Paper sheet feeding device and paper sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet delivery device capable of surely solving delivery failure of paper sheets occurring in the vicinity of a delivery roller according to a state of paper sheets and the like.SOLUTION: A paper sheet delivery device (2, 7) includes: a stage 2 on which a paper sheet M is placed; a delivery roller 27 coming into contact with the uppermost paper sheet M; delivery roller rotation drive means for rotating the delivery roller 27; delivery roller pressure change means for changing a pressure of the delivery roller 27 with respect to the paper sheet M; and control means for controlling the operation of the delivery roller rotation drive means and the operation of the delivery roller pressure change means. The control means includes: a normal delivery step of, in a state where the delivery roller 27 is pressed to the paper sheet M with a predetermined pressure, delivering the uppermost paper sheet M by rotating the delivery roller 27 normally in a delivery direction of the paper sheet M; and a retrial step of maintaining the normal rotation of the delivery roller 27 while reducing the pressure of the delivery roller 27 with respect to the paper sheet M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet feeding device that performs a process of feeding paper sheets one by one from a position where a plurality of paper sheets such as banknotes and cards are stacked to the outside. The present invention also relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus having a function of conveying paper sheets fed out from the paper sheet feeding device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-242999) discloses a paper sheet processing apparatus such as a ticket vending machine. Further, a paper sheet feeding device is disclosed as a device constituting this paper sheet processing apparatus. In this conventional paper sheet feeding device, the uppermost one of the stacked plurality of banknotes is brought into contact with a feeding roller, the banknote is sent out to the outside by forward rotation of the feeding roller, and the banknote is further sent to a dispensing port by a feed roller.

[0003] In this conventional paper sheet feeding device, banknotes can be stably sent out one by one to the outside by the cooperation of the feeding roller and the feed roller, but variations occur in the frictional force and pressing force between the feeding roller and the banknote depending on the state of the banknote and the installation environment of the feeding device, leading to issues such as banknote jams in the area near the feeding device re that feeding failures may occur in rare cases.

[0004] Conventionally, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-247994) discloses a paper sheet feeding device. In this conventional feeding device, a technique is disclosed in which one sheet is separated from a plurality of stacked paper sheets and conveyed to the outside by a feed roller and a reverse roller that are in contact with each other in an opposing manner.

[0005] This document discloses a technique in which, in the event of a paper jam or other abnormality, the stage on which the paper sheets are placed is lowered, and the feed roller and reverse roller are reversed to return the paper sheets involved in the abnormality to the paper sheet accumulation area. However, this conventional feeding device was not sufficiently effective in resolving the abnormality. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-242999 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-247994 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in conventional devices, and aims to provide a paper sheet feeding device that can reliably eliminate paper sheet feeding defects that occur near the feeding roller depending on the condition of the paper sheets, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention comprises a stage on which a plurality of paper sheets are placed in a stacked state, a feeding roller that contacts the uppermost paper sheet among the plurality of stacked paper sheets, a feeding roller rotation driving means for rotating the feeding roller about its own centerline, a feeding roller pressure changing means for changing the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the operation of the feeding roller rotation driving means and the operation of the feeding roller pressure changing means, wherein the control means In a paper sheet feeding device that controls the feeding of the uppermost paper sheet by pressing the feeding roller against the uppermost paper sheet of a plurality of paper sheets with a predetermined pressure, and rotating the feeding roller in the forward direction of the paper sheet feeding using the feeding roller rotation drive means, the control means has a first control step of rotating the feeding roller in the forward direction while reducing the pressure of the feeding roller against the paper sheets using the feeding roller pressure changing means, and the feeding roller rotation drive means rotates the feeding roller in the forward direction, re The outlet roller pressure changing means is rotatable about its own centerline, but is arranged to remain in a fixed position. re The control means comprises an output roller and a stage moving means for moving the stage in parallel in a direction toward the output roller and a direction toward the output roller, wherein the control means achieves a state in which the output roller presses the topmost sheet of paper of a plurality of sheets with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage toward the output roller using the stage moving means, and further, the control means achieves a decrease in the pressure of the output roller on the sheets of paper by moving the stage toward the output roller using the stage moving means.

[0009] In the above configuration, the "feed roller rotation drive means" is composed of, for example, the drive shaft 28, drive belt 29, and feed roller drive motor 32 shown in Figure 5. The "feed roller pressure changing means" is a mechanism that can change, more specifically reduce, the force with which paper sheets are pressed against the feed roller, and is composed of, for example, the stage 2, slider 11, drive belt 12, and stage drive motor 13 shown in Figure 2. The "control means" can be composed of, for example, a computer or a sequencer, and is composed of, for example, the control device 50 shown in Figure 15.

[0010] A second embodiment of the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention further comprises a stage separation means for separating the stage from the feeding roller, wherein the control means further comprises a second control step of separating the paper sheets on the stage from the feeding roller by reversing the feeding roller with the feeding roller rotation drive means and simultaneously separating the stage from the feeding roller with the stage separation means.

[0011] In the above configuration, the "stage separation means" can be composed of, for example, a mechanism for moving the stage in parallel and a power source (for example, an electric motor) for moving that mechanism. More specifically, for example, the stage separation means can be composed of the slider 11, guide rod 14, drive belt 12, and stage drive motor 13 shown in Figure 2.

[0012] The first paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention is characterized by having a first control step, as described above, which is to "decrease the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets using a feeding roller pressure changing means, while rotating the feeding roller in the forward direction using a feeding roller rotation driving means." The second embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further having a second control step, in addition to the first control step, which is to "reverse the feeding roller while simultaneously separating the paper sheets on the stage from the feeding roller."

[0013] By combining the first and second control processes in this way, problems related to paper sheets, such as jams, can be resolved more reliably. The order in which the first and second control processes are performed is arbitrary. That is, the first control process can be performed first, or the second control process can be performed first.

[0014] Paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention Other inventions that approximate this include The feed roller pressure changing means comprises a support that rotatably supports the feed roller, a spring that elastically biases the support toward the stage, and a stage moving means that moves the stage in parallel in a direction toward the feed roller and a direction toward the feed roller. The control means achieves a state in which the feed roller presses the uppermost sheet of paper of a plurality of sheets with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage toward the feed roller using the stage moving means. Furthermore, the control means achieves a decrease in the pressure of the feed roller on the sheets of paper by moving the stage toward the feed roller using the stage moving means. Such an invention is also conceivable. .

[0015] In the above configuration, the "stage moving means" can consist of, for example, a mechanism for moving the stage in parallel and a power source (for example, an electric motor) for moving that mechanism. In this paper sheet feeding device, when the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets is reduced, the feeding roller moves along with the movement of the stage.

[0016] Paper feeding device according to the present invention PlaceIn this configuration, the feed roller pressure changing means comprises a feed roller that is rotatable about its own centerline but is positioned to be immovable, and a stage moving means that moves the stage in parallel in a direction toward the feed roller and a direction toward the feed roller. The control means achieves a state in which the feed roller presses the uppermost sheet of a plurality of sheets of paper with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage toward the feed roller using the stage moving means, and further reduces the pressure of the feed roller on the sheets of paper by moving the stage toward the feed roller using the stage moving means.

[0017] In this paper sheet feeding device, when the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets is reduced, the stage moves while the feeding roller remains stationary.

[0018] Paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention Third The embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the stage has a stage moving means for moving the stage in parallel in a direction toward the feed roller and in a direction toward away from the feed roller, the feed roller pressure changing means has a feed roller position moving means for moving the feed roller toward the stage and in a direction toward away from the stage, the control means achieves a state in which the feed roller presses the uppermost sheet of paper of a plurality of sheets with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage toward the feed roller using the stage moving means, and further the control means achieves a decrease in the pressure of the feed roller toward the sheets of paper by moving the feed roller toward away from the stage using the feed roller position moving means.

[0019] In the above configuration, the "feed-out roller position movement means" is For example, as shown in Figure 19,It can be constituted by a mechanism for translating the feed roller in parallel, and a power source (for example, an electric motor) that operates the mechanism. In this sheet feeding device, when reducing the pressure of the feed roller against the sheets, the feed roller moves instead of the stage moving.

[0020] A sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described sheet feeding device according to the present invention, and a conveying unit that conveys the sheets fed out from the sheet feeding device. This sheet processing apparatus is a device constituting an automatic apparatus that handles sheets (for example, a ticket vending machine), and is a device that performs the function of conveying sheets from one location to another. Effects of the Invention

[0021] In general, the state of banknotes varies. For example, there are clean banknotes with no wrinkles that have just entered circulation, and banknotes with many wrinkles that have been in circulation for a long time. In addition, the environments in which the sheet feeding device of the present invention is installed also vary. When the resultant force of the frictional force between the uppermost sheet and the lower sheet in contact therewith, or the frictional force between the uppermost sheet and the stage supporting it, and the downward pressure from the feed roller is equal to or greater than the gripping force of the feed roller for feeding the sheet, feeding failures such as sheet jams may occur depending on the state of the sheets and the installation environment.

[0022] According to the sheet feeding device of claim 1 of the present application and the claim 4 sheet processing apparatus of the present application, when a sheet jam or the like occurs, instead of simply taking the measure of lowering the stage and then reversing the feed roller, a new technique is adopted in which the normal rotation of the feed roller is continuously maintained while reducing the pressure of the feed roller against the sheets. Thereby, when a plurality of sheets are placed on the stage, those sheets can be properly separated. Further, when there is one sheet on the stage, the pressure state and frictional force state of the sheet relative to the stage can be improved. As a result, inconveniences related to sheets such as jams can be reliably resolved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing an embodiment of a paper sheet storage unit equipped with a paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing elements of a part of the structure of Figure 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the operation of elements of another part of the structure of Figure 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the operation of elements of yet another part of the structure of Figure 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing elements that constitute the paper sheet feeding device as yet another part of the structure of Figure 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the state of the paper sheet storage unit and the paper sheet feeding device of Figure 1 during a normal feeding operation. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the state of the paper sheet storage unit and the paper sheet feeding device of Figure 1 during a retry operation. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the standby state of the feeding operation. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the first state during the primary hold of the feeding operation. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the second state during the primary hold of the feeding operation. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the third state during the primary hold of the feeding operation. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the state during the secondary hold of the feeding operation. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the first state of the storage operation in the feeding operation. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the second state of the storage operation in the feeding operation. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a control circuit. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the flow of control executed by the control device of Figure 15. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing one subroutine of the flowchart of Figure 16. [Figure 18]This is a flowchart of another subroutine in the flowchart shown in Figure 16. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a front cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention will be described below based on embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings attached to this specification, components may be shown in proportions different from those of the actual parts in order to clearly illustrate characteristic parts.

[0025] Figure 1 shows the front structure of a paper sheet storage unit using the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention. In Figure 1, the paper sheet storage unit 1 includes a stage 2, a conveyor belt 3, a separator 4, a flapper 5, a press plate 6, and a feeding unit 7. Each of these elements is housed in a rectangular parallelepiped case 8. In this embodiment, the paper sheet feeding device is composed of the feeding unit 7 and the stage 2.

[0026] Stage 2, as shown in Figure 2, is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped made of plastic and has openings 10a and 10b. The openings 10a and 10b can be used, for example, to detect whether or not banknotes are present on Stage 2 using an optical sensor. Stage 2 is supported by a slider 11. The slider 11 is connected to a drive belt 12. The drive belt 12 is driven by a stage drive motor 13 and moves in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Due to the rotational movement of the drive belt 12, the slider 11 and therefore Stage 2 move linearly in the vertical direction in the figure along the guide rod 14.

[0027] The conveyor belt 3 is a long, endless, annular belt that follows the conveying direction A of the paper sheets. Two conveyor belts 3 are provided with respect to the width direction of the banknotes M, which are the paper sheets. These conveyor belts 3 move in a circular motion in the direction of arrows B-B' in precise synchronization. Figure 8 shows the internal structure of the paper sheet storage unit 1 in the width direction (left-right direction in Figure 8) according to the arrow Y in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, two separators 4 are provided in the width direction of the paper sheet storage unit 1. As shown in Figure 3, the separator 4 is a long member along the paper sheet transport direction A. The end 4a of the separator 4 on the side of the input opening 18 is formed in a large rectangular shape. The central part 4b of the separator 4 is narrower.

[0028] The rear end of separator 4 (right side in Figure 3) is connected to the oscillating arm 19. The oscillating arm 19 is rotatable around the pivot point 20. The output rod of the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is connected to the other end of the oscillating arm 19. When the electromagnetic solenoid 21 is turned ON, the oscillating arm 19 rotates downward, and as a result, separator 4 moves in parallel to the downward position shown by the dashed line.

[0029] As shown in Figure 8, two flappers 5 are provided in the width direction (left-right direction in Figure 8) of the paper sheet storage unit 1. In Figure 4, the flappers 5 are rotatable about the pivot point 22. The flappers 5 are biased by a spring (not shown) and are in a horizontal position in their natural state. When a force is applied to the tip of the flapper 5 as shown by arrow C, the flapper 5 rotates in the direction of arrow D against the spring force of the spring (not shown). When force C is removed, the flapper 5 returns to the horizontal position as shown by arrow D' due to the spring force.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the presser plate 6 has a wide width in the width direction (left-right direction in Figure 8) of the paper sheet storage compartment 1. In Figure 3, the rear end of the presser plate 6 is fitted onto the guide rod 25. The presser plate 6 is movable up and down along the guide rod 25. In its natural state, the presser plate 6 descends by its own weight. If there is something under the presser plate 6, the presser plate 6 will stop while pressing down on that object by its own weight. In the situation shown in Figure 8, the presser plate 6 is resting on the flapper 5.

[0031] The dispensing unit 7 shown in Figure 1 has a support 26 and a dispensing roller 27 supported by the support 26, as shown in Figure 5. The support 26 is rotatably supported in the case 8 (Figure 1) by a drive shaft 28. The drive shaft 28 is connected to a dispensing roller drive motor 32 via a drive belt 29. When the dispensing roller drive motor 32 is operated, the drive shaft 28 rotates about its own centerline X0. The drive shaft 28 is connected to the dispensing roller 27 via a transmission belt 33. When the drive shaft 28 rotates, the dispensing roller 27 rotates. The dispensing roller 27 can rotate forward in the direction of arrow E or reverse in the direction of arrow F. Forward rotation E is the direction in which banknotes as paper sheets are dispensed out of the paper sheet storage 1. Reverse rotation F is the direction in which banknotes are returned to the inside of the paper sheet storage 1. A spring 34 is provided inside the drive shaft 28. The spring 34 elastically biases the support 26 downwards, indicated by arrow G, around the drive shaft 28. As a result, the feed roller 27 is also elastically biased to rotate in the direction of arrow G.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, a detection piece 35 is provided on the support 26 of the feed unit 7. The support 26 and the detection piece 35 are integrated. An oscillation sensor 38 is provided near the detection piece 35. The oscillation sensor 38 is fixed to the case 8 and its position is immovable. When the oscillation sensor 38 is shielded from light by the detection piece 35, it outputs an ON signal indicating that the feed roller 27 has been set to a predetermined feed position. When the oscillation sensor 38 is not shielded from light by the detection piece 35 (i.e., when light is transmitted), it outputs an OFF signal.

[0033] In Figure 1, an introduction roller 39 is provided near the outside of the deposit slot 18 located at the bottom of the paper storage unit 1. A dispensing slot 40 is provided at the top of the paper storage unit 1. A separation unit 41 is provided near the inside of this dispensing slot 40. The separation unit 41 consists of a rotating separation roller 41a and a non-rotating cylindrical member 41b. The cylindrical member 41b can be replaced with a roller that is rotatable in only one direction by a one-way clutch.

[0034] A dispensing detection sensor 44 is provided near the outside of the dispensing opening 40. A pinch roller 45 and a press roller 46 are provided downstream of the dispensing detection sensor 44. These rollers 45 and 46 are pressed against each other with a predetermined pressure.

[0035] Stage 2 can take on three positions: a first position P1 shown in Figure 1, a second position P2 shown in Figure 6, and a third position P3 shown in Figure 12. The first position P1 of Stage 2 is the position where the top surface of Stage 2 is below the conveyor belt 3, as shown in Figure 1. The second position P2 of Stage 2 is the position where banknotes placed on the top surface of Stage 2 can be pressed against the dispensing roller 27, as shown in Figure 6. The third position P3 of Stage 2 is the position where the top surface of Stage 2 is above the separator 4, but not above the flapper 5, as shown in Figure 12.

[0036] In Figure 1, at least two position sensors 47a and 47b are provided at the back of the paper sheet storage unit 1 (right side in Figure 1). Sensor 47a is a sensor for defining the first position P1 of stage 2. Sensor 47b is a sensor for defining the third position P3 of stage 2 (Figure 12). The second position P2 of stage 2 (Figure 6) is defined by the oscillation sensor 38 of the feeding unit 7.

[0037] (Control device) Figure 15 shows the control circuit used in the paper storage unit 1 of this embodiment. This control circuit has a control device 50. The control device 50 is composed of a computer, a sequencer, etc. The control device 50 has a dispensing calculation unit 51 that controls the overall operation of the dispensing process, a first retry calculation unit 52 for clearing banknote jams, a second retry calculation unit 53 for clearing banknote jams, and a memory 54.

[0038] The feed calculation unit 51, the first retry calculation unit 52, and the second retry calculation unit 53 are configured, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of a computer. The memory 54 is configured by internal memory such as semiconductor memory or external memory such as a hard disk. Various input devices such as the oscillation sensor 38 (Figure 1), the feed detection sensor 44 (Figure 1), and the position sensors 47a and 47b (Figure 1) are connected to the input terminals of the control device 50. Various output devices such as the electromagnetic solenoid 21 (Figure 3) for driving the separator 4, the stage drive motor 13 (Figure 2) for driving the stage 2, and the feed roller drive motor 32 (Figure 5) for driving the feed roller 27 are connected to the output terminals of the control device 50.

[0039] In this embodiment, the "feed-out roller rotation drive means" of the present invention is composed of the drive shaft 28, drive belt 29, and feed-out roller drive motor 32 shown in Figure 5. The "feed-out roller pressure changing means" is composed of the stage 2, slider 11, drive belt 12, and stage drive motor 13 shown in Figure 2. The "control means" is composed of the control device 50 shown in Figure 15.

[0040] (operation) The operation of the paper storage unit 1, which has the above configuration, will now be explained. In Figure 1, a deposit slot 18 and a conveyor belt 3 are provided at the bottom of the paper storage unit 1. As shown in Figure 8, the space between the conveyor belt 3 and the separator 4 is the initial holding section J. The space between the separator 4 and the flapper 5 is the holding section Q. The space above the holding section Q is the banknote storage section S. The dispensing roller 27 is provided in the upper area of ​​the banknote storage section S.

[0041] Within the storage area, a holding section Q for holding banknotes to be held is provided at the bottom. A banknote storage section S for storing banknotes for which transactions have been confirmed is provided at the middle. And a dispensing roller 27 for dispensing banknotes as sheets of paper is provided at the top. From here on, the first deposit operation, which is the operation for the primary holding of banknotes, the second deposit operation, which is the operation for the secondary holding of banknotes, the third deposit operation, which is the banknote storage operation, and the dispensing operation, which is the banknote dispensing operation, will be described in order.

[0042] (Temporary suspension of banknotes) In Figure 1, when banknotes M are introduced into the deposit slot 18 by the introduction roller 39, the banknotes M are introduced to the bottom of the internal storage area by the conveyor belt 3. The banknotes M then remain stationary on the conveyor belt 3 (see Figure 9). The waiting state of the introduced banknotes M is as shown in Figures 1 and 9, with the stage 2 in the first position P1, the upper surface of the stage 2 below the upper running portion of the conveyor belt 3, and the lower surface of the separator 4 above the upper running portion of the conveyor belt 3. At this time, the space between the conveyor belt 3 and the separator 4 functions as an initial holding area J for the banknotes.

[0043] In Figure 9, after the first banknote M is fed into the upper section of the conveyor belt 3, the separator 4 descends, striking the banknote's end in the longitudinal direction (the direction that penetrates the paper surface in Figure 9), and enters the underside of the banknote M. Next, the separator 4 rises with the banknote M resting on its upper surface. In this way, as shown in Figure 10, the banknote M is held in the holding section Q.

[0044] Next, the second banknote M2 is fed into the space between the conveyor belt 3 and the lower surface of the separator 4, i.e., into the initial holding section J. Next, the separator 4 performs the downward and upward movements shown in Figure 9. As a result, the second banknote M2 is lifted into the holding section Q and comes into contact with the first banknote M. From this point onward, the same operation is repeated each time multiple banknotes are sequentially fed into the deposit slot 18 in Figure 1, and as shown in Figure 11, additional banknotes are sequentially accumulated in the holding section Q along with the banknotes M that are being held. As a result, multiple banknotes are held in the holding section Q. This completes the operation of the initial holding.

[0045] In this embodiment, the maximum number of banknotes that can be stored in the holding section Q, i.e., the maximum number of banknotes to be held, is set to 20. This is determined in accordance with the fact that the maximum number of banknotes that can be transported in a transport section (not shown) installed in front of the deposit slot 18 in Figure 1 is 20.

[0046] "Temporary hold" refers to a hold that occurs between the time the customer makes a payment and the transaction is finalized. "Transaction finalization" means, for example, when the customer presses the transaction start button (for example, the transaction start button on a ticket vending machine to which this paper storage service applies), various transaction conditions are entered, and finally the transaction items are provided to the customer. Even if the transaction start button is pressed, the transaction will not be finalized if the customer expresses their intention to cancel at any point.

[0047] (Action taken in response to transaction cancellation) When the paper storage unit 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a ticket vending machine, a customer may indicate their intention to cancel a transaction after depositing money but before being instructed to confirm the transaction. For example, they may press a transaction cancellation button located in a designated place on the customer service surface of the ticket vending machine. In this case, in the primary holding state shown in Figure 11, the separator 4 moves downward as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9. This places the banknotes on the upper travel section of the transport belt 3. Next, in Figure 1, the transport belt 3 and the introduction roller 39 are operated in the opposite direction to the banknote introduction direction. This sends the bundle of banknotes that was held in the holding section Q toward the deposit slot 18 (in this case, the return slot) while still in bundle form. The bundle of banknotes thus sent out is returned to the customer.

[0048] (Secondary retention of banknotes) "Secondary holding" is a holding period that occurs after a previous customer has confirmed their transaction and before the next customer makes their payment. When a transaction is confirmed by providing the goods to the customer, as shown in Figure 12, Stage 2 rises slightly from the first position P1 shown in Figure 11 to the third position P3 shown in Figure 12. That is, the banknotes M that were in primary holding move upward while resting on the top plate of Stage 2. The banknotes at the third position P3 are the banknotes in secondary holding state.

[0049] In Figure 12, a primary holding door 9 is provided at the bottom of the front of case 8. This primary holding door 9 can be locked to prevent it from being opened. In the primary storage state shown in Figure 11, the banknotes M can be removed to the outside by unlocking the primary holding door 9 and opening the door 9. On the other hand, in the secondary holding state shown in Figure 12, even if the primary holding door 9 is unlocked and opened, the banknotes cannot be touched. Therefore, in the secondary holding state, the banknotes cannot be removed to the outside. Thus, after the customer confirms the transaction, the inserted banknotes cannot be retrieved.

[0050] (Banknote storage action) Let's consider the case where this paper storage unit 1 is applied to a ticket vending machine. In this case, once the transaction is confirmed by the previous customer and the necessary processing to execute the transaction (for example, the calculation of change and the dispensing of change) is performed, when the next customer starts the purchase operation (for example, when a deposit is made), the banknote storage operation, which is the operation to store banknotes M in the banknote storage unit S, is started in Figure 12.

[0051] As shown in Figure 13, before the banknote storage operation begins, multiple banknotes M are already stacked in the banknote storage section S, with the retaining plate 6 positioned above them, and the deposited banknotes M3 are held in the holding section Q. When the banknote storage operation begins, first, stage 2 rises from the first position P1 in Figure 11 to the third position P3 in Figure 12. That is, stage 2 rises slightly within the range of the holding section Q.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the stage 2 is lifted up until the top surface of the flapper 5 is raised a predetermined distance above the top plate of the stage 2, which is in a horizontal position. This lifts the banknotes above the top plate of the flapper 5. As Stage 2 rises from the third position P3 shown in Figure 12 to a predetermined lifting position, the banknotes on Stage 2 rise while pushing up the top plate of Flapper 5. That is, the banknotes on Stage 2 rise through the internal area while pushing and spreading the top plate of Stopper 5 upward, causing it to move. Then, as shown in Figure 14, Stage 2 is lifted to a predetermined distance away from the moving top plate of Flapper 5.

[0053] When Stage 2 is raised to a predetermined upper position, the upward force exerted by the banknotes on the top plate of Flapper 5 is released. Then, Flapper 5 returns to its horizontal position due to an elastic force such as a spring force or its own weight. Next, Stage 2 lowers to its initial lowest position. As a result, the banknotes are stored in the banknote storage section S, which is the upper area of ​​the top plate of Flapper 5. In this way, newly stored banknotes are added and piled up below the banknotes that were already stored.

[0054] Figure 21 shows a paper processing device 60, which is one of the components of a ticket vending machine, an automated machine that handles paper materials (e.g., banknotes). This paper processing device 60 is a device that has the function of transporting paper materials from one place to another. If we consider the case where the paper storage unit 1 of this embodiment is used as the 10,000 yen storage unit 113a, the 1,000 yen storage unit 113b, and the replenishment and collection unit 114 of the paper processing device 60 of the ticket vending machine (see Figure 21), the target number of sheets that can be stored in these storage units and collection units is 500. Also, if we consider the case where the paper storage unit 1 of this embodiment is used as the 2,000 yen / 5,000 yen storage unit 113c of the ticket vending machine 60, the target number of sheets that can be stored in this storage unit is 200. Therefore, the banknote storage unit S is a spatial area with a height that can accommodate at least the target number of banknotes M.

[0055] In this embodiment, when moving banknotes M from the holding section Q in Figure 11 into the banknote storage section S, the banknotes M already placed in the banknote storage section S (see Figure 13) and the banknotes to be stored in the banknote storage section S are first lifted a predetermined distance above the flapper 5 by the stage 2. Then, the stage 2 is lowered below the flapper 5, and the banknotes are placed on the top plate of the flapper 5. As a result, the banknotes are placed at the bottom of the banknote storage section S.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the banknote storage section S is intended to store a target number of banknotes, such as 500 or 200, the height of the banknote storage section S must be the height corresponding to that target number of banknotes plus the lifting height of the stage 2 required for the storage operation.

[0057] (Banknote dispensing action) After the banknotes are stored in the banknote storage section S as described above, when it is time to remove the banknotes from the storage compartment 1 (step S2 in Figure 16), the stage 2 rises to the second position P2 in Figure 6 (steps S3 to S5 in Figure 16). As a result, the uppermost banknote comes into contact with the feed roller 27, which is biased downward as a paper sheet feeding means, with a predetermined pressure.

[0058] In this embodiment, to ensure that the banknotes are brought into contact with the dispensing roller 27 with constant pressure even when the number of banknotes placed on stage 2 fluctuates, a oscillation sensor 38 for detecting the uppermost banknote is placed near the dispensing roller 27. This oscillation sensor 38 detects the uppermost banknote, and based on the detection result, stage 2 can always be accurately set to the second position P2.

[0059] When Stage 2 is set to the second position P2 and the top banknote comes into contact with the dispensing roller 27, the dispensing roller 27 rotates forward to transport the banknotes (step S6 in Figure 16). This forward rotation causes the top banknote to be dispensed toward the dispensing opening 40 in Figure 1. As the number of banknotes on Stage 2 decreases due to this dispensing, Stage 2 moves upward to maintain a constant pressure on the dispensing roller 27 (YES in step S7, steps S3-S5 in Figure 16). In this way, the banknotes stored on Stage 2 are fed out of the storage compartment 1 through the cooperation of Stage 2 and the dispensing roller 27.

[0060] In Figure 6, if multiple banknotes are stacked on top of each other after being dispensed by the dispensing roller 27, the topmost banknote is separated by the action of the separation roller 41a and the cylindrical member 41b, which are in contact with each other under pressure. The separated banknote is then pulled out by a mechanism involving the pinch roller 45 and the press roller 46 and dispensed to the subsequent banknote transport section (not shown).

[0061] The banknote transport speed of the dispensing roller 27 and the rotating separation roller 41a is set to be slower than the banknote transport speed in the subsequent transport section. The banknote transport speed of the pinch roller 45 is the same as the banknote transport speed in the subsequent transport section. This speed setting ensures stable and smooth dispensing of banknotes. When stage 2 moves, the presser plate 6 moves together with stage 2, holding the banknotes M in place. When all banknotes have been dispensed, the presser plate 6 is positioned above the flapper 5 as shown in Figure 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the position in which the uppermost banknote is brought into contact with the dispensing roller 27 with a predetermined pressure is specifically detected by the ON (light shielding) of the oscillation sensor 38 (YES in step S4 of Figure 16). The control device 50 in Figure 15 stops the stage drive motor 13 in Figure 2, which is the driving means for stage 2, upon receiving the ON signal input from the light shielding detection of the oscillation sensor 38 (step S5). As a result, stage 2 stops at the second position P2. This stopping position of stage 2 is the optimal dispensing position determined by prior operation verification.

[0063] Next, the control device 50 controls the feed roller drive motor 32, which is the drive source for the feed roller 27 in Figure 5, to rotate the feed roller 27 in the forward direction. That is, the control device 50 rotates the feed roller 27 in the direction of feeding banknotes (step S6 in Figure 16). The control device 50 also monitors the light shielding (ON) of the feed detection sensor 44, which is located near the feed roller 27 in Figure 1 (step S8 in Figure 16). That is, the control device 50 sets a timer to detect the ON state of the feed detection sensor 44.

[0064] If the ON (light-blocking) signal from the feed detection sensor 44 is detected within a predetermined time (2 seconds in this embodiment), monitoring is terminated as normal operation, and the number of sheets fed is checked (step S9 in Figure 16). If the number of sheets fed is complete, the feeding operation is terminated (YES in step S9 in Figure 16). re If the number of banknotes to be dispensed has not been reached, the system returns to the previous operation (steps S9 and S4 in Figure 16) to maintain a constant pressure on the banknote dispensing roller 27, and the dispensing operation continues.

[0065] (Retry process in the banknote dispensing process) Returning to monitoring the dispensing detection sensor 44, if the ON (light-shielding) signal of the dispensing detection sensor 44 is not detected within a predetermined time (NO in step S8 of Figure 16), the process proceeds to the first retry process, which is the second control process of the present invention (step S10). In the first retry process, first, in step S32 of Figure 17, the dispensing roller 27 is reversed. That is, the banknotes are moved to the opposite side of the dispensing direction.

[0066] At the same time, the control device 50 lowers the stage 2 to the third position P3 in Figure 12, which is the secondary holding position (YES in steps S33, S34, and S35). In other words, the control device 50 separates the banknotes M on the stage 2 from the dispensing roller 27 by separating the stage 2 from the dispensing roller 27. This is to resolve the issue where the edges of the banknotes are misaligned during dispensing and cannot be dispensed properly, to align the edges, and to change the contact position of the uppermost banknote with the dispensing roller 27.

[0067] Next, the control device 50 raises the stage 2 back to the second position P2 in Figure 6 (steps S35, S36, S37). This second position P2 is the position where the uppermost banknote is brought into contact with the feed roller 27, which serves as the paper sheet feeding means, with a predetermined pressure. This completes the first retry process (the second control step of the present invention). If the feed detection sensor 44 outputs an ON (light-shielding) signal as a result of this first retry process, the process returns to normal (YES in step S12 in Figure 16).

[0068] If the feed detection sensor 44 does not turn ON (shield) in one first retry process (NO in step S12 of Figure 16), the first retry process is repeated a predetermined number of times (3 times in this embodiment) (step S13). If the feed detection sensor 44 is still not detected to be ON (shield) within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to the second retry process, which is the first control process of the present invention (NO in step S13, S14 of Figure 16).

[0069] When the process proceeds to the second retry, in steps S42, S43, S44, and S45 of Figure 18, the stage 2 is lowered while the feed roller 27 in Figure 7 rotates in the forward direction until the oscillation sensor 38 turns OFF (transmits light). Next, the control device 50 raises the stage 2 again to the second position P2 (Figure 6) (steps S45, S46, and S47). The second position P2 of the stage 2 is the position where the uppermost banknote is brought into contact with the feed roller 27 with a predetermined pressure. The above process constitutes the second retry process (the first control step of the present invention).

[0070] In the procedure described above, the time it takes for the oscillation sensor 38 to switch from the ON (light-shielded) state to the OFF (light-transmitting) state, that is, the distance that stage 2 descends for the second retry process (first control process), is smaller than the distance that stage 2 descends in the first retry process (second control process) to separate the top banknote from the dispensing roller.

[0071] By the way, the condition of banknotes varies. For example, some are clean and wrinkle-free because they have only recently entered circulation, while others are wrinkled because they have been in circulation for some time. Also, the installation environment of the paper sheet storage unit 1 in this embodiment varies. On the other hand, when the dispensing roller 27 presses against the banknotes on the stage 2, the dispensing roller 27 presses against the banknote at the uppermost position. re As a force is generated in the direction of dispensing, frictional forces are generated between multiple banknotes and between banknotes and stage 2. These frictional forces act in the opposite direction to the force with which the dispensing roller 27 dispenses banknotes. If the force with which the dispensing roller 27 dispenses banknotes is greater than the force acting in the opposite direction, the banknotes will be dispensed normally. However, depending on the condition of the banknotes and the environment in which the storage unit is installed, the force with which the dispensing roller 27 dispenses banknotes may balance the force acting in the opposite direction, or the force with which the dispensing roller 27 dispenses banknotes may become slightly less than the force acting in the opposite direction. In such cases, there is a risk that banknotes may jam near the dispensing roller 27, making it impossible to dispense banknotes normally.

[0072] In such cases, by rotating the dispensing roller 27 in the direction of banknote dispensing (i.e., forward rotation) while moving the stage 2 away from the dispensing roller 27, the downward pressure on the dispensing roller 27 can be changed (specifically decreased), and further, changes in the contact position of the dispensing roller 27 with respect to the banknotes and changes in frictional force can be induced. As a result, the balance of forces causing banknote jams can be properly disrupted, and banknote dispensing problems can be eliminated. In this way, it is not necessary to move the stage 2 farther than necessary relative to the dispensing roller 27 to properly disrupt the balance of forces. According to the inventor's experiments, by moving the stage 2 away from the dispensing roller 27 by a maximum of about 4 to 6 mm, banknote dispensing problems such as banknote jams could be eliminated.

[0073] If, as a result of the second retry process (first control process) shown in Figure 18, the feed detection sensor 44 turns ON (blocks light) in step S16 of Figure 16 (YES in step S16), the feed roller 27 is stopped and the process returns to normal. If the feed detection sensor 44 does not turn ON (blocks light) in one second retry process, the second retry process is repeated a predetermined number of times (6 times in this embodiment) (steps S15, S16, and S17 in Figure 16). If the feed detection sensor 44 is still not detected as ON (blocked light) after a predetermined time has elapsed, the device is considered abnormal (step S18). The number and order of the first retry process (second control process) and the second retry process (first control process) may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, such changes may be made depending on the type of operation (for example, changing the spring pressure of spring 34 in Figure 5, or changing the time it takes for the oscillation sensor 38 to switch from the ON (light-shielding) state to the OFF (light-transmitting) state).

[0074] (Other embodiments of paper sheet feeding devices) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0075] (Example 1) For example, the present invention is characterized by "in the second retry process (the first control step of the present invention), the feeding roller is rotated in the forward direction while reducing the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets." In the above embodiment described herein, as shown in Figure 5, a feeding unit 7 in which a support 26 supporting the feeding roller 27 swings about a drive shaft 28 is fixedly placed on top of the paper sheet storage 1 as shown in Figure 7, and the pressure of the feeding roller 27 on the paper sheets M is reduced by lowering the stage 2 relative to the feeding roller 27.

[0076] In this embodiment, during normal banknote dispensing, the dispensing roller 27 contacts the top surface of the banknote with a predetermined pressure due to the spring-biased support 26. When the stage 2 moves downward during the second retry, the dispensing roller 27 moves together with the stage 2 due to the oscillation of the support 26.

[0077] Alternatively, in Figure 5, a configuration can be adopted in which the support 26 does not swing relative to the drive shaft 28, that is, a configuration in which the feed roller 27 is held in a fixed position without swinging vertically in Figure 1. In this embodiment, during the second retry, only the stage 2 moves downward, and the feed roller 27 does not move along with the downward-moving stage 2.

[0078] (Example 2) Instead of the feeding unit 7 shown in Figure 5, a feeding unit 57 as shown in Figure 19 can be used. In this feeding unit 57, the support body 56 that supports the feeding unit 57 does not swing, and the entire support body 56 moves in parallel along the guide rod 58. In this embodiment, by moving the entire feeding unit 56 away from the banknotes M on the stage 2 in Figure 7 (upward in Figure 19), the pressure of the feeding roller 27 on the paper sheets M can be reduced.

[0079] (Example 3) Furthermore, instead of the feeding unit 7 in Figure 5, a feeding unit 67 as shown in Figure 20 can be used. In this feeding unit 67, the tip support 66b is pivotable relative to the support body 66a as shown by the LL line. In addition, the support body 66a is configured to move parallel to the guide rod 68. In this embodiment, by moving both the feeding roller 27 and the stage 2 in Figure 7, the pressure of the feeding roller 27 on the paper sheets M can be reduced.

[0080] (An embodiment of a paper sheet processing device) Figure 21 shows one embodiment of the paper sheet processing device according to the present invention. The paper sheet processing device 60 shown here uses the paper sheet storage unit 1 according to the present invention shown in Figure 1. Figure 21 shows the paper sheet processing device 60, which is the main part of a ticket vending machine, an automated machine that handles paper sheets. This paper sheet processing device 60 is a device that has the function of transporting banknotes, which are paper sheets, from one place to another. In Figure 21, the movement of banknotes when dispensing and dispensing rejection processing is shown by thick arrows in the paper sheet processing device 60. Rejection means returning inappropriate banknotes.

[0081] In the paper processing device 60, the amount of change is determined by the difference between the amount of money inserted and the price of the goods to be purchased. The change is determined by the denomination of bills required according to the amount of change. The change is dispensed to the outside through the dispensing slot 104 in Figure 21.

[0082] Each of the storage compartments 113a, 113b, and 113c for each denomination is formed by a paper storage compartment equipped with a paper dispensing device according to the present invention, for example, the paper storage compartment 1 shown in Figure 1. A banknote dispensing unit R is provided above the banknote storage section S within each of the storage compartments 113a, 113b, and 113c for each denomination. The change bills are dispensed one by one into the transport path by the banknote dispensing unit R of the corresponding amount, the denomination is identified by the identification unit 110, the amount is calculated by the calculation processing of the control unit, and then the bills are transported to the dispensing unit 105.

[0083] Once the banknotes have been held in the dispensing unit 105, they are dispensed all at once through the dispensing slot 104. Banknotes that cannot be identified by the identification unit 110 are transported to the dispensing reject storage unit 118a. The dispensed banknotes are held in the dispensing slot 104 in a waiting state for removal. If the banknotes are not removed by the customer within a certain period of time, they are taken into the lost and found collection unit 118c for collection.

[0084] In this embodiment, each denomination storage compartment 113a, 113b, and 113c is formed by, for example, the paper sheet storage compartment 1 shown in Figure 1. The banknote dispensing section R in each storage compartment shown in Figure 21 is formed by the paper sheet dispensing device according to the present invention. A banknote transport section is installed between each storage compartment 113a, 113b, and 113c. This transport section is formed by a plurality of belts stretched between a drive roller and a driven roller, and a claw member that switches the banknote transport path by the belts.

[0085] Furthermore, the paper sheet processing device 60 performs replenishment and replenishment rejection processing. The banknotes stored in the replenishment and collection unit 114 are replenished to the storage units of each denomination as described above. Rejection of replenishment means that unsuitable banknotes are not replenished to the storage unit but stored in a different location. In this embodiment, the replenishment and collection unit 114 is also formed by, for example, the paper sheet storage unit 1 shown in Figure 1. And the banknotes in the replenishment and collection unit 114 in Figure 21 re The exit section R is formed by the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention.

[0086] By using the paper sheet feeding device according to the present invention, banknotes can be fed stably and continuously from the paper sheet storage compartment to the external banknote transport section without jamming the banknotes in the storage compartment, thus enabling stable and continuous transport of banknotes between each storage compartment without interruption. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1: Paper sheet storage unit, 2: Stage (paper sheet feeding device), 3: Conveyor belt, 4: Separator, 4a: End on the input side, 4b: Central part, 5: Flapper, 6: Pressing plate, 7: re 8. Paper feed unit (paper sheet feeding device), 9. Case, 10a, 10b: Opening, 11: Slider, 12: Drive belt, 13: Stage drive motor, 14: Guide rod, 18: Input slot, 19: Swivel arm, 20: Pivot point, 21: Electromagnetic solenoid, 22: Pivot point, 25: Guide rod, 26: Support, 27: re Outer roller, 28: drive shaft, 29: drive belt, 32: re Outer roller drive motor ( re 33: Driven mechanism for rotating outlet roller, 34: Spring, 35: Detection piece, 38: Oscillating sensor, 39: Inlet roller, 40: Outlet opening, 41: Separation unit, 41a: Rotating separation roller, 41b: Non-rotating cylindrical member, 44: re Exit detection sensor, 45: Pinch roller, 46: Pressing roller, 47a, 47b, 47c: Position sensors, 50: Control device, 51: re Output calculation unit, 52: First retry calculation unit, 53: Second retry calculation unit, 54: Memory, 56: Support, 57: re Output unit, 58: guide rod, 60: paper sheet processing device, 66a: support body, 66b: tip support, 67: re Output unit, 68: Guide rod, P1: 1st position, P2: 2nd position, P3: 3rd position, J: Initial holding section, Q: Holding section, S: Banknote storage section

Claims

1. A stage on which multiple sheets of paper can be placed in a stacked state, A feeding roller that contacts the topmost sheet of paper among the stacked sheets of paper, A feed roller rotation drive means that rotates the feed roller about its own centerline, A feeding roller pressure changing means for changing the pressure of the feeding roller on the paper sheets, It includes control means for controlling the operation of the feed roller rotation drive means and the operation of the feed roller pressure changing means, The control means presses the feed roller against the top sheet of paper among multiple sheets of paper with a predetermined pressure, rotates the feed roller forward in the paper-feeding direction using the feed roller rotation drive means, and controls the feeding of the top sheet of paper by this forward rotation of the feed roller. In a paper sheet feeding device, The control means includes a first control step of reducing the pressure of the feed roller on the paper sheets by the feed roller pressure changing means while rotating the feed roller in the forward direction by the feed roller rotation driving means. The aforementioned feed roller pressure changing means is The feed roller is arranged to be rotatable about its own centerline, but to remain in a fixed position, The stage has a stage moving means that moves the stage in parallel in a direction approaching the feed roller and in a direction away from the feed roller, The control means achieves the state in which the feed roller presses the topmost sheet of paper of a plurality of sheets with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage against the feed roller using the stage moving means, and further The control means reduces the pressure of the feed roller on the paper sheets by moving the stage away from the feed roller using the stage moving means. A paper sheet feeding device characterized by the following features.

2. The system includes a stage separation means for separating the stage from the feed roller. The paper sheet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means has a second control step of reversing the feed roller with the feed roller rotation drive means and simultaneously separating the stage from the feed roller with the stage separation means, thereby separating the paper sheets on the stage from the feed roller.

3. The aforementioned feed roller pressure changing means includes a feed roller position moving means that moves the feed roller in a direction toward the stage and in a direction toward away from the stage. The control means achieves the state in which the feed roller presses the topmost sheet of paper of a plurality of sheets with a predetermined pressure by pressing the sheets of paper on the stage against the feed roller using the stage moving means, and further The control means reduces the pressure of the feed roller on the paper sheets by moving the feed roller away from the stage using the feed roller position moving means. The paper sheet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a paper sheet feeding device.

4. A paper sheet feeding device according to claim 1, A conveying unit for conveying paper sheets dispensed from the aforementioned paper sheet dispensing device, A paper sheet processing apparatus characterized by having

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