Patent Description:
Patent Document <NUM> discloses a banknote depositing and dispensing machine including a temporary storage unit. The temporary storage unit has a drum that allows banknotes to be wound thereon together with a tape. The 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 a banknote. Each tape is wound around a tape reel. The tape reels of one set are disposed in the temporary storage unit so as to oppose to each other in a vertical direction.

Furthermore, <CIT> discloses a sheet storage device according to the respective preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Downsizing of a sheet storage device such as the temporary storage unit mentioned above has been demanded. Downsizing of a sheet storage device requires a new configuration, different from that of a conventional sheet storage device.

The technique disclosed herein is directed to downsizing the sheet storage device.

Specifically, a sheet storage device disclosed herein includes: a first reel that is disposed on a first axis and around which a first tape is wound; a second reel that is disposed on a second axis and around which a second tape is wound; a drum that is disposed on a third axis and which allows a sheet sandwiched between the first tape and the second tape at least partially overlapping each other to be wound on an outer peripheral surface of the drum together with the first tape and the second tape; a first tape path between the first reel and the drum, and a second tape path between the second reel and the drum.

The first reel and the second reel are displaced in a direction parallel to the third axis, and the sheet storage device further includes a changing mechanism disposed in at least one of the first tape path or the second tape path, the changing mechanism changing a position of the tape to the direction parallel to the third axis.

This configuration allows saving of a space for disposing the first reel and the second reel. It is also advantageous for downsizing the sheet storage device.

The changing mechanism changes the position of the tape with respect to the direction parallel to the third axis. Thus, the first tape unwound from the first reel and the second tape unwound from the second reel at least partially overlap each other.

The first axis and the second axis may be aligned in a straight line. Further, the first axis and the second axis may be the same axis.

These configurations allow further saving of the space for disposing the first reel and the second reel.

According to the appended independent claim <NUM>, the changing mechanism is disposed in the second tape path, and the second tape path has a longer path length than the first tape path.

This configuration allows the tape to change in position significantly in the direction parallel to the third axis even at a small inclination angle of the tape.

According to the appended independent claim <NUM>, the second tape path is a provided so as to surround the drum.

This configuration can increase the path length of the second tape path without an increase in size of the sheet storage device.

The changing mechanism may have a guide pulley for guiding the tape; the first axis and the third axis may be parallel to each other, and the second axis and the third axis may be parallel to each other; and an axis of the guide pulley may be inclined with respect to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.

This configuration allows the tape to change in position in the direction parallel to the third axis.

The guide pulley may include a first guide pulley and a second guide pulley that are disposed along a tape path at an interval from each other, and an axis of the first guide pulley and an axis of the second guide pulley may be disposed to be parallel with each other.

This configuration allows the position of the tape before being wound on the first guide pulley and the position of the tape after being wound on the second guide pulley to be displaced in the direction parallel to the third axis.

The changing mechanism may have at least one crowned pulley for guiding the tape, and between the second reel and the drum, the crowned pulley may be displaced with respect to the second reel in the direction parallel to the third axis.

The crowned pulley has a function of correcting the running position of the tape so that the position of the tape is at the center of the crowned pulley. The crowned pulley, if disposed to be displaced with respect to the second reel in the direction parallel to the third axis, allows the second tape unwound from the second reel to be changed in position in the direction parallel to the third axis.

The single first reel and the single second reel may form a single set of reels, and the sheet storage device may include a plurality of sets of reels.

By sandwiching a plurality of portions of a sheet between a plurality of sets of the first tape and the second tape, the sheet may be stably wound on the drum.

Two sets included in the plurality of sets of reels may be disposed so as to be symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the third axis and intersecting with a center of the drum. For example, the shape of the tape path included in the first set and the shape of the tape path included in the second set may be plane-symmetrical. Further, the pulley included in the first set and the pulley included in the second set may be plane-symmetrical.

This configuration allows the two sets of the first and second tapes to sandwich a plurality of portions of a sheet symmetrically.

According to the appended independent claim <NUM>, the first reel and the second reel are disposed in the direction parallel to the third axis so as to be within a width of the drum in a direction of the third axis.

This configuration can reduce an increase in size of the sheet storage device.

The sheet storage device disclosed herein further includes: a first reel around which a first tape is wound; a second reel that is disposed so as to be coaxial with the first reel, and around which a second tape is wound; a drum that allows a sheet sandwiched between the first tape and the second tape at least partially overlapping each other to be wound on an outer peripheral surface of the drum together with the first tape and the second tape; a first tape path between the first reel and the drum; and a second tape path between the second reel and the drum.

This configuration is advantageous for downsizing the sheet storage device, since the first reel and the second reel are disposed coaxially.

A sheet processing device disclosed herein includes a storage device for a sheet, wherein the storage device includes a first reel around which a first tape is wound, a second reel around which a second tape is wound, a drum that allows a sheet sandwiched between the first tape and the second tape at least partially overlapping each other to be wound on an outer peripheral surface of the drum together with the first tape and the second tape, a first tape path between the first reel and the drum, and a second tape path between the second reel and the drum, the first reel and the second reel are displaced in a direction parallel to an axis of the drum, and the storage device further includes a changing mechanism disposed in at least one of the first tape path or the second tape path, the changing mechanism changing a position of the tape to the direction parallel to the axis of the drum.

A sheet processing device disclosed herein includes a storage device for a sheet, wherein the storage device includes a first reel around which a first tape is wound, a second reel that is disposed so as to be coaxial with the first reel, and around which a second tape is wound, a drum that allows a sheet sandwiched between the first tape and the second tape at least partially overlapping each other to be wound on an outer peripheral surface of the drum together with the first tape and the second tape, a first tape path between the first reel and the drum, and a second tape path between the second reel and the drum.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the sheet storage device described above is useful in downsizing a sheet storage device. Further, the sheet processing device described above has a compact storage device and thus is useful in downsizing a sheet processing device.

A sheet is an article in a shape of a sheet. The type of sheet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a banknote, a coupon, a check, securities, and the like. In addition to paper, the sheet may be made of synthetic paper using synthetic fibers as material, or a polymer sheet that is a synthetic resin sheet. Embodiments of a sheet storage device and a sheet processing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description is an example of a sheet storage device and a sheet processing device. <FIG> illustrates a banknote processing device <NUM> as a sheet processing device. The banknote processing device <NUM> is installed in, for example, a financial institution, such as a bank, and performs various processes including a depositing process and a dispensing process. The banknote processing device <NUM> may be installed not only in a financial institution, but also in a back office of a retail store, for example.

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

The banknote processing device <NUM> handles loose notes. 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 apparatus where the banknotes are inserted, for example, in a depositing process. The depositing unit <NUM> has an inlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> is open in an 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 apparatus.

The dispensing unit <NUM> is a portion of the apparatus to which the banknotes are transported, for example, in a dispensing process. The dispensing unit <NUM> can be used for various applications. The dispensing unit <NUM> is configured to stack a plurality of banknotes. The dispensing unit <NUM> has an outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is open in the upper surface of the upper housing <NUM>. The user takes out the banknotes stacked in the dispensing unit <NUM> via the outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> may be provided with a shutter which opens and closes.

The recognition unit <NUM> is disposed in a loop transport path <NUM> which will be described later. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes at least a denomination of each banknote being transported through the loop transport path <NUM>, to determine whether each banknote is authentic or not, and whether each banknote is fit or unfit.

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 capable of operating without the temporary storage unit <NUM>.

The storage device <NUM> has a plurality of banknote storage devices <NUM>. The banknote processing device <NUM> shown in the drawing has eight banknote storage devices <NUM>. The banknote storage devices <NUM> are vertically and horizontally aligned in the safe housing <NUM>. Note that the banknote storage devices <NUM> are not limited as to the number and arrangement thereof.

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 devices <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 side of each banknote facing forward. Although not shown, the transport unit <NUM> 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 branch 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 processing device <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 apparatus. 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 banknote that has passed through the recognition unit <NUM> to any one of the plurality of banknote storage devices <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>. The temporary storage unit <NUM> stores the banknotes. After the depositing amount is confirmed, the temporary storage unit <NUM> feeds the banknotes stored therein. The transport unit <NUM> transports the banknote fed by the temporary storage unit <NUM> to any one of the plurality of banknote storage devices <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 fed by the banknote storage devices <NUM> 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> illustrate an example configuration of the banknote storage device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the banknote storage device <NUM> when the stored amount is zero (that is, when the banknote storage device <NUM> stores no banknotes). <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an arrangement configuration of a reel and a tape in the banknote storage device <NUM>. For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the side-to-side direction in <FIG> is referred to as the X direction; the up-and-down direction in <FIG> is referred to as the Y direction; and the direction orthogonal the paper of <FIG> is referred to as the Z direction. <FIG> corresponds to the side view of the interior of the banknote storage device <NUM> seen from the right side (in the X direction) of <FIG>. <FIG> corresponds to the plan view of the interior of the banknote storage device <NUM> seen from the upper side (in the Y direction) of <FIG>.

An outlet/inlet <NUM> for depositing and dispensing banknotes is provided on one side surface (right surface in the example shown in <FIG>) of the banknote storage device <NUM>. The banknotes are inserted into the banknote storage device <NUM> through the outlet/inlet <NUM> and are drawn out from the banknote storage device <NUM> through the outlet/inlet <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 a banknote <NUM> on 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 drum <NUM>, and a transport guide <NUM> that constitutes a transport path of the banknote <NUM>.

The transport guide <NUM> is disposed inside the frame <NUM> between the outlet/inlet <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>.

One end of a first tape <NUM> is fixed to the first reel <NUM>, and the first tape <NUM> is wound around the first reel <NUM>. One end of a second tape <NUM> is fixed to the second reel <NUM>, and the second tape <NUM> is wound around the second reel <NUM>. The other end of the first tape <NUM> and the other end of the second tape <NUM> are fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>.

The first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are disposed in the second region <NUM>. Only one reel is shown in <FIG>. This is because, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction (i.e., in a direction parallel to an axis of the drum <NUM>) and are disposed in the same location in the X direction and the Y direction (i.e., in a radial direction of the reel). An axis of the first reel <NUM> and an axis of the second reel <NUM> are aligned in a straight line.

Two first reels <NUM> are disposed in the Z direction at a first interval from each other. Likewise, two second reels <NUM> are disposed in the Z direction at a second interval from each other. Consequently, in the banknote storage device <NUM>, the four reels in total have their axes aligned in a straight line.

One first reel <NUM> and one second reel <NUM> that are disposed on the left side in <FIG> form a set of reels. In this set of reels, the first reel <NUM> is disposed closer to the center in the Z direction of the banknote storage device <NUM>, and the second reel <NUM> is disposed outside in the Z direction with respect to the first reel <NUM>. Likewise, one first reel <NUM> and one second reel <NUM> that are disposed on the right side in <FIG> form a set of reels. In this set of reels, the first reel <NUM> is disposed closer to the center in the Z direction of the banknote storage device <NUM>, and the second reel <NUM> is disposed outside in the Z direction with respect to the first reel <NUM>. Therefore, the first interval is shorter than the second interval. All of the four reels are arranged within the width of the drum <NUM> in the Z direction.

The first reel <NUM> rotates in the unwinding direction of the first tape <NUM> (clockwise direction in <FIG>) and in the winding direction of the first tape <NUM> (a counterclockwise direction in <FIG>), about the axis (corresponding to a first axis) that extends in the Z direction. The first tape <NUM> is unwound from each of the two first reels <NUM>. Likewise, the second reel <NUM> rotates in the unwinding direction of the second tape <NUM> (clockwise direction in <FIG>) and in the winding direction of the second tape <NUM> (a counterclockwise direction in <FIG>), about the axis (corresponding to a second axis) that extends in the Z direction. The second tape <NUM> is unwound from each of the two second reels <NUM>. The second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> is displaced in the Z direction with respect to the first tape <NUM>.

The two first reels <NUM> and the two second reels <NUM> are supported on one shaft <NUM> extending in the Z direction, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. An electric motor <NUM> for rotating the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> is connected to the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> constitutes the axes of the two first reels <NUM> and the axes of the two second reels <NUM>. That is, the axes of the two first reels <NUM> and the axes of the two second reels <NUM> are the same axis.

A torque limiter <NUM> is attached to each of the two first reels <NUM>. The torque limiters <NUM> adjust the tension of the first tapes <NUM>. A torque limiter <NUM> is attached to each of the two second reels <NUM>, as well. The torque limiters <NUM> adjust the tension of the second tapes <NUM>.

The axes of the four reels are not necessarily configured as one shaft. For example, the axis of the set of reels consisting of one first reel <NUM> and one second reel <NUM> on the left side in <FIG> may be configured as one shaft, and the axis of the other set of reels consisting of one first reel <NUM> and one second reel <NUM> on the right side in <FIG> may be configured as another shaft. Alternatively, the axes of the two first reels <NUM> positioned closer to the center in the Z direction may be configured as one shaft, and the axes of the second reels <NUM> disposed outside in the Z direction with respect to the first reels <NUM> may be configured independently as different shafts. Moreover, the axes of the four reels may be configured as independent shafts.

The transport guide <NUM> consists of a fixed guide <NUM> and a movable guide <NUM>. The fixed guide <NUM> is connected to the outlet/inlet <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 connected to the fixed guide <NUM>. The movable guide <NUM> corresponds to the portion surrounded by the dashed line in <FIG>. The movable guide <NUM> is configured to turn on a rotary shaft <NUM> of a roller, which will be described later (see the doubleheaded arrow on the left side in <FIG>). The movable guide <NUM> is biased in the clockwise direction in <FIG> by a biasing member (e.g., a spring) (not shown). The movable guide <NUM> turns in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction, in accordance with the size of the diameter of the drum <NUM> that will be described later. 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 wrapped 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 the rollers 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 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 the pulley pair <NUM>, which will be described later.

A communication portion <NUM> communicating the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is provided at an intermediate portion of the movable guide <NUM>. The movable pulley <NUM> is disposed in the communication portion <NUM>. The movable pulley <NUM>, along with the movable guide <NUM>, turns on the rotary shaft <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 oppose each other. The second pulley <NUM> guides the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> toward the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>. The first pulley <NUM> and the second pulley <NUM> apply the transporting force to the banknote sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM>.

The first tape <NUM> extends to the first pulley <NUM> via the movable pulley <NUM>. Between the movable pulley <NUM> and the first pulley <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> runs along the transport path of the banknote <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>. Note that the guide pulleys may include two guide pulleys, or may include four pulleys or more.

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the first guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the second region <NUM> in an area farthest from the outlet/inlet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first guide pulley <NUM> is positioned in the same or roughly the same location as the second reel <NUM>, with respect to the Z direction. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> is inclined with respect to the axes of the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> The first guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM>, which is unwound from the second reel <NUM> straight in the X direction, from the X direction to the Y direction (specifically, to a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction).

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the second guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the first region <NUM> in an area farthest from the outlet/inlet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second guide pulley <NUM> is positioned in the same or roughly the same location as the first reel <NUM>, with respect to the Z direction. An axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is inclined with respect to the axes of the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM>. The second guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM> from the Y direction (specifically, a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction) to approximately the X direction.

As described above, the axes of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> are inclined with respect to the axes of the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM>.

Specifically, the axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> is orthogonal to the X direction and is not orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction. The axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> is inclined such that its outer side in the Z direction is positioned higher than its center side in the Z direction. Consequently, the axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> disposed on the left side in <FIG> is inclined so as to descend to the right side, and the axis of the first guide pulley <NUM> disposed on the right side in <FIG> is inclined so as to ascend to the right side.

The axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is parallel to the axis of the first guide pulley <NUM>. Thus, the axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is orthogonal to the X direction and is not orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction. Further, the axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> is inclined such that its outer side in the Z direction is positioned higher than its center side in the Z direction. The axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> disposed on the left side in <FIG> is inclined so as to descend to the right side, and the axis of the second guide pulley <NUM> disposed on the right side in <FIG> is inclined in so as to ascend to the right side.

The second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> is wound on the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>. Hence, its position in the Z direction changes from the position of the second reel <NUM> to the position of the first reel <NUM> (see the arrows in <FIG>). Further, the second tape <NUM> unwound from the drum <NUM> is wound on the second guide pulley <NUM> and the first guide pulley <NUM>. Hence, its position in the Z direction changes from the position of the first reel <NUM> to the position of the second reel <NUM>, opposite to the above. The first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> are disposed in parallel to each other in the second tape path <NUM> and comprise a changing mechanism for changing the position of the second tape <NUM> in the direction parallel to the axis of the drum <NUM>. Between the second reel <NUM> and the first guide pulley <NUM>, the running direction of the second tape <NUM> is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM>. Between the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>, the running direction of the second tape <NUM> is inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM>. The inclination direction is a direction in which the tape path of the second tape <NUM> approaches the tape path of the first tape <NUM>.

Since the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> are disposed in parallel to each other, the tensile force acting on the right and left end portions in the width direction of the second tape <NUM> may be balanced. Such a configuration allows stable running of the second tape <NUM> in changing, by the changing mechanism, the position of the second tape <NUM> in the Z direction.

The first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> are crowned pulleys. That means, the surfaces of each of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> which are in contact with the second tape <NUM> have a crowned shape where a center portion is bulged with respect to both ends of the pulley in its width direction. The crowned pulley has a function of moving the running position of the tape toward the center side. Although 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, it is possible to make the tape run stably by moving the running position of the tap toward the center side in each of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>. Note that the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> may be crowned pulleys with flanges.

In the example configuration shown in <FIG>, the third guide pulley <NUM> is disposed in the upper portion of the first region <NUM>, close to a central position in the X direction. As shown in <FIG>, the third guide pulley <NUM> is positioned in the same or roughly the same location as the first reel <NUM>, with respect to the Z direction. Therefore, the second tape <NUM> wound on the third guide pulley <NUM> is located at the same position as the first tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The third guide pulley <NUM> changes the running direction of the second tape <NUM> from the X direction to the Y direction. Note that, for the sake of illustration, the second tape <NUM> after being wound on the third guide pulley <NUM> is not illustrated in <FIG>. The third guide pulley <NUM> is configured as, for example, a flat pulley having a pulley surface with flanges. The third guide pulley <NUM> may be a crowned pulley like the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM>. Between the second guide pulley <NUM> and the third guide pulley <NUM>, the running direction of the second tape <NUM> is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM>.

After being wound on the third guide pulley <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> extends to the second pulley <NUM>. At this position of the second pulley <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is located at the same position as the first tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The second pulley <NUM> guides the second tape <NUM> toward the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> such that the second tape <NUM> overlaps with the first tape <NUM>.

A pressing roller <NUM> is attached to a distal end portion of the movable guide <NUM>. The movable guide <NUM> constitutes a roller support supporting the pressing roller <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> abuts on the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> which are wound around the drum <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> presses the first tape <NUM> and the second 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 (i.e., corresponding to the third axis) extending in the Z direction. The axis of the drum <NUM> is parallel to the axes of the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM>. The drum <NUM> rotates in the winding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes, and in a feeding direction of the banknote <NUM> and the tapes. In <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> and <FIG>, an electric motor <NUM> for rotating the drum <NUM> is connected to the drum <NUM>.

The banknote <NUM> is sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> at the position of the pulley pair <NUM>. At this time, portions of the banknote <NUM> adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the banknote <NUM> are each sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM>. After passing through the pulley pair <NUM>, the banknote <NUM> sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM> together with the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM>. Although not shown, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> are layered on each other on the outer peripheral surface of the drum <NUM>.

In the banknote storage device <NUM>, the banknote <NUM>, the first tape <NUM>, and the second tape <NUM> are wound around the drum <NUM>, with the banknote <NUM> sandwiched between the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> that are layered on each other. The banknote storage device <NUM> can therefore achieve stable winding of the banknote <NUM> on the drum <NUM>. Further, the storing mechanism <NUM> of this configuration has two sets of tapes, each set comprised of one first tape <NUM> and one second tape <NUM>. The two sets of tapes are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM> and intersecting with the center of the drum <NUM>. The first tapes <NUM> and the second tapes <NUM> of the respective set of tapes sandwich the portions of the banknote <NUM> which are adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the banknote <NUM>. In this way, the banknote <NUM> may be stably wound on the drum <NUM>.

In a conventional banknote storage device, the first reel and the second reel have been disposed at the same positions in the Z direction so as to layer the first tape and the second tape on each other. Thus, as indicated by a dot-dash line in <FIG>, the first reel and the second reel needed to be displaced in the X and Y directions so as not to interfere with each other. Further, the widths of the first reel and the second reel in the axial direction are smaller than the width of the drum in the axial direction. Thus, the space adjacent to each of the first reel and the second reel in the axial direction is left unused and wasted. Further, the diameters of the first reel and the second reel increase when tapes are wound around the reels. To prevent the first reel and the second reel from interfering with each other, in the conventional banknote storage device, there needed a great interval between the first reel and the second reel in the radial direction. As a result, it has been difficult to downsize the conventional banknote storage device.

As a countermeasure, in the banknote storage device <NUM> disclosed herein, the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> are disposed coaxially, as described above. That is, the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction and disposed in the same position in the X direction and the Y direction. For this reason, in the banknote storage device <NUM>, it is possible to save the space where the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> are disposed, and as indicated by the up-pointing arrows in <FIG>, to downsize the banknote storage device <NUM> as compared to the conventional banknote storage device.

Further, although the four reels are aligned in the Z direction, the width of the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> is smaller than the width of the drum <NUM>. Thus, all of the four reels, even if aligned in the Z direction, can be arranged within the width of the drum <NUM> in the Z direction (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Consequently, an increase in size of the banknote storage device <NUM> in the Z direction may be avoided.

Since the first reels <NUM> and the second reels <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction, the first tape <NUM> unwound from the first reel <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction. In this situation, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> do not overlap. However, in the banknote storage device <NUM>, the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> serving as the changing mechanism change the position of the second tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The second tape path <NUM> extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM> at least shortly after the tape is unwound from the second reel <NUM> or shortly before the tape is wound on the drum <NUM>. The changing mechanism causes at least a part of the second tape path <NUM> to incline with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM>. A traveling direction of the second tape <NUM> is perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM> at least shortly after the tape is unwound from the second reel <NUM> or shortly before the tape is wound on the drum <NUM>. The changing mechanism causes the traveling direction of the second tape <NUM> to incline with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM>, in at least a part of the section between the drum <NUM> and the second reel <NUM>.

The first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> are layered on each other, thereby making it possible to sandwich therebetween the banknote <NUM> stably. The banknote <NUM> may be stably wound on the drum <NUM>.

To feed the banknote <NUM> wound on the drum <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> are fed from the drum <NUM> and wound around the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM>. At this time, the position of the second tape <NUM> is changed in the Z direction from the position where the second tape <NUM> and the first tape <NUM> are layered on each other, due to passing of the second tape <NUM> through the second guide pulley <NUM> and the first guide pulley <NUM>. The second tape <NUM> is wound around the second reel <NUM> that is displaced in the Z direction with respect to the first reel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second tape path <NUM> is provided so as to surround the periphery of the drum <NUM>. The second tape path <NUM> has a longer path length than the first tape path <NUM>. The changing mechanism inclines the winding direction of the second tape <NUM>, thereby changing the position of the second tape <NUM> in the Z direction. The longer path length allows the second tape <NUM> to change in position significantly in the Z direction even at a small inclination angle of the second tape <NUM>. The second tape <NUM> runs stably if the inclination angle of the second tape <NUM> is small. Thus, the longer second tape path <NUM> allows the second tape <NUM> to change in position in the Z direction while keeping the second tape <NUM> running stably.

Further, providing the second tape path <NUM> so as to surround the periphery of the drum <NUM> can increase the path length of the second tape path <NUM> without an increase in size of the banknote storage device <NUM>.

In the above-described configuration, the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are arranged so as to be coaxial with one another. However, the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> may be not arranged coaxially. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> may be arranged so as to at least partially overlap each other in the reel's radial direction. The banknote storage device <NUM> of this configuration, as well, may be downsized as compared to a conventional banknote storage device (see the up-pointing arrows in <FIG>).

In the above embodiment, the changing mechanism is comprised of the first guide pulley <NUM> and the second guide pulley <NUM> inclined with respect to the axes of the reels and the drum. The changing mechanism is not limited to this configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a second example configuration of the changing mechanism. In <FIG>, the configurations that are the same as those shown in <FIG> are indicated with the same reference characters. The changing mechanism is comprised of crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In the example configuration of <FIG>, the changing mechanism includes a plurality of crowned pulleys, that is, the first crowned pulleys <NUM>, the second crowned pulleys <NUM>, and the third crowned pulleys <NUM>.

Between each of the second reels <NUM> from which the second tapes <NUM> are unwound and the drum <NUM>, the first to third crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction with respect to the second reel <NUM>. Specifically, the first to third crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed in order at predetermined intervals, from each of the second reels <NUM> to the drum <NUM> in the X direction. The first crowned pulley <NUM> is disposed at a position closest to the associated one of the second reels <NUM> in the Z direction. The second crowned pulley <NUM> is disposed at a position farther from the associated one of the second reels <NUM> in the Z direction than the first crowned pulley <NUM>. The third crowned pulley <NUM> is disposed at a position farther from the associated one of the second reels <NUM> in the Z direction than the second crowned pulley <NUM>. The third crowned pulley <NUM> is disposed at a position closest to the associated one of the first reels <NUM> in the Z direction.

As described above, the crowned pulleys have a function of moving the running position of the tape toward the center side in the width direction of the respective pulleys. Each of the crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are displaced in the Z direction brings the running position of the second tape <NUM> to the center side of the pulley. Thus, the running position of the second tape <NUM> gradually changes in the Z direction from the second reel <NUM> to the drum <NUM>. Thus, although the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are displaced in the Z direction, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> can be layered on each other at a location where the banknote <NUM> is sandwiched and held. On the other hand, from the drum <NUM> to the second reel <NUM>, the running position of the second tape <NUM> gradually changes in the Z direction from the location where the second tape <NUM> and the first tape <NUM> are layered on each other. The second tape <NUM> is wound on the second reel <NUM> in this manner. The first to third crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> serve as the changing mechanism that is arranged in the second tape path <NUM> and which changes the position of the second tape <NUM> to a direction parallel to the axis of the drum <NUM>. The running direction of the second tape <NUM> is inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM> at least between adjacent ones of the first to third crowned pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In each of the example configurations described above, the changing mechanism is configured to change, among the first tapes <NUM> and the second tapes <NUM>, the position of the tapes on the outer sides in the Z direction toward the center side in the Z direction. However, the changing mechanism may be configured to change, among the first tapes and the second tapes, the position of the tapes disposed closer to the center side in the Z direction toward the outer sides in the Z direction.

The changing mechanism may also be configured to layer two tapes on each other by changing the position of tape on the outer side in the Z direction toward the center side in the Z direction and changing the position of the tape on the center side in the Z direction to the outer side in the Z direction. That is, the changing mechanism may be configured to layer the two tapes on each other by changing the positions of the respective two tapes.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, in the configuration described above, the plurality of first guide pulleys <NUM> and the plurality of second guide pulleys <NUM> are disposed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum <NUM> and intersecting with the center of the drum <NUM>. In this configuration, the changing mechanism changes the position of each of the two second tapes <NUM> on the outer sides in the Z direction to the center side in the Z direction. However, the first guide pulleys <NUM> and the second guide pulleys <NUM> do not have to be plane-symmetrical. In the sets of tapes, that is, the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM> and the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the left side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>, the changing mechanism may change the positions of the tapes to the same side in the Z direction.

For example, in the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the left side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is disposed on the outer side in the Z direction and the first tape <NUM> is disposed on the center side in the Z direction. The changing mechanism changes the position of the second tape <NUM> from the outer side to the center side in the Z direction. On the other hand, in the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is disposed on the center side in the Z direction and the first tape <NUM> is disposed on the outer side in the Z direction. The changing mechanism changes the position of the second tape <NUM> from the center side to the outer side in the Z direction. Alternatively, in the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the left side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> may be disposed on the center side in the Z direction and the first tape <NUM> may be disposed on the outer side in the Z direction. The changing mechanism changes the position of the second tape <NUM> from the center side to the outer side in the Z direction. On the other hand, in the set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>, the second tape <NUM> is disposed on the outer side in the Z direction and the first tape <NUM> is disposed on the center side in the Z direction. The changing mechanism changes the position of the second tape <NUM> from the outer side to the center side in the Z direction.

Instead of changing the position of the tape in the Z direction such that the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> completely lie on each other, the changing mechanism may change the position of the tape in the Z direction such that the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> at least partially overlap each other.

The banknote may be wound on the drum <NUM> using a single set of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM>. Such a configuration is useful in short edge feed of a banknote. For example, the first tape <NUM> may be disposed on the center of the drum <NUM>, and the second tape <NUM> may be disposed on the right side or the left side of the drum <NUM>. The changing mechanism may change the position of the second tape <NUM> from the outer side to the center side in the Z direction. Alternatively, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> may be disposed respectively on both sides with respect to the center of the drum <NUM>. The changing mechanism may change the position of each of the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> from the outer side to the center side in the Z direction.

Further, the reels may be disposed such that the first tape path <NUM> and the second tape path <NUM> have approximately the same length. In this configuration, the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM> may have the same length. In particular, such a configuration may be implemented if the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are disposed in the first region <NUM> and if the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> are disposed on the opposite side from the outlet/inlet <NUM> with the drum <NUM> interposed therebetween. In such a case, too, the axes of the first reel <NUM> and the second reel <NUM> may be aligned in the same straight line by disposing the changing mechanism in at least one of the first tape path or the second tape path.

<FIG> illustrates another example configuration of a banknote storage device <NUM>. In the banknote storage device <NUM>, the configurations that are the same as those of the banknote storage device <NUM> shown in <FIG> are indicated with the same reference characters. In the banknote storage device <NUM>, the axis of the second reel <NUM> is set in a direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the first reel <NUM>. Since the second reel <NUM> is laid horizontally, the banknote storage device <NUM> may be downsized like the above-described banknote storage device <NUM> (see the up-pointing arrows in <FIG>).

Since the second reel <NUM> is laid horizontally, a twist pulley <NUM> for guiding, through twisting, the second tape <NUM> unwound from the second reel <NUM> is arranged in the second tape path <NUM>.

Further, the banknote storage device <NUM> does not include a changing mechanism changing the position of the tape. For this reason, instead of the first guide pulley <NUM>, the second guide pulley <NUM>, and the third guide pulley <NUM>, a plurality of bypass pulleys <NUM> comprise the second tape path <NUM>. Although not illustrated in detail, the axes of the bypass pulleys <NUM> are arranged parallel to the axis of the first reel <NUM> and the axis of the drum <NUM>. The bypass pulleys <NUM> allow the second tape <NUM> to bypass the drum <NUM>.

Instead of arranging the axis of the second reel <NUM> to be orthogonal to the axis of the first reel <NUM>, the axis of the second reel <NUM> may be inclined at an appropriate angle depending on the shape and size of the vacant space in the banknote storage device <NUM>.

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

Claim 1:
A sheet storage device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first reel (<NUM>) that is disposed along a first axis and around which a first tape (<NUM>) is wound;
a second reel (<NUM>) that is disposed along a second axis and around which a second tape (<NUM>) is wound;
a drum (<NUM>) that is disposed along a third axis so as to wind a sheet (<NUM>), that is sandwiched between the first tape (<NUM>) and the second tape (<NUM>) at least partially overlapping each other, on an outer peripheral surface of the drum (<NUM>) together with the first tape (<NUM>) and the second tape (<NUM>);
a first tape path (<NUM>) between the first reel (<NUM>) and the drum (<NUM>); and
a second tape path (<NUM>) between the second reel (<NUM>) and the drum (<NUM>); wherein
the first reel (<NUM>) and the second reel (<NUM>) are displaced in a direction parallel to the third axis, and
the sheet storage device (<NUM>, <NUM>) further includes a changing mechanism disposed in at least one of the first tape path (<NUM>) or the second tape path (<NUM>), the changing mechanism changing a position of the tape to a direction parallel to the third axis,
characterized in that
the first reel (<NUM>) and the second reel (<NUM>) are disposed in the direction parallel to the third axis so as to be within a width of the drum (<NUM>) in a direction of the third axis.