Patent Publication Number: US-10766731-B2

Title: Sheet storage apparatus and sheet storage method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a sheet storage apparatus and a sheet storage method for storing sheets such as banknotes in a storage bag such as a pouch bag having an opening for inserting the sheets. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     As a sheet handling machine for depositing sheets such as banknotes, one in which sheets taken into a housing are stored in a storage bag such as a pouch bag has been conventionally used. As such a sheet handling machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-174130 (JP2012-174130A) and the like is conventionally known. Further, in the sheet handling machine in which the storage bag such as the pouch bag is used, it is conceivable to push the sheets remaining on a temporary storage unit into an inside of the storage bag by a pushing plate, when the sheets are stored in the storage bag held by each holding member. 
     Further, in the sheet handling machine in which the storage bag such as the pouch bag is used, when the sheets are stored in the storage bag held by each holding member, a method of imaging a mark provided on an inner wall portion of the storage bag by an imaging unit is conceivable. In such a sheet handling machine, it is judged that the storage bag has become a full state or nearly full state, when a predetermined amount of sheets are stored in the storage bag and then the mark is obstructed by the sheets stored in the storage bag so that this mark is no longer shown in the image taken by the imaging unit. In this way, it is possible to detect an upper end position of the sheets stored in the storage bag based on the image taken by the imaging unit. 
     Also, in another conventional sheet handling machine, it is conceivable that the number of sheets sent to the storage bag held by each holding member is counted, and it is judged whether the storage bag becomes a full state or nearly full state based on the counted number of sheets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the conventional sheet handling machine, when the upper end position of the sheets stored in the storage bag is detected based on the image captured by the imaging unit, it is necessary to install the imaging unit, resulting in an increase in cost. Also, in the case of counting the number of sheets sent to the storage bag held by each holding member and judging whether the storage bag becomes the full state or nearly full state based on the counted result, the upper end position of the sheets stored in the storage bag could not be accurately detected. Specifically, since kinds or states of the sheets stored in the storage bag are not constant, it is difficult to obtain information on the substantial thickness of the stored sheets, and there is a possibility that the upper end position of the sheets could not be accurately detected. Therefore, in the conventional sheet handling machine, when the opening of the storage bag is sealed by heat by a pair of heating members, the sheet located at the top of the sheets stored in the storage bag is sandwiched between the pair of heating members and an unsealed portion is generated in the opening of the storage bag in some cases. 
     The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet storage apparatus and a sheet storage method that can reliably detect an upper end position of sheets stored inside the storage bag, and therefore it is possible to prevent occurrence of an unsealed portion at the opening of the storage bag when the opening of the storage bag is sealed by heat by a pair of heating members. 
     A sheet storage apparatus of the present invention for storing a sheet in a storage bag having an opening for inserting the sheet includes: a supporter configured to support a portion of the storage bag in the vicinity of the opening of the storage bag; an entering unit configured to enter into the storage bag supported by the supporter; a driving unit configured to drive the entering unit; and a controller configured to control the driving unit such that the entering unit enters into the storage bag supported by the supporter and comes in contact with the sheet stored in the storage bag to detect an upper end position of the sheet stored in the storage bag. 
     In the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention, the controller may perform control such that the upper end position of the sheet stored in the storage bag supported by the supporter is maintained at a predetermined height. 
     In the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention, the entering unit may move between a standby position which is a position above the storage bag supported by the supporter and a lower end position where the entering unit enters into the storage bag supported by the supporter, and the sheet storage apparatus may further include a first detector configured to detect whether or not the entering unit is located at the lower end position. 
     In this case, the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention may further include a platform configured to move in a substantially vertical direction and on which at least a part of the storage bag supported by the supporter is placed, and when the entering unit enters into the storage bag and comes in contact with the sheet stored in the storage bag, the controller may control the platform to lower the platform when it is not detected by the first detector that the entering unit is located at the lower end position. 
     The sheet storage apparatus of the present invention may further include a storage bag position adjuster configured to move the position of a bottom portion of the storage bag supported by the supporter in a substantially vertical direction, and when the entering unit enters into the storage bag and comes in contact with the sheet stored in the storage bag, the controller may control the storage bag position adjuster to lower the bottom portion of the storage bag when it is not detected by the first detecting unit that the entering unit is located at the lower end position. 
     Also, the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention may further include a stopping mechanism configured to stop the entering unit from moving toward the lower end position, when the entering unit comes in contact with the sheet stored in the storage bag before the entering unit reaches the lower end position. 
     In the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention, the entering unit may enter into the storage bag supported by the supporter and pushes the sheet stored in the storage bag downward. 
     In the sheet storage apparatus of the present invention, the controller may also detect a height of the sheet stored in the storage bag supported by the supporter. 
     The sheet storage apparatus of the present invention may further include a platform configured to move in a substantially vertical direction and on which at least a part of the storage bag supported by the supporter is placed; and a second detector configured to detect a position of the platform, and the controller may detect the height of the sheet stored in the storage bag based on the upper end position of the sheet stored in the storage bag detected by the controller and the position of the platform detected by the second detector. 
     A sheet storage method of the present invention for storing a sheet in a storage bag having an opening for inserting the sheet includes: supporting a portion of the storage bag in the vicinity of the opening of the storage bag by a supporter; storing the sheet in the storage bag supported by the supporter; and detecting an upper end position of the sheet stored in the storage bag by causing an entering unit to enter into the storage bag supported by the supporter and to come in contact with the sheet stored in the storage bag. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of a banknote handling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view showing a detail of a configuration of a banknote storage mechanism in the banknote handling machine shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pair of holding members and the like in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view showing a configuration of a banknote storage bag to be held by each holding member of the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2  and the like. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view showing a configuration of a pushing unit, a temporary storage unit and the like in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 , and shows a state when banknotes are not held in the temporary storage unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view showing a configuration of the pushing unit, the temporary storage unit and the like in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 , and shows a state when banknotes are held in the temporary storage unit in a full state or nearly full state. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pantograph or the like for moving the pushing unit in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a motor, a gear, a pinion rack, and the like for operating the pantograph in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the motor, the gear, the pinion rack, and the like for operating the pantograph in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 , as viewed from another direction. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view showing a configuration of an upper end detection sensor and a lower end detection sensor for detecting a position of the pantograph in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the banknote handling machine shown in  FIG. 1  and the like. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view showing a configuration of a banknote storage mechanism according to a modified example. 
         FIG. 13  is an explanatory view showing an operation of storing banknotes in the banknote storage bag by the banknote storage mechanism according to another modified example. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.  FIGS. 1 to 11  are diagrams showing a banknote handling machine according to the present embodiment. Among these diagrams,  FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the banknote handling machine according to the present embodiment,  FIG. 2  is a side view showing a detail of a configuration of a banknote storage mechanism in the banknote handling machine shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pair of holding members and the like in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a side view showing a configuration of a banknote storage bag to be held by each holding member of the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2  and the like. Each of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is a side view showing a configuration of a pushing unit, a temporary storage unit in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pantograph for moving the pushing unit in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 . Each of  FIGS. 8 and 9  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a motor, a gear, a pinion rack, and the like for operating the pantograph in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 10  is a side view showing a configuration of an upper end detection sensor and a lower end detection sensor for detecting a position of the pantograph in the banknote storage mechanism shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the banknote handling machine shown in  FIG. 1  and the like. In  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 6 , and the like, a plurality of banknotes in a stacked state is indicated by a reference symbol P. 
     A banknote handling machine  10  according to the present embodiment is generally installed in a front office area or back office area of a store such as a supermarket, or placed in a lobby of a bank or an inside of the bank, and the banknote handling machine  10  can perform various processes such as deposit processing of banknotes. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the banknote handling machine  10  according to the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing  12 . A left side surface of the housing  12  in  FIG. 1  is a front surface of the housing  12  (that is, the surface facing an operator). An upper assembly  14  and a lower assembly  16  are stored in the housing  12  such that the upper assembly  14  and the lower assembly  16  can be respectively drawn forward from the front surface of the housing  12  (specifically, to the left in  FIG. 1 ). In the upper assembly  14 , an inlet unit  20  such as a hopper for taking in the banknotes from outside into inside of the housing  12  is disposed at an upper part of the front surface of the housing  12  (the upper part of the left side surface in  FIG. 1 ). Further, in the upper assembly  14 , an outlet unit  22  for feeding out the banknotes from inside of the housing  12  to outside is disposed below the inlet unit  20  in the front surface of the housing  12  (the surface on the left side in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The inlet unit  20  is provided with a banknote feeding mechanism  20   a  for feeding the banknotes, placed on the inlet unit  20  in a stacked state by the operator, one by one into the housing  12 . In the upper assembly  14 , a transporting unit  24  for transporting the banknotes one by one in the housing  12  is disposed in the housing  12  of the banknote handling machine  10 . The banknotes fed out from the inlet unit  20  by the banknote feeding mechanism  20   a  are transported one by one by the transporting unit  24 . The transporting unit  24  is provided with a recognition unit  26 . Each banknote fed out to the transporting unit  24  by the banknote feeding mechanism  20   a  is recognized by the recognition unit  26  for denomination, authenticity, face/back, fitness, new/old, transportation state, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the outlet unit  22  is connected to the transporting unit  24 , and the banknote sent from the transporting unit  24  to the outlet unit  22  is stacked in the outlet unit  22 . The outlet unit  22  is accessible from outside of the housing  12  so that the operator can take out the banknotes stacked in the outlet unit  22  from the front surface of the housing  12 . A stacking wheel  22   a  is disposed at a connection point between the transporting unit  24  and the outlet unit  22 , and the stacking wheel  22   a  is adapted to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 1 . When the banknote is sent from the transporting unit  24  to the outlet unit  22 , the stacking wheel  22   a  rotates in the counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 1  in a state in which the banknote is held between two blades of the stacking wheel  22   a . Then, the banknote held between the two blades of the stacking wheel  22   a  is stacked in the outlet unit  22  in an aligned state. 
     In the upper assembly  14 , the transporting unit  24  is provided with a tape-type storage/feeding unit  30 . The banknote sent from the transporting unit  24  to the storage/feeding unit  30  is stored in the storage/feeding unit  30  and the banknotes stored in the storage/feeding unit  30  can be fed out one by one to the transporting unit  24 . More specifically, the storage/feeding unit  30  is provided with a drum  30   a  rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and one end of a pair of band-shaped tapes  31  is connected to an outer peripheral surface of the drum  30   a . When the banknote is sent from the transporting unit  24  to the storage/feeding unit  30 , the banknote is wound on the drum  30   a  by each band-shaped tape  31  such that the banknote and each tape  31  are integrally wound on the drum  30   a . On the other hand, when each tape  31  is rewound from the drum  30   a  by rotating the drum  30   a  in the reverse direction, the banknote wound on the drum  30   a  is discharged from each tape  31  and is fed out to the transporting unit  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, a plurality of (for example, two) banknote storage mechanisms  32  is disposed in the lower assembly  16  to store banknotes in a banknote storage bag  34  having an opening on one side for inserting banknotes. Each banknote storage mechanism  32  includes a pair of holding members  36  which space apart from each other and face each other. Two portions of the banknote storage bag  34 , facing each other in the vicinity of the opening of the banknote storage bag  34 , are held by the pair of holding members  36 , respectively. One holding member  36  (for example, the holding member  36  on the right side in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is fixedly positioned. On the other hand, the other holding member  36  (for example, the holding member  36  on the left side in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can move toward the fixedly positioned holding member  36 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each holding member  36  is provided with a heating member  38 . After a predetermined amount of the banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34  held by the holding members  36  in the banknote storage mechanism  32 , before the banknote storage bag  34  is taken out from the banknote storage mechanism  32 , the one holding member  36  moves toward the other holding member  36 . Then, after the two holding members  36  comes in contact with each other via the banknote storage bag  34 , the heating members  38  heat the portion near the opening of the banknote storage bag  34 . As a result, the opening of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat. In the banknote storage mechanism  32 , instead of moving the one holding members  36  of the pair of holding members  36  toward the other holding member  36 , both holding members  36  may be moved to a center position toward each other so that the two holding members  36  comes in contact with each other in the center position. 
     A plurality (two in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ) of diverged transporting units  25 , corresponding to the banknote storage mechanisms  32 , diverge from the transporting unit  24  in the upper assembly  14 . The banknotes diverted from the transporting unit  24  to the diverged transporting units  25  are sent from the diverged transporting units  25  to the banknote storage bags  34  mounted to the banknote storage mechanisms  32  respectively, and stored in the banknote storage bags  34 . 
     Next, the configuration of the banknote storage mechanism  32  in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 .  FIG. 2  is a side view showing details of a configuration of the banknote storage mechanism  32 ,  FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a configuration of the pair of holding members  36  and the like in the banknote storage mechanism  32  shown in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4  is a side view showing a configuration of the banknote storage bag  34  to be held by each holding member  36  of the banknote storage mechanism  32  shown in  FIG. 2  and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the banknote storage mechanism  32  includes a banknote sending unit  48 , temporary storage units  44 , and stages  40 . The banknotes are transported from the diverged transporting unit  25  of the upper assembly  14  to the banknote sending unit  48  located in the lower assembly  16 , and then, sent to the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36 . The banknotes sent from the banknote sending unit  48  are temporarily held by the temporary storage units  44 . The bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36  is placed on the stages  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the banknote sending unit  48  is a combination of rollers and belts. The banknotes are transported from the diverged transporting unit  25  of the upper assembly  14  to the banknote sending unit  48  of the lower assembly  16 . Then, the banknotes transported to the banknote sending unit  48  are sent onto the temporary storage units  44  one by one, and then stacked on the temporary storage units  44 . The temporary storage units  44  consist of a pair of left and right. Each temporary storage unit  44  can rotate downward (that is, in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 2 ) around a shaft  44   a  provided at a proximal end portion of each temporary storage unit  44 . The stages  40  consist of a pair of left and right. Each stage  40  is movable in the vertical direction and the lateral direction in  FIG. 2 . A gap is formed between the pair of stages  40 , and a part of the banknote storage bag  34  held by the holding members  36  extends downward from each stage  40  through the gap. Note that each stage  40  is driven by a stage driving unit  41  (see  FIG. 11 ) such as an electric actuator. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each stage  40  is provided with a heating member  42 , Before the banknote storage bag  34  is taken out from the banknote storage mechanism  32 , one stage  40  (for example, the stage  40  on the left side in  FIG. 2 ) is moved toward the other stage  40  (for example, the stage  40  on the right side in  FIG. 2 ) and the stages  40  come in contact with each other via the banknote storage bag  34 . Then, the heating members  42  heat a portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the bottom portion thereof, and the bottom portion of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat. In the banknote storage mechanism  32 , instead of moving the one stage  40  of the pair of stages  40  toward the other stage  40 , both stages  40  may move toward each other to the center position and the stages  40  may come in contact with each other at the center position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a pantograph  37  is attached to the left holding member  36  of the pair of left and right holding members  36 . When the left holding member  36  is moved by the pantograph  37  toward the right holding member  36 , the holding members  36  come in contact with each other. More specifically, a guide pin  36   b  is disposed at an end of the left holding member  36 . In addition, a linear long hole  36   c  for guiding the guide pin  36   b  is formed in a frame  36   k  for supporting each holding member  36 . Note that the long hole  36   c  is formed so as to extend in a horizontal direction in the frame  36   k . When the pantograph  37  expands, the guide pin  36   b  disposed at the left holding member  36  is guided along the long hole  36   c , whereby the left holding member  36  is moved toward the right holding member  36 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , two pins  36   a  are respectively disposed on upper surfaces of the left and right holding members  36 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a pair of protrusions  34   a  each having two openings  34   b  is disposed at a location near the opening of the banknote storage bag  34  to be held by the holding members  36  (that is, an upper end of the banknote storage bag  34 ). When the banknote storage bag  34  is held by the holding members  36 , each pin  36   a  of each holding member  36  passes through each opening  34   b  formed in each protrusion  34   a  of the banknote storage bag  34 . As a result, these protrusions  34   a  are held by the holding members  36 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a pushing unit  46  is disposed above the pair of temporary storage units  44 . The pushing unit  46  is provided with a pantograph  50  (see  FIGS. 7 to 10 , not shown in  FIG. 2 ), and the pushing unit  46  can be moved in the vertical direction within a range indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2  by the pantograph  50  expanding and contracting in the vertical direction in  FIG. 2 . When the banknotes temporarily held by the temporary storage units  44  are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , by moving the pushing unit  46  downward, it is possible to push the banknotes remaining on the temporary storage units  44  toward the banknote storage bag  34  in a stacked state. 
     A configuration of the pushing unit  46  will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Each of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is a side view of the configuration of the pushing unit  46 , the pair of temporary storage units  44 , and the like in the banknote storage mechanism  32  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a state where no banknote is held on the temporary storage unit  44 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a state where the banknotes are held on the temporary storage unit  44  in a full state or nearly full state. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pushing unit  46  includes a pushing member  46   a  and a base member  46   b . The pushing member  46   a  can swing about a shaft  46   c  with respect to the base member  46   b . More specifically, the pushing member  46   a  has an arc-shaped guide hole  46   f , and the base member  46   b  has a pin member  46   g  to be inserted into the guide hole  46   f  of the pushing member  46   a . The pushing member  46   a  swings about the shaft  46   c  with respect to the base member  46   b  in a range in which the pin member  46   g  moves relative to the guide hole  46   f . In a case where no force is applied to the pushing member  46   a , the pushing member  46   a  is maintained so as to protrude downward relative to the base member  46   b  due to its own weight as shown in  FIG. 5 . Meanwhile, when the pushing member  46   a  is pressed upward by the banknotes held on each temporary storage unit  44 , the pushing member  46   a  in a state shown in  FIG. 5  rotates about the shaft  46   c  in the counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 5 , and the pushing member  46   a  retracts upward relative to the base member  46   b  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a detection member  46   d  is mounted to the upper portion of the pushing member  46   a , and a detection sensor  47  for detecting the detection member  46   d  is disposed. The detection sensor  47  is fixedly positioned. In a case where the pushing unit  46  is positioned as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the pushing member  46   a  is pressed upward by the banknotes held on each temporary storage unit  44 , and the pushing member  46   a  rotates about the shaft  46   c  in the counterclockwise direction in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the detection member  46   d  mounted to the pushing member  46   a  is detected by the detection sensor  47 . Thus, the detection sensor  47  detects that the pushing member  46   a  rotates about the shaft  46   c  upward relative to the base member  46   b . The detection sensor  47  may not be fixedly positioned. In another example, the detection sensor  47  and the pushing unit  46  may integrally move in the up-down direction in  FIG. 2 . In this case, also when the pushing unit  46  moves into the banknote storage bag  34  so as to push the banknotes on each temporary storage unit  44  into the banknote storage bag  34  as shown in  FIG. 2 , it can be detected that the pushing member  46   a  is pushed upward by the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  and the pushing member  46   a  rotates upward about the shaft  46   c.    
     In the present embodiment, the pushing unit  46  functions as an entering unit configured to enter into the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36 . 
     The pushing unit  46  functions also as a guide for guiding a banknote when the banknote sent from the banknote sending unit  48  is stored on each temporary storage unit  44 . When each temporary storage unit  44  is in a full state or nearly full state of the banknotes, the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  is pushed upward, and the detection member  46   d  is detected by the detection sensor  47 . That is, when each temporary storage unit  44  is in a full state or nearly full state of the banknotes, the detection sensor  47  detects that the temporary storage unit  44  is in a full state or nearly full state of the banknotes. 
     Next, a mechanism for moving the pushing unit  46  downward and a mechanism for rotating the pair of temporary storage units  44  downward in the banknote storage mechanism  32  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 to 10 . In the banknote storage mechanism  32  according to the present embodiment, one motor  54  (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) is used to simultaneously perform an operation of moving the pushing unit  46  downward and an operation of rotating the pair of temporary storage units  44  downward. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a mounting member  46   e  is mounted to the upper surface of the base member  46   b  of the pushing unit  46 , and two lower end portions of the pantograph  50  are mounted to the mounting member  46   e . One of the two lower end portions of the pantograph  50  is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the mounting member  46   e , whereas the other of the two lower end portions has a pin member, and the pin member is moved in the horizontal direction in a long hole formed in the mounting member  46   e . Furthermore, one of two upper end portions of the pantograph  50  has a shaft  51  mounted thereto, and the upper end portion rotates about the shaft  51 . The other of the two upper end portions of the pantograph  50  is rotatably mounted to a rack  52  that is moved in the horizontal direction by a pinion  68  as described below (see  FIG. 9 ). When the rack  52  is moved by the pinion  68  so as to be close to the shaft  51 , the pantograph  50  expands downward, whereby the pushing unit  46  mounted to the lower end portion of the pantograph  50  is also moved downward. Meanwhile, when the rack  52  is moved by the pinion  68  so as to be distant from the shaft  51 , the pantograph  50  contracts upward, whereby the pushing unit  46  mounted to the lower end portion of the pantograph  50  is also moved upward. 
     Next, a configuration of the motor  54  and the like for simultaneously performing the operation of moving the pushing unit  46  downward and the operation of rotating the pair of temporary storage units  44  downward will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 10 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a gear  55  is mounted to the motor  54 , and both forward rotation and reverse rotation of the gear  55  are performed by the motor  54 . The gear  55  mounted to the motor  54  meshes with another gear  56 . The gear  56  further meshes with another gear  57 . A pulley  58  over which an endless belt  60  is extended is disposed at the rotating shaft of the gear  57 , and the gear  57  and the pulley  58  rotate in synchronization with each other. A torque limiter  59  is disposed at the rotating shaft of the gear  57 . When an excessive torque higher than a predetermined torque is applied between the rotating shaft and the pulley  58 , the rotating shaft and the pulley  58  are disconnected from each other and the rotating shaft rotates relative to the pulley  58  in an idling state. The endless belt  60  is extended also over another pulley  62 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 9 , another gear  63  is mounted to the rotating shaft of the pulley  62 , and the pulley  62  and the gear  63  rotate in synchronization with each other. The gear  63  meshes with another gear  64 , and the gear  64  rotates about a rotating shaft  66 . In such a configuration, when forward rotation and reverse rotation of the gear  55  are performed by the motor  54 , the rotating shaft  66  performs forward rotation and the reverse rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the pinion  68 , a cam  70 , and a detection plate  75  are mounted to the rotating shaft  66 . When the rotating shaft  66  rotates, the pinion  68 , the cam  70 , and the detection plate  75  also rotate about the rotating shaft  66 . As described above, when the pinion  68  rotates about the rotating shaft  66 , the rack  52  is moved so as to be close to the shaft  51  or distant from the shaft  51 , so that the pantograph  50  expands or contracts. As shown in  FIG. 9 , near the cam  70 , a power transmission member  72  for operating each temporary storage unit  44  is disposed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the power transmission member  72  is an almost rectangular plate-like member. The power transmission member  72  is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction. Near each of the lower end portions on both the side edges of the power transmission member  72 , a teeth portion  72   a  is formed so as to linearly extend. A gear  45  is mounted to each of the shafts  44   a  of the pair of temporary storage units  44 , and the gear  45  meshes with the teeth portion  72   a  of the power transmission member  72 . Therefore, when the power transmission member  72  in the state shown in  FIG. 9  moves downward, the teeth portions  72   a  rotate the gears  45 , respectively, so that each temporary storage unit  44  opens downward about the shaft  44   a . In a case where no force is applied to the power transmission member  72 , the power transmission member  72  is drawn upward by a not-illustrated tension spring or the like. A roller  73  is rotatably mounted to the power transmission member  72 , and the outer circumferential surface of the roller  73  is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cam  70 . When the cam  70  rotates about the rotating shaft  66  in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 8 , the roller  73  is pushed downward by the outer circumferential surface of the cam  70 , so that the power transmission member  72  moves downward against a drawing force due to the above-described tension spring or the like. When the power transmission member  72  thus moves downward, the teeth portions  72   a  rotate the gears  45 , as described above, so that each temporary storage unit  44  opens downward about the shaft  44   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , near the rotating shaft  66 , two sensors (specifically, an upper end detection sensor  76  and a lower end detection sensor  78 ) for detecting the detection plate  75  mounted to the rotating shaft  66  are disposed. More specifically, when the pantograph  50  fully contracts, and the pushing unit  46  is located at the upper end position (retracting position), the detection plate  75  is detected by the upper end detection sensor  76 . When the pantograph  50  fully expands, and the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position, the detection plate  75  is detected by the lower end detection sensor  78 . Thus, the upper end detection sensor  76  and the lower end detection sensor  78  detect that the pushing unit  46  is located at the upper end position (retracting position) and the lower end position, respectively. 
     In the banknote storage mechanism  32  of the present embodiment, a stage position detector  79  for detecting a position of each stage  40  in the vertical direction is disposed. Specifically, a detection plate (not shown) is mounted to each stage  40 . The stage position detector  79  has a line sensor extending in the vertical direction for detecting the detection plate. Then, as the detection plate mounted to each stage  40  is detected by the line sensor, the position of each stage  40  in the vertical direction is detected by the stage position detector  79 . 
     The banknote handling machine  10  of the present embodiment has a controller  80  that controls the components of the banknote handling machine  10 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the banknote feeding mechanism  20   a  disposed at the inlet unit  20 , a stacking wheel driving unit  22   b  for driving the stacking wheel  22   a  disposed at the outlet unit  22 , the transporting unit  24 , the diverged transporting unit  25 , the recognition unit  26 , the storage/feeding unit  30 , the banknote storage mechanism  32  (specifically, the pantograph  37 , the heating member  38 , the stage driving unit  41 , the heating member  42 , the detection sensor  47 , the motor  54 , the upper end detection sensor  76 , the lower end detection sensor  78 , the stage position detector  79 , and the banknote sending unit  48 ), and the like, are connected to the controller  80 . A signal representing a result of recognition of a banknote by the recognition unit  26  is transmitted to the controller  80 , and the controller  80  controls operations of the components by transmitting an instruction signal to each component of the banknote handling machine  10 . Detection information by the detection sensor  47 , the upper end detection sensor  76 , the lower end detection sensor  78 , and the stage position detector  79  is also transmitted to the controller  80 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , an operation/display unit  82 , a memory unit  84 , a printing unit  86 , and a communication interface unit  88  are connected to the controller  80 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the operation/display unit  82  is implemented by, for example, a touch panel disposed on the upper surface of the housing  12 , and the operation/display unit  82  displays information on, for example, a state of handling such as depositing of banknotes in the banknote handling machine  10 , and an inventory amount of banknotes stored in each banknote storage bag  34 . When an operator operates the operation/display unit  82 , various instructions can be provided to the controller  80 . The memory unit  84  stores information on, for example, a history of handling such as depositing of banknotes in the banknote handling machine  10 , and an inventory amount of banknotes stored in each banknote storage bag  34 . The printing unit  86  prints, on a receipt or the like, information on, for example, a history of handling such as depositing of banknotes in the banknote handling machine  10  and an inventory amount of banknotes stored in each banknote storage bag  34 . The controller  80  can transmit a signal to and receive a signal from an external device (specifically, for example, higher-ranking terminal) disposed separately from the banknote handling machine  10  of the present embodiment, through the communication interface unit  88 . Specifically, the controller  80  can transmit information stored in the memory unit  84  through the communication interface unit  88  to the external device which is disposed separately from the banknote handling machine  10 . For example, when the banknotes together with the banknote storage bag  34  are collected by, for example, a guard of a cash-in-transit company, the information on the collected banknotes is transmitted to, for example, a computer of the cash-in-transit company through the communication interface unit  88 . 
     Next, an operation of the banknote handling machine  10  having such a configuration will be described. The operation of the banknote handling machine  10  as described below is performed by the controller  80  controlling the components of the banknote handling machine  10 . 
     Firstly, an operation of depositing of banknotes in the banknote handling machine  10  will be described. An operator inserts banknotes in the inlet unit  20  and then provides the controller  80  with an instruction for starting the depositing through the operation/display unit  82 . Then, the banknotes inserted in the inlet unit  20  are fed out into the housing  12  one by one by the banknote feeding mechanism  20   a , and transported one by one by the transporting unit  24 . The recognition unit  26  performs recognition of denomination, authentication, face/back, fitness, new/old, transport state, and the like for the banknote transported by the transporting unit  24 . A banknote recognized as being not normal by the recognition unit  26 , that is, a rejected banknote is transported to the outlet unit  22  by the transporting unit  24 , and stacked in the outlet unit  22 . Thus, the operator is allowed to manually take out the rejected banknotes stacked in the outlet unit  22  from the front surface of the housing  12 , and, for example, to insert again the banknotes in the inlet unit  20 . Meanwhile, a banknote recognized as being normal by the recognition unit  26  is transported to the storage/feeding unit  30 , and temporarily stored in the storage/feeding unit  30 . The number of banknotes for each denomination temporarily stored in the storage/feeding unit  30  and the total monetary amount thereof are displayed on the operation/display unit  82 . When the operator confirms the displayed contents, and performs an operation of confirming the depositing, banknotes are fed out one by one from the storage/feeding unit  30  to the transporting unit  24 , are diverted from the transporting unit  24  to the diverged transporting unit  25 , are transported from the diverged transporting unit  25  to the banknote storage bag  34 , and are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . 
     When the banknote storage bag  34  to which the banknote recognized by the recognition unit  26  is to be transported is in a full state or nearly full state, and the banknote cannot be stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , the storage/feeding unit  30  may be used as a storage unit for storing banknotes until the full state or nearly full state is eliminated. Specifically, the banknotes recognized by the recognition unit  26  are transported to the storage/feeding unit  30 , and stored in the storage/feeding unit  30 . The banknote storage bag  34  in the full state or nearly full state is taken out from the banknote storage mechanism  32  of the lower assembly  16  by a guard of a cash-in-transit company, a clerk of the store, or the like, and the empty banknote storage bag  34  is mounted to the banknote storage mechanism  32 , and banknotes are then fed out one by one from the storage/feeding unit  30  to the transporting unit  24 , and transported to the banknote storage bag  34  by the transporting unit  24 . 
     Next, an operation of storing a banknote transported from the diverged transporting unit  25  of the upper assembly  14  to the lower assembly  16 , in the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36 , in the banknote storage mechanism  32 , will be described. 
     The banknote transported from the diverged transporting unit  25  of the upper assembly  14  to the lower assembly  16  is sent onto the pair of left and right temporary storage units  44  by the banknote sending unit  48 , and stacked on the temporary storage units  44 . When a predetermined number of banknotes are stacked on the temporary storage units  44 , each temporary storage unit  44  rotates about the shaft  44   a  disposed at the proximal end portion in the downward direction (that is, the directions indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 2 ), and the banknotes stacked on the temporary storage units  44  fall from the temporary storage units  44  due to their own weight, and are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . Specifically, the motor  54  rotates the gear  55 , to rotate the rotating shaft  66 , and the cam  70  mounted to the rotating shaft  66  rotates, whereby the power transmission member  72  moves downward. When the power transmission member  72  moves downward, each gear  45  is rotated by the teeth portion  72   a  disposed at the power transmission member  72 , so that each temporary storage unit  44  opens downward about the shaft  44   a . When the motor  54  rotates the gear  55  to rotate the rotating shaft  66 , the pinion  68  rotates, and the rack  52  is moved by the pinion  68  so as to be close to the shaft  51 . Thus, the pantograph  50  expands downward, and the pushing unit  46  mounted to the lower end portion of the pantograph  50  is also moved downward. Thus, when the banknotes temporarily stored on the temporary storage units  44  are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , banknotes having been left on the temporary storage units  44  can be pushed toward the banknote storage bag  34  by the pushing unit  46 . 
     When banknotes fall from the temporary storage units  44 , and are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , each stage  40  is moved downward by the stage driving unit  41 , and a space for subsequently storing banknotes sent to the banknote storage bag  34  from the temporary storage units  44  is formed in the banknote storage bag  34 . Further, in the present embodiment, after banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  and each stage  40  is moved downward, the pushing unit  46  may enter into the banknote storage bag  34  so that the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  is pushed toward each stage  40  by the pushing unit  46  via the banknotes stacked in the banknote storage bag  34 . In this case, by pushing the banknotes into the banknote storage bag  34  by the pushing unit  46 , the banknotes stored in a stacked state inside the banknote storage bag  34  are compressed in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  from collapsing. 
     In the present embodiment, the controller  80  detects the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  by causing the pushing unit  46  to enter into the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  and bringing the pushing unit  46  into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . In addition, the controller  80  controls each component so as to maintain the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  at a predetermined height. More specifically, when the pushing unit  46  enters into the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  and the pushing unit  46  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , the controller  80  controls the stage driving unit  41  to move each stage  40  downward when it is not detected by the lower end detection sensor  78  that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position. Details of such operation will be described below. 
     As described above, when the banknotes temporarily held on the temporary storage units  44  are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , the banknotes stacked on the temporary storage units  44  are pushed toward the banknote storage bag  34  by the pushing unit  46  in a stacked state. However, since each banknote stored in the banknote storage bag  34  has a thickness, the pushing unit  46  can not move to the lower end position, and an excessive torque exceeding a predetermined torque is applied between the rotating shaft of the gear  57  and the pulley  58 . In this case, the connection between the rotating shaft and the pulley  58  is cut off by the torque limiter  59 , and the rotating shaft idles with respect to the pulley  58 . Also, since the pushing unit  46  can not move to the lower end position, the detection plate  75  is not detected by the lower end detection sensor  78 . As a result, the controller  80  detects that the pushing unit  46  is not located at the lower end position. 
     If the lower end detection sensor  78  does not detect that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position even after a certain period of time after rotating the motor  54  to move the pushing unit  46  downward, the controller  80  controls the stage driving unit  41  to move each stage  40  downward. As a result, the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36  is also moved downward, so that the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  are also moved downward and then the pushing unit  46  is also moved downward. In this way, as the pushing unit  46  is moved downward and the pushing unit  46  reaches the lower end position, the lower end detection sensor  78  detects the detection plate  75 . As a result, the lower end detection sensor  78  detects that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position. When the lower end detection sensor  78  detects that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position, the controller  80  controls the stage driving unit  41  to stop moving each stage  40  downward. In this manner, the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  can be maintained at a predetermined height (that is, the upper end position of the banknotes is maintained at a position of the lower surface of the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  when the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position). 
     In the present embodiment, the controller  80  can not only detect the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36 , but also detect the height of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . Note that the height of the banknotes is the total height of a plurality of banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  in a stacked state. More specifically, as described above, the position of each stage  40  in the vertical direction is detected by the stage position detector  79 . Then, the controller  80  detects the height of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  based on the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  detected by the controller  80  and the position of each stage  40  (that is, the position of the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  in the vertical direction) detected by the stage position detector  79 . In this manner, when the height of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  is detected, it is possible to prevent the banknote located at the top of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  from being caught between the pair of heating members  38  when the opening of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat by the pair of heating members  38 . 
     As described above, according to the banknote storage mechanism  32  (banknote storage apparatus) of the present embodiment and the banknote storage method performed by such a banknote storage mechanism  32 , the pushing unit  46  is provided as an entering unit capable of entering into the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36 , and the motor  54  is provided as a driving unit for driving the pushing unit  46 . Further, the controller  80  for controlling the motor  54  advances the pushing unit  46  into the banknote storage bag  34  held by the pair of holding members  36  to physically bring the pushing unit  46  into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  to detect the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . In such a case, by physically bringing the pushing unit  46  into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , it is possible to reliably detect the upper end position of the banknotes. Therefore, when the opening of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat by the pair of heating members  38 , occurrence of an unsealed portion in the opening of the banknote storage bag  34  can be prevented. 
     Note that the banknote storage mechanism (banknote storage apparatus) and the banknote storage method according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made. 
     For example, in the above description, an aspect in which the lower end detection sensor  78  is used as a first detector for detecting whether or not the pushing unit  46  as the entering unit is located at the lower end position (that is, the lower end position in which the pushing unit  46  enters into the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36 ) has been described. However, when detecting whether the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position, a method other than the method of detecting the detection plate  75  by the lower end detection sensor  78  may be used. As another method of detecting whether the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position, it can be used a method of using the operation of the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  when the pushing member  46   a  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 . Specifically, the detection sensor  47  for detecting the detection member  46   d  mounted to the upper portion of the pushing member  46   a  is configured to move in the vertical direction in  FIG. 2  integrally with the pushing unit  46 . When the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  and there is room for the pushing unit  46  to move further downward, the pushing member  46   a  is pushed by the banknotes to rotate, and the detection sensor  47  detects the detection member  46   d . At this time, the controller  80  determines that the pushing unit  46  has not yet reached the lower end position. On the other hand, when the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , if the pushing unit  46  has reached the lower end position, the pushing member  46   a  hardly rotates and the detection sensor  47  does not detect the detection member  46   d . At this time, the controller  80  determines that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position. When the pushing member  46   a  of the pushing unit  46  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , if the detection member  46   d  is detected by the detection sensor  47 , the controller  80  controls the stage driving unit  41  to lower each stage  40  until the detection sensor  47  no longer detects the detection member  46   d . Thus, the pushing unit  46  can be positioned at the lower end position. 
     In addition, instead of detecting the upper end position (standby position) and the lower end position of the pushing unit  46  by using two sensors (specifically, the upper end detection sensor  76  and the lower end detection sensor  78 ) for detecting the detection plate  75  mounted to the rotating shaft  66  of the pinion  68 , a detection plate may be mounted to the shaft  51  provided at the upper end portion of the pantograph  50  and two detection sensors for detecting this detection plate may be disposed. More specifically, when the pantograph  50  is in a completely contracted state and the pushing unit  46  is positioned at the upper end position (standby position), the detection plate mounted to the shaft  51  is detected by the first detection sensor. On the other hand, when the pantograph  50  is in a fully expanded state and the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position, the detection plate mounted to the shaft  51  is detected by the second detection sensor. In this manner, the two detection sensors for detecting the detection plate mounted to the shaft  51  respectively detect that the pushing unit  46  is positioned at the upper end position (standby position) and the lower end position. Even with such a configuration, by detecting the lower end position of the pushing unit  46 , the position in the vertical direction of the pushing unit  46  that contacts the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  can be set as the lower end position. Therefore, the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  can always be the same height level. 
     As a banknote storage mechanism according to a modified example, one having a configuration as shown in  FIG. 12  may be used. In a banknote storage mechanism  32   a  shown in  FIG. 12 , unlike the banknote storage mechanism  32  shown in  FIG. 2  and the like, each holding member  36  is not provided with the pins  36   a  for holding the banknote storage bag  34 . In the banknote storage mechanism  32   a  shown in  FIG. 12 , the banknote storage bag  34  is folded downward at each holding member  36  and a portion of the banknote storage bag  34  in the vicinity of the opening thereof is held by a storage bag position adjuster  33  to be described later. Further, in the banknote storage mechanism  32   a  shown in  FIG. 12 , unlike the banknote storage mechanism  32  shown in  FIG. 2  and the like, the stages  40  on which the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  held by the storage bag position adjuster  33  is placed are not provided. In the banknote storage mechanism  32   a  shown in  FIG. 12 , the storage bag position adjuster  33  can move the banknote storage bag  34  held by the storage bag position adjuster  33  in the vertical direction (that is, the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 12 ). As a result, the storage bag position adjuster  33  can move the position of the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  in a substantially vertical direction. 
     In the banknote storage mechanism  32   a  as shown in  FIG. 12 , when the pushing unit  46  as the entering unit enters into the banknote storage bag  34  and the pushing unit  46  is brought into contact with the banknotes stored inside the banknote storage bag  34 , the controller  80  controls the storage bag position adjuster  33  so as to lower the position of the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  if it is not detected by the lower end detection sensor  78  as the first detector that the pushing unit  46  is located at the lower end position. Thus, even in the banknote storage mechanism  32   a  as shown in  FIG. 12 , the upper end position of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  can always be at the same height level, since the position in the vertical direction of the pushing unit  46  in contact with the banknotes stored in the banknote storage bag  34  can be set as the lower end position. 
     Further, in the banknote storage mechanism according to another modified example, the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  may be divided into a plurality of banknote storage spaces so that the banknotes can be stored in a stacked state in each banknote storage space. The operation of storing the banknotes in the banknote storage bag  34  by the banknote storage mechanism according to another modified example will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
     In a banknote storage mechanism according to another modified example as shown in  FIG. 13 , a pair of first holding members  36   m  for holding two opposed portions of the banknote storage bag  34  in the vicinity of the opening thereof, and a pair of second holding members  36   n  provided under each first holding member  36   m  and movable in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 13 ( a )  are provided, respectively, instead of the pair of holding members  36  each having the heating member  38 . Each first holding member  36   m  is arranged in a fixed position, and these first holding members  36   m  are not provided with a heating member. On the other hand, in each second holding member  36   n , a heating member having the same configuration as that of the above-described heating member  38  is provided. Each of the second holding members  36   n  is movable in directions toward and away from each other, respectively, and is movable in the vertical direction. 
     When the banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34  by the banknote storage mechanism according to the modified example as shown in  FIG. 13 , firstly, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( a ) , two opposed portions of the banknote storage bag  34  in the vicinity of the opening thereof are held by each first holding member  36   m  provided in a fixed position. Next, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( b ) , banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34  in a stacked state. At this time, each time banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , each stage  40  is gradually lowered. Then, when a predetermined number of banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , each stage  40  is moved to the lower end position as shown in  FIG. 13 ( c ) . Further, each second holding member  36   n  is moved to an intermediate position in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( d ) , each second holding member  36   n  is moved in a direction to approach each other so that the banknote storage bag  34  is sandwiched between the second holding members  36   n . As a result, as heat is applied to the intermediate portion of the banknote storage bag  34  in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34  by the heating member, the intermediate portion of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat. In  FIG. 13 ( d ) , the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  sealed by heat for the first time by the heating member is indicated by reference numeral  34   p . In this way, by sealing the portion of the intermediate position of the banknote storage bag  34  by heat, it is possible to divide the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  into a plurality of banknote storage spaces. 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( e ) , each second holding member  36   n  is slightly moved in a direction to separate from each other so as to form a gap between these second holding members  36   n . Further, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( f ) , each second holding member  36   n  is raised. At this time, a part of the banknote storage bag  34  held by each first holding member  36   m  extends downward from the second holding members  36   n  through a gap between the second holding members  36   n . Further, the banknote storage bag  34  is placed on the second holding members  36   n , and the banknotes stored in a stacked state in the banknote storage bag  34  are placed on each second holding member  36   n.    
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( g ) , in the banknote storage bag  34 , banknotes are stored in a stacked state above the sealed portion  34   p  by heat. At this time, each time banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , each stage  40  is gradually lowered. Then, when a predetermined number of banknotes are stored in the banknote storage bag  34 , as shown in  FIG. 13 ( h ) , each second holding member  36   n  is moved toward each other and the banknote storage bag  34  is sandwiched by the second holding members  36   n . As a result, as the heating member gives heat to the intermediate portion of the banknote storage bag  34  (specifically, the portion above the sealed portion  34   p  by heat for the first time by the heating members) in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34 , the intermediate position of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat. In  FIG. 13 ( h ) , the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  sealed by heat for the second time by the heating members is indicated by reference numeral  34   q . As a result, when the portion between the sealed portion  34   p  sealed by heat for the first time and the sealed portion  34   q  sealed by heat for the second time in the banknote storage bag  34  is cut, it is possible to form two banknote storage bags, each with banknotes stored in a stacked state. Note that the operation of sealing the banknote storage bag  34  by heat for the second time by the heating members as shown in  FIG. 13 ( h )  can be omitted. 
     Then, when the operation of sealing the banknote storage bag  34  by heat for the second time by the heating members is completed, each second holding member  36   n  is moved in a direction to separate from each other as shown in  FIG. 13 ( i ) . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( j ) , each second holding member  36   n  is further raised. Specifically, each second holding member  36   n  is raised to a position near the opening of the banknote storage bag  34 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 13 ( k ) , in the vicinity of the opening of the banknote storage bag  34 , each second holding member  36   n  is moved toward each other and the banknote storage bag  34  is sandwiched by the second holding members  36   n . As a result, as heat is applied to the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the opening thereof by the heating member, this portion of the banknote storage bag  34  is sealed by heat. In  FIG. 13  ( k ), the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  sealed by heat for the third time by the heating members is indicated by reference numeral  34   r . Thereafter, each second holding member  36   n  is moved in a direction to separate from each other as shown in  FIG. 13 ( l ) . In this way, it is possible to divide the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  into the plurality of banknote storage spaces and banknotes can be stored in a stacked state in each banknote storage space. 
     In the above description, an embodiment is described in which the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  is divided into two banknote storage spaces, and banknotes are stored in a stacked state in each of the two banknote storage spaces. However, in the case of dividing the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  into three or more banknote storage spaces and banknotes are stored in a stacked state in each of three or more banknote storage spaces, a plurality of intermediate portions in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34  can be sealed by heat by the same method as shown in  FIG. 13 ( a ) to ( l ) . 
     In addition, the intermediate portion in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34  may be sealed by heat by using the heating members  42  provided in each stage  40 , instead of sealing the intermediate portion in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34  by heat by using heating members provided in each second holding member  36   n . In this case, in addition to each stage  40  that is movable in the vertical direction, an additional fixed stage provided at a fixed position in the vicinity of the bottom of the banknote storage bag  34  held by each holding member  36  may be arranged. In addition, each stage  40  provided with the heating member  42  is made movable in the vertical direction as well as movable in a direction approaching each other and in a direction moving away from each other. In such a case, by replacing the operation of each second holding member  36   n  in each of  FIG. 13 ( c ) to ( l )  with the operation of each stage  40 , it is possible to seal the intermediate portion in the height direction of the banknote storage bag  34  by using the heating members  42  provided with each stage  40 . 
     In addition, when dividing the inside of one banknote storage bag  34  into a plurality of banknote storage spaces and banknotes are stored in a stacked state in each banknote storage space, the banknotes may be stored in each banknote storage space for each denomination. Further, it is also possible to store fit banknotes in one banknote storage space and store unfit banknotes in the other banknote storage space. 
     In a banknote storage mechanism according to still another modified example, when the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  in the vicinity of the opening thereof is sealed by heat by the heating members  38 , it may be designed to print characters, designs and the like at the sealed portion by heat in the banknote storage bag  34 . Specifically, instead of providing the heating members  38  in each holding member  36 , one heating member  38  is provided with one holding members  36  and an elastic member such as silicone rubber is provided with the other holding member  36 , and characters, designs and the like to be printed on the banknote storage bag  34  are formed on this elastic member. The elastic member provided with the other holding member  36  is disposed at a position opposed to the heating member  38  provided with the one holding member  36 . When sealing the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the opening thereof is sealed by heat by the heating members  38 , characters, designs and the like formed on the elastic member opposed to the heating members  38  are transferred to the banknote storage bag  34 . Thus, after a malicious operator who took out the banknote storage bag  34  from the banknote storage mechanism opens the banknote storage bag  34  and steels a part of the stored banknotes, illegal act such as resealing the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the opening thereof with an iron or a commercially available sealing apparatus can be prevented. 
     In the banknote storage mechanism according to such a still another modified example, characters, designs and the like printed on the banknote storage bag  34  for preventing illegal act as described above may be variable. For example, a movable variable character part is disposed at the elastic member such as silicone rubber provided with the other holding member  36 . Further, characters, designs and the like to be printed on the banknote storage bag  34  may be made as special characters or special designs. In addition, numbers, characters and the like as encryption may be printed on the banknote storage bag  34 . 
     Regarding characters, designs and the like to be printed on the banknote storage bag  34 , the manner in which characters, designs and the like are printed may be changed depending on the temperature to be sealed by heat. For example, the manner in which the pattern (for example, diagonal line) of the portion sealed by heat on the banknote storage bag  34  rises may be changed depending on the temperature of heat by the heating members  38 . In this case, unless the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the opening thereof is heated at a correct temperature, the characters, designs and the like printed on the banknote storage bag  34  are not correctly displayed. Further, information on the temperature to be sealed by heat may be pre-printed on the banknote storage bag  34 , for example, as a two-dimensional barcode. In this case, after reading the two-dimensional barcode by a scanner and selecting the temperature obtained from the two-dimensional barcode out of the plurality of preset temperatures in the banknote storage mechanism, the portion of the banknote storage bag  34  near the opening thereof is sealed by heat by the heating members  38 . In such a way, it is possible to correctly display characters, designs and the like printed on the banknote storage bag  34 . 
     Further, the sheet storage mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the banknote storage mechanism for storing the banknotes in the storage bag having the opening on one side thereof. A tubular storage bag having openings at both ends may be used. In this case, one opening may be used for inserting the banknotes, and the other opening may be sealed before the banknotes are stored in the storage bag or after the banknotes are stored in the storage bag. Further, as the sheet storage mechanism according to the present invention, one in which sheets (for example, checks, vouchers, and the like) other than the banknotes are stored in the storage bag may be used.