Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a paper sheet handling machine for processing of
paper sheets.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a paper sheet handling machine that sorts paper sheets such as banknotes and stacks the paper sheets in an stacking unit having an opening is known (see, for example, WO 2009/028072). The paper sheet handling machine disclosed in WO 2009/028072 includes a pushing unit for pushing the paper sheets housed in the housing space of the stacking unit toward the opening. With this configuration, even in the case where the paper sheets sent from the transport unit to the stacking unit are stacked on the rear surface side of the stacking unit (depth side), the paper sheets can be easily taken out by pushing the paper sheets with the pushing unit toward the opening of the stacking unit.
Summary of Invention Technical Problem
[0003] In the conventional paper sheet handling machines, however, the pushing level of the pushing unit for the paper sheet is set to a constant value regardless of the size of the paper sheet. As a result, when the pushing level of the pushing unit for the paper sheet is small and the size of the paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit is small, it can still be difficult to take out the paper sheet from the stacking unit by pushing the paper sheet with the pushing unit. On the other hand, when the pushing level of the pushing unit for the

paper sheet is increased to easily take out the paper sheets having a small size, the paper sheets having a large size may be dropped through the opening of the stacking unit. That is, in the conventional paper sheet handling machines, disadvantageously, the pushing level of the pushing unit for the paper sheet cannot be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet.
[0004] While, in the paper sheet handling machine disclosed in WO 2009/028072, a plurality of detection units for detecting the position of the pushing unit are provided, the pushing level of the pushing unit is not determined or controlled in accordance with the size of the paper sheet, and consequently the above-described problems cannot be solved. [0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet handling machine in which the pushing level of the pushing unit for the paper sheet can be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet.
[0006] A paper sheet handling machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet; a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit; an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit; a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening; and a control unit configured to determine a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a kind of the paper sheet or a length of the paper sheet.
[0007] The paper sheet handling machine according to the first aspect of the present invention may further include a first detection unit configured to detect the kind of the paper sheet transported by the transport unit, in which the control unit may determine the pushing level of the pushing unit based on the kind of the paper sheet detected by the first detection unit.

[0008] The paper sheet handling machine according to the first aspect of the present
invention may further include: a second detection unit configured to detect the length of the
paper sheet transported by the transport unit, in which the control unit may determine the
pushing level of the pushing unit based on the length of the paper sheet detected by the
second detection unit.
[0009] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the first aspect of the present
invention, the length of the paper sheet may be a length along a direction in which the
pushing unit pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit.
[0010] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the first aspect of the present
invention, the control unit may determine the pushing level of the pushing unit based on a
kind of the paper sheet which is designated in advance as the paper sheet to be stacked in
the stacking unit.
[0011] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the first aspect of the present
invention may further include an operation unit for inputting the kind of the paper sheet to
be stacked in the stacking unit.
[0012] A paper sheet handling machine according to a second aspect of the present
invention includes: a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet; a transport unit
configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit; an stacking unit
including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and
configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit; a pushing unit
configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening; a third
detection unit for detecting an stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit;
and a control unit configured to determine a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a
detection result of the third detection unit.
[0013] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the second aspect of the present
invention, the third detection unit may include a plurality of third detection portions

provided in the stacking unit, and the third detection portions may be disposed at respective positions different from each other along a direction in which the pushing unit pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit.
[0014] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, the third detection unit may include one or more optical sensors, and the control unit may determine the pushing level of the pushing unit based on a blocking state or a transmission state of the optical sensor.
[0015] A paper sheet handling machine according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet; a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit; an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit; a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening; a fourth detection unit for detecting a position of the paper sheet when the pushing unit pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit; and a control unit configured to control a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a detection result of the fourth detection unit. [0016] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, the fourth detection unit may include one or more optical sensors, and the control unit may control the pushing level of the pushing unit based on variation of a blocking state or a transmission state of the optical sensor.
[0017] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, a plurality of the stacking units may be provided, the pushing unit may be provided in each stacking unit, and the control unit may individually determine or control a pushing level of each pushing unit.
[0018] A paper sheet handling machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet; a transport unit

configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit; an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit; a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening; a fifth detection unit for detecting the paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit; and a sixth detection unit for detecting transport of the paper sheet to the stacking unit, in which the pushing unit may be pushed toward the opening when a detection result of the fifth detection unit and a detection result of the sixth detection unit satisfy a predetermined condition.
[0019] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the sixth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is transported to the stacking unit and the fifth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit.
[0020] In the paper sheet handling machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the sixth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is transported to the stacking unit, the fifth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit, and a number of paper sheets whose transport to the stacking unit is detected by the sixth detection unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number.
Brief Description of Drawings [0021]
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an external appearance of a paper sheet handling machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional plan view illustrating an internal structure of an stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at a retreat position;
FIG. 5 is a sectional plan view illustrating the internal structure of the stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at an pushing position;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the pushing unit provided in one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the pushing unit provided in one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the pushing position;

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the pushing unit provided in the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position;
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the pushing unit provided in the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are side views illustrating an stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and intended for describing an example of a configuration in which paper sheets are stacked in the stacking unit;
FIG. 15A is a sectional plan view illustrating a pushing unit provided in one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to a fourth exemplary configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, FIG. 15B is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 15A is located at the pushing position, FIG. 15C is a sectional plan view illustrating a pushing unit provided in the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the fourth exemplary configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, and FIG. 15D is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 15C is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 16A is a sectional plan view illustrating a pushing unit provided in one of the stacking units used in the paper sheet handling machine according to a fifth exemplary configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, FIG. 16B is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 16A is located at the

pushing position, FIG. 16C is a sectional plan view illustrating the pushing unit provided in the other stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the fifth exemplary configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, and FIG. 16D is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 16C is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 17A is a sectional plan view illustrating a configuration in which a closure member is provided to the stacking unit used in the paper sheet handling machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, and FIG. 17B is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 17A is located at the pushing position;
FIG. 18A is a sectional plan view illustrating an stacking unit used in a paper sheet handling machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the pushing unit is located at the retreat position, and FIG. 18B is a sectional plan view illustrating a state where the pushing unit which is located at the retreat position in FIG. 18A is located at the pushing position; and
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an example configuration of a paper sheet handling machine which can be employed in the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0022]
[Configuration]
A paper sheet handling machine according to embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, FIG. 1 to FIG.

17B are drawings for describing the embodiment of the present invention. It is to be noted that the “paper sheet” herein is a banknote, a check, a gift certificate, continuous-form sheet or the like, and typically, the “paper sheet” is a banknote. [0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, paper sheet handling machine 100 of the present embodiment includes casing 10, reception unit 29 that receives a paper sheet, intake unit 20 that takes the paper sheet received by reception unit 29 into casing 10 one by one, first transport unit 31 that transports the paper sheet taken by intake unit 20 along a first direction (in FIG. 2, the left direction) that is a substantially horizontal direction, and identification unit 60 that identifies the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31. In the present embodiment, paper sheets are transported along the short edge direction, and paper sheets are placed at reception unit 29 such that the short edge direction extends in the horizontal direction of FIG. 2 and that the long edge direction extends in the depth direction of FIG. 2.
[0024] Identification unit 60 may include a fluorescent sensor that acquires information relating to the paper sheet by use of fluorescence, an infrared sensor that acquires information relating to the paper sheet by use of infrared light, a thickness detection sensor that detects the thickness of the paper sheet, a magnetic sensor that acquires information relating to the paper sheet by use of magnetism, a red light sensor that acquires information relating to the paper sheet by use of red light, a line sensor that detects the transmission light and the reflection light of the both paper surfaces with infrared light and green light, and the like, for example.
[0025] In addition, paper sheet handling machine 100 also includes second transport unit 33 located on the lower side of first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32 located between first transport unit 31 and second transport unit 33, and a plurality of (two, in the present embodiment) stacking units 80 and 90 located on the lower side of second transport unit 33. Second transport unit 33 transports the paper sheet identified by identification

unit 60 along a second direction (the right direction in FIG. 2) opposite to the first direction. Intermediate transport unit 32 couples first transport unit 31 and second transport unit 33. Stacking units 80 and 90 stack the paper sheet transported by second transport unit 33 and include openings 80h and 90h that open on the front surface side (see FIG. 1). Stacking units 80 and 90 are provided with stacking wheels 121 and 122, respectively, for stacking the paper sheet transported by second transport unit 33 in stacking units 80 and 90. [0026] In addition, stacking units 80 and 90 are provided with pushing units 83 and 93 for pushing the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 toward openings 80h and 90h (that is, to the front surface side) (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). After a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, pushing units 83 and 93 push the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 to the outside of casing 10 from openings 80h and 90h on the front surface side of the stacking units 80 and 90. In this manner, according to the present embodiment, the operator can surely stack the paper sheets by a predetermined number in stacking units 80 and 90, and thereafter, the operator can readily take out the paper sheet from stacking units 80 and 90. It is to be noted that pushing units 83 and 93 may push the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 to the outside of casing 10 from openings 80h and 90h on the front surface side of stacking units 80 and 90 after all of the paper sheets placed at reception unit 29 are distributed to stacking units 80 and 90 and/or rejection unit 110 described later. In addition, in general, when the stacked paper sheets are pushed by pushing units 83 and 93, the stacked paper sheets are integrally pushed without being shifted.
[0027] It is to be noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, cutout portions 80g and 90g are formed at the bottom surfaces of stacking units 80 and 90, respectively. By inserting the finger or the like to cutout portions 80g and 90g, the operator can readily take out a batch of the paper sheets pushed by pushing units 83 and 93 toward openings 80h and 90h. Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B,

openings 80h and 90h may be provided with closure members 180 that openably cover the openings 80h and 90h. Closure member 180 includes closure main body unit 181, and supporting unit 182 that swingably supports closure main body unit 181 with respect to stacking units 80 and 90, for example. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, a biasing force is exerted on closure main body unit 181 with an elastic member such as a leaf spring such that closure main body unit 181 is in a closed state, and, when a paper sheet is pushed by pushing units 83 and 93, the paper sheet makes contact with the back surface of closure main body unit 181, and as a result, closure main body unit 181 is opened.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 6 to FIG. 13, pushing units 83 and 93 respectively include push members 84 and 94 for pushing the paper sheet housed in stacking units 80 and 90 toward openings 80h and 90h, and push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95 that drive push members 84 and 94 toward openings 80h and 90h.
[0029] When driven by push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95, push members 84 and 94 reciprocate in the front-rear direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) of stacking units 80 and 90. To be more specific, at the time of stacking of the paper sheets in stacking units 80 and 90, push members 84 and 94 reciprocate between a retreat position (see FIG. 4) where push members 84 and 94 are moved away from the paper sheet, and an pushing position which is closer to openings 80h and 90h of stacking units 80 and 90 relative to the retreat position (see FIG. 5). After the paper sheets are housed in stacking units 80 and 90, push members 84 and 94 move to the pushing position, and as a result, the paper sheets housed in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed toward openings 80h and 90h. Thereafter, push members 84 and 94 return from the pushing position (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 7) to the retreat position (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 6).
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10, push members 84 and 94 include front stage portions 84a and 94a which are plate-shaped members bent at approximately 120 degrees

into a “V” shape, and rear stage portions 84b and 94b fixed to the front stage portions 84a and 94a. Rear stage portions 84b and 94b are provided with push surfaces 84c and 94c that make contact with the paper sheet housed in stacking units 80 and 90 and push the paper sheet toward openings 80h and 90h. Front stage portions 84a and 94b form a part of the side surface and the bottom surface of stacking units 80 and 90 at the retreat position illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10 (see FIG. 14A and FIG. 14C). On the other hand, when front stage portions 84a and 94a are moved to the pushing position, front stage portions 84a and 94a move to the back side of side walls 80b and 90b and bottom plates 80a and 90a as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 11 (see FIG. 14B). Here, front stage portions 84a and 94a have a comb-tooth shape that engages with the back surface of bottom plates 80a and 90a. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation where the paper sheet housed in stacking units 80 and 90 enters the gap between bottom plates 80a and 90a and front stage portions 84a and 94a of stacking units 80 and 90 and causes troubles such as paper sheet jam in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0031] When rear stage portions 84b and 94b are located at the retreat position illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10, push surfaces 84c and 94c of rear stage portions 84b and 94b form a part of the rear surface of stacking units 80 and 90. On the other hand, when rear stage portions 84b and 94b are moved to the pushing position, push surfaces 84c and 94c of rear stage portions 84b and 94b advance into stacking units 80 and 90 as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 11. Rear stage portions 84b and 94b have a comb-tooth shape that engages with side walls 80c and 90c on the rear surface side. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation where the paper sheet housed in stacking units 80 and 90 enters the gap between side walls 80c and 90c on the rear surface side and rear stage portions 84b and 94b of stacking units 80 and 90 and causes troubles such as paper sheet jam in stacking units 80 and 90. [0032] As illustrated in FIG. 6 to FIG. 13, push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95

respectively include driving units 85a and 95a composed of a motor or the like. Driving units 85a and 95a rotate first cams 86 and 96 having a substantially rectangular shape about first shafts 86a and 96a illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG.9, FIG.12, and FIG.13, for example. First cams 86 and 96 are provided with protrusion units 86b and 96b. In addition, push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95 respectively include second cams 87 and 97 having a substantially rod shape that connect first cams 86 and 96 and front stage portions 84a and 94a of push members 84 and 94. Second cams 87 and 97 rotate about second shafts 87a and 97a provided at a center portion thereof. First ends 87c and 97c of second cams 87 and 97 are rotatably attached on the back surface of front stage portions 84a and 94a, and slender through holes 87b and 97b extending along second cams 87 and 97 are formed at second ends of second cams 87 and 97. The above-described protrusion units 86b and 96b are fitted in through holes 87b and 97b, and, when first cams 86 and 96 rotate about first shafts 86a and 96a, protrusion units 86b and 96b of first cams 86 and 96 move in slender through holes 87b and 97b, and second cams 87 and 97 swing about second shafts 87a and 97a. In addition, guide rails 88 and 98 that guide front stage portions 84a and 94a and rear stage portions 84b and 94b of push members 84 and 94 in a given direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13) are installed in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0033] With first cams 86 and 96 and second cams 87 and 97 provided between push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95 and push members 84 and 94, when push member driving mechanisms 85 and 95 rotate first cams 86 and 96 about first shafts 86a and 96a, second cams 87 and 97 swing about second shafts 87a and 97a between the position illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12, and the position illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13. Then, push members 84 and 94 attached to first ends 87c and 97c of second cams 87 and 97 also reciprocate along guide rails 88 and 98 between the position (retreat position) illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12, and the position (pushing position) illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13.

[0034] Here, even in the case where, at the time when push members 84 and 94 move from the retreat position to the pushing position and the like, paper sheet jam occurs among push members 84 and 94 and bottom plates 80a and 90a and side walls 80c and 90c of stacking units 80 and 90 and the operation of push members 84 and 94 is stopped, the operator can remove the jammed paper sheet by manually resetting push members 84 and 94 from the pushing position to the retreat position.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, transport unit 30 includes first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32 and second transport unit 33, and first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32 and second transport unit 33 are substantially U-shaped. The paper sheet taken in casing 10 by intake unit 20 is transported one by one through first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32, and second transport unit 33 in this order. Each of first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32 and second transport unit 33 is composed of a combination of transport mechanisms. The transport mechanisms may include a pair of, or three or more transport rollers, and a transport belt such as a rubber belt installed around the transport rollers in a stretched state, for example. It is to be noted that the transport mechanisms may include a plurality of transport rollers that make contact with paper sheets, and a driving belt such as a rubber belt that drives the transport rollers.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, intake unit 20 includes feed roller 21 that performs feeding of paper sheets into casing 10, reverse roller 22 provided at a position opposite to feed roller 21 such that a gate unit is formed between feed roller 21 and reverse roller 22, kicker roller 23 that kicks the paper sheet housed in reception unit 29 to feed roller 21, auxiliary roller 24 for surely taking the paper sheet kicked out by kicker roller 23 into the gate unit, and pinch roller 25 having a friction coefficient higher than that of feed roller 21 and configured for surely taking into first transport unit 31 the paper sheet having passed between feed roller 21 and reverse roller 22.

[0037] Identification unit 60 identifies the fitness, the authentication, the denomination, the orientation, the front/back and the like of a paper sheet including a banknote transported in first transport unit 31. Identification unit 60 identifies the transport state including skew of the paper sheets, overlapping of the paper sheets, chain feeding of the adjacent paper sheets, and the like. The result of the identification of identification unit 60 is sent to apparatus control unit 150 that controls paper sheet handling machine 100 (see FIG. 3). It is to be noted that apparatus control unit 150 is included in the “control unit” of the claims.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, paper sheet handling machine 100 of the present embodiment also includes operation display unit 5 composed of a touch panel or the like disposed on the front surface side of casing 10, for example. Operation display unit 5 receives the input from the operator, and displays the various kinds of information. While operation display unit 5 has a function of an operation unit for receiving operations including the input of the operator, and a function of a display unit for displaying various kinds of information in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the operation unit and the display unit may be separately provided. As an example configuration, operation display unit 5 includes display screen 5a of about 7 inches. Operation display unit 5 of the present embodiment is included in the “operation unit” of the claims.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, two stacking units, stacking units 80 and 90, are disposed in the horizontal direction in parallel with each other as viewed from the front surface side. Stacking units 80 and 90 stack and house in an upright state (at an angle of 45 degrees or greater to the horizontal direction) the paper sheet which satisfies the predetermined condition of identification unit 60 in the paper sheets taken into casing 10. [0040] In the present embodiment, the side on which stacking units 80 and 90 open is

defined as “front surface side.” It is to be noted that openings 80h and 90h of stacking units 80 and 90 may be provided on the side surface side of casing 10, and also in such a configuration, the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are taken out mainly in the direction of the front surface side.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, branching transport units 71 and 72 that couple second transport unit 33 and stacking units 80 and 90 are provided between second transport unit 33 and stacking units 80 and 90. In addition, branching units 76 and 77 corresponding to stacking units 80 and 90, and having a claw shape for branching of the paper sheet transported by second transport unit 33 to transport units 71 and 72 are provided, for example.
[0042] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, stacking wheels 121 and 122 corresponding to stacking units 80 and 90 are provided between two stacking units, stacking units 80 and 90, in the horizontal direction, and the rotational direction of stacking wheel 121 located on the left side as viewed from the front surface side and the rotational direction of stacking wheel 122 located on the right side as viewed from the front surface side are opposite to each other. To be more specific, on the lower right side of stacking unit 80 located on the left side as viewed from the front surface side, stacking wheel 121 that rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front surface side is provided. In addition, on the lower left side of stacking unit 90 located on the right side as viewed from the front surface side, stacking wheel 122 that rotates clockwise as viewed from the front surface side is provided. It is to be noted that the stacking wheels 121 and 122 receive, in a space between the vane portions adjacent to each other, the paper sheets output into stacking units 80 and 90 from branching transport units 71 and 72, and stack the paper sheets in stacking units 80 and 90 with the orientation and position of the paper sheets being regulated. [0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, at the terminal end of second transport unit 33, rejection

unit 110 for stacking paper sheets which are not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided. In the present embodiment, at least a part of rejection unit 110 is provided above stacking unit 90 located on the most downstream side in the transport direction of the paper sheet.
[0044] Release unit 114 is provided at the terminal end of second transport unit 33. Release unit 114 includes release roller 111 that sends out the paper sheet from casing 10 to rejection unit 110, counter roller 112 provided at a position opposite to release roller 111, and rotatable elastic fin wheel 113 provided coaxially with release roller 111. The paper sheet sent to the terminal end of second transport unit 33 is output to rejection unit 110 from a space between release roller 111 and counter roller 112. The rear end edge of the paper sheet output in the above-mentioned manner is tapped by elastic fin wheel 113, and the paper sheet is stacked in rejection unit 110.
[0045] In addition, stopper 115 is provided at an end portion (right end portion in FIG. 2) of rejection unit 110. Stopper 115 is configured for preventing the paper sheet output from the position between release roller 111 and counter roller 112 from being displaced from rejection unit 110 and being output to the outside. Stopper 115 can be manually rotated clockwise, and the operator can freely take out the paper sheet housed in rejection unit 110 by manually rotating stopper 115 clockwise.
[0046] In addition, second transport unit 33 of the present embodiment includes tilted unit 34 tilted upward toward rejection unit 110 at a position on the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper sheet.
[0047] In the present embodiment, stacking units 80 and 90 stack paper sheets in a state where stacking units 80 and 90 are tilted at 45 degrees or greater to the horizontal direction. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, stacking unit 80 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side stacks paper sheets in a state where it is tilted at 45 degrees or greater to the first direction of the horizontal direction (the left direction in FIG.

2, which is opposite to the transport direction of the paper sheet in second transport unit 33), and stacking unit 90 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side stacks paper sheets in a state where it is tilted at 45 degrees or greater to the second direction opposite to the first direction of the horizontal direction (the right direction in FIG. 2, which is identical to the transport direction of the paper sheet in second transport unit 33). While it is preferable that stacking units 80 and 90 stack paper sheets in a state where stacking units 80 and 90 are tilted at 45 degrees or greater to the horizontal direction, it is more preferable that stacking units 80 and 90 stack paper sheets in a state where stacking units 80 and 90 are tilted at 60 to 70 degrees to the horizontal direction so as to stack the paper sheets in the upright state.
[0048] In addition, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, paper sheets are sequentially sent out, to stacking unit 80 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side, in a direction including the direction opposite to the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33 (substantially left direction in FIG. 2), and paper sheets are sequentially sent out, to stacking unit 90 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side, in a direction including the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33 (substantially right direction in FIG. 2).
[0049] Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, stacking wheel 121 located on the left side as viewed from the front surface side rotates counterclockwise, and stacking wheel 122 located on the right side as viewed from the front surface side rotates clockwise as described above. With this configuration, the upper part of stacking wheel 121 is rotated in a direction including the direction opposite to the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33, and the upper part of stacking wheel 122 is rotated in a direction including the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33. [0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, intake unit 20 is provided with sensor S1 that detects

whether a paper sheet is placed at reception unit 29. In addition, sensor S2 is provided at an entrance portion of first transport unit 31. Sensor S2 detects the fact that a paper sheet is surely taken into casing 10.
[0051] Sensor S3 is provided at intermediate transport unit 32, sensor S4 is provided on the downstream side of upstream side branching unit 76, and sensor S5 is provided on the downstream side of branching unit 77 on the downstream side. To be more specific, sensor S3 is provided at intermediate transport unit 32, and detects all paper sheets transported at second transport unit 33. Sensor S4 is provided on the downstream side of upstream side branching unit 76, and detects only a paper sheet transported at second transport unit 33 which is not separated by branching unit 76 to branching transport unit 71. In addition, sensor S5 is provided on the downstream side of branching unit 77 on the downstream side, and detects a paper sheet transported at second transport unit 33 which is not separated by two branching units 76 and 77 to branching transport units 71 and 72. [0052] Stacking units 80 and 90 are provided with sensors 89 and 99, respectively. Sensors 89 and 99 detect whether a paper sheet is housed in stacking units 80 and 90. In addition, rejection unit 110 is also provided with sensor S6. Sensor S6 detects whether a paper sheet is housed in rejection unit 110.
[0053] Apparatus control unit 150 of the present embodiment determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 (to be more specific, the pushing level of push members 84 and 94) based on the kind of the paper sheet or the length of the paper sheet. It is to be noted that the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 means the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like. Note that, in the case of the U.S. dollars, the pushing level can be determined by only determining whether the paper sheet is the U.S. dollar since the banknotes of the U.S. dollars have substantially the same size regardless of the

denominations.
[0054] The “length of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment includes the length of the paper sheet along the pushing direction of pushing units 83 and 93 toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 (“the length of the long edge direction of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment), and the length of the paper sheet in the direction orthogonal to the pushing direction of pushing units 83 and 93 toward openings 80h and 90h (“the length of the short edge direction of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment). In the present embodiment, the “length of the paper sheet along the pushing direction of pushing units 83 and 93 toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90” is simply referred to as “length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet.” [0055] As a first exemplary configuration, a configuration may be employed in which identification unit 60 detects the kind of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and apparatus control unit 150 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the kind of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. To be more specific, paper sheet handling machine 100 includes apparatus storage unit 155 that stores the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 detected by identification unit 60, that is, the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like, and the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet (“the length of the long edge direction of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment) which are associated with each other (see FIG. 3). When the kind of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 is detected by identification unit 60, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet associated with the kind of the paper sheet is read. At this time, stacking units 80 and 90 into which the paper sheets are stacked are also read from apparatus storage unit 155. Then, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the length along the

pushing direction of the paper sheet read from apparatus storage unit 155, and the information of stacking units 80 and 90 in which the targeted paper sheet is stacked. It is to be noted that identification unit 60 of the present embodiment is included in the “first detection unit” of the claims.
[0056] Incidentally, the pushing level of the paper sheet pushed by pushing units 83 and 93 may be set such that a part of the paper sheet is placed at cutout portions 80g and 90g when the paper sheet is pushed, for example. In addition, in the case where cutout portions 80g and 90g are not provided, the pushing level may be set such that the paper sheet slightly protrudes from openings 80h and 90h when the paper sheet is pushed. The pushing level of the paper sheet may be appropriately changed, and may be set by inputting the “absolute value” of the length of the paper sheet protruding at cutout portions 80g and 90g or by inputting the “absolute value” of the length of the paper sheet protruding from openings 80h and 90h, for example. The same applies to the exemplary configurations described below.
[0057] As a second exemplary configuration, a configuration may be employed in which identification unit 60 detects the length of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and apparatus control unit 150 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. In this configuration, stacking units 80 and 90 for stacking the paper sheet are read from apparatus storage unit 155. The pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60 and the information of stacking units 80 and 90 in which the targeted paper sheet is stacked. It is to be noted that identification unit 60 of the present embodiment is included in the “second detection unit” of the claims.
[0058] Note that, in the case where identification unit 60 can detect only the length in the direction orthogonal to the length of the paper sheet along the pushing direction (“the

length of the short edge direction of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment), the following configuration may also be employed. To be more specific, apparatus storage unit 155 stores “the length of the short edge direction of the paper sheet” and “the length of the long edge direction of the paper sheet” in association with each other, and, when identification unit 60 detects “the length of the short edge direction of the paper sheet,” “the length of the long edge direction of the paper sheet” associated with “the length of the short edge direction of the paper sheet” is read.
[0059] As a third exemplary configuration, a configuration may be employed in which the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the kind of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90. The “the kind of the paper sheet” means the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 as described above, and means the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like, for example.
[0060] Incidentally, regarding the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 in the present embodiment, any of a designation mode, an automatic determination mode, a dynamic determination mode, a mixture mode and non-designation mode may be set for the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, the fitness of the paper sheet, the front/back of the paper sheet, the orientation of the paper sheet and the like in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0061] Here, the designation mode is a mode for preliminarily designating the details of sort types of the paper sheet to be housed in stacking units 80 and 90. The automatic determination mode is a mode for setting the details of sort type identified in the designated order by identification unit 60 (for example, first, second, and so forth) to the paper sheets to be housed in the corresponding stacking units 80 and 90 in the process of the paper sheet of one operation. The dynamic determination mode is a mode for

assigning the paper sheet to be housed in stacking units 80 and 90 based on the result of the identification of identification unit 60 during the processing of the money, and differs from the automatic determination mode in that assignment can be performed regardless of the order of the paper sheet. For example, in the case where the type of the identified paper sheet is not assigned to stacking unit 80 or stacking unit 90, and there are stacking units 80 and 90 whose dynamic determination mode is set but whose assignment is not determined, the details of the identified paper sheet are assigned to the stacking units 80 and 90. The mixture mode is a mode for stacking paper sheets regardless of the details of sort types. The non-designation mode is a mode for stacking other paper sheets which are not housed in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0062] Accordingly, in the third exemplary configuration, the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is determined based on the designation mode, the automatic determination mode, the dynamic determination mode, the mixture mode and the non-designation mode set for each of the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, the fitness of the paper sheet, the front/back of the paper sheet and the orientation of the paper sheet, and the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 (for example the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like).
[0063] It is to be noted that the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 can be input from operation display unit 5, for example. That is, from operation display unit 5 of the present embodiment, the designation mode, the automatic determination mode, the dynamic determination mode, the mixture mode and the non-designation mode can be set for each of the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, the fitness of the paper sheet, the front/back of

the paper sheet and the orientation of the paper sheet, and as a result, the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 and the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 are determined. [0064] As a fourth exemplary configuration, a configuration may be employed in which, as illustrated in FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D, third detection unit 160 for detecting the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided, and apparatus control unit 150 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of third detection unit 160.
[0065] In the fourth exemplary configuration, third detection unit 160 may include a plurality of third detection portions, 161a to 161d, provided in stacking units 80 and 90. In this case, third detection portions 161a to 161d are disposed at respective positions different from each other along the direction in which pushing units 83 and 93 push paper sheets toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 (the vertical direction in FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D). In FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D, four third detection portions 161a to 161d are linearly disposed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, third detection portions 161a to 161d may be disposed in a zigzag form or in an arc-like form. In addition, the number of third detection portions 161a to 161d may be three or smaller, or five or greater.
[0066] Third detection portions 161a to 161d of third detection unit 160 may be composed of an optical sensor, for example. In this case, the optical sensor may include an irradiation unit for irradiation of light, and a light reception unit for receiving the light emitted by the irradiation unit. Apparatus control unit 150 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the blocking state or the transmission state of the optical sensor. To be more specific, apparatus control unit 150 determines whether the light emitted by the irradiation units is received by corresponding light reception units, to thereby detect the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 and

determine the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93.
[0067] As a fifth exemplary configuration, a configuration may be employed in which, as illustrated in FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D, fourth detection unit 170 for detecting the position of the paper sheet in real time (which may not be “simultaneous,” and may include delay of several seconds herein) when pushing units 83 and 93 push paper sheets toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided, and apparatus control unit 150 controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of fourth detection unit 170. It is to be noted that fourth detection unit 170 may not be disposed in stacking units 80 and 90, and may be (adjacently) disposed on the outside of the front surface side of stacking units 80 and 90. In the case where stacking units 80 and 90 are provided on the outside of fourth detection unit 170 as described above, a reflection sensor may be employed as fourth detection unit 170. At this time, the reflection sensor may be disposed to protrude to the front surface side from bottom plates 80a and 90a of stacking units 80 and 90.
[0068] In the fifth exemplary configuration, fourth detection unit 170 may include a plurality of fourth detection portions, 171a and 171b, provided in stacking units 80 and 90. In this case, fourth detection portions 171a and 171b are disposed at respective positions different from each other along the direction in which pushing units 83 and 93 push the paper sheet toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 (the vertical direction of FIG. 16). It is possible that only one fourth detection portion is provided for stacking units 80 and 90. In addition, it is possible that a pair of the fourth detection portions is provided for stacking units 80 and 90 in the horizontal direction of FIG. 16. In the above-mentioned cases, one or a pair of fourth detection portions 171a and 171b may be provided at a targeted position to which the pushed paper sheet is pushed (such as the front end part of stacking units 80 and 90 and the outside of the front side of stacking units 80 and 90).

[0069] In addition, fourth detection portions 171a and 171b of fourth detection unit 170 may be composed of an optical sensor, for example. In this case, the optical sensor may include an irradiation unit for irradiation of light, and a light reception unit for receiving the light emitted by the irradiation unit. Apparatus control unit 150 controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on variation of the blocking state or the transmission state of the optical sensor. To be more specific, apparatus control unit 150 determines whether light emitted by the irradiation units is received by corresponding light reception unit in real time to thereby detect the position of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 and control the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93. [0070] It is to be noted that the same member may be used for the above-described third detection unit 160 and fourth detection unit 170. That is, in the case where the fourth exemplary configuration is employed, apparatus control unit 150 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of one or a plurality of optical sensors, and, in the case where the fifth exemplary configuration is employed, apparatus control unit 150 controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of one or a plurality of optical sensors. In addition, sensors 89 and 99 and third detection unit 160 or fourth detection unit 170 may be composed of the same member.
[0071] Note that, in the above-described exemplary configurations, apparatus control unit 150 can individually determine or control the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93. With this configuration, the pushing level of pushing unit 83 provided in stacking unit 80 and the pushing level of pushing unit 93 provided in stacking unit 90 can be independently determined or controlled.
[0072] It is to be noted that, in the fourth exemplary configuration and the fifth exemplary configuration, apparatus control unit 150 can determine the pushing level as “0” (zero) depending on the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and

90.
[0073] In addition, the exemplary configurations may be appropriately combined. That is, two or more of the first exemplary configuration, the second exemplary configuration, the third exemplary configuration, the fourth exemplary configuration and the fifth exemplary configuration may be appropriately combined. For example, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 may be determined based on both of the kind of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60 and the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 by combining the first exemplary configuration and the fourth exemplary configuration. In addition, for example, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 may be determined based on both of the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60 and the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 by combining the second exemplary configuration and the fourth exemplary configuration combination. In addition, for example, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 may be determined based on both of the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 and the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 3, apparatus control unit 150 is connected with intake unit 20, first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32, second transport unit 33, identification unit 60, apparatus storage unit 155, branching units 76 and 77, rejection unit 110, stacking wheels 121 and 122, sensors S1 to S6, 89 and 99, operation display unit 5, pushing units 83 and 93 and release unit 114. Apparatus control unit 150 acquires information from intake unit 20, first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32, second transport unit 33, identification unit 60, apparatus storage unit 155, branching units 76 and 77, rejection unit 110, stacking wheels 121 and 122, sensors S1 to S6, 89 and 99, operation display unit 5, pushing units 83 and 93 and release unit 114, and gives a request to these parts. It is to be noted that in the case where third detection unit 160 is provided,

apparatus control unit 150 is connected with the third detection unit 160, and acquires information from third detection unit 160, and, gives a request to third detection unit 160. In addition, in the case where fourth detection unit 170 is provided, apparatus control unit 150 is connected with the fourth detection unit 170, and acquires information from fourth detection unit 170, and, gives a request to fourth detection unit 170. [0075] It is to be noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 3, one or a plurality of external apparatuses 300 other than paper sheet handling machine 100 may be provided. External apparatus 300 may include external control unit 350. External control unit 350 may have a function similar to that of apparatus control unit 150. In addition, external apparatus 300 may include external display unit 305. External display unit 305 may have a function similar to that of operation display unit 5 as a display unit. In addition, external apparatus 300 may include external operation unit 306. External operation unit 306 may have a function similar to that of operation display unit 5 as an operation unit. In addition, external apparatus 300 may include external storage unit 355. External storage unit 355 may have a function similar to that of apparatus storage unit 155. Accordingly, the “apparatus control unit 150” may be replaced by the “external control unit 350.” The “operation display unit 5” may be replaced by “external operation unit 306.” The “apparatus storage unit 155” may be replaced by “external storage unit 355.” Note that “external apparatus 300” in the present embodiment means all apparatuses other than the targeted apparatus, and “external apparatus 300 other than paper sheet handling machine 100” includes all apparatuses other than paper sheet handling machine 100. [0076] In the following description, “control unit 450” is used as a term representing apparatus control unit 150, or external control unit 350, or, both of apparatus control unit 150 and external control unit 350. In addition, “storage unit 455” is used as a term representing apparatus storage unit 155, or external storage unit 355, or, both of apparatus storage unit 155 and external storage unit 355. In addition, “operation unit 406” is used

as a term representing operation display unit 5, or external operation unit 306, or, both of
operation display unit 5 and external operation unit 306.
[0077]
[Method]
Next, a paper sheet processing method using paper sheet handling machine 100 of the present embodiment is described.
[0078] First, the operator places a plurality of paper sheets at reception unit 29 such that the long edge direction thereof is set to the front-rear direction (the depth direction of FIG. 2) in a stacked state. The paper sheets placed at reception unit 29 are taken into casing 10 one by one with kicker roller 23, auxiliary roller 24, feed roller 21, reverse roller 22 and pinch roller 25 of intake unit 20. The paper sheet taken in casing 10 is transported by transport unit 30. To be more specific, the paper sheet taken in casing 10 is transported in the order of first transport unit 31, intermediate transport unit 32 and second transport unit 33.
When the paper sheet is transported by first transport unit 31, the fitness, the authentication, the denomination, the orientation, the front/back, the transport state and the like of each paper sheet are detected by identification unit 60. Here, paper sheets (such as an identification failure note, and an abnormal transport note due to skewing, overlapped feeding, or chain feeding) on which identification of identification unit 60 cannot be performed, paper sheets on which identification has been performed but which are abnormal (such as a counterfeit note and a suspect note), and paper sheets which do not satisfy the preliminarily set condition, are regarded as the objects to be sent to rejection unit 110. On the other hand, paper sheets determined to be paper sheets which satisfy the preliminarily set condition are regarded by identification unit 60 as the objects to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90. [0079] The paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 is sent to first transport unit

31 to second transport unit 33 through intermediate transport unit 32. Then, of the paper sheets transported by second transport unit 33, the paper sheet to be stacked in stacking unit 80 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side is separated by branching unit 76 on the upstream side to transport unit 71, and the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking unit 90 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side is separated by branching unit 77 on the downstream side to branching transport unit 72.
[0080] The paper sheet transported by branching transport unit 71 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side is received in a space between vane portions adjacent to each other in stacking wheel 121 that rotates counterclockwise, and sequentially stacked in stacking unit 80 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side in a direction including the direction opposite to the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33 (substantially left direction in FIG. 2). At this time, the paper sheet is stacked in stacking unit 80 on the left side as viewed from the front surface side at an angle of 45 degrees or greater, or more preferably, 60 to 70 degrees (that is, in an upright state) with respect to the left direction (first direction) of the horizontal direction. [0081] The paper sheet transported by branching transport unit 72 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side is received in a space between vane portions adjacent to each other in stacking wheel 122 that rotates clockwise, and sequentially stacked in stacking unit 90 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side in a direction including in the transport direction of the paper sheet by second transport unit 33 (substantially right direction in FIG. 2). At this time, the paper sheet is stacked in stacking unit 90 on the right side as viewed from the front surface side at an angle of 45 degrees or greater, or more preferably 60 to 70 degrees (that is, in a upright state) with respect to the right direction of the horizontal direction (the second direction opposite to the first direction). [0082] In addition, of the paper sheets transported by second transport unit 33, the paper

sheet to be sent to rejection unit 110 is not separated by branching units 76 and 77 to branching transport units 71 and 72, but is passed through tilted unit 34 tilted upward of second transport unit 33, and transported to the terminal end of second transport unit 33. The paper sheet sent to the terminal end of second transport unit 33 is output from the position between release roller 111 and counter roller 112. At this time, the rear end edge of that paper sheet is tapped by rotatable elastic fin wheel 113 provided in a region around release roller 111, and stacked in rejection unit 110.
[0083] In the first exemplary configuration, identification unit 60 detects the kind of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the kind of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. To be more specific, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet is read from storage unit 455 based on the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 detected by identification unit 60, that is, the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like. Then, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet read from storage unit 455. Then, when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed based on the pushing level corresponding to the kind of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60, which is determined by control unit 450.
[0084] In the second exemplary configuration, identification unit 60 detects the length of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. Thus, as described above, when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the paper

sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed based on the pushing level corresponding to the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60, which is determined by control unit 450.
[0085] In the third exemplary configuration, control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the kind of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90. To be more specific, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet is read from storage unit 455 based on the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 which is set to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, that is, the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like. The pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet read from storage unit 455. Then, when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed based on the pushing level corresponding to the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, which is determined by control unit 450.
[0086] It is to be noted that regarding the kind of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the designation mode, the automatic determination mode, the dynamic determination mode, the mixture mode and the non-designation mode are set from operation unit 406 for each of the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, the fitness of the paper sheet, the front/back of the paper sheet and the orientation of the paper sheet.
[0087] In the fourth exemplary configuration, third detection unit 160 for detecting the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided (see FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D), and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of third detection unit 160. Thus, as described above,

when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed based on the pushing level corresponding to the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, which is determined by control unit 450.
[0088] In the fifth exemplary configuration, fourth detection unit 170 for detecting the position of the paper sheet in real time when pushing units 83 and 93 push paper sheets toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided (see FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D), and control unit 450 controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of fourth detection unit 170. Thus, as described above, when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the position of the paper sheet is detected in real time while the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is controlled based on the detection result, and the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 are pushed. [0089] [Effect]
Next, other effects or particularly important effects achieved with the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration are described. [0090] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the kind of the paper sheet or the length of the paper sheet, and the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is controlled by detecting the position of the paper sheet at the time when pushing units 83 and 93 push the paper sheet toward openings 80h and 90h. Thus, the pushing level of the paper sheet of pushing units 83 and 93 can be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet. Accordingly, even a paper sheet having a small size can be sufficiently pushed, and in turn, the paper sheet can be easily taken out from stacking units 80 and 90. In addition, even when a paper sheet having a large size is used, the large paper sheet can be prevented

from being dropped from stacking units 80 and 90.
[0091] In the first exemplary configuration of the present invention, identification unit 60 detects the kind of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the kind of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. To be more specific, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet is read from storage unit 455 based on the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 detected by identification unit 60, that is, the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like. In addition, stacking units 80 and 90 for stacking the paper sheet is read from storage unit 455. Then, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 installed in stacking units 80 and 90 is determined based on the information of stacking units 80 and 90 in which the targeted paper sheet is stacked and the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet read from storage unit 455. Thus, the pushing level of the paper sheet of pushing units 83 and 93 can be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet calculated based on the kind of the paper sheet. [0092] In the second exemplary configuration of the present invention, identification unit 60 detects the length of the paper sheet transported by first transport unit 31 of transport unit 30, and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. Then, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 installed in stacking units 80 and 90 is determined based on the information of stacking units 80 and 90 in which the targeted paper sheets is stacked and the length of the paper sheet detected by identification unit 60. Thus, also with this configuration, the pushing level of the paper sheet of pushing units 83 and 93 can be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet. It is advantageous to employ the configuration in which the “pushing direction along the length of the paper

sheet” (“the length of the long edge direction of the paper sheet” in the present embodiment) is directly detected with identification unit 60 in this configuration, since it is not necessary to read information relating to the kind of the paper sheet from storage unit 455, and the pushing level can be determined based on the actual length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet.
[0093] In the third exemplary configuration of the present invention, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the kind of the paper sheets to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90. To be more specific, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet is read from storage unit 455 based on the kind of the paper sheet used for determining the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 which is to be stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, that is, the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like. Then, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is determined based on the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet read from storage unit 455. Thus, the pushing level of the paper sheet of pushing units 83 and 93 can be set to an appropriate value in accordance with the size of the paper sheet calculated based on the kind of the paper sheet. It is to be noted that this configuration is advantageous since the pushing level of the paper sheet is set in advance for each of stacking units 80 and 90, and it is not necessary to determine the kind of the currency, the kind of the banknote, the printing type of the banknote, and the kind of the check, the gift certificate and the continuous-form sheet, and the like for each paper sheet identified by identification unit 60 to determine the pushing level.
[0094] In the fourth exemplary configuration of the present invention, third detection unit 160 for detecting the stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided (see FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D), and control unit 450 determines the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of third detection unit 160. Thus, by

taking the stacked state of the paper sheets actually stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 into consideration, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be set to an appropriate value. Accordingly, even in a case where the stacked state of the paper sheets is changed (or deteriorated for some reason) from the normal state, the paper sheets can be pushed by a desired amount with pushing units 83 and 93. With this configuration, even in the case where the paper sheets are mistakenly stacked on the front surface side relative to normal stacking position, dropping of the paper sheet from stacking units 80 and 90 is not easily occur. Note that the stacked state of small paper sheets in stacking units 80 and 90 tends to be easily disturbed. In view of this, this configuration is advantageous particularly for the case where small paper sheets are used.
[0095] In addition, with this configuration, even when paper sheets of different sizes are mixed and stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the end of the paper sheet (the end portion on the front surface side) can be advantageously pushed to a desired position. [0096] It is to be noted that, in the case where third detection unit 160 includes a plurality of third detection portions 161a to 161d provided in stacking units 80 and 90, the stacked state of the paper sheets can be detected based on information from third detection portions 161a to 161d. Thus, the position where the paper sheets are stacked, the position where the paper sheet is not stacked, and the like can be specifically detected, and in turn, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be more specifically determined. To be more specific, the position of the rear end (the end portion on the rear surface side) of the stacked paper sheets can be detected with third detection portion 161a provided on the rear surface side of stacking units 80 and 90, and the position of the front end (the end portion on the front surface side) of the stacked paper sheets can be detected with third detection portion 161d and third detection portion 161c provided on the front surface side of stacking units 80 and 90. As a result, the length along the pushing direction of the paper sheet can be detected, and the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be determined. It is to

be noted that the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be more specifically determined by increasing the number of third detection portions 161a to 161, whereas the manufacturing cost of paper sheet handling machine 100 can be reduced by reducing the number of third detection portions 161a to 161d.
[0097] In the fifth exemplary configuration of the present invention, fourth detection unit 170 for detecting the position of the paper sheet in real time when pushing units 83 and 93 push paper sheets toward openings 80h and 90h in stacking units 80 and 90 is provided (see FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D), and control unit 450 controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 based on the detection result of fourth detection unit 170. Thus, the pushing level can be controlled while detecting the actual position of the paper sheet with pushing units 83 and 93. Accordingly, the paper sheet can be pushed to a desired position by acquiring information in real time. With this configuration, even in a case where the stacked state of the paper sheets is changed from the normal state (or deteriorated for some reason), the paper sheet can be pushed while appropriately controlling pushing units 83 and 93. With this configuration, even in a case where the paper sheets are mistakenly stacked on the front surface side relative to normal stacking position, dropping of the paper sheet from stacking units 80 and 90 is not easily occur. Note that, as described above, the stacked state of small paper sheets in stacking units 80 and 90 tends to be easily disturbed and therefore this configuration is advantageous particularly for the case where small paper sheets are used.
[0098] In addition, this configuration is advantageous since, even when paper sheets of different sizes are mixed and stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the end of the paper sheet (the end portion on the front surface side) can be pushed to a desired position. [0099] It is to be noted that in the case where fourth detection unit 170 includes a plurality of fourth detection portions 171a and 171b in stacking units 80 and 90, the location information of the paper sheet can be detected in real time based on information

from fourth detection portions 171a and 171b. With this configuration, at the time when pushing units 83 and 93 push the paper sheet, the position of the paper sheet, the position where no paper sheet exists and the like can be specifically detected in real time, and in turn, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be more specifically controlled. It is to be noted that the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 can be more specifically controlled by increasing the number of fourth detection portions 171a and 171b, whereas the manufacturing cost of paper sheet handling machine 100 can be reduced by reducing the number of fourth detection portions 171a and 171b.
[0100] Incidentally, in the first exemplary configuration, the second exemplary configuration and the third exemplary configuration, the pushing level may be calculated on the premise that the paper sheet is in contact with the side wall on the rear surface side of stacking units 80 and 90, or on the premise that a gap of a predetermined length (for example, a few millimeters to a few centimeters) is provided between the paper sheet and the side wall on the rear surface side of stacking units 80 and 90. In addition, the value of the “predetermined length” may be appropriately changed by inputting the value on operation unit 406, for example. [0101] [Second embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described. It is to be noted that FIG. 18A to FIG. 18D are drawings for describing the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] In the first embodiment, control unit 450 determines or controls the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93. In the second embodiment, the pushing level of pushing units 83 and 93 is not determined or controlled, but control unit 450 determines whether pushing units 83 and 93 are pushed toward openings 80h and 90h. [0103] In the present embodiment, a fifth detection unit for detecting the paper sheets

stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, and a sixth detection unit for detecting the fact that the paper sheet is transported to stacking units 80 and 90 are provided. When the detection result of the fifth detection unit and the detection result of the sixth detection unit satisfy a predetermined condition, pushing units 83 and 93 are pushed toward openings 80h and 90h.
[0104] In the present embodiment, sensors 89 and 99 illustrated in FIG. 2 function as the fifth detection unit, and sensors S3 to S5 function as the sixth detection unit. In the case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S3 but passage of the paper sheet is not detected by sensor S4, it is determined that the paper sheet is stacked in stacking unit 80. In the case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S4 but passage of the paper sheet is not detected by sensor S5, it is determined that the paper sheet is stacked in stacking unit 90.
[0105] The “predetermined condition” may be set such that the condition is satisfied in the case where sensors S3 to S5 detect the fact that the paper sheet is transported to stacking units 80 and 90 but sensors 89 and 99 detect that the paper sheet is not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90.
[0106] To be more specific, the “predetermined condition” may be set such that the condition is satisfied in the following cases: a case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S3 while passage of the paper sheet is not detected by sensor S4 and transport of the paper sheet is determined by stacking unit 80 while sensor 89 detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit 80; and a case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S4 while passage of the paper sheet is not detected sensor S5 and transport of the paper sheet is detected by stacking unit 90 while sensor 99 detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit 80.
[0107] In addition, as a further limitation, the “predetermined condition” may be set such that the condition is satisfied in the case where the number of paper sheets whose transport

to stacking units 80 and 90 is detected by sensors S3 to S5 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number. To be more specific, the “predetermined condition” may be set such that the condition is satisfied in the following cases: a case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S3 while passage of the paper sheet is not detected by sensor S4, and transport of the paper sheet is detected by stacking unit 80 while sensor 89 detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit 80, and, the number of paper sheets whose transport to stacking unit 80 is detected by sensors S3 and S4 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number; and a case where passage of the paper sheet is detected by sensor S4 while passage of the paper sheet is not detected by sensor S5, and transport of the paper sheet is detected by stacking unit 90 while sensor 99 detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit 80, and, the number of paper sheets whose transport to stacking unit 90 is detected by sensors S4 and S5 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number.
[0108] Other configurations of the second embodiment are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment. The configurations of the second embodiment identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0109] Also with the present embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved. The effects of the first embodiment have been specifically described earlier, and therefore the description of the effects of the present embodiment will be appropriately omitted.
[0110] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a situation where, when a part of a paper sheet (to be more specific, a part of a banknote) is transparent, it is mistakenly determined that the paper sheet is not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 even when the paper sheet is stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, for example. [0111] That is, in the case where a part of the paper sheet is transparent, the light emitted

from the light emission part of sensors 89 and 99 passes through a portion which is transparent as a clear window (transparent portion) of the paper sheet and is received by the light reception unit (see FIG. 18A and FIG. 18C). In this case, even when the paper sheet is stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, it is determined that the paper sheet is not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 based on the information from sensors 89 and 99. [0112] In view of this, according to the present embodiment, when the detection result of sensors 89 and 99 serving as the fifth detection unit and the detection result of sensors S3 to S5 serving as the sixth detection unit satisfy a predetermined condition, pushing units 83 and 93 are pushed toward openings 80h and 90h. Then, when the “predetermined condition” is set such that the condition is satisfied in the case where sensors S3 to S5 determine that the paper sheet is transported to stacking units 80 and 90, and sensors 89 and 99 determine that the paper sheet is not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90, the above-mentioned state corresponds to a state where the paper sheet is actually stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 but it is determined that the paper sheet is not stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 based on the information of sensors 89 and 99. Then, since pushing units 83 and 93 are pushed toward openings 80h and 90h when the “predetermined condition” is satisfied, the position of the paper sheets stacked in stacking units 80 and 90 is shifted, and the light emitted from the light emission part of sensors 89 and 99 is applied to a portion other than the transparent portion (see FIG. 18B and FIG. 18D). As a result, with sensors 89 and 99, stacking of the paper sheet in stacking units 80 and 90 can be detected. It is to be noted that, in the case where the information of sensors 89 and 99 is acquired in real time, pushing of pushing units 83 and 93 may be stopped when the light emitted from the light emission part of sensors 89 and 99 is blocked with pushing units 83 and 93 pushed toward openings 80h and 90h, for example.
[0113] In addition, as described above, the “predetermined condition” may be set such that the condition is satisfied only when the number of paper sheets whose transport to

stacking units 80 and 90 is detected by sensors S3 to S5 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number of sheets. The “predetermined number of sheets” in this case is, for example, the number of sheets which does not allow light emitted from the light emission part of sensors 89 and 99 to pass through a transparent portion of the paper sheet, and is, for example, 5 to 10. In view of this, in the case where this configuration is employed, pushing of paper sheets of pushing units 83 and 93 is performed only when the number of paper sheets transported to stacking units 80 and 90 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, and stacking of the paper sheet in stacking units 80 and 90 cannot be detected by sensors 89 and 99, and it is detected that some problem relating to sensors 89 and 99 is caused when the number of the paper sheets transported to stacking units 80 and 90 is greater than the predetermined number and stacking of the paper sheet in stacking units 80 and 90 cannot be detected by sensors 89 and 99.
[0114] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors in so far as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
[0115] Accordingly, paper sheet handling machine 100 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and a paper sheet handling machine including one stacking unit, paper sheet handling machine 100’ including three or more stacking units 80’ (see FIG. 19), and paper sheet handling machine 100’ including a plurality of rejection units 110’ (see FIG. 19) may be employed. In FIG. 19, the members having functions similar to those of paper sheet handling machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are denoted by the same numerals with “’”. It is to be noted that a typical example of paper sheet handling machines 100 and 100’ is a banknote processing device.
Reference Signs List

[0116]
5 Operation display unit
29 Reception unit
30 Transport unit
60 Identification unit (First detection unit, Second detection unit)
80, 90 Stacking unit
80h, 90h Opening
83, 93 Pushing unit
89, 99 Sensor (Fifth detection unit)
S3 to S5 Sensor (Sixth detection unit)
150 Apparatus control unit
155 Apparatus storage unit
160 Third detection unit
170 Fourth detection unit
306 External operation unit
350 External control unit
355 External storage unit
450 Control unit
455 Storage unit
406 Operation unit

We Claim :
Claim 1 A paper sheet handling machine comprising:
a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet;
a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit;
an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit;
a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening; and
a control unit configured to determine a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a kind of the paper sheet or a length of the paper sheet.
Claim 2 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 1 further comprising a first detection unit configured to detect the kind of the paper sheet transported by the transport unit, wherein
the control unit determines the pushing level of the pushing unit based on the kind of the paper sheet detected by the first detection unit.
Claim 3 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a second detection unit configured to detect the length of the paper sheet transported by the transport unit, wherein
the control unit determines the pushing level of the pushing unit based on the length of the paper sheet detected by the second detection unit.
Claim 4 The paper sheet handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the paper sheet is a length along a direction in which the pushing unit

pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit.
Claim 5 The paper sheet handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines the pushing level of the pushing unit based on a kind of the paper sheet which is designated in advance as the paper sheet to be stacked in the stacking unit.
Claim 6 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 5 further comprising an operation unit for inputting the kind of the paper sheet to be stacked in the stacking unit.
Claim 7 A paper sheet handling machine comprising:
a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet;
a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit;
an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit;
a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening;
a third detection unit for detecting an stacked state of the paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit; and
a control unit configured to determine a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a detection result of the third detection unit.
Claim 8 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 7, wherein
the third detection unit includes a plurality of third detection portions provided in the stacking unit, and

the third detection portions are disposed at respective positions different from each other along a direction in which the pushing unit pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit.
Claim 9 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the third detection unit includes one or more optical sensors, and the control unit determines the pushing level of the pushing unit based on a blocking
state or a transmission state of the optical sensor.
Claim 10 A paper sheet handling machine comprising:
a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet;
a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit;
an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit;
a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening;
a fourth detection unit for detecting a position of the paper sheet when the pushing unit pushes the paper sheet toward the opening in the stacking unit; and
a control unit configured to control a pushing level of the pushing unit based on a detection result of the fourth detection unit.
Claim 11 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 10, wherein the fourth detection unit includes one or more optical sensors, and the control unit controls the pushing level of the pushing unit based on variation of a
blocking state or a transmission state of the optical sensor.

Claim 12 The paper sheet handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein
a plurality of the stacking units are provided,
the pushing unit is provided in each stacking unit, and
the control unit individually determines or controls a pushing level of each pushing unit.
Claim 13 A paper sheet handling machine comprising:
a reception unit configured to receive a paper sheet;
a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheet received by the reception unit;
an stacking unit including an opening that opens to outside of the paper sheet handling machine, and configured to stack the paper sheet transported by the transport unit;
a pushing unit configured to push paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit toward the opening;
a fifth detection unit for detecting the paper sheets stacked in the stacking unit; and
a sixth detection unit for detecting transport of the paper sheet to the stacking unit, wherein
the pushing unit is pushed toward the opening when a detection result of the fifth detection unit and a detection result of the sixth detection unit satisfy a predetermined condition.
Claim 14 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the sixth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is transported to the stacking unit and the fifth detection unit detects that the paper

sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit.
Claim 15 The paper sheet handling machine according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the sixth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is transported to the stacking unit, the fifth detection unit detects that the paper sheet is not stacked in the stacking unit, and a number of paper sheets whose transport to the stacking unit is detected by the sixth detection unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number.