RU2575424C1 - Material feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: claimed device comprises the lower guide with sheet materials laid thereon inclined so that its feed guide side feeding the sheets at the lowest section of the pile is located lower. Device rollers, each with the main section, of, mainly, cylindrical shape and with the separation section located at the main section peripheral side surface, apply the friction forces to the material. Note here that said rollers spin so that said separation sections extend toward the laid materials from the bottom side of separation openings in the lower guide. Besides, it comprises the overlapping guide to support the piled materials on the lower guide feed side. The pressure element of preset weight exploits the gravity force to press the piled material to said lower guide. The extra pressure element is fitted between the pressure element and piled materials. The absorbing elements are meant for damping the force applied by materials to said extra pressure element.

EFFECT: ordered feed without disintegration of piles.

10 cl, 39 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a material feeding device and, for example, is accordingly applied to a banknote processing device that delivers stacked banknotes, counts banknotes and binds each predetermined number of banknotes to thereby process banknotes.

State of the art

[0002] Traditionally, automated teller machines used in financial institutions count banknotes according to their face values and stack the counted banknotes in multiple temporary stacking blocks. Additionally, an example of such an automated teller machine is automated teller machines having a built-in banknote processing device that binds each number of banknotes to thereby process widely used banknotes.

[0003] As a banknote processing device, for example, a banknote processing device has been proposed which, when multiple banknotes are placed in a folded state in the banknote feeder, separates and feeds banknotes one at a time and recognizes the denomination and suitability of the banknotes ( for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open (JP-A No. 2005-212910 (FIG. 2, etc.)). This banknote processing device stacks banknotes in temporary stacking units based on the results of face value recognition and suitability, and when the number of banknotes stacked reaches a certain amount, the device ties the banknotes together with tape and unloads the tied banknotes.

[0004] With regard to the banknote feeder in the banknote processing device, there is, for example, a banknote feeder in which the rollers are embedded in the platform on which the banknote is placed and in which the separating sections that are raised from and the friction force which are higher than the surrounding areas, are located on parts of the peripheral side surfaces of the rollers. In this banknote feeder, banknotes are pressed by a clamping member (holding plate) on top of stacked banknotes.

[0005] In addition, in this banknote feeder, banknotes are stacked on the platform and pressed against the site by a holding plate, and the rollers rotate so that the banknotes in the lowest layer are separated one by one. In this regard, the banknote feeder may sequentially feed banknotes to the banknote processing device.

Disclosure of invention

Technical problem

[0006] In this regard, in a banknote feeder having this configuration, guides that guide or support banknotes are formed on the right and left sides and on the far side of the space in which the banknotes are to be stacked. At the same time, in the banknote feeder, the proximal side of the space is largely open so that banknotes can be added at any time.

[0007] For this reason, there was a problem in the banknote feeder that when the number of stacked banknotes became larger and larger, the banknotes were crumpled on the near side.

[0008] In this regard, there is a banknote feeder in which the platform is tilted so that its proximal side is higher, so that the banknotes tend to lean against the far side, where one of the guides is formed, and do not wrinkle on the near side. In this case, the holding plate, which presses the banknotes to the site from above, is also inclined so that its proximal side is higher.

[0009] In the banknote feeder, the separating portions are raised from the peripheral side surfaces of the rollers. Thus, due to the rotation of the rollers, an upward force acts on the banknotes and the holding plate located on the upper side of the banknotes. As a result, the banknotes and the holding plate are vibrating up and down.

[0010] Currently, in the banknote feeder, since the masses and values of the moments of inertia of the banknotes and the holding plate are different from each other, the times when the banknotes and the holding plate go from raising to lowering do not coincide, and the banknotes and the holding plate are temporarily separated from each other.

[0011] Especially in the case where the pad and the holding plate are tilted so that their proximal sides are higher in the banknote feeder while the banknotes are temporarily separated from the holding plate, the banknotes in the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes are moved in such a way that they slide towards the proximal side along the inclination of the holding plate. In addition, sometimes the banknotes in the uppermost section of the stacked banknotes remain as they are, without returning to the far side - that is, with the parts of the banknotes protruding on the near side - and are pressed down by the holding plate.

[0012] For this reason, the traditional banknote feeder has a problem in that when it re-submits the banknotes, the topmost portion of the stacked banknotes is gradually popped out on the near side, and soon the banknotes become wrinkled on the near side the topmost section.

[0013] The present invention is made in view of the above question, and provides a material feeding device that can sequentially feed stacked materials without causing creasing of materials.

Solution

[0014] In order to solve this problem, the material feeding device of the present invention includes: a lower guide on which paper sheet materials are stacked and placed, and which is inclined so that its feed direction side that feeds materials in the lowest stacking section is below; rollers, each of which has a main portion of the roller formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a separating portion that is located on a portion of the peripheral side surface of the main portion of the roller and causes a frictional force to act on the material, wherein the rollers rotate so that the separating portions protrude the direction to the laid materials from the lower side of the separation holes formed in the lower guide; an overlapping guide that supports the stacked materials on the feed direction side of the lower guide; a clamping element that has a predetermined mass and uses gravity to press the laid materials to the lower guide; auxiliary clamping element, which is placed between the clamping element and the laid materials; absorbing elements that absorb the force exerted by the materials on the auxiliary pressing element.

[0015] In this regard, in the material supply device of the present invention, the separating sections are periodically lifted, accompanied by rotation of the rollers, the materials laid on the lower guide. Further, in the material feeding device of the present invention, when vibration caused by lifting of materials is transmitted to the auxiliary pressing member, the absorbing elements absorb this vibration to allow the auxiliary pressing member to follow the uppermost portion of the materials. For this reason, in the material feeding device of the present invention, materials can be prevented from protruding.

Beneficial effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the separating sections are periodically lifted, accompanied by rotation of the rollers, materials laid on the lower guide. Further, in the present invention, when vibration caused by the lifting of materials is transmitted to the auxiliary pressing member, the absorbing elements absorb this vibration to allow the auxiliary pressing member to follow the uppermost portion of the materials. For this reason, according to the present invention, the materials can be prevented from protruding. Thus, the present invention can implement a material feed device that can sequentially feed stacked materials without causing creasing of materials.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of a banknote processing device;

FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a configuration (2) of a banknote processing device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a banknote feeder;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of separating rollers;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a configuration (2) of separating rollers;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a banknote holder according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing the movement (1) -A of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing the movement (1) -B of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7C is a schematic view showing the movement (1) -C of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7D is a schematic view showing the movement (1) -D of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing the movement (2) -A of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a schematic view showing the movement (2) -B of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a schematic view showing the movement (2) -C of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8D is a schematic view showing the movement (2) -D of the lower pressure plate in the banknote holder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the loading of banknotes in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the supply of banknotes in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the addition of banknotes in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the formation of a gap in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the movement of (1) banknotes in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the movement (2) of banknotes in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the occurrence of banknote collapse in a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the movement of (1) banknotes in the banknote feeder of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the movement (2) of banknotes in the banknote feeder of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a simulated vibration system with two degrees of freedom;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a conventional banknote feeder;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of a banknote holder according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration (2) of a banknote holder according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 23A is a schematic view showing a configuration (3) -A of a banknote holder according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 23B is a schematic view showing a configuration (3) -B of a banknote holder according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of a banknote holder according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration (2) of a banknote holder according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of a banknote holder according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration (2) of a banknote holder according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration (1) of a banknote holder according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration (2) of a banknote holder according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 30A is a schematic view (1) showing a movement of a lower pressure plate in a banknote holder according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 30B is a schematic view (2) showing a movement of a lower pressure plate in a banknote holder according to a fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration (3) of a banknote holder according to a fifth embodiment.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Embodiments of the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below using the drawings.

[0019] 1. The first embodiment

1-1. Banknote Processing Device Configuration

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the banknote processing device 1 calculates banknotes serving as an example of materials and binds each predetermined number of banknotes to thereby process banknotes.

[0020] Moreover, the banknote processing device 1 is installed in the cash settlement center of a financial institution, for example, and processes the banknote in accordance with the operations of the employee (hereinafter referred to as the operator) of the financial institution.

[0021] The banknote processing device 1 has a plurality of mechanisms integrated inside the rectangular box 2, and these mechanisms are entirely controlled by the control unit 3. The control unit 3 is made around a non-illustrated central processing unit (CPU). Additionally, the control unit 3 performs the counting and binding of banknotes by reading and executing a given program from a non-illustrated ROM or flash memory.

[0022] An indication and operation unit 4 comprising an integrated liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays various screens, and a touch panel that receives input from an operator is attached to a rear side of an upper portion of the housing 2. An indication and operation unit 4 displays preset operational screens, allows the operator to indicate operating modes and set the values and the stacking order of the counted banknotes and notify the control unit 3 of the details of these parameters.

[0023] Next, the direction directed to the front side facing the operator will be determined as the forward direction, and the opposite direction will be determined as the backward direction. In addition, a description will be given with a right and left direction and an up and down direction, defined as directions that are visible from the position of the operator when accessing the front side of the banknote processing device 1.

[0024] A banknote feeder 5, serving as an example of a banknote feeder that supplies banknotes, is located in an upper portion of a front side of the housing 2. When the banknotes are stacked and the operation button 6 is operated by the operator, the banknote feeder 5 separates and delivers the banknotes one at a time to the banknote processing device 1, thereby delivering the banknotes to the conveyor 7 (see Fig. 2).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, conveyor 7 uses combinations of non-illustrated rollers, belts, and cash guides to form a travel path that connects each section. Additionally, the conveyor 7 moves the banknotes to each section along the movement path based on the control of the control unit 3.

[0026] Specifically, when the banknotes are delivered from the banknote feeder 5 to the conveyor 7, the conveyor 7 moves the banknotes to the recognition unit 8. While the banknotes move inside the recognition unit 8, the recognition unit 8 recognizes the denominations, authenticity, front and back sides and the degree of damage of the banknotes and notifies the control unit 3 of the recognition results.

[0027] Next, the control unit 3 decides where to move the banknotes, and calculates the banknotes based on the obtained recognition results. At this time, if a banknote was found whose face value could not be determined, or if a movement violation was detected, the control unit 3 causes the conveyor 7 to move the banknote, recognized as inappropriate, to the pocket 9 of the marriage.

[0028] The marriage pocket 9 is positioned so that a portion thereof is exposed above the bill supply device 5 in the housing 2. In addition, the marriage pocket 9 stacks the banknotes moved to it by conveyor 7 to allow the operator to remove them.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 3 causes the conveyor 7 to move the banknotes recognized as corresponding to the front / rear side rotation unit 10. The front / rear side rotation unit 10 rotates the front and back sides of banknotes for which the recognition result in the recognition unit 8 was either “front side” or “back side”, thereby thereby causing the front and back sides of all banknotes to be turned in the same way , and delivers banknotes back to conveyor 7.

[0030] Next, the control unit 3 moves to the open pocket 11 banknotes, which were recognized as appropriate, but should not be subjected to the strapping described later. The open pocket 11 is located in such a way that its part is exposed in the front side of the display and operation unit 4 (see Fig. 1) in the upper section of the housing 2. Additionally, like the pocket 9 of the marriage, the open pocket 11 stacks banknotes transferred to it conveyor 7 to allow the operator to remove them.

[0031] Types of banknotes subject to strapping can be set using the display and operation unit 4.

[0032] The control unit 3 moves to the stacking mechanism 12 banknotes that have been recognized as appropriate and which must be strapped. The stacking mechanism 12 has four temporary stacking units 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D (hereinafter referred to as 12A-12D), which are arranged adjacent to each other in an up and down direction. In addition, the stacking mechanism 12 moves up and down banknotes delivered to it from the conveyor 7 and delivers the banknotes to any of the temporary stacking units 12A-12D and stacks the banknotes.

[0033] The stacking mechanism 12 stacks banknotes in any of the temporary stacking units 12A-12D in accordance with the recognition results in the recognition unit 8 based on the control of the control unit 3. As a result, banknotes that have been sorted according to a predetermined condition, for example, face value, are stacked in blocks 12A-12D of the temporary stacking mechanism 12 stacking.

[0034] The control unit 3 counts the number of banknotes stacked in each of the temporary stacking units 12A-12D of the stacking mechanism 12. Further, when the number of stacked banknotes reaches a predetermined strapping limit - such as a hundred banknotes, for example - the control unit 3 issues a command to the banknote transfer unit 13 for transferring banknotes.

[0035] The transfer unit 13 is located behind the stacking mechanism 12 and removes back banknotes stacked in the temporary stacking units 12A-12D. Additionally, the transfer unit 13 also moves the banknotes down to thereby deliver the banknotes to the banknote binding unit 14 located under the stacking mechanism 12.

[1036] The banknote binding unit 14 creates a bundle of banknotes using a binding element, for example, a paper tape, to tie one hundred banknotes transmitted to it by the transferring unit 13. Additionally, banknote binding unit 14 sends a bundle of banknotes to issue 15.

[0037] Release 15 is located in the lower portion of the front surface of the housing 2 and allows the operator to remove the created bundle of notes.

[0038] Thus, the banknote processing device 1 submits banknotes one by one stored in the banknote feeder 5 and sorts the banknotes according to their face values, and so on. Additionally, the banknote processing device 1 binds the sorted banknotes each time a binding limit of, for example, one hundred banknotes is reached, and sequentially creates bundles of banknotes.

[0039] 1-2. Banknote Feeder Configuration

As shown in FIG. 3, the banknote feeder 5 stacks the banknotes BL in the stacking space defined by the lower guide 21 and the overlapping guide 31.

[0040] The overlapping guide 31 has a front surface that is substantially vertical and has a sufficient length in the up and down directions. Additionally, the overlapping guide 31 supports the banknotes stacked on the lower guide 21 so that the banknotes do not fall back.

[0041] The slide shafts 32 are formed in a long and narrow cylindrical shape and, like an overlapping guide 31, have a sufficient length in the up and down directions. Moreover, the slide shafts 32 are mounted on the right and left sides of the lower guide 21 so that their central axes are substantially vertical.

[0042] The links 33 of the levers, each of which contains two levers 33A and 33B connected together, are located above the overlapping guide 31.

[0043] The levers 33A are rotatably attached at their end portions on the rear side of the banknote feeder 5 to the body of the banknote feeder 5 using a rotary shaft 33X.

Additionally, the levers 33A are rotatably attached at their end portions on the front side of the banknote feeder 5 to the levers 33B using a rotary shaft 33Y.

[0044] The levers 33B are attached at their end portions on the rear side of the banknote feeder 5 to the rotary shaft 33Y. Additionally, the banknote holder 34 is positioned by the rotary shaft 33Z at the end portions of the levers 33B on the front side, which is the opposite side.

[0045] The banknote holder 34 moves up and down along the slide shafts 32 and uses its own weight to press the banknotes BL stacked in the stacking space (see FIG. 12) against the lower guide 21 (this will be described in detail below). Hereinafter, BL banknotes stacked in the stacking space will be referred to as BLC stacked banknotes (see FIG. 12).

[0046] In addition, the locking gear 35 is located below and near the rear side of the levers 33A. The locking gear 35 comprises a disk-shaped disk portion 35A, the lamellar surface of which is facing to the right, and a short cylindrical locking pin 35B located vertically on the disk portion 35A. Further, the disk portion 35A and the locking pin 35B of the locking gear 35 rotate integrally based on the control of the control unit 3.

[0047] When the disk portion 35A of the locking gear 35 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1, the locking pin 35B is brought into contact with the lower surface of the lever 33A and pushes the lever 33A upward. Furthermore, when the disk portion 35A of the locking gear 35 rotates in the direction of the arrow R2, the locking pin 35B is detached downward from the lower surface of the lever 33A.

[0048] That is, in the banknote feeder 5, when the locking gear 35 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1, the banknote holder 34 is lifted upward by the lever links 33. In this regard, in the banknote feeder 5, the banknote holder 34 is separated from the stacked banknote BLC.

[0049] In addition, in the banknote feeder 5, when the locking gear 35 rotates in the direction of the arrow R2, loading of the banknote holder 34 is applied to the upper surface of the stacked banknote banknotes BLC, thereby pressing the stacked banknote banknotes BLC against the lower guide 21.

[0050] The lower guide 21 has a flat upper surface and is tilted by a predetermined angle of inclination 0 from the horizontal plane H in the direction in which its front side is higher. Additionally, banknotes BL placed on the upper surface of the lower guide 21 (i.e., stacked banknotes BLC) are placed on the lower guide 21.

[0051] On the rear side of the lower guide 21 are (above and below) the movement guides 22 that guide the banknotes BL when the banknotes BL are moved backward. In addition, the separating rollers 23, serving as an example of the rollers, are located under the front side of the lower guide 21.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the separating rollers 23 is made in the form of a cylinder that is thin in the right and left directions, and a long and narrow cylindrical rotating shaft 23X passes through the separating rollers 23 in the right and left directions so that the central axes of the separating rollers 23 coincide with friend. The four separating rollers 23 are spaced apart from each other in the right and left directions and are attached to the rotating shaft 23X.

[0053] In addition, each of the separating rollers 23 has a main roller portion 23A and a separating portion 23B. The main portion 23A of the roller is made of a polymeric material, for example, and is formed in a form in which one section of the peripheral side surface of the thin cylinder is absent. Additionally, the surface of the peripheral lateral surface of the main portion 23A of the roller is smoothly machined so as to practically not cause friction to affect the banknotes BL.

[0054] The separating portion 23B is formed in a shape corresponding to the missing section of the main roller portion 23A. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, when the separating portion 23B is installed in the missing section of the main roller portion 23A, a portion of the separating portion 23B protrudes a distance D1 outward from the peripheral side surface of the main roller portion 23A, namely, in the direction from the roller shaft 23X.

[0055] Furthermore, the separating portion 23B, for example, is made of a material, for example rubber, which has a high coefficient of friction, such as to cause a large friction force to affect the banknotes BL.

[0056] That is, each of the separating rollers 23 has a configuration in which the friction force is large in only one section of the peripheral side surface, while the friction force of the other section is kept low, and in which the section, the friction force of which is large, protrudes from another section.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating shaft 23X is supported by bearings not illustrated so that parts of the separating rollers 23 are exposed upward through the impact holes 21H, serving as an example of the opening holes formed in the lower guide 21. In addition, power is transmitted from the non-illustrated motor through a predetermined gear to the rotating shaft 23X.

[0058] Here, the positions of the separating rollers 23 are adjusted so that the peripheral side surfaces of the main roller portions 23A are substantially aligned with the upper surface of the lower guide 21. For this reason, when the separating rollers 23 rotate with the rotary shaft 23X so that the separating portions 23B protrude through the impact holes 21H, the separating portions 23B protrude upward at a distance D1 (see FIG. 5) from the upper surface of the lower guide 21.

[0059] Further, when the separating rollers 23 rotate in the direction of arrow R1 at a constant speed of rotation around the rotary shaft 23X, the peripheral side surfaces of the main roller portions 23A and the separating portions 23B are alternately exposed through the openings 21H for acting in the lower guide 21.

[0060] When the main sections 23A of the rollers of the separating rollers 23 are exposed through the impact holes 21H, the main sections 23A of the rollers practically do not cause frictional force to affect the lowermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes (see FIG. 10) located on the upper surface of the lower guide 21, and allow you to slide stacked banknotes BLC on them.

[0061] When the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 are exposed through the impact holes 21H, the separating portions 23B protrude upward from the upper surface of the lower guide 21. In this regard, the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 are in reliable contact with the stacked banknotes BLC, causing friction to affect the lowest portion of the stacked BLC bills, and cause backward force to affect the stacked BLC bills.

[0062] Thus, the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 are periodically brought into contact with the lowermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes placed on the lower guide 21 and cause a backward force to act on the lowest portion of the stacked banknotes BLC. In this regard, the separating rollers 23 can feed banknotes BL back each predetermined time interval.

[0063] The feed rollers 24 have a configuration partially resembling the configuration of the separator rollers 23 in that each of the feed rollers 24 is formed in the form of a disc that is thin left and right. Additionally, the peripheral side surface of each of the feed rollers 24 is generally smoothly machined. The friction force is large in only one section, but the section, the friction force of which is high, does not protrude upward from the lower guide 21.

[0064] In addition, the feed rollers 24 are located under the guides 22 of movement, and parts of the feed rollers 24 are exposed on the path of movement, and the feed rollers 24 rotate around a rotating shaft 24X. The rotating shaft 24X, like the rotating shaft 23X, is supported by bearings not illustrated, and power is transmitted from the non-illustrated motor through a predetermined gear to the rotating shaft 24X.

[0065] The limit rollers 25 and the transfer rollers 26 are located on the side of the transfer guides 22 opposite to the feed rollers 24 - that is, on the upper side of the transfer guides 22.

[0066] Each of the restriction rollers 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral sections of the restriction rollers 25 are made of an element, for example rubber, which has a high coefficient of friction. In addition, the limit rollers 25 rotate around the rotary shaft 25X. However, the rotation direction of the restriction rollers 25 is controlled so that the restriction rollers 25 rotate freely in the direction of arrow R1, which is a clockwise direction, as seen from the right side, but do not rotate in the direction of arrow R2, which is the opposite direction of the direction of arrow R1 .

[0067] Each of the transfer rollers 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape and rotates freely around a non-illustrated rotating shaft.

[0068] Further, portions of the restriction rollers 25 and the transfer rollers 26 are exposed in the travel path, and the restriction rollers 25 and the transfer rollers 26 are in contact with the feed rollers 24. Further, the restriction rollers 25 and the transfer rollers 26 are arranged between themselves and the feed rollers. 24, the BL bill moved in the guides 22 — that is, the restriction rollers 25 and the transfer rollers 26 bring the BL bill into contact with the feed rollers 24.

[0069] When the feed rollers 24 rotate in the direction of the arrow R1 at a constant speed of rotation around the rotary shaft 24X, the feed rollers 24 periodically cause a backward force to act on the bill BL, thereby thereby feeding the bill BL back.

[0070] At the same time, the friction force of the feed rollers 24 is large, and the restriction rollers 25 do not rotate in the direction of the arrow R2 along the direction of movement of the banknote BL. In this regard, even if several banknotes BL lying on top of each other were fed by separating rollers 23, the feeding rollers 24 can only separate and feed one banknote from the lowest portion of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0071] In addition, the banknote detection sensor 27 and the feed count sensor 28 that detect the presence of banknotes BL are located in the banknote feeder 5. Each of the banknote detection sensor 27 and the feed count sensor 28 emits a predetermined detecting light from the light emitter, receives the detecting light from the light receiver, and detects the presence of banknotes BL at these locations based on the result of receiving the detecting light.

The banknote detection sensor 27 is positioned so that the light detecting device crosses the upper surface of the lower guide 21, and the banknote detection sensor 27 sends the reception result of the detection light to the control unit 3 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 3 recognizes on the basis of this reception result whether there is one or more banknotes BL on the lower guide 21, or whether banknotes BL are completely absent on the lower guide 21.

[0073] The feed count sensor 28 is positioned so as to traverse a travel path in the movement guides 22, and the feed count sensor 28 sends a reception result of the detecting light to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 recognizes whether or not banknotes BL were separated one by one and moved normally by comparing the amount of time that the detecting light was blocked by each banknote BL with the standard amount of time that the detecting light was blocked when one money a BL bill moves normally.

[0074] Here, if the amount of time that the detecting light has been blocked is in the normal range, the control unit 3 recognizes that the banknotes BL have been separated one by one and moved normally, and allows the continuation of the supply of banknotes BL in the device 5 filing banknotes.

[0075] In the case where the amount of time that the detecting light has been blocked is outside the normal range — that is, too long or too short — or the detecting light has not been blocked at all, the control unit 3 recognizes that a violation has occurred, for example , blocked feed or jamming of BL money or damage. Additionally, the control unit 3 suspends the flow of banknotes BL and displays the specified message or the like. on block 4 indication and execution of operations.

[0076] Thus, in the banknote feeder 5, the separating rollers 23 and the feeding rollers 24 rotate as the stacked banknotes are pressed against the lower guide 21 by the banknote holder 34. In this regard, the banknote feeder 5 separates and delivers the banknotes BL one at a time and delivers the banknotes BL to the conveyor 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0077] 1-3. Banknote holder configuration

As shown in FIG. 3, the banknote holder 34 is made of an upper pressure plate 41 serving as an example of a pressure element, sliding guides 42, a lower pressure plate 43, which serves as an example of an auxiliary pressure element, and springs 44, which serve as an example of absorbing elements.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the upper pressure plate 41 has a configuration in which the lower side member 41B is attached to and integrated with the lower surface of the upper side member 41A.

[0079] The upper side element 41A is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, which is long in the right and left directions, short in the forward and backward directions and thin in the up and down directions, and the upper surface of the upper side element 41A continues forward in the form of a half-disk so that thereby forming a capture portion 41AX. In addition, the small parallelepiped attachment portions 41AY are located protruding from the right and left sides of the upper side member 41A.

[0080] The lower side member 41B is formed around a base plate 41BX containing a thin plate that is long left and right and short in the front and back directions, and the claw-shaped portions 41BY serving as an example of the regulating bodies are located on the right and left the lateral edges of the lower side element 41B in places near the front side and near the rear side. The claw-shaped portions 41BY extend outward in the directions to the right and left of the lower side element 41B and then extend upward so that each of the claw-shaped portions 41BY is formed in the shape of the letter L, as seen from the forward and backward directions.

[0081] The slide rails 42 are attached to the rear surfaces of the right and left fastening sections 41AY of the upper pressure plate 41. The slide rails 42 are symmetrical to each other in the right and left directions, thus, the slide guide 42 will be taken as an example and described in the following description. On the left side.

[0082] A slide guide 42 on the left side is formed around the base plate 42L. The base plate 42L comprises a thin plate having the shape of a vertically inverted L, as seen from the front, and a reinforcing plate 42LX that extends forward is located on the left side edge of the base plate 42L.

[0083] The sliding guide 42 on the right side is formed around the base plate 42R, which is symmetrical to the base plate 42L in the right and left directions, and the reinforcing plate 42RX, which extends forward, is located on the right side edge of the base plate 42R.

[0084] The two support sections 42A are adjacent to each other in the up and down direction and are attached to the left side of the front surface of the base plate 42L. Insert holes 42AX are formed in support portions 42A. The insert holes 42AX have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the slide shafts 32 (see FIG. 3), and the insert holes 42AX penetrate up and down support portions 42A. Additionally, the inner surfaces of the insert openings 42AX are smooth so that sliding friction is kept low.

[0085] In this regard, when the right and left slide shafts 32 (see FIG. 3) are inserted into the supporting portions 42A of the right and left slide rails 42, the upper side member 41A can freely move up and down along the slide shafts 32.

[0086] Here, the position of the upper side member 41A in the front and back and left and right directions is determined by the support portions 42A spaced apart from each other in the up and down directions on the right and left sides relative to the right and left slide shafts 32. For this reason, moving the upper side element 41A in the forward and backward direction and in the right and left direction, as well as rotating the upper side element 41A in the rotation directions around the axes along the up and down direction, along the right and left direction and along the forward and backward direction ( hereinafter referred to as roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction, respectively) become adjustable.

[0087] The lower pressure plate 43 is formed around the base plate 43A containing a thin plate that is long in the right and left directions and short in the forward and backward directions. The length of the base plate 43A in the right and left direction is sufficiently longer than the length of the edges of the larger size of banknotes BL, and the length of the base plate 43A in the front and back direction is sufficiently longer than the length of the edges of the smaller size of banknotes BL. Additionally, the mass of the base plate 43A is sufficiently smaller than that of the upper side member 41A.

[0088] In addition, the front surface plate 43B is formed in the lower pressure plate 43, as a result of the front side section of the base plate 43A being bent diagonally forward and upward, and then the front side section is bent upward.

[0089] Furthermore, the frame portions 43C, serving as an example of adjustable bodies that extend upward, are located on the lower pressure plate 43 in places near the front side and near the rear side of the right and left side edges. Each of the frame sections 43C contains a small plate that is thin in the right and left directions, and a rectangular slit-like opening portion 43CX that extends through the plate in the right and left directions is formed at the center of each frame section 43C.

[0090] The length in the forward and backward sections of the hole portions 43CX is greater than the length in the forward and backward directions of the claw-shaped portions 41BY of the upper pressure plate 41. In addition, the lengths in the up and down sections of the hole portions 43CX are greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see Fig. 5) the separating sections 23B of the separating rollers 23.

[0091] In addition, the springs 44 are attached so that each spring is placed on the right and left sides between the upper pressure plate 41 and the lower pressure plate 43. The two springs 44 are symmetrical to each other in the right and left directions. Thus, in the following description, the spring 44 on the left side will be taken as an example and described.

[0092] The spring 44 on the left side contains a so-called leaf spring and has two attachment portions 44A and two leaf spring portions 44B. The two fastening sections 44A are long and narrow plates along the front and back directions and are adjacent to each other in the up and down directions. In addition, these two leaf spring sections 44B have configurations in which leaf elements that extend diagonally down and to the right and diagonally up and to the right of the front and rear end portions of the right edges of the attachment portions 44A are connected to each other near their centers at up and down, and leaf spring portions 44B are adjacent to each other in a forward and backward direction.

[0093] In other words, the spring 44 on the left side has a configuration in which a pair of opposite sides of the plate member containing the rectangular frame is bent around their center points to such an extent that they form sharp corners, and these bent sections point to the right.

[0094] The upper and lower fastening portions 44A are attached to the lower surface of the upper pressure plate 41 and to the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 43 by non-illustrated mounting screws or the like.

[0095] In this regard, the spring 44 on the left side may, due to the leaf spring portions 44B, cause elastic force to act up and down between the upper pressure plate 41 and the lower pressure plate 43 — that is, the spring 44 can function as an elastic body .

[0096] The compressible length of the springs 44 from their natural state to their most compressed state (a state in which the upper and lower fastening portions 44A are in contact with each other) is greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating rollers 23B of the separating rollers 23. In addition, the springs 44 have a spring stiffness, which is accordingly selected so that the reaction rate of the springs 44 is sufficiently fast (this will be described in detail below).

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A, the bill holder 34 is assembled by placing springs 44 on the right and left sides between the upper pressure plate 41 and the lower pressure plate 43 and by inserting the claw-shaped portions 41BY of the upper pressure plate 41 through four hole sections 43CX in the lower pressure plate 43.

[0098] Therefore, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 can be placed approximately directly below the upper pressure plate 41, and the lower pressure plate 43 can move or rotate in a range in which the positions and angles of the frame sections 43C are adjusted by the claw-shaped sections 41.

[0099] Here, the springs 44 are compressed to a certain extent in the up and down directions from their natural state evenly to a state in which the lower pressure plate 43 is farthest from the upper pressure plate 41 — that is, to the state in which the springs 44 are the longest up and down (see Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A).

[0100] For this reason, in the bill holder 34, if no external upward force is applied to the lower pressure plate 43, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A, the claw-shaped portions 41BY are brought into contact with the lower edges of the frame portions 43C. In this regard, in the holder 34 of banknotes, the lower pressure plate 43 is more separated from the upper pressure plate 41.

[0101] On the other hand, in the bill holder 34, when an external upward force is applied to the lower pressure plate 43, the lower pressure plate 43 moves closer to the upper pressure plate 41, while the springs 44 are compressed in a range in which the claw-like portions 41BY are located in portions 43CX of the opening of the frame sections 43C.

[0102] Here, in the note holder 34, as shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B, if the direction of the external force F applied to the lower pressure plate 43 is directed directly upward, the base plate 43A of the lower pressure plate 43 (see FIG. 6) is pushed upward in a parallel manner.

[0103] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, if the direction of the external force F applied to the lower pressure plate 43 is tilted forward, as shown in FIG. 7C, this causes the lower pressure plate 43 to tilt so that the rear side of the lower pressure plate 43 is pushed up higher than the front side, and the lower surface of the lower pressure plate 43, which serves as an example of the opposite surface, faces down and back. Or in the bill holder 34, if the direction of the external force F applied to the lower pressure plate 43 is tilted back, as shown in FIG. 7D, this causes the lower pressure plate 43 to tilt so that the front side of the lower pressure plate 43 is pushed up higher than the rear side and the lower surface of the lower pressure plate 43 is facing down and forward.

[0104] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, if the direction of the external force F applied to the lower pressure plate 43 is tilted to the right, as shown in FIG. 8C, this causes the lower pressure plate 43 to tilt so that the left side of the lower pressure plate 43 is pushed up higher than the right side, and the lower surface of the lower pressure plate 43 is turned down and left. Or in the bill holder 34, if the direction of the external force F applied to the lower pressure plate 43 is tilted to the left, as shown in FIG. 8D, this causes the lower pressure plate 43 to tilt so that the right side of the lower pressure plate 43 is pushed up higher than the left side, and the lower surface of the lower pressure plate 43 is turned down and to the right.

[0105] That is, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 is not only moved up and down with respect to the upper pressure plate 41 (see FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B). In the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 also rotates in the pitch direction about an axis extending along the left and right directions (see FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D). Or, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 also rotates in the yaw direction about an axis extending along the forward and backward directions (see FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D).

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, the fold lines of the bent sections of the leaf spring sections 44B located on the front and rear sides of the springs 44 are along the forward and backward directions.

[0107] For this reason, due to the stiffness of the torsion portions 44B of the leaf spring of the springs 44, the attachment portions 44A on the lower side practically do not move forward and backward relative to the attachment portions 44A on the upper side. That is, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 practically does not move forward and backward relative to the upper pressure plate 41.

[0108] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, due to the engagement between the frame sections 43C and the claw-shaped sections 41BY, the amount of movement of the lower pressure plate 43 in the right and left directions relative to the upper pressure plate 41 also remains very small.

[0109] Thus, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 is located under the upper pressure plate 41 with the springs 44 placed between them. In this regard, in the banknote holder 34, an elastic force acts on the lower pressure plate 43 from the upper pressure plate 41, and the lower pressure plate 43 moves up and down or rotates in the pitch direction or in the yaw direction.

[0110] 1-4. Comparison of feed actions

Next, the action of submitting banknotes in the device 5 of the supply of banknotes will be described by comparison with a traditional device for supplying banknotes.

[0111] 1-4-1. Filing action resulting from the operation of a traditional banknote feeder

As shown in FIG. 9, which corresponds to FIG. 3, the traditional banknote feeder 405 differs from the banknote feeder 5 in the first embodiment of the present invention in that it has the banknote holder 434 instead of the banknote holder 34, but other sections of the banknote feeder 405 are made in the same way that and the device 5 submission of banknotes.

[0112] The note holder 434 is made of a pressure plate 441, which is made essentially in the same way as the upper pressure plate 41, and of the slide rails 42, and the note holder 434 does not have a lower pressure plate 43 and springs 44 (see Fig. 3).

[0113] In the banknote feeder 405, when the banknote holder 434 rises upward in advance using the links 33 of the levers by the predetermined locking gear 35, a stacking space is formed between the lower guide 21 and the pressure plate 441.

[0114] Next, in the banknote feeder 405, as shown in FIG. 10, the banknotes BL in the folded state are placed by the hand of the operator (not illustrated) on the upper surface of the lower guide 21. After that, the operator actuates the operation button 6 (see figure 1).

[0115] In response to this operation, in the banknote feeder 405, as shown in FIG. 11, the locking gear 35 rotates to thereby release the support of the links 33 of the levers and the holder 434 of banknotes. Further, in the banknote feeder 405, the banknote holder 434 is placed on the BL stacked banknotes (hereinafter, they will be referred to as the BLC stacked banknotes).

[0116] In this regard, the weight of the banknote holder 434 is applied to the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC, thus, the lowest portion of the stacked banknotes BLC is pressed against the lower guide 21 and to the separating rollers 23.

[0117] Furthermore, in the bill supply device 405, the separating rollers 23 and the feeding rollers 24 rotate in the direction of the arrow R1. In this regard, in the banknote feeder 405, the banknotes BL in the lowest portion of the stacked banknote BLC are separated one by one and fed back to the banknote processing unit sequentially.

[0118] In addition, in the banknote feeder 405, when new banknotes BL are to be added, while the banknote supply BL continues, as shown in FIG. 12, the pressure plate 441 rises up with the operator's hand T, and new bills BL are stacked on top of the existing BLC stacked bills.

[0119] In this regard, in the banknote feeder 405, new banknotes BL can be added sequentially without having to suspend the delivery of banknotes BL, thus, the banknote feeder 405 can efficiently deliver banknotes BL.

[0120] In this regard, as described above, the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 of the banknote feeder 405 protrude outward from the main roller portions 23A (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5).

[0121] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 405, the separating sections 23B of the separating rollers 23 exert an external upward force on the bottom surface of the stacked banknotes BLC while rotating the separating rollers 23. In addition, in the banknote feeder 405, the stacked banknotes The BLCs are moved upward along the guide rail 31 for a short period of time so that the stacked banknotes of the BLC periodically rise.

[0122] As a result, the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down with the vibration amplitude being the distance D1 (see FIG. 5), which is the amount by which the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 protrude from the main portions 23A of the rollers.

[0123] At this time, if the number of stacked BLC bills is relatively large (for example, two hundred bills or more), the stacked BLC bills themselves function as a vibration absorbing member. For this reason, the vibration of the stacked BLC bills is practically not transmitted to the pressure plate 441.

[0124] However, if the number of stacked BLC bills is relatively small (for example, about a hundred bills), the function of the stacked BLC bills as a vibration-absorbing element is weakened. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the vibration of the stacked BLC bills becomes a transmitted pressure plate 441.

[0125] Here, in the banknote feeder 405 due to differences in masses and moments of inertia and the like. between the stacked BLC banknotes and the pressure plate 441, the possibility of distinguishing between the phases of vibration of the stacked BLC banknotes and the vibration of the pressure plate 441 is high. At this time, a gap D2 appears to be formed between the stacked banknotes BLC and the pressure plate 441.

[0126] When the BLC stacked banknotes are lifted by the separating portions 23B while the gap D2 is formed, the upper surface of the BLC stacked banknotes comes into contact with the lower surface of the pressure plate 441, since the speed at which the stacked BLC banknotes fall above than the speed at which the pressure plate 441 is lowered. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the stacked BLC banknotes cause a force F to act vertically on the pressure plate 441.

[0127] Here, in the banknote feeder 405, the lower guide 21 is tilted at an angle of inclination 0 with respect to the horizontal plane H so that its front side is higher. For this reason, in the banknote feeder 405, the upper surfaces and lower surfaces and the pressure plate 441 and the stacked banknotes BLC placed on the lower guide 21 are tilted substantially at a tilt angle of 0.

[0128] That is, although the pressure plate 441 can stop the force Fcosθ, which is the directional component of the force F, orthogonal to the bottom surface of the pressure plate 441, it cannot stop the force Fsinθ, which is the directional component of the force F, parallel to the bottom surface of the pressure plate 441.

[0129] For this reason, due to the force Fsinθ, the stacked BLC banknotes protrude slightly forward and up, as indicated by arrow A1.

[0130] After the stacked BLC banknotes protrude slightly forward and up, gravity changes the direction of movement of the pressure plate 441 from rising to lowering. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the pressure plate 441 applies a downward force F to the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes from the bottom surface of the pressure plate 441.

[0131] At this time, the BLC stacked banknotes try to move back and down until they come in contact with the overlapping guide 31, since Fsinθ, which is a directional component parallel to the bottom surface of the pressure plate 441, acts in the backward direction and way down.

[0132] However, the BLC stacked banknotes receive the force Fcosθ from the pressure plate 441, thus, the possibility of a difference in the friction force acting between the banknotes BL compared to when the force acts upwards is increased. At this time, all or some of the BLC banknotes stacked, and especially the BL banknotes in the uppermost section, are left in the state in which they protrude forward.

[0133] Thereafter, in the banknote feeder 405, as shown in FIG. 16, the value D3 by which the stacked BLC notes are protruded (see FIG. 15) is gradually increasing as a result of a sequence of repeated actions. Further, in the banknote feeder 405, as a result, when the banknotes BL in the upper portion of the stacked banknotes BLC protrude even more than the front end of the pressure plate 441, and crumple, this ends with the call of the so-called “banknote wrinkle”.

[0134] Thus, in the traditional banknote feeder 405, there were times when a “banknote jam” was caused by temporarily separating the pressure plate 441 from the stacked BLC banknotes vibrating up and down, and repeating this.

[0135] 1-4-2. Filing action resulting from the action of the banknote feeder of the first embodiment

In the banknote feeder 5 of the first embodiment, as described above, the springs 44 are placed between the upper pressure plate 34 and the lower pressure plate 43 in the money holder 34.

[0136] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 5, as shown in FIG. 17, which corresponds to FIG. 13, when the separating rollers 23 rotate in a state in which the number of BLC stacked bills is relatively small, the separating sections 23B periodically raise the BLC stacked bills up, as in the conventional banknote feeder 405. Additionally, the function of the stacked BLC banknotes as a vibration absorbing element is weak, so that the upward force becomes applied to the lower pressure plate 43.

[0137] Here, in the banknote holder 34 of the banknote feeder 5, as described above, the mass of the lower pressure plate 43 is less than the combined mass of the upper pressure plate 41 and the slide rails 42. In addition, in the note holder 34, the spring stiffness of the springs 44 is appropriately selected.

[0138] For this reason, in the bill holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 moves up substantially integrally with the stacked BLC banknotes, but since the springs 44 are compressed in the up and down direction, the upward force is absorbed and the upper the pressure plate 41 practically does not move.

[0139] That is, in the banknote holder 34, only the lower pressure plate 43 moves upward along with the stacked BLC banknotes when the stacked BLC banknotes rise. In the note holder 34, the upper pressure plate 41 essentially remains in its position as it is.

[0140] At this time, in the bill holder 34, the up and down lengths of the opening portions 43CX (see FIG. 6) are larger than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23. For this reason in the bill holder 34, the claw-shaped sections 41BY (see FIG. 6) are not brought into contact with the upper edges of the frame sections 43C (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, in the note holder 34, since the compressible length of the springs 44 is longer than the protrusion distance D1, the springs 44 do not become fully compressed, and thus, the upward force can be absorbed without causing a so-called “breakdown”.

[0141] Thereafter, in the banknote feeder 5, the rotation of the separating rollers 23 continues, and the separating sections 23B become placed under the lower guide 21. In this regard, the stacked banknotes of the BLC fall due to gravity.

[0142] At this time, in the banknote holder 34, the force directed upward from the stacked BLC banknotes no longer acts, thus, the upper pressure plate 41, the slide guides 42 and the lower pressure plate 43 are all trying to fall due to gravity.

[0143] Here, in the note holder 34, the mass of the lower pressure plate 43 is less than the combined mass of the upper pressure plate 41 and the slide rails 42. In addition, in the holder 34 of banknotes, the compressed springs 44 cause a force to act in the up and down direction due to their restoring force, and the reaction speed of the springs 44 is quite fast.

[0144] For this reason, in the note holder 34, as shown in FIG. 18, the lower pressure plate 43 can be pushed down by the restoring force of the springs 44 at a higher speed than when the lower pressure plate 43 is in free fall. In this regard, in the banknote holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 can be maintained in a state in which it is in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0145] That is, in the banknote holder 34, when the stacked BLC banknotes fall down, the upper pressure plate 41 essentially remains in its position as it is, while the lower pressure plate 43 is forced to follow and without being separated from the money banknotes BLC

[0146] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, the position of the upper pressure plate 41 in the forward and backward and left and right directions is determined by the slide guides 42. Additionally, in the bill holder 34 due to the structural characteristics of the springs 44 and the engagement between the claw-shaped portions 41 and the frame portions 43C, the lower pressure plate 43 practically does not move forward and backward and to the right and left relative to the upper pressure plate 41.

[0147] For this reason, in the banknote holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 may be supported in contact with the folded-up banknotes BLC, thus the upper portion of the stacked banknotes BLC may be supported in a position substantially immediately below the upper pressure plate 41. Further, in to the holder of 34 banknotes, BL banknotes in the uppermost portion are not forced to lean forward.

[0148] Thus, in the banknote feeder 5 of the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 43 can always be forced to follow the stacked banknotes BLC that vibrate up and down by means of the springs 44 of the banknote holder 34. For this reason, the banknote feeder 5 of the first embodiment can maintain the folded-in banknotes of the BLC in a properly stacked state without causing a “banknote wrinkle” like the traditional banknote feeder 405 (see FIG. 9).

[0149] 1-5. Choice of spring stiffness

Next, the choice of spring stiffness of the springs 44 will be described. Here, each part of the holder of banknotes 34 and of the stacked banknotes BLC will be modeled and reviewed as shown in FIG. 19.

[0150] The object E1 on the upper side corresponds to the upper pressure plate 41 and the slide rails 42 (see FIG. 3) and has a mass m1. In addition, the object E2 on the lower side corresponds to the lower pressure plate 43 (see Fig. 3) and has a mass m2.

[0151] A spring S1 located between the object E1 and the object E2 corresponds to the springs 44 (see FIG. 3) and has a spring stiffness K. In addition, under the object E2 there is an object E3 corresponding to the stacked banknotes BLC (see Fig. 18).

[0152] The object E3 vibrates at a given period ω and amplitude f (not illustrated), and X1 and X2 denote the displacement values of objects E1 and E2 from the starting positions, respectively. The period ω and the amplitude f have values that can be determined based on the rotation speed of the separating rollers 23 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) and on the basis of the protrusion distance D1 of the separating sections 23B (see Fig. 5).

[0153] If the object E2 is not separated from the object E3, the amplitude of the object E2 becomes f, which is the same as the amplitude of the object E3. However, the amplitude of the object E1 is different from that of the object E2 due to the elongation and compression of the spring S1, so A (not illustrated) will denote the amplitude of the object E1.

[0154] Here, a case will be assumed where a forced displacement X2 is applied to the object E3, and the normal force P acts on the object E2 from the object E3. In this case, the numerical formulas related to the balance of forces can be performed with respect to objects E1 and E2 using forced displacement X2, masses m1 and m2, displacement value X1, normal force P, spring stiffness K, and gravitational constant g (not illustrated )

[0155] Furthermore, in order for the object E2 not to separate from the object E3, it is necessary that the normal force P be greater than 0. In addition, the displacement values X1 and X2 can be expressed using the period ω, amplitude f and amplitude A.

[0156] When these ratios are used to define numerical formulas, spring stiffness K can be expressed using a numerical formula using masses m1 and m2, gravitational constant g, amplitude f and period ω. That is, the spring stiffness K can be specifically calculated by substituting the mass values m1 and m2, the gravitational constant g, the amplitude f and the period ω in the numerical formula for the spring stiffness K.

[0157] The springs 44 are configured to have a spring stiffness K calculated as described above, while the lower pressure plate 43 can be forced to follow and without separation from the stacked BLC bills that vibrate.

[0158] 1-6. Actions and effects

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 18, in the banknote holder 34 of the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 43 is located under the upper pressure plate 41 using the springs 44, and the lower pressure plate 43 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0159] Here, in the banknote holder 34, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked banknote BLCs can be absorbed by the springs 44. In addition, in the holder 34 banknotes, the lower pressure plate 43 can be pressed at high speed by the restoring force of the springs 44 against the falling stacked banknotes BLC.

[0160] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 5, the lower pressure plate 43 may be in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked banknote BLCs that vibrate up and down, and the banknote feeder 5 may support the banknote supply BL without causing Collapse of stacked BLC bills. In addition, in the banknote feeder 5, the front side of the stacking space is open, so the operator can add banknotes BL at any time by lifting the banknote holder 34.

[0161] In particular, the springs 44 are configured to have a spring stiffness K, respectively, calculated based on the mass of each part and the amplitude and the vibration period, so that the lower pressure plate 43 can be guaranteed to follow the topmost section of the stacked BLC banknotes.

[0162] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, the fold lines of the leaf spring sections 44B of the spring 44 are located along the front and rear directions, the leaf spring sections 44B are located on the front and rear sides of the springs 44, and the springs 44 are located on the right and left sides. In this regard, in the holder 34 of banknotes, the lower pressure plate 43 can rotate in the direction of the roll and in the pitch direction relative to the upper pressure plate 41 (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

[0163] For this reason, in the banknote holder 34, even if the topmost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes becomes tilted forward, backward, left or right due to imbalance due to wrinkles or folds in the BL banknotes forming the BLC stacked banknotes, the bottom the pressure plate 43 can be forced to follow the stacked banknotes of the BLC so that the occurrence of wrinkling of the banknote can be reliably prevented.

[0164] Furthermore, in the bill holder 34, due to the structural characteristics of the springs 44 and the engagement between the claw-shaped portions 41B and the frame portions 43C, the lower pressure plate 43 practically does not move forward and backward relative to the upper pressure plate 41.

[0165] For this reason, in the banknote holder 34, even if the number of stacked BLC banknotes becomes extremely small, the lower pressure plate 43 does not move backward by the separating sections 23B of the separating rollers 23. Additionally, in the banknote holder 34, noise and damage caused by a collision between the lower pressure plate 43 and the overlapping guide 31 can be prevented in advance.

[0166] In addition, in the traditional banknote feeder 405 (see FIG. 14), if the number of stacked BLC banknotes becomes relatively small (about several tens of banknotes), the total mass of stacked BLC banknotes becomes relatively small, but the strength, directed upward, coming from the separating sections 23B practically does not change. For this reason, in the traditional banknote feeder 405, there were cases where all of the stacked BLC banknotes were turned up substantially so that the BL banknotes in the lowest portion could not be pulled back.

[0167] In contrast to the conventional banknote feeder 405 in the banknote feeder 5, the vibration of the stacked banknote money BLC can be absorbed by the springs 44 of the banknote holder 34, and the lower pressure plate 43 can always be kept in contact with the uppermost section of the banknote banknote BLC Additionally, in the banknote feeder 5, a situation where all of the stacked BLC banknotes are raised can also be prevented, thus, it becomes possible to stably pull out the banknotes BL in the lowest portion.

[0168] In addition, in the traditional banknote feeder 405, the banknotes BL in the uppermost portion are forced to protrude forward by vibration of the stacked banknotes BLC, and the value D3 by which the banknotes BL protrudes (see FIG. 15) increased in accordance with the value of the angle of inclination 6. Due to these properties, in the traditional banknote feeder 405, the angle of inclination θ cannot be increased. Additionally, in the conventional biller 405, the danger that the stacked BLC notes will fall forward is greater when the number of stacked BLC notes has increased, thus the amount of BL notes that can be stacked on the lower guide 21 cannot to be increased.

[0169] In contrast to the traditional banknote feeder 405, the banknote feeder 5 in the uppermost portion does not have to lean forward even when the stacked banknotes BLC vibrate. For this reason, it becomes possible to increase the angle of inclination 9 in the banknote feeder 5. In this regard, in the banknote feeder 5, the danger that the stacked BLC banknotes will fall forward when the number of stacked BLC banknotes increased can be significantly reduced thus, it becomes possible to increase the stacked amount of banknotes BL in comparison with the traditional banknote feeder 405.

[0170] In this regard, since a configuration that uses the spring force of the springs causes the banknote holder to follow the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC, a configuration is also possible when, similar to the banknote feeder 505 shown in FIG. 20, the pressure plate 441 extends downward by the restoring force of the springs 545 that have been stretched.

[0171] However, in the banknote feeder 505, the restoring force of the springs 545 always acts on the pressure plate 441. For this reason, in the banknote feeder 505, when the operator wants to place the banknotes BL on the lower guide 21, the operator needs to use a lot of force to raise the pressure plate 441, which places a heavy strain on the operator.

[0172] In particular, in the bill supply device 505, if the pressure plate 441 is to be separated a large distance from the lower guide 21 in order to stack a large number of banknotes BL on the lower guide 21, a restoring force having an intensity corresponding to the distance , on which the pressure plate 441 has been separated from the lower guide 21, occurs in the springs 545. For this reason, a very large load is exerted on the operator in the banknote feeder 505.

[0173] In comparison, in the money supply device 5 of the first embodiment, the spring force 44 acts between the upper pressure plate 41 and the lower pressure plate 43. For this reason, in the money supply device 5 of the first embodiment, when the operator lifts the money holder 34 , all that the operator has to do is use force corresponding to the weight of the holder of 34 banknotes, regardless of the distance that the holder of 34 banknotes rises. In this regard, in the money supply device 5 of the first embodiment, the load caused by the spring force 44 does not affect the operator.

[0174] According to the above configuration, in the banknote holder 34 of the banknote feeder 5 of the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 34 is located under the upper pressure plate 41 using springs 44, and the lower pressure plate 43 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC. For this reason, in the banknote holder 34, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked BLC banknotes is absorbed by the springs 44. Additionally, in the banknote holder 34, the lower pressure plate 43 is pressed by the restoring force of the springs 44 to the falling BLC stacked banknotes, so that the lower pressure plate 43 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes. In this regard, the device 5 of the supply of banknotes 5 can support the supply of banknotes BL, without causing the collapse of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0175] 2. The second embodiment

In the second embodiment, the banknote feeder 105 (see FIG. 3), serving as an example of the material feeder, is used instead of the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0176] The banknote feeder 105 differs from the banknote feeder 5 in that it has a banknote holder 131 instead of a banknote holder 34, but other sections of the banknote feeder 105 are made in the same way as the banknote bank 5 notes.

[0177] 2-1. Banknote holder configuration

As shown in FIG. 21, which corresponds to FIG. 6, the note holder 134 differs from the note holder 34 in that it has an upper pressure plate 141 serving as an example of a pressure member, a lower pressure plate 143 serving as an example of an auxiliary pressure element, and springs 144 serving as an example absorbing elements instead of the upper pressure plate 41, the lower pressure plate 43 and the springs 44. Slide guides 42 (see FIG. 6) for the banknote holder 134 are made in the same way.

[0178] The upper pressure plate 141 has a front side member 141A serving as an example of a regulating body corresponding to the upper side member 41A. As shown in FIG. 22, the front side member 141A is in the form of a box, the lower surface and the rear surface of which are open. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, the front side member 141A has a grip portion 141AX and attachment portions 141AY that are the same as the grip portion 41AX and the attachment portions 41AY of the upper side member 41A.

[0179] The hole portions 141AZ containing rectangular holes are formed in the front surface of the front side element 141A in places near the lower right and left sides. In addition, a screw hole 141AW is formed in the upper surface of the front side element 141A in the center in the right and left direction near the rear side.

[0180] Furthermore, protrusions 141AU for accommodating the springs 144 described below are located in three places on the lower surface of the upper side plate of the front side element 141A.

[0181] The rear side member 141B is attached to the rear side of the front side member 141A. The rear side member 141B has a top surface plate and a rear surface plate that are joined together to form an L shape, as seen from the right and left directions, and a screw hole 141BX is formed near the center of the upper surface of the rear side member 141B.

[0182] The opening portions 141BY containing rectangular openings that are the same as the opening portions 141AZ of the front side element 141A are formed in the rear surface of the rear side element 141B at locations near the lower right and left sides.

[0183] The lengths in the up and down directions of the opening portions 141AZ and 141BY are greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23.

[0184] The lower pressure plate 143 has a base plate 143A made in the form of a rectangular thin plate similar to the base plate 43A of the lower pressure plate 43. The fastening claws 143AX for mounting the springs 144 described below are arranged vertically on the upper surface of the base plate 143A in two places on the right and left near the front side and in one place in the center near the back side.

[0185] Furthermore, the front surface plate 143B is formed on the base plate 143A as a result of the front side section of the base plate 143A bending diagonally forward and upward, and then the front side section bending upward.

[0186] The claw-shaped portions 143BX, serving as an example of adjustable bodies, are located on the upper end of the front surface plate 143B in the vicinity of both right and left ends. The claw-like portions of 143BX are formed like small rectangular plates and extend backward.

[0187] A back surface plate 143C that extends upward is located on the rear side of the base plate 143A. The claw-shaped portions 143CX, serving as an example of adjustable bodies, are located on the upper end of the back surface plate 143C in the vicinity of both right and left ends. The claw-shaped portions 143CX extend forward and are substantially symmetrical to the claw-shaped portions 143BX in the forward and backward directions.

[0188] Furthermore, the three springs 144 are attached so as to be located between the upper pressure plate 141 and the lower pressure plate 143.

[0189] The springs 144 are made in the form of so-called spiral springs. Additionally, like the springs 44 in the first embodiment, the springs 144 can cause elastic force to act up and down between the upper pressure plate 141 and the lower pressure plate 143 — that is, the springs 144 can function as elastic bodies.

[0190] Furthermore, like the first embodiment, the compressible length of the springs 144 from their natural state to their most compressed state is greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating sections 23B of the separating rollers 23. In addition, the springs 144 have the stiffness K of the spring, which is accordingly selected so that the reaction rate of the springs 144 is sufficiently fast.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 22, in the assembly process of the bill holder 134, the springs 144 are placed between the upper pressure plate 141 and the lower pressure plate 143, and the claw-shaped portions 143BX of the lower pressure plate 143 are inserted into the opening of the portions 141AZ of the opening of the upper pressure plate 141. Furthermore, during the assembly of the holder 134 banknotes, the claw-shaped portions 143CX of the lower pressure plate 143 are inserted into the hole portions 141 of the upper pressure plate 141.

[0192] Further, in the bill holder 134, the fastening screw 141C is screwed into the screw hole 141AW in the front side member 141A through the screw hole 141BX in the rear side member 141B.

[0193] In this regard, in the bill holder 134, the range of movement of the lower side element 143 in the forward and backward direction relative to the upper pressure plate 141 is adjusted between the position in which the front surface plate 143B is in contact with the front surface of the front side element 141A and the position wherein the rear surface plate 143C is in contact with the rear surface of the front side member 141B.

[0194] Furthermore, in the bill holder 134, the range of movement of the lower side element 143 to the right and left relative to the upper pressure plate 141 is adjustable in a range in which the claw-shaped portions 143BX and 143CX can move in the portions 141 AZ and 141BY of the hole.

[0195] That is, in the note holder 134, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 143 is placed approximately immediately below the upper pressure plate 141. Further, in the note holder 134, the lower pressure plate 143 can move or rotate in a range in which and the angles of the claw-shaped portions 143BX and 143CX are adjusted by the hole portions 141AZ and 141BY.

[0196] At this time, the springs 144 are compressed to a certain extent in the up and down directions from their natural state evenly to a state in which the springs 144 are the longest in the up and down directions due to the fact that the lower pressure plate 143 is the farthest from the upper pressure plate 141 (see FIG. 22). For this reason, the springs 144 always bring the lower pressure plate 143 down relative to the upper pressure plate 141.

[0197] In this regard, in the note holder 134, as shown in FIG. 23A, with respect to the front surface side, the length M1 to the right and left of the claw-shaped portions 143BX is shorter than the length L1 to the right and left of the hole portions 141AZ.

[0198] Furthermore, in the bill holder 134, the distance M2 between the outer and inner ends of the claw from the outer end of the claw portion 143BX on the left side to the inner end of the claw portion 143BX on the right side is larger than the distance L2 between the outer and inner ends of the hole from the outer the end of the hole portion 141AZ on the left side to the inner end of the hole portion 141AZ on the right side.

[0199] Furthermore, in the bill holder 134, the distance M3 between the outer and the outer ends of the claw from the outer end of the claw-shaped portion 143BX on the left side to the outer end of the claw-shaped portion 143BX on the right side is greater than the distance L3 between the outer and inner ends of the hole from the outer the end of the hole portion 141AZ on the left side to the inner end of the hole portion 141AZ on the right side.

[0200] For this reason, in the note holder 134, as shown in FIG. 23B, when the lower pressure plate 143 moves and rotates so that the outer end of the claw-shaped portion 143BX on the right side is brought into contact with the outer end of the claw-shaped portion 141AZ on the right side, the inner end of the claw-shaped portion 143BX on the right side is separated from the inner end of the hole portion 141AZ on right side. In addition, in the note holder 134, the outer end and inner end of the claw-shaped portion 143BX on the left side are separated from the outer end and the inner end of the opening portion 141AZ on the left side.

[0201] In this regard, in the bill holder 134, when the lower pressure plate 143 moves or rotates relative to the upper pressure plate 141, the occurrence of “obstruction” is obtained from the right and left end portions of the claw-shaped portions 143BX and the right and left end portions 141AZ of the hole contacting each other in two or more places, at the same time can be excluded.

[0202] Furthermore, in the note holder 134, the same distance ratio is also formed between the opening portions 141 and the claw-shaped portions 143CX on the rear surface side, and thus the occurrence of “obstruction” can be similarly eliminated.

[0203] 2-2. Actions and effects

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, in the banknote holder 134 of the banknote feeder 105 according to the second embodiment, the lower pressure plate 143 is located under the upper pressure plate 141 using springs 144, and the lower pressure plate 143 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC (see FIG. 17).

[0204] In the banknote holder 134, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23 (see FIG. 3), the upward force exerted from the stacked banknotes BLC can be absorbed by the springs 144 like the first embodiment. In addition, in the banknote holder 134, the lower pressure plate 143 can be pressed at high speed by the restoring force of the springs 144 against the falling stacked BLC banknotes.

[0205] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 105, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 143 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes that vibrate up and down. Additionally, the banknote feeder 105 may support the submission of banknotes BL without causing collapse of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0206] Furthermore, in the bill holder 134, the lower pressure plate 143 is practically not moving forward and backward relative to the upper pressure plate 141, since the front surface plate 143B and the rear surface plate 143C come into contact with the front surface of the front side element 141A and the rear surface of the rear side element 141B, respectively.

[0207] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 105, similar to the first embodiment, even if the number of stacked banknotes BLC becomes extremely small, the lower pressure plate 143 does not move backward by the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23. Due to this, noise and damage caused by a collision between the lower pressure plate 143 and the overlapping guide 31 can be prevented in advance.

[0208] Also with regard to other aspects, the banknote feeder 105 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same actions and effects as the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0209] According to the above configuration, in the banknote holder 134 of the banknote feeder 105 according to the second embodiment, the lower pressure plate 143 is located under the upper pressure plate 141 using the springs 144, and the lower pressure plate 143 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC. For this reason, in the banknote holder 134, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked BLC banknotes is absorbed by the springs 144. Additionally, in the banknote holder 134, the lower pressure the plate 143 is pressed against the falling stacked banknote BLC by the restoring force of the springs 144. For this reason, in the banknote holder 134, the lower pressure plate 143 can be kept in contact with the uppermost section of the stack of BLC banknotes, and BL cash banknotes can be supported without causing a collapse of the stacked BLC banknotes.

[0210] 3. Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment, the banknote feeder 205 (see FIG. 3), serving as an example of the material feeder, is used instead of the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0211] The banknote feeder 205 differs from the banknote feeder 5 in that it has a banknote holder 234 instead of a banknote holder 34, but the other sections of the banknote feeder 205 are made in the same way as the banknote bank 5 notes.

[0212] 3-1. Banknote holder configuration

As shown in FIG. 24, which corresponds to FIG. 6 and FIG. 21, the bill holder 234 differs from the bill holder 34 in that it has an upper pressure plate 241 serving as an example of a pressure member, a lower pressure plate 243 serving as an example of an auxiliary pressure element, and magnets 244 instead of the upper pressure plate 41 , lower pressure plate 43 and springs 44. Slide guides 42 (see FIG. 6) for banknote holder 234 are made in the same way.

[0213] The upper pressure plate 241 has the same configuration as the upper pressure plate 141 of the second embodiment, except that the protrusions 141AU are excluded from it. In addition, the lower pressure plate 243 has the same configuration as the lower pressure plate 143 of the second embodiment, except that the fastening claws 143AX are excluded from it.

[0214] The magnets 244 are attached, two in opposite positions, to the lower surface of the upper side plate of the front side member 141A and to the upper surface of the base plate 143A.

[0215] The distance between the mutually opposite magnets 244 is greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23 (see FIG. 3).

[0216] As shown in FIG. 25, magnets 244 are attached in the same way that the same poles (e.g., N poles) are opposed to each other, and thus, magnets 244 repel each other and cause a repulsive force to act between them.

[0217] For this reason, in the bill holder 234, like the second embodiment, the lower pressure plate 243 can always be brought down relative to the upper pressure plate 241.

[0218] 3-2. Actions and effects

In the above configuration, in the banknote holder 234 of the banknote feeder 205 according to the third embodiment, the lower pressure plate 243 is located under the upper pressure plate 241 with magnets 244 interposed between them, and the lower pressure plate 243 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0219] In the banknote holder 234, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked banknotes BLC can be absorbed by the repulsive force of the magnets 244 in the same manner as in first embodiment. Moreover, in the bill holder 234, the lower pressure plate 243 can be pressed at high speed against the falling stacked bank notes BLC by the repulsive force of the magnets 244.

[0220] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 205, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 243 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes that vibrate up and down, and the banknote feeder 205 can support the feed BL banknotes without causing collapse of the stacked BLC banknotes.

[0221] With regard to other aspects as well, the banknote feeder 205 according to the third embodiment can achieve the same actions and effects as the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0222] According to the above configuration, in the note holder 234 of the money supply device 205 according to the third embodiment, the lower pressure plate 243 is located under the upper pressure plate 241 with the magnets 244 interposed therebetween, and the lower pressure plate 243 is pressed against the stacked money notes BLC. For this reason, in the banknote holder 234, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked BLC banknotes is absorbed by the repulsive force of the magnets 244. Additionally, in the banknote holder 234 the lower pressure plate 243 is pressed by the repulsive force of the magnets 244 to the falling stacked BLC banknotes. In this regard, in the banknote holder 234, the lower pressure plate 243 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC, and the flow of banknotes BL can be supported without causing wrinkling of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0223] 4. Fourth embodiment

In the fourth embodiment, the banknote feeder 305 (see FIG. 3), serving as an example of the material feeder, is used instead of the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0224] The banknote feeder 305 differs from the banknote feeder 5 in that it has a banknote holder 334 instead of a banknote holder 34, but other sections of the banknote feeder 305 are made in the same way as the banknote feeder 5 notes.

[0225] 4-1. Banknote holder configuration

As shown in FIG. 26, which corresponds to FIG. 6, the note holder 334 differs from the note holder 34 in that it has an upper pressure plate 341 serving as an example of a pressure member, a lower pressure plate 343 serving as an example of an auxiliary pressure element, and air suspensions 344 instead of the upper pressure plate 41, the lower pressure plate 43 and the springs 44. The slide rails 42 (see FIG. 6) for the banknote holder 334 are made in the same way.

[0226] The upper pressure plate 341 has the same configuration as the upper pressure plate 41 of the first embodiment, except that the lower side element 41B is excluded from it, so that the upper pressure plate 341 is made only of their upper side element 41A. In addition, the lower pressure plate 343 has the same configuration as the lower pressure plate 43 of the first embodiment, except that the frame portions 43C are excluded from it, and thus the lower pressure plate 343 is made only of the base plate 43A 43B front surface.

[0227] Air suspensions 344 are attached, one to the right and left, between the lower surface of the upper side member 41A of the upper pressure plate 341 and the upper surface of the base plate 43A of the lower pressure plate 343.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 27, each of the air suspension 344 is made of an upper side portion 344A and a lower side portion 344B.

[0229] The upper side portion 344A has a cylindrical portion 344AX containing a cylinder in which a cylindrical space is formed, and the upper plate of the cylindrical portion 344AX is attached to the lower surface of the upper side member 41A. In addition, a circular hole is formed in the center of the bottom plate of the cylindrical portion 344AX.

[0230] The lower side portion 344B has a cylindrical shaft 344BX, which is long and narrow in the up and down directions. Shaft 344BX is inserted into a circular hole formed in the bottom plate of the cylindrical portion 344AX. In addition, the lower side portion 344B is attached to the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 43 using a disk-shaped mounting plate 344 attached to the lower end of the shaft 344BX.

[0231] A disk-shaped piston 344BZ is attached to the upper end of the shaft 344BX. The piston 344BZ has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 344AX. In addition, the piston 344BZ is in substantially tight contact with the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 344AX, thereby forming a substantially sealed space 344AY on the upper side of the space inside the cylindrical portion 344AX. In addition, the piston 344BZ can move up and down within the cylindrical section 344AX.

[0232] The distance from the upper surface of the piston 344BZ to the lower surface of the upper plate of the cylindrical portion 344AX is greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) of the separating portions 23B of the separating rollers 23.

[0233] In connection with this configuration, the lower side portions 344B of the air suspension 344 can move up and down relative to the upper side portions 344A. At the same time, air suspension 344 produce the same restoring force (repulsive force) as the spring, due to air compressed inside the sealed space 344AY, compressible or expandable.

[0234] Thus, like the springs 44 in the first embodiment, the air suspension 344 can cause elastic force to act up and down between the upper pressure plate 141 and the lower pressure plate 143 — that is, the air suspension 344 can function as resilient bodies.

[0235] In addition, due to the design of the air suspension 344, the lower side portions 344B are practically unable to move forward and backward or left and right in relation to the upper side portions 344A. For this reason, in the note holder 334, the movement of the lower pressure plate 343 in the forward and backward directions and in the right and left direction relative to the upper pressure plate 341 is limited in an extremely limited range.

[0236] 4-2. Actions and effects

In the above configuration, in the note holder 334 of the money supply device 305 according to the fourth embodiment, the lower pressure plate 343 is located under the upper pressure plate 341 with the air suspension 344 located between them, and the lower pressure plate 343 is pressed against the stacked money notes BLC.

[0237] In the banknote holder 334, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force exerted on the stacked banknotes BLC can be absorbed by the air suspension 344 in the same manner as in first embodiment. In addition, in the holder 334 of banknotes, the lower pressure plate 343 can be pressed at high speed by the force of repulsion of the air suspension 344 to the falling stacked banknotes of the BLC.

[0238] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 305, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 343 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes that vibrate up and down, and the banknote feeder 305 can support the feed BL notes, without causing crushing of stacked BLC notes.

[0239] As for other aspects, the banknote feeder 305 according to the fourth embodiment can achieve the same actions and effects as the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0240] According to the above configuration, in the note holder 334 of the money supply device 305 according to the fourth embodiment, the lower pressure plate 343 is located under the upper pressure plate 341 with the air suspensions 344 located between them, and the lower pressure plate 343 is pressed against the stacked money notes BLC . For this reason, in the banknote holder 334, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked BLC banknotes is absorbed by the air suspension 344. Additionally, in the banknote holder 334, the bottom the pressure plate 343 is pressed by the repulsive force of the air suspension 344 to the falling stacked BLC banknotes. In this regard, in the banknote feeder 305, the lower pressure plate 343 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the BLC banknote, and the banknote feeder 305 can support the banknote BL without causing wrinkling of the banknote stacked BLC.

[0241] 5. Fifth embodiment

In the fifth embodiment, the banknote feeder 605 (see FIG. 3), serving as an example of the material feeder, is used instead of the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0242] The banknote feeder 605 differs from the banknote feeder 5 in that it has a banknote holder 634 instead of a banknote holder 34, but other sections of the banknote feeder 605 are made in the same way as the banknote feeder 5 notes.

[0243] 5-1. Banknote holder configuration

As shown in FIG. 28, which corresponds to FIG. 6, the note holder 634 differs from the note holder 34 in that it has an upper pressure plate 641 serving as an example of a pressure member, support portions 642L and 642R and a lower pressure plate 643 serving as an example of an auxiliary pressure element instead of an upper pressure element the plate 41, the slide rails 42 and the lower pressure plate 43, but the springs 44 (see FIG. 6) are made in the same way.

[0244] The upper pressure plate 641 is made of an upper side element 641A that corresponds to an upper side element 41A in the first embodiment, a lower side element 641B, which corresponds to a lower side element 41B, base plates 42L and 42R of the left and right slide guides 42, and right and left fasteners 641C for attaching springs 44.

[0245] The upper side element 641A is made essentially in the same manner as the upper side element 41A according to the first embodiment, and the fastening portions 641AY corresponding to the fastening portions 41AY are located on both the right and left side surfaces of the upper side element 641 A.

[0246] The lower side member 641B comprises, for example, thin plate metal plates subjected to various machining processes, for example, cutting and bending. Further, the lower side member 641B is configured to include a central base plate 641BA, which serves as an example of a regulating body corresponding to the lower side member 41B in the first embodiment, and the sliding base plates 641BL and 641BR, which correspond to the base plates 42L and 42R of the guides 42 slip.

[0247] the Central base plate 641BA contains a thin plate that is long in the right and left directions, short in the forward and backward directions and thin in the up and down directions, similar to the lower side element 41B, but the claw-shaped portions 41 are excluded from it. In addition, joint portions that attach to the base plates 641BL and 641BR and protruding portions that project to the right and left are formed on the right and left sides of the center base plate 641BA.

[0248] The base plates 641BL and 641BR are made essentially in the same manner as the slide rails 42. That is, like the base plate 42L, the slide base plate 641BL on the left side contains a thin plate having the shape of a vertically inverted letter L, as seen from the front, and a reinforcing plate that extends forward is located on the left side edge of the slide base plate 641BL. In addition, a support portion 642L, which has a shape in which two support portions 42A (see FIG. 6) are connected together in an up and down direction by a connecting member having a predetermined shape, is attached to the left side of the front surface of the base plate 641BL with predetermined fixing screws. Insert holes 642LX, which have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the slide shafts 32 (see FIG. 3) and penetrate up and down through the support portion 642L, are formed in the upper and lower portions of the support portion 642L.

[0249] Like the insert holes 42AX, the inner surfaces of the insert holes 642LX are smooth so that sliding friction is kept low.

[0250] Furthermore, the slide base plate 641BR and the right-side support portion 642R are substantially symmetrical left and right of the slide base plate 641BL and the support base portion 642L on the left side. The insertion holes 642RX are formed in the upper and lower portions of the support portions 642R.

[0251] The right and left fasteners 641C are symmetrical to each other in a right and left direction. Here, the fastener 641C on the left side will be described, and the description of the fastener 641C on the right side will be omitted.

[0252] The fastener 641C on the left side is an element containing a rectangular flat plate that is long in the forward and backward direction, in the vicinity of the left edge, the element of which is folded down. In this regard, the fastener 641C has a shape in which the supporting portion 641CB containing the substantially vertical flat plate extends downward from the left end of the fastening portion 641CA containing the substantially horizontal flat plate — that is, the fastener 641C has a shape that looks , like the letter "L", rotated 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction, as seen from the front direction.

[0253] Screw holes that penetrate the fastening portion 641C of the fastener 641CA in the up and down directions are formed in the vicinity of the center in the forward and backward direction of the fastening portion 641CA. In addition, screw holes that penetrate the fastening portions 44A on the upper sides of the springs 44 are also formed in these fastening portions 44A.

[0254] The lower pressure plate 643 differs from the lower pressure plate 43 in the first embodiment in that it is located with side plate portions 643C serving as an example of adjustable bodies instead of the frame portions 43C, but the lower pressure plate 643 has a base plate 643A and a front surface plate 643B that is substantially the same as the base plate 43A and the front surface plate 43B of the lower pressure plate 43.

[0255] The side plate portions 643C have lamellar vertical portions 643CA that are located extending upward from the vicinity of the ends in a right and left direction of the base plate 643A. In addition, the side plate portions 643C have a shape located with short lamellar claw-shaped portions 643CB that extend inwardly to the right and left of the vicinity of the upper end of the side plate portions 643C. In addition, the upper side sections of the side plate portions 643C in the vicinity of the centers in the forward and backward direction — that is, the sections of the side plate portions 643C corresponding to the attachment portions 641AY of the upper side element 641A — are cut to a large extent.

[0256] When the bill holder 634 is to be assembled, the attachment portions 44A on the upper sides of the springs 44 are placed between the lower surface of the base center plate 641BA and the attachment portions 641CA of the fasteners 641C. Further, in the note holder 634, predetermined fastening screws are attached to the fastening portions 44A, thereby attaching springs 44 and fasteners 641C to the lower surface of the base base plate 641BA. In addition, in the note holder 634, predetermined fixing screws are used to attach the support portions 642L and 642R to the base plates 641BL and 641BR.

[0257] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, the bill holder 634 is assembled so that the base plate 643A is located substantially immediately below the central base plate 641BA, and the claw-shaped portions 643CB of the lower pressure plate 643 are located on the upper side of the central base plate 641BA. In this case, the springs 44 become compressed to a certain extent from their natural length between the base plate 643A and the central base plate 641BA. Thus, as shown in FIG. 29, collect the holder of 634 banknotes.

[0258] Here, in the bill holder 634, when no external force is applied to the lower pressure plate 643, the lower pressure plate 643 is separated from the upper pressure plate 641 by the restoring force of the springs 44. Additionally, as schematically shown in FIG. 30A, in the bill holder 634, the claw-shaped portions 643CB are in contact with the base base plate 641BA.

[0259] Furthermore, in the bill holder 634, when an external upward force is applied to the lower pressure plate 643, the springs 44 become compressed and the lower pressure plate 643 moves closer to the upper pressure plate 641. Further, as schematically shown in FIG. . 30B, in the bill holder 634, the lower ends 641CX of the supporting sections 641CB of the fasteners 641C are brought into contact with the upper surface of the base plate 643A.

[0260] That is, the lower pressure plate 643 can move up and down between the state in which the claw-shaped portions 643CB are in contact with the central base plate 641BA and the state in which the base plate 643A is in contact with the lower ends 641CX of the supporting portions 641CB.

[0261] Furthermore, in the bill holder 634, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 can not only move up and down relative to the upper pressure plate 641, but can also rotate in the pitch direction about an axis running along the right direction and to the left. Or, in the bill holder 634, the lower pressure plate 643 can also rotate in the yaw direction about an axis extending along the forward and backward directions relative to the upper pressure plate 641.

[0262] In the note holder 634, a portion of which is enlarged and shown in FIG. 31, a slight backward and forward clearance is formed between the front end portion 641 of the center base plate 641BA of the upper pressure plate 641 and the rear surface 643BX of the plate 643B of the front surface of the lower pressure plate 643.

[0263] Furthermore, in the bill holder 634, a slight forward and backward clearance is also formed between the rear end portions 641BZ of the protruding portions protruding to the right and left of the central base plate 641BA of the upper pressure plate 641 and the front side surfaces 643CX of the vertical lower portions 643CA pressure plate 643.

[0264] For this reason, the range of movement of the lower pressure plate 643 in the forward and backward direction is adjusted between the state in which the rear surface 643BX of the front surface plate 643B is in contact with the front end portion 641 and the state in which the front side surfaces 643CX are in contact with portions 641BZ the back end.

[0265] In addition, like the first embodiment, the folding lines of the bent sections of the springs 44 are located between the lower pressure plate 643 and the upper pressure plate 641 along the forward and backward directions. For this reason, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 practically does not move forward and backward relative to the upper pressure plate 641.

[0266] In addition, the range of movement of the lower pressure plate 643 in the right and left direction is regulated due to the fact that the inner surfaces of the vertical sections 643CA of the lower pressure plate 643 and the ends in the right and left directions of the center plate 641BA of the base of the upper pressure plate 641 are in contact with each other friend.

[0267] That is, the amount of movement of the lower pressure plate 643 in the forward and backward directions and in the right and left direction relative to the upper pressure plate 641 are adjusted so that both are negligible.

[0268] Thus, in the bill holder 634, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 is located under the upper pressure plate 641 with the springs 44 placed between them. In this regard, in the note holder 634, elastic force acts on the lower pressure plate 643 from the upper pressure plate 641, and the lower pressure plate 643 moves up and down or rotates in the pitch direction or in the yaw direction.

[0269] 5-2. Actions and effects

In the above configuration, in the banknote holder 634 of the banknote feeder 605 (see FIG. 3) according to the fifth embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 is located under the upper pressure plate 641 with the springs 44 placed between them, and the lower pressure plate 643 is pressed against the banknotes BLC.

[0270] In the banknote holder 634, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23 (see FIG. 3), the upward force exerted on the stacked banknotes BLC can be absorbed by the springs 44 like the first embodiment. In addition, in the bill holder 634, the lower pressure plate 643 can be pressed at high speed by the force of repulsion of the springs 44 against the falling stacked banknotes of the BLC.

[0271] For this reason, in the banknote feeder 605, like the first embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 can be kept in contact with the topmost portion of the stacked BLC banknotes vibrating up and down, and the banknote feeder 605 can support the cash flow banknotes BL without causing a collapse of the stacked banknotes BLC.

[0272] With regard to other aspects as well, the banknote feeder 605 according to the fifth embodiment can achieve the same actions and effects as the banknote feeder 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0273] According to the above configuration, in the banknote holder 634 of the banknote feeder 605 according to the fifth embodiment, the lower pressure plate 643 is located under the upper pressure plate 641 with the springs 44 interposed therebetween, and the lower pressure plate 643 is pressed against the stacked banknotes BLC. For this reason, in the banknote holder 634, when the stacked BLC banknotes vibrate up and down accompanied by the rotation of the separating rollers 23, the upward force applied from the stacked BLC banknotes is absorbed by the springs 44. Additionally, in the banknote holder 634 the pressure plate 643 can be pressed by the force of repulsion of the springs 44 to the falling stacked banknotes BLC. In this regard, in the banknote feeder 605, the lower pressure plate 643 can be kept in contact with the uppermost portion of the BLC banknote, and the banknote feeder 605 can support the BL banknote without causing wrinkling of the stacked banknote BLC.

[0274] 6. Other embodiments

In the first to fifth embodiments, cases have been described where springs 44 containing leaf springs, springs 144 containing coil springs, magnets 244, or air suspension 344 were located between the upper pressure plate 41, etc. and lower pressure plate 43, etc.

[0275] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of elastic bodies, for example, various types of springs and rubber or materials that absorb shock, for example, sponges or pillows, or their corresponding combination can also be located between the upper pressure plate 41, etc. and lower pressure plate 43, etc. In this case, it is best if these elements can well absorb the upward force exerted on the stacked BLC banknotes, allowing the lower pressure plate 43, etc. move up and down relative to the upper pressure plate 41, etc. Preferably, it is best if the reaction rate of these elements is so fast that these elements can press the lower pressure plate 43, etc. to, and support, forcing to follow the topmost section of falling BLC banknotes.

[0276] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case was described where, assuming that the normal force P was greater than 0 when calculating the optimal spring stiffness K, the object E2 does not move at all from the object E3 — that is, the lower pressure plate 43 does not move at all from the uppermost portion of the stacked BLC bills.

[0277] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the object E2 can also be allowed to move to some extent from the object E3 by setting various conditions, for example, a normal force P exceeding a predetermined negative constant when calculating the spring stiffness K. In this case, it is best if the collapse of the banknote can be essentially prevented by maintaining a small distance and time at which the object E2 is away from the object E3, and maintaining a small value D3 by which the banknotes BL in the topmost section of the stacked banknotes BLCs protrude (see FIG. 15). The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0278] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case was described when, and the length in the up and down portions 43CX of the hole and the compressible length of the springs 44 from their natural state to their most compressed state were greater than the protrusion distance D1 (see FIG. 5) the separating sections 23B of the separating rollers 23.

[0279] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the length (s) of either one or both of them may also be (ut) shorter than the protrusion distance D1. In this case, it is preferable that the amount of movement of the upper pressure plate 41 as a result of the transfer of force from the stacked banknotes BLC to the upper pressure plate 41 is kept as small as possible, keeping the difference with the protrusion distance D1 as small as possible. The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0280] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case was described where the lower pressure plate 43 was configured to rotate in the pitch direction around an axis running along the right and left directions, and in the yaw direction around an axis running along the forward and backward directions (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

[0281] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lower pressure plate 43 can also be made incapable of rotating either in one or both of the pitch direction and the yaw direction. In this case, in the banknote feeder, the ability of the lower pressure plate 43 to follow the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC, when the uppermost portion of the stacked banknotes BLC becomes inclined, decreases, but provided that the lower pressure plate 43 can follow the most the upper section of the stacked BLC banknotes to a certain extent by moving up and down, the BL banknotes in the uppermost section of the stacked BLC banknotes can to some extent support to protrude from protruding. Additionally, in a banknote feeder, banknote collapse can be prevented, although not completely. The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0282] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case was described where the claw-shaped portions 41 of the upper pressure plate 41 were inserted through four hole sections 43CX in the lower pressure plate 43 to control the forward and backward movement of the lower pressure plate 43. Additionally, in the first embodiment, a case was described where, by adjusting the movement of the lower pressure plate 43 in the forward and backward direction, the lower pressure plate 43 did not stretch backward by the separating rollers 23 and the feed rollers 24.

[0283] However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be made in such a way that, for example, ensuring that the range of movement of the portions 43CX of the hole and the claw-shaped portions 41 in the forward and backward direction is not adjustable, and forming a plate of the rear surface on the lower pressure the plate 43 is similar to the second embodiment so that the plate of the rear surface is brought into contact with the overlapping guide 31, and the lower pressure plate 43 does not stretch back.

[0284] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case was described where the separating rollers 23 were made by incorporating the separating portions 23B, the friction force of which is high, in the main roller portions 23A in which the friction force of the peripheral side surface is low.

[0285] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the separating rollers 23 can also be completely made of material, the frictional force of which is high, and the peripheral side surface outside the separating portion 23B can be reduced in diameter. Additionally, due to this reduction in diameter, the separating rollers 23 made in various ways — for example, by placing a peripheral side surface outside the separating portion 23B under the lower guide 21 so that it does not come into contact with banknotes BL — can also be used. In this case, it is best if it can be ensured that the banknotes BL are pulled back by the separating sections 23B, but not pulled out by the other peripheral side surfaces of the separating rollers 23. The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0286] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case was described where four separating rollers 23 were attached to the rotating shaft 23X.

[0287] However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be made in such a way that the separating rollers 23, containing an arbitrary number of rollers, more than one roller, for example, two rollers or six rollers, are attached to the rotating shaft 23X. The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0288] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case was described where the banknotes BL serving as an example of materials were stacked in a stacking space arranged on the lower guide 21, separated one by one and supplied to the banknote processing device 1.

[0289] However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also, for example, be applied to a plurality of devices that stack a plurality of paper sheet materials, for example, various tickets, securities, postcards and envelopes, separate these materials one at a time and feed them inside. The same also applies in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0290] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case was described where the banknote feeder 5, serving as an example of the material feeder, was made of a lower guide 21, serving as an example of a lower guide, separating rollers 23 serving as an example of rollers, an overlapping guide 31 serving as an example of an overlapping guide, an upper pressure plate 41 serving as an example of a pressure member, a lower pressure plate 43 serving as an example of an auxiliary an actual pressing member, and springs 44 serving as an example of absorbent members.

[0291] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the material supply device can also be made of a lower guide, rollers, an overlapping guide, a pressing member, an auxiliary pressing member, and absorbent elements containing many other configurations.

Industrial applicability

[0292] The present invention can be used in a variety of devices that separate and supply paper sheet materials, such as banknotes, according to one of the stacked conditions.

[0293] The full disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-087216 is incorporated herein by reference. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims (10)

1. A material feed device comprising:
the lower guide, on which the paper sheet materials are laid and placed, and which is inclined so that its side of the feed direction, which feeds the materials in the lowermost laying area, is lower;
rollers, each of which has a main portion of the roller, formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a separating portion, which is located on a part of the peripheral side surface of the main portion of the roller and causes friction forces on the material, the rollers rotating in such a way that the separating portions protruding toward the stacked materials from the lower side of the separation openings formed in the lower guide;
an overlapping guide that supports the stacked materials on the feed direction side of the lower guide;
a clamping element that has a predetermined mass and uses gravity to press the laid materials to the lower guide;
auxiliary clamping element, which is placed between the clamping element and the laid materials; and
absorbing elements that absorb the force exerted by the materials on the auxiliary pressing element. 2. The material supply device according to claim 1, wherein the absorbing elements comprise elastic bodies that temporarily absorb the force exerted by the materials on the auxiliary pressing element and cause a repulsive force corresponding to this force. 3. The material supply device according to claim 2, in which the absorbing elements have a spring stiffness set in such a way that when vibration occurs in the materials due to the rotation of the rollers, the pulling force acting between the auxiliary clamping element and the materials is maintained at a value greater than 0. 4. The material supply device according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent elements comprise leaf springs bent along fold lines along the feed direction and in the opposite direction. 5. The material supply device according to claim 1, wherein the range in which the distance between the pressing element and the auxiliary pressing element can vary, accompanied by absorption of force by the absorbing elements, is greater than the vibration amplitude when vibration occurs in the materials due to the rotation of the rollers. 6. The material supply device according to claim 1, in which the absorbing elements allow you to tilt the opposite surface of the auxiliary clamping element, which is opposite the materials, from the direction opposite to the lower guide, in the feed direction or in the direction opposite to the feed direction. 7. The material supply device according to claim 1, in which the absorbing elements allow you to tilt the opposite surface of the auxiliary clamping element, which is opposite the materials, in a direction that intersects both the laying direction in which the materials are laid and the feeding direction. 8. The material supply device according to claim 1, in which the absorbing elements suppress the movement of the auxiliary pressure element in the feed direction relative to the pressure element. 9. The material supply device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustable body that is attached to the pressing element or to the auxiliary pressing element, and a regulating body that is attached to the pressing element or to the auxiliary pressing element and adjusts the relative range of movement between the regulating body and the adjustable body. 10. The material supply device according to claim 9, wherein the regulating body controls the range of movement of the auxiliary pressure member in the feed direction.

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