JP2021095230A - Paper sheets transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a paper sheets transport device that enables stable conveyance of paper sheets using fluid for conveyance.SOLUTION: A bank note PM is conveyed stably in a straight main conveyance passage by a return flow obtained by returning air for conveyance guided to the outside of the straight main conveyance passage with an upper cover 221 and a lower cover 222 of a straight conveyance 2 to the straight main conveyance passage from air return holes disposed on a first main conveyance wall 211 and a second main conveyance wall 212. Also, the bank note PM is guided to make a turn so as not to hit and push on an internal surface of an outside curve wall 311 with Goertler vortices generated at an arbitrary location with paper sheets curve guiding means disposed on the outside curve wall 311 of a curve conveyance tube 3, enabling stable conveyance of the bank note PM in a curve main conveyance passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a paper leaf transport device that transports paper sheets from upstream to downstream in a transport pipe through which a transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream.

Conventionally, when transporting paper leaves such as thin plastic or paper cards and banknotes, a paper leaf transport device that uses a belt or roller to sandwich and send the paper leaves has been known and has become widespread in the market. ing. For example, in a game hall where a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is installed, a game medium lending device or the like is provided adjacent to the game machine, and the banknotes are not stocked in the game medium lending device. When transporting to a banknote safe or the like for management, a paper leaf transport device is used. The paper leaf transport device in the game hall takes in the bills identified by the bill identification unit of the game medium lending device, etc., and is attached to the island edge of the game island where the game machine is installed by a transport mechanism consisting of belts and rollers. It is transported to the banknote safe.

In such a paper leaf transport device, since the banknotes are transported by using a mechanism for sandwiching the banknotes with a belt or a roller, there is a problem that the banknotes are often jammed at the connecting portion of the belt or the roller. In order to clear the banknote jam, it is necessary to have the player who is playing with the gaming machine interrupt the game, identify the defective part in the game island, and remove the jammed banknote, which causes inconvenience to the customers. At the same time, the burden on the game clerk was not small.

In recent years, a paper leaf transport device has been proposed in which an air flow for transport is generated in a transport pipe and the banknotes are transported on the air flow. If the banknotes are transported by air flow, there is no risk of the banknotes being clogged at the mechanism because no mechanism such as a belt or roller is used. As a paper leaf transport device for air transport, a device has been proposed in which the rear end portion of a banknote is deformed and the wind pressure of the air stream for transport is applied to the deformed portion to smooth the transport of the bill (for example). , Patent Document 1). Further, by arranging a lightweight transport auxiliary body behind the bill and sending the transport auxiliary body in the transport direction by an air flow, the transport auxiliary pushes the bill from the rear in the transport direction and indirectly transports the bill. A realized paper leaf transport device has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Further, when paper sheets are directly transported by an air flow, there is a problem that the air flow cannot be received in the transport direction and the banknotes are adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the transport pipe and cannot be transported. The basic principle of such adsorption of paper leaves will be described with reference to FIG. 22 (A). The transport pipe 102 that functions as a paper leaf transport path is a flow path surrounded by four side walls (left side wall 1021, right side wall 1022, upper wall 1023, lower wall 1024), and the direction of ventilation from the upstream side to the downstream side. The WD transport flow continues to flow. By connecting the linear transport pipe 102 and the curved transport pipe 103 (indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 22 (A)), the transport direction of paper sheets can be changed to the left or right.

When the transport flow flows through the transport pipe 102, pressure is generated in a direction orthogonal to the blow direction WD. Pressure Pl acts on the inner wall surface of the left side wall 1021, pressure Pr acts on the inner wall surface of the right side wall 1022, pressure Pt acts on the inner wall surface of the upper wall 1023, and pressure Pb acts on the inner wall surface of the lower wall 1024. , The force increases in proportion to the square of the speed of the transport flow. Due to its thinness, paper sheets are less likely to receive a carrier flow from the trailing edge, and the upper and lower edges are almost never subjected to the forces of pressures Pt and Pb in the vertical direction. However, the two surfaces of the paper leaves are greatly affected by the pressures Pl and Pr toward the left side surface 1021 and the right side surface 1022 that face each other.

Therefore, due to the pressures Pl and Pr, a phenomenon occurs in which the paper leaves stick to the inner wall surfaces of the left and right side walls 1021 and 1022. If the transport flow flowing along both sides of the thin paper leaves is balanced, the paper leaves will not be attracted to the left and right side walls 1021 and 1022, but if there is a slight difference in the transport flow, the paper There is a difference in the pressure applied to the side surface of the leaves, and they are attracted to the weak pressure side and come into contact with the inner wall surface. Since the frictional force between the left and right side walls 1021 and 1022 exceeds the force of the transport flow, the paper sheets that come into contact with each other stagnant while being adsorbed on the inner wall surface and are not transported downstream.

In order to prevent the bills from being adsorbed on the inner wall surface due to the cause derived from such a transport pipe structure, a paper leaf transport device devised to prevent the bills from being adsorbed on the wall surface by creating a wall flow along the wall surface. Has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 4130697 Japanese Patent No. 5563883 Japanese Patent No. 6339732

However, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have the following problems.

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the habit, wrinkles, wrinkles, firmness, etc. of the banknote to be transported are different for each banknote, the deformed shape to be maintained during transportation is constant. However, it was a cause of clogging in the transport pipe. Further, since it is necessary to stretch the banknotes deformed for transportation after the banknotes are transported, there is a problem that the deterioration of the banknotes is accelerated by repeating the deformation and stretching of the banknotes. Further, in the case of banknotes whose paper quality has deteriorated and become soft due to long-term use, the deformed shape cannot be formed, causing a fatal transport clogging.

In the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the banknote is forcibly pushed out by using the pushing unit, when the banknote is strongly adsorbed on the inner wall surface, the banknote is compressed and deformed, which causes clogging in the transport pipe. At the same time, there is a problem that fatal damage is added to the banknotes. Further, the push-in unit method adopted by the invention described in Patent Document 2 is easily affected by the air volume and is not suitable for transporting a curved portion or long-distance transport. Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, insufficient strength of the transport assisting body is also a problem, and the transporting assisting body is deformed or damaged due to a collision or the like at the bill collecting portion, and the transport assisting body stops moving on the flow path. Because of this, it requires regular replacement.

As described above, the inventions described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 have a big problem that stable transport of paper sheets by the transport flow cannot be expected. With respect to these inventions, the invention described in Patent Document 3 is disclosed as being capable of stably transporting banknotes by creating a wall flow along the wall surface to prevent the banknotes from sticking to the side wall and staying there. ing. The schematic structure of the invention described in Patent Document 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 (B). A pair of facing plates 104 and 104 are provided in a transport pipe 102 for transporting banknotes PM, which is an example of paper sheets, and a transport path 105 is formed between the facing plates 104 and the facing plates 104. Air flow paths 106, 106 are formed between the wall and the air flow path 106. Through holes 104a, which are wall flow generating portions, are arranged in a houndstooth pattern on the facing plate 104, and wall flow Fs is generated in which the airflow flowing from the air flow path 106 into the transport path 105 flows along the wall surface. So to speak, wall flow Fm is generated on both sides of the transport flow Fm (both sides of the bill PM), which is the main airflow for transporting the bill PM, and the bill PM approaches the facing plate 104 and is adsorbed. It is a technology to prevent it.

However, in the invention described in Cited Document 3, since there is no significant pressure difference between the transport path 105 and the air flow path 106, a strong air flow that flows from the air flow path 106 through the through hole 104a and into the transport path 105 cannot be expected. , It is not always possible to obtain effective wall flow Fs. Therefore, the bill PM approaching the facing wall 104 may stick to the facing wall 104 without being blocked by the weak wall flow Fs (see FIG. 22C). In this way, when the bill PM sticks to the facing wall 104, the weak wall flow Fs generated on the upstream side of the bill PM flows so as to cover the bill PM, and the bill PM is pressed against the facing wall 104 more strongly. Occurs. In this case, the wall flow Fs flowing so as to cover the banknote PM is stronger than the pressure acting on the through hole 104a blocked by the banknote PM from the air flow path 106 side, so that the banknote PM does not peel off from the facing wall 104. It stays stuck. Therefore, even in the invention described in Patent Document 3, stable transport of paper sheets by the transport flow cannot be expected.

In addition, it is necessary to consider not only the linear transport pipe 102 but also the stable transport of the paper leaves in the curved transport pipe 103. For example, as shown in FIGS. 23 (A) to 23 (C), when connecting the linear transport pipe 102 and the curved transport pipe 103, one facing wall 104 is connected to the outer curved wall 107a and the other facing wall. The 104 is connected to the inner curved wall 107b. The air flow from the transport pipe 102 is introduced into the upstream side of the curved transport path 108 formed between the outer curved wall 107a and the inner curved wall 107b, and presses against the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall 107a. When the transport flow reaches the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall 107a, a Geltler vortex is generated from a corner angle of about 10 ° (see FIG. 23 (A)).

The Gerthler vortex is a vortex structure near the wall surface formed by the centrifugal force action of the fluid flow that gives an angular velocity along the concave surface, and prevents the banknote PM from sticking to the inner wall surface of the concave outer curved wall 107a. Therefore, the bill PM can be easily transferred to the downstream side in the curved transport path 108 (see FIG. 23 (B)). However, the range of the concave surface on which the Geltler vortex is formed is limited. For example, the force of generating the Geltler vortex is weaker than the bending angle of about 25 °, and the Geltler vortex is not generated when the bending angle is around 45 °. Therefore, when the rear end of the banknote PM exceeds the Gertler vortex generation region (generally the bending angle is 90 °), the force for preventing the banknote PM from sticking to the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall 107a no longer acts. The bill PM sticks to the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall 107a (see FIG. 23C). As described above, in the curved transport path 108 in the curved transport pipe 103 simply connected to the linear transport pipe 102, it is difficult to carry the banknote PM on the air flow and stably transport it downstream.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper leaf transport device that enables stable transport of paper leaves by a transport fluid.

The paper leaf transport device for solving the above-mentioned problems is a paper leaf transport device for transporting paper leaves from upstream to downstream through a transport pipe in which a transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream. The transport pipe is a straight transport pipe in which a fluid linear transport space including a straight main transport path for transporting the paper sheets in a straight line is formed, and a linear transport pipe connected to the straight transport pipe to bend the paper leaves. The linear transport pipe includes a curved transport pipe in which a fluid curved transport space including a curved main transport path is formed, and the linear transport pipe is arranged on the inner wall surface side so as to face the two main surfaces of the paper sheets. A part of the pair of main transport wall portions and the outer wall surface side of the main transport wall portion provided on at least one end side of the pair of main transport wall portions in two directions orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper sheets. The end cover is formed on the end cover arrangement side of the pair of main transport wall portions at a required interval in the transport direction, and the transport fluid passes from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side. The fluid return hole is formed between the pair of main transport wall portions and the end cover, and is formed from the inner wall surface side of the pair of main transport wall portions to the fluid return hole via the outer wall surface side. The curved transport pipe is connected to one of the main transport wall portions, and has an outer curved wall portion having a concave inner wall surface side and the main transport. An inner curved wall portion that is connected to the other side of the wall portion and has a convex inner wall surface side, and an end curved wall portion that is connected to the end cover and covers at least a part of the outer curved wall portion on the outer wall surface side. The paper sheets provided on the outer curved wall portion and transported from the straight main transport path of the straight transport pipe to the curved main transport path are pressed against the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion. It is characterized by comprising a paper leaf bending guiding means for generating a geltler vortex to be blocked at an arbitrary position.

Further, in the above configuration, the paper leaf bending guiding means is formed on the end curved cover arrangement side of the outer curved wall portion, and the transport fluid passes from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side. The outer curved fluid return hole to be obtained, the outer curved guided vacant portion formed between the outer curved wall portion and the end curved cover, and the curved outer curved guide vacant portion through the outer curved fluid return hole. The outer curved return flow generated by the return of the transport fluid to the main transport path is tangential to the inner wall surface at the downstream opening edge of the outer curved fluid return hole in the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion. It may be provided with an outer curved return guide portion that guides the fluid to flow in a certain direction.

Further, in the above configuration, the paper leaf bending guiding means is a Geltler vortex amplification plate provided with a Geltler vortex amplification surface in which the amount of protrusion from the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion gradually increases from upstream to downstream. May be provided on the upstream side of the outer curved fluid return hole.

Further, in the above configuration, the paper leaf bending guiding means is formed on the end curved cover arrangement side of the inner curved wall portion, and the transport fluid passes from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side. The inner curved fluid return hole to be obtained, the inner curved guided vacant portion formed between the inner curved wall portion and the end curved cover, and the curved inner curved fluid return hole from the inner curved guided vacant portion. With the inner curved return guide portion that guides the inner curved return flow generated by the return of the transport fluid to the main transport path so as to press against the inner wall surface side of the outer curved wall portion at an angle that can generate a Gerthler vortex. , May be provided.

Further, in the above configuration, a convex outer curved rib provided on the inner wall surface side of the outer curved wall portion and preventing the paper sheets from coming into close contact with the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion is provided. But it may be.

Further, in the above configuration, a convex inward curve provided on the inner wall surface side of the inner curved wall portion to prevent the rear end portion of the paper sheets from coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the inner curved wall portion. It may be provided with ribs.

According to the present invention, paper sheets are stably transported in the straight main transport path by the return flow returned from the fluid return hole of the straight transport tube to the straight main transport path. In addition, the transport direction is such that the paper leaves do not hit the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion by the Gertler vortex generated at an arbitrary position by the paper leaf bending guiding means provided on the outer curved wall portion of the curved transport pipe. It bends to guide and stably transports paper leaves in the curved main transport path.

(A) is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the paper leaf transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (B) is a plan view which shows the schematic structure of the paper leaf transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged perspective view which cut out a part of the linear transport pipe (the part shown by Fig. 2) in FIG. 1 (A). (A) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a straight transport pipe divided in a vertical direction orthogonal to the transport direction. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3 (A). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIC-IIIC in FIG. 3 (A). It is the schematic explanatory drawing of the return flow in a straight line transfer pipe. (A) is a schematic explanatory view of a straight transport pipe showing an ideal return flow behavior in a straight main transport path. (B) is a schematic explanatory view of a straight transport pipe showing the behavior of a weak feedback flow in a straight main transport path. (C) is a schematic explanatory view of a straight transport pipe showing the behavior of a strong feedback flow in a straight main transport path. (A) is a schematic front view of the curved transport pipe of the first configuration example. (B) is a see-through perspective view of an outer curved wall portion and an inner curved wall portion in the curved transport pipe of the first configuration example. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6 (A). It is a functional explanatory view for stable transporting the bill in the curved main transport path in the curved transport pipe of the 1st configuration example. (A) is a schematic front view of the curved transport pipe of the second configuration example. (B) is a see-through perspective view of the outer curved wall portion and the inner curved wall portion in the curved transport pipe of the second configuration example. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 9A. It is a function explanatory drawing for stable transport | movement of the banknote in the curved main transport path in the curved transport pipe of the 2nd configuration example. (A) is a schematic front view of the curved transport pipe of the third configuration example. (B) is a see-through perspective view of an outer curved wall portion and an inner curved wall portion in the curved transport pipe of the third configuration example. 12 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII. It is a function explanatory drawing for stable transport | movement of the banknote in the curved main transport path in the curved transport pipe of the 3rd configuration example. (A) is a schematic front view of the curved transport pipe of the fourth configuration example. (B) is a see-through perspective view of an outer curved wall portion and an inner curved wall portion in the curved transport pipe of the fourth configuration example. FIG. 15 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15 (A). It is a function explanatory drawing for stable transport | movement of the banknote in the curved main transport path in the curved transport pipe of the 4th configuration example. (A) is a schematic front view of a right curved transport unit having the same function as the curved transport pipe of the fourth configuration example. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIIIB-XVIIIB in FIG. 18 (A). (A) is a schematic front view of a left curved transport unit having the same function as the curved transport pipe of the fourth configuration example. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XIXB-XIXB in FIG. 19 (A). (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a curved transport pipe of a fifth configuration example configured by connecting a right curved transport unit and a left curved transport unit. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a curved transport pipe of a sixth configuration example configured by connecting a right curved transport unit, a left curved transport unit, and a short straight transport pipe. (C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a curved transport pipe of a seventh configuration example configured by connecting a right curved transport unit and a left curved transport unit. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the curved transport pipe of the 8th configuration example which was configured by connecting the right curved transport unit and the left curved transport unit. (A) is an explanatory view of the basic structure of transport by a straight transport pipe having a conventional structure. (B) and (C) are schematic explanatory views of fluid transport in a conventional linear transport pipe provided with a facing wall inside. (A) to (C) are schematic explanatory views of fluid transport in a curved transport pipe that can be connected to a conventional straight transport pipe provided with an opposing wall inside.

Next, an embodiment of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The paper leaves to be transported are papers with shape-retaining properties such as banknotes and documents (excluding those that do not have shape-retaining properties with respect to the transport flow, such as tissue paper), and resin films. (Including plastic banknotes) and thin cards can be applied. In the paper leaf transport device of the present embodiment, a bill transport device for transporting paper bills will be described. Further, as the transport fluid, not only gas but also liquid can be used, but in the banknote transport device of the present embodiment, air is used as the transport fluid. Further, in the present embodiment, since the banknotes are transported in a state of standing upright in the direction of gravity, for convenience, the direction in which the two sides of the banknotes face is referred to as left and right or sideways, and the direction of gravity orthogonal to this is referred to as up and down.

The banknote transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be installed in, for example, a game store, and can be used to collect banknotes inserted into a game medium lending device, a card sales device, or the like and collect them in one place. The bill PM to be transported, which is passed through the straight transport pipe 2 and transported, is introduced into the straight transport pipe 2 from the bill introduction unit 4 provided at an appropriate position. A blower 5 is provided on the most upstream side of the linear transport pipe 2. Further, the straight transport pipe 2 is connected to the curved transport pipe 3 on the way, and the straight transport pipe 2 is extended to the arrangement side of the blower 5 in a state where the transport direction is bent by 180 °. A bill collection unit 6 is provided at the most downstream end of the straight transfer pipe 2. That is, air as a transport fluid flows in the straight transport pipe 2 and the curved transport pipe 3 from the upstream where the blower 5 is provided to the downstream where the bill collection unit 6 is provided. By providing a suction machine on the downstream side of the bill collecting unit 6, air as a transport fluid can be made to flow from the upstream to the downstream in the straight transport pipe 2 and the curved transport pipe 3.

The linear transport pipe 2 is an end cover body that covers the upper and lower portions of the first main transport wall 211, the second main transport wall 212, and the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, which are a pair of main transport wall portions, respectively. The upper cover body 221 and the lower cover body 222 are provided as the above. The left-curved curved transport pipe 3 connected to the straight transport pipe 2 has an inner curved wall 312 connected to one of the main transport walls (for example, the first main transport wall 211) and the other of the main transport walls. (For example, the outer curved wall 311 connected to the first main transport wall 211) is provided. When connecting the curved transport pipe 3 having a right curve, the structure is such that the first main transport wall 211 and the outer curved wall 311 are connected, and the first main transport wall 211 and the inner curved wall 312 are connected. Further, the curved transport pipe 3 connected to the straight transport pipe 2 includes an upper curved cover body 321 connected to the upper cover body 221 and a lower curved cover body 322 connected to the lower cover body 222.

First, the structure and function of the linear transfer pipe 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

The straight transfer pipe 2 can be connected to a required length and adjusted to a flow path according to the installation location and the situation. The linear transport pipe 2 includes a first main transport wall 211 and a second main transport wall 212, which are a pair of main transport wall portions whose inner surfaces are arranged so as to face two surfaces of the bill PM, and first and second main transports. The upper cover body 221 and the lower cover body 222 as end covers provided at the upper and lower ends of the walls 211 and 122 are provided, respectively. The first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower cover bodies 221 and 222 form an air linear passage space 23 inside which compressed air can be sent out. Of the air straight passage space 23, the space sandwiched between the inner wall surface 211b of the first main transport wall 211 and the inner wall surface 212b of the second main transport wall 212 becomes the straight main transport path 231 and the straight main transport path 231. The banknote PM is transported through the banknote PM. The first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower cover bodies 221,222 may be formed as individual parts and assembled, or may be assembled by resin processing technology such as injection molding or extrusion molding. May be formed and assembled. Further, the present invention is not limited to resin processing, and a plate material having a thickness of about 1 to 2 [mm] may be processed to form the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower cover bodies 221,222.

Further, in the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, air return holes 24 as fluid return holes through which transport air can pass from the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a to the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b are provided at required intervals in the transport direction. Provided with. In the linear transport pipe 2 having this configuration, the upper portions of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 122 corresponding to the upper cover body 221 and the first and second main transport walls 211 corresponding to the lower cover body 222 , 212 are provided in a line at equal intervals at the bottom of each (see, for example, FIG. 3B).

Each air return hole 24 has a substantially quadrangular shape surrounded by an upstream side opening edge 241, a downstream side opening edge 242, an end side opening edge 243, and a central side opening edge 244. The air return hole 24 in the linear transport pipe 2 of this configuration example has a substantially quadrangular shape, but the opening shape, opening area, arrangement interval, etc. are not particularly limited, and as will be described later, it is necessary and sufficient. It would be good if we could obtain a good return flow. When transporting Japanese banknotes PM, if the height of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 is about 80 [mm] and the facing interval is about 10 to 15 [mm], they are arranged in two places above and below. The vertical height of each air return hole 24 to be provided is appropriately 20 to 30 [mm]. The width of the air return hole 24 in the transport direction may be set so that an appropriate air volume and speed can be obtained according to the arrangement interval of the air return hole 24.

Further, all the air return holes 24 provided in the first main transport wall 211 and all the air return holes 24 provided in the second main transport wall 212 face each other with the straight main transport path 231 in between. It is desirable to set the opening position of the return hole 24. However, even if the air return hole 24 on the first main transport wall 211 side and the air return hole 24 on the second main transport wall 212 side are slightly deviated in the transport direction or the vertical direction of the banknote PM, the feedback flow is extremely biased. If does not act on the two sides of the banknote PM from both sides, stable transportation of the banknote PM can be realized.

The upper cover body 221 can guide transport air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 to any of the air return holes 24 via the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a, respectively. Produces a fluid-guided empty space for transport. In the upper cover body 221 of the present configuration, from the first branch guiding portion 221a1 for guiding from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side, and from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212. A second branch guide portion 221b1 for guiding air to the outer wall surface 212a side is provided. That is, the upper cover body 221 of the present configuration has a smooth concave curved first branch guide portion 221a1 and a second branch guide portion 221a1 that generate a first branch guide empty portion 232a in the space above the upper end edge of the first main transport wall 211. A second branch guide portion 221b1 that creates a second branch guide empty portion 232b is provided in the space above the upper end edge of the main transport wall 212. When the bill PM is to be transported, the left-right widths of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 are about 15 [mm], and the distance to the innermost part of the concave curved surface is about 5 [mm].

The first outer guiding portion 221a2 connected to the first branch guiding portion 221a1 of the upper cover body 221 is guided to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first main transport wall 211 via the first branch guiding empty portion 232a. Generates a first return induction empty portion 233a capable of guiding the air to the air return hole 24. Similarly, the second outer guiding portion 221b2 connected to the second branch guiding portion 221b1 of the upper cover body 221 was guided to the outer wall surface 212a side of the second main transport wall 212 via the second branch guiding empty portion 232b. A second return induction empty portion 233b capable of guiding the transport air to the air return hole 24 is generated. The lower end of the first outer guide portion 221a2 is smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion 221a2-e that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 211a of the first main transport wall 211, and is located slightly below the air return hole 24. 1 The return guidance empty space 233a is closed. Similarly, the lower end of the second outer guide portion 221b2 is smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion 221b2-e that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 212a of the second main transport wall 212, at a position slightly below the air return hole 24. The second return guidance empty space 233b is closed. The vertical height of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 is preferably about 4/10 of the height of the transported object, and a Japanese banknote PM having a vertical dimension of 76 [mm] is to be transported. In this case, the vertical height of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 is about 30 [mm].

Similar to the upper cover body 221 of the lower cover body 222, a fluid induction empty portion that guides air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b sides of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a, respectively. Causes. In the lower cover body 222 of this configuration, the first branch guide portion 222a1 for guiding air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side, and the inner wall surface of the second main transport wall 212. A second branch guide portion 222b1 for guiding air from the 212b side to the outer wall surface 212a side is provided. That is, the lower cover body 222 of the present configuration has a smooth concave curved first branch guide portion 222a1 and a second branch guide portion 222a1 that generate a first branch guide empty portion 232a in the space below the lower end edge of the first main transport wall 211. A second branch guide portion 222b1 that creates a second branch guide empty portion 232b is provided in the space below the lower end edge of the main transport wall 212. When the bill PM is to be transported, the left-right widths of the first and second branch guide portions 222a1, 222b1 are about 15 [mm], and the distance to the innermost part of the concave curved surface is about 5 [mm].

The first outer guiding portion 222a2 connected to the first branch guiding portion 222a1 of the lower cover body 222 is guided to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first main transport wall 211 via the first branch guiding empty portion 232a. Generates a first return induction empty portion 233a capable of guiding the air to the air return hole 24. Similarly, the second outer guiding portion 222b2 connected to the second branch guiding portion 222b1 of the lower cover body 222 was guided to the outer wall surface 212a side of the second main transport wall 212 via the second branch guiding empty portion 232b. A second return induction empty portion 233b capable of guiding the transport air to the air return hole 24 is generated. The upper end of the first outer guide portion 222a2 is smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion 222a2-e that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 211a of the first main transport wall 211, and is located slightly above the air return hole 24. 1 The return guidance empty space 233a is closed. Similarly, the upper end of the second outer guide portion 222b2 is smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion 222b2-e that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 212a of the second main transport wall 212, at a position slightly above the air return hole 24. The second return guidance empty space 233b is closed. The vertical height of the first and second outer guidance portions 222a2 and 222b2 is also preferably about 4/10 of the height of the transported object, and when Japanese banknote PM is to be transported, the first and second outer guidance The vertical height of the portions 222a2 and 222b2 is about 30 [mm].

As described above, if the upper cover body 221 is provided with the first and second branch guiding portions 221a1,221b1 and the lower cover body 222 is provided with the first and second branch guiding portions 222a1,222b1, the linear main transport is provided. The transport air can be evenly guided to the upper left and right and the lower left and right of the road 231. The branch guide portions provided on the upper and lower cover bodies 221 and 222 are not limited to a pair of left and right structures. For example, using one branch guide that connects the first outer guide 221a2 and the second outer guide 221b2, or the first outer guide 222a2 and the second outer guide 222b2 with a smooth curved surface, The upper cover body 221 or the lower cover body 222 may be configured. Further, as the end cover body, both the upper cover body 221 and the lower cover body 222 are not provided, and the end cover body is provided only at one end, and air is returned to the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212. Only one row of holes 24 may be provided. In this case, at the other end where the end cover body is not provided, the space between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 is closed with a shielding wall or the like so that the transport air does not leak. The passage space 23 may be formed.

On the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 provided with the air return holes 24, the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 of the upper and lower cover bodies 221,222 A return guide portion 25 is provided to guide the guided transport air to the air return hole 24. The return guide portion 25 is a projecting body in which the air introduction opening 25a is located at least at the upstream opening edge 241 of the air return hole 24 and narrows toward the downstream opening edge 242 of the air return hole 24, and its cross section is substantially triangular. Shaped (see, for example, FIG. 3C). Further, the upper and lower portions on the upstream side of the return guide portion 25 are not formed as corner portions where turbulent flow is likely to occur, but are formed of smooth curved surfaces. The upper and lower curved surfaces gradually converge toward the upper end or the lower end of the downstream opening edge 242 of the air return hole 24, so that an upward induction curved surface is formed on the upper inner surface of the return guide portion 25. A downwardly guided curved surface is formed on the lower part of the inner surface. That is, the transport air guided from the air introduction opening 25a into the return guide portion 25 and guided to the upward guiding curved surface becomes a return flow that easily spreads upward when passing through the air return hole 24, and is guided to the downward guiding curved surface. When the conveyed transport air passes through the air return hole 24, it becomes a return flow that easily spreads downward. The air return hole 24 and the return guide portion 25 can be formed at the same time when the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are formed by resin processing. Of course, the return guide portion 25 may be formed by attaching the structure formed as a separate body along the edge portion of the air return hole 24.

When the bill PM is to be transported and the air return holes 24 are provided in two rows corresponding to the upper and lower cover bodies 221 and 222, the vertical height of the return guide portion 25 is about 20 to 30 [mm]. When the direction width is about 8 to 15 [mm], the amount of protrusion of the return guide portion 25 is preferably about 3 to 6 [mm]. This is because the inflow angle of the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 into the straight main transport path 231 (an acute angle formed by the inflow direction of the return flow and the transport direction) can be adjusted in the range of 15 to 30 °. When the return flow is strong, the inflow angle of the return flow is reduced to increase the distance until the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight main transport path 231. In this way, the flow-down force of the return flow that is too strong is attenuated by the time it reaches the banknote PM, and the return flow that has become a moderate flow-down force acts on the banknote PM. on the other hand. When the return flow is weak, the inflow angle of the return flow is increased to shorten the distance until the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight main transport path 231. In this way, the banknote PM can be reached before the return flow disappears, and the force for transporting the banknote PM downstream can be given from the return flow.

As described above, in the linear transport pipe 2 to which the pressurized transport air is sent, pressure is generated to push the upper, lower, left and right wall surfaces outward. The force that pushes the first and second branch guidance portions 221a1,222a1,221b1,222b1 of the upper and lower cover bodies 221,222 outwards pushes the transport air outward from the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b. 1, Second feedback guidance Acts as a force to guide the empty parts 233a and 233b. The upper and lower cover bodies 221,222 include the first branch guide portions 221a1,222a1 and the second branch guide portions 221b1,222b1 on the left and right sides of the intermediate portion between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. Because the airflow is provided, the airflow branches evenly to the left and right.

Moreover, the inner surface of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 has a convex shape that protrudes outward (in the vertical direction away from the straight main transport path 231) and smoothly connects to the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2. Since it becomes an attracting flow surface, it is easily guided to the first and second return induction empty portions 233a and 233b by the Coanda effect. The Coanda effect is a property that the viscous fluid flows along the adjacent wall surface, and since the transport air is also the viscous fluid, it flows along the inner surfaces of the upper cover body 221 and the lower cover body 222. Makes sense.

Therefore, a part of the transport air pumped into the linear transport pipe 2 is transferred from the straight main transport path 231 to the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b, and further to the first and second return guide vacant portions. It is guided to 233a and 233b and wraps around to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212. Since this airflow continues without interruption, the transport air that wraps around the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 is not extremely depressurized. The transport air that has reached the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 heads downstream in the first and second return guidance empty portions 233a and 233b, and is a straight main transport path 231. Is guided to the center side (downward in the upper cover body 221 and upper in the lower cover body 222).

When the transport air guided to the first and second return guidance empty portions 233a and 233b reaches the return guide portion 25 of the air return hole 24, it is introduced from the air introduction opening 25a and is introduced through the air return hole 24. 1 It is a return flow returned to the inner wall surface 211b side of the main transport wall 211. Even if the transport air reaches the lower portion of the first return guidance empty portion 233a without reaching the return guide portion 25, the lower portion of the first return guidance empty portion 233a is blocked by the terminal bending portion 221a2-e. , Flows further downstream along the terminal bent portion 221a2-e. Since the air return holes 24 are also provided downstream thereof at appropriate intervals, a part of the transport air that has reached the return guide portion 25 of the downstream air return hole 24 is introduced from the air introduction opening 25a and is a straight line main. It becomes a return flow returning to the transport path 231.

Although a part of the transport air pumped into the straight transport pipe 2 reaches from the straight main transport path 231 to the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b, the first and second branch guide vacancy is maintained as it is. The proportion of the transport air flowing downstream in the portions 232a and 232b is large. According to the experimental results of the linear transport pipe 2, the amount of transport air guided from the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second return guide vacant portions 233a and 233b was 50% or less. Therefore, in order to efficiently guide the transport air from the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second feedback guidance vacant portions 233a and 233b, the guide plate 7 (two-dot chain line in FIG. 3). (Indicated by) may be provided.

For example, with respect to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 of the upper and lower cover bodies 221,222, the guide plates 7 projecting into the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b are provided. Provide. The guide plate 7 is a plate-like body having an appearance in which a semicircular arc-shaped plate material is stretched in the chord direction, and the first and first surfaces are directed so that one first surface faces the upstream side and the other second surface faces the downstream side. It is attached diagonally to the two-branch guide portion 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. Therefore, the arcuate curved edge portion of the guide plate 7 is set to have a curvature so as to be in close contact with the concave inner surface of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. The flat edges of the guide plates 7 attached to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 are substantially parallel to the blowing direction WD of the transport air, and the straight main transport paths 231 and the first and first It is located near the boundary between the second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b.

Further, in the upper cover body 221, the upstream end portion of the guide plate 7 provided in the first branch guide portion 221a1 and the upstream end portion of the guide plate 7 provided in the second branch guide portion 221b1 are the first branch guide portion 221a1. And the second branch guide portion 221b1 are brought into contact with each other or brought close to each other at the connecting portion. Since the connecting portion between the first branch guide portion 221a1 and the second branch guide portion 221b1 is located at an intermediate position between the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, the pair of left and right guide plates 7 and 7 are linearly main transports. It functions as a V-shaped wedge that bisects the transport air going downstream while press-fitting upward from the road 231. Similarly, in the lower cover body 222, the pair of left and right guide plates 7 and 7 are brought into contact with each other or brought close to each other at the connecting portion between the first branch guide portion 222a1 and the second branch guide portion 222b1.

On the other hand, the downstream end of the guide plate 7 is a connecting portion (or a first and second branch guide) between the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 and the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2. It is located in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the portions 222a1,222b1 and the first and second outer guiding portions 222a2, 222b2). Thus, the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b to the first and second return induction empty portions are provided by the guidance plates 7 provided on the first and second branch guidance portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 respectively. The transport flow can be smoothly guided to 233a and 233b.

When the guide plate 7 is arranged in this way, the transport air pressed into the upper and lower cover bodies 221 and 222 from the straight main transport path 231 smoothly flows along the guide plate 7 to the first and second main transport walls. It is guided to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of 211 and 212. According to the experimental results of the linear transport pipe 2 provided with the guide plate 7, the transport air guided from the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second return guide vacant portions 233a and 233b is 80%. It was greatly improved as above. Therefore, by providing the guide plate 7, it is possible to dramatically improve the efficiency of the return flow (air volume, wind speed, etc. of the transfer air returned from the air return hole 24 to the main transfer path 231).

Next, the behavior of the return flow flowing from each air return hole 24 into the straight main transport path 231 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the upper cover body 221 of the linear transport pipe 2 is cut out substantially horizontally in the transport direction, and the straight main transport path 231 and the first and second return induction empty portions 233a, The state where 233b is seen from above is shown. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, the circulating flow Fg guided from the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second feedback guidance vacant portions 233a and 233b is the air of the feedback guide portion 25. It is introduced from the introduction opening 25a and becomes a feedback flow. Further, a part of the transport air that has reached the downstream side of the return guide portion 25 without being introduced into the air introduction opening 25a becomes a return flow that is introduced into the straight main transport path 231 from the air return hole 24 further downstream. there is a possibility.

FIG. 5A shows an ideally designed straight transfer pipe 2, which is formed on the inner walls 211b and 212b by the return flow from the return holes 24 of the first and second main transfer walls 211 and 212. Lateral flows Fr and Fr along the line are formed, and a central flow Fc that is sandwiched between them and travels straight in the transport direction is formed. In the linear transfer pipe 2, the transfer air does not flow into the opening surface of each air return hole 24 from the upstream and interfere with the return flow to generate turbulent flow, so that the control can be performed by adjusting the angle of the return guide unit 25. The return flow can reach the central flow Fc at the inflow angle. Therefore, in the straight line transport pipe 2, by allowing the return flow to reach the vicinity of both side surfaces of the banknote PM, it is possible to prevent the banknote PM from meandering largely to the left and right in the central flow Fc, and to stably hold the banknote PM substantially in the center. Further, in the linear transport pipe 2, the return flow that reaches the vicinity of both side surfaces of the bill PM gives a force to direct the bill PM in the transport direction (downstream), so that the bill PM is efficiently transported.

However, it is desirable that the flow velocity of the return flow reaching both sides of the banknote PM is moderate so that it is neither too strong nor too weak. FIG. 5B shows a linear transport pipe 2'designed so that a sufficient feedback flow cannot be obtained, and the side currents Fr and Fr on both sides along the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b are weak. In addition, the central flow Fc has spread to the left and right. In the straight transfer pipe 2', even if the transfer air flows into the opening surface of each air return hole 24 from the upstream, it is unlikely to interfere with the return flow and generate harmful turbulence, but the return flow is near the center of the central flow Fc. It is difficult to reach the banknote PM of. If the return flow cannot reach both sides of the banknote PM near the center of the side flow central flow Fc as in the straight line transfer tube 2', it is difficult to obtain the high transfer efficiency as in the straight line transfer tube 2 described above.

Further, in the straight transfer pipe 2', since the return flow is weak, it can affect only the vicinity of the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b, so that the banknote PM flows while meandering largely to the left and right in the central flow Fc spreading to the left and right. There is a high possibility that the banknote PM will be in an unstable state. Further, if the banknote PM comes into contact with the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b and blocks the air return hole 24 for some reason, the return flow does not occur and there is a risk that the banknote PM will stick to the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b as it is. There is. In that case, the banknote PM will not come off from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b unless a force is applied from the outside, so that the banknote PM will not be transported.

On the other hand, FIG. 5C shows a linear transport pipe 2 ″ designed so that a too strong return flow flows into the straight main transport path 231 from the air return hole 24, and the transport air returns to each air. It is a state in which a vortex-like turbulent flow is generated by flowing into the opening surface of the hole 24 from the upstream and interfering with a strong return flow. Due to the influence of this turbulent flow, the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight main transport path 231 Since small vibrations occur repeatedly in the machine, efficient transportation cannot be realized.

When the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 into the straight main transport path 231 is strong, if the distance until the return flow reaches the bill PM flowing near the center of the straight main transport path 231 is lengthened, the bill PM can be used. The flow velocity of the incoming feedback flow can be suppressed. When the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 into the straight main transport path 231 is weak, the inflow angle of the return flow is increased so that the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight main transport path 231. By shortening the distance to the banknote PM, the flow velocity of the return flow reaching the banknote PM can be increased.

However, if the inflow angle is increased (approached to 90 °) in order to allow the return flow to reach near the center of the straight main transport path 231, the force directed in the transport direction is weakened, and the original transport function may be impaired. There is. Therefore, when the flow velocity of the return flow is extremely weak, it is desirable to improve the efficiency of the return flow by another method such as using the induction plate 7 described above. For example, in order to improve the efficiency of the return flow, the left and right widths of the first and second return guidance empty portions 233a and 233b are narrowed to reduce the gap with the return guide portion 25, and the transport passing through the gap to the downstream side. The amount of air for use may be reduced. Specifically, between the inner wall surface of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2, 221b2 and each return guide portion 25, and the inner wall surface of the first and second outer guide portions 222a2, 222b2 and each return guide. By narrowing the gap formed between the portion 25 and the portion 25, more transport air can be guided to the air introduction opening 25a of the return guide portion 25.

Further, if the first and second outer guidance portions 221a2 and 221b2 and the first and second outer guidance portions 222a2 and 222b2 are integrated with the respective return guide portions 25, the first and second return induction portions are further induced. It is also possible to have a structure in which the opening widths of the empty portions 233a and 233b and the air introduction opening 25a in the left-right direction are matched. In this way, the transport air flowing downstream along the inner wall surfaces of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 and the first and second outer guide portions 222a2 and 222b2 returns without a step to the return guide portion 25. Since it is introduced into the air introduction opening 25a of the above, the efficiency of the return flow can be further improved.

Further, when the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 of the upper cover body 221 are integrally formed with the respective return guide portions 25, the lower portion of each return guide portion 25 and the end bending portion 221a2-e, If the 221b2-e is matched, there will be no gap on the lower side of each return guide portion 25. That is, by eliminating the transport air that passes through the gap on the lower side of the return guide portion 25 to the downstream side, it is possible to increase the amount of transport air introduced into the air introduction opening 25a and further improve the efficiency of the return flow. become. Similarly, when the first and second outer guide portions 222a2 and 222b2 of the lower cover body 222 are integrally formed with the respective return guide portions 25, the upper portion and the terminal bent portion 222a2-e of each return guide portion 25 are formed. If, 222b2-e and 222b2-e are matched, there will be no gap on the upper side of each return guide portion 25. That is, by eliminating the transport air that passes from the gap on the upper side of the return guide portion 25 to the downstream side, it is possible to increase the amount of transport air introduced into the air introduction opening 25a and further improve the efficiency of the return flow. become.

Next, the curved transport pipe 3 that can be connected to the straight transport pipe 2 will be described. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the curved transport pipe 3 will be described as bending the banknote PM transported in the lateral direction (for example, the horizontal direction) by the linear transport pipe 2 in the lateral direction. Can be used to bend the transport direction of the banknote PM that has been transported in the horizontal direction in the vertical direction (for example, the vertical direction). Of course, the curved transport pipe 3 can also be used to bend the transport direction of the banknote PM that has been transported in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction. First, the structure and function of the curved transport pipe 3A of the first configuration example will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

The curved transport pipe 3A can change the transport path 180 ° clockwise with respect to the ventilation direction WD, and the left side in FIG. 6 (A) is upstream and the right side is downstream. Specifically, the upstream side of the outer curved wall 311 whose inner wall surface 311b side is concave is connected to the first main transport wall 211 on the downstream side of the linear transport pipe 2, and the inner curved wall 312a side is convex. The upstream side of 312 is connected to the first main transport wall 211 on the downstream side of the straight transport pipe 2. Further, the downstream side of the outer curved wall 311 is connected to the first main transport wall 211 on the upstream side of the straight transport pipe 2, and the downstream side of the inner curved wall 312 is the first main transport on the upstream side of the straight transport pipe 2. Connect with wall 211. When the straight transport pipes 2 and 2 and the curved transport pipe 3 are connected in this way, the blow direction WD can be reversed by the curved transport pipe 3 and the transport direction can be changed in the opposite direction.

Further, an upper curved cover body 321 and a lower curved cover body 322 are provided as end covers provided at the upper and lower ends of the outer and inner curved walls 311, 312, respectively, and these upper and lower curved cover bodies 321 and 322 are linearly conveyed. It is connected to the upper and lower cover bodies 221 and 222 of the pipe 2, respectively. The outer and inner curved walls 311, 312 and the upper and lower curved covers 321 and 322 form a highly airtight air curved passage space 33 inside which compressed air can be sent out. Of the air curved passage space 33, the space sandwiched between the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312 becomes the curved main transport path 331, and the bills pass through the curved main transport path 331. The PM is transported. The outer and inner curved walls 311, 312 and the upper and lower curved covers 321 and 322 may be formed as individual parts and assembled, or may be integrally molded by a 3D printer. Further, the present invention is not limited to resin processing, and a plate material having a thickness of about 1 to 2 [mm] may be processed to form outer and inner curved walls 311, 312 and upper and lower curved cover bodies 321 and 322.

Further, in the outer curved wall 311, an outer curved air return hole 34 through which transport air can pass from the outer wall surface 311a to the inner wall surface 311b is provided at each required interval (for example, a semicircular arc shape of 180 °) in the transport direction. It is provided every 45 ° with respect to the wall 311. Further, in the curved transport pipe 3A having this configuration, the upper portion of the outer curved wall 311 corresponding to the upper curved cover body 321 and the lower portion of the outer curved wall 311 corresponding to the lower curved cover body 322 are arranged in a row. It was provided in.

If the outer curved air return holes 34 are provided at equal intervals based on the bending angle, the outer curved air return holes 34 may be insufficient even though the distance of the curved main transport path 331 is long, or conversely, the curved main transport path 331. There is a possibility that there are too many outer curved air return holes 34 even though the distance is short. Therefore, the number of arrangements of the outer air return holes 34 may be determined based on the length of the paper sheets to be conveyed in the longitudinal direction. For example, the longitudinal direction of the Japanese banknote PM is 150 to 160 [mm], and three or more outer curved air return holes 34 may be provided at intervals of 50 [mm] so as to face the side surface of the banknote PM. Well, in order for the four or more outer curved air return holes 34 to face the side surface of the banknote PM, they may be provided at intervals of 35 to 36 [mm].

Each outer curved air return hole 34 has a substantially quadrangular shape surrounded by an upstream opening edge 341, a downstream opening edge 342, an upper opening edge 343a, and a lower opening edge 343b. Although the outer curved air return hole 34 in the curved transfer pipe 3A of this configuration example has a substantially quadrangular shape, the opening shape, opening area, arrangement interval, etc. thereof are the same as those of the air return hole 24 in the linear transfer pipe 2 described above. However, it is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient if a necessary and sufficient return flow can be obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the opening width from the upstream opening edge 341 to the downstream opening edge 342 is equivalent to about 25 °, and is upstream of the outer curved air return hole 34 adjacent to each other with a non-perforated section equivalent to 20 °. The side opening edge 341 is arranged. Thus, the four outer curved air return holes 34 can be arranged at equal intervals in the curved transport pipe 3A.

The upper curved cover body 321 has a structure that creates an outer curved induction space capable of guiding transport air from the inner wall surface 311b side of the outer curved wall 311 to any outer curved air return hole 34 via the outer wall surface 311a side. is there. In the upper curved cover body 321 of this configuration, although the inner curved wall 312 is not provided with an air return hole in order to match the shape with the upper cover body 221 of the linear transport pipe 2 to be connected, the inner curved wall 312 side. It is assumed that an inner curved induction space is generated in. Therefore, the upper curved cover body 321 includes an outer curved branch guiding portion 321a1 for guiding from the inner wall surface 311b side of the outer curved wall 311 to the outer wall surface 311a side, and an outer wall surface 312a from the inner wall surface 312b side of the inner curved wall 312. An inner curved branch guide portion 321b1 that guides air to the side was provided. Further, in the upper curved cover body 321 of the present configuration example, the outer curved branch guide portion 321a1 having a smooth concave curved surface that causes the outer curved branch guide empty portion 332a to be generated in the space above the upper end edge of the outer curved wall 311 and the inner curved portion 321a1 An inner curved branch guiding portion 321b1 that creates an inner curved branch guiding empty portion 332b is provided in the space above the upper end edge of the wall 312.

The outer curved outer guiding portion 321a2 connected to the outer curved branch guiding portion 321a1 of the upper curved cover body 321 sends the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 311a side of the outer curved wall 311 via the outer curved branch guiding empty portion 332a. An outer curved return guiding empty portion 333a that can be guided to the outer curved air return hole 34 is generated. Similarly, the inner curved outer guiding portion 321b2 connected to the inner curved branch guiding portion 321b1 of the upper curved cover body 321 sends air for conveying to the outer wall surface 312a side of the inner curved wall 312 via the inner curved branch guiding empty portion 332b. The inner curved feedback induction empty part 333b to induce is generated.

Although the inner curved wall 312 of this configuration example is not provided with an air return hole, if an air return hole is provided, the inner curved return induction empty portion 333b of the upper curved cover body 321 is provided with an inner curved branch. The function of guiding the transport air from the guidance empty portion 332b to the air return hole can be exhibited. Further, the lower end of the outer curved outer guide portion 321a2 is formed as a terminal bent portion that is smoothly curved so as to be in close contact with the outer wall surface 311a of the outer curved wall 311. The empty portion 333a is closed. Similarly, the lower end of the inner curved outer guide portion 321b2 is also smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 312a of the inner curved wall 312, and faces the terminal bent portion of the outer curved outer guide portion 321a2. The inner curved return guide empty portion 333b is closed at the position.

Similar to the upper curved cover body 321, the lower curved cover body 322 also has an outer curved surface capable of guiding transport air from the inner wall surface 311b side of the outer curved wall 311 to any outer curved air return hole 34 via the outer wall surface 311a side. It is a structure that creates an induced airspace. In the lower curved cover body 322 of this configuration, although the inner curved wall 312 is not provided with an air return hole in order to match the shape with the lower cover body 222 of the linear transport pipe 2 to be connected, the inner curved wall 312 side It is assumed that an inner curved induction space is generated in. Therefore, the lower curved cover body 322 also has an outer curved branch guide portion 322a1 for guiding air from the inner wall surface 311b side of the outer curved wall 311 to the outer wall surface 311a side, and an outer surface from the inner wall surface 312b side of the inner curved wall 312. An inner curved branch guide portion 322b1 for guiding air to the wall surface 312a side was provided. Further, in the lower curved cover body 322 of this configuration example, a smooth concave curved outer curved branch guiding portion 322a1 that causes an outer curved branch guiding empty portion 332a in the space below the lower end edge of the outer curved wall 311 and an inner curved branch guiding portion 322a1. An inner curved branch guiding portion 322b1 that creates an inner curved branch guiding empty portion 332b is provided in the space below the lower end edge of the wall 312.

The outer curved outer guiding portion 322a2 connected to the outer curved branch guiding portion 322a1 of the lower curved cover body 322 transfers the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 311a side of the outer curved wall 311 via the outer curved branch guiding empty portion 332a. An outer curved return guiding empty portion 333a that can be guided to the outer curved air return hole 34 is generated. Similarly, the inner curved outer guiding portion 322b2 connected to the inner curved branch guiding portion 322b1 of the lower curved cover body 322 sends air for conveying to the outer wall surface 312a side of the inner curved wall 312 via the inner curved branch guiding empty portion 332b. The inner curved feedback induction empty part 333b to induce is generated.

Although the inner curved wall 312 of this configuration example is not provided with an air return hole, if an air return hole is provided, the inner curved return induction empty portion 333b of the lower curved cover body 322 is provided with an inner curved branch. The function of guiding the transport air from the induction air portion 332b to the air return hole can be exhibited. Further, the upper end of the outer curved outer guide portion 322a2 is formed as a terminal bent portion that is smoothly curved so as to be in close contact with the outer wall surface 311a of the outer curved wall 311. The empty portion 333a is closed. Similarly, the upper end of the inner curved outer guide portion 322b2 is also smoothly curved to form a terminal bent portion that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 312a of the inner curved wall 312, and faces the terminal bent portion of the outer curved outer guide portion 322a2. The inner curved return guide empty portion 333b is closed at the position.

As described above, if the upper curved cover body 321 is provided with the outer and inner curved branch guide portions 321a1, 321b1 and the lower curved cover body 322 is provided with the outer and inner curved branch guide portions 322a1, 322b1, the curved main transport is provided. The transport air can be evenly guided to the upper left and right and the lower left and right of the road 331. The branch guide portions provided on the upper and lower curved cover bodies 321 and 322 are not limited to a pair of left and right structures. For example, using one branch guide that connects the outer curved outer guide 321a2 and the inner curved outer guide 321b2, or the outer curved outer guide 322a2 and the inner curved outer guide 322b2 with a smooth curved surface, The upper curved cover body 321 or the lower curved cover body 322 may be configured. Further, as the end curved cover body, both the upper curved cover body 321 and the lower curved cover body 322 are not provided, and the end curved cover body is provided only on one end, and the outer and inner curved walls 311, 312 are provided with the outer side. Only one row of curved air return holes 34 may be provided. In this case, at the other end where the end curved cover body is not provided, the space between the outer curved wall 311 and the inner curved wall 312 is closed with a shielding wall or the like so that the transport air does not leak. Should be formed.

On the outer wall surface 311a side of the outer curved wall 311 provided with the outer curved air return hole 34, the transport air guided by the outer curved outer guiding portions 321a2 and 322a2 of the upper and lower curved cover bodies 321 and 322 is outside. An outer curved return guide portion 35 that leads to the curved air return hole 34 is provided. In the outer curved return guide portion 35, at least the outer curved air introduction opening 35a is located at the upstream opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34, and the protrusion narrows toward the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34. The cross section of the body was substantially triangular (see, for example, FIG. 7). The outer curved return guide portion 35 connects a main air guiding portion 351 having a flat surface facing the outer curved air return hole 34, an upper portion of the main air guiding portion 351 and an upper opening edge 343a of the outer curved air return hole 34. It has an upper air guiding portion 352a and a lower air guiding portion 352b that connects the lower portion of the main air guiding portion 351 and the lower opening edge 343b.

Further, the upper and lower air guiding portions 352a and 352b of the outer curved feedback guide portion 35 are not formed as corner portions where turbulent flow is likely to occur, but are formed of smooth curved surfaces. The upstream curved surfaces of the upper and lower air guiding portions 352a and 352b have a shape that gradually converges toward the upper end portion or the lower end portion of the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34. Therefore, the inner surface of the upper air guiding portion 352a becomes an upward guiding curved surface, and the inner surface of the lower air guiding portion 352b becomes a downward guiding curved surface.

When the outer curved return guide portion 35 including the upper air guiding portion 352a on which the upward guiding curved surface is formed and the lower air guiding portion 352b on which the downward guiding curved surface is formed is provided, the curved main part is curved from the outer curved air return hole 34. The outer curved return flow returning to the transport path 331 tends to spread in the vertical direction as well. That is, in the upper part of the transport air flowing in from the outer curved air introduction opening 35a, it flows along the upper air guiding portion 352a whose bending width narrows upward toward the upstream opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34. After passing through the outer curved air return hole 34, it easily spreads upward. Similarly, at the lower part of the transport air flowing in from the outer curved air introduction opening 35a, along the lower air guiding portion 352b whose bending width narrows downward toward the upstream opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34. Since it flows, it easily spreads downward when it passes through the outer curved air return hole 34. When an appropriate amount of the return flow diffused in this way hits the side surface of the banknote PM, the banknote PM is transferred in the transport direction.

Further, the guiding direction of the inner surface of the main air guiding portion 351 of the outer curved return guide portion 35 is the tangential direction of the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 at the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34. It is done like this. Therefore, the outer curved feedback flow guided by the outer curved return guide portion 35 and returned to the curved main transport path 331 is at the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34 on the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. , It is guided to flow in the direction tangential to the inner wall surface 311b. As a result, the outer curved return flow that has passed through the outer curved air return hole 34 hits the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 without a step, and a Geltler vortex is generated (see FIG. 8).

By generating a Gertler vortex on the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 to prevent the bill PM from pressing against the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311, the bill PM is moved to the center side in the left-right direction of the curved main transport path 331. Push and bend. As a result, the banknote PM is bent according to the curved state of the curved main transport path 331 by the Gertler vortex generated at the required point, and hits the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 on the way or the outer curved air. It is stably transported to the most downstream end of the curved transport pipe 3A without blocking the return hole 34. When a return flow that generates a Geltler vortex sufficient for stable transportation is obtained for the banknote PM to be conveyed, the opening height of the outer curved air introduction opening 35a in the outer curved return guide portion 35 (the outer wall surface 311a of the outer curved wall 311). The opening width in the left-right direction based on the above is about 4 [mm].

As described above, in the curved transport pipe 3A of the first configuration example, the outer curved air return hole 34 and the outer curved return guide portion 35 are transported from the straight main transport path 231 of the straight transport pipe 2 to the curved main transport path 331. It functions as a paper leaf bending guiding means for generating a Geltler vortex at an arbitrary position to prevent the bill PM from being pressed against the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. If the outer curved air return hole 34 and the outer curved return guide portion 35 are integrally formed with the outer curved wall 311 by resin processing, the inside of the main air guiding portion 351 and the outer curved wall 311 of the outer curved return guide portion 35. There is an advantage that the wall surface 311b can easily form a continuous shape in the tangential direction without a step. Of course, the outer curved return guide portion 35 may be formed by attaching the outer curved return guide portion structure formed as a separate body along the edge portion of the outer curved air return hole 34.

Further, the curved transport pipe 3A of this configuration example was used to bend the banknote PM transported in the lateral direction by 180 ° in the lateral direction, but by tilting the installation angle of the curved transport pipe 3A up and down by 90 °, It is also possible to bend the banknote PM transported in the horizontal direction by 180 ° in the vertical direction and return it in the horizontal direction. Then, when the bending angle of the curved transport pipe 3A is changed from 180 ° to about 90 °, it can be used to bend the transport direction of the banknote PM from horizontal to vertical (or vertical to horizontal). When changing the transport direction of the banknote PM from horizontal to vertical (or from vertical to horizontal), it is necessary to provide a paper leaf bending guiding means stronger than when changing the transport direction from the horizontal direction to the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the curved transport pipe 3A that changes the transport direction from vertical to horizontal, the arrangement interval of the outer curved air return holes 34 is shortened (for example, 35.7 [mm] or less) so that the Geltler vortex acts at shorter intervals. It is desirable to do). Further, in the curved transport pipe 3A that changes the transport direction from vertical to horizontal, the opening height of the outer curved air introduction opening 35a is increased so as to generate a stronger Geltler vortex than when the transport direction is changed from the horizontal direction to the horizontal direction. It is desirable to make it high (for example, about 5 [mm]). The curved transport pipes of the other configuration examples described below can also be used to change the transport direction of paper sheets vertically-horizontally by adjusting the interval and strength at which the Geltler vortex acts in the same manner. It will be possible.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the structure and function of the curved transport pipe 3B of the second configuration example will be described in detail. The same functions as those of the curved transport pipe 3A of the first configuration example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The curved transport pipe 3B is provided with a Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 provided on the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. The Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 includes a smooth curved surface-shaped Geltler vortex amplification surface 361 in which the amount of protrusion from the inner wall surface 311b gradually increases toward the downstream side, and is more than a downstream opening edge 342 in the outer curved air return hole 34. Installed on the upstream side. In the curved transport pipe 3B of this configuration example, the upstream side edge portion 362a of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 is substantially aligned with the downstream side opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34, and the downstream side edge portion 362b of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 is provided. Approximately coincides with the upstream opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34.

Thus, the outer curved return flow that has passed through the outer curved air return hole 34 abuts against the Geltler vortex amplification surface 361 having a curvature larger than that of the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 and generates a stronger Geltler vortex in a wider range. Can be done (see FIG. 11). Moreover, since the downstream side edge portion 362b of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 appropriately rises from the upstream side opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34, the curved main transport path 331 is located downstream of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36. A Geltler vortex can be generated near the center in the left-right direction of. Therefore, the banknote PM is further pushed and bent toward the center of the curved main transport path 331 in the left-right direction, and there is a risk of hitting the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 or blocking the outer curved air return hole 34 on the way. Can be further reduced. Further, since the downstream side edge portion 362b of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 is a projecting body that appropriately rises from the upstream side opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34, even if the Geltler vortex is reduced or disappears for some reason. , It is possible to prevent the bill PM from blocking the outer curved air return hole 34. When a return flow that generates a Geltler vortex sufficient for stable transportation is obtained for the banknote PM as a transfer target, the opening height of the outer curved air introduction opening 35a in the outer curved return guide portion 35 (the outer wall surface 312a of the inner curved wall 312). The opening width in the left-right direction with respect to the above is about 2 [mm].

In the curved transport pipe 3B of the second configuration example, the outer curved air return hole 34, the outer curved return guide portion 35, and the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 cooperate to generate the Gertler vortex at an arbitrary position. Guidance means can be realized. If the outer curved air return hole 34, the outer curved return guide portion 35, and the Gertrad vortex amplification plate 36 are integrally formed with the outer curved wall 311 by resin processing, they can be combined with the main air guiding portion 351 of the outer curved feedback guide portion 35. There is an advantage that the Geltler vortex amplification surface 361 of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 can easily form a continuous shape without a step. Of course, the structure for the outer curved return guide portion formed as a separate body is attached along the edge of the outer curved air return hole 34, and the structure for the Geltler vortex amplification plate formed as a separate body is attached to the inside of the outer curved wall 311. It may be attached to the wall surface 311b.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the structure and function of the curved transport pipe 3C of the third configuration example will be described in detail. The same functions as the curved transport pipe 3A of the first configuration example or the curved transport pipe 3B of the second configuration example are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the curved transport pipe 3C, the inner curved air return holes 37 are provided in two rows above and below the inner curved wall 312 at equal intervals with a distance equivalent to about 45 °. That is, the inner curved air return hole 37 is provided corresponding to each of the outer curved air return holes 34 provided in the outer curved wall 311. The inner curved air return hole 37 has a substantially quadrangular shape surrounded by an upstream opening edge 371, a downstream opening edge 372, an upper opening edge 343a, and a lower opening edge 343b. The inner curved air return hole 37 in the curved transfer pipe 3C of this configuration example has a substantially quadrangular shape, but the opening shape and the opening shape thereof are the same as those of the air return hole 24 and the outer curved air return hole 34 in the linear transfer pipe 2 described above. The opening area, arrangement interval, and the like are not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that a necessary and sufficient feedback flow can be obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, with the upstream side opening edge 341 of the outer curved air return hole 34 as a reference (0 °), the position corresponding to about 10 ° is set as the upstream side opening edge 371, and the opening up to the downstream side opening edge 342. The width is equivalent to about 15 °. Therefore, the downstream opening edge 342 of the inner curved air return hole 37 is at a position corresponding to 25 °, which is the same as the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34. Further, the adjacent inner curved air return hole 37 is provided so as to sandwich a non-perforated section corresponding to about 20 °. As a result, in addition to the four outer curved air return holes 34, the four inner curved air return holes 37 can be arranged at equal intervals in the curved transfer pipe 3C.

On the outer wall surface 312a side of the inner curved wall 312 provided with the inner curved air return hole 37, the transport air guided to the inner curved return induction empty portion 333b of the upper and lower curved cover bodies 321 and 322 is returned to the inner curved air. An inner curved return guide portion 38 that leads to the hole 37 is provided. In the inner curved return guide portion 38, at least the inner curved air introduction opening 38a is located at the upstream opening edge 371 of the inner curved air return hole 37, and the protrusion narrows toward the downstream opening edge 372 of the inner curved air return hole 37. The body has a substantially triangular cross section (see, for example, FIG. 13). The inner curved return guide portion 38 connects the main air guiding portion 381 having a flat surface facing the inner curved air return hole 37, the upper portion of the main air guiding portion 381, and the upper opening edge 373a of the inner curved air return hole 37. It has an upper air guiding portion 382a and a lower air guiding portion 382b that connects the lower portion of the main air guiding portion 381 and the lower opening edge 373b.

Further, the upper and lower air guiding portions 382a and 382b of the inner curved feedback guide portion 38 are formed of smooth curved surfaces instead of corner portions where turbulence is likely to occur. The upstream curved surfaces of the upper and lower air guiding portions 382a and 382b have a shape that gradually converges toward the upper end portion or the lower end portion of the downstream opening edge 372 of the inner curved air return hole 37. Therefore, the inner surface of the upper air guiding portion 382a becomes an upward guiding curved surface, and the inner surface of the lower air guiding portion 382b becomes a downward guiding curved surface.

When the inner curved return guide portion 38 including the upper air guiding portion 382a on which the upward guiding curved surface is formed and the lower air guiding portion 382b on which the downward guiding curved surface is formed is provided, the curved main part is curved from the inner curved air return hole 37. The inner curved return flow returning to the transport path 331 tends to spread in the vertical direction as well. That is, in the upper part of the transport air flowing in from the inner curved air introduction opening 38a, it flows along the upper air guiding portion 382a whose bending width narrows upward toward the upstream opening edge 371 of the inner curved air return hole 37. After passing through the inner curved air return hole 37, it easily spreads upward. Similarly, at the lower part of the transport air flowing in from the inner curved air introduction opening 38a, along the lower air guiding portion 382b whose bending width narrows downward toward the upstream opening edge 371 of the inner curved air return hole 37. Since it flows, it tends to spread downward when passing through the inner curved air return hole 37.

Further, the main air guiding portion 381 of the inner curved feedback guide portion 38 has an inner surface whose guiding direction is the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 (in FIG. 13, the Geltler vortex amplification surface 361 of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36). On the other hand, the angle is adjusted so as to be within the required angle range (for example, 10 ° to 45 °). Thus, the inner curved return flow, which is guided by the inner curved return guide portion 38 and passes through the inner curved air return hole 37, has an inner wall surface 311b (or a Geltler vortex) of the outer curved wall 311 at an angle capable of generating a Geltler vortex. It abuts against the Geltler vortex amplification surface 361) of the amplification plate 36. As a result, in addition to the outer curved return flow that has passed through the outer curved air return hole 34, the inner curved return flow that has passed through the inner curved air return hole 37 is the inner wall surface 311b (or the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36) of the outer curved wall 311. It can hit the Geltler vortex amplification surface 361) to generate a stronger Geltler vortex over a wider area (see FIG. 14).

In the curved transport pipe 3C of the third configuration example, the bill PM transported from the straight main transport path 231 of the straight transport pipe 2 to the curved main transport path 331 by the inner curved air return hole 37 and the inner curved return guide portion 38. It is possible to construct a paper banknote bending guiding means for generating a Geltler vortex at an arbitrary position, which prevents the paper from hitting the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. Then, by combining with the paper leaf bending guiding means composed of the outer curved air return hole 34 and the outer curved return guide portion 35 and the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 described above, the banknote PM is more stable in the curved main transport path 331. Can be transported to.

The inner curved return flow flowing into the curved main transport path 331 by the inner curved air return hole 37 and the inner curved return guide portion 38 can be applied to the outer curved wall 311 at an angle at which a Geltrar vortex is likely to be generated. The air volume and speed are not as high as those generated by the outer curved air return hole 34 and the outer curved return guide portion 35. Therefore, the front-rear width of the inner curved air return hole 37 (the opening width from the upstream opening edge 371 to the downstream opening edge 342) may be narrower than the front-rear width of the outer curved air return hole 34. Further, the opening height of the inner curved air introduction opening 38a in the inner curved return guide portion 38 (the opening width in the left-right direction with respect to the outer wall surface 312a of the inner curved wall 312) is also the outer curved air in the outer curved return guide portion 35. It may be about half the opening height of the introduction opening 35a (about 2 [mm]). Further, when the inner curved return flow hits the bill PM, a propulsive force can be given in the transport direction, but it also acts as a force in the direction of pressing the bill PM against the outer curved wall 311. Therefore, this force decelerates the bill PM. There is also a risk of hindering the stable transportation of the banknote PM. Therefore, not making the inner curved feedback flow too strong is also useful for stably transporting the banknote PM without decelerating it.

If the inner curved air return hole 37 and the inner curved return guide portion 38 are integrally formed with the inner curved wall 312 by resin processing, the return flow guidance angle by the main air guiding portion 381 of the inner curved return guide portion 38 can be made highly accurate. It has the advantage of being easy to make. Of course, the inner curved return guide portion 38 may be formed by attaching the inner curved return guide portion structure formed as a separate body along the edge portion of the inner curved air return hole 37.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, the structure and function of the curved transport pipe 3D of the fourth configuration example will be described in detail. The same functions as the curved transport pipes 3A to 3C of the first to third configuration examples are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the curved transport pipe 3D of the third configuration example, the convex outer curved rib 8 for preventing the bill PM from coming into close contact with the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 is provided on the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. Further, the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312 is provided with a convex inner curved rib 9 for preventing the rear end portion of the bill PM from coming into contact with the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312.

The outer curved rib 8 has a concave curved contact prevention surface 81 protruding from the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 by a certain amount into the curved main transport path 331, and a curve extending from the upper edge of the adhesion prevention surface 81 to the inner wall surface 311b. An upper surface portion 82 and a curved lower surface portion 83 extending from the lower edge of the adhesion prevention surface 81 to the inner wall surface 311b are provided. The protruding height of the contact prevention surface 81 is made the same as, for example, the protruding height of the downstream side edge portion 362b of the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36. In this way, since a step is not generated between the outer curved rib 8 and the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36, the risk of the banknote PM being caught in the step can be eliminated.

The outer curved rib 8 has an upstream end portion 84a located at the inflow opening of the curved transport pipe 3D and a downstream end portion 84b located at the outflow opening of the curved transport pipe 3D. It has a continuous shape from to the outflow opening without interruption. Therefore, the outer curved rib 8 is arranged so as to straddle from the upstream opening edge 341 to the downstream opening edge 342 of the outer curved air return hole 34 so that the outer curved rib 8 is not interrupted even in the outer curved air return hole 34. At this time, it is desirable to arrange the outer curved rib 8 near the center in the vertical direction of the outer curved air return hole 34. If the outer curved rib 8 is provided so as to block the upper side of the outer curved air return hole 34, the outer curved return flow is prevented from spreading upward, and the outer side is blocked so as to block the lower side of the outer curved air return hole 34. This is because the provision of the curved rib 8 prevents the outer curved return flow from spreading downward.

If the outer curved rib 8 is provided as described above, the above-mentioned paper banknote bending guiding means and the like do not function effectively, and a sufficient Geltler vortex cannot be generated on the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311. However, it is possible to prevent the bill PM from coming into close contact with the inner wall surface 311b of the outer curved wall 311 (see FIG. 17). The outer curved rib 8 may be formed of a single member, or may be divided into short members for each arrangement cycle of the outer curved air return hole 34 (for each range corresponding to 45 ° of the curved transport pipe 3D). By connecting the upstream end 84a and the downstream end 84b of the adjacent outer curved ribs 8, the curved transport pipe 3D may be made continuous from the inflow opening to the outflow opening. Further, it may be integrally formed with the outer curved wall 311 and the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36 by resin processing, or integrally with the outer curved wall 311 and the Geltler vortex amplification plate 36.

The inner curved rib 9 has a convex curved contact prevention surface 91 protruding from the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312 into the curved main transport path 331, and a curved upper surface portion extending from the upper edge of the contact prevention surface 91 to the inner wall surface 312b. The 92 is provided with a curved lower surface portion 93 extending from the lower edge of the contact prevention surface 91 to the inner wall surface 312b. The inner curved rib 9 is provided for each arrangement cycle of the outer curved air return hole 34 (every range corresponding to 45 ° of the curved transport pipe 3D), and the contact prevention surface 91 is an upstream end portion of the inner curved rib 9. The amount of protrusion gradually increases from 94a toward the downstream end 94b. That is, the amount of protrusion of the upstream end 94a of the inner curved rib 9 is infinitely close to 0 (ideally equal to the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312), and the amount of protrusion of the downstream end 94b is maximum (ideally equal to the inner wall 312b of the inner curved wall 312). Approximately the same as the amount of protrusion of the outer curved rib 8).

The inner curved rib 9 has an uninterrupted and continuous shape within the arrangement cycle of the outer curved air return hole 34 (within a range corresponding to 45 ° of the curved transport pipe 3D). Therefore, the inner curved rib 9 is arranged so as to straddle the upstream opening edge 371 of the inner curved air return hole 37 to the downstream opening edge 372 so that the inner curved rib 9 is not interrupted even in the inner curved air return hole 37. At this time, it is desirable to arrange the inner curved rib 9 near the center of the inner curved air return hole 37 in the vertical direction. If the inner curved rib 9 is provided so as to block the upper side of the inner curved air return hole 37, the inner curved return flow is prevented from spreading upward, and the inner curved air return hole 37 is closed so as to block the lower side. This is because the provision of the curved rib 9 prevents the inner curved return flow from spreading downward.

If the inner curved rib 9 as described above is provided, for some reason, the rear end portion of the bill PM cannot be moved toward the center side in the left-right direction of the curved main transport path 331, and approaches the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312 from coming into contact with the inner wall surface 312b (see FIG. 17). If the rear end of the banknote PM is pressed against the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312, surface contact or line contact occurs, whereas even if the rear end of the banknote PM is pressed against the inner curved rib 9 Since the contact is limited to line contact or point contact, there is also an effect that the attenuation of the transport speed due to the contact resistance can be suppressed. Further, since the amount of protrusion of the inner curved rib 9 gradually increases from the upstream side end portion 94a toward the downstream side end portion 94b, the rear end portion of the bill PM in contact with the inner curved rib 9 is used as the curved main transport path 331. You can also expect the effect of pushing back to the center side in the left-right direction. The inner curved rib 9 formed as a separate body may be attached to the inner wall surface 312b of the inner curved wall 312, or the inner curved wall 312 and the inner curved rib 9 may be integrally formed by resin processing.

The curved transport pipes 3A to 3D of the first to fourth configuration examples described above change the transport direction by 180 °, but the curved transport pipe may be configured so as to change the transport direction by an arbitrary angle. Alternatively, by combining a plurality of curved transport units that change the curved transport path by a required angle, the transport direction can be changed to a desired angle or the transport position can be shifted, resulting in high versatility.

FIG. 18 shows the right curved transport unit 3RU, in which the curved transport pipe 3D of the fourth configuration example described above is placed in the arrangement cycle of the outer curved air return hole 34 (within the range corresponding to 45 ° of the curved transport pipe 3D). ) Is the structure divided by. Therefore, in the right curved transport unit 3RU, the outer curved air return hole 34 and the outer curved return guide portion 35, the Geltrar vortex amplification plate 36, the inner curved air return hole 37 and the inner curved return guide portion 38, the outer curved rib 8, and the inner side are provided. All curved ribs 9 can be provided. Further, the right-curved transport unit 3RU can output the transport air that has flowed into the upstream side in the blowing direction WD by bending it 45 ° to the right on the downstream side.

On the other hand, what is shown in FIG. 19 is a left-curved transport unit 3LU, which has a structure in which the right-curved transport unit 3RU is left-right determined. Therefore, the left-curved transport unit 3LU can output the transport air that has flowed into the upstream side in the blowing direction WD by bending it 45 ° to the left on the downstream side. Of course, the left curved transport unit 3LU also has an outer curved air return hole 34 and an outer curved return guide portion 35, a Geltrar vortex amplification plate 36, an inner curved air return hole 37 and an inner curved return guide portion 38, an outer curved rib 8, and an inner surface. All curved ribs 9 can be provided.

The right-curved transfer unit 3RU and the left-curved transfer unit 3LU are provided with a mounting mechanism (not shown) that can tightly connect the upstream side and the downstream side, and the right-curved transfer unit 3RUs, the left-curved transfer units 3LUs, and the right. The curved transfer unit 3RU and the left curved transfer unit 3LU can be attached to each other. Of course, the linear transport pipe 2 described above may be provided with the same mounting mechanism so that the straight transport pipe 2 and the right-curved transport unit 3RU or the left-curved transport unit 3LU can be mounted on each other. Since the linear transport pipe 2 described above has a structure symmetrical in the vertical direction, the curved transport pipes 3A to 3D also have a structure symmetrical in the vertical direction. Therefore, the right-curved transport unit 3RU having a structure in which the curved transport pipe 3D is divided into four equal parts also has a structure that is symmetrical in the vertical direction, and when the right-curved transport unit 3RU is turned upside down, it has the same shape as the left-curved transport unit 3LU. Similarly, when the left curved transport unit 3LU is turned upside down, the shape becomes the same as that of the right curved transport unit 3RU. That is, it is also possible to perform right-curving and left-curving of the curved main transport path 331 with only the right-curved transport unit 3RU or the left-curved transport unit 3LU.

By using these right-curved transport unit 3RU and left-curved transport unit 3LU, the transport direction can be changed to the left and right by 45 °, 90 °, 135 °, and 180 °. Further, by using the right-curved transport unit 3RU and the left-curved transport unit 3LU, it is possible not only to change the transport direction but also to shift the transport position without changing the transport direction. FIG. 20 illustrates some curved transport pipes 3 configured by using the right curved transport unit 3RU and the left curved transport unit 3LU.

The curved transport pipe 3E of the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. 20 (A) is configured by connecting the right curved transport unit 3RU on the upstream side and the left curved transport unit 3LU on the downstream side. In the curved transport pipe 3E, after the right curved transport unit 3RU tilts the WD in the blowing direction WD to the right by 45 °, the curved transport unit 3LU returns the WD in the blowing direction WD to the left by 45 °, so that the transport direction of the banknote PM does not change. .. However, on the upstream side and the downstream side of the curved transfer pipe 3E, the transfer position is shifted to the right by the displacement distance D. This curved transport pipe 3E is useful when the transport path of the bill transport device 1 cannot be formed in a straight line and there is a small step that shifts to the left or right on the way.

The curved transport pipe 3F of the sixth configuration example shown in FIG. 20B is a relatively short linear transport pipe 2'between the right curved transport unit 3RU on the upstream side and the left curved transport unit 3LU on the downstream side. Is concatenated. Similar to the curved transport pipe 3E described above, the curved transport pipe 3F does not change the transport direction of the banknote PM, and the transport position shifts to the right. However, in the curved transport pipe 3F, since the linear transport pipe 2'is connected between the right curved transport unit 3RU and the left curved transport unit 3LU, the displacement distance D'in which the transport position deviates is the displacement of the curved transport pipe 3E. It becomes larger than the distance D. Moreover, since the displacement distance D'of the curved transport pipe 3F can be finely adjusted by the length of the straight transport pipe 2', this curved transport is performed when there is a step that cannot be handled by the curved transport pipe 3E. Tube 3F is useful.

The curved transport pipe 3G of the seventh configuration example shown in FIG. 20C is configured by connecting two right curved transport units 3RU on the upstream side and two left curved transport units 3LU on the downstream side. In the curved transport pipe 3E, the 90 ° blow direction WD is tilted to the right by the two right curved transport units 3RU, and then the 90 ° blow direction WD is returned to the left by the two left curved transport units 3LU. The transport direction does not change. Then, the transport position can be shifted to the right by the displacement distance D ″ on the upstream side and the downstream side of the curved transport pipe 3G.

In the curved transport pipe 3F, the displacement distance D'can be freely changed by adjusting the pipe length of the linear transport pipe 2'connected between the right curved transport unit 3RU and the left curved transport unit 3LU. It is possible to make it the same as the displacement distance D ″ of the pipe 3G. However, when a long straight transport pipe 2'is used in the curved transport pipe 3F, the distance L from the upstream side opening end to the downstream side opening end is increased accordingly. Therefore, the distance L'from the upstream side opening end to the downstream side opening end of the curved transport pipe 3G is exceeded. Therefore, when it is necessary to deal with a step in the transport path within a short distance range, this curved transport The pipe 3G is useful. Moreover, in the curved transport pipe 3G, if the linear transport pipe 2'is connected between the right curved transport unit 3RU and the left curved transport unit 3LU, the distance from the upstream opening end to the downstream opening end can be reached. Only the displacement distance D ″ can be freely changed without changing the distance L ′.

FIG. 21 shows the curved transport pipe 3H of the eighth configuration example, in which the left curved transport unit 3LU is arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively, and the left curved transport unit 3LU is connected between them by six right curved transport units 3RU. The curved transport pipe 3H is tilted 45 ° to the left by the first left curved transport unit 3LU, and then the 270 ° blow direction WD is changed to the right by the six right curved transport units 3RU, resulting in the final left curvature. The transport unit 3LU tilts the WD in the blowing direction by 45 ° to the left. Therefore, the curved transport pipe 3H has a U-turn structure in which the blowing direction WD is changed by 180 ° and the transport direction of the bill PM is reversed.

In order to reverse the transport direction of the banknote PM, a semicircular curved transport pipe in which four right curved transport units 3RU are connected or a semicircular curved transport pipe in which four left curved transport units 3LU are connected is used. Although it is sufficient to use it, the displacement distances D2 on the upstream side and the downstream side become large. On the other hand, in the curved transport pipe 3H, the displacement distances D1 on the upstream side and the downstream side can be kept small. Therefore, if the curved transport pipe 3H is used, the distance between the straight transport pipe 2 connected to the upstream side and the straight transport pipe 2 connected to the downstream side can be kept small, and the distance between the straight transport pipe 2 and the straight transport portion in the bill transport device 1 can be kept small. This is useful when the return route must be housed in a narrow duct.

Although the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be realized as long as the configuration described in the claims is not changed. All paper leaf transport devices are included as a scope of rights.

1 Bill transport device 2 Straight transport pipe 211 1st main transport wall 212 2nd main transport wall 221 Upper cover body 222 Lower cover body 23 Air straight passage space 231 Straight main transport path 232a 1st branch guidance vacant part 232b 2nd branch guidance Empty part 233a 1st return induction empty part 233b 2nd return induction empty part 24 Air return hole 3 Curved transport pipe 311 Outer curved wall 312 Inner curved wall 321 Upper curved cover body 322 Lower curved cover body 33 Air curved passage space 331 Curved main Transport path 332a Outer curved branch guidance empty part 332b Inner curved branch guidance empty part 333a Outer curved feedback guidance empty part 333b Inner curved feedback guidance empty part 34 Outer curved air return hole 35 Outer curved return guide part PM bill

Claims (6)

A paper leaf transport device that transports paper sheets from upstream to downstream through a transport pipe through which a transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream.
The transport pipe is a straight transport pipe in which a fluid linear transport space including a straight main transport path for linearly transporting the paper sheets is formed, and is connected to the straight transport pipe to bend the paper sheets. Including a curved transport pipe in which a fluid curved transport space including a curved main transport path for transporting in a shape is formed.
The straight transfer pipe
A pair of main transport wall portions whose inner wall surface side is arranged so as to face the two main surfaces of the paper sheets, and
An end cover provided on at least one end side of the pair of main transport wall portions in two directions orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper sheets and covering a part of the outer wall surface side of the main transport wall portion.
A fluid return hole formed on the end cover arrangement side of the pair of main transport wall portions at a required interval in the transport direction and through which the transport fluid can pass from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side.
It is formed between the pair of main transport wall portions and the end cover portion, and can guide the transport fluid from the inner wall surface side of the pair of main transport wall portions to the fluid return hole via the outer wall surface side. Fluid induction empty space for transport,
With
The curved transport pipe is
An outer curved wall portion that is connected to one of the main transport wall portions and has a concave inner wall surface side.
An inner curved wall portion that is connected to the other of the main transport wall portions and has a convex inner wall surface side.
An end curved cover that is connected to the end cover and covers at least a part of the outer curved wall portion on the outer wall surface side.
The paper sheets provided on the outer curved wall portion and transported from the straight main transport path of the straight transport pipe to the curved main transport path are prevented from being pressed against the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion. Paper leaf bending guiding means to generate a Gerthler vortex at an arbitrary location,
A paper leaf transport device characterized by being provided with. The paper leaf bending guiding means
An outer curved fluid return hole formed on the end curved cover arrangement side of the outer curved wall portion and through which the transport fluid can pass from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side.
An outer curved induction space formed between the outer curved wall portion and the end curved cover,
The outer curved return flow generated by the return of the transport fluid from the outer curved induction vacant portion to the curved main transport path through the outer curved fluid return hole is the outer curved fluid on the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion. An outer curved return guide portion that guides the fluid to flow in the direction tangential to the inner wall surface at the downstream opening edge of the return hole.
The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1, further comprising. The paper leaf bending guiding means uses a Geltler vortex amplification plate provided with a Geltler vortex amplification surface in which the amount of protrusion from the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion gradually increases from upstream to downstream, and the outer curved fluid. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 2, wherein the paper leaf transport device is provided on the upstream side of the return hole. The paper leaf bending guiding means
An inner curved fluid return hole formed on the end curved cover arrangement side of the inner curved wall portion and through which the transport fluid can pass from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side.
An inner curved induction space formed between the inner curved wall portion and the end curved cover,
The inner curved return flow generated by the return of the transport fluid from the inner curved guided empty portion to the curved main transport path through the inner curved fluid return hole of the outer curved wall portion at an angle capable of generating a Geltler vortex. An inner curved return guide portion that guides the user to press against the inner wall surface side,
The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper leaf transport device is provided. The claim is characterized in that it is provided on the inner wall surface side of the outer curved wall portion, and is provided with a convex outer curved rib that prevents the paper sheets from coming into close contact with the inner wall surface of the outer curved wall portion. The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. It is characterized by being provided on the inner wall surface side of the inner curved wall portion and provided with a convex inner curved rib that prevents the rear end portion of the paper sheets from coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the inner curved wall portion. The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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