Paper waste collection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a paper sheet recovery device that separates and recovers paper sheets that have been transported by an airflow from the airflow. [Solution] The conveying pipe 12 has a passage section 96 at its end that receives paper sheets and airflow, a permeable conveying belt 98 provided within the passage section so as to face one side of the received paper sheets and for conveying the paper sheets downstream, and a suction port 109 that sucks air from inside the passage section from behind the conveying belt 98. The airflow that flows into the passage section is discharged from the suction port, and the paper sheets received into the passage section are conveyed by sticking to the conveying belt 98 due to the suction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to This invention relates to a paper sheet recovery device that separates and recovers paper sheets that have been transported by an airflow from the airflow.

Background Art

[0002] Inside a gaming machine island that houses multiple sets of a combination of a gaming ball lending machine that receives the insertion of paper money and lends gaming balls (such as pachinko balls) to players and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a conveying device that conveys the paper money inserted into each gaming ball lending machine to a safe provided at the end of the gaming machine island is provided along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island.

[0003] In addition to belt-type conveying devices for conveying paper materials such as paper money, there is a conveying device that generates an air flow with a blower inside a cylindrical conveying pipe and conveys the paper materials by the action of the air flow (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the case of a conveying device that uses an air flow, since it is necessary to make the entire conveying path cylindrical, a paper material intake device that takes in the paper materials to be conveyed discharged from the gaming ball lending machine into the conveying pipe has a cylindrical passage portion with the same cross-sectional shape as the conveying path, and is configured to send out the paper materials to be conveyed into this passage portion. A gaming ball lending machine is provided for each gaming machine in the gaming machine island, and the paper material intake device is attached to the back of each gaming ball lending machine. Therefore, based on the passage portion of the paper material intake device attached to the back of the gaming ball lending machine, the passage portion of each paper material intake device and the passage portion of the adjacent paper material intake device are connected to each other by a conveying pipe, thereby forming a conveying path extending along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island.

[0005] When conveying paper materials such as paper money by an air flow, when the paper materials are in a straight extended state, since the air flow flows along the paper surface, it is difficult to receive the wind pressure that becomes the propulsive force, and a phenomenon occurs in which the paper materials are adsorbed to the inner wall surface, making conveyance difficult. Therefore, there is a conveying device that feeds a cylindrical conveying auxiliary body that moves by the air flow generated in the conveying pipe into the conveying pipe, and conveys the paper materials by pushing the paper materials from behind with this conveying auxiliary body (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] In this conveying system, when collecting paper sheets, a conveying aid is sent into the conveying pipe by a conveying aid insertion device installed at the starting end of the conveying pipe, and the paper sheets and conveying aid are separated and collected by a separation and collection device installed at the ending end of the conveying pipe. Furthermore, in order to reuse the separated conveying aid, the conveying pipe is composed of a forward path, a U-shaped return section, and a return path, and the starting and ending ends of the conveying pipe are brought close together, and the conveying aid collected by the separation and collection device installed at the ending end is automatically sent to the conveying aid insertion device at the starting end.

[0007] As shown in Figure 33, the above-described separation and recovery device includes a separation section 80 that allows the paper sheets 6, which have been pushed and transported by the transport assist body 16, to pass downstream, and the transport assist body 16 to come into contact with and stop; a tubular passage section 96 that receives the paper sheets 6 coming out of the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80; an annular transport belt 98B stretched along one inner wall of the passage section 96 in the direction of its extension; and a suction port for sucking air from the outside into the passage section 96 from behind the transport belt 98B. The paper sheets 6 that have passed through the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80 are made to stick to the transport belt 98B by sucking air from inside the passage section 96 through the suction port behind the transport belt 98B, and are transported by the transport belt 98B and discharged from the end of the passage section 96. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4130697 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-82062 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In conveying methods that utilize airflow, it is desirable that the conveying path be as straight and free of steps as possible to prevent paper sheets and conveying aids from getting caught. However, in the aforementioned configuration in which the conveying pipes of other parts are held in the passage of the paper sheet intake device attached to the back of the game ball dispenser, it is difficult to keep the conveying path straight and free of steps along the longitudinal direction of the game machine island.

[0010] In other words, the space between the back of the game ball dispenser installed on the front side of the game machine island and the back of the game ball dispenser installed on the back side of the game machine island is narrow, and with airflow transport, the transport pipe is thick and the paper sheet intake device is also large, so the paper sheet intake device is pushed against the back of the game ball dispenser, making it difficult to keep the transport path straight.

[0011] Furthermore, in the case of double-sided island machines, paper leaf collection devices are provided for both the front and back sides of the game ball dispensing machines. However, due to construction constraints, only the paper leaf collection device corresponding to one side is fixed to the back of the game ball dispensing machine with metal fittings. The paper leaf collection device corresponding to the other side is not securely attached to the back of the game ball dispensing machine with metal fittings, as its paper leaf collection opening is simply connected to the banknote exit on the back of the game ball dispensing machine. As a result, the paper leaf collection device that is not securely attached to the back of the game ball dispensing machine is pushed against the back of the game ball dispensing machine, making it difficult to maintain a straight transport path.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described separation and recovery device, when the leading edge of the paper sheets 6 emerges from the passage opening 84 of the separation unit 80 into the passage section 96, the transport assist body 16 is still pushing the paper sheets 6 from behind (Figure 33(a)). Subsequently, when almost the entire paper sheet 6 emerges from the separation unit 80 into the passage section 96, the transport assist body 16 comes into contact with the separation unit 80 and stops. Therefore, in the case of paper sheets 6 that are not very stiff, or paper sheets 6 that are curled or rolled, when the leading edge of the paper sheet 6 emerges to a certain extent from the passage opening 84, the leading edge of the paper sheet 6 sticks to the transport belt 98B due to the suction of air from behind the transport belt 98B (Figure 33(a), (b)), and in this stuck state, the rear end of the paper sheet 6 is pushed by the transport assist body 16. At this time, since the transport assist body 16 moves faster than the transport belt 98B, the rear end of the paper sheets 6 may be crushed or caught in the transport assist body 16, causing the paper sheets to jam (Figure 33(c)).

[0013] Furthermore, in a paper sheet conveying device that uses a conveying aid to push and move paper sheets from behind, the conveying aid moves independently within the conveying pipe from the moment it is sent into the conveying pipe until it reaches the paper sheets to be conveyed. After reaching the paper sheets, it moves while pushing the paper sheets from behind. Therefore, the optimal airflow strength differs before and after reaching the paper sheets.

[0014] For example, if the airflow is fixed to a strength suitable for pushing paper sheets, the airflow will be too strong when the system is moving on its own. This can lead to instability in the transport aid's posture or cause it to collide with the transport path at the U-shaped fold and be easily damaged. On the other hand, if the airflow is too weak, the paper sheets cannot be transported stably.

[0015] Furthermore, when the conveying aid comes into contact with the separation section of the separation and recovery device and stops, it is desirable to reduce the airflow to mitigate the impact of the collision. In addition, if the airflow is too strong when the paper sheets reach the separation and recovery device, the separated paper sheets may stick tightly to the conveying belt of the separation and recovery device, causing a blockage and preventing them from being discharged from the device.

[0016] Further, when a separation and recovery device is disposed above a conveyance assist body insertion device that inserts a conveyance assist body waiting in a standby unit into a conveyance pipe, and the conveyance assist body recovered by the separation and recovery device is configured to be transferred by falling naturally to the lower standby unit through a guide path on the side of the conveyance pipe, if there is an air flow during the transfer, the air flow reverses in the guide path and obstructs the natural fall of the conveyance assist body.

[0017] By the way, in a paper sheet conveyance device that conveys paper sheets in the direction of an air flow generated by an air flow generating device, it is desirable to appropriately control the strength of the air flow according to the conveyance state.

[0018] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, The objective is to provide a paper sheet recovery device that can separate and recover paper sheets that have been transported by airflow from the airflow.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following respective items.

[0020] [1] A paper sheet recovery device that separates and recovers paper sheets that have been transported in a conveying pipe by an airflow from the airflow, A passage section is provided at the end of the transport pipe to receive the paper sheets and the airflow, A conveyor belt having ventilation is provided within the passage section so as to face one side of the received paper sheets, and is used to transport the paper sheets downstream. A suction port for sucking air from the passage section from behind the conveyor belt, It has, The airflow that enters the passage is discharged from the suction port, and the paper sheets received in the passage are carried along the conveyor belt by the suction. A paper sheet collection device characterized by the following features.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a paper sheet conveyance device including a separation and recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a paper sheet conveyance device including a separation and recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory view showing a state where a banknote in a conveyance pipe is pushed and moved by a conveyance assist body from the rear end side of the banknote. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view showing the straight sections (forward and return routes) of the transport pipe. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor pipe in the straight sections (forward and return routes). [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the top and front views of the transport assist unit. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken through the central axis of the transport assist body with the transport assist body inserted into the transport pipe. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the turning section of the conveyor pipe. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the turning section of the conveyor pipe. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the safe with the front cover removed. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the safe with the front cover removed. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the installation of the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device, airflow generator, and other components inside a safe with some parts removed. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the installation of the banknote separation / transportation aid circulation device, airflow generator, and other components inside the safe with some parts removed, from a different angle than Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device as seen from the transport pipe connection port side. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device, seen from the opposite direction to Figure 14. [Figure 16] This is a disassembled perspective view of the separation and recovery device. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the inner unit and the separation section located at the recovery point, seen from a diagonal downstream side. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the inner unit and the separation section located at the retrieval point, seen from an oblique upstream side. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the inner unit and the separation section located at the discharge point, seen from an oblique downstream side. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the inner unit and the separation section at the discharge point, seen from an oblique upstream side. [Figure 21]This is a perspective view showing the inner unit body and inner unit cover separated. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing the main body of the inner unit. [Figure 23] This is a front view showing the main body of the inner unit. [Figure 24] This is a rear view showing the main body of the inner unit. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the inner unit cover. [Figure 26] This is a front view showing the inner unit cover. [Figure 27] This is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of the inner unit, with the inner unit body and the inner unit cover facing each other. [Figure 28] This diagram shows the inside of the base of the inner unit. [Figure 29] This diagram shows the structure that ensures close contact between the discharge roller inside the base of the inner unit and the opposing discharge roller. [Figure 30] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contrast between the state in which the separation unit is in the recovery position and the state in which it is in the discharge position. [Figure 31] This diagram shows the stages in the operation of the separation and collection device, which separates and collects banknotes and transport aids. [Figure 32] This figure is a continuation of Figure 31. [Figure 33] This diagram shows the steps involved in the operation of a conventional separation and collection device, which separates and collects banknotes that are not very flexible from the transport aid. [Figure 34] This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of transporting banknotes from the separation and collection device to the banknote transport section. [Figure 35] This is an exploded perspective view of the conveying aid insertion device. [Figure 36] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contrast between the state in which the holding part of the movable storage unit is in the standby position and the state in which it is in the deployment position. [Figure 37] This is a perspective view showing a transport assist body insertion device with the movable storage section's holding part in the standby position, with the upper delivery passage removed. [Figure 38]This is a perspective view showing a transport assist insertion device with the movable storage section's holding section in the discharge position, with the upper discharge passage removed. [Figure 39] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the posture correction mechanism corrects the posture of the transport assisting body. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing a banknote feeding device. [Figure 41] This is a front view showing a banknote receiving device and the transport pipe connected thereto. [Figure 42] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a banknote feeding device. [Figure 43] This is a perspective view showing the banknote feeding device with the opening / closing door in the open position. [Figure 44] This is an exploded assembly diagram of a transport path supported by an auxiliary frame. [Figure 45] This is a perspective view showing the transport path formed by assembling the components shown in Figure 44. [Figure 46] This is a perspective view of the base. [Figure 47] This is a six-view drawing of the base. [Figure 48] This is a diagram showing the hook component. [Figure 49] This diagram shows the state in which a hook member is attached to an auxiliary frame, and the conveying pipe is held in place by the hook member. [Figure 50] This figure shows a frame member whose end is fixed to the end plate with mounting brackets. [Figure 51] This diagram shows a mounting bracket attached to the upper rear of a game ball dispenser, which holds the banknote receiving device and auxiliary frame. [Figure 52] This diagram shows the mounting bracket fixed to the back of the game ball dispenser. [Figure 53] This is a perspective view showing the banknote collection device and auxiliary frame attached to a mounting bracket fixed to the back of the game ball dispenser. [Figure 54] This is a front view showing the banknote feeding device being held by the base portion on the frame member. [Figure 55] This diagram shows the relationship between airflow and each point along the transport route. [Figure 56]This graph shows the airflow at each timing of the banknote collection operation by the transport assist device. [Figure 57] This graph shows the airflow rate and the operating timing of the separation and collection device at each timing of the banknote collection operation by the conveying aid. [Figure 58] This diagram shows how air flows back to the discharge point through the guided passage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a paper sheet conveying device 10 including a separation and recovery device 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a front view of the paper sheet conveying device 10. In this embodiment, the paper sheet conveying device 10 is installed in a gaming machine island 2, which houses multiple sets of gaming ball dispensing machines 3, which act as gaming media dispensing machines that receive banknotes and lend gaming balls (pachinko balls) to players, and gaming machines 4 such as pachinko machines, arranged back to back on each other on the front and back sides. The paper sheet conveying device is configured to take in banknotes 6 discharged from the back of each gaming ball dispensing machine 3 and transport them to a safe 5 located at the end of the gaming machine island 2.

[0024] The paper sheet conveying device 10 includes a conveying pipe 12 that serves as a conveying path for banknotes (paper sheets), and an airflow generator (blower) 14 that generates an airflow within the conveying pipe 12 in the direction of its extension. In the paper sheet conveying device 10, a conveying auxiliary body 16 that can move within the conveying pipe 12 by receiving the airflow is inserted into the conveying pipe 12 upstream of the banknotes 6 to be conveyed, and the conveying auxiliary body 16 pushes the banknotes 6 inside the conveying pipe 12 from the rear to convey them downstream.

[0025] In this example, as shown in Figure 2, an airflow generator 14 and a banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11 are installed inside a safe 5 located at one end of the gaming machine island 2. The banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11 has the function of a transport assist insertion device 40 that sends the transport assist 16 into the transport pipe 12, and a separation and recovery device 70 that separates the banknotes 6 and the transport assist 16 that have been pushing and transporting them from behind, and recovers each, as well as the function of returning the recovered transport assist 16 to the transport assist insertion device 40 for circulation. The banknotes 6 recovered by the separation and recovery device 70 are stored in the banknote storage section 21 (see Figure 1) inside the safe 5.

[0026] The air outlet side (air outlet passage 14a) of the airflow generator 14 is connected to the air inlet side (outlet passage connection port 46) of the transport assist insertion device 40, and the starting end of the transport pipe 12 is connected to the air outlet side (transport pipe connection port 45) of the transport assist insertion device 40. The transport pipe 12 consists of a forward path 12a extending from the air outlet side of the transport assist insertion device 40 to the other end of the gaming machine island 2, a turn section 12b that folds back in a U-shape at the other end, and a return path 12c that, after folding back at the turn section 12b, extends above the forward path 12a along the forward path 12a back to the safe 5. The end of the return path 12c is connected to the air inlet side (transport pipe connection port 72) of the separation and recovery device 70, and the air intake side (air intake passage 14b) of the airflow generator 14 is connected to the air outlet side (air intake passage connection port 76) of the separation and recovery device 70.

[0027] The airflow generator 14 generates airflow by rotating a fan with a motor. The airflow generated by the airflow generator 14 flows from the air outlet passage 14a through the conveying aid insertion device 40 to the starting end of the conveying pipe 12, passes through the forward path 12a, the turn section 12b, and the return path 12c, and then flows through the separation and recovery device 70 and the air intake passage 14b to be drawn back to the suction side of the airflow generator 14.

[0028] The forward and return paths 12a and 12c of the transport pipe 12 are divided into units of predetermined length, for example, a length corresponding to the width of one set of gaming machines 4 and gaming ball dispensers 3 housed together on the gaming machine island 2. By connecting the required number of these units with the connecting unit 18, the route length can be adjusted according to the longitudinal length of the gaming machine island 2. Furthermore, at the construction site, the transport pipe 12 can be cut to the required length on-site.

[0029] In the return path 12c of the transport pipe 12, a banknote intake device 140 is installed at a position corresponding to each game ball dispensing machine 3, to take in banknotes 6 discharged from the back of the game ball dispensing machine 3 into the transport pipe 12. The banknote intake devices 140 are arranged in pairs: one that takes in banknotes 6 from the game ball dispensing machines 3 located on the front side of the game machine island 2, and another that takes in banknotes 6 from the game ball dispensing machines 3 located on the back side of the game machine island 2. The banknote intake devices 140 are interposed between the transport pipes 12 that make up the return path 12c, and play a role in connecting them.

[0030] Within the gaming machine island 2, an auxiliary frame (frame member) 160 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 2 to support the transport path 12. The auxiliary frame 160 is provided along the return path 12c, below the return path 12c (between the forward path 12a and the return path 12c, which are arranged vertically), and the longitudinal ends of the auxiliary frame 160 are fixed to the end plate of the gaming machine island 2 with mounting brackets 66 (see Figure 50). A base portion 170 that can slide freely along the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary frame 160 is attached to the upper side of the auxiliary frame 160, and the base portion 170 holds the lower part of the banknote taking device 140 from below (see Figures 2 and 45). In addition, a hook member 180 is hooked onto the auxiliary frame 160 and suspended, and this hook member 180 is designed to embrace and hold the forward path 12a of the transport pipe 12. Details of the support provided by the auxiliary frame 160 will be described later.

[0031] In the paper sheet transport device 10, banknotes 6 taken into the return path 12c of the transport pipe 12 from the banknote intake device 140 remain at a predetermined intake completion position with their paper surface aligned with the extending direction of the transport pipe 12. To transport and collect the banknotes 6 that have been taken into and remain in the transport pipe 12 to the safe 5, a transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40 of the banknote separation / transport assist body circulation device 11. The transport assist body 16 sent into the transport pipe 12 moves along the outward path 12a toward the turn section 12b under the influence of the airflow generated by the airflow generator 14, makes a U-turn at the turn section 12b, and then moves further along the return path 12c toward the end. At this time, as shown in Figure 3, the transport assist 16 pushes the banknotes 6 inside the transport pipe 12 from the rear end side, so that the banknotes 6 are transported toward the end of the transport pipe 12 (in the transport direction F in the figure).

[0032] The banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11 and the banknote intake device 140 are controlled and operated by a control unit 23 (see Figure 10), which mainly consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. In this example, the airflow generator 14 is kept running at all times, and when a sensor installed in the banknote intake device 140 detects banknotes 6 discharged from the back of the game ball dispenser 3, the control unit 23 activates the banknote intake device 140 to take the banknotes 6 into the transport pipe 12. Once this intake operation is complete, the transport assist device 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 from the transport assist device insertion device 40 of the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11. Then, the transport assist device 16 moves inside the transport pipe 12 under the action of the airflow, pushing and transporting the banknotes 6 from the rear. Then, when the separation and recovery device 70 of the banknote separation and transport assist body circulation device 11 detects the arrival of the transport assist body 16, it separates the banknotes 6 and the transport assist body 16 and recovers them. The recovered transport assist body 16 is then guided to the transport assist body insertion device 40 in preparation for the next discharge, and the recovered banknotes 6 are transported to the banknote storage section 21 inside the safe 5. The device controls the operation in this manner.

[0033] The airflow generator 14 may also be controlled to operate only when necessary (for example, from the time the banknote receiving device 140 detects banknotes from the game ball dispensing machine 3 until the banknotes have been collected into the safe 5).

[0034] In this way, the transport assist body 16 moves in response to the airflow, and the transport assist body 16 pushes the banknotes 6 from the rear end for transport, so the banknotes 6 themselves do not need to receive airflow to gain propulsion. Therefore, the banknotes 6 can be transported by airflow without taking measures such as folding the banknotes 6 to receive airflow. In addition, the transport assist body 16 can obtain propulsion from the airflow more efficiently than the banknotes 6, so the banknotes 6 can be transported efficiently.

[0035] Next, the shapes of the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16 will be described in detail.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the conveyor pipe 12 in the straight section (the outbound path 12a and the return path 12c), and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape of the conveyor pipe 12 in the same section perpendicular to the extension direction F (= the direction of banknote transport F = the direction of airflow). The conveyor pipe 12 is made of resin with a thickness of about 1.5 mm. The conveyor pipe 12 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

[0037] The cross-sectional shape of the straight section of the conveying pipe 12 perpendicular to the extension direction F is a vertically elongated rectangle with the central parts of the left and right side walls extending outward in a rectangular shape. In detail, the conveying pipe 12 comprises upper and lower wall sections 31, left and right side wall sections 32, and an extension section 33 that protrudes outward in a rectangular shape at the central part of the left and right side wall sections 32 in the vertical direction. The direction of the shorter side of the roughly rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction (conveying direction F) of the conveying pipe 12 is called the X direction (or width direction, left-right direction), and the direction of the longer side is called the Y direction (or height direction, up-down direction). In the X and Y directions, the direction toward the center of the conveying pipe 12 is called the inside, and the direction toward the inner wall from the center is called the outside.

[0038] The expansion section 33 is divided into two parts, upper and lower, by a separation wall 34 erected in the inward direction of the transport pipe 12. The separation wall 34 is formed by attaching a T-shaped member to the inner wall of the expansion section 33.

[0039] Multiple ribs 35 projecting inward from the conveying pipe 12 are formed on the side wall portion 32, extending along the conveying direction. In this example, ribs 35 projecting inward from the conveying pipe 12 are formed along the conveying direction at the boundary between the side wall portion 32 and the expansion portion 33. The separation wall 34 is at the same height as the ribs 35, and the top of the separation wall 34 functions as a rib.

[0040] The side wall portion 32 is a pair of inner walls facing the surface of the banknote 6 being transported. The banknote 6 is rectangular in shape and is transported inside the transport tube 12 with its longer side in the transport direction F. In other words, the surface of the banknote faces the side wall portion 32 of the transport tube 12 and is transported with one short side of the banknote 6 facing the leading end in the transport direction and the other short side facing the trailing end.

[0041] The distance Dy between the upper and lower walls 31 of the transport pipe 12 is slightly longer than the shorter side of a banknote 6. The distance Dx between the left and right side walls 32 (the portion where the ribs 35, extensions 33, and separation walls 34 are not formed (referred to as the reference plane)) is set to approximately 21 mm. The extensions 33 provided on the left and right side walls 32 extend outward by approximately 6 mm from the side walls 32 (reference plane). The tops of the ribs 35 and separation walls 34 are approximately 2 mm inward from the side walls 32 (reference plane). The height of the ribs 35 can be set as appropriate.

[0042] Figure 6 shows the plan view and front view of the conveying support body 16. The conveying support body 16 is a columnar shape with a circular cross-section and different diameters in each part. The conveying support body 16 is used by being inserted into the conveying pipe 12 such that the central axis of the cylinder is in the Y direction (height direction) of the conveying pipe 12. The conveying support body 16 has a vertically symmetrical shape and is composed of, from top to bottom, a head 16a, a neck 16b with a slightly smaller diameter than the head, a large-diameter part 16c with a larger diameter than the head 16a, a constricted part 16d with the same diameter as the neck 16b and located in the center vertically, the large-diameter part 16c, the neck 16b, and the head 16a. The conveying support body 16 is lightweight and durable, and is formed with a hollow interior, for example, from plastic. However, it may also be formed from expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene, as long as it is lightweight and durable.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction F and passing through the central axis of the conveying support body 16 when it is inserted into the conveying pipe 12. The diameter of each part of the conveying support body 16 corresponds to the shape of the inner edge of the conveying pipe 12. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the conveying support body 16 passing through the central axis corresponds to the shape of the inner edge of the conveying pipe 12 in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction F, and it is shaped to almost completely close the inside of the conveying pipe 12 with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner wall.

[0044] In this way, the conveying support body 16 has a shape that corresponds to the inner edge shape of the conveying pipe 12 (almost the same shape with a slight clearance) and covers almost the entire cross-section of the conveying pipe 12, so that it can efficiently receive the action of the airflow and move. Furthermore, the conveying support body 16 prevents the airflow from upstream from reaching the downstream side of the conveying support body 16, and plays a role in suppressing turbulence of the airflow on the downstream side.

[0045] When the banknote 6 is subjected to the airflow inside the transport tube 12, it tends to stick to the side wall 32. That is, the distance between one side of the banknote 6 and the opposite side wall 32 is almost never equal to the distance between the other side of the banknote 6 and the opposite side wall 32. When one distance is narrower than the other, the airflow velocity is faster on the narrower side than on the wider side. As a result, the air pressure on the narrower side becomes lower than on the wider side, and this pressure difference causes the banknote 6 to be attracted and pressed against the side wall 32 on the narrower side. This causes the distance on the narrower side to become even narrower, resulting in the phenomenon of the banknote 6 sticking and being attracted to the side wall 32.

[0046] If the banknotes 6 stick strongly to the side wall 32, it becomes difficult for the transport assisting body 16 to push and move the banknotes 6 for transport. However, as described above, the transport assisting body 16 acts to block (reduce) the airflow downstream, so the force with which the banknotes 6 stick and adhere is reduced, and smooth transport is achieved.

[0047] The two large-diameter sections 16c of the transport assist body 16 engage with each of the two expanded sections 33 separated by the separation wall 34 of the transport pipe 12. In this example, the expanded sections 33 are divided into two by the separation wall 34, and these expanded sections 33 are located closer to the center in the Y direction of the transport pipe 12, so that the transport assist body 16 can be moved while maintaining a stable posture. Furthermore, because the posture of the transport assist body 16 is stable, the large-diameter sections 16c of the transport assist body 16 can properly contact the rear end of the banknote 6, providing a stable transport force. In addition, it becomes less likely for the banknote 6 to get caught between the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16.

[0048] Furthermore, by providing a large-diameter section 16c to the conveying aid 16, the area of ​​the part that is affected by the airflow is increased, allowing it to efficiently receive the force for movement. Also, because the large-diameter section 16c efficiently receives the effect of the airflow, the diameter of the head 16a can be reduced accordingly. By reducing the diameter of the head, the distance (width (Dx)) between the pair of opposing side walls 32 inside the conveying pipe 12 can be narrowed, preventing the banknotes 6 from falling over.

[0049] Furthermore, the presence of multiple ribs 35 on the side wall 32 prevents the banknote 6 from sticking tightly to the side wall 32. In other words, the contact area between the banknote 6 and the side wall 32 is reduced, friction is reduced, and the generation of static electricity can be suppressed. Also, even if the banknote 6 does stick to the side wall 32, it is supported by the tips of the ribs 35, so a gap is maintained between the side wall 32 and the banknote 6 around the ribs 35, and the force of adhesion is kept low. In addition, since the banknote 6 is supported by the separation wall 34, it is prevented from falling into the recess of the expansion section 33.

[0050] Furthermore, the multiple ribs 35 protruding inward from the side wall 32 and the tops of the separation wall 34 play a role in making the effective passage width W of the banknotes 6 in the width direction (X direction) of the conveying pipe 12 narrower than the distance Dx between the reference plane sections. As a result, the banknotes 6 are less likely to tip over sideways within the conveying pipe 12, and their orientation is maintained along the Y direction. In particular, by providing multiple ribs 35, the tipping of the banknotes 6 is appropriately prevented, and the sticking of the banknotes 6 to the side wall 32 is also effectively prevented. Moreover, by providing the ribs 35, Dx can be increased, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the conveying pipe 12 and making the conveying aid 16 more susceptible to the action of airflow.

[0051] In the case of the transport assist body 16 according to this embodiment, the diameter of the large-diameter portion 16c is the largest, so as shown in Figure 3, this large-diameter portion 16c comes into contact with the rear end of the banknote 6 and pushes it forward.

[0052] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the turn section 12b, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the turn section 12b. The turn section 12b has a shape that connects the conveying pipe 12 with an arc section 13b that extends in a 90-degree arc with the Y direction as the radial direction, a straight section 13c, and a 90-degree arc section 13b, changing the path of the conveying aid 16 by 180 degrees. Ribs 35 and extensions 33 are also formed in the turn section 12b, but a separation wall 34 is not provided so that the conveying aid 16 does not get caught when it moves in an arc along the arc section 13b, and the ribs 35 and extensions 33 are made to give way (larger clearance than in the straight section) in the parts that overlap with the trajectory of the conveying aid 16 as it passes through the turn section 12b. This makes it possible to reduce the turning radius of the turn section 12b in the arc section 13b. The length of the straight section 13c can be appropriately determined according to the distance required between the forward path 12a and the return path 12c, based on the size of the banknote separation / transportation aid circulation device 11 and the banknote intake device 140. The extended section 33 of the turn section 12b is provided with two ribs 13a corresponding to the large diameter section 16c of the transport aid 16, thereby restricting the position of the transport aid 16 towards the center in the X direction.

[0053] Next, we will describe the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11.

[0054] Figure 10 is a front view of the safe 5 with the front cover removed (viewed from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1), Figure 11 is a perspective view of the safe 5 with the front cover removed, and Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views showing the installation of the banknote separation / transportation assist circulation device 11 and the airflow generator 14 inside the safe 5 with some parts removed.

[0055] The safe 5 has a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape, with an airflow generator 14 and its motor 14c located in the lower interior, and a banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11 mounted in the upper part. The air outlet passage 14a of the airflow generator 14 extends upward and is connected to the transport assist insertion device 40, and the air intake passage 14b extends further upward and is connected to the separation and recovery device 70.

[0056] In addition, the safe 5 houses a banknote storage section 21 for storing banknotes 6, a banknote transport section 22 for transporting banknotes 6 separated and collected by the separation and collection device 70 to the banknote storage section 21, a control unit 23 for controlling the operation of the paper sheet transport device 10 and various equipment within the gaming machine island 2, and a power supply unit 24 for supplying power to each piece of equipment within the gaming machine island 2. Banknotes 6 discharged from the banknote discharge port at the rear end of the separation and collection device 70 travel along the path shown by arrow B in Figure 10 and are handed over to the adjacent banknote transport section 22.

[0057] Figures 14 and 15 show an overview of the banknote separation and transport aid circulation device 11. The banknote separation and transport aid circulation device 11 is composed of a transport aid insertion device 40 that sends the transport aid 16 into the transport pipe 12, and a separation and collection device 70 that is positioned above the transport aid insertion device 40 and separates and collects the transport aid 16 and banknotes 6.

[0058] The transport assist body 16 separated and recovered by the separation and recovery device 70 falls through the guide passage 61 connecting the expansion chamber 73 of the separation and recovery device 70 and the waiting section 42 of the transport assist body insertion device 40, and is transferred from the separation and recovery device 70 to the transport assist body insertion device 40.

[0059] First, let me explain the details of the separation and recovery device 70.

[0060] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the separation and recovery device 70. The separation and recovery device 70 comprises an outer frame portion 71 which is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape by combining a frame portion 71A which forms one side wall and bottom surface, an upper lid portion 71B, and a side wall duct portion 71C which forms the other side wall and functions as an air intake duct; a transport pipe connection portion 72 which is fitted into the opening at the front end of the outer frame portion 71 and to which the end of the transport pipe 12 is connected; an inner unit 90 which is inserted into the outer frame portion 71 so as to be insertable and removable from the opening at the rear end of the outer frame portion 71; and a separation portion 80 which is rotatably mounted inside the outer frame portion 71. The separation portion 80 has the function of passing the banknotes 6 that have been pushed and transported by the transport assist body 16 downstream, and the transport assist body 16 captures and separates them. The inner unit 90 has a passage inside that receives the banknotes 6 separated by the separation portion 80.

[0061] The separation section 80 and the inner unit 90 are set within the outer frame section 71 in the positional relationship shown in Figures 17 to 20.

[0062] The separation unit 80 includes a holding unit 81 that allows the banknotes 6, which have been pushed and transported by the transport assisting body 16, to pass downstream, and a support unit 82 that extends from the holding unit 81 to stop the transport assisting body 16. As shown in Figure 18, the holding unit 81 has a shape like a hollow cylinder divided into two along its axis, and is structured to stop the transport assisting body 16, which is received through a rectangular opening corresponding to the divided end face, by bringing it into contact with the inside of the semi-cylindrical wall.

[0063] A guide rail 83 (see Figure 18) is provided on the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical wall of the holding section 81 to restrict the orientation of the held transport assist body 16 so that it does not tilt. An outlet 86 is provided at the bottom of the holding section 81 to allow the transport assist body 16 to fall into the guide passage 61. The guide rail 83 is designed not to obstruct the fall of the transport assist body 16 from the outlet 86.

[0064] Furthermore, a vertically elongated rectangular opening 84 is provided in the center of the semi-cylindrical wall of the holding section 81 for the banknotes 6 to pass downstream (see Figure 16). The opening 84 has an opening width sufficient to allow a bundle of more than ten banknotes 6 to pass through.

[0065] The support portion 82 has a U-shaped cross-section and an arm of a predetermined length that extends downstream from the holding portion 81 in the conveying direction. With the holding portion 81 facing upstream (towards the conveying pipe connection port 72), the support portion 82 is rotatably attached to the outer frame portion 71 by inserting the projection shaft 85 provided on the base end of the support portion 82 into the shaft hole 78 of the outer frame portion 71 (see Figure 16). When the inner unit 90 is inserted into the outer frame portion 71, the U-shaped support portion 82 fits onto the outside of the upstream end of the inner unit 90, as shown in Figure 17.

[0066] The outer frame portion 71 has a rectangular tubular path with a fan-shaped expansion section (expansion chamber 73) in the middle of the path, such that the arc faces the conveying pipe connection port 72. The expansion chamber 73 is a space formed to allow the separation portion 80 to rotate within a predetermined angular range around the projection shaft 85 inserted into the shaft hole 78.

[0067] Furthermore, a circular drop-off opening 74 is provided at the bottom of the expansion chamber 73. The separation unit 80 rotates around the projection shaft 85 between a recovery position where the holding unit 81 faces the end of the transport pipe 12 (see Figures 17, 18, and 30(a)) and a discharge position where the holding unit 81 is inside the expansion chamber 73 (see Figures 19, 20, and 30(b)). At the discharge position, the transport assist body 16 is discharged from the discharge opening 86 at the bottom of the holding unit 81 through the drop-off opening 74 and the guide passage 61 (see Figure 14) to the transport assist body insertion device 40 below. The separation unit 80 rotates between the recovery position and the discharge position driven by a first drive unit 62 (see Figure 15) located on the outer frame 71. Here, the first drive unit 62 is a solenoid.

[0068] An intake port 75 is provided in the side wall duct section 71C (see Figure 16) facing the side wall of the frame section 71A. The side wall duct section 71C forms a tubular passage that extends downward in an L-shape outward from the intake port 75. An air intake passage 14b is connected to the lower end of the side wall duct section 71C. The intake port 75 is divided into several (three in this example) small openings by a banknote suck-in prevention wall 77 provided inside the side wall duct section 71C (see Figure 30). The small openings are small enough that banknotes 6 will not be sucked in through the intake port 75 when the inner unit 90 is removed.

[0069] In addition, a transport assist body detection sensor 63 is provided at the upper part of the upstream end of the outer frame 71 to detect when the transport assist body 16 has arrived at the holding part 81 of the separation part 80 (see Figure 14).

[0070] The inner unit 90 has a cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross-section and, as shown in Figure 21, is composed of an inner unit body 91 equipped with a conveyor belt 98, etc., and an inner unit cover 92 with a roughly U-shaped cross-section that forms three longitudinal side walls (top surface 92b, bottom surface 92c, and facing wall 92a). Figure 22 is a perspective view of the inner unit body 91, Figure 23 is a front view of the inner unit body 91, Figure 24 is a rear view of the inner unit body 91, Figure 25 is a perspective view of the inner unit cover 92, Figure 26 is a front view of the inner unit cover 92, and Figure 27 shows the inside of the inner unit 90 with the inner unit body 91 and the inner unit cover 92 facing each other.

[0071] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the inner unit body 91 comprises a base 93 forming the downstream end, a first side wall 94 extending from the base 93 to form one of the longitudinal side walls of the inner unit 90, with its tip bending inward and ending at approximately two-fifths of the width of the inner unit 90, and a partition wall 95 that starts from the inwardly bent end of the first side wall 94 and slopes to the base 93, gradually moving away from the longitudinal side wall of the first side wall 94.

[0072] As shown in Figures 16, 21, and 24, a large opening 94a is provided in the first side wall 94 as an air intake. When the inner unit 90 is inserted into the outer frame 71 and set, this opening 94a faces the air intake 75 of the side wall duct section 71C of the outer frame 71.

[0073] The interior of the inner unit 90 is divided into two spaces by a partition wall 95. The space between the partition wall 95 and the wall surface of the inner unit cover portion 92 that faces the partition wall 95 (opposite wall 92a) forms a passage portion 96 that receives the banknotes 6 coming out of the passage opening 84 of the separation portion 80 and serves as a passage for them (see Figure 20). In other words, the partition wall 95 that divides the interior of the inner unit 90 into two forms the wall surface that faces one side of the banknotes 6 coming out of the passage opening 84 of the separation portion 80, and the opposite wall 92a forms the wall surface that faces the other side of the banknotes 6 coming out of the passage opening 84 of the separation portion 80, and the space between them is the passage portion 96.

[0074] On the other hand, the space between the partition wall 95 and the first side wall 94 serves as an air passage 109 for drawing out air (see Figures 20 and 30).

[0075] Three elongated openings 95a are provided along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 95, spaced at predetermined intervals in the height direction of the partition wall 95, in the area downstream from approximately halfway between its upstream end and just before the base 93 on the downstream side (see Figures 22 and 23).

[0076] Furthermore, downstream pulleys 97a are provided inside the base 93 near the downstream end of the partition wall 95 at positions corresponding to each opening 95a (see Figures 22, 28, and 30). Upstream pulleys 97b are provided near the upstream end of each opening 95a, between the partition wall 95 and the first side wall 94, such that a portion of them is exposed from the opening 95a into the passage 96 (see Figures 21, 22, and 30, etc.).

[0077] An annular conveyor belt 98 is stretched between each upstream pulley 97b and the corresponding downstream pulley 97a, with the belts at both ends winding around them. Three conveyor belts 98 are stretched parallel to each other with vertical spacing between them, and the spacing between the two end conveyor belts 98 is slightly shorter than the length of the short side (the side perpendicular to the conveying direction) of a banknote 6. The forward path of each conveyor belt 98 passes along the passage section 96 side of the partition wall 95, and the return path passes along the first side wall 94 side of the partition wall 95, and the forward path is driven to move from upstream to downstream of the passage section 96.

[0078] As shown in Figure 21, the upstream pulley 97b is provided on the upstream pivot shaft 100b, and the downstream pulley 97a is provided on the downstream pivot shaft 100a (see Figure 28). The upstream pivot shaft 100b and the downstream pivot shaft 100a are supported at both ends of a movable frame 99 that connects them together. The partition wall 95 is bent toward the first side wall 94 at both its upper and lower ends, and the ends of the upstream pivot shaft 100b are pivotally supported at this portion together with the movable frame 99. The movable frame 99 is made pivotable around the upstream pivot shaft 100b.

[0079] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the downstream pivot shaft 100a is provided with discharge rollers 101 having approximately the same diameter as the downstream pulleys 97a, adjacent to each downstream pulley 97a. The base 93 is provided with opposing discharge rollers 102 positioned opposite to the discharge rollers 101. The discharge rollers 101 and 102 constitute a pair of rollers for gripping and discharging the banknotes 6 that have been transported by the conveyor belt 98. The opposing discharge rollers 102 are mounted on a pivot shaft 103, which is supported at both ends by the base 93.

[0080] The downstream end of the movable frame 99 is biased by a spring 108 to press the discharge roller 101 toward the opposing discharge roller 102. By swinging the movable frame 99, the distance between the pivot shaft 103 supporting the opposing discharge roller 102 and the downstream pivot shaft 100a supporting the discharge roller 101 can be displaced.

[0081] The pivot shaft 103, on which the opposing discharge roller 102 is mounted, protrudes downward from the base 93 and has a transmission gear 104 at its lower end. The downstream pivot shaft 100a also protrudes downward and has a transmission gear 105 at its lower end, which is meshed with the transmission gear 104. Power from the separation and conveying drive unit 64 (see Figure 14), which is composed of a motor or the like, is transmitted to the transmission gear 104 and then to the transmission gear 105. As a result, the opposing discharge roller 102 and the discharge roller 101 rotate, and the conveying belt 98 is driven to rotate.

[0082] The pivot shaft 103 also protrudes above the base 93 of the inner unit 90, and a hand-crank handle 106 is attached to its upper end. If banknotes 6 become jammed inside the inner unit 90, turning the handle 106 by hand will eject the jammed banknotes 6 from the rear end of the inner unit 90. The rear end of the inner unit 90 is provided with a banknote ejection passage 107 (see Figures 21 and 22) that curves the path of the ejected banknotes 6 to the side.

[0083] On the side of the partition wall 95 facing the passage section 96, there are ribs 110 that protrude inward into the passage section 96 (see Figure 22, etc.). The ribs 110 extend from the upstream end of the partition wall 95 (near the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80) to just before the opening 95a (i.e., the location where the conveyor belt 98 is laid). The ribs 110 also have a V-shaped form, raised near their upstream end. The ribs 110 are provided at positions corresponding to each conveyor belt 98 (so that the conveyor belt 98 is located on the extension of the ribs 110). They are also present at intermediate positions along the conveyor belt 98, and seven ribs are formed at equal intervals to cover the entire width of the banknote 6.

[0084] Furthermore, the opposing wall 92a of the inner unit cover portion 92 is provided with a rib (opposing rib 112) that extends in the direction of extension of the passage portion 96, facing the rib 110 on the partition wall 95 side (see Figure 21, etc.). The opposing rib 112 is provided facing the central five of the seven ribs 110. The opposing rib 112 extends from near the upstream end of the inner unit 90 (near the passage opening 84 of the separation portion 80) to near the opposing discharge roller 102 in the base portion 93, and is gradually raised toward the downstream. The banknotes 6 that have passed through the passage opening 84 of the separation portion 80 will proceed downstream through the passage portion 96 of the inner unit 90, passing between the rib 110 and the opposing rib 112.

[0085] As shown in Figure 23, the length L1 of the passage section 96 of the inner unit 90 is slightly longer than the length of the banknotes 6 in the transport direction, and the distance L2 from the upstream end of the passage section 96 (near the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80) to the transport belt 98 is approximately half the length of the banknotes 6 in the transport direction. The distance L2 may be increased or decreased, and it is preferable to set it in the range of about one-third to four-fifths of the length of the banknotes 6 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the length L1 of the passage section 96 of the inner unit 90 may be made even longer than that shown in Figure 23.

[0086] Next, the operation of the separation and recovery device 70 will be explained.

[0087] When the airflow generator 14 generates an airflow, it flows into the separation and recovery device 70 through the transport pipe 12 and the transport pipe connection port 72, and further enters the passage 96 of the inner unit 90 through the passage port 84 of the separation section 80. The airflow generator 14 draws air from the intake port 75 of the side wall duct section 71C of the outer frame section 71 through the air intake passage 14b. Due to this suction, the air in the passage section 96 is discharged to the outside through the opening 95a of the partition wall 95, the air path 109, the opening 94a provided in the first side wall 94, the intake port 75 (side wall duct section 71C), and the air intake passage 14b.

[0088] Figure 31 shows the separation and recovery operation of the banknotes 6 and the transport assist 16 in the separation and recovery device 70. When separating and recovering the banknotes 6 and the transport assist 16, an airflow is generated by the airflow generator 14, the separation unit 80 is set to the recovery position, and the transport belt 98 is driven so that its forward path moves downstream.

[0089] In this state, when the transport assisting body 16, which has been pushing the banknote 6 from behind, reaches near the end of the transport pipe 12, the leading edge of the banknote 6 enters the separation section 80 and proceeds into the downstream passage section 96 through the passage opening 84 (Figure 31(a)). The figure shows how a banknote 6 with weak flexibility is being transported.

[0090] As the banknotes 6 enter the passage 96, they come into contact with the ribs 110 and move along the ribs 110. Therefore, even if air is being drawn into the passage 96 from the intake port 75, the leading edge of the banknotes 6 will not stick to the partition wall 95.

[0091] The banknote 6 that enters the passage 96 moves along the V-shape of the rib 110 and heads toward the opposite rib 112 (Figure 31(b)). Guided by the opposite rib 112 and rib 110, the banknote 6 continues downstream between them.

[0092] Eventually, when the leading edge of the banknote 6 reaches the area where the conveyor belt 98 is located, the leading edge of the banknote 6 adheres to the conveyor belt 98 due to the suction of air from the opening 95a (Figure 31(c)). At this time, since the rib 110 is provided at a position corresponding to the conveyor belt 98 (on its extension), the banknote 6 smoothly moves from the end of the rib 110 to the conveyor belt 98 and adheres to the conveyor belt 98. In addition, by providing the opposing rib 112 and making its height higher towards the downstream side, the rebound of the banknote 6 is increased, directing the banknote 6 towards the conveyor belt 98 and ensuring that it adheres to the conveyor belt 98 reliably.

[0093] Subsequently, the banknote 6 is transported by the conveyor belt 98 while adhering to it (Figure 32(a)). When the tip of the banknote 6 reaches the downstream end of the conveyor belt 98, the tip is gripped by the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102, and the banknote is discharged to the outside through the banknote discharge passage 107 (Figure 32(b)).

[0094] On the other hand, conventionally, as shown in Figure 33, the conveyor belt 98B was extended to the vicinity of the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80. Therefore, as shown in Figure 33(a), in the case of a banknote 6 with weak stiffness, the leading edge of the banknote 6 would stick to the conveyor belt 98B immediately after exiting the passage opening 84. Since the movement speed of the conveyor belt 98B is slower than the movement speed of the conveying aid 16 caused by airflow, the rear end of the banknote 6 is pushed by the conveying aid 16 before it reaches the separation section 80 and is caught, causing the portion that has not yet stuck to the conveyor belt 98B to gradually bend or fold (see Figure 33(b)).

[0095] Then, when the transport assisting body 16 reaches the holding part 81 of the separation part 80, the banknotes 6 are crushed, causing a banknote jam (Figure 33(c)).

[0096] In the separation and recovery device 70 of this embodiment, ribs 110 and opposing ribs 112 are provided on the inner wall of the upstream part of the passage section 96, so that the banknotes 6 do not stick to the wall surface and the banknotes 6 move smoothly downstream, thereby preventing the occurrence of banknote jams as described above.

[0097] As shown in Figure 34, the banknotes 6 discharged from the rear end of the inner unit 90 through the banknote discharge passage 107 then reach the banknote transport section 22 inside the safe 5, where they are held in place by the transport belt 120 of the banknote transport section 22 and transported to and stored in the banknote storage section 21.

[0098] The conveying speed of the conveyor belt 120 on the banknote conveying section 22 is faster than the discharge speed of the banknotes 6 by the discharge roller 101 and opposing discharge roller 102 of the inner unit 90 of the separation and collection device 70. Therefore, when the leading end of the banknote 6 is held between the pair of conveyor belts 120 and the trailing end is held between the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102, the banknote 6 is forcibly pulled out from between the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102. At this time, if the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102 are holding the banknote 6 with too much force, the banknote 6 may get jammed.

[0099] Therefore, the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102 are designed to separate when a certain level of pressure is applied. Specifically, as shown in Figure 29, the discharge roller 101 is supported on the downstream side of a movable frame 99, which is supported on the upstream side by an upstream pivot shaft 100b and is pivotable on the downstream side, and a spring 108 is configured to press the downstream end of the movable frame 99 toward the opposing discharge roller 102. As a result, when pressure is applied that would forcibly pull the banknotes 6 out from between the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102, the discharge roller 101 and the opposing discharge roller 102 are displaced slightly apart, the pressure is released, and a jam in the banknotes is prevented.

[0100] In the separation and recovery device 70, after the banknotes 6 are discharged from the rear end of the inner unit 90, the separation unit 80 is driven by the first drive unit 62 to rotate to the discharge position. When it reaches the discharge position, the transport assist body 16 that was being held falls from the discharge port 86 on the bottom of the holding unit 81 through the drop port 74 of the outer frame unit 71 and the guide passage 61, and is received and recovered by the transport assist body insertion device 40.

[0101] Furthermore, since the inner unit 90 is removable from the outer frame 71, if banknotes 6 become jammed in the separation and recovery device 70, the inner unit 90 can be removed from the outer frame 71 for further work. Also, even when the inner unit 90 is removed from the outer frame 71, if the business is operating, banknotes 6 may be transported through the transport pipe 12. However, since a banknote suction prevention wall 77 is provided at the suction port 75 of the outer frame 71, and the opening is divided into smaller sections, even if banknotes 6 arrive, they will not be sucked out from the suction port 75.

[0102] Next, the transport assist device insertion device 40 will be described.

[0103] Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the conveying aid insertion device 40. The conveying aid insertion device 40 is configured to include a delivery passage 41 which serves as a passage for conveying aids 16 to be sent to the conveying pipe 12, a hollow chamber-shaped waiting section 42 provided in communication with an opening in the side wall of the delivery passage 41 and for waiting for the next conveying aid 16 to be sent into the delivery passage 41 from this opening, a movable storage section 43 which holds the conveying aid 16 and is supported so as to be able to reciprocate between the waiting section 42 and the delivery passage 41 through the opening in the side wall of the delivery passage 41, a second drive section 44 which provides power for the reciprocating movement of the movable storage section 43, and a conveying pipe connection port 45 to which the starting end of the conveying pipe 12 is connected. The delivery passage 41 is configured by combining an upper delivery passage 41A and a lower delivery passage 41B.

[0104] The discharge passage 41 is a straight passage with a roughly rectangular cross-section. One end is connected to the transport pipe 12 via a transport pipe connection port 45, and the other end is a discharge passage connection port 46 to which the air discharge passage 14a of the airflow generator 14 is connected. The discharge passage 41 is divided into an upper discharge passage 41A which forms the top surface of the passage, and a lower discharge passage 41B which forms the side wall and bottom surface of the passage. In the transport auxiliary body insertion device 40, the transport pipe connection port 45 side is the downstream side, and the discharge passage connection port 46 side is the upstream side.

[0105] The movable storage section 43 has a holding section 43a that has a bottom and an open top and extends vertically, forming a semi-cylindrical shape with a U-shaped cross-section, and a support plate 43b (see Figures 37 and 38) whose horizontal cross-section is bent in a "V" shape, with the side wall of the holding section 43a being joined and attached to the short side of the "V" shape. The base end of the support plate 43b (the end of the long side of the "V" shape) is provided with an axial projection 43d that protrudes upward and serves as the pivot point of the movable storage section 43, and an axial arm 43e that is arranged coaxially with the axial projection 43d and protrudes downward.

[0106] The shaft projection 43d is inserted into a shaft hole 47 opened in the upper delivery passage 41A. The shaft arm portion 43e is inserted through a hole opened in the bottom surface of the lower delivery passage 41B and connected to a second drive unit 44 located below the delivery passage 41. The second drive unit 44 is composed of a solenoid, and by moving its actuator forward and backward, the movable storage unit 43 rotates around the shaft projection 43d and the shaft arm portion 43e. The movable storage unit 43 rotates between a standby position where the holding portion 43a is housed in the standby portion 42 (position shown in Figure 36(a)) and a delivery position where the holding portion 43a moves into the delivery passage 41 and faces the transport pipe connection port 45 (position shown in Figure 36(b)).

[0107] The U-shaped arc of the holding portion 43a is curved with a diameter slightly larger than the large-diameter portion 16c of the transport assist body 16. The inner wall of the holding portion 43a is provided with an inwardly projecting guide piece 43f for holding the transport assist body 16 in an upright position.

[0108] Furthermore, a ventilation hole 43g is provided near the center of the U-shaped curved portion of the holding part 43a. In addition, a ventilation hole 43h is provided on the longer side of the "he" shape of the support plate 43b.

[0109] The lower end of the guide passage 61 is connected to the ceiling surface of the waiting section 42. When the movable storage section 43 is in the waiting position shown in Figure 36(a), it is configured to receive and hold the transport assist body 16 that has fallen from the drop opening 74 of the separation and recovery device 70 through the guide passage 61 into the holding section 43a.

[0110] The standby unit 42 is equipped with a transport assist sensor 48 that detects whether or not a transport assist 16 is waiting at the standby position. Here, a transmissive optical sensor is used as the transport assist sensor 48, which is positioned so that light is blocked by the transport assist 16 waiting at the standby position, and not blocked when there is no transport assist 16 at the standby position.

[0111] An opening is provided in the wall of the standby section 42 for connecting the duct 50. The duct 50 connects the standby section 42 to the expansion chamber 73 of the separation and recovery device 70. Air flows from the standby section 42 to the expansion chamber 73 of the separation and recovery device 70 through the duct 50.

[0112] As shown in Figures 36(a) and 37, when the holding portion 43a of the movable storage portion 43 is in the standby position, the long side portion (Figure 37: 43b(1)) of the support plate 43b, which is bent in a "V" shape, is in contact with the side wall of the discharge passage 41, and the short side portion (Figure 37: 43b(2)) seals the opening that connects the discharge passage 41 and the standby portion 42. As a result, the airflow from the discharge passage connection port 46 is not wasted by being discharged from the standby portion 42 through the duct 50, and the airflow can be efficiently sent to the transport pipe 12. In addition, in this state, the support plate 43b is in contact with the side wall of the discharge passage 41, so that the airflow from the discharge passage connection port 46 flows sufficiently toward the transport pipe connection port 45.

[0113] As shown in Figures 36(b) and 38, when the holding portion 43a of the movable storage portion 43 moves to the discharge position, the transport assist body 16 held by the holding portion 43a of the movable storage portion 43 is moved so that it is positioned exactly within the passage of the discharge passage 41. At this time, the airflow from the discharge passage connection port 46 flows towards the transport pipe connection port 45 (downstream side) through the air blowing holes 43h provided in the support plate 43b and the air blowing holes 43g provided in the holding portion 43a. This airflow causes the transport assist body 16 to detach from the holding portion 43a, move through the discharge passage 41, and be sent into the transport pipe 12 from the transport pipe connection port 45.

[0114] In this way, the transport assist body insertion device 40 moves the transport assist body 16 from the standby position to the delivery position by rotating the movable storage unit 43 while the transport assist body 16 is held in the holding unit 43a of the movable storage unit 43. This allows the transport assist body 16 to be sent into the delivery passage 41 while maintaining a stable posture.

[0115] In the discharge passage 41, guide rails 49 that protrude inward are provided on the left and right inner walls of the portion upstream of the discharge position holding portion 43a, at positions that are extensions of ribs 35 located on the edges of the expanded portion 33 of the conveying pipe 12 connected to the conveying pipe connection port 45. The guide rails 49 are provided so as to sandwich each of the large diameter portions 16c of the conveying auxiliary body 16 from above and below, with an upper guide rail 49A, a middle guide rail 49B, and a lower guide rail 49C at positions corresponding to the neck portion 16b and the constricted portion 16d (see Figures 35 and 37).

[0116] Of these, the middle guide rail 49B and the lower guide rail 49C extend from the downstream end of the delivery passage 41 to just before the movable storage section 43 (holding section 43a) at the delivery position, while the upper guide rail 49A is shorter upstream than the middle guide rail 49B and the lower guide rail 49C (see Figures 35 and 37). An attitude correction mechanism 51 is provided on the upstream side of the shorter upper guide rail 49A, facing the middle guide rail 49B. Here, the attitude correction mechanism 51 is a circular rotating body that rotates along the delivery direction of the transport assist body 16, and is rotatably supported by inserting its rotating shaft through a bearing hole 52 (see Figure 35) provided in the side wall of the delivery passage 41. The attitude correction mechanism 51 is positioned so that its lowest point is slightly below the lower surface of the upper guide rail 49A.

[0117] As shown in Figure 39(a), the transport assist body 16, which has been released from the holding part 43a of the movable storage part 43 that has moved to the release position, may be released with a slightly altered posture (in this example, tilted backward). The middle guide rail 49B and the lower guide rail 49C contact the lower surface of the large diameter part 16c of the transport assist body 16, restricting the lower limit position of the transport assist body 16. The upper surface of the upper large diameter part 16c of the transport assist body 16 contacts the freely rotating posture correction mechanism 51 and moves forward guided by its rotation. As a result, as shown in Figure 39(b), the transport assist body 16 gradually corrects its posture to an upright position. With the transport assist body 16 in the correct posture, it continues to move forward, with the large diameter part 16c being positioned between the upper guide rail 49A and the middle guide rail 49B, and between the middle guide rail 49B and the lower guide rail 49C, respectively, as it is released towards the starting end of the transport pipe 12.

[0118] Since the attitude correction mechanism 51 is a freely rotating circular body, even if it comes into contact with the transport assist body 16 whose posture has been disrupted, the transport assist body 16 can smoothly regain its posture without getting caught. Furthermore, since the lowest point of the attitude correction mechanism 51 is located slightly below the lower surface of the upper guide rail 49A, after passing the attitude correction mechanism 51, the transport assist body 16 can smoothly enter between the guide rails 49A to 49C without getting caught on the upstream end of the upper guide rail 49A and proceed while being regulated in position.

[0119] Next, we will explain the operation of the banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11.

[0120] The banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11 operates under the control of a control unit 23, which mainly consists of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. When the control unit 23 recognizes that banknotes 6 have been taken into the transport pipe 12 by one of the banknote intake devices 140 provided for each game ball dispensing machine 3, based on the detection signal from a sensor installed on the banknote intake device 140, it checks whether the transport assist 16 is waiting in the standby section 42 of the transport assist insertion device 40 using the detection signal from the transport assist sensor 48. It also drives the separation and transport drive unit 64 to operate the transport belt 98 of the separation and recovery device 70.

[0121] Once it is confirmed that the transport assist unit 16 is waiting, the second drive unit 44 is activated to move the holding part 43a of the movable storage unit 43 to the delivery position. Then, the transport assist unit 16, which is held by the holding part 43a of the movable storage unit 43, is carried by the airflow from the airflow generator 14 and delivered through the delivery passage 41 into the transport pipe 12.

[0122] The control unit 23 then controls the second drive unit 44 after a predetermined time has elapsed to move the holding part 43a of the movable storage unit 43 to a standby position in the standby unit 42. The transport assist body 16 sent out from the transport assist body insertion device 40 moves through the transport pipe 12 by airflow, and eventually the banknote intake device 140 comes into contact with the rear end of the banknote 6 that has been taken into the transport pipe 12, and pushes the banknote 6 from behind to transport it.

[0123] The control unit 23 monitors whether the transport assist body 16 has reached and stopped at the holding portion 81 of the separation section 80 of the separation and recovery device 70 based on the detection signal from the transport assist body detection sensor 63. Once arrival and stopping are confirmed, the control unit 23 activates the first drive unit 62 to move the holding portion 81 of the separation section 80 to the discharge position.

[0124] The transport assist body 16 falls downward from the discharge port 86 of the holding unit 81, which has been moved to the discharge position, through the drop port 74 of the outer frame unit 71 and the guide passage 61, into the waiting unit 42, where it is received and held by the holding unit 43a of the movable storage unit 43. When the control unit 23 confirms that the transport assist body 16 is waiting in the waiting position of the waiting unit 42 using the output signal of the transport assist body sensor 48, it activates the first drive unit 62 to move the holding unit 81 of the separation unit 80 to the recovery position. This completes one operation sequence related to the recycling of the transport assist body 16 by the banknote separation and transport assist body circulation device 11.

[0125] As mentioned above, the banknotes 6 separated by the separation and collection device 70 are stored in the banknote storage section 21 inside the safe 5.

[0126] Thus, in the banknote separation and transport assist body circulation device 11, one transport assist body 16 can be cyclically used in the paper sheet transport device 10. Furthermore, since the cyclical use of the transport assist body 16 and the separation and collection of banknotes 6 are automatically controlled, the workload is reduced.

[0127] Next, the banknote receiving device 140 will be described.

[0128] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the banknote receiving device 140, Figure 41 is a front view showing the banknote receiving device 140 and the transport pipe 12 connected thereto, and Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the banknote receiving device 140. The banknote receiving device 140 has a cylindrical passage section 141 to which the transport pipes 12 are connected at both ends and which becomes part of the transport path (return path 12c), and a main body section 143 equipped with a mechanism for feeding banknotes 6 into the passage section 141. The arrow F in the figures indicates the transport direction (direction of airflow) of banknotes 6 in the transport pipes 12 and the passage section 141.

[0129] As shown in Figures 41, 44, and 45, transport pipes 12 (12c) are connected to both ends of the passage section 141 of the banknote receiving device 140, and the passage section 141 forms part of the transport path (return path 12c). The passage section 141 has an inner shape that corresponds to the inner shape of the transport pipe 12.

[0130] As shown in Figure 42, the main body 143 of the banknote receiving device 140 includes a waiting passage 145 for holding banknotes 6 received from the game ball dispensing machine 3, and a transport roller 146 for sending the banknotes 6 received from the game ball dispensing machine 3 through the waiting passage 145 into the passage section 141. The banknote receiving device 140 has a banknote receiving opening 151 for receiving banknotes 6 discharged from the back of the game ball dispensing machine 3. The banknote receiving opening 151 is the entrance to the waiting passage 145. The banknote receiving device 140 can hold one banknote 6 in the waiting passage 145. The transport roller 146 is driven by a motor (not shown).

[0131] An insertion opening 144 is provided on the wall of the passage section 141, serving as the exit for the waiting passage 145, for taking banknotes 6 into the passage section 141. The passage frame 147, which forms the wall of the passage section 141 opposite the wall where the insertion opening 144 is located, is detachable using a nylon latch 148 or the like. The passage frame 147 is removable to deal with situations such as banknote jams 6 occurring in the passage section 141 of the banknote feeding device 140.

[0132] Furthermore, in order to deal with situations where banknotes 6 become jammed in the waiting passage 145 of the banknote feeding device 140, the side wall of the main body 143 is an openable / closable door 149, as shown in Figure 43. The openable / closable door 149 constitutes one of the passage walls of the waiting passage 145.

[0133] A portion of the lower part of the banknote receiving device 140 protrudes downward, and this portion forms a seat portion 150 that fits into a recess 174 of the base portion 170, which will be described later.

[0134] Next, we will explain how the support of the transport pipe 12 by the auxiliary frame 160 is provided.

[0135] Figure 44 is an exploded assembly diagram of the transport path supported by the auxiliary frame 160, and Figure 45 shows the assembled state of each component from Figure 44. The auxiliary frame 160 has a shape in which an elongated plate-like flat section 161 is provided with upward-facing U-shaped grooves 162 extending along the longitudinal direction of the flat section 161 at both ends in the width direction of the flat section 161, and is designed to be highly rigid.

[0136] The auxiliary frame 160 is made to the required length by connecting pieces of appropriate length with connecting members 164. The connecting members 164 are elongated, highly rigid flat plates that are slightly narrower than the flat portion 161 of the auxiliary frame 160, and the central part in the longitudinal direction has a slightly wider locking portion 164a. The auxiliary frame 160 is provided with projections 163 that extend from grooves 162 at both ends in the width direction of the auxiliary frame 160 toward the center in the width direction of the auxiliary frame 160, so that a gap 163a is formed along the back side of the flat portion 161 for inserting the connecting members 164.

[0137] The two auxiliary frames 160 are connected by pushing one end of the connecting member 164 into the gap 163a at the end of one of the auxiliary frames 160 until approximately half of its locking portion 164a is inserted into the gap 163a, and then pushing the other end of the connecting member 164 into the gap 163a at the end of the other auxiliary frame 160 until the remaining half of the locking portion 164a is inserted and the two auxiliary frames 160 are connected without any gaps. The slightly wider locking portion 164a prevents the connecting member 164 from easily coming out of the gap 163a of the auxiliary frame 160, resulting in a strong connection.

[0138] Within the gaming machine island 2, the auxiliary frame 160, which is connected in this manner, is stretched along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 2, and as shown in Figure 50, the ends of the auxiliary frame 160 are fixed to the inside of the end plate of the gaming machine island 2 with mounting brackets 166.

[0139] A base portion 170 is attached to the upper side of the auxiliary frame 160, which can slide freely along the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary frame 160. The lower part of the banknote feeding device 140 rests on the base portion 170, holding the banknote feeding device 140 from below.

[0140] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the base portion 170, and Figure 47 is a six-view drawing of the base portion 170. The lower part of the base portion 170 is an outer fitting portion 171 formed in a downward U-shape so as to straddle the auxiliary frame 160 from the upper side of the auxiliary frame 160. In addition, the lower part of the base portion 170 is provided with claw portions 172 that extend downward along the outside of the groove portions 162 at both ends in the width direction of the auxiliary frame 160 and hook onto the lower ends of the groove portions 162.

[0141] The upper surface of the base portion 170 is fitted with the lower part (seat portion 150) of the banknote receiving device 140, and a recess 174 is provided to support the banknote receiving device 140 from below. The recess 174 is composed of a wall 174a erected from the upper surface of the base portion 170 so as to surround the seat portion 150 of the banknote receiving device 140. The lower surface of the banknote receiving device 140 is provided with a connector 153 (see Figure 41) for connecting wiring to the motor and sensors of the banknote receiving device 140, and the upper surface of the base portion 170 is provided with a notch 175 to accommodate the connector 153 and the wiring to the connector 153.

[0142] The base portion 170 straddles the upper surface of the auxiliary frame 160 and is attached by hooking the claw portion 172 onto the lower end of the groove portion 162 of the auxiliary frame 160. As a result, it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary frame 160, but will not easily detach from the auxiliary frame 160.

[0143] Figure 48 shows the hook member 180. Figure 48(a) is a perspective view of the hook member 180, and Figure 48(b) is a side view. Figure 49 shows the hook member 180 hooked onto the auxiliary frame 160, with the conveying pipe 12 being held by the hook member 180.

[0144] The hook member 180 comprises a hook portion 181 that hooks into the groove portion 162 of the auxiliary frame 160, and an arm portion 182 that extends downward from the hook portion 181. The lower part of the arm portion 182 is bent to form an upward-facing U-shaped holding portion 182a. As shown in Figure 49, the hook member 180 is suspended from the auxiliary frame 160 by hooking the hook portion 181 into the groove portion 162 of the auxiliary frame 160, and the transport pipe 12 is held below the auxiliary frame 160 by being embraced by the arm portion 182 of the suspended hook member 180.

[0145] Figure 51 shows a mounting bracket 190, which is attached to the upper rear of the game ball dispensing machine 3 and serves as a holding member for the banknote taking device 140 and the auxiliary frame 160. Figure 51(a) shows a side view of the mounting bracket 190. Figure 51(b) is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 190. The mounting bracket 190 comprises a vertically elongated channel structure base portion 191 that is attached to the rear of the game ball dispensing machine 3, an upper arm portion 192 that extends horizontally from the upper end of the base portion 191, and a lower arm portion 193 that extends horizontally from the lower end of the base portion 191 in the same direction as the upper arm portion 192 and is longer than the upper arm portion 192.

[0146] A banknote feeding device holding bracket 194 for holding the upper part of the banknote feeding device 140 is attached to the upper arm 192 so as to be adjustable by sliding horizontally along the upper arm 192. Similarly, an auxiliary frame holding bracket 195 for holding the auxiliary frame 160 is attached to the lower arm 193 so as to be adjustable by sliding horizontally along the lower arm 193.

[0147] Figure 52(a) shows the mounting bracket 190 fixed to the back of the game ball dispenser 3. Figure 52(b) shows the state in which the banknote receiving device 140 and auxiliary frame 160, etc. are attached to the mounting bracket 190 compared to Figure 52(a). Figure 53 is a perspective view showing the state in which the banknote receiving device 140 and auxiliary frame 160, etc. are attached to the mounting bracket 190 fixed to the back of the game ball dispenser 3.

[0148] The mounting bracket 190 is attached to the upper back of the game ball dispenser 3 such that the base portion 191 is vertical along the back of the game ball dispenser 3, and the upper arm portion 192 and lower arm portion 193 protrude from the back of the game ball dispenser 3 in the direction that the back faces (which is also the width direction of the game machine island 2 and the width direction of the auxiliary frame 160). The auxiliary frame 160 is held by the auxiliary frame retaining bracket 195 at the bottom of the mounting bracket 190. Even if the installation positions of the game ball dispenser 3 in the width direction of the game machine island 2 are uneven, the auxiliary frame 160 can be extended straight in the longitudinal direction of the game machine island 2 by adjusting the mounting position of the auxiliary frame retaining bracket 195 relative to the lower arm portion 193.

[0149] In this manner, a base portion 170 is attached to the upper side of the auxiliary frame 160, which extends straight in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 2, and the banknote intake device 140 is placed on the base portion 170. More specifically, the banknote intake device 140 is placed on the base portion 170 by fitting the seat portion 150 of the banknote intake device 140 into the recess 174 of the base portion 170. Next, the banknote intake device 140 is slid along with the base portion 170 to align the banknote insertion slot of the banknote intake device 140 with the banknote discharge slot on the back of the gaming ball dispensing machine 3, and the banknote intake device 140 is fixed in this aligned position with the banknote intake device holding bracket 194 on the upper arm portion 192 side of the mounting bracket 190. At this time, the banknote feeding device retaining bracket 194 is slid relative to the upper arm portion 192 to adjust the position of the banknote feeding device retaining bracket 194 relative to the banknote feeding device 140 and fix it in place.

[0150] As the base portion 170 slides along the auxiliary frame 160, the position of the banknote intake device 140 can be easily adjusted so that the banknote insertion slot of the banknote intake device 140 connects with the banknote discharge slot on the back of the game ball dispensing machine 3. Furthermore, since the banknote intake device 140 can be attached to the banknote intake device holding bracket 194 on the upper arm portion 192 of the mounting bracket 190 while it is placed on the base portion 170, the relatively heavy banknote intake device 140 can be easily attached.

[0151] Furthermore, the banknote receiving device 140 is securely fixed, with its upper part held by the banknote receiving device holding bracket 194 on the upper arm portion 192 side of the mounting bracket 190, and its lower part held by the base portion 170. In particular, since the lower part of the banknote receiving device 140 is held by the base portion 170 attached to a highly rigid auxiliary frame 160 that extends straight into the gaming machine island 2, the mounting position of the banknote receiving device 140 is prevented from being displaced in the width direction of the auxiliary frame 60, and as a result, the return path 12c of the transport pipe 12 can be installed and maintained straight in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 2.

[0152] More specifically, in the case of a double-sided island, a banknote receiving device 140 is provided corresponding to the game ball dispensing machine 3 on the front side and the game ball dispensing machine 3 on the back side. However, for construction purposes, as shown in Figure 53, only the banknote receiving device 140A corresponding to one side is fixed to the back of the game ball dispensing machine 3 with a mounting bracket 190. The banknote receiving device 140B corresponding to the other side is not held by the mounting bracket 190, but is supported by the front and rear transport pipes 12 and the lower seat portion 150 of the banknote receiving device 140 being held by the base portion 170.

[0153] Without the support from below by the base portion 170, the banknote intake device 140B would be pushed from the back of the game ball dispenser 3 in the direction of arrow K in the figure (the width direction of the game machine island 2), making it difficult to maintain a straight transport path relative to the transport direction F. However, in this embodiment, the lower part of the banknote intake device 140B is held by the base portion 170 supported by the highly rigid auxiliary frame 160, preventing the banknote intake device 140B from being displaced in the direction of arrow K, and allowing the transport path to be maintained so as to extend straight along the auxiliary frame 160.

[0154] The aforementioned hook member 180 is attached to the auxiliary frame 160, which is attached to the auxiliary frame holding bracket 195 on the lower arm portion 193 side of the mounting bracket 190. The hook member 180 holds the forward path 12a of the transport pipe 12 below the auxiliary frame 160. In this way, the auxiliary frame 160 serves both to hold the banknote receiving device 140 on its upper side and to hold the forward path 12a of the transport pipe 12 below it, thus efficiently supporting the transport path. Furthermore, since the hook member 180 can slide along the auxiliary frame 160, its mounting position can be freely selected and it can be installed in a position that is easy to install.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 54, the base portion 170 is configured to hold only the lower seat portion 150 of the banknote feeding device 140, and not to come into contact with the passage frame 147 or the opening / closing door 149. This allows the passage frame 147 to be attached and detached and the opening / closing door 149 to be opened and closed while the device is installed, making it easy to remove jammed banknotes 6 inside the banknote feeding device 140. In addition, since the wiring and connector 53 to the banknote feeding device 140 are routed through the notch 175 of the seat portion 170, the banknote feeding device 140 can be placed on the recess 174 of the base portion 170 without the connector 153 or wiring getting in the way.

[0156] Next, we will explain how to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow generator 14.

[0157] The control unit 23 of the paper sheet conveying device 10 adjusts the strength of the airflow generated by the airflow generator 14 (hereinafter referred to as the airflow rate of the airflow generator 14) according to the position of the conveying support body 16 moving inside the conveying pipe 12. This prevents damage to the conveying support body 16 and provides more stable movement of the conveying support body 16 and more stable conveyance of the banknotes 6.

[0158] Figure 55 shows the relationship between each location in the transport path and the airflow. Figure 56 is a graph showing the airflow at each timing of the operation in which the transport assist unit 16 collects the banknotes 6.

[0159] Here, the airflow rate of the airflow generator 14 is controlled in five stages: OFF, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. The airflow rates are in the order of OFF < Level 1 < Level 2 < Level 3 < Level 4, with OFF being the state in which the airflow generator 14 is stopped.

[0160] As shown in Figures 55 and 56, section A, where the airflow is controlled to level 1, is the portion of the forward path 12a and the turn section 12b. Section B, where the airflow is controlled to level 4, is the portion from the turn section 12b to a predetermined point in the middle of the return path 12c (in this example, about halfway down the return path 12c). Section C, where the airflow is controlled to level 3, is the portion of the return path 12c downstream of section B. Section D, where the airflow is controlled to level 2, is the portion where the transport assisting body 16 reaches the separation and recovery device 70 and is separated from the banknotes 6.

[0161] The control unit 23 controls the airflow rate of the airflow generator 14 in the following sequence.

[0162] (1) When there are no banknotes 6 waiting in the banknote receiving device 140, the airflow generator 14 is stopped (Idle period in Figure 56).

[0163] (2) When banknotes 6 are waiting in any of the banknote receiving devices 140, the control unit 23 instructs the banknote receiving device 140 to send the banknotes 6 into the transport pipe 12, and starts the operation of the airflow generator 14, controlling the airflow to level 1 (the period of Carry 1 in Figure 56).

[0164] (3) The transport assist insertion device 40 moves the transport assist 16, which was waiting in the standby section 42, to the discharge passage 41 and performs a transport assist discharge process in which it sends the transport assist 16 into the transport pipe 12 using airflow. While this transport assist discharge process is being performed, the control unit 23 controls the airflow to the same level 1 as above (the period of Carry 2 in Figure 56). The transport assist discharge process is completed at time T1 in Figure 56.

[0165] (4) From the time the transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 until it passes through the forward path 12a and the turn section 12b of the transport pipe 12, the control unit 23 controls the airflow to the same level 1 as above (period T1 to T2 in Figure 56, section A in Figure 55).

[0166] The length of the period T1 to T2 (referred to as the post-release suppression time) varies depending on the length of the gaming machine island 2, that is, the length of the forward path 12a of the transport pipe 12. Therefore, the post-release suppression time is set for each gaming machine island 2. The control unit 23 maintains the airflow at level 1 from the time the transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40 until the above-mentioned set post-release suppression time has elapsed.

[0167] If the conveying aid 16 is struck against the inner wall of the turning section 12b and receives an impact when the airflow is strong (for example, level 4), there is a risk that the conveying aid 16 may be damaged. Therefore, by controlling the airflow to level 1 (weak) at least until it passes through the turning section 12b, the impact at the turning section 12b is mitigated and damage to the conveying aid 16 is prevented. In addition, until it passes through the turning section 12b, the conveying aid 16 moves independently and does not push the banknotes 6, so even with a weak airflow of level 1, the conveying aid 16 moves smoothly through the conveying pipe 12 and does not get stuck along the way.

[0168] (5) After the transport assist unit 16 has passed through the turn section 12b, the control unit 23 controls the airflow to level 4 until it reaches a predetermined distance before the separation and recovery device 70 at the end of the return path 12c (T2-T3 in Figure 56, section B in Figure 55). The transport assist unit 16 pushes the banknotes 6 while moving along the return path 12c, so the airflow is increased during this time.

[0169] (6) When the transport assist body 16 reaches a predetermined distance before the separation and recovery device 70 (T3 in Figure 56), the control unit 23 controls the airflow to be reduced to level 3. By reducing the airflow from level 4 to level 3 just before the separation and recovery device 70, the transport assist body 16 is slowed down, and the speed of the transport assist body 16 when it reaches the holding section 81 of the separation section 80 of the separation and recovery device 70 is reduced.

[0170] If the speed of the conveying aid 16 is not reduced, the impact of the conveying aid 16 colliding with the holding section 81 will be greater, and there is a risk that the conveying aid 16 will be damaged. Also, the banknotes 6 may be folded by being pushed by the conveying aid 16 and become jammed in the separation and collection device 70. To prevent these problems, the speed at which the conveying aid 16 reaches the holding section 81 of the separation and collection device 70 is reduced. Note that even if the airflow generator 14 is adjusted, the airflow volume and the speed of the conveying aid 16 do not change abruptly, so the airflow volume is reduced from a predetermined distance before the conveying aid 16 reaches the holding section 81 of the separation and collection device 70.

[0171] The time from when the airflow is reduced from level 4 to level 3 until the transport assist unit 16 reaches the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 is defined as the pre-storage suppression time. The pre-storage suppression time is constant regardless of the length of the gaming machine island 2 (length of the return path 12c).

[0172] The time required from when the transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40 until it reaches a predetermined distance before the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 (the time from T1 to T3 in Figure 56) varies depending on the length of the gaming machine island 2 (the length of the transport pipe 12, i.e., the length of section A + section B), so this time is measured and stored in advance. Then, when the above-mentioned required time has elapsed since the transport assist body 16 was sent into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40 (T3 in Figure 56), the control unit 23 switches the airflow to level 3.

[0173] (7) After the transport assist body 16 reaches and is held in the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70, the control unit 23 reduces the airflow to level 2 (T4 in Figure 56). Here, the transport assist body detection mask time is set to the value obtained by adding a predetermined buffer time to the time required from when the transport assist body 16 is pushed into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40 until it reaches the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70. The transport assist body detection mask time differs depending on the length of the gaming machine island 2 (length of the transport pipe 12, i.e., length of section A + section B + section C), so it is set for each gaming machine island 2.

[0174] After the transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 by the transport assist body insertion device 40, the control unit 23 does not perform any actions corresponding to the detection result of the transport assist body 16 by the transport assist body detection sensor 63 until the transport assist body detection mask time has elapsed. Once the transport assist body detection mask time has elapsed, the control unit 23 performs actions corresponding to the detection result of the transport assist body 16 by the transport assist body detection sensor 63. The reason why the control unit 23 does not perform any actions corresponding to the detection result of the transport assist body 16 by the transport assist body detection sensor 63 until the transport assist body detection mask time has elapsed is that the banknotes 6 may move inside the transport pipe 12 by airflow before the transport assist body 16, and if the transport assist body detection sensor 63 mistakenly detects these banknotes 6 as the transport assist body 16, it will interfere with subsequent operations.

[0175] If the transport assist 16 reaches the separation and recovery device 70 and is held in the holding unit 81 before the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed, the control unit 23 maintains the airflow at level 3 until the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed. When the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed, the control unit 23 switches the airflow to level 2 in response to the transport assist detection sensor 63 detecting the transport assist 16. On the other hand, if the transport assist 16 is not held in the holding unit 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 before the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed (i.e., the transport assist detection sensor 63 does not detect the transport assist 16), the control unit 23 monitors whether the transport assist 16 reaches the holding unit 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 during a predetermined period (monitoring period, for example, 5 seconds) after the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed.

[0176] If the transport assist body 16 is not held in the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 during the monitoring period (the transport assist body detection sensor 63 does not detect the transport assist body 16), it is determined that the transport assist body 16 is clogged in the transport pipe 12. The airflow generator 14 is then stopped (to remove the load of the airflow if the transport assist body 16 or banknotes 6 are being pushed and clogged by the airflow), and the airflow generator 14 is driven with the airflow volume set to level 4 (the same time as section B). If the transport assist body detection sensor 63 still does not detect the transport assist body 16 even after this, a transport assist body clog error is reported, and the airflow generator 14 is stopped.

[0177] If the transport assist body 16 is held in the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 within the monitoring period (i.e., the transport assist body detection sensor 63 detects the transport assist body 16), the control unit 23 switches the airflow to level 2 without waiting for the end of the monitoring period.

[0178] Furthermore, Carry 3 is defined as the period (T1 to T4) from when the transport assist body 16 is sent into the transport pipe 12 until the transport assist body 16 reaches the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 and the airflow is switched to level 2.

[0179] (8) When the banknotes 6 separated and collected by the separation and collection device 70 exit the rear end of the inner unit 90 and are handed over to the banknote storage unit 22, the control unit 23 turns off the airflow generator 14. The period from when the airflow is reduced to level 2 until the airflow generator 14 is stopped is defined as Carry 4. The fact that the banknotes 6 have exited the rear end of the inner unit 90 and been handed over to the banknote storage unit 22 is detected by the separation and collection unit exit sensor 122, which is located at the entrance of the banknote transport unit 22 (see Figure 34).

[0180] Next, we will explain the relationship between the separation and recovery operation by the separation and recovery device 70 and the airflow.

[0181] Figure 57 is a graph showing the airflow rate and the operating timing of the separation and collection device 70 at each timing of the operation in which the banknotes 6 are collected by the transport assist device 16. The operation proceeds in the following sequence from [a] to [d].

[0182] [a] In Figure 57, the operation from Idle to the end of Carry3 is the same as in Figure 56, and its explanation is omitted. The operation of the separation and recovery device 70 is stopped from Idle to the end of Carry3. Note that in Figure 57, it is assumed that the transport assist 16 reaches the holding part 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 before the transport assist detection mask time has elapsed.

[0183] [b] As explained in (7) above, when the transport assist body 16 is held in the holding section 81 of the separation and recovery device 70 and the transport assist body detection sensor 63 of the separation and recovery device 70 detects the transport assist body 16 (T4 in Figure 57), the control unit 23 switches the airflow rate of the airflow generator 14 to level 2.

[0184] Furthermore, after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the control to reduce the airflow to level 2 began (T5 in Figure 57), the conveyor belt 98 is driven by the separation and conveyance drive unit 64 of the inner unit 90 of the separation and recovery device 70. The banknotes 6 inside the inner unit 90 stick to the conveyor belt 98 due to the action of the airflow sucked in from the suction port 75, and are conveyed toward the rear end of the inner unit 90 by the conveyor belt 98 (see Figure 31, etc.). The strength of the airflow sucked in from the suction port 75 depends on the airflow of the airflow generator 14.

[0185] Even if the airflow generator 14 is controlled to reduce the airflow to level 2, there is a time lag before the airflow actually decreases. Therefore, if the transport belt 98 is driven by the separation transport drive unit 64 immediately after the transport assist unit 16 is detected by the transport assist detection sensor 63, the banknotes 6 will stick to the transport belt 98 before the airflow has been reduced. If the airflow is too strong, the banknotes 6 will stick too strongly to the transport belt 98, and if the banknotes 6 are transported by the transport belt 98 in that state, a banknote jam may occur inside the inner unit 90, as explained in Figure 33.

[0186] Therefore, after the transport assist sensor 63 of the separation and recovery device 70 detects the transport assist 16 (T4: after controlling the airflow to level 2), the drive of the transport belt 98 is started after a predetermined time (in this case, 3 seconds) has elapsed (T5 in Figure 57). By waiting for the predetermined time mentioned above, the airflow is sufficiently reduced, so that the banknotes 6 that are attached to the transport belt 98 with appropriate strength are transported. As a result, the banknotes 6 do not stick too tightly to the transport belt 98, and a banknote jam inside the inner unit 90 can be prevented.

[0187] [c] As explained in (8) above, once the banknotes 6 separated and collected by the separation and collection device 70 have exited the rear end of the inner unit 90 and been handed over to the banknote storage section 22, the control unit 23 turns OFF the airflow generator 14 (T6 in Figure 57). The period from T4 to T6 is referred to as Carry 4.

[0188] More specifically, when the separation and collection unit outlet sensor 122 (see Figure 34) located at the entrance of the banknote transport unit 22 detects a banknote 6, the airflow generator 14 is stopped. Furthermore, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the banknote 6 was detected by the separation and collection unit outlet sensor 122 (T7 in Figure 57), the operation to transfer the transport assist body 16, which is held in the holding unit 81 of the separation and collection unit 70, to the standby unit 42 of the transport assist body insertion device 40 is started. In Figure 57, at T8, the transport assist body 16 has reached the standby unit 42 of the transport assist body insertion device 40 and the transfer is complete. The period from T6 to T8 is referred to as Carry 5.

[0189] When the separation and recovery section outlet sensor 122 detects a banknote 6, the airflow generator 14 is stopped. However, even when the airflow generator 14 is stopped, the airflow does not disappear immediately. Therefore, if the separation section 80 of the separation and recovery device 70 is rotated immediately after the airflow generator 14 is stopped, from the recovery position where the holding section 81 faces the end of the transport pipe 12 to the discharge position where it enters the expansion chamber 73, as shown in Figure 58, the air rises from the standby section 42 of the transport assist insertion device 40 through the guide passage 61 to the discharge position in the expansion section 73. This causes the transport assist 16 to float instead of falling into the standby section 42, resulting in a blockage of the transport assist 16.

[0190] Therefore, the transport operation of the transport assist body 16 is started after a predetermined time (in this case, 2 seconds) has elapsed from the moment the separation and collection unit outlet sensor 122 detects the banknote 6 (the moment the airflow generator 14 is stopped, T6 in Figure 57). As a result, with the airflow stopped, the holding unit 81 of the separation unit 80 of the separation and collection device 70 rotates from the collection position to the discharge position, ensuring that the transport assist body 16 returns reliably to the standby unit 42 and preventing the transport assist body 16 from becoming clogged.

[0191] [d] The drive of the conveyor belt 98 by the separation conveying drive unit 64 of the inner unit 90 is stopped when the banknotes 6 have finished being discharged from the banknote conveying unit 22 to the banknote storage unit 21 without getting jammed along the way (T9 in Figure 57). Specifically, in addition to the separation and collection unit outlet sensor 122 of the banknote conveying unit 22, there is a banknote conveying path sensor that detects when banknotes get jammed along the banknote conveying path of the banknote conveying unit 22, and a banknote conveying outlet sensor located near the banknote discharge port of the banknote conveying unit 22 that detects when banknotes have been discharged from the banknote conveying unit 22. Based on the detection of banknotes 6 by these sensors, the control unit 23 stops the drive of the conveyor belt 98 by the separation conveying drive unit 64 of the inner unit 90 when it can confirm that the banknotes 6 have been discharged from the banknote conveying unit 22 to the banknote storage unit 21 without getting jammed along the way.

[0192] Furthermore, when the transport assist body 16 has finished being transferred to the standby section 42 of the transport assist body insertion device 40, the next banknote 6 may already be waiting in the banknote intake device 140. In this case, the control unit 23 immediately proceeds to the process of sending out the next transport assist body 16. Therefore, when the operation (Carry 1) for the next transport assist body 16 begins, the banknote 6 may not yet have been discharged from the banknote transport section 22 to the banknote storage section 21. In this case, the drive of the transport belt 98 by the separation transport drive unit 64 of the inner unit 90 continues until the first period of Carr 1 for the next transport assist body 16.

[0193] Then, the process returns to [a] and the above steps are repeated.

[0194] Next, we will explain the relationship between the materials of the conveying aid 16 and the turning section 12b of the conveying pipe 12.

[0195] The turning section 12b is made of a material that is resistant to wear (e.g., PC: polycarbonate), while the conveying assist body 16 is made of a material that is easily worn (e.g., ABS: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0196] When the conveying aid 16 passes through the turning section 12b, the impact of the conveying aid 16 hitting the turning section 12b causes wear on both the conveying aid 16 and the turning section 12b. By using a material that is less prone to wear on the turning section 12b than the conveying aid 16, the turning section 12b will wear down less frequently, reducing the frequency of replacement of the turning section 12b, which is a difficult replacement job. Furthermore, if the turning section 12b is less prone to wear, it can maintain proper guidance of the conveying aid 16 for a longer period, thus preventing clogging of the conveying aid 16. Since the conveying aid 16 is easy to replace, it is not a problem to use a material that wears down more easily than the turning section 12b. In short, any material that wears down more easily than the conveying aid 16 is sufficient.

[0197] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those shown in the embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0198] In this embodiment, three conveyor belts 98 are used, but any other number is acceptable. Furthermore, if a conveyor belt that ensures breathability is used, such as a conveyor belt with numerous air holes or a mesh conveyor belt, a single wide belt may be used.

[0199] In this embodiment, the inner unit 90 of the separation and recovery device 70 is configured to have ribs 110 on approximately half of the upstream side of the passage section 96, with a conveyor belt 98 stretched downstream of these ribs 110. However, it is sufficient that the ribs 110 prevent the banknotes 6 from sticking in the upstream area of ​​the passage section 96, and that the banknotes 6 stick to the conveyor belt downstream of these ribs 110. For example, the conveyor belt 98 may also be provided in the upstream section, and in this upstream section, the ribs 110 may protrude above the conveyor belt or be configured to cover the conveyor belt.

[0200] Although the inner unit 90 is configured to be removable from the outer frame 71, the outer frame 71 and the inner unit 90 may be configured as a single unit.

[0201] In this embodiment, the passage section 96 is configured to be as short as possible, being only slightly longer than the length of the banknotes 6 in the transport direction. However, the passage section 96 may be made longer. Even in this case, the distance L2 from the upstream end of the passage section 96 (near the passage opening 84 of the separation section 80) to the transport belt 98 can be the length exemplified in Figure 23, or within the range of about one-third to four-fifths of the length of the banknotes 6 in the transport direction.

[0202] The number of ribs 110 and opposing ribs 112 provided on the inner unit 90 is an example and may be increased or decreased.

[0203] In this embodiment, the separation and collection device 70 is stacked on top of the transport assist insertion device 40 to form an integrated banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 11. However, the transport assist insertion device 40 and the separation and collection device 70 may be configured as separate units. For example, the transport assist 16 recovered by the separation and collection device 70 may be collected in a collection box or the like, and this collection box may be transported to the installation location of the transport assist insertion device 40. The transport assist 16 may then be sequentially sent from the collection box to the standby position of the transport assist insertion device 40.

[0204] Furthermore, the gaming machine island 2 is not limited to the configuration that accommodates the pachinko machine 4 and the game ball dispenser 3 as exemplified in the embodiment, but may also be a gaming machine island that accommodates a medal dispenser and slot machines, etc.

[0205] In this embodiment, the separation unit 80 in the separation and recovery device 70 is rotated to move between the recovery position and the discharge position. However, the method of displacement is not limited to rotation; it is sufficient to discharge the transport assist body 16, which has been brought into contact and stopped, from the transport path by airflow to the outside. For example, the separation unit 80, which is holding the transport assist body 16 stopped at the recovery position, may be moved linearly to the side. Similarly, the method of moving the transport assist body 16 waiting in the standby unit 42 to the discharge passage 41 is not limited to rotating the holding unit 43a of the movable storage unit 43; it may also be configured to move the transport assist body 16 linearly back and forth between the standby unit 42 and the discharge passage 41.

[0206] The shapes of the auxiliary frame 160, the base portion 170, and the hook member 180 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. Other shapes are acceptable as long as they fulfill their respective functions.

[0207] The hook member 180 may be hooked onto both groove 162 and the other groove 162 of the auxiliary frame 160 and suspended, thereby holding the transport pipe 12 (forward path 12a) from both the front and back sides.

[0208] Furthermore, the shape of the transport assist body 16 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. For example, it may be a columnar shape such as a rectangular or polygonal cross-section. Also, although the transport assist body 16 is symmetrical with respect to the center in the Y direction, it may be asymmetrical in the Y direction.

[0209] In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the timing of changing the airflow rate at the boundaries between section A and section B, and between section B and section C, is managed by the elapsed time since the completion of the discharge process of the transport assist body 16. However, sensors such as optical sensors that detect the passage of the transport assist body 16 may be provided at appropriate locations in the transport pipe 12, and the position of the transport assist body 16 may be recognized based on the detection of the transport assist body 16 by the sensors, and the airflow rate may be controlled at a desired timing.

[0210] In this embodiment, banknotes 6 were used as an example of paper materials, but other types of paper materials such as tickets and cards may also be used. Furthermore, the shape of the paper materials is not limited to a rectangle. In addition, the paper material transport device 10 is not limited to being installed within the gaming machine island 2, but may be configured to circulate around multiple gaming machine islands 2 or the management room within the gaming hall. The management room is separated from the gaming hall where the gaming machines are installed and is a room equipped with a management device for managing the gaming machines, a monitoring monitor that displays information from surveillance cameras that monitor the gaming hall, and a safe for storing money obtained from ball dispensing machines in the gaming hall. The gaming hall operator and employees manage the entire gaming hall in this room.

[0211] In this embodiment, an example of transporting only one sheet of paper is shown in Figure 3, etc. However, if the transport assist body 16 is inserted when multiple banknotes 6 are present in the middle of the transport pipe 12, it is also possible to transport all of those banknotes 6 at once. For example, if the transport assist body 16 is fed from the transport assist body insertion device 40 while banknotes 6 are stopped at the completion positions of each banknote intake device 140 along the return path 12c of the transport pipe 12, the number of banknotes 6 pushed by the transport assist body 16 will increase sequentially as it moves along the outward path 12a, and all of the banknotes 6 can be transported. Such a large transport force is ensured by the fact that the transport assist body 16 has a shape that almost completely blocks the cross-section of the transport pipe 12, which reduces the adhesion and suction of the banknotes 6, and the presence of the expansion part 33 increases the surface area that is affected by the airflow. In addition, because the transport assist body 16 has a columnar shape that does not deform, it enables the simultaneous transport of a large number of banknotes, which cannot be achieved with wings or the like.

[0212] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the transport pipe 12 is approximately rectangular, but it may be circular, elliptical, or other shapes. However, it is preferable that the transport assist body has a shape corresponding to its inner edge and covers almost the entire cross-section. In addition, it is preferable to provide multiple ribs to narrow the effective passage width for paper sheets. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0213] 2... Gaming machine island 3... Game ball dispensing machine 4… Amusement machines (pachinko machines) 5… Safe 6… banknotes 10... Paper sheet conveying device 11…Banknote separation and transport assisting circulation device 12…Conveyor pipe 12a…Outbound journey 12b... Turn section 12c…Return trip 13a... Rib 13b... Arc section 13c…Straight section 14…Airflow Generator 14a...Air outlet passage 14b... Air intake passage 14c…motor 16… Transport assist device 16a...Head 16b...Neck 16c...Large diameter section 16d...constriction 18…Connecting Unit 21…Banknote compartment 22…Banknote transport section 23…Control Unit 24...Power supply section 31...Wall part 32... Side wall section 33... Expansion section 34…Separation wall 40...Conveyor assist device insertion device 41...Delivery passage 41A…Upper delivery passage 41B…Lower delivery passage 42...Waiting section 43…Movable storage compartment 43a...Holding part 43b…Support plate 43d…Axis protrusion 43e...Shaft arm 43f... Guide piece 43g...Air vents 43h... Air vent 44...Second drive unit 45... Conveyor pipe connection port 46... Air outlet connection port 47... Shaft hole 48…Conveyor assist sensor 49... Guide rail 49A... Upper guide rail 49B...Medium guide rail 49C... Lower guide rail 50... Duct 51…Posture correction mechanism 52... Bearing hole 61… Information corridor 62...First drive unit 63... Transport assist object detection sensor 64... Separation and transport drive unit 70... Separation and recovery device 71... Outer frame 71A...Frame section 71B…Top lid part 71C... Side wall duct section 72... Conveyor pipe connection port 73... Expansion Room 74... Drop-off point 75... Inlet 77... Banknote-removal prevention wall 78... Shaft hole 80…Separation part 81...Holding part 82...Support part 83... Guide rail 84... Passage gate 85…Protrusion shaft 86…Discharge port 90...Inner unit 91...Inner unit main body 92...Inner unit cover section 92a... Opposite wall 92b…Top surface 92c…Bottom surface 93...Base 94...First side wall 94a...Opening 95... Partition wall 95a...Aperture 96...Aisle section 97a... Downstream pulley 97b... Upstream pulley 98, 98B... Conveyor belts 99...Movable frame 100a... Downstream pivot shaft 100b... Upstream pivot shaft 101... Discharge roller 102… Opposite discharge roller 103… Rotating shaft 104… Transmission gear 105… Transmission gear 106… Handle 107… Banknote discharge passage 108… Spring 109… Air passage 110… Rib 112… Opposite rib 120… Conveyor belt 122… Separation and recovery section exit sensor 140, 140A, 140B… Banknote intake device 141… Passage section 143… Main body section 144… Insertion port 145… Waiting passage 146… Conveyor roller 147… Passage frame 148… Nylatch 149… Opening / closing door 150… Seat part 151… Banknote receiving inlet 153… Connector 160… Auxiliary frame 161… Flat part 162… Groove part 163… Protrusion part 163a… Gap 164… Connection member 164a… Locking part 166… Mounting bracket 170… Pedestal part 171… Outer fitting part 172… Claw part 174… Recessed part 174a… Wall 175… Notch part 180… Hook member 181… Hooking part 182… Arm part 182a… Holding part 190… Mounting bracket 191… Base part 192… Upper arm part 193… Lower arm part 194… Banknote intake device holding bracket 195... Auxiliary frame retaining bracket Dx... Distance between reference plane sections of the conveying pipe Dy...Internal dimensions of the transport pipe in the Y direction F... Direction of extension of the conveying pipe K... The direction in which the banknote take-up device is pressed on the back of the game ball dispenser. W…Aisle width X... Direction of the passage width of the conveying pipe Y... Height direction of the conveying pipe

Claims

1. A paper sheet recovery device that separates and recovers paper sheets that have been transported in a transport pipe by an airflow from the airflow, A passage section is provided at the end of the transport pipe to receive the paper sheets and the airflow, A conveyor belt having ventilation is provided within the passage section so as to face one side of the received paper sheets, and is used to transport the paper sheets downstream. A suction port for sucking air from the passage section from behind the conveyor belt, It has, The airflow that enters the passage is discharged from the suction port, and the paper sheets received in the passage are carried along the conveyor belt by the suction. A paper sheet collection device characterized by the following features.

2. The conveyor belt has a large number of air holes or is mesh-like. The paper sheet collection device according to feature 1.

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