Patent Description:
Patent Document <NUM> discloses a banknote depositing and dispensing machine including a temporary storage unit. This temporary storage unit uses two sets of tapes, each set including a pair of a top tape and a bottom tape. In each set of tapes, the top tape and the bottom tape overlap each other so as to sandwich both end parts of a banknote. A drum winds up the tapes and the banknote. A pair of tape reels around which the tapes are wound are disposed so as to face each other in the vertical direction in the temporary storage unit. Therefore, two shafts supporting the tape reels are disposed in parallel in the vertical direction, and each shaft supports the two tape reels.

PATENT DOCUMENT <NUM>: <CIT> <CIT> discloses a sheet storage device according to the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the diameter of the drum on which the banknote is wound up together with the tapes becomes large, the size of the diameter of the drum may be non-uniform in the axial direction of the drum. If the size of the diameter of the drum is non-uniform in the axial direction, the winding speeds of the tapes during rotation of the drum differ among the plurality of tapes arranged in the axial direction. Therefore, tensions generated on the plurality of tapes are unequal, which causes displacement of the sheet.

In view of this, the temporary storage unit disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> is provided with a torque limiter for each tape reel to equalize tensions of the tapes.

However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> has a problem that a large number of torque limiters are required.

Further, it is found from the study of the inventors of the present application that the configuration in which the torque limiter is attached to each of the tape reels cannot equalize tensions generated on all the tapes. That is, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document <NUM>, tensions are unequal among the plurality of tapes, by which the banknote wound around the drum is displaced. If the banknote wound around the drum is displaced, the banknote is likely to be jammed.

The technique disclosed herein equalizes or substantially equalizes tensions generated on a plurality of tapes in a sheet storage device.

The present invention provides a sheet storage device according to claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Specifically, a sheet storage device disclosed herein includes: a first reel, a second reel, and a third reel on which a tape is wound, respectively; one shaft that rotatably supports the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel; a drum to which tips of the tapes respectively unwound from the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel are fixed, and which winds up sheets together with the tapes; a torque source that generates torque to be applied to the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel so that a predetermined tension is generated on each of the tapes during rotation of the drum; a first differential mechanism that is provided in a torque transmission path for transmitting torque to the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel, and that distributes the torque input from the torque source to a first path and a second path; and a second differential mechanism that is provided in the second path and distributes the torque which has been distributed by the first differential mechanism to a third path and a fourth path.

The first reel is located in the first path, the second reel is located in the third path, and the third reel is located in the fourth path.

According to this configuration, optimum torque can be applied to each of the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel. Even when the diameter of the drum around which the tapes and sheet are wound is non-uniform in the axial direction, tensions generated on the three tapes are equalized or substantially equalized.

The first differential mechanism may include a planetary gear mechanism, and the second differential mechanism may include a bevel gear.

The first differential mechanism and the second differential mechanism can distribute torque from one torque source to the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel in cooperation with each other.

The first differential mechanism may include a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier that supports a planetary gear that meshes with each of the sun gear and the ring gear, the torque from the torque source may be input to the carrier, the first reel may be connected to the sun gear so as to rotate integrally with the sun gear, and the ring gear may be fixed to the shaft so as to rotate integrally with the shaft.

A gear ratio between the sun gear and the ring gear may be <NUM>/<NUM>. With this configuration, the first differential mechanism can distribute <NUM>/<NUM> of the torque from the torque source to the first reel through the sun gear and <NUM>/<NUM> of the torque from the torque source to the shaft through the ring gear.

The first differential mechanism may be located at an end of the shaft, the first reel may be located adjacent to the first differential mechanism, and the first reel and the sun gear may be connected by a pipe fitted onto the shaft.

This configuration is advantageous for making the torque transmission path compact.

The second differential mechanism may include a pinion gear rotatably supported by a pin fixed perpendicularly to the shaft, a first side gear that rotates integrally with the second reel and meshes with the pinion gear, and a second side gear that rotates integrally with the third reel and meshes with the pinion gear.

Specifically, another sheet storage device includes: a first reel, a second reel, and a third reel on which a tape is wound, respectively; at least one shaft that rotatably supports the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel; a drum to which tips of the tapes respectively unwound from the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel are fixed, and which winds up sheets together with the tapes; a torque source that generates torque to be applied to the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel so that a predetermined tension is generated on each of the tapes during rotation of the drum; a first differential mechanism that is provided in a torque transmission path for transmitting torque to the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel, and that distributes the torque input from the torque source to a first path and a second path; and a second differential mechanism that is provided in the second path and distributes the torque which has been distributed by the first differential mechanism to a third path and a fourth path. The sheet storage device further includes: a fourth reel around which a tape is wound; and a third differential mechanism that is provided in the first path and distributes the torque which has been distributed by the first differential mechanism to a fifth path and a sixth path, wherein the fourth reel is rotatably supported by the shaft, a tip of the tape unwound from the fourth reel is fixed to the drum, the first reel is located in the fifth path, and the fourth reel is located in the sixth path.

According to this configuration, optimum torque can be applied to each of the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel. As a result, the tensions generated on the four tapes are equalized or substantially equalized, even when the diameter of the drum in the axial direction is non-uniform.

The first differential mechanism, the second differential mechanism, and the third differential mechanism each include a bevel gear.

The shaft is divided into a first shaft and a second shaft that are coaxially arranged, the first differential mechanism includes a first side gear fixed to the first shaft, a second side gear fixed to the second shaft, a pinion case rotatably supported by the first shaft and the second shaft, and a pinion gear that is rotatably supported by a pin which is fixed to the pinion case so as to be perpendicular to the shaft, the pinion gear meshing with each of the first side gear and the second side gear, and the torque from the torque source is input to the pinion case.

The second differential mechanism may include a first pinion gear rotatably supported by a pin fixed perpendicularly to the second shaft, a first side gear that rotates integrally with the second reel and meshes with the first pinion gear, and a second side gear that rotates integrally with the third reel and meshes with the first pinion gear, and the third differential mechanism may include a second pinion gear rotatably supported by a pin fixed perpendicularly to the first shaft, a third side gear that rotates integrally with the first reel and meshes with the second pinion gear, and a fourth side gear that rotates integrally with the fourth reel and meshes with the second pinion gear.

As described above, according to the abovementioned sheet storage device, tensions generated on the plurality of tapes can be equalized or substantially equalized.

Embodiments of a sheet storage device and a sheet processing device will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description indicates an example of the sheet storage device and the sheet processing device. <FIG> shows a banknote processing device <NUM> as the sheet processing device. The banknote processing device <NUM> is a device installed in a financial institution such as a bank and executes various processes including a depositing process and a dispensing process. Note that the banknote processing device <NUM> can also be installed and used in, for example, a back office of a retail store, in addition to being installed in a financial institution.

<FIG> illustrates the external appearance of the banknote processing device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the internal configuration of the banknote processing device <NUM>.

The banknote processing device <NUM> handles loose banknotes. The banknote processing device <NUM> includes an upper handling unit <NUM> and a lower safe unit <NUM>. A depositing unit <NUM>, a dispensing unit <NUM>, a recognition unit <NUM>, a temporary storage unit <NUM>, and a part of a transport unit <NUM> are disposed in an upper housing <NUM> constituting the handling unit <NUM>.

The safe unit <NUM> is comprised of a safe housing <NUM>. A storage device <NUM> and a part of the transport unit <NUM> are disposed inside the safe housing <NUM>. The safe housing <NUM> is configured to protect the storage device <NUM> at a security level equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The security level of the safe housing <NUM> is higher than that of the upper housing <NUM>.

The depositing unit <NUM> is a portion of the device where the banknotes are inserted, for example, in a depositing process. The depositing unit <NUM> has an inlet <NUM>. The deposit slot <NUM> is open at the upper surface of the upper housing <NUM>. The user inserts the banknotes into the depositing unit <NUM> via the inlet <NUM>. The depositing unit <NUM> has a mechanism that takes the inserted banknotes one by one into the device.

The dispenser <NUM> is a section to which banknotes are conveyed during, for example, a dispensing process. The dispenser <NUM> can be used for various purposes. The dispenser <NUM> is configured to collect a plurality of banknotes. The dispenser <NUM> has a dispensing slot <NUM>. The dispensing slot <NUM> is open at the upper surface of the upper housing <NUM>. The user can take out the banknotes accumulated in the dispenser <NUM> through the dispensing slot <NUM>. Note that the dispensing slot <NUM> may be provided with a shutter that opens and closes.

The recognition unit <NUM> is provided in a loop transport path <NUM> which will be described later. The recognition unit <NUM> identifies at least authenticity, denomination, and fitness for each banknote conveyed along the loop transport path <NUM>.

The temporary storage unit <NUM> is configured to be able to take and store the banknotes therein, and to feed the banknotes stored therein. The temporary storage unit <NUM> has a so-called tape-winding storing mechanism. The temporary storage unit <NUM> temporarily stores the banknotes to be deposited, for example, in the depositing process. When the depositing process is confirmed, the temporary storage unit <NUM> feeds the banknotes stored therein. The fed banknotes are stored in the storage device <NUM> which will be described later. The temporary storage unit <NUM> can be used for various other applications.

The temporary storage unit <NUM> is disposed on a front side in the upper housing <NUM>. The temporary storage unit <NUM> is detachably installed in the upper housing <NUM>. The banknote processing device <NUM> is configured to be able to operate without the temporary storage unit <NUM>.

The storage device <NUM> has a plurality of banknote storage devices <NUM>. The banknote handling apparatus <NUM> shown in the drawing has eight banknote storage devices <NUM>. The banknote storage devices <NUM> are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the safe housing <NUM>. Note that any number of banknote storage devices <NUM> and any arrangement of the banknote storage devices <NUM> may be applied.

Each of the banknote storage devices <NUM> is configured to be able to take and store the banknotes therein, and to feed the banknotes stored therein. The configuration of the banknote storage device <NUM> will be described later.

The transport unit <NUM> has a transport path. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes along the transport path one by one at intervals, for example, with a long edge of each banknote facing forward. Although not shown, the transport path is comprised of a combination of a large number of rollers, a plurality of belts, a motor for driving the rollers, and a plurality of guides.

The transport unit <NUM> has a loop transport path <NUM> provided in the upper housing <NUM>. The loop transport path <NUM> passes through the recognition unit <NUM>, as described above. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes along the loop transport path <NUM> in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in <FIG>.

The depositing unit <NUM> is connected to the loop transport path <NUM> via a connection path <NUM>. The dispensing unit <NUM> is connected to the loop transport path <NUM> via a connection path <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of banknote storage devices <NUM> is connected to the loop transport path <NUM> via a connection path <NUM>. The connection path <NUM> is diverged and connected to each of the plurality of banknote storage devices <NUM>. The temporary storage unit <NUM> is connected to the loop transport path <NUM> via a connection path <NUM>.

Although not shown, a diverter for changing the destination of the banknotes is provided at a junction between the loop transport path <NUM> and each of the connection paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Further, diverters are provided at respective diversion points of the connection path <NUM>.

A tracking sensor that detects the passage of the banknotes is provided for each of the loop transport path <NUM> and the connection paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Receiving a command from a controller (not shown), the transport unit <NUM> controls the diverters of the transport unit <NUM> based on the detection signals of the tracking sensors to transport each banknote to a predetermined destination.

It will be briefly described below how the banknote handling apparatus <NUM> performs the depositing process and the dispensing process.

The user inserts the banknotes to be deposited into the depositing unit <NUM>. The depositing unit <NUM> takes the banknotes one by one into the device. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes to the recognition unit <NUM> through the connection path <NUM> and the loop transport path <NUM>. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes the banknotes. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes that have passed through the recognition unit <NUM> to any one of the plurality of banknote storing units <NUM>, via the connection path <NUM>. The banknote storage devices <NUM> store the banknotes. The depositing process ends when all the banknotes that can be deposited are stored in the banknote storage devices <NUM>.

In the case of using the temporary storage unit <NUM> during the depositing process, the transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes that have passed through the recognition unit <NUM> to the temporary storage unit <NUM> via the connection path <NUM>. After the depositing process is confirmed, the temporary storage unit <NUM> feeds the banknotes stored therein. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes fed by the temporary storage unit <NUM> to any one of the plurality of banknote storing units <NUM>, via the connection path <NUM>.

During dispensing process, the banknote storage devices <NUM> feed the banknotes to be dispensed. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes to the recognition unit <NUM> through the connection path <NUM> and the loop transport path <NUM>. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes the banknotes. After the recognition of the banknotes, the transport unit <NUM> transports the banknotes to the dispensing unit <NUM> through the loop transport path <NUM> and the connection path <NUM>. The dispensing process ends when all the banknotes to be dispensed are dispensed to the dispensing unit <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an example configuration of the banknote storage device <NUM>. <FIG> shows a state where the number of banknotes stored in the banknote storage device <NUM> is zero (that is, a state where banknotes are not stored in the banknote storage device <NUM>). <FIG> shows a state where the banknote storage device <NUM> stores a predetermined number of banknotes. For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the side-to-side direction in the paper of <FIG> is referred to as the X direction; the up-and-down direction in the paper of <FIG> is referred to as the Y direction; and the direction orthogonal to the paper of <FIG> is referred to as the Z direction.

An inlet/outlet port <NUM> for depositing and dispensing banknotes is provided on one side surface (right surface in the example of <FIG>) of the banknote storage device <NUM>. Banknotes enter the banknote storage device <NUM> through the inlet/outlet port <NUM> and exit the banknote storage device <NUM> through the inlet/outlet port <NUM>.

The banknote storage device <NUM> includes a storing mechanism <NUM> and a frame <NUM> accommodating the storing mechanism <NUM>. The storing mechanism <NUM> is configured to wind up a banknote <NUM> around a drum <NUM> together with tapes sandwiching the banknote <NUM> therebetween (see <FIG>). The storing mechanism <NUM> includes a first reel <NUM>, a second reel <NUM>, a third reel <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, and a transport guide <NUM> that constitutes a transport path for the banknote <NUM>.

The transport guide <NUM> is disposed inside the frame <NUM> between the inlet/outlet port <NUM> and the drum <NUM>. The transport guide <NUM> extends in the X direction. The transport guide <NUM> divides the inside of the frame <NUM> into a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>.

A first tape <NUM> is wound around the first reel <NUM> with the base end of the first tape <NUM> being fixed to the first reel <NUM>. A second tape <NUM> is wound around the second reel <NUM> with the base end of the second tape <NUM> being fixed to the second reel <NUM>. A third tape <NUM> is wound around the third reel <NUM> with the base end of the third tape <NUM> being fixed to the third reel <NUM>. The tip of the first tape <NUM>, the tip of the second tape <NUM>, and the tip of the third tape <NUM> are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>.

The first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> are all disposed in the second region <NUM>. The first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> are supported by a shaft <NUM> extending in the Z direction. Since the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> are located at the same position in the X direction and the Y direction (that is, the radial direction of the reels), <FIG> and <FIG> show only one of the reels. As shown in <FIG>, the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> are arranged at intervals in order from the right side to the left side in the Z direction.

Both ends of the shaft <NUM> in the Z direction are rotatably supported by the frames <NUM>, <NUM> of the banknote storage device <NUM>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, the first reel <NUM> is attached to the shaft <NUM> via a bearing. The first reel <NUM> can rotate independently of the shaft <NUM>. The first reel <NUM> rotates in the unwinding direction of the first tape <NUM>, that is, in the clockwise direction in <FIG>, and in the winding direction of the first tape <NUM>, that is, in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG>, about the shaft <NUM>. The second reel <NUM> is also attached to the shaft <NUM> via a bearing. The second reel <NUM> can rotate independently of the shaft <NUM>. The second reel <NUM> rotates in the unwinding direction of the second tape <NUM>, that is, in the clockwise direction in <FIG>, and in the winding direction of the second tape <NUM>, that is, in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG>, about the shaft <NUM>. The third reel <NUM> is also attached to the shaft <NUM> via a bearing. The third reel <NUM> can also rotate independently of the shaft <NUM>. The third reel <NUM> rotates in the unwinding direction of the third tape <NUM>, that is, in the clockwise direction in <FIG>, and in the winding direction of the third tape <NUM>, that is, in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG>, about the shaft <NUM>.

A torque distribution mechanism <NUM> that distributes and applies torque from an electric motor <NUM> to the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> during rotation of the drum <NUM> is mounted to the shaft <NUM>. Details of the torque distribution mechanism <NUM> will be described later.

The transport guide <NUM> consists of a fixed guide <NUM> and a movable guide <NUM>. The fixed guide <NUM> is connected to the inlet/outlet port <NUM>. The fixed guide <NUM> is comprised of a pair of rollers that sandwich the banknote <NUM> in its the thickness direction, and a guide member. The fixed guide <NUM> is configured to transport the banknote <NUM> toward the drum <NUM> or toward the outlet/inlet <NUM>.

The movable guide <NUM> is continuous with the fixed guide <NUM>. The movable guide <NUM> corresponds to a portion surrounded by the dashed line in <FIG>. The movable guide <NUM> is configured to rotate about a rotation shaft <NUM> of a roller on which a first belt <NUM> described later is wound. The movable guide <NUM> is biased in the clockwise direction in <FIG> by a biasing member (for example, a spring) (not shown). The movable guide <NUM> rotates in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction according to the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> described later (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Note that the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> described herein means the outermost diameter expanded by the tapes and banknotes if the tapes and banknotes are wound around the drum <NUM>.

The movable guide <NUM> has a first belt <NUM> and a second belt <NUM>. The first belt <NUM> is wound on a plurality of rollers. The second belt <NUM> is wound on a plurality of rollers, different from those the first belt <NUM> is wound on. The first belt <NUM> and the second belt <NUM> face each other along the transport path of the banknote <NUM> so as to sandwich the banknote <NUM> in its thickness direction. The first belt <NUM> and the second belt <NUM> are configured to transport the banknote <NUM> toward the drum <NUM> or toward the outlet/inlet <NUM>.

The first tape <NUM> unwound from the first reel <NUM> runs along a first tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> runs along a second tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The third tape <NUM> unwound from the third reel <NUM> runs along a third tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>.

The first tape path <NUM> is comprised of a movable pulley <NUM> and a pulley pair <NUM>, which will be described later. The second tape path <NUM> is comprised of guide pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and a pulley pair <NUM>, which will be described later. The third tape path <NUM> is comprised of a movable pulley <NUM> and a pulley pair <NUM>. The first tape path <NUM> and the third tape path <NUM> are at the same position in the X direction and the Y direction, and are displaced from each other in the Z direction. Therefore, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first tape path <NUM> and the third tape path <NUM> overlap each other. Although not shown, two movable pulleys <NUM> are provided in the Z direction so as to be associated with the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM>. Three pulley pairs <NUM> are provided in the Z direction so as to be associated with the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

A communication portion <NUM> communicating the first region <NUM> with the second region <NUM> is provided at an intermediate portion of the movable guide <NUM>. The movable pulleys <NUM> for guiding the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM>, respectively, are provided in the communication portion <NUM>. The movable pulleys <NUM> rotate about the rotation shaft <NUM> together with the movable guide <NUM>.

The pulley pair <NUM> is disposed at the end of the transport path provided in the movable guide <NUM>. The pulley pair <NUM> is comprised of a first pulley <NUM> and a second pulley <NUM>. The first pulley <NUM> and the second pulley <NUM> are disposed so as to face each other. The first pulleys <NUM> and the second pulleys <NUM> guide the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> toward the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>, as will be described later.

The first tape <NUM> reaches the pulley pair <NUM> via the movable pulley <NUM>. The first tape <NUM> runs along the transport path of the banknote <NUM> between the movable pulley <NUM> and the pulley pair <NUM>. Similarly, the third tape <NUM> reaches the pulley pair <NUM> via the movable pulley <NUM>. The third tape <NUM> runs along the transport path of the banknote <NUM> between the movable pulley <NUM> and the pulley pair <NUM>.

The second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> is guided to the first region <NUM> so as to bypass the movable guide <NUM>. The second tape path <NUM> is provided so as to surround the periphery of the drum <NUM>. The second tape path <NUM> is comprised of a plurality of guide pulleys. In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the guide pulleys include a first guide pulley <NUM>, a second guide pulley <NUM>, and a third guide pulley <NUM>.

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the first guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the second region <NUM> near the lower left corner of the paper of <FIG>. The first guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM> from substantially the X direction to the Y direction.

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the second guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the first region <NUM> near the upper left corner of the paper of <FIG>. The second guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM> from the Y direction to substantially the X direction.

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the third guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the upper part of the first region <NUM> near the central position in the X direction. The third guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM> from substantially the X direction to the Y direction.

After being wound on the third guide pulley <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> reaches the aforementioned pulley pair <NUM>. The pulley pair <NUM> guides the second tape <NUM> toward the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>.

A pressing roller <NUM> is attached to a distal end portion of the movable guide <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> abuts on the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> which are wound around the drum <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> presses the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM>. Associated with the turning of the movable guide <NUM>, the pressing roller <NUM> changes its relative position with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>. The position of the pressing roller <NUM> changes in accordance with the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> is disposed in the first region <NUM>. Specifically, the drum <NUM> is disposed in the first region <NUM> at a position away from the outlet/inlet <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> rotates about an axis extending in the Z direction. The axis of the drum <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> are parallel to each other. The drum <NUM> rotates in the winding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes, and in the feeding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes. In the example of <FIG>, the winding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes is the clockwise direction, and the feeding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes is the counterclockwise direction. As shown in <FIG>, an electric motor <NUM> for rotating the drum <NUM> is connected to the drum <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> may be, for example, a stepper motor. Note that <FIG> depicts the drum <NUM> and a guide plate <NUM> provided on the movable guide <NUM> by inverting them shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Three second pulleys <NUM> forming the pulley pairs <NUM> are attached to the guide plate <NUM> so as to be associated with the running positions of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> are located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the banknote <NUM> transported with the long edge in front. The first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> are located above the banknote <NUM>. That is, when wound around the drum <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> are located radially outside the banknote <NUM>.

The second tape <NUM> is located at the center of the banknote <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The second tape <NUM> is located below the banknote <NUM>. That is, when wound around the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is located radially inside the banknote <NUM>.

The banknote <NUM> is sandwiched between the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> at the position of the pulley pairs <NUM>. The banknote <NUM> is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> together with the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>.

The banknote storage device <NUM> winds up the banknote <NUM>, the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> around the drum <NUM> with the banknote <NUM> being held by the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, thereby achieving stable winding of the banknote <NUM> around the drum <NUM>. Further, since the second tape <NUM> is located below the banknote <NUM>, the banknote <NUM> can be reliably released from the drum <NUM> when the banknote <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> are fed out from the drum <NUM>. Further, since the storing mechanism <NUM> configured as described above presses both end parts and the central part of the banknote <NUM> in the longitudinal direction with three tapes, the banknote <NUM> can be stably wound around the drum <NUM>.

In the banknote storage device <NUM> configured as described above, two electric motors, namely, the electric motor <NUM> for rotating the drum <NUM> and the electric motor <NUM> for applying torque to the reels, are controlled so that predetermined tensions are generated on the tapes when the banknote <NUM> and the tapes are wound up around the drum <NUM> or fed out from the drum <NUM> during the rotation of the drum <NUM>. The torque distribution mechanism <NUM> distributes the torque from the electric motor <NUM>, which is a torque source, to the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM>.

As described above, the three tapes, namely, the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, are aligned in the axial direction of the drum <NUM> and hold a plurality of positions of the banknote. Here, when the diameter of the drum <NUM> around which the banknote <NUM> is wound up together with the tapes becomes large, the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> may be non-uniform in the axial direction of the drum <NUM>. If the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the axial direction, the winding speeds or the feeding speeds of the tapes during rotation of the drum <NUM> differ among the three tapes arranged in the axial direction. Therefore, tensions generated on the tapes are unequal among the three tapes. If the tensions generated on the tapes are unequal, the banknote <NUM> wound up on the drum <NUM> will be displaced.

The torque distribution mechanism <NUM> has a function of absorbing the speed difference among the three tapes and making adjustment so that the three tapes, namely, the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, constantly have a predetermined tension. The configuration of the torque distribution mechanism <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shaft <NUM> provided with the torque distribution mechanism <NUM>, <FIG> is a transverse sectional view (taken along line VII-VII in <FIG>) of a planetary gear mechanism included in a later-described first differential mechanism <NUM>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a second differential mechanism <NUM>.

The torque distribution mechanism <NUM> has the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM>. The first differential mechanism <NUM> includes a planetary gear mechanism. The second differential mechanism <NUM> includes a bevel gear.

The first differential mechanism <NUM> is disposed at one end (the right end of the paper in <FIG>) of the shaft <NUM> extending in the Z direction. The first differential mechanism <NUM> includes a sun gear <NUM>, a ring gear <NUM>, a planetary gear <NUM>, and a carrier <NUM>.

The sun gear <NUM> is fitted onto the shaft <NUM>. The sun gear <NUM> is supported by the shaft <NUM> via a bearing. Although not shown in detail, teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear <NUM>. The sun gear <NUM> has a pipe <NUM> formed integrally with the sun gear <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> is fitted onto the shaft <NUM> and extends along the shaft <NUM>. The tip of the pipe <NUM> is fixed to the side surface of the first reel <NUM>. The sun gear <NUM> and the first reel <NUM> rotate integrally. The sun gear <NUM> and the first reel <NUM> rotate relative to the shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the ring gear <NUM> is provided so as to surround the outer circumference of the sun gear <NUM>. Although not shown in detail, teeth are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the ring gear <NUM>. The ring gear <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM>. More specifically, the ring gear <NUM> is integrally provided with a disk-shaped connection member <NUM> extending in the radial direction around the shaft <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM>. The ring gear <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> rotate integrally.

The planetary gear <NUM> is disposed between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this example configuration, three planetary gears <NUM> are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the planetary gears <NUM> has teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface (not shown). The planetary gears <NUM> mesh with each of the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM> supports the planetary gears <NUM> in such a way that the planetary gears <NUM> can rotate. The carrier <NUM> is also supported by the pipe <NUM> of the sun gear <NUM> via a bearing. The carrier <NUM> rotates about the shaft <NUM> relative to the shaft <NUM>, the sun gear <NUM>, and the ring gear <NUM>. The planetary gears <NUM> supported by the carrier <NUM> rotate and revolve around the shaft <NUM>.

A driven roller <NUM> is integrally attached to the carrier <NUM>. The driven roller <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to cover the planetary gear mechanism. A belt <NUM> is wound on the driven roller <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is wound on a drive roller <NUM> attached to the rotation shaft of the electric motor <NUM>. When the electric motor <NUM> as a torque source rotates, the torque of the electric motor <NUM> is transmitted to the driven roller <NUM> via the belt <NUM>. In this way, the torque of the electric motor <NUM> is input to the carrier <NUM>.

The first differential mechanism <NUM> transmits the torque input to the carrier <NUM> to the first reel <NUM> via the sun gear <NUM> and to the shaft <NUM> via the ring gear <NUM>. The first differential mechanism <NUM> distributes the torque input from the torque source to a first path and a second path. The first path is a path for transmitting torque to the first reel <NUM> via the sun gear <NUM>. The second path is a path for transmitting torque to the shaft <NUM> (and the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM> supported by the shaft <NUM>) via the ring gear <NUM>.

Here, the torque distributed by the first differential mechanism <NUM> can be transmitted to the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> through the shaft <NUM> and the pipe <NUM> having a double tube structure. The torque transmission path becomes compact.

In the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the gear ratio between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM> (that is, the number of teeth of the sun gear <NUM>/the number of teeth of the ring gear <NUM>) is set to <NUM>/<NUM>. As an example, the sun gear <NUM> may have <NUM> teeth, the ring gear <NUM> may have <NUM> teeth, and each of the planetary gears <NUM> may have <NUM> teeth. Since the gear ratio is set to <NUM>/<NUM>, the first differential mechanism <NUM> can transmit <NUM>/<NUM> (= <NUM>/(<NUM> + <NUM>))T of the torque T input to the carrier <NUM> to the first reel <NUM>, and <NUM>/<NUM> (= <NUM>/(<NUM> + <NUM>))T of the torque T to the shaft <NUM>.

The second differential mechanism <NUM> is provided between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>. The second differential mechanism <NUM> has a pinion gear <NUM> and two side gears, a first side gear <NUM> and a second side gear <NUM>.

A pin <NUM> is attached to the shaft <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG>. The pin <NUM> projects radially outward of the shaft <NUM> between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is perpendicular to the shaft <NUM>. The pin <NUM> rotates with the shaft <NUM>.

The pinion gear <NUM> is a bevel gear. The pinion gear <NUM> is rotatably supported by the pin <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> rotates around the pin <NUM> (that is, spins), and when the shaft <NUM> rotates, it revolves around the shaft <NUM>.

The first side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the second reel <NUM>. The first side gear <NUM> is a bevel gear centered on the shaft <NUM>. The first side gear <NUM> meshes with the pinion gear <NUM>.

The second side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the third reel <NUM>. The second side gear <NUM> and the first side gear <NUM> face each other. The second side gear <NUM> is a bevel gear centered on the shaft <NUM>. The second side gear <NUM> meshes with the pinion gear <NUM>. The number of teeth of the first side gear <NUM> and the number of teeth of the second side gear <NUM> are the same.

The second differential mechanism <NUM> equally distributes the torque input to the shaft <NUM> to the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM> via the pinion gear <NUM>, the first side gear <NUM>, and the second side gear <NUM>. The path from the pinion gear <NUM> to the second reel <NUM> via the first side gear <NUM> corresponds to a third path. The path from the pinion gear <NUM> to the third reel <NUM> via the second side gear <NUM> corresponds to a fourth path.

As described above, the torque input to the shaft <NUM> is <NUM>/3T of the torque T of the electric motor <NUM>. Therefore, the second differential mechanism <NUM> transmits <NUM>/<NUM>(= <NUM>/<NUM> x <NUM>/<NUM>)T of the torque T from the electric motor <NUM> to the second reel <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM>(= <NUM>/<NUM> x <NUM>/<NUM>)T of the torque T from the electric motor <NUM> to the third reel <NUM>. Therefore, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> equally distribute the torque of the electric motor <NUM> to the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> in cooperation with each other.

As described above, when a speed difference occurs among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> due to the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> being non-uniform, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> each perform a differential operation to absorb the speed difference. The differential operations of the first differential mechanism and the second differential mechanism will be described below with reference to <FIG> schematically illustrate the configuration of the torque distribution mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate various combinations of speeds of the three tapes, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is uniform or substantially uniform in the Z direction, and the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> are equal or substantially equal (V3 = V2 = V1).

When V3 = V2 = V1, the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, the third reel <NUM>, and the shaft <NUM> rotate at equal speed. Therefore, in the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the planetary gears <NUM> do not rotate. The sun gear <NUM>, the ring gear <NUM>, and the carrier <NUM> rotate at equal speed.

Further, in the second differential mechanism <NUM>, the pinion gear <NUM> does not rotate. Therefore, the first side gear <NUM> and the second side gear <NUM> rotate at equal speed, and the pinion gear <NUM> also revolves at equal speed.

Therefore, when V3 = V2 = V1, a predetermined tension is generated on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, which prevents or reduces displacement of the banknote <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the Z direction, so that the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM> and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> are equal, and the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM> is higher than the speeds V2 and V3 (V3 = V2 < V1). As schematically shown in <FIG>, if the diameter of the drum <NUM> is large only at the portion corresponding to the first tape <NUM>, the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> have the abovementioned relationship.

Since V3 = V2, the pinion gear <NUM> does not rotate in the second differential mechanism <NUM> as described above. The first side gear <NUM> and the second side gear <NUM> rotate at equal speed, and the pinion gear <NUM> also revolves at equal speed.

Since the speed of the first tape <NUM> is higher, the rotation speed of the first reel <NUM> is relatively higher. There is a speed difference between the sun gear <NUM> of the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. In the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the planetary gears <NUM> rotate because a speed difference occurs between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM>. The planetary gears <NUM> rotate in the direction in which the sun gear <NUM> accelerates. In this way, the first differential mechanism <NUM> absorbs the speed difference among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, and thus can generate a predetermined tension on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> when V3 = V2 < V1.

<FIG> shows a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the Z direction, and the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> are different from one another (V3 < V2 < V1). As schematically shown in <FIG>, when the diameter of the drum <NUM> gradually increases in the direction from the third tape <NUM> to the first tape <NUM>, the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> have the abovementioned relationship.

Since V3 < V2, the pinion gear <NUM> of the second differential mechanism <NUM> rotates, unlike the above case. The pinion gear <NUM> rotates in the direction in which the first side gear <NUM> accelerates, and absorbs the speed difference between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>.

Further, also in the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the sun gear <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> rotate relative to each other. The planetary gears <NUM> rotate in the direction in which the sun gear <NUM> accelerates. The rotation of the planetary gears <NUM> absorbs the speed difference between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM>. In this way, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> absorb the speed difference among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, and thus can generate a predetermined tension on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> when V3 < V2 < V1.

<FIG> shows a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the Z direction, so that the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM> and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> are equal, and the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM> is higher than the speeds V1 and V3 (V3 = V1 < V2). As schematically shown in <FIG>, if the diameter of the drum <NUM> is large only at the position corresponding to the second tape <NUM>, the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> have the abovementioned relationship.

Since V3 < V2, the pinion gear <NUM> of the second differential mechanism <NUM> rotates in the direction in which the first side gear <NUM> accelerates to absorb the speed difference between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>.

Further, in the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the planetary gears <NUM> rotate in the direction in which the ring gear <NUM> accelerates. In this way, the speed difference between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM> is absorbed. When V3 = V1 < V2, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> absorb the speed difference among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, and thus can generate a predetermined tension on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the Z direction, and the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> are different from one another (V3 > V2 > V1). As schematically shown in <FIG>, when the diameter of the drum <NUM> gradually decreases in the direction from the third tape <NUM> to the first tape <NUM>, the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> have the abovementioned relationship.

Since V3 > V2, the pinion gear <NUM> in the second differential mechanism <NUM> rotates in the direction in which the second side gear <NUM> accelerates to absorb the speed difference between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>.

Further, in the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the planetary gears <NUM> rotate in the direction in which the ring gear <NUM> accelerates, thereby absorbing the speed difference between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM>. In this way, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> absorb the speed difference among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, and thus can generate a predetermined tension on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> when V3 > V2 > V1,.

<FIG> shows a state where the diameter of the drum <NUM> is non-uniform in the Z direction, so that the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM> and the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM> are equal, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> is higher than the speeds V1 and V2 (V3 > V2 = V1). As schematically shown in <FIG>, if the diameter of the drum <NUM> is large only at the position corresponding to the third tape <NUM>, the speed V1 of the first tape <NUM>, the speed V2 of the second tape <NUM>, and the speed V3 of the third tape <NUM> have the abovementioned relationship.

Further, in the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the planetary gears <NUM> rotate in the direction in which the ring gear <NUM> accelerates, thereby absorbing the speed difference between the sun gear <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM>. In this way, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> absorb the speed difference among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>, and thus can generate a predetermined tension on each of the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM> when V3 > V2 = V1.

As described above, when the speeds of the three tapes are unequal or about to be unequal, the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> each perform differential operations for absorbing the speed difference. The tensions generated on the three tapes are constantly equal or substantially equal. The banknote storage device <NUM> does not require a torque limiter.

By equalizing or substantially equalizing the tensions generated on the three tapes, it is possible to prevent or reduce the displacement of the banknote <NUM> wound around the drum <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to prevent or reduce an occurrence of a jam of the banknote <NUM> in the banknote storage device <NUM>. When a jam occurs in the banknote storage device <NUM>, the jam is often eliminated by cutting the tapes. In this case, the unit in the banknote storage device <NUM> needs to be replaced. Suppressing or reducing the jam of the banknote <NUM> in the banknote storage device <NUM> by the torque distribution mechanism <NUM> as described above is advantageous in reducing cost.

Further, since the speed difference among the three tapes is automatically absorbed by the first differential mechanism <NUM> and the second differential mechanism <NUM> that are mechanically configured, the torque distribution mechanism <NUM> can optimally adjust the torque to be applied to the three reels only by controlling the electric motor <NUM> for the drum <NUM> and the electric motor <NUM> for the reels. The torque distribution mechanism <NUM> having the above configuration can simplify the configuration of a control system.

A flexible guide <NUM> is attached to the banknote storage device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The flexible guide <NUM> has a function of preventing or reducing a jam of the banknote <NUM> by guiding the banknote <NUM> to the transport path of the transport guide <NUM> when the tapes and the banknote <NUM> are fed out from the drum <NUM>. The flexible guide <NUM> is attached to the guide plate <NUM> provided on the movable guide <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the guide plate <NUM> is inclined such that the tip part approaches the drum <NUM> from both sides toward the center in the Z direction. The tip part of the guide plate <NUM> has a substantially triangular shape in a plan view. The flexible guide <NUM> is attached to the tip part of the guide plate <NUM> at a position corresponding to the vertex of the triangle. The mounting position of the flexible guide <NUM> corresponds to the running position of the second tape <NUM>. The flexible guide <NUM> also has a triangular shape like the tip part of the guide plate <NUM>. The bottom part of the flexible guide <NUM> is fixed near the inlet of the transport path of the guide plate <NUM>. The vertex of the flexible guide <NUM> is arranged so as to approach the drum <NUM>. The two hypotenuses of the flexible guide <NUM> are inclined away from the second tape <NUM> from the vertex near the drum toward the inlet of the transport path of the guide plate <NUM>.

When the banknote <NUM> is fed out from the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is located between the banknote <NUM> and the drum <NUM>, and the central portion of the banknote <NUM> in contact with the second tape <NUM> is reliably guided to the transport path of the guide plate <NUM>. When the banknote <NUM> is fed out from the drum <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> are on the outside of the banknote with respect to the drum <NUM>. The banknote may have a curl, and both ends of the banknote fed out from the drum <NUM> in the longitudinal direction may be curved in the direction approaching the drum <NUM>. Further, when the guide plate <NUM> is on the drum <NUM>, both ends of the banknote fed out from the drum <NUM> in the longitudinal direction may be curved in the direction approaching the drum <NUM> due to gravity. The curved portion abuts on one of the two hypotenuses of the flexible guide <NUM> and is gradually guided to the transport path of the guide plate <NUM> as it advances in the direction in which the banknote is fed out from the drum <NUM>.

The flexible guide <NUM> is a thin plate-shaped member, and is made of a soft material that is flexible. The flexible guide <NUM> is attached so as to project from the guide plate <NUM> toward the drum <NUM>. The flexible guide <NUM> is thin, so that it can be provided near the drum <NUM> without interfering with the drum <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). The closer the vertex of the flexible guide <NUM> is to the drum <NUM>, the more the distance between the vertex and the base of the flexible guide <NUM> can be increased, and the angle of the vertex can be reduced. Accordingly, the angle at which the two hypotenuses of the flexible guide <NUM> are inclined in the direction away from the second tape <NUM> can be reduced. As a result, the curl of the banknote can be gradually corrected, so that damage or jam of the banknote can be prevented or reduced.

When the banknote storage device <NUM> is configured to have a large capacity, the diameter of the drum <NUM> around which the banknote <NUM> is wound becomes large. In order to secure the space of the drum <NUM> inside the banknote storage device <NUM>, the distance between the central axis of the drum <NUM> and the position of the pulley pairs <NUM> needs to be increased. As a result, the tip of the guide plate <NUM> is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>. If the tip of the guide plate <NUM> is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>, the distance of the curved portion of the banknote <NUM> moving without being guided by the flexible guide <NUM> is increased between the drum <NUM> and the guide plate <NUM> when the banknote <NUM> and the tapes are fed out from the drum <NUM>. Therefore, the curved portion of the banknote <NUM> is corrected in a short distance, so that it is highly likely that the banknote <NUM> is damaged. However, as described above, the tip of the rigid guide plate <NUM> cannot be brought closer to the drum <NUM> in order to avoid interference with the drum <NUM>.

Since the flexible guide <NUM> is thinner than the guide plate <NUM>, it can be placed near the drum <NUM> without interfering with the drum <NUM> as described above. Further, since the flexible guide <NUM> can be bent, it comes in contact with the second tape <NUM> and the banknote <NUM> unwound from the drum <NUM> and can be deformed along the direction of the second tape <NUM> and the banknote <NUM>. Therefore, the flexible guide <NUM> can be placed closer to the drum <NUM> while avoiding interference with the drum. As a result, the flexible guide <NUM> can guide the banknote <NUM> near the drum <NUM>.

Further, as illustrated on the right and left of <FIG>, the drum <NUM> around which the banknote <NUM> and the tapes are wound may have an elliptical shape instead of a perfect circular shape. If the drum <NUM> has an elliptical shape, the radial position (distance between the center of the drum <NUM> and the pressing roller <NUM>) where the pressing roller <NUM> abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> during rotation of the drum <NUM> changes, so that the angle of the movable guide <NUM> varies. Since the flexible guide <NUM> deforms along the direction of the second tape <NUM> unwound from the drum <NUM> even if the angle of the movable guide <NUM> varies, the flexible guide <NUM> can guide the banknote <NUM> at the same angle with respect to the second tape <NUM> and the banknote <NUM> which are unwound from the drum <NUM>.

As a result, the flexible guide <NUM> can prevent or reduce an occurrence of a jam of the banknote <NUM> in the banknote storage device <NUM>.

In addition, the flexible guide <NUM> has a triangular shape with its tip part obliquely inclined, and thus, even if the banknote <NUM> fed out from the drum <NUM> is torn, and the torn portion is folded over the second tape <NUM>, the flexible guide <NUM> can unfold again the folded torn portion as the torn portion moves along the obliquely inclined tip part. This also makes it possible to suppress or reduce a jam of the banknote <NUM>.

The abovementioned banknote storage device <NUM> has three reels <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, but the technique disclosed herein is not limited to be applied to the banknote storage device <NUM> having the above configuration. For example, the technique disclosed herein may be applied to a banknote storage device <NUM> having four reels. The second embodiment of the banknote storage device <NUM> will now be described with reference to the drawings.

The banknote storage device <NUM> according to the second embodiment may have the same configuration in the side view as the banknote storage device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, since there are four tapes, the banknote storage device <NUM> has a total of four reels. Further, the paths of the four tapes are different from those of the banknote storage device <NUM> described above.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the four reels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are aligned in the Z direction with respect to the shaft <NUM>. More specifically, the fourth reel <NUM>, the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, and the third reel <NUM> are arranged in this order from the right side to the left side of the shaft <NUM>.

From among the first tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, the third tape <NUM>, and the fourth tape <NUM> respectively unwound from the four reels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> and the fourth tape <NUM> overlap in a tape path between the reels and the drum <NUM>, and the second tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> overlap in the tape path between the reels and the drum <NUM>. The banknote <NUM> is sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the fourth tape <NUM> which overlap each other and between the second tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> which overlap each other, and is wound around the drum <NUM>.

The configuration of the tape path in the banknote storage device <NUM> according to the second embodiment will be described below. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the arrangement configuration of the reels and the tapes in the banknote storage device <NUM> according to the second embodiment. <FIG> corresponds to a side view when the inside of the banknote storage device <NUM> is viewed from the right side of the paper of <FIG>, and <FIG> corresponds to a plan view when the inside of the banknote storage device <NUM> is viewed from the upper side of the paper of <FIG>.

The first tape <NUM> unwound from the first reel <NUM> runs along a first tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The fourth tape <NUM> unwound from the fourth reel <NUM> runs along a fourth tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The first tape path <NUM> is comprised of the movable pulley <NUM> and the pulley pair <NUM>. The fourth tape path <NUM> is comprised of the guide pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the pulley pair <NUM>.

Similarly, the second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> runs along the second tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The third tape <NUM> unwound from the third reel <NUM> runs along a third tape path <NUM> to reach the drum <NUM>. The second tape path <NUM> is comprised of the movable pulley <NUM> and the pulley pair <NUM>. The third tape path <NUM> is comprised of the guide pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the pulley pair <NUM>.

In the banknote storage device <NUM> according to the second embodiment, the third tape path <NUM> is provided with a changing mechanism for changing the position of the third tape <NUM> in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the drum <NUM>. The changing mechanism is composed of the guide pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Similarly, the fourth tape path <NUM> is provided with a changing mechanism for changing the position of the fourth tape <NUM> in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the drum <NUM>.

The first tape path <NUM> and the second tape path <NUM> are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane intersecting the center of the drum <NUM>. Further, the third tape path <NUM> and the fourth tape path <NUM> are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane intersecting the center of the drum <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first guide pulley <NUM> of the third tape path <NUM> is located at the same or substantially same position as the arrangement position of the third reel <NUM> in the Z direction. The rotation axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> is tilted with respect to the rotation axis of the third reel <NUM>. More specifically, the rotation axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> is tilted so that the outer side is higher and the central side is lower in the Z direction. The first guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the third tape <NUM>, which is unwound straight from the third reel <NUM> in the X direction, from the X direction to the Y direction (to be exact, the direction inclined with respect to the Y direction) (see also <FIG>).

The second guide pulley <NUM> of the third tape path <NUM> is located at the same or substantially same position as the arrangement position of the second reel <NUM> in the Z direction. The rotation axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is tilted with respect to the rotation axes of the third reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM>. More specifically, the rotation axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is parallel to the rotation axis of the first guide pulley <NUM>. Therefore, the rotation axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is also tilted so that the outer side is higher and the central side is lower in the Z direction. The second guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the third tape <NUM> from the Y direction (to be exact, the direction inclined with respect to the Y direction) to substantially the X direction.

In the third tape path <NUM>, the third tape <NUM> unwound from the third reel <NUM> is wound on the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>, so that the position of the third tape <NUM> in the Z direction is changed from the position of the third reel <NUM> to the position of the second reel <NUM> (see the arrow in <FIG>). The first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> which are arranged in parallel to each other constitute the changing mechanism for changing the position of the tape in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the drum <NUM>.

Here, the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> are crowned pulleys, respectively. That is, each of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> has a crown shape in which the pulley surface in contact with the third tape <NUM> protrudes more in the central portion than in both ends in the pulley width direction. The crowned pulley has a function of moving the running position of the tape toward the center. The first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> change the running position of the tape in the Z direction as described above, and due to the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> moving the running position of the tape toward the center, the tape can stably run. Note that each of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> may be a crowned pulley with a flange.

As shown in <FIG>, the third guide pulley <NUM> of the third tape path <NUM> is located at the same or substantially same position as the arrangement position of the second reel <NUM> in the Z direction. The third guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the third tape <NUM> from the X direction to the Y direction. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding, <FIG> does not illustrate the third tape <NUM> which has been wound on the third guide pulley <NUM>. Unlike the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>, the third guide pulley <NUM> is not a crowned pulley. The third guide pulley <NUM> may be, for example, a flat pulley with a flange having a flat pulley surface.

After being wound on the third guide pulley <NUM> in the third tape path <NUM>, the third tape <NUM> reaches the pulley pair <NUM> described above. At this time, the third tape <NUM> is located at the same position as the second tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The pulley pair <NUM> guides the third tape <NUM> to the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> with the third tape <NUM> superimposed on the second tape <NUM>.

The fourth tape path <NUM> has substantially the same configuration as the third tape path <NUM>. That is, the rotation axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> of the fourth tape path <NUM> is tilted with respect to the rotation axis of the fourth reel <NUM>. The first guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the fourth tape <NUM>, which is unwound straight from the fourth reel <NUM> in the X direction, from the X direction to the Y direction (to be exact, the direction inclined with respect to the Y direction).

The rotation axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> of the fourth tape path <NUM> is parallel to the rotation axis of the first guide pulley <NUM>. The second guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the fourth tape <NUM> from the Y direction (to be exact, the direction inclined with respect to the Y direction) to substantially the X direction.

The third guide pulley <NUM> of the fourth tape path <NUM> is located at the same or substantially same position as the arrangement position of the first reel <NUM> in the Z direction. The third guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the fourth tape <NUM> from the X direction to the Y direction.

After being wound on the third guide pulley <NUM> in the fourth tape path <NUM>, the fourth tape <NUM> reaches the pulley pair <NUM>. At this time, the fourth tape <NUM> is located at the same position as the first tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The pulley pair <NUM> guides the fourth tape <NUM> to the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> with the fourth tape <NUM> superimposed on the first tape <NUM>.

The banknote <NUM> is held between the first tape <NUM> and the fourth tape <NUM> and between the second tape <NUM> and the third tape <NUM> at the pulley pair <NUM>. Both ends of the banknote <NUM> in the longitudinal direction are sandwiched by pairs of tapes, respectively. After passing through the pulley pair <NUM>, the banknote <NUM> is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> together with the first tape <NUM>, the fourth tape <NUM>, the second tape <NUM>, and the third tape <NUM>.

It should be noted that the banknote <NUM> may be held by four tapes which are displaced in the axial direction of the drum <NUM> without providing the changing mechanism for changing the positions of the tapes in the paths of the tapes.

<FIG> illustrates the configuration of a torque distribution mechanism <NUM> provided in the banknote storage device <NUM> according to the second embodiment.

The torque distribution mechanism <NUM> includes a first differential mechanism <NUM>, a second differential mechanism <NUM>, and a third differential mechanism <NUM>. The first differential mechanism <NUM>, the second differential mechanism <NUM>, and the third differential mechanism <NUM> each include a bevel gear.

In this configuration, the shaft <NUM> is divided into a first shaft 360a and a second shaft 360b which are coaxially arranged. The first differential mechanism <NUM> has a first side gear <NUM> fixed to the first shaft 360a, a second side gear <NUM> fixed to the second shaft 360b, and a pinion case <NUM>.

The first side gear <NUM> is a bevel gear. The first side gear <NUM> is fixed to the base end of the first shaft 360a. The first side gear <NUM> rotates with the first shaft 360a.

The second side gear <NUM> is a bevel gear. The second side gear <NUM> is fixed to the tip of the second shaft 360b. The second side gear <NUM> rotates with the second shaft 360b. The second side gear <NUM> faces the first side gear <NUM>. The number of teeth of the second side gear <NUM> and the number of teeth of the first side gear <NUM> are the same.

The pinion case <NUM> is supported by the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b via bearings. The pinion case <NUM> can rotate relative to the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b. A pin <NUM> is fixed to the pinion case <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is provided so as to be perpendicular to the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b. A pinion gear <NUM> is attached to the pin <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> is located between the first side gear <NUM> and the second side gear <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> meshes with each of the first side gear <NUM> and the second side gear <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> rotates around the pin <NUM> (that is, spins). When the pinion case <NUM> rotates, the pinion gear <NUM> revolves around the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b.

A driven roller <NUM> is integrally provided on the pinion case <NUM>. A belt <NUM> is wound on the driven roller <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is wound around a drive roller <NUM> attached to the rotation shaft of the electric motor <NUM>. When the electric motor <NUM> as a torque source is operated, the torque of the electric motor <NUM> is input to the pinion case <NUM> via the belt <NUM>.

The first differential mechanism <NUM> equally distributes the torque of the electric motor <NUM> input to the pinion case <NUM> to the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b. The path from the pinion gear <NUM> to the first shaft 360a via the first side gear <NUM> corresponds to a first path. The path from the pinion gear <NUM> to the second shaft 360b via the second side gear <NUM> corresponds to a second path. The first differential mechanism <NUM> also absorbs the speed difference between the first shaft 360a and the second shaft 360b.

The second differential mechanism <NUM> is provided on the second shaft 360b. The second differential mechanism <NUM> is provided between the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>. The configuration of the second differential mechanism <NUM> is substantially the same as the configuration of the second differential mechanism <NUM> described above. The second differential mechanism <NUM> has a first pinion gear <NUM>, a first side gear <NUM>, and a second side gear <NUM>. The first pinion gear <NUM> is rotatably supported by a pin <NUM> fixed perpendicularly to the second shaft 360b. The first pinion gear <NUM> rotates and revolves. The first side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the second reel <NUM>. The second side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the third reel <NUM>.

The second differential mechanism <NUM> equally distributes the torque input to the second shaft 360b to the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM> via the first pinion gear <NUM>, the first side gear <NUM>, and the second side gear <NUM>. The path from the first pinion gear <NUM> to the second reel <NUM> via the first side gear <NUM> corresponds to a third path. The path from the first pinion gear <NUM> to the third reel <NUM> via the second side gear <NUM> corresponds to a fourth path. The torque input to the second shaft 360b is <NUM>/2T of the torque T of the electric motor <NUM>. Therefore, the second differential mechanism <NUM> transmits <NUM>/<NUM>(= <NUM>/<NUM> x <NUM>/<NUM>)T of the torque T from the electric motor <NUM> to each of the second reel <NUM> and the third reel <NUM>.

The third differential mechanism <NUM> is provided on the first shaft 360a. The configuration of the third differential mechanism <NUM> is substantially the same as the configuration of the second differential mechanism <NUM>. The third differential mechanism <NUM> is provided between the first reel <NUM> and the fourth reel <NUM>. The third differential mechanism <NUM> has a second pinion gear <NUM>, a third side gear <NUM>, and a fourth side gear <NUM>. The second pinion gear <NUM> is rotatably supported by a pin <NUM> fixed perpendicularly to the first shaft 360a. The second pinion gear <NUM> rotates and revolves. The third side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the first reel <NUM>. The fourth side gear <NUM> is formed on the side surface of the fourth reel <NUM>.

The third differential mechanism <NUM> equally distributes the torque input to the first shaft 360a to the first reel <NUM> and the fourth reel <NUM> via the second pinion gear <NUM>, the third side gear <NUM>, and the fourth side gear <NUM>. The path from the second pinion gear <NUM> to the first reel <NUM> via the third side gear <NUM> corresponds to a fifth path. The path from the second pinion gear <NUM> to the fourth reel <NUM> via the fourth side gear <NUM> corresponds to a sixth path. The torque input to the first shaft 360a is <NUM>/2T of the torque T of the electric motor <NUM>. Therefore, the third differential mechanism <NUM> transmits <NUM>/<NUM>(= <NUM>/<NUM> x <NUM>/<NUM>)T of the torque T from the electric motor <NUM> to each of the first reel <NUM> and the fourth reel <NUM>.

When the speeds of the four tapes are not equal, the first differential mechanism <NUM>, the second differential mechanism <NUM>, and the third differential mechanism <NUM> can absorb the speed difference by the rotation of the pinion gears <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Optimal torque is applied to each of the first reel <NUM>, the second reel <NUM>, the third reel <NUM>, and the fourth reel <NUM>. As a result, the tensions generated on the four tapes are constantly equal or substantially equal, even when the diameter of the drum <NUM> in the axial direction is non-uniform.

Note that the temporary storage unit <NUM> of the banknote processing device <NUM> may have the same configuration as the banknote storage device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The temporary storage unit <NUM> is an example of a sheet storage device.

Claim 1:
A sheet storage device (<NUM>), comprising:
a first reel (<NUM>) around which a first tape (<NUM>) is wound;
a second reel (<NUM>) around which a second tape (<NUM>) is wound;
a third reel (<NUM>) around which a third tape (<NUM>) is wound;
a drum (<NUM>) to which tips of the first, second and third tapes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) respectively unwound from the first reel (<NUM>), the second reel (<NUM>), and the third reel (<NUM>) are fixed, and which winds up sheets (<NUM>) together with the first, second and third tapes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a torque source (<NUM>) that generates torque to be applied to the first reel (<NUM>), the second reel (<NUM>), and the third reel (<NUM>) so that a predetermined tension is generated on each of the tapes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) during rotation of the drum (<NUM>);
a first differential mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is provided in a torque transmission path for transmitting torque to the first reel (<NUM>), the second reel (<NUM>), and the third reel (<NUM>), the first differential mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) distributing the torque input from the torque source (<NUM>) to a first path and a second path; and
a second differential mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is provided in the second path and distributes the torque that has been distributed by the first differential mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a third path and a fourth path, wherein
the first reel (<NUM>) is located in the first path, the second reel (<NUM>) is located in the third path, and the third reel (<NUM>) is located in the fourth path, characterized in that the sheet storage device (<NUM>) further comprises
a shaft (<NUM>) that rotatably supports the first reel (<NUM>), the second reel (<NUM>), and the third reel (<NUM>).