FIELD
[0001] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a paper sheet feeding apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A paper sheet feeding apparatus is equipped in, e.g., a banknote processing machine
that inspects and sorts paper sheets such as banknotes. The existing paper sheet feeding
apparatus feeds sheets to a pickup unit, which picks up sheets one by one from a batch
of sheets and sends them out downstream at a certain interval, by using two feeding
trays. Before all the sheets stacked on one of the feeding trays that is in charge
of feeding the sheets then (here, the feeding tray in charge will be referred to as
"the upper feeding tray") have been picked up, another batch of sheets is additionally
supplied to the other feeding tray that is positioned below the upper feeding tray
then (here, the other feeding tray will be referred to as "the lower feeding tray"),
and the lower feeding tray is elevated to be on standby directly below the upper feeding
tray.
[0003] Then the upper feeding tray is moved perpendicularly from the vertical direction,
and the remaining sheets stacked on the upper feeding tray are dropped by the force
of gravity onto the additionally supplied batch of sheets on the lower feeding tray.
By doing so, the batch of sheets on the lower feeding tray and the remaining sheets
stacked on the upper feeding tray integrate as one batch of sheets. Then the lower
feeding tray takes over the feeding of the sheets to the pickup unit.
[0004] In the vicinity of an area below the pickup unit, an air blow unit that blows air
towards the side of the upper part of the batch of sheets is equipped. The pickup
unit sucks and picks up the sheets one by one from the cluster of sheets in the upper
part of the batch of sheets loosened by the blowing of the air.
[0005] However, there is a gap between the top part of the dropped stacked sheets and the
pickup unit when the remaining sheets stacked on the upper feeding tray are dropped
onto the batch of sheets on the lower feeding tray. When the gap is too large, the
air blows through, above the top part of the dropped stacked sheets. In such state,
the sheets cannot be properly picked up by the pickup unit. When the lower feeding
tray, now with the integrated batch of sheets, is elevated to fill the gap, the uppermost
sheet would be blown away by the blowing air.
[0006] When the air blow is stopped to avoid such state, a certain amount of time would
be required to start the next cycle of the pickup operation. As a result, the feeding
by the paper sheet feeding apparatus would be paused, and thus the throughput of the
paper sheet feeding apparatus decreases.
[0007] JP 2001-163457A (TOSHIBA CORP) 19 June 2001 (2001-06-19) discloses a paper sheet supply device that
includes a first tray, a second tray and an air blower according to the preamble of
claim 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
- FIG. 1
- is a perspective view showing a paper sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment;
- FIGS. 2A and 2B
- are a schematic top view and a schematic front view showing the paper sheet feeding
apparatus according to the embodiment;
- FIG. 3
- is a schematic top view showing a meshing structure of feeding trays according to
the embodiment;
- FIG. 4
- is a block diagram schematically showing the paper sheet feeding apparatus according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 5
- is a schematic front view for explaining an additional supply operation according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 6
- is a schematic front view for explaining the additional supply operation according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 7
- is a schematic front view for explaining the additional supply operation according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 8
- is a schematic front view for explaining the additional supply operation according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 9
- is a schematic front view for explaining a takeover operation according to the embodiment;
- FIG. 10
- is a schematic front view for explaining the takeover operation according to an embodiment;
- FIG. 11
- is a schematic front view for explaining the takeover operation according to the embodiment;
- FIGS. 12A and 12B
- are schematic front views for explaining a relationship between a sparseness value
of sheets and a position of the feeding tray according to the embodiment;
- FIG. 13
- is a flowchart showing the whole operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 14
- is a flowchart showing an initial setup operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus
according to the embodiment;
- FIG. 15
- is a flowchart showing a feed operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus according
to the embodiment;
- FIG. 16
- is a flowchart showing the additional supply operation of the paper sheet feeding
apparatus according to the embodiment;
- FIG. 17
- is a flowchart showing the takeover operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus
according to the embodiment;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] A paper sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first feeding
tray 210, a pickup unit 150, a second feeding tray 310, an air blow unit 130, a status
sensor 140, and a controller 100. The first feeding tray 210 is configured to support
and feed a batch of sheets, and arranged to be movable in a vertical direction and
in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pickup unit 150 is configured
to pick up sheets, and arranged above the first feeding tray 210. The second feeding
tray 310 is configured to support and feed a batch of sheets, and arranged below the
first feeding tray 210 to be movable in a vertical direction. The air blow unit 130
is configured to blow air towards an upper part of the batch of sheets on the first
feeding tray 210 or the second feeding tray 310 from a side of the upper part of the
batch of sheets. The status sensor 140 is configured to detect a sparseness value
of the upper part of the batch of sheets loosened by the air blow unit 130 by detecting
at least two different values including an upper limit sparseness value suitable for
picking up sheet, indicating high density, and a lower limit sparseness value suitable
for picking up sheet, indicating low density. The controller 100 is configured to
make the batch of sheets on the first feeding tray 210 to fall on top of the batch
of sheets on the second feeding tray 310 when switching the feeding tray in charge
of feeding the sheets from the first feeding tray 210 to the second feeding tray 310,
by moving the first feeding tray 210 perpendicularly from the vertical direction after
making the first feeding tray 210 ascend until the status sensor 140 detects the upper
limit sparseness value.
[0010] Hereinafter, a paper sheet feeding apparatus of an embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0011] First, the setup of the paper sheet feeding apparatus of the embodiment will be described
in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the paper sheet feeding apparatus
according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are a schematic top view and a schematic
front view showing the paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment.
Note that in FIGS. 2A and 2B, only a first feeding tray 210 is shown and a second
feeding tray 310 is omitted.
[0012] According to the embodiment, the paper sheet feeding apparatus has a first feeding
tray 210 which supports a first batch of sheets 120, comprised of stacked sheets.
The first feeding tray 210 is installed against a base 160 of the paper sheet feeding
apparatus body, in a way so that it is movable in a vertical direction. The first
feeding apparatus is also movable perpendicularly from the vertical direction.
[0013] The first feeding tray 210 has a first sheet sensor 290, which detects whether or
not a sheet exists on the first feeding tray 210. The first feeding tray 210 also
has a first proximity sensor 170 on its underside, which detects whether or not a
second batch of sheets 220 (later to be described) placed on a second feeding tray
310 (later to be described) has approached the first feeding tray 210 by a certain
distance.
[0014] Above the first feeding tray 210, there is a pickup unit 150, which picks up sheets
one by one from the top of the first batch of sheets 120 fed by the first feeding
tray 210, and sends them to a conveyance path. The pickup unit 150 uses negative pressure
to pick up sheets by sucking the sheet lying on the uppermost surface of the first
batch of sheets 120. Then the pickup unit 150 moves leftwards in FIG. 1 and hands
out the sheet that it picked up to the conveyance path. Note that the pickup unit
150 may be embodied in other forms, e.g., a rotating suction pickup system.
[0015] In the vicinity of an area below the pickup unit 150 on the opposite side to the
base 160, that is, in the direction coming out of the page in FIG. 1, there is an
air blow unit 130. The air blow unit 130 loosens the cluster of sheets in the upper
part of the first batch of sheets 120 by blowing air towards it from its side. The
things written in this paragraph apply for the later described second batch of sheets
220 as well.
[0016] Opposite to the air blow unit 130, that is, on the side where the base 160 is, there
is a status sensor 140. The status sensor 140 detects whether or not the upper part
of the first batch of sheets 120 is at a dense state or at a sparse state.
[0017] The status sensor 140 is, e.g., a reflection-type optical sensor. A reflection-type
optical sensor reflects more light when the cluster of sheets is at a dense state,
and it reflects less light when the cluster of sheets is at a sparse state. The status
sensor 140 outputs the value of the measured amount of the reflection light. Thus,
the output value and the sparseness of the sheets are in an almost linear correlation.
[0018] Below the first feeding tray 210, a second feeding tray 310 which supports a second
batch of sheets 220 is installed against the base 160 in a way so that it is movable
in a vertical direction. The second feeding tray 310 has a second sheet sensor 390,
which detects whether or not a sheet exists on the second feeding tray 310. The second
feeding tray 310 also has a second proximity sensor 270 on its side, which detects
whether or not the first feeding tray 210 is at a common plane as the second feeding
tray 310.
[0019] On the base 160, there is a limit sensor 180 which detects an elevation limit, which
is the highest position that the first feeding tray 210 can ascend to. When there
is no more sheet to be additionally supplied, the first feeding tray 210 ascends until
the limit sensor 180 detects the first feeding tray 210 to have reached the elevation
limit. After the first feeding tray 210 reaches the elevation limit, the first feeding
tray 210 stops ascending, and the first feeding tray 210 continues feeding. When all
the remaining sheets on the first feeding tray 210 have been picked up by the pickup
unit 150, the first sheet sensor 290 turns 'On', meaning that it detects no existence
of sheets left. The things written here in this paragraph apply for the second feeding
tray 310 as well.
[0020] The first sheet sensor 290 and the second sheet sensor 390 are, e.g., a pair of transmission-type
optical sensor. A light projecting LED and a light receiving sensor are placed facing
each other with the batch of sheets on the feeding tray in between. When there are
sheets on the feeding tray, the projected light would be blocked and thus the sheet
sensor would be in an 'Off' state.
[0021] Here, a meshing structure of the feeding trays according to the embodiment will be
described in detail. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing the meshing structure
of the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 according to the embodiment.
[0022] The first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 configure a meshing structure.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first feeding tray 210 is shaped like the alphabet 'E'. The
second feeding tray 310 is placed closer to the base 160 than the first feeding tray
210, and it has protruding parts where the first feeding tray 210 has recessed parts,
and recessed parts where the first feeding tray 210 has protruding parts. Namely,
the recessed parts of the first feeding tray 210 and the protruding parts of the second
feeding tray 310 mesh, and vice versa for the protruding parts of the first feeding
tray 210 and the recessed parts of the second feeding tray 310.
[0023] The first feeding tray 210 is movable vertically (to the directions coming in and
out of the page in FIG. 3) against the base 160, and movable perpendicularly away
from the base 160 (to the direction the arrow is pointing at in FIG. 3). The second
feeding tray 310, on the other hand, is movable only vertically against the base 160.
[0024] The moving away of the first feeding tray 210 from the base 160 is conducted in order
to get out of the way of the vertical moving range of the second feeding tray 310.
Once the first feeding tray 210 is moved perpendicularly from the vertical direction,
the first feeding tray 210 can descend and then move back to a position below the
second feeding tray 310.
[0025] As the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 configure a meshing
structure, when there is no sheet placed on the first feeding tray 210, the empty
first feeding tray 210 can take over the second batch of sheets 220 on the second
feeding tray 310 from below. Once the first feeding tray 210 becomes flush with the
second feeding tray 310, the first feeding tray 210, instead of the second feeding
tray 310, supports the second batch of sheets 220 and then continues to ascend to
support the second batch of sheets 220. This will be described later as a takeover
operation.
[0026] Next, a block diagram schematically showing the paper sheet feeding apparatus according
to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically
showing the paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the outputs of the status sensor 140, the first proximity sensor
170, the second proximity sensor 270, the first sheet sensor 290, the second sheet
sensor 390, the limit sensor 180, and a start button 110 are input to a controller
100. The start button 110 is a button pressed when placing the second batch of sheets
220 onto the second feeding tray 310 to start the later described additional supply
operation.
[0028] The air blow unit 130, a first drive motor 211 for driving the first feeding tray
210, an actuator 212 for moving the first feeding tray 210, and a second drive motor
311 for driving the second feeding tray 310 are connected to the controller 100. The
controller 100 drives the air blow unit 130, the first drive motor 211, the actuator
212, and the second drive motor 311, based on the above-mentioned inputs.
[0029] Next, the basic operations of the paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the
embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 are schematic front views
for explaining an additional supply operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 9
to FIG. 11 are schematic front views for explaining a takeover operation according
to the embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a state where the pickup unit 150 is picking up sheets from the first
batch of sheets 120 on the first feeding tray 210. While the paper sheet feeding apparatus
is at this state, an operator places the second batch of sheets 220 on the second
feeding tray 310 so that the second batch of sheets 220 can be picked up next. Once
the operator places the second batch of sheets 220, he or she presses the start button
110. When the start button 110 is pressed, the controller 100 issues an instruction
to elevate the second feeding tray 310. The second feeding tray 310 then ascends until
the top surface of the second batch of sheets 220 is detected by the first proximity
sensor 170.
[0031] When the proximity of the second batch of sheets 220 is detected, the second feeding
tray 310 synchronizes with the ascending speed of the first feeding tray 210 (as shown
in FIG. 6). The two feeding trays continue to ascend until the later described upper
limit sparseness value P1 is detected by the status sensor 140. Then, the first feeding
tray 210 moves away (away from the base, towards the direction coming out of the pages
in FIG. 5 through FIG. 11). At the same time, the second feeding tray 310 is removed
of the synchronization with the first feeding tray 210, and continues to ascend independently.
In the meantime, the first batch of sheets 120 on the first feeding tray 210 falls
on to the second batch of sheets 220 on the second feeding tray 310 (as shown in FIG.
7).
[0032] Due to this fall, the second feeding tray 310 then supports both the second batch
of sheets 220 and the first batch of sheets 120 that had just been transferred. FIG.
8 shows a state where the pickup unit 150 is picking up sheets one by one from the
now integrated batch of sheets. While the paper sheet feeding apparatus is at this
state, the first feeding tray 210 descends vertically from the moved away position
until it reaches a height lower than the second feeding tray 310. Then, the first
feeding tray 210 moves back to its original vertical moving range and positions below
the second feeding tray 310 (as shown in FIG. 8).
[0033] Then, the first feeding tray 210 starts to ascend in order to take over feeding by
the second feeding tray 310 (as shown in FIG. 9). The first feeding tray 210 ascends
until the second proximity sensor 270 detects that the first feeding tray 210 and
the second feeding tray 310 have become flush (as shown in FIG. 10). The second feeding
tray 310 then descends, and with this, the integrated batch of sheets is transferred
to the first feeding tray 210 (as shown in FIG. 11). The second feeding tray 310 descends
to the lowest position, and the operator supplies the next batch of sheets onto the
second feeding tray 310 to prepare for the next cycle of feeding.
[0034] As described above, while the first batch of sheets 120 is being picked up by the
pickup unit 150 from the first feeding tray 210, the next batch of sheets to be fed
are supplied onto the second feeding tray 310, and then the first batch of sheets
120 fed by the first feeding tray 210 would be transferred to the second feeding tray
310. This series of actions is hereinafter called the additional supply operation.
[0035] Also, while the integrated first batch of sheets 120 and second batch of sheets 220
are being picked up by the pickup unit 150 from the second feeding tray 310, the integrated
batch of sheets fed by the second feeding tray 310 would be transferred to the empty
first feeding tray 210. This series of actions is hereinafter called the takeover
operation.
[0036] The paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment successively feeds
sheets to the pickup unit 150, by repeating these operations.
[0037] Here, a relationship between the sparseness value of sheets and the position of the
feeding tray in charge of feeding according to the embodiment will be described in
detail. As an example, the state where the first feeding tray 210 is feeding the first
batch of sheets 120 will be described. FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic front views
for explaining the relationship between the sparseness value of sheets and the position
of the feeding tray according to the embodiment.
[0038] As the first feeding tray 210 elevates and the first batch of sheets 120 gets close
to the pickup unit 150, the cluster of sheets in the upper part of the first batch
of sheets 120 loosens by the air blow unit 130. In the meantime, the status sensor
140 detects the sparseness value of the cluster of sheets in the upper part of the
first batch of sheets 120.
[0039] Of the sparseness values detected by the status sensor 140, the sparseness value
which indicates the densest state possible in which sheets can be loosened by the
air blow, is hereinafter called the upper limit sparseness value P1. FIG. 12A shows
the state in which the status sensor 140 is detecting the upper limit sparseness value
P1. This state means that if the cluster of sheets has higher denseness than it currently
is, then the sheets would not be able to be loosened properly and thus be liable to
a picking up of two or more sheets at once.
[0040] The sparseness value which indicates the sparsest state possible in which sheets
can be loosened by the air blow is hereinafter called the lower limit sparseness value
P2. FIG. 12B shows the state in which the status sensor 140 is detecting the lower
limit sparseness value P2. This state means that if the sheets have lower denseness
than it currently is, then the sheets would not be able to be sucked properly by the
pickup unit 150 and thus be liable to a malfunction of the picking up of sheets.
[0041] The distance between the position of the top surface of the first feeding tray 210
when the upper limit sparseness value P1 is detected and the position of the top surface
of the first feeding tray 210 when the lower limit sparseness value P2 is detected
is hereinafter called distance d. Distance d is a distance corresponding to the range
from the lower limit sparseness value P2 to the upper limit sparseness value P1. In
other words, if the first feeding tray 210 elevates by distance d from the position
where the detected sparseness value is the lower limit sparseness value P2, indicating
that the upper part of the first batch of sheets 120 is at its lowest denseness possible,
the upper part of the first batch of sheets 120 then turns into its highest denseness
possible, detecting the upper limit sparseness value P1.
[0042] As the first feeding tray 210 elevates, the distance between the first feeding tray
210 and the pickup unit 150 narrows, and the upper part of the first batch of sheets
120 gradually becomes denser. When the sparseness value reaches the upper limit sparseness
value P1, the controller 100 stops the first feeding tray 210. Then, while the first
feeding tray 210 is staying where it is, the pickup unit 150 continues picking up
sheets and thus the upper part of the first batch of sheets 120 gradually becomes
sparser. When the sparseness value reaches the lower limit sparseness value P2, the
controller 100 elevates the first feeding tray 210 again.
[0043] The things written here in the above paragraphs apply for the second feeding tray
310 as well.
[0044] As described, the feeding tray that is in charge of feeding would be controlled so
that the sparseness of the upper part of the batch of sheets would always stay within
the range between the upper limit sparseness value P1 and the lower limit sparseness
value P2. Namely, if the lower limit sparseness value P2 is detected, the feeding
tray would be elevated, and if the upper limit sparseness value P1 is detected, the
feeding tray would be stopped from ascending. These are the basic operations conducted.
[0045] Next, the relationship between the control of the sparseness value and the positions
of the feeding trays during the additional supply operation according to the embodiment
will be described in detail, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8.
[0046] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance from the uppermost surface of the second
batch of sheets 220 to the bottommost surface of the first batch of sheets 120 when
the top surface of second batch of sheets 220 have neared the first proximity sensor
170 by a certain distance, is hereinafter called distance D0. While the movements
of the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 are synchronized, the
distance D0 is maintained.
[0047] The time counting from when the first feeding tray 210 is moved perpendicularly from
the vertical direction until when the first batch of sheets 120 and the second batch
of sheets 220 integrate, is hereinafter called the integrating time. This is the time
it takes to change from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG. 8. The
integrating time can be calculated from the falling speed of the first batch of sheets
120 and the ascending speed of the second feeding tray 310.
[0048] The second feeding tray 310 ascends by a distance of distance D1 during the integrating
time. The thickness of the total amount of sheets that would be picked up by the pickup
unit 150 within the period from when the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding
tray 310 synchronize at distance D0 until when the first batch of sheets 120 and the
second batch of sheets 220 integrate, is hereinafter called distance D2.
[0049] Here, the distance that the uppermost surface of the first batch of sheets 120 descends
during the moving away of the first feeding tray 210, is hereinafter called margin
D. As shown in FIG. 8, this margin D satisfies the following equation: D = D0 + D2
- D1.
[0050] If margin D is less than distance d, which corresponds to the range of the suitable
sparseness value of the sheets, the sheets can be maintained to be properly picked
up, while the first feeding tray 210 moves away and the feeding is taken over by the
second feeding tray 310. Thus, the feeding of the sheets would not be interrupted
during the additional supply operation.
[0051] While the first feeding tray 210 moves away and the second feeding tray 310 takes
over the feeding, the sparseness of the cluster of sheets in the upper part of the
first batch of sheets 120 are controlled to stay within the suitable range by satisfying
the following equation: D < d.
[0052] Note that distance D0 is a distance determined by the thicknesses of the first feeding
tray 210 and the first proximity sensor 170. Distance D1 is determined by the speed
of the first feeding tray 210 moving away and the ascending speed of the second feeding
tray 310. Distance D2 is determined by the speed of the first feeding tray 210 moving
away, the ascending speed of the second feeding tray 310, and the picking up speed
of the pickup unit 150.
[0053] Next, the whole operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment
will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the whole operation of
the paper sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0054] The operator first places the first batch of sheets 120 on the first feeding tray
210 so that they can be fed to the pickup unit 150 (Step 1). This preparation is hereinafter
called the initial setup operation. Then, the first feeding tray 210 feeds sheets
from the first batch of sheets 120 while maintaining the sparseness within the suitable
range (Step 2). This operation is hereinafter called the feed operation.
[0055] Then, as the sheets are fed and the amount of the first batch of sheets 120 decreases,
the operator supplies additional sheets by placing the second batch of sheets 220
on the second feeding tray 310 (Step 3). This operation is hereinafter called the
additional supply operation. After this operation is conducted, the feeding tray in
charge of feeding the sheets is switched from the first feeding tray 210 to the second
feeding tray 310. Then, in the same manner as Step 2, the second feeding tray 310
feeds sheets from the integrated first batch of sheets 120 and second batch of sheets
220 while maintaining the sparseness within the suitable range (Step 4).
[0056] Next, the empty first feeding tray 210 ascends until it becomes flush with the second
feeding tray 310. By doing so, the first feeding tray 210 takes charge of supporting
the stacked sheets remaining on the second feeding tray 310 (Step 5). This operation
is hereinafter called the takeover operation. Then, the state of the paper sheet feeding
apparatus is back to that of Step 2, and from here onward, the operations Step 2 ∼Step
5 are repeated.
[0057] Note that the placement of the batch of sheets by the operator can also be done by
other automated machines.
[0058] Next, the initial operation (Step 1) shown in FIG. 13 will be described in detail.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the initial setup operation of the paper sheet feeding
apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0059] First, the controller 100 elevates the first feeding tray 210 when the first batch
of sheets 120 is placed on it (Step 101). Then, when the sparseness value detected
by the status sensor 140 reaches an initial sparseness value P0 (Step 102), the controller
100 stops the first feeding tray 210 (Step 103). Then, the controller 100 enables
the air blow unit 130 and loosens the cluster of sheets by blowing air towards the
upper part of the first batch of sheets 120 from the side of the upper part of the
first batch of sheets 120 (Step 104). The controller 100 also enables the pickup unit
150 and makes it pick up sheets one by one from the uppermost sheet on the first batch
of sheets 120
[0060] (Step 105). Note that the detected sparseness value P0 is a value that is set so
that the sparseness of the upper part of the first batch of sheets 120 reaches the
upper limit sparseness value P1 when the air blow starts to loosen the sheets.
[0061] Next, the feed operation (Step 2) shown in FIG. 13 will be described in detail. FIG.
15 is a flowchart showing the feed operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus
according to the embodiment.
[0062] Once the picking up starts at Step 105 in FIG. 14, the status sensor 140 detects
whether or not the detected sparseness value has reached the lower limit sparseness
value P2 (Step 201). While the detected sparseness value has not reached the lower
limit sparseness value P2 ('No' in Step 201), the controller 100 lets the picking
up continue without having the first feeding tray 210 elevated. Once the detected
sparseness value reaches the lower limit sparseness value P2 ('Yes' in Step 201),
the controller 100 elevates the first feeding tray 210 (Step 202).
[0063] Once the first feeding tray 210 starts ascending, the limit sensor 180 detects whether
or not the first feeding tray 210 has reached the elevation limit (Step 203). While
the first feeding tray 210 has not reached the elevation limit ('No' in Step 203),
the status sensor 140 detects whether or not the detected sparseness value reaches
the upper limit sparseness value P1 (Step 204). Once the detected sparseness value
reaches the upper limit sparseness value P1 ('Yes' in Step 204), the controller 100
stops the first feeding tray 210 (Step 205). Then, the state goes back to Step 201,
and the operations (Step 201 ∼) are repeated.
[0064] On the other hand, if the first feeding tray 210 has reached the elevation limit
('Yes' in Step 203), the controller 100 stops the ascending of the first feeding tray
210 (Step 206). The first feeding tray 210 reaching the elevation limit means that
there are no more sheets additionally supplied and thus it is time to have all the
remaining sheets on first feeding tray 210 to be picked up.
[0065] Then, the picking up continues until it is detected by the first sheet sensor 290
that there are no more sheets left on the first feeding tray 210 (Step 207). Once
there are no more sheets left on the first feeding tray 210 (Step 207), the pickup
unit 150 ends its operation (Step 208).
[0066] According to these steps, the picking up continues successively during the feed operation,
having the sparseness value maintained within the range of the upper limit sparseness
value P1 and the lower limit sparseness value P2.
[0067] Next, the additional supply operation (Step 3) shown in FIG. 13 will be described
in detail. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the additional supply operation of the paper
sheet feeding apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0068] The controller 100 elevates the second feeding tray 310 when the second batch of
sheets 220 is placed on the second feeding tray 310 by the operator and the start
button 110 is pressed (Step 301). Then the second feeding tray 310 ascends until the
first proximity sensor 170, installed on the underside of the first feeding tray 210,
detects the approach of the second feeding tray 310 (Step 302). Once the second feeding
tray 310 approaches the first proximity sensor 170 by a certain distance ('Yes' in
Step 302), the controller 100 synchronizes the ascending speed of the first feeding
tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 (Step 303).
[0069] When the detected sparseness value reaches the upper limit sparseness value P1 while
the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding tray 310 are ascending ('Yes' in
Step 304), the controller 100 stops the first feeding tray 210 and the second feeding
tray 310 simultaneously (Step 305).
[0070] Then, the controller 100 moves away the first feeding tray 210 from its vertical
moving range (to the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3), and then makes it position
below the second feeding tray 310 (Step 306). As a result, the feeding tray in charge
of feeding switches from the first feeding tray 210 to the second feeding tray 310
(Step 307). Until the integrating time passes (Step 308), the controller 100 elevates
the second feeding tray 310 (Step 309).
[0071] After the integrating time passes, namely, when the first batch of sheets 120 and
the second batch of sheets 220 have integrated (Step 308), the controller 100 stops
the second feeding tray 310 from ascending (Step 310). Then, the procedure continues
on to the supply operation (Step 4), described in FIG. 13.
[0072] The details of the supply operation (Step 4) described in FIG. 13 are the same as
the supply operation (Step 2) described in FIG. 15; aside from replacing all first
feeding trays 210 into second feeding trays 310, so the details will be omitted.
[0073] Lastly, the takeover operation (Step 4) shown in FIG. 13 will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the takeover operation of the paper sheet feeding apparatus
according to the embodiment.
[0074] The controller 100 elevates the empty first feeding tray 210 while feeding the sheets
from the second batch of sheets 220 on the second feeding tray 310 (Step 501). Once
the second proximity sensor 270 detects that the first feeding tray 210 has become
flush with the second feeding tray 310 ('Yes' in Step 502), the controller 100 stops
the first feeding tray 210 and descends the second feeding tray 310 (Step 503). As
a result, the feeding tray in charge of feeding switches from the second feeding tray
310 to the first feeding tray 210 (Step 504). Then again, the procedure continues
on to the feed operation (Step 2) described in the FIG. 13.
[0075] These were the detailed explanations of the paper sheet feeding apparatus according
to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, using FIG. 14 to FIG. 17.
[0076] By controlling the position of the feeding tray as described, the sparseness of the
sheets are maintained within the suitable range at all times, including the feeding
of the sheets, the additional supplying of the sheets, and the taking over of the
feeding tray. Due to this, a successive feeding of the sheets by the paper sheet feeding
apparatus is realized.
[0077] Note that the 'sheets' according to the embodiment include media made of paper or
resin, e.g., banknotes, stocks, postal matters, magnetic cards, and the like.
[0078] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented
by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.
1. Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung, welche aufweist:
eine erste Zufuhrablage (210), welche eingerichtet ist, einen Blätterstapel (120)
zu tragen und zuzuführen, wobei die erste Zufuhrablage (210), in einer vertikalen
Richtung beweglich ist,
eine zweite Zufuhrablage (310), welche eingerichtet ist, einen Blätterstapel (220)
zu tragen und zuzuführen, wobei die zweite Zufuhrablage (310) in einer vertikalen
Richtung beweglich ist,
eine Aufnahmeeinheit (150), welche eingerichtet ist, Blätter aufzunehmen und welche
über der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) oder der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310), die die Zufuhr
vornimmt, angeordnet ist,
eine Luftblaseinheit (130), welche eingerichtet ist, Luft zu einem oberen Teil des
Blätterstapels auf der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) oder der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310)
zu blasen, die für die Zufuhr von einer Seite des oberen Teils des Blätterstapels
vornimmt, und
eine Steuerungseinrichtung (100), welcher eingerichtet ist, die vertikale Bewegung
der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) oder der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310), die die Zufuhr
vornimmt ist, zu steuern,
wobei die erste Zufuhrablage (210) in einer Richtung beweglich ist, welche senkrecht
zu der vertikalen Richtung ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung ferner einen Zustandssensor (140) umfasst, welcher
eingerichtet ist, einen Spärlichkeitswert des oberen Teils des Blätterstapels, welcher
mittels der Luftblaseinheit (130) gelöst wird, zu erfassen,
die Steuerungseinrichtung (100) eingerichtet ist, die vertikale Bewegung der ersten
Zufuhrablage (210) oder der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310), die die Zufuhr vornimmt ist,
so zu steuern, dass der Spärlichkeitswert des oberen Teils des Blätterstapels innerhalb
eines oberen Spärlichkeitsgrenzwerts und eines unteren Spärlichkeitsgrenzwerts bleibt,
der für die Aufnahme eines Blattes von dem Blätterstapel geeignet ist, und
die erste Zufuhrablage (210) in einer Richtung beweglich ist, welche senkrecht zu
der vertikalen Richtung ist, nachdem die erste Zufuhrablage (210) solange zum Aufsteigen
veranlasst wurde bis der Zustandssensor (140) den oberen Spärlichkeitsgrenzwert erfasst,
so dass der Blätterstapel (120) auf der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) auf den Blätterstapel
(220) auf der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310) obenauf fällt.
2. Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
wobei die Steuerungseinrichtung (100) eingerichtet ist, die erste Zufuhrablage (210)
so in der senkrechten Richtung zu bewegen, dass eine Entfernung d größer als die Spanne
D ist,
wobei die Entfernung d eine Entfernung zwischen einer Position der ersten Zufuhrablage
(210), wenn diese den oberen Spärlichkeitsgrenzwert erreicht, und einer Position der
ersten Zufuhrablage (210), wenn diese den unteren Spärlichkeitsgrenzwert erreicht,
ist, und
wobei die Spanne D eine Entfernung ist, die der Blätterstapel (120) auf der ersten
Zufuhrablage (210) auf den Blätterstapel (120) auf der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310)
obenauf fällt, wenn die erste Zufuhrablage (210) sich senkrecht zu der vertikalen
Richtung bewegt.
3. Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei die Steuereinrichtung (100) die zweite Zufuhrablage (310) während des Bewegens
der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) senkrecht zu der vertikalen Richtung anhebt.
4. Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3,
wobei die erste Zufuhrablage (210) und die zweite Zufuhrablage (310) eine in Eingriff
befindliche Struktur in einer Ebene senkrecht zu der vertikalen Richtung bilden, und
wobei die Steuereinrichtung (100) die erste Zufuhrablage (210) abwärts unter die zweite
Zufuhrablage (310) bewegt, nachdem die erste Zufuhrablage (210) senkrecht zu der vertikalen
Richtung bewegt wird, wobei dann die erste Zufuhrablage (210) auf eine gemeinsame
Ebene mit der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310) angehoben wird, so dass der Blätterstapel
(220) auf der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310) auf die erste Zufuhrablage (210) überführt
wird.
5. Papierblattzuführungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
wobei die Steuereinrichtung (100) die erste Zufuhrablage (210) oder die zweite Zufuhrablage
(310), die die Zufuhr vornimmt, anhebt, wenn der Zustandssensor (140) den unteren
Spärlichkeitsgrenzwert erfasst, und das Anheben der ersten Zufuhrablage (210) oder
der zweiten Zufuhrablage (310), die die Zufuhr vornimmt, anhält, wenn der Zustandssensor
(140) den oberen Spärlichkeitsgrenzwert erfasst.