Paper sheet separation and conveying device, and paper sheet handling device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A banknote separating and conveying device that takes out banknotes one by one from a bundle of banknotes set in a depositing section, conveys them, and stores them in a safe is installed in banknote handling devices such as banknote depositing machines, banknote counting machines, various vending machines, and game medium lending machines in a casino. For example, in a banknote separating and conveying device installed in a retail store, it receives the sales banknotes collected from a cash register and manages them collectively. When double feeding of banknotes occurs in a banknote separating and conveying device, accurate depositing processing, counting processing, etc. including identification are hindered, so a double feed prevention mechanism is installed. A single banknote that has passed through the double feed prevention mechanism is judged for authenticity, denomination, etc. by an identification device, and those judged to be acceptable are stored in a safe. The safe can be accessed and its contents removed only by a person with special authority such as a security company that transports cash. On the other hand, when the device stops due to a jam or the like in the banknote conveying path upstream of the safe, jam processing by a normal administrator is often required. That is, the safe as a security area and the upstream conveying path that is not a security area are separated in advance, and jams occurring in the upstream conveying path are processed by a normal administrator. Also, due to the demand for improving the convenience of jam processing, it is required that jam processing can be performed while the banknote separating and conveying device is attached to the banknote handling device.

[0003] The bulk document feeder (document processing device) described in Patent Document 1 comprises a bulk feeder module equipped with a pickup unit that picks up and transports one sheet of paper at a time from a stack of paper sheets set on a tray, a separation unit that separates the paper sheets that have been fed in a stack, and a drawer unit that pulls out the paper sheets separated by the separation unit and transports them downstream; an acceptor module that transports the paper sheets that have passed through the drawer unit toward a safe; and a safe positioned directly below both modules. The bulk feeder module is detachably coupled to the acceptor module. A door provided for accessing the safe is positioned to cover the front of the bulk feeder module, and this door has a narrow opening for receiving the paper sheets on the tray. A bezel equipped with a tray is attached to the outside of this opening. In this conventional example, the opening is used to allow jamming to be handled while the banknote separation and transport device remains attached to the banknote handling device. Specifically, if a jam occurs in the transport path, the bezel equipped with the tray is removed to expose the opening, and if the jam is located in an internal position visible from the opening, the jam is handled by external work using the opening. In addition, the feeder pulley that constitutes the pickup section, the high-friction pulley that constitutes the separation section, and part of the drawer section are made into a cartridge, and if a jam occurs in the inner part that is not visible from the opening, this cartridge can be removed from the rest of the bulk feeder module by operating from the opening. By removing the removed cartridge to the outside through the opening, the inner part of the banknote transport path can be exposed, and jammed banknotes that have occurred in the inner part of the acceptor module can be handled by operating from the opening.

[0004] On the other hand, with the bulk feeder module and acceptor module remaining inside the banknote handling device, there are limitations to the range of jams that can be processed through narrow openings. Jam processing is particularly difficult in the acceptor module located downstream. For this reason, the bulk feeder module and acceptor module are removed from the module, including the safe, so that jam processing can be performed outside the banknote handling device.

[0005] However, even in this case, clearing jams deep inside the device after removing the cartridge was difficult due to the narrow opening required for the work. Furthermore, cleaning the transport rollers and the optical components of the paper feed sensor located deep inside the device was also difficult. Therefore, improvements to these problems were needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,490 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a paper sheet separation and conveying device and a paper sheet handling device that improve jamming operations and other maintenance workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the paper sheet separation and conveying device according to the present invention comprises a first module in which a paper sheet receiving processing unit is fixed to a paper sheet storage processing unit, a downstream module detachably connected to the first module, and control means for controlling various control targets, wherein the paper sheet receiving processing unit comprises a frame having an opening for receiving paper sheets on its front, a paper feed tray detachably attached to the front of the frame, a feed roller for feeding paper sheets from a stack of paper sheets on the paper feed tray, a feed roller constituting a separation section for separating the double-feed paper sheets fed by the feed roller into single sheets, and a friction separation member. The device comprises a drawer and conveying unit that draws out a single sheet of paper separated by the separation unit and sends it downstream, and a pivot support unit that pivotally supports at least the feed roller and the feed roller with respect to the frame so as to be able to swing between a processing position in which the paper sheet can be conveyed and a processing non-processing position in which the paper sheet cannot be conveyed, wherein when the feed roller and the feed roller are in the processing position, the feed roller is in close proximity to the drawer and conveying unit, and when the feed roller and the feed roller are retracted to the processing non-processing position, the feed roller is separated from the drawer and conveying unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a paper sheet separation and conveying device and a paper sheet handling device that improve jamming operations and other maintenance workability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of an example of the paper sheet separation and conveying device of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are external perspective views and longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a paper sheet separation and transport device with the rotating opening and closing mechanism in its initial position. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are external perspective views and longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a paper sheet separation and transport device with the rotating opening and closing mechanism in the first open position. [Figure 4](a) and (b) are external perspective views and longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a paper sheet separation and transport device with the rotating opening and closing mechanism in the second open position. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are external perspective views and longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a paper sheet separation and transport device with the rotating opening and closing mechanism in the third open position. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a specific configuration example of the dispensing unit, separation unit, and draw-out transport unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a), (b), and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment and detachment structure of the paper feed tray. [Figure 8] (a) is a perspective view of the inside and surrounding area of ​​the opening exposed by removing the paper feed tray from the bezel in the initial state where the rotating opening / closing mechanism is in its initial position, and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part (X-X) of (a). [Figure 9] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism that operates the rotating opening and closing mechanism is operated from the front, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of related parts when the latch mechanism is operated from the side. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the latch mechanism. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism L and its surrounding components. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the main part of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figures 2 and 6 show gear arrangement diagrams illustrating the relationship between each movable part and the gears that transmit driving force to them. [Figure 14] Figures (a) through (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the process by which the rotating opening / closing mechanism A rotates from its initial position to the third open position, and also showing which gears are mounted on the first and second movable bases. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail using the embodiments shown in the figures. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the invention only thereto without specific descriptions.

[0012] [Explanation of the basic configuration] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an example of the banknote separation and conveyance device of the present invention. FIGS. 2 to 5 are front views showing the internal configuration and operation of the banknote separation and conveyance device. FIGS. 2(a) and (b) are an external perspective view showing the state where the rotation opening / closing mechanism A of the banknote separation and conveyance device is in the initial position and a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration, FIGS. 3(a) and (b) are an external perspective view showing the state where the rotation opening / closing mechanism of the banknote separation and conveyance device is in the first open position and a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration, FIGS. 4(a) and (b) are an external perspective view showing the state where the rotation opening / closing mechanism of the banknote separation and conveyance device is in the second open position and a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration, and FIGS. 5(a) and (b) are an external perspective view showing the state where the rotation opening / closing mechanism of the banknote separation and conveyance device is in the third open position and a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration. In this specification, although the description is centered on banknotes as an example of paper sheets, this device can also be applied to the separation and conveyance of paper sheets other than banknotes. Further, the paper sheets include sheets made of resin and other materials in addition to paper sheets.

[0013] The banknote separation and conveyance device 1 is a means for being equipped or provided together with a banknote handling device such as a banknote depositing machine, a vending machine, or a game medium lending machine in a casino, etc., and for performing the acceptance of banknotes and the discharge processing of rejected banknotes.

[0014] Hereinafter, the banknote separation and conveyance device 1 will be described in detail. The banknote separation and conveyance device 1 generally includes a first module Md1 including a deposit processing unit (paper sheet acceptance processing unit) U1 and a storage processing unit (paper sheet storage processing unit) U2, a downstream module (second module Md2 or third module Md3) detachably connected to the first module Md1, and control means (CPU, MPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) 1000 for controlling various control targets. As shown in Figure 1, the second module Md2 is equipped with a safe CB and is a module that receives banknotes discharged from the first module Md1 (storage processing unit U2) into the safe and stores them while organizing them. In addition to the second module Md2, a third module Md3, which does not have a safe and receives and processes banknotes that have been discharged loosely from the storage processing unit U2, can also be connected to the storage processing unit U2. The overall external configuration of the third module is not relevant to the gist of the present invention and is therefore not shown in particular, but only the base stand 850 that connects to the storage processing unit U2 is shown. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2 and subsequent figures, for the sake of explanation, we will mainly describe a configuration in which the third module Md3 is connected to the downstream side of the banknote storage and processing unit U2 via the base stand 850, but this is not intended to exclude a configuration in which the second module is connected. In the following, the second module and the third module will also be referred to as the downstream modules.

[0015] The deposit processing unit U1 is a means of receiving deposited banknotes and transporting them to the storage processing unit U2, and also of ejecting rejected banknotes that have been returned from the storage processing unit U2 to the outside of the machine. The storage processing unit U2 is equipped with a storage and transport path (storage and transport mechanism) 400 that receives banknotes sent from the deposit processing unit U1 and transports them to the second module Md2 or the third module Md3.

[0016] The deposit processing unit U1 includes a frame 600 with an opening 602 on its front for receiving banknotes, a paper feed tray (tray, deposit section) 10 that is detachably attached to the front of the frame (in front of the opening) and holds banknotes in a stacked state before they are supplied into the frame, a dispensing section (dispensing roller 30 and pick pusher 70) 20 that takes banknotes one by one from the top of the stack on the paper feed tray and supplies them into the frame, and a section that allows only the first banknote B1 to pass through when the banknotes dispensed by the dispensing section 20 are in a double-feed state to the downstream side The system includes a separation unit (feed roller 110 and brake roller 130) 100 that feeds out the first banknote and prevents subsequent banknotes from advancing, a drawer transport unit 250 that forms a drawer transport path 260 in close proximity to the feed roller 110 that constitutes the separation unit 100 and rotates in the forward direction to draw out the first banknote B1 that remains partially inside the separation unit 100 and feed it downstream (to the storage processing unit U2), and a first motor M1 that drives each driven member that constitutes the feeding unit 20 and the separation unit 100 (feeding / separation mechanism 15).

[0017] Furthermore, the deposit processing unit U1 has the dispensing roller 30, feed roller 110, and idle roller 257 (Figure 6) positioned in a transportable position (Figure 2) that enables the transport of banknotes (dispensing, separating, and withdrawing). and transport The system includes a first hinge 650 and a second hinge 660 that pivotally support the frame 600 so as to swing (rotatably) between the frame and a position where transport processing is impossible (Figures 3 to 5), a first transport path (first transport mechanism) T1 that transports banknotes sent out from the drawer transport section 250 toward the storage processing unit U2, a second transport path (second transport mechanism) T2 that returns and transports banknotes to a return banknote storage tray (return banknote accumulation section) 11 that receives banknotes sent back from the storage transport path 400 of the storage processing unit U2, and a flapper 500 positioned at the branching point of both transport paths T1 and T2 to distribute the transport direction of banknotes to either the first transport path T1 or the second transport path T2.

[0018] The first transport path T1 and the second transport path T2 are not merely transport paths, but concepts that include transport components such as transport rollers, gears, and paper feed sensors arranged along the transport paths. The drawer belt 270, which constitutes the drawer transport section 250, forms a drawer transport path between itself and the free-spinning roller 257 when the feed roller, feed roller, and free-spinning roller 257 are in a transportable position, and separates from the free-spinning roller, opening the drawer transport path and exposing it when the feed roller, feed roller, and free-spinning roller 257 are retracted to a transportable position. The free-spinning roller 257 will be described later based on Figure 6, etc.

[0019] The drawer transport section 250 in the illustrated example configuration is made up of a drawer belt or the like, but this is just one example, and it may be replaced with one made up of a pair of drawer rollers, for example, as in Patent Document 1. Frame 600 comprises frame 610 of deposit processing unit U1 and frame 620 of banknote storage processing unit U2. Frame (fixing part) 610 of deposit processing unit comprises frame body (fixing part) 611 and bezel 613 fixed to the front opening of frame body 611. Paper feed tray 10 is attached to and detached from bezel 613. In Figures 2(a), 4, and 5, the reference numeral 611B indicates an opening formed on the upper surface of the frame 611. The presence of this opening 611B allows the rotary opening / closing mechanism A, described later, to be rotated to the open position shown in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, when the rotary opening / closing mechanism A is housed within the opening 611B, as shown in Figure 2, the outer surface of the first movable base 652 is seamlessly aligned with the periphery of the opening, enhancing the design aesthetics.

[0020] Figures 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment and detachment structure of the paper feed tray. A locking claw member 13 is pivotally supported at one end on a shaft 13a located at an appropriate position on the upper part of the paper feed tray 10, and is configured to rotate freely in the vertical direction. A claw 13b is provided at the other end of the locking claw member, facing upward. The locking claw member 13 is biased upward around the shaft 13a by a spring (not shown).

[0021] In the mounted state shown in Figure 7(a), the claw 13b is engaged with the locking portion 613a provided in the upper part of the opening of the bezel 613. When the pressing portion provided in the upper part of the locking claw member 13 is pressed in the state shown in Figure 7(a), the other end with the claw 13b descends against the spring and disengages from the locking portion 613a (Figure 7(b)). As a result, the paper feed tray 10 can be removed from the bezel as shown in Figure 7(c). Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the inside of the opening with the paper feed tray removed from the bezel. In this example, it is assumed that the paper feed tray 10 has a return banknote storage tray 11 attached to it.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, one end of the first movable base 652 is pivotally supported by the first pivot 650, allowing it to rotate (oscillate) vertically. The first movable base is equipped with some of the transport components that make up the return transport path 510, i.e., the second transport path (second transport mechanism) T2, such as the return roller 512b and gears. The other end of the first movable base 652 is provided with a second pivot 660. The second movable base 662, which is pivotally supported by the second pivot 660 so as to be rotatable vertically, is equipped with a feed roller 30, a feed roller 110, an idle roller 257, a return roller 512a, and gears that drive these components. This is a configuration example specific to this embodiment, which includes a drawer belt 270 as a drawer transport section 250, and it is sufficient that the second movable base 662 is equipped with at least a feed roller and a payload roller. It is sufficient that when the second movable base 662 moves open, the feed roller and other parts mounted on it are retracted, and the inside of the drawer transport section, which was previously concealed by the feed roller and the like, is opened.

[0023] In other words, in this embodiment, the return roller 512b is mounted on the first movable base 652, and the feed roller 30, feed roller 110, idle roller 257, and return roller 512a are mounted on the second movable base 662. However, this is merely one example, and any mounted components may be used as long as it is possible to remove banknotes jammed deep inside the banknote transport path by opening the rotating opening / closing mechanism A. The first pivot support 650, the first movable base 652, the second pivot support 660, the second movable base 662, and the components mounted on each movable base constitute a rotational opening and closing mechanism A. Furthermore, the first movable base 652 and the components mounted on the first movable base constitute a first rotational unit, and the second movable base 662 and the components mounted on the second movable base constitute a second rotational unit.

[0024] In the initial state shown in Figure 2, both the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662 are in a closed state (transportable position), and a pull-out transport path 260 is formed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the free-spinning rollers 257, which are located on both axial sides of the feed roller 110, and the front surface of the pull-out belt 270. Also, banknote jams may occur between the feed roller and the pull-out belt. The base 850 shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a) is a component of the third module Md3, and the connecting units U1 and U2 are attached to and detached from this base 850, as will be described later.

[0025] In each of the open states (transportation impossible positions) shown in Figures 3 to 5, the gap between each free-spinning roller and the pull-out belt is so large that the pull-out transport path 260 is not formed. The feed roller is also retracted from the pull-out transport path. Therefore, transport is impossible. In other words, when each free-spinning roller 257 mounted on the first movable base 652 is in the transportable position shown in Figure 2, it approaches (contacts) the pull-out belt 270 to form the pull-out transport path 260. On the other hand, when each free-spinning roller 257 moves (retracts) to the non-transportable position shown in Figures 3 to 5, it moves away from the pull-out belt 270 and opens the pull-out transport path 260.

[0026] Furthermore, although the two drawer belts 270 and the feed roller 110 are in different axial positions, if a jam occurs in the initial state shown in Figure 2, jammed banknotes may remain between the drawer belts and the feed roller. Therefore, jam removal is facilitated by moving (retracting) the feed roller to the non-conveyable position shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0027] The first transport route T1 includes a drawer transport route 260 and a route from the drawer transport route to the storage transport route 400. The drawer transport path 260 is a curved contact travel area formed by the contact between the free-spinning roller 257 and the drawer belt 270 shown in Figure 6. Banknotes that have passed through the drawer transport path 260 and been transported upward are further pulled up by the drawer belt 270 and transported upward while being guided by a transport guide member (not shown). The second reversing roller 267, which reverses the drawer belt clockwise at the top, rotates clockwise (forward) to guide the banknotes toward the storage transport path 400 in the banknote storage processing unit U2.

[0028] Symbol 500 is a flapper (sorting means) that switches the direction of banknote transport. It is a sorting means that guides banknotes transported by the drawer belt 270 to the position of the second reversing roller 267 toward the storage transport path 400, and guides banknotes that have been transported in the reverse direction from the storage transport path 400 toward the return transport path 510. The flapper 500, which is pivotally supported in the vertical direction by a swing shaft 500a located at the bottom, normally lowers its right end (tip) due to its own weight balance, thereby blocking the passage from the drawer transport path 260 toward the storage transport path 400 (initial position). On the other hand, when banknotes that have been raised by the drawer belt 270 pass through, the right end is pushed up by the banknotes, allowing the banknotes to move to the right. When the trailing end of the banknote passes the right end of the flapper, the flapper returns to its initial position.

[0029] If the identification unit 450 determines that a banknote that has entered the storage transport path 400 is unacceptable, the control means 1000 reverses the transport members 410 and 420 that make up the storage transport path 400 using motors M2 and M3, causing them to be sent back toward the flapper. At this stage, the flapper is in its initial position, so the rejected banknote passes over the flapper from its rear end and enters the return transport path 510. A pair of return rollers (transport members) 512a and 512b are arranged in the return transport path and are driven by the second motor M2 in the direction of banknote discharge. A return banknote storage tray 11 is located at the end of the return transport path 510, and the discharged return banknotes are sequentially stored there.

[0030] The return transport path 510 is arranged substantially parallel to the feed path leading from the feed unit to the separation unit, and the return banknote storage tray 11 is arranged substantially parallel to the paper feeding tray 10. In this invention, the first motor M1 drives the feed / separation mechanism (separation unit) 15, and the transport members 512 of the return transport path are driven by the second motor M2, so there is no interference between them, and stable separation and return transport operations can be achieved.

[0031] The storage processing unit U2 includes a storage transport path (storage transport mechanism, storage transport section) 400 that receives banknotes B transported by the drawer belt 270 constituting the drawer transport section 250 and transports them into the unit, and an identification section 450 that optically determines the denomination, authenticity, etc., of banknotes transported downstream along the storage transport path 400. Banknotes determined to be acceptable as a result of the identification are transported downstream and stored in the safe CB (or third module Md3) provided in the second module Md2, while banknotes determined to be unacceptable (rejected banknotes) are sent back and discharged to the return banknote storage tray 11 via the deposit processing unit U1. Furthermore, the banknote storage and processing unit U2 includes a second motor M2 that drives the upstream transport members (gears, rollers, etc.) 410 and the return roller pair 512 of the storage and transport path 400, and a third motor M3 that drives the downstream transport members (gears, rollers, etc.) 420 of the storage and transport path 400. The third motor M3 drives the transport roller group 420 located in the middle to downstream part of the storage and transport path 400. The transport roller pair 420a located in the furthest downstream part of the storage and transport path 400 is a means for discharging banknotes to the downstream module Md2 or Md3.

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

[0033] The rotating opening / closing mechanism A (first and second movable bases) is biased by an elastic member (not shown) to rotate upward around the first pivot point 650. On the other hand, when in the initial position (closed position) shown in Figure 2, the rotating opening / closing mechanism A is locked in that position by a latch mechanism 700, which will be described later. By operating the latch mechanism 700 from the opening side to release the lock, the rotating opening / closing mechanism A is opened by the force of the elastic member. This allows the banknote separation and transport device 1 to remain attached to the banknote handling device 900, and by detaching the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel 613 and opening the opening 602, the rotating opening and closing mechanism A can be retracted with a single touch from the opening, thereby processing any jammed banknotes remaining on the front of the drawer belt 270.

[0034] When the rotating opening / closing mechanism A moves to the first open position in Figure 3, the tension on the drawer belt, which was being pressed by the free-spinning roller 257, is released, and the front side of the drawer belt extends as shown in the figure. Moreover, since the feed roller is retracted upward, the front side of the drawer belt is exposed, making it easier for the previously held banknotes to detach. As a result, a considerable amount of jamming can be processed by working from the opening. In Figure 3, with the connecting units U1 and U2 still connected to the third module Md3, jammed banknotes can be processed in many ways by working only through the opening 602. This is because in some device configurations, removing the connecting units U1 and U2 from the downstream module would require the cumbersome task of unlocking the locks that secure them. In this embodiment, simply rotating the rotary opening / closing mechanism A to the first open position in Figure 3 allows for easy processing of not only jams on the front side that can normally occur, but also jams that occur inside, making it very convenient.

[0035] To return the rotating opening / closing mechanism A, which is in the open state shown in Figure 3, to its initial position in Figure 2, the mechanism can be manually pushed down from the opening to return it to the locked state by the latch mechanism 700. In other words, since the rotating opening / closing mechanism does not need to be removed from the opening, the process of returning it from the first open position to the initial position after jamming can be completed in a single touch. In the state shown in Figure 3, the rotation angle of each movable base 652, 662 is limited to, for example, about 20 degrees by the ceiling surface of the mounting part 902. Therefore, jammed banknotes located deep inside (upper front) of the pull-out belt 270 to the extent that they are not visible from the opening may not be processed. To address this issue of jammed banknotes, the present invention employs the measures shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0036] In other words, in the present invention, with the banknote separation and transport device 1, with the paper feed tray still attached, removed from the mounting section 902 of the banknote handling device, pushing the second release operation sections 710a provided on both sides of the frame body 611 inward allows the feed roller 110 and the free-spinning roller 257, which constitute the rotational release mechanism A, to rotate from the initial position in Figure 2 to the second release position in Figure 4 by the force of a release spring (not shown). In the state shown in Figure 4, the ceiling of the mounting section 902 does not get in the way, so the first and second movable bases 652 and 662 can be opened to their maximum extent by hand, centered on the first pivot 650.

[0037] At the stage shown in Figure 4, it becomes possible to process jammed banknotes in the innermost part (drawer transport section 250), which cannot be handled by working through the opening 602 after removing the paper feed tray as shown in Figure 3. In particular, maintenance such as removing jammed banknotes that have occurred at the top of the front of the drawer belt, removing foreign objects, and cleaning the transport rollers and paper feed sensor lenses, which could not be handled in the open state shown in Figure 3 where work is done through the opening, can be easily performed from the outside (from above, from the side, etc.). In this case, the trouble of detaching the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel 613 and opening the opening 602 can be avoided.

[0038] Furthermore, in this invention, by manually opening the second movable base 662 (second rotating unit) around the second pivot 660 relative to the first movable base 652 (first rotating unit) which is in the second open position shown in Figure 4, it is possible to process the jammed banknotes that have occurred in the return transport path 510. That is, in the state shown in Figure 4, the transport members 512a and 512b are nipped and the return transport path 510 is blocked, but as shown in Figure 5, the return transport path can be opened by opening and separating the second movable base 662 relative to the first movable base 652. The opening procedure shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be performed with the connecting units U1 and U2 attached to the base 850 of the downstream module.

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

[0040] The latch mechanism 700 is a means that, when the device is in operation, holds the rotating opening / closing mechanism A locked in the initial position (transportable posture, processing position) shown in Figure 2, and when jam processing is performed, releases the locking state, allowing the rotating opening / closing mechanism to rotate to the open positions (non-transportable posture, non-processing position) shown in Figures 3 to 5. Since the latch mechanism 700 is mounted on the second movable base 662, it rotates together with the pivot opening / closing mechanism A.

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

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

[0043] In the initial state shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), each latch member 702 is pushed outward by the elastic member 704, so that the claws 702c protrude below the fixed locking portion 630. This prevents the rotating opening / closing mechanism A, including the first movable base 652 and the second movable base 662, from rotating upward around the first pivot 650. When an operator inserts their fingers from inside the opening 602 and pushes the first release operation portion 702b of the two latch members inward, the claws 702c, which are integrated with it, retract inward and detach from the fixed locking portions 630 (Figure 9(a)). This makes it possible to rotate the rotating opening / closing mechanism A upward.

[0044] Frontal operation of the latch member 702 is possible by removing the paper feed tray 10 from the bezel (frame), allowing the rotating opening / closing mechanism A, which was in the state shown in Figure 2, to be opened to the first open position shown in Figure 3, enabling jam processing.

[0045] On the other hand, when the banknote separation and transport device 1, which has the paper feed tray attached, is detached from the banknote handling device 900 and then jammed, the latch member 702 is hidden by the paper feed tray and cannot be operated.

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

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, when the rotating opening / closing mechanism A removes the connecting units U1 and U2, which are in their initial state, from the mounting section 902 and then pushes the second release operation section 710a inward, the inner end 710b moves inward as shown in Figure 9(b), pressing the claw 702c of the latch member inward. As a result, the claw 702c retracts inward and disengages from the fixed-side locking section 630 (Figure 9(b)). Therefore, the force of the elastic member makes it possible to rotate the rotating opening / closing mechanism A upward.

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

[0049] <Lock mechanism L between the first module Md1 and the downstream modules Md2 and Md3> The first module Md1 (units U1 and U2) is mounted on the base 850 that constitutes the third module Md3, one of the downstream modules, in Figures 2 and 3, and is detachably locked in place by a locking mechanism L. However, by releasing the locking mechanism with a single touch, it can be removed from the third module Md3 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 8, the locking mechanism L extends from the lower front of the deposit processing unit U1 to the lower part of the banknote storage processing unit U2. By pressing the push button 750a that constitutes the locking mechanism L, the locking state between the connecting units U1 and U2 and the base 850 is released, and the connecting units can be pulled forward. In the illustrated example configuration, the base is described as a component of the third module Md3, but it may also be a component of the second module Md2.

[0050] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism L and its surrounding components, Figure 12(a) is a side view of the main part of the same figure, and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of (a).

[0051] The locking mechanism L generally comprises a release operating piece 750 supported by a fixed part 611A such as the frame body 611 of the deposit processing unit U1 so as to be able to move back and forth in the front-rear direction; an operated piece (rotating piece) 770 pivotally supported by a shaft 770a provided on a fixed part of the frame of the banknote storage processing unit U2 so as to be able to rotate vertically and operated by the release operating piece; two locking pieces 775, one end of which is pivotally supported by a shaft 775a provided on a fixed part of the banknote storage processing unit U2 so as to be able to rotate vertically; and an intermediate piece 777 integrated with each locking piece at an intermediate position between the two locking pieces 775 and rotating up and down about the shaft 775a. In this specification, the terms frame 600, frame body 611, and frame 620 broadly include fixed members (fixing parts) that support movable members.

[0052] The release operating piece 750 is integrally composed of a push button 750a exposed at the lower part of the frame body 611 of the deposit processing unit U1, and a crank-shaped body 750c having the push button 750a at its tip and a pressing piece 750b at its rear end. Normally, the release operating piece 750 is in an initial position protruding forward as shown in Figure 12 by an elastic member (not shown). The operated piece (rotating piece) 770 integrally comprises a first rotating piece 770b located in contact with the pressing piece 750b of the release operating piece, and a second rotating piece 770c located in a position capable of pushing down the front end of the intermediate piece 777.

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

[0054] When the push button 750a of the release operating piece 750, which is in its initial forward-projecting position as shown in Figure 12, is pressed, the pressing piece 750b presses against the first rotating piece 770b of the operated piece 770, causing it to rotate clockwise. As a result, the second rotating piece 770c pushes downward the right end of the intermediate piece 777, causing the locking piece 775, which is integrated with the intermediate piece 777, to rotate counterclockwise, and the locking claw 775b disengages from the hole 852. When the pressure on the push button 750a is released, the restorative force of each elastic member causes each movable part to return to its original initial state.

[0055] The guide rail 855, provided on the upper surface of the base stand 850, engages with a guide rail (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the banknote storage processing unit U2, thereby enabling the attachment and detachment of the connecting units U1 and U2. The locking piece 775, which is integrated with the intermediate piece 777, is primarily a means for locking or releasing the banknote storage unit U2 from the base 850. Therefore, even when the banknote deposit unit U1 is not connected to the banknote storage unit U2, it can be used as a means for detachably connecting the banknote storage unit U2 to the base 850 on its own. In other words, when the banknote deposit unit U1 is not connected to the banknote storage unit U2, the end of the intermediate piece 777 is exposed at the lower front of the banknote storage unit U2, and by pushing down on this part, the lock can be released and the banknote storage unit U2 can be detached from the base.

[0056] In other words, with the banknote deposit processing unit U1 connected to the banknote storage processing unit U2, it can be locked by operation from the front. Piece A release operating piece 7 can be operated from the front side of the banknote deposit processing unit U1 to activate 775. 50 It can be said that a feature was established. In the above embodiment, a push button 750a is shown as an example of the configuration of the release operating piece 750, which is pushed backward to ultimately disengage the locking claw 775b from the hole 852. However, this is merely one example, and a pull-out operating piece may be provided that is pulled in the opposite direction to the pushing direction, i.e., forward, to disengage the locking claw 775b from the hole 852. In this case, the configuration of the other components constituting the locking mechanism L (release operating piece 750, operated piece 770, intermediate piece 777) should be changed so that the locking claw 775b can be disengaged from the hole 852 by pulling out the pull-out operating piece.

[0057] <Configuration and operation of the dispensing unit 20, separation unit 100, and drawer / transport unit 250> Next, the configuration and operation of the dispensing unit 20, the separation unit 100, and the drawer / transport unit 250 will be explained based on Figures 2 to 6, etc.

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

[0059] The separation unit 100 includes a feed roller shaft 101 driven by a first motor M1, a feed roller 110 that is rotatably supported around the axis of the feed roller shaft and, when rotating forward, contacts the surface of the first banknote dispensed by the dispensing unit 20 to transport it, and a brake roller (friction separation member) 130 that forms a separation nip N1 between itself and the feed roller to prevent the advancement of subsequent banknotes. The feed roller 110 can also be configured to rotate together with the feed roller shaft 101 by fixing its axis to the feed roller shaft, but if a play-forming means that provides circumferential play between the feed roller and the feed roller shaft is employed, the feed roller is not necessarily directly fixed to the feed roller shaft. However, since the play-forming means is not directly related to the spirit of the present invention, a detailed explanation of its configuration will not be given.

[0060] The drawer transport section 250 includes at least two free-rotating rollers (free-rotating members) 257, 257 that are rotatably supported (not fixed in the rotational direction, but fixed in the axial position) on the feed roller shaft portions on both axial sides of the feed roller 110, and endless drawer belts 270, 270 that contact the curved outer surface of each free-rotating roller to form a curved drawer transport path (drawer nip section) 260, and that, by rotating (forward) in the drawer direction, cooperate with each free-rotating roller 257, 257 to change the direction of the first banknote in a direction (diagonally upward) that intersects with the feeding direction (direction passing through the separation nip section N1) by the feeding section and transport it.

[0061] Each drawer belt 270 is stretched endlessly by a first reversing roller (driven roller) 265 and a second reversing roller (driven roller) 267, which are positioned to form a drawer transport path 260 between the outer surface of each free-spinning roller 257. The first reversing roller 265 forms a banknote introduction section 260a of the drawer transport path between each drawer belt and each free-spinning roller. The second reversing roller 267 reverses each drawer belt so that banknotes introduced from the banknote introduction section 260a are transported toward the storage transport path 400 after passing through the downstream end (banknote discharge section) 260b of the drawer transport path. The first reversing roller 265 is rotatably supported by a first shaft 280, which is rotationally driven by a first motor M1, with its axis free and unfixed. In other words, the first reversing roller 265 is a driven roller that does not rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first shaft 280. The pull-out belt 270 is driven to move by the rotation of the second reversing roller 267, which acts as a drive roller.

[0062] The feed roller 110 and the free-spinning roller 257 are mounted coaxially with respect to the feed roller shaft 101, and their outer surfaces are located at approximately the same radial position. As a result, the feed roller and the center of the banknote make light contact, but there is no active grip whatsoever, and it does not create significant transport resistance. The drawer belt 270 is responsible for pulling the banknotes upward after they have passed through the separation nip section N1. The feed roller 110 rotates only to the minimum necessary angle during separation, and therefore does not participate in the upward pulling motion after separation; it does not have a pulling function.

[0063] It is preferable that the circumferential surfaces of each free-spinning roller 257, 257 have low friction to the extent that slippage occurs between them and the banknotes. On the other hand, the circumferential surface of the drawer belt has high friction to the extent that slippage between it and the banknotes is less likely to occur. The free-spinning roller 257 plays a role in bringing the drawer belt and the banknotes into contact. The tension applied to the drawer belt causes the banknotes to press against the low-friction outer surface of the free-spinning roller, and in cooperation with the frictional resistance of the drawer belt, it creates a conveying grip force.

[0064] The free-spinning roller is made of a rigid material that does not flex or deform under pressure from the draw belt. The width of the outer surface of the free-spinning roller is preferably equal to or wider than the width of the narrow strip-shaped draw belt.

[0065] "The direction intersecting the feeding direction by the feeding unit" is shown as approximately 90 degrees upward in the drawing, but it broadly includes directions that are bent or curved upward (non-parallel directions) relative to the surface direction of the banknotes being fed out on the paper tray 10.

[0066] The banknote introduction section 260a of the drawer transport path receives the drawer belt that has been inverted upward by the first reversing roller 265 which rotates clockwise. idling It is formed on the part that first contacts the outer surface of the roller. A single banknote that has passed through the separation nip section N1 comes into contact with the pull-out belt surface in front of the banknote introduction section (the part that is inclined diagonally upward to the right in Figure 2, etc.), and is smoothly pulled diagonally upward and immediately drawn into the banknote introduction section 260a.

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

[0068] The free-spinning roller 257, pressed down by the tension of the drawer belt, rotates freely relative to the feed roller shaft, and therefore does not depend at all on the drive or rotational speed of the feed roller shaft. Although the feed roller and the free-spinning roller are arranged on the same feed roller shaft, by making the axial positions of the two rollers different, it is possible to separate the separation nip section N1, which is the separation point, from the drawer transport path 260 (banknote introduction section 260a), which is the pulling point. Moreover, as a result of constructing the drawer transport path 260 using a self-propelled drawer belt, the distance between the separation nip section N1 and the banknote introduction section 260a in a side view can be arbitrarily set to the minimum necessary value. Specifically, it is possible to significantly shorten the above distance, for example, to be shorter than the diameter or radius of the feed roller.

[0069] The pick pusher 70 has its base end on the first axis 280 to By being more firmly supported, when the first shaft rotates clockwise, the tip rises, pushing the stack of banknotes on the paper feed tray 10 towards the feed roller 30 and bringing it into contact with the feed roller 30. When the first shaft 280 reverses direction, it descends. A torque limiter (not shown) is placed between the pick pusher 70 and the first shaft 280 to allow it to slide, preventing the stack of banknotes from being pushed up with excessive force.

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

[0071] Thus, in this invention, the feeding unit 20 and the separation unit 100 are driven by the first motor M1, while the drawer transport unit 250 is driven by the second motor M2 via gear groups 294 and 292. This allows the feeding and separation operations and the drawer transport operations to be driven and controlled independently.

[0072] Despite the fact that banknote lengths vary from country to country, if the timing of pulling them out from the separation unit is uniform, it becomes impossible to pull them out at the optimal timing to accommodate differences in banknote length. In this invention, by driving the pull-out transport unit 250 with a second motor M2 separate from the drive of the separation unit, it becomes possible to pull out the banknotes at the optimal timing after separation according to differences in conditions such as banknote length. As a result, the constraints that arise due to differences in conditions are reduced, enabling reliable pulling out.

[0073] Because the banknotes are pulled out by the drawer transport unit 250 using an endlessly running drawer belt 270, the drawer transport unit is bent upward (curved) relative to the transport direction of the dispensing and separating units, forming a non-linear transport path that can be miniaturized. Even with such a miniaturized configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the components is increased, and reliable banknote separation and drawer transport can be achieved.

[0074] Even with a miniaturized device configuration where the banknote transport path is bent or curved in a roughly L-shape, by driving the drawer transport section 250 with the second motor M2 that drives the upstream transport member 410 of the storage transport path 400, it becomes possible to independently control the speed and operation of the dispensing / separation mechanism 15 and the drawer transport section 250, thereby enabling reliable separation and drawer transport operations.

[0075] In order to reliably extract the banknotes separated by the separation unit 100, it is necessary to make the extraction transport speed (driving force) faster (stronger) than the extraction transport speed (driving force). To achieve such a difference in transport speed, it is possible to achieve this using a single drive source and a mechanical structure such as gears, without providing separate drive sources. However, in that case, if, for example, the extraction speed by the extraction transport unit 250 is to be 30 percent faster than the transport speed by the separation unit 100, it would be impossible to achieve the speed difference without employing a combination of many complex gears. In contrast, in the present invention, the separation unit and the extraction transport unit are driven by separate, independent motors M1 and M2, so that the speed difference can be controlled very easily and freely without complicating the mechanical configuration or increasing the number of parts. Moreover, since the second motor M2 is located in the adjacent banknote storage processing unit U2, rather than in the deposit processing unit U1, it is possible to prevent the deposit processing unit U1 from becoming larger.

[0076] <Regarding the gear group installed in the rotating opening / closing mechanism A> Figure 13 is a gear arrangement diagram showing the relationship between each movable part shown in Figures 2 and 6 and the gears that transmit driving force to them.

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

[0078] The driving force from the second motor M2 is transmitted to the transmission gear 292, which is integrated with the shaft 290, via the gear group 294 on the storage processing unit U2 side. The second reversing roller 267 has its axis fixed to the shaft 290. Subsequently, the transmission gear 292 transmits the driving force to the gear 512bG, which is integrated with the shaft of the return roller 512b on the drive side, via the intermediate gear 298.

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

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

[0081] [Summary of the structure, operation, and effects of the present invention] The first paper sheet separation and transport device according to the present invention comprises a first module Md1 having a paper sheet receiving processing unit U1 and a paper sheet storage processing unit U2 connected and fixed to the unit U1, a downstream module Md2 or Md3 detachably connected to the first module (unit U2), and control means 1000 for controlling various control targets, wherein the paper sheet receiving processing unit comprises a frame 600 having an opening 602 for receiving paper sheets on its front, a paper feed tray 10 (11) detachably attached to the front of the frame for placing paper sheet bundles, and a paper sheet bundle B on the paper feed tray. The device comprises a feed roller 30 for feeding out paper sheets, a feed roller 110 and a friction separation member 130 which constitute a separation unit 100 for separating the double-feed paper sheets fed out by the feed roller into single sheets, a pull-out transport unit 250 for pulling out the single sheet of paper B1 separated by the separation unit and sending it downstream (to a paper sheet storage processing unit), and pivot supports 650 and 660 which pivotally support the frame so that at least the feed roller and the feed roller can rotate (oscillate) between a processing-capable position where paper sheets can be processed (fed out and separated) and a processing-non-processing position where paper sheets cannot be processed. Furthermore, when the feed roller 30 and the feed roller 110 are in a processing position, the feed roller is in a position close to the drawer conveying unit 250 (a conveying processing position), and when the feed roller and the feed roller are retracted to a non-processing position, the feed roller moves away from the drawer conveying unit.

[0082] In the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1, which is equipped with a feeding unit, a separation unit, a drawer transport unit, and a return transport path, if a jam occurs, jams that are visible from the opening 602 formed by removing the paper feed tray can be processed by working from the opening. However, internal components, particularly the feeding roller and feed roller, become an obstacle to processing jammed banknotes that occur in the inner parts that are not visible from the opening. In this invention, at least the feeding roller and feed roller are configured to be rotated upward integrally around the first shaft support 650 to be retracted. As a result, it becomes possible to process banknotes that are jammed behind components that were previously visible from the opening or obstructing jam processing, or, in this embodiment, banknotes that were jammed in the drawer transport unit 250 (the front of the drawer belt), by working from the opening.

[0083] When the banknote separation and transport device 1 is mounted on the mounting section 902 of the banknote handling device, the ceiling of the mounting section becomes an obstruction, limiting the angle at which the movable bases 652 and 662 can be rotated upward. As a result, when working from the opening, there are limitations to processing jammed banknotes located deep inside. To address this problem, the present invention allows the banknote separation and transport device 1 to be removed from the mounting section 902. Rotation The opening and closing mechanism A (each movable base) is opened to its maximum extent, allowing jamming and other maintenance to be performed from the outside of the banknote separation and transport device.

[0084] In the second paper sheet separation and transport device according to the present invention, the paper sheet storage processing unit U2 includes a storage and transport mechanism 400 that receives paper sheets sent from the paper sheet receiving processing unit U1 and transports them to a downstream module Md2 or Md3, and an identification unit 450 that identifies the paper sheets being transported by the storage and transport mechanism. The control means 1000 determines, based on the identification result of the identification unit, that the paper sheets being transported by the storage and transport mechanism are unsuitable for transport to a downstream module, and controls the storage and transport mechanism to reverse direction and send the paper sheets back toward the paper sheet receiving processing unit. Furthermore, the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 includes a first transport mechanism (first transport path) T1 that transports paper sheets sent out from the drawer transport section 250 toward the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2, and a second transport mechanism (second transport path) T2 that transports paper sheets returned to the return paper sheet accumulation section 11 that receives paper sheets sent back from the paper sheet storage and processing unit. Furthermore, the pivot support includes a first pivot support 650 that pivotally supports the first movable base 652 with respect to the frame so that it can rotate, and a second pivot support 660 that pivotally supports the second movable base 662 with respect to the first movable base. At least a part of the transport components constituting the second transport mechanism T2 is mounted on the first movable base, and at least a feed roller, a feed roller, and other parts of the transport components constituting the first transport mechanism are mounted on the second movable base.

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, even when the banknote separation and transport device 1 is detached from the banknote handling device 900, simply retracting the dispensing roller and feed roller as shown in the same figure makes it difficult to process jams that occur in the return banknote transport path 510, which constitutes the second transport mechanism T2. Therefore, in the present invention, the dispensing roller, feed roller, and one of the return rollers 512a are mounted on the second movable base 662, while the other return roller 512b is mounted on the first movable base 652, which pivotally supports the second movable base 662. Thus, a two-stage opening and closing structure is achieved. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, by rotating (opening) the second movable base relative to the first movable base, the return transport path can be opened, making it possible not only to process jams but also to perform maintenance on the rollers and sensors in the exposed return transport path.

[0086] In the third paper sheet separation and transport device according to the present invention, a latch mechanism 700 is provided that locks the feed roller 30 and the feed roller 110 in a transportable position in the initial state, and releases the lock when the release operation is performed, allowing the feed roller and the feed roller to rotate to a non-transportable position.

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

[0088] When the banknote separation and transport device 1 is mounted on the banknote handling device 900 and a jam occurs inside the banknote separation and transport device, it is convenient to perform the processing inside through the opening exposed by removing the paper feed tray. However, in this case, jams in the innermost part that cannot be seen or processed from the opening are difficult to process without retracting obstructing parts such as the dispensing roller and feed roller located on the front side. In this invention, these obstructing parts are mounted on the second movable base 662 and retracted around the pivot point. The first and second release mechanisms R1 and R2, which constitute the latch mechanism 700, initially position the obstructing parts in a position that allows for banknote transport, enabling normal operation. However, if jam processing in the innermost part is required, the obstructing parts can be retracted with a single touch operation.

[0089] The first release mechanism R1 allows for release operation from the front while the opening 602 is exposed. When the release operation is performed, the elastic member causes any obstructing parts, such as jammed components, to spring upward. The second release mechanism R2 allows the banknote separation and transport device 1 to be released from a direction other than the front while the paper feed tray remains attached to the paper sheet receiving and processing unit, even when the banknote separation and transport device 1 has been detached from the banknote handling device 900.

[0090] In the fourth paper sheet separation and transport device according to the present invention, the latch mechanism 700 includes a latch member 702 that is provided on the second movable base 662 side so as to be able to move laterally back and forth and engage with a fixed-side locking portion 630 provided on the fixed portion (frame) 611; an elastic member 704 that biases the latch member in the direction of locking with the fixed-side locking portion; a first release operation portion 702b provided on the latch member that moves the latch member in the direction of releasing it from the fixed-side locking portion 630 by operation from the front (opening side); and a release piece 710 that is provided so as to be able to move laterally back and forth from the fixed portion and moves the latch member in the direction of releasing it from the fixed-side locking portion by operation from a direction different from the front (outside the fixed portion). Furthermore, the latch mechanism maintains the latch member locked to the fixed-side locking portion when the feed roller and feed roller, supported by the second movable base, are in a transportable position (processable position), and allows the feed roller and feed roller to be moved to an unprocessable position when the first release operation portion or the second release operation portion is released.

[0091] The fifth paper sheet separation and transport device according to the present invention is equipped with a locking mechanism L for detachably connecting the first module Md1 to the downstream modules Md2 and Md3. The locking mechanism includes a release operating piece 750 supported by a fixed part 611 of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit U1 so as to be able to move back and forth in the front-rear direction, an operated piece 770 pivotally supported by a shaft 770a provided on a fixed part 620 of the paper sheet storage and processing unit U2 and rotated by the release operating piece 750, and a locking piece 775 pivotally supported by a shaft 775a provided on the fixed part 620, which rotates between a locked position that engages with the fixed part 850 of the downstream module and an unlocked position that releases the engagement. The operated piece moves the locking piece in the release direction by pushing the release operating piece backward or pulling it forward.

[0092] When the release piece 750 is operated (pushed in or pulled out), the lock piece, which was previously engaged with the fixed part, moves in the release direction, allowing both connected units U1 and U2 (connecting units) to be removed integrally from the downstream module. This makes it possible to fully open the rotating opening / closing mechanism A with the paper feed tray still attached (without using the narrow opening 602) to perform maintenance such as jam removal, removal of foreign objects, cleaning of the paper feed sensor lens, and cleaning to prevent deterioration of the transport roller grip.

[0093] For example, if a customer who wants to manufacture a banknote handling device requests that even employees without special administrative privileges to access the safe be able to attach and detach both units U1 and U2 for jamming purposes, this system can fulfill such a request. Furthermore, some customers request that employees only be allowed access through the opening during jamming, meaning they do not want employees to attach or detach the connecting unit. In such cases, the button 750a of the release operating piece 750 can be covered to prevent operation. The paper sheet handling device 900 according to the present invention is The 1 to The 5 This invention either to It is characterized by being equipped with the paper sheet separation and transport device described above.

[0094] This paper sheet separation and transport device, when applied to paper sheet handling equipment such as banknote deposit machines, banknote counting machines, and various automatic vending machines, achieves a compact yet highly reliable separation drive, improving maintainability such as jam handling. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1...Banknote separation and transport device, Md1...First module, Md2...Second module (downstream module), Md3...Third module (downstream module), U1...Deposit processing unit (paper sheet receiving processing unit), U2...Paper sheet storage processing unit, T1...First transport path, T2...Second transport path, M1...First motor, M2...Second motor, M3...Third motor, 10...Paper feed tray, 11...Return banknote storage tray, 13...Locking claw member, 13a...Shaft, 13b...Claw, 15...Feeding and separation mechanism, 20...Feeding section, 30...Feeding roller, 32...Feeding roller shaft, 33...Downstream timing Belt, 35...Timing belt, 60...Upstream timing pulley, 70...Pick pusher, 100...Separation section, 101...Feed roller shaft, 110...Feed roller, 130...Brake roller, 250...Drawer transport section, 257, 257...Idle roller, 260...Drawer transport path, 260a...Banknote introduction section, 260b...Banknote discharge section, 265...Reversing roller, 267...Reversing roller, 270...Drawer belt, 280...Shaft, 290...Shaft, 292...Transmission gear, 294...Gear group, 295...Intermediate gear, 296...Intermediate gear, 298...Intermediate gear, 400...Storage transport path (Storage transport) Mechanism), 410…Upstream conveying member, 410, 420…Conveying roller (conveying member), 450…Identification part, 500…Flapper, 510…Return conveying path, 512a, 512b…Return roller, 512bG…Gear, 600…Frame, 602…Opening, 610…Frame (fixing part), 611…Frame body (fixing part), 611a…Hole, 613…Bezel, 613a…Locking part, 615…Guide frame member, 615a…Hole, 620…Frame (fixing part), 630…Fixed side locking part, 650…First shaft support, 652…First movable base, 660…Second shaft support, 662…Second movable base, 700...Latch mechanism, 702...Latch member, 702a...Latch body, 702b...First release operation part, 702c...Claw, 704...Elastic member, 710...Release piece, 710a...Second release operation part, 710b...Inner end, 712...Elastic member, R1...First release mechanism, R2...Second release mechanism, L...Lock mechanism, 750...Release operation piece, 750a...Button, 750b...Pressing piece, 750c...Body, 770...Operated piece, 770a...Shaft, 770b...Rotating piece, 770c...Rotating piece, 775...Lock piece, 775a...Shaft, 775b...Locking claw, 777...Intermediate piece, 850...Base base, 852...Hole855... Guide rail, 900... Banknote handling device, 901... Housing, 902... Mounting part, 1000... Control means.

Claims

1. A paper sheet separation and transport device comprising: a first module in which a paper sheet receiving processing unit is fixed to a paper sheet storage processing unit; a downstream module detachably connected to the first module; and control means for controlling various controlled objects, The aforementioned paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a frame having an opening on its front for receiving paper sheets, a paper feed tray detachably attached to the front of the frame, a feeding roller for feeding paper sheets from a stack of paper sheets on the feeding tray, a feed roller and friction separation member constituting a separation section for separating the double-feed paper sheets fed by the feeding roller into single sheets, a pull-out transport section for pulling out the single sheet of paper separated by the separation section and transporting it upward toward the storage transport path of the paper sheet storage and processing unit located above, a pivot support that pivotably supports at least the feeding roller and the feed roller with respect to the frame so as to swing between a processing-capable position where paper sheet transport processing is possible and a processing-non-processing position where paper sheet transport processing is impossible, and a movable base on which the feeding roller and the feed roller are mounted and pivotably supported with respect to the frame by the pivot support, A paper sheet separation and conveying device characterized in that when the feed roller and the feed roller are in the processing position, the feed roller is in close proximity to the drawer conveying section, and when the feed roller and the feed roller are retracted to the non-processing position, the feed roller moves away from the drawer conveying section, enabling the removal of jammed paper sheets remaining in the drawer conveying section.

2. The aforementioned paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a first conveying mechanism that conveys paper sheets sent out from the drawer conveying unit toward the paper sheet storage processing unit, and a second conveying mechanism that returns and conveys paper sheets that have been sent back from the paper sheet storage processing unit toward a return paper sheet accumulation unit. The aforementioned pivot support comprises a first pivot support that pivotally supports the first movable base with respect to the frame so as to be rotatable, and a second pivot support that pivotally supports the second movable base with respect to the first movable base. The first movable base is mounted on at least a portion of the transport components that constitute the second transport mechanism. The paper sheet separation and conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the feeding roller, the feed roller, and other parts of the conveying components constituting the first conveying mechanism are mounted on the second movable base.

3. In the initial state, the feed roller and the feed roller are locked in the processing position, and when the release operation is performed, the locking is released, allowing the feed roller and the feed roller to rotate to the non-processing position. The latch mechanism comprises a first release mechanism that can be released from the front only when the paper feed tray is removed from the paper sheet receiving processing unit, and a second release mechanism that can be released from a direction other than the front when the paper feed tray is attached to the paper sheet receiving processing unit, as described in claim 1.

4. The paper sheet receiving and processing unit comprises a first conveying mechanism that conveys paper sheets sent out from the drawer conveying unit toward the paper sheet storage processing unit, and a second conveying mechanism that returns and conveys paper sheets sent back from the paper sheet storage processing unit to a return paper sheet accumulation unit, The aforementioned pivot support comprises a first pivot support that pivotally supports the first movable base with respect to the frame so as to be rotatable, and a second pivot support that pivotally supports the second movable base with respect to the first movable base. The first movable base is mounted on at least a portion of the transport components that constitute the second transport mechanism. The second movable base is equipped with at least the feed roller, the feed roller, and other parts of the conveying components that constitute the first conveying mechanism. In the initial state, the feed roller and the feed roller are locked in the processing position, and when the release operation is performed, the locking is released, allowing the feed roller and the feed roller to rotate to the non-processing position. The latch mechanism comprises: a latch member provided on the second movable base side so as to be able to move back and forth and engage with a fixed-side locking portion provided on the fixed portion; an elastic member that biases the latch member in the direction of locking with the fixed-side locking portion; a first release operation unit provided on the latch member that moves the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed-side locking portion by operation from the front; and a second release operation unit provided on the fixed portion side so as to be able to move the latch member in a direction to release it from the fixed-side locking portion by operation from a direction different from the front. The latch mechanism maintains the state in which the latch member is engaged with the fixed-side locking portion when the feed roller and the feed roller, supported by the second movable base, are in the processing position, and when the first release operation portion or the second release operation portion is released... The paper sheet separation and conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the feeding roller and the feed roller are allowed to move to the unprocessable position.

5. The first module is provided with a locking mechanism for detachably connecting it to the downstream module, The locking mechanism comprises: a release operating piece supported by a fixed part of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit so as to be able to move back and forth in the front-rear direction; an operated piece pivotally supported by a shaft provided on the fixed part of the paper sheet receiving and processing unit and rotated by the release operating piece; and a locking piece pivotally supported by a shaft provided on the fixed part of the paper sheet storage and processing unit, which rotates between a locked position that engages with the fixed part of the downstream module and an unlocked position that releases the engagement. The paper sheet separation and transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operated piece moves the locking piece in the release direction by pushing the release operating piece backward or pulling it forward.

6. A paper sheet handling device characterized by comprising a paper sheet separation and transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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