Paper sheet stacking device and paper sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet stacking device capable of excellently transporting paper sheets to a stacking position by using a transport member having a spiral part.SOLUTION: A paper sheet stacking device 10 comprises: a housing 200 which houses bills; and one transport member 400 which includes a spiral part 420 swirled spirally, and rotates on a center axis P of the spiral part 420 to send a paper sheet discharged from a conveyance path 311 into the housing 200 in a direction parallel with the center axis P. Here, the transport member 400 is provided at a position where a width-directional center part of the paper sheet discharged from the conveyance path 311 in the housing 200 is inserted into a gap space S of the spiral part 420.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet stacking device that stacks paper sheets such as banknotes, and a paper sheet processing device in which the paper sheet stacking device is used. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a box (paper sheet stacking device) that includes a casing for stacking and storing banknotes (paper money), and two spiral elements arranged in the casing side by side in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and rotating around an axis facing the stacking direction. The box is provided in an automated teller machine (paper sheet processing device) that deposits and withdraws banknotes. Each spiral element has a receiving space between the coils.

[0003] With the two spiral elements rotating, banknotes conveyed by the conveying mechanism enter the casing from a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the spiral elements and the stacking direction. The banknotes are received by their leading portions in the receiving space, and are fed in the stacking direction as the spiral elements rotate, and are stacked on the pressing plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-526298 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the box (paper sheet stacking device) of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when banknotes are conveyed by the conveying mechanism in a slanted state (skewed state), the leading side of the banknote is received by one spiral element first and is sent before the other side that is received by the other spiral element later. This makes it easier for load to be applied to the banknotes, raising concerns that they may be damaged or jammed.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet stacking device and a paper sheet processing device that can transfer paper sheets to a stacking position satisfactorily by using a transfer member having a spiral portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a paper sheet stacking device. The paper sheet stacking device according to this aspect includes a housing in which paper sheets are stored, and a transfer member that includes a spiral part that spirals and rotates around a central axis of the spiral part to feed paper sheets discharged from a conveying path into the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis. Here, the transfer member is provided in the housing at a position where a center in a width direction of the paper sheet discharged from the conveying path is inserted into a gap space of the spiral part.

[0008] For example, the transport member may be provided in the housing such that the spiral member is located at a position where the center of the banknote passes through the longitudinal center of the outlet of the transport path. Typically, the transport path is configured such that the center of the banknote passes through the longitudinal center of the outlet. Therefore, in this case, the transport member may be provided in the housing such that the spiral member is located at the longitudinal center of the outlet.

[0009] According to the paper sheet stacking device of this aspect, unlike a configuration in which two transport members having spiral parts are arranged side by side, there is no need to worry about damage or jamming of banknotes transported in a slanted state by the transport members. Furthermore, since the rotating transport members can move the banknotes with their widthwise center parts held by the spiral parts, the banknotes tend to maintain a nearly straight posture with their front and back directions parallel to the moving direction during movement. Therefore, the banknotes can be smoothly sent to the stacking position.

[0010] In the paper sheet stacking device of this embodiment, the transfer member can be positioned within the housing so that, when viewed in the discharge direction, the central axis of the spiral portion is inclined in a direction such that the paper surface of the portion of the paper sheet inserted into the gap space and the portion of the spiral portion opposite the paper surface approach parallel to the short direction of the outlet of the conveying path.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the width of the gap in the spiral portion can be increased in the front-back direction of the banknote. As a result, even if the center of the gap is shifted in the central axis direction from directly above the outlet when the banknote is discharged from the outlet of the transport path, the banknote is less likely to collide with the spiral portion and is more likely to be inserted into the gap. This improves the accuracy of transport of the banknote by the transport member.

[0012] In the paper sheet stacking device according to this aspect, the transfer member may be disposed within the housing such that the central axis of the spiral portion is parallel to the short side direction of the outlet of the transport path when viewed in the discharge direction. In this case, a configuration may be adopted that further includes a discharge mechanism that deforms the paper sheet discharged from the outlet so that the paper surface of the portion of the paper sheet inserted into the gap space of the spiral portion and the portion of the spiral portion facing the paper surface approach parallel to each other.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the width of the gap is wider in the front-to-back direction of the portion of the banknote that is inserted into the gap, so that the banknote is less likely to collide with the spiral portion and is more likely to be inserted into the gap, thereby improving the accuracy of the transfer of the banknote by the transfer member.

[0014] The paper sheet stacking device according to this aspect may further include a transport path along which paper sheets are transported toward the housing, a drive motor for rotating the transport member, a passage sensor for detecting paper sheets passing a predetermined position on the transport path, and a control unit for controlling the drive motor. In this case, the control unit may be configured to adjust the rotation speed of the transport member depending on the timing at which the paper sheets pass the predetermined position.

[0015] For example, when the time interval between the passing timing of the previous paper sheet and the current paper sheet is relatively short, the control unit determines the rotational speed of the transport member to be a relatively fast rotational speed, and when the time interval is relatively long, determines the rotational speed of the transport member to be a relatively slow rotational speed.

[0016] According to the above configuration, even if the time interval between banknotes being discharged from the conveying path fluctuates, the rotation speed of the transport member can be adjusted to match the change in the discharge time interval based on the passing timing of the banknote detected by the passing sensor, so that it is possible to prevent banknotes discharged from the conveying path from becoming difficult to insert into the gap space in the spiral section, thereby improving the accuracy of banknote transport by the transport member.

[0017] In the paper sheet stacking device of this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted which further includes an impeller having a plurality of elastically deformable blades extending radially, and which strikes the side of the paper sheet discharged from the conveying path opposite the side inserted into the gap space of the spiral portion with the rotating blades, thereby sending the paper sheet in the conveying direction by the conveying member.

[0018] According to the above configuration, both ends of the banknote can be transported by the transport member and the impeller, so that the banknote can be transported to the stacking position more smoothly.

[0019] In the above-mentioned configuration, a stage member may be provided in the housing and on which the paper sheets fed by the transport member and the impeller are accumulated. In this case, the impeller may extend toward the stage member beyond the spiral portion.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the portions of the stacked banknotes facing the impeller are successively struck by the rotating blades and pressed against the stage member, so that even if the stacked banknotes are subjected to a force in the direction along the paper surface by the tip of the rotating spiral part coming into contact with them, they are less likely to shift in the direction along the paper surface.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a paper sheet processing device. The paper sheet processing device according to this aspect includes a storage unit in which paper sheets are stored, and a paper sheet stacking device in which paper sheets discharged from the storage unit are stacked. Here, the paper sheet stacking device includes a housing in which paper sheets are stored, a transport path along which paper sheets are transported toward the inside of the housing, and a transfer member including a spiral part that spirals in a spiral shape and rotates around a central axis of the spiral part to send paper sheets discharged from the transport path into the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis. The transfer member is provided in the housing at a position where a center part in the width direction of the paper sheets discharged from the transport path is inserted into a gap space of the spiral part.

[0022] The paper sheet processing apparatus according to this aspect can achieve the same effects as the first aspect. Effect of the Invention

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a paper sheet stacking device and a paper sheet processing device that can satisfactorily transport paper sheets to a stacking position by using a transport member having a spiral portion.

[0024] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote handling device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device according to the embodiment, with the top surface of the housing and the drive mechanism removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the banknote stacking device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the banknote stacking device taken along the line of the left-side transport mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a banknote stacking device cut at the position of the leftmost impeller according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the top surface of the housing, the transport member, and the drive mechanism according to the embodiment, Fig. 7(b) is a rear view of the transport member according to the embodiment, and Fig. 7(c) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transport member and the outlet of the transport path according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a block diagram of a control system of the banknote stacking device according to the embodiment, Fig. 8(b) is a flowchart showing a banknote stacking process executed by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the banknote stacking device in the banknote stacking process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote stacking device in the banknote stacking process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a rotational speed control process of a transport member executed by a control unit according to the first modified example. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a plan view of a transport unit and a transfer member according to Modification Example 2. Fig. 12(b) is a view of the transfer member in the arrangement of Modification Example 2, seen in the X direction shown in Fig. 12(a). Fig. 12(c) is a view of the transfer member in the arrangement of the embodiment, seen in the same direction as Fig. 12(b). [Figure 13] Fig. 13(a) is a plan view of a transport unit and a transfer member according to Modification Example 3. Fig. 13(b) is an end view of a main part of a transport path member cut at the position of a first protruding portion according to Modification Example 3. Fig. 13(c) is an end view of a main part of a transport path member cut at the position of a second protruding portion according to Modification Example 3. [Figure 14]14(a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view of a transport unit provided with a direction changing mechanism according to Modification Example 4. Fig. 14(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the transport unit according to Modification Example 4, cut at the position of a pair of change bodies on the left side. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a banknote stacking device provided with a first banknote aligning mechanism according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a banknote stacking device provided with a second banknote aligning mechanism according to the sixth modified example. [Figure 17] Fig. 17(a) is a side cross-sectional view of a banknote stacking device according to another modified example, and Fig. 17(b) is a front cross-sectional view of an upper part of a banknote stacking device according to another modified example in which a drive mechanism is omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] In this embodiment, a banknote processing device 1 is shown as an example of a paper sheet processing device of the present invention. Also, in this embodiment, a banknote stacking device 10 incorporated in the banknote processing device 1 is shown as an example of a paper sheet stacking device of the present invention. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited in any way by these configurations.

[0028] <Configuration of the banknote processing device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0029] The banknote processing device 1 is installed in a bank, for example, and performs deposit processing of banknotes deposited by customers and withdrawal processing of banknotes dispensed to customers. Note that the banknote processing device 1 is often combined with a coin processing device that performs depositing and withdrawing coins, and an information terminal that performs operations related to depositing and withdrawing, and in this case a teller system is configured.

[0030] The banknote processing device 1 includes a housing 100 constituting the outer shell of the device, and includes a deposit / withdrawal unit 110, a deposit rejection unit 120, a withdrawal rejection unit 130, a transport unit 140, a recognition unit 150, a temporary holding unit 160, a lump-sum storage unit 170, and multiple (three) denomination-specific storage units 180. The housing 100 is provided with a deposit / withdrawal port 101 that can be opened and closed by a shutter 101a at the front of the top surface, and a reject port 102 that can be opened and closed by a shutter 102a at the front. The deposit / withdrawal unit 110 is disposed below the deposit / withdrawal port 101, and the deposit rejection unit 120 is disposed behind the reject port 102.

[0031] Banknotes are inserted into the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 through the deposit / withdrawal port 101. One or more inserted banknotes are stored in the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 in an upright state with their short edges facing up and down. The deposit / withdrawal unit 110 includes a feeding mechanism (not shown) and feeds the inserted banknotes one by one to the transport unit 140.

[0032] Furthermore, to the deposit / withdrawal unit 110, banknotes are discharged from the denomination-specific storage units 180 and transported by the transport unit 140. The deposit / withdrawal unit 110 is equipped with a banknote stacking device 10, which will be described later. A plurality of banknotes discharged to the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 are stored by the banknote stacking device 10 in a state where they are stacked in the front-to-rear direction with their short edges oriented in the up-to-down direction. The accumulated banknotes are taken out through the deposit / withdrawal port 101.

[0033] It should be noted that the banknotes are fed from the front side of the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 to the transport unit 140 and are discharged to the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 from the rear side of the deposit / withdrawal unit 110.

[0034] The deposit rejection unit 120 ejects banknotes whose attributes cannot be recognized by the recognition unit 150 and which are not considered to be normal when deposited. The banknotes ejected to the deposit rejection unit 120 are taken out through the rejection port 102.

[0035] The withdrawal reject unit 130 receives and stores bills that cannot be recognized by the recognition unit 150 and are not considered to be normal at the time of withdrawal.

[0036] The transport section 140 runs between the deposit / withdrawal section 110, the deposit rejection section 120, the withdrawal rejection section 130, the temporary holding section 160, the lump-sum storage section 170, and the three denomination-specific storage sections 180, and transports banknotes between these sections.

[0037] The recognition unit 150 recognizes the attributes of the banknotes flowing through the transport unit 140. The recognized attributes include the denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. of the banknotes. The recognition unit 150 also counts the number of banknotes.

[0038] The escrow unit 160 temporarily holds normal banknotes that have been inserted into the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 and whose attributes have been classified by the recognition unit 150. The escrow unit 160 is equipped with a feed mechanism and can feed the held banknotes to the transport unit 140.

[0039] The lump sum storage section 170 stores bills that are not assigned to a denomination-specific storage section 180 (such as 2,000 yen bills), overflow bills that cannot be stored in the corresponding denomination-specific storage section 180, and the like.

[0040] In each denomination-specific storage unit 180, banknotes that have been fed from the temporary holding unit 160 and whose denominations have been recognized by the recognition unit 150 are sorted by denomination and stored. For example, denominations of 10,000 yen, 1,000 yen, and 5,000 yen are assigned to each of the three denomination-specific storage units 180. Each denomination-specific storage unit 180 is equipped with a feeding mechanism and can feed the stored banknotes to the transport unit 140.

[0041] When depositing money, banknotes inserted into the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 are transported by the transport unit 140 and are recognized and counted by the recognition unit 150. Banknotes recognized as abnormal are returned to the deposit rejection unit 120, and banknotes recognized as normal are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 160. When an approval operation is performed, the banknotes in the temporary storage unit 160 are fed to the transport unit 140 and sorted and stored in the lump sum storage unit 170 and each denomination-specific storage unit 180 according to the denomination recognized by the recognition unit 150.

[0042] When dispensing, banknotes are fed from each denomination-specific storage unit 180, transported by the transport unit 140, and recognized and counted by the recognition unit 150. Banknotes recognized as abnormal are stored in the withdrawal rejection unit 130, and banknotes recognized as normal are dispensed to the deposit / withdrawal unit 110.

[0043] <Configuration of the banknote stacking device> Next, the banknote stacking device 10 provided in the depositing / withdrawing unit 110 will be described in detail.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device 10 with the top surface 230 of the housing 200 and the drive mechanism 500 removed. FIG. 4 is a side view of the banknote stacking device 10. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the banknote stacking device 10 cut at the position of the left-side transport mechanism 320. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the banknote stacking device 10 cut at the position of the leftmost impeller 330. FIG. 7(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the top surface 230 of the housing 200, the transfer member 400, and the drive mechanism 500. FIG. 7(b) is a rear view of the transfer member 400. FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transfer member 400 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311. Note that in FIG. 7(a), the transfer member 400, the first drive motor 510, the drive shaft 530, and the rotational position sensor 570 are not shown in cross section. In addition, in FIG. 7(c), for the sake of convenience, the transport unit 300 is shown in a schematic form in which only the outer shape of the transport path member 310 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 are shown.

[0045] The banknote stacking device 10 includes a housing 200, a transport unit 300, a transfer member 400, a drive mechanism 500, a stage unit 600, and a push-out mechanism 700.

[0046] The housing 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape that opens in the front-rear direction, and includes a bottom surface portion 210, left and right side surfaces 220, and a top surface portion 230. The bottom surface portion 210 and the left and right side surfaces 220 are integrally formed, and the left and right side surfaces 220 extend rearward from the bottom surface portion 210. The top surface portion 230 has a length that is about half that of the side surfaces 220 in the front-rear direction, and is attached to the front side of the upper ends of the left and right side surfaces 220. As a result, the front side of the top surface and the rear side of the bottom surface of the housing 200 are open. The deposit / withdrawal port 101 provided on the top surface of the casing 100 is located directly above the front side of the top surface of the housing 200 that opens.

[0047] The transport unit 300 includes a transport path member 310 , two transport mechanisms 320 , four impellers 330 , a drive shaft 340 , and a passage sensor 350 .

[0048] The transport path member 310 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the vertical direction and has a front side higher than a rear side. The upper part of the front side of the transport path member 310 is attached to the opening on the rear side of the housing 200. The upper surface 310a of the front side of the transport path member 310 is generally flush with the inner surface 210a of the bottom portion 210 of the housing 200.

[0049] A transport path 311 is provided inside the transport path member 310. An entrance 312 of the transport path 311 is provided on the rear surface of the transport path member 310. The transport path 311 extends forward from the entrance 312, bends in an arc at the front end of the transport path member 310, and extends upward. An exit 313 of the transport path 311 is provided on the front upper surface 310a of the transport path member 310 and faces the rear inside the housing 200. The bills flow through the transport path 311 so that the short side direction of the bills is the transport direction. For this reason, the width (dimension in the left-right direction) of the transport path 311 is made larger than the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the bills. The entrance 312 and exit 313 of the transport path 311 have a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction). The exit 313 of the transport path 311 has a rounded front corner, and the exit 313 widens toward the inside of the housing 200. An outlet of the transport section 140 is connected to an inlet 312 of the transport path 311 .

[0050] The two transport mechanisms 320 are disposed near the center on the right and left sides of the transport path member 310. Each transport mechanism 320 includes three first rollers 321, a second roller 322, two third rollers 323, a fourth roller 324, and a belt 325.

[0051] Below the transport path 311 of the transport path member 310, three first storage sections 314 are formed at two rear locations and at the front end, and a second storage section 315 is formed above the first storage section 314 at the front end. The three first rollers 321 are rotatably fixed to shafts 321a extending in the left-right direction in each of the first storage sections 314. The second roller 322 is fixed to a drive shaft 340 in the second storage section 315. The drive shaft 340 penetrates the transport path member 310 in the left-right direction and is rotatable relative to the transport path member 310. A belt 325 is hung between the three first rollers 321 and the second roller 322. A part of the belt 325 appears in the transport path 311.

[0052] Above the conveying path 311 of the conveying path member 310, two third accommodating sections 316 are formed at the same positions in the front-rear direction as the two rear first accommodating sections 314, and a fourth accommodating section 317 is formed in the front. The two third rollers 323 are rotatably fixed to shafts 323a extending in the left-right direction in each of the third accommodating sections 316. The fourth roller 324 is rotatably fixed to shafts 324a extending in the left-right direction in the fourth accommodating section 317. Parts of the two third rollers 323 and part of the fourth roller 324 appear in the conveying path 311 and are in substantial contact with the belt 325.

[0053] The four impellers 330 are arranged on the transport path member 310 at positions inside and outside the second roller 322 on the right side and positions inside and outside the second roller 322 on the left side, and are lined up in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 313 of the transport path 311. Each impeller 330 is accommodated in a fifth accommodation portion 318 formed across the front end portion of the transport path member 310 and the bottom portion 210 of the housing 200, and is fixed to the drive shaft 340.

[0054] Each impeller 330 is made of a rubber material and has a cylindrical boss portion 331 fixed to the drive shaft 340 and a plurality of (eight) blades 332 extending radially from the boss portion 331. Each blade 332 is thin and can be easily elastically deformed in the circumferential direction. The positions of the blades 332 of the inner impeller 330 and the outer impeller 330 of the second roller 322 are shifted in the circumferential direction when fixed to the drive shaft 340. The four impellers 330 are located in front of the exit 313 of the conveying path 311, and the blades 332 protrude to the rear lower portion inside the housing 200.

[0055] A pulley 341 is provided at one end of the drive shaft 340. A belt (not shown) is connected to the pulley 341. A driving force from a drive motor (not shown) for driving the two conveying mechanisms 320 is transmitted to the pulley 341 via the belt, and the drive shaft 340 rotates. This causes the two second rollers 322 and the four impellers 330 to rotate forward. The portion of each belt 325 within the conveying path 311 moves forward. Also, in the rear lower portion within the housing 200, the blades 332 of the impeller 330 move forward.

[0056] Banknotes flowing through the transport unit 140 enter the transport path 311 from the entrance 312. The banknotes that enter the transport path 311 move toward the inside of the housing 200 while being sandwiched between the third roller 323, the fourth roller 324 and the belt 325, and are discharged upward from the exit 313 of the transport path 311 within the housing 200. The discharge direction of the banknotes from the exit 313 of the transport path 311 is the vertical direction. The center of the banknote passes through the longitudinal center of the exit 313.

[0057] Blades 332 of rotating blade wheel 330 cross conveying path 311 in a portion before exit 313 of conveying path 311. When a banknote moving along conveying path 311 comes into contact with blades 332 crossing conveying path 311, blades 332 are elastically deformed and pushed aside by the banknote.

[0058] The passing sensor 350 is disposed at a predetermined position on the transport path 311, for example, a position near the entrance 312, in the center of the transport path 311 in the left-right direction, and detects banknotes flowing on the transport path 311. The passing sensor 350 is a photosensor, and includes a light-emitting element 351 and a light-receiving element 352 that face each other across the transport path 311. When a banknote passes the position of the passing sensor 350 on the transport path 311, the light from the light-emitting element 351 is blocked by the banknote and is not received by the light-receiving element 352. This detects that the banknote has passed the position of the passing sensor 350.

[0059] The transfer member 400 includes a base portion 410, a spiral portion 420, and a marker portion 430. The base portion 410 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a flange portion 411 at its front end. An axial hole 412 is formed in the center of the base portion 410. The spiral portion 420 extends forward from the front surface of the base portion 410 while spiraling in a spiral shape. The pitch and number of turns of the spiral portion 420 are appropriately set in consideration of the ease with which the bill is inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420, and in accordance with the distance the bill is moved within the housing 200. The marker portion 430 is provided at the rear end of the base portion 410, and has a semicircular plate shape.

[0060] The transport member 400 is disposed at the upper rear portion within the housing 200. As shown in Fig. 7(c) , when viewed in the up-down direction, i.e., in the direction in which banknotes are discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311, the spiral portion 420 of the transport member 400 is located at the center of the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the outlet 313 and overlaps with the outlet 313. The central axis P of the transport member 400 is parallel to the short side direction of the outlet 313.

[0061] 6, in the front-rear direction, the spiral portion 420 of the transport member 400 and the four impellers 330 are at approximately the same position. Within the housing 200, the blades 332 of each impeller 330 protrude rearward beyond the transport member 400, i.e., toward the stage member 610.

[0062] The drive mechanism 500 is a mechanism for driving the rotation of the transport member 400, and includes a first drive motor 510, a bracket 520, a drive shaft 530, a first pulley 540, a second pulley 550, a belt 560, and a rotational position sensor 570.

[0063] The first drive motor 510 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is a drive source for rotating the transfer member 400. A first pulley 540 is attached to an output shaft 511 of the first drive motor 510. The bracket 520 is provided at the center of the rear end of the top surface portion 230 of the housing 200. The first drive motor 510 is held by an upper portion of the bracket 520. Two bearing portions 521 are arranged at a lower portion of the bracket 520 with a predetermined interval between them in the front-rear direction. The bearing portions 521 are, for example, bearings.

[0064] The drive shaft 530 is rotatably held by two bearing portions 521. The front end portion of the drive shaft 530 is inserted into and fixed to the shaft hole 412 of the base portion 410 of the transfer member 400. A second pulley 550 is attached to the rear end portion of the drive shaft 530. A belt 560 is hung between the first pulley 540 and the second pulley 550.

[0065] At the rear end of the top surface portion 230, an attachment opening 231 is formed above the marker portion 430 of the transport member 400, and a rotational position sensor 570 is attached to the attachment opening 231. The rotational position sensor 570 has a light emitting element 572 and a light receiving element 573 that face each other across a recess 571. When the transport member 400 rotates, the marker portion 430 crosses the recess 571, during which time the marker portion 430 blocks light from the light emitting element 572 to the light receiving element 573. The rotational position sensor 570 detects the rotational position of the transport member 400 at the moment when the light blocking is released as the reference rotational position of the transport member 400.

[0066] When the first drive motor 510 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the transfer member 400 via the drive shaft 530, and the transfer member 400 rotates. The rotation speed of the transfer member 400 is determined by the ratio of the diameters of the first pulley 540 and the second pulley 550 and the rotation speed of the first drive motor 510. As shown in Fig. 7(a), the transfer member 400 rotates in a rotation direction such that a mountain-shaped gap space S opening downward appears at the rear end side (base end side) of the spiral part 420 and moves to the front end side (tip end side) as the transfer member 400 rotates.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the transport member 400 is in the rotation reference position, the gap space S is adjusted so that the approximate center of the gap space S is located directly above the exit 313 of the transport path 311 .

[0068] The drive mechanism 500 may be configured such that the first drive motor 510 is disposed behind the transport member 400, and the output shaft 511 of the first drive motor 510 is directly connected to the base part 410 of the transport member 400. In this case, the transport member 400 rotates at the same rotation speed as the first drive motor 510.

[0069] The stage unit 600 includes a stage member 610 , a first shaft 620 , a second shaft 630 , a pair of first rollers 640 , a pair of second rollers 650 , a pair of gears 660 , and a compression spring 670 .

[0070] Stage member 610 is placed on bottom surface portion 210 behind transport member 400 inside housing 200. Stage member 610 is formed in a plate shape with a substantially L-shaped cross section, and has a width substantially the same as the internal dimension of housing 200 in the left-right direction. The surface of stage member 610 facing transport member 400 becomes banknote accumulation surface 611. Stage member 610 has a height such that its upper end is higher than the upper ends of banknotes accumulated on accumulation surface 611.

[0071] The stage member 610 is provided with holding parts 612 protruding rearward at the upper left and right ends. The first shaft 620 and the second shaft 630 are rotatably held by the left and right holding parts 612 so as to extend in the left-right direction and be aligned in the front-rear direction. A pair of first rollers 640 and a pair of gears 660 are attached to both ends of the first shaft 620 with the pair of gears 660 on the outside. A pair of second rollers 650 are attached to the left end of the second shaft 630 and to a portion more inward than the right end.

[0072] The left and right side surface portions 220 of the housing 200 are formed with a first guide hole 221 and a second guide hole 222, which are elongated and extend in the front-rear direction. The second guide hole 222 is formed outside the first guide hole 221 and has a larger dimension in the up-down direction than the first guide hole 221. A rack 223 extending in the front-rear direction is disposed on the bottom surface of the second guide hole 222. Each of the first rollers 640 and each of the second rollers 650 is housed in each of the first guide holes 221. Also, each of the gears 660 is housed in each of the second guide holes 222 and meshes with the rack 223.

[0073] The stage member 610 is slidable in the front-rear direction between a banknote accumulation position where the accumulation surface 611 is close to the transfer member 400, and a banknote removal position (indicated by dashed lines in Figs. 5 and 6) forward of the front end of the top surface portion 230. When the stage member 610 moves, the first rollers 640 and the second rollers 650 move within the first guide holes 221, and the gears 660 move within the second guide holes 222. At the banknote removal position, the top surface of the housing 200 is open, and the deposit / withdrawal port 101 is located directly above it, allowing banknotes to be removed.

[0074] The second shaft 630 has a right end portion that extends outward from the right side surface portion 220. The right side surface portion 220 is provided with an attachment portion 224 on the outer surface of the rear end portion. A compression spring 670 is attached between the right end portion of the second shaft 630 and the attachment portion 224. The compression spring 670 applies an elastic force to the stage member 610 so that the stage member 610 is held in the banknote stacking position.

[0075] The push-out mechanism 700 is a mechanism for pushing out the stage member 610 on which banknotes are accumulated, from the banknote accumulation position to the banknote removal position, and includes a push-out plate 710, a moving table 720, a rack and pinion mechanism 730, and a second drive motor 740.

[0076] The push-out plate 710 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. When on standby, the push-out plate 710 is located in front of the outlet 313 of the conveying path 311. In this standby position, the lower end of the push-out plate 710 does not contact the four rotating impellers 330.

[0077] Rollers 711 are rotatably provided on both the left and right sides of the upper end of the push-out plate 710. Guide surfaces 225 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the upper ends of the left and right side surface portions 220 of the housing 200, and each roller 711 can move on each guide surface 225. Furthermore, a U-shaped notch 710a is formed in the center of the upper part of the push-out plate 710, through which the spiral portion 420 of the transport member 400 passes.

[0078] A movable plate 712 extending rearward is provided below the push-out plate 710. The movable plate 712 is placed on a movable stage 720 installed on the transport path member 310 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The movable stage 720 has guide ribs 721 formed on both sides of the movable plate 712 for guiding the movable plate 712.

[0079] The rack and pinion mechanism 730 is composed of a rack 731 formed on the moving plate 712 and extending in the front-rear direction, and a pinion 732 that meshes with the rack 731. The second drive motor 740 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is installed on the moving stage 720. The pinion 732 is attached to an output shaft 741 of the second drive motor 740. The rotation of the second drive motor 740 is transmitted to the moving plate 712 via the rack and pinion mechanism 730.

[0080] When the second drive motor 740 rotates left when viewed from the front, the moving plate 712 moves forward and the push-out plate 710 moves forward. When the second drive motor 740 rotates right, the moving plate 712 moves backward and the push-out plate 710 moves backward.

[0081] FIG. 8(a) is a block diagram of a control system of the banknote stacking device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0082] The banknote stacking device 10 includes a control unit 800 configured with an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU. The control unit 800 controls the first drive motor 510 and the second drive motor 740 based on detection signals output from the passage sensor 350 and the rotation position sensor 570.

[0083] The banknote processing device 1 includes a control unit that controls each unit such as the transport unit 140, the recognition unit 150, the temporary holding unit 160, the lump-sum storage unit 170, and the denomination-specific storage unit 180, and the control unit functions as a control unit 800 of the banknote stacking device 10. The control unit of the banknote processing device 1 may be a main control unit, and the control unit 800 may be provided as a sub-control unit separate from the main control unit.

[0084] <Operation of the banknote stacking device> The control unit 800 executes a banknote stacking process for stacking banknotes dispensed from the denomination-specific storage units 180 or the like in a banknote stacking position within the housing 200 and then moving the banknotes to a banknote removal position.

[0085] In the banknote stacking process, the control unit 800 controls the first drive motor 510 so that the transfer member 400 rotates at a preset set rotation speed. The set rotation speed is set so that the time taken for the first drive motor 510 to make one rotation is equal to the time interval at which banknotes are discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311. The transport speed of the transport mechanism 320 is set equal to the transport speed of the transport unit 140. Therefore, the time interval at which banknotes are discharged is determined by the time interval at which banknotes are fed out of the denomination-specific storage unit 180 and the transport speed of the banknotes by the transport unit 140.

[0086] The transport mechanism 320 operates in conjunction with the operation of the transport unit 140 when money is dispensed from the denomination-specific storage unit 180. That is, when money is dispensed, the transport mechanism 320 starts operating when the transport unit 140 starts operating, and the transport mechanism 320 stops operating when the transport unit 140 stops operating.

[0087] When the dispensing (feeding) of banknotes from the denomination-specific storage units 180 and the transport operations of the transport unit 140 and the transport mechanism 320 start, the control unit 800 starts the banknote stacking process.

[0088] Fig. 8(b) is a flowchart showing the banknote stacking process executed by the control unit 800. Figs. 9(a) to (d) and 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the banknote stacking device 10 in the banknote stacking process.

[0089] The control unit 800 judges whether the passing sensor 350 detects the passage of the first banknote (S101). Then, when the passing sensor 350 detects the passage of the first banknote (S101: YES), the control unit 800 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the passage (S102).

[0090] Before the start of the banknote stacking process, the transport member 400 is stopped at the reference rotation position, and the approximate center of the gap space S of the spiral part 420 is located directly above the outlet 313 of the transport path 311. For this reason, the timing at which the transport member 400 starts rotating is the timing at which the first banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 and reaches the entrance of the gap space S. Therefore, the predetermined time is set to the time from when the banknote flowing on the transport path 311 passes the position of the passing sensor 350 to when it reaches the entrance of the gap space S.

[0091] When a predetermined time has elapsed (S102: YES), the control unit 800 starts the rotation of the first drive motor 510 to start the rotation of the transport member 400 (S103). The transport member rotates around the central axis P of the helical part 420 at a set rotation speed.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 9(a), the leading end of a banknote that has traveled along the conveying path 311 and been discharged upward from the outlet 313 into the housing 200 is inserted into the gap S of the spiral portion 420 located directly above the outlet 313. The gap S moves forward, i.e., toward the stage member 610, as the transfer member 400 rotates, and the leading end of the banknote is sent toward the stage member 610. At this time, the four impellers 330 are rotating forward, and the trailing end of the discharged banknote, i.e., the end opposite to the side inserted into the gap S, is struck by the forward moving impeller 332 and sent toward the stage member 610.

[0093] 9(b), the banknotes discharged one after another from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 are sent by the spiral portion 420 of the transport member 400 and the blades 332 of the four blade wheels 330, and are stacked on the accumulation surface 611 of the stage member 610. The stage member 610 is pushed by the stacked banknotes and moves away from the transport member 400 against the elastic force of the compression spring 670.

[0094] Here, the upper portion of the banknotes stacked on the stage member 610 may come into contact with the tip of the rotating spiral portion 420. As a result, the stacked banknotes receive a force from the rotating spiral portion 420 in the direction along the paper surface, and are therefore more likely to shift in the direction along the paper surface. However, in this embodiment, the blades 332 of the impeller 330 protrude toward the stage member 610 side than the spiral portion 420 of the transfer member 400. Therefore, the lower portions of the stacked banknotes are hit one after another by the rotating blades 332 and pressed against the stacking surface 611 of the stage member 610 (see the outlined arrow). As a result, the stacked banknotes are less likely to shift in the direction along the paper surface.

[0095] In this embodiment, as viewed in the direction in which the banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311, the spiral portion 420 of the transfer member 400 is located at the center in the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the outlet 313 (see FIG. 7(c)). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the center portion in the width direction of the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 is inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420. As a result, the banknote moves with its center portion in the width direction held by the spiral portion 420, so that even if the banknote is particularly weak, it is likely to maintain a nearly straight posture with its front and back directions parallel to the moving direction during movement.

[0096] The control unit 800 determines whether all the banknotes from the denomination-specific storage units 180 have been fed out, i.e., whether all the banknotes to be dispensed have been stacked in the housing 200 (S104). When all the banknotes have been stacked (S104: YES), the control unit 800 stops the first drive motor 510 and stops the transfer member 400 at the reference rotation position (S105).

[0097] Next, as shown in Figures 9(c) and (d), the control unit 800 rotates the second drive motor 740 to move the push-out plate 710 forward, i.e., toward the stage member 610, and the push-out plate 710 pushes the stage member 610 together with the banknote to the banknote removal position (S106).

[0098] Thereafter, stage member 610 is locked at the banknote removal position by a locking device (not shown), and push-out plate 710 returns to its original position. Shutter 101a of deposit / withdrawal port 101 opens, allowing the accumulated banknotes to be removed. When the banknotes are removed and shutter 101a closes, the lock is released, and stage member 610 returns to its original position by the elastic force of compression spring 670.

[0099] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0100] The banknote stacking device 10 includes a spiral part 420 that spirals and rotates around a central axis P of the spiral part 420 to send banknotes discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 into the housing 200 in a direction parallel to the central axis P. This eliminates the need to worry about damage or jamming at the transport member 400 of banknotes transported in an oblique state, unlike a configuration in which two transport members having spiral parts are provided side by side. Moreover, the single transport member 400 is provided in the housing 200 at a position where the center in the width direction of the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 is inserted into the gap space S of the spiral part 420. This allows the banknote to be moved with its center in the width direction held by the spiral part 420, so that the banknote is likely to maintain a nearly straight posture in which its front and back directions are parallel to the moving direction during movement. Therefore, the banknotes can be smoothly sent to the stacking position (the stacking surface 611 of the stage member 610).

[0101] Furthermore, the banknote stacking device 10 is equipped with an impeller 330 having a plurality of elastically deformable blades 332 extending radially, and the side of the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 opposite to the side inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420 is struck by the rotating blade 332 and sent in the transport direction by the transport member 400. As a result, both end sides of the banknote can be transported by the transport member 400 and the impeller 330, so that the banknote can be more smoothly transported to the stacking position.

[0102] Furthermore, in the banknote stacking device 10, the blades 332 of the impeller 330 protrude further towards the stage member 610 than the transport member 400. As a result, the portions of the stacked banknotes on the impeller 330 side are successively struck by the rotating blades 332 and pressed against the stage member 610, so that even if the tip of the rotating spiral portion 420 comes into contact with the stacked banknotes and they receive a force in the direction along the paper surface, the banknotes are less likely to shift in the direction along the paper surface.

[0103] <Change Example 1> In the above embodiment, in the banknote stacking process, the control unit 800 rotates the transport member 400 at a constant rotation speed set based on the time interval at which banknotes are discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311.

[0104] However, it is considered that the time interval between banknote discharges may vary due to variations in the time interval between banknote payouts from the denomination-specific storage units 180 and the transport speed of the transport unit 140. In the control for rotating the transfer member 400 at a constant speed as in the above embodiment, if the time interval between banknote discharges varies, banknotes are more likely to be discharged from the outlet 313 when the center of the gap space S of the spiral part 420 is shifted in the front-rear direction from directly above the outlet 313, and there is a concern that the leading end of the banknote will not be smoothly inserted into the gap space S of the spiral part 420.

[0105] Therefore, in this modified example 1, in the banknote stacking process, the control unit 800 detects banknotes passing through a predetermined position on the conveying path 311 using the passing sensor 350, and adjusts the rotational speed of the transport member 400 according to the timing at which each banknote passes the predetermined position.

[0106] In this modified example 1, the length of the path from a predetermined position on the conveying path 311 where the banknote is detected by the passing sensor 350 to the entrance of the gap space S of the spiral part 420 is made longer than the interval between banknotes flowing on the conveying path 311. Therefore, after the previous banknote has passed the predetermined position, the current banknote passes the predetermined position before reaching the entrance of the gap space S.

[0107] 11 is a flowchart showing a rotation speed control process of the transfer member 400 executed by the control unit 800 according to Modification Example 1. This rotation speed control process is started immediately after the control unit 800 detects the passage of the first banknote by the passing sensor 350 in step S101 during the banknote stacking process, and is repeatedly executed thereafter until the control unit 800 stops the rotation of the transfer member 400 in step S105.

[0108] The control unit 800 judges whether the passing sensor 350 detects the passing of a banknote (S201). Then, when the passing sensor 350 detects the passing of a banknote (S201: YES), the control unit 800 calculates the passing time interval from the passing of the previous banknote to the passing of the current banknote (S202). For this purpose, the control unit 800 measures the elapsed time since the passing of the previous banknote. Note that, if the previous banknote is the first banknote, the passing of the previous banknote is detected in step S101 of the banknote stacking process.

[0109] Since the conveying speed of the conveying mechanism 320 is equal to the conveying speed of the conveying section 140, the calculated passing time interval is equal to the discharge time interval between the previous banknote and the current banknote from the exit 313 of the conveying path 311.

[0110] The control unit 800 determines the rotation speed of the transport member 400 for the current banknote as the rotation speed at which the time taken for the transport member 400 to make one rotation is equal to the calculated passing time interval, i.e., the discharge time interval (S203). If the passing time interval is relatively short, the determined rotation speed is relatively fast, and if the passing time interval is relatively long, the determined rotation speed is relatively slow.

[0111] Next, the control unit 800 judges whether the discharge timing has arrived at which the preceding banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 and reaches the entrance of the gap space S (S204). If the preceding banknote is the first banknote, the discharge timing is the timing at which the transfer member 400 starts to rotate from the rotation reference position in step S103 of the banknote stacking process. If the preceding banknote is the second or subsequent banknote, the discharge timing is the timing at which the rotating transfer member 400 reaches the reference rotation position. This is because, for the second or subsequent banknote, by applying the rotation speed determined for that banknote, the transfer member 400, having made one rotation, reaches the reference rotation position when the discharge timing for that banknote arrives.

[0112] When the timing for discharging the previous banknote arrives, the control unit 800 rotates the transport member 400 at the determined rotation speed (S205). If the previous banknote is the first banknote, the transport member 400 starts rotating at the determined rotation speed. If the previous banknote is the second or subsequent banknote, the rotation speed of the rotating transport member 400 is switched to the determined rotation speed. When the current banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 and reaches the entrance of the gap space S, the transport member 400 rotates once and reaches the reference rotation position, and approximately the center of the gap space S of the spiral portion 420 is located directly above the outlet.

[0113] Thereafter, the processes from step S201 to step S205 are repeated.

[0114] 11, if the interval between banknotes becomes long due to an interruption in the feeding of banknotes from the denomination-specific storage units 180, and the timing for discharging the previous banknote arrives before the passing sensor 350 detects the banknote in step S201, the control unit 800 rotates the transporting member 400 once again at the determined rotation speed. During this time, if the passing sensor 350 detects the passage of the current banknote, the control unit 800 determines the rotation speed for the current banknote based on the time obtained by subtracting the time it takes for the transporting member 400 to rotate once at the previously determined rotation speed from the passing time interval calculated at this time.

[0115] In this manner, in this modified example 1, even if the time interval at which banknotes are discharged from the outlet 313 of the conveying path 311 varies, the rotational speed of the transfer member 400 is adjusted to match the change in the discharge time interval based on the passing timing of the banknote detected by the passing sensor 350, so that it is possible to prevent the banknotes discharged from the outlet 313 from becoming difficult to insert into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420, thereby improving the accuracy with which the banknotes are transported by the transfer member 400.

[0116] The passing sensor 350 is disposed at the center in the width direction of the conveying path 311. Therefore, even if the banknote is conveyed at an angle on the conveying path 311, the passing sensor 350 can detect the passage of the center part of the banknote inserted into the gap space S of the spiral part 420. Therefore, the passing time interval of the center part of the banknote, i.e., the discharge time interval, can be accurately obtained, and a decrease in the accuracy of the rotation speed control process can be prevented.

[0117] <Change Example 2> In the above embodiment, the central axis P of the transfer member 400 is parallel to the short side direction of the outlet 313. Therefore, the portion 421 of the spiral part 420 facing the paper surface of the portion of the banknote inserted in the gap space S intersects with the paper surface of the portion of the banknote, and the gap space S is narrowed in the front-back direction of the banknote (see FIG. 12(c)). Therefore, when the banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311, if the center of the gap space S of the spiral part 420 is shifted in the front-rear direction from directly above the outlet 313 at the timing when the banknote is discharged, the discharged banknote is likely to collide with the spiral part 420 and not be able to be inserted into the gap space S.

[0118] Therefore, in the present modified example 2, the transporting member 400 is arranged so that the width of the gap space S is widened in the front-back direction of the banknote.

[0119] Fig. 12(a) is a plan view of a transport unit 300 and a transfer member 400 according to Modification Example 2. Fig. 12(b) is a view of the transfer member 400 in the arrangement of Modification Example 2, seen in the X direction shown in Fig. 12(a). Fig. 12(c) is a view of the transfer member 400 in the arrangement of the embodiment, seen in the same direction as Fig. 12(b). For convenience, Fig. 12(a) shows the transport unit 300 in a schematic form, with only the outer shape of the transport path member 310 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 being shown.

[0120] As shown in Figure 12(a), in this modified example 2, when viewed in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction in which the banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 of the conveying path 311, the transport member 400 is positioned within the housing 200 so that the central axis P of the spiral portion 420 is inclined relative to the short direction of the outlet 313 in a direction such that the paper surface of the portion of the banknote inserted into the gap space S and the portion 421 of the spiral portion facing the paper surface approach parallel to each other.

[0121] 12(c) of the embodiment. As a result, even if the center of the gap space S is shifted in the front-to-back direction (central axis direction) from directly above the outlet 313 at the timing when the banknote is discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311, the discharged banknote is less likely to collide with the spiral portion 420 and is more likely to be inserted into the gap space S. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of transport of the banknote by the transport member 400.

[0122] <Change Example 3> In this modified example 3, similarly to the modified example 2, the transport path member 310 of the transport unit 300 is provided with a discharge mechanism 360 so that the banknote can be easily inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420. The discharge mechanism 360 deforms the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 so that the paper surface of the portion of the banknote inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420 and the portion 421 of the spiral portion 420 facing the paper surface approach parallelism.

[0123] Fig. 13(a) is a plan view of a transport unit 300 and a transfer member 400 according to Modification Example 3. Fig. 13(b) is an end view of a main part of a transport path member 310 cut at the position of a first protruding portion 361 according to Modification Example 3. Fig. 13(c) is an end view of a main part of a transport path member 310 cut at the position of a second protruding portion 362 according to Modification Example 3. In Fig. 13(a), for the sake of convenience, the transport unit 300 is shown in a schematic form in which only the outer shape of the transport path member 310 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 are shown.

[0124] The discharge mechanism 360 is composed of a first protruding portion 361 and a second protruding portion 362 .

[0125] The first protrusion 361 is formed in a position near the exit 313 of the transport path 311 and to the left of the transfer member 400, and protrudes from the front wall surface 311a toward the rear wall surface 311b of the transport path 311. The first protrusion 361 has a slope surface 361a that is inclined with respect to the front wall surface 311a so as to approach the rear wall surface 311b as it approaches the exit 313.

[0126] The second protrusion 362 is formed in a position near the exit 313 of the transport path 311 and to the right of the transfer member 400, and protrudes from the rear wall surface 311b toward the front wall surface 311a of the transport path 311. The second protrusion 362 has a slope surface 362a that is inclined with respect to the rear wall surface 311b so as to approach the front wall surface 311a as it approaches the exit 313.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the left part of the banknote moving along the conveying path 311 is pushed backward by the first protruding part 361 when it passes through the first protruding part 361 while sliding on the slope surface 361a, and the right part of the banknote is pushed forward by the second protruding part 362 when it passes through the second protruding part 362 while sliding on the slope surface 362a. As a result, the banknote is gently deformed like an S when viewed in the up-down direction, i.e., in the direction in which the banknote is discharged, and is discharged from the outlet 313. As a result, the paper surface of the part of the banknote inserted into the gap space S of the spiral part 420 and the part 421 of the spiral part 420 facing the paper surface become closer to being parallel. Therefore, the width of the gap space S becomes wider in the front-back direction of the part of the banknote inserted into the gap space S, so that the banknote is less likely to collide with the spiral part 420 and is more likely to be inserted into the gap space S, as in the above-mentioned modified example 2. Therefore, the accuracy with which the transport member 400 transports the banknotes can be improved.

[0128] <Change Example 4> In this modified example 4, similarly to the above modified example 1, a direction change mechanism 370 is provided in the transport unit 300 to change the direction of the banknotes discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 so that the banknotes can be easily inserted into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420 even if the time interval between the discharge of the banknotes from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 varies.

[0129] 14(a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view of a transport unit 300 provided with a direction changing mechanism 370 according to Modification Example 4. FIG. 14(c) is a side cross-sectional view of the transport unit 300 cut at the position of the pair of change bodies 371 on the left side according to Modification Example 4. In FIG. 14(c), a transfer member 400 is shown above the transport unit 300.

[0130] The direction changing mechanism 370 includes two pairs of changing bodies 371 provided on both the left and right sides of the transport path member 310, and a rotating mechanism 372 for rotating the pairs of changing bodies 371.

[0131] The pair of changeable bodies 371 have a tapered, approximately rectangular plate shape, and are provided on both sides in the short side direction (front-rear direction) near the exit 313 of the transport path 311. A shaft 373 provided on the side of each changeable body 371 penetrates the transport path member 310 and protrudes from the side of the transport path member 310. The pair of changeable bodies 371 can rotate within a predetermined angle range in the short side direction (front-rear direction) of the exit 313, from an initial state in which they extend straight up, about the shaft 373.

[0132] The rotation mechanism 372 includes a pair of pinions 374, an operating member 375, and an actuator 376. The pair of pinions 374 are attached to shafts 373 of a pair of change bodies 371 protruding from the transport path member 310. The operating member 375 is composed of left and right rack bars 377 extending in the front-rear direction and a connecting bar 378 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the left and right rack bars 377. Racks 379 formed on the lower surfaces of the rack bars 377 mesh with the pair of pinions 374. The connecting bar 378 is placed on the transport path member 310. The actuator 376 is, for example, a solenoid, and is connected to the connecting bar 378 of the operating member 375. A mounting portion to which the actuator 376 is attached is provided, for example, on the moving platform 720 of the push-out mechanism 700.

[0133] The actuator 376 moves the operating member 375 in the front-rear direction. The racks 379 of the left and right rack bars 377 move in the front-rear direction, and the pair of left and right pinions 374 rotate in the front-rear direction. As a result, the pair of left and right change bodies 371 rotate in the front-rear direction.

[0134] 8 and rotates the transport member 400 at a set rotation speed, based on detection of passage of a banknote by the passage sensor 350, controls the actuator 376 to operate the direction changing mechanism 370. In this way, the control unit 800 adjusts the direction of the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 of the transport path 311.

[0135] That is, the control unit 800 performs the same processes as steps S201 and S202 of the rotation speed control process of the above-mentioned modified example 1 to obtain the passing time interval for the current bill, that is, the discharging time interval.

[0136] If the determined discharge time interval is within an acceptable range approximately equal to the time it takes for the transfer member 400 to rotate once at the set rotation speed, the control unit 800 determines that the center of the gap space S of the spiral portion 420 is located approximately directly above the outlet 313 at the time the current banknote is discharged from the outlet 313, and maintains the pair of change bodies 371 in their initial state extending directly upward.

[0137] On the other hand, if the calculated discharge time interval is longer than the allowable range, the control unit 800 determines that the center of the gap S will shift forward from directly above the outlet 313 at the time of the current banknote discharge, and rotates the pair of change bodies 371 forward from the initial state (solid arrow in FIG. 14(c)). As a result, the banknote discharged from the outlet 313 is guided by the pair of change bodies 371 and moves diagonally upward and forward, making it easier to insert the banknote into the gap S shifted forward.

[0138] On the other hand, if the calculated discharge time interval is shorter than the allowable range, the control unit 800 determines that the center of the gap S will shift rearward from directly above the outlet 313 at the time of the current bill discharge, and rotates the pair of change bodies 371 rearward from the initial state (broken arrow in FIG. 14(c)). As a result, the bill discharged from the outlet 313 is guided by the pair of change bodies 371 and heads diagonally upward and rearward, making it easier to insert the bill into the gap S shifted rearward.

[0139] In this modified example 4, even if the time interval between the discharge of banknotes from the outlet 313 of the conveying path 311 varies, the direction of the banknotes discharged from the outlet 313 is adjusted to match the change in the discharge time interval, thereby preventing the banknotes discharged from the outlet 313 from becoming difficult to insert into the gap space S of the spiral portion 420, and improving the accuracy of the transport of banknotes by the transport member 400.

[0140] <Change Example 5> In this fifth modified example, the banknote stacking device 10 includes a first banknote alignment mechanism 910 that aligns the banknotes stacked on the stacking surface 611 of the stage member 610 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0141] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device 10 equipped with a first banknote alignment mechanism 910 according to Modification Example 5. Fig. 15 shows the banknote stacking device 10 with the top surface part 230 of the housing 200 and the drive mechanism 500 removed. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, Fig. 15 shows a schematic form of the transport unit 300 with only the outer shape of the transport path member 310 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 shown.

[0142] The first bill alignment mechanism 910 is provided on the left side surface portion 220 of the housing 200 , and includes a movable plate 911 and an actuator 912 .

[0143] The movable plate 911 has a substantially square plate shape. The height of the movable plate 911 is, for example, substantially equal to the height of the stage member 610. A housing portion 226 for housing an intermediate portion of the movable plate 911 is formed at the rear end of the left side surface portion 220. A shaft 913 protruding from the upper and lower ends of the intermediate portion of the movable plate 911 is inserted into a shaft hole 227 provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing portion 226. This allows the movable plate 911 to rotate left and right around the shaft 913.

[0144] The actuator 912 is a solenoid, and has a plunger 915 that moves in and out of a case 914. The actuator 912 is installed on the transport path member 310. The rear end of the movable plate 911 is rotatably connected to the plunger 915. As the plunger 915 moves in and out, the front side of the movable plate 911 moves in the left and right direction.

[0145] The control unit 800 controls the actuator 912 to reciprocate the front side of the movable plate 911 in the left-right direction at a predetermined cycle while the banknotes are being sent to the stage member 610 by the transfer member 400. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15, the front side of the movable plate 911 strikes the left end of the banknote being sent by the transfer member 400 to the right. Since the upper end of the banknote is merely accommodated in the gap space S of the spiral part 420, the banknote easily moves to the right when struck by the movable plate 911, and its right end comes into contact with the right side part 220. As a result, the banknotes are aligned in the left-right direction when stacked on the stacking surface 611.

[0146] In this manner, in the present modified example 5, the first banknote alignment mechanism 910 can align the banknotes stacked on the stage member 610 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0147] <Change Example 6> In this sixth modified example, the banknote stacking device 10 includes a second banknote alignment mechanism 920 that aligns the banknotes stacked on the stacking surface 611 of the stage member 610 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0148] Fig. 16 is a plan view of the banknote stacking device 10 equipped with a second banknote alignment mechanism 920 according to Modification Example 6. Fig. 16 shows the banknote stacking device 10 with the top surface part 230 of the housing 200 and the drive mechanism 500 removed. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, Fig. 16 shows the transport unit 300 in a schematic form with only the outer shape of the transport path member 310 and the outlet 313 of the transport path 311 being shown.

[0149] The second bill alignment mechanism 920 includes a guide member 921 and an actuator 922 .

[0150] The guide member 921 is disposed inside the left side surface portion 220 so as to be located to the left of the transport member 400. The height of the guide member 921 is, for example, approximately equal to the height of the stage member 610. The guide member 921 is formed with a guide surface 923 on the side facing the transport member 400, which is inclined with respect to the inner wall surface of the side surface portion 220 so as to protrude more toward the transport member 400 the closer it is to the stage member 610.

[0151] Furthermore, the guide member 921 has a pair of shafts 924 aligned in the front-rear direction. The pair of shafts 924 are inserted into shaft holes 228 formed in the left side surface portion 220. This allows the guide member 921 to be held by the side surface portion 220 so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0152] The actuator 922 is a solenoid, and has a plunger 926 that moves in and out of a case 925. The actuator 922 is installed in the transport path member 310. The rear end of the guide member 921 is connected to the plunger 926. When the plunger 926 is pulled into the case 925, the guide member 921 moves rightward from the position where it contacts the side portion 220. The longitudinal dimension of the bills varies depending on their denominations. Therefore, before the bills are stacked in the housing 200, the control unit 800 controls the actuator 922 as necessary to move the guide member 921 to a position according to the longitudinal dimension of the bills to be stacked.

[0153] 16, the left end of the banknote being conveyed by the conveying member 400 comes into contact with the guide surface 923 of the guide member 921. Since the upper end of the banknote is merely accommodated in the gap space S of the spiral portion 420, as the banknote advances toward the stage member 610, it is guided by the guide surface 923 and moves easily to the right, and its right end comes into contact with the right side surface portion 220. As a result, the banknotes are aligned in the left-right direction when they are stacked on the stacking surface 611.

[0154] In this manner, in the present modified example 6, the second banknote alignment mechanism 920 can align the banknotes stacked on the stage member 610 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0155] The configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 1, the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 2 or 3, and the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 5 or 6 may be appropriately combined. Also, the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 4, the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 2 or 3, and the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 5 or 6 may be appropriately combined.

[0156] <Other changes> In the above embodiment, the banknote processing device 1 includes the banknote stacking device 10 in the deposit / withdrawal unit 110. However, in addition to this, or instead of this, the banknote processing device 1 may include a banknote stacking device 20 as shown in Figs. 17(a) and (b), which is an example of the paper sheet stacking device of the present invention, in another storage unit where banknotes are stored, for example, the withdrawal rejection unit 130.

[0157] Fig. 17(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the banknote stacking device 20. Fig. 17(b) is a front cross-sectional view of the upper part of the banknote stacking device 20 from which the drive mechanism 500 is omitted.

[0158] The banknote stacking device 20 has a configuration in which a transfer member 400, which is the same as that of the banknote stacking device 10, is disposed in the upper front part of a box-shaped housing 250 whose top is open, and a drive mechanism 500, which is the same as that of the banknote stacking device 10, is disposed at the upper end of a front part 251 of the housing 250. The transfer member 400 has a position in which the central axis P of the spiral part 420 is parallel to the vertical direction, and the drive mechanism 500 has a position in which the drive shaft 530 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0159] In the banknote stacking device 20, a transport unit 380 is disposed behind the upper end of the rear face portion 252 of the housing 250. The transport unit 380 includes a transport path member 381, two transport mechanisms 382 on the left and right, and a passage sensor 383.

[0160] The transport path member 381 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A transport path 384 is provided inside the transport path member 381. An entrance 384a of the transport path 384 is provided on the rear surface of the transport path member 381. The transport path 384 extends forward from the entrance 384a. An exit 384b of the transport path 384 is provided on the front surface of the transport path member 381 and faces the upper end portion inside the housing 250. The banknotes flow through the transport path 384 such that the short side direction of the banknotes is the transport direction. For this reason, the width (left-right dimension) of the transport path 384 is made larger than the longitudinal dimension of the banknotes. The entrance 384a of the transport path 384 is connected to the transport unit 140.

[0161] Each transport mechanism 382 includes two first rollers 385, two second rollers 386, and a belt 387. The two first rollers 385 and the two second rollers 386 are disposed on the lower and upper sides of the transport path 384, respectively, in the transport path member 381. A shaft 385a of each of the first rollers 385 and a shaft 386a of each of the second rollers 386 are rotatably fixed to the transport path member 381. A belt 387 is hung on the two first rollers 385. A part of the belt 387 and a part of the two second rollers 386 appear in the transport path 384.

[0162] A shaft 385a of one of the first rollers 385 of the two conveying mechanisms 382 is a common shaft, and the shaft 385a is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). When one of the first rollers 385 rotates, the belt 387 rotates, and a part of the belt 387 moves forward inside the conveying path 384.

[0163] The banknotes flowing through the transport unit 140 enter the transport path 384 from the entrance 384a, move forward while being sandwiched between the second roller 386 and the belt 387, and are discharged forward from the exit 384b of the transport path 384. The direction in which the banknotes are discharged from the exit 384b is the front-to-rear direction. The center of the banknote passes through the longitudinal center of the exit 384b.

[0164] The passing sensor 383 is disposed at a predetermined position on the conveying path 384, for example, a position near the entrance 384a, in the center of the conveying path 384 in the left-right direction, and detects banknotes flowing on the conveying path 384. The passing sensor 383 has a similar configuration to the passing sensor 350 of the above embodiment.

[0165] 17(b), when viewed in the front-rear direction, i.e., in the direction in which banknotes are discharged from the outlet 384b of the transport path 384, the spiral portion 420 of the transport member 400 is located at the center (including almost the center) of the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the outlet 384b and overlaps with the outlet 384b. The central axis P of the transport member 400 is parallel to the lateral direction of the outlet 384b.

[0166] The banknote stacking device 20 includes a control unit (not shown), and the control unit executes the banknote stacking process of Fig. 8 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. However, since the stacked banknotes are not moved thereafter, the process of step S106 is not performed.

[0167] 17(a), the leading end of the banknote discharged from the outlet 384b of the transport path 384 is inserted into the gap space S of the spiral part 420. The banknote is sent downward as the transfer member 400 rotates, and is accumulated on the bottom part 253 of the housing 250.

[0168] The same configurations as those of the first to sixth modified examples may be applied to the banknote stacking device 20 of this modified example.

[0169] Furthermore, the paper sheet stacking device of the present invention is not limited to one that handles banknotes, but may be a device that stacks and processes other paper sheets such as securities, etc. Similarly, the paper sheet processing device of the present invention is not limited to one that handles banknotes, but may be a device that processes other paper sheets such as deposit / withdrawal and counting.

[0170] Furthermore, the paper sheet stacking device of the present invention may not be provided in a paper sheet processing device, but may be a standalone device for stacking paper sheets.

[0171] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Banknote processing device (paper sheet processing device) 10 Banknote stacking device (paper sheet stacking device) 10 Bill handling unit 180 Denomination-specific storage section (storage section) 200 Housing 311 Transport Path 330 Impeller 332 Feather 350 Passing Sensor 360 Ejection mechanism 400 Transfer member 420 Spiral part 510 First drive motor (drive motor) 610 Stage parts 800 Control section S Gap space P center axis

Claims

1. A housing in which paper sheets are stored; a transport member including a spiral portion that spirals in a spiral shape and rotates around a central axis of the spiral portion to transport the paper sheets discharged from the transport path into the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis; the transfer member is provided in the housing at a position where a center portion in a width direction of the paper sheet discharged from the conveying path is inserted into a gap space of the spiral portion. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

2. The paper sheet stacking device according to claim 1, The transport member is disposed in the housing such that, as viewed in the discharge direction, the central axis of the spiral portion is inclined in a direction in which a paper surface of a portion of the paper sheet inserted into the gap space and a portion of the spiral portion facing the paper surface approach each other in parallel with respect to a short side direction of an outlet of the transport path. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

3. The paper sheet stacking device according to claim 1, the transport member is disposed in the housing such that a central axis of the spiral portion is parallel to a short side direction of an outlet of the transport path when viewed in the discharge direction; and a discharge mechanism that deforms the paper sheet discharged from the outlet so that a surface of the portion of the paper sheet inserted into the gap space of the spiral portion and a portion of the spiral portion facing the surface of the paper sheet approach parallel to each other. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

4. The paper sheet stacking device according to claim 1, the conveying path along which paper sheets are conveyed toward the housing; A drive motor for rotating the transport member; a passage sensor for detecting a paper sheet passing through a predetermined position of the conveying path; A control unit that controls the drive motor, The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the transport member in accordance with a timing at which the paper sheet passes through the predetermined position. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

5. The paper sheet stacking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and an impeller having a plurality of elastically deformable blades extending radially, striking a side of the paper sheet discharged from the conveying path opposite to a side inserted into the gap space of the spiral portion with the rotating blades to send the paper sheet in a conveying direction by the conveying member. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

6. The paper sheet stacking device according to claim 5, a stage member provided within the housing on which the paper sheets fed by the transfer member and the impeller are accumulated; The blade protrudes toward the stage member side beyond the spiral portion. A paper sheet stacking device comprising:

7. A storage section in which paper sheets are stored; a paper sheet stacking device for stacking the paper sheets discharged from the storage unit, The paper sheet stacking device includes: A housing in which paper sheets are stored; a conveying path along which paper sheets are conveyed toward the inside of the housing; a transport member including a spiral portion that spirals in a spiral shape and rotates around a central axis of the spiral portion to transport the paper sheets discharged from the transport path into the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis; the transfer member is provided in the housing at a position where a center portion in a width direction of the paper sheet discharged from the conveying path is inserted into a gap space of the spiral portion. A paper sheet processing apparatus comprising:

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