Paper sheet conveying device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet conveying device for conveying paper sheets such as banknotes in a gaming arcade or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Inside a gaming machine island that accommodates a plurality of sets of a combination of a gaming ball lending machine that accepts the insertion of banknotes and lends gaming balls (such as pachinko balls) to players and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, there is a conveying device that conveys the banknotes inserted into each gaming ball lending machine to a safe provided at the end of the gaming machine island along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island. Also, there is a conveying device that collects banknotes from each safe of a plurality of gaming machine islands provided in the gaming arcade and conveys them to the main safe in the office of the gaming arcade. For example, the transport route that runs through the gaming hall leaves the main safe in the office, extends upwards into the ceiling space, then changes direction horizontally and runs along the ceiling space, passing directly above the location of the safes for each gaming machine island. From the safes of each gaming machine island, banknotes are sent towards the transport route that passes directly above them. After completing its circuit above each gaming machine island, the transport route is extended downwards to return to the main safe.

[0003] Conventionally, belt conveyance has been the mainstream as a conveyance method used in such a conveyance device, but in recent years, it has been diversifying, such as a method that utilizes an air flow generated inside a conveyance pipe. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a cylindrical conveyance auxiliary body 101 inserted into a conveyance pipe 1 hundred as shown in FIG. 28 is moved by the action of an air flow generated inside the conveyance pipe, and a conveyance device that conveys paper sheets inside the pipe by pushing them from behind with the moving conveyance auxiliary body 101 is disclosed.

[0004] In a conveyance device that uses a conveyance auxiliary body, a recovery device for separating the conveyance auxiliary body and the paper sheets conveyed by the conveyance auxiliary body and recovering the paper sheets is provided at the end of the conveyance pipe. FIG. 29 shows a state in which paper sheets are recovered by the recovery device 110.

[0005] In this recovery device 110, the conveyance auxiliary body 101 that has pushed the paper sheets from behind is received and recovered by a separation unit 112 having a slit (passage opening) (FIG. b of the same figure), and only the paper sheets are passed through the slit and advanced to the downstream passage unit 114 to separate the paper sheets from the conveyance auxiliary body.

[0006] The passage section 114 is an area for temporarily stopping or slowing down (for example, 10 cm / sec) paper sheets that have been moving at high speed (for example, 2 m / sec) inside the transport pipe and storing them. Paper sheets that enter the passage section 114 are discharged to the outside from the end of the passage section 114 by a transport mechanism 116 using transport rollers and a transport belt (Figure c).

[0007] The paper sheets discharged from the collection device 110 are sent to the main safe in the office for storage. The transport assisting body 101 is collected when the separation unit 112 rotates from the front to the side of the passage unit 114 (Figure c). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-15578 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] When paper sheets are transported by a transport aid, they are usually pushed and moved by the aid with the trailing end of the sheet in contact with it. Also, when the transport aid transports multiple sheets of paper at once, they are usually pushed and moved as a single bundle with the trailing end of the bundle in contact with the transport aid. However, this transport state is not always maintained, and due to various influences (for example, the effect of gravity acting on the paper sheets in the direction of travel at the downhill section of the transport path, the effect of air resistance, the effect of joints in the transport pipe, etc.), the paper sheets may move a certain distance forward from the transport aid, or, if the transport aid is transporting multiple banknotes at once, the bundle may break apart and the multiple sheets of paper may be transported in a dispersed state, front and back (for example, a first group and a second group behind it) (see Figure 30).

[0010] When multiple sheets of paper reach the collection device in a dispersed state, as shown in Figure 31(a), the first group of paper sheets that arrive first are stored in the passage section 114 of the collection device 110 and stop and decelerate. Subsequently, the leading edge of the second group of paper sheets may collide with the trailing edge of the first group of paper sheets that arrived first and are stopped and decelerating in the passage section 114. If this happens, the second group of paper sheets, which arrive later, will not be able to enter the passage section 114 and will be crushed by the conveying aid arriving from behind, causing a jam (Figure 31(b)).

[0011] This problem can occur not only when the transport aid moves due to the action of airflow, but also in any system where the transport aid pushes and moves the paper sheets. For example, it can occur even if the transport aid is self-propelled. Furthermore, the phenomenon of the paper sheets moving at a certain distance ahead of the transport aid can occur not only on downhill sections of the transport path, but also in other locations, such as on horizontal sections of the transport path. At the downward section, the paper sheets being transported are subjected to both the action of airflow and their own weight. Therefore, it is desirable to take this into consideration and appropriately receive the paper sheets coming down the transport path in the storage area.

[0012] This invention aims to solve the above problems, A system that can properly receive paper sheets from a vertically descending transport path into a storage area. The objective is to provide a paper sheet conveying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The gist of this invention, which aims to achieve the above objective, is as follows:

[0014] [1] A paper sheet conveying device that conveys paper sheets in a conveying pipe to a storage unit by the action of an airflow generated in the conveying pipe, The outlet of the curved transport pipe, which changes the path of the paper sheets from a vertical downward direction to a horizontal direction, is connected to the side of the housing of the storage unit. The paper sheets, which are transported in separate sections in the curved transport pipe, are temporarily stopped in front of the storage compartment. A paper sheet conveying device characterized by the following features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a layout in a gaming parlor where a paper sheet collection and transport system, to which a paper sheet transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, is installed. [Figure 2] The figure which shows the schematic structure of the paper sheet collection conveyance system to which the paper sheet conveyance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is applied. [Figure 3] The explanatory view which shows the state which the conveyance auxiliary moves the paper money in the conveyance pipe from the rear end side. [Figure 4] The perspective view which shows the conveyance pipe of the straight part. [Figure 5] The sectional view which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the conveyance pipe of the straight part. [Figure 6] The figure which shows the plane and the front view of the conveyance auxiliary. [Figure 7] The sectional view which shows the conveyance pipe and the conveyance auxiliary in the state which inserted the conveyance auxiliary in the conveyance pipe. [Figure 8] The figure which shows the inside of the conveyance pipe and the collective storage box which enter and leave the collective storage box of the paper sheet collection conveyance system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] The figure which shows the structural example of the gaming machine island. [Figure 10] The figure which shows the schematic structure of the in-island paper money conveyance apparatus. [Figure 11] The perspective view which shows the state which disassembled the collection apparatus into the outer case and the inner unit. [Figure 12] The perspective view which shows the inner unit of the collection apparatus. [Figure 13] The perspective view which shows the state which disassembled the passage part of the inner unit into the main body part side and the opposing wall part side. [Figure 14] The perspective view which looked at the main body part of the passage part from the inner wall surface side. [Figure 15] The explanatory view which shows the cross section and the operation | movement of the collection apparatus. [Figure 16] The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the temporary stop unit. [Figure 17] The perspective view which shows the stopper drive part of the temporary stop unit. [Figure 18] The side view which shows the connection pipe part of the temporary stop unit. [Figure 19] The sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 18 of the temporary stop unit (the contact member is in the contact position). [Figure 20] Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the temporary pause unit (the contact member is in the release position). [Figure 21] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the contact member at the contact position and the transport assist body that has come into contact with it and temporarily stopped. [Figure 22] This diagram shows the connection between the head of the contact member at the contact position and the inner wall surface of the connecting pipe. [Figure 23] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the pause unit and retrieval device (when multiple banknotes are transported in multiple separate units). [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram showing a continuation of Figure 23. [Figure 25] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the pause unit and retrieval device (when multiple banknotes are transported as a single bundle). [Figure 26] This is an explanatory diagram showing a continuation of Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the pause unit and retrieval device (another example where multiple banknotes are transported as a single bundle). [Figure 28] This diagram shows how a transport assist device pushes and moves paper sheets inside a pipe from the rear. [Figure 29] This diagram shows how paper sheets are collected by a collection device in a conventional conveying system. [Figure 30] This diagram shows how multiple sheets of paper are transported, dispersed in both forward and backward directions. [Figure 31] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the problems that arise with conventional retrieval devices for conveying equipment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an example of the store layout of a gaming arcade 2 where a paper waste collection and transport system 1, to which a paper waste transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, is installed. Figure 2 shows the schematic configuration of the paper waste collection and transport system 1. Inside the gaming arcade 2, multiple gaming machine islands 3 are arranged in rows separated by aisles. Each gaming machine island 3 houses multiple sets of gaming ball dispensing machines 4, which receive banknotes and dispense gaming balls (pachinko balls) to players, and gaming machines 5 such as pachinko machines, arranged back to back on both sides.

[0018] The paper waste collection and transport system 1 includes an island-based banknote transport device 7 installed inside the gaming machine island 3 that collects banknotes discharged from the back of each gaming ball dispensing machine 4 and transports them to a safe in a relay box 6 at the end of the gaming machine island 3; a main transport device 10 that travels above each gaming machine island 3 (for example, above or near the ceiling) to collect banknotes stored in the safes of each gaming machine island 3 and transport them to a collective safe 9 installed in the office or other part of the gaming hall 2; and a relay transport device 8 that dispenses banknotes from the safes of each gaming machine island 3 and relays the banknotes to a transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 that passes above the safes.

[0019] Each gaming machine island 3 has a relay box 6 at its end that houses a safe, as well as the drive and control units for the island's banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8. The central safe 9 houses the safe, as well as the drive and control units for the main transport device 10.

[0020] The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is configured to exit from the central safe 9 in the office, pass above the installation locations of the relay boxes 6 for each gaming machine island 3, and return to the central safe 9. In the example shown in Figure 2, the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10, after exiting the central safe 9, extends upward into the ceiling space, changes direction horizontally, travels along the ceiling space just above the installation locations of the relay boxes 6 for each gaming machine island 3, and then descends to return to the central safe 9. A short distance before returning to the central safe 9, a temporary pause unit 80 is installed in the transport path 11 that allows banknotes P to pass through but temporarily pauses the transport assisting body 16 for a predetermined time before opening it towards the central safe 9. In this embodiment, the main transport device 10 equipped with the temporary pause unit 80 corresponds to the paper sheet transport device according to the present invention.

[0021] The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 of the paper sheet collection and transport system 1 is a cylindrical transport pipe 12. The main transport device 10 generates an airflow inside the transport pipe 12, and a transport auxiliary body 16 (see Figures 3 to 7) that moves inside the transport pipe 12 in response to this airflow pushes the banknotes P inside the transport pipe 12 from behind and transports them downstream (transport direction FW). In the paper sheet collection and transport system 1, the banknotes P are transported inside the transport pipe 12 in a horizontal orientation with the paper surface facing vertically.

[0022] The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is constructed by connecting multiple transport pipes 12. Transport pipes are connected to each other via connecting parts 15, intake devices 14, etc. The transport pipes 12 include straight transport pipes 12a, horizontally curved pipes 12b for changing the path by 90 degrees to the left or right, and vertically curved pipes 12c for changing the path from horizontal to vertical or vertical to horizontal (see Figures 2 and 8). By connecting these, the transport path can be freely configured.

[0023] The receiving device 14 has the function of taking in the banknotes that have been transported by the relay transport device 8 into the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10, and also has the function of connecting the transport pipes 12 before and after it.

[0024] Figure 8 shows the collective safe 9 with its front cover removed and the transport pipe 12 that enters and exits it. Inside the collective safe 9 are an airflow generator 21 and a banknote separation / transportation aid circulation device 22. The banknote separation / transportation aid circulation device 22 has the function of a transport aid insertion device 23 that sends the transport aid 16 into the transport pipe 12, and a recovery device 50 (corresponding to the storage unit of the present invention) that separates the banknotes and the transport aid 16 that has been pushing and transporting them from behind (the transport aid 16 that has returned after completing one circuit of the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10) and recovers each, as well as the function of handing over the transport aid 16 recovered by the recovery device 50 to the transport aid insertion device 23 for cyclical use. The banknotes P recovered by the recovery device 50 are transported to the banknote storage unit 25 inside the collective safe 9 and stored therein.

[0025] The airflow generator 21 generates airflow by rotating blades with a motor. The air outlet side of the airflow generator 21 is connected to the air inlet of the conveying aid insertion device 23, and the starting end of the conveying pipe 12 is connected to the air outlet of the conveying aid insertion device 23. The airflow generated by the airflow generator 21 passes through the conveying aid insertion device 23 and is sent to the starting end of the conveying pipe 12. The end of the conveying pipe 12, which has made a full circuit around the game hall and returned, is connected to the inlet of the recovery device 50, and the airflow outlet of the recovery device 50 is connected to the air intake of the airflow generator 21. The airflow that flows from the end of the conveying pipe 12 into the recovery device 50 passes through the recovery device 50 and is sucked into the air intake of the airflow generator 21.

[0026] A temporary stop unit 80 is provided along the transport path at a predetermined distance before reaching the collective safe 9. As shown in Figure 8, the temporary stop unit 80 connects the straight transport pipe 12a that descends from the ceiling space with the vertically curved pipe 12c just before reaching the collective safe 9, and functions as a connecting section.

[0027] Furthermore, auxiliary blowers (not shown) are provided at appropriate locations along the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 to enhance the airflow. For example, auxiliary blowers are provided where the transport path curves. Auxiliary blowers are also provided at connection points in the transport path. The auxiliary blowers play a role in enhancing the airflow directed downstream to ensure that the transport auxiliary body 16 reaches the collective safe 9 reliably. The auxiliary blowers may also have a function to draw in air from the upstream side.

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

[0029] The collection of banknotes by the paper waste collection and transport system 1 is carried out as follows:

[0030] Banknotes inserted from each game ball dispenser 4 on the gaming machine island 3 are transported by the island's banknote transport device 7 to the relay box 6 at the end of the gaming machine island 3 and temporarily stored in the safe inside. When the banknotes stored in the safes in the relay box 6 of each gaming machine island 3 are collected into the central safe 9, banknotes are dispensed from the safes of one or more relay boxes 6 and transported by the relay transport device 8 to the upper intake device 14, where the intake device 14 takes the banknotes into the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 and puts them into standby.

[0031] Once the banknotes have been taken into the transport path 11, a transport assist body 16 is sent from the transport assist body insertion device 23 in the collective safe 9 into the transport path (transport pipe) 11 in order to transport and collect the banknotes to the collective safe 9. The transport assist body 16 that has been sent out moves downstream within the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 under the influence of the airflow, returning to the collective safe 9 while collecting the banknotes. At that time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transport assist body 16 pushes and moves the banknotes P from behind, transporting them (transport direction FW in the figures). The transport assist body 16, receiving the airflow, moves within the transport pipe 12 at a high speed of about 2 m / s.

[0032] A temporary stop unit 80, installed a predetermined distance before the collective vault 9, allows banknotes heading towards the collective vault 9 to pass through, while temporarily stopping the transport assist unit 16. Here, the temporary stop unit 80 temporarily stops the transport assist unit 16 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and then releases the temporary stop. Banknotes that pass the temporary stop unit 80 and reach the collection device 50 during the temporary stop are collected by the collection device 50, while banknotes that pass the temporary stop unit 80 but do not reach the collection device 50 are pushed by the transport assist unit 16 after the temporary stop is released, reach the collection device 50, and are collected.

[0033] Thus, in the main conveying device 10, the conveying auxiliary body 16 moves in response to the airflow, and the banknotes are conveyed by being pushed from behind by this conveying auxiliary body 16, so the banknotes themselves do not need to obtain propulsion from the airflow. Therefore, measures such as folding the banknotes to receive the airflow are not taken. In addition, the conveying auxiliary body 16 can obtain propulsion from the airflow more efficiently than folded banknotes, so banknotes can be conveyed efficiently and in multiples at once.

[0034] In the paper sheet collection and transport system 1, the island-based banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 also transport banknotes in the same manner as the main transport device 10 (a method in which a transport auxiliary body 16 that moves with airflow pushes the banknotes from behind). As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the island-based banknote transport device 7 consists of a relay box 6, which has the same configuration as the collective safe 9 and is installed at one end of the gaming machine island 3; a transport pipe 12 installed within the island that extends from the relay box 6 to the other end of the gaming machine island 3, then makes a U-turn and returns to the relay box 6; and island-based intake devices 14b, which are provided in accordance with each gaming ball dispensing machine 4 and take in banknotes discharged from the gaming ball dispensing machine 4 into the transport pipe 12. The island-based intake devices 14b also have the function of connecting the transport pipes 12.

[0035] The relay box 6 is equipped with a banknote separation and transport assist circulation device 22 (transport assist insertion device 23 and collection device 50), an airflow generator 21, a banknote storage section 25, a control unit, and the like. In addition, in the island banknote transport device 7, a temporary stop unit 80 may be installed in the transport pipe at a predetermined distance before the collection device 50.

[0036] The relay conveying device 8 also conveys banknotes in the same manner as the main conveying device 10 (using a conveying auxiliary body 16 that moves with airflow to push up the banknotes from below). The relay conveying device 8 is equipped with a conveying pipe that extends from the relay box 6 to the upper intake device 14, and an airflow generator that generates an upward airflow within this conveying pipe. In the relay conveying device 8, the conveying auxiliary body 16, which moves upward within the conveying pipe by the action of the airflow, pushes up the banknotes dispensed from the banknote storage section 25 from below and conveys them to the upper intake device 14. After the banknotes are taken in by the intake device 14, the conveying auxiliary body 16 returns to its standby position at the lower end of the conveying pipe by stopping or reversing the airflow, preparing for the next relay conveying.

[0037] Furthermore, the island-based banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 may employ other transport methods, such as belt transport, in addition to the transport method described above.

[0038] Next, the shapes of the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16 will be described in detail.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the conveying pipe 12 in a straight section, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the conveying pipe 12 in the same section perpendicular to the extension direction FW (= the direction of conveying banknotes P = the direction of airflow). The conveying pipe 12 is made of resin with a thickness of about 1.5 mm. The conveying pipe 12 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

[0040] The cross-sectional shape of the straight portion of the conveying pipe 12 perpendicular to the extension direction FW is a rectangular shape in which the central part of the longer side extends outward in a rectangular shape. In detail, the conveying pipe 12 comprises a wall portion 31 that forms the short side of the rectangle in cross-section, a side wall portion 32 that forms the long side of the rectangle in cross-section, and an extended portion 33 that protrudes outward in a rectangular shape at the central part of the side wall portion 32. The direction of the short side in the substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction (conveying direction FW) of the conveying pipe 12 is called the X direction, and the direction of the long side is called the Y direction. In the X direction and Y direction, the direction toward the center of the conveying pipe 12 is called the inside, and the direction toward the inner wall from the center is called the outside.

[0041] The expansion section 33 is divided into two 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.

[0042] Multiple ribs 35 projecting inward from the conveying pipe 12 are formed along the conveying direction on the side wall portion 32. In this example, ribs 35 projecting inward from the conveying pipe 12 are formed along the conveying direction FW 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. Hereafter, the separation wall 34 will also be referred to as the rib 34.

[0043] The side wall portion 32 is a pair of inner walls facing the surface of the banknote P being transported. The banknote P is rectangular in shape and is transported inside the transport tube 12 with its longer side facing the transport direction FW. In other words, the surface of the banknote P faces the side wall portion 32 of the transport tube 12 and is transported with one short side of the banknote P facing the leading end of the transport direction FW and the other short side facing the trailing end.

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

[0045] Furthermore, the transport pipe 12 can be installed and used with its longitudinal direction tilted vertically, horizontally, or at any arbitrary angle, and the transport assist body 16 can move smoothly inside the transport pipe 12 at any angle. Figure 5 shows the transport pipe 12 in a vertical position, with the longer side of the rectangular cross-section facing vertically.

[0046] 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 inserted into the conveying pipe 12 so that the central axis of the cylinder is in the Y direction of the conveying pipe 12. The conveying support body 16 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to its center in the longitudinal direction, and is composed of a head 16a, a neck 16b with a slightly smaller diameter than the head, a large-diameter part 16c with a larger diameter than the head 16a, a constricted part 16d with the same diameter as the neck 16b and located in the center in the longitudinal direction, the large-diameter part 16c, the neck 16b, and the head 16a, in that order from one end. The conveying support body 16 is lightweight and strong, 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 strong.

[0047] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the transport assist body 16 inserted into the transport pipe 12. This figure shows a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction FW and passing through the central axis of the transport assist body 16. The diameter of each part of the transport assist body 16 corresponds to the inner edge shape of the transport pipe 12. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the transport assist body 16 passing through the central axis corresponds to the inner edge shape of the transport pipe 12 in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction FW, and it is shaped to almost completely seal the inside of the transport pipe 12 with a predetermined clearance between it and the inner wall.

[0048] 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.

[0049] When a banknote P is subjected to the airflow within the transport tube 12, it tends to stick to the side wall 32. That is, the distance between one side of the banknote P and the opposing side wall 32 is almost never equal to the distance between the other side of the banknote P and the opposing side wall 32; one distance is always narrower than the other. Since the airflow velocity is faster on the side with the narrower distance than on the side with the wider distance, the air pressure on the side with the narrower distance becomes lower than the air pressure on the side with the wider distance, and this pressure difference causes the banknote P to be attracted and pressed against the side wall 32 on the side with the narrower distance. As a result, the distance on the side with the narrower distance becomes even narrower, causing the banknote P to stick and adhere to the side wall 32.

[0050] If the banknotes P adhere strongly to the side wall 32, it becomes difficult to push and move the banknotes P with the transport assist 16. However, as described above, the transport assist 16 acts to block (reduce) the airflow downstream, so the force with which the banknotes P adhere and are attracted is reduced, and smooth transport is achieved.

[0051] 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 appropriately contact the rear end of the banknotes P, providing a stable transport force. In addition, it becomes less likely for the banknotes P to get caught between the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing a large-diameter section 16c to the transport assist body 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 transport pipe 12 can be narrowed, preventing the banknotes P from falling over.

[0053] Furthermore, the presence of multiple ribs 35 on the side wall 32 prevents the banknote P from sticking tightly to the side wall 32. In other words, the contact area between the banknote P and the side wall 32 is reduced, friction is reduced, and the generation of static electricity can be suppressed. Also, even if the banknote P 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 P around the ribs 35, and the force of adhesion is kept low. In addition, since the banknote P is supported by the separation wall 34, it is prevented from falling into the recess of the expansion section 33.

[0054] Furthermore, the multiple ribs 35 protruding inward from the side wall 32 and the tops of the separation wall 34 play a role in making the effective passage width W of the banknotes P 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 P are less likely to fall towards one side wall 32 within the conveying pipe 12, and their orientation is maintained along the Y direction. In particular, by providing multiple ribs 35, the above-mentioned falling of the banknotes P is appropriately prevented, and the banknotes P are also effectively prevented from sticking to the side wall 32. In addition, 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.

[0055] 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 P and pushes it forward.

[0056] The transport assisting body 16 is not limited to the exemplified shape. For example, it may have a shape in which two large-diameter sections 16c are integrated without a constricted section 16d, or it may have a shape without a head section 16a, or its cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis may be rectangular. It may have any suitable shape that allows it to push and move banknotes from the rear in a stable position.

[0057] Next, we will describe the recovery device 50.

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

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

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

[0061] The separation section 53 has a shape resembling a hollow cylinder divided into two along its axis, and is structured to stop the transport assist 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 section. The slit 53a opened in the semi-cylindrical wall section of the separation section 53 is wide enough for a bundle of more than ten banknotes P to pass through.

[0062] The separation unit 53 is configured to be rotatable between a standby position (see Figures 11 and 15(a)) in front of the inlet 54a of the passage unit 54, where it receives the transport assisting body 16 arriving from the end of the transport pipe 12, and a discharge position (see Figures 12 and 15(b)) set aside from the front of the inlet 54a. Here, the separation unit 53 rotates using power from a solenoid (not shown).

[0063] An outlet 53b is provided on the bottom surface of the separation unit 53 to allow the transport assist body 16 to fall downward. In addition, an outlet 51b is provided on the bottom surface of the outer case 51 at a position corresponding to the outlet 53b of the separation unit 53 when it moves to the discharge position. When the separation unit 53, which is holding the transport assist body 16, rotates from the standby position to the discharge position, the held transport assist body 16 falls downward through the outlet 53b on the bottom surface of the separation unit 53 and the outlet 51b on the bottom surface of the outer case 51, and is handed over to the transport assist body insertion device 23 for reuse in the next delivery.

[0064] The passage section 54 of the inner unit 52 is an area where banknotes received from the inlet 54a are stopped and slowed down for temporary storage. The stopped and slowed banknotes are transported by a transport mechanism provided in the passage section 54 to the dispensing opening 54b at the end of the passage section 54 and sent out to the outside. The banknotes that exit the dispensing opening 54b of the collection device 50 are sent to the banknote storage section 25 for storage.

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

[0066] Near the end of the passage section 54, a conveyor roller 57 is provided for gripping and discharging banknotes. In the collection device 50, an air intake port 54c is provided behind the conveyor belt 56, and a duct leading to the suction side of the airflow generator 21 is connected to the outer case 51 in the portion corresponding to this intake port 54c. By drawing air to the outside from the intake port 54c behind the conveyor belt 56, the banknotes are made to stick to the conveyor belt 56 and transported.

[0067] Three conveyor belts 56 are laid parallel to each other with gaps between them (see Figure 14), and partition walls 54d are provided between the conveyor belts 56 to prevent banknotes from being sucked into the space between the conveyor belts 56.

[0068] Furthermore, the passage section 54 is equipped with an auxiliary transport mechanism 58 in case the transport of banknotes by the transport belt 56 is not successful. The auxiliary transport mechanism 58 consists of a roller 58a provided on one inner wall side of the passage section 54, and an annular clamping belt 58b provided on the other inner wall side of the passage section 54 at a position corresponding to the roller 58a, and stretched so as to circumfer along the longitudinal direction of the passage section 54. The clamping belt 58b is supported so as to be displaceable between a storage position (see Figure 15(a)) in which the banknotes do not advance into the actual passage (inside the top of the rib 55) and a clamping position (see Figure 15(b)) in which they advance into the passage and come into contact with the roller 58a. The clamping belt 58b is driven by a drive unit (not shown) to circumfer in the direction of transporting banknotes downstream. It is also driven by a solenoid (not shown) to displace between the storage position and the clamping position.

[0069] The retrieval device 50 is equipped with sensors that detect whether or not the transport assisting body 16 has arrived at the separation unit 53 in the standby position, and sensors that detect whether or not banknotes are present in the passage unit 54 and whether or not banknotes have been discharged from the passage unit 54.

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

[0071] When the airflow generator 21 generates an airflow, the airflow travels around the transport path 11 and flows into the recovery device 50 through the front opening 51a of the outer case 51 of the recovery device 50, and further enters the passage section 54 through the inlet 54a of the inner unit 52. The air in the passage section 54 is drawn into the airflow generator 21 through the duct via the suction port 54c.

[0072] As described above, with the airflow in place, when a banknote reaches the recovery device 50 from the end of the transport pipe 12, the banknote passes through the slit 53a of the separation section 53 and enters the passage section 54. Once inside the passage section 54, the banknote adheres to the transport belt 56 due to the aforementioned suction, stopping or slowing its movement. It is then transported downstream of the passage section 54 at a low speed (for example, 10 cm / second) by the transport belt 56, and further grasped by the transport roller 57 before being discharged to the outside through the dispensing opening 54b. Here, the recovery device 50 starts driving the transport belt 56 and transport roller 57 when it detects that a banknote has entered the passage section 54, and stops driving them once the banknote has been discharged. Note that the recovery device 50 may be kept running at all times during the transport operation of the main transport device 10 (from the start to the end of the transport operation by the transport auxiliary body), regardless of whether a banknote has reached the passage section 54 of the recovery device 50 or not.

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

[0074] The retrieval device may have other configurations. For example, in the retrieval device 50, the stored banknotes are discharged from the rear end of the passage section 54, but it may also be configured to discharge them to the side or downward. The retrieval device only needs to have the function of temporarily storing banknotes that are moving at high speed, slowing them down or stopping them, and then discharging them to the outside.

[0075] Furthermore, although the system is configured to drop the transport assist body 16 captured by the separation unit 53 downwards and hand it over to the transport assist body insertion device 23, it is also possible to configure the system so that, for example, after capturing the transport assist body 16 in the separation unit 53, the transport assist body 16 is sent back from the separation unit 53 towards the starting end of the transport pipe 12 by reversing the airflow, and reused for the next transport.

[0076] Next, we will describe the pause unit 80.

[0077] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the pause unit 80. The pause unit 80 comprises a connecting pipe section 81 that connects the front and rear transport pipes, a stopper drive unit 82 that is attached to the outer side of the connecting pipe section 81 and moves a contact member 83 into and out of the connecting pipe section 81 to contact the transport auxiliary body 16 and temporarily pause it, and a control unit 89 that controls the operation of the pause unit 80. In addition, the pause unit 80 is provided with an error indicator and a reset switch (not shown).

[0078] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the stopper drive unit 82, Figure 18 is a side view of the connecting pipe section 81, and Figures 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of the temporary suspension unit 80 shown in Figure 18. Figure 19 shows the contact member 83 in the contact position, having advanced into the connecting pipe section 81, and Figure 20 shows the release position, having retracted from the connecting pipe section 81. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the contact member 83 in the contact position and the transport assist body 16 that has temporarily stopped by contacting it. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the connection between the head of the contact member 83 in the contact position and the inner wall surface of the connecting pipe section 81.

[0079] The connecting pipe section 81 consists of an upstream end 81a, a downstream end 81b, and an intermediate pipeline section 81c between them. The upstream end 81a and the downstream end 81b are connected to the upstream and downstream transport pipes 12, respectively, via connecting adapters (not shown). By connecting the transport pipes 12 to the upstream and downstream ends of the connecting pipe section 81 via connecting adapters, the shape of the inside of the pipes from the upstream transport pipe to the downstream transport pipe becomes the same as that of the transport pipes 12 shown in Figure 5, etc., and the inner walls and ribs are arranged in a sequential step relationship that allows banknotes and transport aids to pass through smoothly without getting caught.

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

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

[0082] As shown in Figure 21, the head 83b of the contact member 83 is divided into two parts, which contact the two large-diameter sections 16c of the transport assist body 16. In Figure 21, a cross-section of the transport pipe 12, which has the same inner edge shape, is superimposed as a reference illustration to show the inner edge shape of the intermediate conduit section 81c of the temporary stopping unit 80. As shown in Figure 21, the head 83b of the contact member 83 firmly contacts the transport assist body 16 at the contact position, but is set not to advance into the actual banknote passage (inside the tops of the ribs 35 and separation walls 34).

[0083] Furthermore, since the head 83b of the contact member 83 contacts each of the two large-diameter portions 16c of the transport assist body 16, it prevents the transport assist body 16 from tilting and collapsing when contact occurs, allowing the transport assist body 16 to be temporarily stopped in a stable position. This also prevents the transport assist body 16 from moving out of the detection range of the sensor 85 due to a change in posture, thus preventing false detections.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22(a), at the contact point, the inner wall and ribs of the intermediate conduit section 81c are set to connect to the head 83b of the contact member 83 with a step difference (a connection that allows banknotes moving downstream to pass through without getting caught). This prevents banknotes from getting caught on the head 83b of the contact member 83, even if they bend or otherwise enter the expanded section 33 of the transport pipe 12 and pass through the intermediate conduit section 81c while contacting the inner wall. If the head of the contact member had the shape shown in Figure 22(b), a step difference would be created at the connection between the inner wall surface and the head, making it easier for banknotes to get caught.

[0085] Next, we will describe the movement of the transport assisting body 16 and the transported banknotes from the pause unit 80 to the collection device 50.

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

[0087] In the paper sheet collection and transport system 1, with the contact member 83 of the temporary suspension unit 80 set to the contact position, the transport assist body 16 is released from the banknote separation and transport assist body circulation device 22 and the banknote transport operation begins.

[0088] First, let's explain the case where multiple banknotes are transported in two separate groups, a first group and a second group that is slower, as shown in Figure 23(a). This transport condition is likely to occur in the section of the straight transport pipe 12a that descends from the ceiling. Each of the banknotes in the first and second groups passes through the temporary stopping unit 80 without being obstructed by the contact member 83 (Figure 23(a)), and the transport assisting body 16 comes into contact with the contact member 83 and temporarily stops inside the temporary stopping unit 80 (Figure 23(b)).

[0089] The first group of banknotes that reach the collection device 50 first are stored in the collection device 50 and stop and decelerate (move at a low speed) within the collection device 50. The second group of banknotes that arrive at the collection device 50 later at a high speed of about 2 m / s come to a stop with their leading edges hitting the trailing ends of the first group of banknotes that are stopped and decelerating within the collection device 50 (Figure 23(b)).

[0090] While the transport assist unit 16 is temporarily stopped by the pause unit 80, the first group of banknotes in the recovery device 50 are transported to the transport belt 56, etc., and discharged to the outside (Figure 23(c)).

[0091] A sensor 85 is used to monitor whether the transport assist body 16 is in contact with the contact member 83 and temporarily stopped. After a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 5 seconds) from the time the sensor 85 detects the transport assist body 16 (the time when the transport assist body 16 comes into contact with the contact member 83 and begins to temporarily stop), the contact member 83 is displaced to the release position to release the transport assist body 16 downstream.

[0092] The predetermined time until the pause is released is set to be longer than or equal to the maximum time required for the banknotes that have entered the collection device 50 to be completely discharged from the collection device 50 after the pause is started. The predetermined time can be set appropriately according to the time required for the collection device 50 to discharge the banknotes, the length of the path from the pause unit 80 to the collection device 50, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit 89 returns the contact member 83 to the contact position before the next transport assist body 16 is fed out from the transport assist body insertion device 23. Here, after being displaced to the release position, it is returned to the contact position after a certain period of time (for example, 1 to 10 seconds). Alternatively, for example, after being moved to the release position, it is returned to the contact position after confirming that the transport assist body 16 is not detected by the sensor 85, or the contact member 83 is set to the contact position at the same time that the transport assist body insertion device 23 feeds out the next transport assist body 16.

[0094] When the pause unit 80 releases the transport assist body 16, as shown in Figures 24(a) and 24(b), the transport assist body 16 pushes the second group of banknotes from the rear and transports them into the collection device 50. The transport assist body 16 is captured by the separation section 53 of the collection device 50, and the second group of banknotes passes through the separation section 53 and is stored in the passage section 54. Then, as shown in Figure 24(c), the transport assist body 16 is discharged downward from the separation section 53 and moves to the transport assist body insertion device 23, and the second group of banknotes is transported to the transport belt 56, etc. and discharged to the outside.

[0095] In this way, by temporarily stopping the transport assisting body 16 with the temporary suspension unit 80 and then releasing it after a predetermined time, even if multiple banknotes reach the collection device in a dispersed state, the banknotes can be collected properly without the crushing phenomenon of the banknotes as shown in Figure 31(b).

[0096] Figures 25 and 26 show the case where multiple banknotes are being transported as a single bundle. The bundle of banknotes descending from the ceiling (see Figure 25(a)) passes through the temporary stopping unit 80 without being obstructed by the contact member 83, continues on to the collection device 50, and is stored inside the collection device 50 where it stops and slows down. The transport assist body 16 comes into contact with the contact member 83 and temporarily stops inside the temporary stopping unit 80 (Figure 25(b)).

[0097] While the transport assist unit 16 is temporarily stopped by the pause unit 80, the banknotes in the collection device 50 are transported to the transport belt 56, etc., and discharged to the outside (Figure 25(c)).

[0098] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the transport assist body 16 was temporarily stopped, the temporary stopping unit 80 releases the transport assist body 16. As shown in Figures 26(a) and 26(b), the transport assist body 16 moves toward the recovery device 50, and upon reaching the recovery device 50, it is captured by the separation unit 53. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 26(c), the transport assist body 16 is discharged downward from the separation unit 53 and returns to the transport assist body insertion device 23.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27(a), even if a banknote that has passed through the temporary suspension unit 80 stops midway before reaching the collection device 50, the banknote will be pushed from behind by the transport assist body 16, which is released after a predetermined time, and transported to the collection device 50 for collection (Figures 27(b) and 27(c)).

[0100] In this way, the same control method can be used to handle both cases where multiple banknotes are transported separately in the front and back, and where multiple banknotes are transported as a single bundle, by temporarily stopping the transport assist unit 16 for a predetermined time using the pause unit 80 before releasing it. Therefore, there is no need to detect whether multiple banknotes are being transported as a single bundle or separately in the front and back, thus simplifying detection and control.

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

[0102] For example, control it as follows: - If the temporary pause unit 80 detects the transport assisting body 16 and detects that the banknotes have reached and entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time, the temporary pause is released after it is detected that the banknotes have finished being discharged from the collection device 50. The predetermined time is the maximum time that will be required from the time the temporary pause unit 80 detects the transport assisting body 16 until the banknotes reach the collection device 50. The predetermined time can be determined from the distance from the temporary pause unit 80 to the collection device 50 and the speed at which the banknotes are moving. If the temporary pause unit 80 does not detect that the banknotes have reached and entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time after detecting the transport assist body 16, the temporary pause is released at that point. This is the control that corresponds to the case where the banknotes do not reach the collection device 50 and stop along the way, as shown in Figure 27(a).

[0103] In addition, the banknote transport device 7 on island 3 does not have a downward transport path or vertical curved pipe 12c in front of the collection device 50, as does the main transport device 10. However, even with a transport path like that of the island banknote transport device 7, banknotes may be transported in a dispersed manner both forward and backward. Therefore, in the island banknote transport device 7 as well, by providing a temporary stopping unit 80 a predetermined distance before the collection device 50, banknotes can be collected smoothly without the problems shown in Figure 31(b).

[0104] 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.

[0105] In this embodiment, the control unit 89 of the pause unit 80 controls the pause unit 80, but the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 may be configured to control the operation of the pause unit 80. Alternatively, the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 and the control unit 89 of the pause unit 80 may be configured to cooperate in controlling the operation of the pause unit 80.

[0106] The mounting position of the temporary pause unit 80 is not limited to the position shown in the embodiment. If there is a descending transport pipe and a vertical curved pipe 12c immediately before the recovery device 50 as shown in the embodiment, it is preferable to install the temporary pause unit 80 between the descending transport pipe and the vertical curved pipe 12c. The mounting position of the temporary pause unit 80 is downstream of the furthest downstream intake device 14 in the transport path, and at least one banknote (paper sheet to be transported) upstream of the recovery device 50. The reason for placing it at least one banknote (paper sheet to be transported) upstream of the recovery device 50 is to ensure a distance that prevents the transport assist body 16, stopped by the temporary pause unit 80, from crushing the second group of banknotes (see Figure 23(b)).

[0107] Furthermore, within the above range, it is preferable to install the pause unit 80 closer to the collection device 50 so that the first group of paper sheets can be reliably reached by the collection device 50. For example, if the distance from the outlet of the vertical curved pipe 12c to the collection device 50 is sufficient, the pause unit 80 may be installed at or downstream of the outlet of the vertical curved pipe 12c.

[0108] Alternatively, the temporary suspension unit 80 may be installed within the aforementioned range, sufficiently far from the collection device 50, so that the first group of banknotes does not reach the collection device 50 when the transport assist unit 16 is temporarily suspended by the temporary suspension unit 80. In this case, when the transport assist unit 16 is temporarily suspended by the temporary suspension unit 80, both the first and second groups of banknotes will stop in front of the collection device 50 as shown in Figure 27. After the temporary suspension is released, the transport assist unit 16 will transport them bundled together, and the banknotes will arrive at the collection device 50 as a single bundle. It is a condition that the banknotes do not disperse again before and after the transport assist unit 16 transports them after the temporary suspension is released. For example, it is desirable that there are no descending transport pipes further downstream than the position where the first and second groups of banknotes stop in front of the collection device 50 when the transport assist unit 16 is temporarily suspended by the temporary suspension unit 80.

[0109] Furthermore, if there is a transport path that descends vertically or inclined from the ceiling or elsewhere in front of the collection device 50, the banknotes tend to disperse back and forth in the descending transport path, so it is preferable to install the temporary stopping unit 80 at the end of the descending section or downstream from the end.

[0110] In this embodiment, the temporary stopping unit 80, which has the function of a connecting section 15, is installed at the connection point between the transport pipes. However, a mechanism for temporarily stopping the transport assisting body 16 may be added to the end or in the middle of a straight or curved transport pipe.

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

[0112] 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. The shape of the contact member 83 may be changed according to the shape of the transport assist body.

[0113] The island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 may also be transport devices that transport banknotes using a belt transport system or the like.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to a method in which banknotes are transported by pushing them with a transport assisting body 16 that moves by the action of airflow. Any method in which a moving body pushes and transports banknotes is acceptable, for example, a method in which a self-propelled moving body moves through a transport pipe 12 to transport banknotes. In the case of a self-propelled system, the moving body may be configured to temporarily stop its self-propulsion at a location corresponding to the installation position of the temporary stop unit 80, or it may be temporarily stopped by a combination of stopping self-propulsion and contacting the contact member 83.

[0115] Furthermore, although the embodiment shows a case where the recovery device 50 is installed at the end of the transport path 11, the destination of transport is not limited to the end of the transport path. The temporary stop unit 80 may be installed at a predetermined distance before the recovery device installed at the transport destination. For example, the destination of transport may be at a point branched off from the middle of the transport path.

[0116] In this embodiment, the transport path 11 is shown as transporting banknotes with their paper faces upright, but it may also be installed in a direction that transports banknotes lying down.

[0117] In addition, each connecting section 15 (Figure 2) is equipped with a passage sensor and a sensor board that detects when either the transport assist body 16 or banknotes P (hereinafter referred to as the transport assist body, etc.) has passed through. The sensor board includes a control unit. The control unit of the sensor board is connected to the control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 by a communication line, and the detection status of the transport assist body, etc. by the passage sensor is transmitted from the sensor board to the control unit 27 along with information that can identify the position of the corresponding connecting section (for example, an identification number individually assigned to each connecting section). The temporary pause unit 80 is also included in the connecting section 15.

[0118] The control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 has a monitoring function that monitors the accumulation of transport assisting bodies, etc., within the transport pipe including the connecting section 15, and an error notification function that notifies a notification device of the monitoring results from the monitoring unit.

[0119] The monitoring department, (1) The transport assisting body is stuck between the connecting part 15 corresponding to the passage sensor that has detected the transport assisting body, etc. and the connecting part 15 corresponding to the passage sensor that has not detected the transport assisting body, etc. (2) The transport assisting body etc. is stuck in the connecting section 15 corresponding to the passage sensor. Monitor.

[0120] The error notification unit causes the notification device to notify the notification device of information indicating where the transport assisting body, etc., is stalled (between which connecting parts, and within which connecting parts). The notification device can be a monitoring device installed in an office, etc., or a mobile terminal carried by an employee (smartphone, wearable watch, etc.). The monitoring device or mobile terminal is controlled by the control unit 27, or performs notification operations based on information notified by the control unit 27.

[0121] Furthermore, the pause unit 80 detects operational errors of the contact member 83. Specifically, the sensor 88 detects whether the contact member 83 is in the contact position or the release position, and if the contact member 83 does not displace as instructed by the control unit 89, it issues an error notification indicating a malfunction of the contact member 83. It also issues an error notification if it detects that the temporarily paused transport assist body 16 remains stationary within the pause unit 80 even after the contact member 83 has been displaced to the release position.

[0122] The gaming machine island 3 is not limited to the configuration that accommodates pachinko machines and game ball dispensers as exemplified in the embodiment, but may also be a gaming machine island that accommodates medal dispensers and slot machines, etc.

[0123] In the embodiment, banknotes 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 installation location of the paper material conveying device according to the present invention is not limited to amusement arcades, but may be other facilities as well. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1…Paper sheet collection and transport system 2… Amusement arcade 3... Gaming machine island 4... Game ball dispensing machine 5... Gaming machines 6… Relay box 7…Banknote transport system on the island 8… Relay and transport device 9... Collective safe 10... Main conveying device 11… Collective safe 11…Conveyor route 12…Conveyor pipe 12a... Straight conveying pipe 12b… Laterally curved pipe 12c...Vertical curved pipe 14...Intake device 14b…Island intake device 15...Connection part 16… Transport assist device 16a...Head 16b...Neck 16c...Large diameter section 16d...constriction 21... Airflow Generator 22…Banknote separation and transport assisting circulation device 23... Conveyor assist device insertion device 24... Recovery device 25…Banknote compartment 27... Control Unit 31...Wall part 32... Side wall section 33... Expansion section 34…Separation wall 35... Rib 50... Recovery device 51…Outer case 51a...Front opening 51b…Drop opening 52...Inner Unit 53…Separation part 53a... Slit 53b…Discharge port 54...Aisle section 54a...Inlet 54b... Dispensing opening 54c…Suction port 54d... Partition wall 55...Main storage compartment 55... Ribs 56…Conveyor belt 57... Conveyor roller 58... Auxiliary transport mechanism 58a...Laura 58b... Clamping belt 80... Pause Unit 81...Connecting pipe section 81a... Upstream end 81b...Downstream end 81c…Intermediate pipe section 82... Stopper drive unit 82a... Solenoid 89... Control Unit 83... Contact member 83a...Arm 83b…Head 84…Aperture 85...Sensor 86... Solenoid 87... Mounting frame 88...Sensor Dx... Distance between reference plane sections of the conveying pipe Dy...Internal dimensions of the transport pipe in the Y direction FW… Direction of extension of the transport pipe P…Banknotes 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 conveying device that conveys multiple sheets of paper inside a conveying pipe to a storage compartment by the action of an airflow generated inside the conveying pipe, The outlet of the curved conveying pipe, which changes the path of the paper sheets from a vertical downward direction to a horizontal direction, is connected to the side of the housing of the storage unit, so that the paper sheets, which are transported in two separate directions within the curved conveying pipe, temporarily stop in front of the storage unit. A paper sheet conveying device characterized by the following features.

2. By temporarily suspending the transport of the paper sheets at a predetermined distance before the storage compartment, the paper sheets that are transported in separate front and back directions within the curved transport pipe are temporarily stopped before reaching the storage compartment. The paper sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

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