Paper sheet separating and conveying device and paper sheet handling device

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet separating and conveying device and a paper sheet handling device which improve the ease of jam processing work and other maintenance workability.SOLUTION: A paper sheet separating and conveying device includes: a feed roller 110 and a frictional separating member 130 that constitute a separating section 100; a drawer conveying section 250 that draws out one separated paper sheet B1 and sends it downstream; and pivotal support sections 650, 660 that pivotally support at least the pay-out roller and the feed roller so as to rotate between a processable position where the paper sheets can be conveyed and processed and an unprocessable position where the paper sheets cannot be conveyed. When the pay-out roller and the feed roller are in the processable position, the feed roller is located close to the drawer conveying section 250, and when the pay-out roller and the feed roller are retracted to the unprocessable position, the feed roller is separated from the drawer conveying section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet separating and conveying device and a paper sheet handling device. [Background technology]

[0002] A banknote separating and transporting device that removes banknotes one by one from a stack of banknotes set in a deposit section, transports them, and stores them in a safe is installed in banknote handling devices such as banknote deposit machines, banknote counting machines, various vending machines, and gaming media lending machines in amusement parks. For example, a banknote separating and conveying device installed in a retail store receives banknotes collected from a cash register as sales revenue and manages them all at once. If multiple banknotes are fed in a banknote separating and transporting device, it will hinder accurate deposit processing, counting, etc., including identification, so a multiple-feed prevention mechanism is installed. Each banknote that passes through the multiple-feed prevention mechanism is judged by an identification device for its authenticity, denomination, etc., and those that are judged to be acceptable are stored in the safe. A safe can only be removed and the banknotes inside can only be accessed by authorized personnel, such as a security company that guards cash. Meanwhile, if a jam or other problem occurs in the banknote transport path upstream of the safe, causing the machine to stop, a regular supervisor is often required to handle the jam. That is, the safe, which serves as a security area, is separated from the upstream transport path, which is not a security area, and jams occurring in the upstream transport path are handled by a regular supervisor. Furthermore, in order to improve the convenience of jam handling, there is a demand for a banknote separating and transporting device that can handle jams while still attached to the banknote handling machine.

[0003] The bulk document feeder (document processing device) of Patent Document 1 includes a bulk feeder module equipped with a pickup unit that picks out and transports sheets one by one from a stack of sheets set on a tray, a separation unit that separates overlapping sheets, and a drawer unit that draws out the sheets separated by the separation unit and transports them downstream; an acceptor module that transports the sheets that have passed through the drawer unit toward a safe; and a safe located directly below both modules. The bulk feeder module is detachably connected to the acceptor module. A door for accessing the safe is located to cover the front of the bulk feeder module, and this door has a narrow opening for accepting sheets on the tray. A bezel equipped with a tray is detachably attached to the outside of this opening. In this conventional example, the opening is utilized to enable jam clearance while the banknote separating and transporting device is still attached to the banknote handling machine. That is, if a jam occurs in the transport path, the bezel with the tray is removed to expose the opening. If the jam occurs in an internal location visible from the opening, the jam can be cleared from the outside using the opening. Furthermore, the feeder pulley constituting the pickup unit, the high-friction pulley constituting the separation unit, and part of the drawer unit are integrated into a cartridge. If a jam occurs in an internal location not visible from the opening, this cartridge can be removed from the remaining portion of the bulk feeder module by operating through the opening. By removing the removed cartridge to the outside through the opening, the internal location of the banknote transport path can be exposed, and jammed banknotes occurring in the internal location of the acceptor module can be cleared by operating through the opening.

[0004] However, if the bulk feeder module and acceptor module are left inside the banknote handling device, there is a limit to the range of jams that can be cleared through the narrow opening. Clearing jams that occur in the acceptor module, which is located downstream, is particularly difficult. For this reason, the bulk feeder module and acceptor module are detached from the module containing the safe so that jams can be cleared outside the banknote handling device.

[0005] However, even in this case, the work of clearing jams deep inside the device after removing the cartridge was difficult because the work had to be done through a narrow opening, and the work of cleaning the transport rollers and optical components of the paper feed sensor located deep inside the device was also difficult. Therefore, there has been a demand for improvements to these problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,490 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a paper separating and conveying device and a paper handling device which improve the ease of jam clearance and other maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the present invention comprises a first module in which a paper sheet receiving and processing unit is fixed to a paper sheet storage and processing unit, a downstream module detachably connected to the first module, and a control means for controlling various control objects, wherein the paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a frame having an opening at the front for receiving paper sheets, a paper feed tray detachably attached to the front of the frame, a feed roller that feeds paper sheets from a stack of paper sheets on the paper feed tray, a feed roller and a frictional separating member that constitute a separating section that separates paper sheets in a multi-fed state fed by the feed roller into one sheet, The device is equipped with a drawer conveying section that draws out one sheet of paper separated by the separating section and sends it downstream, and a support section that supports at least the payout roller and the feed roller on the frame so that they can swing freely between a processing position where the sheet of paper can be transported and processed and an unprocessing position where the sheet of paper cannot be transported and processed, and is characterized in that when the payout roller and the feed roller are in the processing position, the feed roller is in a position close to the drawer conveying section, and when the payout roller and the feed roller are retracted to the unprocessing position, the feed roller is separated from the drawer conveying section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a paper sheet separating and conveying device and a paper sheet handling device that improve the ease of jam clearance and other maintenance work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are an external perspective view of a paper sheet separating and conveying device with a rotary opening / closing mechanism in an initial position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are an external perspective view of the paper sheet separating and conveying device with the rotary opening / closing mechanism in a first open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. [Figure 4]1A and 1B are an external perspective view of the paper sheet separating and conveying device with the rotary opening / closing mechanism in a second open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are an external perspective view of the paper sheet separating and conveying device with the rotary opening / closing mechanism in a third open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the configuration of a feeding section, a separating section, and a drawer transport section according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10(a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment structure of the paper feed tray. [Figure 8] (a) is an oblique view of the inside of the opening and its surroundings exposed by removing the paper feed tray from the bezel when the pivot opening / closing mechanism is in the initial position, and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part (X-X) of (a). [Figure 9] FIG. 10(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism that activates the pivot opening / closing mechanism is operated from the front side, and FIG. 10(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism is operated from the side side. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the detailed configuration of a main part of a latch mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism L and its peripheral components. [Figure 12] 12(a) and 12(b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the main part of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 7 is a gear layout diagram showing the relationship between the movable parts shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 and the gears that transmit driving forces to them. [Figure 14] 10(a) to 10(d) are explanatory diagrams showing the process of the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A pivoting from the initial position to the third open position, and showing which gears are mounted on the first movable base and the second movable base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below using the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative positions, etc. described in these embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Basic configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the present invention. Figures 2 to 5 are front views showing the internal configuration and operation of the paper sheet separating and conveying device. Figures 2(a) and (b) are external perspective views showing a state in which the rotary opening / closing mechanism A of the paper sheet separating and conveying device is in its initial position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. Figures 3(a) and (b) are external perspective views showing a state in which the rotary opening / closing mechanism of the paper sheet separating and conveying device is in its first open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. Figures 4(a) and (b) are external perspective views showing a state in which the rotary opening / closing mechanism of the paper sheet separating and conveying device is in its second open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. Figures 5(a) and (b) are external perspective views showing a state in which the rotary opening / closing mechanism of the paper sheet separating and conveying device is in its third open position, and a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration. Although this specification mainly describes banknotes as an example of paper sheets, this device can also be applied to separating and transporting paper sheets other than banknotes. Furthermore, paper sheets include not only paper sheets but also sheets made of resin or other materials.

[0013] The banknote separating and transporting device 1 is a means for receiving banknotes and discharging rejected banknotes, and is installed in or alongside a banknote handling device such as a banknote deposit machine, a vending machine, or a gaming media lending machine in an amusement facility.

[0014] The banknote separating and transporting device 1 will be described in detail below. The banknote separation and transport device 1 generally comprises a first module Md1 including a deposit processing unit (paper sheet receiving processing unit) U1 and a storage processing unit (paper sheet storage processing unit) U2, a downstream module (second module Md2 or third module Md3) detachably connected to the first module Md1, and a control means (CPU, MPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) 1000 for controlling various control objects. As shown in FIG. 1, the second module Md2 is equipped with a cashbox CB, and is a module that receives and stores in order the banknotes discharged from the first module Md1 (storage processing unit U2). In addition to the second module Md2, a third module Md3, which does not have a safe and receives and processes banknotes discharged loose from the storage processing unit U2, can also be connected to the storage processing unit U2. The overall external configuration of the third module is not particularly shown because it is not relevant to the gist of the present invention, but only the base stand 850, which serves as the connection part with the storage processing unit U2, is shown. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2 and subsequent figures, for the sake of convenience, we will mainly describe a configuration example in which the third module Md3 is connected downstream of the banknote storage processing unit U2 via the base stand 850, but this is not intended to exclude a configuration example in which the second module is connected. Hereinafter, the second module and the third module will also be referred to as downstream modules.

[0015] The deposit processing unit U1 is a means for receiving deposited banknotes and transporting them to the storage processing unit U2, and for discharging rejected banknotes returned within the storage processing unit U2 to the outside of the machine. The storage processing unit U2 is provided with a storage conveyance path (storage conveyance mechanism) 400 that receives the banknotes sent from the deposit processing unit U1 and conveys them to the second module Md2 or the third module Md3.

[0016] The deposit processing unit U1 comprises a frame 600 having an opening 602 at the front for receiving banknotes, a paper feed tray (tray, deposit section) 10 which is detachably attached to the front of the frame (in front of the opening) and on which banknotes are placed in a stack before being fed into the frame, a feed section (feed roller 30 and pick pusher 70) 20 which takes out banknotes one by one from the top of the banknote stack on the feed tray and feeds them into the frame, and a feed section (feed roller 30 and pick pusher 70) 20 which, when the banknotes fed by the feed section 20 are in a double-feed state, passes only the first banknote B1 and feeds the banknotes to the downstream side. the feed roller 110 constituting the separation section 100, forming a drawer conveying path 260, and rotating forward to draw out one banknote B1 of which part remains in the separation section 100 and send it downstream (storage processing unit U2); and a first motor M1 that drives the pay-out section 20 and each driven member constituting the separation section 100 (pay-out / separation mechanism 15).

[0017] Furthermore, the deposit processing unit U1 includes a first pivot support portion (hinge) 650 and a second pivot support portion (hinge) 660 that pivotally support the payout roller 30, the feed roller 110, and the idling roller 257 (FIG. 6) on the frame 600 so that they can swing (rotate) between a transport process possible position (FIG. 2) where the banknote transport process (feeding, separation, withdrawal) is possible and a transport process impossible position (FIGS. 3 to 5) where the transport process is impossible; The system is equipped with a first transport path (first transport mechanism) T1 that transports incoming banknotes toward the storage processing unit U2, a second transport path (second transport mechanism) T2 that transports the banknotes back to a returned banknote storage tray (returned banknote accumulation section) 11 that receives banknotes sent back from the storage transport path 400 of the storage processing unit U2, and a flapper 500 that is arranged at the branch point of both transport paths T1 and T2 and distributes the transport direction of the banknotes to the first transport path T1 or the second transport path T2.

[0018] The first transport path T1 and the second transport path T2 are not just transport paths, but also include transport parts such as transport rollers, gears, and paper passing sensors that are arranged along the transport paths. The drawer belt 270 constituting the drawer transport section 250 forms a drawer transport path between itself and the idle rollers 257 when the feed rollers, feed rollers, and idle rollers 257 are in the transport process enabled position, and separates from the idle rollers to open and expose the drawer transport path when the feed rollers, feed rollers, and idle rollers 257 are retracted to the transport process disabled position. The idle rollers 257 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 etc.

[0019] The drawer conveying section 250 in the illustrated configuration example is composed of a drawer belt and the like, but this is merely an example and may be replaced with a drawer conveying section composed of a pair of drawer rollers as in Patent Document 1, for example. The frame 600 includes a frame 610 of the deposit processing unit U1 and a frame 620 of the banknote storage processing unit U2. The frame (fixed portion) 610 of the deposit processing unit includes a frame main body (fixed portion) 611 and a bezel 613 fixed to a front opening of the frame main body 611. The paper feed tray 10 is detachably attached to the bezel 613. 2(a), 4, 5, etc., the reference numeral 611B denotes an opening formed on the top surface of the frame 611, and the presence of this opening 611B makes it possible to rotate the rotary opening / closing mechanism A, which will be described later, to the open position shown in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, when the rotary opening / closing mechanism A is housed in the opening 611B as shown in Figure 2, the outer surface of the first movable base 652 forms a seamless surface with the periphery of the opening, enhancing the design.

[0020] 7(a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment structure of the paper feed tray. One end of a locking claw member 13 is supported by a shaft 13a provided at an appropriate position on the top of the paper feed tray 10, and the locking claw member 13 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction. An upward-facing claw 13b is provided at the other end of the locking claw member. The locking claw member 13 is biased upward around the shaft 13a by a spring (not shown).

[0021] In the attached state shown in Fig. 7(a), the claw 13b is locked to a locked portion 613a provided at the top inside the opening of the bezel 613. When the pressing portion provided at the top of the locking claw member 13 is pressed in the state shown in Fig. 7(a), the other end provided with the claw 13b moves down against the spring and disengages from the locked portion 613a (Fig. 7(b)). This allows the paper feed tray 10 to be removed from the bezel as shown in Fig. 7(c). Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of the inside of the opening when the paper feed tray has been removed from the bezel. In this example, the description will be given on the assumption that the return bill storage tray 11 is attached to the paper feed tray 10.

[0022] 2 to 5, one end of a first movable base 652 is pivotally supported by first pivot support 650 so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the vertical direction, and some of the transport components that make up return transport path 510, i.e., second transport path (second transport mechanism) T2, such as return roller 512b and gears, are mounted on the first movable base. Also, a second pivot support 660 is provided at the other end of first movable base 652. Second movable base 662, which is pivotally supported by second pivot support 660 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, is mounted with payout roller 30, feed roller 110, idling roller 257, return roller 512a, and gears that drive these. Note that this is a configuration example specific to this embodiment, which includes drawer belt 270 as drawer transport section 250, and it is sufficient that at least a feed roller and a feed roller are mounted on second movable base 662. It is sufficient that the feed roller and other parts mounted on second movable base 662 are retracted by opening and moving second movable base 662, thereby opening the interior of the drawer transport section that was previously hidden by the feed rollers, etc.

[0023] In other words, in this embodiment, the first movable base 652 is equipped with the return roller 512b, and the second movable base 662 is equipped with the payout roller 30, the feed roller 110, the idling roller 257, and the return roller 512a, but this is just one example, and any mounted parts may be used as long as it is possible to remove banknotes that have jammed deep inside the banknote transport path by opening the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A. First pivotal support portion 650, first movable base 652, second pivotal support portion 660, second movable base 662, and the components mounted on each movable base make up a pivotal opening / closing mechanism A. Furthermore, first movable base 652 and the components mounted on the first movable base make up a first pivoting unit, and second movable base 662 and the components mounted on the second movable base make up a second pivoting unit.

[0024] 2, the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662 are both in a closed state (conveyance processing position), and a drawer conveyance path 260 is formed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the idling rollers 257 arranged on both axial sides of the feed roller 110 and the front surface of the drawer belt 270. Also, banknote jams can occur between the feed rollers and the drawer belt. The base stand 850 shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3(a) is a member that constitutes the third module Md3, and the connection units U1 and U2 are attached to and detached from this base stand 850 as will be described later.

[0025] In the open states (conveyance processing disabled positions) shown in Figures 3 to 5, the idling rollers and the drawer belt are separated from each other, so the drawer conveyance path 260 is not formed. The feed rollers are also retracted from the drawer conveyance path. Therefore, conveyance processing is not possible. That is, when each of the idling rollers 257 mounted on the first movable base 652 is in the transport process enabled position shown in Fig. 2, it comes into close proximity (contact) with the drawer belt 270 to form the drawer transport path 260. On the other hand, when each of the idling rollers 257 is moved (retracted) to the transport process disabled position shown in Figs. 3 to 5, it moves away from the drawer belt 270 to open the drawer transport path 260.

[0026] Furthermore, although the two pull-out belts 270 and the feed roller 110 are at different axial positions, if a jam occurs in the initial state shown in Fig. 2, jammed banknotes may remain between the pull-out belts and the feed rollers. Therefore, by moving (retreating) the feed rollers to the conveyance-disabled positions shown in Figs. 3 to 5, jam clearance becomes easier.

[0027] The first transport path T1 includes the drawer transport path 260 and a path leading from the drawer transport path to the storage transport path 400. The drawer conveying path 260 is a curved contact running area formed by contact between the idling roller 257 and the drawer belt 270 shown in Fig. 6, and banknotes conveyed upward through the drawer conveying path 260 are further pulled up by the drawer belt 270 and conveyed upward while being guided by a conveyance guide member (not shown). A second reversing roller 267, which reverses the drawer belt clockwise at the top, rotates clockwise (forward), thereby guiding the banknotes to the storage conveying path 400 side in the banknote storage processing unit U2.

[0028] Reference numeral 500 denotes a flapper (sorting means) that switches the conveying direction of banknotes. This sorting means guides banknotes conveyed by the draw-out belt 270 to the position of the second reversing roller 267 toward the storage conveying path 400, and guides banknotes conveyed in reverse from the storage conveying path 400 toward the return conveying path 510. The flapper 500 is pivotally supported in the vertical direction by a swing shaft 500a provided at the bottom, and normally lowers its right end (tip) due to its own weight balance, thereby blocking the passage from the draw-out conveying path 260 to the storage conveying path 400 (initial position). On the other hand, when a banknote that has been raised by the draw-out belt 270 passes through, the right end is pushed up by the banknote, allowing the banknote to move to the right. When the trailing end of the banknote passes the right end of the flapper, the flapper returns to its initial position.

[0029] If the recognition unit 450 determines that a banknote that has entered the storage and conveyance path 400 is unacceptable, the control means 1000 causes the motors M2 and M3 to reverse the conveyance members 410 and 420 that make up the storage and conveyance path 400, thereby conveying the banknote back toward the flapper. At this stage, the flapper is in its initial position, so the rejected banknote passes over the flapper from its rear end and enters the return conveyance path 510. A pair of return rollers (conveyance members) 512a and 512b are arranged on the return conveyance path, and are driven by the second motor M2 in the direction to discharge the banknote. A return banknote storage tray 11 is arranged at the end of the return conveyance path 510, and discharged return banknotes are stored in order.

[0030] The return conveying path 510 is arranged above and approximately parallel to the feeding path that runs from the feeding section toward the separation section, and the return banknote storage tray 11 is arranged above and approximately parallel to the paper feed tray 10. In the present invention, the first motor M1 drives the feeding / separation mechanism (separation unit) 15, and the conveying members 512 and the like of the return conveying path are driven by the second motor M2, so there is no mutual interference, and stable separation and return conveying operations can be achieved.

[0031] The storage processing unit U2 includes a storage conveyance path (storage conveyance mechanism, storage conveyance part) 400 that receives and conveys banknotes B conveyed by the drawer belt 270 constituting the drawer conveyance part 250, and a recognition part 450 that optically determines the denomination, authenticity, etc. of banknotes conveyed downstream on the storage conveyance path 400. Banknotes determined to be acceptable as a result of the recognition are conveyed downstream and stored in a safe CB (or third module Md3) provided in the second module Md2, and banknotes determined to be unacceptable (rejected banknotes) are sent backward and discharged to the returned banknote storage tray 11 via the deposit processing unit U1. Furthermore, the banknote storage processing unit U2 includes a second motor M2 that drives the transport members (gears, rollers, etc.) 410 and the return roller pair 512 on the upstream side of the storage transport path 400, and a third motor M3 that drives the transport members (gears, rollers, etc.) 420 on the downstream side of the storage transport path 400. The third motor M3 drives the transport roller group 420 located from the midstream to downstream part of the storage transport path 400. The transport roller pair 420a located at the most downstream part of the storage transport path 400 is a means for discharging banknotes to the downstream module Md2 or Md3.

[0032] <Operation explanation of rotary opening / closing mechanism A> In the present invention, when the banknote separating and conveying device 1 is mounted in a mounting section 902 provided in a housing 901 of the banknote handling device 900 and the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662 are in the initial positions shown in Figure 2, the paper feed tray (including the return banknote storage tray 11) 10 is detached from the frame 600 (bezel 613) to open the opening 602, and jammed banknotes visible in the opening can be removed by working from outside (the front) of the opening. Furthermore, with the banknote separating and conveying device 1 installed in the installation section 902, the rotary opening / closing mechanism A, i.e., the feed roller 30, the feed roller 110, the idling roller 257, etc., can be rotated and moved from the initial position in Fig. 2 to the first open position in Fig. 3. This operation can be performed with a single touch by manually operating a latch member 702, which is exposed and arranged in the opening section 602 and will be described later.

[0033] The pivoting opening / closing mechanism A (first and second movable bases) is biased by an elastic member (not shown) in a direction that causes it to pivot upward around the first pivot support portion 650. Meanwhile, when the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A is in the initial position (closed position) in FIG. 2, it is locked in that position by a latch mechanism 700 (described later). By operating the latch mechanism 700 from the opening side to release the lock, the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A is opened by the force of the elastic member. This allows the banknote separating and conveying device 1 to remain attached to the banknote handling device 900, and by removing the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel 613 to open the opening 602, it is possible to retract the pivoting opening and closing mechanism A with a single touch from the opening and process any jammed banknotes remaining on the front of the withdrawal belt 270.

[0034] When the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A moves to the first open position shown in Figure 3, the tension on the pull-out belt, which had been pressed by the idling roller 257, is released, causing the front side of the pull-out belt to extend as shown. Furthermore, because the feed rollers have retracted upward, the front side of the pull-out belt is exposed, making it easier for previously clamped banknotes to be released. This makes it possible to remove a large amount of jammed notes by working through the opening. In Fig. 3, jammed banknotes can be cleared in many ways by working only through the opening 602 while the connection units U1 and U2 remain connected to the third module Md3. This is because there are cases where the device configuration requires the cumbersome work of unlocking the lock that secures the connection units U1 and U2 in order to remove them from the downstream module. In this embodiment, simply by turning the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A to the first open position in Fig. 3, not only jams that normally occur on the front side but also jams that occur internally can be easily cleared, which is convenient.

[0035] 2, the rotary opening / closing mechanism A in the open state shown in Fig. 3 can be returned to the initial position shown in Fig. 2 by manually pushing down the rotary opening / closing mechanism A through the opening to return it to the locked state by the latch mechanism 700. In other words, since there is no need to remove the rotary opening / closing mechanism from the opening, the operation of returning it from the first open position to the initial position after clearing a jam can be completed with a single touch. In addition, since the rotation angle of each movable base 652, 662 in the state shown in Figure 3 is limited to, for example, about 20 degrees by the ceiling surface of the mounting section 902, jammed banknotes located deep inside the pull-out belt 270 (upper front part) so that they cannot be seen from the opening may not be able to be processed. As a countermeasure against such jammed banknotes, the present invention employs the countermeasures shown in FIGS.

[0036] That is, in the present invention, when the banknote separating and transporting device 1 with the paper feed tray attached is removed from the mounting portion 902 of the banknote handling apparatus, by pushing inward the second release operation portions 710a provided on both sides of the frame main body 611, it is possible to rotate the feed roller 110 and the idling roller 257 constituting the rotational release mechanism A from the initial position in Fig. 2 to the second open position in Fig. 4 by the force of an opening spring (not shown). In the state of Fig. 4, the ceiling of the mounting portion 902 does not get in the way, so the first and second movable bases 652, 662 can be manually opened to their maximum extent around the first pivot support portion 650.

[0037] At the stage shown in Fig. 4, it becomes possible to process jammed banknotes in the innermost part (drawer conveyance section 250) which cannot be handled by working through the opening 602 after removing the paper feed tray as shown in Fig. 3. In particular, it becomes possible to easily perform maintenance such as removing jammed banknotes that occur above the front of the drawer belt, removing foreign matter, and cleaning the lenses of the conveyance rollers and paper passage sensors from the outside (above, to the side, etc.), which could not be handled in the open state shown in Fig. 3 where work is done through the opening. In this case, it is also possible to avoid the trouble of detaching the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel 613 to open the opening 602.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present invention, by manually further opening the second movable base 662 (second pivot unit) about the second pivot support 660 relative to the first movable base 652 (first pivot unit) which is in the second open position in Fig. 4, it is possible to process jammed banknotes that have occurred in the return conveying path 510. That is, in the state in Fig. 4, the conveying members 512a and 512b are nipped and the return conveying path 510 is blocked, but by opening and separating the second movable base 662 relative to the first movable base 652 as shown in Fig. 5, it is possible to open the return conveying path. The opening operations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be carried out with the connecting units U1 and U2 attached to the base stand 850 of the downstream module.

[0039] <Latch mechanism> Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of the opening 602 and its surroundings exposed by removing the paper feed tray from the bezel when the pivoting mechanism is in the initial position, and Fig. 8(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part (X-X) of Fig. 8(a). Fig. 9 corresponds to a longitudinal cross-sectional view at the same position as Fig. 8(b). Fig. 9(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism that activates the pivoting mechanism is operated from the front side, and Fig. 9(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism is operated from the side. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the main part showing the detailed configuration of the latch mechanism.

[0040] The latch mechanism 700 is a means for keeping the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A locked in the initial position (transportable posture, processing capable position) shown in Figure 2 when the device is in operation, and for releasing the locked state when a jam is to be cleared, thereby allowing the pivoting opening / closing mechanism to be rotated to each of the open positions (non-transportable posture, non-processing position) shown in Figures 3 to 5. The latch mechanism 700 is mounted on the second movable base 662 and therefore rotates together with the rotary opening / closing mechanism A.

[0041] As shown in Figure 10 etc., the latch mechanism 700 mainly comprises a pair of left and right latch members 702 each supported so as to be able to move back and forth laterally by a pair of left and right guide frame members 615 provided inside the frame main body 611, an elastic member 704 that urges a claw 702c provided on the outer end of each latch member 702 outward to engage with a fixed side engaging portion 630 provided on the frame main body (fixed portion) 611, a release piece 710 that releases the engaged state between the claw 702c and the fixed side engaging portion 630, and an elastic member 712 that urges the release piece 710 in the protruding direction.

[0042] The latch member 702 comprises a square frame-shaped latch body 702a supported by the guide frame member 615 so as to be able to move back and forth laterally, a first release operation portion 702b as a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front surface of the latch body 702a and moves the entire latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed side engagement portion 630 when operated from the front side of the opening 602, and a claw 702c that protrudes sideways from a hole 615a provided in the outer side wall of the guide frame member 615. The release piece 710 is provided so as to be movable back and forth within a hole 611a provided in the side surface of the frame main body 611, and moves the latch member in the release direction when pressed inward.

[0043] In the initial state shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), each latch member 702 is pushed outward by the elastic member 704, so that the claws 702c protrude below the fixed-side locking portion 630. This prevents the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A, including the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662, from pivoting upward about the first pivot support portion 650. When an operator inserts their fingers from inside the opening 602 and presses the first release operation portions 702b of the two latch members inward, the claws 702c integrated with the first release operation portions 702b retract inward and disengage from the fixed-side locking portions 630 (FIG. 9(a)). This allows the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A to pivot upward.

[0044] The latch member 702 can be operated from the front by removing the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel (frame), and the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A, which is in the state shown in Figure 2, can be opened to the first open position shown in Figure 3 to clear the jam.

[0045] On the other hand, when the banknote separating and conveying device 1 with the paper feed tray attached is removed from the banknote handling device 900 to clear a jam, the latch member 702 is hidden by the paper feed tray and cannot be operated.

[0046] In the initial state shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the inner end 710b of the release piece 710 is pressed outward by the claw 702c of the latch member 702, which is pressed outward by the elastic member 704, so the second release operation portion 710a at the outer end protrudes outward from the outer surface of the frame main body 611. Because the second release operation portion 710a protrudes from a hole 611a formed in the side surface of the frame main body 611, the operator can operate it even when the paper feed tray is set. Note that, for convenience of explanation, Figure 8(a) shows a state in which the paper feed tray is removed, but it is assumed that the paper feed tray is set when operating the second release operation portion 710a. Furthermore, if the release piece 710 on the side is left exposed when the banknote separation and transport device 1 equipped with a paper feed tray is attached to the banknote handling device 900 as shown in Figure 2, there is a risk that it may be accidentally pressed and released, so it is preferable to conceal the second release operation part 710a with some kind of cover means.

[0047] When the connecting units U1 and U2 with the pivotal opening / closing mechanism A in the initial state as shown in Figure 2 are removed from the mounting portion 902 and the second release operation portion 710a is pushed inward, the inner end portion 710b moves inward as shown in Figure 9(b) and presses the pawl 702c of the latch member inward. As a result, the pawl 702c retreats inward and disengages from the fixed-side locking portion 630 (Figure 9(b)). This allows the pivotal opening / closing mechanism A to be pivoted upward by the force of the elastic member.

[0048] To put it another way, the configuration of the latch mechanism 700 is as follows: the latch mechanism comprises a first release mechanism R1 that can be released from the front only when the paper feed tray 10 is removed from the opening 602 of the receiving processing unit, and a second release mechanism R2 that can be released from a direction other than the front (side) when the paper feed tray is attached to the receiving processing unit. The first release mechanism R1 is composed of a latch member 702 (first release operation portion 702b), an elastic member 704, a locking portion 630, etc. The second release mechanism R2 is composed of a latch member 702, an elastic member 704, a release piece 710 (second release operation portion 710a), a locking portion 630, etc.

[0049] <Locking mechanism L between first module Md1 and downstream modules Md2, Md3> In Figures 2 and 3, the first module Md1 (units U1, U2) is attached to a base 850 that constitutes the third module Md3, which is one of the downstream modules, and is in a state in which it can be freely attached and detached by a locking mechanism L. However, by releasing the lock by the locking mechanism with a one-touch operation, it can be removed from the third module Md3 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. 2 to 4 and 8, the locking mechanism L extends from the lower front surface of the deposit processing unit U1 to the lower portion of the banknote storage processing unit U2. By pressing the push button 750a that constitutes the locking mechanism L, the locked state between the connecting units U1, U2 and the base 850 can be released, and the connecting units can be pulled out forward. In the illustrated configuration example, the base stand is described as a component that constitutes the third module Md3, but it may also be a component that constitutes the second module Md2.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism L and its peripheral components, FIG. 12(a) is a side view of the main part of the same figure, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of (a).

[0051] The locking mechanism L generally comprises a release operating piece 750 supported by a fixed part 611A such as the frame main body 611 of the deposit processing unit U1 so as to be able to move back and forth in the forward and backward directions, an operated piece (rotating piece) 770 supported so as to be able to rotate freely in the vertical direction by a shaft 770a provided on the fixed part of the frame of the banknote storage processing unit U2 and operated by the release operating piece, two locking pieces 775 each having one end supported so as to be able to rotate freely in the vertical direction by a shaft 775a provided on the fixed part of the banknote storage processing unit U2, and an intermediate piece 777 which is integrated with each locking piece at an intermediate position between the two locking pieces 775 and rotates up and down around the shaft 775a. In this specification, the frame 600, the frame main body 611, and the frame 620 are concepts that broadly include fixed members (fixed portions) that support movable members.

[0052] The release operation piece 750 is integrally formed from a push button 750a exposed at the bottom of the frame body 611 of the deposit processing unit U1, and a crank-shaped body 750c having the push button 750a at its tip and a pressing piece 750b at its rear end. The release operation piece 750 is normally in an initial position protruding forward as shown in Figure 12 by an elastic member (not shown). The operated piece (rotating piece) 770 is integrally formed with a first rotating piece 770b located in a position where it contacts the pressing piece 750b of the release operating piece, and a second rotating piece 770c located in a position where it can press down the front end of the intermediate piece 777.

[0053] Each lock piece 775 has a locking claw 775b that protrudes downward at its rear end, and is normally biased clockwise together with an intermediate piece 777 to which it is integrated by an elastic member (not shown). In other words, the locking claw 775b is biased so as to rotate downward. A hole 852 for engaging the locking claw 775b is formed in the base stand (fixed part) 850 of the downstream module, and the downward-biased locking claw 775b is engaged in this hole.

[0054] 12, when push button 750a of release operation piece 750 is pressed, pressing piece 750b presses first rotating piece 770b of operated piece 770 to rotate it clockwise. Then, second rotating piece 770c presses the right end of intermediate piece 777 downward, causing locking piece 775 integrated with intermediate piece 777 to rotate counterclockwise, and locking pawl 775b disengages from hole 852. When the pressure on the push button 750a is released, the original shape restoring force of each elastic member causes each movable part to return to its original state.

[0055] A guide rail 855 provided on the upper surface of the base stand 850 is configured to engage with a guide rail (not shown) provided on the underside of the banknote storage processing unit U2, thereby allowing the connecting units U1 and U2 to be attached or detached. The lock piece 775 integrated with the intermediate piece 777 is originally a means for locking and unlocking the banknote storage processing unit U2 to the base stand 850. Therefore, even when the banknote deposit processing unit U1 is not connected to the banknote storage processing unit U2, it can be utilized as a means for detachably connecting the standalone banknote storage processing unit U2 to the base stand 850. In other words, when the banknote deposit processing unit U1 is not connected to the banknote storage processing unit U2, an end of the intermediate piece 777 is exposed at the bottom front of the banknote storage processing unit U2, and an operator can press down on this portion to release the lock and detach the banknote storage processing unit U2 from the base stand.

[0056] In other words, when the banknote deposit processing unit U1 is connected to the banknote storage processing unit U2, a release operation piece 705 is provided that can be operated from the front side of the banknote deposit processing unit U1 in order to activate the locking means 775 by operating it from the front. In the above embodiment, push button 750a is shown as an example of the configuration of release operation piece 750, which is pushed rearward to ultimately release locking claw 775b from hole 852. However, this is merely an example, and a pull-out operation piece may be provided that is pulled out in the opposite direction to the pushing direction, i.e., forward, to release locking claw 775b from hole 852. In this case, the configurations of the other components that make up locking mechanism L (release operation piece 750, operated piece 770, intermediate piece 777) may be changed so that locking claw 775b can be released from hole 852 by pulling out the pull-out operation piece.

[0057] <Configurations and operations of the feeding unit 20, separation unit 100, and drawer transport unit 250> Next, the configurations and operations of the feeding section 20, the separating section 100, and the drawing and conveying section 250 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG.

[0058] 6, the feed roller 30 constituting the feed section 20 is fixed to a shaft 32 that rotates when driven by a first motor M1, and a downstream timing pulley 33 is coaxially fixed to one side of the shaft 32. The downstream timing pulley 33 receives drive from the first motor M1 via a timing belt 35 that is endlessly stretched between the downstream timing pulley 33 and an upstream timing pulley 60 provided on the feed roller side.

[0059] The separating unit 100 includes a feed roller shaft 101 driven by a first motor M1, a feed roller 110 supported for rotation about the feed roller shaft and contacting the face of the first banknote dispensed by the dispensing unit 20 when rotating forward to convey it, and a brake roller (friction separating member) 130 that forms a separation nip N1 between itself and the feed roller and prevents the second and subsequent banknotes from advancing. The feed roller 110 can be configured to rotate integrally with the feed roller shaft 101 by fixing its axis to the feed roller shaft 101, but if a play-forming means is employed that provides circumferential play between the feed roller and the feed roller shaft, the feed roller is not necessarily fixed directly to the feed roller shaft. However, because the play-forming means is not directly related to the spirit of the present invention, its configuration will not be described in detail.

[0060] The drawer conveying section 250 comprises at least two idling rollers (freely rotating members) 257, 257 each rotatably supported (unfixed in the rotational direction but fixed in the axial position) on the feed roller shaft portion on both axial sides of the feed roller 110, and endless drawer belts 270, 270 which come into contact with the curved outer surface of each idling roller to form curved drawer conveying paths (drawer nip sections) 260, and which rotate (forward) in the drawer direction, thereby cooperating with each idling roller 257, 257 to change the direction of the first banknote to a direction (diagonally upward) that intersects with the payout direction by the payout section (the direction passing through the separation nip section N1) and convey it.

[0061] Each of the pull-out belts 270 is endlessly stretched by a first reversing roller (driven roller) 265 and a second reversing roller (drive roller) 267, which are arranged to form the pull-out conveyance path 260 between themselves and the outer circumferential surfaces of the respective idling rollers 257. The first reversing rollers 265 form a banknote introduction section 260a of the pull-out conveyance path between each of the pull-out belts and each of the idling rollers. The second reversing rollers 267 reverse each of the pull-out belts so that banknotes introduced from the banknote introduction section 260a are conveyed toward the storage conveyance path 400 after passing through the downstream end (banknote discharge section) 260b of the pull-out conveyance path. The first reversing rollers 265 are rotatably supported by a first shaft 280, which is rotationally driven by a first motor M1, with its axis being free and unfixed. In other words, the first reversing rollers 265 are driven rollers that do not rotate with the rotation of the first shaft 280. The pull-out belt 270 is driven to run by the rotation of the second reverse roller 267 serving as a drive roller.

[0062] The feed roller 110 and the idling roller 257 are mounted coaxially on the feed roller shaft 101, and their outer peripheral surfaces are at approximately the same radial position, so the feed roller and the center of the banknote come into light contact, but there is no active gripping, and there is no significant resistance to conveyance. The pull-out belt 270 pulls up the banknotes that have passed through the separation nip portion N1, and the feed roller 110 rotates and drives only the minimum necessary angle during separation, so after separation it is not involved in the upward pulling operation and does not have a pulling function.

[0063] It is preferable that the peripheral surface of each of the idle rollers 257, 257 has low friction so that slippage occurs between the rollers and the banknotes, and the peripheral surface of the pull-out belt has high friction so that slippage does not occur easily between the rollers and the banknotes. The idling roller 257 serves to bring the withdrawal belt into contact with the banknotes, and the tension applied to the withdrawal belt presses the banknotes against the low-friction resistance outer surface of the idling roller, which works in conjunction with the friction resistance of the withdrawal belt to create a transport gripping force.

[0064] The idle rollers are made of a hard material so that they do not bend or deform under pressure from the pull-out belt. The width of the outer circumferential surface of the idle rollers is preferably equal to or wider than the width of the narrow strip-shaped pull-out belt.

[0065] The "direction intersecting the payout direction by the payout unit" is approximately 90 degrees upward in the drawing, but broadly includes a direction that is bent or curved upward (non-parallel direction) relative to the face direction of the banknotes being paid out on the paper feed tray 10.

[0066] The banknote introduction section 260a of the withdrawal transport path is formed at the portion where the withdrawal belt, which has been reversed upward by the first reversing roller 265 rotating clockwise, first comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the feed roller. A banknote that has passed through the separation nip N1 comes into contact with the surface of the withdrawal belt just before the banknote introduction section (the portion that slopes diagonally upward to the right in Figure 2, etc.), and is then smoothly pulled up diagonally upward and immediately drawn into the banknote introduction section 260a.

[0067] The banknotes that have passed through the banknote discharge unit 260b are transported upward by the pull-out belt, and then guided to the entrance of the storage and transport path 400 along the reversal path between the outer periphery of the second reversal roller 267 and the transport guide member 301.

[0068] The idling roller 257, pressed down by the tension of the pull-out belt, rotates idly relative to the feed roller shaft, and is therefore completely independent of the drive or rotation speed of the feed roller shaft. The feed roller and idling roller are arranged on the same feed roller shaft, but by varying the axial positions of the two rollers, the separation nip N1, which serves as the separation point, and the pull-out conveyance path 260 (banknote introduction section 260a), which serves as the pull-out point, can be separated. Furthermore, as a result of configuring the pull-out conveyance path 260 using a traveling pull-out belt, the distance between the separation nip N1 and the banknote introduction section 260a in a side view can be freely set to the minimum required value. Specifically, this distance can be significantly reduced, for example, to a value shorter than the diameter or radius of the feed roller.

[0069] The pick pusher 70 has its base end fixedly supported by the first shaft 280, so that when the first shaft rotates clockwise, the tip thereof rises, pushing the bill bundle on the paper feed tray 10 towards the feed roller 30 and bringing it into contact with the feed roller 30. When the first shaft 280 rotates in the reverse direction, the pick pusher 70 descends. Note that a torque limiter (not shown) is disposed between the pick pusher 70 and the first shaft 280 to allow sliding, preventing the bill bundle from being pushed up with excessive force.

[0070] Each second reversing roller (drive roller) 267 has its axis fixedly supported by a second shaft 290 arranged parallel to and above the first shaft 280, and a transmission gear 292 is fixed to the second shaft at an intermediate position between the two second reversing rollers. The transmission gear 292 is meshed with a gear group 294 that transmits rotational driving force from the second motor M2. Therefore, the drawer transport section 250 is driven by the second motor M2 that drives the upstream transport member of the storage transport path 400.

[0071] In this way, in the present invention, the feeding section 20 and the separation section 100 are driven by the first motor M1, while the drawer conveying section 250 is driven by the second motor M2 via gear groups 294 and 292, so that the feeding and separation operations and the drawer conveying operations can each be driven and controlled independently.

[0072] Although the length of banknotes varies from country to country, if the timing of withdrawal from the separator was uniform, it would be impossible to withdraw banknotes at the optimal timing corresponding to differences in banknote length. In the present invention, the withdrawal transport unit 250 is driven by a second motor M2 that is separate from the motor that drives the separator, making it possible to withdraw banknotes at the optimal timing after separation according to differences in conditions such as banknote length. This reduces the constraints that arise depending on differences in conditions, allowing for reliable withdrawal.

[0073] When the drawer conveying unit 250 pulls out banknotes, it uses the endlessly running drawer belt 270 for conveyance, which allows for a non-linear conveyance path to be formed by bending (curving) the drawer conveying unit upward relative to the conveyance direction of the pay-out unit and separation unit, making it possible to reduce the size. Even with such a compact configuration, the degree of freedom in component placement is increased, allowing for reliable banknote separation and drawer conveyance.

[0074] Even in this type of compact device configuration in which the banknote transport path is bent or curved in a non-linear manner in an approximately L-shape, by driving the drawer transport section 250 by another adjacent drive mechanism, i.e., the second motor M2 which drives the upstream transport member 410 of the storage transport path 400, it becomes possible to independently control the speed and operation of the pay-out / separation mechanism 15 and the drawer transport section 250, thereby enabling reliable separation and drawer transport operations.

[0075] To reliably withdraw banknotes separated by the separator 100, the conveying speed (driving force) during withdrawal must be faster (stronger) than the conveying speed (driving force) during separation. Such a conveying speed difference can be achieved without requiring separate drive sources, even with a single drive source and a mechanical structure such as gears. However, in this case, if the withdrawal speed of the withdrawal conveying unit 250 is to be 30 percent faster than the conveying speed of the separator 100, a speed difference cannot be achieved without employing a complex combination of multiple gears. In contrast, in the present invention, the separator and withdrawal conveying units are driven by separate and independent motors M1 and M2. This makes it possible to easily and freely control the speed difference without complicating the mechanical configuration or increasing the number of parts. Furthermore, since the second motor M2 is not located in the deposit processing unit U1 but in the adjacent banknote storage processing unit U2, the deposit processing unit U1 does not need to be large.

[0076] <Gears mounted on rotary opening / closing mechanism A> FIG. 13 is a gear layout diagram showing the relationship between the movable parts shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 and the gears that transmit driving forces to them.

[0077] 13, the driving force from the output gear of first motor M1 is transmitted via relay gear 295 to gear 280G integrated with shaft 280, and the driving force is transmitted to pick pusher 70 (FIG. 6) integrated with shaft 280. Furthermore, gear 280G transmits the driving force via relay gear 296 to gear 101G integrated with feed roller shaft 101, thereby driving the feed roller shaft.

[0078] The driving force from the second motor M2 is transmitted via a gear group 294 on the storage processing unit U2 side to a transmission gear 292 integrated with a shaft 290. The shaft core of the second reversing roller 267 is fixed to the shaft 290. The transmission gear 292 then transmits the driving force via a relay gear 298 to a gear 512bG integrated with the shaft of the return roller 512b on the drive side.

[0079] Figures 14(a) to (d) show the process of the pivoting opening / closing mechanism A pivoting from the initial position to the third open position, and also show which gears are mounted on the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662. A gear 512bG integral with the shaft of the return roller 512b is mounted on the first movable base 652. A gear 101G integrated with the feed roller shaft 101 is mounted on the second movable base 662.

[0080] The positions of the gears 512bG and 101G in FIGS. 14(a), 14(b), 14(c) and 14(d) correspond to the return roller 512b and the feed roller shaft 101 in FIGS. 2, 3, 3 and 4, respectively.

[0081] [Summary of the configuration, action, and effects of the present invention] The paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a first module Md1 having a paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 and a paper sheet storing and processing unit U2 connected and fixed to the unit U1, a downstream module Md2 or Md3 connected in a detachable manner to the first module (unit U2), and a control means 1000 for controlling various control objects, and the paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a frame 600 having an opening 602 for receiving paper sheets at the front, a paper feed tray 10 (11) detachably attached to the front of the frame and on which a paper sheet bundle is placed, and a paper sheet bundle B on the paper feed tray. the feed roller 30 that feeds out paper sheets from the feed roller; a feed roller 110 and a frictional separating member 130 that constitute a separation section 100 that separates the paper sheets in a multi-feed state fed by the feed roller into one sheet; a drawer conveying section 250 that draws out one sheet of paper B1 separated by the separation section and sends it downstream (to the paper sheet storage processing unit); and support sections 650, 660 that support at least the feed roller and the feed roller on a frame so that they can rotate (swing) freely between a processing position where the paper sheets can be processed (feeded out, separated) and an unprocessing position where the paper sheets cannot be processed. Furthermore, when the payout roller 30 and the feed roller 110 are in a processing position, the feed roller is in a position close to the drawer conveying section 250 (a conveying processing position), and when the payout roller and the feed roller are retracted to a processing incapable position, the feed roller is separated from the drawer conveying section.

[0082] When a jam occurs in the paper receiving and processing unit U1, which includes a feed section, a separation section, a drawer transport section, and a return transport path, if the jam is within the range visible from the opening 602 formed by removing the paper feed tray, it can be cleared through the opening. However, when clearing jammed banknotes that occur deep inside and cannot be seen from the opening, internal components, particularly the feed roller and feed roller, become an obstacle. In the present invention, at least the feed roller and feed roller are configured to be retracted by rotating upward integrally around the first pivot support section 650. This makes it possible to clear banknotes that are jammed behind components that were previously obstructing visibility from the opening, or in the drawer transport section 250 (in front of the drawer belt) through the opening.

[0083] When the banknote separating and conveying device 1 is attached to the attachment section 902 of the banknote handling device, the ceiling of the attachment section becomes an obstacle, limiting the angle to which the movable bases 652, 662 can be rotated upward. As a result, there are limitations to how easily jammed banknotes located deep inside can be cleared when working through the opening. To address this problem, in the present invention, the banknote separating and conveying device 1 can be removed from the attachment section 902 to open the movable opening / closing mechanism A (each movable base) to its maximum extent, allowing jam clearance and other maintenance to be performed from outside the banknote separating and conveying device.

[0084] In the second paper sheet separating and conveying device of the present invention, the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2 is equipped with a storage and conveying mechanism 400 that receives paper sheets sent out from the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 and conveys them to the downstream module Md2 or Md3, and a recognition unit 450 that identifies paper sheets being conveyed through the storage and conveying mechanism, and when the control means 1000 determines based on the recognition result of the recognition unit that the paper sheets being conveyed by the storage and conveying mechanism are not suitable for conveyance to the downstream module, it controls the storage and conveying mechanism to reverse and send the paper sheets back toward the paper sheet receiving and processing unit. Furthermore, the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 is equipped with a first transport mechanism (first transport path) T1 that transports paper sheets sent out from the drawer transport section 250 towards the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2, and a second transport mechanism (second transport path) T2 that transports paper sheets sent back from the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2 to the returned paper sheet stacking section 11 that receives paper sheets sent back from the paper sheet storage and processing unit. Furthermore, the pivot support section is equipped with a first pivot support section 650 that pivotally supports a first movable base 652 so that it can rotate freely relative to the frame, and a second pivot support section 660 that pivotally supports a second movable base 662 so that it can rotate freely relative to the first movable base, and the first movable base is equipped with at least some of the transport components that make up the second transport mechanism T2, and the second movable base is equipped with at least a feed roller, a feed roller and other parts of the transport components that make up the first transport mechanism.

[0085] Even when the banknote separating and conveying device 1 is detached from the banknote handling apparatus 900 as shown in FIG. 4, simply retracting the feed roller and feed roller as shown in the same figure makes it difficult to clear a jam that has occurred in the return banknote conveying path 510 that constitutes the second conveying mechanism T2. Therefore, in the present invention, the feed roller, feed roller, and one of the return rollers 512a are mounted on the second movable base 662, while the other return roller 512b is mounted on the first movable base 652, which rotatably supports the second movable base 662. This structure allows for two-stage opening and closing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, by rotating (opening) the second movable base relative to the first movable base, the return conveying path is opened, making it possible not only to clear jams but also to perform maintenance on the rollers and sensors in the exposed return conveying path.

[0086] The third paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the present invention is provided with a latch mechanism 700 which initially locks the pay-out roller 30 and the feed roller 110 in a conveying-enabled position, and which, when released, releases the lock, allowing the pay-out roller and the feed roller to rotate to a conveying-disabled position.

[0087] The latch mechanism 700 includes a first release mechanism R1 that can be released from the front only when the paper feed trays 10 and 11 are removed from the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1, and a second release mechanism R2 that can be released from a direction other than the front when the paper feed trays are attached to the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1.

[0088] When clearing a jam that occurs inside the banknote separating and conveying device 1 while it is installed in the banknote handling apparatus 900, it is convenient to remove the paper feed tray and access the interior through the opening that is exposed. However, in this case, it is difficult to clear a jam that occurs deep inside and cannot be seen or cleared through the opening without retracting obstructing parts, such as the feed roller and feed roller located at the front. In the present invention, these obstructing parts are mounted on the second movable base 662 and retracted around the pivot support part. In the initial state, the first and second release mechanisms R1 and R2 that make up the latch mechanism 700 position obstructing parts in a position that allows banknote conveyance, enabling normal operation. However, when a jam that occurs deep inside needs to be cleared, the obstructing parts can be retracted with a single touch.

[0089] The first release mechanism R1 allows a release operation from the front while exposing the opening 602. When the release operation is performed, the elastic member causes parts that may be obstructing jam removal to jump upward. The second release mechanism R2 enables the release operation to be performed from a direction other than the front while the paper feed tray remains attached to the paper sheet receiving and processing unit when the paper sheet separating and conveying device 1 is detached from the paper sheet handling device 900.

[0090] In the fourth paper sheet separating and conveying device of the present invention, the latch mechanism 700 comprises a latch member 702 that is freely movable back and forth laterally on the second movable base 662 side and engages and disengages with a fixed side engaging portion 630 that is provided on a fixed portion (frame) 611, an elastic member 704 that urges the latch member in a direction to engage with the fixed side engaging portion, a first release operating portion 702b that is provided on the latch member and moves the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed side engaging portion 630 when operated from the front (opening side), and a release piece 710 that is freely movable back and forth laterally from the fixed portion and moves the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed side engaging portion when operated from a direction other than the front (outside the fixed portion). Furthermore, the latch mechanism maintains the latch member engaged with the fixed side engaging portion when the payout roller and feed roller supported by the second movable base are in a transportable position (processable position), and allows the payout roller and feed roller to be moved to a non-processable position when the first release operating portion or the second release operating portion is released.

[0091] The fifth paper sheet separating and conveying device according to the present invention is provided with a locking mechanism L that detachably connects the first module Md1 to the downstream modules Md2 and Md3, and the locking mechanism is provided with a release operation piece 750 that is supported by the fixed part 611 of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 so as to be able to move back and forth, an operated piece 770 that is rotatably supported by an axis 770a provided on the fixed part 620 of the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2 and is rotated by the release operation piece 750, and a locking piece 775 that is rotatably supported by an axis 775a provided on the fixed part 620 and rotates between a locked position in which it engages with the fixed part 850 of the downstream module and an unlocked position in which the engagement is released, and by pushing the release operation piece backward or pulling it forward, the operated piece operates the locking piece in the unlocking direction.

[0092] When the release operation piece 750 is operated (pushed in or pulled out), the locking piece that had been locked to the fixed portion moves in the release direction, and both connected units U1 and U2 (connected units) can be removed together from the downstream module. This makes it possible to wide open the pivot opening / closing mechanism A with the paper feed tray still installed (without using the narrow opening 602) and perform thorough maintenance such as clearing jams, removing foreign matter, cleaning the lens of the paper passing sensor, and cleaning to prevent a decrease in the grip of the transport rollers.

[0093] For example, if a customer who wants to manufacture a banknote handling machine requests that even employees who do not have special administrative authority to access the safe be able to attach and detach both units U1 and U2 for jam clearance, this request can be met. Some customers may want to allow employees to access only through the opening when clearing a jam, i.e., they do not want employees to be able to attach or detach the connecting unit. In such cases, button 750a of release operating piece 750 can be covered to prevent it from being operated. A paper handling device 900 according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a paper separating and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0094] This paper sheet separating and transporting device can be applied to paper sheet handling devices such as banknote deposit machines, banknote counting machines, and various vending machines to achieve a separation drive that is compact yet highly reliable in operation, and to improve maintainability such as jam removal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...banknote separation and transport device, Md1...first module, Md2...second module (downstream module), Md3...third module (downstream module), U1...deposit processing unit (paper sheet receiving and processing unit), U2...paper sheet storage and processing unit, T1...first transport path, T2...second transport path, M1...first motor, M2...second motor, M3...third motor, 10...paper feed tray, 11...returned paper sheet storage tray, 13...locking claw member, 13a...shaft, 13b...claw, 15...feeding and separation mechanism, 20...feeding section, 30...feeding roller, 32...feeding roller shaft, 33...downstream timing Belt, 35... timing belt, 60... upstream timing pulley, 70... pick pusher, 100... separation section, 101... feed roller shaft, 110... feed roller, 130... brake roller, 250... drawer conveyance section, 257, 257... idling roller, 260... drawer conveyance path, 260a... banknote introduction section, 260b... banknote discharge section, 265... reversing roller, 267... reversing roller, 270... drawer belt, 280... shaft, 290... shaft, 292... transmission gear, 294... gear group, 295... relay gear, 296... relay gear, 298... relay gear, 400... storage conveyance path (storage conveyance mechanism), 410...upstream conveying member, 410, 420...conveying rollers (conveying members), 450...identification unit, 500...flapper, 510...return conveying path, 512a, 512b...return rollers, 512bG...gear, 600...frame, 602...opening, 610...frame (fixed portion), 611...frame main body (fixed portion), 611a...hole, 613...bezel, 613a...engaged portion, 615...guide frame member, 615a...hole, 620...frame (fixed portion), 630...fixed side engaging portion, 650...first pivot support portion, 652...first movable base, 660...second pivot support portion, 662...second movable base, 700...latch mechanism, 702...latch member, 702a...latch main body, 702b...first release operation portion, 702c...claw, 704...elastic member, 710...release piece, 710a...second release operation portion, 710b...inner end portion, 712...elastic member, R1...first release mechanism, R2...second release mechanism, L...lock mechanism, 750...release operation piece, 750a...button, 750b...pressure piece, 750c...main body, 770...operated piece, 770a...shaft, 770b...rotating piece, 770c...rotating piece, 775...lock piece, 775a...shaft, 775b...engaging claw, 777...intermediate piece, 850...base stand, 852...hole,855... guide rail, 900... banknote handling device, 901... housing, 902... mounting part, 1000... control means.

Claims

1. A paper sheet separating and conveying device comprising: a first module in which a paper sheet receiving and processing unit is fixed to a paper sheet storage and processing unit; a downstream module detachably connected to the first module; and control means for controlling various control objects, The paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a frame having an opening at the front for receiving paper sheets, a paper feed tray detachably attached to the front of the frame, a feed roller for feeding paper sheets from a stack of paper sheets on the paper feed tray, a feed roller and a friction separating member constituting a separation unit for separating multiple paper sheets fed by the feed roller into one sheet, a drawer transport unit for drawing out one sheet of paper separated by the separation unit and sending it downstream, and a support unit for supporting at least the feed roller and the feed roller on the frame so as to be swingable between a processable position where paper sheets can be transported and processed and an unprocessable position where paper sheets cannot be transported and processed, A paper sheet separating and conveying device characterized in that when the pay-out roller and the feed roller are in the processing position, the feed roller is in a position close to the drawer conveying section, and when the pay-out roller and the feed roller are retracted to the processing-disabled position, the feed roller is moved away from the drawer conveying section.

2. the paper sheet receiving and processing unit includes a first transport mechanism that transports the paper sheets sent out from the drawer transport section toward the paper sheet storage and processing unit, and a second transport mechanism that transports the paper sheets back to a returned paper sheet stacking section that receives paper sheets sent back from the paper sheet storage and processing unit, the pivotal support portion includes a first pivotal support portion that pivotally supports a first movable base relative to the frame so that the first movable base can rotate freely, and a second pivotal support portion that pivotally supports a second movable base relative to the first movable base, At least some of the transport components constituting the second transport mechanism are mounted on the first movable base, 2. The paper sheet separating and conveying device according to claim 1, wherein at least the feed roller, the feed roller, and other parts of the conveying components that make up the first conveying mechanism are mounted on the second movable base.

3. a latch mechanism that locks the feed roller and the feed roller at the processing-enabled position in an initial state, and that releases the locking when a release operation is performed to allow the feed roller and the feed roller to rotate to the processing-disabled position; The specification separation and conveying device described in claim 1, characterized in that the latch mechanism includes a first release mechanism that can be released from the front only when the paper feed tray is removed from the paper receiving and processing unit, and a second release mechanism that can be released from a direction other than the front when the paper feed tray is attached to the paper receiving and processing unit.

4. The latch mechanism comprises: a latch member provided on the second movable base side so as to be able to advance and retreat, and adapted to engage and disengage with a fixed-side locking portion provided on the fixed portion; an elastic member that biases the latch member in a direction to lock it with the fixed-side locking portion; a first release operation portion that is provided on the latch member and that moves the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed-side locking portion when operated from the front; and a second release operation portion that is provided on the fixed portion side so as to be able to advance and retreat, and that moves the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed-side locking portion when operated from a direction different from the front. The paper sheet separating and conveying device described in claim 1, characterized in that the latch mechanism maintains the latch member engaged with the fixed side engaging portion when the payout roller and the feed roller supported by the second movable base are in the processing position, and allows the payout roller and the feed roller to move to the processing-disabled position when the first release operating portion or the second release operating portion is released.

5. a locking mechanism for detachably connecting the first module to the downstream module; the locking mechanism comprises a release operation piece supported by a fixed part of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit so as to be able to move back and forth in a forward and backward direction; an operated piece rotatably supported by a shaft provided in the fixed part of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit and rotated by the release operation piece; and a locking piece rotatably supported by a shaft provided in the fixed part of the paper sheet storing and processing unit and rotatable between a locked position in which it engages with the fixed part of the downstream module and an unlocked position in which it releases the engagement, 2. The paper sheet separating and conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the release operation piece is pushed rearward or pulled forward, so that the operated piece operates the lock piece in the release direction.

6. A paper handling device comprising the paper separating and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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