JP7659463B2 - Paper handling equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a paper processing device.

Conventionally, some paper sheet processing devices have a cutting unit that cuts paper sheets (hereinafter also referred to as tickets). For example, the paper sheet processing device inspects each of the multiple tickets that are conveyed in sequence, and cuts tickets that are heavily soiled or damaged, including tickets with adhesive tape attached, as tickets that do not meet a predetermined standard using the cutting unit.

The cutting unit of the paper sheet processing device cuts the tickets with a blade operated by a drive mechanism including a motor. When tickets with adhesive tape attached are repeatedly cut, adhesive substances adhere to the blade of the cutting unit. The adhesive substances adhered to the blade become a resistance when cutting the tickets. When the resistance caused by the adhered adhesive substances becomes large, it becomes difficult for the cutting unit to cut the tickets with the blade.

In conventional paper processing devices, when sticky substances adhering to the blades make it difficult to cut sheets, the device immediately stops operation and waits for maintenance personnel to perform the maintenance. In addition, there is a problem in that maintenance of the cutting section when sticky substances have adhered to the blades to the extent that cutting sheets is difficult becomes a major task that takes time and effort.

JP 2021-50084 A

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a paper processing device that reduces the maintenance effort.

According to an embodiment, a paper sheet processing apparatus includes an inspection unit, a cutting unit, and a processor. The inspection unit detects physical characteristics of paper sheets using a plurality of sensors including a sensor for detecting thickness . The cutting unit cuts paper sheets classified as paper sheets to be cut based on the detection result by the inspection unit. The processor determines whether or not adhesive tape is attached to the paper sheets classified as paper sheets to be cut based on the thickness inspected by the inspection unit , counts the number of paper sheets with adhesive tape attached cut by the cutting unit, and requests maintenance of the cutting unit when the count value exceeds a threshold value.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sheet processing system including an inspection machine and a rejected sheet processor as a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inspection machine as a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a cutter unit in an inspection machine serving as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation example of the inspection machine serving as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example of the inspection machine serving as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a cutter unit in an inspection machine serving as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a third operation example of the inspection machine serving as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a fourth operation example of the inspection machine serving as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a sheet processing system including an inspection machine and a rejected sheet processor as a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a fifth operation example of the inspection machine serving as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a paper sheet processing system 1 according to an embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a paper sheet processing system 1 according to an embodiment.
The sheet processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes an inspection machine 11, a rejected sheet processor 12, and a management device 13. In the sheet processing system 1, there may be a plurality of inspection machines 11 and a plurality of rejected sheet processors 12. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, the sheet processing system 1 includes an inspection machine 11A and an inspection machine 11B.

The inspection machine 11 (11A, 11B, ...) is an example of a sheet processing device equipped with a cutting unit that cuts sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets). The sheets that the inspection machine 11 processes (inspects) are assumed to be sheets that have been produced by a specified institution through regular procedures. For example, the sheets that the inspection machine 11 processes are expected to be securities such as banknotes.

The inspection machine 11 accepts multiple bills to be inspected. The inspection machine 11 inspects each accepted bill according to predetermined standards. The inspection machine 11 performs inspections on each bill, such as detecting the type, authenticity, and fitness of the bill. The inspection machine 11 classifies each bill based on the detection results, and processes each bill according to the classification. In this embodiment, the inspection machine 11 classifies each bill as either a rejected bill, a fit bill, or a damaged bill. The inspection machine 11 processes each bill according to its classification.

The inspection machine 11 classifies bills that meet specified standards as genuine bills. For example, genuine bills are bills that can be reused and are bills that meet specified standards and have little damage among bills that have been produced by a specified institution through proper procedures (hereinafter referred to as genuine bills). The inspection machine 11 accumulates the genuine bills and discharges them in groups of a specified number.

Rejected sheets are sheets that are processed by the rejected sheet processor 12. The inspection machine 11 rejects sheets that are not determined to be genuine, sheets whose condition cannot be inspected (e.g., sheets transported at an angle), and sheets that cannot be counted (e.g., sheets transported overlapping). The inspection machine 11 stacks the rejected sheets in a stacking section for rejected sheets so that they can be supplied to the rejected sheet processor 12. The rejected sheets stacked in the stacking section for rejected sheets are processed by the rejected sheet processor 12.

Unfit bills are bills that are cut in the cutting section, which will be described later. The inspection machine 11 classifies bills that do not meet the specified standards as unfit bills. For example, unfit bills are bills that are so dirty or damaged that they do not meet the specified standards and should not be reused. In this embodiment, the inspection machine 11 also classifies bills that have adhesive tape attached to them (hereinafter referred to as taped bills) as unfit bills.

The rejected ticket processor 12 is another example of a paper sheet processing device that includes a cutting unit that cuts tickets as paper sheets. The rejected ticket processor 12 accepts tickets that have been rejected by the inspection machine 11. The rejected ticket processor 12 inspects each accepted ticket according to a predetermined standard. The rejected ticket processor 12 classifies the tickets into tickets to be cut or other tickets. For example, the rejected ticket processor 12 determines whether each ticket is genuine or not, and cuts tickets that are determined to be genuine in the cutting unit. Here, the cutting unit included in the rejected ticket processor 12 may have a configuration similar to that of the cutting unit in the inspection machine 11 described below.

The management device 13 manages the processing status of the entire sheet processing system 1. The management device 13 acquires information indicating the processing results of each inspection machine 11 and rejected sheet processor 12, and tally up the processing volume of the entire sheet processing system 1. For example, the management device 13 acquires the processing results for the sheets from each inspection machine 11, and tally up the number of good sheets, damaged sheets, rejected sheets (the number of times a sheet was rejected), etc. for each type of sheet based on the processing results acquired from each inspection machine 11. The management device 13 checks that the number of sheets inserted (input) into the inspection machine 11 matches the number of sheets processed, based on the result of tallying up the processing results acquired from each machine.

For example, the management device 13 obtains the count of good bills, the count of damaged bills, and the count of rejected bills (the number of times they were processed as rejected bills) from each inspection machine 11. The management device 13 also obtains the count of bills cut by the rejected bill processor 12 and the count of bills that could not be cut. Bills that could not be cut by the rejected bill processor 12 are counted manually by an operator, and the counted value is input to the rejected bill processor 12.

Next, a configuration of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an inspection machine 11 as a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
The inspection machine 11 has, as components of its control system, a control unit 20, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25. The control unit 20 controls each unit in the inspection machine 11 and processes data. The control unit 20 has a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication interface (I/F) 23.

The processor 21 controls each part and performs data processing, etc. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the memory 22, etc., to perform various processes including the control of each part and data processing, etc.

Memory 22 includes various types of memory such as RAM, ROM, and rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, RAM functions as a working memory and temporarily stores data being worked on. ROM is a non-rewritable non-volatile memory that stores, for example, programs (such as OS programs) and control data. Rewritable volatile memory is, for example, memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). Rewritable non-volatile memory stores programs (such as application programs) and setting values. For example, NVM and NVM store programs and control data.

The communication interface 23 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The control unit 20 communicates with the management device 13 via the communication interface 23. The communication interface 23 is, for example, a network interface for communicating with an external device on a network via a local area network (LAN). The communication interface 23 may be an interface for communicating with an external device via a wired connection, or an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly.

The display unit 24 is a display device. The display unit 24 displays an operation screen and information indicating the processing status. The operation unit 25 is an operation device that allows the operator to input operation instructions and the like. The operation unit 25 is composed of a touch panel, operation buttons, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, and the like. For example, the display unit 24 and the operation unit 25 are composed of a display device equipped with a touch panel.

The inspection machine 11 also has various driving mechanisms that operate in response to control instructions from the control unit 20 .
First, the inspection machine 11 has an input port 30 through which paper sheets are inserted. A transport path is connected to the input port 30. The transport path transports the sheet inserted into the input port 30 to a subsequent stage.

A supply unit 33 is provided downstream of the input port 30 in the conveying direction of the conveying path. The supply unit 33 sends the tickets one by one via the conveying path to the inspection unit 34 downstream.
The inspection unit 34 inspects each banknote supplied from the supply unit 33 via the transport path. The inspection unit 34 includes sensors for detecting various physical characteristics. For example, the inspection unit 34 includes various sensors for detecting physical features such as thickness, image, magnetic characteristics, and optical characteristics. The inspection unit 34 inspects the type (denomination), authenticity, and fitness of the banknote to be inspected based on the physical characteristics detected by each sensor. Note that when the inspection machine 11 inspects a specific denomination of banknotes, the inspection unit 34 may be configured to detect the authenticity and fitness of the banknote, since it is not necessary to specify the denomination of the banknote.

Authenticity detection (authenticity determination) is a process for detecting the authenticity of the bills to be inspected. In authenticity determination, for example, the authenticity of the bill is determined based on whether the inspection unit 34 can detect a predetermined physical characteristic similar to that of a regular bill (genuine bill). Bills that are not determined to be genuine (or determined to be counterfeit) through authenticity determination, and bills for which the physical characteristics required for authenticity determination cannot be detected (for example, bills transported at an angle or bills transported overlapping one another) are rejected. Furthermore, fitness detection (fitness determination) is a process for detecting the fitness of bills that have been determined to be genuine. In fitness determination, it is determined whether a bill determined to be genuine through authenticity determination is a bill that can be recirculated (fit bill) or a bill that cannot be recirculated (damaged bill).

The authenticity and fitness determination of the ticket may be performed by the inspection unit 34 or the control unit 20. In the former case, the inspection unit 34 may supply the results of the authenticity and fitness determination to the control unit 20. In the latter case, the inspection unit 34 may supply various detection data for performing the authenticity and fitness determination to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 may perform the authenticity and fitness determination based on the detection data acquired from the inspection unit 34.

The cards inspected by the inspection unit 34 are transported to either the genuine card stacking unit 37, the cutting unit 36, or the rejected card cassette 35, depending on the inspection result. Cards determined to be genuine by the inspection unit 34 are transported to the genuine card stacking unit 37. Cards determined to be rejected by the inspection unit 34 are transported to the rejected card cassette. Cards determined to be damaged by the inspection unit 34 are transported to the cutting unit 36.

The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks bills that have been determined to be genuine by the inspection unit 34. The banding unit 38 bands the bills (genuine bills) stacked in the genuine bill stacking unit 37 in predetermined numbers. For example, the banding unit 38 bands the genuine bills in predetermined numbers using small bands. The genuine bills banded in the small bands are sent to the discharge unit 41. The discharge unit 41 discharges the bills banded by the banding unit 40 from the discharge opening 42.

The rejected ticket cassette 35 is a stacking section for rejected tickets. The rejected ticket cassette 35 stacks tickets that have been determined to be rejected tickets by the inspection section 34. Tickets stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35 are processed by the rejected ticket processor 12, for example by manual operation by an operator. The control section 20 also counts the number of times tickets have been stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35. The control section 20 transmits the count value of the number of times tickets have been stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35 to the management device 13.

The cutting unit 36 cuts the tickets that are determined to be damaged by the inspection unit 34. The cutting unit 36 cuts damaged tickets that are badly soiled in order to discard them. The configuration of the cutting unit 36 will be described later. The control unit 20 counts the number of tickets cut by the cutting unit 36. The control unit 20 transmits the count value of the number of tickets cut by the cutting unit 36 to the management device 13.

Next, the configuration of the cutting unit 36 in the inspection machine 11 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of the cutting unit 36 in the inspection machine 11 according to the embodiment.
3, the cutting unit 36 includes a cutting control unit 50, a motor 51, a blade 52, and a load detector 53. The cutting control unit 50 controls the cutting unit. For example, the cutting control unit 50 includes a processor, a memory, and various interfaces.

The motor 51 drives the blade 52. The blade 52 cuts the ticket by being operated by the motor 51. For example, the motor 51 rotates the blade 52 to draw in and cut the ticket to be cut. If a sticky substance or the like adheres to the blade 52, the resistance to rotation increases. For this reason, if the resistance to the rotation of the blade 52 increases due to the adhesion of a sticky substance or the like, the load on the motor 51 also increases.

The load detector 53 detects the load on the motor 51 that drives the blade 52. For example, the load detector 53 measures the current value flowing through the motor 51 as the load value generated in the motor 51 when the blade 52 rotates. If the resistance generated in the rotation of the blade 52 increases due to the adhesion of a sticky substance, for example, the current value as the load value detected by the load detector 53 also increases.

Hereinafter, the operation of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
First, a first operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
In the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 starts operation in response to an instruction to start operation input by the operator via the operation unit 25 (ST10). After starting operation, the processor 21 checks whether or not there is a ticket to be processed (ST11). For example, the processor 21 determines that there is a ticket until the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed, and determines that there is no ticket when the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed. If it is determined that there is no ticket (ST11, YES), the processor 21 stops the operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST12).

If it is determined that a ticket is present (ST11, NO), the processor 21 removes and transports the ticket inserted into the slot 30 (ST13). For example, the processor 21 sends the ticket inserted into the slot 30 to the supply unit 33. The supply unit 33 supplies the broken tickets one by one via the transport path to the inspection unit 34. The inspection unit 34 supplies data indicating various physical characteristics detected by various sensors from the ticket to be inspected to the processor 21 as the inspection result.

The processor 21 determines the type of the inspected note based on the inspection results obtained from the inspection unit 34, and decides whether the note is a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note (ST14). For example, the processor 21 classifies the notes inspected by the inspection unit 34 as a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note by determining the authenticity and fitness of the note based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. The processor 21 decides the destination of each note according to the classification based on the inspection results.

Here, the processor 21 counts the number of bills for each type and classification determined based on the inspection results. For example, if the inspection unit 34 determines that the inspected bills are rejected, the processor 21 counts the number of rejected bills (the number of times they have been determined to be rejected). If the processor 21 determines that the inspected bills are good, it counts the number of good bills for each type. If the processor 21 determines that the inspected bills are damaged, it counts the number of damaged bills for each type. These count values are notified to the management device 13 by the processor 21 via the communication interface 23.

If the ticket inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a rejected ticket (ST15, YES), the processor 21 transports the ticket (rejected ticket) to the rejected ticket cassette 35, which serves as a rejected ticket stacking unit (ST18). For example, the processor 21 rejects tickets that are determined to be non-genuine (counterfeit) and tickets whose authenticity cannot be determined due to skew (poor transport posture) or double picking. The rejected tickets stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35 are processed by the rejected ticket processor 12.

If the note inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a genuine note (ST15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the note (genuine note) is a good note or a damaged note (ST16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether a note determined to be genuine is a good note that can be recirculated or a damaged note that cannot be recirculated.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the bill inspected is a genuine bill (ST16, YES), the processor 21 transports the bill (genuine bill) to the genuine bill stacking unit 37 (ST17). The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks the genuine bills and supplies the stacked bills (genuine bills) to the sealing unit 38 in predetermined numbers. The sealing unit 38 seals the genuine bills stacked in the genuine bill stacking unit 37 in predetermined numbers. The sealed bills are discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge unit 41.

If the ticket inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a damaged ticket (ST16, NO), the processor 21 transports the ticket to the cutting unit 36 (ST19). The cutting unit 36 accepts the damaged ticket supplied from the inspection unit 34 as a ticket to be cut. When the ticket to be cut is supplied to the cutting unit 36, the cutting unit 36 cuts the ticket by operating the blade 52 with the motor 51.

When the processor 21 cuts a ticket determined to be a damaged ticket in the cutting unit 36, the processor 21 determines whether the ticket is a taped ticket (ST20). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the ticket is a taped ticket to which adhesive tape is affixed based on the thickness of the ticket inspected in the inspection unit 34. If the processor 21 determines that the ticket to be cut in the cutting unit 36 is not a taped ticket (ST20, NO), the processor 21 executes processing on the next ticket.

When it is determined that the ticket to be cut by the cutting unit 36 is a taped ticket (ST20, YES), the processor 21 counts the ticket as a taped ticket (ST21). For example, the processor 21 provides a counter in the memory 22 that counts the taped tickets, and counts up the counter to count the taped tickets.

In addition, when the cutting unit 36 cuts tickets other than taped tickets, it has the effect of removing adhesive substances adhering to the blade. Therefore, the processor 21 may subtract or clear the count value according to the number of tickets other than taped tickets cut. In this case, the inspection machine can determine whether or not maintenance, which will be described later, is necessary based on the count value obtained by correcting the number of taped tickets cut according to the number of tickets other than taped tickets cut.

In addition, if the cutting unit 36 cuts taped tickets repeatedly, it is possible that more adhesive substances will adhere to the blade. For this reason, the processor 21 may be configured to count the number of taped tickets that are cut in succession by the cutting unit 36. In this case, the inspection machine can determine whether or not maintenance, as described below, is necessary based on the number of taped tickets that have been cut in succession.

When the tickets to be cut by the cutting unit 36 are counted as taped tickets, the processor 21 determines whether the count value of taped tickets exceeds a threshold value (ST22). The threshold value for the count value of taped tickets is stored (set) in advance in the memory 22. The threshold value for the count value of taped tickets is a set value for performing maintenance (including cleaning of the blade 52) on the cutting unit 36 according to the number of table-pasted tickets.

The threshold for the count value of taped tickets is not limited to a preset number. For example, the threshold for the count value of taped tickets may be a value that varies depending on the number of table-pasted tickets that are cut in succession by the cutting unit 36. In addition, the threshold for the count value of taped tickets may be a value that varies depending on the number of tickets other than taped tickets that are cut.

If the count value of the taped tickets exceeds the threshold value (ST22, YES), the processor 21 stops the operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST23) and provides guidance for carrying out maintenance (ST24). For example, the processor 21 stops each drive mechanism in the inspection machine 11, and then displays a guidance (warning) on the display unit 24 to carry out maintenance on the cutting unit 36. The processor 21 may also issue an alert through a speaker (not shown) or send a notification to an external device to carry out maintenance on the cutting unit.

After informing the user that maintenance will be performed, the processor 21 waits for the maintenance work on the cutting unit 36 to be completed. For example, when an instruction to complete the maintenance work is input to the operation unit 25, the processor 21 determines that the maintenance work has been completed. When the maintenance work is completed, the processor 21 clears the counter for taped tickets (ST26) and resumes operation.

According to the first operation example described above, the inspection machine counts the number of taped tickets cut by the cutting unit. When the number of taped tickets cut by the cutting unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the inspection machine stops operation and displays a notice (warning) to perform maintenance on the cutting unit. When the maintenance work on the cutting unit is completed, the inspection machine clears the count value of taped tickets and resumes operation.

This allows maintenance work to be performed on the cutting section depending on the number of taped tickets cut, preventing the machine from stopping due to an error in the cutting section. In addition, maintenance work can be prompted before an error in the cutting section causes the inspection machine to stop, reducing the frequency of blade replacement and other operations in the cutting section.

Next, a second operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
In the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 starts operation in response to an instruction to start operation input by the operator to the operation unit 25 (ST10). After starting operation, the processor 21 checks whether or not there is a ticket to be processed (ST11). For example, the processor 21 determines that there is a ticket until the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed, and determines that there is no ticket when the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed. If it is determined that there is no ticket (ST11, YES), the processor 21 stops the operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST12).

If it is determined that a ticket is present (ST11, NO), the processor 21 removes and transports the ticket inserted into the slot (ST13). For example, the processor 21 supplies the tickets inserted into the slot 30 one by one from the supply unit 33 to the inspection unit 34. The inspection unit 34 supplies data indicating various physical characteristics detected by various sensors from the ticket to be inspected to the processor 21 as the inspection result.

The processor 21 determines the type of the inspected note based on the inspection results obtained from the inspection unit 34, and decides whether the note is a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note (ST14). For example, the processor 21 classifies the notes inspected by the inspection unit 34 as a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note by determining the authenticity and fitness of the note based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. The processor 21 decides the destination of each note according to the classification based on the inspection results.

Here, the processor 21 counts the number of bills for each bill type and classification determined based on the inspection results. These count values are notified to the management device 13 by the processor 21 via the communication interface 23.

If the ticket inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a rejected ticket (ST15, YES), the processor 21 transports the ticket to the rejected ticket cassette 35, which serves as a rejected ticket stacking unit (ST18). For example, the processor 21 rejects tickets that are determined to be non-genuine (counterfeit) and tickets whose authenticity or fitness cannot be determined due to skew (poor transport posture) or double picking. The rejected tickets stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35 are processed by the rejected ticket processor 12.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the note inspected is a genuine note (ST15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the note is a good note or a damaged note (ST16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the note that is determined to be a genuine note is a good note that can be recirculated or a damaged note that cannot be recirculated.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the bill inspected is a genuine bill (ST16, YES), the processor 21 transports the bill to the genuine bill stacking unit 37 (ST17). The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks the bills (genuine bills) supplied and supplies them to the sealing unit 38 in predetermined numbers. The sealing unit 38 seals the genuine bills in predetermined numbers. The bills sealed by the sealing unit 38 are discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge unit 41.

If the inspection unit 34 determines that the ticket inspected is a damaged ticket (ST16, NO), the processor 21 transports the ticket to the cutting unit 36 (ST19). The cutting unit 36 accepts the damaged ticket supplied from the inspection unit 34 as a ticket to be cut. When the ticket to be cut is supplied to the cutting unit 36, the cutting unit 36 cuts the ticket by operating the blade 52 with the motor 51.

When cutting a ticket in the cutting unit 36, the processor 21 detects a load value indicating the magnitude of the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52 using the load detector 53. The load detector 53 detects a current value as a load value indicating the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52.

The processor 21 determines whether the load value detected by the load detector 53 exceeds a predetermined upper limit (threshold value for the load value) (ST32). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the current value detected as the load value by the load detector 53 exceeds a predetermined upper limit. If it is determined that the load value does not exceed the upper limit (ST32, NO), the processor 21 processes the next ticket.

When it is determined that the load value detected by the load detector 53 exceeds a predetermined upper limit (ST32, YES), the processor 21 stops the operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST23) and provides guidance for performing maintenance (ST24). For example, the processor 21 stops each drive mechanism in the inspection machine 11, and then displays a guidance (warning) on the display unit 24 to perform maintenance on the cutting unit 36. The processor 21 may also issue an alert through a speaker (not shown) or transmit a notification to an external device to perform maintenance on the cutting unit 36.

After informing the user that maintenance will be performed, the processor 21 waits for the maintenance work on the cutting unit 36 to be completed. For example, when an instruction to complete the maintenance work is input to the operation unit 25, the processor 21 determines that the maintenance work has been completed. When the maintenance work is completed, the processor 21 clears the counter for taped tickets (ST26) and resumes operation.

According to the second operation example described above, when the load on the motor that operates the cutting blade during cutting processing in the cutting unit exceeds a threshold, the inspection machine stops operation and displays a notification (warning) to perform maintenance on the cutting unit. The inspection machine resumes operation when the maintenance work on the cutting unit is completed.

This allows maintenance work to be performed on the cutting unit depending on the magnitude of the load placed on the cutting unit when cutting, and prevents the device from stopping due to an error occurring in the cutting unit. In addition, since maintenance work can be encouraged to be performed before an error in the cutting unit causes the inspection machine to stop, the frequency of blade replacement and other operations in the cutting unit can be reduced.

Next, a third and fourth operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
When the third and fourth operation examples are performed, the cutting unit 36 in the inspection machine 11 is provided with a mechanism (maintenance mechanism) for performing its own maintenance (self-maintenance).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example (second configuration example) of the cutting unit 36 provided in the inspection machine 11 that performs the third and fourth operation examples.
A second configuration example of the cutting unit 36 shown in Fig. 6 is obtained by adding an oiling mechanism 54 and a cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. The oiling mechanism 54 and the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 are examples of maintenance mechanisms for performing self-maintenance in the cutting unit 36.

The oiling mechanism 54 supplies lubricating oil to the blade 52. By supplying lubricating oil to the blade 52, the oiling mechanism 54 reduces the resistance that occurs when the blade 52 moves. As a form of self-maintenance, the cutting unit 36 operates the blade (idle) using the motor 51 while supplying lubricating oil to the blade 52 using the oiling mechanism 54. This removes any sticky substances adhering to the blade 52, resulting in smoother operation of the blade 52.

The cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 supplies cleaning tickets (cleaning tickets) to a cutting position for the ticket by the blade 52 driven by the motor 51. The cleaning ticket is a medium of the same size as the ticket to be processed (cut), and adhesive substances adhering to the blade 52 can be removed when it is cut. When performing maintenance using the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55, the cutting unit 36 cuts the cleaning ticket supplied by the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 with the blade 52 driven by the motor 51 as self-maintenance. This provides the effect of removing adhesive substances adhering to the blade 52 when the blade 52 cuts the cleaning ticket supplied by the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a third operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
In the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 starts operation in response to an instruction to start operation input by an operator to the operation unit 25 (ST10). After starting operation, the processor 21 checks whether or not there is a sheet to be processed (ST11). If it is determined that there is no sheet (ST11, YES), the processor 21 stops operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST12).

If it is determined that a ticket is present (ST11, NO), the processor 21 removes and transports the ticket inserted into the slot (ST13). For example, the processor 21 supplies the tickets inserted into the slot 30 one by one from the supply unit 33 to the inspection unit 34. The inspection unit 34 inspects the tickets supplied from the supply unit 33 and supplies the inspection results to the processor 21. The inspection unit 34 supplies data indicating various physical characteristics detected by various sensors from the ticket being inspected to the processor 21 as the inspection results.

The processor 21 determines the type of the inspected note based on the inspection results obtained from the inspection unit 34, and decides whether the note is a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note (ST14). For example, the processor 21 classifies the notes inspected by the inspection unit 34 as a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note by determining the authenticity and fitness of the note based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. The processor 21 decides the destination of each note according to the classification based on the inspection results.

The processor 21 counts the number of bills for each bill type and classification determined based on the inspection results. These count values are notified to the management device 13 by the processor 21 via the communication interface 23.

When the sheet inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a rejected sheet (ST15, YES), the processor 21 conveys the sheet to a rejected sheet cassette 35 serving as a rejected sheet stacking unit (ST18). The rejected sheets stacked in the rejected sheet cassette 35 are processed by the rejected sheet processing machine 12.
When it is determined that the note inspected by the inspection unit 34 is genuine (ST15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the note is a good note or a damaged note (ST16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the note that is determined to be genuine is a good note that can be recirculated or a damaged note that cannot be recirculated.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the bill inspected is a genuine bill (ST16, YES), the processor 21 transports the bill to the genuine bill stacking unit 37 (ST17). The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks the bills (genuine bills) supplied and supplies them to the sealing unit 38 in predetermined numbers. The sealing unit 38 seals the genuine bills in predetermined numbers. The bills sealed by the sealing unit 38 are discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge unit 41.

If the inspection unit 34 determines that the ticket inspected is a damaged ticket (ST16, NO), the processor 21 transports the ticket to the cutting unit 36 (ST19). The cutting unit 36 accepts the damaged ticket supplied from the inspection unit 34 as a ticket to be cut. When the ticket to be cut is supplied to the cutting unit 36, the cutting unit 36 cuts the ticket by operating the blade 52 with the motor 51.

When the processor 21 cuts a ticket in the cutting unit 36, the processor 21 determines whether the ticket is a taped ticket (ST20). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the ticket is a taped ticket to which adhesive tape is affixed based on the thickness of the ticket inspected by the inspection unit 34. If the processor 21 determines that the ticket to be cut in the cutting unit 36 is not a taped ticket (ST20, NO), the processor 21 moves on to processing the next ticket.

When it is determined that the ticket to be cut by the cutting unit 36 is a taped ticket (ST20, YES), the processor 21 counts the ticket as a taped ticket (ST21).
After counting the tickets to be cut by the cutting unit 36 as taped tickets, the processor 21 determines whether the count value of the taped tickets exceeds a threshold value (ST22).
If the count value of the taped tickets exceeds the threshold value (ST22, YES), the processor 21 stops operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST23) and performs self-maintenance using the oiling mechanism 54 and the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 (ST44, ST45).

In other words, after stopping each drive mechanism in the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 causes the oiling mechanism 54 to apply lubricating oil to the blade 52 in the cutting unit 36, and causes the motor 51 to operate the blade 52 (idle operation) (ST44). As a result, the cutting unit 36 performs self-maintenance by idling while supplying lubricating oil from the oiling mechanism 54, thereby reducing the load caused by sticky matter adhering to the blade 52.

The processor 21 also causes the cutting unit 36 to cut the cleaning tickets supplied by the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 (ST45). The cleaning tickets are, for example, media of the same size as the tickets to be processed (cut), and can remove adhesive matter adhering to the blades when cut. This allows the cutting unit 36 to perform self-maintenance by cutting the cleaning tickets to remove adhesive matter adhering to the blades 52.
It should be noted that either the self-maintenance in ST44 or the self-maintenance in ST45 may be executed.

When maintenance (self-maintenance) using the oiling mechanism 54 and cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 is completed, the processor 21 clears the taping ticket counter (ST26) and resumes operation.

According to the third operation example described above, the inspection machine counts the number of taped tickets cut in the cutting unit. When the number of taped tickets cut in the cutting unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the inspection machine stops operation and performs self-maintenance in the cutting unit. The inspection machine performs self-maintenance by running the cutting unit idle while supplying oil from the oiling mechanism and cutting cleaning tickets. When self-maintenance is completed, the count value of taped tickets is cleared and operation is resumed.

This allows maintenance of the cutting section to be performed without human intervention according to the number of taped tickets to be cut, preventing the machine from stopping due to an error in the cutting section. In addition, because maintenance can be performed automatically before the inspection machine stops due to an error in the cutting section, the frequency of blade replacement and other operations in the cutting section can be reduced.

Next, a fourth operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a fourth operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
In the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 starts operation in response to an instruction to start operation from the operator via the operation unit 25 (ST10). After starting operation, the processor 21 checks whether or not there is a ticket to be processed (ST11). For example, the processor 21 determines that there is a ticket until the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed, and determines that there is no ticket when the processing of the ticket inserted into the insertion slot 30 is completed. If it is determined that there is no ticket (ST11, YES), the processor 21 stops the operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST12).

If it is determined that a ticket is present (ST11, NO), the processor 21 removes and transports the ticket inserted into the slot (ST13). For example, the processor 21 supplies the tickets inserted into the slot 30 one by one from the supply unit 33 to the inspection unit 34. The inspection unit 34 inspects the tickets supplied from the supply unit 33 and supplies the inspection results to the processor 21. For example, the inspection unit 34 supplies data indicating various physical characteristics detected by various sensors from the ticket being inspected to the processor 21 as the inspection results.

The processor 21 determines the type of the inspected note based on the inspection results obtained from the inspection unit 34, and decides whether the note is a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note (ST14). For example, the processor 21 classifies the notes inspected by the inspection unit 34 as a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note by determining the authenticity and fitness of the note based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. The processor 21 decides the destination of each note according to the classification based on the inspection results.

The processor 21 counts the number of bills for each bill type and classification determined based on the inspection results. These count values are notified to the management device 13 by the processor 21 via the communication interface 23.

When the processor 21 determines that the ticket inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a rejected ticket (ST15, YES), it transports the ticket to the rejected ticket cassette 35, which serves as a rejected ticket stacking unit (ST18). For example, the processor 21 rejects tickets that have been determined to be non-genuine (counterfeit) and tickets whose authenticity or fitness cannot be determined due to skew (poor transport posture) or double picking. The rejected tickets stacked in the rejected ticket cassette 35 are processed by the rejected ticket processor 12.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the note inspected is a genuine note (ST15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the note is a good note or a damaged note (ST16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the note that is determined to be a genuine note is a good note that can be recirculated or a damaged note that cannot be recirculated.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the bill inspected is a genuine bill (ST16, YES), the processor 21 transports the bill to the genuine bill stacking unit 37 (ST17). The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks the bills (genuine bills) supplied and supplies them to the sealing unit 38 in predetermined numbers. The sealing unit 38 seals the genuine bills in predetermined numbers. The bills sealed by the sealing unit 38 are discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge unit 41.

If the inspection unit 34 determines that the ticket inspected is a damaged ticket (ST16, NO), the processor 21 transports the ticket to the cutting unit 36 (ST19). The cutting unit 36 accepts the damaged ticket supplied from the inspection unit 34 as a ticket to be cut. When the ticket to be cut is supplied to the cutting unit 36, the cutting unit 36 cuts the ticket by operating the blade 52 with the motor 51.

When the processor 21 cuts the ticket in the cutting unit 36, the processor 21 detects a load value indicating the magnitude of the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52 by the load detector 53 (ST211). The load detector 53 detects a current value as a load value indicating the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52.

The processor 21 determines whether the load value detected by the load detector 53 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (threshold value for the load value) (ST32). If it is determined that the load value does not exceed the upper limit value (ST32, NO), the processor 21 performs processing for the next ticket.
If it is determined that the load value exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (ST32, YES), the processor 21 stops operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST23) and performs self-maintenance using an oiling mechanism 54 and a cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 as maintenance mechanisms.

In other words, after stopping each drive mechanism in the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 causes the oiling mechanism 54 to apply lubricating oil to the blade 52 in the cutting unit 36, and causes the motor 51 to operate the blade 52 (idle operation) (ST54). As a result, the cutting unit 36 performs self-maintenance by idling while supplying lubricating oil from the oiling mechanism 54, thereby reducing the load caused by sticky matter adhering to the blade 52.

The processor 21 also causes the cutting unit 36 to cut the cleaning tickets supplied by the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 (ST55). As a result, the cutting unit 36 performs self-maintenance by cutting the cleaning tickets to remove adhesive matter adhering to the blade 52.
It should be noted that either the self-maintenance in ST54 or the self-maintenance in ST55 may be executed.

When maintenance (self-maintenance) using the oiling mechanism 54 and cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 is completed, the processor 21 operates the blade 52 using the motor 51 and detects the load value indicating the magnitude of the load on the motor 51 using the load detector 53. When the load value is detected by the load detector 53, the processor 21 determines whether the load value detected by the load detector 53 is equal to or less than the standard value (ST56). Here, the standard value is a reference value for resuming operation after maintenance. The standard value is set to a value smaller than the threshold value for the load value.

If the load value detected by the load detector 53 is equal to or lower than the standard value (ST56, YES), the processor 21 determines that the load on the motor 51 has been reduced by self-maintenance and resumes operation.

If the load value detected by the load detector 53 is not equal to or less than the standard value (ST56, NO), the processor 21 determines that the load on the motor 51 does not reach the standard value for resuming operation even if self-maintenance is performed, and displays a message on the display unit 24 requesting that an operator perform maintenance work (ST57). In this case, the processor 21 keeps the operation of the inspection machine 11 stopped and waits for the operator to complete the maintenance work.

According to the fourth operation example described above, the inspection machine stops operation and performs self-maintenance on the cutting section when the load on the motor that operates the blade that cuts the tickets exceeds a threshold value. The inspection machine performs self-maintenance by running the cutting section idle while supplying oil from the oiling mechanism, or by cutting cleaning tickets. After self-maintenance is completed, the inspection machine resumes operation if the load value detected by operating the blade again with the motor is equal to or less than the standard value.

As a result, the inspection machine according to the fourth operation example can perform maintenance of the cutting section without human intervention according to the load on the motor that operates the blade used for cutting, and can prevent the machine from stopping due to an error in the cutting section. In addition, the inspection machine according to the fourth operation example can automatically perform maintenance before the inspection machine stops due to an error in the cutting section, thereby reducing the frequency of occurrences such as blade replacement in the cutting section. Furthermore, the inspection machine according to the fourth operation example can resume operation after confirming that the load value is below the standard value after self-maintenance, and can also provide guidance to encourage maintenance to workers if self-maintenance cannot eliminate the excessive load on the motor.

Next, a fifth operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
When the fifth operation example is executed, the inspection machine 11 is configured to include two cutting units 36A and 36B as the cutting unit 36.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which the inspection machine 11 for carrying out the fifth operation example is provided with two cutting units 36A and 36B.
The configuration shown in Fig. 9 is a configuration in which the cutting unit 36 in the configuration shown in Fig. 2 is replaced with a first cutting unit 36A and a second cutting unit 36B. The first cutting unit 36A and the second cutting unit 36B each have the configuration shown in Fig. 6. In the inspection machine 11 configured as shown in Fig. 9, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 sets either the first cutting unit 36A or the second cutting unit 36B as the cutting unit that actually performs the cutting process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a fifth operation example of the inspection machine 11 as the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
In the inspection machine 11, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 starts operation in response to an instruction to start operation from the operator via the operation unit 25 (ST10). After starting operation, the processor 21 checks whether or not there is a sheet to be processed (ST11). If it is determined that there is no sheet (ST11, YES), the processor 21 stops operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST12).

If it is determined that a ticket is present (ST11, NO), the processor 21 removes and transports the ticket inserted into the slot (ST13). For example, the processor 21 supplies the tickets inserted into the slot 30 one by one from the supply unit 33 to the inspection unit 34. The inspection unit 34 inspects the tickets supplied from the supply unit 33 and supplies the inspection results to the processor 21. The inspection unit 34 supplies data indicating various physical characteristics detected by various sensors from the ticket being inspected to the processor 21 as the inspection results.

The processor 21 determines the type of the inspected note based on the inspection results obtained from the inspection unit 34, and decides whether the note is a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note (ST14). For example, the processor 21 classifies the notes inspected by the inspection unit 34 as a rejected note, a good note, or a damaged note by determining the authenticity and fitness of the note based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. The processor 21 decides the destination of each note according to the classification based on the inspection results.

The processor 21 counts the number of bills for each bill type and classification determined based on the inspection results by the inspection unit 34. These count values are notified by the processor 21 to the management device 13 via the communication interface 23.

When the processor 21 determines that the sheet inspected by the inspection unit 34 is a rejected sheet (ST15, YES), the processor 21 conveys the sheet to a rejected sheet cassette 35 serving as a rejected sheet stacking unit (ST18). The rejected sheets stacked in the rejected sheet cassette 35 are processed by the rejected sheet processing machine 12.
When the inspection unit 34 determines that the banknote inspected is a genuine banknote (ST15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the banknote is a good banknote or a damaged banknote (ST16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the banknote that has been determined to be a genuine banknote is a good banknote or a damaged banknote depending on whether the banknote is recirculatable or not.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the bill inspected is a genuine bill (ST16, YES), the processor 21 transports the bill to the genuine bill stacking unit 37 (ST17). The genuine bill stacking unit 37 stacks the bills (genuine bills) transported from the inspection unit 34 and supplies them to the sealing unit 38 in predetermined numbers. The sealing unit 38 seals the genuine bills in predetermined numbers. The bills sealed by the sealing unit 38 are discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge unit 41.

When the inspection unit 34 determines that the ticket inspected is a damaged ticket (ST16, NO), the processor 21 transports the ticket to one of the two cutting units 36A, 36B that is set as the destination for damaged tickets (the cutting unit that is set as the cutting unit that performs the cutting process) (ST19). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the first cutting unit 36A is set as the destination for damaged tickets (the cutting unit that performs the cutting process) and the second cutting unit 36B is set to standby. In this case, the first cutting unit (operating cutting unit) 36A that performs the cutting process accepts the ticket transported from the inspection unit 34 as a damaged ticket (cut ticket) to be cut. When a cut ticket is supplied, the cutting control unit 50 of the first cutting unit 36A cuts the cut ticket by operating the blade 52 with the motor 51.

When cutting a ticket, the first cutting unit 34A on the operating side detects a load value indicating the magnitude of the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52 using a load detector 53. The load detector 53 detects a current value as a load value indicating the load on the motor 51 that operates the blade 52. The current value as a load value detected by the load detector 53 is notified to the processor 21 of the control unit 20 via the cutting control unit 50.

The processor 21 determines whether the load value detected by the load detector 53 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (threshold value for the load value) (ST62). If it is determined that the load value does not exceed the upper limit value (ST62, NO), the processor 21 performs processing for the next ticket.
If it is determined that the load value in the operating cutting section (here, the first cutting section 36A) exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (ST62, YES), the processor 21 temporarily stops operation of the inspection machine 11 (ST63) and determines whether it is possible to switch to the standby cutting section (here, the second cutting section 36B) (ST64).

For example, the processor 21 determines whether or not the cutting unit can be switched depending on whether the second cutting unit 36B, which is the cutting unit on the standby side, is in an available state. If the cutting unit on the standby side is in an available state, the processor 21 determines that the cutting unit can be switched. If the cutting unit on the standby side is not in an available state, the processor 21 determines that the cutting unit cannot be switched.

If it is determined that the cutting unit cannot be switched (ST64, NO), the processor 21 displays on the display unit 24 that an error has occurred in the cutting unit (first cutting unit and second cutting unit) (ST65), and ends the series of processes. In addition, if the processor 21 determines that the cutting unit cannot be switched, it may display on the display unit 24 a guide to maintenance for the first cutting unit and the second cutting unit.

When the standby cutting unit (e.g., the second cutting unit) is unavailable, the processor 21 may execute processing including self-maintenance as shown in ST54 to ST57 of FIG. 8 for the operating cutting unit (e.g., the first cutting unit) whose load value exceeds a predetermined upper limit. In this case, the processor 21 may resume operation with the cutting unit as the first cutting unit after confirming that the load value of the operating cutting unit (the first cutting unit) has fallen below the standard value.

When it is determined that switching of the cutting unit is possible (ST64, YES), the processor 21 switches the destination of the unfit bills from the inspection unit 34 to the standby cutting unit (ST66). As a result, the processor 21 switches the cutting unit that actually performs the cutting process to the standby cutting unit. For example, when the load value of the first cutting unit 36A exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor 21 switches the cutting unit that performs the cutting process (the working cutting unit) to the second cutting unit 36B, and switches the first cutting unit 36A to the standby cutting unit.

The processor 21 also switches (interchanges) the working cutting unit and the standby cutting unit, and performs self-maintenance on the cutting unit whose load value exceeds a predetermined threshold (the cutting unit that has become the standby cutting unit) (ST71, ST72). Self-maintenance on the standby cutting unit may be performed in parallel even when the inspection machine 11 is operating using the working cutting unit. For example, when the load value of the first cutting unit 36A exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor operates the second cutting unit 36B and performs self-maintenance on the standby first cutting unit 36A.

As self-maintenance for the standby cutting unit (e.g., the first cutting unit 36A), the processor 21 causes the oiling mechanism 54 to lubricate the cutting unit and run it idle (ST71), and causes the cleaning ticket supply mechanism 55 to cut the cleaning tickets supplied (ST72). Note that either the process of ST71 or the process of ST72 may be executed.

When self-maintenance of the first cutting unit 36A, which is the standby cutting unit, is completed, the processor 21 operates the blade 52 using the motor 51 in the first cutting unit 36A, and detects the load value indicating the magnitude of the load on the motor 51 using the load detector 53. When the load value is detected by the load detector 53, the processor 21 determines whether the load value detected by the load detector 53 is equal to or less than the standard value (ST73). Here, the standard value is a reference value for resuming operation after maintenance, and is set to a value smaller than the threshold value for the load value.

If the load value detected by the load detector 53 is equal to or lower than the standard value (ST73, YES), the processor 21 stores information in the memory 22 indicating that the first cutting unit 36A, which is the standby cutting unit, is in a usable state (ST74). As a result, the first cutting unit 36A, which has become the standby cutting unit, is in a usable state and waits while the second cutting unit 36B is operating.

In addition, if the load value detected by the load detector 53 is not equal to or less than the standard value (ST73, NO), the processor 21 displays on the display unit 24 a notice that the first cutting unit 36A, which has become the standby cutting unit, is not in use (or a notice that the standby cutting unit requires maintenance work by an operator) (ST75). In other words, even if the standby cutting unit (first cutting unit 36A) is not in use, the inspection machine 11 continues to operate by operating the operating cutting unit (second cutting unit 36B) while displaying a notice that the standby cutting unit (first cutting unit 36A) is not in use.

In the fifth operation example described above, in ST62, the working cutting unit and the standby cutting unit are switched when the load value in the working cutting unit exceeds the upper limit value. However, as in ST20-22 described above, the working cutting unit and the standby cutting unit may be switched depending on the number of table-pasted tickets cut by the working cutting unit.

According to the fifth operation example described above, the inspection machine has two cutting units that are set as either an operating cutting unit or a standby cutting unit. When the load on the motor that drives the blades that cut the tickets in the operating cutting unit exceeds a threshold (or when the number of cut table-pasted tickets exceeds a threshold), the inspection machine switches between the operating cutting unit and the standby cutting unit. The inspection machine measures operation using the cutting unit that is set as the operating cutting unit, and performs self-maintenance on the cutting unit that is set as the standby cutting unit.

As a result, the inspection machine according to the fifth operation example can perform maintenance of the cutting section without human intervention according to the load on the motor that operates the blade used for cutting, and can prevent the machine from stopping due to an error in the cutting section. In addition, the inspection machine according to the fourth operation example can automatically perform maintenance before the inspection machine stops due to an error in the cutting section, thereby reducing the frequency of occurrences such as blade replacement in the cutting section. Furthermore, the inspection machine according to the fifth operation example can resume operation after confirming that the load value is below the standard value after self-maintenance, and can also provide guidance to encourage maintenance to workers if self-maintenance cannot eliminate the excessive load on the motor.

The functions described in each of the above embodiments can be realized not only by using hardware, but also by using software to load a program that describes each function into a computer. Also, each function may be configured by selecting either software or hardware as appropriate.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

1...paper sheet processing system, 11 (11A, 11B)...inspection machine (paper sheet processing device), 12...rejected ticket processing machine (paper sheet processing device), 13...management device, 20...control unit, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...communication interface, 24...display unit, 25...operation unit, 34...inspection unit, 36...cutting unit (36A...first cutting unit, 36B...second cutting unit).

Claims (8)

an inspection unit that detects physical characteristics of the paper sheet using a plurality of sensors including a sensor that detects thickness ;
a cutting unit that cuts the paper sheets classified as the paper sheets to be cut based on the detection result by the inspection unit;
a processor that determines whether or not adhesive tape is attached to the paper sheets classified as the paper sheets to be cut based on the thickness inspected by the inspection unit, counts the number of paper sheets with adhesive tape attached cut by the cutting unit, and requests maintenance of the cutting unit when the count value exceeds a threshold value;
A paper sheet processing apparatus having the same. Further, the device has a display unit,
When the count value exceeds a threshold value, the processor displays a maintenance guide for the cutting unit on the display unit.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 . Further, a maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance on the cutting unit is provided,
When the count value exceeds a threshold value, the processor performs maintenance on the cutting unit using the maintenance mechanism.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The processor further corrects the count value in accordance with the number of sheets cut by the cutting unit other than the sheets having adhesive tape attached thereto.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . An inspection unit that detects physical characteristics of the paper sheet;
a first cutting unit that cuts the paper sheets that are classified as paper sheets to be cut based on the detection result by the inspection unit;
A second cutting unit that cuts paper sheets in place of the first cutting unit;
a load detector that detects a load value indicating a magnitude of a load applied when the first cutting unit is driven;
a processor that switches a cutting unit that cuts the paper sheets classified as the target for cutting from the first cutting unit to the second cutting unit when a load value detected by the load detector exceeds an upper limit value;
A paper sheet processing apparatus having the same. A memory for storing information indicating a state of the second cutting unit,
When the load value detected by the load detector exceeds an upper limit value, if it is stored in the memory that the second cutting unit is in a state where cutting is possible, the processor switches the cutting unit that cuts the paper sheets classified as the target for cutting from the first cutting unit to the second cutting unit.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5 . Further, the device has a display unit,
When the load value detected by the load detector exceeds an upper limit value, if it is stored in the memory that the second cutting unit is not in a state where cutting is possible, the processor displays an error of the first cutting unit and the second cutting unit on the display unit.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6 . Further, a maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance on the first cutting unit is provided,
the processor switches a cutting unit that cuts the paper sheets classified as the target for cutting from the first cutting unit to the second cutting unit, and then performs maintenance on the first cutting unit using the maintenance mechanism.
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5 .