Paper sheet carrier

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet carrier that carries a paper sheet to a storage by operation of an airflow generated within a carrier pipe and can appropriately receive a paper sheet from a conveyance path descending vertically in the storage.SOLUTION: The outlet of a curved carrier pipe 12c for changing the course of a paper sheet from a vertical downward direction to a horizontal direction is connected to a side surface of the casing of a storage 9. Since falling force because of empty weight operates on the paper sheet in addition to operation of an airflow, smooth storage is enabled by changing the course horizontally by the curved carrier pipe and connecting its outlet to a side surface of the storage. Especially, by connecting the outlet of the curved carrier pipe 12c to a side surface of an upper portion of the casing of the storage 9 and accumulating and housing the received paper sheet vertically in the storage 9, housing force can be reinforced and interference with the inside of a game parlor or the like can be suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet transport device that transports paper sheets such as banknotes in an amusement arcade or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Inside an amusement machine island, which houses multiple sets of game ball dispensing machines that receive inserted banknotes and dispense game balls (such as pachinko balls) to players and game machines such as pachinko machines, a transport device is installed along the length of the amusement machine island to transport the banknotes inserted into each game ball dispensing machine to a safe installed at the end of the game machine island. Also, a transport device has appeared that collects banknotes from each safe of multiple game machine islands installed in an amusement facility and transports them to the main safe in the amusement facility's office. For example, the conveyor path that runs through the arcade leaves the main safe in the office, extends upward and enters the ceiling, then turns horizontal and runs along the ceiling, passing directly above the safes of each gaming machine island. From the safes of each gaming machine island, bills are sent to the conveyor path that passes directly above them. After passing directly above each gaming machine island, the conveyor path is extended downward to return to the main safe.

[0003] Conventionally, belt conveyance was the mainstream of the conveyance method used in such conveyance devices, but in recent years, it has become more diverse, such as a method that uses an air flow generated inside the conveyance tube. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a conveyance device in which a cylindrical conveyance auxiliary body 101 is inserted into a conveyance tube 100 as shown in Fig. 28, and is moved by the action of an air flow generated inside the conveyance tube, and the moving conveyance auxiliary body 101 pushes and conveys the paper sheets in the tube from behind.

[0004] In a conveying device using a conveying auxiliary body, a collecting device is provided at the end of the conveying tube to separate the conveying auxiliary body from the paper sheets conveyed by the conveying auxiliary body and collect the paper sheets. Figure 29 shows how the paper sheets are collected by the collecting device 110.

[0005] In this recovery device 110, the transport auxiliary body 101 that has been pushing the paper sheets from behind is received and recovered by a separation section 112 equipped with a slit (passage opening) (Figure 1B), and the paper sheets are separated from the transport auxiliary body by allowing only the paper sheets to pass through the slit and proceed to a downstream passage section 114.

[0006] Passage section 114 is an area for temporarily stopping or slowing down (e.g., 10 cm / sec) paper sheets moving within the conveying tube at high speed (e.g., 2 m / sec) and storing them, and paper sheets that enter passage section 114 are discharged to the outside from the end of passage section 114 by conveying mechanism 116 using conveying rollers and conveying belts (Figure c).

[0007] The paper sheets discharged from the collection device 110 are sent to and stored in the main safe of the office. The transport auxiliary body 101 is separated from the separation unit 112 when the separation unit 112 rotates from the front of the passage unit 114 to the side, and is collected (FIG. 1c). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-15578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] When the paper sheets are transported by the transport auxiliary body, the paper sheets are usually moved by being pushed by the transport auxiliary body with the rear end of the paper sheets abutting against the transport auxiliary body. Also, when the transport auxiliary body transports multiple paper sheets at once, the multiple paper sheets are usually in a bundle and the rear end of the bundle is pushed by the transport auxiliary body with the bundle abutting against the transport auxiliary body. However, such a transport state is not always maintained, and due to some influence (for example, the influence of gravity acting on the paper sheets in the direction of travel at the downward point of the transport path, the influence of air resistance, the influence of the joints of the transport pipe, etc.), the paper sheets may move while being separated from the transport auxiliary body to a certain extent in front of the bundle, or when the transport auxiliary body transports multiple banknotes at once, the bundle may collapse and multiple paper sheets may be transported in a state of being scattered in front and behind (for example, the first group and the second group behind it) (see FIG. 30).

[0010] When multiple sheets arrive at the collection device in a state where they are scattered forward and backward, the first group of sheets that arrive first are stored in the passage 114 of the collection device 110 and stop and decelerate, as shown in Fig. 31(a). After that, the leading edge of the second group of sheets may hit the trailing edge of the first group of sheets that arrived first and are stopped and decelerating in the passage 114. In this case, the delayed second group of sheets cannot enter the passage 114 and are crushed by the conveying auxiliary body arriving from the rear, causing a jam (Fig. 31(b)).

[0011] This problem is not limited to cases where the transport auxiliary body is moved by the action of air flow, but can occur in any method in which the transport auxiliary body pushes and transports the paper sheets. For example, it can occur even if the transport auxiliary body is self-propelled. The phenomenon in which the paper sheets move while being separated from the transport auxiliary body to a certain extent forward is not limited to the downward point of the transport path, but can also occur in other places, for example, where the transport path is horizontal. At the downward point, the paper sheets being transported are subjected to the action of air flow as well as their own weight, so it is desirable to take this into consideration and appropriately receive the paper sheets from the descending transport path in the storage facility.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, The paper sheets that come down vertically from the transport path can be properly received in the storage unit. The object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet transport device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the present invention is as follows.

[0014] [1] The air flow generated in the transport pipe causes the Paper sheets To storage A paper sheet transport device for transporting paper sheets, The outlet of the curved conveying pipe that changes the path of the paper sheets from a vertical downward direction to a horizontal direction is connected to the side of the housing of the storage. A paper sheet transport device characterized by the above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of an amusement center in which a paper sheet collection and transport system to which a paper sheet transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied is installed. [Diagram 2]1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a paper sheet collection and transport system to which a paper sheet transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 3] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a transport auxiliary body pushes a banknote in a transport tube from its rear end side. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a straight portion of the conveying pipe. [Diagram 5] A cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight portion of the conveying pipe. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are plan and front views of a transport aid; [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the conveying pipe and the conveying auxiliary body in a state where the conveying auxiliary body is inserted into the conveying pipe. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing the inside of the transport pipes entering and leaving the collective safe of the paper sheet collection and transport system shown in FIG. 2 and the collective safe. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an amusement machine island. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an island banknote transport device. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing the collection device disassembled into an outer case and an inner unit. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an inner unit of the recovery device. [Figure 13] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a passage portion of the inner unit is disassembled into a main body portion side and an opposing wall portion side. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a perspective view of the main body of the passage portion as viewed from the inner wall surface side. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section and operation of the recovery device. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a temporary stop unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stopper drive unit of the temporary stop unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a connecting pipe portion of the temporary suspension unit. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary stopping unit taken along line AA in FIG. 18 (with the contact member at the contact position). [Figure 20]18 (abutment member in release position) [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a contact member at a contact position and a transport auxiliary body that is temporarily stopped in contact with the contact member; FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a head of the abutment member at a contact position is connected to an inner wall surface of the connecting pipe portion. FIG. [Diagram 23] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary stopping unit and the collection device (when a plurality of banknotes are transported in a dispersed manner). FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary stopping unit and the collection device (when a plurality of banknotes are transported in a bundle). [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the temporary stopping unit and the collection device (another example in which a plurality of banknotes are transported in a bundle). [Figure 28] 13 is a diagram showing how the auxiliary transport body pushes and transports the paper sheets in the tube from behind. FIG. [Figure 29] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which paper sheets are collected by a collection device in a conventional conveying device. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of paper sheets are conveyed while being distributed to the front and rear. [Diagram 31] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem that occurs in a recovery device of a conventional transport device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows an example of the layout of an amusement parlor 2 in which a paper sheet collecting and transporting system 1 to which a paper sheet transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied is installed. Fig. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the paper sheet collecting and transporting system 1. Inside the amusement parlor 2, a number of gaming machine islands 3 are arranged across an aisle. Each gaming machine island 3 houses a plurality of sets of gaming ball dispensing machines 4 that receive inserted banknotes and dispense gaming balls (pachinko balls) to players, and gaming machines 5 such as pachinko machines, back to back on the front and back sides.

[0018] The paper sheet collection and transport system 1 includes an intra-island banknote transport device 7 that is provided inside the gaming machine island 3 and takes in banknotes discharged from the back of each gaming ball dispensing machine 4 and transports them to a safe in a relay box 6 at the end of the gaming machine island 3, a main transport device 10 that travels above each gaming machine island 3 (for example, above the attic or near the ceiling) to collect banknotes stored in the safe of each gaming machine island 3 and transport them to a collective safe 9 installed in the office of the gaming facility 2, etc., and an relay transport device 8 that pays out banknotes from the safe of each gaming machine island 3 and relays and transports the banknotes to a transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 that passes above the safe.

[0019] The relay box 6 provided at the edge of each gaming machine island 3 houses a safe, and the drive and control units of the intra-island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8. The collective safe 9 houses the drive and control units of the main transport device 10 in addition to the safe.

[0020] The conveying path 11 of the main conveying device 10 is installed so as to leave the collective safe 9 in the office, pass above the installation location of the relay box 6 of each game machine island 3, and return to the collective safe 9 again. In the example of FIG. 2, the conveying path 11 of the main conveying device 10 is extended upward after leaving the collective safe 9, enters the ceiling space, turns horizontally, travels along the ceiling space directly above the installation location of the relay box 6 of each game machine island 3, and then descends and returns to the collective safe 9. A temporary stop unit 80 is installed in the middle of the conveying path 11 just before returning to the collective safe 9, which allows the banknotes P to pass but temporarily stops the conveying auxiliary body 16 for a predetermined time and then opens it toward the collective safe 9. In the embodiment, the main conveying device 10 equipped with the temporary stop unit 80 corresponds to the paper sheet conveying device according to the present invention.

[0021] The conveying path 11 of the main conveying device 10 of the paper sheet collecting and conveying system 1 is a cylindrical conveying tube 12. The main conveying device 10 generates an air flow in the conveying tube 12, and a conveying auxiliary body 16 (see Figs. 3 to 7) that receives the air flow and moves within the conveying tube 12 pushes the banknotes P in the conveying tube 12 from behind and conveys them downstream (in the conveying direction FW). In the paper sheet collecting and conveying system 1, the banknotes P are conveyed within the conveying tube 12 in a landscape orientation with the paper surface vertical.

[0022] The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is formed by connecting multiple transport pipes 12. A transport pipe and an adjacent transport pipe are connected via a connector 15, an intake device 14, etc. The transport pipes 12 include a straight transport pipe 12a, a horizontally curved pipe 12b for changing the path by 90 degrees to the left or right, and a vertically curved pipe 12c for changing the path from horizontal to vertical or from vertical to horizontal (see Figures 2 and 8). By connecting these, the transport route can be freely set.

[0023] The take-in device 14 serves to take in the banknotes transported by the relay transport device 8 into the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10, and also serves to connect the front and rear transport pipes 12 together.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows the collective safe 9 with its front cover removed and the transport pipe 12 that goes in and out of it. Inside the collective safe 9, an airflow generating device 21 and a bill separation / transport auxiliary circulation device 22 are provided. The bill separation / transport auxiliary circulation device 22 has the function of a transport auxiliary insertion device 23 that sends out the transport auxiliary 16 into the transport pipe 12, and the function of a recovery device 50 (corresponding to the storage unit of the present invention) that separates and recovers the bills and the transport auxiliary 16 that has been pushed and transported from the rear (the transport auxiliary 16 that has returned after going around the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10), and also has the function of delivering the transport auxiliary 16 recovered by the recovery device 50 to the transport auxiliary insertion device 23 for cyclical use. The bills P recovered by the recovery device 50 are transported to the bill storage unit 25 in the collective safe 9 and stored.

[0025] The airflow generating device 21 generates an airflow by rotating the blades with a motor. The air blowing side of the airflow generating device 21 is connected to the air inlet of the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23, and the starting end of the transport pipe 12 is connected to the air outlet of the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23. The airflow generated by the airflow generating device 21 is sent to the starting end of the transport pipe 12 through the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23. The end of the transport pipe 12 that has returned after going around the playground is connected to the inlet of the recovery device 50, and the airflow outlet of the recovery device 50 is connected to the air intake port of the airflow generating device 21. The airflow that flows into the recovery device 50 from the end of the transport pipe 12 passes through the recovery device 50 and is sucked into the air intake port of the airflow generating device 21.

[0026] A temporary stop unit 80 is provided on the transport path a predetermined distance before the collective safe 9. As shown in Fig. 8, the temporary stop unit 80 connects the straight transport pipe 12a descending from the ceiling and the vertical curved pipe 12c just before the collective safe 9, and functions as a connector.

[0027] An auxiliary blower (not shown) for enhancing the air flow is provided at an appropriate location along the conveying path 11 of the main conveying device 10. For example, the auxiliary blower is provided at a point where the conveying path curves. The auxiliary blower is also provided at a connecting point of the conveying path. The auxiliary blower plays a role in enhancing the air flow toward the downstream to ensure that the conveying auxiliary body 16 reaches the collective safe 9. The auxiliary blower may also have a function of sucking in air from the upstream side.

[0028] The control unit 27 of the paper sheet collection and transport system 1 installed inside the collective safe 9 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 27 controls the operation of the air flow generating device 21, the banknote separation and transport auxiliary circulation device 22, etc. In addition, a control unit that controls the operation of the island banknote transport device 7, the relay transport device 8, and the take-in device 14 is provided in the relay box 6, and the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 and the control unit in each relay box 6 are connected by communication lines and operate in cooperation with each other. For example, when the control unit of the relay box 6 receives a discharge instruction from the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9, it controls the relay transport device 8 and the take-in device 14 to send the banknotes held in the relay box into the upper transport path 11. The auxiliary blower is equipped with a control unit, and is connected to the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 by a communication line and operates in cooperation with each other.

[0029] The paper sheet collecting and transporting system 1 collects paper money as follows.

[0030] Bills inserted from each game ball dispenser 4 of the game machine island 3 are transported by an intra-island bill transport device 7 to a relay box 6 at the end of the game machine island 3 and temporarily stored in the internal safe. When bills stored in the safes in the relay boxes 6 of each game machine island 3 are collected into the collective safe 9, the bills are fed out from the safes of one or more relay boxes 6 and transported by a relay transport device 8 to an upper intake device 14, which takes the bills into the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 and keeps them waiting.

[0031] When the incorporation of the banknotes into the transport path 11 is complete, the transport auxiliary body 16 is sent out from the transport auxiliary body insertion device 23 in the collective safe 9 into the transport path (transport pipe) 11 in order to transport those banknotes to the collective safe 9 for collection. The sent out transport auxiliary body 16 is affected by the air flow and moves downstream in the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10, and returns to the collective safe 9 while collecting the banknotes. At that time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transport auxiliary body 16 pushes the banknote P from behind it to transport it (the transport direction FW in the figures). The transport auxiliary body 16, receiving the air flow, moves in the transport pipe 12 at a high speed of about 2 m / sec.

[0032] The temporary suspension unit 80, installed a predetermined distance before the collective safe 9, allows banknotes heading for the collective safe 9 to pass through as is, and temporarily suspends the transport auxiliary body 16. Here, the temporary suspension unit 80 temporarily suspends the transport auxiliary body 16 for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds), and then releases the suspension. Banknotes that pass through the temporary suspension unit 80 and reach the collection device 50 during the temporary suspension are collected by the collection device 50, and banknotes that pass through the temporary suspension unit 80 but have not yet reached the collection device 50 are pushed by the transport auxiliary body 16 after the temporary suspension unit 80 is released, reaches the collection device 50, and is collected.

[0033] In this way, in the main transport device 10, the transport auxiliary body 16 moves in response to the action of the air flow, and the banknotes are pushed from behind by this transport auxiliary body 16 to transport them, so the banknotes themselves do not need to obtain propulsive force from the air flow. Therefore, measures such as folding the banknotes in order to receive the air flow are not required. Also, the transport auxiliary body 16 can obtain propulsive force from the air flow more efficiently than folded banknotes, etc., so that the banknotes can be transported efficiently, and multiple sheets at a time.

[0034] In the paper sheet collection and transport system 1, the intra-island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 transport banknotes in the same manner as the main transport device 10 (a method in which the transport auxiliary body 16 moving with air flow pushes the banknotes from behind). As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the intra-island banknote transport device 7 is composed of a relay box 6 having a similar configuration to the collective safe 9 and provided at one end of the gaming machine island 3, a transport pipe 12 installed within the island so as to extend from the relay box 6 to the other end of the gaming machine island 3 and then make a U-turn and return to the relay box 6, and an intra-island intake device 14b provided corresponding to each game ball dispensing machine 4 and taking in the banknotes discharged from the game ball dispensing machine 4 into the transport pipe 12. The intra-island intake device 14b also has the function of connecting the transport pipes 12.

[0035] The relay box 6 is provided with a banknote separation / transport auxiliary body circulating device 22 (transport auxiliary body inserting device 23 and collection device 50), an air flow generating device 21, a banknote storage unit 25, a control unit, etc. Note that the intra-island banknote transport device 7 may also be provided with a temporary stop unit 80 in the middle of the transport pipe a predetermined distance before the collection device 50.

[0036] The relay conveying device 8 also conveys in the same manner as the main conveying device 10 (a method in which the conveying auxiliary body 16, which moves with the air flow, pushes up the banknotes from below). The relay conveying device 8 includes a conveying tube extending from the relay box 6 to the upper intake device 14, and an air flow generating device that generates an upward air flow in this conveying tube. In the relay conveying device 8, the conveying auxiliary body 16, which moves upward in the conveying tube by the action of the air flow, pushes up the banknotes fed out from the banknote storage section 25 from below and conveys them to the upper intake device 14. After the banknotes are taken in by the intake device 14, the air flow is stopped or generated in the opposite direction, causing the conveying auxiliary body 16 to return to a standby position at the lower end of the conveying tube, and prepares for the next relay conveying.

[0037] The intra-island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 are not limited to the transport method described above, and may employ other transport methods such as belt transport.

[0038] Next, the shapes of the conveying tube 12 and the conveying auxiliary body 16 will be described in detail.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the straight portion of the conveying tube 12, and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction FW of the conveying tube 12 (= conveying direction FW of the banknote P = air flow direction) of the same portion. The conveying tube 12 is made of resin with a thickness of about 1.5 mm. The conveying tube 12 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

[0040] The cross-sectional shape of the straight portion of the conveying pipe 12 perpendicular to the extension direction FW is a rectangular shape with the central portion of the long side of the rectangle expanding outward. In detail, the conveying pipe 12 has a wall portion 31 forming the short side of the rectangle in cross section, a side wall portion 32 forming the long side of the rectangle in cross section, and an expansion portion 33 extending outward in a rectangular shape at the central portion of the side wall portion 32. The short side direction of the approximately rectangular cross section perpendicular to the extension direction (conveying direction FW) of the conveying pipe 12 is the X direction, and the long side direction is the Y direction. In the X direction and Y direction, the direction toward the center of the conveying pipe 12 is called the inside, and the direction from the center toward the inner wall is called the outside.

[0041] The extension section 33 is divided into two sections by a separation wall 34 erected toward the inside of the conveying pipe 12. The separation wall 34 is formed by attaching a T-shaped member to the inner wall of the extension section 33.

[0042] The side wall portion 32 has a plurality of ribs 35 extending in the conveying direction and protruding toward the inside of the conveying pipe 12. In this example, the ribs 35 protruding toward the inside of the conveying pipe 12 are formed along the conveying direction FW at the boundary between the side wall portion 32 and the extension portion 33. The separation wall 34 has the same height as the ribs 35, and the top of the separation wall 34 functions as a rib. Hereinafter, the separation wall 34 will also be referred to as the rib 34.

[0043] The side walls 32 are a pair of inner walls that face the paper surface of the transported banknote P. The banknote P has a rectangular shape, and is transported inside the transport tube 12 with its long side oriented in the transport direction FW. In other words, the paper surface P faces the side walls 32 of the transport tube 12, and the banknote P is transported with one short side facing the leading end side in the transport direction FW and the other short side facing the trailing end side.

[0044] The distance Dy between a pair of opposing wall portions 31 of the transport tube 12 is slightly longer than the short side of the banknote P. The distance Dx between a pair of opposing side wall portions 32 (portions (reference plane portions) where the ribs 35, the extension portions 33, and the separation wall 34 are not formed) is set to about 21 mm. The extension portions 33 provided on each side wall portion 32 extend outwardly from the side wall portion 32 (reference plane portion) by about 6 mm. The tops of the ribs 35 and the separation wall 34 are about 2 mm high inward from the side wall portion 32 (reference plane portion). The height of the ribs 35 may be set as appropriate.

[0045] The conveying pipe 12 can be installed and used with its longitudinal direction tilted vertically, horizontally or at any other angle, and the conveying auxiliary body 16 can move smoothly inside the conveying pipe 12 at any angle. Figure 5 shows the conveying pipe 12 in a vertical position, with the long side of the rectangular cross section vertical.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows the plan view and front view of the conveying auxiliary 16. The conveying auxiliary 16 is a columnar shape with a circular cross section with different diameters at each part. The conveying auxiliary 16 is inserted into the conveying pipe 12 so that the central axis of the cylinder is in the Y direction of the conveying pipe 12. The conveying auxiliary 16 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to its center, and is configured with, in order from one end, a head 16a, a neck 16b with a slightly smaller diameter than the head, a large diameter part 16c with a larger diameter than the head 16a, a constricted part 16d with the same diameter as the neck 16b and located in the center in the longitudinal direction, the large diameter part 16c, the neck 16b, and the head 16a. The conveying auxiliary 16 is lightweight and strong, and is formed with a hollow interior using, for example, plastic. It may be formed from polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam, etc., as long as it is lightweight and strong.

[0047] 7 shows a cross section of the conveying auxiliary body 16 inserted into the conveying pipe 12. This figure shows a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction FW and passing through the central axis of the conveying auxiliary body 16. The diameters of the various parts of the conveying auxiliary body 16 correspond to the inner edge shape of the conveying pipe 12. In other words, the cross-sectional shape passing through the central axis of the conveying auxiliary body 16 corresponds to the inner edge shape of the conveying pipe 12 in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction FW, and is shaped to almost completely block the inside of the conveying pipe 12 with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner wall.

[0048] In this way, the conveying auxiliary body 16 has a shape corresponding to the inner edge shape of the conveying pipe 12 (almost the same shape with a small clearance) and blocks almost the entire cross section of the conveying pipe 12, so it can move efficiently under the action of the air flow. Furthermore, the conveying auxiliary body 16 prevents the air flow from the upstream from reaching the downstream side of the conveying auxiliary body 16, and plays a role in suppressing turbulence of the air flow on the downstream side.

[0049] When acted upon by the air flow in the transport tube 12, the banknote P tends to stick to the side wall 32. In other words, the gap between one side of the banknote P and the opposing side wall 32 and the gap between the other side of the banknote P and the opposing side wall 32 are rarely equal, and one gap is narrower than the other. Since the air flow speed is faster on the narrow gap side than on the wide gap side, the air pressure on the narrow gap side becomes lower than that on the wide gap side, and this air pressure difference causes the banknote P to be attracted and pressed against the side wall 32 on the narrow gap side. When this happens, the gap on the narrow gap side becomes even narrower, causing the banknote P to stick and be attracted to the side wall 32.

[0050] If the banknotes P strongly stick to the side wall 32, it becomes difficult for the transport auxiliary body 16 to push and transport the banknotes P. However, as described above, the transport auxiliary body 16 acts to block (reduce) the air flow downstream, so the force with which the banknotes P stick and adhere is reduced, and smooth transport is achieved.

[0051] The two large diameter parts 16c of the transport auxiliary body 16 engage with two expansion parts 33 separated by a separation wall 34 of the transport tube 12. In this example, the expansion part 33 is separated into two by the separation wall 34, and these expansion parts 33 are provided toward the center of the transport tube 12 in the Y direction, so that the transport auxiliary body 16 can be moved while being maintained in a stable posture. In addition, since the posture of the transport auxiliary body 16 is stable, the large diameter part 16c of the transport auxiliary body 16 can be appropriately abutted against the rear end of the banknote P to provide a stable transport force. In addition, the banknote P is less likely to be caught between the transport tube 12 and the transport auxiliary body 16.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing the large diameter portion 16c, the area of ​​the portion of the conveying auxiliary body 16 that is affected by the air flow is enlarged, and the force required for movement can be efficiently received. Also, since the large diameter portion 16c is provided to efficiently receive the action of the air flow, the diameter of the head portion 16a can be reduced accordingly. By reducing the diameter of the head portion, the distance (width (Dx)) between a pair of opposing side wall portions 32 in the conveying tube 12 can be narrowed, and the banknotes P can be prevented from falling over.

[0053] Furthermore, the presence of the multiple ribs 35 provided on the side wall 32 prevents the bill P from sticking tightly to the side wall 32. That is, the contact area between the bill P and the side wall 32 is reduced, reducing friction and suppressing the generation of static electricity. Even if the bill P sticks to the side wall 32, the bill P is supported by the tip of the rib 35, so that a gap is secured between the side wall 32 and the bill P around the rib 35, and the sticking force is suppressed to be small. Furthermore, the bill P is supported by the separation wall 34, so that the bill P is prevented from falling into the recess of the expansion section 33.

[0054] Furthermore, the multiple ribs 35 protruding inward from the side wall 32 and the tops of the separation walls 34 serve to make the effective passage width W of the banknote P in the width direction (X direction) of the transport tube 12 narrower than the distance Dx between the reference flat portions. This makes it difficult for the banknote P to fall toward one of the side wall portions 32 inside the transport tube 12, and the posture of the banknote P is maintained along the Y direction. In particular, by providing multiple ribs 35, the above-mentioned falling of the banknote P is appropriately prevented, and the banknote P is effectively prevented from sticking to the side wall portion 32. Note that Dx can be increased by the amount of the ribs 35 provided, which increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the transport tube 12 and makes the transport auxiliary body 16 more susceptible to the action of airflow.

[0055] In the case of the transport auxiliary body 16 according to this embodiment, the diameter of the large diameter portion 16c is the largest, so that this large diameter portion 16c comes into contact with the rear end of the banknote P and pushes it, as shown in FIG.

[0056] The shape of the conveying auxiliary body 16 is not limited to the illustrated one, and may be, for example, a shape in which the two large diameter parts 16c are integrated without the constricted part 16d, a shape without the head part 16a, or a cross section perpendicular to the axis may be rectangular. Any suitable shape may be used as long as it can push the banknote from behind in a stable position.

[0057] Next, the recovery device 50 will be described.

[0058] Figure 11 is an exploded oblique view of the recovery device 50, Figure 12 is an oblique view showing the inner unit 52 of the recovery device 50, Figure 13 is an oblique view of the passage portion 54 of the inner unit 52 exploded into the main body side and the opposing wall side, Figure 14 is an oblique view showing the main body portion of the passage portion 54 as seen from the inner wall side, and Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-section and operation of the recovery device 50.

[0059] The recovery device 50 is composed of a hollow outer case 51 and an inner unit 52 that is removably inserted into the outer case 51 from an opening at the rear end of the outer case 51 (see FIG. 11). The end of the transfer pipe 12 is tightly inserted into and connected to the front opening 51a of the outer case 51.

[0060] The inner unit 52 includes a separation section 53 which separates banknotes P pushed and transported by the transport auxiliary body 16 by passing them downstream through slits 53a (see Figure 15) and capturing the transport auxiliary body 16, and a passage section 54 which receives and stores banknotes that have passed through the slits 53a of the separation section 53 through an inlet 54a (see Figures 12 and 15(a)).

[0061] The separation section 53 is shaped like a hollow cylinder divided into two along its axis, and is structured so that the conveying auxiliary body 16 received through a rectangular opening corresponding to the divided end face comes into contact with the inside of the semi-cylindrical wall and stops. The slit 53a opened in the semi-cylindrical wall of the separation section 53 is wide enough to allow a dozen or so banknotes P to pass through in a bundle.

[0062] The separation section 53 is configured to be rotatable between a standby position (see Figs. 11 and 15(a)) in front of the inlet 54a of the passage section 54, where the separation section 53 receives the transport auxiliary body 16 arriving from the end of the transport pipe 12, and a discharge position (see Figs. 12 and 15(b)) off to the side of the inlet 54a. Here, the separation section 53 rotates by obtaining power from a solenoid (not shown).

[0063] A discharge port 53b is provided on the bottom surface of the separation section 53 for dropping the transport auxiliary body 16 downward. Also, a drop port 51b is provided on the bottom surface of the outer case 51 at a position corresponding to the discharge port 53b of the separation section 53 that has moved to the discharge position. When the separation section 53 holding the transport auxiliary body 16 rotates from the standby position to the discharge position, the held transport auxiliary body 16 drops downward through the discharge port 53b on the bottom surface of the separation section 53 and the drop port 51b on the bottom surface of the outer case 51, and is handed over to the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23 to be reused for the next delivery.

[0064] The passage section 54 of the inner unit 52 is an area where the banknotes received from the inlet 54a are stopped and decelerated and temporarily stored, and the stopped and decelerated banknotes are transported to the outlet 54b at the end of the passage section 54 by a transport mechanism provided in the passage section 54 and sent out to the outside. The banknotes that leave the outlet 54b of the collection device 50 are sent to the banknote storage section 25 and stored therein.

[0065] A rib 55 protruding into the passage is provided in the upstream portion of one inner wall of the passage section 54 along the extension direction of the passage, and a conveyor belt 56 for conveying banknotes toward the terminal end of the passage section 54 is stretched downstream of this rib 55. A rib 55 is also provided on the other inner wall of the passage section 54, and the space between the opposing ribs 55 forms the actual passage for banknotes.

[0066] A transport roller 57 for clamping and discharging the banknotes is provided near the end of the passage 54. In the recovery device 50, an air suction port 54c is provided behind the transport belt 56, and a duct leading to the suction side of the air flow generating device 21 is connected to the outer case 51 at a portion corresponding to the suction port 54c. By sucking air to the outside from the suction port 54c behind the transport belt 56, the banknotes are made to stick to the transport belt 56 and transported.

[0067] The three conveyor belts 56 are arranged parallel to each other at intervals (see Figure 14), and between the conveyor belts 56 there are partition walls 54d to prevent banknotes from being sucked in between the conveyor belts 56.

[0068] In addition, the passage section 54 is provided with an auxiliary conveying mechanism 58 in case the conveying belt 56 does not convey the banknotes well. The auxiliary conveying mechanism 58 is composed of a roller 58a provided on one inner wall side of the passage section 54, and a circular clamping belt 58b provided on the other inner wall side of the passage section 54 at a position corresponding to the roller 58a and stretched so as to rotate along the longitudinal direction of the passage section 54. The clamping belt 58b is supported so as to be displaceable between a storage position (see FIG. 15(a)) where the belt does not advance into the actual passage of the banknotes (inside the top of the rib 55) and a clamping position (see FIG. 15(b)) where the belt advances into the passage and abuts against the roller 58a. The clamping belt 58b is driven by a drive unit (not shown) to rotate in a direction to convey the banknotes downstream. Also, it is driven by a solenoid (not shown) to be displaced between the storage position and the clamping position.

[0069] The collection device 50 is equipped with a sensor that detects whether the transport auxiliary body 16 has arrived at the separation section 53 at the waiting position, and a sensor that detects whether or not a banknote is present in the passage section 54 and whether or not a banknote has been discharged from the passage section 54.

[0070] Next, the operation of the recovery device 50 will be described.

[0071] When the air flow generating device 21 generates an air flow, the air flow goes around the transport path 11, flows into the recovery device 50 from the front opening 51a of the outer case 51 of the recovery device 50, and further enters the passage portion 54 from the inlet 54a of the inner unit 52. The air in the passage portion 54 is sucked into the air flow generating device 21 through the suction port 54c and the duct.

[0072] When a banknote reaches the collection device 50 from the end of the conveying tube 12 while the airflow is flowing as described above, the banknote passes through the slit 53a of the separation unit 53 and enters the passage unit 54. The banknote that enters the passage unit 54 stops or slows down as it sticks to the conveying belt 56 by the above-mentioned suction. Then, the banknote is conveyed by the conveying belt 56 to the downstream side of the passage unit 54 at a low speed (for example, 10 cm / sec), and is further sandwiched by the conveying rollers 57 and discharged to the outside from the pay-out port 54b. Here, when the collection device 50 detects that a banknote has entered the passage unit 54, it starts driving the conveying belt 56 and the conveying rollers 57, and when the banknote is discharged, it stops driving these. Note that, regardless of whether or not a banknote has arrived in the passage unit 54 of the collection device 50, the collection device 50 may be driven constantly during the conveying operation of the main conveying device 10 (from the start to the end of the conveying operation by the conveying auxiliary body).

[0073] The transport auxiliary body 16 that has reached the recovery device 50 from the end of the transport tube 12 is received by the separation section 53. When it is detected that the transport auxiliary body 16 has reached the separation section 53, the separation section 53 is moved to the discharge position shown in FIG. 15(b), and the transport auxiliary body 16 is discharged downward through the discharge port 53b of the separation section 53 and the drop port 51b of the outer case 51. The discharged transport auxiliary body 16 is taken into the waiting section of the transport auxiliary body insertion device 23 and is used for the next transfer. If an abnormality occurs in the discharge of banknotes by the transport belt 56, the auxiliary transport mechanism 58 is activated to discharge the banknotes.

[0074] The collection device may have another configuration. For example, the collection device 50 is configured to discharge stored banknotes from the rear end of the passage portion 54, but may be configured to discharge the banknotes to the side or downward. The collection device may have a function to temporarily store banknotes moving at high speed, decelerate or stop the banknotes, and then discharge them to the outside.

[0075] In addition, the transport auxiliary body 16 captured by the separation section 53 is dropped downward and handed over to the transport auxiliary body insertion device 23, but it may also be configured such that, for example, after the transport auxiliary body 16 is captured by the separation section 53, the flow of the air flow is reversed, and the transport auxiliary body 16 is sent back from the separation section 53 toward the start of the transport tube 12, so that it can be reused for the next transport.

[0076] Next, the pause unit 80 will be described.

[0077] 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the temporary stop unit 80. The temporary stop unit 80 is configured to include a connecting pipe section 81 that connects the front and rear conveying pipes, a stopper driving section 82 that is attached to the outer side surface of the connecting pipe section 81 and moves an abutment member 83, which is attached to the outer side surface of the connecting pipe section 81 and abuts against the conveying auxiliary body 16 to temporarily stop it, in and out of the connecting pipe section 81, and a control section 89 that controls the operation of the temporary stop unit 80. In addition, the temporary stop unit 80 is provided with an error indicator and a reset switch (not shown).

[0078] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the stopper drive section 82, Fig. 18 is a side view of the connecting pipe section 81, and Figs. 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of the temporary stop unit 80 taken along the line AA shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 19 shows a state in which the abutting member 83 is in an abutting position advanced into the connecting pipe section 81, and Fig. 20 shows a state in which the abutting member 83 is in a release position retreated from inside the connecting pipe section 81. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the abutting member 83 in the abutting position and the transport auxiliary body 16 that has been temporarily stopped in abutment therewith. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the connection state between the head of the abutting member 83 in the abutting position and the inner wall surface of the connecting pipe section 81.

[0079] The connecting pipe section 81 is composed of an upstream end section 81a, a downstream end section 81b, and an intermediate pipe section 81c therebetween, and the upstream end section 81a and the downstream end section 81b are connected to the upstream and downstream conveying pipes 12 via connection adapters not shown, respectively. By connecting the conveying pipes 12 to the upstream and downstream sides of the connecting pipe section 81 via connection adapters, the shape of the inside of the pipe from the upstream conveying pipe to the downstream conveying pipe becomes the same as the conveying pipe 12 shown in Figure 5 etc., and the inner walls and ribs are connected in a stepped relationship that allows banknotes and conveying auxiliary bodies to pass smoothly without getting caught.

[0080] An opening 84 for the abutment member 83 to enter and exit is provided on one side wall of the intermediate pipe section 81c of the connecting pipe section 81. The intermediate pipe section 81c is also provided with a sensor 85 for detecting the transport auxiliary body 16 that has come into contact with the abutment member 83 and stopped temporarily. For this sensor 85, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor can be used.

[0081] The stopper driving unit 82 has a contact member 83 having a rod-shaped arm 83a with a rectangular cross section and a head 83b at the tip of the arm 83a which contacts the transport auxiliary body 16, a solenoid 86 connected to the base end side of the arm 83a of the contact member 83 to move the contact member 83 forward and backward, and a mounting frame 87 which is screwed to the side surface of the connecting pipe portion 81 and holds the solenoid 86 etc. The stopper driving unit 82 also has a sensor 88 which detects whether the contact member 83 is in the contact position or the release position.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 21, head 83b of abutment member 83 is divided into two parts, which respectively abut against two large diameter portions 16c of transport auxiliary body 16. In Fig. 21, a cross section of transport pipe 12 having the same inner edge shape is superimposed for reference in order to show the inner edge shape of intermediate pipe path portion 81c of temporary suspension unit 80. As shown in Fig. 21, head 83b of abutment member 83 firmly abuts against transport auxiliary body 16 at the abutment position, but is set so as not to advance into the actual banknote passage (inside the tops of ribs 35 and separation wall 34).

[0083] In addition, since the head 83b of the abutting member 83 abuts against each of the two large diameter parts 16c of the transport auxiliary body 16, the transport auxiliary body 16 is prevented from tilting and losing its posture when the abutments are made, and the transport auxiliary body 16 can be temporarily stopped in a stable posture. This prevents the transport auxiliary body 16 from moving out of the detection range of the sensor 85 due to a loss of posture, resulting in erroneous detection.

[0084] 22(a), at the abutment position, the inner wall and ribs of the intermediate pipe section 81c are set to be connected to the head 83b of the abutment member 83 with a step (a connection that allows banknotes moving downstream to pass without getting caught). This makes it possible to prevent a banknote from getting caught on the head 83b of the abutment member 83 even if the banknote is bent or otherwise enters the expansion section 33 of the conveying pipe 12 and passes through the intermediate pipe section 81c while abutting against the inner wall. If the head of the abutment member were shaped as shown in FIG. 22(b), a step would be generated at the joint between the inner wall surface and the head, making the banknote more likely to get caught.

[0085] Next, the movement of the transport auxiliary body 16 and the transported banknotes from the temporary stopping unit 80 to the collection device 50 will be described.

[0086] Each of Figures 23 to 27 shows the transport path from midway down the straight transport pipe 12a that descends from the ceiling after passing through the most downstream intake device 14, through the temporary stop unit 80 and the vertical curved pipe 12c, to the recovery device 50 inside the collective safe 9.

[0087] In the paper sheet collection and transport system 1, with the abutment member 83 of the temporary stop unit 80 set at the abutment position, the transport auxiliary body 16 is released from the banknote separation / transport auxiliary body circulating device 22 and the banknote transport operation is started.

[0088] First, as shown in Fig. 23(a), a case will be described in which multiple banknotes are transported in two separate groups, a first group and a second group that is delayed behind the first group. This type of transport state is likely to occur in the portion of the direct transport pipe 12a that descends from above the ceiling. Each banknote in the first and second groups passes through the temporary stop unit 80 without being obstructed by the abutment member 83 (Fig. 23(a)), and the transport auxiliary body 16 abuts against the abutment member 83 and temporarily stops in the temporary stop unit 80 (Fig. 23(b)).

[0089] The first group of banknotes that arrive at the collection device 50 first are stored in the collection device 50 and stop and decelerate (move at a low speed) inside the collection device 50. The second group of banknotes that arrive at the collection device 50 later at a high speed of about 2 m / sec stop with their leading ends hitting the trailing ends of the first group of banknotes that have stopped and decelerated inside the collection device 50 (FIG. 23(b)).

[0090] While the transport auxiliary body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stopping unit 80, the first group of banknotes in the collection device 50 is transported by the transport belt 56 and the like and discharged to the outside (FIG. 23(c)).

[0091] A sensor 85 is used to monitor whether the transport auxiliary body 16 has come into contact with the abutment member 83 and is temporarily stopped. When the sensor 85 detects the transport auxiliary body 16 (when the transport auxiliary body 16 comes into contact with the abutment member 83 and starts to temporarily stop), a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) passes and the abutment member 83 is displaced to the release position to release the transport auxiliary body 16 downstream.

[0092] The predetermined time until the temporary stop is released is set to be equal to or longer than the longest time required for the banknotes entered into the collection device 50 to be completely discharged from the collection device 50 after the temporary stop has started. The predetermined time may be set appropriately depending on the time required for the collection device 50 to discharge the banknotes, the path length from the temporary stop unit 80 to the collection device 50, etc.

[0093] The control unit 89 returns the abutment member 83 to the abutment position before the next transport auxiliary body 16 is sent out from the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23. Here, the abutment member 83 is returned to the abutment position after a certain time (for example, one second to a dozen seconds) has elapsed after being displaced to the release position. In addition, for example, after being set to the release position, the abutment member 83 is returned to the abutment position when it is confirmed that the transport auxiliary body 16 is not detected by the sensor 85, or the transport auxiliary body inserting device 23 sets the abutment member 83 to the abutment position at the same time as sending out the next transport auxiliary body 16.

[0094] When the temporary stop unit 80 opens the transport auxiliary body 16, as shown in Fig. 24(a) and (b), the transport auxiliary body 16 pushes the second group of banknotes from behind and transports them into the collection device 50. The transport auxiliary body 16 is captured by the separation section 53 of the collection device 50, and the second group of banknotes pass through the separation section 53 and are stored in the passage section 54. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 24(c), the transport auxiliary body 16 is discharged downward from the separation section 53 and moves to the transport auxiliary body insertion device 23, and the second group of banknotes are transported by the transport belt 56 or the like and discharged to the outside.

[0095] In this way, by temporarily stopping the transport auxiliary body 16 using the temporary stopping unit 80 and then releasing it after a predetermined time, even if multiple banknotes arrive at the collection device in a scattered state, the banknotes can be properly collected without the banknotes being crushed as shown in Figure 31 (b).

[0096] 25 and 26 show a case where multiple bills are transported in a single bundle. The bills that have come down from above the ceiling in a single bundle (see FIG. 25(a)) pass through temporary stopping unit 80 without being impeded by contact member 83, and continue on to collection device 50, where they are stored and stopped and decelerated. The transport auxiliary body 16 comes into contact with contact member 83 and temporarily stops in temporary stopping unit 80 (FIG. 25(b)).

[0097] While the transport auxiliary body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stopping unit 80, the banknotes in the collection device 50 are transported by the transport belt 56 and the like and discharged to the outside (FIG. 25(c)).

[0098] When the temporary stopping unit 80 releases the transport auxiliary body 16 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transport auxiliary body 16 was temporarily stopped, the transport auxiliary body 16 advances toward the recovery device 50 as shown in Figures 26(a) and (b), and when it reaches the recovery device 50, it is captured by the separation section 53. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 26(c), the transport auxiliary body 16 is discharged downward from the separation section 53 and returns to the transport auxiliary body insertion device 23.

[0099] As shown in Figure 27(a), even if a banknote that has passed through the temporary stop unit 80 stops along the way before reaching the collection device 50, the banknote is pushed from behind by the transport auxiliary body 16 which has been opened after a predetermined time, and transported to the collection device 50 for collection (Figures (b) and (c)).

[0100] In this way, both the case where multiple bills are transported separately to the front and rear and the case where multiple bills are transported in a single bundle can be handled by the same control of temporarily suspending the transport auxiliary body 16 for a predetermined time and then releasing it by the temporary suspension unit 80. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect whether multiple bills are transported in a single bundle or separately to the front and rear, and detection and control can be simplified.

[0101] In the above example, the temporary stop unit 80 temporarily stops the transport auxiliary body 16, and then after a predetermined period of time (5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the temporary stop is released and the transport auxiliary body 16 is released downstream. However, the arrival status and discharge status of banknotes at the collection device 50 may be detected, and the release of the temporary stop may be controlled based on the detection results.

[0102] For example, the control is as follows. If it is detected that a banknote has reached and entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time after the temporary stopping unit 80 detects the transport auxiliary body 16, the temporary stop is released after it is detected that the banknote has been completely discharged from the collection device 50. The above-mentioned predetermined time is set to the maximum time that is likely to be required for the banknote to reach the collection device 50 after the temporary stopping unit 80 detects the transport auxiliary body 16. The predetermined time can be calculated from the distance from the temporary stopping unit 80 to the collection device 50 and the movement speed of the banknote. If the temporary stop unit 80 does not detect that the banknote has reached and entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time after detecting the transport auxiliary body 16, the temporary stop is released at that point. This is a control that corresponds to the case where the banknote does not reach the collection device 50 and stops midway, as shown in Fig. 27(a).

[0103] Although the intra-island banknote transport device 7 of the gaming machine island 3 does not have a downward transport path or a vertically curved tube 12c in front of the collection device 50 as in the main transport device 10, banknotes may be transported in a scattered manner in the front and back directions even in a transport path such as that of the intra-island banknote transport device 7. Therefore, by providing a temporary stop unit 80 a predetermined distance before the collection device 50 in the intra-island banknote transport device 7 as well, banknotes can be smoothly collected without the problem shown in Fig. 31(b).

[0104] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0105] In the embodiment, the control unit 89 of the temporary suspension unit 80 controls the temporary suspension unit 80, but the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 may be configured to control the operation of the temporary suspension unit 80. Alternatively, the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 and the control unit 89 of the temporary suspension unit 80 may be configured to cooperate with each other to control the operation of the temporary suspension unit 80.

[0106] The mounting position of the temporary stop unit 80 is not limited to the position shown in the embodiment. When the descending conveying tube and the vertically curved tube 12c are located immediately before the collection device 50 as shown in the embodiment, it is preferable to provide the temporary stop unit 80 between the descending conveying tube and the vertically curved tube 12c. The mounting position of the temporary stop unit 80 may be downstream of the most downstream intake device 14 in the conveying path and at least one banknote (paper sheet to be conveyed) upstream from the collection device 50. The reason for being at least one banknote (paper sheet to be conveyed) upstream from the collection device 50 is to ensure a distance at which the conveying auxiliary body 16 stopped by the temporary stop unit 80 does not crush the second group of banknotes (see FIG. 23(b)).

[0107] Furthermore, within the above range, it is preferable to install the temporary suspension unit 80 closer to the collection device 50 so that the first group of paper sheets can reliably reach the collection device 50. For example, if there is a sufficient distance between the outlet of the vertically curved tube 12c and the collection device 50, the temporary suspension unit 80 may be installed at the outlet of the vertically curved tube 12c or downstream of the outlet.

[0108] Alternatively, the temporary stop unit 80 may be installed sufficiently away from the collection device 50 within the above-mentioned range so that the first group of banknotes does not reach the collection device 50 when the temporary stop unit 80 temporarily stops the transport auxiliary body 16. In this case, when the transport auxiliary body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stop unit 80, both the first group and the second group of banknotes stop in front of the collection device 50 as shown in FIG. 27. When the temporary stop is subsequently released, the transport auxiliary body 16 transports them while bundling them together, and the paper sheets arrive at the collection device 50 as a single bundle. Note that the condition is that the banknotes do not scatter back and forth again while the transport auxiliary body 16 is transporting the banknotes after the temporary stop is released. For example, it is desirable that there is no descending transport pipe further downstream from the position where the first and second groups of banknotes stop in front of the collection device 50 when the transport auxiliary body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stop unit 80.

[0109] Furthermore, when there is a conveying path that descends vertically or at an angle from the ceiling or the like in front of the recovery device 50, it is preferable to install a temporary stop unit 80 at the end of the descending portion of the conveying path or downstream from the end, since the banknotes are likely to scatter front to back in the descending portion of the conveying path.

[0110] In the embodiment, a temporary stop unit 80 having the function of a connecting part 15 is installed at the connection point between the conveying pipes, but a mechanism for temporarily stopping the conveying auxiliary body 16 may be added to the end or middle of a straight or curved conveying pipe.

[0111] The shape of the contact member 83 that contacts the transport auxiliary body 16 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. As long as it can contact the transport auxiliary body 16 and temporarily stop the transport auxiliary body 16, it may contact only one of the large diameter parts 16c of the transport auxiliary body 16, for example.

[0112] The shape of the transport auxiliary body 16 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. For example, it may be a column shape with a rectangular or polygonal cross section. Although the transport auxiliary body 16 is symmetrical with respect to the center in the Y direction, it may be asymmetrical in the Y direction. The shape of the contact member 83 may be changed according to the shape of the transport auxiliary body.

[0113] The intra-island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 may be transport devices that transport banknotes by a belt transport method or the like.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to a method of conveying banknotes by pushing them with conveying auxiliary body 16 that moves by the action of airflow. Any method may be used as long as a moving body pushes and conveys banknotes, and for example, a method in which a self-propelled moving body moves inside conveying tube 12 to convey banknotes may be used. In the case of a self-propelled type, the moving body may be configured to temporarily suspend its self-propelling at a position corresponding to the installation position of temporary suspension unit 80, or the moving body may be temporarily suspending its self-propelling at a position corresponding to the installation position of temporary suspension unit 80 by combining stopping of self-propelling and abutting against abutting member 83.

[0115] In the embodiment, the recovery device 50 is provided at the end of the transport path 11, but the destination of the transport is not limited to the end of the transport path. The temporary stop unit 80 may be provided a predetermined distance before the recovery device installed at the destination of the transport. For example, the destination of the transport may be a branch point in the middle of the transport path.

[0116] In the embodiment, the transport path 11 transports banknotes with their faces upright, but the transport path 11 may be oriented so as to transport banknotes lying down.

[0117] In addition, each connecting part 15 (Fig. 2) is provided with a passing sensor and a sensor board that detects the passage of either the transport auxiliary 16 or the banknote P (hereinafter referred to as the transport auxiliary, etc.). The sensor board has a control unit. The control unit of the sensor board is connected to the control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 by a communication line, and the detection state of the transport auxiliary, etc. by the passing sensor is transmitted from the sensor board to the control unit 27 together with information capable of identifying the position of the corresponding connecting part (for example, an identification number individually given to each connecting part). It should be noted that a temporary stop unit 80 is also included in the connecting part 15.

[0118] The control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 has the function of a monitoring unit that monitors the retention of transport auxiliary bodies, etc. within the transport pipe including the connecting unit 15, and the function of an error notification unit that notifies the alarm device of the monitoring results by the monitoring unit to issue an alarm.

[0119] The monitoring department is (1) A transport auxiliary object, etc. is stuck between a connecting portion 15 corresponding to a passing sensor that detects a transport auxiliary object, etc. and a connecting portion 15 corresponding to a passing sensor that does not detect a transport auxiliary object, etc. (2) A conveying auxiliary body or the like is stagnating in the connecting portion 15 corresponding to the passage sensor. Monitor.

[0120] The error notification unit causes the notification device to notify information indicating where the transport auxiliary body or the like is stuck (between which connecting parts and in which connecting part). The notification device may be a monitor device installed in an office or the like, or a mobile terminal (smartphone, wearable watch, etc.) carried by an employee. The monitor device or the mobile terminal is controlled by the control unit 27, or performs a notification operation based on information notified from the control unit 27.

[0121] The temporary stop unit 80 also detects an operation error of the contact member 83. In detail, a sensor 88 detects whether the contact member 83 is in the contact position or the release position, and issues an error of malfunction of the contact member 83 if the contact member 83 does not displace as instructed by the control unit 89. Also, an error is issued if it is detected that the temporarily stopped transport auxiliary body 16 remains inside the temporary stop unit 80 even after the contact member 83 is displaced to the release position.

[0122] The gaming machine island 3 is not limited to the configuration accommodating the pachinko machines and gaming ball dispensing machines exemplified in the embodiment, but may be a gaming machine island accommodating medal dispensing machines and slot machines, etc.

[0123] In the embodiment, the paper sheets are described as banknotes, but other types of paper sheets such as tickets and cards may be used. The shape of the paper sheets is not limited to a rectangular shape. The installation location of the paper sheet transport device according to the present invention is not limited to an amusement center, and may be other facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...Paper collection and transport system 2. Amusement park 3. Gaming Machine Island 4. Gaming ball rental machine 5. Gaming machines 6…Junction box 7…Banknote transport device on the island 8...Transportation equipment 9. Collective safe 10...Main transport device 11...Collective safe 11...Transport path 12...Transport pipe 12a...Straight conveying pipe 12b… Laterally curved pipe 12c...Vertical curved pipe 14...Capturing device 14b…Island intake device 15...Connection part 16...Transportation auxiliary body 16a...Head 16b...Neck 16c…Large diameter section 16d…Constricted part 21...Air flow generator 22...Banknote separation and transport auxiliary circulation device 23...Transportation auxiliary body insertion device 24...Recovery device 25…Banknote storage section 27...Control section 31...Wall part 32…Side wall 33…Extension 34…Separation wall 35…Rib 50...Recovery device 51…Outer case 51a...Front opening 51b…Drop opening 52…Inner unit 53…Separation part 53a…Slit 53b…Discharge port 54...Aisle section 54a...Inlet 54b...Exit opening 54c…Suction port 54d…Partition wall 55…Storage body 55…Rib 56...Conveyor belt 57...Transport roller 58...Auxiliary transport mechanism 58a…Laura 58b... Clamp belt 80…Suspended unit 81...Connecting pipe section 81a...Upstream end 81b...Downstream end 81c…Intermediate pipe section 82...Stopper drive unit 82a...Solenoid 89...Control section 83...Abutment member 83a...Arm 83b…Head 84…Aperture 85…Sensor 86...Solenoid 87…Mounting frame 88…Sensor Dx: Distance between reference flat surfaces of transfer pipes Dy…Inner dimension of conveying pipe in Y direction FW: Extension direction of conveying pipe P…Banknotes W…Aisle width X: Width direction of conveying pipe passage Y: Height direction of the transport pipe

Claims

1. A paper sheet transport device that transports paper sheets in a transport pipe to a storage unit by the action of an air flow generated in the transport pipe, The outlet of the curved conveying pipe that changes the path of the paper sheets from a vertical downward direction to a horizontal direction is connected to the side of the housing of the storage. A paper sheet transport device characterized by the above.

2. The outlet of the curved conveying pipe is connected to a side surface of an upper portion of the housing, The storage unit vertically stores and accumulates received paper sheets.

2. The paper sheet transport device according to claim 1,

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