Medium storage device

Abstract

A medium storage device (2) includes: a first holding unit (21) for holding a first edge (91) of a mouth (90) of a storage bag (9) for storing a medium; a second holding unit (22) for holding a second edge (92); and a third holding unit (23) for holding a third edge (93) in a state in which the mouth is opened by positioning the first holding unit and the second holding unit with an interval therebetween in an opening / closing direction, the third edge (93) being between the first edge and the second edge. When at least one of the first holding unit or the second holding unit is moved in the opening / closing direction to bring the first edge and the second edge into contact with each other in an opening / closing direction to close the mouth of the storage bag, the third holding unit moves in a direction different from the moving direction of the first holding unit and the moving direction of the second holding unit.

Description

Media storage device

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a medium storage device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional banknote storage device. The conventional banknote storage device is incorporated into an automated device that handles banknotes. The conventional banknote storage device uses disposable bags. The disposable bag is a flexible bag that has two opposing rigid parts at its opening. The two rigid parts are supported by two support elements of the banknote storage device, respectively.

[0003] European Patent No. 2162365

[0004] In conventional banknote storage devices, the mouth of a disposable bag is kept open by two opposing rigid parts being supported by two support elements. The portion of the mouth of the disposable bag between the two opposing rigid parts is not supported. When banknotes are placed into the disposable bag through the mouth, the unsupported portion of the mouth of the disposable bag may tip inward. If the mouth of the disposable bag tips inward, it will cause problems when storing banknotes into the disposable bag.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein enables stable storage of media in a media storage device that uses a storage bag.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a medium storage device comprising: a first holding section that holds a first edge of an opening of a storage bag that stores media; a second holding section that holds a second edge that faces the first edge in the opening / closing direction of the opening; and a third holding section that holds a third edge between the first and second edges of the opening when the opening is open and the first holding section holding the first edge and the second holding section holding the second edge are positioned with a gap in the opening / closing direction, and when at least one of the first holding section and the second holding section moves in the opening / closing direction to bring the first edge and the second edge into contact with each other in the opening / closing direction to close the opening of the storage bag, the third holding section moves in a direction different from the moving directions of the first and second holding sections.

[0007] The storage bag used in the medium storage device may be, for example, a flexible bag. A first edge of the storage bag is held by a first holding portion, and a second edge is held by a second holding portion. The first and second holding portions are positioned with a gap in the opening / closing direction, so that the first and second edges move apart in the opening / closing direction, thereby opening the storage bag.

[0008] The media storage device further includes a third holding portion. The third holding portion holds a third edge between the first and second edges of the opening of the storage bag. Not only are the opposing first and second edges held, but the third edge is also held, so that even when media are pushed into the storage bag, the third edge is prevented from collapsing inward of the opening. The media storage device can stably store media into the storage bag.

[0009] When the opening of the storage bag is closed, at least one of the first and second holding parts moves in the opening / closing direction. When the opening of the storage bag is closed, the third holding part moves in a direction different from the moving direction of the first and second holding parts. The opening of the storage bag is closed when the first and second edges come into contact with each other in the opening / closing direction and the third edge is positioned at a predetermined position.

[0010] When the mouth is open, the third holding portion may be located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the opening / closing direction and offset from the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction; and when the mouth is closed, the third holding portion may be located in the same position as the first holding portion in the opening / closing direction and to the side of the first holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction.

[0011] The position of the third retaining part when the mouth of the storage unit is open is different from the position of the third retaining part when the mouth is closed. When the mouth of the storage unit is open, the third retaining part allows the mouth to be opened wide and prevents the third edge from collapsing inward into the mouth. Furthermore, when the mouth is closed, the third retaining part retracts to the same position as the first retaining part in the opening and closing direction, allowing the mouth of the storage unit to be completely closed.

[0012] The third holding portion may be supported by the first holding portion so as to be movable relative to the first holding portion in the opening and closing direction.

[0013] The third holding portion can move in a direction different from the moving direction of the first holding portion and the moving direction of the second holding portion when the opening of the storage bag is closed.

[0014] With the third holding portion holding the third edge, the first edge is held by the first holding portion and the second edge is held by the second holding portion positioned at a distance from the first holding portion, so that the third holding portion is pulled by the storage bag and positioned at a position between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the opening and closing direction, and at a position offset from the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction.

[0015] The third holding part is pulled by the storage bag and changes its position as the mouth of the storage bag is opened and the position of the third edge changes. The third holding part also changes its position as the mouth of the storage bag is closed and the position of the third edge changes. The third holding part, which moves passively, has a simple structure.

[0016] The medium storage device may further include a biasing member that positions the third holding portion to the side of the first holding portion, and the third holding portion may be positioned to the side of the first holding portion by the biasing force of the biasing member when the mouth is closed or when the third edge is not being held.

[0017] The biasing member positions the third holding portion at a predetermined position when the opening of the storage bag is closed, so that the opening of the storage bag is completely closed.

[0018] The medium storage device may further include an electrical drive mechanism that moves the third holding section.

[0019] The electric drive mechanism can position the third holding portion at an appropriate position when the mouth of the storage bag is open and when the mouth is closed.

[0020] The medium storage device may further include a fourth holding portion that holds a fourth edge between the first edge and the second edge of the opening, and that is located on the opposite side of the third holding portion, sandwiched between the first holding portion or the second holding portion, in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction.

[0021] At the opening of the storage bag, the third and fourth edges, which face each other in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction, are held in place, so that the opening of the storage section opens wide and the third and fourth edges are prevented from collapsing inward into the opening.

[0022] The fourth holding portion may be located to the side of the first holding portion, at the same position as the first holding portion in the opening / closing direction, and opposite the third holding portion sandwiching the first holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction, when the mouth is closed.

[0023] When the mouth is closed, both the third and fourth holding portions retract to the same position as the first holding portion in the opening and closing direction, so that the mouth of the storage portion is completely closed.

[0024] The fourth holding portion may be positioned at the same position as the second holding portion in the opening and closing direction when the mouth is closed, and to the side of the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction.

[0025] The third and fourth holding parts may be positioned diagonally with respect to the opening of the storage bag. When the opening is closed, the third holding part retracts to the same position as the first holding part in the opening / closing direction, and when the opening is closed, the fourth holding part retracts to the same position as the second holding part in the opening / closing direction, so that the opening of the storage bag is completely closed.

[0026] The medium storage device may further include a sealing mechanism that seals the opening by heat welding.

[0027] Before the storage bag containing the media is removed from the media storage device, the sealing mechanism can irreversibly seal the opening of the storage bag.

[0028] The sealing mechanism may have a heater that sandwiches the storage bag in the opening and closing direction and a receiving portion for the heater, and the heater may be supported by the first holding portion or the second holding portion, and the receiving portion may be supported by the second holding portion or the first holding portion.

[0029] When the opening of the storage bag is closed, the first holding portion and the second holding portion come close to each other. The heater and the receiving portion supported by the first holding portion or the second holding portion can also come close to each other when the opening of the storage bag is closed. The heater and the receiving portion can seal the opening by sandwiching the storage bag in the opening / closing direction.

[0030] The storage bag may be held by the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the third holding portion so that the opening faces upward.

[0031] The media storage device allows media to be stored in the storage bag through the upward opening, and the media storage device can stably store media.

[0032] The first holding portion and the second holding portion may be arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction and may move toward and away from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0033] The first holding portion and the second holding portion, which are opposed to each other in the horizontal direction, move toward and away from each other in the horizontal direction, so that the opening of the storage bag faces upward.

[0034] The first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the third holding portion may each have a pin that is inserted into an engagement hole formed in the storage bag.

[0035] The storage bag is detachable from the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the third holding portion.

[0036] The pin may have, in order from the base end to the tip, a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and a tapered portion whose diameter gradually decreases from the large diameter portion toward the tip, and the pin may be inserted relatively into the engagement hole from the tapered portion, and with the small diameter portion inserted into the engagement hole, the large diameter portion may engage with the peripheral portion of the engagement hole.

[0037] The pin can stably hold the edge of the storage bag, and the edge of the storage bag can be attached to and detached from the pin.

[0038] In the medium storage device, the third edge of the storage bag does not collapse inward into the opening, allowing the medium to be stored stably.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows the overall structure of a banknote handling device. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a storage bag. Fig. 3 is a plan view and a side view of the banknote handling device. Fig. 4 is a plan view and an A-A cross-sectional view of the banknote handling device with the opening of the storage bag open. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the banknote handling device with the opening of the storage bag closed. Fig. 6 shows a modified example of the banknote handling device. Fig. 7 shows a modified example of the banknote handling device. Fig. 8 shows a modified example of the banknote handling device.

[0040] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medium storage device will be described with reference to the drawings. The medium storage device described here is an example.

[0041] (Media Processing Device) Fig. 1 shows a media processing device. The media processing device is a paper sheet processing device that processes paper sheets as media. Paper sheets include banknotes, checks, tickets, or securities. In this example, the media processing device is a banknote processing device 1 that processes banknotes.

[0042] For the sake of convenience in describing the banknote processing device 1 and the banknote storage device 2 as a media storage device, which will be described later, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows. The X direction corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the banknote processing device 1. The front of the banknote processing device 1 is the side from which a user using the banknote processing device 1 faces, where a deposit unit 11 and a withdrawal unit 12, which will be described later, are located and from which a second storage unit 20 is withdrawn. The rear of the banknote processing device 1 is the opposite side of the front of the banknote processing device 1. The Y direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction, and corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the banknote processing device 1. The left of the banknote processing device 1 is the left relative to a user facing the banknote processing device 1, and the right is the right relative to the user. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction, and is a vertical direction. It should be noted that the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, as well as the front and the back, are used only to explain the banknote processing device 1 and the banknote storage device 2, and are not used to limit the structure or shape of the banknote processing device 1 and the banknote storage device 2.

[0043] The banknote processing device 1 includes a deposit unit 11. The deposit unit 11 feeds banknotes into the device. The banknote processing device 1 includes a dispensing unit 12. The banknote processing device 1 dispenses banknotes to the dispensing unit 12. The banknote processing device 1 includes a recognition unit 13. The recognition unit 13 recognizes banknotes. The banknote processing device 1 includes a transport unit 14. The transport unit 14 transports banknotes one by one.

[0044] The banknote processing device 1 includes a first storage unit 15. The first storage unit 15 stores banknotes and feeds out the stored banknotes. The first storage unit 15 is, for example, a drum-type storage unit that stores banknotes by winding them around the outer peripheral surface of a drum. Note that the first storage unit 15 is not limited to a drum-type storage unit. The banknote processing device 1 includes a plurality of first storage units 15. Note that the number of first storage units 15 included in the banknote processing device 1 is not limited to a specific number.

[0045] The banknote processing device 1 includes a second storage unit 20. The second storage unit 20 includes a banknote storage device 2. The banknote storage device 2 stores banknotes in a storage bag 9. The second storage unit 20 stores banknotes but does not feed out the stored banknotes. A detailed description of the banknote storage device 2 will be given later.

[0046] The banknote processing device 1 performs a deposit process. In the deposit process, the deposit unit 11 feeds banknotes one by one into the device. The transport unit 14 transports the banknotes to the recognition unit 13. The recognition unit 13 recognizes the denomination, fitness, and authenticity of the banknotes, and counts the banknotes. Based on the recognition results of the recognition unit 13, the transport unit 14 transports the banknotes to the first storage unit 15, the second storage unit 20, or the dispensing unit 12. Depositable banknotes are transported to the first storage unit 15. The multiple first storage units 15 store banknotes, for example, by denomination. Depositable banknotes that cannot be stored in the first storage unit 15 are transported to the second storage unit 20. For example, if the first storage unit 15 is full and cannot store banknotes, the second storage unit 20 stores the banknotes in a storage bag 9. Undepositable banknotes are transported to the dispensing unit 12. Undepositable bills will be returned to the user.

[0047] The banknote processing device 1 also performs a collection process using the second storage unit 20. In the collection process, the transport unit 14 transports the banknotes fed out by the first storage unit 15 to the second storage unit 20. The second storage unit 20 stores the banknotes in a storage bag 9.

[0048] (Structure of second storage unit) As described above, the banknote storage device 2 of the second storage unit 20 stores banknotes in the storage bag 9. As shown by the horizontal arrow in Fig. 1 , the banknote storage device 2 can be pulled out in the X direction from the housing 10 of the banknote processing device 1. When the banknote storage device 2 is pulled out from the housing 10, the storage bag 9 can be attached to or detached from the banknote storage device 2, as shown by the up and down arrows in Fig. 1 .

[0049] Fig. 2 shows the storage bag 9. The solid line in Fig. 2 shows the folded storage bag 9. The two-dot chain line in Fig. 2 shows the storage bag 9 with an opening 90. The storage bag 9 is a flexible bag. The storage bag 9 is made of, for example, opaque nylon.

[0050] The storage bag 9 has an opening 90 at the top end. Banknotes are stored in the storage bag 9 through the opening 90. As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 4, the banknotes are stacked in the storage bag 9 in the Z direction.

[0051] A hard film is attached to the opening 90 of the storage bag 9. More specifically, a first hard film is attached to a first edge 91 of the opening 90. The first edge 91 extends in the X direction. The first hard film protrudes outward from the storage bag 9 in the shape of a tab. The tab-shaped first hard film extends in the X direction along the first edge 91. Hereinafter, the first edge 91 of the opening 90 also includes the first hard film.

[0052] A second hard film is attached to a second edge 92 of the opening 90. The second edge 92 is an edge that faces the first edge 91 in the Y direction. The Y direction is the opening / closing direction of the opening 90. The second edge 92 extends in the X direction, similar to the first edge 91. The second hard film protrudes outward from the storage bag 9 in a tab shape. The tab-shaped second hard film extends in the X direction along the second edge 92. In the following, the second edge 92 of the opening 90 also includes the second hard film.

[0053] A third hard film is attached to a third edge 93 of the opening 90. When the opening 90 is open, the third edge 93 is located between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 in the Y direction. More specifically, when the opening 90 is open, the third edge 93 is located closer to the first edge 91 than the midpoint between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 in the Y direction. The third edge 93 is part of the edge connecting the first edge 91 and the second edge 92. The third hard film protrudes outward from the storage bag 9 in a tab-like shape. When the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the tab-like third hard film is located to the side of the first hard film in the X direction. Hereinafter, the third edge 93 of the opening 90 also includes the third hard film. The first hard film and the third hard film may be configured as a continuous, integrated piece along the edge of the opening 90.

[0054] A fourth hard film is attached to a fourth edge 94 of the opening 90. Like the third edge 93, the fourth edge 94 is located between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 in the Y direction when the opening 90 is open. More specifically, when the opening 90 is open, the fourth edge 94 is located closer to the first edge 91 than the midpoint between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 in the Y direction. The fourth edge 94 is part of the edge connecting the first edge 91 and the second edge 92. The fourth edge 94 faces the third edge 93 in the X direction. The fourth hard film protrudes outward from the storage bag 9 in a tab-like shape. When the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the tab-shaped fourth hard film is located on either side of the first hard film in the X direction. The third edge 93 and the fourth edge 94 are located on either side of the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 in the X direction. Hereinafter, the fourth edge 94 of the opening 90 also includes a fourth hard film. The first hard film and the fourth hard film may be configured as a continuous, one-piece body along the edge of the opening 90. The first hard film, the third hard film, and the fourth hard film may be configured as a continuous, one-piece body along the edge of the opening 90.

[0055] The first hard film, the second hard film, the third hard film, and the fourth hard film may each be made of an elastically deformable hard resin. The first edge 91, the second edge 92, the third edge 93, and the fourth edge 94 have engaging portions 910, 920, 930, and 940, respectively. The engaging portions 910, 920, 930, and 940 are formed on the first hard film, the second hard film, the third hard film, and the fourth hard film. The engaging portions 910, 920, 930, and 940 all have the same shape.

[0056] The first edge 91 has two engagement portions 910 spaced apart in the X direction. The engagement portions 910 have through holes 911 as engagement holes. The through holes 911 penetrate the first hard film in the Z direction. The engagement portions 910 also have a plurality of slits 912. The plurality of slits 912 extend radially outward in the radial direction at the periphery of one through hole 911. As will be described later, the engagement portions 910 having the through holes 911 and the slits 912 allow the pin 25 to be inserted into or removed from the through holes 911 and maintain an engaged state with the inserted pin 25.

[0057] Similar to the first edge 91, the second edge 92 has two engagement portions 920 spaced apart in the X direction. The engagement portions 920 have a through-hole 921 and a plurality of slits 922. The third edge 93 has one engagement portion 930. The engagement portion 930 has a through-hole 931 and a plurality of slits 932. The fourth edge 94 has one engagement portion 940. The engagement portion 940 has a through-hole 941 and a plurality of slits 942.

[0058] The right diagram in Fig. 3 is a plan view of the banknote storage device 2, and the left diagram is a side view of the banknote storage device 2. The upper diagram in Fig. 4 is a plan view of the banknote storage device 2, and the lower diagram is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the upper diagram. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the banknote storage device 2. The plan view in Fig. 3 shows the state before the storage bag 9 is attached to the banknote storage device 2. The plan view in Fig. 4 shows the state in which the storage bag 9 is attached to the banknote storage device 2 and the opening 90 is open. The plan view in Fig. 5 shows the state in which the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 attached to the banknote storage device 2 is closed. Note that the storage bag 9 is not depicted in the left diagram in Fig. 3.

[0059] The banknote storage device 2 has a first holding unit 21. The first holding unit 21 holds a first edge 91 of the storage bag 9. The first holding unit 21 extends horizontally. The first holding unit 21 has two pins 25. The two pins 25 are located at the Y-direction edge of the first holding unit 21, spaced apart in the X-direction. The pins 25 engage with engagement units 910 of the storage bag 9, respectively. Engagement of the pins 25 with the engagement units 910 allows the first holding unit 21 to hold the first edge 91 of the storage bag 9. The pins 25 protrude upward from the first holding unit 21. The pins 25 have the same shape as the pins 25 of the second holding unit 22, the pins 25 of the third holding unit 23, and the pins 25 of the fourth holding unit 24, which will be described later. Details of the shape of the pins 25 will be described later.

[0060] The banknote storage device 2 has a second holding unit 22. The second holding unit 22 holds a second edge 92 of the storage bag 9. The second holding unit 22 faces the first holding unit 21 in the Y direction. The second holding unit 22 extends horizontally. The second holding unit 22 has two pins 25. The two pins 25 are located at the Y-direction edge of the second holding unit 22, spaced apart in the X direction. The pins 25 engage with engagement units 920 of the storage bag 9, respectively. When the pins 25 engage with the engagement units 920, the second holding unit 22 holds the second edge 92 of the storage bag 9. The pins 25 protrude upward from the second holding unit 22. Details of the shape of the pins 25 will be described later.

[0061] The first holding unit 21 and the second holding unit 22 are switchable between a state in which they are spaced apart in the Y direction as shown in FIG. 3 or 4 and a state in which they are close to each other as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the first holding unit 21 has a first rack gear 271. The first rack gear 271 extends in the Y direction. The second holding unit 22 has a second rack gear 272. The second rack gear 272 extends in the Y direction below the first rack gear 271. The banknote storage device 2 has a pinion gear 26. The pinion gear 26 meshes with both the first rack gear 271 and the second rack gear 272. As shown by the double-headed arrow in the left diagram of FIG. 3, when the pinion gear 26 rotates, the first holding unit 21 moves in the Y direction via the first rack gear 271, and the second holding unit 22 moves in the Y direction via the second rack gear 272 in the opposite direction to the first holding unit 21. The first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 move in directions approaching each other and also move in directions separating from each other.

[0062] Instead of moving both the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22, the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 may be switched between a state in which they are spaced apart in the Y direction and a state in which they are close to each other by moving only the first holding portion 21. Conversely, the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 may be switched between a state in which they are spaced apart in the Y direction and a state in which they are close to each other by moving only the second holding portion 22.

[0063] The banknote storage device 2 has a third holding unit 23. The third holding unit 23 holds a third edge 93 of the storage bag 9. The third holding unit 23 is located at a first end in the X direction of the first holding unit 21, i.e., the right end in FIG. 3, 4 or 5 .

[0064] The third holding portion 23 has a pin 25. The pin 25 engages with an engaging portion 930 of the storage bag 9. When the pin 25 engages with the engaging portion 930, the third holding portion 23 holds the third edge 93 of the storage bag 9. As shown enlarged in the lower view of Fig. 4, the pin 25 protrudes upward from the third holding portion 23. The shape of the pin 25 will be described in detail later.

[0065] The third retaining portion 23 is supported by the first retaining portion 21. The third retaining portion 23 is supported so as to be movable relative to the first retaining portion 21 in the Y direction (see the double-headed arrow in the upper view of FIG. 4 ). The third retaining portion 23 can be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position of the third retaining portion 23 is a position where the pin 25 of the third retaining portion 23 is substantially in the same position in the Y direction as the pins 25, 25 of the first retaining portion 21, as shown in FIG. 3 or 5 . The second position of the third retaining portion 23 is a position where the pin 25 of the third retaining portion 23 is closer to the second retaining portion 22 in the Y direction than the pins 25, 25 of the first retaining portion 21, as shown in FIG. 4 . In other words, when the third retaining portion 23 is located in the second position, the pin 25 of the third retaining portion 23 is located between the pin 25 of the first retaining portion 21 and the pin 25 of the second retaining portion 22 in the Y direction.

[0066] A tension spring 27 serving as a biasing member is interposed between the third holding portion 23 and the first holding portion 21. The tension spring 27 applies a biasing force to the third holding portion 23 so that the third holding portion 23 is positioned at the first position. As will be described later, when the pin 25 is engaged with the third edge 93 and pulled by the storage bag 9, the third holding portion 23 is positioned at the second position against the biasing force of the tension spring 27. Note that the biasing member is not limited to a tension spring.

[0067] The banknote storage device 2 has a fourth holding unit 24. The fourth holding unit 24 holds a fourth edge 94 of the storage bag 9. The fourth holding unit 24 is located at a second end in the X direction of the first holding unit 21, i.e., the left end in FIG. 3, 4, or 5. The fourth holding unit 24 is located on the opposite side of the third holding unit 23 in the X direction.

[0068] The fourth holding portion 24 has a pin 25. The pin 25 engages with an engaging portion 940 of the storage bag 9. When the pin 25 engages with the engaging portion 940, the fourth holding portion 24 holds a fourth edge 94 of the storage bag 9. The pin 25 protrudes upward from the fourth holding portion 24. Details of the shape of the pin 25 will be described later.

[0069] The fourth retaining portion 24 is supported by the first retaining portion 21. The fourth retaining portion 24 is supported so as to be movable relative to the first retaining portion 21 in the Y direction (see the double-headed arrow in the upper view of FIG. 4 ). The fourth retaining portion 24 can be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position of the fourth retaining portion 24 is a position where the pin 25 of the fourth retaining portion 24 is substantially in the same position in the Y direction as the pins 25, 25 of the first retaining portion 21, as shown in FIG. 3 or 5 . The second position of the fourth retaining portion 24 is a position where the pin 25 of the fourth retaining portion 24 is closer to the second retaining portion 22 in the Y direction than the pins 25, 25 of the first retaining portion 21, as shown in FIG. 4 . In other words, when the fourth retaining portion 24 is located in the second position, the pin 25 of the fourth retaining portion 24 is located between the pin 25 of the first retaining portion 21 and the pin 25 of the second retaining portion 22 in the Y direction.

[0070] As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 3, a tension spring 28 serving as a biasing member is interposed between the fourth holding portion 24 and the first holding portion 21. The tension spring 28 applies a biasing force to the fourth holding portion 24 so that the fourth holding portion 24 is positioned at the first position. As will be described later, when the pin 25 is engaged with the fourth edge 94 and pulled by the storage bag 9, the fourth holding portion 24 is positioned at the second position against the biasing force of the tension spring 28. Note that the biasing member is not limited to a tension spring.

[0071] As shown enlarged in Figure 4, the pin 25 has, in order from the base end to the tip, a small diameter portion 251, a large diameter portion 252, and a tapered portion 253. The small diameter portion 251 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the through holes 911, 921, 931, and 941. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 252 is larger than that of the small diameter portion 251. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 252 is also larger than the diameters of the through holes 911, 921, 931, and 941 and smaller than the diameter of a circle connecting the tips of the radial slits 912, 922, 932, and 942. The diameter of the tapered portion 253 gradually decreases from the large diameter portion 252 toward the tip.

[0072] The banknote storage device 2 has a sealing mechanism 3 that seals the opening 90 of the storage bag 9. Before the storage bag 9 containing banknotes is removed from the banknote storage device 2, the sealing mechanism 3 irreversibly seals the opening 90 of the storage bag 9.

[0073] As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 3 , the sealing mechanism 3 has a heater 31 and a receiving portion 32. The heater 31 applies heat to the storage bag 9. The sealing mechanism 3 seals the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 by thermal welding. The heater 31 is supported by the second holding portion 22. The heater 31 is located below the pin 25. The heater 31 moves in the Y direction as the second holding portion 22 moves in the Y direction. The receiving portion 32 faces the heater 31 in the Y direction and, together with the heater 31, sandwiches the storage bag 9 in the Y direction. The receiving portion 32 is supported by the first holding portion 21. The receiving portion 32 is located below the pin 25. The receiving portion 32 moves in the Y direction as the first holding portion 21 moves in the Y direction.

[0074] The heater 31 is also supported so as to be movable in the Y direction relative to the second holding portion 22. A third rack gear 221 is interposed between the heater 31 and the second holding portion 22. When the second holding portion 22 approaches the first holding portion 21 and the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the heater 31 can further move toward the first holding portion 21. The receiving portion 32 is also supported so as to be movable in the Y direction relative to the first holding portion 21. A fourth rack gear 222 is interposed between the receiving portion 32 and the first holding portion 21. When the first holding portion 21 approaches the second holding portion 22 and the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the receiving portion 32 can further move toward the second holding portion 22. The heater 31 and the receiving portion 32 can firmly sandwich the storage bag 9 in the Y direction. The sealing mechanism 3 can firmly seal the opening 90 of the storage bag 9.

[0075] Alternatively, the heater 31 may be supported by the first holding portion 21 and the receiving portion 32 may be supported by the second holding portion 22 .

[0076] (Attaching the Storage Bag) The storage bag 9 is manually attached to the banknote storage device 2 by the staff member. The staff member engages the engaging portions 910, 920, 930, 940 of the storage bag 9 with the pins 25 one by one.

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a state after the banknote storage device 2 has been pulled out from the housing 10 and before the storage bag 9 is attached to the banknote storage device 2. The first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 are positioned apart in the Y direction. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the first edge 91 of the storage bag 9 is held by the first holding portion 21, the third edge 93 is held by the third holding portion 23, and the fourth edge 94 is held by the fourth holding portion 24. In other words, the pin 25 of the first edge 91 engages with the engaging portion 910, the pin 25 of the third edge 93 engages with the engaging portion 930, and the pin 25 of the fourth edge 94 engages with the engaging portion 940.

[0078] Here, when the pin 25 is engaged with the engagement portions 910, 930, and 940, the tapered portion 253 of the pin 25 is first inserted into the through-hole 911, 931, and 941. Because the engagement portions 910, 930, and 940 have the slits 912, 932, and 942, the diameter of the through-hole 911, 931, and 941 is substantially enlarged by the slits 912, 932, and 942 as the tapered portion 253 passes through the through-hole 911, 931, and 941. Once the tapered portion 253 passes through the through-hole 911, 931, and 941, the slits 912, 932, and 942 return to their original shape due to the elastic restoring force of the hard film. In this state, the small diameter portions 251 of the pins 25 are inserted into the through holes 911, 931, and 941, and the peripheral edges of the through holes 911, 931, and 941 engage with the large diameter portions 252. In this way, the engaging portions 910, 930, and 940 of the storage bag 9 engage with the pins 25, and even if a small external force is applied to the storage bag 9, the engaging portions 910, 930, and 940 maintain their engagement with the pins 25.

[0079] The third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 are positioned at the first position by the biasing forces of the tension springs 27 and 28. The pin 25 of the third holding portion 23 and the pin 25 of the fourth holding portion 24 are positioned at substantially the same position in the Y direction relative to the pin 25 of the first holding portion 21.

[0080] Next, the staff member holds the second edge 92 of the storage bag 9 in the second holding portion 22 (see the two-dot chain arrow in Figure 3). Specifically, while opening the opening 90 of the storage bag 9, the staff member inserts the engagement portion 920 of the second edge 92 onto the pin 25 of the second holding portion 22. The procedure for engaging the pin 25 with the engagement portion 920 is the same as described above.

[0081] When the second holding portion 22 holds the second edge 92, as shown in FIG. 4 , the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 are each pulled toward the second holding portion 22 by the storage bag 9. The third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 move from the first position to the second position against the biasing forces of the tension springs 27 and 28, respectively. When the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is open, the third holding portion 23 is located between the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 in the Y direction and offset from the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 in the X direction. The fourth holding portion 24 is also located between the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 in the Y direction and offset from the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 in the X direction.

[0082] In this way, the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 attached to the banknote storage device 2 opens upward. Once the storage bag 9 is attached to the banknote storage device 2, the staff member returns the banknote storage device 2 to the housing 10. The banknote processing device 1 can then carry out banknote processing.

[0083] The banknote storage device 2 stores banknotes in the storage bag 9 through the open opening 90. The opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is held at a first edge 91, a second edge 92, a third edge 93, and a fourth edge 94 by the first holding unit 21, the second holding unit 22, the third holding unit 23, and the fourth holding unit 24. The opening 90 of the storage bag 9 can be stably maintained in an open shape. Because the open shape of the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is stably maintained, the size of the opening 90 can be made the minimum size corresponding to the size of the banknote 100, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 4 .

[0084] In other words, if the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 of the opening 90 are not held, the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 may collapse inward into the opening 90. In a structure in which the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 are not held, the storage bag 9 and the banknote storage device 2 must be enlarged in advance in the X direction so that the banknote 100 can pass through the opening 90 even if the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 collapses. This means that the banknote processing device 1 becomes larger in the X direction.

[0085] As described above, the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24 hold the third edge 93 and the fourth edge 94 on the outer side in the X direction of the banknote 100, so the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 do not interfere with the banknote 100 (see the open crosses in the upper diagram of Figure 4). The size of the storage bag 9 and the banknote storage device 2 in the X direction can be reduced, and the banknote processing device 1 becomes smaller in the X direction. Note that the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24 move relatively to the first holding unit 21 in the Y direction, but do not move relatively in the X direction. The positions of the third edge 93 and the fourth edge 94 in the X direction are maintained by the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24.

[0086] The second storage section 20 pushes banknotes downward into the storage bag 9 using a pushing member 29 shown in Figure 1. Even when the pushing member 29, which has a pantograph structure, performs a pushing operation, the third edge 93 and the fourth edge 94 are held in place, preventing the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 from drooping, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in the lower diagram of Figure 4. If the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 droops, the Z-direction position of the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 will overlap the sealing mechanism 3. This prevents the sealing mechanism 3 from reliably sealing the opening 90 of the storage bag 9.

[0087] If the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 of the opening 90 is not held, the sealing mechanism must be positioned further below the position of the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 so that the Z-direction positions of the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 do not overlap with the sealing mechanism even if the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 droops. This means that the storage capacity of the storage bag 9 will be reduced, or the banknote storage device will become larger in the Z direction so that a storage bag larger in the Z direction can be attached to the banknote storage device.

[0088] As described above, the structure in which the third edge 93 and the fourth edge 94 are held by the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 prevents the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 from drooping, as shown by the solid lines in the lower diagram of Fig. 4. Even if the position of the sealing mechanism 3 is brought closer to the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 in the Z direction, the sealing mechanism 3 can seal the opening 90 of the storage bag 9. As a result, the capacity of the storage bag 9 can be increased and / or the size of the banknote storage device 2 in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, the structure for moving the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 using the biasing forces of the tension springs 27 and 28 simplifies the structure of the banknote storage device 2 .

[0090] (Sealing of storage bag) When the storage bag 9 containing banknotes is removed from the banknote processing device 1, the banknote storage device 2 seals the mouth 90 of the storage bag 9. The banknote storage device 2 first moves the first holding unit 21 and the second holding unit 22 closer to each other in the Y direction, so that the first edge 91 and the second edge 92 of the mouth 90 of the storage bag 9 abut against each other in the Y direction (see FIG. 5 ). The mouth 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed.

[0091] When the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the third holding portion 23 holding the third edge 93 is not pulled by the storage bag 9. The third holding portion 23 moves from the second position to the first position under the biasing force of the tension spring 27. Similarly, the fourth holding portion 24 holding the fourth edge 94 moves from the second position to the first position under the biasing force of the tension spring 28. When the first holding portion 21 and the second holding portion 22 move in the Y direction, the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 move from the second position to the first position relative to the first holding portion 21 while moving in the Y direction together with the first holding portion 21. In other words, the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 move in a direction different from the moving direction of the first holding portion 21 and the moving direction of the second holding portion 22.

[0092] When the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed, the pin 25 of the third holding part 23 is located at substantially the same position in the Y direction as the pin 25 of the first holding part 21 and to the side of the first holding part 21 in the X direction. The pin 25 of the fourth holding part 24 is located at substantially the same position in the Y direction as the pin 25 of the first holding part 21 and to the side of the first holding part 21 on the opposite side of the third holding part 23 with the first holding part 21 in between in the X direction.

[0093] By moving the third holding section 23 and the fourth holding section 24 from the second position to the first position in this manner, the banknote storage device 2 can completely close the opening 90 of the storage bag 9.

[0094] When the first holding unit 21 and the second holding unit 22 approach each other to close the opening 90 of the storage bag 9, the heater 31 and the receiving unit 32 of the sealing mechanism 3 sandwich the storage bag 9 and seal the opening 90. After the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is sealed, the banknote storage device 2 is pulled out from the housing 10 of the banknote processing device 1. In the opposite manner to the above, the staff member can remove the storage bag 9 from the banknote storage device 2 by removing each of the engagement units 910, 920, 930, 940 of the storage bag 9 from the pins 25 one by one.

[0095] (Modification) Fig. 6 shows a banknote storage device 201 according to a modification. The upper view of Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 3 , and the lower view of Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 4 . In the banknote storage device 201, the fourth holding unit 24 is supported by the second holding unit 22 so as to be relatively movable in the Y direction. That is, when the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 is closed or the fourth edge 94 is not being held, the pin 25 of the fourth holding unit 24 is located at substantially the same position in the Y direction as the pin 25 of the second holding unit 22 and to the side of the second holding unit 22 in the X direction. Note that the fourth holding unit 24 is located on the opposite side of the first holding unit 21 and the second holding unit 22 from the third holding unit 23. The position of the fourth edge 94 of the storage bag 9 differs from that of the example in Fig. 4 in accordance with the position of the fourth holding unit 24.

[0096] As described above, the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 are positioned diagonally with respect to the opening 90 of the storage bag 9, so that the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 can stably maintain an open shape. Furthermore, even when the pushing member 29 performs a pushing operation, the third edge 93 and / or the fourth edge 94 are prevented from sagging.

[0097] Fig. 7 shows a banknote storage device 202 according to another modified example. The banknote storage device 202 further includes a fifth holding unit 210 and a sixth holding unit 211 in addition to the components of the banknote storage device 2 shown in Fig. 4. The fifth holding unit 210 and the sixth holding unit 211 are supported by the second holding unit 22 so as to be relatively movable in the Y direction. The fifth holding unit 210 is located at a first end of the second holding unit 22 in the X direction, i.e., the right end in Fig. 7, and the sixth holding unit 211 is located at a second end of the second holding unit 22 in the X direction, i.e., the left end in Fig. 7. The fifth holding unit 210 holds a fifth edge 95 of the opening 90 of the storage bag 9, and the sixth holding unit 211 holds a sixth edge 96 of the opening 90 of the storage bag 9. When the mouth 90 is open, the fifth edge 95 is located closer to the second edge 92 in the Y direction than the midpoint between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92, and the third edge 93 and the fifth edge 95 are continuous in the Y direction, thereby forming an edge connecting the first edge 91 and the second edge 92. When the mouth 90 is open, the sixth edge 96 is located closer to the second edge 92 in the Y direction than the midpoint between the first edge 91 and the second edge 92, and the fourth edge 94 and the sixth edge 96 are continuous in the Y direction, thereby forming an edge connecting the first edge 91 and the second edge 92.

[0098] The banknote storage device 202 can stably maintain the mouth 90 of the storage bag 9 in an open state. Furthermore, even when the pushing member 29 performs a pushing operation, the third edge 93, the fourth edge 94, the fifth edge 95, and / or the sixth edge 96 are prevented from sagging.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows a banknote storage device 203 according to yet another modification. Instead of being moved by the biasing force of the tension springs 27, 28, the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24 may be moved between the first position and the second position by receiving power from an actuator. The actuator may be, for example, an electric motor 8. The electric motor 8 is an example of an electric drive mechanism. One electric motor may move both the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24, or two electric motors may move the third holding unit 23 and the fourth holding unit 24, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism for linearly reciprocating the third holding unit 23 or the fourth holding unit 24 by the electric motor 8 may employ various known mechanisms as appropriate.

[0100] The electric drive mechanism can accurately position the third holding portion 23 and the fourth holding portion 24 at the first position and the second position, respectively.

[0101] In the banknote storage device, the opening 90 of the storage bag 9 does not necessarily have to face upward. In other words, the first holding unit 21 and the second holding unit 22 do not necessarily have to face each other horizontally. The opening 90 of the storage bag 9 may face sideways.

[0102] The structure for attaching the storage bag 9 to the banknote storage devices 2, 201, 202, 203 is not limited to the combination of the pin 25 and the engagement portions 910, 920, 930, 940 including the through holes 911, 921, 931, 941.

[0103] Furthermore, the banknote processing device 1 to which the banknote storage devices 2, 201, 202, and 203 disclosed herein can be applied is not limited to the banknote processing device 1 having the structure shown in FIG.

Claims

1. A media storage device comprising: a first holding part that holds a first edge of the opening of a storage bag that stores media; a second holding part that holds a second edge that faces the first edge in the opening / closing direction of the opening; and a third holding part that holds a third edge between the first and second edges of the opening when the opening is open due to the first holding part holding the first edge and the second holding part holding the second edge being positioned with a gap in the opening / closing direction, wherein when at least one of the first holding part and the second holding part moves in the opening / closing direction to bring the first edge and the second edge into contact with each other in the opening / closing direction to close the opening of the storage bag, the third holding part moves in a direction different from the moving direction of the first holding part and the moving direction of the second holding part.

2. A media storage device as described in claim 1, wherein, when the mouth is open, the third holding portion is located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the opening / closing direction and offset from the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction, and when the mouth is closed, the third holding portion is located in the same position as the first holding portion in the opening / closing direction and to the side of the first holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction.

3. The medium storage device according to claim 2, wherein the third holding section is supported by the first holding section so as to be movable relative to the first holding section in the opening / closing direction.

4. A media storage device as described in claim 3, wherein, with the third holding portion holding the third edge, the first edge is held by the first holding portion and the second edge is held by the second holding portion positioned at a distance from the first holding portion, so that the third holding portion is pulled by the storage bag and positioned at a position between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the opening and closing direction and offset from the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction.

5. A media storage device as described in claim 4, further comprising a biasing member that positions the third holding portion to the side of the first holding portion, and the third holding portion is positioned to the side of the first holding portion by the biasing force of the biasing member when the mouth is closed or when the third edge is not being held.

6. The medium storage device according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical drive mechanism for moving the third holding section.

7. A media storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a fourth holding portion that holds a fourth edge between the first edge and the second edge of the opening, the fourth holding portion being located on the opposite side of the third holding portion, sandwiching the first holding portion or the second holding portion, in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction.

8. A media storage device as described in claim 7, wherein the fourth holding portion is located at the same position as the first holding portion in the opening / closing direction when the mouth is closed, and on the side of the first holding portion opposite the third holding portion sandwiching the first holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction.

9. A media storage device as described in claim 7, wherein, when the mouth is closed, the fourth holding portion is located at the same position as the second holding portion in the opening and closing direction, and to the side of the second holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction.

10. The medium storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a sealing mechanism that seals the opening by thermal welding.

11. The media storage device described in claim 10, wherein the sealing mechanism has a heater that sandwiches the storage bag in the opening and closing direction and a receiving portion for the heater, the heater being supported by the first holding portion or the second holding portion, and the receiving portion being supported by the second holding portion or the first holding portion.

12. A medium storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the storage bag is held by the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the third holding portion with the opening facing upward.

13. The medium storage device according to claim 12, wherein the first holding section and the second holding section face each other in the horizontal direction and move toward and away from each other in the horizontal direction.

14. A media storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the third holding portion each have a pin that is inserted into an engagement hole formed in the storage bag.

15. The media storage device described in claim 14, wherein the pin has, in order from the base end to the tip, a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and a tapered portion whose diameter gradually decreases from the large diameter portion toward the tip, and the pin is inserted relatively into the engagement hole from the tapered portion, and when the small diameter portion is inserted into the engagement hole, the large diameter portion engages with the peripheral portion of the engagement hole.

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