JP2021143050A - Paper sheet conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet conveyance device that can be expected to stably convey a paper sheet by a conveyance flow.SOLUTION: Outer sides of first and second main conveyance walls 211 and 212 forming a main conveyance path 231 for conveying a bank note 3 are covered with upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222, left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are provided on first and second branch guide empty parts 232a and 232b of the upper and lower outer covers 221, 222, and conveyance air is supplied from the main conveyance path 231 to first and second branch guide empty parts 233a and 233b, and the bank note 3 is stably conveyed in the main conveyance path 231 by a return flow returning from an air feedback hole 24 to the main conveyance path 231.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a paper leaf transport device that transports paper leaves 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 amusement park takes in the bills identified by the bill identification unit such as the game medium lending device, 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 paper-leaf transport device for carrying out the method 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. 11 (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.

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 transport 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 leaves 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.

In the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the bill is forcibly pushed out by using the pushing unit, when the bill is strongly adsorbed on the inner wall surface, the bill 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 is stuck on the flow path and stopped. 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 generating 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. 11 (B). A pair of facing plates 104 and 104 are provided in a transport pipe 102 for transporting an object to be transported 103 of paper sheets, a transport path 105 is formed between the facing plate 104 and the facing plate 104, and each facing plate 104 and a pipe. 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 currents Fs are generated on both sides of the transport flow Fm (both side surfaces of the transported object 103), which is the main air flow for transporting the transported object 103, and the transported object 103 approaches the facing plate 104. It is a technology to prevent it from being adsorbed.

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 object to be transported 103 approaching the facing plate 104 may stick to the facing plate 104 without being blocked by the weak wall flow Fs (see FIG. 11C). When the object to be transported 103 sticks to the facing plate 104 in this way, the weak wall flow Fs generated on the upstream side of the object to be transported 103 flows so as to cover the object to be transported 103, and the object to be transported 103 is made stronger against the facing plate. A phenomenon of pressing against 104 occurs. In this case, the wall flow Fs flowing so as to cover the transported object 103 is stronger than the pressure acting on the through hole 104a blocked by the transported object 103 from the air flow path 106 side, so that the transported object 103 is a facing plate. It does not peel off from 104 and remains stuck. Therefore, even in the invention described in Patent Document 3, stable transport of paper sheets by the transport flow cannot be expected.

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 flow.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, 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, and transports the paper leaves. The transport pipe in which a fluid passage space including a main transport path is formed is a first main transport wall portion and a second main transport wall portion whose inner wall surface side is arranged so as to face the two main surfaces of the paper sheets. And the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion from at least one end edge side of the two end edges parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets in the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion. An outer cover that covers at least a part of each outer wall surface side of the transport wall portion is provided, and the portion of the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion that is covered by the outer cover is described as described above. Fluid return holes through which the transport fluid can pass are provided from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side at required intervals in the transport direction, and the outer cover is provided on the inner wall surface side of the first main transport wall portion. The outer wall surface of the first main transport wall portion via the first branch guide portion that generates the first branch guide vacant portion that guides the transport fluid from the outer wall surface side to the outer wall surface side, and the first branch guide vacant portion. From the inner wall surface side of the second main transport wall portion and the first outer guide portion that creates a first outer guide air portion that can guide the transport fluid guided to the side to the fluid return hole. To the outer wall surface side of the second main transport wall portion via the second branch guide portion that generates the second branch guide vacant portion that guides the transport fluid to the outer wall surface side and the second branch guide vacant portion. The first main transport facing the first branch guide portion is provided with a second outer guide portion for generating a second outer guide air portion capable of guiding the induced transport fluid to the fluid return hole. At the edge of the wall portion, at least the transport fluid that protrudes into the first branch guide vacant portion and flows from upstream to downstream in the first branch guide vacant portion is transmitted from the first branch guide vacant portion to the first outside. A first-direction guide plate for guiding to the direction-guided air portion is provided at a required interval in the transport direction, and at least the second branch guide air is provided at the end edge of the second main transport wall portion facing the second branch guide portion. The transport is a second-direction guide plate that projects into the portion and guides the transport fluid that flows from upstream to downstream in the second branch guide vacant portion from the second branch guide vacant portion to the second outer guide vacant portion. It is characterized in that it is provided at a required interval in the direction.

Further, in the above configuration, the outer cover is placed on the first porch side, which is one edge parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets in the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion. The first branch guide portion and the second branch guide portion are provided, and the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion are the other edges parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets. The first branch guide portion and the second branch guide portion are provided on the edge side, and the first branch guide portion on the first edge side and the first branch guide portion on the second edge side are placed outside the first branch. The second branch guide portion on the first edge side and the second branch guide portion on the second edge side may be connected by the direction guide portion and connected by the second outer guide portion.

Further, in the above configuration, the first direction guide plate may be attached to the first main transport wall portion, and the second direction guide plate may be attached to the second main transport wall portion.

Further, in the above configuration, the shield straddling at least one edge side of the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion is transported at intervals shorter than the length in the transport direction of the paper sheets. The transport fluid formed between a plurality of shields provided in the direction and the adjacent shields and flowing in the main transport path flows into the first branch guide and the second branch guide. A transport guide may be provided that includes an air passage portion that allows the air passage.

Further, in the above configuration, the shielding portion is attached to the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion, and the first direction guide plate and the second direction guide plate are attached to at least the shield portion. You may do so.

According to the present invention, the transport fluid flowing in the main transport path of the transport pipe is moved to the outer wall surface side of the first main transport wall portion by the first direction guide plate, and the second main transport wall portion by the second direction guide plate. Since the guides are guided to the outer wall surface side of the above, the first outer guide air portion and the second outer guide air portion have a higher pressure than the inside of the main transport path. As a result, a feedback flow is generated in which the transport fluid returns from each fluid return hole of the first and second main transport walls to the main transport path, and the paper leaf receives the feedback flow from both sides of the first side wall and the second side wall. Classes will be stably transported downstream in the main transport path.

It is a schematic block diagram of the paper leaf transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the transport pipe of the first configuration example divided in the vertical direction orthogonal to the transport direction. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2 (A). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIC-IIC in FIG. 2 (A). (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transport pipe without a guide plate divided in a 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 the transport pipe which does not have a guide plate. It is the schematic explanatory drawing of the return flow in the transport pipe of the 1st configuration example provided with the guide plate. (A) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a transport pipe of a second configuration example provided with a transport guide divided in a vertical direction orthogonal to the transport direction. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6 (A). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIC-VIC in FIG. 6 (A). (A) is a plan view of the transport guide provided at the bottom of the main transport wall as viewed from the main transport path side. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7 (A). (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transport guide according to a second configuration example. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transport guide according to a third configuration example. It is the schematic perspective view of the transport pipe which concerns on 3rd structural example. (A) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the transport pipe of the third configuration example divided in the vertical direction orthogonal to the transport direction. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XB-XB in FIG. 10 (A). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XC-XC in FIG. 10 (A). (A) is an explanatory view of the basic structure of transport by a transport pipe having a conventional structure. (B) and (C) are schematic explanatory views of fluid transport in a conventional transport pipe provided with a facing 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 such that the banknotes 3 inserted into a game medium lending device, a card sales device, or the like are collected and collected in one place. The banknote 3 to be transported, which is passed through the transport pipe 2A of the first configuration example and is transported, is introduced into the transport pipe 2A from the bill introduction portion 4 provided at an appropriate position so that the long side direction is the transport direction. A blower 5 is provided at one end of the transport pipe 2A, and a bill collecting unit 6 is provided at the other end. That is, air as a transport fluid flows in the transport pipe 2A 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 banknote collection unit 6 side, which is downstream, air as a transport fluid can be allowed to flow in the transport pipe 2A from upstream to downstream.

The transport pipe 2A can be connected up to the required length and adjusted to a flow path according to the installation location and the situation. The transport pipe 2A includes a first main transport wall portion and a second main transport wall portion 211 and a second main transport wall 212 whose inner surfaces are arranged so as to face the two surfaces of the bill 3. The structure is such that an upper outer cover 221 and a lower outer cover 222 are provided as outer covers provided on both the upper and lower sides of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, respectively. The first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 form a fluid passage space 23 inside which compressed air can be sent out. Of the fluid 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 main transport path 231 and passes through the main transport path 231. The bill 3 is transported.

In the transport pipe 2A, the first main transport wall 211 is arranged on the left side in the transport direction, and the second main transport wall 212 is arranged on the left side in the transport direction. The direction refers to the left side in the transport direction, and the second direction refers to the right side in the transport direction. Further, both the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 have a constant height (vertical width) in the vertical direction, and the upper end edge 211c and the first edge of the first main transport wall 211 are the first edges. The lower end edge 211d, which is the two end edges, the upper end edge 212c, which is the first end edge of the second main transport wall 212, and the lower end edge 212d, which is the second end edge, are substantially parallel to the transport direction.

The upper outer cover 221 includes a space above the upper end edge 211c of the first main transport wall 211 and the upper end edge 212c of the second main transport wall 212, and a part (upper portion) of the outer wall surface 211a of the first main transport wall 211. And a part (upper part) of the outer wall surface 212a of the second main transport wall 212 is covered. On the other hand, the lower outer cover 222 includes a space below the lower end edge 211d of the first main transport wall 211 and the lower end edge 212d of the second main transport wall 212, and a part (lower) of the outer wall surface 211a of the first main transport wall 211. The side portion) and a part (lower portion) of the outer wall surface 212a of the second main transport wall 212 are covered. The upper outer cover 221 and the lower outer cover 222 are not provided separately, and as will be described later, one outer cover covers the entire outer side of the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. The structure may be used.

The first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 may be formed as individual parts and assembled, or may be combined by resin processing technology such as injection molding or extrusion molding. Parts may be formed and assembled. Further, not limited to resin processing, a plate material having a thickness of about 1 to 2 [mm] may be processed to make the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222. ..

Further, the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are provided with air return holes 24 at required intervals through which transport air can pass from the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a to the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b. In the transport pipe 2A having this configuration, the upper portions of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 covered with the upper outer cover 221 and the first and second mains covered with the lower outer cover 222. The lower portions of the transport walls 211 and 12 are provided in a line at equal intervals in the transport direction (see, for example, FIG. 2B). The air return hole 24 in the transport pipe 2A 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 is only necessary to obtain a return flow. When transporting Japanese banknotes 3, assuming that the heights of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are about 80 [mm] and the facing distance 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 main transport path 231 in between. It is desirable to set the opening position of the 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 bill 3, the return flow is extremely biased. If does not act on the two sides of the bill 3 from both sides, stable transportation of the bill 3 can be realized.

The upper outer cover 221 is a branch that creates a fluid-guided air portion that guides transport air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a, respectively. It is equipped with a guide unit. In the upper outer cover 221 of this configuration, the first branch guide portion 221a1 provided corresponding to the first main transport wall 211 and the second branch guide portion 221b1 provided corresponding to the second main transport wall 212 are provided. The structure is symmetrical, and the first branch guide portion 221a1 and the second branch guide portion 221b1 are integrally connected by the central connecting portion 221c continuous in the transport direction.

The inner surface of the first branch guide portion 221a1 of the upper outer cover 221 faces to the upper left so as to gradually move away from the main transport path 231 from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes toward the left and gradually changes downward to the left when it exceeds the first main transport wall 211. Therefore, the first branch guiding portion 221a1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space above the upper end edge 211c of the first main transport wall 211. The branch guide empty portion 232a can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the second branch guide portion 221b1 of the upper outer cover 221 is gradually moved away from the main transport path 231 from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes to the upper right and gradually changes to the lower right when it exceeds the second main transport wall 212. Therefore, the second branch guiding portion 221b1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space above the upper end edge 212c of the second main transport wall 212. A branch-guided empty portion 232b can be formed. When the bill 3 is to be transported, the left and right widths of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 are each 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 outside (left side) of the first branch guiding portion 221a1 of the upper outer cover 221 is directed to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first main transport wall 211 via the first branch guiding empty portion 232a. The first outer guidance air portion 233a capable of guiding the guided transport air to the air return hole 24 is generated. Similarly, the second outer guide portion 221b2 connected to the outside (right side) of the second branch guide portion 221b1 of the upper outer cover 221 is the outer wall surface of the second main transport wall 212 via the second branch guide empty portion 232b. A second outer guidance air portion 233b capable of guiding the transport air guided to the 212a side 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 outer 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 outer guidance space 233b is closed. When the bill 3 is to be transported, the vertical height of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 is about 30 to 35 [mm].

The lower outer cover 222 is also a fluid guide that guides air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a, respectively, in the same manner as the upper outer cover 221. It is provided with a branch guide that creates an empty space. Also in the lower outer cover 222 of this configuration, the first branch guide portion 222a1 provided corresponding to the first main transport wall 211 and the second branch guide portion 222b1 provided corresponding to the second main transport wall 212 are provided. The structure is symmetrical, and the first branch guide portion 222a1 and the second branch guide portion 222b1 are integrally connected by the central connecting portion 222c continuous in the transport direction.

The inner surface of the first branch guide portion 222a1 in the lower outer cover 222 faces downward to the left so as to gradually move away from the main transport path 231 from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that projects toward the upper left and gradually changes to the upper left when it exceeds the first main transport wall 211. Therefore, the first branch guiding portion 222a1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space below the lower end edge 211d of the first main transport wall 211. The branch guide empty portion 232a can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the second branch guide portion 222b1 in the lower outer cover 222 is gradually moved away from the main transport path 231 from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes downward to the right and gradually changes to the upper right when it exceeds the second main transport wall 212. Therefore, the second branch guiding portion 222b1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space below the lower end edge 212d of the second main transport wall 212. A branch-guided empty portion 232b can be formed. When the bill 3 is to be transported, the left and 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 guide portion 222a2 connected to the outside (left side) of the first branch guide portion 222a1 of the lower outer cover 222 is directed to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first main transport wall 211 via the first branch guide empty portion 232a. The first outer guidance air portion 233a capable of guiding the guided transport air to the air return hole 24 is generated. Similarly, the second outer guide portion 222b2 connected to the outside (right side) of the second branch guide portion 222b1 of the lower outer cover 222 is the outer wall surface of the second main transport wall 212 via the second branch guide empty portion 232b. A second outer guidance air portion 233b capable of guiding the transport air guided to the 212a side 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 outer 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 outer guidance space 233b is closed. When the bill 3 is to be transported, the vertical height of the first and second outer guide portions 222a2 and 222b2 is about 30 to 35 [mm].

As described above, if the upper outer cover 221 is provided with the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 and the lower outer cover 222 is provided with the first and second branch guide portions 222a1,222b1, the main parts are provided. The transport air can be evenly guided to the upper left and right and the lower left and right of the transport path 231. As the outer cover, neither the upper outer cover 221 nor the lower outer cover 222 is provided, but the outer cover is provided only on 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 outer cover 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 in a sealed fluid 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 outer covers 221 and 222 are provided. A return guide portion 25 is provided to guide the transport air guided by the above 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 on the upstream opening edge 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. (See FIG. 2 (C)). 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 3 is to be transported and the air return holes 24 are provided in two rows corresponding to the upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222, the vertical height of the return guide portion 25 is about 20 to 30 [mm]. When the width in the transport direction is about 5 to 23 [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 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 bill 3 flowing near the center of the 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 3, and the return flow that has become a moderate flow-down force acts on the banknote 3. 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 bill 3 flowing near the center of the main transport path 231. In this way, the bill 3 can be reached before the return flow disappears, and the force for transporting the bill 3 downstream can be given from the return flow.

Further, in the transport pipe 2A having this configuration, the first branch guide portions 221a1,222a1 provided on the upper and lower outer covers 221,222, respectively, are provided as first-direction guide plates in at least the first branch guide empty portion 232a. The left guide plate 26L protrudes. On the other hand, the right guide plate 26R as the second direction guide plate projects into at least the second branch guide empty portion 232b in the second branch guide portions 221b1, 222b1 provided on the upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222, respectively. The left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are plate-like bodies having an appearance in which a semicircular arc-shaped plate material is stretched in the chord direction, so that one first surface 261 faces the upstream side and the other second surface 262 faces the downstream side. , The upper and lower end edges 211c, 212c, 211d, 212d of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are brought into contact with each other diagonally and without gaps. Therefore, the arc-shaped curved edge portions 263 of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are set to have a curvature so as to be in close contact with the concave inner surfaces of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. .. The flat edge portions 264 of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R attached to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 are substantially parallel to the air blowing direction WD of the transport air, and are substantially parallel to the main transport path. It is located near the boundary between 231 and the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b.

Further, in the upper outer cover 221, the upstream end portion 26a of the left guide plate 26L provided on the first branch guide portion 221a1 and the upstream end portion 26a of the right guide plate 26R provided on the second branch guide portion 221b1 are the first. The one-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 guiding portion 221a1 and the second branch guiding portion 221b1 is at an intermediate position in the width direction between the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, the left and right guiding plates 26L and 26R Functions as a V-shaped wedge that bisects the transport air heading downstream while press-fitting upward from the main transport path 231. Similarly, in the lower outer cover 222, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R 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.

In the upper outer cover 221, the downstream end portion 26b of the left guide plate 26L is located near the connecting portion between the first branch guide portion 221a1 and the first outer guide portion 221a2. Similarly, the downstream end portion 26b of the right guide plate 26R is located near the connecting portion between the second branch guide portion 221b1 and the second outer guide portion 221b2. On the other hand, in the lower outer cover 222, the downstream end portion 26b of the left guide plate 26L is located near the connecting portion between the first branch guide portion 222a1 and the first outer guide portion 222a2. Similarly, the downstream end portion 26b of the right guide plate 26R is located near the connecting portion between the second branch guide portion 222b1 and the second outer guide portion 222b2. Thus, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R provided in the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 respectively provide the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b to the first and first branches. 2 The transport flow can be smoothly guided to the outer guidance empty portions 233a and 233b.

Further, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are integrally molded with the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, or are integrated by using a fixing method such as adhesion or fusion, so that the first and first guide plates 26L and 26R are integrated. 2 The arrangement positions of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R with respect to the main transport walls 211 and 212 can be kept constant. In addition, when the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are placed at appropriate positions in the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b of the first and second branch guide portions 221a 1,221b 1,222a 1,222b1, the first , The second main transport wall 211,212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 are also kept in proper positions. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a holding structure such as a stay for holding the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 at the required positions in the main transport path 231, and the holding structure attenuates the flow force of the transport air. It is possible to effectively avoid a problem that makes the transportation of the bill 3 unstable. Further, the left guide plate 26L and the right guide plate 26R may not be separated, but may be integrated into a V-shaped guide plate.

The left and right guide plates 26L and 26R arranged at appropriate positions in the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b guide the direction of the flow down force of the transport air so as to branch to the left and right, and the first and second branch guidance plates 26L and 26R are arranged so as to branch to the left and right. 1. It is made to flow into the second outer guidance vacant lots 233a and 233b. As a result, the pressure of the first and second outer guidance air portions 233a and 233b becomes higher than that in the main transport path 231, and the pressure is increased between the outer wall surface 211a and the inner wall surface 211b of the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. A sufficient pressure difference is generated between the outer wall surface 212a and the inner wall surface 212b. Due to this pressure difference, a return flow is generated in which the transport air returns from the air return holes 24 provided in the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 to the main transport path 231, and the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 211 and the second main The banknotes 3 that receive the return flow from both sides of the transport wall 212 are stably transported downstream in the main transport path 231.

In the banknote transfer device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, by providing the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, a strong return flow can be generated, and the banknote 3 can be stably transported in the transfer tube 2A. can. In order to explain the usefulness of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, a transport operation when a transport pipe 2-0 not provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is used will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport pipe 2-0 has left and right guide plates on the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b of the first and second branch guide portions 221a 1,221b 1,222a 1,222b1. There is no fluid induction structure like 26L and 26R, and it is a continuous space toward the ventilation direction WD.

The principle of generating the feedback flow in the transport pipe 2-0 not provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B). Note that FIG. 4B shows the outer wall surface 212a side of the second main transport wall 212 through the second branch guidance vacant portion 232b and the second outer guidance vacant portion 233b of the upper and lower outer covers 221,222. Shows the state of seeing.

As described above, in the transport pipe 2-0 to which the pressurized transport air is sent, pressure is generated to push the upper, lower, left and right wall surfaces outward. The force pushing the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,222a1,221b1,222b1 of the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 outward pushes the transport air from the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b. It acts as a force to guide the first and second outer guidance air portions 233a and 233b. The upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222 have a first branch guide portion 221a1, 222a1 and a second branch guide portion on both the left and right sides of the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 in the width direction. Since 221b1,222b1 is provided, the airflow branches evenly to the left and right.

Moreover, the inner surface of the first and second branch guiding portions 221a1,221b1 protrudes outward (in the direction away from the main transport path 231) and smoothly connects to the first and second outer guiding portions 221a2 and 221b2. Since it is a surface, it is easily guided to the first and second outer guidance air portions 233a and 233b by the Coanda effect. The Coanda effect is the property that the viscous fluid flows along the adjacent wall surface, and since the transport air is also a viscous fluid, it flows along the inner surfaces of the upper outer cover 221 and the lower outer cover 222. It makes sense to go.

Therefore, a part of the transport air pumped into the transport pipe 2-0 is transferred from the main transport path 231 to the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b, and further to the first and second outer guide vacant portions. It is guided to the portions 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 air flow continues without interruption, the transport air that wraps around to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 is not extremely decompressed. 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 outer guidance voids 233a and 233b, and is the main transport path 231. Is guided to the center side (downward on the upper outer cover 221 and upper on the lower outer cover 222).

When the transport air guided to the first and second outer guidance air 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. It is a return flow returned to the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211. Even if the transport air reaches the lower portion of the first outer guide air portion 233a without reaching the return guide portion 25, the lower portion of the first outer guide air portion 233a is blocked by the end bending portion 221a2-e. Therefore, it 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 the return flow. Will be.

Thus, the return flow generated in the main transport path 231 from the air return holes 24 of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 keeps the flow from the upstream to the downstream, and thus is near the center of the main transport path 231. When the return flow reaches the banknote 3 located at, a force acting toward the downstream acts on the banknote 3 that receives the return flow from both sides, and is affected by the state of the banknote 3 (habit, wrinkles, wrinkles, strain, etc.). It enables stable transportation to the downstream.

However, in the above-mentioned transport pipe 2-0, it may be difficult to obtain a return flow necessary and sufficient to enable stable transport of the bill 3. A part of the transport air pumped into the transport pipe 2-0 reaches from the main transport path 231 to the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b, but as it is, the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a. This is because the proportion of the transport air flowing downstream in 232b is large. In the experimental results of the transport pipe 2-0 not provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, the first and second branch guide vacant parts 232a and 232b are guided to the first and second outer guide vacant parts 233a and 233b. The amount of transport air produced was 50% or less. Moreover, not all the transport air guided to the first and second outer guidance air portions 233a and 233b becomes the feedback flow, and the ratio is about 70%. Further, as described above, the transport air that did not become the return flow may become the feedback flow from the air return hole 24 further downstream, but the ratio of the return flow is not significantly changed. A method of increasing the air pressure to the transport pipe 2-0 is conceivable so that a necessary and sufficient return flow can be obtained, but the energy efficiency is poor and the transport pipe 2-0 can withstand an excessive internal pressure. Design is required. Therefore, it is possible to increase the ratio of the transport air guided from the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second outer guidance vacant portions 233a and 233b to efficiently increase the feedback flow. desirable.

Therefore, if the transport pipe 2A provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is adopted as in the bill transport device 1 of the present embodiment, it is effective in efficiently increasing the return flow. The principle of generating the feedback flow in the transport pipe 2A provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Note that FIG. 5B shows the outer wall surface 212a side of the second main transport wall 212 through the upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222 through the second branch guidance vacant portion 232b and the second outer guidance vacant portion 233b. Shows the state of seeing.

When the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are arranged in this way, the transport air press-fitted from the main transport path 231 to the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 is the first surface of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. Along 261 it is smoothly guided to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212. According to the experimental results of the transport pipe 2A provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, the transport is guided from the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b to the first and second outer guide vacant portions 233a and 233b. The air for use was significantly improved to 80% or more.

Further, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are arranged so as to correspond to the air return holes 24 provided so as to face the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, respectively. , 26R were arranged at the same intervals as the air return holes 24. For example, the upstream end portions 26a of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are appropriately located upstream of the air return hole 24 (horizontal distance of about 10 to 20 [mm] from the upstream side edge of the air return hole 24). Let me. Further, the downstream end portions 26b of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are appropriately located on the downstream side of the air return hole 24 (horizontal distance of about 15 to 25 [mm] from the downstream side edge of the air return hole 24). Let me. In this way, when the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are provided corresponding to the air return holes 24, the transport air guided by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is the air of the return guide portions 25. The state of being introduced into the introduction opening 25a is almost the same, and the state of the return flow returned from each air return hole 24 to the main transport path 231 is also almost the same.

For example, when air return holes 24 are provided at intervals of 30 to 60 [mm] in order to transport Japanese banknotes 3, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are also provided at the same interval (30 to 60 [mm] intervals). If provided, the states in which the transport air guided by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are introduced into the air introduction opening 25a of each return guide portion 25 are substantially equal. Therefore, an unbiased feedback flow can be introduced from each air return hole 24 to the main transport path 231, which is suitable for stabilizing the transport state of the bill 3. Further, since the downstream end portions 26b of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are located on the downstream side of the downstream side edge portion of the corresponding air return hole 24, the most downstream end portion 26b is located on the downstream side end portion 26b. When the transport air is introduced into the air return hole 24, it is easy to increase the efficiency of the return flow (the air volume and speed of the transport air returned from the air return hole 24 to the main transport path 231). That is, the air is provided in the flow path range in which the transport air guided by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R and wraps around to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 passes with high probability. It is desirable to position the introduction opening 25a. Therefore, it is desirable that the horizontal distance from the downstream end 26b of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R to the earliest air introduction opening 25a located downstream is about 10 [mm].

As described above, the transfer air flowing from upstream to downstream in the upper and lower parts of the fluid passage space 23 due to the pressure of the transfer air supplied to the transfer pipe 2A is first and first by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. The two-branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b can be smoothly guided to the first and second outer guidance vacant portions 233a and 233b. Due to the transport air flowing in from the first and second branch guidance empty portions 232a and 232b, the pressure of the first and second outer guidance portions 233a and 233b becomes higher than that of the main transport path 231. The flow of the transport air returning to the main transport path 231 becomes the return flow. That is, in the transport pipe 2A provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, strong return flows facing each other while flowing in the transport direction can be generated in the main transport path 231. Although the return flow in the main transport path 231 gradually weakens, it reaches the banknote 3 passing near the center in the width direction in the main transport path 231 and efficiently gives a force to transfer the banknote 3 downstream from both sides of the banknote 3. be able to.

Moreover, even if the bill 3 moves to the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 or the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212 for some reason (such as a habit tag), The bill 3 is naturally returned to the center of the main transport path 231. This is because the closer to the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, the stronger the return flow because it approaches the air return hole 24, and conversely, the closer it is to the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, the stronger the return flow. This is because it is less susceptible to the influence of the flow. Therefore, the bill 3 is naturally held near the center in the width direction of the main transport path 231 in which the forces of the return currents acting on both sides of the bill 3 are substantially balanced.

In addition, in the transport pipe 2A provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, a strong feedback flow can be obtained from the air return hole 24. The distance to reach the bill 3 flowing near the center of 231 can be lengthened. If the distance from the air return hole 24 to reach the bill 3 is long, the return flow reaches the side surface of the bill 3 at a shallower angle, so that the return flow toward the opposing first and second main transport walls 211 and 212. The vector component of the feedback flow in the transport direction is relatively larger than the vector component of. Therefore, the force toward the transport direction of the return flow efficiently acts on the bill 3, and the transport speed can be improved.

As described above, according to the banknote transfer device 1 of the present embodiment, the banknotes 3 to be transported are held substantially in the center of the main transport path 231 by the opposing return streams, and are transferred in the transport direction without shaking from side to side. Therefore, stable transportation is possible without being affected by the state of the bill 3 (habits, wrinkles, wrinkles, strains, etc.). Further, by allowing the strong return flow obtained by providing the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R to flow into the main transport path 231 at a small inflow angle, the transport speed can be increased and the transport efficiency of the bill 3 can be improved. There is also an advantage. Further, the transport air returned from the air return hole 24 as a return flow is guided downstream in the main transport path 231 to the upper or lower first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b, and is the first. 1. A spiral flow (hereinafter referred to as a spiral flow) that becomes a return flow again from the second outer guide portions 233a and 233b through the air return hole 24 continues without interruption. As described above, since the spiral flow is continuously generated at the four places on the top, bottom, left, and right of the transport pipe 2A, it is more effective for the stable transport of the bill 3.

However, when the banknote 3 is transported by the above-mentioned transport tube 2A, when the banknote 3 being transported vibrates up and down for some reason, the upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222, or the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R There is a risk of contact with. If the banknote 3 is damaged or torn due to contact, stable transportation by the return flow may become difficult. Therefore, in the transport pipe 2B of the second configuration example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the transport guide that prevents the bill 3 from coming into contact with the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. 27 was provided.

The transport guide 27 is provided at least on the main transport path 231 side of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. In this configuration example, between the upper end edges 211c and 212c of the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It was provided between the lower end edges 211d and 212d of the above and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. The transport guides 27 arranged at these positions prevent the bill 3 from entering the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side, and the transport air is prevented from entering the first and second branch guide portions 221a1. , 2212b1,222a1,222b1 is allowed to flow into.

The transport guide 27 hangs a thin plate-shaped shield 273 between the long and parallel first support member 271 and the second support member 272 at a required interval (a interval sufficiently shorter than the length in the transport direction of the banknote 3). It is the appearance of the ladder that was handed over. If a plurality of shields 273 are provided in the transport direction at intervals shorter than the transport direction length (length of the long side) of the bill 3, the bill 3 will be the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. It functions as a shield to prevent it from entering the side. The space formed between the adjacent shields 273 functions as an air passage portion 27a that allows transport air to flow into the first and second branch guidance portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1.

The method for creating the transport guide 27 is not particularly limited, and a metal plate material having a thickness of about 1 [mm] may be processed to easily create the transport guide 27 while maintaining sufficient strength. Further, a wire mesh having a mesh structure or the like can also be used as a transport guide because it can simultaneously realize a shielding function for the bill 3 and a permeation function for the transport air. It is also possible to integrally mold the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 or the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R and the transport guide 27 with resin or the like. If a plurality of shields 273 are integrally molded so as to straddle the upper end edges 211c and 212c of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, the shield 273 becomes the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212. It functions as a spacer that properly holds the facing distance between the two, and is also effective in increasing the strength of the transport pipe 2B. Further, if the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are integrally molded with resin or the like in addition to the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the transport guide 27, the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 can be obtained. There is no need to attach the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, and production efficiency can be improved. Moreover, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are integrated with the transport guide 27 in addition to the upper and lower end edges 211c, 212c, 211d and 212d of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, so that the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are left and right. The holding strength of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 by the guide plates 26L and 26R is also increased.

By providing the above-mentioned transport guides 27 on the upper end edges 211c and 212c sides and the lower end edges 211d and 212d of the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, respectively, the bill 3 can be covered with the upper and lower outer covers 221,222. Alternatively, the risk of contact with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R can be reliably eliminated. However, the shield 273 of the transport guide 27 may prevent the transport air from flowing from the main transport path 231 into the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b, thereby reducing the efficiency of the return flow. There is. Therefore, the shielding body 273 provided in the transport pipe 2B is not a simple plate material having a substantially quadrangular cross section, but is shaped so that the force of the transport air is not cut as much as possible.

The specific plate structure of the shield 273 is shown in FIG. The shield 273 includes an inner surface portion 2731 facing the main transport path 231, an outer surface portion 2732 which is an facing surface thereof, an upstream side surface portion 2733 which is connected to the inner surface portion 2731 and the outer surface portion 2732 on the upstream side, and an inner surface portion 2731 on the downstream side. A downstream side surface portion 2734 connected to the outer surface portion 2732 is provided. The upstream side surface portion 2733 and the downstream side surface portion 2734 are guided inclined surfaces that are not orthogonal to the inner surface portion 2731 and the outer surface portion 2732 and are inclined from the upstream to the downstream. That is, in the upstream side surface portion 2733, the outer edge portion 2733b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a 1,221b 1,222a 1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2733a on the main transport path 231 side. Similarly, in the downstream side surface portion 2734, the outer edge portion 2734b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2734a on the main transport path 231 side.

As described above, if the upstream side surface portion 2733 and the downstream side surface portion 2734 are used as the induction inclined surfaces, the air passage portion 27a formed between the two adjacent shields 273 appropriately draws the transport air from the main transport path 231. It is possible to pass through at an appropriate inflow angle (inclination angle of the induction inclined surface). Therefore, the transport air guided to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 can pass through the air passage portion 27a without significantly reducing the flow force in the transport direction, so that the return flow can flow. It is possible to effectively suppress the decrease in efficiency.

The transport guide 27 used in the transport pipe 2B of this configuration example can be shared by the upper outer cover 221 side and the lower outer cover 222 side. For example, if the first support member 271 is arranged on the lower end edge 211d of the first main transport wall 211 and the second support member 272 is arranged on the lower end edge 212d of the second main transport wall 212, the upper and downstream side surfaces of the shield 273 are arranged. The transport guide 27 is attached to the lower outer cover 222 side so that the portions 2733 and 2734 have a downward induction inclined surface. On the contrary, if the second support member 272 is arranged on the upper end edge 211c of the first main transport wall 211 and the first support member 271 is arranged on the upper end edge 212c of the second main transport wall 212, the top of the shield 273, The transport guide 27 is attached to the upper outer cover 221 side so that the downstream side surface portions 2733 and 2734 serve as an upward induction inclined surface.

As the design dimension of the transport guide 27 described above, the air passage portion 27a is about 1/10 of the longitudinal dimension (150 to 160 [mm]) of the bill 3 (for example, 10 [mm] or more and 20 [mm] or less). Is desirable. If it is less than 10 [mm], the spacing between the shields 273 is too short, and there is a concern that the flow pressure applied to the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R will decrease. If it exceeds 20 [mm], the spacing between the shields 273 is too wide, and there is a risk that the bill 3 may come into contact with the shield 273. Further, the ratio of the length in the transport direction of the shield 273 to the length in the transport direction of the air passage portion 27a was set to 3: 7, but even if the ratio of the air passage portion 27a is lower than this, the efficiency of the return flow is sufficient. May be obtained. However, it is desirable that the air passage portion 27a is 50% or more. Further, the inclination angles of the upstream side surface portion 2733 and the downstream side surface portion 2734, which are the induction inclined surfaces, were set to about 30 °. If the arrangement interval of the shield 273 (opening interval of the air passage portion 27a) is set to several times the natural number (4 in FIG. 6) with respect to the arrangement interval of the air return port 24, the transport guide 27 The layout of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R and the air return port 24 can be adjusted to an efficient layout. With such a layout structure, the bill 3 can be transported without any obstacle because it does not interfere with the spiral flow that is continuously generated at the four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right of the transport pipe 2B.

In the shield body 273 of the transport guide 27, since the inner surface portion 2731 facing the main transport path 231 is a flat surface substantially parallel to the transport direction, it is guided to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. It will block the transport air. Moreover, there is a possibility that a turbulent flow involving transport air that is about to pass through the air passage portion 27a is generated, and the flow rate passing through the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 is reduced. be. Therefore, in the transport guide 27'of the second configuration example shown in FIG. 8A, a shield 274 that can effectively suppress the generation of turbulent flow is used.

The shield 274 includes an inner surface portion 2741 facing the main transport path 231, an outer surface portion 2742 that faces the main transport path 231 and an upstream side surface portion 2743 that is connected to the inner surface portion 2741 and the outer surface portion 2742 on the upstream side, and an inner surface portion 2741 on the downstream side. A downstream side surface portion 2744 connected to the outer surface portion 2742 is provided. In the upstream side surface portion 2743, the outer edge portion 2743b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a 1,221b 1,222a 1,222b1 side is located downstream from the inner edge portion 2743a on the main transport path 231 side, and is located from upstream to downstream. It is an induction slope that inclines toward. Similarly, in the downstream side surface portion 2744, the outer edge portion 2744b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2744a on the main transport path 231 side, and is located from the upstream. It is an induction slope that inclines toward the downstream.

Here, the inner surface portion 2741 has a convex shape that bulges toward the main transport path 231 side, and is an attracting flow surface that is smoothly connected to the downstream side surface portion 2744. That is, if the inner surface portion 2741 is set as an attractive flow surface connected to the downstream side surface portion 2744, the transport air reaches the induction inclined surface of the downstream side surface portion 274 along the convex curved surface of the inner surface portion 2741 due to the Coanda effect. It becomes easier to pass through the empty portion 27a. Therefore, if the transport guide 27'is used, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the return flow.

As described above, if the transfer guide 27'provided with the inner surface portion 2741 which is the attractive flow surface can be used to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the return flow, on the contrary, the return flow is too strong and the transfer of the bill 3 is unstable. There is a possibility that it will be. In such a case, as in the transport guide 27 ″ of the third configuration example shown in FIG. 8 (B), a shield 275 that is large in the transport direction is used to reduce the ratio of the air passage portion 27a and return flow. The efficiency of the above may be adjusted to an appropriate range.

The shield 275 includes an inner surface portion 2751 facing the main transport path 231 and an outer surface portion 2752 facing the main transport path 231, an upstream side surface portion 2753 connected to the inner surface portion 2751 and the outer surface portion 2752 on the upstream side, and an inner surface portion 2751 on the downstream side. A downstream side surface portion 2754 connected to the outer surface portion 2752 is provided. In the upstream side surface portion 2753, the outer edge portion 2753b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a 1,221b 1,222a 1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2753a on the main transport path 231 side, and is located downstream from the upstream to the downstream. It is an induction slope that inclines toward. Similarly, in the downstream side surface portion 2754, the outer edge portion 2754b on the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2754a on the main transport path 231 side, and is located from the upstream. It is an induction slope that inclines toward the downstream.

The inner surface portion 2751 has a smooth convex surface shape that bulges toward the main transport path 231 side, and is an attractive flow surface that is smoothly connected to the downstream side surface portion 2754. In this way, if the inner surface portion 2751 is set as an attractive flow surface connected to the downstream side surface portion 2754, the transport air reaches the induction inclined surface of the downstream side surface portion 2754 along the convex curved surface of the inner surface portion 2751 due to the Coanda effect. , It becomes easier to pass through the air passage portion 27a, and the decrease in efficiency of the return flow is suppressed. Moreover, since the ratio of the length of the shield 275 to the length of the air passage portion 27a in the transport direction is set so that the shield 275 becomes larger, the efficiency of the return flow can be adjusted within an appropriate range.

In the transport pipe 2A of the first configuration example and the transport pipe 2B of the second configuration example described above, the upper outer cover 221 covering the upper left and right sides from above the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, and the first , A lower outer cover 222 that covers the lower left and right sides from below the second main transport walls 211 and 212 is provided. However, the outer cover itself covers the outer side (upper and lower space and the space on both the left and right sides) of the main transport path 231 formed by the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, so that the outer cover itself is left and right from the main transport path 231. It suffices if transport air can be introduced into the side guide section. In the transport pipe 2C of the third configuration example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an outer cover 28 having an integral structure was used. In the transport pipe 2C, the same components as those of the transport pipes 2A and 2B are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, although not drawn in FIGS. 9 and 10, the transport guide 27 of the second configuration example 2B may be provided in the transport pipe 2C of the third configuration example.

The outer cover 28 is provided with an upper first branch guide portion 28a1 and an upper second branch guide portion 28b1 on the upper end edges 211c and 212c of the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212, and the first main transport is provided. The lower first branch guide portion 28a2 and the lower second branch guide portion 28b2 are provided on the lower end edges 211d and 212d of the wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. The upper first branch guide portion 28a1 and the upper second branch guide portion 28b1 have a symmetrical structure, and the upper first branch guide portion 28a1 and the upper second branch guide portion 28b1 are connected by the upper central connecting portion 28c1 continuous in the transport direction. Connected together. Similarly, the lower first branch guiding portion 28a2 and the lower second branch guiding portion 28b2 also have a symmetrical structure, and the lower central connecting portion 28c2 continuous in the transport direction forms the lower first branch guiding portion 28a2 and the lower second branch guiding portion 28a2. The portions 28b2 were integrally connected. In the outer cover 28 of this configuration example, the upper first branch guide portion 28a1 and the lower first branch guide portion 28a2, the upper second branch guide portion 28b1 and the lower second branch guide portion 28b2 have a vertically symmetrical structure. Is.

The inner surface of the upper first branch guide portion 28a1 projects upward from the intermediate position in the width direction between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 so as to gradually move upward from the main transport path 231. It is a smooth concave curved surface that gradually changes downward to the left when it exceeds the first main transport wall 211. Therefore, the upper first branch guiding portion 28a1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space above the upper end edge 211c of the first main transport wall 211. A one-branch induction empty portion 232a can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the upper second branch guide portion 28b1 faces upward from the intermediate position in the width direction between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 so as to gradually move upward from the main transport path 231. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes inward and gradually changes downward to the right when it exceeds the second main transport wall 212. Therefore, the upper second branch guiding portion 28b1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space above the upper end edge 212c of the second main transport wall 212. A bifurcated induction space 232b can be formed.

The inner surface of the lower first branch guide portion 28a2 projects downward to the left from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212 so as to gradually move downward from the main transport path 231. It is a smooth concave curved surface that gradually changes to the upper left when it exceeds the first main transport wall 211. Therefore, the lower first branch guiding portion 28a2 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first main transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space below the lower end edge 211d of the first main transport wall 211. A one-branch induction empty portion 232a can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the lower second branch guide portion 28b2 faces downward to the right so as to gradually move downward from the main transport path 231 from the widthwise intermediate position between the first main transport wall 211 and the second main transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that projects toward the upper right and gradually changes to the upper right when it exceeds the second main transport wall 212. Therefore, the lower second branch guiding portion 28b2 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second main transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space below the lower end edge 212d of the second main transport wall 212. A bifurcated induction space 232b can be formed.

The outside (left side) of the upper first branch guide portion 28a1 and the outside (left side) of the lower first branch guide portion 28a2 are connected by the first outer guide portion 28a3, and the outside (right side) of the upper second branch guide portion 28b1. And the outside (right side) of the lower second branch guide portion 28b2 are connected by the second outer guide portion 28b3. That is, the outer cover 28 is formed by directly connecting the upper and lower first branch guide portions 28a1, 28a2 and the upper and lower second branch guide portions 28b1, 28b2 by the first and second outer guide portions 28a3 and 28b3. Inside, a closed space is formed in a plane orthogonal to the transport direction. Therefore, a vertically long first outer guide air portion 233a'is formed between the outer wall surface 211a of the first main transport wall 211 and the first outer guide portion 28a3, and the outer wall surface 212a of the second main transport wall 212 is formed. A vertically long second outer guide empty portion 233b'is formed between the second outer guide portion 28b3 and the second outer guide portion 28b3.

Since the first and second outer guidance empty portions 233a'and 233b' are long in the vertical direction, the guidance function differs between the upper part and the lower part. The upper portion of the first outer guidance empty portion 233a'guides the transport air flowing from the first branch guidance empty portion 232a formed by the upper first branch guidance portion 28a1 to the upper air return hole 24. The lower portion of the first outer guidance vacant portion 233a'guides the transport air flowing from the first branch guidance vacant portion 232a formed by the lower first branch guidance portion 28a2 to the lower air return hole 24. The upper portion of the second outer guidance vacant portion 233b'guides the transport air flowing from the second branch guidance vacant portion 232b formed by the upper second branch guidance portion 28b1 to the upper air return hole 24. The lower portion of the second outer guidance vacant portion 233b'guides the transport air flowing from the second branch guidance vacant portion 232b formed by the lower second branch guidance portion 28b2 to the lower air return hole 24.

That is, the first outer guide vacant portion 233a'of the transport pipe 2C raises the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first main transport wall 211 via both the upper and lower first branch guide vacant portions 232a. It also has a function of guiding to each of the lower air return holes 24. Similarly, the second outer guidance vacant portion 233b'refers the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 212a side of the second main transport wall 212 via both the upper and lower second branch guidance vacant portions 232b in the upper and lower stages, respectively. It also has a function of guiding to the air return hole 24. In the first and second outer guidance voids 233a'and 233b', when the transport air reaches between the upper air return hole 24 and the lower air return hole 24, the return flow is no longer from the air return hole 24. As a result, the possibility of returning to the main transport path 231 is extremely low. Therefore, the transport air reaching the central portion in the vertical direction (between the upper air return hole 24 and the lower air return hole 24) of the first and second outer guidance empty portions 233a'and 233b' is reduced. , The central portion in the vertical direction of the first and second outer guide portions 28a3 and 28b3 may be recessed.

In the transport pipe 2C of this configuration example, the outer cover 28 is in non-contact with the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212, so that the upper and lower outer covers are covered like the transport pipes 2A and 2B. It is not possible to have a structure for holding the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 by 221,222. However, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R attached (or integrally molded) to the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are stored in the proper positions in the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b. Then, the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 are also stored in the proper positions. Of course, the first and second main transport walls 211 and 212 and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R may be attached to the transport guide 27 so as to be housed in the outer cover 28.

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 in the scope of rights.

1 Banknote transport device 2 Transport pipe 211 1st main transport wall 212 2nd main transport wall 221 Upper outer cover 221a1 1st branch guide 221a2 1st outer guide 221b1 2nd branch guide 221b2 2nd outer guide 222 Lower outer cover 222a1 1st branch guidance part 222a2 1st outer guidance part 222b1 2nd branch guidance part 222b2 2nd outer guidance part 231 Main transport path 232a 1st branch guidance empty part 232b 2nd branch guidance empty part 233a 1st outer guide vacant part 233b 2nd outer guide vacant part 24 Air return hole 26L Left guide plate 26R Right guide plate 3 Banknotes

Claims (5)

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 in which a fluid passage space including a main transport path for transporting the paper leaves is formed is a first main transport wall portion whose inner wall surface side is arranged so as to face the two main surfaces of the paper leaves. And the first main transport from at least one edge side of the second main transport wall portion and the two edge parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets in the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion. It is provided with an outer cover that covers at least a part of the wall portion and each outer wall surface side of the second main transport wall portion.
A fluid return hole through which the transport fluid can pass from the outer wall surface side to the inner wall surface side is provided in a portion of the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion covered by the outer cover. , Provided at the required intervals in the transport direction, respectively.
The outer cover includes a first branch guiding portion that generates a first branch guiding empty portion that guides the transport fluid from the inner wall surface side of the first main transport wall portion to the outer wall surface side, and the first branch guiding portion. A first outer guide that causes a first outer guide air portion that can guide the transport fluid guided to the outer wall surface side of the first main transport wall portion via a branch guide air portion to the fluid return hole. The guide portion, the second branch guide portion that generates a second branch guide empty portion that guides the transport fluid from the inner wall surface side to the outer wall surface side of the second main transport wall portion, and the second branch guide. A second outer guiding portion that creates a second outer guiding empty portion capable of guiding the transport fluid guided to the outer wall surface side of the second main transport wall portion through the empty portion to the fluid return hole. And with
The transport fluid that protrudes into at least the first branch guide vacant portion and flows from upstream to downstream in the first branch guide vacant portion at the edge of the first main transport wall portion facing the first branch guide portion. The second main transport wall portion facing the second branch guide portion is provided with a first direction guide plate for guiding the first branch guide vacant portion to the first outer guide vacant portion at a required interval in the transport direction. At the edge of, at least the transport fluid that protrudes into the second branch guide vacant portion and flows from upstream to downstream in the second branch guide vacant portion is guided from the second branch guide vacant portion to the second outer guide. A paper leaf transport device characterized in that a second direction guide plate for guiding to an empty part is provided at a required interval in the transport direction. The outer cover has the first branch guide portion on the first end edge side, which is one edge parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets in the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion. And the second branch guide portion is provided, and the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion are on the second edge side, which is the other edge parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets. A 1-branch guide portion and the 2nd branch guide portion are provided, and the 1st branch guide portion on the 1st end edge side and the 1st branch guide portion on the 2nd end edge side are connected by the 1st outer guide portion. The paper leaf according to claim 1, wherein the second branch guide portion on the first edge side and the second branch guide portion on the second edge side are connected by the second outer guide portion. Class transfer device. The first or second aspect, wherein the first direction guide plate is attached to the first main transport wall portion, and the second direction guide plate is attached to the second main transport wall portion. Paper leaf transport device. A plurality of shields straddling at least one end edge side of the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion are provided in the transport direction at intervals shorter than the transport direction length of the paper sheets. An air passage portion formed between the shielding portion and the adjacent shielding body and allowing the transporting fluid flowing in the main transport path to flow into the first branch guiding portion and the second branch guiding portion. The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a transport guide is provided. The shielding portion is attached to the first main transport wall portion and the second main transport wall portion.
The paper leaf transport device according to claim 4, wherein the first-direction guide plate and the second-direction guide plate are attached to at least the shielding portion.

Images