit CPU 1 then determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit 2 is lower than a predetermined threshold value Th1.

[0188] Then, when it is determined that the pressure in the adsorption mechanism 1 is not lower than the predetermined threshold value Th1, the process returns to step S402 and the lowering process of the adsorption mechanism 1 is continued ( Figure 27 State α2, Figure 28 State α3 and Figure 29 State α4). It should be noted that the threshold value Th1 may be set to a value sufficient to distinguish between the adsorption state and the non-adsorption state based on the pressure when the adsorption mechanism 1 adsorbs an object (e.g., paper) (adsorption state) and the pressure when it is not adsorbed (non-adsorption state).

[0189] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure in the suction mechanism 1 is lower than the predetermined threshold value Th1, the suction mechanism 1 is in a state of sucking the paper, and as a result, it can be determined that the pressure in the suction mechanism 1 is reduced ( Figure 30 Therefore, the control unit CPU1 instructs the moving mechanism Rbt1 to stop the lowering process of the adsorption mechanism 1 and to raise the adsorption mechanism 1. The moving mechanism Rbt1 stops the lowering process of the adsorption mechanism 1 and raises the adsorption mechanism 1 according to the instruction of the control unit CPU1 (step S406) ( Figure 31 State α6).

[0190] (Step S407):

[0191] In step S407, the control unit CPU 1 instructs the data reading unit L_scan 1 to read a barcode or the like printed on the surface of the paper (e.g., separator card) being sucked by the suction mechanism 1. In response to the instruction from the control unit CPU 1, the data reading unit L_scan 1 reads the barcode or the like printed on the surface of the paper (e.g., separator card) being sucked by the suction mechanism 1 and transmits the read data to the control unit CPU 1.

[0192] (Step S408):

[0193] In step S408, control unit CPU 1 determines whether the data read by data reader L_scan 1 is normal data. If the data read by data reader L_scan 1 is determined to be abnormal data, the process proceeds to step S409. On the other hand, if the data read by data reader L_scan 1 is determined to be normal data, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0194] (Step S409):

[0195] In step S409, rejection processing is performed. Since the data read by the data reader L_scan1 is not normal data, the paper being held by the suction mechanism 1 (e.g., a separator card) is not legitimate paper. Therefore, the paper is moved to a disposal box (discarding processing). Specifically, the control unit CPU1 instructs the moving mechanism Rbt1 to move the paper being held by the suction mechanism 1 (e.g., a separator card), for example, to a disposal box. Following the instruction from the control unit CPU1, the moving mechanism Rbt1 moves the paper being held by the suction mechanism 1 to the disposal box, then lowers the suction mechanism 1, releasing the paper being held by the suction mechanism 1 (e.g., by temporarily stopping the suction of air from the outside to release the suction mechanism 1 and release the paper). As a result, the paper being held by the suction mechanism 1 is dropped into the disposal box. Upon completion of the rejection processing in step S409, the process proceeds to step S5. If paper remains in the paper storage container 100 ("Yes" in step S5), the process of step S4 is executed.

[0196] (Steps S410, S411):

[0197] In step S410, the paper being sucked by the suction mechanism 1 is moved to a predetermined location. Since the data read by the data reader L_scan1 is normal, the paper being sucked by the suction mechanism 1 (e.g., a separator card) is legitimate paper. Therefore, the paper is placed, for example, into a conveyor device (a conveyor device with a banknote bundle storage box) storing banknote bundles collected from a cash drawer.

[0198] Specifically, the control unit CPU1 instructs the moving mechanism Rbt1 to move the paper being adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism 1 (for example, a separator card) to the conveying device (the conveying device with a banknote bundle storage box) that stores the banknote bundles collected from the cash box. After the moving mechanism Rbt1 moves the paper being adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism 1 to the box (container) that stores the banknote bundles of the conveying device in accordance with the instruction from the control unit CPU1, it lowers the adsorption mechanism 1 and releases the paper being adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism 1 (for example, by temporarily stopping the adsorption mechanism 1 from sucking air from the outside to release the adsorption state of the adsorption mechanism 1 and release the paper) (step S411). As a result, the paper being adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism 1 is put into the conveying device (the conveying device with a banknote bundle storage box). That is, in the conveying device (the conveying device with a banknote bundle storage box), a state is achieved in which a piece of paper (for example, a separator card) taken out from the paper storage container 100 is placed on the banknote bundle collected from the cash box ( Figure 39 The batch Batch1 is created in the status).

[0199] At this time, the control unit CPU1 obtains data obtained by associating information about the cash drawer where the banknote bundles stored in the conveyor device (the conveyor device with the banknote bundle storage box) are stored with information identifying the paper (e.g., a separator card) placed on the banknote bundles (data read by the data reader L_scan1), and stores and manages this data. The control unit CPU1 then transmits this data (associated data) via the communication interface IF1 to, for example, an automatic banknote counting machine (sorter). Based on the data associating the cash drawer information with the separator card information, the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) can recognize that the banknote bundles separated by the separator card (the paper removed from the paper storage container 100) are banknote bundles collected from the cash drawer associated with the separator card, and can also obtain the total amount collected from the cash drawer.

[0200] As described above, in the paper take-out processing system 1000 , the paper take-out processing is executed.

[0201] (Step S5):

[0202] In step S5, it is determined whether there is any paper remaining in the paper storage container 100. If the result of the determination is that there is paper remaining in the paper storage container 100, the process returns to step S4. If there is no paper remaining in the paper storage container 100, the process enters step S6.

[0203] It should be noted that, regarding the determination process of whether there is any paper remaining in the paper storage container 100, for example, the data reading unit L_scan1 may generate a reading error to determine that there is no paper remaining in the paper storage container 100. In addition, a seal with a special barcode (a barcode indicating that no paper is loaded) printed on it may be attached to the paper loading platform 103 of the paper storage container 100. When the data of the special barcode is read by the data reading unit L_scan1, it is determined that there is no paper remaining in the paper storage container 100.

[0204] (Step S6):

[0205] In step S6 , the operation of the adsorption pump Pump 1 is stopped.

[0206] (Step S7):

[0207] In step S7 , the operation of the air delivery pump Pump 2 is stopped, and the process of causing air to flow into the paper storage container 100 is stopped.

[0208] As described above, in the paper taking-out processing system 1000, the paper stored in the paper storage container 100 is taken out one by one and put into the conveying device where the banknotes collected in each cash box are placed. It should be noted that the timing of starting and / or stopping the operation of the suction pump Pump1 is not limited to Figure 19 For example, the operation start and / or stop of the suction pump Pump1 may be executed during the paper removal process (step S4). For example, the operation start of the suction pump Pump1 may be executed at any timing before step S403, and the operation stop of the suction pump Pump1 may be executed at any timing after step S405.

[0209] Here, use Figures 33 to 35 The details of the process of taking out the paper stored in the paper storage container 100 one by one from the paper storage container 100 in the paper removal processing system 1000 will be described.

[0210] After the paper storage container 100 is locked, air (e.g., air flow) is allowed to flow from, for example, the air delivery pump Pump2 into the interior of the paper storage container 100 via the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe4 and the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), and Hole3 (102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the paper storage container 100, and the hole Hole1 (102c) of the third side wall portion 102c. Figure 33 、 Figure 34 state D1).

[0211] like Figure 14 As shown, the first flow path restricting portion 104 a and the second flow path restricting portion 104 b are arranged so that when air flows from the outside into the paper storage container 100 , the amount of air flowing toward the center of the upper surface of the paper placement table 103 increases.

[0212] In addition, the heights (z coordinate values ​​z_center) of the center axes of the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) and Hole1 (102c) formed in the side wall portion 102 are approximately the same, and are formed to be approximately the same as the position of the upper surface of the paper loading platform 103 when no paper is loaded on the paper loading platform 103 (approximately the same height).

[0213] Therefore, in the paper storage container 100, when air (for example, air flow) is caused to flow from the outside into the interior of the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the paper storage container 100 and the hole Hole1 (102c) of the third side wall portion 102c, the center of the upper surface of the uppermost paper on the paper loading platform 103 is lifted.

[0214] The paper being lifted near the center of the upper surface is sucked by the suction mechanism 1 of the moving mechanism Rbt1 (eg, a robot arm), and the paper is lifted upward while being sucked, so that the top paper can be easily removed from the paper container 100 .

[0215] For this, use Figures 33 to 35 Provide explanation.

[0216] In the paper storage container 100, when air (e.g., air flow) is caused to flow from the outside into the paper storage container 100 through the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the paper storage container 100 and the hole Hole1 (102c) of the third side wall portion 102c, the heights (z coordinate values) of the center axes of the holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b), and Hole1 (102c) are substantially the same as the position (z coordinate value) of the top sheet of the paper stack G_sep_cards placed on the paper loading platform 103, so that the air is blown toward the top sheet of the paper stack G_sep_cards from the lateral direction (from the horizontal direction). Figure 34 As shown, the paper stack G_sep_cards placed on the paper loading platform 103 is clamped between the first baffle portion 105a and the second baffle portion 105b and the paper loading platform 103. When air is blown from the lateral direction (horizontally) toward the top sheet of the paper stack G_sep_cards placed on the paper loading platform 103, the air entering the bottom surface of the top sheet is concentrated near the center, causing the top surface of the top sheet to be lifted upward ( Figure 34 state D2).

[0217] In this state, the paper in the state of being lifted near the center of the upper surface is sucked by the suction mechanism 1 of the moving mechanism Rbt1, and the paper is lifted upward in the sucked state, thereby making it easy to take out the top paper ( Figure 34 Furthermore, by allowing air to flow into the paper container 100 as described above, the center portion of the uppermost paper is lifted up, and thus, by performing the above-described process, the paper can be reliably taken out one by one.

[0218] Furthermore, after the top sheet of paper on the paper loading platform 103 is removed, the next top sheet of paper becomes the top sheet, and the position of this paper (z coordinate value (height) is approximately the same as the height (z coordinate value) of the center axis of holes Hole1 (102b), Hole2 (102b), Hole3 (102b) and Hole1 (102c) (state D1). Furthermore, by performing the same process as described above, the next top sheet of paper can also be reliably removed. By repeating this operation, the paper placed on the paper loading platform 103 can be reliably removed one by one.

[0219] And, as Figure 35As shown in FIG. 1 , when the last sheet of paper is placed on the paper loading platform 103, the air flow rate flowing into the paper container 100 increases near the center of the bottom surface of the last sheet of paper due to the first flow path restricting portion 104a and the second flow path restricting portion 104b. Consequently, the last sheet of paper is also lifted near its center (state D5).

[0220] In this state, as described above, the last paper in the state of being lifted near the center of the upper surface is sucked by the suction mechanism 1 of the moving mechanism Rbt1 and lifted upward while being sucked, thereby reliably removing the last paper from the paper container 100.

[0221] As described above, in paper container 100, the paper loading platform 103 is biased upward by elastic member Spr1 so that the position (height) of the top sheet of paper in the stack placed on paper loading platform 103 is approximately the same as the position (height) of the air inlet hole. Furthermore, the paper stack is held between first flap 105a and second flap 105b, whose rotation is locked. In this state, air is blown laterally (horizontally) toward the top sheet of paper in the stack placed on paper loading platform 103 in paper container 100, lifting the top sheet near its center and separating the sheets near the top (forming a gap). In this state, suction is applied to the top sheet near its center, lifting it upward, allowing the top sheet to be easily and reliably removed from paper container 100.

[0222] That is, in the paper container 100 , paper sheets (eg, separator cards) can be taken out one by one with high precision using a simple mechanism.

[0223] As described above, in the paper removal processing system 1000, the paper storage container 100 having a simple mechanism can be used to remove the paper stored in the paper storage container 100 one by one with high precision. Furthermore, in the paper removal processing system 1000, since the paper storage container 100 having a simple mechanism can be used to perform paper removal processing, it can be implemented at a low cost.

[0224] It should be noted that, in the paper taking-out processing system 1000, by executing the above-mentioned processing, a paper (for example, a separator card) taken out from the paper storage container 100 is placed on the banknote bundle collected from the cash box in the conveying device (the conveying device with the banknote bundle storage box), and a paper can be created. Figure 39Repeating this operation, for example, by aggregating (e.g., stacking) the created batches in a storage device (not shown), can create Figure 39 Then, the generated batch bundle ( Figure 39 The batch bundles (Batch_G1) are transported to the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter), which efficiently performs automatic banknote counting on the batch bundles. Specifically, the automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) receives information about the cash drawer that collected each batch of banknote bundles from the paper removal processing system 1000. The automatic banknote counting machine (sorter) reads the barcode of the separator card at the beginning of each batch and, by referencing the separator card information received from the paper removal processing system 1000 and identifying the cash drawer information associated with the separator card, performs banknote counting on each batch (each cash drawer).

[0225] [Other embodiments]

[0226] While the above embodiment describes a case where the paper removal processing system 1000 includes a single paper storage container 100, this is not limiting. The paper removal processing system 1000 may also include two or more paper storage containers 100. In this case, the paper removal processing system 1000 can handle multiple types of paper (e.g., separator cards). Alternatively, multiple paper storage containers may store the same type of paper (separator cards), with continuously stored paper removed from one paper storage container. When no paper is left, continuously stored paper is removed from another paper storage container. This allows paper removal from another paper storage container to continue even while an empty paper storage container is being replenished, allowing the paper removal process in the paper removal processing system 1000 to continue without interruption.

[0227] In addition, in the above embodiment, a barcode is printed on paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other codes, numbers, symbols, patterns, etc. may be attached to the surface of the paper. In this case, the data reading device capable of acquiring data from the display on the surface of the paper is replaced with the data reading unit L_scan1 to implement the paper removal processing system 1000.

[0228] In the above embodiment, it is described that when the pressure in the adsorption mechanism is lower than the predetermined value Th1 (see Figure 20 While the above description describes a case where the suction mechanism is raised in step S405, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the paper removal processing system 1000, when the pressure reduction in the suction mechanism exceeds a predetermined value (the predetermined value may be a value that can distinguish between the suction state and the non-suction state of the suction mechanism), the suction mechanism may be stopped from descending and raised.

[0229] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, four holes are provided in the side wall portion 102 of the paper storage container 100. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The number of holes (air inlet) provided in the side wall portion 102 of the paper storage container 100 may be another number (even one). For example, in the paper storage container 100, one or more holes may be provided in at least two of the first side wall portion 102a, the second side wall portion 102b, the third side wall portion 102c, and the front panel portion 106 (corresponding to four sides in a plan view). (In a plan view, one or more holes may be provided in the members corresponding to at least two of the four sides.)

[0230] Furthermore, the shape of the hole in the side wall portion 102 may be another shape (for example, a shape other than a circle (for example, a rectangle or an ellipse) in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis).

[0231] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the setting position of the hole in the side wall portion 102 (the height (z coordinate value) is a height at which air can be blown from the horizontal direction toward the uppermost paper on the paper loading platform 103 (approximately the same height as the uppermost paper on the paper loading platform 103) is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The hole can also be provided on the side wall portion 102 in such a manner that the setting position of the hole in the side wall portion 102 (the height (z coordinate value) is a position lower than the uppermost paper on the paper loading platform 103 (for example, the position of the center axis of the hole is a position lower than the uppermost paper on the paper loading platform 103) is set.

[0232] In addition, if Figure 36 As shown, in the paper storage container 100, a pipe (eg, a nozzle) for allowing air (eg, air flow) to flow into the paper storage container 100 may also be provided. Figure 36 Fixing components Dev_fixA and Dev_fixB are used to stably fix the pipes (Pipe1~Pipe4).

[0233] like Figure 36 As shown, the fixing component Dev_fixA (102b) is provided on the second side wall portion 102b, guides the front ends of the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe3 to the holes provided on the second side wall portion 102b, and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixB (102b) for bundling the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe3.

[0234] The fixing member Dev_fixB (102b) is a member for bundling the pipes Pipe1 to Pipe3 and is connected to the fixing member Dev_fixA (102b).

[0235] like Figure 36As shown, the fixing component Dev_fixA (102c) is provided on the third side wall portion 102c, guides the front end of the pipe Pipe4 to the hole provided on the third side wall portion 102c, and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixB (102c) for fixing the pipe Pipe4.

[0236] The fixing component Dev_fixB (102c) is a component for fixing the pipe Pipe4 and is connected to the fixing component Dev_fixA (102c).

[0237] By providing the paper storage container 100 with the fixing members Dev_fixA (102b), Dev_fixB (102b), Dev_fixA (102c), and Dev_fixB (102c), a pipe for allowing air (eg, air flow) to flow into the paper storage container 100 can be stably arranged.

[0238] In addition, in the above embodiment, if Figure 36 As shown in the figure, the case where the hole, the first flow path restricting portion 104a (flow path restricting component) and the second flow path restricting portion 104b (flow path restricting component) are arranged in the paper storage container 100 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the paper storage container 100, the arrangement of the hole, the first flow path restricting portion 104a (flow path restricting component) and the second flow path restricting portion 104b (flow path restricting component) can also be set to another arrangement.

[0239] Figure 37 FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a paper storage container 100A in which the arrangement of holes and flow path restricting members is changed. Figure 37 As shown, three holes can also be provided in the second side wall portion 102a and one hole can be provided in the third side wall portion 102c. Figure 37 As shown, a first flow path restriction portion 104a' and a second flow path restriction portion 104b' may also be provided.

[0240] Alternatively, the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A may have different arrangements of holes and flow path restricting members, for example. Figure 38The system (paper removal processing system) for removing paper from the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A is configured as shown. That is, in the paper removal processing system 1000, a structure in which the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A are configured differently including holes and flow path restricting components can also be used. It should be noted that in this case, air can be supplied to the paper storage container 100 and the paper storage container 100A from the air delivery pump Pump2. Alternatively, air can be supplied to the paper storage container 100 from the air delivery pump Pump2, and an air delivery pump different from the air delivery pump Pump2 can be added to supply air to the paper storage container 100A.

[0241] exist Figure 38 In the figure, the paper container 100, the paper container 100A, and the discard container Bx_reject are shown on the table TB1. The discard container Bx_reject is a paper storage container into which, when the paper container 100 and / or the paper stored in the paper container 100A is of an irregular type (e.g., an irregular separator card), the paper removed from the paper container 100A is placed and discarded.

[0242] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although there are expressions such as "approximately the same" and "approximately parallel", these expressions include errors generated when controlling in a manner that is "the same" or "parallel" as a target value (or design value), design errors, or errors determined by resolution, etc., including the concept of the range determined by technical personnel in this field to be "the same" or "parallel".

[0243] In addition, in the above embodiment, only the essential components required for the above embodiment are shown in simplified form. Therefore, any components not explicitly shown in the above embodiment may be included. Furthermore, in the above embodiment and the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of each component do not necessarily faithfully represent actual dimensions and dimensional ratios. Therefore, dimensions and dimensional ratios may be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0244] In the paper removal processing system 1000 described in the above embodiment, each block (each functional unit) may be individually integrated on a single chip using a semiconductor device such as an LSI, or may be partially or entirely integrated on a single chip. Furthermore, each block (each functional unit) of the paper removal processing system 1000 described in the above embodiment may be implemented using multiple semiconductor devices such as LSIs.

[0245] It should be noted that although LSI is used here, due to different levels of integration, it is sometimes also called IC, system LSI, super LSI, and ultra-large LSI.

[0246] Furthermore, circuit integration is not limited to LSIs; dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors can also be used. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, can also be used.

[0247] In addition, part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments can also be implemented by a program. Part or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments is performed by a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer. In addition, the program for performing each process is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM, and is read into the ROM or RAM for execution.

[0248] Furthermore, each process in the above embodiment can be implemented by hardware or by defining a custom appearance together with software (including an OS (operating system), middleware, or a predetermined library). Furthermore, it can be implemented by a hybrid of software and hardware.

[0249] When the functional units of the above-mentioned embodiments are implemented by software, it is also possible to use, for example, a prescribed hardware structure (for example, a CPU (which may also be a GPU, for example), ROM, RAM, an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, a storage unit (for example, a storage unit implemented by an HDD, SSD, etc.), a hardware structure for connecting an external media drive via a bus Bus, etc.) and implement each functional unit through software processing.

[0250] Furthermore, when each functional unit of the above-described embodiment is implemented by software, the software may be implemented using a single computer having the above-described hardware configuration, or may be implemented by distributed processing using a plurality of computers.

[0251] Furthermore, the execution order of the processing method in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to that described in the above embodiment, and the execution order may be changed within the scope of the invention. In addition, in the processing method in the above embodiment, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps within the scope of the invention.

[0252] A computer program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program are included within the scope of the present invention. Examples of computer-readable recording media include floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, MOs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, high-capacity DVDs, next-generation DVDs, and semiconductor memories.

[0253] The computer program is not limited to being recorded in the recording medium, but may be transmitted via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or the like.

[0254] It should be noted that the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0255] Description of reference numerals:

[0256] 1000: Paper removal and processing system

[0257] 100, 100A: Paper storage container

[0258] 101: Bottom

[0259] 102: Side wall

[0260] 103: Paper loading platform

[0261] 104a, 104a': first flow path restriction portion (flow path restriction member)

[0262] 104b, 104b': Second flow path restriction portion (flow path restriction member)

[0263] 1051a, 51b: Locking protrusion (locking mechanism)

[0264] 1061a, 61b: Locking recess (locking mechanism)

[0265] Spr1: elastic component

[0266] 1: Adsorption mechanism

[0267] 2: Pressure detection unit

[0268] Pump: Pumping air pump

Claims

1. A paper removal method for removing paper from a paper storage container, wherein the paper storage container comprises: a paper loading platform for loading the paper; and a flow path restricting member, configured to protrude from the upper surface of the paper loading platform and to ensure a space between the lower surface of the lowest paper and the upper surface of the paper loading platform when paper is loaded on the paper loading platform, the flow path restricting member being composed of two elongated flat plate-shaped members that restrict the flow direction of air flowing in from the outside, the two elongated flat plate-shaped members being spaced apart and arranged at a position where the flow rate toward the center of the upper surface of the paper loading platform increases when air flows in from the outside; The paper removal method is characterized in that: placing one or more sheets of paper in an unfolded state on the flow path restricting member of the paper loading platform, and placing the sheets of paper on the flow path restricting member of the paper loading platform in a state in which the lower surface of the sheet of paper located at the lowermost end abuts against the upper surfaces of the two elongated flat plate-shaped members of the flow path restricting member; and The paper is removed by blowing air laterally or from below the uppermost paper placed on the flow path restriction member of the paper placement table and sucking the upper surface of the paper by a suction mechanism.

2. A paper removal method for removing paper from a paper storage container, wherein the paper storage container comprises: a paper loading platform for loading the paper; and a flow path restricting member, configured to protrude from the upper surface of the paper loading platform and to ensure a space between the lower surface of the lowest paper and the upper surface of the paper loading platform when paper is loaded on the paper loading platform, the flow path restricting member being composed of two elongated flat plate-shaped members that restrict the flow direction of air flowing in from the outside, the two elongated flat plate-shaped members being spaced apart and arranged at a position where the flow rate toward the center of the upper surface of the paper loading platform increases when air flows in from the outside; The paper removal method is characterized by comprising: In a first step, one or more sheets of paper are placed on the flow path restricting member of the paper placement table in an unfolded state, and the sheets are placed on the flow path restricting member of the paper placement table in a state in which the lower surface of the sheet at the lowermost end abuts against the upper surfaces of the two elongated flat plate-shaped members of the flow path restricting member. A second step is to blow air from the side or below the uppermost sheet of paper placed on the flow path restricting member of the paper placing table while unfolding the paper and clamping at least a portion of the end portion of the paper; and In the third step, a suction mechanism is used to suck a portion of the upper surface of the uppermost paper placed on the flow path restricting member of the paper placement table that is lifted by air blown laterally from the paper, thereby removing the paper.

3. The paper removal method according to claim 2, wherein: In the third step, the suction mechanism is lowered from above the upper surface of the paper, and after the paper is sucked, the suction mechanism is raised to remove the paper.

4. The paper removal method according to claim 3, wherein: When the pressure in the adsorption mechanism is lower than a predetermined value, or when the amount of pressure reduction in the adsorption mechanism is greater than a predetermined value, the lowering of the adsorption mechanism is stopped and the adsorption mechanism is raised.

5. The paper removal method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: In the third step, the front end of the suction mechanism is lowered only to a position higher than the upper surface of the paper.

6. A paper removal processing system for removing paper, characterized in that: have: Paper storage container, to store paper; a pump to allow air to flow into the interior of the paper storage container; and Adsorption mechanism, The paper storage container comprises: bottom; A paper loading platform for loading paper; a flow path restricting member, configured to protrude from the upper surface of the paper loading platform and, when paper is loaded on the paper loading platform, to ensure a space between the lower surface of the lowest paper and the upper surface of the paper loading platform, the flow path restricting member being composed of two elongated flat plate-shaped members that restrict the flow direction of air flowing in from the outside, and when air flows in from the pump, the two elongated flat plate-shaped members are spaced apart from each other and arranged at a position where the flow rate toward the center of the upper surface of the paper loading platform increases; an elastic member, disposed between the bottom portion and the paper loading platform, and configured to apply force upward to the paper loading platform; a clamping member, used for clamping the paper placed on the paper placing table together with the paper placing table; as well as The side wall portion is arranged so as to surround the paper loading platform, and is provided with a hole in the side wall portion. The hole is used to allow air to flow from the pump from the outside to a height approximately the same as the height of the surface of the uppermost paper when the paper is loaded on the flow path restricting member of the paper loading platform. When air is flowed into the paper storage container by the pump, the suction mechanism moves downward from above the paper placed on the flow path restriction member of the paper loading platform, and moves upward after sucking the paper, thereby removing the paper from the paper storage container.

7. The paper removal processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a pressure detection unit for detecting the internal pressure of the adsorption mechanism. The suction mechanism moves upward when the pressure inside the suction mechanism becomes lower than a predetermined value by the pressure detecting portion, thereby removing the paper from the paper container.

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