JP2018036874A - Paper sheet detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper sheet detection device capable of detecting various types of paper sheets with various transparent portions.SOLUTION: A paper sheet detection device 10 is configured to detect paper sheets 1 being conveyed through a conveyor path 11, and comprises an ultraviolet light source 20 for irradiating the conveyor path with ultraviolet light, a light reception unit 30 for receiving the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source, and a detection unit 40 for detecting a paper sheet on the basis of an output signal of the light reception unit. Paper sheets with sections that are transparent to light in a visible range are suitably used as detection targets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a paper sheet detection apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a paper sheet detection device suitable for detecting a paper sheet being conveyed.

As a paper sheet detection device that detects a paper sheet conveyed in an apparatus such as a paper sheet processing apparatus, a transmissive optical sensor is usually used (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

By the way, the paper used for paper sheets such as banknotes is mainly paper made of vegetable fiber, but for the purpose of improving durability, water resistance, security, etc., paper made of synthetic fiber is used. A polymer sheet that is a sheet of synthetic resin may be used. Banknotes made from polymer sheets are called polymer banknotes. Various security features may be imparted to the paper sheets, and for example, a clear window (transparent window) may be provided on the polymer bill to prevent forgery.

Regarding the technology for detecting paper sheets provided with such a clear window, for example, in Patent Document 4, light emitted from a light emitting element of a light emitting sensor is reflected by a side surface of a case so that a bill conveyance path is inclined. A banknote detection apparatus is disclosed in which light passing therethrough is received by a light receiving sensor. In this apparatus, since the light emitted from the light emitting element reaches the transparent part of the banknote obliquely, a part of the light is reflected on the transparent part. As a result, light transmitted through the transparent portion is attenuated, and the amount of light received by the light receiving sensor is reduced. And the transparent part is identified according to this light quantity.

Patent Document 5 discloses a banknote detection device including a passage determination unit having a slew rate limiter, a sample hold circuit, a low-pass filter, and a comparator. The comparator compares the value of the processing signal generated by the slew rate limiter with the second threshold value based on the threshold reference value output from the low-pass filter, and detects the presence or absence of a polymer bill or a card.

Japanese Patent No. 472003 Japanese Patent No. 3649879 Utility Model Registration No. 2576054 JP-A-2015-95023 JP-A-2015-138437

A transmissive optical sensor used as a paper sheet detection device is generally a light emitting element that emits infrared light and a light receiving element that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting element from the viewpoints of availability, cost, and the like. It is comprised including. Such an optical sensor shows a light-transmitting state when there is no paper sheet, and shows a light-shielding state when the paper sheet blocks infrared light emitted from the light emitting element. Detecting leaves. However, in the case of paper sheets having a transparent portion such as a clear window, infrared light passes through the transparent portion, and thus the optical sensor does not show a light shielding state in the transparent portion. For example, a polymer banknote is generally manufactured from a sheet made of polypropylene, and the transmittance of infrared light in a clear window of the polymer banknote is approximately 90%. Therefore, it is difficult to detect a polymer banknote by the conventional adjustment method of the optical sensor and the detection method by transmission or shading of infrared light. This is because it is necessary to take into account fluctuations in output due to dust adhering to the optical sensor, adjustment variations during adjustment of the optical sensor, environmental fluctuations such as temperature, and the like. Therefore, when the above optical sensor using infrared light is used, there is a possibility that one sheet of paper is erroneously recognized as two sheets of paper and problems such as false jams occur. The false jam is a phenomenon in which the paper sheet processing apparatus is judged to be jammed and stopped due to abnormality of the optical sensor itself or the like even if the paper sheets are not actually jammed.

Measures such as increasing the number of optical sensors are taken to prevent the occurrence of such problems, but in recent years, the number of countries that issue polymer banknotes has increased, and the position of the clear window has been varied. The size is also increased, and it is provided at a plurality of locations. Therefore, even if the number of the optical sensors is increased or the control method of the optical sensors is improved, it is not possible to deal with polymer bills in various countries. This is the same even if the technique described in Patent Document 4 or 5 is used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet detection apparatus capable of detecting various paper sheets having various transparent portions.

The present invention is a paper sheet detection device for detecting a paper sheet conveyed by a conveyance path, the ultraviolet light source irradiating the conveyance path with ultraviolet light, and the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source. A paper sheet detection apparatus comprising: a light receiving unit that receives light; and a detection unit that detects the paper sheet based on an output signal of the light receiving unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the detection unit detects the paper sheet based on an attenuation rate of the output signal of the light receiving unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the detection unit detects the paper sheet based on an attenuation rate of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the ultraviolet light source irradiates light having a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet region.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the ultraviolet light source irradiates only ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet region.

In the invention described above, the peak wavelength is 350 nm or less.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the peak wavelength is 280 nm or less.

In the invention described above, the ultraviolet light source includes an ultraviolet LED as a light emitting element.

In the present invention according to the present invention, the paper sheet to be detected includes a paper sheet having a transparent part that transmits light in a visible range.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the paper sheet detection device functions as a timing sensor of the paper sheet identification device.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the paper sheet detection device detects a paper sheet conveyed in the paper sheet processing apparatus.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the paper sheet detection device includes a plurality of sets of the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving unit, and the detection unit is configured to output the paper sheets based on output signals of the plurality of light receiving units. It is characterized by detecting.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the light receiving part is disposed to face the ultraviolet light source, and the paper sheets are conveyed between the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving part. To do.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the paper sheet detection device further includes a reflection member facing the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving unit, and the reflection member is irradiated with the ultraviolet light source. Light is reflected by the light receiving unit, and the paper sheet is conveyed between the ultraviolet light source and the reflecting member and between the light receiving unit and the reflecting member.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the reflecting member includes at least one of fluorite and quartz glass.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the ultraviolet light source includes a light emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light, and a protective member that includes at least one of fluorite and quartz glass, and that faces the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. It is characterized by having.

Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, the light receiving unit receives a phosphor that emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source, and the visible light emitted by the phosphor. And a light receiving element.

According to the paper sheet detection apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to detect various paper sheets having various transparent portions.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating a suitable example of a paper sheet having a transparent portion that is detected by the paper sheet detection apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ultraviolet light source which concerns on Embodiment 1, (a) is a front view, (b) is a perspective view. 3 is a graph illustrating an example of an emission spectrum of the ultraviolet light source according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light-receiving part which concerns on Embodiment 1, (a) is a front view, (b) is a perspective view. It is a graph which shows the spectral transmittance of the various polymer banknotes which can be detected by the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a graph which shows the spectral transmittance | permeability of the various polymer banknotes which can be detected by the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1, and is different from the polymer banknote of FIGS. 6 is a graph obtained by enlarging and overlapping the wavelength range of 220 to 500 nm in FIGS. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an appearance of a paper sheet processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline of the internal structure of the paper sheet processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the paper sheet detection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a paper sheet detection device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to the present embodiment is used to detect paper sheets that are transported in the short direction by a transport path.

The kind of paper sheet used as the detection target of the paper sheet detection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include banknotes, gift certificates, checks, securities, and card-like media. Paper used for banknotes is mainly paper made from plant fiber, but paper made from synthetic fibers or synthetic resin sheets for the purpose of improving durability, water resistance, security, etc. A polymer sheet may be used. Banknotes made from polymer sheets are called polymer banknotes.

The paper sheet to be detected may be composed only of an opaque portion that blocks light, but has at least a transparent portion that transmits at least visible light (visible light). Is preferred. As a material for such a transparent portion, a synthetic resin such as polypropylene is suitable, and therefore the paper sheet to be detected is preferably formed from a polymer sheet. Further, the paper sheet to be detected may be a paper sheet (hybrid paper sheet) in which the transparent portion is formed from a polymer sheet and the opaque portion is formed from paper made of plant fiber or synthetic fiber.

An example of a paper sheet suitable as a detection target of the paper sheet detection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, clear windows 2 a and 2 b are formed in the lower left part and the right part of the paper sheet 1 as transparent parts 2 that transmit visible light, respectively. The clear window 2a is provided in an island shape and is surrounded by an opaque portion 3 where light is shielded. The clear window 2b is provided in a strip shape and corresponds to the short direction (in the present embodiment, corresponding to the transport direction). In this case, the paper sheet 1 is provided from one end to the other end.

The transmittance of the transparent portion 2 is smaller in the ultraviolet region (ultraviolet light wavelength region) than in the visible region (visible light wavelength region) and infrared region (ultraviolet light wavelength region). The spectral transmittance of the transparent portion 2 is normally gradually decreased as the wavelength becomes smaller in the visible region and in the wavelength region longer than the visible region, but the wavelength region from near 400 nm to the shorter wavelength side. (For example, up to about 250 nm), the wavelength decreases greatly as the wavelength decreases. The transmittance of the transparent part 2 at a wavelength of 280 nm is usually 0% or more and about 70% or less. On the other hand, the transmittance of the transparent part 2 that transmits visible light is usually 60% or more and 95% or less in the visible region. The transparent portion 2 may be provided with a coating that blocks infrared light. In that case, the spectral transmittance of the transparent portion 2 is a negative peak (valley) having a depth of about 10 to 20% in the infrared region. ). In addition, an optical variable element such as a rainbow hologram may be partially formed in the transparent portion 2, but the above-described transmittance characteristic is in a region where such an optical variable element is not provided. It is preferable.

In this specification, ultraviolet light means light in the wavelength range of the ultraviolet region, and the ultraviolet region is preferably in the wavelength range of about 200 nm or more and about 400 nm or less.

As described above, the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment uses the paper 1 having the transparent part 2 based on the fact that the transmittance of the ultraviolet light greatly attenuates in the transparent part 2 of the paper 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an ultraviolet light source 20 that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the conveyance path 11 on which the paper sheet 1 is conveyed, and a light reception that receives ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20. Unit 30, a detection unit 40 that detects paper sheets based on the output signal of light receiving unit 30, and a storage unit 41 that stores data such as various threshold values.

The ultraviolet light source 20 irradiates the conveyance path 11 with ultraviolet light, and usually emits ultraviolet light within a predetermined angle. As shown in FIG. 3, an ultraviolet light source 20 that emits ultraviolet light includes a light-emitting element 21, a substrate (not shown) on which the light-emitting element 21 is mounted, a housing 22 that houses and protects these, And a terminal portion 23 provided at one end of the body 22.

Specific examples of the light-emitting element 21 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a light-emitting diode (LED), a black light, a mercury lamp, a deuterium lamp, a plasma discharge tube, and the like. An ultraviolet light emitting diode (ultraviolet LED) in which _P is present in the ultraviolet region is particularly suitable. Further, when a laser diode (semiconductor laser) having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region is realized in the future, such a laser diode is also suitable as the light emitting element 21. In the present specification, the peak wavelength λ _P refers to the wavelength at which the emission intensity is maximum in the emission spectrum.

The casing 22 is provided so as to cover a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member 22a having a part of the front surface opened in a circular shape, a cylindrical member 22b connected to the opening, and an opening of the cylindrical member 22b. And a protective member 22c. The light emitting element 21 is arranged so that the light emitting surface thereof faces the central portion of the protective member 22c, and the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting element 21 passes through the protective member 22c and proceeds to the outside.

The material of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped member 22a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a resin, a metal, or a composite material thereof. Since the cylindrical member 22b and the protection member 22c are irradiated with ultraviolet light, it is preferable that the cylindrical member 22b and the protection member 22c be formed of a material that is less deteriorated by ultraviolet light. Specifically, as the material of the cylindrical member 22b, metal is is preferred, suitable material for the protective member 22c, fluorite (FLORITE) containing CaF ₂ (calcium fluoride) as the main component, silica glass (SiO ₂ component containing substantially only SiO ₂ as component Is approximately 100% glass).

In this specification, irradiating or emitting ultraviolet light means irradiating or emitting light including at least ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light emitting element 21 may or may not emit or emit light other than ultraviolet light, for example, visible light or infrared light, together with ultraviolet light. From the viewpoint of improving accuracy, the ultraviolet light source 20 preferably irradiates light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region, and more preferably irradiates only ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region. . Irradiating only ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region means substantially irradiating only this ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultraviolet region has a peak wavelength lambda _P, and the method comprising: irradiating light having no emission peak in a wavelength region other than the ultraviolet region, light emission having the peak wavelength lambda _P It means that the emission intensity at a peak wavelength of 400 nm is 20% or less (preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less) of the emission intensity at the peak wavelength λ _P of this emission peak. On the other hand, light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region may include light other than ultraviolet light, for example, visible light or infrared light, but may not have a light emission peak in a wavelength region other than the ultraviolet region. preferable.

The peak wavelength λ _P is preferably 350 nm or less, and more preferably 280 nm or less. If it is 350 nm or less, it is possible to more reliably detect polymer banknotes of some countries, and if it is 280 nm or less, all types of polymer banknotes issued at the time of filing this application can be detected more reliably. It is possible. Thus, the ultraviolet light source 20 preferably irradiates ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 350 nm or less, and more preferably irradiates ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 280 nm or less. The lower limit of the peak wavelength λ _P is not particularly limited, but may be 200 nm or more.

From the viewpoint of easily realizing these preferable modes, the light emitting element 21 is preferably the above-described ultraviolet LED.

The light receiving unit 30 receives ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20, and as shown in FIG. 5, the light receiving unit 30 includes a light receiving element 31 and a substrate on which the light receiving element 31 is mounted (not shown). ), A housing 32 that accommodates and protects these, and a terminal portion 33 provided at one end of the housing 32.

The light receiving element 31 receives ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of received ultraviolet light. Specific examples of the light receiving element 31 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a photodiode (PD), a phototransistor (PTr), a solar cell, and the like. Among these, a photodiode is preferable. Since the output signal (output current) of the photodiode shows high linearity with respect to the irradiated ultraviolet light, it is possible to more reliably detect the paper sheet 1 having the transparent portion 2.

The casing 32 has substantially the same shape and size as the casing 22 of the ultraviolet light source 20, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member 32a having a part of the front surface opened in a circular shape, and a cylindrical shape connected to the opening. Member 32b and a protective member 32c provided to cover the opening of the cylindrical member 32b. The light receiving element 31 is disposed such that the light receiving surface thereof faces the central portion of the protection member 32 c, and the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting element 21 passes through the protection member 32 c and reaches the light receiving element 31.

The material of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped member 32a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a resin, a metal, or a composite material thereof. Since the cylindrical member 32b and the protection member 32c are irradiated with ultraviolet light, it is preferable that the cylindrical member 32b and the protective member 32c are formed of a material that is less deteriorated by ultraviolet light. Specifically, the cylindrical member 32b may be made of metal. is is preferred, suitable material for the protective member 32c, fluorite (FLORITE) containing CaF ₂ (calcium fluoride) as the main component, silica glass (SiO ₂ component containing substantially only SiO ₂ as component Is substantially 100% glass).

The light receiving unit 30 is disposed to face the ultraviolet light source 20 with a predetermined interval (for example, 1 mm or more), and the paper sheet 1 is conveyed between the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30. The light receiving element 31 is preferably located on the optical axis of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20, but may not be located on the optical axis as long as the paper sheet 1 can be detected. .

The detection unit 40 detects the paper sheet 1 based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 30. Specifically, when the paper sheet 1 does not exist in the traveling direction of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet light source 20, the ultraviolet light passes through the transport path 11 and is received by the light receiving unit 30 without being attenuated. On the other hand, when the transparent part 2 or the opaque part 3 of the paper sheet 1 is present in the traveling direction of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet light source 20, at least a part of the ultraviolet light is the transparent part 2 of the paper sheet 1 or It is absorbed (shielded) by the opaque part 3. Therefore, the ultraviolet light transmitted through the transparent part 2 or the opaque part 3 is attenuated, and the attenuated ultraviolet light is received by the light receiving part 30. Accordingly, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 30 includes the transparent portion 2 or the opaque portion 3 of the paper sheet 1 in the traveling direction of the ultraviolet light, compared to the case where the paper sheet 1 does not exist in the traveling direction of the ultraviolet light. In this case, the output value of the light receiving unit 30, for example, the output current, is smaller in the latter case than in the former case. For this reason, the detection unit 40 can detect the paper sheet 1 based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 30, that is, the output signal of the light receiving unit 30.

Moreover, since the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 uses ultraviolet light, the paper sheet 1 having the transparent part 2 can be detected regardless of the position, size, shape, and the like of the transparent part 2. That is, various paper sheets 1 having various transparent portions 2 can be detected.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the paper sheet 1 as described above without providing a plurality of sets of the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30 avoiding the transparent part 2 of the paper sheet 1. . Therefore, the number of sensors for detecting the paper sheet 1 can be minimized.

Preferably, the detection unit 40 detects the paper sheet 1 based on the attenuation rate of the output signal of the light receiving unit 30. More specifically, in this case, first, the detection unit 40 acquires the output value of the light receiving unit 30 before the paper sheet 1 is conveyed, and records it in the storage unit 41 as an initial value. Thereafter, the detection unit 40 sequentially acquires the output values of the light receiving unit 30 in a predetermined cycle while the paper sheet 1 is being conveyed. Moreover, the detection part 40 calculates the attenuation factor of each acquired output value with respect to the said initial value by a following formula.
Attenuation rate (%) = (initial value−output value) / initial value × 100
Then, the detection unit 40 determines that the sheet 1 exists when the attenuation rate is equal to or greater than the threshold stored in the storage unit 41, and the sheet 1 exists when the attenuation rate is less than the threshold. The paper sheet 1 is detected by determining not to do so.

Similarly, the detection unit 40 may detect the paper sheet 1 based on the attenuation rate of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20. In this case, the attenuation rate of the ultraviolet light can be calculated from the transmittance of the ultraviolet light in the same manner as the attenuation rate of the output signal of the light receiving unit 30.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 includes a conventionally known light source control unit (not shown) that controls the light emission of the ultraviolet light source 20 and a conventionally known output adjustment that adjusts the output of the light receiving unit 30. Part (not shown) and the like.

Although the use of the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 is not particularly limited, a preferable application is a timing sensor of the paper sheet identification apparatus, that is, a sensor for determining the timing of identification processing of the paper sheet identification apparatus. In this case, it is possible to prevent the paper sheet identification device from executing the paper sheet identification process having a transparent portion at an incorrect timing. As another suitable application, there is a sensor for detecting a paper sheet conveyed in the paper sheet processing apparatus. In this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as false jams in the paper sheet processing apparatus. Moreover, it is preferable that the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 detects at least one of the passage, arrival, and presence / absence of paper sheets.

The content of the identification processing of the paper sheet identification device is not particularly limited. For example, the identification of the type of paper sheet (denomination in the case of banknotes), the determination of authenticity or damage of paper sheets, and the paper sheets Various functions such as reading of symbols such as printed numbers and characters can be mentioned.

Here, using FIGS. 6-1, 6-2 and 7, the spectral transmittance characteristics of the clear window portion of the polymer banknote issued at the time of filing this application by a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, U-4000). The results of the investigation will be described. As a result, it has been found that the transmittance decreases in the ultraviolet region as described above. The transmittance of polymer bills A and B in country A and polymer bills C and D in country B is approximately 90% from the infrared region to the vicinity of 400 nm in the ultraviolet region, and is greatly attenuated at 400 nm or less. The spectral transmittance characteristics of the clear window portion of D are the same as the spectral transmittance characteristics of polypropylene, which is a general material for polymer banknotes. On the other hand, the transmittances of the polymer banknote E of country C and the polymer banknotes F to I of country D are gradually attenuated from the infrared region and greatly attenuated from around 400 nm. The reason is presumed that the material of the polymer banknotes E to I is not pure polypropylene but is a composite. From these results, by changing the emission wavelength of the light-emitting element of the optical sensor from the infrared region to the ultraviolet region, visible light is maintained while maintaining the inexpensive and simple configuration and the conventional control method that are the features of the optical sensor method. It was found that paper sheets can be detected without being affected by the transparent portion that passes through the screen. It was also found that paper sheets can be detected based on light transmission or light shielding by using a wavelength region of 400 nm or less, that is, an ultraviolet region. In addition, although the transmittance | permeability of the clear window part of the center of the polymer banknote F is attenuate | damping in a part of infrared region, this is because the coating which shields infrared light is given to the said part.

Also, when using the paper sheet detection device 10 in an actual paper sheet processing apparatus, taking into account factors such as fluctuations due to the material of the paper sheet, dust adhesion, environmental changes, adjustment errors of the optical sensor, The transmittance at the transparent part is preferably about 70% or less. Therefore, from FIGS. 6-1, 6-2 and 7, it was found that polymer bills in several countries can be detected more reliably by using an ultraviolet region of 350 nm or less. Furthermore, by using the ultraviolet region of 280 nm or less by the present inventors, not only the polymer banknotes shown in FIGS. 6-1, 6-2 and 7 but all kinds of polymer banknotes issued at the time of filing this application. The transmittance at the clear window portion was about 70% or less, and it was confirmed that more reliable detection was possible.

Next, the overall configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus including the paper sheet detection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 8, the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a hopper 101, two reject units 102, an operation unit 103, a first overall display unit 104, and second overall display units 105, 4. One stacking unit 106 and four individual display units 107 are provided.

The hopper 101 is configured such that a plurality of paper sheets are placed in a stacked state by an operator, and the paper sheets stored in the hopper 101 by a paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 described later are the paper sheet processing apparatus 100. It can be carried inside. Each reject unit 102 is configured to discharge the paper sheet when the paper sheet fed by the hopper 101 is a reject paper sheet (for example, a fake ticket). Here, of the two reject units 102, the lower reject unit 102 is used for discharging, for example, a fake ticket, and the upper reject unit 102 is used by a paper sheet identification device (identification unit) 220 described later. It may be used to accommodate paper sheets that have been identified but excluded from the sorting target.

The operation unit 103 has an input key for receiving an instruction from the operator. The first entire display unit 104 and the second entire display unit 105 are configured to display predetermined data (for example, graphic data). Each stacking unit 106 stacks paper sheets fed from the hopper 101 by the paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 for each attribute (for example, denomination) of the paper sheets. Each individual display unit 107 is provided corresponding to each stacking unit 106 and displays the number of paper sheets stacked in the corresponding stacking unit 106. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the case where there are two reject units 102 and four stacking units 106 and four individual display units 107, the number of these constituent elements is not limited to this. Can be changed.

FIG. 9 mainly shows a transport system and a sensor system of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 9, a transport path 201 for transporting paper sheets from the hopper 101 to each stacking unit 106 is provided inside the paper sheet processing apparatus 100. The conveyance path 201 is usually composed of a combination of belt conveyance mechanisms. Various sensors 202 to 214 are provided along the conveyance path 201. The paper sheet feeding detection sensor 202 provided on the outlet side of the hopper 101 and the sensor 203 provided on the inlet side of the paper sheet identification device 220 respectively detect that the paper sheet has been reliably taken in. It has become. The paper sheet identification device 220 provided in the transport path 201 is composed of various detection means. The paper sheet taken in from the hopper 101 is new, old, wrong, true / false, and type (denomination in the case of banknotes). ), Direction, front and back, etc. are identified. In addition, a timing sensor 204 is provided on the conveyance path 201 in the paper sheet identification device 220.

Two branch members 231 are provided in series on the downstream side of the paper sheet identification device 220 in the conveyance path 201. Each branch member 231 sends a paper sheet that could not be identified by the paper sheet identification device 220 or a paper sheet that was identified but excluded from the sorting target to the corresponding reject unit 102. It has become. Sensors 205 and 206 detect that paper sheets have been sent from the branching member 231 to the reject unit 102. Sheets to be sorted are detected by the sensor 207, and are further conveyed in the conveyance path 201. Three branch members 232 to 234 are provided in series on the downstream side of the branch member 231 in the conveyance path 201, and each branch member 232 to 234 is conveyed from the branch member 231 according to, for example, the denomination of the paper sheet. The paper sheets thus obtained are sent to the corresponding stacking unit 106 among the four stacking units 106. In this way, the paper sheet whose type of money has been identified by the paper sheet identification device 220 is stored in the appropriate stacking unit 106 among the four stacking units 106. The sensors 208 to 214 detect whether or not the sorting of the paper sheets from the conveyance path 201 to each stacking unit 106 has been performed accurately. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a sensor 215 is installed in the hopper 101, and this sensor 215 detects this when a paper sheet is stored in the hopper 101. Note that the storage status of the paper sheets in each stacking unit 106 is detected by the residual detection sensors 221 to 224.

The paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 is for sending the paper sheets stored in the hopper 101 one by one to the transport path 201 in the paper sheet processing apparatus 100.

In the hopper 101, paper sheets are stacked and accommodated on the bottom surface. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hopper 101 is open at the top and front (right side in FIG. 9). Further, as described above, the hopper 101 is provided with the sensor 215 that detects this when even one sheet of paper is stored in the hopper 101.

The paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 includes a first kicker roller 116 that comes into contact with the surface of one of the lowermost paper sheets among the plurality of paper sheets stored in the hopper 101 in a stacked state, and the paper sheet feeding mechanism. The second kicker roller 118 disposed upstream of the first kicker roller 116 in the direction and the first kicker roller 116 disposed downstream of the first kicker roller 116 in the paper feeding direction. And a feed roller 112 for feeding out paper sheets. A gate roller (reverse roller) 114 is provided opposite the feed roller 112, and a gate portion is formed between the feed roller 112 and the gate roller 114. The paper sheets kicked out by the first kicker roller 116 pass through the gate portion and are fed out one by one to the transport path 201.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the paper sheet feeding detection sensor 202 provided at the exit portion of the paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 has trouble such as a jam in the feeding of the paper sheets by the paper sheet feeding mechanism 110. Sometimes this is detected. Specifically, when the paper sheet feeding mechanism 110 is feeding paper sheets, a predetermined feeding failure detection time is detected after the paper sheet feeding detection sensor 202 detects feeding of one paper sheet. When the next paper sheet feeding is not detected even after the elapse of time, the paper sheet feeding detection sensor 202 detects that a trouble such as a jam has occurred in the feeding of the paper sheet by the paper sheet feeding mechanism 110. It comes to detect.

Each of the sensors 202 to 214 and 221 to 224 is composed of the above-described paper sheet detection device 10, so that even if the paper sheet has a transparent portion that transmits visible light, the paper sheet Can detect leaves.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, features unique to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment and Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same or the same function, and description of the member is abbreviate | omitted in this embodiment. The present embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the points described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the paper sheet detection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of sets of the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30 described above, and the detection unit 40 is based on output signals of the plurality of light receiving units 30. Paper sheet 1 is detected. Therefore, even when the paper sheet 1 is conveyed in a largely skewed state, the paper sheet detection device according to the present embodiment can detect the arrival of the paper sheet 1 without any problem.

(Embodiment 3)
In the present embodiment, features unique to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment and Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same or the same function, and description of the member is abbreviate | omitted in this embodiment. The present embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the points described below.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30 described above are arranged on the same side of the transport path 11 with a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the paper sheet 1. Yes. A reflection member 50 is provided on the opposite side of the conveyance path 11, and the paper sheet 1 is sequentially conveyed between the ultraviolet light source 20 and the reflection member 50 and between the light receiving unit 30 and the reflection member 50. It will be done.

The reflecting member 50 is a prism, and reflects the first surface 50a on which the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20 is incident and the ultraviolet light incident from the first surface 50a toward the third surface 50c. It has the 2nd surface 50b and the 3rd surface 50c which reflects toward the 1st surface the ultraviolet light reflected by the 2nd surface 50b. Then, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20 passes through the transport path 11, travels through the reflecting member 50, passes through the transport path 11 again, and is finally received by the light receiving unit 30. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the paper sheet 1 based on the transmission or shading of ultraviolet light.

Since the reflecting member 50 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the reflecting member 50 is preferably formed of a material that is less deteriorated by ultraviolet light. Specifically, as a suitable material for the reflecting member 50, CaF ₂ (calcium fluoride) is preferable. fluorite containing as a main component (FLORITE), quartz glass (glass SiO ₂ component is substantially 100% of) containing substantially only SiO ₂ as a component is preferable.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the paper sheet 1 may be transported from the light receiving unit 30 side to the ultraviolet light source 20 side, or may be transported in the opposite direction.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30 may be disposed along a direction that intersects the transport direction of the paper sheet 1 or is orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper sheet 1. It may be arranged along the direction, that is, the width direction of the conveyance path 11. Thereby, it is possible to detect the arrival of the paper sheet 1 that is largely skewed in the same manner as in the second embodiment, using only one set of the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30.

Further, the reflecting member 50 may be constituted by a mirror instead of a prism.

(Embodiment 4)
In the present embodiment, features unique to the present embodiment will be mainly described, and the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment and Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same or the same function, and description of the member is abbreviate | omitted in this embodiment. The present embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the points described below.

In the present embodiment, the light receiving unit 30 includes a phosphor that emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20. The light receiving element 31 receives visible light emitted from the phosphor, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of received visible light.

Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the paper sheet 1 based on the transmission or shading of ultraviolet light. In addition, since the light receiving element 31 that reacts to visible light can be used, the selection range of the light receiving element 31 is widened.

As described above, the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes the ultraviolet light source 20 that irradiates the conveyance paths 11 and 201 with ultraviolet light, and the light receiving unit that receives the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20. 30 and a detection unit 40 that detects paper sheets based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 30, a transparent unit through which visible light is transmitted by the detection target paper sheets conveyed by the conveyance paths 11 and 201 is provided. Even if it is present, the paper sheet can be detected. This is because the ultraviolet light can be shielded not only by the opaque part of the paper sheet but also by the transparent part. Therefore, the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 can detect a paper sheet having a transparent portion regardless of the position, size, shape, and the like of the transparent portion. That is, various paper sheets having various transparent portions can be detected.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 20 irradiates light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region or irradiates only ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength λ _P in the ultraviolet region. It is possible to improve the accuracy of detection.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the peak wavelength (lambda) _P is 350 nm or less, it is possible to detect the polymer banknote of some countries more reliably.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the peak wavelength (lambda) _P is 280 nm or less, it is possible to detect more reliably all types of polymer banknotes currently issued at the time of this-application application.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the ultraviolet light source 20 has ultraviolet light LED as a light emitting element, it is possible to implement | achieve these preferable forms easily.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the paper sheet detection apparatus 10 functions as a timing sensor of the paper sheet identification apparatus 220, it is assumed that the paper sheet to be identified has a transparent portion that transmits visible light. In addition, it is possible to prevent the paper sheet identification device 220 from executing the paper sheet identification processing at an incorrect timing.

Further, in the above embodiment, the paper sheet detection device 10 detects the paper sheet conveyed in the paper sheet processing device 100, and thus the occurrence of a malfunction such as a false jam in the paper sheet processing device 100. Can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, the paper sheet detection device 10 includes a plurality of sets of the ultraviolet light source 20 and the light receiving unit 30, and the detection unit 40 detects the paper sheet based on the output signals of the plurality of light receiving units 30. Therefore, even when the paper sheet is conveyed in a largely skewed state, the arrival of the paper sheet can be detected.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 20 has the light emitting element 21 which emits ultraviolet light, and the protection member 22c which contains at least one of fluorite and quartz glass, and opposes the light emission surface of the light emitting element 21. Therefore, the light emitting element 21 can be protected by the protective member 22c while suppressing the deterioration of the protective member 22c due to ultraviolet light.

In the above embodiment, the light receiving unit 30 includes a phosphor that emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 20, and a light receiving element 31 that receives the visible light emitted from the phosphor. Therefore, the light receiving element 31 that responds to visible light can be used, and the selection range of the light receiving element 31 is widened.

(Deformation)
In the above embodiment, the case where the paper sheet 1 is transported in the short direction has been described, but the paper sheet 1 may be transported in the longitudinal direction. This form is suitable when the transparent portion 2 is provided from one end to the other end of the paper sheet 1 in the transport direction (longitudinal direction).

As described above, the present invention is a useful technique for detecting paper sheets having a transparent portion that transmits visible light.

1: Paper sheet 2: Transparent part 2a, 2b: Clear window 3: Opaque part 10: Paper sheet detection device 11, 201: Transport path 20: Ultraviolet light source 21: Light emitting element 22, 32: Cases 22a, 32a : Substantially rectangular parallelepiped member 22b, 32b: cylindrical member 22c, 32c: protection member 23, 33: terminal part 30: light receiving part 31: light receiving element 40: detecting part 41: storage part 50: reflecting member 50a: first Surface 50b: second surface 50c: third surface 100: paper sheet processing apparatus 101: hopper 102: reject unit 103: operation unit 104: first overall display unit 105: second overall display unit 106: Stacking unit 107: Individual display unit 110: Paper sheet feeding mechanism 112: Feed roller 114: Gate roller (reverse roller)
116: First kicker roller 118: Second kicker rollers 202 to 215: Sensor 220: Paper sheet identification device (identification unit)
221 to 224: residual detection sensors 231 to 234: branching members

Claims (17)

A paper sheet detection device for detecting paper sheets conveyed by a conveyance path,
An ultraviolet light source for irradiating the transport path with ultraviolet light;
A light receiving unit that receives the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source;
A paper sheet detection apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects the paper sheet based on an output signal of the light receiving unit. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the paper sheet based on an attenuation rate of the output signal of the light receiving unit. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the paper sheet based on an attenuation rate of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source irradiates light having a peak wavelength in an ultraviolet region. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source emits only ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in an ultraviolet region. 6. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the peak wavelength is 350 nm or less. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the peak wavelength is 280 nm or less. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source includes an ultraviolet LED as a light emitting element. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet to be detected includes a paper sheet having a transparent portion that transmits light in a visible range. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet detection apparatus functions as a timing sensor of the paper sheet identification apparatus. The paper sheet detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the paper sheet transported in the paper sheet processing apparatus is detected. A plurality of sets of the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving unit,
The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the paper sheet based on output signals of the plurality of light receiving units. The light receiving portion is disposed to face the ultraviolet light source,
The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed between the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving unit. A reflection member facing the ultraviolet light source and the light receiving unit;
The reflecting member reflects the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source to the light receiving unit,
The paper sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed between the ultraviolet light source and the reflecting member and between the light receiving unit and the reflecting member. Kind detection device. 15. The paper sheet detection device according to claim 14, wherein the reflection member includes at least one of fluorite and quartz glass. The ultraviolet light source includes a light emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light,
The paper sheet detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a protective member including at least one of fluorite and quartz glass and facing a light emitting surface of the light emitting element. The light receiving unit is a phosphor that emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source;
The paper sheet detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light receiving element that receives the visible light emitted from the phosphor.

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