Sheet processing apparatus and method for controlling sheet processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet processor and a control method of the paper sheet processor, capable of processing paper sheets so as not to damage the paper sheets, by restraining reduction in a processing quantity.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a paper sheet processing apparatus includes a placing table, an annular ring, an annular ring motor, a band holding part, and a control part. The placing table places a paper sheet bundle in which a plurality of paper sheets are stacked. The circular ring is provided so as to surround the paper sheet bundle placed on the placing table. The ring motor rotates the ring. The band holding part is provided so as to turn around the paper sheet bundle by the rotation of the ring, and holds a band whose one end is fixed to the upper surface of the paper sheet bundle by applying predetermined tension. The control unit drives the ring motor to rotate the ring at a first speed, and rotates the ring at a speed lower than the first speed when the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the paper sheet bundle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and a method for controlling the sheet processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some sheet processing devices have a bundling mechanism that wraps a band around a predetermined number of sheets to bind (seal) them. For example, the sheet processing device wraps a first band (small band) around a first bundle of sheets (e.g., 100 sheets) to form a bundle of 100 sheets, and further wraps a second band (large band) around sheets (e.g., 100 x 10 = 1000 sheets) that are stacked one after the other to form a bundle of 1000 sheets.

[0003] However, in the process of wrapping a predetermined number of stacked sheets with a band, the contact points between the corners of the sheets and the bundling band are prone to damage. Conventional sheet processing devices have implemented measures such as slowing down the speed of the band wrapping operation to prevent damage to the contact points between the corners of the sheets and the band. However, slowing down the speed of the band wrapping operation leads to a problem of a decrease in the overall throughput of the sheet processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-48116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a paper sheet processing device and a control method for the paper sheet processing device that can process paper sheets without damaging them while suppressing a decrease in processing volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, a paper sheet processing apparatus includes a mounting table, a ring, a ring motor, a band holding unit, and a control unit. The mounting table holds a stack of paper sheets. The ring is arranged to rotate around the stack of paper sheets placed on the mounting table. The ring motor rotates the ring. The band holding unit is arranged to rotate around the stack of paper sheets by the rotation of the ring, and holds a band with one end fixed to the upper surface of the stack of paper sheets with a predetermined tension. The control unit drives the ring motor to rotate the ring at a first speed, and when the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the stack of paper sheets, rotates the ring at a speed slower than the first speed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration example of a main part of a second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which a second number of sheets are set in a second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a main part of a second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second number of sheets are set in a second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the large band and the bundle of bills in the band winding operation by the second bundling unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the large band and the bundle of bills in the band winding operation by the second bundling unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a formula for calculating the angle at which the large band contacts each corner of the bundle of sheets in the second bundling unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting the deceleration start threshold and the deceleration end threshold (acceleration start threshold) for each corner of a bundle of sheets in the second bundling unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the band winding operation using the second bundling unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described. The sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment is an apparatus that bundles sheets (hereinafter referred to as "notes") in predetermined numbers. The sheets to be processed by the sheet processing apparatus 1 are assumed to be, for example, sheets that have been produced by a predetermined institution through regular procedures. As a specific example, the sheets to be processed by the sheet processing apparatus 1 are assumed to be securities such as banknotes.

[0009] The sheet processing apparatus 1 accepts a plurality of sheets to be inspected. The sheet processing apparatus 1 inspects each accepted sheet according to predetermined standards. The sheet processing apparatus 1 inspects each sheet for type, authenticity, fitness, etc. The sheet processing apparatus 1 inspects the sheets supplied to it and classifies them by type, separating each type of sheet into fit sheets and rejected sheets (sheets other than fit sheets). The sheet processing apparatus 1 processes the rejected sheets and bundles the fit sheets into a predetermined number of sheets. In this embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 1 bundles the fit sheets into a first band for each first bundling number, and further bundles the fit sheets bundled into the first band into a second band for each second bundling number.

[0010] Next, an example of the overall configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of a paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the paper sheet processing device 1 has a conveying path 11, a supply unit 12, an inspection unit 13, a rejected sheet processing unit 14, a genuine sheet stacking unit 15, a first bundling unit 16, a second bundling unit 17, a display unit 18, an operation unit 19, and a control unit 20.

[0011] First, we will explain the configuration of the drive system (processing unit that processes sheets) provided in the sheet processing apparatus 1 in the configuration example shown in Fig. 1. The drive system of the sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a conveyance path 11, a supply unit 12, an inspection unit 13, a rejected sheet processing unit 14, a genuine sheet stacking unit 15, a first bundling unit 16, and a second bundling unit 17.

[0012] The conveying path 11 conveys sheets to each section as sheets to be processed in the sheet processing apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying path 11 sequentially connects a supplying section 12, an inspection section 13, a rejected sheet processing section 14, a genuine sheet stacking section 15, a first bundling section 16, and a second bundling section 17.

[0013] The supply unit 12 has an inlet through which sheets to be processed are inserted. The supply unit 12 transports the sheets inserted into the inlet one by one via a transport path 11 to the inspection unit 13 at the downstream.

[0014] The inspection unit 13 inspects each sheet supplied from the supply unit 12 via the conveying path. The inspection unit 13 is equipped with sensors for detecting various physical characteristics. For example, the inspection unit 13 is equipped with various sensors for detecting physical features such as thickness, image, magnetic properties, and optical properties. The inspection unit 13 inspects the type (denomination), authenticity, and fitness of the sheet to be inspected based on the physical properties detected by each sensor. Note that when the sheet processing apparatus 1 processes a specific type of sheet, the inspection unit 13 may be configured to detect the authenticity and fitness of the sheet, since it is not necessary to identify the denomination.

[0015] Authenticity detection (authenticity determination) by the inspection unit 13 is a process of detecting the authenticity of the notes to be inspected. In authenticity determination, for example, the authenticity of a note is determined based on whether the inspection unit 13 can detect predetermined physical characteristics similar to those of a regular note (genuine note). Notes that are not determined to be genuine (or determined to be counterfeit) through authenticity determination, or notes for which the physical characteristics required for authenticity determination cannot be detected (for example, notes that are transported at an angle or notes that are transported multiple times overlapping), are rejected notes. Furthermore, fitness detection (fitness determination) by the inspection unit 13 is a process of detecting fitness for notes that have been determined to be genuine. In fitness determination, it is determined whether a note that has been determined to be genuine through authenticity determination is a note that can be recirculated (a fit note) or a note that cannot be recirculated (a damaged note).

[0016] The authenticity determination and fitness determination of the note may be performed by the inspection unit 13, or may be performed by the control unit 20 based on detection data detected by various sensors in the inspection unit 13. In the former case, the inspection unit 13 may supply the results of the authenticity determination and fitness determination to the control unit 20. In the latter case, the inspection unit 13 may supply various detection data for performing the authenticity determination and fitness determination to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 may perform the authenticity determination and fitness determination based on the detection data acquired from the inspection unit 13.

[0017] In this embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 1 is described as determining that sheets that meet predetermined standards are genuine, and determining that sheets other than genuine are rejected. For example, genuine sheets are sheets that meet predetermined standards and have minimal soiling among sheets (hereinafter referred to as genuine sheets) that have been produced by a predetermined institution through proper procedures. Rejected sheets include sheets that cannot be inspected, sheets that have been determined to be not genuine (counterfeit sheets), and sheets that are heavily soiled beyond the predetermined standards (damaged sheets). Examples of sheets that cannot be inspected include sheets whose condition cannot be inspected (for example, sheets that are transported at an angle) and sheets that cannot be counted (for example, sheets that are transported multiple times). Damaged sheets are sheets that are heavily soiled or damaged so that they do not meet predetermined standards and should not be reused.

[0018] The sheets inspected by the inspection unit 13 are transported to either the genuine sheet stacking unit 15 or the rejected sheet processing unit 14 depending on the inspection result. Sheets determined to be genuine by the inspection unit 13 are transported to the genuine sheet stacking unit 15 via the transport path 11. Sheets determined to be rejected by the inspection unit 13 are transported to the rejected sheet processing unit 14 via the transport path 11.

[0019] The rejected sheet processing unit 14 has a stacking unit for rejected sheets. For example, the stacking unit for rejected sheets in the rejected sheet processing unit 14 is composed of a rejected sheet cassette, and stacks sheets that have been determined to be rejected by the inspection unit 13. The sheets stacked in the rejected sheet cassette are processed in the rejected sheet processing unit 14 by manual operation by an operator, etc. The sheet processing apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a cutting unit that shreds damaged sheets. In this case, the sheet processing apparatus 1 may shred damaged sheets in the cutting unit and supply the remaining rejected sheets to the rejected sheet processing unit.

[0020] The genuine bill stacking unit 15 stacks bills that have been determined to be genuine by the inspection unit 13. The bills stacked in the genuine bill stacking unit 15 are transported to the first bundling unit 16 via the transport path 11. For example, the first bundling unit 16 stacks the genuine bills to a first bundling number (for example, 100 bills) and supplies the first bundling number of genuine bills to the first bundling unit 16.

[0021] The first bundling unit 16 bundles the fit bills stacked in the fit bill stacking unit 15 into a first bundling number (for example, 100 bills) with bundling bands (first bands). For example, the first bundling unit 16 holds the first bundle of fit bills from the fit bill stacking unit 15 and wraps the first bundle of fit bills with first bands (hereinafter also referred to as small bands, or small groups) to bundle them into bundles (bundles of 100 bills). The first bundle of fit bills (bundles) bundled with small bands are further transported to the second bundling unit 17.

[0022] The second bundling unit 17 bundles a second number of bills, which is greater than the first number, with a bundling band (second band). In this embodiment, the second bundling unit 17 bundles a predetermined number of bills (e.g., 100 bills) of bills (bundles) bundled by the first bundling unit 16 with small bands with second bands (hereinafter also referred to as large bands) to bundle a second number of bills (e.g., 1,000 bills) with large bands. For example, the second bundling unit 17 accumulates the first number of bills bundled with small bands until it reaches the second number, and wraps large bands (second bands) around the fit bills that have reached the second number to bundle them into bundles (bundles of 1,000 bills). The fit bills (bundles) of the second number bundled with large bands are discharged from the sheet processing apparatus 1.

[0023] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the control system of the sheet processing apparatus 1 in the configuration example shown in Fig. 1. The sheet processing apparatus 1 has a display unit 18, an operation unit 19, a control unit 20, and the like as components of the control system.

[0024] The control unit 20 controls each unit in the sheet processing apparatus 1 and processes data. Each component of the drive system in the sheet processing apparatus 1 operates in response to control instructions from the control unit 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 20 has a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication interface (I / F) 23.

[0025] The processor 21 controls each unit, processes data, etc. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the memory 22 or the like to perform various processes including the control of each unit and data processing.

[0026] The memory 22 includes various types of memory such as RAM, ROM, and rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, RAM functions as working memory and temporarily stores data being worked on. ROM is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores, for example, programs (such as OS programs) and control data. Rewritable volatile memory is, for example, memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). Rewritable nonvolatile memory stores programs (such as application programs) and setting values. For example, NVM stores programs and control data.

[0027] The communication interface 23 is an interface for communicating with an external device. For example, the control unit 20 may communicate with an external management device via the communication interface 23. The communication interface 23 is a network interface for communicating with an external device on a network via a local area network (LAN), for example. The communication interface 23 may be an interface for communicating with an external device via a wired connection, or may be an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly.

[0028] The display unit 18 and the operation unit 19 are connected to the processor 21 via an interface (not shown) in the control unit 20. The display unit 18 is a display device that displays an operation screen and information indicating the processing status. The operation unit 19 is an operation device that allows an operator to input operation instructions and the like. The operation unit 19 is composed of a touch panel, operation buttons, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, and the like. For example, the display unit 18 and the operation unit 19 are composed of a display device equipped with a touch panel.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing machine 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing machine 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a front view showing a state in which a second number of bills are set in the second bundling unit 17 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing machine 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second number of bills are set in the second bundling unit 17 shown in Fig. 5.

[0030] 2, the second bundling unit 17 includes a ring motor 31, a ring 32, a home sensor 33, a press table drive mechanism (mounting table drive mechanism) 34, a press table (mounting table) 35, a compression amount detection unit 36, a band gripper (band holding unit) 37, and a band presser 38. Each unit of the second bundling unit 17 is connected to the control unit 20 and operates under the control of the control unit 20.

[0031] 3 to 6, the second bundling unit 17 is provided with a circular motor 31, a circular ring 32, a press table 35, a band gripper 37, and a band holder 38. However, in the configuration example shown in Figures 3 to 6, components other than the circular motor 31, the circular ring 32, the press table 35, the band gripper 37, and the band holder 38 are omitted from the illustration in order to clearly show the arrangement of the second bundling unit 17.

[0032] The ring motor 31 rotates the ring 32. The ring motor 31 is connected by gears or the like so that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the ring 32. The ring motor 31 is, for example, a stepping motor. The ring motor 31 rotates in response to a control signal from the control unit 20, thereby rotating the ring 32.

[0033] The circular ring 32 is a mechanism for wrapping the large band B, which is a band for bundling, around the second number of bills (hereinafter referred to as the bill bundle) S. As shown in FIG. 4, the circular ring 32 is arranged to rotate around the bill bundle (paper sheet bundle) S placed on the press table 35. The circular ring home sensor 33 detects that the circular ring 32 is at the rotation reference position. The circular ring home sensor 33 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 20 when it detects that the circular ring 32 has reached the rotation reference position. This allows the control unit 20 to detect that the circular ring 32 is at the rotation reference position.

[0034] The press table 35 is a table on which the bundle of tickets S, which is the second number of tickets to be bundled, is placed. The bundle of tickets S, in which tickets bound with a predetermined number of small bands are aligned and stacked so that the tickets form the second number of tickets, is set on the press table 35. The press table 35 is moved upward by the press table drive mechanism 34. The press table drive mechanism 34 is driven by the control unit 20. When the bundle of tickets S is set on the press table 35, the control unit 20 causes the press table drive mechanism 34 to move the press table 35 upward. As a result, the press table 35 moves upward with the bundle of tickets S placed on it.

[0035] An upper surface fixing portion (not shown) that fixes the upper surface of the billet bundle S at a predetermined position is provided above the press table 35. For example, like the press table 35, the upper surface fixing portion is configured to wrap the large band B that is pulled together with the ring 32 around the billet bundle S as shown in Fig. 6. For example, the upper surface fixing portion is provided so as to fix portions of the upper surface of the billet bundle S that is pushed up onto the press table 35 that are not wrapped with the large band (for example, the four corners of the upper surface).

[0036] When the press table 35 moves upward, the position of the upper surface of the bundle of tickets S placed on the press table 35 is fixed by an upper surface fixing part (not shown). As the press table 35 moves upward, it pushes up the lower surface (bottom surface) of the bundle of tickets S, thereby pressing the upper surface of the bundle of tickets S against the fixed position set by the upper surface fixing part. As a result, the press table 35 holds the bundle of tickets S with a predetermined pressure applied between the upper and lower surfaces.

[0037] The press table 35 is provided with a compression amount detection unit 36 ​​that detects the amount of compression of the ticket bundle S. The compression amount detection unit 36 ​​detects the amount of compression of the ticket bundle S when the press table 35 applies a predetermined pressure to the ticket bundle S. For example, when the press table 35, on which the ticket bundle S is placed, is moved upward with a predetermined pressure by the press table drive mechanism 34, the compression amount detection unit 36 ​​detects the amount of compression based on the distance the press table 35 moves upward. Because the position of the upper surface of the ticket bundle S placed on the press table 35 is fixed by an upper surface fixing unit, the distance the press table 35 moves upward is detected as the amount of compression of the ticket bundle S (the height of the ticket bundle S).

[0038] The band holder 38 holds the large band B on the bill bundle S. For example, the band holder 38 holds (fixes) the large band B by sandwiching the large band B between the upper surface of the bill bundle S set on the press table 35 and the band holder 38.

[0039] The band gripper (band holding unit) 37 is a part that grips the large band B that is pulled out by a band supply unit (not shown). The band gripper 37 holds the large band B, whose end is held (fixed) on the bill bundle S by the band presser 38, under a predetermined tension.

[0040] The band gripper 37 is attached to the ring 32 and rotates around the bundle of bills S placed on the press table 35 as the ring 32 rotates. The band gripper 37 holds the large band B with a predetermined tension and pulls out the large band from a band supply unit (not shown), thereby winding the large band B around the bundle of bills S. As a result, when the ring 32 makes one revolution from a predetermined reference position, the large band B is wound around the bundle of bills S set on the press table 35.

[0041] Next, a band winding operation in the second bundling unit 17 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the relationship between the bill bundle S and the large band B during the band winding operation by the second bundling unit 17 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. In the second bundling section 177, the band winding operation is an operation in which a large band B, the end of which is fixed to the top surface of the bundle of sheets by the band holder 38, is wound around the bundle of sheets S on the press table 35 by rotating the ring 32 so that the band gripper 37 goes around the bundle of sheets S. After wrapping the large band B around the bundle of sheets S, the second bundling section 177 forms a bundle of sheets (for example, a bundle of 1,000 sheets) by bonding the large band B by heat or the like at a contact part (not shown).

[0042] The paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment controls the rotation speed of the circular ring 32 so as not to damage the sheets in the bundle when the large band B is wrapped around a corner of the bundle during the band winding operation. That is, the control unit 20 controls the circular ring motor 31 to reduce the rotation speed of the circular ring 32 when the large band B approaches a corner of the bundle S during the period when the circular ring 32 is rotated once for the band winding operation, and to increase the rotation speed of the circular ring 32 to a normal speed during other periods.

[0043] The control unit 20 identifies the angle at which the large band B approaches the corner of the ticket bundle S (at which the large band B contacts the corner of the ticket bundle S). For example, if the position of the top surface of the ticket bundle S and the position of the ring 32 are fixed, the control unit 20 acquires the height H of the ticket bundle S compressed by the press table 35 and the size L of the ticket bundle S in the longitudinal direction (the band winding direction). The control unit 20 acquires the height H of the ticket bundle S (the length from the bottom surface to the top surface of the ticket bundle S) from the compression amount of the ticket bundle S detected by the compression amount detection unit 36. The control unit 20 also acquires the size L of the top and bottom surfaces of the ticket bundle S in the longitudinal direction (the band winding direction) based on a preset size of the tickets to be bundled.

[0044] Furthermore, if the position of the top surface of the bill bundle S and the position of the circular ring 32 are fixed, then the distance D from the top surface of the bill bundle S to the circular ring 32 is determined by the positional relationship between the positions of the top surface of the bill bundle S and the position of the circular ring 32, as illustrated in Figure 8. The radius R of the circular ring 32 (the distance from the center of rotation of the circular ring 32 to the circular ring 32) is also fixed. However, the starting point of the distance D on the circular ring 32 is the same as the starting point that defines the radius R of the circular ring 32.

[0045] 8, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 at which the large band B contacts the four corners of the bill bundle S can be calculated based on the height H of the bill bundle S, the longitudinal size L of the bill bundle S, the distance D from the top surface of the bill bundle S to the ring 32, and the radius R of the ring 32. That is, when the control unit 20 acquires the height H of the bill bundle S and the longitudinal size L of the bill bundle S, it uses the distance D from the top surface of the bill bundle S to the ring 32 and the radius R of the ring 32 to identify the positions of the four corners of the bill bundle S around which the large band B is to be wrapped.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a formula for calculating angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 at which the large band B contacts the four corners of the bundle of bills S. Here, the position of large band B shown in Figure 8 is the home position of ring 32, and large band B rotates in the direction of arrow θ (clockwise) from the home position. In this case, the position where large band B first contacts the corner of bill bundle S is determined by angle θ1 calculated by equation (1) shown in Figure 9. Here, angle θ1 satisfies 0≦θ1<90° if R>D.

[0047] The position where large band B contacts the corner of bill bundle S for the second time is determined by angle θ2 calculated by equation (2) shown in Figure 9, where angle θ2 is a value in the range of 90≦θ2<180°. The position where large band B contacts the corner of bill bundle S for the third time is determined by angle θ3 calculated by equation (3) shown in Figure 9, where angle θ3 is a value in the range of 180≦θ3<270°. The position where large band B contacts the corner of bill bundle S for the fourth time is determined by angle θ4 calculated by equation (4) shown in Figure 9, where angle θ4 is a value in the range of 270≦θ4<360°.

[0048] After identifying the angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 at which the large band B contacts each corner of the bill bundle S, the control unit 20 sets speed control such that the large band B decelerates just before it approaches each corner of the bill bundle S and accelerates after it contacts each corner of the bill bundle S. For example, the control unit 20 sets a normal rotation speed (high speed) of the ring 32, a deceleration start threshold Ds[i] that starts decelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 just before the large band B reaches the corner of the bill bundle S, and a deceleration end threshold (acceleration start threshold) Df[i] that starts accelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 to the normal rotation speed.

[0049] The control unit 20 starts the rotation of the ring 32 at the rotation speed for normal operation (normal operation speed), and then starts decelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 when it reaches a deceleration start threshold Ds[i], which is immediately before the large band B reaches the i-th corner of the bill bundle S. After starting the deceleration of the rotation speed of the ring 32, the control unit 20 starts accelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 when it reaches a deceleration end threshold (acceleration start threshold) Df[i]. After starting the acceleration of the rotation speed of the ring 32, the control unit 20 accelerates the rotation speed of the ring 32 until it reaches the normal rotation speed.

[0050] For example, the control unit 20 starts decelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 by gradually reducing the operating pulses given to the circular motor 31 when the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] set for each corner of the bill bundle S is reached. The control unit 20 sets the operating pulses to instruct the circular motor 31 to reduce the rotation speed to a predetermined low speed when the large band B reaches the corner of the bill bundle S (when the deceleration end threshold Df[i] is reached).

[0051] If the circular motor 31 is a stepping motor, the control unit 20 gradually reduces the number of operating pulses provided to the circular motor 31 when the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] is reached, thereby decelerating the rotation speed of the circular ring 32. Also, the control unit 20 gradually increases the number of operating pulses provided to the circular motor 31 when the deceleration end threshold Df[i] is reached, thereby accelerating the rotation speed of the circular ring 32 to the normal rotation speed. For example, it is assumed that the normal operating speed is 5000 pps, while the decelerated speed when the large band B contacts the corner of the bill bundle S is 3000 pps.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] and the deceleration end threshold (acceleration start threshold) Df[i] for each i-th corner of the bill bundle S. In FIG. The setting values ​​shown in Figure 10 are set using equations (1) to (4) shown in Figure 9 for calculating the position of the i-th corner in the bundle of bills S, the amount of pulses Ptotal required for the ring 32 to complete one revolution, and the offset amounts Poi (Po1, Po2, Po3, Po4) set for each corner of the bundle of bills S.

[0053] According to the example shown in FIG. 10, when i=1, the deceleration start threshold Ds[1] is (Ptotal / 360)×sin -1 ((RD) / R)-Po1, and the deceleration end threshold Df[1] is (Ptotal / 360)×sin -1 ((RD) / R). When i=2, the deceleration start threshold Ds[2] is (Ptotal / 360)×cos -1 (L / 2R)-Po2, and the deceleration end threshold Df[2] is (Ptotal / 360)×cos -1 (L / 2R). When i=3, the deceleration start threshold Ds[3] is (Ptotal / 360)×sin -1 ((D+H-2R) / R)-Po3, and the deceleration end threshold Df[3] is (Ptotal / 360)×sin -1 ((D+H-2R) / R). Also, when i=4, the deceleration start threshold Ds[4] is (Ptotal / 360)×cos -1 (-L / 2R)-Po4, and the deceleration end threshold Df[4] is (Ptotal / 360)×cos -1 (-L / 2R).

[0054] In the setting example shown in Figure 10, the offset amounts Po1, Po2, Po3, and Po4 set for each corner of the bill bundle S may be set to different values. In actual operation, for corners where bills are likely to be damaged, the offset amount may be increased to start deceleration earlier, thereby further slowing down the rotational speed of the ring 32 (the large band held by the band gripper 37 provided on the ring 32) when the large band comes into contact with the corner of the bill bundle.

[0055] As a specific example, because bundles of tickets are stacked on the press table 35, there are many cases in which the large band B damages the tickets of the ticket bundle S at the corner (i = 4th corner) from the side to the top of the ticket bundle S. In such cases, by increasing the offset amount Po4 (lengthening the deceleration period), the rotational speed of the ring 32 when the large band B contacts the 4th corner of the ticket bundle S can be further slowed down, thereby preventing the large band B from damaging the 4th corner of the ticket bundle S.

[0056] For similar reasons, it is thought that large band B is also likely to damage the notes of bundle S at the corner (i = 2nd corner) from the side to the bottom of bundle S. In this case, too, by increasing the offset amount Po2, the rotation speed of ring 32 when large band B contacts the 2nd corner of bundle S can be slowed down, thereby preventing large band B from damaging the 2nd corner of bundle S.

[0057] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the large band B will cause less damage to the sheets of the sheet bundle S at the corner (i=1st corner) from the top to the side of the sheet bundle S where multiple sheets are stacked, or at the corner (i=3rd corner) from the bottom to the side of the sheet bundle S. In such cases, by reducing the offset amount Po1 or Po3, the rotation speed of the ring 32 when the large band B contacts the first or third corner of the sheet bundle S can be increased, and the operation of wrapping the large band B around the sheet bundle S can be performed at high speed.

[0058] As described above, the offset amounts Po1, Po2, Po3, and Po4 can be set appropriately depending on the actual operating conditions. This allows the speed of the ring (band) to be reduced more significantly when the band contacts a corner of the bill bundle S that is more susceptible to damage, and the reduction in speed of the ring (band) to be reduced less when the band contacts a corner that is less susceptible to damage. As a result, it is possible to control the rotation speed of the ring (band winding speed) in a way that takes into account both the reduction of damage to the bill bundle and the suppression of a reduction in the speed of the band winding operation around the bill bundle.

[0059] Next, a band winding operation using the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the band winding operation using the second bundling unit 17 in the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. In the paper sheet processing device 1, when a stack of sheets (a stack of paper sheets, an object to be bound) with the second number of sheets stacked is set at a predetermined position on the press table 35, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 fixes the end of the large band B to the top surface of the stack of sheets using the band holder 38, and the band gripper 37 provided on the ring 32 at the home position holds the large band B with a predetermined tension.

[0060] In this state, the processor 21 causes the press table drive mechanism 34 to move the press table 35, on which the bill bundle S is set, upward with a predetermined pressure. When the processor 21 drives the press table upward with the predetermined pressure, the compression amount detection unit 36 ​​detects the compression amount of the bill bundle S (the amount by which the press table 35 has moved upward). Based on the detection result of the compression amount detection unit 36, the processor 21 obtains the height H of the bill bundle S to be wrapped (bundled) with the large band B (step ST11).

[0061] Processor 21 also identifies the type (denomination) of notes to be wrapped in a band, and determines the size L of the band wrapping direction on the top or bottom surface of note bundle S from the size of the note type (step ST12). When large band B is to be wrapped around the length of a rectangular note that will become note bundle S, the lengthwise size of the note is determined as the size in the band wrapping direction, and when large band B is to be wrapped around the widthwise side of a rectangular note that will become note bundle S, the widthwise size of the note is determined as the size in the band wrapping direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the sizes of the bills constituting the bundle of bills to be wrapped in a band may be stored in the memory 22 as the longitudinal size and the transverse size for each bill type. In this case, the processor 21 identifies the size of the bills constituting the bundle of bills from the memory 22, thereby identifying the size in the band wrapping direction.

[0063] When the processor 21 of the control unit 20 acquires the height H of the bill bundle S and the size L in the band winding direction, the processor 21 sets a threshold value for controlling the rotation speed of the ring 32 using the height (distance) D from the position of the top surface of the bill bundle S to the ring 32 and the radius R of the ring (step ST13). The processor 21 of the control unit 20 sets a deceleration start threshold value Ds[i] and a deceleration end threshold value Df[i] as threshold values ​​for controlling the rotation speed of the ring 32.

[0064] As described above, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 controls the rotational speed of the ring 32 to a speed that does not cause damage when the large band B held by the band gripper 37 provided on the ring 32 comes into contact with a corner of the bill bundle S. The deceleration start threshold Ds[i] is set so that the large band B decelerates faster by the offset Poi than when it comes into contact with the i-th corner of the bill bundle S. The deceleration end threshold Df[i] is set when the large band B comes into contact with the i-th corner of the bill bundle S. In this case, the processor 21 sets Ds[i] = Df[i] - Poi.

[0065] That is, the deceleration end threshold Df[i] can be calculated using the angle θi when the large band B contacts the i-th corner of the bill bundle S, and the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] can be calculated using the angle θi when the large band B contacts the i-th corner of the bill bundle S and the offset amount Poi. As a specific example, the processor 21 calculates the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] and the deceleration end threshold Df[i] using the equations shown in Figure 10 and sets them as thresholds for controlling the rotation speed of the ring 32.

[0066] After setting the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] and the deceleration end threshold Df[i], the processor 21 of the control unit 20 sets a variable i indicating each corner of the bill bundle S to an initial value (i=1) (step ST14). The corners of the bill bundle S are the four corners that are in contact with the large band B as shown in Fig. 8, and i=1, 2, 3, 4 in the order in which the large band B comes into contact as the ring 32 rotates clockwise.

[0067] The processor 21 of the control unit 20 sets the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] and the deceleration end threshold Df[i], sets the variable i to an initial value, and then starts the operation of the ring 32 at the home position. When starting the operation of the ring 32, the processor 21 checks whether the variable i is i<5 (step ST15). When the processor 21 confirms that i<5 (step ST15, YES), the processor 21 executes an operation (normal operation) of rotating the ring 32 at a predetermined normal speed (step ST16). For example, when starting the rotation of the ring 32 at the home position, the processor 21 accelerates the rotation speed of the ring 32 to the normal speed and rotates the ring 32 at the normal speed.

[0068] The processor 21 of the control unit 20 monitors whether the deceleration start threshold [i] has been exceeded while performing the normal operation of rotating the ring 32 at a normal speed (step ST17). If the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] has not been exceeded (step ST17, NO), the processor 21 continues to perform the normal operation. For example, when i=1, the processor 21 checks whether the deceleration start threshold [1] has been exceeded, and rotates the ring 32 by the normal operation until the deceleration start threshold Ds[1] is exceeded.

[0069] When the processor 21 determines that the deceleration start threshold Ds[i] has been exceeded (step ST17, YES), it starts decelerating the rotational speed of the ring 32 and executes the deceleration operation (step ST18). For example, the processor 21 reduces the rotational speed of the ring 32 by reducing the number of operating pulses supplied to the ring motor 31. As a result, the large band B, which moves with the rotation of the ring 32, comes into contact with the i-th corner of the bill bundle S in a state where it has decelerated by the offset amount Poi in the deceleration start threshold Ds[i].

[0070] The processor 21 of the control unit 20 monitors whether the deceleration end threshold Df[i] has been exceeded (step ST19) while executing the deceleration operation to reduce the rotational speed of the ring 32. If the deceleration end threshold Df[i] has not been exceeded (NO in step ST19), the processor 21 continues to execute the deceleration operation.

[0071] When the processor 21 determines that the deceleration end threshold Df[i] has been exceeded (step ST19, YES), it starts accelerating the rotation speed of the ring 32 and executes the acceleration operation (step ST20). For example, the processor 21 accelerates the rotation speed of the ring 32 by controlling the operation pulses supplied to the ring motor 31. As a result, the rotation of the ring 32 accelerates after the large band B comes into contact with the i-th corner of the bill bundle S at the timing indicated by the deceleration end threshold Df[i].

[0072] The processor 21 of the control unit 20 monitors whether the rotation speed of the ring 32 has reached the rotation speed of a normal operation (normal operation speed) while executing an acceleration operation to increase the rotation speed of the ring 32 (step ST21). If the rotation speed of the ring 32 has not reached the normal operation speed (NO in step ST21), the processor 21 continues to execute the acceleration operation.

[0073] When processor 21 determines that the rotation speed of ring 32 has reached the normal operation speed (step ST21, YES), it increments variable i to set i=i+1 (step ST22). After incrementing variable i, processor 21 returns to step ST16 and determines whether i<5 (step ST15). When variable i is i<5, that is, when i is 4 or less (step ST15, YES), processor 21 executes the process of steps ST16-22 described above again.

[0074] If the variable i is i<5, that is, if i is 5 (step ST15, NO), processor 21 executes normal operation (step ST23). If i is 5, the large band B is wrapped around the four corners of the bill bundle S. Therefore, processor 21 executes normal operation, rotating ring 32 at the normal operating speed until ring 32 reaches the home position. If ring 32 reaches the home position (step ST24, YES), processor 21 ends the band winding operation of wrapping large band B around bill bundle S.

[0075] After wrapping the large band B around the bundle of bills S, the processor 21 heats or otherwise bonds the large band pulled around by the band gripper 37 to the end of the large band B held on top of the bill bundle by the band holder 38. As a result, the second number of stacked bills (bundles of bills) set on the press table 35 are bundled with the large band B.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the large band B is wrapped around the top and bottom surfaces of the bundle of sheets S in the longitudinal direction, but a band wrapping operation in which a band is wrapped around the bundle of sheets in the short direction can also be performed in the same manner as the band wrapping operation described above. Also, the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment has been described as bundling a first number of sheets with small bands, and wrapping a large band around a bundle of sheets in which the sheets bundled with small bands are stacked to form a second number of sheets. However, the above-described embodiment is not limited to wrapping a large band around multiple sheets bundled with small bands, and can be applied to any apparatus in which a band is wrapped around a stack of multiple sheets.

[0077] As described above, the paper sheet processing device of the embodiment rotates a ring arranged to go around a stack of paper sheets placed on a press table at a normal operating speed, and controls the rotation speed of the ring to slow down when the rotation of the ring causes the band held by the band gripper to come into contact with a corner of the stack of paper sheets.

[0078] As a result, the paper sheet processing device of the embodiment can reduce damage such as scratches to the paper sheets caused by the corners of the paper sheet bundle when wrapping the band around the bundle, while suppressing a decrease in the overall processing speed during the band winding operation.

[0079] In addition, the paper sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment sets a deceleration start threshold using the thickness of the paper sheet stack based on the amount of compression of the paper sheet stack on the press table, and when the deceleration start threshold is reached, decelerates the rotation speed of the ring from the normal operating speed, and when the band contacts a corner of the paper sheet stack, accelerates the rotation speed of the ring to the normal operating speed.

[0080] As a result, the paper sheet processing device of the embodiment can adjust the deceleration start threshold according to the thickness of the paper sheet stack, and can control the rotational speed for wrapping the band around the paper sheet stack while reducing the occurrence of damage based on the deceleration start threshold adjusted according to the thickness of the paper sheet stack.

[0081] The functions described in the above embodiments can be realized not only by hardware but also by software by loading a program describing each function into a computer. Furthermore, each function may be realized by selecting either software or hardware as appropriate.

[0082] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...paper sheet processing device, 11...conveying path, 12...supply section, 13...inspection section, 14...rejected sheet processing section, 15...fit sheet stacking section, 16...first bundling section, 17...second bundling section, 18...display section, 19...operation section, 20...control section, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...communication interface, 31...circular ring motor, 32...circular ring, 33...home sensor, 34...press table drive mechanism (loading table drive mechanism), 35...press table (loading table), 36...compression amount detection section, 37...band gripper (band holding section), 38...band presser, S...bundle of sheets (bundle of paper sheets), B...large band (band).

Claims

1. a placement table on which a stack of paper sheets is placed; a circular ring provided so as to surround the paper sheet bundle placed on the placing table; a ring motor that rotates the ring; a band holding section that is provided so as to rotate around the bundle of paper sheets by the rotation of the ring and that holds a band having one end fixed to an upper surface of the bundle of paper sheets with a predetermined tension; a control unit that drives the ring motor to rotate the ring at a first speed, and that rotates the ring at a speed slower than the first speed when the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the paper sheet bundle; A paper sheet processing apparatus having the same.

2. The control unit sets a deceleration start threshold that is set before the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the paper sheet bundle, starts decelerating the rotational speed of the ring when the deceleration start threshold is reached, and starts accelerating the rotational speed of the ring to the first speed when the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with the corner of the paper sheet bundle. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit sets a deceleration start threshold based on an offset amount corresponding to a period during which the rotation of the ring is decelerated until the band held by the band holding unit reaches a corner of the paper sheet bundle. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. a table driving mechanism for pressing an upper surface of the paper sheet stack on the table to a fixed position with a predetermined pressure; a compression amount detection unit that detects a compression amount of the paper sheet bundle compressed at a predetermined pressure by the sheet-mounting drive mechanism, the control unit sets a deceleration start threshold value using the compression amount of the paper sheet bundle detected by the compression amount detection unit and an offset amount. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit sets an offset amount for each corner of the paper sheet bundle that the band contacts. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. A method for controlling a paper sheet processing device having a circular ring provided to rotate around a paper sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of paper sheets, and a band holding unit provided to rotate around the paper sheet bundle by the rotation of the circular ring and to hold a band having one end fixed to an upper surface of the paper sheet bundle with a predetermined tension, rotating the ring at a first speed; rotating the ring at a speed slower than the first speed when the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the paper sheet bundle; Method for controlling a paper sheet processing device.

7. Furthermore, a deceleration start threshold is set to occur before the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with a corner of the paper sheet bundle, When the deceleration start threshold is reached, the rotation speed of the ring starts to decelerate; and after the band held by the band holding unit comes into contact with the corner of the paper sheet bundle, an acceleration is started to increase the rotation speed of the ring to the first speed. A method for controlling the paper sheet handling apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Furthermore, the deceleration start threshold is set based on an offset amount corresponding to a period during which the rotation of the ring is decelerated until the band held by the band holding unit reaches a corner of the paper sheet bundle. A method for controlling the paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. Furthermore, the offset amount is set for each corner of the paper sheet bundle that the band contacts. A method for controlling the paper sheet handling apparatus according to claim 8.

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