JP2005225581A - Double feed sensing device, complex processing device, and double feed sensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a double feed sensing device and a double feed sensing method capable of accurately sensing the double feed of paper sheets using a simple constitution and reducing the memory use amount and the processing load. <P>SOLUTION: The double feed sensing device is equipped with a paper thickness sensor 40 (sheet thickness sensing part) to sense the thickness of a check CK transported on a sheet transport path, a TOF sensor 10 and a sheet sensing part 80 (sheet length sensing part) to sense the length of the check CK, and a sheet thickness comparing part 61, a sheet length comparing part 62, and a double feed judging part 63 which perform the double feed sensing based on the thickness and length of the check CK. The sheet thickness sensor 40 does not make the thickness measurement over the whole length of the checks in double feed, while the double feed judging part 63 performs judgement of double feed based on the thickness comparing result given by the part 61 and the length comparing result given by the part 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a double feed detection device, a composite processing device, and a double feed detection method.

  In general, the medium transport type check processing apparatus includes, for example, a so-called double feed problem that is transported on a paper transport path in a state where two checks overlap.

  In order to solve this problem, a reflective sensor is placed in the vicinity of the paper guide that defines the paper transport path, and the thickness of the paper is detected directly by receiving the light reflected from the paper surface by this reflective sensor. Thus, a double feed detection device for detecting double feed of paper has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  Also, a double feed detection device that detects a double feed of paper by arranging a lever on the roller shaft of the paper transport roller and detecting the displacement of the lever due to the paper thickness with an optical sensor or the like has been proposed (Patent Document 2). reference).

Specifically, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a double feed detection device including a lever.
A multifeed detection device 100 shown in FIG. 13 includes a detection lever 123 and a photosensor 140. The detection lever 123 is disposed on the end 122 of the rotary shaft 105a that supports the pair of transport rollers 105 and 105. The detection lever 123 is configured to be rotatable and displaceable about a rotation shaft 124 formed at one end 123c. The detection lever 123 is urged downward by a tension spring 125 engaged with the protrusion 123a. The end 122 of the rotating shaft 105a is pressed downward by the spring force. The other end 123 b of the detection lever 123 is disposed adjacent to the photosensor 140, and the photosensor 140 can detect the displacement of the other end 123 b of the detection lever 123.

When the sheet passes below the conveying rollers 105 and 105, the conveying rollers 105 and 105 and the rotating shaft 105a are pushed upward according to the sheet thickness of the sheet. Then, the rotating shaft 105a pushes the detection lever 123 upward against the spring force of the spring 125 in accordance with the passage of the sheet. The photo sensor 140 detects the displacement of the detection lever 123 and detects the paper thickness according to the amount of displacement of the detection lever 123.
Japanese Patent No. 3421104 JP 60-144256 A

In general, the double feed detection device as described above is configured to determine double feed by measuring all the thicknesses in the length direction of a sheet passing through the double feed detection device. Therefore, the conventional multi-feed detection device, when two sheets of paper are shifted in the transport direction, is fed from the front end of the paper in the transport direction to the rear end of the paper in the rear direction of the transport. Double feed detection was performed throughout. If all the thickness measurements in the length direction of the sheet are performed in this way, the number of thickness measurement points increases, and the amount of memory used by the multifeed detection device increases as the number of measurement points increases. There is a problem. In particular, if an accurate measurement is to be performed, the distance between the thickness measurement points becomes narrow, the memory usage increases, and a memory with a large capacity must be installed in advance, which contributes to an increase in cost. End up.
In addition, when the number of thickness measurement points increases, the number of determinations regarding the presence or absence of double feed in the double feed detection device also increases, and the load on the double feed detection device increases, so that double feed detection can be performed efficiently. There is also a problem that it cannot be done.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a double feed detection device and a double feed detection method capable of accurately detecting double feed of paper with a simple configuration and reducing the amount of memory used and the processing load. For the purpose.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.
(1) a sheet thickness detection unit that detects the thickness of the sheet conveyed on the sheet conveyance path at a plurality of points in the sheet conveyance direction;
A paper length measuring unit for measuring the length of the paper conveyed through the paper conveying path;
A control unit that performs double feed detection based on the thickness of the paper and the length of the paper at the plurality of detected points,
The paper thickness detection unit detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
When the detected thickness of the paper is larger than a paper thickness specified value, or the detected length of the paper is longer than the paper length specified value, the control unit is feeding the paper in a multi-feed manner. A double feed detection device characterized by:
(2) When the thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the specified measurement position, the control unit performs double-feed detection based on the paper length. 1) The double feed detection device according to 1).
(3) The sheet thickness detection unit is disposed on one side of the sheet conveyance path and presses the sheet against a rigid surface of a non-movable member disposed on the other side of the sheet conveyance path, and the pressing member A paper thickness sensor for detecting the amount of displacement,
The multi-feed detection according to (1) or (2), wherein the paper thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper according to a displacement amount of the pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the paper. apparatus.
(4) a paper feed unit for feeding a plurality of papers one by one;
A paper transport path for transporting paper fed from the paper feed unit;
A reading unit that reads information from the paper transported through the paper transport path;
A paper thickness detector for detecting the thickness of the paper at a plurality of points in the paper conveyance direction;
A paper length measuring unit for measuring the length of the paper conveyed through the paper conveying path;
A control unit that performs double feed detection based on the detected paper thickness and the length of the paper at the plurality of points,
The paper thickness detection unit detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
When the detected thickness of the paper is larger than a paper thickness specified value, or the detected length of the paper is longer than the paper length specified value, the control unit is feeding the paper in a multi-feed manner. It is determined that the combined processing apparatus.
(5) The control unit performs multi-feed detection based on the sheet length when thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the specified measurement position ( 4) The composite processing apparatus described.
(6) The sheet thickness detection unit is disposed on one side of the sheet conveyance path and presses the sheet against a rigid surface of a non-movable member disposed on the other side of the sheet conveyance path, and the pressing member A paper thickness sensor for detecting the amount of displacement,
The composite processing apparatus according to (5) or (6), wherein the paper thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper according to a displacement amount of the pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the paper. .
(7) a sheet thickness detecting step for detecting the sheet thickness at a plurality of points in the sheet conveying direction;
A paper length measuring step for measuring a length of the paper transported through the paper transport path;
A double feed determination step of performing double feed detection based on the thickness of the paper and the length of the paper at the plurality of detected points,
The paper thickness detection step detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
In the double feed determining step, the paper is double fed when the detected paper thickness is larger than a paper thickness prescribed value or the detected paper length is longer than a paper length prescribed value. A double feed detection method characterized by determining that the
(8) The double feed determination step performs double feed detection based on the sheet length when thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the specified measurement position. (7) The double feed detection method according to (7).
(9) (7) or (8), wherein the sheet thickness detecting step detects the thickness of the sheet according to a displacement amount of a pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the sheet. Double feed detection method.

  According to the present invention, the thickness of the paper and the length of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to the specified measurement position corresponding to the length of the single paper are measured, and the thickness of the paper at a plurality of points by this measurement is measured. Based on this, it is configured to determine the presence or absence of double feeding of paper.

  Therefore, by configuring in this way, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of double feeding without measuring the thickness over the entire length of the check that is double fed and conveyed in an overlapping state. As a result, the number of checks for the thickness of the check can always be kept to a minimum regardless of the presence or absence of double feed, and the amount of data stored in the memory can be reduced as compared with the conventional case. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the number of checks of the thickness of the check is smaller than when measuring over the entire length, so the number of times of determining the presence or absence of double feeding based on the thickness is reduced, and the processing load on the determination process is reduced. Along with the decrease, the time until the determination process is completed is shortened. Therefore, there is no need for an expensive processing system having a very high computing capacity for determination, and a multi-feed detecting device and a multi-processing device equipped with a multi-feed detecting device that can withstand practical use by using an inexpensive processing circuit. Can be provided.

  Next, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a composite processing apparatus provided with a multifeed detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

(About compound processing equipment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a combined processing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a sheet conveyance path in the combined processing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an internal structure of the combined processing apparatus. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are perspective views of the composite processing apparatus with the housing removed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment conveys a check CK, which is a first reading medium loaded in the sheet feeding unit 3, along a sheet conveyance path P1 formed in the housing 1a. The card C, which is the second reading medium inserted from the card insertion slot 20, can be conveyed along the sheet conveyance path P2 formed in the housing 1a. Specifically, the composite processing apparatus 1 reads the image on the check CK while reading the check CK while conveying the check CK along the paper conveyance path P1, reads the magnetic character printed on the check CK, and prints on the check CK. And an image reading device / magnetic character reading device / printing device capable of reading an image on the card C while conveying the card C along the paper conveyance path P2.

First, a specific structure of the composite processing apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first paper transport path P <b> 1 has a substantially U shape, and the second paper transport path P <b> 2 has a linear shape for transporting the card C. The first paper transport path P1 and the second paper transport path P2 are common in a portion corresponding to the bottom portion of the U shape, and this portion will be referred to as an intermediate transport path M in the following description. Various reading devices are provided in the intermediate conveyance path M. Details of the various reading devices will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first paper transport path P1 is defined by an outer guide 2a and an inner guide 2b. A check CK is placed in the transport section 2c, which is a space between the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b. It is configured to be conveyed. The check CK is inserted into the first paper transport path P1 via the paper feed unit 3 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. The paper feed unit 3 is configured to be able to load a plurality of checks CK, and can send out the plurality of checks CK one by one into the first paper transport path P1.

The first paper transport path P1 has a first transport roller 6 upstream of the intermediate transport path M, an intermediate transport roller 16 in the intermediate transport path M, and an intermediate transport path M as a transport mechanism for transporting the check CK. The 2nd conveyance roller 7 is provided in the downstream of this.
The first transport roller 6 includes a drive roller 6a and a pressing roller 6b disposed to face the drive roller 6a via the first paper transport path P1. The second transport roller 7 includes a drive roller 7a and a pressing roller 7b disposed to face the drive roller 7a via the first paper transport path P1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate conveying roller 16 includes a lower pressing roller 16a disposed below the first sheet conveying path P1, an upper pressing roller 16b disposed above the lower pressing roller 16a, and an intermediate pressing roller 16a. The upper presser roller 16a and the lower presser roller 16b are disposed to face the upper presser roller 16a via the transport path M.

As shown in FIG. 3, the check CK fed into the first paper transport path P1 is transported through the intermediate transport path M by the first transport roller 6, the intermediate transport roller 16, and the second transport roller 7, and is discharged. It is discharged from the discharge port 4 in the direction of arrow B through the roller 8. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom position of the first paper transport path P1 is maintained at the height H1, and the check CK is the bottom of the first paper transport path P1 including the intermediate transport path M. Are conveyed in a state based on the height H1.
Here, regarding the intermediate conveyance roller 16, if the width (height) of the check CK is shorter than a predetermined length, the lower presser roller 16b and the driving roller 17 contribute to the conveyance of the check CK, while the width of the check CK is a predetermined length. If it is more than that, the check CK is conveyed by both the upper pressing roller 16 a and the lower pressing roller 16 b and the driving roller 17.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second paper transport path P2 includes an intermediate transport path M, and a card insertion slot 20 and a card reverse path 21 communicating with both ends thereof.

  The card insertion slot 20 is an insertion slot for inserting the card C into the intermediate transport path M. Below the card insertion slot 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, lower guides 24 and 24a are provided. The lower guides 24 and 24a constitute a part of the outer guide 2a, and the height of the lower end portion of the card C is kept at H2. The card C is guided by the lower guide 24 and enters the intermediate transport path M. Inserted and transported in a state based on the height H2. That is, the lower position of the second paper transport path P2 is maintained at the height H2 with respect to the lower guides 24 and 24a. Note that the check CK, which is kept at the height H1 and is conveyed along the first paper conveyance path P1, is bent toward the discharge port 4 by the lower guide 24a.

  The upper presser roller 16a is mounted above the height H2 of the second paper transport path P2, and the card C transported into the intermediate transport path M is intermediately transported by the upper presser roller 16a and the drive roller 17. It is conveyed in the path M.

  The card reverse path 21 is formed by linear guides 21a and 21b formed along the left extension line of the intermediate conveyance path M in FIG. In the vicinity of the end 21c of the card reverse path 21, a forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 is provided. The forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 conveys the card C conveyed from the intermediate conveyance path M so as to protrude from the end 21c of the card reverse rotation path 21 for a predetermined length, and again the card C protruding from the end 21c. Transport to the intermediate transport path M.

  Specifically, when the card C is inserted into the intermediate transport path M from the card insertion port 20, the card C is transported to the card reverse path 21 by the upper pressing roller 16 a and the driving roller 17. Then, the card C is reversely conveyed from the card reverse path 21 by the forward / reverse conveyance roller 22, passes through the intermediate conveyance path M, and is discharged from the card insertion slot 20. At this time, the card C is transported in the second paper transport path P2 with the lower end portion maintained at the height H2. In the present embodiment, the height H2 of the second paper transport path P2 is arranged at a position higher than the height H1 of the first paper transport path P1. In summary, the card C is transported through the intermediate transport path M above the check CK.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by changing the conveyance height of the check CK and the card C, a U-shaped first sheet conveyance path and a straight second line can be provided without providing a special switching device or the like. Different types of reading media can be transported to the paper transport path. This completes the description of the conveyance of the check CK and the card C.

  In the intermediate conveyance path M, a first image reading sensor 11 and a second image reading sensor 12 that perform image reading are installed. Each of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type image reading sensor, and emits light to one surface of the check CK or the card C conveyed on the intermediate conveyance path M. Irradiate and receive light reflected on check CK or card C. The first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 read the image on the check CK or the card C conveyed in the intermediate conveyance path M line by line, so that the two-dimensional of the check CK or the card C is obtained. Get an image.

  A BOF (Bottom Of Form) detector 9 and a TOF (Top Of Form) detector 10 for detecting the trailing edge of the check CK are provided in the first paper transport path P1. The BOF detector 9 is provided between the paper feed unit 3 and the first transport roller 6, detects the check CK inserted from the paper feed unit 3, and when the check CK passes through the BOF detector 9 And the trailing edge of the check CK is detected. The TOF detector 10 is provided between the first transport roller 6 and the first image reading sensor 11, and is configured to detect the tip of the check CK. Thus, the length of the check CK can be accurately measured by detecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the check CK with the BOF detector 9 and the TOF detector 10. The composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to operate according to the check CK detection by the BOF detector 9 and the TOF detector 10. That is, the start / stop of the reading of the check CK by the image reading sensors 11 and 12 is controlled based on the outputs of the BOF detector 9 and the TOF detector 10. Note that one of the image reading sensors 11 and 12 may be used as a detector for detecting the tip of the check CK. In this case, the TOF detector 10 can be omitted.

  In addition, the print head 14 is disposed in a linear region between the second transport roller 7 and the discharge roller 8 and along the first paper transport path P1. The print head 14 is for executing endorsement on the check CK, and performs printing on the check CK as necessary.

  Further, a BOC (Bottom Of Card) detector 25 and a TOC (Top Of Card) detector 26 for detecting the rear end of the card C are provided in the second paper transport path P2. The BOC detector 25 is provided in the vicinity of the card insertion slot 20, detects the card C inserted from here, detects the time when the card C passes through the BOC detector 9, and detects the rear end of the card C. Is detected. The TOC detector 26 is provided between the intermediate conveyance roller 16 and the second image reading sensor 12 and is configured to detect the leading end of the card C. Thus, the length of the card C can be accurately measured by detecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the card C by the BOC detector 25 and the TOC detector 26. The composite processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to operate in response to the detection of the card C by the BOC detector 25 and the TOC detector 26. That is, the start / stop of reading of the card C by the image reading sensor 11 or 12 is controlled based on the outputs of the BOC detector 25 and the TOC detector 26. Note that either one of the image reading sensors 11 and 12 may be used as a detector for detecting the leading end of the card C. In this case, the TOC detector 26 can be omitted.

  A MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader) 13 is installed below the drive roller 17. The MICR 13 is a sensor for reading information written in magnetic ink on the check CK. The MICR 13 performs reading in a state where the check CK is pressed against the surface of the MICR 13 by the pressing lever 30 disposed opposite to the MICR 13 via the intermediate conveyance path M.

(Structure of thickness detector)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the thickness detection device 50 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness detection device 50 has the pressing lever 30 described above. The pressing lever 30 has a main body 31 which is a longitudinal member, and rotates in a plane perpendicular to the check conveyance surface of the intermediate conveyance path M via a rotation shaft 32 provided at one end of the main body 31. It is possible to move. The main body 31 is integrally formed with a pressing projection 33 projecting toward the intermediate conveyance path, and the pressing projection 33 is biased toward the MICR 13 by a biasing force by a pressing spring (not shown), and there is no check CK. In this state, the surface 13a of the MICR 13 and the contact surface 33a of the pressing protrusion 33 are in contact with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the contact surface 33a of the MICR 13 is formed of a rigid body that is not displaced or deformed by the pressing of the pressing protrusion 33. The main body 31 of the MICR 13 is always fixed in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the main body 31 is substantially parallel to the intermediate conveyance path M that conveys the check CK, with the tip surface 33a of the pressing protrusion 33 in contact with the MICR 13. Maintained.

  Further, the other end of the main body 31 is bent by approximately 90 degrees on the side opposite to the intermediate conveyance path M to form a bent portion 34. A paper thickness sensor 40 is disposed at a position facing the end surface 34a of the bent portion 34 at a predetermined distance.

  The paper thickness sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the displacement of the end surface 34a of the bent portion 34 that is a detection surface. For example, by irradiating the end surface 34a with light and receiving the reflected light on the light receiving surface 40a, It is an optical sensor that measures the distance.

The pressing protrusion 33 detects the distance L1 from the rotation center of the rotating shaft 32 to a straight line passing through the tip of the pressing protrusion 33 and parallel to the protruding direction of the pressing protrusion 33, and the end surface 34a of the bent portion 34 from the rotating center of the rotating shaft 32. The relationship with the distance L2 to the straight line passing through the part and parallel to the protruding direction of the pressing protrusion 33 is formed so as to satisfy the following.

L2 = L1 × N (N> 1) (1)
That is, L2> L1 (2)

In this embodiment, as shown in Formula (2), the pressing lever 30 is formed so that the distance L2 is longer than the distance L1.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness detection device 50 is configured by the MICR 13, the pressing lever 30, and the paper thickness sensor 40. Hereinafter, the operation of the thickness detection device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b).

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state in which a single check CK is transported in the intermediate transport path M (normal state), and FIG. 7B is a diagram in which two of check CK1 and check CK2 overlap. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state (multi-feed state) in which the inside of the intermediate transport path M is transported.
As shown in FIG. 7A, when one check CK is transported in the intermediate transport path M and transported between the MICR 13 and the pressing protrusion 33 of the pressing lever 30, the pressing lever 30 is turned into the check. According to the thickness d of CK, the pressing protrusion 33 is pushed back against the urging force of the pressing spring, and the pressing lever 30 rotates (in FIG. 7A, it rotates clockwise).

When the pressing lever 30 rotates, the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 is displaced, and the paper thickness sensor 40 detects the distance between the end surface 34a and the detection surface 40a of the paper thickness sensor 40. Here, the displacement amount D1 of the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 changes according to the distance L1 and the distance L2, and is configured to satisfy the following relationship.

D1≈d × (L2 / L1) (3)

That is, the displacement amount D1 of the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 is larger than the thickness d of the check CK disposed between the MICR 13 and the pressing protrusion 33 of the pressing lever 30. The paper thickness sensor 40 detects the displacement amount D1, and the combined processing apparatus 1 determines that only one check CK is being conveyed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the two checks CK1 and the check CK2 are transported in the intermediate transport path M with at least partly overlapped, and between the MICR 13 and the pressing protrusion 33 of the pressing lever 30. , The pressing lever 30 is pushed back against the urging force of the pressing spring according to the overlap thickness 2d of the checks CK1 and CK2, and the pressing lever 30 rotates (FIG. 7). (B) rotates clockwise). The amount of rotation of the pressing lever 30 is larger than when only one check CK is conveyed.

When the pressing lever 30 rotates, the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 is displaced, and the paper thickness sensor 40 detects the distance between the end surface 34a and the detection surface 40a of the paper thickness sensor 40. Here, the displacement amount D2 of the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 changes according to the distance L1 and the distance L2, and is configured to satisfy the following relationship.

D2≈2d × (L2 / L1) (4)
D2≈2D1 (5)

  That is, the displacement amount D2 of the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30 is larger than the overlap thickness 2d of the checks CK1 and CK2 passing between the MICR 13 and the pressing protrusion 33 of the pressing lever 30, and of course only one check CK passes. It will be displaced more than if you do. The paper thickness sensor 40 detects the amount of displacement D2, so that the composite processing apparatus 1 determines that two checks CK are being conveyed, that is, the checks CK are being double-fed.

(Control of double feed detection)
Next, an embodiment of control related to double feed detection of the composite processing apparatus 1 including the thickness detection apparatus 50 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing double feed control using the thickness detection device 50, and FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining an output value of the paper thickness sensor 40. FIG. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the multi-feed conveyance, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sheet detection during the multi-feed conveyance.
The double feed detection control circuit of this embodiment mainly includes a paper thickness sensor 40, an A / D converter 41, a memory 42, a control unit 60, a sampling pulse generation unit 70, a paper detection unit 80, and a paper. And a transport unit 90.

  The control unit 60 is a control center that controls the entire complex processing apparatus 1. Based on various instructions from the control unit 60, the sampling pulse generation unit 70, the sheet conveyance unit 90, various reading devices, and the like are driven. Operate.

The sampling pulse generation unit 70 is a circuit that generates a sampling pulse for operating the paper thickness sensor 40 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 60 and outputs the sampling pulse to the paper thickness sensor 40. When the paper thickness sensor 40 receives the sampling pulse from the sampling pulse generator 70, the paper thickness sensor 40 irradiates light onto the end surface 34a of the pressing lever 30, receives the reflected light at the light receiving surface 40a, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the reflected light as A. / D output to D converter 41.

  The A / D converter 41 A / D converts the electrical signal output from the paper thickness sensor 40 to generate a digital paper thickness value corresponding to the electrical signal. The generated paper thickness value is sent to the memory 42 and stored in a predetermined storage area in the memory 42.

  The paper detection unit 80 detects the length of the check CK conveyed on the first paper conveyance path P1 via the BOF detector 9 and / or the TOF detector 10, and the paper leading edge and the paper trailing edge. It is a check edge part detection part which detects an edge. The paper detection unit 80 sends an end detection signal indicating the front end and the rear end of the check CK to the control unit 60 via the BOF detector 9 and / or the TOF detector 10.

  The paper transport unit 90 is a transport control unit that controls the transport of the check CK by rotationally driving the first transport roller 6, the intermediate transport roller 16, the second transport roller 7 and the like via a stepping motor (not shown). The paper transport unit 90 outputs the number of rotation steps of the stepping motor to the control unit 60 and notifies the transport amount of the check CK.

The control unit 60 includes a paper thickness comparison unit 61, a paper length comparison unit 62, and a double feed determination unit 63, and determines the presence or absence of double feed by these.
Specifically, the paper thickness comparison unit 61 compares the paper thickness value stored in the memory 42 with a predetermined paper thickness reference value t, and determines whether the value of the paper thickness digital signal is equal to or less than the paper thickness reference value. To do. If the value of the paper thickness digital signal is greater than the paper thickness reference value t, a paper thickness abnormality signal is output to the double feed determination unit 63.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the pressing lever 30 is not displaced by the check CK, the paper thickness value N1 is generated based on the output of the paper thickness sensor 40. When one check CK displaces the pressing lever 30, a paper thickness value N2 larger than N1 is generated based on the output of the paper thickness sensor 40.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the two checks CK are double-fed, the pressing lever 30 is greatly displaced, and the paper thickness values N1 and N2 correspond to the displacement amount. A large paper thickness value N3 is generated based on the output of the paper thickness sensor 40. The paper thickness reference value t used for determination in the paper thickness comparison unit 61 is set to a value that is larger than the paper thickness value N2 and smaller than the paper thickness value N3. Therefore, when two or more checks CK are double-fed, the paper thickness comparison unit 61 detects that the detected paper thickness value exceeds the paper thickness reference value t, and detects a paper thickness abnormality as a double-feed determination unit. 63 is notified.

  On the other hand, the paper length comparison unit 62 calculates the length of the check CK based on the detection signal output from the paper detection unit 80 and the number of rotation steps of the stepping motor, and calculates the length of the check CK and the paper. By comparing the length reference value c, it is determined whether or not the length of the check CK is a specified length. Then, if the calculated check CK length is larger than the paper length reference value c, the paper length comparison unit 62 notifies the double feed determination unit 63 of the abnormal paper length.

  The double feed determination unit 63 determines the presence or absence of double feed based on notifications from the paper thickness comparison unit 61 and the paper length comparison unit 62. Specifically, when a notice of abnormal paper thickness or abnormal paper length is received from one of the paper thickness comparison unit 61 and the paper length comparison unit 62, it is determined that a double feed has occurred, and a double feed is detected. Output a signal. Based on this, the complex processing apparatus 1 performs error processing such as stopping the conveyance of the check CK, turning on the warning lamp, and outputting a warning sound.

  In this embodiment, the sampling pulse generator 70 outputs sampling pulses at a predetermined interval only for a predetermined time after the tip of the check CK reaches the detection site of the thickness detection device 50, and the paper thickness sensor 40 The thickness is measured from the beginning of the check CK to a position of a predetermined measurement length b (a predetermined measurement position). Here, the predetermined measurement length b is set slightly longer than the length a of one check CK to be conveyed.

Referring to FIG. 10, the length relationships at the time of double feed detection are summarized as shown in the following equations (6) and (7).

a <b (6)
a <c (7)

a: Length of one check CK in the conveyance direction b: Measurement length measured by the paper thickness sensor 40 c: Paper length reference value for determination in the paper length comparison unit 62

The magnitude relationship between the measurement length b and the paper length reference value c is usually b <c, but may include b = c or b> c. In the following description, it is assumed that b <c.

  In the present embodiment, the determination is performed based on the above formulas (6) and (7). That is, double feed detection is performed by the thickness detection device 50 until the position of the measurement length b longer than the check direction CK in the conveying direction by a predetermined amount, while exceeding the position of the measurement length b. From this, the paper length comparison unit 62 uses the paper length reference value c to determine whether the length of the check CK is appropriate, thereby detecting double feed.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining double feed detection using the double feed detection device, and FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively show a form of double feed. In the figure, the arrows indicate the conveyance direction positions where the thickness detection is performed, and the ◯ marks placed above the arrows indicate the success or failure of the double feed detection by the paper thickness sensor 40, respectively.

  Various forms of double feeding are conceivable. As shown in FIG. 11 (a), there are cases where two checks CK1 and CK2 are almost exactly overlapped in the thickness direction. In some cases, the check CK is deviated in the check conveyance direction and conveyed in a partially overlapping form as shown in FIG.

  When the two checks CK1 and CK2 are almost exactly overlapped in the thickness direction, as shown in FIG. 11A, the double feed is detected almost certainly by the double feed detection by the thickness detector 50. However, when the two checks CK1 and CK2 are partially conveyed at the ends of each other, depending on the sampling rate of the paper thickness sensor 40 and the check conveyance speed, FIG. As shown in b), there is a possibility that a double feed is not detected despite the occurrence of double feed.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the double feed is detected simultaneously with the thickness detection based on the check conveyance direction length using the relationship of Expression (7), the state shown in FIG. In this case, by detecting the sheet length, it is possible to obtain a result that a check longer than the standard is being conveyed. Actually, if all the checks to be transported have a specified size, checks longer than this specification will result from double feed, and double feed will be detected by thickness detection. Even if it is not done, the double feed of the check CK is reliably detected.

Next, the flow of double feed detection in this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, for simplification of description, the description will be made assuming that the length in the sheet conveyance direction using only the TOF detector 10 is detected.
First, the check CK is fed to the paper feed unit 3 (step S1), and a check conveyance instruction for the check CK is awaited. Then, when the processing command for the check CK is transmitted from the host computer to the composite processing apparatus 1, the composite processing apparatus 1 transfers the check CK based on this processing command. The stepping motor is driven (step CK2).

  When the stepping motor is driven, the first conveyance roller 6, the second conveyance roller 7, the intermediate conveyance roller 16 and the like start rotating, and the check CK is conveyed in the first paper conveyance path P1. When the leading edge of the check CK reaches the TOF detector 10, the TOF detector 10 detects the check CK and transmits a detection signal corresponding to this detection to the control unit 60 via the paper detection unit 80.

  The check CK is fed between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30 while the image reading sensors 11 and 12 perform image reading on the front and back surfaces. During this time, the control unit 60 counts the number of steps of the stepping motor after receiving the detection signal from the TOF detector 10 (step S3), and at the timing when the check CK is sent between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30, the sampling pulse The generator 70 is instructed to output a sampling pulse. The sampling pulse generator 70 outputs a sampling pulse to the paper thickness sensor 40 in response to an instruction from the controller 60. The paper thickness sensor 40 detects the amount of displacement of the pressing lever 30 according to the thickness of the check CK at a predetermined sampling rate according to the sampling pulse, and the displacement is transferred to the memory 42 via the A / D converter 41. The paper thickness value corresponding to the amount is stored (step S4).

  Here, it is preferable that the controller 60 drives the sampling pulse generator 70 so that the paper thickness sensor 40 detects the thickness slightly before the tip of the check CK is fed between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30. Here, driving the sampling pulse generator 70 from a short time before being sent between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30 is a process for surely detecting the check CK, and suppressing an unnecessary increase in the amount of data. Considering this, it is preferable that the thickness is detected about one to several points before the check CK arrives.

  During this time, the control unit 60 continues to monitor the number of steps of the stepping motor, and checks whether the check CK has been conveyed by the measurement length b after being fed between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30 (step S5). Then, at the timing when the check CK is fed between the MICR 13 and the pressing lever 30 and conveyed by the measurement length b, the sampling pulse generator 70 is instructed to stop outputting the sampling pulse, and the paper thickness of the check CK is measured. The process ends (step S6).

  In parallel with the paper thickness detection by the paper thickness sensor 40, the TOF detector 10 detects the trailing edge of the check CK and sends a detection signal corresponding to this detection to the control unit 60 via the paper detection unit 80. Send. In the control unit 60, the paper length comparison unit 62 determines the number of steps of the paper based on the number of steps of the stepping motor engraved between the leading edge of the check CK and the trailing edge of the check CK by the TOF detector 10. Calculate the length. Thereafter, the check CK is sequentially transported through the first paper transport path P1, and after predetermined processing such as MICR character reading and printing is performed, the check CK is ejected from the composite processing apparatus 1 to the outside.

  Thereafter, the control unit 60 compares the digital value corresponding to the thickness of the check CK stored in the memory 42 with the paper thickness reference value t in the paper thickness comparison unit 61 (step S9). If the measured paper thickness value is larger than the paper thickness reference value t, the double feed determination unit 63 is notified of the abnormal paper thickness, and the double feed determination unit 63 detects the abnormal paper thickness from the paper thickness comparison unit 61. In response to the notification, a double feed detection signal is output (step S10). Then, in response to the double feed detection signal, the composite processing apparatus 1 performs error display, check conveyance stop, notification to the host computer, etc., and ends the processing (step S11).

  If there is no abnormality in the paper thickness as a result of the comparison in step S9, the process proceeds to step S12, and the paper length comparison unit 62 now calculates the paper length reference value c as the paper length calculated. The comparison is made to confirm whether or not the check CK is abnormal in length (step S12). If the calculated paper length is longer than the paper length reference value c, the double feed determination unit 63 is notified of a paper thickness abnormality, and the double feed determination unit 63 determines the length from the paper length comparison unit 62. In response to the abnormality notification, a double feed detection signal is output (step S10). Then, in response to the double feed detection signal, the composite processing apparatus 1 performs error display, check conveyance stop, notification to the host computer, etc., and ends the processing (step S11).

On the other hand, if the calculated paper length is equal to or smaller than the paper length reference value c, it is determined that there is no double feed of the check CK, it is confirmed whether or not the next check processing is performed (step S13), and the check CK to be further processed. If there is, there is a return to step S2, and if there is no check CK to be processed, the processing of the composite processing apparatus 1 is terminated.
Through the above steps S1 to S13, double feed detection is performed simultaneously with various processes of the check CK.

  As described above, the composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the paper feed unit 3 that feeds a plurality of checks CK one by one, and the first paper transport path P1 that transports the check CK sent from the paper feed unit 3. An image reading sensor 11, 12 that reads information such as images and MICR characters from the check CK conveyed on the first paper conveyance path P1, and an information reading unit such as MICR 13, and a check conveyed on the first paper conveyance path P1. A paper thickness sensor 40 (paper thickness detector) for detecting the thickness of CK, a TOF detector 10 and paper detector 80 (paper length detector) for detecting the length of check CK, and a thickness of check CK A paper thickness comparison unit 61 that performs double feed detection based on the length and length, a paper length comparison unit 62, and a double feed determination unit 63.

  According to the present embodiment, since it is configured to detect whether or not the check CK is double-fed based on the thickness of the check CK and the length of the check CK, the check that is double-fed and conveyed in the overlapped state. The presence or absence of double feeding can be detected without measuring the total length (about two checks). In particular, in the present embodiment, when the detected paper thickness is larger than the paper thickness specified value t or the detected check length L in the double feed state is longer than the paper length specified value c, the check Since the paper thickness sensor 40 is configured to determine that the paper is being double-fed, the thickness of the paper is measured from the leading edge of the check CK to the position of a predetermined measurement length b corresponding to the length of the check CK. It is possible to detect double feeding of the check CK based only on the detected paper length from the leading end of the check CK behind the specified measurement length b.

Therefore, it is possible to always keep the number of measurement points of the thickness of the check CK to the minimum amount regardless of the presence or absence of double feeding, and it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the memory as compared with the conventional case. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the number of measurement points for the thickness of the check CK is small, the number of times of determining the presence or absence of double feeding based on the thickness is reduced, the processing load on the determination process is reduced, and the determination process The time to complete is reduced. Therefore, there is no need for an expensive processing system having a very high computing capacity for determination, and a multi-feed detecting device and a multi-processing device equipped with a multi-feed detecting device that can withstand practical use by using an inexpensive processing circuit. Can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the composite processing apparatus 1 is disposed on one side of the intermediate conveyance path M, which is a sheet conveyance path, and a pressing member that presses the check CK against the surface 13a of the MICR 13 disposed on the other side of the intermediate conveyance path M. And a double feed detection device 50 having a paper thickness sensor 40 that detects the amount of displacement of the pressing lever 30 and the pressing lever 30. The paper thickness sensor 40 detects the thickness of the check CK by detecting the amount of displacement of the pressing lever 30 that is displaced according to the thickness of the check CK.

  Here, since the MICR 13 is a non-movable member and the surface 13 a of the MICR 13 is a rigid surface, the MICR 13 is not displaced by the pressing of the pressing lever 30, and no deformation or the like occurs on the surface 13 a of the MICR 13. Therefore, the surface 13a of the MICR 13 can be regarded as a stable displacement reference for the pressing lever 30, and the thickness of the check CK can be reliably detected by detecting the amount of displacement of the pressing lever 30.

  Therefore, even when the check is double-fed by feeding two checks CK as shown in FIG. 7B, the sheet feeding unit 3 uses the double-feed detection device 50 to increase the thickness of the check. By detecting this, it is possible to reliably detect double feeding of checks and to prevent reading failures and writing failures associated with double feeding of checks.

  The pressing lever 30 has been described as being pressed against the surface 13a of the MICR 13. However, the pressing lever 30 is not limited to this, and may be pressed against a non-movable fixed object that does not cause displacement or deformation. For example, the pressing lever 30 may be pressed against the inner wall that divides the paper conveyance path M or the image reading sensors 11 and 12 for image reading.

  The paper thickness sensor 40 has been described as an optical sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various displacement sensors that can detect the displacement of the pressing lever 30 (eg, magnetism, potential detection sensor, etc.) are used. May be.

  Further, the indirect measurement type thickness detecting device 50 for measuring the displacement of the pressing lever 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the thickness of the paper is directly measured using an optical paper detector. Even if the measurement is performed, the same effect can be obtained.

It is a perspective view which shows the compound processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path in a composite processing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a composite processing apparatus. It is a perspective view of the compound processing apparatus which removed the housing | casing. It is a perspective view of the compound processing apparatus which removed the housing | casing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the double feed detection apparatus of this embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the state (normal state) in which one check is conveyed in an intermediate conveyance path, (b) is the state in which two checks overlap and are conveyed in an intermediate conveyance path It is a figure which shows (double feed state). It is a control block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the double feed control which concerns on this invention. It is a graph explaining the output value of a paper thickness sensor, (a) is at the time of normal conveyance, (b) is a figure which shows at the time of double feed conveyance. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating sheet detection during double feed conveyance. It is a schematic diagram explaining the double feed detection using a double feed detection apparatus, (a) And (b) represents the form of double feed, respectively. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of double feed detection. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional multifeed detection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1. ・ Composite processing device 2a ・ ・ Outside guide 2b ・ ・ Inside guide 3 ・ ・ Paper feed unit 4 ・ ・ Discharge port 11, 12 ・ ・ Image reading sensor 13 ・ ・ MICR 30 ・ ・ Pressing lever 40 ・ ・ Paper thickness sensor 50..Thickness detection device 60, 60A..Control unit 70..Sampling pulse generation unit 80..Paper detection unit 90..Paper transport unit

Claims (9)

A paper thickness detection unit that detects the thickness of the paper transported on the paper transport path at a plurality of points in the paper transport direction;
A paper length measuring unit for measuring the length of the paper conveyed through the paper conveying path;
A control unit that performs double feed detection based on the thickness of the paper and the length of the paper at the plurality of detected points,
The paper thickness detection unit detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
When the detected thickness of the paper is larger than a paper thickness specified value, or the detected length of the paper is longer than the paper length specified value, the control unit is feeding the paper in a multi-feed manner. A double feed detection device characterized by:     2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when a thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the predetermined measurement position, the control unit performs double feed detection based on the sheet length. Double feed detection device. The sheet thickness detecting unit is disposed on one side of the sheet conveying path and presses a sheet against a rigid surface of a non-movable member disposed on the other side of the sheet conveying path, and a displacement amount of the pressing member. A paper thickness sensor to detect,
The multi-feed detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper according to a displacement amount of the pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the paper. A paper feeder that feeds multiple sheets one by one;
A paper transport path for transporting paper fed from the paper feed unit;
A reading unit that reads information from the paper transported through the paper transport path;
A paper thickness detector for detecting the thickness of the paper at a plurality of points in the paper conveyance direction;
A paper length measuring unit for measuring the length of the paper conveyed through the paper conveying path;
A control unit that performs double feed detection based on the detected paper thickness and the length of the paper at the plurality of points,
The paper thickness detection unit detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
When the detected thickness of the paper is larger than a paper thickness specified value, or the detected length of the paper is longer than the paper length specified value, the control unit is feeding the paper in a multi-feed manner. It is determined that the combined processing apparatus.     5. The control unit according to claim 4, wherein when the thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the predetermined measurement position, the control unit performs double feed detection based on the sheet length. Combined processing equipment. The sheet thickness detecting unit is disposed on one side of the sheet conveying path and presses a sheet against a rigid surface of a non-movable member disposed on the other side of the sheet conveying path, and a displacement amount of the pressing member. A paper thickness sensor to detect,
The composite processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper according to a displacement amount of the pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the paper. A paper thickness detection step for detecting the paper thickness at a plurality of points in the paper transport direction;
A paper length measuring step for measuring a length of the paper transported through the paper transport path;
A double feed determination step of performing double feed detection based on the thickness of the paper and the length of the paper at the plurality of detected points,
The paper thickness detection step detects the thickness of the paper from the leading edge of the paper to a specified measurement position corresponding to the length of one paper,
In the double feed determining step, the paper is double fed when the detected paper thickness is larger than a paper thickness prescribed value or the detected paper length is longer than a paper length prescribed value. A double feed detection method characterized by determining that the   The double feed determination step performs double feed detection based on the sheet length when thickness abnormality is not detected at the plurality of points detected up to the specified measurement position. 7. The double feed detection method according to 7. 9. The double feed detection method according to claim 7, wherein the paper thickness detecting step detects the thickness of the paper according to a displacement amount of a pressing member that is displaced according to the thickness of the paper. .