Foreign matter removal device

Abstract

A foreign matter removal device (1) comprises: a conveyance path (10) that conveys paper sheets (B) in a conveyance direction (E); a foreign matter removal part (20) that is provided above the conveyance path (10) and comes into contact with foreign matter (F) mixed in the paper sheets (B), thereby removing the foreign matter (F); and a pressing member (33) that presses the paper sheets (B) conveyed by the conveyance path (10) and thereby brings the paper sheets (B) into contact with the foreign matter removal part (20).

Description

Foreign matter removal device

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign matter removal device.

[0002] In conventional paper sheet handling devices such as banknote deposit and withdrawal devices and banknote storage devices, foreign objects may be mixed on or between the transported paper sheets and enter the device. If foreign objects enter the device, there is a risk that the foreign objects may fall inside the device or get caught on the transport path, causing paper sheet jams such as banknote jams. Therefore, foreign object removal devices that remove foreign objects from paper sheets are known.

[0003] For example, a known method for foreign object removal devices uses a return path with an incline for guiding foreign objects inserted into a banknote deposit / withdrawal unit to a return opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-069555

[0005] However, as a foreign object removal device, it is possible to consider a case in which a fixed piece is provided to remove foreign objects while paper sheets are transported along a transport path, so as to maintain a gap that is thicker than the thickness of foreign objects such as coins and wider than the thickness of the paper sheets.

[0006] In this case, when paper sheets are deposited in a bundle of multiple banknotes and transported to the transport path, the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets varies depending on the number of deposited notes. However, because the gap of the foreign matter removal device is fixed, it is not possible to maintain an appropriate gap that can transport only paper sheets and remove foreign matter. As a result, there is a problem in that the device cannot respond to changes in the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets and cannot remove foreign matter mixed in with the paper sheets.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a foreign matter removal device capable of removing foreign matter mixed in paper sheets.

[0008] In one aspect, the foreign matter removal device includes a transport path that transports paper sheets in a transport direction, a foreign matter removal unit that is provided above the transport path and that removes foreign matter mixed in the paper sheets transported by the transport path by coming into contact with the foreign matter, and a pressing member that presses the paper sheets transported by the transport path to bring the paper sheets into contact with the foreign matter removal unit.

[0009] According to the above aspect, foreign matter mixed in the paper sheets can be removed.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing a paper handling device equipped with a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a right side view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a top view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 5 is a right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a top view (part 3) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 7 is a top view (part 4) of a foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a right side view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to a first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to the first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 10 is a right side view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to the first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to the first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 12 is a right side view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to the first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic top view (part 2) of a first modified foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic top view (part 3) of a first modified foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic top view (part 4) of a first modified foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic right side view (part 1) of a foreign matter removal device according to a second modified foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 2 is a schematic right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to the second modified foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, a foreign matter removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing a paper sheet handling device 100 equipped with a foreign matter removal device 1 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are right side views (part 1) and (part 2) of the foreign matter removal device 1 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are right side schematic views (part 1) and (part 2) of the foreign matter removal device 1 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 5D are top schematic views (part 1), (part 2), (part 3), and (part 4) of the foreign matter removal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0013] The X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4A-4B, 5A-5D, and Figures 6, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 9A, and 9B are examples where the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B is the Y-direction positive side and the vertically upward direction is the Z-direction positive side, and the X and Y directions are horizontal directions that are orthogonal 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 foreign matter removal device 1 and the arrangement of each part of the foreign matter removal device 1.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the foreign matter removal device 1 is disposed within a paper sheet handling device 100. In Fig. 1, the foreign matter removal device 1 is disposed downstream of a deposit port 101 in a conveying direction E of paper sheets B accepted by the paper sheet handling device 100. Although the foreign matter removal device 1 is disposed downstream of the deposit port 101, the location is not limited thereto and the foreign matter removal device 1 may be disposed at any position within the paper sheet handling device 100. The paper sheet handling device 100 is, for example, a banknote deposit and withdrawal device, but may also be any other paper sheet handling device that handles paper sheets B, such as a banknote storage device, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), or a ticket vending machine.

[0015] The foreign matter removal device 1 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4B includes a transport path 10, a foreign matter removal unit 20, a push-up member 30, and a walled transport path 11.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows the state of the foreign matter removal device 1 before the push-up member 30 pushes up the paper sheets B, and Fig. 3 shows the state of the foreign matter removal device 1 after the push-up member 30 pushes up the paper sheets B. Fig. 4A shows a schematic right side view of the foreign matter removal device 1 before the push-up member 30 pushes up the paper sheets B, and Fig. 4B shows a schematic right side view of the foreign matter removal device 1 after the push-up member 30 pushes up the paper sheets B.

[0017] A paper sheet B deposited through a deposit port 101 of the paper sheet handling device 100 is transported along a transport path 10. The paper sheet B is, for example, a banknote, but may also be other paper sheets such as slips and bankbooks.

[0018] A conveying mechanism 14 for conveying paper sheets deposited through the deposit port 101 is disposed on a ceiling surface 12 of the conveying path 10. The conveying mechanism 14 includes a conveying roller 15 and a conveying belt 16. The conveying roller 15 rotates based on a driving source such as a motor.

[0019] The transport path 10 transports paper sheets B deposited through the deposit port 101 in a transport direction E. The transport path 10 is formed to extend along the transport direction E of the paper sheets B. The transport path 10 includes at least a ceiling surface 12. The ceiling surface 12 is disposed vertically above the foreign matter removal unit 20. In other words, the foreign matter removal unit 20 is disposed below the ceiling surface 12.

[0020] In the walled conveying path 11, a wall part P is provided so that only the topmost paper sheet B of the bundle of paper sheets B can be taken out by a pickup roller while the lower paper sheets B of the bundle of paper sheets B are held down so as not to be taken out.

[0021] The conveying roller 15 is wound around the conveying belt 16. Therefore, when the conveying roller 15 rotates, the driving force of the conveying roller 15 moves the conveying belt 16 and causes it to slide in the conveying direction E. When the paper sheet B deposited through the deposit port 101 comes into contact with the conveying belt 16 sliding in the conveying direction E, the paper sheet B can be conveyed in the conveying direction E along the sliding of the conveying belt 16.

[0022] The transport mechanism 14 is formed so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction. The height of the transport mechanism 14 can be changed according to the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets B deposited through the deposit port 101. Therefore, when the bundle of paper sheets B is thick, the transport mechanism 14 is raised, and when the bundle of paper sheets B is thin, the transport mechanism 14 is lowered. This allows the sheets B to be contacted with an appropriate pressure according to the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets B, and the bundle of paper sheets B can be transported regardless of the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets B, thereby improving the accuracy of transport efficiency.

[0023] The conveying path 10 may include wall portions erected on both left and right sides of the ceiling surface 12. The wall portions guide the paper sheets B in the conveying direction E and prevent the paper sheets B from falling off the conveying path 10.

[0024] The push-up member 30 pushes up the paper sheets B transported along the transport path 10, causing the paper sheets B transported along the transport path 10 to contact the foreign matter removal unit 20. The push-up member 30 is an example of a pressing member 33 that presses the paper sheets. In the present embodiment, a stage 31 is disposed as the push-up member 30. The stage 31 is an example of the push-up member 30. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A , before the stage 31 pushes up, the paper sheets B are not in contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B , when the stage 31 pushes up, it moves upward in the vertical direction, causing the paper sheets B transported along the transport path 10 to contact the foreign matter removal unit 20.

[0025] The stage 31 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The stage 31 is disposed below the conveying path 10. The stage 31 is formed to extend along the conveying path 10 in the conveying direction E of the paper sheets B. The stage 31 is disposed below the ceiling surface 12 in the vertical direction, and is formed to extend along the conveying direction E in the same manner as the ceiling surface 12.

[0026] The stage 31 is pivotally supported on the front side in the conveying direction E and is configured to be movable up and down on the downstream side in the conveying direction E. A foreign matter removal unit 20 is disposed above the stage 31 on the downstream side in the conveying direction E.

[0027] That is, the stage 31 is formed so as to be movable up and down. The height of the stage 31 can be changed in accordance with the thickness of the stack of sheets B deposited through the deposit port 101. Therefore, when the stack of sheets B is thick, the stage 31 is raised, and when the stack of sheets B is thin, the stage 31 is lowered. This allows the stage 31 to be pushed up against the sheets B and contacted with the foreign matter removal unit 20 with an appropriate pressure depending on the thickness of the stack of sheets B. As a result, the gap C between the foreign matter removal unit 20 and the stage 31 can be maintained at an appropriate dimension that allows only the sheets B to be transported and foreign matter F to be removed, and the foreign matter removal unit 20 can remove the foreign matter F. Therefore, foreign matter F mixed in the sheets B can be reliably removed in accordance with changes in the thickness of the stack of sheets B.

[0028] 2 and 4A, when the stage 31 is lowered, the paper sheets B transported on the stage 31 do not come into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. In contrast, when the stage 31 is raised, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the paper sheets B transported on the stage 31 can come into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20.

[0029] Therefore, by raising the downstream side of the stage 31 in the conveying direction E upward, the paper sheets B being conveyed by the conveying path 10 can be pushed upward, and the paper sheets B being conveyed on the stage 31 can be brought into contact with the protrusion 21.

[0030] The stage 31 pushes the paper sheet B upward until it reaches a gap C through which the paper sheet B passes but foreign objects F such as coins do not, and brings the paper sheet B into contact with the foreign object removal unit 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the thickness of the paper sheet B is smaller than the thickness of the foreign object F. This allows the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B passing through the conveyance path 10 to be caught by the foreign object removal unit 20. The foreign object F caught by the foreign object removal unit 20 is removed from the conveyance path 10.

[0031] The stage 31 can push the paper sheets B upward and make contact with the gap C with an appropriate pressure, which allows the paper sheets B to pass through but not foreign objects F such as coins, and the foreign object F can be removed by the foreign object removal unit 20. Therefore, foreign objects F mixed in the paper sheets B can be reliably removed in accordance with changes in the thickness of the bundle of paper sheets B.

[0032] The foreign matter removal unit 20 is provided above the conveying path 10, and removes foreign matter F, such as coins, by coming into contact with the foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B conveyed along the conveying path 10. In this embodiment, a protrusion 21 is provided as the foreign matter removal unit 20. The protrusion 21 is an example of the foreign matter removal unit 20.

[0033] The protrusion 21 protrudes downward and contacts the paper sheet B transported along the transport path 10 with foreign matter F placed above, thereby removing the foreign matter F. FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing variations in the shape of the protrusion 21. The foreign matter removal device 1 may further include a foreign matter collection container 40. The foreign matter collection container 40 collects the foreign matter F removed by the protrusion 21. The foreign matter collection container 40 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open at the top. The shape of the foreign matter collection container 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is open at the top so that the foreign matter F can fall through, and may be cylindrical, polygonal, or the like.

[0034] 5A, the protrusion 21 is formed in a V-shape by the ribs 22 that open downstream in the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B. When the protrusion 21 is formed in a V-shape by the ribs 22 that open downstream in the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B, the foreign matter collection containers 40 are respectively disposed at the left and right ends of the ribs 22 that are perpendicular to the conveyance direction E.

[0035] 5A, the ribs 22 are open toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign matter F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 arranged below the conveying path 10 moves to the near side in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the ribs 22.

[0036] In other words, since the rib 22 is inclined in a V-shape, when the foreign object F comes into contact with the rib 22, it moves in the conveying direction E and slides diagonally toward the left or right direction in which the rib 22 is inclined, out of the left and right directions perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0037] As a result of sliding the foreign matter F diagonally to either the left or right, it falls into the foreign matter collection containers 40 disposed at each end of the left or right direction of the rib 22, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Since the foreign matter F can be slid to the nearest left or right direction, the foreign matter F that has become mixed in can be quickly removed. This allows the foreign matter F that has become mixed in the paper sheets B to be reliably removed.

[0038] 5B , the protrusion 21 is formed in a V-shape by the ribs 22 that close downstream in the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B. When the protrusion 21 is formed in a V-shape by the ribs 22 that close downstream in the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed in the center in the left-right direction of the ribs 22 that is perpendicular to the conveyance direction E. Furthermore, when the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed in the center in the left-right direction of the ribs 22, the stage 31 is provided with a drop hole 41 at the position of the foreign matter collection container 40, through which the foreign matter F can fall.

[0039] 5B , the ribs 22 are closed toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 disposed below the conveying path 10 moves to the center in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the ribs 22.

[0040] The ribs 22 are inclined in a V-shape toward the center in the left-right direction, so when a foreign object F comes into contact with the ribs 22, it moves in the transport direction E and slides obliquely toward the center in the left-right direction perpendicular to the transport direction E, where the ribs 22 are inclined.

[0041] As the foreign matter F slides diagonally toward the center in the left-right direction, it falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located at the center of the rib 22 in the left-right direction, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can be slid toward the center in the left-right direction, there is no need to place multiple foreign matter collection containers 40 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is sufficient to place one foreign matter collection container 40 in the center, which allows for a more compact device configuration and increases the degree of freedom in designing the device configuration. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0042] 5C, similar to Fig. 5B, the protrusion 21 is formed in a V-shape by ribs 22 that close downstream in the conveying direction E of the paper sheets B. However, while in Fig. 5B the ribs 22 are formed symmetrically in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E, in Fig. 5C the ribs 22 are formed asymmetrically in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0043] When the protrusion 21 is formed into an asymmetrical V-shape by the rib 22 that closes downstream in the conveyance direction E of the paper sheets B, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at a position in the left-right direction of the rib 22 where a corner is formed by the rib 22. Furthermore, when the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the rib 22, the stage 31 is provided with a drop hole 41 at the position of the foreign matter collection container 40 through which the foreign matter F can fall.

[0044] 5C , the ribs 22 are closed toward the left at a predetermined distance downstream in the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 disposed below the conveying path 10 moves to the left of the center in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the ribs 22.

[0045] The rib 22 is inclined in a V-shape toward the left side of the center in the left-right direction, so when a foreign matter F comes into contact with the rib 22, it moves in the conveying direction E and slides obliquely toward the left side of the center where the rib 22 is inclined in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0046] As the foreign matter F slides diagonally from the center to the left in the left-right direction, it falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located to the left of the center of the rib 22, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can be slid left from the center in the left-right direction, there is no need to place multiple foreign matter collection containers 40. Therefore, it is sufficient to place one foreign matter collection container 40 to the left of the center, which allows for a more compact device configuration and increases the degree of freedom in designing the device configuration. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0047] In Fig. 5D, the protruding portion 21 is formed by a rib 22 that is inclined toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E of the paper sheets B. When the protruding portion 21 is formed by a rib 22 that is inclined toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E of the paper sheets B, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed on the inclined side in the left-right direction of the rib 22. In Fig. 5D, the protruding portion 21 is formed by a rib 22 that is inclined toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E of the paper sheets B. In this case, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed on the inclined right side in the left-right direction of the rib 22.

[0048] 5D , the ribs 22 are inclined toward the downstream side in the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 disposed below the conveying path 10 moves to the right side in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the ribs 22.

[0049] The rib 22 is inclined to the right toward the downstream of the conveying direction E, so when a foreign object F comes into contact with the rib 22, it moves in the conveying direction E and slides obliquely toward the right side of the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0050] As the foreign matter F slides diagonally to the right in the conveyance direction E, it falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located to the right of the rib 22, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can slide to the right, there is no need to provide multiple foreign matter collection containers 40. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide one foreign matter collection container 40 on either side in the left-right direction, which allows for a more compact device configuration and increases the degree of freedom in device configuration design. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0051] In this way, foreign matter F such as coins can be removed by the foreign matter removal section 20 simply by pushing up the stage 31 as the push-up member 30, so that foreign matter mixed in with paper sheets can be easily removed.

[0052] While FIG. 5D illustrates an example in which the rib 22 is inclined to the right as it approaches downstream in the conveying direction E, this is not a limitation, and the rib 22 may be inclined to the left as it approaches downstream in the conveying direction E. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 21 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D , and it does not have to be formed by a rib. For example, the protrusion 21 may be triangular, polygonal, circular, or other shapes. This allows for greater flexibility in the design of the device configuration. Furthermore, the thickness dimensions of the protrusion 21 and the rib 22 are not particularly limited, as long as they are formed to protrude so as to catch the foreign matter F.

[0053] Foreign matter removal device 1 further includes a pickup roller 70. Pickup roller 70 is rotated by a drive source such as a motor. In Figures 4A and 4B, pickup roller 70 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction of foreign matter removal unit 20. In other words, foreign matter removal unit 20 is disposed upstream in the conveying direction of pickup roller 70. Pickup roller 70 pays out paper sheets B that have been conveyed along conveying path 10 and from which foreign matter has been removed by foreign matter removal unit 20, picks up paper sheets B conveyed along conveying path 10 one by one, and carries the paper sheets B into paper sheet handling device 10.

[0054] The pickup roller 70 may be disposed upstream in the transport direction of the foreign matter removal unit 20. That is, the foreign matter removal unit 20 may be disposed downstream in the transport direction of the pickup roller 70. This allows for variations in the relative positions of the foreign matter removal unit 20 and the pickup roller 70, thereby improving the degree of freedom in device design.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a right side view of a foreign matter removal device 1 according to a first modified example of the foreign matter removal device of the present embodiment. Figs. 7A and 7B are right side schematic views (part 1) and (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device according to a first modified example of the foreign matter removal device of the present embodiment. Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are top schematic views (part 1), (part 2), (part 3), and (part 4) of the first modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment.

[0056] In this first modified example, only the configuration of the foreign matter removal unit 20 is different from that of the foreign matter removal device 1 described above, and therefore, other explanations will be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows the state of the foreign matter removal device 1 after the push-up member 30 has pushed up the paper sheets B. Fig. 7A shows a schematic diagram of the foreign matter removal device 1 before the push-up member 30 has pushed up the paper sheets B, and Fig. 7B shows a schematic diagram of the foreign matter removal device 1 after the push-up member 30 has pushed up the paper sheets B.

[0058] The foreign matter removal unit 20 is provided above the conveying path 10 and removes foreign matter F, such as coins, by coming into contact with the foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B conveyed along the conveying path 10. In the first modified example, a spiral roller 60 is arranged as the foreign matter removal unit 20. The spiral roller 60 is an example of the foreign matter removal unit 20.

[0059] The spiral roller 60 is rotated by a drive source such as a motor, and brings the paper sheets B transported along the transport path 10 into contact with foreign matter F placed above, thereby removing the foreign matter F. FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams showing variations in the shape of the spiral roller 60. The foreign matter removal device 1 may further include a foreign matter collection container 40. The foreign matter collection container 40 collects the foreign matter F removed by the spiral roller 60. The foreign matter collection container 40 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. The foreign matter collection container 40 is not particularly limited in shape, and may be cylindrical, polygonal, or the like, as long as it is open at the top so that the foreign matter F can fall through.

[0060] The spiral roller 60 includes a cylindrical roller 61 extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E, and spiral protrusions 62 formed on the surface of the roller 61. The spiral roller 60 rotates the roller 61 about its axis to remove foreign matter F that comes into contact with the spiral protrusions 62 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0061] 8A and 8B, the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from one end to the other end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0062] 8A, the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from the left end to the right end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E. On the other hand, in FIG. 8B, the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from the right end to the left end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0063] When the protrusions 62 are spirally formed from one end to the other in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at the end on the other end side. That is, as shown in Fig. 8A, when the protrusions 62 are spirally formed from the left end to the right end of the spiral roller 60 in the left-right direction, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at the end on the right side of the spiral roller 60. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8B, when the protrusions 62 are spirally formed from the right end to the left end of the spiral roller 60 in the left-right direction, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at the left end of the spiral roller 60.

[0064] 8A, the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from the left end to the right end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 arranged below the conveying path 10 moves from the left side to the right side perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the protrusion 62.

[0065] As a result of being moved to the right, the foreign matter F falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located at the right end of the spiral roller 60, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can be moved to the right, there is no need to place multiple foreign matter collection containers 40 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is sufficient to place one foreign matter collection container 40 on the right side, which allows for a more compact device configuration. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0066] 8B , the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from the right end to the left end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 arranged below the conveying path 10 moves from the right side to the left side perpendicular to the conveying direction E while coming into contact with the protrusion 62.

[0067] As a result of being moved to the left, the foreign matter F falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located at the left end of the spiral roller 60, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can be moved to the left, there is no need to arrange multiple foreign matter collection containers 40 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is sufficient to arrange one foreign matter collection container 40 on the left side, which allows for a more compact device configuration. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0068] In FIG. 8C, the protrusions 62 are formed in a spiral shape from the left and right ends in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E toward the center.

[0069] When the protrusions 62 are formed spirally from the left and right ends toward the center in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E, the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at the center in the left and right direction of the spiral roller 60 perpendicular to the conveying direction E. Furthermore, when the foreign matter collection container 40 is disposed at the center in the left and right direction of the spiral roller 60, a drop hole 41 is provided in the stage 31 at the position of the foreign matter collection container 40, through which the foreign matter F can fall.

[0070] 8C , the protrusions 62 are formed in a spiral shape from the left and right ends toward the center in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign matter F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 arranged below the conveying path 10 moves from the left and right sides perpendicular to the conveying direction E toward the center while coming into contact with the protrusions 62.

[0071] As a result of being moved to the center, the foreign matter F falls into the foreign matter collection container 40 located at the center of the spiral roller 60, allowing the foreign matter F to be collected. Because the foreign matter F can be moved to the center, there is no need to arrange multiple foreign matter collection containers 40 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is sufficient to arrange one foreign matter collection container 40 in the center, which allows for a more compact device configuration. Furthermore, foreign matter F mixed in with the paper sheets B can be reliably removed.

[0072] In FIG. 8D, the protrusion 62 is formed in a spiral shape from the center toward the left and right ends in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0073] When the protrusion 62 is formed spirally from the center toward the left and right ends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E, the foreign matter collection container 40 is positioned at the left and right ends of the spiral roller 60 in the left and right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E.

[0074] 8D, the protrusions 62 are formed in a spiral shape extending from the center toward the left and right ends in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction E. Therefore, when the paper sheet B is conveyed in the conveying direction E along the conveying path 10, the foreign matter F placed on the paper sheet B conveyed on the stage 31 disposed below the conveying path 10 comes into contact with the protrusions 62 and moves from the center perpendicular to the conveying direction E to either the near side in the left or right direction.

[0075] As a result of the foreign matter F being moved to the nearest of the left or right end, it falls into the foreign matter collection containers 40 disposed at the left or right end of the spiral roller 60, and the foreign matter F can be collected. Since the foreign matter F can be moved to the nearest of the left or right end, the mixed foreign matter F can be quickly removed. This allows the foreign matter F mixed in the paper sheets B to be reliably removed.

[0076] 9A and 9B are a schematic right side view (part 1) and a schematic right side view (part 2) of a foreign matter removal device 1 according to a second modified example of the foreign matter removal device according to the present embodiment.

[0077] In this second modified example, only the configurations of the push-up member 30, the transport mechanism 14, and the ceiling surface 12 are different from those of the above-described foreign matter removal device 1, and therefore, other explanations will be omitted. The foreign matter removal device 1 includes a transport path 10, a foreign matter removal unit 20, a push-down member 32, and a wall-mounted transport path 11.

[0078] The push-down member 32 on the ceiling surface 12 is an example of a push-down member 33 that pushes down the paper sheets B being transported along the transport path 10, bringing the paper sheets B into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. The transport mechanism 14 is disposed on the transport path 10 side. In the second modified example, a pickup roller 70 is disposed as the push-up member 30. The pickup roller 70 is an example of the push-up member 30. The pickup roller 70 is rotated by a drive source such as a motor and is disposed below the transport path 10. The pickup roller 70 feeds out the paper sheets B being transported along the transport path 10, picks up the paper sheets B being transported along the transport path 10 one by one, and carries the paper sheets B into the paper sheet handling device 100. Note that when the pickup roller 70 is disposed as the push-up member 30, the stage 31 does not need to be configured to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when a pickup roller 70 is disposed as the push-up member 30, a hole 71 is formed in the stage 31 below the foreign matter removal unit 20, through which at least a portion of the pickup roller 70 can be inserted.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 9A , before the pickup roller 70 pushes up the paper sheet B, the paper sheet B is not in contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. Then, as shown in Fig. 9B , when the pickup roller 70 pushes up the paper sheet B, the pickup roller 70 moves upward in the vertical direction, causing the paper sheet B being transported along the transport path 10 to come into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. When the pickup roller 70 pushes up the paper sheet B, at least a part of the pickup roller 70 moves upward in the vertical direction through the hole 71.

[0080] The pickup roller 70 is disposed below the transport path 10. The pickup roller 70 is formed so as to be able to move up and down below the foreign matter removal unit 20. The foreign matter removal unit 20 is disposed above the pickup roller 70.

[0081] That is, the pickup roller 70 is formed so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction. The height of the pickup roller 70 can be changed in accordance with the thickness of the stack of paper sheets B deposited through the deposit port 101. Therefore, when the stack of paper sheets B is thick, the pickup roller 70 is raised, and when the stack of paper sheets B is thin, the pickup roller 70 is lowered. This allows the pickup roller 70 to push the paper sheets B up against the foreign matter removal unit 20 and contact them with an appropriate pressure depending on the thickness of the stack of paper sheets B. As a result, the gap C between the foreign matter removal unit 20 and the pickup roller 70 can be maintained at an appropriate dimension that allows only the paper sheets B to be transported and foreign matter F to be removed, and the foreign matter removal unit 20 can remove the foreign matter F. Therefore, foreign matter F mixed in the paper sheets B can be reliably removed in accordance with changes in the thickness of the stack of paper sheets B.

[0082] 9A, when the pickup roller 70 is lowered, the paper sheets B transported above the pickup roller 70 do not come into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20. In contrast, when the pickup roller 70 is raised upward, as shown in FIG. 9B, the paper sheets B transported above the pickup roller 70 can come into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20.

[0083] Therefore, by raising the pickup roller 70 upward, the paper sheets B being transported by the transport path 10 can be pushed upward, and the paper sheets B being transported above the pickup roller 70 can be brought into contact with the foreign matter removal section 20.

[0084] The pickup roller 70 pushes the paper sheet B upward until it reaches a gap C through which the paper sheet B passes but foreign objects F such as coins do not, and brings the paper sheet B into contact with the foreign object removal unit 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the thickness of the paper sheet B is smaller than the thickness of the foreign object F. This allows the foreign object F placed on the paper sheet B passing through the conveyance path 10 to be caught by the foreign object removal unit 20. The foreign object F caught by the foreign object removal unit 20 is removed from the conveyance path 10.

[0085] In this way, foreign matter F such as coins can be removed by the foreign matter removal unit 20 simply by pushing up the pickup roller 70 as the push-up member 30, so foreign matter mixed in with paper sheets can be easily removed. Note that the pickup roller 70 does not necessarily need to be movable in the vertical direction. The pickup roller 70 may be fixed, and the paper sheets B may be brought into contact with the foreign matter removal unit 20 by the push-down member 32 on the ceiling surface 12.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 1: Foreign matter removal device 10: Conveying path 11: Walled conveying path 12: Ceiling surface 14: Conveying mechanism 15: Conveying roller 16: Conveying belt 20: Foreign matter removal section 21: Protrusion 22: Rib 30: Push-up member 31: Stage 32: Push-down member 33: Pressing member 40: Foreign matter collection container 41: Drop hole 60: Spiral roller 61: Roller 62: Protrusion 70: Pick-up roller 71: Hole 100: Paper sheet handling device 101: Deposit slot B: Paper sheet C: Gap E: Conveying direction F: Foreign matter

Claims

1. A foreign matter removal device comprising: a transport path that transports paper sheets in a transport direction; a foreign matter removal unit that is provided above the transport path and that removes foreign matter mixed in the paper sheets transported along the transport path by coming into contact with the foreign matter; and a pressing member that presses the paper sheets transported along the transport path to bring the paper sheets into contact with the foreign matter removal unit.

2. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing member is a pushing-up member that pushes the paper sheets transported along the transport path upward, bringing the paper sheets into contact with the foreign matter removal unit.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 2, characterized in that the push-up member pushes the paper sheets upward until a gap is formed through which the paper sheets can pass but the foreign matter cannot.

4. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 3, wherein the push-up member is a stage disposed below the transport path and along the transport path.

5. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 3, wherein the push-up member is a pickup roller that is disposed below the transport path and that picks up the paper sheets transported along the transport path.

6. A foreign matter removal device as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the foreign matter removal section is formed by a protruding section that protrudes downward and comes into contact with the foreign matter placed above the paper sheets transported along the transport path to remove the foreign matter.

7. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 6, further comprising a foreign matter collection container for collecting the foreign matter removed by the protrusion.

8. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the foreign matter removal section is formed by a spiral roller that is formed by a cylindrical roller that extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and a spiral protrusion formed on the surface of the roller, and that removes foreign matter that comes into contact with the protrusion in the perpendicular direction by rotating around its axis.

9. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing member is a ceiling surface that is arranged above the transport path and presses the paper sheets downward, bringing them into contact with the foreign matter removal section.

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