Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
JC-P200093W0 (PCT/JP2021/017976)
DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF INVENTION
METHOD FOR TAKING OUT PAPER SHEETS AND PAPER SHEET TAKE-
OUT PROCESSING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a technique for taking out paper
sheets from a container in which paper sheets have been stored.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
For example, a bill processing system has been developed to collect
bills stored in a cash box detachably mounted on a gaming machine or the
like of a casino, and to confirm whether the sales amount for each cash box
and the total amount of bills actually collected from the cash box coincide
with each other.
[0003]
If the bill processing system performs bill counting processing for
each bill bundle collected from the cash box, continuously counting bills
cannot be performed and thus the efficiency is low. To cope with this, the
bill handling system ties up (stacks) bill bundles collected from a plurality
of cash boxes (for example, bill bundle Bills(CB1) to Bills(CBN) in FIG. 39,
N: natural number, CBk: k-th (1 k N) cash box, bill bundle Bills(CBk):
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bill bundle collected from the k-th cash box) to create a batch (bill bundle
group) (for example, batches Batchl to BatchN in FIG. 39) and create a batch
group by collecting a plurality of batches (for example, a batch group
Batch_G1 in FIG. 39), and then the batch group is applied to an automatic
bill counting machine (sorter) to perform bill counting. This allows the bill
processing system to perform bill counting processing continuously without
stopping the automatic bill counting machine (sorter), thus allowing for
performing bill counting processing efficiently. At this time, the automatic
bill counting machine (sorter) inserts separator cards (for example, separator
cards Sep_cardl to Sep_cardN in FIG. 39) into the bill bundles taken out
from the respective cash boxes to generate a batch (bill bundle group) (for
example, the batches Batchl to BatchN in FIG. 39) so that the total amount
of money for the bills stored in each cash box can be obtained (e.g., see
Patent Document 1). For example, a bar code is printed on the separator
card, and reading the bar code by the automatic bill counting machine
(sorter) allows for specifying the separator card. For example, the bill
processing system identifies a cash box by reading information of a tag (for
example, a RF tag) assigned to each cash box, obtains information (for
example, information specified by a barcode printed on the front surface of
the separator card) specifying the separator card inserted into the bill
bundle
taken out from the cash box, and generates data in which information
identifying the cash box is associated with information specifying the
separator card. In the bill processing system, the automatic bill counter
(sorter) can recognize that the bill bundle partitioned by the separator card
is the bill bundle collected from the cash box associated with the separator
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card from the data in which the information identifying the cash box has
been associated with the information specifying the separator card, and
furthermore can obtain the total amount of money collected from the cash
box.
[0004]
As described above, using the separator card, the bill processing
system can achieve continuous bill counting processing, and furthermore can
obtain the total amount of money for bill bundles collected from the
individual cash boxes.
Prior Art Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001 -67522
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0006]
To perform the above processing, the bill handling system needs to
insert the separator cards one-by-one into the bill bundle collected from the
cash box. In order to realize this, for example, it is conceivable to take out
the separators one-by-one from a container containing a plurality of
separator cards, and then insert the taken-out separator cards into the bill
bundle collected from the cash box (for example, it is conceivable to place
the separator cards one-by-one on the bill bundle collected from the cash
box). In other words, it is conceivable to use a paper sheet feeding device
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that takes out a separator card one-by-one from a container containing a
plurality of separator cards.
[0007]
However, such a paper sheet feeding device requires a complicated
sheet feeding mechanism (for example, a sheet feeding mechanism for taking
out paper sheets one-by-one) in order to take out a separator card one-by-
one from a container containing a plurality of separator cards, and also
requires a sensor or the like for detecting whether the fed separator cards
overlap. Thus, when the separator is taken out one-by-one from the
container containing the plurality of separator cards and the taken-out
separator card is inserted into the bill bundle collected from the cash box
using the paper sheet feeding device as described above, the cost is high.
[0008]
Alternatively, it is conceivable that the separator is taken out one-
by-one from the container containing the plurality of separator cards by hand,
and then the taken-out separator card is inserted into the bill bundle
collected
from the cash box; however, in this case, labor costs are still required and
thus the cost is high.
[0009]
For this reason, there is a demand for a technique capable of reliably
taking out paper sheets (for example, separator cards) one-by-one using a
simple mechanism at low cost.
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[0010]
In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is
to provide a method for taking out paper sheets and a paper sheet storage
take-out processing system that are capable of accurately taking out paper
sheets (for example, separator cards) stored in a paper sheet storage
container one-by-one at low cost.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0011]
To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention
provides a method for taking out paper sheets; the method includes taking
out a paper sheet by sucking the upper surface of the paper sheet by a suction
mechanism while blowing air to the paper sheet from the side of or below
the paper sheet in a spread state.
[0012]
In this method for taking out paper sheets, blowing air from the side
of or below the paper sheet in a spread state causes the upper surface of the
paper sheet to be raised. In this state, sucking the upper surface of the
paper sheet by the suction mechanism allows for taking out the paper sheet
with high accuracy (for example, taking out one sheet at a time with high
accuracy).
[0013]
A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for taking
out paper sheets including a first step of blowing air from the side of or
below the paper sheet in a state in which the paper sheet has been spread and
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in a state in which at least a part of an end portion of the paper sheet has
been held, and a second step of taking out the paper sheet by sucking the
raised portion of the upper surface of the paper sheet, which is caused by
blowing air from the side of or below the paper sheet, by a suction
mechanism.
[0014]
In this method for taking out paper sheets, blowing air from the side
of or below the paper sheet in a spread state, in which at least a part of the
end portion of the paper has been held, causes the upper surface of the paper
sheet to be raised. In this state, sucking the upper surface of the paper
sheet
by the suction mechanism allows for taking out the paper sheet with high
accuracy (for example, taking out one sheet at a time with high accuracy).
[0015]
A third aspect of the present invention provides the method for taking
out paper sheets of the second aspect of the present invention in which the
second step lowers the suction mechanism from above the upper surface of
the paper sheet, and lifts the suction mechanism upward after the paper sheet
has been sucked to take out the paper sheet.
[0016]
Thus, in this method for taking out paper sheets, lowering and raising
the suction mechanism allows for taking out the paper sheet with high
accuracy.
[0017]
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the method for
taking out paper sheets of the third aspect of the present invention in which
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when a pressure in the suction mechanism becomes lower than a
predetermined value or when an amount of decrease in the pressure in the
suction mechanism becomes larger than a predetermined value, lowering the
suction mechanism is stopped and the suction mechanism is lifted upward.
[0018]
Thus, in this method for taking out paper sheets, monitoring the
pressure in the suction mechanism allows for easily and accurately detecting
whether the paper sheet is in a sucked state. This allows for performing
processing of taking out paper sheets with high accuracy.
[0019]
Note that in this method for taking out paper sheets, when the amount
of decrease in the pressure in the suction mechanism becomes larger than a
predetermined value, lowering the suction mechanism may be stopped and
the suction mechanism may be lifted upward.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second
step, the tip of the suction mechanism is lowered only to a position higher
than the upper surface of the paper sheet.
[0021]
Accordingly, in this method for taking out paper sheets, the suction
mechanism is not lowered unnecessarily; as a result, the paper sheets can be
taken out at high speed.
[0022]
A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a paper sheet take-
out processing system for performing processing of taking out paper sheets,
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including a paper sheet storage container configured to store paper sheets, a
pump configured to cause air to flow into the inside of the paper sheet
storage container, and a suction mechanism.
[0023]
The paper sheet storage container includes a bottom portion, a paper
sheet placing table configured to place paper sheets, an elastic member
disposed between the bottom portion and the paper sheet placing table for
urging the paper sheet placing table upward, a holding member configured
to hold paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table together with
the paper sheet placing table, and a side wall portion that is arranged so as
to surround the paper sheet placing table, and is provided with a hole for
causing air to flow from the outside in the vicinity of a height substantially
the same as a height at which the surface of the uppermost paper sheet is
positioned when the paper sheets are placed on the paper sheet placing table
[0024]
When air is flowing into the inside of the paper sheet storage
container by the pump, the suction mechanism moves downward from above
the paper sheet placed on the paper sheet placing table, and then moves
upward after the paper sheet is sucked, thereby taking out the paper sheet
from the paper sheet storage container.
[0025]
The paper sheet take-out processing system blows air from the side
of or below the paper sheet placed on the paper sheet placing table of the
paper sheet storage container, thereby bringing the upper surface of the paper
sheet placed on the paper sheet placing table into a floating state; and then
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in this state, sucking the upper surface of the paper sheet by the suction
mechanism allows for taking out the paper sheet with high accuracy (for
example, taking out one sheet at a time with high accuracy).
[0026]
A seventh aspect of the present invention provides the paper sheet
take-out processing system of the sixth aspect of the present invention,
further including a pressure detecting unit configured to detect a pressure
inside the suction mechanism.
[0027]
when the pressure inside the suction mechanism becomes lower than
a predetermined value, which is detected by the pressure detecting unit, the
suction mechanism moves upward to take out the paper sheet from the paper
sheet storage container.
[0028]
Thus, the paper sheet take-out processing system monitors the
pressure in the suction mechanism, thereby allowing for easily and
accurately detecting whether the paper sheet is in a state of being sucked.
This makes it possible to perform processing of taking out paper sheets with
high accuracy.
[0029]
In this paper sheet take-out processing system, when the amount of
decrease in the pressure in the suction mechanism becomes larger than a
predetermined value, the lowering of the suction mechanism may be stopped
and the suction mechanism may be lifted upward.
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Advantageous Effects
[0030]
The present invention provides a method for taking out paper sheets
and a paper sheet storage take-out processing system that are capable of
accurately taking out paper sheets (for example, separator cards) stored in a
paper sheet storage container one-by-one at low cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a suction
mechanism 1 and a paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction
mechanism 1 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a plan view (the upper portion of FIG. 6) and a cross-
sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line) (the lower
portion of FIG. 6) of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet
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take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram (perspective view) of the paper sheet storage
container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a rotational shaft of a
front panel portion 106.
FIG. 9 is a diagram (perspective view) of the paper sheet storage
container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining a rotation operation
(opening and closing operation) of the front panel portion 106.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship between
holes in the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment and is a diagram
an enlarged portion of a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of
FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a plan view (the upper portion of FIG. 11) and an external
view (perspective view) (the lower portion of FIG. 11) of the paper sheet
storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram schematically showing
flow paths of air flowing into the paper sheet storage container 100.
FIG. 12 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a
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diagram for explaining the placing of paper sheets on a paper sheet placing
table 103.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of FIG. 6
of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, is a diagram for
explaining the placing of the paper sheet on the paper sheet placing table
103.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining air flow path regulation.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the A-
A line in FIG. 6, and is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a first
flap portion 105a and a second flap portion 105b.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b.
FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the paper sheet
storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the
configuration of the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b.
FIG. 18 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
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appearance of a front panel portion 106 of the paper sheet storage container
100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing performed by the paper sheet
take-out processing system 1000.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of processing performed by the paper sheet
take-out processing system 1000.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining an operation when a bundle G_sep_cards
of paper sheets is inserted.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining the operation when the bundle
G_sep_cards of the paper sheets is inserted.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining the operation when the bundle
G_sep_cards of the paper sheets is inserted.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the paper
sheet storage container 100 with the paper sheet bundle G_sep_cards inserted.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000 including the paper sheet storage
container 100 in which a bundle G_sep_cards of paper sheets has been
inserted.
FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing a first suction unit ha
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and a second suction unit 1 lb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit ha
and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit ha
and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit ha
and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit ha
and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit lla
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and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically showing the first suction unit ha
and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a bundle of
paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking
out paper sheets.
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a plan view of the paper sheet storage
container 100 (the upper portion of FIG. 33) and a partially enlarged cross-
sectional view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage
container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking out
paper sheets.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking out paper sheets.
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking out paper sheets.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining fixing members Dev_fixA and Dev_fixB
for stably fixing pipes for allowing air to flow into the inside of the paper
sheet storage container 100.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a
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paper sheet storage container 100A.
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of the paper
sheet storage container 100 and the paper sheet storage container 100A.
FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining a bill bundle, a separator card, a
batch, and a batch group.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032]
First Embodiment
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the
drawings.
[0033]
1.1: Configuration of Paper Sheet Take-out Processing System
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to a first embodiment.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment.
[0035]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction
mechanism 1 and the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet
take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the suction
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mechanism 1 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment.
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a plan view (the upper portion of FIG. 6) and a cross-
sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line) (the lower
portion of FIG. 6) of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet
take-out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment.
[0040]
FIG. 8 is a diagram (perspective view) of the paper sheet storage
container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a rotational shaft of a
front panel portion 106.
[0041]
FIG. 9 is a diagram (perspective view) of the paper sheet storage
container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according
to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining a rotation operation
(opening and closing operation) of the front panel portion 106.
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[0042]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship between
holes in the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment and is a diagram
an enlarged portion of a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of
FIG. 6.
[0043]
FIG. 11 is a plan view (the upper portion of FIG. 11) and an external
view (perspective view) (the lower portion of FIG. 11) of the paper sheet
storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram schematically showing
flow paths of air flowing into the paper sheet storage container 100.
[0044]
FIG. 12 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-
out processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, and is a
diagram for explaining the placing of paper sheets on a paper sheet placing
table 103.
[0045]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of FIG. 6
of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 according to the first embodiment, is a diagram for
explaining the placing of the paper sheet on the paper sheet placing table
103.
[0046]
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FIG. 14 is a plan view of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining air flow path regulation.
[0047]
FIG. 15 is a plan view of the paper sheet storage container 100 of the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the A-
A line in FIG. 6, and is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a first
flap portion 105a and a second flap portion 105b.
[0048]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage container
100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b.
[0049]
FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the paper sheet
storage container 100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the
configuration of the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b.
[0050]
FIG. 18 is a diagram (perspective view) showing an external
appearance of a front panel portion 106 of the paper sheet storage container
100 of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 according to the first
embodiment.
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[0051]
The x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are set as shown in FIGS. 1 to
18.
[0052]
The paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 is used, for example,
when performing processing for taking out paper sheets one-by-one from a
paper sheet storage container 100 that stores paper sheets (for example,
separator cards Sep_cardl to Sep_cardN in FIG. 39) used when a bill
processing system ties up (stacks) bill bundles collected from a plurality of
cash boxes to create a batch (bill bundle group).
[0053]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper sheet take-out processing
system 1000 includes a suction mechanism 1 for sucking and taking out paper
sheets, a moving mechanism Rbtl for moving the suction mechanism 1, a
suction pump Pumpl, a suction mechanism 1, a pressure detecting unit 2, a
data reading unit L_scanl , an air delivery pump Pump2, a control unit CPU1,
a communication interface IF1, and a paper sheet storage container 100.
[0054]
The suction pump Pumpl is connected to the suction mechanism 1
(for example, via tube(s)), and is a pump that performs suction. The suction
pump Pumpl is also connected to the pressure detecting unit 2. The suction
pump Pumpl is also connected to the control unit CPU1 and operates in
accordance with a command from the control unit CPU1.
[0055]
The suction mechanism 1 is a mechanism for sucking paper sheets or
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the like. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the suction mechanism 1 includes
a first suction unit 11a, a second suction unit 11b, a first flat plate member
pltl for holding the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit 11b,
and a second flat plate member p1t2.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, the first suction unit ha includes a tube-
connecting portion llal, a connecting portion 11a2, and a bellows-type pad
portion 11a3. The first suction unit ha has a hollow-structure, and is, for
example, a member connected to the suction pump Pumpl via a tube and
sucked by the suction pump Pumpl to suck, for example, paper sheets or the
like.
[0057]
The tube-connecting portion 11 al is a hollow-structured member and
is a member for connecting a tube that is to be connected to the suction pump
Pumpl. The first suction unit ha is connected to the suction pump Pumpl
via a tube connected to the tube connecting portion llal.
[0058]
The connecting portion 11a2 is a hollow-structured member for
connecting it to the tube-connecting portion llal and the bellows-type pad
portion 11a3. As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 11a2 is installed
so as to pass through a hole provided in the first flat plate member pltl, and
is further fixed to the first flat plate member phi by being screwed by two
screws so as to sandwich the first flat plate member pltl .
[0059]
The bellows-type pad portion 11a3 is a hollow-structured member
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and is connected to the connecting portion 11a2. The bellows-type pad
portion 11a3 has a bellows configuration and is formed to be stretchable.
[0060]
The second suction unit 1 lb has the same configuration as the first
suction unit 11a, and includes a tube-connecting portion 11b1, a connecting
portion 11b2, and a bellows-type pad portion 11b3 as shown in FIG. 4. The
second suction unit 1 lb has a hollow-structure, and is, for example, a
member connected to the suction pump Pumpl via tubing and sucked by the
suction pump Pumpl to suck, for example, paper sheets or the like.
[0061]
The tube connecting portion 11b1 is a hollow-structured member and
is a member for connecting a tube that is to be connected to the suction pump
Pumpl. The second suction unit 1 lb is connected to the suction pump
Pumpl via a tube connected to the tube connecting portion 11b1.
[0062]
The connecting portion 11b2 is a hollow-structured member for
connecting it to the tube-connecting portion 11b1 and the bellows-type pad
portion 11b3. As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 11b2 is installed
so as to pass through a hole provided in the first flat plate member pltl, and
is further fixed to the first flat plate member phi by being screwed by two
screws so as to sandwich the first flat plate member pltl .
[0063]
The bellows-type padding portion 11b3 is a hollow-structured
member and is connected to the connecting portion 11b2. The bellows-type
pad portion 11b3 has a bellows configuration and is formed to be stretchable.
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[0064]
The first flat plate member phi is a member for fixing the first
suction unit ha and the second suction unit 11b, and is fixed by screwing
with the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit llb passed through.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first flat plate member pltl is also connected to the
second flat plate member p1t2 with spacers spl and sp2.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 3, the second flat plate member p1t2 is connected
to the rotational shaft rot_axl_Rbtl for moving the suction mechanism of
the moving mechanism Rbtl via the connecting member bxl . As shown in
FIG. 3, the positioning members gdl and gd2 are connected to the second
flat plate member p1t2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first flat plate member phi
is connected to the second flat plate member p1t2 via the spacers spl and sp2.
Thus, moving the rotational shaft rot_axl_Rbtl for moving the suction
mechanism of the moving mechanism Rbtl in the up-down direction
Dirl_up_down (z-axis direction) shown in FIG. 3 allows for moving the
suction mechanism 1 in the up-down direction (z-axis direction). Further,
rotating the rotational shaft rot_axl_Rbtl for moving the suction mechanism
of the moving mechanism Rbtl in the rotation direction Dirl_rot (rotation
direction defined by setting the rotational shaft rot_axl_Rbtl for moving the
suction mechanism as a rotation axis) shown in FIG. 3 allows for rotating
the suction mechanism 1 around the rotation direction Din l _rot.
[0066]
The moving mechanism Rbtl is a mechanism for moving the suction
mechanism 1 to a predetermined position, and is provided using, for example,
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an articulated robot arm or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the moving
mechanism Rbtl is connected to the control unit CPU1, and moves the
suction mechanism 1 to a predetermined position based on a command from
the control unit CPU1.
[0067]
The pressure detecting unit 2 detects the pressure in a target space
where the suction pump Pumpl performs suction (a space defined by the
suction pump Pumpl, the tube that connects the suction pump Pumpl with
the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit 11b, and the hollow-
structure part of the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit 11b).
In addition, the pressure detecting unit 2 transmits data related to the
detected pressure to the control unit CPU1.
[0068]
The data reading unit L_scanl is a device for reading a barcode or
the like printed on a paper sheet (for example, a separator card), and is
provided by using, for example, a laser-scanner type scanner device. The
data-reading unit L_scanl is connected to the control unit CPU1 and operates
in accordance with a command from the control unit CPU1.
[0069]
The air delivery pump Pump2 is connected to the paper sheet storage
container 100 (for example, via a tube) and is a pump that delivers air. The
air delivery pump Pump2 is also connected to the control unit CPU1 and
operates in accordance with a command from the control unit CPU1.
[0070]
The control unit CPU1 is a functional unit for controlling the individual
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functional units of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000, and is
provided by using, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, or the like. The
control unit CPU1 is also connected to the communication interface IF and
can perform data communication with the outside via the communication
interface IF.
[0071]
The communication interface IF1 is an interface for performing data
communication with the outside of the paper sheet take-out processing
system 1000. The communication interface IF1 is connected to the control
unit CPU1, and transmits data from the control unit CPU1 to the outside
and/or transmits data received from the outside to the control unit CPU1.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 5, the paper sheet storage container 100 includes a
bottom portion 101, a side wall portion 102, a paper sheet placing table 103,
a first flow path regulating portion 104a (flow path restricting member), a
second flow path regulating portion 104b (flow path restricting member), a
first flap portion 105a (holding member), a second flap portion 105b
(holding member), and a front panel portion 106 that is installed so as to be
freely opened and closed.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 6, the paper sheet storage container 100 includes
an elastic member Sprl disposed between the bottom portion 101 and the
paper sheet placing table 103.
[0074]
The bottom portion 101 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate-like
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member, and is a member for supporting the side wall portion 102 while
enabling the paper sheet storage container 100 to be installed on a flat floor
or a desk. The bottom portion 101 is a member for supporting the elastic
member Sprl on the upper surface thereof. The bottom portion 101,
together with the side wall portion 102 and the front panel portion 106 (the
front panel portion 106 in a closed state), secures a space for storing paper
sheets in a state in which the paper sheets have been placed on the paper
sheet placing table 103.
[0075]
The side wall portion 102 is formed of, for example, a rectangular
flat plate-like member. The side wall portion 102 includes a first sidewall
portion 102a, a second sidewall portion 102b, and a third side wall portion
102c. As shown in FIG. 5, the side wall portion 102 (the first side wall
portion 102a, the second side wall portion 102b, and the third side wall
portion 102c) is installed so as to extend in the vertical direction (the
positive z-axis direction in FIG. 5) at the peripheral edge portion of the
bottom portion 101. This allows the side wall portion 102, together with
the bottom portion 101 and the front panel portion 106 (the front panel
portion 106 in a closed state), to secure a space for storing the paper sheets
in a state in which the paper sheets have been placed on the paper sheet
placing table 103. As shown in FIG. 8, the first side wall portion 102a has
a rotational shaft support portion 102a1 for supporting a rotational shaft
rot_ax_106 for rotating the front panel portion 106 to open and close it; the
second side wall portion 102b has a rotational shaft support portion 102b1
for supporting the rotational shaft rot_ax_106 for rotating the front panel
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portion 106 to open and close it. This allows the front panel portion 106 to
be rotatably installed around the rotational shaft rot_ax_106, thus allowing
for installing the front panel so as to be freely opened and closed, as shown
in FIG. 9. When the front panel portion 106 is set to be closed, the front
panel portion 106 can be maintained closed by a predetermined lock
mechanism. For example, a magnet and a metal plate each provided at the
corresponding positions of the side wall portion 102 and the front panel
portion 106 are attached to each other to maintain a state in which the front
panel is in contact with the side wall portion 102 (a state in which the metal
plate is attracted to the magnet), thereby bringing the front panel portion
106
into a closed state.
[0076]
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the side wall portion 102 is provided
with holes for allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the
paper
sheet storage container 100 in the vicinity of the upper portion.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the second side wall portion
102b has three holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), and Hole3(102b) near the
upper portion thereof; the third side wall portion 102c has one hole
Holel (102c) near the upper portion thereof.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 10, each of the three holes Hole1(102b),
Hole2(102b) and Hole3(102b) has a cylindrical shape, and is formed in the
second side wall portion 102b such that the height of the central axis of each
of the holes, that is, the z-coordinate value z_center, is substantially the
same. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the three holes Hole1(102b),
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Hole2(102b) and Hole3(102b) are formed such that the position of the central
axis (the z-coordinate value z_center) thereof is substantially the same
(substantially the same height) as the position of the upper surface of the
paper sheet placing table 103 when no paper sheet is placed on the paper
sheet placing table 103.
[0078]
The hole Hole1(102c) has a cylindrical shape, and is formed in the
third side wall portion 102c such that the height of the central axis (z-
coordinate value z_center) of the hole Holel (102c) is substantially the same
height (substantially the same z-coordinate value) as those of the hole
Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b) and Hole3(102b); and the cross-section
orthogonal to the central axis of the hole Hole1(102c) is substantially the
same shape as the cross-sections of the hole Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b) and
Hole3(102b), which are each orthogonal to their central axes. The hole
Holel (102c) is formed such that the position of the center axis (z-coordinate
value z_center) thereof is substantially the same (substantially the same
height) as the position of the upper surface of the paper sheet placing table
103 in a state when no paper sheet is placed on the paper sheet placing table
103.
[0079]
Note that the first flow path regulating portion 104a and the second
flow path regulating portion 104b are installed on the paper sheet placing
table 103 so that the position (z-coordinate value) of the upper surface of
the second flow path regulating portion 104b is substantially the same as the
position (z-coordinate value) of the upper surface of the first flow path
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regulating portion 104a in a state where no paper sheet is placed on the paper
sheet placing table 103.
[0080]
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, pipes (for example, pipes
Pipel to Pipe4 in FIG. 11) for allowing air (for example, an airflow) to flow
into the inside of the paper sheet storage container 100 are connected to the
holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and Hole1(102c) of the side
wall portion 102. Air from the pipes (for example, the pipes Pipel to Pipe4
in FIG. 11) are then introduced into the inside of the paper sheet storage
container 100 through the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b),
and Holel (102c) of the side wall portion 102. For example, the pipes (for
example, the pipes Pipel to Pipe4 in FIG. 11) for leading air flows into the
inside of the paper sheet storage container 100 may be connected to, as
shown in FIG. 11, a distributor Pdistl by which a pipe Pipe branches into
the pipes Pipel to Pipe4; the branched pipes Pipel to Pipe4 may be connected
to the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and Hole1(102c),
respectively. Further, the pipe Pipe may be connected to the air delivery
pump Pump2, and air may be supplied from the air delivery pump Pump2 to
the pipe Pipe0.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 15, the first side wall portion 102a has rotational
shaft support portions 102a2 and 102a3 for supporting a rotational shaft
rot_ax_105a for rotatably supporting the first flap portion 105a.
[0082]
Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the second side wall portion 102b has
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rotational shaft support portions 102b2 and 102b3 for supporting the
rotational shaft rot_ax_105a for rotatably supporting the first flap portion
105a.
[0083]
The paper sheet placing table 103 is, for example, a table on which
paper sheets (for example, separator cards) are placed in a flat stacking
state
(a state in which paper sheets are spread) as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The
paper sheet placing table 103 has substantially the same shape as or
substantially a similar shape to the shape of a paper sheet to be placed
thereon so that the paper sheet can be placed in a flat stacking state, and
has
substantially the same size as or larger than that of the sheet. The paper
sheet placing table 103 is arranged in a space defined by the bottom portion
101, the side wall portion 102, and the front panel portion 106 (the front
panel portion 106 in a closed state). The lower surface of the paper sheet
placing table 103 is connected to the other end of the elastic member Sprl
having one end installed on the bottom portion 101, as shown in the lower
portion of FIG. 6. The paper sheet placing table 103 is biased upward (in
the positive z-axis direction) by the elastic member Sprl, thereby allowing
the paper sheet placing table 103 to hold an object (for example, paper
sheets) placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 together with the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b (for example, refer to
FIGS. 12 and 13).
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 14, the first flow path regulating portion 104a and
the second flow path regulating portion 104b are provided on the surface of
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the paper sheet placing table 103 on which the paper sheet is to be placed.
[0085]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 14, the first flow path regulating portion 104a
is an elongated flat plate-shaped member, and is installed on the upper
surface of the paper sheet placing table 103. The first flow path regulating
portion 104a is a member for regulating flow directions of the air (e.g.,
airflow) flowing into the inside of the paper sheet storage container 100 from
the outside through the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and
Holel (102c) of the side wall portion 102.
[0086]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 14, the second flow path regulating portion
104b is an elongated flat plate-shaped member, and is installed on the upper
surface of the paper sheet placing table 103. The second flow path
regulating portion 104b is a member for regulating flow directions of the air
(e.g., airflow) flowing into the inside of the paper sheet storage container
100 from the outside through the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b),
Hole3(102b), and Holel (102c) of the side wall portion 102.
[0087]
It is preferable that the first flow path regulating portion 104a and
the second flow path regulating portion 104b are arranged at positions such
that the flow rate to the vicinity of the center of the upper surface of the
paper sheet placing table 103 increases when air flows into the inside of the
paper sheet storage container 100 from the outside. For example, in a case
where the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and Hole1(102c)
of the side wall portion 102 are arranged as shown in FIG. 14, the first flow
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path regulating portion 104a is preferably installed so that the position of
the first flow path regulating portion 104a is closer to the front panel
portion
106 than the position of the hole Hole1(102b) in the x-axis direction. In
addition, in the above-described case, it is preferable that the second flow
path regulating portion 104b is installed such that the position of the second
flow path regulating portion 104b is closer to the first side wall portion
102a
than the position of the hole Holel (102c) in the y-axis direction.
[0088]
Arranging the first flow path regulating portion 104a and the second
flow path regulating portion 104b as described above makes it possible to
reliably take out the paper sheets one-by-one from the paper sheet storage
container 100 even when the number of remaining paper sheets placed on the
paper sheet placing table 103 is one to several. When the number of
remaining paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 is one to
several, the flow rate of air flowing into the inside of the paper sheet
storage
container 100 increases near the center of the lower surface of the remaining
one to several paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table due to the
first flow path regulating portion 104a and the second flow path regulating
portion 104b. This causes a state in which the vicinity of the center of the
remaining one to several paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table
103 has been raised.
[0089]
In this state, for example, a suction mechanism 1 sucks the paper
sheets, thereby allowing for taking out the paper sheets one-by-one from the
paper sheet storage container 100.
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[0090]
In other words, arranging the first flow path regulating portion 104a
and the second flow path regulating portion 104b as described above in the
paper sheet storage container 100 makes it possible to reliably take out the
paper sheets one-by-one even when the number of the remaining paper sheets
placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 is one to several.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 15, the first flap portion 105a has a substantially
rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed along an inner wall of the
first side wall portion 102a at an upper end portion of the first side wall
portion 102a. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first flap portion 105a is
rotatably installed around the rotational shaft rot_ax_105a supported by the
rotational shaft support portions 102a2 and 102a3 of the first side wall
portion 102a. For example, a helical spring (not shown) is installed in the
first flap portion 105a or the rotational shaft rot_ax_105a, and applying a
force in the rotational direction DirA of FIG. 16 by the helical spring
generates an elastic force in a direction (a direction opposite to the
rotational
direction DirA) in which the force applied by the helical spring is repelled.
As a result, the first flap portion 105a returns to the state B1 of FIG. 16
when
the force is released after the force is applied to the rotational DirA. As
shown in FIG. 16, contacting the surface 105a_sl of the first flap portion
105a with the surface 102a_sl of the first side wall portion 102a restricts
the rotation of the first flap portion 105a (rotation by the elastic force of
the
helical spring), thereby causing the first flap portion 105a to be maintained
in the state Bl.
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[0092]
As shown in FIG. 17, the first flap portion 105a has a locking
protrusion 1051a for locking the first flap portion 105a so as not to rotate
in
a state where the front panel portion 106 has been closed.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 15, the second flap portion 105b has a substantially
rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed along an inner wall of the
second side wall portion 102b at an upper end portion of the second side wall
portion 102b. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the second flap portion 105b
is rotatably installed around the rotational shaft rot_ax_105b supported by
the rotational shaft support portions 102b2 and 102b3 of the second side wall
portion 102b. For example, a helical spring (not shown) is installed in the
second flap portion 105b or the rotational shaft rot_ax_105b, and applying a
force in the rotation direction DirB in FIG. 16 by the helical spring
generates
an elastic force in a direction (a direction opposite to the rotation
direction
DirB) in which the force applied by the helical spring is repelled. As a
result, the second flap portion 105b returns to the state B1 of FIG. 16 when
the force is released after the force is applied to the rotational DirB. As
shown in FIG. 16, contacting the surface 105b_sl of the second flap portion
105b with the surface 102b_sl of the second side wall portion 102b restricts
the rotation of the second flap portion 105b (rotation by the elastic force of
the helical spring), thereby causing the second flap portion 105b to be
maintained in the state Bl.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 17, the second flap portion 105b has a locking
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protrusion 105 lb for locking the second flap portion 105b so as not to rotate
in a state where the front panel portion 106 has been closed.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 18, the front panel portion 106 includes a rotational
shaft holding portion 1062 for installation in a state of passing through the
rotational shaft, a locking recess 1061a for locking the first flap portion
105a
so as not to rotate in a state where the front panel portion 106 has been
closed,
and a locking recess 1061 b for locking the second flap portion 105b so as
not to rotate in a state where the front panel portion 106 has been closed.
[0096]
The locking recess 1061a is provided at a position where the locking
protrusion 1051a of the first flap portion 105a is accommodated in a state
where the front panel portion 106 has been closed.
[0097]
The locking recess 1061 b is provided at a position where the locking
protrusion 105 lb of the second flap portion 105b is accommodated in a state
where the front panel portion 106 has been closed.
[0098]
An elastic member fixing portion 107 is installed on the bottom
portion 101 and is a member for supporting the elastic member Sprl on the
upper surface thereof.
[0099]
The elastic member Sprl is disposed between the upper surface of
the bottom portion 101 and the lower surface of the paper sheet placing table
103, and is a member for biasing the paper sheet placing table 103 upward
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(in the positive z-axis direction). The elastic member Sprl is provided by
using a spring, for example. Note that the elastic member Sprl may be
other than a spring as long as it generates an elastic force.
[0100]
1.2: Operation of Paper Sheet Take-out Processing System
The operation of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
configured as described above will be described with reference to the
drawings.
[0101]
FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts of processing performed by the paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000.
[0102]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the paper sheet storage container
100, and is a diagram for explaining an operation when a bundle G_sep_cards
of paper sheets is inserted.
[0103]
FIGS. 22 and 23 are diagrams showing a partially enlarged cross-
sectional view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage
container 100, and are diagrams for explaining the operation when the bundle
G_sep_cards of the paper sheets is inserted.
[0104]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the paper
sheet storage container 100 with the paper sheet bundle G_sep_cards inserted.
[0105]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the paper
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sheet take-out processing system 1000 including the paper sheet storage
container 100 in which a bundle G_sep_cards of paper sheets has been
inserted.
[0106]
FIGS. 26 to 32 are diagrams schematically showing the first suction
unit lla and the second suction unit llb of the suction mechanism 1 and a
bundle of paper sheets placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 of the
paper sheet storage container 100, and are diagrams for explaining
processing for taking out paper sheets.
[0107]
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a plan view of the paper sheet storage
container 100 (the upper portion of FIG. 33) and a partially enlarged cross-
sectional view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage
container 100, and is a diagram for explaining processing for taking out
paper sheets.
[0108]
FIGS. 34 and 35 are diagrams showing a partially enlarged cross-
sectional view taken along the A-A line in FIG. 6 of the paper sheet storage
container 100, and are diagrams for explaining processing for taking out
paper sheets.
[0109]
In the following, the operation of the paper sheet take-out processing
system 1000 will now be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 and
20.
[0110]
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Step 51:
In the step 51, the processing of inserting paper sheets (bundles of
paper sheets) into the paper sheet storage container 100 is performed.
[0111]
First, in the paper sheet storage container 100, the front panel portion
106 is rotated in a direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 9, for
example, so that the front panel portion 106 is opened. In this state, the
locking protrusion 1051a of the first flap portion 105a and the locking
protrusion 105b of the second flap portion 105 lb are in an open state, and
consequently, the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b
are in a state (unlocked state) in which they can be rotated around the
rotational shafts rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b, respectively.
[0112]
In this state (unlocked state), paper sheets are inserted into the paper
sheet storage container 100 and stored in the paper sheet storage container
100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, in a state where the front panel
portion 106 has been opened and the first flap portion 105a and the second
flap portion 105b have been rotatable, pressing a bundle of paper sheets (the
paper sheet group G_sep_cards) against the first flap portion 105a and the
second flap portion 105b from above causes the first flap portion 105a and
the second flap portion 105b to rotate downward to place the bundle of paper
sheets (the paper sheet group G_sep_cards) on the paper sheet placing table
103. This operation is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0113]
As shown in FIG. 22, lowering the paper sheet group G_sep_cards
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downward from above the paper sheet storage container 100 in the unlocked
state (state Cl in FIG. 22) causes the end portion of the lowermost paper
sheet to be contact with the first flap portion 105a and the second flap
portion
105b; and then the force applied in the downward direction causes the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b to rotate around the
rotational shafts rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b in the rotational directions
DirA and DirB direction in FIG. 22, respectively (state C2 in FIG. 22).
Further, lowering the paper sheet group G_sep_cards allows the paper sheet
group G_sep_cards to be placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 (status
C3 in FIG. 22). The lower surface of the paper sheet of the lowermost
portion of the paper sheet group G_sep_cards comes into contact with the
upper surfaces of the first flow path regulating portion 104a and the second
flow path regulating portion 104b each having substantially the same height
(substantially the same z-coordinate value), thus causing the paper sheet
group G_sep_cards to be placed in a state substantially parallel to the upper
surface of the paper sheet placing table 103.
[0114]
When the force applied from the lowermost surface of the sheet group
G_sep_cards is released, the elastic force of the helical spring installed on
the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b causes the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b to rotate in the
directionals DirA' and DirB' shown in FIG. 23 (state C4 of FIG. 23).
[0115]
The upper surface of the uppermost paper sheet of the paper sheet
group G_sep_cards then comes into contact with the lower surface of the
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first flap portion 105a and the lower surface of the second flap portion 105b,
and the lower surface of the lowermost paper sheet of the paper sheet group
G_sep_cards is biased upward by the elastic member Sprl via the paper sheet
placing table 103, the first flow path regulating portion 104a, and the second
flow path regulating portion 104b. Accordingly, the paper sheet group
G_sep_cards is held in a state of being sandwiched between the lower
surfaces of the first flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b and
the paper sheet placing table 103 (state C5 of FIGS. 21 and 23).
[0116]
Next, in the paper sheet storage container 100, rotating the front
panel portion 106 in the state C5 of FIGS. 21 and 23, for example, in the
direction of the arrow shown in FIGS. 5 and 21 causes the front panel portion
106 to be closed. Accordingly, the locking protrusion 1051a of the first
flap portion 105a and the locking protrusion 105b of the second flap portion
1051b are accommodated in the locking recesses 1061a and 1061b of the
front panel portion 106, respectively, so that the first flap portion 105a and
the second flap portion 105b cannot rotate around the rotational shafts
rot_ax_105a and rot_ax_105b, respectively (locked state) (state C6 of FIG.
24). This locked state can also be detected by a detection sensor (not
shown). In this case, it is also possible to attach a detection sensor to the
side of the front panel portion 6.
This makes it possible to prevent
forgetting to close the front panel portion 6.
[0117]
Step S2:
In the step- S2, processing for leading air into the paper sheet storage
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container 100 is performed.
[0118]
Specifically, the control unit CPU1 operates the air delivery pump
Pump2, and causes air to flow from the air delivery pump Pump2 to the paper
sheet storage container 100 via the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b),
Hole3(102b), and Hole1(102c) of the side wall portion 102 of the paper sheet
storage container 100.
[0119]
Step S3:
In the step S3, the control unit CPU1 instructs the suction pump
Pumpl to start a suction operation. The suction pump Pumpl starts the
suction operation in accordance with an instruction (command) from the
control unit CPU1.
[0120]
Step S4:
In the step-wise S4, the processing for taking out paper sheets is
performed.
[0121]
Step S401:
In the step S401, the control unit CPU1 transmits, to the moving
mechanism Rbtl , a control signal for moving the suction mechanism 1 above
the location where the paper sheet storage container 100 is installed. The
moving mechanism Rbtl moves the suction mechanism 1 above the location
where the paper sheet storage container 100 is installed in accordance with
the control signal (command) from the control unit CPU1. It is assumed
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that the control unit CPU1 includes information on the location where the
paper sheet storage container 100 is installed. As shown in FIG. 25, the
suction mechanism 1 may be moved to a predetermined position based on
the positional relation between the positioning members gdl, gd2 and the
paper sheet storage container 100. In a case
of FIG. 25, when the
positioning members gdl and gd2 are in contact with the first side wall
portion 102a of the paper sheet storage container 100, the first suction unit
ha and the second suction unit 1 lb are set to be above the position
substantially at the center of the uppermost paper sheet stored in the paper
sheet storage container 100. This causes the movement control of the
suction mechanism 1 to be smoothly performed.
[0122]
Step S402:
In the step-wise S402, processing of lowering the suction mechanism
1 is performed.
When the control unit CPU1 recognizes that the moving processing of the
step S401 has been completed and the first suction unit ha and the second
suction unit 1 lb have been located above the position substantially at the
center of the uppermost sheet stored in the paper sheet storage container 100,
it transmits a control signal for performing processing of lowering the
suction mechanism 1 to the moving mechanism Rbtl .
[0123]
The moving mechanism Rbtl lowers the suction mechanism 1 in
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accordance with the control signal (command) from the control unit CPU1
(state al in FIG. 26).
[0124]
Steps S403 and S404:
In the step S403, the control unit CPU1 determines whether or not
the vertical position (height (z-coordinate value)) of the suction mechanism
1 is equal to or less than a predetermined value Pos_lowest (height) in order
to detect whether or not the suction mechanism 1 is lowered to the
predetermined position Pos_lowest. (1) When the vertical position of the
suction mechanism 1 < Pos_lowest is satisfied, the process proceeds to the
step S404, whereas (2) when the vertical position of the suction mechanism
1 < Pos_lowest is not satisfied (2), the process proceeds to the step S405.
[0125]
Assuming that the vertical position of the suction mechanism 1 (z-
coordinate value) is determined to be a position of the upper end portion of
the bellows-shaped pad portions 11a3 and 11b3 (the lower end portion of the
connecting portion 11a2) (FIG. 4, FIG. 32, the position indicated by Pos_z
(z-coordinate value) in FIGS. 4 and 32), the value Pos_lowest is set to the
position of the upper end of the bellows-shaped pad portions 11a3 and 11b3
when the surface of the uppermost paper sheet in the paper sheet storage
container 100 has been sucked flat, and the bellows portion has been most
shrunk (the position of the lower end of the connecting portion 11a2) (the
position indicated by Pos_z (height (z-coordinate value) in FIGS. 4 and 32)
(see the state a0 in FIG. 32). Note that the above-described setting methods
of the value Pos_lowest are mere examples, and the present invention should
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not be limited thereto. The value Pos_lowest may be set to, for example, a
height (z-coordinate value) of a position of a predetermined portion (for
example, a portion connected to the front end portion or the first flat plate
member plt1) of the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit llb in
the state a0 of FIG. 32; furthermore, the position of the predetermined
portion of the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit 1 lb (for
example, a position (for example, a portion connected to the front end
portion and the first flat plate member plt1) to be compared with the value
Pos_Lowest) is set as a "vertical position of the suction mechanism 1", and
then the determination processing whether the vertical position of the
suction mechanism 1 < Pos_lowest is satisfied may be performed.
[0126]
In the step S404, it is determined that the vertical position (height
(z-axis coordinate value)) of the suction mechanism 1 is a value (height)
equal to or less than a predetermined value Pos_lowest, and the suction
mechanism 1 is lowered to an abnormally low position; and thus error
processing is performed. For example, the control unit CPU1 determines
that abnormal lowering processing has been performed on the suction
mechanism 1, and then instructs the movement mechanism Rbtl to perform
movement control for raising the suction mechanism 1 and returning it to a
predetermined position. The moving mechanism Rbtl raises the suction
mechanism 1 in accordance with the instruction (command) from the control
unit CPU1 and returns it to a predetermined position.
[0127]
Steps S405 and S406:
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In the step S405, determination processing is performed to determine
whether the pressure in the suction mechanism 1 is lower than a
predetermined threshold Thl .
[0128]
Specifically, the pressure detecting unit 2 detects the pressure in the
target space where the suction pump Pumpl performs suction (a space
defined by the suction pump Pumpl, the tube that connects the suction pump
Pumpl with the first suction unit ha and the second suction unit 11b, and
the hollow-structure part of the first suction unit lla and the second suction
unit 11b). The
pressure detecting unit 2 then transmits the detected
pressure to the control unit CPU1 . The control unit CPU1 then performs
determination processing for determining whether the value of the pressure
detected by the pressure detecting unit 2 is a value lower than a
predetermined threshold Thl .
[0129]
When it is determined that the pressure in the suction mechanism 1
is not lower than the predetermined threshold Thl , the process returns to the
step S402, and the processing of lowering the suction mechanism 1 is
continued (the state a2 in FIG. 27, the state a3 in FIG. 28, and the state a4
in FIG. 29). Note that the threshold Thl may be set sufficiently to
distinguish between the suction state and the non-suction state on the basis
of the pressure when an object (for example, paper sheets) has been sucked
by the suction mechanism 1 (suction state) and the pressure when the object
has been not sucked (non-suction state).
[0130]
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Conversely, when it is determined that the pressure in the suction
mechanism 1 is lower than the predetermined threshold Thl, the suction
mechanism 1 is determined to be in a state in which the paper sheets are
sucked; consequently, it can be determined that the pressure in the suction
mechanism 1 is lowered (state a5 in FIG. 30), so that the control unit CPU1
instructs the moving mechanism Rbtl to stop the process of lowering the
suction mechanism 1 and perform the process of raising the suction
mechanism 1. The moving mechanism Rbtl performs processing of
stopping the process of lowering the suction mechanism 1 and then performs
processing of raising the suction mechanism 1 in accordance with the
instruction from the control unit CPU1 (step S406) (state a6 in FIG. 31).
[0131]
Step S407:
In the step S407, the control unit CPU1 instructs the data-reading
unit L_scanl to read a bar code or the like printed on a paper sheet (for
example, a separator card) sucked by the suction mechanism 1.
In
accordance with the instruction from the control unit CPU1, the data reading
unit L_scanl reads the bar code or the like printed on the paper sheet (for
example, a separator card) sucked by the suction unit 1, and transmits the
read data to the control unit CPU 1.
[0132]
Step S408:
In the step S408, the control unit CPU1 determines whether the data
read by the data reading unit L_scanl is normal data. If it is determined
that the data read by the data reading unit L_scanl is not normal data, the
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process proceeds to the step S409, whereas if it is determined that the data
read by the data reading unit L_scanl is normal data, the process proceeds
to step S410.
[0133]
Step S409:
In the step S409, rejection processing is performed. The data read
by the data reading unit L_scanl is not normal data, and the paper sheet (for
example, separator card) sucked by the suction mechanism 1 are not
legitimate, and thus, processing (disposal processing) for moving the paper
sheet to a disposal box is performed, for example. Specifically, the control
unit CPU1 instructs the moving mechanism Rbtl to move the paper sheet
(for example, the separator card) sucked by the suction mechanism 1 to, for
example, the discarding box. In accordance with the instruction from the
control unit CPU1, the moving mechanism Rbtl moves the paper sheet
sucked by the suction mechanism 1 above the disposal box, then lowers the
suction mechanism 1, and further releases the paper sheet sucked by the
suction mechanism 1 (for example, temporarily stopping the suction of the
air from the outside by the suction mechanism 1 causes the suction state of
the suction mechanism 1 to be released, thereby releasing the paper sheet).
This causes the paper sheets sucked by the suction mechanism 1 to be put
into the disposal box. When the rejection processing of the step S409 is
completed, the process proceeds to the step S5; and when the sheet remains
in the paper sheet storage container 100 (Yes in the step S5), the process of
the step S4 is performed.
[0134]
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Steps S410 and S411:
In the step S410, processing of moving the paper sheet sucked by the
suction mechanism 1 to a predetermined location is performed. The data
read by the data reading unit L_scanl is normal data and the paper sheet (for
example, separator card) sucked by the suction mechanism 1 are normal, and
thus processing of inserting the paper sheet into a conveyance device (a
conveyance device with a bill bundle storage box) in which bill bundles
collected from cash box are stored is performed.
[0135]
Specifically, the control unit CPU1 instructs the moving mechanism
Rbtl to move the paper sheet (for example, separator card) sucked by the
suction mechanism 1 to the conveyance device (the conveyance device with
the bill bundle storage box) in which bill bundles collected from the cash
box are stored. In accordance with the instruction from the control unit
CPU1, the moving mechanism Rbtl moves the paper sheet sucked by the
suction mechanism 1 above the box (container) of the conveying device in
which the bill bundle is stored, then lowers the suction mechanism 1, and
further releases the paper sheet sucked by the suction mechanism 1 (for
example, temporarily stopping the suction of the air from the outside by the
suction mechanism 1 causes the suction state of the suction mechanism 1 to
be released, thereby releasing the paper sheet) (step S411). This causes the
paper sheets sucked by the suction mechanism 1 to be fed into the
conveyance device (the conveyance device with the bill bundle storage box).
In other words, the conveyance device (the conveyance device with the bill
bundle storage box) is in a state where one sheet (for example, a separator
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card) taken out from the paper sheet storage container 100 has been placed
on the bill bundle collected from the cash box (a state in which the batch
Batchl in FIG. 39 has been created).
[0136]
At this time, the control unit CPU1 obtains data in which the
information of the cash box in which the bill bundle stored in the conveyance
device (the conveyance device with the bill bundle storage box) had been
stored is associated with the information (data read by the data reading unit
L_scanl) for specifying the paper sheet (for example, the separator card)
placed on the bill bundle; and then the control unit CPU1 stores and manages
the obtained data. The control unit CPU1 then transmits the data (the
association data) to, for example, an automatic bill counter (sorter) via the
communication interface IF1.
The automatic bill counter (sorter) can
recognize that the bill bundle partitioned by the separator card (the paper
sheet taken out from the paper sheet storage container 100) is the bill bundle
collected from the cash box associated with the separator card based on the
data in which the information specifying the cash box has been associated
with the information specifying the separator card, and further can obtain
the total amount of money collected from the cash box.
[0137]
As described above, the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
performs the paper sheet take-out processing.
[0138]
Step S5:
In step S5, it is determined whether there exists any paper sheet
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remaining in the paper sheet storage container 100; and when it is determined
that there exists any paper sheet remaining in the paper sheet storage
container 100, the process returns to step S4, whereas when there exists no
paper sheet remaining in the paper sheet storage container 100, the process
proceeds to step S6.
[0139]
Note that the process of determining whether there exists any paper
sheet remaining in the paper sheet storage container 100 may be performed
by, for example, the data reading unit L_scanl to determine that there exists
no paper sheet remaining in the paper sheet storage container 100 due to the
occurrence of a reading error; alternatively, it may be performed by attaching
a seal printed with a special barcode (a barcode indicating that there exists
no paper sheet placed) to the paper sheet placing table 103 of the paper sheet
storage container 100 and determining that there exists no paper sheet
remaining in the paper sheet storage container 100 when the data of the
special barcode has been read by the data reading unit L_scanl .
[0140]
Step S6:
In the step S6, the operation of the suction pump Pumpl is stopped.
[0141]
Step S7:
In the step S7, the operation of the air delivery pump Pump2 is
stopped, and the process of causing air to flow into the paper sheet storage
container 100 is stopped.
[0142]
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As described above, the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
performs the processing in which the paper sheets stored in the paper sheet
storage container 100 are taken out one-by-one from the paper sheet storage
container 100, and then the paper sheets are put into the conveyance
apparatus in which the bill bundle collected for each cash box is placed, for
example. Note that timings at which the activation and/or deactivation of
the suction pump Pumpl are performed should not be limited to the timings
of the flowchart of FIG. 19.
For example, the activation and/or
deactivation of the suction pump Pumpl may be performed during the
processing of taking out paper sheets (step S4). For example, the activation
of the suction pump Pumpl may be performed at any timing prior to the step
S403, and the deactivation of the suction pump Pumpl may be performed at
any timing after the step S405.
[0143]
Here, details of processing for taking out paper sheets stored in the
paper sheet storage container 100 one-by-one from the paper sheet storage
container 100 in the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35.
[0144]
After the paper sheet storage container 100 is locked, air (for
example, an air flow) is caused to flow into the inside of the paper sheet
storage container 100 from the air delivery pump Pump2 through, for
example, pipes Pipel to Pipe4, holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), and
Hole3(102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the paper sheet storage
container 100, and a hole Hole1(102c) of the third side wall portion 102c
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(state D1 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34).
[0145]
As shown in FIG. 14, the first flow path regulating portion 104a and
the second flow path regulating portion 104b are arranged such that the flow
rate to the vicinity of the center of the upper surface of the paper sheet
placing table 103 increases when air flows into the inside of the paper sheet
storage container 100 from the outside.
[0146]
Further, the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and
Holel (102c) in the side wall portion 102 are formed such that the height (z-
coordinate value z_center) of the central axis thereof is substantially the
same (substantially the same height) as the position of the upper surface of
the paper sheet placing table 103 when no paper sheet is placed on the paper
sheet placing table 103.
[0147]
Thus, air (e.g., air flow) flowing, from the outside, into the inside of
the paper sheet storage container 100 through the holes Hole1(102b),
Hole2(102b), and Hole3(102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the
paper sheet storage container 100, and the hole Holel (102c) of the third side
wall portion 102c in the paper sheet storage container 100 causes the vicinity
of the center of the upper surface of the uppermost paper sheet placed on the
paper sheet placing table 103 to be raised.
[0148]
For example, sucking the paper sheets in the state where the vicinity
of the center of the upper surface has been raised by the suction mechanism
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1 of the moving mechanism Rbtl (e.g., a robot arm or the like) and then
lifting the paper sheets upward in the sucked state allows for easily taking
out the uppermost paper sheets from the paper sheet storage container 100.
[0149]
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35.
[0150]
When air (e.g., air flow) flows into the inside of the paper sheet
storage container 100 from the outside through the holes Hole1(102b),
Hole2(102b) and Hole3(102b) of the second side wall portion 102b of the
paper sheet storage container 100 and the holes Holel (102c) of the third side
wall portion 102c, the air is blown from the side (horizontally) to the
uppermost paper sheet of the paper sheet group G_sep_cards because the
heights (z-coordinate values) of the center axis of the holes Hole1(102b),
Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b) and Holel (102c) are substantially the same as the
position (z-coordinate value) of the uppermost paper sheet of the paper sheet
group G_sep_cards placed on the paper sheet placing table 103. As shown
in FIG. 34, the paper sheet group G_sep_cards placed on the paper sheet
placing table 103 has been sandwiched between the first flap portion 105a
and the second flap portion 105b and the paper sheet placing table 103; and
thus, when air is blown from the side (horizontally) to the uppermost paper
sheet of the paper sheet group G_sep_cards placed on the paper sheet placing
table 103, the air entering the lower surface of the uppermost paper sheet is
concentrated in the vicinity of the center, thereby generating a state in
which
the upper surface of the uppermost paper sheet has been raised upward (state
D2 in FIG. 34).
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[0151]
Then, in this state, for example, sucking the paper sheets in the state
where the vicinity of the center of the upper surface has been raised by the
suction mechanism 1 of the moving mechanism Rbtl and then lifting the
paper sheets upward in the sucked state allows for easily taking out the
uppermost paper sheets from the paper sheet storage container 100 (state D3
in FIG. 34). Blowing the air into the paper sheet storage container 100 as
described above leads to a state where the center portion of the paper sheet
at the uppermost portion has been raised; thus, performing the processing as
described above allows for reliably taking out paper sheets one-by-one.
[0152]
After the uppermost paper sheet placed on the paper sheet placing
table 103 is taken out, the second top paper sheet becomes the uppermost
paper sheet, and the position (z-coordinate value (height)) of the paper sheet
becomes substantially the same as the height (z-coordinate value) of the
center axes of the holes Hole1(102b), Hole2(102b), Hole3(102b), and
Hole1(102c) (state D1). Performing the same processing as
described
above also makes it possible to reliably take out the second top sheet, which
is placed next to the top. Repeating this operation allows the paper sheets
placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 to be reliably taken out one-by-
one.
[0153]
As shown in FIG. 35, when there remains only one paper sheet placed
on the paper sheet placing table 103, the flow rate of the air flowing into
the
inside of the paper sheet storage container 100 increases in the vicinity of
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the center of the lower surface of the remaining last paper sheet due to the
first flow path regulating portion 104a and the second flow path regulating
portion 104b. Thus, the remaining last paper sheet is also in a state in
which the vicinity of the center of the paper sheet has been raised (state
D5).
[0154]
Similarly to the above, in this state, for example, sucking the
remaining last paper sheet in the state where the vicinity of the center of
the
upper surface has been raised by the suction mechanism 1 of the moving
mechanism Rbtl, and then lifting the paper sheet upward in the sucked state
allows for reliably taking out the remaining last paper sheet from the paper
sheet storage container 100.
[0155]
As described above, in the paper sheet storage container 100, the
paper sheet group is held by the paper sheet placing table 103 and the first
flap portion 105a and the second flap portion 105b whose rotation has been
locked, while the paper sheet placing table 103 is being biased upward by
the elastic member Sprl so that the position (height) of the uppermost paper
sheet of the paper sheet group placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 is
substantially the same position (height) as the positions (heights) of the
holes through which air flows. In this state, in the paper sheet storage
container 100, air is blown from the side (horizontally) to the uppermost
paper sheet of the paper sheet group placed on the paper sheet placing table
103, thereby allowing the uppermost paper sheet to be brought into a state
in which the vicinity of the center thereof has been raised and furthermore
allowing for separating paper sheets in the vicinity of the uppermost portion
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by air (allowing for forming a gap). In this state, for example, sucking the
vicinity of the center of the uppermost paper sheet and then lifting the paper
sheet upward allows for easily and reliably taking out the uppermost paper
sheet from the paper sheet storage container 100.
[0156]
Thus, the paper sheet storage container 100 makes it possible to
accurately take out paper sheets (for example, separator cards) one-by-one
with a simple mechanism.
[0157]
As described above, the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
makes it possible to accurately take out the paper sheets stored in the paper
sheet storage container 100 one-by-one by using the paper sheet storage
container 100 having a simple mechanism.
The paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 performs the paper sheet take-out processing using
the paper sheet storage container 100 with a simple mechanism, and thus can
be provided at low cost.
[0158]
Performing the above processing in the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 allows the conveyance device (the conveyance
device with the bill bundle storage box)to create batches shown in FIG. 39
by placing one paper sheet (for example, a separator card) taken out from
the paper sheet storage container 100 on the bill bundle collected from the
cash box. Repeating the above process and collecting (e.g., stacking) the
created batches in a storage device (not shown) allows for creating a batch
group shown in FIG. 39, for example. The created batch group (the batch
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group Batch_G1 in FIG. 39) is conveyed to the automatic bill counter (sorter),
and then the automatic bill counter (sorter) can efficiently perform automatic
bill counting processing on the batch group. In other words, the automatic
bill counter (sorter) has received, from the paper sheet take-out processing
system 1000, the information of the cash box from which the bill bundle of
each batch has been collected; thus the automatic bill counter (sorter) reads
the bar code of the separator card at the head of each batch and refers to the
information of the separator card received from the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000 and the information specifying the cash box
associated therewith, thereby allowing for performing the bill counting
processing for each batch (for each cash box).
[0159]
Other Embodiments
In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 includes one paper sheet
storage container 100, but the present invention should not be limited
thereto; two or more paper sheet storage containers 100 may be provided in
the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000. In this case, a plurality
of types of paper sheets (for example, separator cards) can be handled in the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000.
Alternatively, the paper
sheets (separator cards) of the same type may be stored in a plurality of
paper
sheet storage containers, paper sheets may be continuously taken out from
one paper sheet storage container in which the paper sheets has been stored,
and when the paper sheets stored in the paper sheet storage container
disappear, paper sheets may be continuously taken out from another paper
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sheet storage container in which the paper sheets has been stored. This
allows for performing processing of taking out paper sheets from another
paper sheet storage container even while the empty paper sheet storage
container is being replenished, thus making it is possible to continuously
perform the processing for taking out paper sheets without stopping it in the
paper sheet take-out processing system 1000.
[0160]
Further, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which
a barcode is printed on a paper sheet, but the present invention should not
be limited thereto; instead of a barcode, other codes, numbers, codes,
patterns, and the like attached to the surface of the paper sheet may be used.
In this case, the data reading device capable of obtaining data from the
display on the surface of the paper sheet may be replaced with the data
reading unit L_scanl to achieve the paper sheet take-out processing system
1000.
[0161]
Further, in the above embodiment, when the pressure in the suction
mechanism becomes lower than the predetermined Thl (see the step S405 in
FIG. 20), the suction mechanism is lifted upward, but the present invention
should not be limited thereto. For example, in the paper sheet take-out
processing system 1000, when the amount of decrease in the pressure in the
suction mechanism becomes larger than a predetermined value (the
predetermined value may be set to a value that can distinguish between the
suction state and the non-suction state of the suction mechanism), the
lowering of the suction mechanism may be stopped and then the suction
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mechanism may be lifted upward.
[0162]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in
which four holes are provided in the side wall portion 102 of the paper sheet
storage container 100, but the present invention should not be limited
thereto; the number of holes (air inflow ports) provided in the side wall
portion 102 of the paper sheet storage container 100 may be other numbers
(may be one). For example, in the paper sheet storage container 100, one
or more holes may be provided in at least two of the first side wall portion
102a, the second side wall portion 102b, the third side wall portion 102c,
and the front panel portion 106 (corresponding to four sides in plan view)
(one or more holes may be provided in a member corresponding to at least
two sides of the four sides in plan view).
[0163]
Further, the shape of the hole of the side wall portion 102 may be
another shape (for example, a cross section orthogonal to the central axis
may have a shape other than a circle (for example, a rectangular shape or an
oval shape)).
[0164]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the position (height (z-
coordinate value)) of the hole of the side wall portion 102 is the height
(height substantially the same as the paper sheet at the top of the paper
sheet
placing table 103) at which air can be blown from the side to the uppermost
paper sheet placed on the paper sheet placing table 103, but the present
invention should not be limited thereto; the hole may be provided in the side
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wall portion 102 such that the position (height (z-coordinate value)) of the
hole of the side wall portion 102 is lower than the uppermost paper sheet
placed on the paper sheet placing table 103 (for example, the position of the
center axis of the hole is lower than the position of the uppermost paper
sheet placed on the paper sheet placing table 103).
[0165]
Further, as shown in FIG. 36, fixing members Dev_fixA and
Dev_fixB for stably fixing pipes (for example, the pipes Pipel to Pipe4 in
FIG. 36) for allowing air (for example, an airflow) to flow into the inside of
the paper sheet storage container 100 may be installed in the paper sheet
storage container 100.
[0166]
As shown in FIG. 36, a fixing member Dev_fixA(102b) is installed
on the second side wall portion 102b, guides the distal ends of the pipes
Pipel to Pipe3 to holes provided in the second side wall portion 102b, and
is connected to a fixing member Dev_fixB(102b) for bundling the pipes
Pipel to Pipe3.
[0167]
The fixing member Dev_fixB(102b) is a member for bundling the
pipes Pipel to Pipe3, and is connected to the fixing member Dev_fixA(102b).
[0168]
As shown in FIG. 36, a fixing member Dev_fixA(102c) is installed
on the third side wall portion 102c, guides the distal end of the pipe Pipe4
to a hole provided in the third side wall portion 102c, and is connected to
the fixing member Dev_fixB(102c) for fixing the pipe Pipe4.
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[0169]
The fixing member Dev_fixB(102c) is a member for fixing the pipe
Pipe4, and is connected to the fixing member Dev_fixA(102c).
[0170]
Installing such fixing members Dev_fixA(102b), Dev_fixB(102b),
Dev_fixA(102c), and Dev_fixB(102c) in the paper sheet storage container
100 allows pipes for leading flows (for example, an airflow) into the inside
of the paper sheet storage container 100 to be stably arranged.
[0171]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the paper
sheet storage container 100 includes the holes, the first flow path regulating
portion 104a (flow path restricting member), and the second flow path
regulating portion 104b (flow path restricting member) that are disposed
(arranged) as shown in FIG. 36 has been described, but the present invention
should not be limited thereto; the arrangement of the holes, the first flow
path regulating portion 104a (flow path restricting member) and the second
flow path regulating portion 104b (flow path restricting member) in the paper
sheet storage container 100 may be other arrangements.
[0172]
FIG. 37 is an external view of the paper sheet storage container 100A
in which the arrangement of the holes and the flow path regulating members
has been changed. As shown in FIG. 37, three holes may be provided in
the second side wall portion 102a; one hole may be disposed in the third side
wall portion; and further, the first flow path regulating portion 104a' and
the
second flow path regulating portion 104b' may be disposed as shown in FIG.
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37.
[0173]
Further, the paper sheet storage container 100 and the paper sheet
storage container 100A whose arrangement of the holes and flow path
regulating portions differs from each other may be arranged, for example, as
shown in FIG. 38 to construct a system (paper sheet take-out processing
system) for taking out paper sheets from the paper sheet storage container
100 and the paper sheet storage container 100A. In other words, the paper
sheet take-out processing system 1000 may be configured to include the
paper sheet storage container 100 and the paper sheet storage container 100A
in which the holes and the flow path regulating members are arranged
differently from each other. In this case, air may be supplied from the air
delivery pump Pump2 to the paper sheet storage container 100 and the paper
sheet storage container 100A; or air may be supplied to the paper sheet
storage container 100 by the air delivery pump Pump2, an air delivery pump
different from the air delivery pump Pump2 may be added, and air may be
supplied to the paper sheet storage container 100A by the added air delivery
pump.
[0174]
FIG. 38 shows a table TB1 on which the paper sheet storage container
100, the paper sheet storage container 100A, and a waste container Bx_reject
are disposed. The waste container Bx_reject is a container for storing paper
sheets, which is to be discarded, taken out from the paper sheet storage
container 100 and/or the paper sheet storage container 100A in a case where
paper sheets that have been stored in the paper sheet storage container 100
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and/or the paper sheet storage container 100A are, for example, irregular
paper sheets (e.g., illegal separator cards).
[0175]
The terms "substantially the same" and "substantial parallel" used in
the above embodiments intend to permit an error occurring when control or
the like is executed using a target value (or a design value) of being the
same
or using a target of being the parallel, or also permit an error determined
depending on the resolution of the apparatus, and "substantially the same"
or "substantial parallel" can include a range that a person skilled in the art
determines (or recognizes) as being the same or being parallel.
[0176]
In some example(s) in the above embodiments, only relevant
member(s), among the constituent members of the embodiments of the
present invention, necessary for describing the present invention are
simplified and shown. Thus, the above embodiment(s) may include any
constituent member that is not shown in the above embodiment(s). Also,
in the above embodiment(s) and/or drawing(s), the dimensions of the
members may not be faithfully (strictly) identical to their actual dimensions,
their actual dimension ratios, or the like. Thus, the dimension(s) and/or the
dimension ratio(s) may be changed without departing from the scope and the
spirit of the invention.
[0177]
Each block of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000
described in the above embodiment may be formed using a single chip with
a semiconductor device, such as LSI, or some or all of the blocks of the paper
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sheet take-out processing system 1000 may be formed using a single chip.
Each block of the paper sheet take-out processing system 1000 described in
the above embodiment may be provided by using a semiconductor device
such as a plurality of LSIs or the like.
[0178]
Note that although the term LSI is used here, it may also be called
IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of
integration.
[0179]
Further, the method of circuit integration should not be limited to
LSI, and it may be implemented with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose
processor. A field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is an LSI
circuit programmable after manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor,
which is an LSI circuit in which internal circuit cells are reconfigurable or
more specifically the internal circuit cells can be reconnected or reset, may
be used.
[0180]
All or part of the processes performed by the functional blocks
described in the above embodiment may be implemented using programs.
All or part of the processes performed by the functional blocks described in
the above embodiment is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU)
included in a computer. The programs for these processes may be stored in
a storage device, such as a hard disk or a ROM, and may be executed from
the ROM or be read into a RAM and then executed.
[0181]
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The processes described in the above embodiment may be
implemented by using either hardware or software (including use of an
operating system (OS), middleware, or a predetermined library), or may be
implemented using both software and hardware.
[0182]
For example, when functional units of the above embodiment is
achieved by using software, a predetermined hardware structure (the
hardware structure including CPU, ROM, RAM, an input unit, an output unit,
a communication unit, a storage unit (e.g., a storage unit achieved by using
HDD, SSD, or the like), a drive for external media or the like, each of which
is connected to a bus) may be employed to achieve the functional units by
using software.
[0183]
When each functional unit of the above embodiment is achieved by
using software, the software may be achieved by using a single computer
having the above-described hardware configuration, and may be achieved by
using distributed processes using a plurality of computers.
[0184]
The processes described in the above embodiment may not be
performed in the order specified in the above embodiment. The order in
which the processes are performed may be changed without departing from
the scope and the spirit of the invention. Further, in the processing method
in the above-described embodiment, some steps may be performed in parallel
with other steps without departing from the scope and the spirit of the
invention.
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[0185]
The present invention may also include a computer program enabling
a computer to implement the method described in the above embodiment and
a computer readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded.
Examples of the computer readable recording medium include a flexible disk,
a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a large
capacity DVD, a next-generation DVD, and a semiconductor memory.
[0186]
The computer program should not be limited to one recorded on the
recording medium, but may be transmitted via an electric communication
line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the
Internet, or the like.
[0187]
The specific structures described in the above embodiment are mere
examples of the present invention, and may be changed and modified
variously without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0188]
1000 paper sheet take-out processing system
100, 100A paper sheet storage container
101 bottom portion
102 side wall portion
103 paper sheet placing table
104a, 104a' first flow path regulating portion (flow path regulating member)
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104b, 104b' second flow path regulating portion (flow path regulating
member)
1051a, 51b locking protrusion (lock mechanism)
1061a, 61b locking recess (lock mechanisms)
Sprl elastic member
1 suction mechanism
2 pressure detecting unit
Pump air delivery pump
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