JPS6250384B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for dispensing sheet-like objects such as bundles of banknotes, tickets and the like, and more particularly to a device for dispensing sheet-like objects such as bundles of banknotes, tickets and the like, and more particularly to a device for dispensing sheet-like objects such as bundles of banknotes, tickets and the like. A take-out/distribution mechanism consisting of wheels, rollers, belts, or the like is configured to continuously take out the outermost sheets from the bundle, and the take-out/distribution mechanism The present invention relates to a device for distributing sheet-like materials to receiving locations.

The invention finds application, for example, in cash registers, cash dispensers, and similar machines, in which a precise number of banknotes or sheets such as receipts or similar The objects are distributed on a case-by-case basis, regardless of their condition, whether they are new or old, whole or worn out, thin or thick.

Next, a preferred embodiment of a sheet dispensing device constructed in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The sheet distribution device shown in FIG.
It has a lifting mechanism including two lifting members 10 extending through the plate 30, a spindle 11 extending along the longitudinal direction of the plate 30, and a motor 12 for driving the spindle 11.

When the motor 12 rotates, the spindle 11 also rotates, thereby opening the two vertically extending slots 1 provided in the plate 30.
A lifting member 10, which is movable up and down within 5, is lifted. When the spindle 11 rotates in one direction, the lifting member 10 is moved upwardly towards the belt 13, while the spindle 1
1 rotates in the opposite direction, the lifting member 10
is moved away from the belt 13, that is, downward. That is, the lifting member 10 is vertically movable between the lower end of the slot as the lower end position and the upper end of the slot as the upper end position. When the drive means 14, such as a motor, rotates, the endless belt 13, which serves as a sheet take-out and distribution mechanism, is moved, and the bundle pushed up toward the belt 13 from below, for example, the banknote at the top of the banknote bundle, is caused by friction. Therefore, it can be pulled out by the belt 13.

The cassette shown in FIG. 2 consists of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped case 20 having a handle 21. As shown in FIG. One side plate of this case 20 is provided with two slots 25 corresponding to the slots 15 in FIG. case 20
There are two vertical rods 23 adjacent to this side plate.
These rods 23 support a base plate 24 which is configured to support a bundle of banknotes and is movable along the rods 23. The cassette lid is provided with an opening 26 at a location corresponding to belt 13 in FIG. 1, which opening 26 communicates with a longitudinally extending end opening 27.
Through this end opening 27 a sheet-like object such as a bank note can pass. 4 on the outside of the side plate of the case 20.
There are three screws, three of which are designated 28. These screws 28 are connected to the opening 1 shown in FIG.
8 is becoming more accepted.

The cassette shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the sheet distributor body shown in FIG. 1 by screws 28 received in openings 18, with lifting member 10 projecting into case 20 from slot 25. When the motor 12 starts and the spindle 11 rotates, the lifting member 10 is pulled up, and after a while the bottom plate 24
reaches the bottom surface of If the motor 12 continues to rotate,
The bottom plate 24 on which a bundle of banknotes is placed is the belt 1
3, the bundle is pressed against the belt 13 at its upper end.

The operations necessary to distribute banknotes are performed electronically by known elements.

The following description shows the principles for directing various movements to different elements. Regarding circuits and their connections, see Part 3.
This will be described later based on the figures.

The lifting mechanism 10-11-12 is a sheet-like object,
For example, it is arranged to lift a stack of banknotes, ie a base plate 24, towards the belt 13 according to the spacing between two successively ejected banknotes. By interval here is meant an interval in terms of length or in time, which in principle is the same thing but requires different detection and sensing devices to be provided.

In the following, an example will be explained in which the time interval between two banknotes is 50 ms when banknotes are continuously distributed.

Approximately after the sheet detection signal is issued from the sheet detection means indicating that one banknote has been dispensed.
During a period of 30 ms, the bottom plate 24 supported on the lifting member 10 is kept stationary, and after the expiration of the first given time of 30 ms, the bundle is moved together with the bottom plate 24 for a second given time of 10 ms. After a further 10ms, the next banknote is typically dispensed and a sheet detection signal is issued. 40ms after this does not happen and the preceding banknote is distributed
and greater than 50 ms, the bundle along with the base plate 24 further elapses for a fourth given time of approximately 70 ms.
Lifted for a period of 10ms. On the other hand, if the next bank note is dispensed before the first time period of 30 ms has elapsed, the bank note stack will not be lifted.

If the distance between two subsequently distributed banknotes exceeds a predetermined first value (30ms), the stack of banknotes is lifted by the lifting member 10 for a second time period (10ms). When the motor 12 is actuated to lift and the time interval between two successively dispensed banknotes exceeds a predetermined third value (70 ms), the lifting member 10 also lifts a fourth given value. The motor 12 is activated again to lift the stack of banknotes by one time period interval (10 ms).

Incidentally, the distribution control means is as explained above.
detection means for detecting the dispensing of sheets; and each time a sheet detection signal is received from the sheet detection means indicating that a sheet has been dispensed, the movement of the sheet support means is stopped for a first given period of time. means for re-moving the seat support means toward the upper end position when the first predetermined time period has elapsed; means for re-moving the seat support means towards the upper end position if the seat detection signal is not emitted for more than a third predetermined time period which is greater than the sum of the times; means for moving the lifting member 10 upwards and activating the motor 14 for the belt 13 when the sheet commanding means by which the required number of banknotes to be distributed can be commanded; means for moving the lifting member 10 downwards when the number of banknotes has been dispensed.

Stacks of banknotes may be damaged due to folds, wrinkles, severe wear or other damage.
It may include banknotes that are not easily distributed in normal ways. Therefore, if the interval (for example, 2 seconds) between the distributed bank note and the bank note located closest to the belt 13 and to be distributed next greatly exceeds the third interval (70 ms), The dispensing device in one embodiment is such that the lifting member 10 is lifted for a fourth given time period (10ms) and then optionally re-lifted for an additional time period (10ms). is formed.

When the cassette 20 is inserted into the main body of the device, the lifting member 10 is preferably configured to move automatically and stop its movement by coming into contact with the bottom plate 24 on which the bundle of banknotes is placed. ing. Number (amount) of banknotes to be distributed (paid)
When the instruction button including the button for specifying is pressed to instruct the sheet command means to distribute banknotes, the movement of the lifting member 10 in the direction of the belt 13 as a take-out and distribution mechanism starts again, and the belt 13 begins to move.

After the number of banknotes set in the sheet commanding means has been distributed by incorporating a counter for counting the number of distributed banknotes, another quantity of banknotes can be distributed to the sheet commanding means after the operations described below. The dispensing control means are configured to stop movement of the lifting member 10 until instructed to do so. That is,
The distribution control means is configured to slightly lower the lifting member 10 and the bottom plate 24 carrying the bundle of banknotes to relieve the pressing force on the belt 13 by the banknotes after the required number of banknotes have been distributed. This includes transportation means. This makes it possible to avoid dispensing more than the number of sheets instructed to be distributed to the sheet command means.

If the interval between two successively dispensed banknotes (dispensing time interval) is shorter than the normal interval, during the dispensing of a set number of banknotes, the banknote bundle is lowered and of course the lifting member Arrangements are also made such that a rise of 10 does not occur. However, this situation arises if excessive pressure has previously been applied between the banknote stack and the ejection belt 13 (for example, when a bundle containing worn and wrinkled banknotes is pressed too hard). In such cases, the bundle should be lowered somewhat. This is located near the openings 26, 27 and includes pressure sensing means for sensing that the pressure exerted on the belt 13 by the topmost bank note exceeds a given value. This is done by means of lowering the lifting member 10 when a pressure exceeding a value is sensed. That is, if the pressure is too great, the pressure sensing means will provide a signal to the motor 12 which will cause the lifting member 10 and the bottom plate 24 on which the bundle rests to be lowered somewhat, during the subsequent pressure sensing sequence. If the pressure sensing means still senses an excess pressure, the motor 12 receives another signal, and so on.

As mentioned above, the lifting mechanism 10-11-1
2 for a time period (for example 10 ms), this time period is determined by the motor 1 of the lifting mechanism 10-11-12.
2 or a specific rotational speed of the spindle 11. This requires means for detecting the movement (rotational speed) of the lifting mechanism 10-11-12, which determines the relative movement of the lifting member 10 with respect to one revolution of the motor 12 or spindle 11. This is achieved by reliably and controllably indicating the correct height.

It is also conceivable to incorporate braking means for the lifting mechanism 10-11-12, which prevents excessive movement of the lifting member 10 when the motor is stopped.

Next, an example of a sheet distributing device having the above-described configuration and operating as described above will be described in more detail, focusing on the control circuit.

10a is the aforementioned lifting member 10 and bottom plate 2;
The sheet support mechanism 10a is a sheet support mechanism as a sheet support means consisting of a sheet bundle 1.
01, it is movable in an upward direction C and a downward direction D between an upper end position A and a lower end position B near the openings 26 and 27. 13a is a belt similar to the belt 13 described above. The belt 13a serving as a sheet take-out and distribution mechanism is provided near the upper end position A, and is used to pick up the uppermost sheet 102 of the sheet bundle 101 supported by the sheet support mechanism 10a.
The uppermost sheet 10 is frictionally engaged with the upper surface 103 of
Take out and distribute 2.

In the above, C and D of the seat support mechanism 10a
Movement in the direction is performed by a motor 12 similar to the motor 12 described above.
When one pulse signal is input to the terminals E, F, or G of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 12a, the motor 12a is rotated forward, reversed, or stopped, and the seat support mechanism 10a is C
Move in direction, move in D direction, or stop. On the other hand, the belt 13a is driven by a motor 14a similar to the motor 14, and when a pulse signal is input to terminal H or J of the drive control section 105 of the motor 14a, the motor 14a is rotated in the normal direction or stopped. , the belt 13a is rotated or circulated in the K direction or stopped.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an input mechanism as a sheet command means through which the required number L of sheets to be distributed is commanded using, for example, a numeric keypad. The input mechanism 106 includes, for example, a counter 107 connected to a numeric keypad via an encoder. When the number of sheets L is commanded by the numeric keypad, the counter 107 is set to the sheet number L, and the set value L≠0. In this case, one sheet distribution command pulse signal M is output from the output terminal 108. Note that the counter 107 has its input terminal 1
09, each time one pulse signal N (sheet detection signal to be described later) is received, it counts down by 1.
When the counter 107 reaches zero, it outputs a signal P from its terminal 110 indicating that the distribution of L sheets has been completed.

111 is a starting control circuit, starting control circuit 1
11 is an input mechanism 106 as a sheet command means;
When the input mechanism 106 is activated by specifying the number L of sheets to be distributed, the input terminal 112 receives a sheet distribution command signal M from the input mechanism 106, and the signal M
Based on the output terminal 113 of the motor 12a
One pulse signal Q is applied to the terminal E of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 1 to move the seat support mechanism 10a in the direction C, and the motor 1 is
One pulse signal R is applied to the terminal H of the drive control section 105 of the belt 13a to circulate the belt 13a in the K direction. Note that this starting control rotation 111 is composed of, for example, a two-input AND circuit. In this case, one input of the AND circuit is kept at a high level as long as the mains power of the device is on, and the other input is connected to terminal 112 to receive signal M. The power of the AND circuit is then connected to terminals 113 and 114.

115 is a sheet detector. The sheet detector 115 detects the belt 1 which is being driven in circulation in the K direction.
It consists of a light emitter and a light receiver provided in the distribution and transport path of the uppermost sheet 102 which frictionally engages with the uppermost sheet 102 and is taken out and distributed and sent to a receiver etc. A sheet detection pulse signal N is generated from the output terminal 116 each time the distributing and transporting path is passed, in other words, each time the distribution (ie, passage) of one sheet is detected by the light receiver.
This sheet detection signal N is applied to the counter 107, and the content of the counter 107 is decreased by 1 to, for example, L-1.

117 is a temporary stop control circuit having an AND circuit 118, one input of which is kept at a high level as long as the main power is on, a counter 119, and a comparator 120. Every time the stop control circuit 117 receives the sheet detection signal N at its input terminal 121, the stop control circuit 117 outputs the output terminals 122, 12 via the AND circuit 118.
3 emits pulse signals S, S, and output terminal 123
A pulse signal S is applied to the input terminal G of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 12a connected to the support member 1.
Stop the movement of 0a in the C direction. The counter 119 of the stop control rotation 117 is reset to zero each time it receives a sheet detection signal N via the terminal 121 and starts counting the clock pulses T from the clock pulse generator 124 provided via the input terminal 125. Measure time. Comparator 1
20 is configured to generate one pulse signal U when the contents of the counter 119 match 30 ms, and the pulse signal U from the comparator 120 is sent to the motor 1 via the output terminal 126 of the stop control circuit 117.
2a is given to the input terminal E of the drive control unit 104,
The seat support mechanism 10a is started to move again in the C direction. That is, each time the stop control circuit 117 receives a sheet detection signal N from the sheet detector 115 indicating that a sheet has been dispensed, the stop control circuit 117 cooperates with the clock pulse generator 124 to determine the first given time period. Seat support mechanism 10a for 30ms as
stop moving.

127 is a first re-movement control circuit having a counter 128 and a comparator 129; A counter 128 of the re-movement control circuit 127 is set to zero each time it receives a pulse signal U from the stop control circuit 117 via a terminal 130 of the circuit 127, and is set to zero each time it receives a pulse signal U from the stop control circuit 117 via a terminal 130 of the circuit 127.
Start counting and measure the time. Comparator 12
9 is constructed to generate one pulse signal V when the contents of the counter 128 match 10 ms. The pulse signal V from the comparator 129 is applied to the input terminal G of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 12a via the output terminal 132 of the re-movement control circuit 127, and stops the movement of the seat support mechanism 10a in the C direction. . That is, the first relocation control circuit 12
7 cooperates with the clock pulse generator 124 and the stop control circuit 117 to determine the first given time.
Based on the signal U generated when 30ms has elapsed,
10ms as the second given time after the occurrence of the signal U
During this time, the seat support mechanism 10a is moved again in the C direction. i.e. as the second given time
After 10 ms has elapsed, a signal V is issued to stop the seat support mechanism 10a.

133 is a second relocation control circuit having a counter 134 and a comparator 135. The counter 134 of the re-movement control circuit 133 is reset to zero each time it receives a pulse signal S from the stop control circuit 117 via the input terminal 136 of the circuit 133, and starts counting the clock pulses T given via the input terminal 137. Then, the time after the sheet detection signal N is generated is measured. The comparator 135 is the counter 13
It is configured to generate one pulse signal W when the contents of 4 match 70 ms. The pulse signal W from the comparator 135 is applied to the input terminal E of the drive control section 104 of the motor 12a via the output terminal 138 of the re-movement control circuit 133, and re-moves the seat support mechanism 10a in the C direction. let That is, the second relocation control circuit 133 cooperates with the clock pulse generator 124 and the stop control circuit 117 to generate a sum of 40 ms of the first given time of 30 ms and the second given time of 10 ms. If the sheet detection signal N is not output from the sheet detector 115 for a third given time greater than or equal to 50 ms (70 ms in this example), then a fourth given time greater than
When the seat support mechanism 10a is directed toward the upper end position A, C
re-move in the direction.

139 is a distribution end control circuit consisting of an AND circuit, a counter (timer), and a comparator like the stop control circuit 117;
is a pulse signal P output from the input mechanism 106 when the sheet detection signal N indicating that the distribution of the L-th sheet is completed is applied to the input mechanism 106 and the contents of the counter 107 of the input mechanism 106 become zero. is received at its input terminal 140, and outputs pulse signals X, Y from its output terminals 141, 142 via an AND circuit whose one input is kept at a high level, and for a given time determined by a counter and a comparator.
It is configured to emit a pulse signal Z from its output terminal 143 after X1 has elapsed. The pulse signal X output from the output terminal 141 of the distribution end control circuit 139 is applied to the input terminal F of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 12a, and the pulse signal X is applied to the input terminal F of the drive control unit 104 of the motor 12a, and the pulse signal move it to On the other hand, the output terminal 142 of the circuit 139
The pulse signal Y output from the motor 14a is applied to the input terminal J of the drive control section 105 of the motor 14a, and stops the circulation of the belt 13a in the K direction. Incidentally, after the elapse of the given time X1, the pulse signal Z output from the output terminal 143 of the circuit 139 is
is applied to the input terminal G of the drive control unit 104 of a,
Stop the seat support mechanism 10a.

In the above, the distribution control means includes the motor 12
a, 14a, drive control sections 104, 105, starting control circuit 111, sheet detector 115, stop control circuit 117, timer 124, re-movement control circuit 12
7, 133, a distribution end control circuit 139, and a counter 107 of the input mechanism 106.

Furthermore, 144 consists of a pressure detector, a comparator, etc., and when the pressure applied to the belt 13a from the highest banknote 103 exceeds a given value, the sheet support mechanism 10a moves away from the upper end position A. This is a control circuit coupled to each circuit of the distribution control means to move the support mechanism 10a in the D direction.

As described above, in the sheet distribution device of the present invention, the sheet take-out and distribution mechanism is operated by the operation of the sheet command means, and the movement or stop of the sheet support means is controlled by the sheet detection signal from the sheet detection means. Because the control is based on the elapsed time after the sheet is dispensed, even if the surface of the sequentially distributed sheets is wrinkled or slippery, a predetermined number of sheets can be delivered without error and even if the surface of the sheets is slippery. Can be quickly dispensed.

To explain in more detail, the sheet distributing device of the present invention includes, in addition to a means for activating the sheet take-out and distributing mechanism when the sheet command means is activated, a detection means for detecting the distribution of sheets, and a detection means for detecting the distribution of sheets. and means for stopping the movement of the sheet support means for a first predetermined period of time each time a sheet detection signal is received from the sheet detection means indicating that a sheet has been dispensed. If a certain sheet is stacked and the dispensing time interval of successive sheets is shorter than the first time, the movement of the sheet support means toward the take-out and dispensing mechanism is shorter than the first time. It may be stopped for an extended period of time while sheet dispensing continues. Therefore, the position of the sheet supported by the sheet support means and to be distributed next can be adjusted so that the sheet distribution time interval increases stepwise. Further, since the actuating means, the detecting means, and the movement stopping means are provided, even if a plurality of sheets to be distributed subsequent to the sheet having the slippery surface are wrinkled sheets, the sheet having the slippery surface may have the slippery surface. After dispensing the sheet, the pressing force exerted by a belt or the like as a pick-up and dispensing mechanism on the next wrinkled sheet to be distributed is reduced by the thickness of the slippery sheet. Therefore, by making the surface of the belt, etc. used as the take-out and distribution mechanism to an appropriate roughness, it is possible to avoid taking out and distributing multiple wrinkled sheets at the same time due to this reduced pressing force. Even if a given sheet is subsequently dispensed within a first time period, the next wrinkled sheet will be dispensed for a longer period of time due to the sheet support means being stopped during that time. It can then be removed and dispensed. Therefore, there is no possibility that two sheets will be taken out and dispensed at the same time. Further, in the sheet distributing device of the present invention, in addition to the actuating means, the detecting means, and the movement stopping means, the sheet supporting means is moved toward the upper end position for a second given time when the first given time has elapsed. The provision of re-displacement means ensures that the sheets can be repeatedly dispensed at appropriate time intervals, unless there are extremely wrinkled sheets, etc. If the sheet detection signal is not emitted for more than a third predetermined time period, which is greater than the sum of the two times, then the means for re-moving the seat support means towards the top position for a fourth predetermined time period. This provides sheet support even when the frictional force acting on the sheet is too small to distribute the sheet with the pressing force required to feed wrinkled sheets, such as sheets with smooth and slippery surfaces. By re-moving the means for a fourth predetermined period of time, the removal and dispensing of the slippery sheet can be effected without error. In addition, the sheet distributing device of the present invention is provided with a means for moving the sheet supporting means so that the sheet supporting means moves away from the upper end position when a commanded number of sheets have been distributed. If a distribution command is not given to the distribution device, the sheet may be shifted to the lower end position and placed on standby, and there is a risk that the sheet may be strongly pressed against a belt, etc. that functions as a take-out and distribution function for a long period of time. Therefore, there is no risk that sheets with wrinkles or the like will be partially compressed in the thickness direction, and there is no risk that pressure marks will remain on sheets that are tightly attached to each other, making it difficult to take out the sheets. do not have.

Next, some embodiments of the present invention will be listed.

(1) It is equipped with a cassette for receiving a bundle of sheet materials, and when the cassette is inserted into the main body of the sheet distribution device, the sheet supporting means automatically starts to move, comes into contact with the bundle and stops the movement, Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is configured such that no movement of the sheet support means towards the take-off and distribution mechanism occurs until an instruction to dispense a certain number of sheets is received. .

(2) A patent claim comprising a counter that counts the number of sheet-like objects to be distributed, and the counter is configured to stop the movement of the sheet-supporting means after a set number of sheet-like objects have been distributed. The device according to any one of the ranges 1 to 2 and the above item (1).

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main body of a dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette for receiving a bundle of sheet materials, and FIG. 3 is a specific embodiment of the sheet distributing device of the present invention. FIG. 10... Lifting member, 11... Spindle,
12...Motor, 13...Belt, 14...Motor, 20...Cassette.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A sheet supporting means that is vertically movable between an upper end position and a lower end position, and a sheet supporting means that is provided near the upper end position and that supports the uppermost part of the sheet bundle supported by the sheet supporting means. a sheet take-out and distribution mechanism for taking out and distributing the topmost sheet by frictionally engaging the upper surface of the sheet; a sheet command means for commanding the required number of sheets to be distributed; and a means for controlling sheet distribution. The distribution control means includes means for moving the sheet support means toward the upper end position and actuating the sheet take-out and distribution mechanism when the sheet command means is activated, and detecting sheet distribution; a sheet detection means for emitting a sheet detection signal each time it detects the distribution of one sheet; means for stopping the movement of the seat support means for a period of time; and means for re-moving the seat support means towards an upper end position for a second predetermined time when a first predetermined time period has elapsed; If the sheet detection signal is not emitted for a period of time greater than or equal to a third predetermined time period that is greater than the sum of the first and second time periods, the sheet support means is re-moved toward the upper end position for a fourth predetermined time period. and means for moving the sheet supporting means so that the sheet supporting means is separated from the upper end position when a commanded number of sheets have been distributed. 2. The sheet is a banknote, and the sheet ejecting and distributing mechanism has a belt against which the highest banknote of the banknote bundle is pressed so as to frictionally engage the highest banknote; The distribution control means comprises means for moving the sheet support means away from the top position if the pressure exerted on the belt by the topmost bank note exceeds a given value. A sheet distribution device according to claim 1.