Paper sheet ejection mechanism and paper sheet handling device

Abstract

A paper sheet ejection mechanism (1) comprises: an ejection wall (10) that ejects stacked paper sheets (B); a pantograph mechanism (20), one end of which in the ejection direction (E) of the ejection wall (10), is linked to the ejection wall (10) and extends and retracts in the ejection direction (E) so as to move the ejection wall (10); two movable resin parts (31, 32) that are linked to the other end of the pantograph mechanism (20) in the ejection direction (E); a power transmission part (40) that extends or retracts the pantograph mechanism (20) by moving the two movable resin parts (31, 32) in a width direction (W) orthogonal to the ejection direction (E); and a positioning shaft (50) that extends in the width direction (W) and positions the attitude of the two movable resin parts (31, 32).

Description

Paper sheet pushing mechanism and paper sheet handling device

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet pushing mechanism having a pushing wall for pushing out stacked paper sheets, and a paper sheet handling device having this paper sheet pushing mechanism.

[0002] Conventionally, in a paper feeder, a method using an extendable pantograph mechanism to raise and lower a paper feed table for paper is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, in a conveying device, a pantograph mechanism that extends and retracts to follow the up and down movement of a buffer roller is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0003] JP-A-6-72566, JP-A-11-147618, JP-A-10-109799

[0004] Incidentally, in paper sheet handling devices such as ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), stacked paper sheets (e.g., bundles of banknotes, slips, and bankbooks) may be pushed out and conveyed in order to convey the stacked paper sheets all at once.

[0005] A pantograph mechanism can be used as a configuration for pushing out stacked paper sheets in this manner. However, when a movable part (nut) connected to the pantograph mechanism is moved by rotating a screw, which is a power transmission part, to extend or retract the pantograph mechanism, a load is applied, the screw is tightened, and a jamming phenomenon (a phenomenon in which the screw cannot be turned) occurs. When a jamming phenomenon occurs, the motor loses synchronization (it cannot operate) or wear occurs due to the jamming load. Furthermore, the wear prevents normal operation and increases the load, accelerating wear and eventually rendering the motor unable to operate.

[0006] In a configuration for pushing out stacked paper sheets, it is necessary to transport each thin, stacked paper sheet accurately to a predetermined position. Therefore, if wear occurs in the moving parts or screws (power transmission parts), for example, the pushing wall may become unable to push out the bottommost paper sheet or may become unable to push out the paper sheets accurately to the predetermined position.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet pushing mechanism and a paper sheet handling device that can push out stacked paper sheets with high precision using a pushing wall and can prevent malfunctions from occurring.

[0008] In one aspect, the paper sheet pushing mechanism includes an extrusion wall that pushes out stacked paper sheets, a pantograph mechanism connected to the extrusion wall at one end in the extrusion direction and that moves the extrusion wall by expanding and contracting in the extrusion direction, two resin movable parts connected to the other end of the pantograph mechanism in the extrusion direction, a power transmission part that expands and contracts the pantograph mechanism by moving the two resin movable parts in a width direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction, and a positioning shaft that extends in the width direction and positions the posture of the two resin movable parts.

[0009] In another aspect, the paper handling device includes the paper sheet pushing mechanism and a conveying unit that transports the paper sheets to a position where they are pushed out by the pushing wall when the pantograph mechanism is in a compressed state.

[0010] According to the above aspect, the stacked paper sheets can be pushed out by the pushing wall with high precision, and malfunctions can be prevented.

[0011] 1 is a top perspective view (part 1) showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view (part 2) showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a left side view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a right side view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (pantograph mechanism in an extended state) according to an embodiment. 1 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (with the pantograph mechanism in a compressed state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (with the pantograph mechanism in a compressed state) according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (with the pantograph mechanism in an extended state, and the attachment base, conveying guide, etc. are omitted) according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining engagement of screws according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a left side view showing an internal structure of a paper sheet handling device according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism and a rail that guides an extension portion of a push wall according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (with the pantograph mechanism in an extended state, and the attachment base, conveying guide, etc. are omitted) according to a first modified example of an embodiment; FIG. 11 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism (with the pantograph mechanism in an extended state and the mounting base, conveyance guide, etc. omitted) according to a third modified example of an embodiment.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A paper sheet pushing mechanism and a paper sheet handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figures 1A to 1I are a top oblique view (part 1), a top oblique view (part 2), a bottom oblique view, a plan view, a bottom view, a left side view, a right side view, a front view, and a rear view showing the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1 (with the pantograph mechanism 20 in an extended state) according to this embodiment.

[0014] 1A to 1I and 2 to 9 described later, the X, Y, and Z directions are an example in which the pushing direction E of the pushing wall 10 is the positive side in the Y direction and the vertically upward is the positive side in the Z direction, and the X and Y directions are horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, and the Z direction is the vertical direction. Therefore, in this specification, the configuration may be described with the X direction as the left-right direction, the Y direction as the front-back direction, and the Z direction as the height direction (up-down direction). However, the X, Y, and Z directions may be other directions depending on the posture (orientation) of the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1 and the arrangement of each part of the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1.

[0015] The paper sheet push-out mechanism 1 shown in Figures 1A to 1I includes a push-out wall 10, a pantograph mechanism 20, two resin movable parts 31 and 32, a feed shaft 40 which is an example of a power transmission part, a positioning shaft 50, a wall base 60, an attachment base 70, conveying rollers 81 to 84, a conveying guide 85, a support part 86, and a spring 90.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1A , the push wall 10 has a rectangular plate shape extending in the X and Z directions and pushes stacked paper sheets B (described later in FIG. 5 ) in a push direction E (positive side in the Y direction). The push wall 10 is made of, for example, resin (plastic). The push wall 10 extends longer in the X direction than in the Z direction and pushes the paper sheets B with a rectangular push surface that is longer in the X direction. This push surface has a plurality of grooves 12 extending in the X direction and aligned in the Z direction. The grooves 12 provided in the push wall 10 prevent the upper ends of the grooves 12 from lifting up. The paper sheets B are, for example, banknotes, but may also be other paper sheets such as slips or bankbooks.

[0017] The extrusion wall 10 has an extension 11 at its end on the positive side in the X direction (an example of an end in the width direction W perpendicular to the extrusion direction E) that extends in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction E (the negative side in the Y direction). This extension 11 extends, for example, further toward the positive side in the X direction than the extrusion surface of the extrusion wall 10 and bends toward the negative side in the Y direction. The extension 11 is guided by a guide recess 85a of a conveyance guide 85, which will be described later.

[0018] The pantograph mechanism 20 is connected to the extrusion wall 10 at one end in the extrusion direction E of the extrusion wall 10 (the end on the positive side in the Y direction), and moves the extrusion wall 10 in the extrusion direction E by expanding and contracting in the extrusion direction E. The pantograph mechanism 20 is indirectly connected to the extrusion wall 10 via a wall base 60 shown in Fig. 1D, which will be described later.

[0019] The pantograph mechanism 20 has a first link 21 and a second link 22 that intersect in an X-shape. The first link 21 and the second link 22 are, for example, elongated, plate-like arms that are thin in the Z direction. The first link 21 and the second link 22 are connected to each other by, for example, a pin extending in the Z direction, so that the angle between them can be changed. When the first link 21 and the second link 22 approach each other in the X direction at both ends in the Y direction, the pantograph mechanism 20 expands in the Y direction (see FIGS. 1A to 1I). When the first link 21 and the second link 22 move away from each other in the X direction at both ends in the Y direction, the pantograph mechanism 20 compresses in the Y direction (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0020] Here, the first link 21 is connected to the first elongated hole 61 of the wall base 60 from the upper part of the wall base 60 shown in FIG. 1D , and the second link 22 is connected to the second elongated hole 62 of the wall base 60 from the lower part of the wall base 60. That is, the first link 21 and the second link 22 are arranged to sandwich the wall base 60 in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extrusion direction E (positive side of the Y direction) and the width direction W (X direction). Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1F and 1G , the first link 21 and the second link 22 are positioned with a gap in the height direction. Note that the connection between the first link 21 and the first elongated hole 61 (wall base 60) and the connection between the second link 22 and the second elongated hole 62 (wall base 60) can be performed using, for example, a pin extending in the Z direction.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 (the mounting base 70, the conveying guide 85, and the like are omitted), one of the two resin movable parts 31, 32, the resin movable part 31, is connected to the end of the first link 21 on the negative side in the Y direction via a fixture 33. The other resin movable part 32 is connected to the end of the second link 22 on the negative side in the Y direction via a fixture 34. In other words, the two resin movable parts 31, 32 are connected to the end of the pantograph mechanism 20 on the negative side in the Y direction (an example of the other end opposite the one end connected to the extrusion wall 10).

[0022] The fixtures 33, 34 are, for example, L-shaped plates, and in their horizontally extending portions, they rotatably support the first link 21 and the second link 22 by, for example, pins extending in the Z direction. In addition, the fixtures 33, 34 are fastened to the resin movable parts 31, 32 by, for example, screws extending in the X direction in their vertical portions that bend downward and extend from the X-direction ends of the horizontal portions.

[0023] The resin movable parts 31, 32 have female screw holes 31a (see FIG. 1A) and 32a (see FIG. 1B) through which a feed shaft 40 (described later) passes. Therefore, the resin movable parts 31, 32 can be called resin nuts. The resin movable parts 31, 32 are preferably made of a plastic material that has excellent abrasion resistance, mechanical strength, oil resistance, etc., such as POM (polyoxymethylene (polyacetal)).

[0024] The feed shaft 40 is an example of a power transmission unit that moves the two resin movable parts 31, 32 in a width direction W perpendicular to the extrusion direction E (Y direction), thereby expanding and contracting the pantograph mechanism 20. The feed shaft 40 extends in the X direction (width direction W), and receives power transmitted from a driving means (for example, an actuator such as a motor) (not shown) via a gear, a belt, or the like provided at the end on the negative side in the X direction, thereby rotating in both directions.

[0025] The feed shaft 40 has a first male screw 41 that meshes with the female screw hole 31 a of one resin movable part 31, and a second male screw 42 that meshes with the female screw hole 32 a of the other resin movable part 32 and is oriented in the opposite direction to the first male screw 41. The first male screw 41 is provided on a portion of the feed shaft 40 on the positive side in the X direction, and the second male screw 42 is provided on a portion of the feed shaft 40 on the negative side in the X direction.

[0026] 4, the female screw holes 31a, 32a of the resin movable parts 31, 32 and the first male screw 41 and second male screw 42 of the feed shaft 40 are trapezoidal threads. The female screw holes 31a, 32a have a root diameter D1 and an inner diameter D2. The first male screw 41 and second male screw 42 have an outer diameter d1 and a root diameter d2. The effective diameter common to the female screw holes 31a, 32a and the first male screw 41 and second male screw 42 is d. As an example, D1 = 6.3 mm, D2 = 4.3 mm, d1 = 6.0 mm, d2 = 4.0 mm, the thread angle θ = 30°, the pitch P = 1.7 mm, and the lead angle is 6.03°. The bottoms of the first and second male threads 41 and 42 may be formed deep, for example, by rolling, so that the root diameter d2 (e.g., 4.0 mm) of the first and second male threads 41, 42 is sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter D2 (e.g., 4.3 mm) of the female screw holes 31a, 32a. This allows dust to accumulate in the roots of the first and second male threads 41, 42, thereby suppressing wear caused by dust. The roots of the first and second male threads 41, 42 can also allow oil to accumulate.

[0027] 1A and 3 , the positioning shaft 50 is located on the positive side of the feed shaft 40 in the Y direction and the positive side of the Z direction. The positioning shaft 50 extends in the width direction W parallel to the feed shaft 40 and positions the postures of the two resin movable parts 31, 32. The positioning shaft 50 is sandwiched between guide pieces of the resin movable parts 31, 32 that extend from the resin movable parts 31, 32 to the positive side in the Y direction above and below the positioning shaft 50, thereby positioning the postures of the resin movable parts 31, 32 that move in the X direction.

[0028] 1A , both ends of the positioning shaft 50 in the width direction W are supported by a mounting base 70 (described later), and the positioning shaft 50 penetrates both ends of a transport guide 85 (described later) in the width direction W. For example, the positioning shaft 50 is inserted toward the positive side in the X direction (width direction W) so as to penetrate both ends of the mounting base 70 and both ends of the transport guide 85.

[0029] 1D is fixed to the extruded wall 10, for example, by screwing both ends in the width direction W to the upper part of the horizontal portion of the extruded wall 10 on the negative side in the Y direction. The wall base 60 has a long, narrow plate shape that is long in the width direction W and thin in the Z direction. The wall base 60 may be provided integrally with the extruded wall 10.

[0030] As described above, the wall base 60 is provided with a first elongated hole 61 that is connected to the first link 21 and extends in the width direction W, and a second elongated hole 62 that is connected to the second link 22 and extends in the width direction W. As a result, the wall base 60 connects the extrusion wall 10 and the pantograph mechanism 20 while allowing the positions of the positive Y-direction ends of the first link 21 and the second link 22 to be variable in the X direction. Note that the connecting portion (e.g., a pin extending in the Z direction) between the second link 22 and the second elongated hole 62 (wall base 60) is biased by a spring 90 so as to extend the pantograph mechanism 20 toward the center in the width direction W. This spring 90 is, for example, a tension spring, but may be another elastic body.

[0031] 1A supports both ends of the positioning shaft 50 in the width direction W, for example, non-rotatably. The mounting base 70 also supports both ends of the feed shaft 40 in the width direction W, for rotation. In this manner, the feed shaft 40 is mounted to the mounting base 70. For example, the mounting base 70 is a U-shaped metal plate having a portion extending in the XZ plane and two portions that bend from both ends of the X-direction toward the positive side in the Y direction and extend in the YZ plane.

[0032] The transport rollers 81 to 84 are located below the feed shaft 40 and transport paper sheets B (see FIG. 5). As an example, the transport rollers 81 to 84 are used to transport paper sheets B that rise to a position where they are pushed out by the push-out wall 10 as the stage 120 shown in FIG. 5 rises, back to a lower position where they were before the rise. The transport rollers 81 to 84 are an example of a transport member. The transport member may be another transport member such as a belt.

[0033] The conveying guide 85 guides the paper sheets B conveyed by the conveying rollers 81 to 84. The conveying guide 85 is, for example, U-shaped, with a portion extending in the XY plane and two portions bending from both ends of the X-direction toward the positive side in the Z direction and extending in the YZ plane. The conveying guide 85 is made of, for example, resin (plastic). Note that the conveying guide 85 is screwed to the mounting base 70 from both sides in the width direction W; however, because the positioning shaft 50 penetrates both ends of the conveying guide 85 in the width direction W as described above, and the conveying guide 85 is held by the positioning shaft 50, screwing can be omitted.

[0034] 1B, a guide recess 85a recessed toward the positive X-direction side and the negative Z-direction side is provided at the upper end of the end portion on the positive X-direction side of the conveying guide 85. This guide recess 85a guides the bottom surface and the surface on the positive X-direction side of the extension portion 11 of the extrusion wall 10. Note that the guide recess 85a may guide only the bottom surface of the extension portion 11.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1C to 1G, the conveying guide 85 is provided with a plurality of ribs 85b extending toward the negative side in the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction.

[0036] 1A is, for example, a block or plate that is long in the width direction W and is made of a metal material. The support part 86 is fixed to the upper part of the transport guide 85 by, for example, screws. The support part 86 supports the transport rollers 81 to 84 via a spring that urges the transport rollers 81 to 84 downward. This spring presses the transport rollers 81 to 84 against a drive roller (not shown) below them, thereby generating a transport force. Note that the support part 86 may be provided integrally with the transport guide 85.

[0037] The support portion 86 has a central holding portion 86a that holds the center of the positioning shaft 50 in the width direction W, and contact portions 86b (see Figure 1A) and 86c (see Figure 1B) that are provided on one and the other sides of the central holding portion 86a in the width direction W and contact the positioning shaft 50.

[0038] The central embracing portion 86a extends, for example, toward the positive side in the Z direction on both the front and rear sides of the extrusion direction E of the positioning shaft 50, and curves so that its upper ends approach each other along the outer circumferential surface of the positioning shaft 50. As a result, the central embracing portion 86a restricts movement of the positioning shaft 50 in the Y and Z directions. Note that the central embracing portion 86a may have any other shape as long as it has a portion (groove, hole, etc.) that is penetrated by the positioning shaft 50.

[0039] The contact portions 86b and 86c are, for example, Y-shaped portions extending in the positive Z direction, with their upper end portions curved along the outer circumferential surface of the positioning shaft 50 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and come into contact with the lower part of the positioning shaft 50. Note that the contact portions 86b and 86c may have other shapes as long as they come into contact with the positioning shaft 50.

[0040] In this way, the support portion 86 comes into contact with the positioning shaft 50, thereby restricting bending of the positioning shaft 50. Furthermore, even if the support portion 86 is pressed in the positive Z direction by the force of the spring that urges the conveying rollers 81 to 84 downward, the support portion 86 and the conveying guide 85 can be prevented from bending by the support portion 86 coming into contact with the positioning shaft 50.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the internal structure of the paper sheet handling device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0042] The paper sheet handling device 100 shown in Figure 5 is, for example, an ATM, a BRU (Bill Recycle Unit), a CD (Cash Dispenser), or a TCR (Teller Cash Recycler), but is not particularly limited as long as it handles paper sheets B by transporting, storing, etc.

[0043] As an example, the paper sheet handling device 100 includes an input / output section (cash input / output section) 110, a stage 120, a temporary storage section 130, a reject section 140, an upper conveying section 150, a lower conveying section 160, and a plurality of cassettes 170.

[0044] The inlet / outlet section 110 is a section where customers take out and insert paper sheets B.

[0045] When discharging paper sheets B, the stage 120 raises the paper sheets B transported from the cassette 170 to a position where they are pushed out by the paper sheet push-out mechanism 1 into the inlet / outlet section 110. The stage 120 is an example of a transport unit that transports the paper sheets B to a position where they are pushed out by the push-out wall 10 when the pantograph mechanism 20 is in a compressed state (see FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Note that the stage 120 transports stacked paper sheets B by raising them, but the transport unit may also transport paper sheets B one by one. When receiving paper sheets B, the stage 120 lowers the paper sheets B received at the inlet / outlet section 110 to a lower position where they can be taken into the paper sheet handling device 100, for example.

[0046] The temporary storage unit 130 temporarily stores, for example, the paper sheets B received from the inlet / outlet unit 110 .

[0047] The reject unit 140 stores, for example, sheets B that are determined to be abnormal by the discriminator disposed in the upper conveying unit 150 and that will not be returned.

[0048] The upper conveying unit 150 and the lower conveying unit 160 convey the paper sheets B between the stage 120, the temporary storage unit 130, the reject unit 140, etc. and the plurality of cassettes 170. As described above, it is preferable that a discrimination unit be disposed in the upper conveying unit 150.

[0049] The cassettes 170 store, for example, different types of paper sheets B. The cassettes 170 include cassettes 170 that can both store and discharge, and cassettes 170 that are dedicated to storage.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6 , the extension 11 provided on the push-out wall 10 of the sheet push-out mechanism 1 is preferably guided not only by the guide recess 85a of the conveyance guide 85 described above, but also by rails 181, 191 extending in the Y direction (negative side) of frames 180, 190 arranged inside the sheet handling device 100. The extension 11 may be guided in the Y direction along the rails 181, 191 while abutting against the rails 181, 191 on the positive side of the X direction. This allows the push-out wall 10 to be positioned in the X direction. Furthermore, if the extension 11 moves on the rails 181, 191, the push-out wall 10 can be prevented from falling in the negative Z direction due to gravity, even when the pantograph mechanism 20 is in an extended state (see FIGS. 1A to 1I ).

[0051] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view showing the paper sheet pushing mechanism 2 (with the pantograph mechanism 220 in an extended state and the mounting base 70, the conveying guide 85, etc. omitted) according to a first modified example of the present embodiment.

[0052] In this first modified example, only the pantograph mechanism 220 is different from the pantograph mechanism 20 described above, and therefore, a description of the other parts will be omitted.

[0053] In the pantograph mechanism 220, two sets (one example of multiple sets) of first links 221a, 222a and second links 221b, 222b that intersect in an X-shape are connected in the extrusion direction E. In the example of FIG. 7 , the Y-direction positive end of the first link 221a and the Y-direction negative end of the second link 222b are connected to each other by, for example, a pin extending in the Z direction so that the angle between them can be changed. Furthermore, the Y-direction positive end of the second link 221b and the Y-direction negative end of the first link 222a are connected to each other by, for example, a pin extending in the Z direction so that the angle between them can be changed. The first link 221a is connected to the resin movable part 31 via a fixture 33, and the second link 221b is connected to the resin movable part 32 via a fixture 34. Although not shown, a first link 222a is connected to the first elongated hole 61 (see FIG. 1D) of the wall base 60, and a second link 222b is connected to the second elongated hole 62.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism 3 according to a second modified example of the present embodiment (with the pantograph mechanism 320 in an extended state and the mounting base 70, the conveying guide 85, etc. omitted).

[0055] In the second modified example, similarly to the first modified example, only the pantograph mechanism 320 is different from the pantograph mechanism 20 described above, and therefore, a description of the other parts will be omitted.

[0056] In the pantograph mechanism 320, four sets (one example of multiple sets) of first links 321a, 322a, 323a, and 324a and second links 321b, 322b, 323b, and 324b that intersect in an X-shape are connected in the push-out direction E. In the example of Fig. 8, an end of the first link 321a on the positive side in the Y direction is connected to an end of the second link 322b on the negative side in the Y direction, an end of the second link 322b on the positive side in the Y direction is connected to an end of the first link 323a on the negative side in the Y direction, and an end of the first link 323a on the positive side in the Y direction is connected to an end of the second link 324b on the negative side in the Y direction. Furthermore, the positive end of the second link 321b in the Y direction is connected to the negative end of the first link 322a in the Y direction, the positive end of the first link 322a in the Y direction is connected to the negative end of the second link 323b in the Y direction, and the positive end of the second link 323b in the Y direction is connected to the negative end of the first link 324a in the Y direction. All of these connections may be made by, for example, pins extending in the Z direction, so that the angles between them can be changed.

[0057] Note that the first link 321a is connected to the resin movable part 31 via the fixture 33, and the second link 321b is connected to the resin movable part 32 via the fixture 34. Although not shown, the first link 324a is connected to the first elongated hole 61 (see FIG. 1D ) of the wall base 60, and the second link 324b is connected to the second elongated hole 62.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet pushing mechanism 4 according to a third modified example of the present embodiment (with the pantograph mechanism 20 in an extended state and the mounting base 70, the conveying guide 85, etc. omitted).

[0059] In the third modified example, resin movable parts 431 and 432 and a power transmission part 440 differ from the above-described resin movable parts 31 and 32 and feed shaft 40. Other explanations will be omitted.

[0060] 9 , the power transmission unit 440 has a belt 441, a drive gear 442, a drive pulley 443, and a driven pulley 444. In the present embodiment, the power transmission unit 440 has the belt 441 and the like, and is different from the one consisting of the feed shaft 40 described above. However, in the third modified example as well, the power transmission unit 440 extends and retracts the pantograph mechanism 20 by moving the two resin movable parts 431, 432 in the width direction W perpendicular to the extrusion direction E (Y direction). The pantograph mechanisms 220, 320 described above may be used as this pantograph mechanism 20.

[0061] The belt 441 is an endless belt and is stretched over a driving pulley 443 and a driven pulley 444 .

[0062] The drive gear 442 receives power from a drive means (not shown) (for example, an actuator such as a motor).

[0063] The drive pulley 443 and the driven pulley 444 are an example of a plurality of pulleys having a rotation center parallel to the extrusion direction E. The drive pulley 443 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive gear 442. The driven pulley 444 rotates as the belt 441 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive pulley 443.

[0064] In the third modified example, one of the two resin movable parts 431, 432, the resin movable part 431, is connected to the end of the first link 21 on the negative side in the Y direction via the fixture 33. The other resin movable part 432 is connected to the end of the second link 22 on the negative side in the Y direction via the fixture 34. In other words, the two resin movable parts 431, 432 are connected to the end of the pantograph mechanism 20 on the negative side in the Y direction (an example of the other end opposite to the one end connected to the extrusion wall 10).

[0065] The resin movable part 432 is fixed to an upper part 441a (an example of a first part) of the belt 441 by, for example, chucking the upper part 441a. The resin movable part 431 is fixed to a lower part 441b (an example of a second part that moves in the opposite direction to the first part in the width direction W) of the belt 441 by, for example, chucking the lower part 441b. Note that in the third modified example, the postures of the resin movable parts 431, 432 are positioned by the positioning shaft 50, as in the above-described example. Furthermore, like the resin movable parts 31, 32, the resin movable parts 431, 432 may be made of a plastic such as POM that has excellent abrasion resistance, mechanical strength, oil resistance, and the like.

[0066] In the present embodiment described above, the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1 includes a pushing wall 10, a pantograph mechanism 20, two resin movable parts 31 and 32, a feed shaft 40 serving as an example of a power transmission unit, and a positioning shaft 50. The pushing wall 10 pushes out stacked paper sheets B. The pantograph mechanism 20 is connected to the pushing wall 10 at one end (positive side in the Y direction) in the pushing direction E of the pushing wall 10, and moves the pushing wall 10 by expanding and contracting in the pushing direction E. The resin movable parts 31 and 32 are connected to the other end (negative side in the Y direction) of the pantograph mechanism 20 in the pushing direction E. The feed shaft 40 expands and contracts the pantograph mechanism 20 by moving the two resin movable parts 31 and 32 in the width direction W, which is perpendicular to the pushing direction E. The positioning shaft 50 extends in the width direction W and positions the postures of the two resin movable parts 31 and 32.

[0067] In addition, from the viewpoint of the paper sheet handling device 100, the paper sheet handling device 100 includes the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1 and a stage 120, which is an example of a transport unit. The stage 120 transports the paper sheet B to a position where it is pushed out by the pushing wall 10 when the pantograph mechanism 20 is in a compressed state.

[0068] In the paper sheet push-out mechanism 1 and paper sheet handling device 100 according to this embodiment, even when the pantograph mechanism 20 is extended or retracted by moving the two resin movable parts 31, 32 in the width direction W, the two resin movable parts 31, 32 are made of resin (plastic). Therefore, wear is unlikely to occur between the two resin movable parts 31, 32 and the feed shaft 40 or the positioning shaft 50, for example. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions due to wear. Furthermore, because wear is unlikely to occur, the resin movable parts 31, 32 can be moved in the width direction W with high precision, thereby enabling the pantograph mechanism 20 to extend or retract in the push-out direction E. Therefore, according to this embodiment, stacked paper sheets B can be pushed out by the push-out wall 10 with high precision and malfunctions can be prevented.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the power transmission unit that extends and contracts the pantograph mechanism 20 by moving the two resin movable parts 31, 32 in the width direction W is the feed shaft 40 that rotates and extends in the width direction W. The resin movable parts 31, 32 have female screw holes 31a, 32a through which the feed shaft 40 passes. The feed shaft 40 has a first male screw 41 that meshes with the female screw hole 31a of one resin movable part 31, and a second male screw 42 that meshes with the female screw hole 32a of the other resin movable part 32 and is oriented in the opposite direction to the first male screw 41.

[0070] In this way, the two resin movable parts 31, 32 function as nuts, which prevents "combat wear" (wear caused by the same material) with the feed shaft 40 made of metal, for example, and improves wear resistance.

[0071] In this embodiment, the female screw holes 31a, 32a of the two resin movable parts 31, 32 and the first male screw 41 and second male screw 42 of the feed shaft 40 are trapezoidal screws.

[0072] This prevents further wear from occurring between the two resin movable parts 31, 32 and the feed shaft 40, and allows the resin movable parts 31, 32 to move in the width direction W with greater precision, thereby enabling the pantograph mechanism 20 to expand and contract in the extrusion direction E.

[0073] Furthermore, in the third modified example of this embodiment, the power transmission unit 440 has a drive pulley 443 and a driven pulley 444 (an example of a plurality of pulleys) having centers of rotation parallel to the extrusion direction E, and a belt 441 stretched around these pulleys. Furthermore, one of the two resin movable parts 431, 432 (the resin movable part 432) is fixed to an upper part 441a (an example of a first part) of the belt 441, and the other (the resin movable part 431) is fixed to a lower part 441b of the belt 441 (an example of a second part that moves in the opposite direction in the width direction W to the first part).

[0074] As a result, compared to the embodiment using the feed shaft 40 (power transmission section), wear does not occur between the power transmission section 440 and the two resin movable sections 431 and 432 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the paper sheet pushing mechanism 1 further includes a wall base 60. The wall base 60 is fixed to the pushing wall 10 and connects the pushing wall 10 to the pantograph mechanism 20. The pantograph mechanism 20 has a first link 21 and a second link 22 that intersect in an X-shape. The wall base 60 also includes a first elongated hole 61 that is connected to the first link 21 and extends in the width direction W, and a second elongated hole 62 that is connected to the second link 22 and extends in the width direction W. The first link 21 and the second link 22 are arranged to sandwich the wall base 60 in a height direction (Z direction) that is perpendicular to the pushing direction E and the width direction W.

[0076] This makes it possible to avoid situations that tend to occur in this configuration, compared to when the first link 21 and the second link 22 are in contact with each other and overlap each other vertically, such as a difference in the vertical direction between the force point of the push-out wall 10 and the paper sheet B, or a situation in which the push-out wall 10 is prone to tilting due to resistance from the lower part of the push-out wall 10 where the paper sheet B is located. Also, compared to when the first link 21 and the second link 22 are in contact with each other and overlap each other vertically, it is possible to avoid jamming caused by the first link 21 and the second link 22 hitting each other at the edges.

[0077] In this embodiment, the paper sheet push-out mechanism 1 further includes an attachment base 70 to which a feed shaft 40 (an example of a power transmission unit) is attached, transport rollers 81 to 84 (an example of a transport member) located below the feed shaft 40 and transporting the paper sheets B, and a transport guide 85 that guides the paper sheets B transported by the transport rollers 81 to 84. The positioning shaft 50 is supported at both ends by the attachment base 70, and penetrates both ends in the width direction W of the transport guide 85.

[0078] This allows the conveying guide 85 to be held using the positioning shaft 50, which positions the postures of the two resin movable parts 31, 32. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration that does not require fixing the conveying guide 85 to the mounting base 70 with screws or the like, which can improve manufacturability and reduce costs.

[0079] In this embodiment, the paper sheet push-out mechanism 1 further includes a support section 86. This support section 86 is fixed to the conveying guide 85 and supports the conveying rollers 81 to 84. The support section 86 also has a central holding section 86a that holds the center of the positioning shaft 50 in the width direction W, and contact sections 86b and 86c that are provided on one and the other sides of the central holding section 86a in the width direction W and come into contact with the positioning shaft 50.

[0080] Therefore, the support portion 86 can restrict bending of the positioning shaft 50. Furthermore, even if the support portion 86 is pressed in the positive Z direction by the force of the spring that urges the conveying rollers 81 to 84 downward, the support portion 86 comes into contact with the positioning shaft 50, thereby preventing the support portion 86 and the conveying guide 85 from bending.

[0081] In this embodiment, the extrusion wall 10 has an extension 11 that extends in the opposite direction (negative side in the Y direction) to the extrusion direction E at the end (positive side in the X direction) of the width direction W. The conveying guide 85 also has a guide recess 85a that guides at least the bottom surface of the extension 11.

[0082] This makes it possible to prevent the push-out wall 10 from falling to the negative side in the Z direction due to gravity at the beginning (from the compressed state to the slightly expanded state) of the transition of the pantograph mechanism 20 from the compressed state (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the expanded state (see FIGS. 1A to 1I). This also makes it possible to prevent the push-out wall 10 from falling down and pushing out the paper sheet B while it is caught below the push-out wall 10.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first and second modified examples of this embodiment, the pantograph mechanisms 220, 320 have multiple sets of links, each set consisting of first links 221a, 222a, 321a, 322a, 323a, 324a and second links 221b, 222b, 321b, 322b, 323b, 324b that intersect in an X-shape and are connected in multiple pairs in the extrusion direction E.

[0084] This allows the length (stroke) of the pantograph mechanisms 220, 320 in the pushing direction E to be increased when they are in an extended state.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, all of the components shown in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. In this way, various modifications and applications of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0086] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 to 4 Paper sheet pushing mechanism 10 Push-out wall 11 Extension portion 12 Groove 20 Pantograph mechanism 21 First link 22 Second link 31, 32 Resin movable portion 31a, 32a Female screw hole 33, 34 Mounting fixture 40 Feed shaft (power transmission portion) 41 First male screw 42 Second male screw 50 Positioning shaft 60 Wall base 61 First elongated hole 62 Second elongated hole 70 Mounting base 81 to 84 Conveying roller (conveying member) 85 Conveying guide 85a Guide recess 85b Rib 86 Support portion 86a Central holding portion 86b, 86c Contact portion 90 Spring 100 Paper sheet handling device 110 Inlet / outlet portion 120 Stage (conveying portion) 130 Temporary storage portion 140 Reject portion 150 Upper conveying section 160 Lower conveying section 170 Cassette 180, 190 Frame 181, 191 Rail 220 Pantograph mechanism 221a, 222a First link 221b, 222b Second link 320 Pantograph mechanism 321a, 322a, 323a, 324a First link 321b, 322b, 323b, 324b Second link 431, 432 Resin moving part 440 Power transmission part 441 Belt 441a Upper part (first part) 441b Lower part (second part) 442 Drive gear 443 Drive pulley 444 Driven pulley B Paper sheet E Push-out direction W Width direction

Claims

1. An extrusion mechanism for paper sheets, comprising: an extrusion wall for extruding stacked paper sheets; a pantograph mechanism having one end in the extrusion direction of the extrusion wall connected to the extrusion wall and moving the extrusion wall by expanding and contracting in the extrusion direction; two resin movable parts connected to the other end of the pantograph mechanism in the extrusion direction; a power transmission part for expanding and contracting the pantograph mechanism by moving the two resin movable parts in a width direction orthogonal to the extrusion direction; and a positioning shaft extending in the width direction and positioning the postures of the two resin movable parts.

2. The power transmission part is a feed shaft that extends and rotates in the width direction. The two resin movable parts have female screw holes through which the feed shaft passes. The feed shaft has a first male screw that meshes with the female screw hole of one of the resin movable parts and a second male screw that meshes with the female screw hole of the other resin movable part and is opposite in direction to the first male screw. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The female screw holes, the first male screw, and the second male screw of the two resin movable parts are trapezoidal screws. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The power transmission part has a plurality of pulleys having a rotation center parallel to the extrusion direction and a belt wound around the plurality of pulleys. One of the two resin movable parts is fixed to a first part of the belt, and the other is fixed to a second part of the belt that moves in a direction opposite to the first part of the belt in the width direction. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The extrusion mechanism for paper sheets according to claim 1, further comprising a wall base fixed to the extrusion wall and connecting the extrusion wall and the pantograph mechanism. The pantograph mechanism has a first link and a second link that intersect in an X shape. The wall base includes a first long hole connected to the first link and extending in the width direction and a second long hole connected to the second link and extending in the width direction. The first link and the second link are arranged so as to sandwich the wall base in a height direction orthogonal to the extrusion direction and the width direction.

6. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting base to which the power transmission unit is attached, a conveying member that is positioned below the power transmission unit and conveys the paper sheets, and a conveying guide that guides the paper sheets conveyed by the conveying member, wherein both ends of the positioning shaft are supported by the mounting base and penetrate through both ends in the width direction of the conveying guide.

7. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising a support portion that is fixed to the conveying guide and supports the conveying member, wherein the support portion has a central holding portion that holds the center in the width direction of the positioning shaft, and contact portions that are provided on one side and the other side in the width direction with respect to the central holding portion and contact the positioning shaft.

8. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the extrusion wall has an extension portion that extends in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction at an end in the width direction, and the conveying guide has a guide recess that guides at least the bottom surface of the extension portion.

9. The paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pantograph mechanism has a plurality of sets of links in which a set of links including a first link and a second link that cross in an X shape are connected in the extrusion direction.

10. A paper sheet handling apparatus, comprising the paper sheet extrusion mechanism according to claim 1, and a conveying unit that conveys the paper sheets to a position where they are extruded by the extrusion wall when the pantograph mechanism is in a compressed state.

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