JP2001233501A - Characteristic detector for detecting sheet characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a characteristics detector capable of providing a highly reliable stable detection results by holding a distance between the sheets fed at a high speed and a detection element constant at all times. SOLUTION: This thickness detector 10 comprises a pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 fixedly supported by supporting parts 6a and 6b so that the tip parts thereof are pressed against each other through a feeding surface, coils 4 and 5 installed at the tip parts of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, and elastic tubes 9a and 9b connected to holes 13 and 13 at the tip parts through joints 11 and 12. When the thickness of the sheets is detected, compressed gas is fed between the tip parts of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 through the elastic tubes 9 and 9b so as to form a clearance between the tip parts, the sheets are fed through the clearance and along a transfer surface, and a variation in impedance of the coils 4 and 5 is detected according to a variation in the clearance so as to detect the thickness of the sheets.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a characteristic detecting device for detecting the characteristics of paper sheets such as the thickness of the paper sheets and the magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a characteristic detecting device for detecting the thickness of a paper sheet, for example, a fixed roller fixedly arranged below a conveying surface of the paper sheet and a fixed roller above the conveying surface are opposed to the fixed roller. The sheet is conveyed through a movable roller provided detachably to and from the fixed roller, and the displacement of the movable roller when the sheet passes between the pair of rollers is detected. There is known an apparatus for detecting the thickness of a sheet from the amount of displacement of the sheet. In this type of apparatus, a plurality of pairs of rollers are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the distribution of thickness of the paper sheet along the width direction is measured.

In the method of detecting the thickness of a sheet by observing the amount of displacement of the movable roller as described above, since the movable roller itself has a certain weight, the paper jam of the sheet (jam) is caused by the weight of the movable roller. ) May occur. In addition, the movable roller has poor followability with respect to the leading edge of the running paper sheet, the trailing edge of the paper sheet coming off, or a sudden change such as a tape attached to the paper sheet, and there is a limit to the transport speed of the paper sheet. Also,
When detecting the thickness distribution in the width direction by arranging a plurality of roller pairs, it is necessary to secure a space between the rollers for a support member that supports the rotating shaft of each movable roller. It was difficult to increase the resolution in the width direction because it could not be installed closely in the width direction. Further, if the paper sheet vibrates in the thickness direction for some reason during traveling, the vibration of the paper sheet is detected as the displacement amount of the movable roller, so that there is a problem that the detection accuracy is deteriorated. Also, from the manufacturing viewpoint, it is necessary to increase the processing accuracy of the movable roller and the supporting member of the movable roller and to suppress the rattling during the rotation of the movable roller to secure the detection accuracy. was there.

Further, as another characteristic detecting device for detecting the thickness of a sheet, an optical distance meter is installed so as to face up and down in a positional relationship sandwiching a conveying surface of the sheet, and the upper surface of the sheet is arranged. And illuminate the lower surface to detect the reflected light, measure the distance to the upper surface of the paper sheet, and the distance to the lower surface, respectively,
In some cases, the difference between the two measurement results is detected as the thickness.

As described above, in the method of detecting the thickness using the optical distance meter, since the amount of reflected light varies depending on the color of the paper sheet, an error occurs in the detection result, and the thickness cannot be accurately detected. There was a case. In addition, an optical distance meter that is not affected by color has a problem that it is expensive and has large external dimensions, so that the installation place is limited.

Further, as a characteristic detecting device for detecting a magnetic material of ink printed on a paper sheet to identify the paper sheet, for example, a primary coil is provided at a central portion of an S-shaped core, and a minute coil is provided. A secondary coil is provided on each of two openings set in the gap, and a sheet is passed close to one of the openings to allow a sheet to pass through and detect a difference between induced voltages of the two secondary coils. A winding type transformer type is known.

As another characteristic detecting device for detecting a magnetic material, a minute gap is provided in a part of an annular core provided with a coil, and the impedance of the coil when a sheet passes through this gap is measured. An annular core impedance system that detects a change and detects the amount of a magnetic substance is known.

However, in the differential winding type transformer type or annular core impedance type, a detection signal when a sheet passes through the gap between the cores while contacting each other is maximized, and the sheet is discharged from the gap between the cores. As the distance increases, the detection signal decreases sharply. For this reason, if the sheet vibrates for some reason, the detection signal decreases, and particularly, if the sheet moves away beyond the gap between the cores, the detection signal becomes almost zero. In other words, when the paper sheet is conveyed at high speed, the paper sheet is likely to vibrate, so that the detection signal may be unstable.

Further, as a characteristic detecting device for detecting a magnetic material without contacting a paper sheet, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-14105.
An apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-208 is known. In this device, two U-shaped cores are opposed via a gap, coils wound around each core are connected in series, and a change in impedance when paper sheets pass through the gap is detected. The amount of magnetic material is detected.

However, in this non-contact type detection method, two
In order to detect the magnetic material on both sides of the sheet facing each of the two cores, if the amount of magnetic material on each side of the sheet is the same,
The detection signal detected by both coils is twice the detection signal detected by one coil. For this reason, it was difficult to specify the amount of the magnetic material. In addition, since the detection signal is output regardless of the surface of the sheet on which the magnetic material is located, the location of the magnetic material cannot be specified. Further, since the magnetic permeability of the core changes due to a change in the ambient temperature, the detection signal tends to change.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-236642 discloses a characteristic detecting device in which two J-shaped cores are opposed to each other. In this device, the long ends of each core are opposed to each other, the short ends are opposed to each other, a coil is wound around the end of each core, and the coils wound around the long end are connected in series. , The coils wound around the shorter end are connected in series. Then, the sheets are passed through a relatively narrow gap with the longer end facing and a relatively wide gap with the shorter end facing, and the impedance difference between the coils connected in series is detected by detecting the difference in impedance between the coils connected in series. Detect the body.

However, in this detection method, the production process of the J-shaped core is complicated, and special processing is required for fixing the J-shaped core. Further, since the distance between the paper sheet passing through the gap having the shorter end portions facing each other and the end portion is large, the paper sheets are compared with the above-described differential winding type transformer system and the annular core impedance system. However, there is a problem that the detection resolution along the moving direction is poor.

[0013]

As described above, in any of the conventional characteristic detecting devices, the distance between a sheet as a detection object to be conveyed at high speed and the detecting element is always constant in any device. Because it is difficult to keep constant,
Satisfactory and stable detection results could not be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to maintain a constant distance between a sheet conveyed at a high speed and a sensing element, and to provide a highly reliable and stable apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a characteristic detection device capable of obtaining a detection result.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a characteristic detecting device according to the present invention is provided so as to oppose a conveying surface of paper sheets, and the leading ends thereof are pressed against each other on the conveying surface. A pair of film-like elastic bodies arranged in a state, air supply means for sending a compressed gas between the distal ends of the pair of elastic bodies to form a constant gap between the distal ends, and the pair of elastic bodies And a detection element for detecting a characteristic of a sheet passing through the gap along the conveyance surface.

According to the invention, the paper is conveyed through the gap formed by the compressed gas layer formed between the distal ends of the pair of elastic bodies by the air supply means, and the detecting element provided at the distal end of the elastic body is removed. The characteristics of the paper sheet are detected through the interface. As a result, the sheet can be transported in a non-contact state with respect to the elastic body, and the elastic body follows even if the sheet vibrates, so that the distance between the detecting element and the sheet is constant. It is possible to obtain a stable and highly reliable detection result.

Further, according to the above-mentioned invention, a plurality of pairs of the elastic bodies provided with the detecting elements are arranged in parallel along a direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the paper sheet, and the plurality of pairs of the air supply means are provided. The compressed gas is sent between the distal ends of the elastic bodies. Thus, the characteristics of the paper sheet can be detected along the width direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction.

Further, according to the invention described above, the detecting element detects a change in the gap due to the passage of the paper sheet and detects the thickness of the paper sheet.

Further, according to the invention described above, the sensing element has a printed coil printed on the elastic body.

Further, according to the invention described above, the detection element detects the magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet passing through the gap.

Further, according to the above-mentioned invention, the sensing element is a magnetoresistive element.

Further, according to the above-mentioned invention, a plurality of the magneto-resistive elements are provided at positions equidistant from the transport surface.

Further, the characteristic detecting device of the present invention is provided so as to oppose the paper sheet transporting surface, and a pair of film-shaped elastic members are disposed in such a manner that their leading ends are pressed against each other on the transporting surface. Body, a plurality of sensing elements provided at a plurality of the distal ends of at least one of the pair of elastic bodies at different distances from the transport surface, and detecting a magnetic characteristic of a sheet passing through the transport surface, Have.

Further, according to the above-described invention, the air supply means includes a hole that penetrates a tip portion of each of the pair of elastic bodies, and an air supply path that supplies compressed gas toward the conveyance surface through the holes. Having.

According to the above-described invention, the air supply passage extends in a direction away from the distal end along the pair of elastic bodies.

Further, the characteristic detecting device of the present invention is provided so as to be opposed to the paper sheet conveying surface, and the opposing surfaces have a predetermined length along the paper sheet conveying direction. A pair of plate members urged in a pressing direction and a magnetic body of ink provided on at least one of the pair of plate members and printed on paper conveyed along the conveyance surface are detected. Sensing element, a plurality of holes provided through the pair of plate members in a positional relationship sandwiching the sensing element along the transport direction, and through the plurality of holes, the pair of plate-shaped members Air supply means for sending compressed gas between the opposing surfaces of the member to form a constant gap between the pair of opposing surfaces.

According to the invention, a pair of plate-like members having a predetermined length are arranged opposite to each other across the sheet-transporting surface along the sheet-transporting direction. Compressed gas is sent between a pair of plate members through a plurality of holes penetrating each plate member in a positional relationship sandwiching the detection element provided in the conveying direction to form a constant gap between the opposing surfaces I do. In this way, by sending the compressed gas through the hole that sandwiches the sensing element with the opposing surfaces of the plate-like members having a predetermined length facing each other in the transport direction, a fixed width of the pair of plate-like members is obtained. A constant gap can be stably formed between the opposing surfaces having the above.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a characteristic detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which detects the thickness of a sheet conveyed at a high speed through a conveying surface extending in a substantially horizontal direction. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a detection device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as a detection device 10). FIG. 2 is a plan view of the detection device 10 as viewed from above the transport surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, a paper sheet 1 as an object to be detected passes through a detection device 10 along a predetermined conveyance surface while being pinched by conveyance means such as a conveyance belt (not shown), and is indicated by an arrow A in FIG. Is transported at a relatively high speed.

The elastic members 2 and 3 are fixed at their base end portions by supporting portions 6a and 6b so that the leading end portions thereof are urged in a direction in which they are pressed against each other toward the conveying surface. They are arranged on both sides of the transport surface in a sandwiching relationship. Coils 4 and 5 as detection elements are respectively attached to the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 facing each surface of the paper sheet 1. Coil 4,
The five terminal wires 7 and 8 are connected to a circuit described later.

The distal ends of the elastic members 2 and 3 are connected to elastic tubes 9a and 9b via joints 11 and 12, respectively.
Is connected. The elastic tubes 9a and 9b extend in a direction away from the transport surface. Further, holes 13 and 14 are formed at the distal ends of the elastic members 2 and 3, respectively, and penetrate from the outside of the elastic members toward the transport surface. Thus, when a compressed gas such as air compressed to a predetermined pressure is supplied through the elastic tubes 9a and 9b, each elastic body 2,
The compressed gas is fed toward the conveying surface through the holes 13 and 14 at the distal end of the elastic member 3, and the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 are pushed apart in a direction to repel each other, so that a certain gap is formed between the two. It is formed.

As shown in FIG. 2, one of the elastic members 2 above the transport surface is formed in an elongated rectangular band whose one end is supported by the support portion 6a. The coil 4, the joint 11, and the elastic tube 9a are attached. On the other hand, the other elastic body 3 below the transport surface has substantially the same configuration as the elastic body 2. In each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, the coil 4 provided at the distal end of the elastic body 2 and the coil 5 provided at the distal end of the elastic body 3 face each other via a transport surface, and each elastic body 2 , 3 are positioned so that the holes 13 and 14 concentrically face each other via the transfer surface.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, when there is no paper sheet 1 on the conveying surface, the elastic members 2 and 3 try to contact each other so as to press each other, but the elastic tubes 9a and 9b and the holes 13 and Since the compressed gas is sent between the two via the compressed gas 14, a slight gap is formed between the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 due to the compressed gas layer. Although this gap changes according to the flow rate of the compressed gas, in the present embodiment, the gap is kept constant by keeping the flow rate of the compressed gas constant.

In this state, when the sheet 1 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A through the conveyance surface and enters between the front ends of the elastic members 2 and 3, the elastic member 2 disposed above the conveyance surface The leading end of the elastic body 3 disposed below the transport surface is pushed and spread in the direction of arrow C (downward) while the leading end is pushed and spread in the direction of arrow B (upward) in the figure. 3 are widened, and predetermined gaps are respectively formed between the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 and the paper sheet 1. That is, the paper sheet 1
It is transported between the elastic bodies 2 and 3 without contacting the elastic bodies 2 and 3 arranged on both sides of the transport surface. Note that the change in the gap between the elastic bodies 2 and 3 due to the passage of the paper sheet 1 at this time is due to the thickness of the paper sheet 1.
By detecting the amount of change in the gap, that is, the amount of change in the distance between the coils 4 and 5, the thickness of the paper sheet 1 can be detected.

Here, the configuration of the main part of the above-described detection device 10 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed view of the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the coil 4 provided on the elastic body 2, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the coil 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, one of the elastic members 2 disposed above the transporting surface is formed of two substantially rectangular strip-shaped elastic films 2a and 2b such as a polyimide film by an adhesive such as a double-sided adhesive tape. It is formed by laminating the body 2c. The adhesive 2c functions as a damping member (buffer) that absorbs undesired vibrations generated at the tips of the elastic films 2a and 2b when the paper 1 passes. Similarly to the above-mentioned elastic body 2, the other elastic body 3 is formed by bonding two elastic films 3a and 3b together with an adhesive 3c.

Coil 4 (4a, 4b) and coil 5
(5a, 5b) are respectively provided on both surfaces of the elastic films 2a, 3a on the side (outside) separated from the transport surface of each elastic body 2, 3. These coils 4, 5 are printed coils 4 formed on both sides of each elastic film 2a, 3a.
a, 4b, 5a, and 5b, and are formed concentrically with the holes 13, 14 that pass through the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2, 3. In the present embodiment, the coils 4 and 5 are
The coils 4, 5 and the holes 13,
14 need not necessarily be provided concentrically.

As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), for example, one of the coils 4 (4a, 4b) is provided on both sides of the film 2a at the tip of the outer elastic film 2a. The printed wire is formed in a spiral shape. Each coil 4a, 4b is formed on both sides of the elastic film 2a in the same winding direction, and the front and back coils 4a, 4b are electrically connected by the through-hole conductor 4c. From the ends of these coils 4a and 4b, terminal wires 7 are respectively provided.
a and 7b are derived. The other coil 5 (5
a, 5b) have the same configuration as the coil 4 and
a and 8b are derived.

At the tip of each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, the outer elastic films 2a and 3a respectively have
A joint 11 for attaching the elastic tubes 9a, 9b,
12 are attached. Each joint 11, 12 has a mounting hole 11a, 12a extending therethrough for mounting the elastic tube 9a, 9b, and each mounting hole 11a, 12a.
The elastic tubes 9a and 9b are respectively fixedly provided with an adhesive. The joints 11 and 12 in which the elastic tubes 9a and 9b are fixed as described above are attached to the respective mounting holes 1
1a, 12a (that is, elastic tubes 9a, 9b) are positioned so as to be concentric with the holes 13, 14 formed at the distal end of each elastic body 2, 3, and the outer elastic films 2a,
3a is fixed via an adhesive adhesive.

FIG. 5 shows the detection device 10 constructed as described above in a direction (width direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the paper sheet 1 is conveyed.
Characteristic detection device 1 as a modified example in which a plurality of
00 (hereinafter simply referred to as the detection device 100) is shown in a plan view. The detection device 100 includes a support portion that connects the base end of each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 of the n detection devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e,. At 60, it is supported and fixed.

In this detecting device 100, the thickness of the paper sheet 1 is detected via the coils 4 and 5 provided on each pair of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, and the thickness of the paper sheet 1 along the width direction of the paper sheet 1 is detected. Detect thickness distribution. Further, in the detection device 100, the width of each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 is reduced so as not to affect the detection accuracy, and the interval between the elastic bodies 2 and 3 adjacent to each other in the width direction is reduced. By increasing the number of the bodies 2 and 3, the resolution of the thickness distribution along the width direction of the paper sheet can be improved.

FIG. 6 shows the detection device 10 (10
0) is a block diagram of a thickness detection circuit 20 that detects the thickness of the paper sheet by processing a detection signal related to the thickness of the paper sheet output through (0).

As shown in FIG. 6, the bridge circuit 22
The two fixed resistors R1 and R2 and the detection device 10 described above
The detection coil 22a in which the coils 4 and 5 are connected in series via the terminal wires 7 and 8, and two printed coils are overlapped with a certain gap similarly to the coils 4 and 5, and each of the coils D1 and D2 connected in series with the dummy coil 22b. The inductance L of the detection coil 22a is represented by L
1, when the inductance of the coil 5 is L2 and the combined inductance between the coils 4 and 5 is M, L = L1
+ L2 + 2M. The combined inductance M is a positive value because the direction of the magnetic field lines generated by the coil 4 is the same as the direction of the magnetic field lines generated by the coil 5.

The detection coil 22a and the dummy coil 22b are connected by a balance adjusting resistor (not shown) for adjusting a difference in impedance value so that the bridge circuit 22 is in a balanced state. The dummy coil 22b is
It is provided to reduce errors caused by fluctuations in the output of the detection coil 22a due to environmental changes such as temperature.

The AC oscillating circuit 23 supplies an AC voltage to the bridge circuit 22 to energize it. AC oscillation circuit 2
3 is divided by the resistor R1 and the detection coil 22a, and the AC voltage from the resistor R2 and the dummy coil 22a.
b and the value divided by b are supplied to the differential amplifier circuit 24. The output of the thickness signal corresponding to the change of the coils 4 and 5 of the differential amplifier circuit 24 is supplied to the synchronous detection circuit 25. The same AC voltage as the AC voltage from the AC oscillation circuit 23 to the bridge circuit 22 is supplied to the phase setting circuit 26,
The synchronous detection circuit 25 sets the AC signal to a desired set phase.
Is to be supplied. The synchronous detection circuit 25 detects and rectifies the thickness signal of the paper sheet from the differential amplifier circuit 24 under a highly sensitive phase condition from the phase setting circuit 26 and outputs the signal to the filter / amplifier circuit 27. You. The filter / amplifier circuit 27 reduces the ripple of the signal detected and rectified by the synchronous detection circuit 25 and outputs the thickness signal as a DC voltage (takes an average value and converts it to DC).

Next, the detection device 1 configured as described above
The operation of 0 will be described.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the compressed gas is not fed between the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 and the paper sheet 1 does not pass through the conveying surface, the elastic bodies 2 and 3 are fixed to each other. They are in contact with each other under pressure. From this state, a compressed gas is sent between the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 to form a constant gap by a thin fluid film, and the sheet 1 is conveyed along the conveying surface through this gap.

A sheet 1 having a predetermined thickness is formed by a pair of elastic members 2,
When passing through a fluid layer (air gap) between the three elastic members 2, one elastic body 2 is expanded in the direction of arrow B in the figure, and the other elastic body 3 is expanded in the direction of arrow C in the figure. In this state, the compressed gas sent into the gap flows as shown by arrows D and E in FIG.
A thin fluid film having a constant thickness is formed between the other elastic body 3 and the lower surface of the paper sheet 1. At this time, according to Bernoulli's theorem, a negative pressure corresponding to the flow rate of the compressed gas is generated between the paper sheet 1 and each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, and the negative pressure between the paper sheet 1 and each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 is generated. The gap becomes more stable.

In this way, by passing the paper sheet 1 through the gap formed by the fluid layer, each elastic body 2, 3
The gap between the coil 4 and the coil 5 attached to the tip of the coil is widened. The amount of change in the gap between the coils 4 and 5 is proportional to the thickness of the sheet 1 passing through the transport surface. Since the coil 4 and the coil 5 are in an electrically connected state, when the distance between them changes, the coupling impedance of the coil changes.
When the coupling impedance changes, the balance state of the bridge circuit 22 described with reference to FIG. 6 is broken, the AC output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit 24 changes, and the filter / amplifier circuit 2
7 changes the DC output signal. That is, the thickness of the sheet 1 is detected by detecting the amount of change in the DC output signal.

When the paper sheet 1 enters the elastic body 2 or 3 at the leading end or comes off the trailing end, the leading end of the elastic body 2 or 3 is rapidly displaced and vibrates. In addition, paper sheets 1
In the case where a tape or the like is attached to the elastic member 2, it is conceivable that the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 may vibrate undesirably. In order to suppress undesired vibration of the elastic bodies 2 and 3,
Each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 is an elastic film 2 as shown in FIG.
a, 2b and the elastic films 3a, 3b are bonded together with a double-sided adhesive tape 2c, 3c as a buffer, and the viscosity of the double-sided adhesive tapes 2c, 3c provides a buffering action. That is, undesired vibrations of the elastic members 2 and 3 are absorbed by the adhesive tapes 2c and 3c on which the elastic films are adhered, and sudden displacement of the coils 4 and 5 attached to the distal ends of the elastic members 2 and 3 is suppressed. Restrained. Therefore, in the detection device 10 of the present embodiment, each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3
The undesired vibration of the paper sheet 1 can be reliably absorbed by the buffer action of the above, and the thickness of the paper sheet 1 can be stably detected.

For example, the paper sheet 1 undesirably vibrates and
When displaced in the direction of arrow B, the tip of one elastic body 2 is pushed up by the paper sheet 1 and deformed, and the other elastic body 3 follows the paper sheet 1 by its restoring force and moves in the direction of arrow B. Deform to. Therefore, even if the sheet 1 is displaced in the direction of arrow B, the gap between the coil 4 and the coil 5 does not change. Similarly, when the sheet 1 is displaced in the direction of arrow C in the figure, the elastic bodies 2 and 3 are deformed following the displacement of the sheet 1. Therefore,
Even if the sheet 1 vibrates, the gap between the coils 4 and 5 does not change due to the vibration, and the thickness detection signal output from the thickness detection circuit 20 does not change. Can always be detected stably.

Further, the detecting device 10 of the present embodiment comprises a pair of film-like elastic members 2 with the conveying surface of the sheet 1 interposed therebetween.
3 and a printed coil 4 at the tip of the elastic body 2, 3.
Since it is a very simple configuration in which only the device 5 is disposed, the detection device 10 can be configured to be small and light. Since the apparatus configuration is made small and lightweight in this way, the followability of the coils 4 and 5 to a sudden change in the thickness of the paper sheet 1 is extremely good, and the thickness of the paper sheet 1 conveyed at high speed is stabilized. And can be reliably detected.

Further, a plurality of the detecting devices 10 having the above-described simple structure are arranged side by side in the width direction crossing the conveying direction of the paper sheet 1, so that the detecting device 100 as described in FIG. The plurality of coils 4 and 5 as sensing elements can be installed very close to each other in the width direction crossing the conveying direction of the paper sheet 1, and the coils 4 and 5 of the paper sheet 1 along the width direction can be installed. The resolution of thickness detection can be increased.

In particular, as compared with the conventional detecting device in which the fixed roller and the movable roller are arranged with the conveying surface interposed therebetween, according to the detecting device 10 of the present embodiment, a supporting member for supporting both ends of the movable roller is provided. Need not be disposed between the rollers, the configuration of the apparatus can be extremely simplified, and a large number of coils 4, 5 as detecting elements can be disposed in the width direction, so that the resolution in the width direction can be improved. In addition, the detection device 10 of the present embodiment
According to the method, it is not necessary to increase the positional accuracy of the constituent members unlike the conventional apparatus using the movable roller, the thickness of the paper sheet can be detected stably, reliably and easily, and the apparatus can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, in the detecting device 10 of the present embodiment,
A gap is formed between the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 by a fluid layer, and the sheet 1 is conveyed through the gap in a non-contact state. Not
The gaps do not change due to the elastic bodies 2 and 3 being worn by the sliding contact of the paper sheet 1 and the output signal of the detection device 10 does not change. Therefore, stable thickness detection can be performed semipermanently, and detection accuracy can be improved and reliability can be improved. Further, since the sheet 1 is conveyed in a non-contact state as described above, the sheet 1 can be conveyed smoothly without any resistance.

Further, in comparison with the conventional detecting device in which two optical reflection sensors are arranged with the transport surface interposed therebetween, the detecting device 10 of the present embodiment has a smaller change in the coupling impedance of the coils 4 and 5. Since the thickness of the paper sheet 1 is detected, there is no change in the detection signal caused by the color of the paper sheet 1, and the thickness of the paper sheet 1 is not affected by the color of the paper sheet 1. It becomes possible.

FIG. 7 shows another modification of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. Here,
Components that function similarly to the detection device 10 of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Although not shown here, the same constituent member is attached to the other elastic body 3.

The detecting device 10 according to the first embodiment described above.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the elastic tubes 9 are respectively connected to the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 through the joints 11 and 12, respectively.
a, 9b are led out in a direction away from the transport surface (ie, in a direction perpendicular to the transport surface). The elastic tube 9 thus attached to the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3
Since a and 9b are displaced together in accordance with the displacement of the distal end portions of the elastic bodies 2 and 3, it is possible that the followability of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 is impaired.

For this reason, in the modification shown in FIG. 7, the elastic tube 9a is elastically connected by using a joint 30 having a mounting hole 30a bent at a substantially right angle, which is connected to a hole 13 formed at the distal end of the elastic body 2. Connected to the body 2 and elastic tube 9
a is configured to extend along the elastic film 2 a outside the elastic body 2. Thereby, compared to the detection device 10 of the above-described first embodiment, the followability according to the displacement of the gap at the distal end portion of the elastic body 2 can be improved.

FIG. 8 shows a detecting device 1 according to the first embodiment.
0 shows still another modified example. Here, only the configuration above the transport surface will be described as a representative.

In this modification, an elastic film 32 that is softer than the elastic film 2a is attached to the elastic film 2a outside the elastic body 2 via a flexible adhesive, and further outside the elastic film 32 via a flexible adhesive. Another elastic film 34 is attached. At the approximate center of the inner elastic film 32, a groove 32a extending in the longitudinal direction is formed, which is connected to the hole 13 penetrating the elastic body 2, and the other elastic film 34 is connected to the groove 32a. The hole 34a was formed at a position separated from the hole. Further, the elastic tube 9a was connected to a position corresponding to the hole 34a on the outer surface of the elastic film 34 via the joint 30 of the modified example of FIG.

The compressed gas sent through the elastic tube 9a is transferred to the transfer surface through the mounting hole 30a of the joint 30, the hole 34a of the elastic film 34, the groove 32a of the elastic film 32, and the hole 13 of the elastic body 2. It is sent toward. As described above, since the elastic tube 9a is attached to the position separated from the distal end portion of the elastic body 2 via the joint 30,
The joint 30 and the elastic tube 9a could be removed from near the distal end of the elastic body 2, and the followability of the distal end could be further improved.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration for sending compressed gas to the transport surface in the detection device 100 of FIG. Here, only the configuration disposed above the transport surface is illustrated, but a similar configuration is disposed below the transport surface.

In this configuration, a plurality of elastic bodies 2 are integrally connected at their base ends to form a single comb-shaped elastic body 2 ', and a flexible adhesive is provided on the outer surface of this elastic body 2'. An elastic film 36 having substantially the same shape is laminated, and another elastic film 38 is laminated on the outside of the elastic film 36 via a flexible adhesive. One elastic film 3
6, a comb-shaped groove 36 a communicating with the hole 13 penetrating each elastic body 2 was formed, and a hole (not shown) communicating with the groove 36 a was formed in the other elastic film 38. further,
The elastic tube 9a was connected to a position corresponding to a hole (not shown) of the elastic film 38 via the joint 30 of the modified example of FIG.

The compressed gas sent through the elastic tube 9a is conveyed through the joint 30, the hole (not shown) of the elastic film 38, the groove 36a of the elastic film 36, and the hole 13 at the distal end of each elastic body 2. Sent to

In the modification of FIG. 9 described above, an example is described in which the elastic films 36 and 38 are attached to the upper surface of the comb-shaped elastic member 2 '. The groove (corresponding to the groove 36a) may be formed directly.
Similarly, in the modification described with reference to FIG.
The groove may be formed directly on the upper surface of the elastic body 2.

Next, as a characteristic detecting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic material detecting device 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as a magnetic material detecting device 40) that detects a magnetic material of ink printed on paper conveyed at high speed. The detection device 40 will be described.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of the detection device 40. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the detection device 40 as viewed from above the transport surface. Further, FIG.
3 shows a detailed view in which the vicinity of the distal ends of the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 is enlarged. The detection device 40 described below detects a magnetic material of ink printed on a paper sheet, for example, for the purpose of identifying the paper sheet. Note that, in the present embodiment, components that function in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the detecting device 40 has a pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 in a positional relationship sandwiching the conveying surface of the paper sheet 1. Each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 is supported by the supporting portions 6a and 6b such that the distal ends thereof are pressed against each other. At the tip of one elastic body 2 above the transport surface,
A detection element 50 in which a permanent magnet 44 is superposed on a magnetoresistive element 42 is mounted. The detecting element 50 detects a magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet 1 passing through the transport surface.

As shown in detail in FIG.
Is mounted on the elastic film 2b inside one elastic body 2 so that the magnetoresistive element 42 is as close as possible to the paper sheet 1 passing through the transport surface. That is, a substantially rectangular mounting hole 2d penetrating the outer elastic film 2a and the adhesive body 2c is formed at the tip of one elastic body 2, and the sensing element 50 is formed in the hole 2d via an adhesive. Is fixed.

The magneto-resistive element 42 has two components 42a and 42b arranged along the direction in which the paper sheet 1 is conveyed. In the present embodiment, the two components 42a, 4
2b was arranged so as to be equidistant from the transport surface and parallel to the transport surface. In addition, two sets of constituent elements (four constituent elements) may be juxtaposed in the width direction of the paper sheet 1. By providing a plurality of components in this way and connecting them by a bridge circuit described later, even if the ambient temperature changes, all the components have the same temperature, so that the output change with respect to the ambient temperature change is prevented. it can. In addition, the permanent magnet 4
Numeral 4 gives a magnetic bias to each of the constituent elements 42a and 42b of the magnetoresistive element 42. The terminal lines 7a and 7b of the magnetoresistive element 42 are connected to a circuit described later.

The elastic films 2b, 3b located at positions separated from the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2, 3 and inside the elastic bodies 2, 3
Between the b and the paper sheet 1, air supply tubes 46 and 48 for sending compressed gas between the distal ends of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 and the paper sheet 1 are provided. Air supply tubes 46, 48
Is constituted by an elastic tube, the tip of which is directed between the tips of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 and is sufficiently separated from the transport surface so as not to contact the paper sheet 1 transported through the transport surface. Is located in the position.

When a compressed gas such as air compressed to a predetermined pressure is sent through the air supply tubes 46 and 48, the ends of the elastic members 2 and 3 repel each other (arrows B and C). ) To form a certain gap between them. When the sheet 1 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A in the figure through this gap, a certain gap is formed between the tip of each of the elastic bodies 2 and 3 and the sheet 1. The class 1 is conveyed to the elastic bodies 2 and 3 in a non-contact state.
In this state, the distance between the upper surface of the paper sheet 1 and each of the constituent elements 42a and 42b of the magnetoresistive element 42 is kept constant.

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment constructed as described above.
A characteristic detecting device 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as a detecting device 200) as a modification in which a plurality of the detecting devices 40 according to the embodiment are arranged in parallel along a direction (width direction) orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper sheet 1.
) Is shown as a plan view. The detection device 200 includes n detection devices 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40 configured similarly to the detection device 40 described above.
The base end of each of the elastic bodies 2, 3 of d, 40 e,... 40 n is supported and fixed by one support portion 60.

In this detecting device 200, a plurality of elastic members 2
The magnetic material amount of the ink printed on the paper sheet 1 is detected via each detection element 50 mounted on the paper sheet 1, and the distribution of the magnetic material along the width direction of the paper sheet 1 is detected.

FIG. 14 shows the detection device 40 (20
0) is a block diagram of a magnetic material detection circuit 70 that detects a magnetic material amount of the paper sheet by processing a detection signal related to the magnetic material amount of the paper sheet output through (0).

As shown in FIG. 14, the bridge circuit 72
Are the two fixed resistors R1 and R2 and the two constituent elements 42a and 42 of the magnetoresistive element 42 of the detection device 40 described above.
b and a variable resistor r for adjusting the balance of the resistance value
And are connected in series.

The constant voltage circuit 74 supplies a DC voltage to the bridge circuit 72 to energize it. Constant voltage circuit 74
Are supplied to the differential amplifier circuit 76 as a value divided by the resistor R1 and the component 42a and a value divided by the resistor R2 and the component 42b. The constituent element 4 detected through the differential amplifier circuit 76
The signal relating to the amount of magnetic material according to the change in the resistance value of 2a, 42b is further amplified through a filter / amplifier circuit 78, and is output as a detection signal relating to the amount of magnetic material in a required frequency band.

When detecting the magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet 1, first, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.
A compressed gas is sent between the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 through the air supply tubes 46 and 48 to form a certain gap between the two elastic bodies 2 and 3 by a thin fluid film. The paper sheet 1 is transported in the direction.

When the sheet 1 passes through the fluid layer between the pair of elastic members 2 and 3, one of the elastic members 2 on which the sensing element 50 is mounted is mounted.
Is expanded in the direction of arrow B in the figure, and the other elastic body 3 is expanded in the direction of arrow C in the figure. In this state, between the one elastic body 2 and the upper surface of the paper sheet 1 and the other elastic body 3
A thin fluid film having a constant thickness is formed between the sheet and the lower surface of the paper sheet 1. In particular, the upper surface of the sheet 1 and the sensing element 5
Due to the fluid film formed between the elastic member 2 on which the zero is mounted, the distance between the constituent elements 42a and 42b of the magnetoresistive element 42 and the paper sheet 1 is kept constant.

In this manner, the magnetoresistive element 42 arranged in a floating state at a fixed distance from the paper sheet 1 being conveyed.
The resistance values of the constituent elements 42a and 42b are changed when the magnetic material of the ink of the paper sheet 1 passes. The resistance value of each of the constituent elements 42a and 42b changes in proportion to the amount of the magnetic material. When the resistance of each of the constituent elements 42a and 42b changes in this manner, the bridge circuit 72 described with reference to FIG.
, The output of the differential amplifier circuit 76 changes, and the output signal of the filter / amplifier circuit 78 changes. That is, the change in the output signal is detected to detect the magnetic material of the ink of the paper sheet 1.

When the magnetic material of the paper sheet 1 is detected, if the distribution of the amount of the magnetic material or the distribution of the magnetic permeability of the paper sheet 1 is uniform, the resistance values of the constituent elements 42a and 42b become the same. The output signal of the magnetic material detection circuit 70 does not change. On the other hand, if the distribution of the magnetic material amount or the magnetic permeability is not uniform, a difference occurs in the resistance values of the constituent elements 42a and 43b, and the output signal of the magnetic material detection circuit 70 changes. That is, the detection device 40 of the present embodiment can output a detection signal when there is a deviation in the amount of magnetic material or the magnetic permeability distribution of the paper sheet 1, and can obtain a spatial difference output.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a compressed gas is sent between the distal ends of the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3 to form a gap between the two elastic bodies 2 and 3 by a fluid film. Is transported in a non-contact state, and the magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet is detected. Therefore, also in the detecting device 40 of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

That is, also in the detecting device 40 of the present embodiment, since the paper sheets can be transported in a non-contact state through the gap between the tip portions of the pair of elastic bodies 2 and 3, the paper sheets may vibrate undesirably. In this case, the elastic members 2 and 3 are displaced by following the vibration of the paper sheet at a high speed, and the distance between the detection element 50 and the paper sheet can be kept constant. It is possible to always stabilize, and a stable detection result with high reliability can be obtained.

Further, according to the detecting device 40 of the present embodiment, since the detecting element 50 has the plurality of constituent elements 42a and 42b and is connected by the bridge circuit 72, the output change due to the ambient temperature change Can be prevented.

FIG. 15 shows another modification of the detection device 40 according to the second embodiment. Here, components that function in the same manner as the detection device 40 of the above-described second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the modification shown in FIG. 15, one elastic body 2
The detection element 80 is mounted at the tip of the. This detecting element 80 is provided on one of the constituent elements 42a on the distal end side of the elastic body 2.
A spacer 82 is provided between the other component 42b and the inner elastic film 2b so that the other component 42b on the rear end side of the elastic body 2 is located farther from the transport surface. ing.

As described above, by separating the other component 42b from the transport surface with respect to the one component 42a, the influence of the magnetic material or the magnetic permeability of the paper sheet on the other component 42b is reduced by the one component. 42a, and the change in the resistance of the component 42b is smaller. Therefore, the output from the magnetic body detection circuit 70 is
The change in the resistance value of one of the constituent elements 42a becomes dominant,
Generally, the amount of magnetic material or the magnetic permeability of the paper sheet is detected by one of the constituent elements 42a, and the distribution of the magnetic material or the magnetic permeability of the paper sheet can be detected.

In still another modification shown in FIG. 16, in order to separate one component 42a from the transport surface from one component 42a, the detection element 50 of the above-described second embodiment is moved to a predetermined position. It is inclined at an angle.

As described above, by inclining the detecting element 50, the distances of the constituent elements 42a and 42b from the conveying surface can be varied, and the distribution of the magnetic material or the magnetic permeability of the paper sheet can be detected.

Next, as a characteristic detecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic material detecting device 90 (hereinafter simply referred to as a magnetic material detecting device 90) that detects a magnetic material of ink printed on paper conveyed at high speed. The detection device 90 will be described. FIG. 17 shows a schematic configuration of the detection device 90. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the upper part of the detection device 90 as viewed from the transport surface side (BB side in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 17, the detecting device 90 is provided with a pair of guide bases 9 in a positional relationship sandwiching the conveying surface of the sheet 1.
1 and 92 (plate-like members). Each guide base 91,
Reference numeral 92 denotes a support unit 1 via leaf springs 93 and 94, respectively.
It is attached to 00. The leaf springs 93 and 94 urge the guide bases 91 and 92 in a direction substantially parallel to each other and in a direction of pressing each other via the transport surface.

The pair of guide bases 91 and 92 have a constant thickness and are formed in substantially the same structure, and have opposing surfaces 91a and 92a having a predetermined length along the transport direction of the paper sheet 1. . The pair of guide bases 91 and 92 are arranged such that the opposing surfaces 91a and 92a oppose each other via the transport surface and are substantially parallel to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, one guide base 91 provided above the transport surface extends sufficiently long along the transport direction of the paper sheet 1 and has a flat width having a certain width across the transport direction. It has a rectangular opposing surface 91a.

Guide base 9 provided above the transport surface
1 includes a magnetic sensor 95 (detection element) for detecting a magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet 1, and compressed gas toward a conveyance surface through a plurality of holes of the guide base 91 described later. A fluid manifold 96 (air supply means) for feeding is attached. On the other hand, a fluid manifold 96 ′ (air supply means) for sending compressed gas toward the transfer surface through a plurality of holes described later of the guide base 92 is attached to the guide base 92 provided below the transfer surface. Have been.

The magnetic sensor 95 mounted on the guide base 91 has a primary coil 101, a secondary coil 102, two dummy coils D1, D2, and a core 103 on which these four coils are wound. The core 103 includes a gap G1 disposed so as to be flush with the facing surface 91a of the guide base 91 and a gap G2 separated from the transport surface.
Having. The magnetic sensor 95 has a primary coil 101 and a secondary coil 102 wound on both sides of a gap G1 on the side close to the transfer surface, and a gap G2 on the side separated from the transfer surface.
And two dummy coils D1 and D2 are wound on both sides of the coil. The magnetic sensor 95 is embedded in the guide base 91 such that one gap G1 is as close as possible to the surface of the paper sheet 1 passing through the transport surface.
The terminal wires (not shown) of each coil are connected to a circuit described later.

The fluid manifold 96 attached to the guide base 91 is provided so as to cover the magnetic sensor 95. The fluid manifold 96 includes the magnetic sensor 9.
5 are provided through the guide base 91 in a positional relationship sandwiching the sheet 5 along the transport direction of the sheet 1.
It has an air supply path 104 for sending compressed gas to the transport surface via (see FIG. 18). A joint 1 for connecting an elastic tube (not shown) is provided at the base end of the air supply passage 104.
05 is provided. Thus, the fluid manifold 96 is connected via an elastic tube (not shown) and the joint 105.
The compressed gas sent to the transfer surface is sent through the air supply passage 104 to the transfer surface through the two holes 97 and 98.

On the other hand, the fluid manifold 96 ′ attached to the guide base 92 is also the same as the fluid manifold 9 described above.
6 has substantially the same structure, but is slightly smaller in size because it does not cover the magnetic sensor. Here, portions that function in the same manner as the above-described fluid manifold 96 are denoted by the same reference numerals with an affixed thereto. The two holes 9 formed in the guide base 92 for sending the compressed gas to the conveying surface.
7 ′ and 98 ′ are holes 97 of the guide base 91 described above,
98 is formed at a position facing the same. Further, the size of the fluid manifold can be appropriately changed.

Thus, a compressed gas such as air compressed to a predetermined pressure through an elastic tube (not shown), joints 105, 105 ', air supply passages 104, 104', and holes 97, 98, 97 ', 98'. To a pair of guide bases 91,
When the sheet is fed between the guide bases 92, the pair of guide bases 91 and 92, which are urged by the leaf springs 93 and 94, are expanded in a direction to repel each other. Accordingly, the opposing surfaces 91a, 92 of the pair of guide bases 91, 92, respectively.
A constant gap is formed between the points a. When the sheet 1 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A in the figure through this gap, a certain gap is formed between the opposing surfaces 91a and 92a of the guide bases 91 and 92 and the sheet 1 this time. Fig.1 Compressed gas
It flows in the direction of arrow 7. Thereby, the paper sheet 1 is transported along the transport surface in a non-contact state with respect to the guide bases 91 and 92.

At this time, a pair of guide bases 91 and 92
A negative pressure smaller than the pressure of the compressed gas acts between the sheet and the paper sheet 1 due to the flow of the compressed gas, and a gap is formed by the balance of the flow velocity effect. That is, an extremely stable negative pressure is generated between the opposing surfaces 91a and 92a having a relatively large area and the paper sheet 1, and the gap is stabilized over a wide area. The distance between the upper surface of the paper sheet 1 and the facing surface 91a of the guide base 91 is kept constant, and the distance between the gap G1 of the magnetic sensor 95 and the paper sheet 1 is kept constant. Is kept. The gap is formed by the pressure of the compressed gas, the flow rate, the atmospheric pressure, and the pair of guide bases 91 and 9.
The parameters are determined by the spring constants of the leaf springs 93 and 94 that support the second spring 2, and in the present embodiment, the parameters are set so that the gap is about several microns to several tens of microns.

FIG. 19 shows a magnetic material detection circuit 110 for detecting the amount of magnetic material of a paper sheet by processing a detection signal relating to the amount of magnetic material of a paper sheet output through the detection device 90 described above. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a detection circuit 110.

As shown in FIG. 19, the detection circuit 110
A coil 111 in which a primary coil 101 and a secondary coil 102 are connected in series and a dummy coil D shown in FIG.
1 and a bridge circuit 113 including a coil 112 in which D2 is connected in series. Bridge circuit 113
Include, as constituent elements, R1 and R2 as side resistors and VR1 and VR2 as variable resistors for balance adjustment.

The detection circuit 110 is a bridge circuit 1
An oscillation circuit 114 for energizing 13, a differential amplifier 115, a phase-locked detection circuit 116, a phase setting circuit 117, and a filter circuit 118 are provided.

In the bridge circuit 113, the differential amplifier 11
VR so that the amplitude of the output waveform of FIG.
1. VR1 adjusted paper sheet 1 passing through the transport surface
When the impedance of the coil 111 is changed by detecting the magnetic material, the output waveform and amplitude of the differential amplifier 115 change. The phase synchronous detection circuit 116 detects and rectifies the signal from the differential amplifier 115 under the phase set by the phase setting circuit 117. The phase setting circuit 117 sends a signal shifted by a set phase with respect to the input waveform from the oscillation circuit 114 to the phase synchronous detection circuit 116. The set phase is, for example, a paper sheet to be detected in the detection device 90. The output of the bridge circuit 113 is set to be maximum when the class 1 passes. In this phase setting, noise components that are harmful to the detection signal may be minimized.
The low-pass filter circuit 118 is a phase-locked detection circuit 1
At 16, the high frequency component of the detected signal is removed. Also,
The filter circuit 118 may have a function of changing the voltage level of the output signal. Thus, a signal regarding the magnetic material of the paper sheet 1 passing through the transport surface is output via the filter circuit 118.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the opposing surfaces 91a, 92a relatively wide across the conveying surface of the paper sheet 1 are provided.
A pair of guide bases 91 and 92 having a is provided, and two holes 97, 98 and 97 ′ respectively penetrate the guide bases 91 and 92 in a positional relationship of sandwiching the magnetic sensor 95 along the transport direction of the paper sheet 1. , 98 ′, and wide opposing surfaces 91 a, 9 from both sides of the magnetic sensor 95 through these holes.
The compressed gas was sent between 2a. This allows
The same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained, and the gap between the pair of guide bases 91 and 92 can be further stabilized in the order of several microns to several tens of microns. Can be further stabilized, and the magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet 1 can be detected with higher accuracy. In addition, even when the paper sheet 1 passing through the conveying surface undesirably vibrates in the plane direction, the guide bases 91 and 92 supported by the leaf springs 93 and 94 cause the vibration of the paper sheet 1. To follow and move,
The distance between the paper sheet and the magnetic sensor 95 does not change.

FIG. 20 shows a modification of the detection device 90 of the third embodiment described above. This detection device 12
0 has substantially the same configuration as the detection device 90 described above,
The difference is that a magnetic sensor 95 'is also attached to a guide base 92 provided below the transfer surface. That is, the detection device 120 of the present modified example includes the magnetic sensors 9 on both sides of the transport surface.
5, 95 '. In this case, the primary coil 101 and the secondary coil 102 of the magnetic sensor 95 above the transfer surface, and the primary coil 10 of the magnetic sensor 95 ′ below the transfer surface.
1 'secondary coil 102' is connected in series to form coil 111
(FIG. 19), and the dummy coil D of the magnetic sensor 95 is formed.
1, D2 and the dummy coil D of the magnetic sensor 95 '
1 ′ and D2 ′ are connected in series and the coil 112 (FIG. 19)
And the magnetic material of the paper sheet 1 can be detected using the detection circuit 110 of FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which compressed gas is sent between the distal ends of a pair of elastic bodies using an elastic tube or a groove. May be any.

Further, in the third embodiment described above, the magnetic sensors 95 and 95 'each having a plurality of coils wound around the core are used.
Alternatively, the annular core impedance method, the magnetoresistive element of the second embodiment, or the like may be used.

[0109]

As described above, the paper sheet characteristic detecting apparatus using the compressed gas of the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, and therefore, the paper sheet conveyed at high speed. The distance between the sensor and the sensing element can always be kept constant, and a highly reliable and stable sensing result can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a thickness detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the thickness detecting device of FIG. 1 as viewed from above a transport surface.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the thickness detecting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printed coil printed on the tip of one elastic body of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a modification of the thickness detecting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a thickness detection circuit that processes a signal output from the thickness detection device to detect the thickness of a sheet.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another modified example of the thickness detecting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view showing still another modified example of the thickness detecting device of FIG. 1;

9 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration for sending a compressed gas toward a transport surface in the thickness detecting device of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a magnetic body detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a plan view of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 10 as viewed from above a transport surface.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a modification of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a magnetic material detection circuit that processes a signal output from the magnetic material detection device and detects a magnetic material of ink printed on paper sheets.

FIG. 15 is a view showing another modification of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a view showing still another modification of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a magnetic body detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a plan view of the upper part of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 17 as viewed from the transport surface side.

19 is a block diagram showing a magnetic material detection circuit that processes a signal output from the magnetic material detection device of FIG. 17 and detects a magnetic material of the ink printed on the paper sheet.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the magnetic body detection device of FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Paper sheets, 2, 3 ... Elastic body, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b
... elastic film, 2c, 3c ... adhesive, 4,5 ... coil, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b ... print coil, 4c,
5c: through-hole conductor, 6a, 6b: support, 7a,
7b, 8a, 8b: terminal wire, 9a, 9b: elastic tube, 10: thickness detecting device, 11, 12: joint, 13,
14 ... hole, 20 ... thickness detection circuit, 22 ... bridge circuit,
40 ... magnetic body detecting device, 42 ... magnetic resistance element, 42a,
42b: constituent element, 44: permanent magnet, 46, 48: air supply tube, 50: detecting element, 70: magnetic substance detecting circuit, 7
2: Bridge circuit, 90: Magnetic detector, 91, 92
... Guide base, 95 ... Magnetic sensor, 96 ... Fluid manifold, 97, 98 ... Hole, 110 ... Magnetic material detection circuit.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A pair of film-like elastic bodies which are provided to face each other with a sheet conveying surface therebetween and whose leading ends are pressed against each other on the conveying surface, and a pair of these elastic members. An air supply means for sending a compressed gas between the distal ends to form a constant gap between the distal ends; and a gap provided along at least one of the distal ends of the pair of elastic bodies along the transport surface. And a detecting element for detecting characteristics of the paper sheet passing through the paper sheet. 2. A plurality of pairs of said elastic bodies provided with said detecting element are arranged in parallel along a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction, and said air supply means is a tip of said plural pairs of elastic bodies. 2. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 1, wherein a compressed gas is sent between the two. 3. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting element detects a change in the gap due to the passage of the paper sheet and detects a thickness of the paper sheet. 4. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 3, wherein the detecting element has a print coil printed on the elastic body. 5. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting element detects a magnetic material of ink printed on a paper sheet passing through the gap. 6. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said detecting element is a magnetoresistive element. 7. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of said magnetoresistive elements are provided at positions equidistant from said transport surface. 8. A pair of film-like elastic bodies which are provided to face each other with the paper-sheet transport surface interposed therebetween, and whose leading ends are pressed against each other on the transport surface, and a pair of these elastic members. A plurality of sensing elements provided at at least one of the leading ends at different distances from the transport surface to detect magnetic properties of paper sheets passing through the transport surface. Paper sheet characteristic detection device. 9. The air supply means has a hole penetrating the tip of each of the pair of elastic bodies, and an air supply path for sending compressed gas toward the conveyance surface through the holes. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 1. 10. The characteristic detecting device according to claim 9, wherein the air supply path extends in a direction away from the distal end along the pair of elastic bodies. 11. A sheet is provided so as to oppose the sheet conveying surface, and the opposing surface has a predetermined length along the sheet conveying direction and is urged in a direction in which the sheets are pressed against each other. A pair of plate-like members, a detection element provided on at least one of the pair of plate-like members, and detecting a magnetic material of ink printed on the paper sheet conveyed along the conveyance surface; And a plurality of holes provided through the pair of plate-shaped members in a positional relationship to sandwich the plate-shaped members along the transport direction, and compressed between the opposing surfaces of the pair of plate-shaped members through the plurality of holes. And a gas feeding means for feeding a gas to form a constant gap between the pair of opposing surfaces.