JP2011073860A - Double-feed detection mechanism and medium thickness detection mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem wherein a double-feed detection mechanism for detecting the number of sheets of double-feed of media by illuminance by transmitted light lowers accuracy for detecting the number of sheets of double-feed of media and increases power consumption, when the media are soiled by circulation. <P>SOLUTION: A light source 8 is arranged on one side surface of a conveying passage 3, while a planoconcave lens 9 and a plurality of photosensors 10 are arranged at positions opposed to a light source on the other side surface of the conveying passage 3. The plurality of photosensors 10 are arranged to be overlapped with each other in a vertical direction in relation to the conveying passage 3. A number of sheet specifying part 11 specifies the number of sheets of media conveyed by a conveying mechanism by discriminating whether any one of the plurality of photosensors takes in either one or both of light emitted by the planoconcave lens and shadow of the medium 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heavy running detection mechanism that detects heavy running of a sheet-like medium conveyed on a conveyance path by a conveyance mechanism, and a medium thickness detection mechanism that detects the thickness of a sheet-like medium stored in a storage unit. .

  The heavy running detection mechanism is a mechanism that detects heavy running of a sheet-like medium conveyed on the conveyance path by the conveyance mechanism.

  The heavy running detection mechanism is applied to various devices (for example, a banknote processing device, an image forming device, an image reading device, etc.). Examples of the “banknote processing apparatus” include an ATM (automatic transaction apparatus) and a counter apparatus that handle banknotes as a medium. Examples of the “image forming apparatus” include a printer, a copier, and an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that handle paper as a medium. Examples of the “image reading apparatus” include a scanner and an MFP that handle paper as a medium.

  As the heavy-running detection mechanism, the medium transported by the transport mechanism is irradiated with a certain amount of light, and the illuminance (that is, the light flux received by the unit area of the surface illuminated by the light) by the light transmitted through the medium is measured. In some cases, the presence / absence of a medium and the number of medium-running sheets are detected (see Patent Document 1, for example).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 discloses a heavy running detection mechanism incorporated in an image forming apparatus. This heavy running detection mechanism irradiates a certain amount of light onto the surface of a sheet separated from a sheet bundle set in a tray, a cassette, or the like. The irradiated light passes through the paper and enters the photosensor. As a result, the photo sensor detects the illuminance corresponding to the number of sheets that are overrun. For example, when the illuminance is 2450 to 2300 lux, it corresponds to one sheet, when it is 2200 to 2050 lux, it corresponds to 2 sheets, and when it is 1950 to 1800 lux, it corresponds to 3 sheets. . In this way, the heavy running detection mechanism detects the number of heavy running sheets.

JP-A-5-88564

  However, the conventional heavy-running detection mechanism, as will be described below, increases the power consumption and the problem that the accuracy of detecting the number of heavy-running media is reduced when the medium is distributed. There was a problem.

  That is, when the medium is soiled due to circulation, such as banknotes, for example, the state of soiling is significantly different for each solid, so that the amount of light transmitted through the medium varies. As a result, the conventional heavy-running detection mechanism has a problem in that the accuracy of detecting the number of heavy-running media is reduced because the illuminance due to transmitted light varies when the medium is contaminated by circulation. It was.

  Further, the conventional heavy running detection mechanism needs to irradiate the medium with a light amount of light that can be transmitted through the heavy running medium. For this reason, the conventional heavy-running detection mechanism needs to irradiate a large amount of light as compared with the case where the presence or absence of the medium is simply detected, thereby causing a problem that power consumption increases.

  The first invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. Even when the medium is soiled by distribution, the number of overruns of the medium can be accurately detected, and power consumption can be reduced. The main object is to provide a heavy running detection mechanism that can be reduced.

  In addition, the second invention can accurately detect the thickness of the sheet-like medium stored in the storage unit using the same mechanism as the first invention, and can reduce power consumption. An object is to provide a thickness detection mechanism.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is a heavy running detection mechanism for detecting heavy running of a sheet-like medium conveyed on a conveyance path by a conveyance mechanism, wherein the first aspect of the invention relates to a conveyance surface and a conveyance direction of the conveyance path. Disposed on one side surface that is substantially perpendicular to the transport path, and radiates light from one side surface to the other side surface with respect to the transport path, and disposed at a position facing the light source on the other side surface of the transport path. Incorporating either or both of the light emitted from the light source and the shadow of the medium caused by the light being blocked by the side portion of the medium transported by the transport mechanism, the light and the shadow of the medium And a plano-concave lens that diverges one or both of them, and the other side surface of the transport path, which is disposed so as to be opposed to the light source via the plano-concave lens in a direction perpendicular to the transport path. A plurality of photosensors for detecting one or both of the light and the shadow of the medium, and any one of the plurality of photosensors of the light and the shadow of the medium diverged by the plano-concave lens By identifying whether one or both of them is taken in, it is configured to have a number specifying unit that specifies the number of the media transported by the transport mechanism.

  This heavy-duty detection mechanism is such that the light source emits light from the side of the medium, and the plano-concave lens either or both of the shadow of the medium caused by the light and light being blocked by the side part of the medium. And diverges either or both of the light and medium shadow, and a plurality of photosensors incorporate either or both of the light and medium shadow diverged by the plano-concave lens. At this time, the number specifying unit identifies which one of the plurality of photosensors incorporates one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens and the shadow of the medium. Is identified.

  The second invention is a medium thickness detection mechanism for detecting the thickness of a sheet-like medium stored in the storage unit, and one side surface substantially perpendicular to the storage surface and the storage direction of the storage unit. A light source that irradiates light from one side surface to the other side surface with respect to the storage portion, and a light source that is disposed at a position facing the light source on the other side surface of the storage portion and is irradiated from the light source. A plano-concave lens that takes in one or both of the reflected light and the shadow of the medium caused by the light being blocked by the side surface portion of the medium, and diverges either or both of the light and the shadow of the medium; One or both of the light and the shadow of the medium, which are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the storage unit at a position facing the light source via the plano-concave lens on the other side surface of the storage unit. Detect multiple Identifying the photo sensor and which photo sensor of the plurality of photo sensors incorporates one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens and / or the shadow of the medium. And a thickness specifying unit that specifies the thickness of the medium stored therein.

  In the medium thickness detection mechanism, similarly to the heavy run detection mechanism of the first invention, the light source emits light from the side surface of the medium, and the plano-concave lens has the light and light blocked by the side surface portion of the medium. Incorporates one or both of the resulting media shadows and diverges either or both of the light and media shadows, and multiple photosensors are either light or media shadows diverged by the plano-concave lens Or both. At this time, the thickness specifying unit identifies which one of the plurality of photosensors incorporates one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens and the shadow of the medium. Specify the thickness.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heavy-running detection mechanism that can accurately detect the number of heavy-running media and reduce power consumption even if the media is contaminated by distribution. be able to.

  In addition, according to the second invention, it is possible to accurately detect the thickness of the sheet-like medium stored in the storage unit using the same mechanism as in the first invention, and to reduce power consumption. A possible medium thickness detection mechanism can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the heavy run detection mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows one structural example of the apparatus with which the heavy running detection mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 1 is applied. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the heavy running detection mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the application position of the heavy run detection mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the application position of the heavy running detection mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically shown so that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the common component and the same component, and those overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration of heavy run detection mechanism>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, it demonstrates per structure of the heavy run detection mechanism which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a heavy running detection mechanism according to the first embodiment. Here, the description will be made assuming that the medium is the banknote 20. The banknote 20 is transported by a transport mechanism (not shown) along a transport path (hereinafter referred to as “banknote transport path 3”).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment includes a light source 8, a plano-concave lens 9, a plurality of heavy running detection photosensors 10, and a number specifying unit 11.

  The light source 8 is light irradiation means. The light source 8 is constituted by, for example, laser irradiation means or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array made of one or a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements, and the higher the mounting density, the more preferable. The light source 8 is disposed on one side surface substantially perpendicular to the conveyance surface and the conveyance direction of the banknote conveyance path 3. The light source 8 irradiates light (parallel light / substantially parallel light) for measuring the number of overruns from the side surface of the medium (here, the banknote 20). In addition, when the light source 8 is configured as an LED array composed of a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements, it is possible to easily irradiate with a light amount sufficient to transmit the medium that is overrun. .

  The plano-concave lens 9 is a lens in which one surface is formed as a flat surface and the other surface is formed as a concave surface. The plano-concave lens 9 is disposed at a position facing the light source 8 on the other side surface of the banknote transport path 3.

  The plano-concave lens 9 has a function of diverging light and the shadow of the medium. Note that “divergence” means an operation in which light rays spread in all directions. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plano-concave lens 9 is interrupted (blocked) by the side surface portion of the light irradiated from the light source 8 and the medium (here, the bill 20) that is transported by the transport mechanism (not shown). Incorporate one or both of the shadows of the medium produced by the light and diverge the light and / or the shadow of the medium. The plano-concave lens 9 is preferably configured as a plano-concave cylindrical lens when the light source 8 is configured as an LED array composed of one or a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements. The “plano-concave cylindrical lens” means a lens in which one of two main surfaces through which light passes is formed as a flat surface and the other is formed into a planar shape having a cylindrical groove.

  The plano-concave lens 9 can sufficiently take in one or both of the light irradiated from the side of a thin medium such as the banknote 20 and the shadow of the medium, and has an area corresponding to the number of medium running over the medium. The increasing shadow of the medium is enlarged and projected onto a plurality of heavy-running detection photosensors 10.

  A plurality of heavy-running detection photosensors (hereinafter simply referred to as “photosensors”) 10 are detection means for detecting one or both of light and a shadow of a medium. The plurality of photosensors 10 are arranged on the other side surface of the banknote transport path 3 so as to be opposed to the light source 8 via the plano-concave lens 9 so as to overlap the banknote transport path 3 in the vertical direction (solid direction). Yes. The plurality of photosensors 10 are preferably formed as a single photosensor array. The plurality of photosensors 10 incorporate one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens 9 and the shadow of the medium.

  Each of the plurality of photosensors 10 has a position in the vertical direction with respect to the banknote transport path 3 corresponding to the number of media (in this case, banknotes 20). Hereinafter, the photosensors arranged on the optical axis 9a of the plano-concave lens 9 are referred to as “photosensors 10a”, and the photosensors arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction with respect to the banknote transport path 3 with reference to the photosensors 10a. The sensors are referred to as “photosensors 10b, 10c,..., 10n”, respectively.

  The “photo sensor 10a” is a sensor for detecting a state of “no heavy running” (that is, a state where the medium is not heavy running). Hereinafter, the “photosensor 10a” may be referred to as a “photosensor 10a for detecting no heavy running”.

  The “photo sensor 10b” is a sensor for detecting a state of “two heavy runs” (that is, a state where two media are running heavy). Hereinafter, the “photo sensor 10b” may also be referred to as the “photo sensor 10b for detecting two double runs”.

  The “photo sensor 10c” is a sensor for detecting a state of “three heavy runs” (that is, a state in which three media are running heavy). Hereinafter, the “photo sensor 10c” may be referred to as a “photo sensor 10c for detecting three heavy runs”.

  Similarly, the “photo sensor 10n” is a sensor for detecting a state of “n heavy runs” (that is, a state where n pieces of media are running heavy). Hereinafter, the “photo sensor 10n” may be referred to as a “photo sensor 10n for detecting n heavy sheets”.

  Based on the state of the plurality of photosensors 10, the number specifying unit 11 specifies the presence / absence of heavy running of the medium (in this case, the banknote 20) and the number of heavy runnings when it is determined that the medium is transported. Functional means. The sheet number specifying unit 11 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a control program (not shown). The number specifying unit 11 identifies which photosensors 10a, 10b, 10c,..., 10n among the plurality of photosensors 10 have taken in the light or the shadow of the medium diverged by the plano-concave lens 9. The number of media (here, bills 20) conveyed by a conveyance mechanism (not shown) is specified.

<Apparatus to which heavy run detection mechanism is applied>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, a device in which the heavy running detection mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment is incorporated will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device to which the heavy run detection mechanism according to the first embodiment is applied.

  The heavy running detection mechanism 7 is applied to various devices (for example, a banknote processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, etc.). Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 will be described as being applied to the banknote handling apparatus 1. In addition, the banknote processing apparatus 1 is apparatuses, such as ATM (automatic transaction apparatus) and a counter apparatus, which handle the banknote 20 as a medium.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the banknote handling apparatus 1 includes a banknote insertion slot 2, a banknote transport path 3, a banknote discrimination section 4, a temporary storage section 5, a banknote storage section 6, and a heavy run detection mechanism 7. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is disposed at a position immediately before the banknote discrimination unit 4 in the transport direction of the banknote 20. In FIG. 2, the arrows indicate the conveyance direction of the banknote 20. The banknote 20 is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism (not shown) such as a conveyance roller or a conveyance belt.

The banknote insertion slot 2 is a mechanism in which the banknotes 20 are inserted by the customer at the time of deposit processing, and the banknotes 20 to be discharged to the customer are collected at the time of withdrawal processing.
The banknote conveyance path 3 is a path along which the banknote 20 is conveyed. The banknote 20 is transported along the banknote transport path 3 by a transport mechanism (not shown).

The banknote discrimination unit 4 is a mechanism that discriminates the authenticity and denomination of the banknote 20 and counts the number of banknotes 20 for each denomination.
The temporary storage unit 5 is a mechanism in which the banknotes 20 are temporarily accumulated.
The bill storage unit 6 is a mechanism in which bills 20 are stored.

The banknote handling apparatus 1 separates the banknotes 20 inserted by the customer from the banknote slot 2 one by one at the time of deposit processing, and the banknotes 20 are separated along the banknote transport path 3 by a transport mechanism (not shown). Transport to 4.
And the banknote processing apparatus 1 discriminates the authenticity and denomination of the banknote 20 by the banknote discrimination part 4, and counts the number of the banknotes 20 for every denomination, and the banknote 20 is temporarily hold | maintained by the conveyance mechanism which is not shown in figure. 5, the banknotes 20 are accumulated in the temporary storage unit 5, and the denomination and the number of the banknotes 20 identified are displayed on a customer operation unit (not shown).
Thereafter, when the customer confirms the display content, the banknote handling apparatus 1 separates the banknotes 20 accumulated in the temporary storage unit 5 and transports the banknotes 20 to the banknote storage unit 6 by a transport mechanism (not shown). 20 is stored in the banknote storage unit 6.

Moreover, the banknote processing apparatus 1 isolate | separates the banknote 20 for the money | pay amount requested | required by the customer from the banknote 20 accommodated in the banknote storage part 6 at the time of a payment process, and follows the banknote conveyance path 3. The banknote 20 is transported to the banknote discriminating unit 4 by a transport mechanism (not shown).
And the banknote processing apparatus 1 discriminate | determines the authenticity and denomination of the banknote 20 by the banknote discrimination part 4, and counts the number of the banknotes 20 for every money type, The banknote 20 is inserted into a banknote insertion slot by a conveyance mechanism not shown. 2 and the banknotes 20 are accumulated in the banknote slot 2.
Then, the banknote processing apparatus 1 opens the banknote slot 2, and discharges the banknote 20 to the customer.

<Operation of heavy run detection mechanism>
Hereinafter, the operation of the heavy-running detection mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the photosensor 10 of the heavy-running detection mechanism 7 is in the “OFF state” when the light emitted from the light source 8 is taken in (that is, when it is detected that it has become brighter), and the bill that is the medium In the case where 20 shadows are taken in (that is, when it is detected that the light is blocked and darkened by the medium), it is assumed that the “ON state” is set.

  As shown to Fig.3 (a), when the banknote 20 is not conveyed, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is the light which all the photosensors 10a, 10b, 10c, ..., 10n irradiated from the light source 8. Incorporate. Therefore, all the photosensors 10a, 10b, 10c,..., 10n are in a state where they are detected to be bright (that is, “OFF state”). In this case, the sheet number identifying unit 11 identifies that the banknote 20 is not being conveyed, and identifies the number of banknotes 20 as “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is configured such that, when one banknote 20 is being conveyed, only the photosensor 10a takes in the shadow of the banknote 20, and the other photosensors 10b and 10c. ,..., 10 n take in light emitted from the light source 8. Therefore, only the photosensor 10a is detected to be dark (ie, “ON” state), and the other photosensors 10b, 10c,..., 10n are detected to be bright (ie, “OFF”). State "). In this case, the sheet number identifying unit 11 identifies that the banknote 20 is conveyed in a single state, and identifies the number of banknotes 20 as “one sheet”.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3C, in the heavy running detection mechanism 7, when two banknotes 20 are conveyed, the photosensors 10a and 10b take in the shadow of the banknote 20, and the other photosensors 10c. ,..., 10 n take in light emitted from the light source 8. Therefore, it is in a state where it is detected that the photosensors 10a, 10b are dark (ie, “ON” state), and a state where it is detected that the other photosensors 10c,. ]). In this case, the sheet number identifying unit 11 identifies that the banknote 20 is being transported in two sheets, and identifies the number of banknotes 20 as “two sheets”.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), in the heavy run detection mechanism 7, when three banknotes 20 are being conveyed, the photosensors 10a, 10b, and 10c take in the shadow of the banknote 20, and other photo Sensors 10d (not shown),..., 10n take in light emitted from the light source 8. Therefore, the photosensors 10a, 10b, and 10c are detected to be dark (ie, “ON” state), and the other photosensors 10d,. OFF state ”). In this case, the sheet number identifying unit 11 identifies that the banknote 20 is conveyed in three states, and identifies the number of banknotes 20 as “three sheets”.

  Hereinafter, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 operates similarly according to the number of banknotes 20. Therefore, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 can specify the number of banknotes 20 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism (not shown) by the number of photosensors 10 arranged according to the number of banknotes 20.

  Thus, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 detects the presence or absence of heavy running and the number of heavy runnings of a sheet-like medium (here, the banknote 20) conveyed on the banknote conveyance path 3 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown). . This heavy running detection mechanism 7 is particularly suitable for detecting the number of heavy running sheets of sheet-like media having different amounts of transmitted light, such as circulation banknotes.

  As described above, according to the heavy-running detection mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment, the light irradiated from the side surface of the medium and the light are not transmitted without using the transmitted light of the medium (here, the banknote 20). Since the shadow of the medium generated by being blocked by the side surface portion is used, the number of media can be specified regardless of the amount of light transmitted through the medium, so that even if the medium is contaminated due to circulation. Even if it is done, it is possible to accurately detect the number of medium runs.

  Further, according to the heavy running detection mechanism 7, since it is not necessary to irradiate the medium with a light amount that can be transmitted through the medium, the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the conventional heavy running detection mechanism.

[Embodiment 2]
In Embodiment 1, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is arrange | positioned in the position just before the banknote discrimination part 4 (refer FIG. 2). In this configuration, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 may detect an incorrect number of sheets when there is a large wrinkle or crease in the medium (banknote 20). Therefore, it is preferable that the heavy running detection mechanism 7 detects the number of media in a state where the wrinkles and folds of the media are removed.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is configured to detect the number of media in a state where the wrinkles and folds of the media are corrected. In order to realize such a configuration, in the second embodiment, the heavy-running detection mechanism 7 includes a portion that becomes a corner of the conveyance path (hereinafter referred to as “corner portion”) and a curved portion of the conveyance path (hereinafter, referred to as “corner portion”). (Referred to as a “curved portion”).

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, it demonstrates per application position of the heavy running detection mechanism 7 which concerns on this Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application position of the heavy running detection mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the application position of the heavy running detection mechanism according to the second embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the heavy run detection mechanism 7 is disposed in the corner portion 3 a of the banknote transport path 3. The banknote conveyance path 3 applies bending stress to the medium when the medium (banknote 20) passes through the corner portion 3a. Therefore, the medium bends (bends) along the corner portion 3a when passing through the corner portion 3a. Thereby, the wrinkles and folds of the medium are stretched and corrected. Since the heavy running detection mechanism 7 detects the number of media in a state where the wrinkles and folds of the media are corrected, the exact number of media can be detected.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 is disposed in the curved portion 3 b of the banknote transport path 3. The curved portion 3b is intentionally provided in the banknote transport path 3 in order to correct the wrinkles and folds of the medium. The banknote conveyance path 3 imparts bending stress to the medium when the medium (banknote 20) passes through the curved portion 3b. Therefore, the medium bends (bends) along the curved portion 3b when passing through the curved portion 3b. Thereby, the wrinkles and folds of the medium are stretched and corrected. Since the heavy running detection mechanism 7 detects the number of media in a state where the wrinkles and folds of the media are corrected, the exact number of media can be detected.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the exact number of media can be detected even if the media has wrinkles or folds.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the present invention can be applied not only to the banknote processing apparatus 1 but also to an apparatus having a mechanism for conveying sheet-like media having different amounts of transmitted light, such as an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus.

  Further, for example, the heavy running detection mechanism 7 may be used as a medium thickness detection mechanism (see FIG. 1) that detects the thickness of the medium stored in the storage unit by being disposed in the storage unit that stores the medium. Is possible. Here, the “accommodating unit” refers to the bill insertion slot 2, the temporary storage unit 5, the bill storage unit 6 or the like, for example, if the application device of the present invention is the banknote processing device 1 shown in FIG. If the application apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, it refers to a paper storage cassette, a discharge tray, or the like.

  In this case, the light source 8 is disposed on one side surface substantially perpendicular to the storage surface and the storage direction of the storage unit, and irradiates the storage unit with light from one side surface to the other side surface. It becomes composition. Since the medium thickness detection mechanism can measure the thickness of the medium more accurately as the mounting density of the light source 8 becomes higher, it is preferable that the mounting density of the light source 8 is higher.

  Further, in this case, the plano-concave lens 9 is disposed at a position facing the light source 8 on the other side surface of the storage unit, and the light emitted from the light source 8 and the light is blocked by the side surface portion of the medium. The shadow of the generated medium is taken in and the light and the shadow of the medium are diverged. The plano-concave lens 9 is preferably configured as a plano-concave cylindrical lens when the light source 8 is configured as an LED array composed of one or a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements.

  Further, in this case, the plurality of photosensors 10 are light beams arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the storage unit at a position facing the light source 8 via the plano-concave lens 9 on the other side surface of the storage unit. Or it becomes the structure which detects the shadow of a medium. Each of the plurality of photosensors has a configuration in which the position in the vertical direction with respect to the storage unit is determined corresponding to the thickness of the medium.

  In this case, the sheet number specifying unit 11 functions as a “thickness specifying unit” (see FIG. 1). The thickness specifying unit 11 identifies which photosensor among the plurality of photosensors 10 has taken in the light diverged by the plano-concave lens 9 or the shadow of the medium, thereby storing the medium stored in the storage unit. Determine the thickness of the.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Banknote processing apparatus 2 Banknote insertion port 3 Banknote conveyance path 3a Corner | angular part 3b Curved part 4 Banknote discrimination part 5 Temporary holding | maintenance part 6 Banknote storage part 7 Double run detection mechanism (medium thickness detection mechanism)
8 Light source 9 Plano-concave lens 10 (10a, 10b, 10c,..., 10n) Heavy-running detection photo sensor 11 Number specifying part (thickness specifying part)
20 Medium (banknote)

Claims (10)

In the heavy running detection mechanism that detects heavy running of the sheet-like medium conveyed on the conveyance path by the conveyance mechanism,
A light source that is disposed on one side surface substantially perpendicular to the conveyance surface and the conveyance direction of the conveyance path, and irradiates light from one side surface to the other side surface with respect to the conveyance path;
The other side surface of the transport path is disposed at a position facing the light source, and the light emitted from the light source and the shadow of the medium caused by the light being blocked by the side surface portion of the medium transported by the transport mechanism A plano-concave lens that takes in one or both of the light and diverges one or both of the light and the shadow of the medium; and
Either the light or the shadow of the medium, which is arranged in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path at a position facing the light source via the plano-concave lens on the other side surface of the transport path, or A plurality of photo sensors that detect both;
By identifying which one of the plurality of photosensors has incorporated one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens and the shadow of the medium, the photosensor has been transported by the transport mechanism A heavy-running detection mechanism comprising: a sheet number identifying unit that identifies the number of media. In the heavy run detection mechanism according to claim 1,
The plano-concave lens is
A heavy running detection mechanism, wherein a flat surface is arranged to face the light source, and a concave surface is arranged to face the plurality of photosensors. In the heavy run detection mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,
The plano-concave lens is configured as a plano-concave cylindrical lens, and
The heavy light detection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the light source is configured as an LED array including one or a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements. In the heavy running detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the plurality of photosensors is
A heavy-running detection mechanism, wherein a position in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path is determined corresponding to the number of the media. In the heavy running detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A heavy-running detection mechanism, wherein the heavy-running detection mechanism is arranged at a corner portion of the conveyance path. In the heavy running detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A heavy-running detection mechanism, wherein the heavy-running detection mechanism is disposed in a curved portion of the conveyance path. In the medium thickness detection mechanism that detects the thickness of the sheet-like medium stored in the storage unit,
A light source that is disposed on one side surface substantially perpendicular to the storage surface and the storage direction of the storage unit, and irradiates light from one side surface to the other side surface of the storage unit;
One or both of the light emitted from the light source and the shadow of the medium caused by the light being blocked by the side surface portion of the medium is disposed at a position facing the light source on the other side surface of the storage unit. A plano-concave lens for taking in and diverging either or both of the light and the shadow of the medium;
One of the light and the shadow of the medium, which is arranged in a vertical direction with respect to the storage unit at a position facing the light source via the plano-concave lens on the other side surface of the storage unit, or A plurality of photo sensors that detect both;
By identifying which one of the plurality of photosensors incorporates one or both of the light diverged by the plano-concave lens and the shadow of the medium, the photosensor is stored in the storage unit. A medium thickness detection mechanism comprising: a thickness specifying unit that specifies the thickness of the medium. The medium thickness detection mechanism according to claim 7,
The plano-concave lens is
A medium thickness detection mechanism, wherein a flat surface is disposed to face the light source, and a concave surface is disposed to face the plurality of photosensors. In the medium thickness detection mechanism according to claim 7 or claim 8,
The plano-concave lens is configured as a plano-concave cylindrical lens, and
The medium thickness detection mechanism, wherein the light source is configured as an LED array including one or a plurality of single crystal thin film semiconductor light emitting elements. In the medium thickness detection mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
Each of the plurality of photosensors is
A medium thickness detection mechanism, wherein a position in a vertical direction with respect to the storage portion is determined in accordance with a thickness of the medium.

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