Paper sheet processing device and conveyance relay member

The apparatus addresses the challenge of banknote jams in the conveyance relay by using a detachable transport relay member with a light-based detection system, enabling easy removal and maintenance.

WO2026094374A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-07JAPAN CASH MASCH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
JAPAN CASH MASCH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-19
Publication Date
2026-05-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing banknote depositing and withdrawing apparatuses face challenges in easily removing banknotes that become jammed in the conveyance relay portion, making it difficult to clear jams.

Method used

The apparatus is designed with a transport relay member composed of two or more components, where some components can be detachably attached, allowing easy exposure of the transport path to remove jammed paper sheets, and includes a light-emitting and light-receiving system to detect jamming or improper attachment.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easy removal of jammed paper sheets by exposing the transport path and provides a mechanism to detect jamming or improper attachment, enhancing the ease of maintenance and operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet processing device capable of taking out paper sheets jammed in a conveyance relay part as easily as possible. A paper sheet processing device 1 according to the present invention comprises: a box body 100 that has a communication port FW1; an input / output processing unit 200 that is disposed outside the box body; a storage unit 700 that is disposed inside the box body; a conveyance path that extends from the inside of the input / output processing unit to the inside of the storage unit through the communication port; and a conveyance relay member 800 that is fitted into the communication port, relays conveyance of paper sheets between the conveyance path on the input / output processing unit side and the conveyance path on the storage unit side, and that is composed from two or more members. The conveyance path passes through the inside of the conveyance relay member. A member 801 which is a portion of the two or more members is fixed to the inside of the communication port, another member 802 of the two or more members can be detachably attached to a portion of the members, and the conveyance path is exposed when the other member is removed from the portion of the members.
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Description

Paper sheet processing apparatus and conveyance relay member

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus and a conveyance relay member.

[0002] In the past, there has been proposed a "banknote depositing and withdrawing apparatus that performs depositing and withdrawing of banknotes according to transactions, having an upper unit including a depositing and withdrawing port for depositing and withdrawing banknotes and a banknote discrimination unit for discriminating banknotes, a sturdy safe housing disposed below the upper unit and including a recycling bin for storing banknotes, and a banknote conveyance path that passes through the banknote discrimination unit and connects the depositing and withdrawing port and the recycling bin. At the time of depositing, banknotes deposited from the depositing and withdrawing port and discriminated by the banknote discrimination unit are conveyed by the banknote conveyance path and stored in the recycling bin within the safe housing. At the time of withdrawing, banknotes fed out from the recycling bin within the safe are conveyed by the banknote conveyance path, discriminated by the banknote discrimination unit, and withdrawn from the depositing and withdrawing port" (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-08573).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-08573

[0004] By the way, in the above-described banknote depositing and withdrawing apparatus, in order to relay the conveyance of banknotes between the conveyance path on the upper conveyance mechanism side and the conveyance path on the lower banknote mechanism side, a conveyance relay portion such as a conveyance roller is provided at the communication port of the safe housing. However, in the above-described banknote depositing and withdrawing apparatus, when banknote jamming occurs in the conveyance relay portion, there is a risk that the jammed banknotes cannot be easily taken out.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet processing apparatus that can take out paper sheets jammed in the conveyance relay portion as easily as possible.

[0006] A paper sheet processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a box body, an input / output processing unit, a storage unit, a transport path, and a transport relay member. The box body has a communication opening. The input / output processing unit is located outside the box body. The storage unit is located inside the box body. The transport path extends from inside the input / output processing unit through the communication opening to inside the storage unit. The transport relay member is fitted into the communication opening and relays the transport of paper sheets between the transport path on the input / output processing unit side and the transport path on the storage unit side, and is composed of two or more members. The transport path passes inside the transport relay member. Some of the two or more members are fixed inside the communication opening. Other of the two or more members can be detachably attached to some of the members. When some of the members are removed from some of the members, the transport path is exposed.

[0007] With the above configuration, by removing some of the components from other components among two or more components, the jammed paper sheets in the conveying and relaying section can be exposed as much as possible. Therefore, in this paper sheet processing device, the jammed paper sheets in the conveying and relaying section can be removed as easily as possible.

[0008] A paper sheet processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the transport relay member is composed of two members: a first transport relay member and a second transport relay member. The first transport relay member has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. The second transport relay member has a reflecting part. The reflecting part reflects light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part when the second transport relay member is attached to the first transport relay member.

[0009] With the above configuration, when the light receiving unit is not receiving light from the light emitting unit, it is possible to recognize that a paper jam has occurred in the transport relay unit, or that the second transport relay unit is not attached to the first transport relay unit.

[0010] A paper sheet processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing apparatus according to a second aspect, wherein the first transport relay member further has a locking portion. The second transport relay member further has a locking portion and is slidable relative to the first transport relay member in the direction of extension of the transport path. The locking portion is lockable relative to the locking portion. The second transport relay member is attached to the first transport relay member by sliding the second transport relay member relative to the first transport relay member and locking the locking portion relative to the locking portion.

[0011] With the above configuration, the second transport relay unit can be attached to the first transport relay unit as easily as possible.

[0012] A transport relay member according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is fitted into a box having a communication opening. The transport relay member comprises a first transport relay member and a second transport relay member. The first transport relay member has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part and is fixed inside the communication opening. The second transport relay member has a reflecting part and can be detachably attached to the first transport relay member. When the second transport relay member is attached to the first transport relay member, the reflecting part reflects light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part.

[0013] With the above configuration, when the light receiving unit is not receiving light from the light emitting unit, it is possible to recognize that the transported material (paper sheets, etc.) being transported from the outside of the box to the inside of the box via the communication opening is jammed in the transport relay unit, or that the second transport relay unit is not attached to the first transport relay unit.

[0014] This is a right side view of a paper sheet processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the right wall of the housing is omitted in this figure. This is a perspective view of a paper sheet processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the top wall, right wall, and front door of the housing are omitted, and the loading / unloading processing device has been removed. This is a perspective view of a frame and a collection box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the collection box is shown mounted on the frame. This is a perspective view of a housing and the first external support member of an external support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the first external support member of the external support member is shown before it is fastened to the intermediate wall of the housing. Note that the top wall, right wall, and front door of the housing are omitted in this figure. This is a perspective view of a housing, the first external support member, and an internal support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the internal support member is shown before it is fastened to the intermediate wall of the housing, and the first external support member of the external support member is fastened to the intermediate wall of the housing. Note that the top wall, right wall, and front door of the housing are omitted in this figure. This is a front view of the first relay member of an embodiment of the present invention. This is a rear view of the second relay member of an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the second relay member is shown attached to the first relay member. This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the second relay member is shown being removed from the first relay member. This is a cross-sectional view of the area near the communication opening in the intermediate wall of the housing when the paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is cut by a plane that passes through the center in the left-right direction and along the up-down-front-back direction. In this figure, the second relay member of the relay member is omitted. This is a diagram showing the state in which the first rod portion of the frame is placed on the lower front end of the first recess forming portion of the internal support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing the state in which the rear side of the frame shown in Figure 11 is lifted and the second rod portion of the frame is positioned in front of the second recess of the internal support member.

[0015] 1 Paper sheet processing device 100 Housing (box) 200 In / Out processing device (in / out processing unit) 700 Collection box (storage unit) 800 Relay member (transport relay unit) 801 First relay member 802 Second relay member FW1 Communication opening MA2a Left side locking part (locking part) MC Optical sensor (light-emitting part, light-receiving part) NA3 Left side locking part (locking part) NA5 Right side locking part (locking part) NC Reflective member

[0016] <Configuration of a Paper Sheet Processing Device According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention> The paper sheet processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for receiving paper sheets (for example, banknotes, gift certificates, tickets, securities, etc.). As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 10, the paper sheet processing device 1 mainly consists of a housing 100, an input / output processing device 200, an external support member 300, an internal support member 400, a frame 500, a collection box 700, a relay member 800, an internal control board IB, a first relay connector CO, a second relay connector CP, a connector support member CS, a power supply unit (not shown), and an optical prism PR, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0017] 1. Enclosure The enclosure 100 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, is mainly composed of the main body 101 and the front door 102, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0018] (1-1) Main body The main body 101, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, is open to the front and is formed from the top wall AW, bottom wall BW, rear wall CW, left wall DW, right wall (not shown), and intermediate wall FW. The top wall AW has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The bottom wall BW is located below the intermediate wall FW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. The rear wall CW extends from the rear end of the top wall AW through the rear end of the intermediate wall FW to the rear end of the bottom wall BW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. The left wall DW extends from the left end of the top wall AW through the left end of the intermediate wall FW to the left end of the bottom wall BW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. The right wall section extends from the right end of the top wall section AW, through the right end of the intermediate wall section FW, to the right end of the bottom wall section BW. The intermediate wall section FW is located between the top wall section AW and the bottom wall section BW, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. A communication opening FW1 for fitting the intermediate member 800 is formed at the rear of the intermediate wall section FW (see Figures 2, 4, and 5). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, first insertion openings FW2 for passing screws FM1 are formed at four locations on the front side of the communication opening FW1 in the intermediate wall section FW, and at two locations on the rear side of the communication opening FW1 in the intermediate wall section FW. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, two second insertion openings FW3 are formed in the intermediate wall portion FW at the front of the communication opening FW1, and in two locations in the intermediate wall portion FW at the rear of the communication opening FW1, for passing the upper end of the main body portion 403a of the projection 403 of the internal support member 400.

[0019] (1-2) Front Door As shown in Figure 1, the front door 102 can open and close the lower opening of the intermediate wall FW in the opening of the main body 101 and is connected to the front end of the lower part of the intermediate wall FW in the left wall DW via a hinge or the like. When the front door 102 is closed, it can be locked so that the front door 102 does not open. For this reason, in the paper sheet processing device 1, as shown in Figure 1, the safe SB is composed of the bottom wall BW, the lower part of the intermediate wall FW in the rear wall CW, the lower part of the intermediate wall FW in the left wall DW, the lower part of the intermediate wall FW in the right wall, the intermediate wall FW, and the front door 102.

[0020] 2. Inbound / Outbound Processing Device The inbound / outbound processing device 200, as shown in Figure 1, is located on the upper side of the intermediate wall FW outside the safe SB of the housing 100, and mainly consists of an inbound / outbound port 201, a transport mechanism (not shown), an identification unit (not shown), and a control board (not shown). The inbound / outbound port 201 is an opening for taking paper sheets into the inbound / outbound processing device 200. The inbound / outbound port 201 is also an opening for discharging paper sheets that have been determined to be unacceptable by the microcomputer on the control board based on, for example, the identification information of the identification unit. The transport mechanism is a mechanism for generating and transmitting the driving force to transport paper sheets along the transport path, and consists of, for example, a motor, pulleys, and a belt. The motor can rotate in both forward and reverse directions and transmits driving force to the pulleys when controlled and driven by the microcomputer on the control board. There are multiple pulleys, and one pulley is connected to the others by a belt. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the belt via the pulleys. The identification unit, for example, is an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, and sends identification information of the paper sheets to the microcomputer on the control board. The control board has the microcomputer mounted on it and is connected to, for example, the motor of the transport mechanism and the identification unit. This microcomputer determines, for example, the type and authenticity of the paper sheets based on the identification information from the identification unit, and determines whether or not the paper sheets can be accepted.

[0021] 3. External Support Members The external support members 300 are attached to the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, and mainly consist of a first external support member OS and a second external support member OT, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0022] (3-1) First external support member The first external support member OS is mainly formed from a bottom wall OS1 and a side wall OS2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The bottom wall OS1 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The bottom wall OS1 has a first insertion opening OS1a formed at a location that overlaps with the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100 in plan view (see Figures 4 and 5). When the relay member 800 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100, the relay member 800 passes through the first insertion opening OS1a. The side wall OS2 extends upward from the outer end of the bottom wall OS1, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the second external support member OT is positioned above the bottom wall portion OS1 and inside the side wall portion OS2, and is fastened to the first external support member OS.

[0023] Furthermore, the bottom wall portion OS1 has six second insertion openings (not shown) that overlap with the first insertion opening FW2 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 in a plan view. As shown in Figure 4, a screw FM1 is passed through the first insertion opening FW2 and the second insertion opening of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 from the lower side of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 (inside the safe SB). Then, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a nut FM2 is screwed onto the upper part of the screw FM1 on the bottom wall portion OS1. In this way, the first external support member OS is fastened to the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100, as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the bottom wall portion OS1 has four third insertion openings OS1b that overlap with the second insertion opening FW3 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 in a plan view (see Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figure 5, the upper end of the main body portion 403a of the projection 403 of the internal support member 400 is passed through the second insertion opening FW3 and the third insertion opening OS1b of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 from the lower side of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 (inside the safe SB). Then, as shown in Figure 5, the male threaded portion 403b of the projection 403 of the internal support member 400 screws onto the nut FM3. In this way, the internal support member 400 is fastened to the external support member 300, with the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 in between.

[0024] (3-2) Second external support member The second external support member OT, as shown in Figure 2, has a sliding mechanism OT1 such as a rail mechanism, and supports the loading / unloading processing device 200 so that it can slide back and forth via the sliding mechanism OT1. The sliding mechanism OT1 allows the loading / unloading processing device 200 to be mounted on the second external support member OT by sliding it from the front to the rear relative to the second external support member OT, and the loading / unloading processing device 200 mounted on the external support member 300 can be removed by sliding it from the rear to the front. In addition, the second external support member OT has an insertion opening formed at a location that overlaps with the first insertion opening OS1a of the first external support member OS in a plan view. When the relay member 800 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100, the relay member 800 passes through this insertion opening.

[0025] 4. Internal Support Member The internal support member 400 is attached to the lower surface of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, and is mainly formed from an upper wall portion 401, a side wall portion 402, and a projection portion 403. The upper wall portion 401 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, as shown in Figure 5. The upper wall portion 401 has an insertion opening 401a at a location that overlaps with the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 in plan view (see Figure 5). When the relay member 800 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100, the relay member 800 passes through the insertion opening 401a. The side wall portion 402 extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion 401, as shown in Figures 1 and 5. Furthermore, a first recess RE1 that is recessed to the rear is formed in the vertical center of the front end of the right wall portion of the side wall portion 402 and in the vertical center of the front end of the left wall portion of the side wall portion 402 (see Figures 1 and 5). In addition, a second recess RE2 that is recessed to the rear is formed in the lower part of the rear end of the right wall portion of the side wall portion 402 and in the lower part of the rear end of the left wall portion of the side wall portion 402 (see Figures 1 and 5). As shown in Figure 1, the first recess RE1 is located higher than the second recess RE2. The distance from the rear end of the first recess RE1 to the rear end of the second recess RE2 is the same as the distance from the rear end of the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 to the rear end of the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500. Furthermore, the length of the first mounting portion 402a for placing the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 that has entered the first recess RE1 is longer than the length of the second mounting portion 402b for placing the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 that has entered the second recess RE2. The projection 403 extends upward from the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right portions of the upper wall portion 401, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, and is formed from a main body portion 403a and a male screw portion 403b. The main body portion 403a has a substantially cylindrical shape, as shown in Figure 5. Note that, as shown in Figure 5, the radius of the upper end of the main body portion 403a is smaller than the radius of the lower part of the upper end of the main body portion 403a. The male screw portion 403b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the main body portion 403a (see Figure 5). The male screw portion 403b can be screwed with the nut FM3 as described above.

[0026] 5. Frame The frame 500, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is mainly composed of the main body FR, the first rod RO1, and the second rod RO2. These components will be described in detail below.

[0027] (5-1) Main body The main body FR is formed from the bottom wall FR1, rear wall FR2, left wall FR3, and right wall FR4, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The bottom wall FR1 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The rear wall FR2 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom wall FR1, as shown in Figure 1. The left wall FR3 extends upward from the left end of the bottom wall FR1, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, a first left-side insertion opening is formed at the front end of the upper end of the left wall FR3, and a second left-side insertion opening is formed at the rear end of the upper end of the left wall FR3. The first left-side insertion opening is located higher than the second left-side insertion opening. The right wall FR4 extends upward from the right end of the bottom wall FR1, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a first right-side insertion opening is formed at the front end of the upper end of the right wall portion FR4, and a second right-side insertion opening is formed at the rear end of the upper end of the right wall portion FR4. The first right-side insertion opening is located at the same height as the first left-side insertion opening, and the second right-side insertion opening is located at the same height as the second left-side insertion opening.

[0028] (5-2) First rod portion The first rod portion RO1 passes through the first left insertion opening and the first right insertion opening of the main body portion FR, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and is fixed to the main body portion FR. As will be described in more detail later, the first rod portion RO1 can enter the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400. Note that the first rod portion RO1 is located higher than the second rod portion RO2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0029] (5-3) The second rod portion RO2 passes through the second left insertion opening and the second right insertion opening of the main body portion FR, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and is fixed to the main body portion FR. As will be described in more detail later, the second rod portion RO2 can enter the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. As mentioned above, the distance from the rear end of the first rod portion RO1 to the rear end of the second rod portion RO2 is the same as the distance from the rear end of the first recess RE1 to the rear end of the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400.

[0030] 6. Collection Box The collection box 700 is a roughly rectangular box for storing paper sheets transported from the input / output processing device 200, and is located inside the safe SB of the housing 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The collection box 700 can be attached to the frame 500 by pushing it up to the rear wall FR2 of the frame 500 with the collection box 700 positioned between the left wall FR3 and the right wall FR4 above the bottom wall FR1 of the frame 500 (see Figure 3). Inside the collection box 700, there is an identification sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) for identifying the number and condition of the paper sheets inside the collection box 700. This identification sensor is connected to the internal control board IB and sends the identification information of the paper sheets to the microcomputer on the internal control board IB.

[0031] 7. Relay Member The relay member 800 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100 as described above. The relay member 800 is mainly composed of a first relay member 801 and a second relay member 802, as shown in Figures 6 to 9. In the paper sheet processing device 1, a transport path is formed that extends from inside the input / output processing device 200 through the space between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802 to the inside of the collection box 700, and the relay member 800 relays the transport of paper sheets between the transport path on the input / output processing device 200 side and the transport path on the collection box 700 side. These components will be described in detail below.

[0032] (7-1) The first relay member 801 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100, and then fastened to the external support member 300 with screws or the like. That is, the first relay member 801 is fixed inside the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9, the first relay member 801 is mainly composed of a main body portion MA, a roller MB, and an optical sensor MC, etc.

[0033] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the main body MA is mainly formed from a base MA1, a left side wall MA2, a left side projection MA3, a right side wall MA4, and a right side projection MA5. As shown in Figure 6, the base MA1 is a plate portion that has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 6, openings MA1a are formed in the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right parts of the base MA1. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the left side wall MA2 extends forward from the left end of the base MA1. As shown in Figure 8, a left side locking portion MA2a is formed at the upper right end of the left side wall MA2, which is recessed inward (to the left). As shown in Figure 8, the left side locking portion NA3 of the main body NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the left side locking portion MA2a. As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the left projection MA3 extends to the right from the lower part of the left locking portion MA2a at the right end of the left wall portion MA2. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the right wall portion MA4 extends forward from the right end of the base portion MA1. Although not shown, a right locking portion that is recessed inward (to the right) is formed at the upper end of the left end of the right wall portion MA4. The right locking portion NA5 of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the right locking portion. As shown in Figure 6, the right projection MA5 extends to the left from the lower part of the right locking portion at the left end of the right wall portion MA4.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the roller MB is rotatably positioned inside the opening MA1a of the base portion MA1 of the main body portion MA.

[0035] The optical sensor MC is composed of, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and as shown in Figure 6, it is provided at the lower end of the left-right center of the base unit MA1 of the main unit MA. The optical sensor MC is connected to the internal control board IB via the second relay connector CP and sends detection result information indicating that the light-receiving unit is receiving light from the light-emitting unit to the microcomputer on the internal control board IB. The optical sensor MC faces the reflective member NC of the second relay member 802 when the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801. The light-receiving unit receives light from the light-emitting unit when the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801 and there are no paper sheets between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. If the second relay member 802 is not attached to the first relay member 801, the light from the light-emitting unit is not reflected by the reflective member NC of the second relay member 802, and the light-receiving unit does not receive light from the light-emitting unit. If the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801, but there are sheets of paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802, the light from the light-emitting unit will be blocked by the sheets of paper, and the light-receiving unit will not receive the light from the light-emitting unit.

[0036] (7-2) Second relay member The second relay member 802 is a member that can be detachably attached to the first relay member 801 (see Figures 8 and 9). The second relay member 802 is mainly composed of a main body NA, a roller NB, and a reflective member NC, as shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the main body NA is mainly formed from the base NA1, the left projection NA2, the left locking part NA3, the right projection NA4, and the right locking part NA5. The base NA1, as shown in Figure 7, is a plate portion that exhibits a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the rear. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, openings NA1a are formed in the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right parts of the base NA1. In addition, a left groove (not shown) is formed in the lower part of the left projection NA2 on the left wall of the base NA1, and a right groove NA1b (see Figure 9) is formed in the lower part of the right projection NA4 on the right wall of the base NA1. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the left projection NA2 extends from the vertical center of the left wall of the base NA1 to the left and then extends upward. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the left-side locking portion NA3 extends to the left from the vertical center of the left-side projection NA2. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the right-side projection NA4 extends to the right from the vertical center of the right wall of the base portion NA1, and then extends upward. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the right-side locking portion NA7 extends to the right from the vertical center of the right-side projection NA4.

[0038] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the roller NB is rotatably positioned inside the opening NA1a of the base portion NA1 of the main body portion NA.

[0039] The reflective member NC is, for example, an optical prism, and as shown in Figure 7, it is provided at the lower part of the left-right center of the base portion MA1 of the main body portion NA. As described above, the reflective member NC faces the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 when the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801.

[0040] Here, we will explain how to attach the second relay member 802 to the first relay member 801. First, position the left groove of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 directly above the left projection MA3 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and position the right groove NA1b of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 directly above the right projection MA5 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801. Then, move the second relay member 802 downward so that the left projection MA3 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801 fits into the left groove of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802, and the right projection MA5 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801 fits into the right groove NA1b of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802. When the projections are fitted into the grooves, the second relay member 802 can be slid vertically relative to the first relay member 801. Then, by sliding the second relay member 802 downward relative to the first relay member 801, the left locking portion NA3 of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 is locked to the left locking portion MA2a of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right locking portion NA5 of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 is locked to the right locking portion of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801. In this way, the second relay member 802 can be attached to the first relay member 801.

[0041] Next, a method for removing the second relay member 802 from the first relay member 801 will be described. First, the left projection NA2 and the right projection NA4 of the main body NA of the second relay member 802 are pinched inward, for example, with fingers. This releases the locking state of the left locking portion NA3 of the main body NA of the second relay member 802 against the left locking portion MA2a of the main body MA of the first relay member 801, and also releases the locking state of the right locking portion NA5 of the main body NA of the second relay member 802 against the right locking portion MA of the main body MA of the first relay member 801. Then, the second relay member 802 is slid upward relative to the first relay member 801. Then, the left projection MA3 of the main body MA of the first relay member 801 is made to disengage from the left groove of the main body NA of the second relay member 802, and the right projection MA5 of the main body MA of the first relay member 801 is made to disengage from the right groove NA1b of the main body NA of the second relay member 802. In this way, the second relay member 802 can be removed from the first relay member 801. When the second relay member 802 is removed from the first relay member 801, the transport path is exposed at the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100.

[0042] 8. Internal Control Board The internal control board IB is located at the rear of the top wall of the collection box 700, as shown in Figure 3, and is situated directly below the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW inside the safe SB of the housing 100. The internal control board IB also has a microcomputer and LEDs mounted on it. The microcomputer, for example, identifies the number and condition of paper sheets inside the collection box 700 based on identification information from the identification sensor inside the collection box 700, and turns the LEDs on and off.

[0043] Furthermore, the internal control board IB is connected to the control board of the input / output processing unit 200 and to the power supply circuit board of the power supply unit via the first relay connector CO.

[0044] Also, the internal control board IB is connected to the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 via the second relay connector CP. Then, the microcomputer receives detection result information indicating that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC is receiving the light from the light-emitting part from the optical sensor MC. When the microcomputer receives this detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801 and there is no paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. On the other hand, when the microcomputer does not receive this detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that the second relay member 802 is not attached to the first relay member 801 or there is paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0045] 9. First Relay Connector The first relay connector CO relays the connection between the internal control board IB and the control board of the input / output processing device 200 as described above. Also, the first relay connector CO relays the connection between the internal control board IB and the power circuit board of the power supply unit as described above. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the first relay connector CO is fitted into the opening in the left part of the top wall of the connector support member CS and is supported by the connector support member CS. Note that the first relay connector CO is located above the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100 (outside the safe SB) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10.

[0046] 10. Second Relay Connector The second relay connector CP relays the connection between the internal control board IB and the optical sensor MC of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 as described above. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second relay connector CP is fitted into the opening in the right part of the top wall of the connector support member CS and is supported by the connector support member CS. Note that the second relay connector CP is located above the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100 (outside the safe SB) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0047] 11. Connector support member The connector support member CS is a member for supporting the first relay connector CO and the second relay connector CP as described above. The connector support member CS is mainly formed of a top wall portion, a front wall portion, a left wall portion, a right wall portion, a protrusion portion, etc. The top wall portion has a substantially square shape in a plan view. An opening for fitting the first relay connector CO is formed in the left portion of the top wall portion, and an opening for fitting the second relay connector CP is formed in the right portion of the top wall portion. The front wall portion extends downward from the front end of the top wall portion. The left wall portion extends downward from the left end of the top wall portion. The right wall portion extends downward from the right end of the top wall portion. The protrusion portion extends upward from the central portion in the left - right direction at the rear end of the top wall portion. As shown in FIG. 10, the connector support member CS is disposed above the bottom wall portion OS1 of the first external support member OS of the external support member 300 and in front of the rear wall portion of the side wall portion OS2. And the protrusion portion of the connector support member CS is fastened to the rear wall portion of the side wall portion OS2 of the first external support member OS of the external support member 300 (see FIG. 10).

[0048] 12. Power supply unit The power supply unit is mainly composed of a power supply circuit board and the like. The power supply circuit board is connected to the internal control board IB via the first relay connector CO as described above. Also, the power supply circuit board is connected to the control board of the input - output processing device 200.

[0049] 13. Optical prism As shown in FIG. 10, the optical prism PR is attached to the rear surface of the base portion MA1 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 inside the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100. Also, the optical prism PR reflects the light of the LED mounted on the internal control board IB and illuminates the inside of the communication port FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100.

[0050] <Method for attaching a frame to an internal support member in a paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention> First, as shown in Figure 11, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is inserted into the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400 so that the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 rests on the front end of the first mounting portion 402a of the internal support member 400. Next, as shown in Figure 12, the rear side of the frame 500 (the side with the second rod portion RO2) is lifted, and the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is positioned in front of the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. At this time, the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 has not yet entered the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. Next, the frame 500 is moved from the front to the rear. As a result, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is pushed into the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400, and the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is pushed into the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400 (see Figure 1). In this way, the frame 500 can be attached to the internal support member 400 (see Figure 1).

[0051] The collection box 700 is attached to the frame 500 as described above. Therefore, the collection box 700 is detachably attached to the internal support member 400 from the front via the frame 500. Alternatively, the collection box 700 may be attached to the frame 500 first, and then the frame 500 may be attached to the internal support member 400 as described above, or the frame 500 may be attached to the internal support member 400 as described above, and then the collection box 700 may be attached to the frame 500.

[0052] <Method for removing the frame from the internal support member in a paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention> First, the frame 500 is moved from the rear to the front, and the second rod portion RO2 of the frame 500 is removed from the second recess RE2 of the internal support member 400. At this time, the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is resting on the front end of the first mounting portion 402a of the internal support member 400. Next, the rear side of the frame 500 (the side with the second rod portion RO2) is lowered, and the frame 500 is moved from the rear to the front, and the first rod portion RO1 of the frame 500 is removed from the first recess RE1 of the internal support member 400. In this way, the frame 500 can be removed from the internal support member 400.

[0053] <Regarding the flow of paper sheets when they are determined to be acceptable after being set at the inlet / outlet of the loading / unloading processing device> First, when paper sheets are set at the inlet / outlet 201 of the loading / unloading processing device 200, the microcomputer on the control board of the loading / unloading processing device 200 drives the motor of the transport mechanism of the loading / unloading processing device 200. As a result, the paper sheets are introduced into the loading / unloading processing device 200 via the transport path. The paper sheets are then identified by the identification unit of the loading / unloading processing device 200. When the microcomputer on the control board determines that the paper sheets are acceptable based on the identification information from the identification unit of the loading / unloading processing device 200, they are transported between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 at the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall FW of the housing 100. The paper sheets are then transported into the collection box 700 and stored there.

[0054] <Regarding the flow of paper sheets when it is determined that paper sheets set in the input / output port of the input / output processing device cannot be accepted> First, when paper sheets are set in the input / output port 201 of the input / output processing device 200, the microcomputer on the control board of the input / output processing device 200 drives the motor of the transport mechanism of the input / output processing device 200. As a result, the paper sheets are introduced into the input / output processing device 200 via the transport path. The paper sheets are then identified by the identification unit of the input / output processing device 200. If the microcomputer on the control board of the input / output processing device 200 determines that the paper sheets cannot be accepted based on the identification information of the identification unit of the input / output processing device 200, it rotates the motor of the transport mechanism of the input / output processing device 200 in the reverse direction. The paper sheets are then discharged from the input / output port 201 of the input / output processing device 200.

[0055] <Features of the paper sheet processing device according to this embodiment> (1) In the paper sheet processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 is fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 and then fastened to the external support member 300 with screws or the like. The second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 can be detachably attached to the first relay member 801. The transport path passes between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802 and is exposed when the second relay member 802 is removed from the first relay member 801. Therefore, in this paper sheet processing device 1, by removing the second relay member 802 from the first relay member 801, the paper sheets jammed in the relay member 800 can be exposed as much as possible. Thus, in this paper sheet processing device 1, the paper sheets jammed in the relay member 800 can be removed as easily as possible.

[0056] (2) In the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the first relay member 801 of the relay member 800 has an optical sensor MC composed of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. The second relay member 802 of the relay member 800 has a reflective member NC that reflects light from the light-emitting part of the optical sensor MC to the light-receiving part when it is attached to the first relay member 801. Therefore, in this paper sheet processing apparatus 1, when the light-receiving part is not receiving light from the light-emitting part of the optical sensor MC, it is possible to recognize that a paper sheet jam has occurred in the relay member 800 or that the second relay member 802 is not attached to the first relay member 801.

[0057] (3) In the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the second relay member 802 can be slid downward relative to the first relay member 801. Furthermore, the left locking portion NA3 of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the left locking portion MA2a of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right locking portion NA5 of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 can be locked to the right locking portion of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801. For this reason, in this paper sheet processing apparatus 1, the second relay member 802 can be attached to the first relay member 801 as easily as possible.

[0058] <Modification> (A) Although not mentioned in the paper sheet processing device 1 according to the above embodiment, a recirculating storage device connected to the collection box 700 may be provided inside the safe SB. The recirculating storage device consists of, for example, a drum section and a conveying mechanism. The drum section wraps the paper sheets around its outer surface, allowing the paper sheets to be stored inside the recirculating storage device. The conveying mechanism is a mechanism for generating and transmitting driving force to convey the paper sheets along a conveying path, and consists of, for example, a motor, pulleys, a belt, etc. The motor can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and when the motor is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the pulleys. There are multiple pulleys, and one pulley is connected to the other pulleys by a belt. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the belt via the pulleys.

[0059] When it is determined that the paper sheets set in the inlet / outlet 201 of the inlet / outlet processing device 200 will be accepted, the paper sheets may be stored not only inside the collection box 700 but also inside the recirculating storage device. Furthermore, the paper sheets stored inside the recirculating storage device may be dispensed from the inlet / outlet 201 of the inlet / outlet processing device 200, for example, as change.

[0060] (B) In the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB received detection result information from the optical sensor MC indicating that the light receiving part of the optical sensor MC was receiving light from the light emitting part. However, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB may also receive detection result information from the optical sensor MC indicating that the light receiving part of the optical sensor MC was not receiving light from the light emitting part. When the microcomputer of the internal control board IB receives this detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that the second relay member 802 is not attached to the first relay member 801 or that paper sheets are present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. On the other hand, if the microcomputer of the internal control board IB does not receive this detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801 and that paper sheets are not present between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0061] Furthermore, the microcomputer of the internal control board IB may receive both detection result information from the optical sensor MC indicating that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC is receiving light from the light-emitting part, and detection result information indicating that the light-receiving part of the optical sensor MC is not receiving light from the light-emitting part. When the microcomputer of the internal control board IB receives the former detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that the second relay member 802 is attached to the first relay member 801 and that there are no sheets of paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802. Also, when the microcomputer of the internal control board IB receives the latter detection result information from the optical sensor MC, it determines that either the second relay member 802 is not attached to the first relay member 801 or there are sheets of paper between the first relay member 801 and the second relay member 802.

[0062] (C) In the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment, the relay member 800 was composed of a first relay member 801 and a second relay member 802. However, the relay member 800 may be composed of three or more members. In this case, some of the three or more members may be fitted into the communication opening FW1 of the intermediate wall portion FW of the housing 100 and then fastened to the external support member 300 with screws or the like. Furthermore, the other members of the three or more members may be detachably attached to some of the three or more members.

[0063] (D) In ​​the paper sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment, the left groove of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 was positioned directly above the left projection MA3 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and the right groove NA1b of the main body portion NA of the second relay member 802 was positioned directly above the right projection MA5 of the main body portion MA of the first relay member 801, and then the second relay member 802 was slid downward relative to the first relay member 801 to attach it to the first relay member 801. However, there may be other methods for attaching the second relay member 802 to the first relay member 801. For example, the second relay member 802 may be attached to the first relay member 801 via a hinge so that the second relay member 802 is rotatable relative to the first relay member 801.

[0064] Each of the above modifications may be applied individually or in combination.

Claims

1. A paper sheet processing device comprising: a box having a communication opening; an input / output processing unit disposed on the outside of the box; a storage unit disposed inside the box; a transport path extending from the inside of the input / output processing unit through the communication opening to the inside of the storage unit; and a transport relay member fitted into the communication opening, which relays the transport of paper sheets between the transport path on the input / output processing unit side and the transport path on the storage unit side, and which is composed of two or more members, wherein the transport path passes inside the transport relay member, some of the two or more members are fixed inside the communication opening, and the other members of the two or more members can be detachably attached to the some members, and when the other members are removed from the some members, the transport path is exposed.

2. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport relay member is composed of two members, a first transport relay member and a second transport relay member, the first transport relay member has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, and the second transport relay member has a reflecting part that reflects light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part when mounted on the first transport relay member.

3. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first transport relay member further has a locking portion, the second transport relay member further has a locking portion that can be locked to the locking portion, and is slidable relative to the first transport relay member in the direction of extension of the transport path, and the second transport relay member is attached to the first transport relay member by sliding the second transport relay member relative to the first transport relay member and locking the locking portion to the locking portion.

4. A transport relay member fitted into a box having a communication opening, comprising: a first transport relay member having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, fixed inside the communication opening; and a second transport relay member having a reflective part, detachably attached to the first transport relay member, wherein the reflective part reflects light from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part when the second transport relay member is attached to the first transport relay member.

Citation Information

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