Paper sheet storing device
The paper sheet storage device addresses the issue of insufficient pushing force by incorporating a torque assist mechanism, enhancing stability and efficiency in storage operations while reducing size and cost.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJITSU FRONTECH LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure JP2024044943_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Paper sheet storage device
[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet storage device.
[0002] For example, there is known a paper sheet storage device that stores paper sheets such as banknotes that are carried in, one by one or in a plurality, and pushes them into the inside of a storage member such as a storage by a pushing mechanism (Patent Document 1).
[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 111012
[0004] In a paper sheet storage device including a storage for storing paper sheets and a pushing mechanism for pushing the paper sheets into the storage, if the pushing force of the pushing mechanism is not sufficient, the paper sheets may not be properly pushed into the storage and stored, which may cause malfunction.
[0005] On one aspect, an object of the present invention is to realize a paper sheet storage device capable of stabilizing the storage operation of paper sheets.
[0006] In one aspect, there is provided a paper sheet storage device including a storage for storing paper sheets, a pushing mechanism for pushing the paper sheets into the storage, the pushing mechanism including a motor, a drive gear rotationally driven using the motor, a pusher for pushing the paper sheets into the storage by a driving force transmitted from the drive gear, and a torque assisting mechanism for adding torque in the rotational direction of the drive gear that transmits the driving force of pushing to the pusher when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage.
[0007] On one aspect, it becomes possible to realize a paper sheet storage device capable of stabilizing the storage operation of paper sheets. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description in relation to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments as examples of the present invention.
[0008] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the push-in mechanism of a paper sheet storage device. This is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device. This is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device. This is a diagram (3) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device. This is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram (3) illustrating an example of the paper sheet storage operation in a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the gear configuration in the push-in mechanism of a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram further illustrating the paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the fourth embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the fifth embodiment.
[0009] First, an example of a paper sheet storage device will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 1(A) schematically shows an external perspective view of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 1(B) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device.
[0010] The paper storage device 100 shown in Figure 1(A) is mounted on various paper handling devices, including automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash dispensers (CDs). The paper storage device 100 stores paper documents 20, such as banknotes, that are inserted into the input slot of the paper handling device on which it is mounted, into the storage compartment 30.
[0011] As shown in Figure 1(A), the paper sheet storage device 100 comprises a storage compartment 30 for storing paper sheets 20 and a pushing mechanism 40 for pushing the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30. The storage compartment 30 is positioned in the direction in which the paper sheets 20 are pushed in by the pushing mechanism 40. That is, the pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30 are positioned facing each other. Paper sheets 20 inserted from the input port of a paper sheet handling device on which the paper sheet storage device 100 is mounted are transported along a predetermined transport path within the paper sheet handling device and then transported to the paper sheet storage device 100. The paper sheets 20 transported to the paper sheet storage device 100 are brought into the interior of the paper sheet storage device 100 through an input port 61 provided in a cover member 60 that integrally holds the pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30. The transported paper sheets 20 are then transported into the space provided between the opposing pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30. The paper sheets 20 transported to the space are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pushing mechanism 40 and stored therein.
[0012] Figure 1(B) shows the paper sheet storage device 100 with the cover member 60 removed. The pushing mechanism 40 comprises a motor 41, gears 42a, 42b, 42c, a rotating shaft 43, a drive gear 44, a rack 45, an X-link 46, and a pusher 47. The pushing mechanism 40 uses the motor 41 as a driving source and transmits its driving force to the drive gear 44 connected to the rotating shaft 43, which is rotated by gears 42a-42c. The driving force transmitted to the drive gear 44 moves the rack 45 and the X-link 46 connected to it, and the pusher 47 connected to the X-link 46 moves.
[0013] The paper sheets 20, transported into the space between the pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30, are pushed in through the storage opening 31a of the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47 of the pushing mechanism 40, and are accumulated and stored on the stage 32 inside the storage compartment 30 in an upright position. The storage compartment 30 is designed to allow multiple paper sheets 20 to be accumulated sequentially in an upright position.
[0014] An example of the pushing mechanism 40 of the paper sheet storage device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pushing mechanism of the paper sheet storage device. Figure 2(A) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the pushing mechanism is returned to the standby position. Figure 2(B) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the pushing mechanism is pushed out from the standby position.
[0015] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), in the push mechanism 40, the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear 42a via the belt 41a, and further transmitted to the gear 42c via the gear 42b, causing the rotating shaft 43 connected to the gear 42c to rotate. A drive gear 44 is connected to the rotating shaft 43 along with the gear 42c, and the drive gear 44 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 43. The drive gear 44 is provided to mesh with the rack 45. As the drive gear 44 rotates, the rack 45 moves up and down, and as the rack 45 moves, the X-link 46 connected to it extends and retracts, and the pusher 47 connected to the X-link 46 moves forward and backward.
[0016] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2(A), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotation direction D2 and the rack 45 is pushed upward, the X-link 46 retracts and the pusher 47 retracts to the side of the drive gear 44, that is, to the side opposite to the storage compartment 30. Also, as shown in Figure 2(B), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotation direction D1, which is opposite to the rotation direction D2, and the rack 45 is pushed downward, the X-link 46 extends and the pusher 47 moves forward to the side opposite to the drive gear 44, that is, to the storage compartment 30.
[0017] For example, such a pushing mechanism 40 is used to store paper sheets by pushing them into the storage compartment 30. Figures 3 to 5 illustrate an example of the paper sheet storage operation in the paper sheet storage device. Figure 3(A) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the standby state. Figure 3(B) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the state in which paper sheets have been loaded. Figure 4(A) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the first stage when paper sheets are pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 4(B) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the second stage when paper sheets are pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 5(A) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the first stage after paper sheets have been pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 5(B) schematically shows a side view of the main parts of an example of the second stage after paper sheets have been pushed into the storage compartment.
[0018] First, from the standby state shown in Figure 3(A), the paper sheets 20 brought in from the entrance 61 are transported into the space between the opposing pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30, as shown in Figure 3(B).
[0019] Here, the storage compartment 30 is provided with a storage opening 31a in the side wall 31 facing the pushing mechanism 40, into which the pusher 47 of the pushing mechanism 40 and the paper sheets 20 that are pushed in by it can enter. The storage opening 31a in the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30 is set to an opening size smaller than the planar size of the paper sheets 20 to be stored. Inside the storage compartment 30, there is a stage 32 into which the stored paper sheets 20 are accumulated. The stage 32 is able to move on a rail (not shown) into which a gear 33 meshes, either in a direction approaching the side wall 31 or in a direction away from the side wall 31. The stage 32 is constantly biased toward the side wall 31 by an elastic body such as a spring. The paper sheets 20 accumulated on the stage 32 are held inside the storage compartment 30 by being sandwiched between the outer circumference of the storage opening 31a in the side wall 31, which is smaller than the paper sheets 20, and the stage 32 which is biased toward the side wall 31.
[0020] The paper sheets 20, transported into the space between the pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30, are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pushing mechanism 40, as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B). First, as shown in Figure 4(A), the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the gears 42a-42c and the rotating shaft 43, causing the drive gear 44 to rotate in the rotational direction D1. As the drive gear 44 rotates, the rack 45 is pushed downward, the X-link 46 extends, and the pusher 47 advances toward the side approaching the storage compartment 30. The pusher 47, via the paper sheets 20 being pushed, contacts the stage 32 inside the storage compartment 30 or the paper sheets 20 already accumulated there through the storage opening 31a in the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30.
[0021] As the rotation of the drive gear 44 using the motor 41 in the rotation direction D1 progresses further, as shown in Figure 4(B), the pusher 47, together with the paper sheets 20 being pushed in, passes through the storage opening 31a of the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30, and advances further into the interior of the storage compartment 30, pushing the stage 32 against the biasing force toward the side wall 31. In this way, the paper sheets 20 are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47.
[0022] After the paper sheets 20 are pushed in, the pushing mechanism 40 is returned to its standby state, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B). At this time, first, as shown in Figure 5(A), the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the gears 42a-42c and the rotating shaft 43, and the drive gear 44 is rotated in the rotation direction D2, which is opposite to the rotation direction D1 during pushing. As the drive gear 44 rotates, the rack 45 is pushed upward, the X-link 46 retracts, and the pusher 47 is biased by the stage 32 and retracts toward the side away from the storage compartment 30. The retracting pusher 47 passes through the storage opening 31a provided in the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30. At this time, the paper sheets 20 pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47 are sandwiched between the outer circumference of the storage opening 31a, which is smaller than the paper sheets 20, in the side wall 31, and the stage 32 which is biased toward the side wall 31. As a result, the paper sheets 20 that have been pushed in (and the paper sheets 20 that have already been accumulated) remain inside the storage compartment 30 and are stored within the storage compartment 30.
[0023] Then, as the rotation of the drive gear 44 using the motor 41 in the rotation direction D2 progresses further, the pusher 47 leaves the storage compartment 30 and returns to the standby position, as shown in Figure 5(B). In the storage operation of the paper sheet storage device 100 as described above, a load is applied when the paper sheets 20 are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pushing mechanism 40 (Figure 4).
[0024] In other words, from the standby position as shown in Figure 3(A) until the paper sheets 20 transported between the pushing mechanism 40 and the storage compartment 30 as shown in Figure 3(B) are pushed by the pusher 47 and come into contact with the stage 32 or the paper sheets 20 piled on it as shown in Figure 4(A), there is almost no load. That is, during this time, there is almost no load that would resist the driving force of the motor 41 that rotates the drive gear 44 in the rotational direction D1.
[0025] However, as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), once the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20, the pusher 47 is pushed into the storage compartment 30 against the biasing force of the stage 32, which is biased toward the side wall 31 (pusher 47 side). In other words, when the paper sheets 20 are pushed in by the pusher 47, the biasing force of the stage 32 creates a load that resists the driving force of the motor 41 that rotates the drive gear 44 that pushes the pusher 47 in the rotational direction D1. If the pushing force of the pusher 47 in the pushing mechanism 40 is insufficient due to this load, the posture of the paper sheets 20 being pushed in may be disrupted, or folds or jams may occur, resulting in the paper sheets 20 not being properly pushed and stored in the storage compartment 30, which may cause malfunctions.
[0026] If a motor 41 capable of providing sufficient driving force in anticipation of such a load is selected, it may lead to an increase in the size and cost of the motor 41, the pushing mechanism 40 equipped with it, and the paper sheet storage device 100 equipped with the pushing mechanism 40.
[0027] In view of the above points, the following embodiment adopts a configuration that can stabilize the paper sheet storage operation and realizes a paper sheet storage device. [First Embodiment] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 7(A) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the paper sheet storage device's pushing mechanism has been returned to the standby position. Figure 7(B) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the paper sheet storage device's pushing mechanism has been pushed out from the standby position.
[0028] The paper storage device 1A shown in Figure 6 is mounted on various paper handling devices, including ATMs and CD players. Paper documents such as banknotes are inserted into the input slot of the paper handling device on which it is mounted, transported along a predetermined transport path of the paper handling device, and then transported to the paper storage device 1A, where they are stored in the storage compartment 30.
[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the paper sheet storage device 1A according to the first embodiment includes a storage compartment 30 and a pushing mechanism 40A. The storage compartment 30 is positioned opposite the pushing mechanism 40A in the direction in which the paper sheets are pushed in by the pushing mechanism 40A. The storage compartment 30 of the paper sheet storage device 1A can have the same configuration as described for the paper sheet storage device 100.
[0030] As shown in Figures 6 and 7(A) and 7(B), the pushing mechanism 40A of the paper sheet storage device 1A comprises a motor 41, gears 42a, 42b, 42c, a rotating shaft 43, a drive gear 44, a rack 45, an X-link 46, and a pusher 47. The pushing mechanism 40A uses the motor 41 as a driving source and transmits its driving force to the drive gear 44, which is connected to the rotating shaft 43 rotated by gears 42a-42c. The driving force transmitted to the drive gear 44 moves the rack 45 and the X-link 46 connected to it, and the pusher 47 connected to the X-link 46 moves.
[0031] The paper sheet storage device 1A's push mechanism 40A further includes a torque assist mechanism 50 that adds torque (rotational force) to the drive gear 44. The torque assist mechanism 50 includes a first gear 51 and a second gear 52 (collectively referred to as torque-adding members 50a), and a spring 54 (not shown in Figures 6 and 7, but shown in Figures 8 to 10), as described later. The second gear 52 is mounted on a rotating shaft 43 common to the drive gear 44. The first gear 51 is mounted so as to mesh directly with the second gear 52. The first gear 51 is provided with a projection 51b at a position off-center from the rotation center 51a within its rotational plane. One end of the spring 54 (Figures 8 to 10), as described later, is attached to the projection 51b of the first gear 51.
[0032] In the push mechanism 40A, the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear 42a via the belt 41a, and further transmitted to the gear 42c via the gear 42b, causing the rotating shaft 43 connected to the gear 42c to rotate. As the rotating shaft 43 rotates, the drive gear 44 rotates, and in conjunction with it, the second gear 52 rotates. That is, the motor 41 rotates the drive gear 44 and the second gear 52. Then, in accordance with the rotation of the second gear 52, the first gear 51 that meshes with it rotates. The drive gear 44 is provided to mesh with the rack 45. As the drive gear 44 rotates, the rack 45 moves up and down, and as the rack 45 moves, the X-link 46 connected to it extends and retracts, and the pusher 47 connected to the X-link 46 moves forward and backward. That is, the pushing and pulling operations of the pusher 47 are realized by the driving force transmitted from the drive gear 44.
[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(A), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotation direction D2 and the rack 45 is pushed upward, the X-link 46 retracts and the pusher 47 retracts to the side of the drive gear 44, that is, to the side opposite to the storage compartment 30. Also, as shown in Figure 7(B), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotation direction D1, which is opposite to the rotation direction D2, and the rack 45 is pushed downward, the X-link 46 extends and the pusher 47 moves forward to the side opposite to the drive gear 44, that is, to the storage compartment 30.
[0034] For example, such a pushing mechanism 40A is used to store paper sheets by pushing them into the storage compartment 30. Figures 8 to 10 illustrate an example of the paper sheet storage operation in the paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. Figure 8(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the standby state. Figure 8(B) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the state in which paper sheets have been brought in. Figure 9(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the first stage when paper sheets are pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 9(B) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the second stage when paper sheets are pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 10(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the first stage after paper sheets have been pushed into the storage compartment. Figure 10(B) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of the second stage after paper sheets have been pushed into the storage compartment.
[0035] As shown in Figure 8(A), the pushing mechanism 40A of the paper sheet storage device 1A has one end of a spring 54 attached to a projection 51b of the first gear 51. The other end of the spring 54 is attached to an arbitrary fixed point 51c outside the first gear 51 and fixed in that position. When the pusher 47 is in the standby position as shown in Figure 8(A), the spring 54 pulls the projection 51b toward the fixed point 51c so that torque is applied to the second gear 52 and the drive gear 44 that is linked to it via the first gear 51, pulling the pusher 47 in.
[0036] As shown in Figure 8(A), from a standby state, the paper sheets 20, such as banknotes, are transported into the space between the opposing pushing mechanism 40A and the storage compartment 30, as shown in Figure 8(B). The paper sheets 20 transported into the space between the pushing mechanism 40A and the storage compartment 30 are then pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pushing mechanism 40A, as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B).
[0037] In this case, first, as shown in Figure 9(A), the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted via gears 42a-42c and a rotating shaft 43 (not shown), causing the drive gear 44 and the second gear 52 to rotate in the rotational direction D1. As the drive gear 44 rotates, the rack 45 is pushed downward, the X-link 46 extends, and the pusher 47 moves toward the side approaching the storage compartment 30. The pusher 47, via the paper sheets 20 being pushed, contacts the stage 32 inside the storage compartment 30 or the paper sheets 20 already accumulated there through the storage opening 31a in the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30.
[0038] When the second gear 52 rotates in the rotational direction D1, the first gear 51 that meshes with it rotates in the rotational direction D1a. The first gear 51, which rotates in the rotational direction D1a, is pulled by the spring 54. At this time, initially, the first gear 51 is subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, which tries to rotate the second gear 52 in the opposite direction to its rotational direction D1 (the direction that pushes the pusher 47 in) (the direction that pulls the pusher 47 in). However, as the rotation of the second gear 52 progresses, and the end of the spring 54 attached to the first gear 51, which rotates along with it, passes a certain point, the first gear 51 is then subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, which tries to rotate the second gear 52 in its rotational direction D1 (the direction that pushes the pusher 47 in).
[0039] As the rotation of the drive gear 44 and the second gear 52 using the motor 41 in the rotational direction D1 progresses further, as shown in Figure 9(B), the pusher 47, together with the paper sheets 20 being pushed in, passes through the storage opening 31a of the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30, and advances further into the interior of the storage compartment 30, pushing the stage 32 against the biasing force toward the side wall 31. In this way, the paper sheets 20 are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47.
[0040] From the standby position shown in Figure 8(A) until the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20 as shown in Figure 9(A), there is almost no load. However, once the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20 as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the pusher 47 is pushed towards the storage compartment 30 against the biasing force of the stage 32 which is biased towards the side wall 31 (pusher 47 side). Therefore, when the paper sheets 20 are pushed in by the pusher 47, a load is applied that resists the driving force of the motor 41 which rotates the drive gear 44 (and the second gear 52) that pushes the pusher 47 in the rotational direction D1.
[0041] Here, as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30, if the pulling force of the spring 54 that attempts to rotate the second gear 52 in its rotational direction D1 is applied to the first gear 51, as described above, then torque is applied to the second gear 52 in its rotational direction D1. That is, torque is applied to the drive gear 44, which shares the second gear 52 and the rotating shaft 43, in the rotational direction D1 that pushes the pusher 47 in. Therefore, the pushing force of the pusher 47 when it is pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the rotation of the drive gear 44 can be increased.
[0042] In this pushing mechanism 40A, when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30, the spring 54 pulls and rotates the first gear 51, and the first gear 51, which is pulled and rotated by the spring 54, adds torque to the drive gear 44 in the rotational direction D1 (the rotational direction of the drive gear 44 that transmits the pushing force to the pusher 47). This increases the pushing force of the pusher 47, and after the pusher 47 comes into contact with the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20, the pushing load on the pusher 47 increases due to the biasing force of the stage 32, making it possible to stably push the pusher 47 towards the storage compartment 30 by the rotation of the drive gear 44 (and the second gear 52) to which torque has been added.
[0043] In the pushing mechanism 40A, when the pushing load of the pusher 47 increases due to the biasing force of the stage 32, the gear ratio or the gear phase or both of the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 are preset so that the tensile force of the spring 54 that tries to rotate the second gear 52 in its rotation direction D1 acts on the first gear 51.
[0044] In the pushing mechanism 40A, the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the spring 54 are a form of the torque assist mechanism 50. The first gear 51 and the second gear 52 are a form of the torque addition member 50a in the torque assist mechanism 50.
[0045] After the paper sheets 20 are pushed in, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the pushing mechanism 40A is returned to the standby state. At that time, first, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted through the gears 42a - 42c and a rotating shaft 43 not shown, and the driving gear 44 and the second gear 52 are rotated in the rotation direction D2 opposite to the rotation direction D1 during pushing. Along with the rotation of the driving gear 44, the rack 45 is pushed upward, the X link 46 shrinks, and the pusher 47 retreats toward the side away from the storage 30 while being biased by the stage 32.
[0046] When the second gear 52 rotates in the rotational direction D2, the first gear 51 that meshes with it rotates in the rotational direction D2a. The first gear 51, which rotates in the rotational direction D2a, is pulled by the spring 54. At this time, initially, the first gear 51 is subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, which tries to rotate the second gear 52 in the opposite direction to its rotational direction D2 (the direction that pulls in the pusher 47) (the direction that pushes in the pusher 47). However, as the rotation of the second gear 52 progresses, and the end (projection 51b) of the spring 54 attached to the first gear 51, which rotates along with it, passes a certain point, the first gear 51 is then subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, which tries to rotate the second gear 52 in its rotational direction D2 (the direction that pulls in the pusher 47). In this pushing mechanism 40A, after the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30, torque is applied to the second gear 52 and the drive gear 44 linked to it in the opposite direction to the rotational direction D1 that pushes the pusher 47 in, that is, in the rotational direction D2 that pulls the pusher 47 in.
[0047] As the pusher 47 retracts toward the side away from the storage compartment 30, it passes through the storage opening 31a provided in the side wall 31 of the storage compartment 30. At this time, the paper sheets 20 pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47 are sandwiched between the outer circumference of the storage opening 31a, which is smaller than the paper sheets 20, and the stage 32 which is biased toward the side wall 31, and remain inside the storage compartment 30, being held and stored within the storage compartment 30. Then, as the rotation of the drive gear 44 using the motor 41 in the rotation direction D2 progresses further, as shown in Figure 10(B), the pusher 47 leaves the storage compartment 30 and returns to its initial standby position.
[0048] When pulling in the pusher 47 as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the pulling-in direction is the biasing direction by the stage 32 and almost no load is applied. However, at the initial stage of pulling in, the pulling force of the spring 54 is applied to the first gear 51 in the rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction D2a at the time of pulling in. Therefore, it is necessary to rotate the drive gear 44 and the second gear 52 in the rotational direction D2 with the torque of the motor 41 against the pulling force of the spring 54 applied to the first gear 51 to pull in the pusher 47. After that, no load is applied by the stage 32, and the pusher 47 can be stably pulled in at a low torque by the rotation of the second gear 52 to which torque is added by the pulling force of the spring 54 applied to the first gear 51 in the rotational direction D2a, that is, by the rotation of the drive gear 44.
[0049] According to the above pushing mechanism 40A, when pushing the paper sheets 20 into the storage 30 with the pusher 47, it becomes possible to assist the torque of the motor 41 that rotates the drive gear 44 so as to push the pusher 47, by using the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the spring 54. Further, according to the above pushing mechanism 40A, when pulling in the pusher 47 from the storage 30, it becomes possible to assist the torque of the motor 41 that rotates the drive gear 44 so as to pull in the pusher 47, by using the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the spring 54. Thereby, it becomes possible to realize a paper sheet storage device 1A capable of stabilizing the storage operation of the paper sheets 20.
[0050] Also, according to the above pushing mechanism 40A, since the torque of the motor 41 can be assisted, it becomes possible to select a small-sized motor with low torque, and it becomes possible to realize miniaturization and cost reduction of the pushing mechanism 40A, and further of the paper sheet storage device 1A provided with the pushing mechanism 40A.
[0051] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the gear configuration in the push-in mechanism of a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. In the first gear 51, if L is the distance from its rotation center 51a to the projection 51b to which one end of the spring 54 is attached, θ is the angle between the line connecting the rotation center 51a and the projection 51b and the spring 54 attached to the projection 51b and the fixed point 51c, Sf is the load due to the extension of the spring 54, and St is the torque obtained from the load Sf of the spring 54, then the following relationship (1) holds.
[0052] Sf × sinθ × L = St ... (1) In equation (1), it is preferable to set the time when St is at its maximum when the maximum load is desired to exert torque during the storage operation of the paper sheets 20, that is, when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30 (until the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20 and pushes them into the storage compartment 30 (Figure 4)).
[0053] When rotating the first gear 51 connected to the spring 54, if the spring 54 is stretched too much, the angle θ becomes small and the torque St weakens. If the angle θ is increased, the spring 54 does not stretch, and the torque St weakens. By balancing the load Sf of the spring 54 with the angle θ, and further increasing the distance L from the rotation center 51a to the projection 51b, the torque St of the first gear 51 can be increased.
[0054] For example, in the push mechanism 40A described above, taking these points into consideration, it is preferable to set the gear ratio or gear phase of the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 so that the torque in the rotational direction D1 of the drive gear 44 (and the second gear 52) that transmits the driving force to the pusher 47 is maximized when the paper sheets 20 are pushed into the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47.
[0055] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a paper sheet storage device according to the first embodiment. Figure 12(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 12(B) schematically shows a side view of the main part of another example of a paper sheet storage device.
[0056] First, let's describe the push mechanism 40 (Figures 1 to 5) of the aforementioned paper sheet storage device 100. In this push mechanism 40, the pusher 47 operates by the extension and retraction (opening and closing) of the X-link 46, but if any mechanical error or human error occurs, it may not be able to return to the proper standby position as shown in Figure 3(A). Also, in this push mechanism 40, when the pusher 47 tries to return to the standby position, the pusher 47 may flap around, and it may not be able to return to the proper standby position.
[0057] In contrast, in the push mechanism 40A of the paper sheet storage device 1A according to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 12(A), when the pusher 47 is in the standby position and when it returns to the standby position after being pushed, the spring 54 pulls the first gear 51 so that a torque is applied to the second gear 52 that pulls in the pusher 47. That is, the spring 54 pulls the first gear 51 so that it rotates in the rotational direction D2a. Therefore, the spring 54 applies a torque to the second gear 52 and the drive gear 44 in the direction that pulls in the pusher 47 with its pulling force, returning the pusher 47 to the standby position and further attempting to hold it in that standby position. In this way, the push mechanism 40A also has a mechanism that actively attempts to return the pusher 47 to the standby position by utilizing the pulling force of the spring 54.
[0058] By the way, if the only goal is to increase the pushing force of the pusher 47, the spring 54a can be directly attached to the pivot point of the X-link 46 or the rack 45, as shown in Figure 12(B). However, in this configuration, the pulling force of the spring 54a constantly acts in the direction of pushing the pusher 47, which carries the risk of malfunction when the power supply to the motor 41 is cut off.
[0059] In the pushing mechanism 40A of the paper sheet storage device 1A according to the first embodiment, the tensile force of the spring 54 is used to assist the torque of the motor 41 when the paper sheets 20 are pushed into and pulled out of the storage compartment 30 by the pusher 47. In addition, the pusher 47, which has been pulled back and returned to the standby position, can be held in that standby position using the tensile force of the spring 54. Therefore, the pushing mechanism 40A according to the first embodiment makes it possible to achieve stable storage operation of the paper sheets 20.
[0060] [Second Embodiment] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 14(A) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the paper sheet storage device's pushing mechanism is returned to the standby position. Figure 14(B) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example where the pusher of the paper sheet storage device's pushing mechanism is pushed out from the standby position.
[0061] As shown in Figure 13, the paper sheet storage device 1B according to the second embodiment includes a storage compartment 30 and a pushing mechanism 40B arranged opposite each other. As shown in Figures 13 and 14(A) and 14(B), the paper sheet storage device 1B has a configuration in which the pushing mechanism 40B includes a first gear 51 that directly meshes with the drive gear 44. The paper sheet storage device 1B differs from the paper sheet storage device 1A described in the first embodiment in that it has this configuration.
[0062] Although not shown in the diagram here, in the push-in mechanism 40B of the paper sheet storage device 1B, one end of the spring 54 is attached to the projection 51b of the first gear 51, as described above. The other end of the spring 54 is attached to the external fixing point 51c of the first gear 51, as described above, and fixed in that position. In the push-in mechanism 40B, the torque applied by the first gear 51, which is subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, is applied directly to the drive gear 44, rather than to the second gear 52 as described above.
[0063] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14(A), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotational direction D2 and the rack 45 is pushed upward, the X-link 46 retracts and the pusher 47 retracts to the side of the drive gear 44, that is, to the side opposite to the storage compartment 30. Also, as shown in Figure 14(B), when the motor 41 is used to rotate the drive gear 44 in the rotational direction D1, opposite to the rotational direction D2, and the rack 45 is pushed downward, the X-link 46 extends and the pusher 47 moves toward the side opposite to the drive gear 44, that is, to the storage compartment 30. In the pushing mechanism 40B, the first gear 51, which is subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, applies torque directly to the drive gear 44 without going through the second gear 52 as described above, in the rotational direction D1 when the paper sheets 20 are pushed in, and in the rotational direction D2 before and after pushing in.
[0064] In the pushing mechanism 40B, the gear ratio, gear phase, or both of the first gear 51 and the drive gear 44 are set in advance so that when the pushing load on the pusher 47 increases due to the biasing force of the stage 32, the pulling force of the spring 54 that attempts to rotate the drive gear 44 in its rotational direction D1 is applied to the first gear 51.
[0065] Furthermore, in the push-in mechanism 40B, the first gear 51 and the spring 54 are one form of the torque assist mechanism 50. The first gear 51 is one form of the torque-adding member 50a in the torque assist mechanism 50.
[0066] Such a pushing mechanism 40B makes it possible to realize a paper sheet storage device 1B that can stabilize the storage operation of the paper sheets 20. Furthermore, it becomes possible to select a small motor with low torque, making it possible to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the pushing mechanism 40B, and the paper sheet storage device 1B equipped with the pushing mechanism 40B.
[0067] [Third Embodiment] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device.
[0068] As shown in Figure 15, the paper sheet storage device 1C according to the third embodiment includes a storage compartment 30 and a pushing mechanism 40C arranged opposite each other. As shown in Figure 15, the paper sheet storage device 1C has a configuration in which the pushing mechanism 40C further includes a third gear 53 that meshes with the first gear 51 and the second gear 52. The paper sheet storage device 1C differs from the paper sheet storage device 1A described in the first embodiment in that it has this configuration.
[0069] In the push-in mechanism 40C, the first gear 51, which is subjected to the pulling force of the spring 54, applies torque to the drive gear 44 in a predetermined rotational direction when the paper sheets 20 are pushed in and before and after pushing them in, via the third gear 53 which meshes with the first gear 51, and the second gear 52 which meshes with the third gear 53. By providing the third gear 53 between the first gear 51 and the second gear 52, with adjusted gear ratio and gear phase, acceleration and deceleration can be performed.
[0070] In the push mechanism 40C, the gear ratio or gear phase of the second gear 52 and the third gear 53, or both, and the gear ratio or gear phase of the third gear 53 and the first gear 51 are set in advance so that when the pushing load of the pusher 47 increases due to the biasing force of the stage 32, the pulling force of the spring 54 that attempts to rotate the second gear 52 in its rotational direction is applied to the first gear 51.
[0071] Furthermore, in the push-in mechanism 40C, the first gear 51, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the spring 54 constitute one form of the torque assist mechanism 50. The first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the third gear 53 constitute one form of the torque-adding member 50a in the torque assist mechanism 50.
[0072] Such a pushing mechanism 40C makes it possible to realize a paper sheet storage device 1C that can stabilize the storage operation of the paper sheets 20. Furthermore, it becomes possible to select a small motor with low torque, making it possible to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the pushing mechanism 40C, and the paper sheet storage device 1C equipped with the pushing mechanism 40C.
[0073] In this example, a third gear 53 that meshes with the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 is interposed between them. Alternatively, two or more gears may be interposed between the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 so as to mesh with each other, provided that the rotation of the first gear 51 can be transmitted to the second gear 52. In that case, the gear ratio, gear phase, or both of the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the two or more gears interposed between them are set appropriately.
[0074] Furthermore, according to the example of this third embodiment, one or more gears that mesh with the first gear 51 and the drive gear 44 can be interposed between the paper sheet storage device 1B (Figures 13 and 14) described in the second embodiment.
[0075] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 16 illustrates an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 16(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figure 16(B) schematically shows a perspective view of the main part of an example of a crank.
[0076] The push-in mechanisms 40A-40C that utilize gears such as the first gear 51 as described in the first to third embodiments above have advantages such as being able to realize the torque assist mechanism 50 in a relatively small space and being able to adjust the reduction ratio.
[0077] In addition, one end of the spring 54 can be attached to the drive gear 44, and the other end of the spring can be fixed to the fixing point 51c, so that the tensile force of the spring 54 is directly applied to the drive gear 44. In other words, the drive gear 44 can be given the same function as the first gear 51 described above.
[0078] In this case, the drive gear 44 and the spring 54 constitute a form of the torque assist mechanism 50. Alternatively, as in the push mechanism 40D of the paper sheet storage device 1D according to the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 16(A), one end of a crank 55, as shown in Figures 16(A) and 16(B), may be connected to the rotating shaft 43 of the drive gear 44, and one end of the spring 54 may be attached to a projection 55b at the other end of the crank 55.
[0079] In this pushing mechanism 40D, the shape of the crank 55 is set such that when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30, the spring 54 pulls the projection 55b of the crank 55 in the rotational direction of the drive gear 44 and the rotating shaft 43. Then, in this pushing mechanism 40D, when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30, the crank 55, with one end connected to the rotating shaft 43 and the projection 55b pulled in a predetermined rotational direction by the spring 54, applies torque to the drive gear 44 in the rotational direction that pushes the pusher 47 in.
[0080] Using such a crank 55, the configuration can be such that the tensile force of the spring 54 is applied to the drive gear 44, and torque is applied to the drive gear 44 when the pusher 47 pushes the paper sheets 20 into the storage compartment 30.
[0081] Furthermore, in the push-in mechanism 40D, the crank 55 and spring 54 are one form of the torque assist mechanism 50. The crank 55 is one form of the torque-adding member 50a in the torque assist mechanism 50.
[0082] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a paper sheet storage device according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 17(A) schematically shows a side view of the main part of an example of a paper sheet storage device. Figures 17(B) and 17(C) schematically show an example of the meshing state of the eccentric gear, respectively.
[0083] The paper sheet storage device 1E shown in Figure 17(A) has a configuration in which eccentric gears are used in the gears 42a and 42b of its pushing mechanism 40E. The driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear 42a by the belt 41a, and further transmitted to the gear 42c via the gear 42b, causing the rotating shaft 43 connected to the gear 42c to rotate. As the rotating shaft 43 rotates, the drive gear 44 (not shown), which drives the pushing and pulling operations of the pusher 47, rotates.
[0084] Of the pair of eccentric gears, gears 42a and 42b, gear 42a is the driving gear, and gear 42b is the driven gear. The torque of the eccentric gears 42a and 42b changes as they rotate.
[0085] For example, if the torque of the drive gear 42a is T, the torque of the driven gear 42b can be set to 1.67T when the phase is 0° (360°) as shown in Figure 17(B), and to 0.6T when the phase is 180° as shown in Figure 17(C).
[0086] In such cases, when there is no or small load during the storage operation of the paper sheets 20, that is, before the pusher 47 is pushed in and before the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20 (for example, Figure 3), and when the pusher 47 is pulled towards the standby position after it has been pushed into the storage compartment 30 (for example, Figure 5), the torque of the driven gear 42b is adjusted to 0.6T. Furthermore, when there is the maximum load at which torque is desired during the storage operation of the paper sheets 20, that is, when the pusher 47 is pushed in and before the pusher 47 contacts the stage 32 via the paper sheets 20 and is pushed into the storage compartment 30 (for example, Figure 4), the torque of the driven gear 42b is adjusted to 1.67T.
[0087] By adjusting in this way, it becomes possible to output low torque under low load and high torque under high load, thereby rotating the rotating shaft 43 (and the drive gear 44 connected to it) via the gear 42c.
[0088] As described in this fifth embodiment, the configuration in which gears 42a and 42b are eccentric gears can be adopted for gears 42a and 42b in the push-in mechanisms 40A-40D described in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0089] Furthermore, as the paper sheets 20 stored in the paper sheet storage device 1A-1E as described in the first to fifth embodiments above, banknotes can be used, for example. In addition, various other types of paper sheets such as bills of exchange, checks, gift certificates, securities, stock certificates, ballot papers, and tally papers may be used as the paper sheets 20 stored in the paper sheet storage device 1A-1E.
[0090] Furthermore, the paper sheet storage device 1A-1E, which includes the push-in mechanism 40A-40E and the storage compartment 30 as described in the first to fifth embodiments above, can be mounted in any orientation on various paper sheet handling devices, including ATMs and CD players, as long as it can store paper sheets 20. That is, the paper sheet storage device 1A-1E may be mounted on the paper sheet handling device so that the push-in mechanism 40A-40E and the storage compartment 30 are facing each other horizontally, or so that they are facing each other vertically, or so that they are facing each other diagonally.
[0091] The above is merely an example. Furthermore, numerous modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the exact configurations and applications shown and described above, and all corresponding modifications and equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.
[0092] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 100 Paper sheet storage device 20 Paper sheets 30 Storage compartment 31 Side wall 31a Storage opening 32 Stage 33 Gear 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E Push mechanism 41 Motor 41a Belt 42a, 42b, 42c Gear 43 Rotating shaft 44 Drive gear 45 Rack 46 X-link 47 Pusher 50 Torque assist mechanism 50a Torque adding member 51 First gear 51a Rotation center 51b, 55b Projection 51c Fixing point 52 Second gear 53 Third gear 54, 54a Spring 55 Crank 60 Cover member 61 Inlet D1, D1a, D2, D2a Direction of rotation
Claims
1. A paper sheet storage device comprising: a storage compartment for storing paper sheets; and a pushing mechanism for pushing the paper sheets into the storage compartment, wherein the pushing mechanism includes: a motor; a drive gear rotated using the motor; a pusher for pushing the paper sheets into the storage compartment by a driving force transmitted from the drive gear; and a torque assist mechanism that, when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, applies torque to the drive gear in the rotational direction of the drive gear that transmits the driving force for pushing to the pusher.
2. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein the torque assist mechanism includes a spring and a torque adding member that is pulled by the spring when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, and that applies torque in the rotational direction to the drive gear by the pulling force of the spring.
3. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 2, wherein the torque-adding member includes a first gear, the spring is attached at one end to a position off-center from the rotation center within the rotation plane of the first gear and the other end is fixed to the outside of the first gear, and when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, the spring pulls the first gear, and the first gear pulled by the spring adds torque in the rotational direction to the drive gear.
4. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 3, wherein the torque-adding member includes a second gear having a common rotation axis with the drive gear, the first gear meshes directly or indirectly with the second gear, and applies torque in the rotational direction to the drive gear via the second gear.
5. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 4, wherein the gear ratio or gear phase of the first gear and the second gear is set such that when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, torque in the rotational direction is applied to the drive gear.
6. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 3, wherein the first gear meshes directly or indirectly with the drive gear and applies torque in the rotational direction to the drive gear.
7. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 6, wherein the gear ratio or phase of the first gear and the drive gear is set such that when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, torque in the rotational direction is applied to the drive gear.
8. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 2, wherein the torque-adding member includes a crank with one end connected to the rotating shaft of the drive gear, the spring has one end attached to the other end of the crank and the other end fixed to the outside of the crank, and when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, the spring pulls the other end of the crank, and the crank, with one end connected to the rotating shaft and the other end pulled by the spring, adds torque in the rotational direction to the drive gear.
9. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein the torque assist mechanism applies torque to the drive gear in the opposite direction to the rotational direction after the pusher has pushed the paper sheets into the storage compartment.
10. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 9, wherein the torque assist mechanism applies torque in the opposite direction to the drive gear such that, after the pusher has pushed the paper sheets into the storage compartment, the pusher returns to the standby position it was in before pushing the paper sheets into the storage compartment and holds them in the standby position.
11. The paper sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein the pushing mechanism includes a pair of eccentric gears that use the motor to rotationally drive the rotating shaft of the drive gear, the pair of eccentric gears rotationally drive the rotating shaft with a first torque before and after the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment, and rotationally drive the rotating shaft with a second torque greater than the first torque when the pusher pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment.
12. The storage compartment comprises a side wall facing the pushing mechanism and having a storage opening through which the paper sheets pushed in by the pusher pass, and a stage provided on the side of the side wall opposite to the pushing mechanism side, which is constantly biased toward the side wall and between it and the side wall where the paper sheets pushed in from the storage opening accumulate, wherein the pushing mechanism pushes the paper sheets into the storage compartment against the biasing force of the stage by the pusher, the paper sheet storage device according to claim 1.