JP2022071380A - Paper sheet carrying device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet carrying device allowing positioning of a twisted carrying pipe capable of changing the direction of a paper face while stably carrying the paper sheets by a carrying stream, close to the other carrying pipe in a narrow space.SOLUTION: The twisted carrying passage 331 of a twisted carrying pipe 3 is supplied with bank bills with paper faces erected is twisted around a downward eccentrically twisted shaft TA. A right side protrusion amount toward the blowing direction WD is large, and the left side protrusion amount is small, therefore, another carrying pipe can be arranged close to the left side of the twisted carrying pipe 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to a paper leaf transport device for transporting 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 vault or the like for management, a paper leaf transport device is used. The paper leaf transport device in the game hall takes in the banknotes identified by the bill identification unit of the game medium lending device, etc., and is attached to the island edge of the game island where the game machine is installed by a transport mechanism consisting of belts and rollers. It is transported to the banknote vault.

As such a paper leaf transport device, 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 jammed 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 an air flow for transport is applied to the deformed portion to facilitate the transport of banknotes (for example). , Patent Document 1). Further, by arranging a lightweight transport auxiliary body behind the banknote and sending the transport auxiliary body in the transport direction by an air flow, the transport auxiliary body pushes the banknote from the rear to the transport direction and indirectly transports the banknote. A paper leaf transporting device for performing is also proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Further, when transporting paper sheets, it may be necessary to transport not only in the horizontal direction (direction close to horizontal) but also in the vertical direction (direction close to vertical). Due to its nature, paper leaves can be bent in any direction orthogonal to the paper surface, so if the paper surface is changed from vertical to horizontal, the paper leaves can be bent in the vertical direction (up and down). Therefore, if the orientation of the paper leaves whose paper surface is vertical is changed so that the paper surface is horizontal, the transport direction of the paper leaves can be changed up and down.

Although Patent Document 1 discloses a twisted tube that converts a vertically oriented paper surface into a horizontally oriented one (for example, paragraph [0078] of the specification and FIG. 23), there is no description of a specific structural theory. That is, when transporting paper sheets by air flow, if the paper sheets hit the tube wall and a resistance exceeding the transport force of the air flow occurs between the paper sheets and the tube wall, the banknotes stay in the tube. Will be done. Even if the ribs are provided in the pipe, it is presumed that the frictional resistance between the paper surface of the paper leaves that have been forcibly twisted and deformed and the ribs will be considerably high. Therefore, it is not realistic to let the paper sheets that are in contact with the ribs in the twisted tube pass only by the carrying force of the air flow. However, even if Patent Document 1 is scrutinized, there is no description that can be reasonably interpreted that the paper leaves can pass through the twisted pipe only by the carrying force of the air flow.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes a temporary storage device provided with a posture changing unit that lays down a banknote that has been conveyed so that the paper surface is in the vertical direction and changes the direction of the banknote so that the paper surface is in the horizontal direction. Has been done. Banknotes whose paper surface is horizontally oriented (both short and long sides of the banknote are horizontal) by being stored in the temporary storage device are approximately 90 [from the horizontal transport direction along the long side to the vertical transport direction. °] When passing through a curved transport path that bends, the orientation of the paper surface of the banknote changes in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the banknotes are stored in the temporary storage device described in Patent Document 2 and the paper surface of the banknotes is changed horizontally, the banknotes can be transported upward or downward. However, in the temporary storage device described in Patent Document 2, in order to change the paper surface of the bill horizontally, the bill being transported is temporarily stopped and changed in posture, and then moved to the feeding and transporting portion by the elevator section. It has to be, and it cannot be said to be efficient at all.

Furthermore, paper leaves using a twisted transport tube with a structure that twists the transport tube so that the transport tube does not exceed a certain angle at a certain distance so that the paper leaves can pass through in a flat plate shape without being deformed in the transport tube. The carrier has been proposed by the applicant (see, eg, Patent Document 3). The twisted transport tube described in Patent Document 3 employs a flow path structure in which a banknote passing region is formed so that the paper leaves can pass through in a flat plate shape without bending. When the kind is introduced into the twisted pipe, the paper leaves do not stay in the pipe and are efficiently transported to the downstream end of the twisted transport pipe.

Japanese Patent No. 4130697 Japanese Patent No. 6247012 Japanese Patent No. 6727686

However, the following problems can be considered.

In the game island where game machines such as pachinko and slot machines are installed, the game machines are installed back to back and the space where the transport pipe can be installed is very narrow. When two rows of transport pipes are installed substantially in parallel in the game island, in order to use the twisted transport pipes described in Patent Document 3, two rows of transport pipes are additionally provided for a distance considering the amount of twist of the twisted transport pipes. If they are not separated, the twisted transport pipes will interfere with the transport pipes in other rows. When twisting transport pipes are used at the same location in both rows, it is necessary to further increase the separation distance. It is difficult to secure a space in which two rows of transport pipes are sufficiently separated and arranged in a narrow space in the game island, and it becomes an obstacle in the maintenance of the game machine and the like.

In addition, in order to prevent spatial interference between the two rows of transport pipes due to the provision of the twist transport pipes, a curved transport pipe or the like is used before the twist transport pipes are attached (upstream side) to sufficiently separate the two rows of transport pipes. It is also conceivable to connect the twisted carrier pipe after the operation. However, it is difficult to arrange the twisted transport pipe and the curved transport pipe for separation in the narrow space between the gaming machine and the banknote vault attached to the island edge of the gaming island.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper leaf transport device capable of stably transporting paper leaves by a transport flow and arranging a twisted transport pipe capable of changing the direction of the paper surface in a narrow space in close proximity to other transport pipes. do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, paper sheets whose paper surfaces are arranged parallel to the transport direction are transported from upstream to downstream in a transport pipe in which a transport path through which transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream is formed. In the paper leaf transport device, the paper strips have two transport parallel sides arranged in a direction parallel to the transport direction and two transport orthogonal sides arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The first long side portion and the second long side portion facing the paper surface of the paper leaf to be received from the upstream, and the first short side portion and the second short side portion facing the transport orthogonal side of the paper leaf. The rectangular upstream end opening formed on the short side is continuously rotated at a constant angle around the eccentric twist axis parallel to the transport direction to reach the downstream end opening having the same shape as the upstream end opening. A twisting transport path is formed in which the shape of the twisted flow path cross section, which is a cross section at an arbitrary position parallel to the eccentric twist axis, is the same as the shape of the upstream end opening and the shape of the downstream end opening. While rotating the paper surface so as to change the direction in which the transport orthogonal side faces from the first and second short side portions of the upstream end opening to the first and second short side portions of the downstream end opening, the said The eccentric twist axis is arbitrarily selected from the eccentric twist point settable range in the upstream end opening, provided with a twist transfer tube capable of allowing paper sheets to pass through the twist transfer path from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening. The eccentric twist point is extended in the transport direction to form a linear axis leading to the downstream end opening, and corresponds to the transport parallel side of the paper leaf from the upstream twist flow path cross section at an arbitrary point of the twist transport path. The reference torsion transport path leading to the downstream twisted flow path cross section at a position separated downstream by a distance is parallel to the passage index axis connecting the center point of the upstream twisted flow path cross section to the center point of the downstream twisted channel cross section. A through space is created that can be seen from the upstream twisted flow path cross section toward the downstream twisted flow path cross section, and the paper leaves are seen from the upstream twisted flow path cross section to the downstream side. It is characterized in that an empty space through which paper leaves can pass to the cross section of the side twisted flow path is formed.

Further, in the above configuration, the eccentric twist point settable range is the upstream of the twist transfer path obtained by rotating the upstream end opening 180 degrees around the eccentric twist axis from a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis. The cross-sectional area of the through space that can be seen from the end opening toward the downstream end opening or from the downstream end opening toward the upstream end opening is the first long side portion and the second long side portion. It may be set in a range satisfying the condition that the separation distance is ½ or more of the area of the circle whose diameter is the diameter.

Further, in the above configuration, on the side of the paper leaf passing empty portion facing the first and second short sides, the paper leaves passing through the twisting transport path are the paper leaf passing empty space. A passage grace portion is formed as a surplus space that can prevent the transport parallel side from coming into contact with the inner surface of the twisted transport pipe even if the transport parallel side is shaken to the first short side portion side or the second short side portion side. You may.

Further, in the above configuration, the passage grace portion has the eccentric twist flow based on the first correction condition determined according to the first deviation amount in which the eccentric twist point is separated from the opening center of the upstream end opening. It may be formed by correcting so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening in the road.

Further, in the above configuration, the passage grace portion is in the eccentric twist flow path based on the second correction condition determined according to the second deviation amount twisted larger than the reference twist angle in the reference twist transport path. It may be formed by correcting so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening.

According to the present invention, in the twist transport path of the twist transport tube, a paper leaf passage empty space is formed for each reference twist transport path, so that the paper leaves can pass from the upstream to the downstream of the twist transport path. Moreover, the orientation of the paper surface of the paper leaves can be efficiently changed only by passing the paper leaves through the twisting transport path. Further, since the twist transfer path having a shape in which the upstream end opening is rotated around the eccentric twist axis is formed in the twist transfer pipe, either the first long side side or the second long side side protrudes. The amount increases and the amount of protrusion on the other side decreases. Therefore, if the twisted transport pipes are arranged so that the side having a small protrusion amount in the twisted transport path is close to other transport pipes arranged side by side, the separation distance between the two rows of transport pipes can be suppressed to a small size, and the space can be narrowed. Twist transport pipes and other transport pipes can be placed close to each other.

It is a schematic block diagram of the paper leaf transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic vertical sectional view of a straight transport pipe divided in a vertical direction orthogonal to the transport direction. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 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 explanatory view of a feedback flow in a vertical cross section orthogonal to the transport direction of a straight transport pipe. (B) is a schematic explanatory view of a feedback flow in a vertical cross section parallel to the transport direction of the straight transport pipe. (A) is a schematic explanatory view of a straight transport pipe showing the behavior of an ideal return flow in a straight transport path. (B) is a schematic explanatory view of a linear transport pipe showing the behavior of a weak feedback flow in a straight transport path. (C) is a schematic explanatory view of a straight transport pipe showing the behavior of a strong feedback flow in a straight transport path. (A) is a schematic vertical sectional view of a linear 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 VB-VB in FIG. 5 (A). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VC-VC in FIG. 5 (A). (A) is a plan view of the transport guide provided at the bottom of the straight transport wall as viewed from the straight transport path side. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6 (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 a structural explanatory drawing of the central twist transfer tube which rotates the paper surface of a banknote by 90 [°] around the central axis. The twist transport path in the central twist transport pipe is shown, (A) is a front view of the twist transport path seen from the upstream, (B) is a right side view of the twist transport path, and (C1) is a cross-sectional view of the twist flow path at the upstream end. , (C2) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position of 150 [mm] from the upstream end, (C3) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position of 300 [mm] from the upstream end, and (C4) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position of 450 [mm] from the upstream end. A cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at the position of [mm], (C5) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position 600 [mm] from the upstream end, and (C6) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position of 750 [mm] from the upstream end. , (C7) is a cross-sectional view of a twisted flow path at the downstream end (position 900 [mm] from the upstream end). The reference center twist transport path construct constituting the reference center twist transport path in the center twist transport pipe is shown, (A) is a front view seen from the upstream side, (B) is a right side view, and (C) is a plan view. be. (A) is a schematic explanatory view of a reference central twist transport path configuration constituting a reference central twist transfer path in a central twist transfer tube forming a wide bill passing area. (B) is a schematic explanatory view of a reference central twist transfer path configuration constituting a reference central twist transfer path in a central twist transfer tube having a large twist angle. (A) is a schematic explanatory view of a reference center twist transport path structure in which a guide rib is provided in the reference center twist transport path shown in FIG. 10 (A). (B) is a schematic explanatory view of a reference center twist transport path structure in which a guide rib is provided in the reference center twist transport path shown in FIG. 11 (B). It is a structural explanatory drawing of the twist transfer tube which rotates the paper surface of a banknote by 90 [°] about the eccentric axis. The twist transfer path in the twist transfer tube is shown, (A) is a front view of the twist transfer path seen from the upstream, (B) is a right side view of the twist transfer path, and (C1) is a cross-sectional view of the twist flow path at the upstream end. (C2) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position 160 [mm] from the upstream end, (C3) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position 320 [mm] from the upstream end, and (C4) is a cross-sectional view of the twisted flow path at a position 320 [mm] from the upstream end. It is a cross-sectional view of a twisted flow path at the position (position of 480 [mm]). The reference twist transport path in the twist transport path shown in FIG. 14 is shown, (A1) is a front view of the reference twist transport path seen from the upstream side, and (A2) is the reference twist transport path parallel to the passage index axis from the front side. (B) is a right side view of the reference twist transport path, and (C) is a plan view of the reference twist transport path. The first eccentric twist transport path in which the eccentric twist axis is set at a position shifted by 8 [mm] from the center of the opening is shown, (A) is a front view of the first eccentric twist transport path seen from the upstream side, and (B) is a twist. A schematic front view of the first eccentric twist transfer path having an angle of 180 [°], (C1) is a front view of the first reference twist transfer path in a zero dimension state, and (C2) is the first in FIG. 16 (C1). The front view of the reference twist transport path from the front side as seen from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis, (D1) is the front view of the first reference twist transport path twisted beyond the twist angle in the zero dimension state, and (D2) is. 16 is a front view of the first reference twisted transport path of FIG. 16 (D1) as viewed from the front side from a viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis. The second eccentric twist transport path in which the eccentric twist axis is set at a position shifted by 16 [mm] from the center of the opening is shown, (A) is a front view of the second eccentric twist transport path seen from the upstream side, and (B) is twist. A schematic front view of the second eccentric twist transport path with an angle of 180 [°], (C1) is a front view of the second reference twist transport path in the zero dimension state, and (C2) is the second of FIG. 17 (C1). The front view of the reference twist transport path from the front side as seen from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis, (D1) is the front view of the second reference twist transport path twisted beyond the twist angle in the zero dimension state, and (D2) is. FIG. 17 is a front view of the second reference twisted transport path of FIG. 17 (D1) as viewed from the front side from a viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis. The third eccentric twist transport path in which the eccentric twist axis is set at a position shifted by 24 [mm] from the center of the opening is shown. A schematic front view of the third eccentric twist transport path with an angle of 180 [°], (C1) is a front view of the third reference twist transport path in the zero dimension state, and (C2) is the third of FIG. 18 (C1). The front view of the reference twist transport path from the front side as seen from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis, (D1) is the front view of the third reference twist transport path twisted beyond the twist angle in the zero dimension state, and (D2) is. FIG. 18 is a front view of the third reference twisted transport path of FIG. 18 (D1) as viewed from the front side from a viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis. An eccentric twist axis is set at a position shifted by 30 [mm] from the center of the opening. (A) is a front view of the twist transport path seen from the upstream side, and (B) has a twist angle of 180 [°]. The schematic front view of the twisted transport path is set to (C1), the front view of the reference twisted transport path in the zero dimension state, and (C2) is the reference twisted transport path of FIG. 19 (C1) parallel to the passage index axis from the front side. (D1) is a front view of the reference twist transport path twisted beyond the twist angle in the zero dimension state, (D2) is a front view of the reference twist transport path of FIG. 19 (D1) from the front side. It is a front view seen from the viewpoint parallel to the index axis. (A) is a schematic image diagram when a straight transport path and a central twist transport path are juxtaposed, (B) is a schematic image diagram when a straight transport path and a first eccentric twist transport path are juxtaposed, and (C) is a linear transport. Schematic image diagram when the road and the second eccentric twist transport path are arranged side by side, (D) is a schematic image diagram when the straight transport path and the third eccentric twist transport path are arranged side by side, and FIG. It is a schematic image diagram in the case where the twist transport paths shown in are arranged side by side.

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. The paper leaf transport device of the present embodiment will be described as a banknote transport device for transporting paper banknotes (rectangular banknotes composed of a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides). Further, as the transport fluid, it is possible to use not only a gas but also a liquid, 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 paper surfaces (two facing surfaces) of the banknotes face is referred to as left and right or sideways, and the direction of gravity orthogonal to this is referred to as up and down.

The banknote transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be installed in, for example, a game store, and can be used to collect banknotes PM inserted into a game medium lending device, a card sales device, or the like and collect them in one place. The banknote PM to be transported by passing through the transport path formed inside the straight transport pipe 2, the twist transport pipe 3, the curved transport pipe 4, etc. has a long side direction from the bill introduction portion 5 provided in a suitable place. It is introduced into the straight transfer pipe 2 so as to be in the transfer direction. The bill PM in the straight transport pipe 2 is in a vertical direction in which the paper surface is parallel to the transport direction. For example, the first transport parallel side PM1a parallel to the transport direction is the upper side, and the second transport parallel side PM1b parallel to the transport direction is. The lower side, the first transport orthogonal side PM2a orthogonal to the transport direction is the front side, and the second transport orthogonal side PM2b orthogonal to the transport direction is the rear side. When the bill PM passes through the straight transport path of the straight transport pipe 2, the paper surface of the bill PM remains in the vertical orientation and does not change.

The twist transport pipe 3 connected to the downstream side of the straight transport pipe 2 is provided with a twist transport path that rotates the paper surface of the bill PM by approximately 90 [°] while the bill PM passes through the transport path. Therefore, although the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM entering the twist transport pipe 3 are in the substantially vertical direction, the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a of the bill PM coming out of the twist transport pipe 3 , PM2b is in the substantially horizontal direction. The first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM entering the twist transport pipe 3 are the upper side and the lower side, but the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a of the bill PM coming out of the twist transport pipe 3 , PM1b are on the right side and the left side.

Further, the position of the bill PM that comes out through the twisted transport pipe 3 is not the upper and lower intermediate positions of the straight transport pipe 2, but a position that is offset downward or upward. This is due to the twisted structure of the twisted transport pipe 3, and the details thereof will be described later.

The curved transport pipe 4 connected to the downstream side of the twist transport pipe 3 is provided with a curved transport path that bends upward (or downward) orthogonal to the paper surface of the banknote PM. Since the transport direction of the bill PM is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction while the bill PM passes through the curved transport pipe 4, the straight transport pipe 2 connected to the downstream of the curved transport pipe 4 further transfers the bill PM. It can be transported upward (or downward). In this way, if various transport pipes (straight line transport pipe 2, twist transport pipe 3, curved transport pipe 4, etc. are not particularly distinguished, hereinafter, simply referred to as “conveyor pipe”) are combined and connected, the degree of freedom is increased. A high transport path can be formed.

A blower 6 is provided at the most upstream end of the transport path (for example, the upstream end of the straight transport pipe 2 arranged in the most upstream), and the most downstream end of the transport path (for example, the straight transport pipe 2 arranged in the most downstream) is provided. A bill collection unit 7 is provided at the downstream end). That is, air as a transport fluid flows in the transport path from the upstream where the blower 6 is provided to the downstream where the bill collection unit 7 is provided. By providing a suction machine on the downstream side of the bill collection unit 7, it is possible to allow air as a transport fluid to flow from the upstream to the downstream in the transport path.

The straight transfer pipe 2 can be connected to a required length and adjusted to a flow path according to the installation location and the situation. The straight transport pipes 2 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212 whose inner surfaces are arranged so as to face the two surfaces of the bill PM, and the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212. The upper outer cover 221 and the lower outer cover 222 are provided respectively. The first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 form a fluid passage linear space 23 inside which compressed air can be sent out. Of the fluid passage straight space 23, the space sandwiched between the inner wall surface 211b of the first straight transport wall 211 and the inner wall surface 212b of the second straight transport wall 212 becomes the straight transport path 231 and passes through the straight transport path 231. The bill PM is linearly transported downstream.

In the straight transport pipe 2, the first straight transport wall 211 is arranged on the left side in the transport direction (direction corresponding to the ventilation direction WD), and the second straight transport wall 212 is arranged on the right side in the transport direction. Therefore, in the following description, the first direction refers to the left side in the transport direction, and the second direction refers to the right side in the transport direction. The first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212 are flat plate-like bodies, and are arranged in parallel at equal distances in the lateral direction. Further, both the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212 have a constant height (vertical width) in the vertical direction, and the upper end edge 211c and the first end edge of the first straight transport wall 211 are constant. The lower end edge 211d which is the two end edge, the upper end edge 212c which is the first end edge of the second straight line transport wall 212, and the lower end edge 212d which is the second end edge are substantially parallel to the transport direction. Therefore, the cross section of the flow path longitudinally crossing the straight transport path 231 formed by the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 so as to be orthogonal to the transport direction has a wall length width in the vertical direction and a wall width in the horizontal direction. It is always constant.

The upper outer cover 221 has an upper space of the upper end edge 211c of the first straight transport wall 211 and the upper end edge 212c of the second straight transport wall 212, and a part (upper portion) of the outer wall surface 211a of the first straight transport wall 211. And a part (upper part) of the outer wall surface 212a of the second straight transfer 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 straight transport wall 211 and the lower end edge 212d of the second straight transport wall 212, and a part (lower) of the outer wall surface 211a of the first straight transport wall 211. It covers a part (lower part) of the outer wall surface 212a of the second straight line transport wall 212 (side part). It should be noted that the upper outer cover 221 and the lower outer cover 222 may not be provided separately, and one outer cover may be used to cover the entire outer side of the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212. not.

The first and second straight transfer 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 techniques such as injection molding and extrusion molding. Parts may be formed and assembled. Further, the present invention is not limited to resin processing, and a plate material having a thickness of about 1 to 2 [mm] may be processed to form the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212 and the upper and lower outer covers 221,222. ..

Further, the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 are provided with air return holes 24 through which transport air can pass from the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a to the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b at required intervals. In the linear transport pipe 2 having this configuration, the upper portions of the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 covered with the upper outer cover 221 and the first and second straight transport pipes 2 covered with the lower outer cover 222. Air return holes 24 are provided in a row at equal intervals in the transport direction at the lower portions of the linear transport walls 211 and 212 (see, for example, FIG. 2B). The air return hole 24 in the linear transport pipe 2 of this configuration example has a substantially square shape, but the opening shape, opening area, arrangement interval, etc. are not particularly limited, and are necessary and sufficient as described later. It would be good if we could get a good return flow. When transporting Japanese banknote PM, the height (wall length width) of the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 is about 78 [mm], and the facing distance (width between walls) is about 10 to 15 [mm]. Then, it is appropriate that the width (conveyance orthogonal width) in the vertical direction of each of the air return holes 24 provided in the upper and lower two places in an arrangement is 20 to 30 [mm]. The width of the air return hole 24 in the transport direction (conveyor parallel width) may be set so that an appropriate air volume and speed can be obtained according to the arrangement interval of the air return holes 24.

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

The upper outer cover 221 is a branch that creates a fluid induction space for guiding transport air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b sides of the first and second straight 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 straight transport wall 211 and the second branch guide portion 221b1 provided corresponding to the second straight 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 that is continuous in the transport direction.

The inner surface of the first branch guide portion 221a1 in the upper outer cover 221 is gradually moved away from the straight transport path 231 from the intermediate position of the wall-to-wall width between the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes toward the upper left and gradually changes toward the lower left when it exceeds the first straight line conveying wall 211. Therefore, the first branch guiding portion 221a1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first straight line transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space above the upper end edge 211c of the first straight line transport wall 211. The branch guide empty portion 232a can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the second branch guide portion 221b1 in the upper outer cover 221 gradually becomes a straight transport path 231 from the intermediate position of the wall-to-wall width between the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes toward the upper right so as to move away from the surface and gradually changes toward the lower right when it exceeds the second straight transfer wall 212. Therefore, the second branch guiding portion 221b1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second straight line transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space above the upper end edge 212c of the second straight line transport wall 212. The branch guide empty portion 232b can be formed. When the bill PM is to be conveyed, the left-right widths of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1 are about 15 [mm], and the distance to the innermost part of the concave curved surface is about 5 [mm].

The first outer guide portion 221a2 connected to the outside (left side) of the first branch guide portion 221a1 of the upper outer cover 221 is directed to the outer wall surface 211a side of the first straight line transport wall 211 via the first branch guide empty portion 232a. A first outwardly guided 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 straight line transport wall 212 via the second branch guide empty portion 232b. A second outward guided 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 straight line conveying wall 211, and is located slightly below the air return hole 24. 1 Make sure that the outer guidance 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 straight line conveying wall 212, and is slightly below the air return hole 24. The second outer guidance space 233b is closed. When the bill PM is to be transported, the vertical height of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 is about 30 to 35 [mm].

Similar to the upper outer cover 221, the lower outer cover 222 is also a fluid guide that guides air from the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b sides of the first and second linear transport walls 211 and 212 to the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a, respectively. 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 straight transport wall 211 and the second branch guide portion 222b1 provided corresponding to the second straight 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 is gradually moved away from the straight transport path 231 from the intermediate position of the wall-to-wall width between the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that projects downward to the left and gradually changes to the upper left when it exceeds the first straight transfer wall 211. Therefore, the first branch guiding portion 222a1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 211b side of the first straight line transport wall 211 to the outer wall surface 211a side in the space below the lower end edge 211d of the first straight line 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 gradually reaches the straight transport path 231 from the intermediate position of the wall-to-wall width between the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212. It is a smooth concave curved surface that projects downward to the right so as to move away from the surface and gradually changes to the upper right when it exceeds the second straight transfer wall 212. Therefore, the second branch guiding portion 222b1 guides the transport air from the inner wall surface 212b side of the second straight line transport wall 212 to the outer wall surface 212a side in the space below the lower end edge 212d of the second straight line transport wall 212. The branch guide empty portion 232b can be formed. When the bill PM is to be conveyed, the left-right widths of the first and second branch guide portions 222a1,222b1 are about 15 [mm], and the distance to the innermost part of the concave curved surface is about 5 [mm].

The first outer 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 straight line transport wall 211 via the first branch guide empty portion 232a. A first outwardly guided 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 straight line transport wall 212 via the second branch guide empty portion 232b. A second outward guided 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 straight line conveying wall 211, and is located slightly above the air return hole 24. 1 Make sure that the outer guidance 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 straight line conveying wall 212, and is located slightly above the air return hole 24. The second outer guidance space 233b is closed. When the bill PM 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 guiding portions 221a1,221b1 and the lower outer cover 222 is provided with the first and second branch guiding portions 222a1,222b1, a straight line is 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, both the upper outer cover 221 and the lower outer cover 222 are not provided, but the outer cover is provided only on one end, and air is returned to the first and second straight transfer 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 straight line transport wall 211 and the second straight line transport wall 212 is closed with a shielding wall or the like so that the transport air does not leak. The space 23 may be formed.

On the outer wall surfaces 211a and 212a sides of the first and second straight 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 211 and 222 are provided. A return guide unit 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 of the air return hole 24, and its cross section has a substantially triangular shape. (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 of the air return hole 24, so that an upward guide curved surface is formed on the upper part of the 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 guidance curved surface becomes a return flow that easily spreads upward when passing through the air return hole 24, and is guided to the downward guidance curved surface. When the conveyed transport air passes through the air return hole 24, it becomes a return flow that tends to spread downward. The air return hole 24 and the return guide portion 25 can be formed at the same time when the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212 are formed by resin processing. Of course, the return guide portion 25 may be formed by attaching the structure formed as a separate body along the edge portion of the air return hole 24.

When the bill PM is to be transported and the air return holes 24 are provided in two rows corresponding to the upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222, the vertical width of the return guide portion 25 is the transport orthogonal width of the air return holes 24. They match, and the lateral width of the feedback guide section 25 matches the transport parallel width of the air feedback hole 24. Corresponding to the size of the air return hole 24 described above, when the transfer orthogonal width of the return guide unit 25 is set to about 20 to 30 [mm] and the transfer parallel width is set to about 5 to 23 [mm], the return guide unit 25 protrudes. The amount (opening width of the air introduction opening 25a) is preferably about 3 to 6 [mm]. This is because the inflow angle (acute angle formed by the inflow direction of the return flow and the transport direction) of the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 to the straight transport path 231 can be adjusted in the range of 15 to 30 [°]. When the return flow is strong, the inflow angle of the return flow is reduced to increase the distance until the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight transport path 231. In this way, the flow force of the return flow that is too strong is attenuated by the time it reaches the banknote PM, and the return flow that has become a moderate flow force acts on the banknote PM. On the other hand, when the return flow is weak, the inflow angle of the return flow is increased to shorten the distance until the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight transport path 231. In this way, the banknote PM can be reached before the momentum of the return flow weakens, and the force for transporting the banknote PM downstream can be given from the return flow.

Further, in the linear transport pipe 2 having this configuration, the first branch guide portions 221a1,222a1 provided on the upper and lower outer covers 221,222, respectively, are used as first-direction guide plates in at least the first branch guide empty portion 232a. The left guide plate 26L of the above 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 a semicircular arc-shaped plate stretched in the chord direction, with one first surface 261 on the upstream side and the other second surface 262 on the downstream side. The upper and lower end edges 211c, 212c, 211d, and 212d are diagonally and tightly contacted with the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212 so as to face each other. Therefore, the arcuate curved edge portion 263 of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is set to have a curvature so as to be in close contact with the concave inner surface of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1. .. The flat 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 blowing direction WD of the transport air, and are linear transport paths. 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 first branch guide portion 221a1 and the second branch guide portion 221b1 are brought into contact with each other or brought into close contact with each other at the connecting portion. The connecting portion between the first branch guiding portion 221a1 and the second branch guiding portion 221b1 is located at an intermediate position of the width between the walls between the first and second linear transport walls 211 and 212, so that the left and right guiding plates 26L , 26R functions as a V-shaped wedge that bisects the transport air heading downstream while being press-fitted upward from the straight 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, from the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b to the first and first. 2 Outward guidance The transport flow can be smoothly guided to the vacant portions 233a and 233b.

In addition, the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are integrally molded with the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212, or integrated by using fixing methods such as adhesion and fusion, so that the first and first plates are integrated. The arrangement positions of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R with respect to the two straight transfer walls 211 and 212 can be kept constant. In addition, when the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are placed in the proper positions in the first and second branch guide empty portions 232a and 232b of the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1, the first , The second straight transfer 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 straight transport walls 211 and 212 at the required positions in the straight transport path 231, and the holding structure attenuates the flow force of the transport air. It is possible to effectively avoid problems that make the transportation of banknotes PM unstable. Further, the left guide plate 26L and the right guide plate 26R may not be separated and 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 voids 232a and 232b guide the direction of the flow of the transport air to the left and right to branch to the left and right, and the first and second branch guidance plates 26L and 26R. 1, Inflow into the second outer guidance space 233a, 233b. As a result, the pressure of the first and second outer guidance empty portions 233a and 233b becomes higher than that in the straight transport path 231, and the pressure is increased between the outer wall surface 211a and the inner wall surface 211b of the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight 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 transfer air returns from the air return holes 24 provided in the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212 to the straight transfer path 231, and the transfer air returns to the first straight transfer wall 211 side and the second. The banknote PM that receives the return flow evenly from the straight transport wall 212 side will be stably transported downstream in the straight transport path 231.

In the bill transport device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, a strong feedback flow is generated by providing the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, and the bill PM is stably transported in the straight transport pipe 2. Can be done. FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B) show the principle of generation of the feedback flow in the linear transport pipe 2 provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. In addition, FIG. 3B shows the outer wall surface 212a side of the second straight line transport wall 212 through the second branch guide vacant portion 232b and the second outer guide vacant portion 233b of the upper and lower outer covers 221,222. Shows the state of seeing.

When the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are arranged in this way, the transport air pressed into the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 from the straight transport path 231 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 straight line transport walls 211 and 212.

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 straight transfer walls 211 and 212, respectively, so that the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are arranged. , 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 portion of the air return hole 24). Let me. In this way, when the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are provided at appropriate positions corresponding to the air return holes 24, the transport air guided by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is supplied to each return guide unit 25. The state of being introduced into the air introduction opening 25a is almost the same, and the state of the return flow returned from each air return hole 24 to the straight transfer 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 convey Japanese banknote PM, 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 feedback hole 24 to the straight transfer path 231, which is suitable for stabilizing the transfer state of the banknote PM. 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 transfer 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 transfer air returned from the air return hole 24 to the straight transfer path 231). That is, the air is 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 straight 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 portions 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 transport air flowing from upstream to downstream at the upper and lower parts of the fluid passage linear space 23 due to the pressure of the transport air supplied to the straight transport pipe 2 is first fed by the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R. , The second branch guidance vacant portion 232a, 232b can be smoothly guided to the first and second outer guidance vacant portions 233a, 233b. Due to the transport air flowing in from the first and second branch guidance vacant portions 232a and 232b, the first and second outer guidance vacant portions 233a and 233b have a higher pressure than the linear transport path 231 and therefore pass through the air return hole 24. The flow of the transport air returning to the straight transport path 231 becomes the return flow. That is, in the straight transfer pipe 2 provided with the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, strong feedback flows facing each other while flowing in the transfer direction can be generated in the straight transfer path 231. The return flow in the straight line transport path 231 gradually weakens, but reaches the banknote PM passing near the center in the width direction in the straight line transfer path 231 and efficiently gives the force to transfer the banknote PM downstream from both sides of the banknote PM. be able to.

Here, the behavior of the feedback flow flowing from each air feedback hole 24 into the straight transfer path 231 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in FIGS. , 233b is shown as viewed from above. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the circulating flow Fg 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 is the return guide portion 25. It is introduced from the air introduction opening 25a and becomes a feedback flow. Further, a part of the transport air that has reached the downstream side of the return guide unit 25 without being introduced into the air introduction opening 25a can be a return flow introduced from the air return hole 24 further downstream to the straight transfer path 231. There is sex.

FIG. 4A shows an ideally designed straight line transfer tube 2, and the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b are provided by the return flow from the air return holes 24 of the first and second straight line transfer walls 211 and 212. Lateral flows Fr and Fr are formed along the above, and a central flow Fc that is sandwiched between them and travels straight in the transport direction is formed. In the straight transfer pipe 2, the transfer air does not flow into the opening surface of each air return hole 24 from the upstream and interfere with the return flow to generate turbulent flow, so that the control can be performed by adjusting the angle of the return guide unit 25. The return flow can reach the central flow Fc at the inflow angle. Therefore, in the straight line transport pipe 2, by allowing the return flow to reach the vicinity of both side surfaces of the banknote PM, it is possible to prevent the banknote PM from meandering largely to the left and right in the central flow Fc, and to stably hold the banknote PM substantially in the center. Further, in the straight line transfer pipe 2, the return flow reaching near both side surfaces of the banknote PM gives a force to direct the banknote PM in the transport direction (downstream), so that the banknote PM is efficiently transported.

However, it is desirable that the flow velocity of the return flow reaching the paper surface of the banknote PM from both sides is not too strong or too weak, and is moderate. FIG. 4B shows a linear transport pipe 2'designed so that a sufficient feedback flow cannot be obtained, and the side currents Fr and Fr on both sides along the inner wall surfaces 211b and 212b are weak. In addition, the central flow Fc has spread to the left and right. In the straight transfer pipe 2', even if the transfer air flows into the opening surface of each air return hole 24 from the upstream, there is no concern that it interferes with the return flow and causes a harmful turbulent flow, but the return flow is inside the central flow Fc. It is difficult to reach the banknote PM near the center. If the return flow cannot reach both sides of the banknote PM near the center of the central flow Fc as in the straight line transfer tube 2', it is difficult to obtain the high transfer efficiency as in the straight line transfer tube 2 described above.

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

On the other hand, FIG. 4C shows a linear transfer pipe 2 ″ designed so that a too strong feedback flow flows into the linear transfer path 231 from the air return hole 24, and the transfer air is provided in each air return hole. It is in a state where it has flowed into the opening surface of 24 from the upstream and interferes with a strong feedback flow to generate a vortex-like turbulent flow. Efficient transport cannot be achieved because small vibrations occur repeatedly.

When the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 into the straight line transport path 231 is strong, the bank note PM can be reached by increasing the distance until the return flow reaches the bank note PM flowing near the center of the straight line transfer path 231. The flow velocity of the return flow can be suppressed. If the return flow flowing from the air return hole 24 into the straight line transfer path 231 is weak, increase the inflow angle of the return flow until the return flow reaches the banknote PM flowing near the center of the straight line transfer path 231. If the distance between the two is shortened, the flow velocity of the return flow reaching the banknote PM can be increased.

However, if the inflow angle is increased (approached to 90 [°]) in order to allow the return flow to reach near the center of the straight transport path 231, the force directed in the transport direction is weakened, and the original transport function may be impaired. There is sex. Therefore, when the flow velocity of the feedback flow is extremely weak, it is desirable to improve the efficiency of the feedback flow by another method such as using the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R described above. For example, in order to improve the efficiency of the return flow, the left and right widths of the first and second outer guidance empty portions 233a and 233b are narrowed to reduce the gap with the feedback guide portion 25, and the gap is passed through the gap to the downstream side. The amount of transport air may be reduced. Specifically, between the inner surface of the first and second outer guide portions 221a2 and 221b2 and each feedback guide portion 25, and the inner surface of the first and second outer guide portions 222a2 and 222b2 and each feedback guide portion 25. By narrowing the gap generated between the and, more transport air can be guided to the air introduction opening 25a of the return guide portion 25.

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

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

As described above, if the linear transport pipe 2 having the above-mentioned structure is used, the banknote PM to be transported is held substantially in the center of the straight transport path 231 by the opposing return flows, and is transferred in the transport direction without shaking from side to side. Therefore, stable transportation is possible without being affected by the state of the banknote PM (habit, wrinkles, twists, strains, etc.). Further, by allowing the strong feedback flow obtained by providing the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R to flow into the straight transfer path 231 at a small inflow angle, the transfer speed can be increased and the transfer efficiency of the banknote PM can be improved. There is also an advantage. Further, the transport air returned from the air return hole 24 as a feedback flow is guided downstream in the straight transport path 231 and guided to the first and second branch guide vacant portions 232a and 232b at the upper or lower part, and is the first. 1. A spiral flow (hereinafter referred to as “spiral flow”) that becomes a return flow again from the second outer guidance voids 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 upper, lower, left, and right sides of the straight transfer pipe 2, it is more effective for the stable transfer of the banknote PM.

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

The transport guide 27 is provided at least on the straight 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 straight transport wall 211 and the second straight transport wall 212 and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R, the first straight transport wall 211 and the second straight 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 PM from entering the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1, 222a1,222b1 and the transport air from the first and second branch guide portions 221a1. , 221b1,222a1,222b1 is allowed to flow into.

The transport guide 27 has a thin plate-shaped shield 273 laid 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 PM). 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 lengths (lengths of the long sides) of the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b in the bill PM, the bill PMs are the first and second. It functions as a shielding portion for preventing entry into the branch guiding portion 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 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 guide 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 easily created while having sufficient strength. Further, a wire mesh having a mesh structure or the like can be used as a transport guide 27 because it can simultaneously realize a shielding function for bill PM and a permeation function for transport air. It is also possible to integrally mold the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212 or the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R and the transfer 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 straight transport walls 211 and 212, the shield 273 becomes the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212. It functions as a spacer that appropriately holds the facing distance between the two, and is also effective in increasing the strength of the linear transfer 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 straight transport walls 211 and 212 and the transport guide 27, the first and second straight 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 edge edges 211c, 212c, 211d and 212d of the first and second straight transport walls 211 and 212, so that the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R are integrated with the transport guide 27. The holding strength of the first and second straight transfer walls 211 and 212 by the right guide plates 26L and 26R is also enhanced.

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 straight transport walls 211 and 212, respectively, the banknote PM can be covered on 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 shielding body 273 of the transport guide 27 may prevent the transport air from flowing from the straight 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 shield 273 provided on the straight transfer pipe 2B is not a simple plate material having a substantially square cross section, but has a shape so that the force of the transfer air is not reduced 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 straight transport path 231, an outer surface portion 2732 facing the inner surface portion 2732, an upstream side surface portion 2733 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 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2733a on the straight line 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 straight transport path 231 side.

As described above, if the upstream side surface portion 2733 and the downstream side surface portion 2734 are used as induction inclined surfaces, the air passage portion 27a formed between the two adjacent shields 273 appropriately draws air for transportation from the straight transportation 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 be flown. It is possible to effectively suppress the decrease in efficiency.

The transport guide 27 used in the linear 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 straight line transfer wall 211 and the second support member 272 is arranged on the lower end edge 212d of the second straight line transfer 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 straight line transfer wall 211 and the first support member 271 is arranged on the upper end edge 212c of the second straight line transfer wall 212, the first support member 271 is arranged on 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 guiding 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 banknote PM (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 PM 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, sufficient 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 a natural number multiple (4 in FIG. 5) with respect to the arrangement interval of the air return hole 24, the transport guide 27 The layout of the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R and the air return holes 24 can be adjusted to an efficient layout. With such a layout structure, it is possible to transport the banknote PM without any obstacle because it does not interfere with the spiral flow that is continuously generated at the four places on the top, bottom, left, and right of the linear transport pipe 2B.

In the shielding body 273 of the transport guide 27, since the inner surface portion 2731 facing the straight 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 the transport air that is about to pass through the air passage portion 27a will be generated, and the passing flow rate to the first and second branch guide portions 221a1,221b1, 222a1,222b1 will be reduced. be. Therefore, in the transport guide 27'of the second configuration example shown in FIG. 7A, a shield 274 that can effectively suppress the generation of turbulence is used.

The shield 274 includes an inner surface portion 2741 facing the straight transport path 231, an outer surface portion 2742 which is an facing surface thereof, an upstream side surface portion 2743 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 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2743a on the straight transport path 231 side, and is located downstream from the upstream to the downstream. It is an inductively inclined surface 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 straight 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 straight 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 attracting flow surface connected to the downstream side surface portion 2744, the transport air reaches the induced inclined surface of the downstream side surface portion 2744 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 feedback flow.

As described above, if the transfer guide 27'provided with the inner surface portion 2741 which is the attracting 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 banknote PM 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. 7 (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 has an inner surface portion 2751 facing the straight transport path 231, an outer surface portion 2752 facing the inner surface portion 2752, 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 221a1,221b1,222a1,222b1 side is located downstream of the inner edge portion 2753a on the straight transport path 231 side, and is located downstream from the upstream to the downstream. It is an inductively inclined surface 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 straight 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 straight transport path 231 side, and is an attracting 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 attracting 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 large, the efficiency of the return flow can be adjusted to an appropriate range.

The straight transport pipes 2 and 2B described above have a function for straightly transporting the bill PM by the straight straight transport path 231, and the transport direction cannot be changed by the straight transport pipes 2 and 2B alone. In order to change the transport direction of the bill PM, it is necessary to use a curved transport pipe 4 or the like. However, even if the curved transport pipe 4 is connected to the downstream side of the straight transport pipes 2 and 2B installed so that the paper surface of the bill PM is in the vertical direction, the transport direction is changed to the left side or the right side orthogonal to the paper surface of the bill PM. You can only change it. In order to change the transport direction of the bill PM upward or downward, it is necessary to convert the paper surface of the bill PM into a horizontal direction and send it to the curved transport pipe 4. In such a case, if the twisted transport pipe 3 is used, it is possible to rotate the vertically oriented paper surface horizontally while transporting the banknote PM, and it is possible to connect to the curved transport pipe 4 that curves upward or downward. can.

In explaining the detailed structure of the twist transfer pipe 3, first, the basic principle of changing the direction of the paper surface while sending out the bill PM in the transport direction will be described based on the central twist transfer pipe 3-O shown in FIGS. 8 to 12.

In order to connect to the straight transfer pipes 2, 2B, etc., the shape of at least one of the upstream end and the downstream end of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O has the same shape as the flow path cross section of the fluid passage linear space 23 of the straight line transfer pipe 2. It is desirable to keep it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the central twist transfer pipe 3-O of the present configuration example is connected to the first straight transfer wall 211 so that both the upstream end and the downstream end can be connected to the straight transfer pipes 2 and 2B. Corresponds to the first twist transport wall 311 and the second straight transport wall 212 and the second twist transport wall 312, the upper outer cover 221 and the first twist outer cover 321 and the lower outer cover 222 and the second twist outer cover 322. I let you. That is, the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second twist transfer wall 312 whose inner surface side is arranged so as to face the two surfaces of the banknote PM, and the upper and lower ends of the first and second twist transfer walls 311, 312 are up and down. The first twist outer cover 321 and the second twist outer cover 322 are provided on both portions, respectively. The first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 and the first and second twist outer covers 321 and 322 form a fluid passage twist space 33 inside which compressed air can be sent out.

Of the fluid passage twisting space 33, the space sandwiched between the inner wall surface 311b of the first twisting transport wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the second twisting transport wall 312 becomes the central twisting transport path 331-O, and the banknote PM is this. It rotates approximately 90 [°] clockwise while being transported in the central twist transport path 331-O. The central twist transport path 331-O rotates the paper surface of the bill PM transported from the upstream around the linear central axis CA-O from the center of the upstream end opening to the center of the downstream end opening (for example, transport). It is a flow path that changes the directions of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction by rotating the bill PM clockwise). It is also possible to construct a twisted transport path that changes the direction of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction by rotating the paper surface of the bill PM transported from the upstream clockwise. Is. It is also possible to construct a twisted transport path in which the banknote PM transported horizontally from the upstream is rotated clockwise (or counterclockwise) to change it in the vertical direction.

At the uppermost flow end of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O, the first twist transfer wall 311 is arranged on the left side in the transfer direction (direction corresponding to the ventilation direction WD), and the second twist is placed on the right side in the transfer direction. The transport wall 312 is arranged. However, at the most downstream end of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O, the first twist transfer wall 311 is located on the upper side and the second twist transfer wall 312 is located on the lower side. The first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312 forming such a central twist transport path 331-O can be made of the same curved plate material. Further, the first twist transport wall 311 and the first twist transport wall 311 are spaced apart from each other so that the width between the walls between the inner wall surface 311b of the first twist transport wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the second twist transport wall 312 is constant. The second twist transport wall 312 is arranged in parallel.

The first twist transport wall 311 is tilted toward the downstream side in the transport direction so that the first end edge 311c (the upper end edge at the uppermost flow end of the central twist transport pipe 3-O) approaches the second twist transport wall 312. The second end edge 311d (the lower end edge at the uppermost flow end of the central twist transfer tube 3-O) is tilted in a direction away from the second twist transfer wall 312. On the other hand, in the second twist transport wall 312, the first end edge 312c (the upper end edge at the uppermost flow end of the central twist transport pipe 3-O) moves away from the first twist transport wall 311 toward the downstream in the transport direction. As it tilts, the second end edge 312d (the lower end edge at the uppermost flow end of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O) tilts toward the first twist transfer wall 311.

The central twist transfer tube 3-O has a twist structure in which the bill PM is rotated by approximately 90 [°] clockwise (or counterclockwise) in the transfer direction (direction corresponding to the ventilation direction WD). The vertical direction at the upstream end changes to the left-right direction at the most downstream end. In the following description, the direction from the second end edges 311d, 312d to the first end edges 311c, 312c of the first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 is the first direction, and the first end edges 311c, 312c are the first. The direction toward the two edge edges 311d and 312d is called the second direction. That is, at the most upstream end, the first direction and the second direction coincide with the vertical direction, but at the most downstream end, the first direction and the second direction change in the horizontal direction. Further, the direction in which the bill PM is tilted in the central twist transport path 331-O is called the rotation direction, and the direction in which the bill PM is away is called the counter-rotation direction. In the upstream of the central twist transport path 331-O where the paper surface of the banknote PM is close to the vertical direction, the upper half of the banknote PM tilts to the right, so the right side is the rotation direction, the left side is the counter-rotation direction, and the lower half of the banknote PM is to the left side. Since it is tilted, the left side is the rotation direction and the right side is the counter-rotation direction. Downstream of the central twist transport path 331-O where the paper surface of the bill PM approaches the horizontal direction, the right half of the bill PM tilts downward, so the lower side is in the rotational direction, the upper side is in the counter-rotation direction, and the left half of the bill PM is. Since it tilts upward, the upper side is in the rotation direction and the lower side is in the counter-rotation direction. Hereinafter, the twisting structure of the central twisting transport path 331-O will be described.

Only the central twist transport path 331-O is shown in FIG. 9 in a simplified manner. FIG. 9A is a front view of the central twist transport path 331-O viewed from upstream to downstream, and there is an empty space around the central axis CA-O that can be seen from upstream to downstream. FIG. 9B is a right side view of the central twisted transport path 331-O so that the upper surface on the most upstream side is the right side on the most downstream side and the bottom surface on the most downstream side is the left side on the most downstream side. You can see how it twists (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 9B).

For example, when a 10,000-yen banknote of Japanese banknotes is used as the banknote PM, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction (first and second transport parallel sides PM1a, PM1b) are 160 [mm], and the dimensions in the lateral direction (first and second transport orthogonal sides) are orthogonal. The dimensions of the sides PM2a and PM2b) are 76 [mm], and the thickness is about 0.1 [mm]. Therefore, the inter-wall width (horizontal width on the upstream side, vertical width on the downstream side) of the flow path cross section in the central twist transport path 331-O is 12 [mm], and the wall length width (vertical width on the upstream side). If the width) on the downstream side is 78 [mm], a 10,000-yen banknote of Japanese banknotes can be transported as a banknote PM.

Then, the central twist transport path 331-O is continuously changed at a constant angle (for example, 15 [°] with respect to 150 [mm]) with respect to a constant distance from the upstream to the downstream. As shown in FIG. 9 (C1), the first twist flow path cross section 331OS1 at the open end, which is the most upstream in the central twist transfer path 331-O, is a vertically long rectangle. The second twist flow path cross section 331OS2 at a position 150 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twist transfer path 331-O is the same as the first twist flow path cross section 331OS1 as shown in FIG. 9 (C2). Although it has a shape, it is tilted clockwise by 15 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 about the central axis CA-O. The third twisted flow path cross section 331OS3 at a position 300 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O is the first and second twisted flow path cross sections as shown in FIG. 9 (C3). It has the same shape as 331OS1 and 331OS2, but is tilted 30 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA-O. As shown in FIG. 9 (C4), the cross section of the fourth twisted flow path 331OS4 at a position 450 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O is the cross section of the first to third twisted flow paths. It has the same shape as 331OS1 to 331OS3, but is tilted 45 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA-O. The fifth twisted flow path cross section 331OS5 at a position 600 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O is a cross section of the first to fourth twisted flow paths as shown in FIG. 9 (C5). It has the same shape as 331OS1 to 331OS4, but is tilted clockwise by 60 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 about the central axis CA-O. The sixth twisted flow path cross section 331OS6 at a position 750 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O is a cross section of the first to fifth twisted flow paths as shown in FIG. 9 (C6). It has the same shape as 331OS1 to 331OS5, but is tilted 75 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA-O. The seventh twisted flow path cross section 331OS7 at a position 900 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O is a cross section of the first to sixth twisted flow paths as shown in FIG. 9 (C7). It has the same shape as 331OS1 to 331OS6, but is tilted 90 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA-O. That is, if the position of the seventh twisted flow path cross section 331OS7, which is 900 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the central twisted transport path 331-O, is the most downstream open end of the central twisted transport path 331-O, it is just a banknote. The flow path shape is such that the PM is rotated by 90 [°].

However, since the banknote PM to be transported is made of special paper with high durability, it is easy to maintain a flat plate shape, and while the downstream side of the banknote PM remains straight, only the upper part of the upstream side is bent to the right and upstream. It is difficult to bend only the lower side to the left and pass through the central twist transport path 331-O. Therefore, the banknote PM itself is transported downstream in the central twist transport path 331-O while maintaining the flat plate shape, and the inner wall surface 311b of the first twist transport wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the second twist transport wall 312b. There is a risk that the banknote PM will stay in the transport path 331 because it will not be able to proceed due to strong friction. Therefore, the central twist transport path 331-O needs to have a flow path shape that allows the bill PM to pass through in a flat plate shape. In order to satisfy this flow path shape, the cross section of the upstream twisted flow path at an arbitrary position reaches the cross section of the downstream twisted flow path at a position separated by a distance corresponding to the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM. A paper leaf passage region is formed in the reference center twist transport path so that the bill PM can pass through in a flat plate shape without bending.

FIG. 10 shows the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O, which has a length corresponding to the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM (160 [mm] in the case of a 10,000 yen bill). It is a wall body forming a reference center twist transport path 83 having a reference transport path length. 10 (A) is a front view of the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O seen from the upstream side, and FIG. 10 (B) is a right side view of the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O, FIG. 10 (C). ) Is a plan view of the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O. The reference center twist transport path 83 formed by being surrounded by the twist left side wall 81a, the twist right side wall 81b, the twist upper wall 81c, and the twist lower wall 81d is from the upstream side twist flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twist flow path cross section 82b. Up to, the flow path is tilted by 17 [°] clockwise around the central axis CA-O. The upstream side torsional flow path cross section 82a and the downstream side torsional flow path cross section 82b have the same elongated square shape, and the wall-to-wall width is 12 [mm] and the wall length width is 78 [similar to the above-mentioned central twist transfer path 331-O]. mm] so that 10,000 yen bills of Japanese banknotes can be transported as banknotes PM.

In this reference center twist transport path structure 8-O, the center position of the reference center twist transport path 83 (distance from the upstream twist flow path cross section 82a and the distance from the downstream twist channel cross section 82b are equal to 80 [mm]. ], The central twisted flow path cross section 82c is arranged so that the long side in the vertical direction and the short side in the horizontal direction are formed. Therefore, the upstream torsional flow path cross section 82a located on the upstream side by 1/2 of the reference central torsional transport path 83 is 17 [°] counterclockwise with respect to the central axis CA—O with respect to the central torsional flow path cross section 82c. ] / 2 = 8.5 [°] tilted. Similarly, the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b located on the downstream side by 1/2 of the reference center twisted transport path 83 from the central twisted flow path cross section 82c is relative to the central axis CA-O with respect to the central twisted flow path cross section 82c. It is tilted clockwise by 17 [°] / 2 = 8.5 [°].

Here, consider a condition for the banknote PM to pass from the upstream side twisted flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twisted flow path cross section 82b in a flat plate shape without bending.

When the banknote PM advances in the reference center twist transfer path 83 after passing through the upstream side twist flow path cross section 82a, the upper side (the side closer to the twist upper wall 81c) of the central axis CA-O is the inner wall surface of the twist left wall 81a. The lower side of the central axis CA-O (the side closer to the twisted lower wall 81d) hits the inner wall surface of the twisted right side wall 81b. Therefore, in order to move the banknote PM downstream so as not to hit the inner wall surface of the twisted left side wall 81a and the twisted right side wall 81b, the banknote PM may be tilted clockwise. However, if the banknote PM is tilted too clockwise, the upper side (the side closer to the twisted upper wall 81c) of the central axis CA-O hits the inner wall surface of the twisted right side wall 81b, and the lower side (twisted) of the central axis CA-O. The side closer to the lower wall 81d) hits the inner wall surface of the twisted left side wall 81a.

In order for the banknote PM to pass through the reference center twist transport path 83 and reach the downstream twist flow path cross section 82b so as not to hit the inner wall surface of the twist left wall 81a and the twist right wall 81b, the sky can be seen from upstream to downstream. It suffices if the part is formed. In the reference center twisted transport path structure 8-O, the upper right corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a does not exceed the upper left corner of the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b, and the lower left angle of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a. The reference center twist transport path 83 was set so that the portion was twisted at an angle within a range not exceeding the lower right corner portion of the downstream side twist flow path cross section 82b. That is, it is continuous from the minute area including the diagonal line from the upper right corner to the lower left corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a to the minute area including the diagonal line from the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b. The bill passing region PA to be used is formed in the reference center twist transport path 83. The banknote passage area PA as a banknote passage area that allows paper sheets to pass through without bending in a flat plate shape is a rectangular area cross section having a width equal to or greater than the paper thickness of the banknote PM and a vertical width equal to or greater than the short side of the banknote PM. The central axis CA-O is located substantially in the center of the center, and is a rectangular parallelepiped continuous from the upstream end to the downstream end of the reference center twist transport path 83.

When the wall-to-wall width is set to 12 [mm] and the wall length width is set to 78 [mm] as in the reference center twist transport path 83 configured by the reference center twist transport path configuration 8-O, the upstream twist flow path. It will be described that if the twist angle from the cross section 82a to the downstream side twist flow path cross section 82b is 17 [°], the bill passage region PA corresponding to the bill PM of the 10,000 yen bill can be formed.

In the transport direction, the upper right corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a coincides with the upper left corner of the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b, and the lower left corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a coincides with the downstream twisted flow path. When it coincides with the lower right corner portion of the cross section 82b, the width of the bill passing region PA becomes almost zero, and the bill passing region PA becomes substantially the narrowest. Since the thickness of the bill PM is not zero, the bill PM cannot be passed if the width of the bill passage region PA is zero, but the short side of the bill PM is the upstream side twisted flow path cross section 82a and the downstream side twisted flow path. Since it is slightly shorter than the diagonal line of the cross section 82b, it can be regarded as an effective bill passage area PA for a 10,000 yen bill with a thickness of 0.1 [mm]. Therefore, in the transport direction, the upper right corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a coincides with the upper left corner of the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b, and the lower left corner of the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a is the downstream twist. The bill passing region PA when it coincides with the lower right corner of the flow path cross section 82b is assumed to be the passing limit.

Assuming that the angle at which the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a is rotated clockwise to coincide with the central twisted flow path cross section 82c is θ, the central twisted flow path cross section 82c is rotated clockwise so as to coincide with the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b. The angle of rotation is also θ. Assuming that the twist angle when the bill passing region PA reaches the passing limit is 2θ, the bill passing region PA can be formed in the reference center twist transport path 83 as long as the condition of “twist angle ≦ 2θ” is satisfied. Then, θ can be geometrically obtained from the front view of the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O shown in FIG. 10 (A).

Since the angle at which the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a is rotated clockwise so as to coincide with the central twisted flow path cross section 82c is θ, “θ≈8.75 [°]” is established from “tan θ = 12/78”. do. Since the angle at which the central twisted flow path cross section 82c is rotated clockwise so as to coincide with the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b is also θ, “θ ≈ 8.75 [°]” is also obtained from “tan θ = 12/78”. To establish. Therefore, the angle (twist angle) for rotating the upstream twisted flow path cross section 82a clockwise so as to coincide with the downstream twisted flow path cross section 82b is “2θ≈17.5 [°]”. Since this twist angle 17.5 [°] is a value at the time of forming the bill passing region PA which is the passing limit, if the twist angle is 17.5 [°] or less, the effective bill passing region PA is. It is formed in the reference center twist transport path 83. That is, if the twist angle from the upstream side twist flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twist flow path cross section 82b is 17 [°] in the reference center twist transfer path structure 8-O, an effective banknote passage region PA is formed. You can.

The central twist transport path 331-O shown in FIG. 9 has a wall-to-wall width of 12 [mm] and a wall length width of 78, similarly to the reference central twist transport path 83 configured by the reference central twist transport path components 8-O. [Mm]. Since the central twist transport path 331-O rotates the banknote PM by 90 [°] with a transport path length of 900 [mm], it is converted into a reference center twist transport path 83 having a standard transport path length of 160 [mm]. The twist angle is 16 [°], which is 17.5 [°] or less when the bill passing region PA, which is the passing limit, is formed. Therefore, an effective bill passage region PA is formed for the entire range of the central twist transport path 331-O, and if the bill PM is tilted so as to fit in the bill passage region PA at the position where the bill PM has advanced, the bill PM will bend. It can pass from the first twisted flow path cross section 331OS1 to the seventh twisted flow path cross section 331OS7 in the form of a flat plate.

Further, although the transport flow flowing from the upstream to the downstream through the reference center twist transport path 83 can travel straight near the center including the central axis CA-O, the first end edge side (twist upper wall 81c side) and the second from the center. As the distance from the edge side (twisted lower wall 81d side) increases, it becomes impossible to go straight in the transport direction. The reference center The first end edge side (upper side) of the twisted left side wall 81a and the second end edge side (lower side) of the twisted right side wall 81b are reference so as to prevent the transport air from going straight from the upstream side to the downstream side of the twisted right side wall 83. Since the air is pushed out into the central twist transport path 83, the transport air hits the inner walls of the twisted left and right walls 81a and 81b and is bent. The first end edge side (twisted upper wall 81c side) of the twisted left side wall 81a is the counter-rotating side, and the second end edge side (twisted lower wall 81d side) of the twisted right side wall 81b is also counter-rotating. Since it is on the side, when the transport air that hits the inner wall surface on the opposite rotation side is bent in the rotation direction, it functions as a rotation auxiliary flow. Since this rotation auxiliary flow is a flow that continues to bend from the counter-rotation direction to the rotation direction while flowing in the transport direction, the banknote PM that receives the rotation auxiliary flow on the paper surface is clockwise in addition to the force that moves downstream. It will receive a rotating force. Therefore, if the central twist transfer tube 3-O is provided with the central twist transfer path 331-O in which the bill passing region PA is formed in the entire area from the upstream end to the downstream end, the linear transfer tube 2 and 2B described above are used. Even if the return flow does not act on the bill PM, the bill PM can be conveyed downstream while rotating.

The twist angle from the upstream side torsional flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side torsional flow path cross section 82b may be smaller than 17 [°]. By reducing the twist angle from the upstream side twisted flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twisted flow path cross section 82b, the area that can be seen from the upstream end to the downstream end becomes wider, and a wide bill passing area PA can be formed. However, if the twist angle from the upstream side twisted flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twisted flow path cross section 82b is reduced, the flow path length required to rotate the banknote PM to a predetermined angle becomes longer accordingly. For example, in the case of rotating the banknote PM by 90 [°] under the design condition of the reference center twist transport path 83 with a wall width of 12 [mm] and a twist angle of 17 [°], "160 [mm] x (90/17). ) ≈ 847 [mm] ”, so that the pipe length of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O can be about 850 [mm]. However, under the design conditions of the reference center twist transfer path 83 having a width between walls of 12 [mm] and a twist angle of 15 [°], when the banknote PM is rotated by 90 [°], "160 [mm] x (90/15). ) = 960 [mm] ”, and the length of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O must be increased to 960 [mm]. Therefore, in order to keep the length of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O short, it is desirable to adopt a twist angle that is a bill passing region PA close to the passing limit.

Further, even if the width between the walls of the reference center twist transfer path 83 is increased without changing the twist angle from the upstream side torsional flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side torsional flow path cross section 82b, a region that can be seen from the upstream end to the downstream end. Can form a wide bill passage area PA. For example, the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O'shown in FIG. 11A is based on the design conditions of a wall-to-wall width of 15 [mm], a wall length width of 78 [mm], and a twist angle of 17 [°]. It is a reference center twist transport path 83', and can form a wide bill passage region PA'. Moreover, since the twist angle is 17 [°], the pipe length of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O can be about 850 [mm].

On the contrary, if the width between the walls of the reference center twist transfer path 83 is increased and the bill passing region PA is brought closer to the passing limit, the twist angle from the upstream side twist flow path cross section 82a to the downstream side twist flow path cross section 82b can be obtained. Can be bigger. For example, the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O ″ shown in FIG. 11B is based on the design conditions of a wall-to-wall width of 15 [mm], a wall length width of 78 [mm], and a twist angle of 21 [°]. It is a reference center twist transport path 83 ″ and can form a bill passing region PA ″ close to the passing limit. In this reference center twist transport path 83 ″, the twist angle is 21 [°], so “160 [mm] × (90/21) ≈ 686 [mm] ”, and the pipe length of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O can be suppressed to about 690 [mm].

A bill passing region close to the passing limit, such as the reference center twist transport path 83 of the reference center twist transport path configuration 8-O and the reference center twist transport path 83 ″ of the reference center twist transport path configuration 8-O ″ described above. When PA, PA ″ is formed, the transport position of the bill PM may come into contact with the inner wall surface. For example, when the bill PM is rotated clockwise with respect to the transport direction, it is counterclockwise with respect to the bill PM. Since the wall surface on the side is curved so as to prevent the banknote PM from going straight, the banknote PM tends to come into contact with the wall surface on the counterclockwise side in the traveling direction. There is a risk that the banknote PM will stay in the flow path due to strong friction due to surface contact with the wall surface. In order to avoid such obstacles, rib structures as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are used. It may be provided.

In FIG. 12A, guide ribs 38 are provided on the first end edge side of the twist left side wall 81a and the second end edge side of the twist right side wall 81b of the reference center twist transfer path 83 of the reference center twist transfer path structure 8-O, respectively. Here is an example. The guide rib 38 provided on the inner wall surface of the twisted left side wall 81a as the first twist transport wall portion and the guide rib 38 provided on the inner wall surface of the twist right side wall 81b as the second twist transport wall portion both have a substantially triangular cross section. It is a strip-shaped projecting body that continuously projects in the twisting and transporting direction.

In this way, if the guide rib 38 is provided, the paper surface of the banknote PM does not come into surface contact with the inner wall surface of the twisted left side wall 81a or the twisted right side wall 81b, but makes point contact or line contact with the protruding end of the guide rib 38. Therefore, even if the bill PM comes into contact with the guide rib 38, the friction generated is reduced, so that the risk of the bill PM staying in the flow path can be effectively suppressed. Moreover, since the guide ribs 38 are continuous in the twisting and transporting direction, the guide ribs 38 that the first end edge side paper surface of the bill PM can come into contact with and the guide ribs 38 that the second end edge side paper surface of the bill PM can come into contact with each other with respect to the bill PM. It also functions as a transport guide.

The mounting position and the amount of protrusion of the guide rib 38 are not particularly limited. However, since the banknote PM that rotates during transportation has a large displacement at a portion away from the central axis CA-O (a portion near the first transport parallel side PM1a and the second transport parallel side PM1b), the guide rib 38 is centered. It is desirable to have a structure that guides both ends of the banknote PM by providing it at a portion away from the shaft CA-O. However, if the mounting position of the guide rib 38 is moved too close to the first end edge side or the mounting position of the guide rib 38 is moved too close to the second end edge side, the guide rib 38 enters the bill passing region PA and the bill PM passes through. Will be hindered. Further, if the protrusion amount of the guide rib 38 is too small, the wall surface contact prevention function of the bill PM cannot be exhibited, and conversely, if the protrusion amount of the guide rib 38 is too large, there is a risk of obstructing the flow of the transport air. ..

Therefore, the guide rib 38 provided on the twisted left side wall 81a of the reference center twisted transport path structure 8-O shown in FIG. 12A is moved from the intermediate position of the twisted left side wall 81a to the twisted upper wall 81c side (first end edge side). The shape is such that it protrudes from the wall surface by about 2 [mm] at a position of about 30 [mm]. Similarly, the guide rib 38 provided on the twisted right side wall 81b of the reference center twisted transport path structure 8-O shown in FIG. 12A is from the intermediate position of the twisted right side wall 81b to the twisted lower wall 81d side (second end edge side). The shape is such that it protrudes from the wall surface by about 2 [mm] at a position of about 30 [mm]. When the guide rib 38 is provided in this way, the rib tip is generally close to the edge of the bill passing region PA, and the wall contact prevention function of the bill PM and the transport guide function of the bill PM can be suitably realized.

The position of about 30 [mm] from the intermediate position of the twisted left side wall 81a to the twisted upper wall 81c side is about 3/4 of the position from the intermediate position of the twisted left side wall 81a to the twisted upper wall 81c. Similarly, the position of about 30 [mm] from the intermediate position of the twisted right side wall 81b to the twisted lower wall 81d side is about 3/4 of the position from the intermediate position of the twisted right side wall 81b to the twisted lower wall 81d. It is useful as an index to set the position of forming the guide rib to 3/4 from the intermediate position of the side wall. Further, the portion where the guide rib 38 is provided is not limited to the twisted left side wall 81a and the twisted right side wall 81b on the counter-rotating side, but may be provided on the twisted left side wall 81a and the twisted right side wall 81b on the rotating side.

FIG. 12B shows an example in which the guide ribs 38 are provided on the twist left side wall 81a and the twist right side wall 81b of the reference center twist transport path 83 ″ of the reference center twist transport path configuration 8-O ″. One of the guide ribs 38 in the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O ″ is located at a position of about 30 [mm] from the intermediate position of the twist left wall 81a to the twist upper wall 81c side (first end edge side) from the wall surface. Similarly, the other guide rib 38 in the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O ″ protrudes about 2 [mm] from the intermediate position of the twist right side wall 81b to the twist lower wall 81d side (second end edge side). At the position of 30 [mm], it protrudes from the wall surface by about 2 [mm]. This is the same as the guide rib 38 of the reference center twist transport path structure 8-O shown in FIG. 12 (A), but in FIG. 12 (B), the rib tip is close to the edge of the bill passing region PA. It is not in a state and is slightly away from the bill passing area PA. This is because the width between the walls of the reference center twist transfer path 83 "in the reference center twist transfer path structure 8-O" is wide and the twist angle is also large. In such a case, the position of the guide rib 38 may be adjusted so as to be closer to the first end edge side and the guide rib 38 may be closer to the second end edge side, or the protrusion amount of the guide rib 38 may be increased.

As described above, the first end edge side (at the upper part in the uppermost stream) of the first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312 in which the bill passage region PA through which the bill PM can pass in a flat plate shape without bending is formed. A first twist outer cover 321 is provided on the rightmost side) as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a second twist outer cover 322 is provided on the second end edge side (lower part in the uppermost stream and left side in the most downstream part) of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second twist transfer wall 312. Since the central twist transfer pipe 3-O can be connected to the straight transfer pipe 2, at least the first twist outer cover 321 in the uppermost stream portion is the upper outer cover 221 of the straight line transfer pipe 2 and the uppermost flow portion. It is desirable that the second twist outer cover 322 in the above has the same shape as the lower outer cover 222 of the straight line transfer pipe 2.

The first twist outer cover 321 is a space on the first direction side of the first end edge 311c of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the first end edge 312c of the second twist transfer wall 312 (upper space in the uppermost stream, most downstream space). Covers the space on the right side). Further, the first twist outer cover 321 covers a part of the outer wall surface 311a of the first twist transfer wall 311 on the first end side (upper part in the uppermost stream, right side part in the most downstream part). Further, the first twist outer cover 321 covers a part of the outer wall surface 312a of the second twist transfer wall 312 on the first end side (upper part in the uppermost stream, right side part in the most downstream part).

On the other hand, the second twist outer cover 322 is a space on the second direction side of the second end edge 311d of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second end edge 312d of the second twist transfer wall 312 (lower space in the uppermost stream). It covers the space on the left side at the most downstream. Further, the second twist outer cover 322 covers a part of the outer wall surface 311a of the first twist transfer wall 311 on the second end side (lower part in the uppermost stream and left side in the most downstream part). Further, the second twist outer cover 322 covers a part of the outer wall surface 312a of the second twist transport wall 312 on the second end side (lower part in the uppermost stream, left side in the most downstream part). It should be noted that the first twist outer cover 321 and the second twist outer cover 322 are not provided separately, and one outer cover covers the entire outer side of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second twist transfer wall 312. It does not matter as a structure.

The first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 and the first and second twist outer covers 321 and 322 may be formed as individual parts and assembled, or may be processed by resin such as injection molding or extrusion molding. The composite parts may be formed and assembled by a technique. Further, not limited to resin processing, plate materials having a thickness of about 1 to 2 [mm] are processed to make first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 and first and second twist outer covers 321 and 322. May be.

Further, on the first end edge 311c side of the intermediate position of the first twisting transport wall 311, the first counter-rotating side air as a fluid return hole through which the transport air can pass from the outer wall surface 311a side to the inner wall surface 311b side. A return hole 3411 is provided. Similarly, on the second end edge 311d side of the intermediate position of the first twisting transport wall 311, the first rotation side air feedback as a fluid return hole through which the transport air can pass from the outer wall surface 311a side to the inner wall surface 311b side. A hole 3412 is provided. On the other hand, on the first end edge 312c side of the intermediate position of the second twisted transport wall 312, the second rotation side air feedback as a fluid return hole through which the transport air can pass from the outer wall surface 312a side to the inner wall surface 312b side. A hole 3421 is provided. Similarly, on the second end edge 312d side of the intermediate position of the second twisted transport wall 312, the second counter-rotating side air as a fluid return hole through which the transport air can pass from the outer wall surface 312a side to the inner wall surface 312b side. A return hole 3422 is provided. The first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411 and the second rotation side air return hole 3421 are covered with the first twist outer cover 321 and the first rotation side air return hole 3412 and the second counter-rotation side air return hole. The 3422 is covered with a second twist outer cover 322.

The first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411, the first rotation side air return hole 3412, the second rotation side air return hole 3421, and the second counter-rotation side air return hole 3422 are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the transport direction. Provided in. The first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411, the first rotation side air return hole 3412, the second rotation side air return hole 3421, and the second counter-rotation side air return hole 3422 (hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish them). The return flow is returned from the air return hole 34) into the central twist transfer path 331-O in the same manner as in the straight transfer tube 2. Further, although the air return hole 34 in the central twist transfer pipe 3-O of this configuration example has a substantially square shape, the opening shape, opening area, arrangement interval, etc. are not particularly limited, and necessary and sufficient feedback is required. It is good if you can get the flow. Therefore, the transport orthogonal width L1 and the transport parallel width L2 of the air return hole 34 are determined so that an appropriate air volume and speed can be obtained.

The first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411 provided in the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second rotation side air return hole 3421 provided in the second twist transfer wall 312 face each other with the central twist transfer path 331-O interposed therebetween. As such, the opening position in the transport direction is adjusted. Similarly, the first rotation side air return hole 3412 provided in the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second counter-rotation side air return hole 3422 provided in the second twist transfer wall 312 sandwich the central twist transfer path 331-O. Align the opening position in the transport direction so that they face each other.

The first twist outer cover 321 that covers the first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411 and the second rotation side air return hole 3421 is on the inner wall surface 311b, 312b side of the first and second twist transport walls 311, 312. It is provided with a structure for generating a fluid-guided empty space for guiding transport air from the outer wall surface to the 311a and 312a sides, respectively. In the first twist outer cover 321 of the present configuration, the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 provided corresponding to the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second twist branch provided corresponding to the second twist transfer wall 312 are provided. The guide portion 321b1 has a structure substantially symmetrical with respect to the central connecting portion 321c. The central connecting portion 321c of the first twist outer cover 321 is provided in the transport direction along the intermediate position between the first end edge 311c of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the first end edge 312c of the second twist transfer wall 312. It is a part that rotates approximately 90 [°] clockwise.

The inner surface of the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 in the first twist outer cover 321 is gradually centered from the central connection portion 321c between the first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes from O so as to move away from the first direction and gradually changes in the second direction when the first twist transport wall 311 is exceeded. Therefore, the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 is used for transporting the first twist transport wall 311 from the inner wall surface 311b side to the outer wall surface 311a side in the space on the first direction side of the first end edge 311c of the first twist transport wall 311. The first twist branch induction empty portion 332a for inducing air can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the second twist branch guide portion 321b1 in the first twist outer cover 321 is gradually center-twisted and conveyed from the central connecting portion 321c between the first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes from the road 331-O so as to move away from the first direction and gradually changes in the second direction when the second twist transport wall 312 is exceeded. Therefore, the second twist branch guide portion 321b1 is used for transporting the second twist transport wall 312 from the inner wall surface 312b side to the outer wall surface 312a side in the first direction side space of the first end edge 312c of the second twist transport wall 312. The second twist branch induction empty portion 332b that induces air can be formed.

A first twist outer guide portion 321a2 is connected to the outside of the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 of the first twist outer cover 321 (on the left side in the uppermost stream and upper side in the most downstream direction). The first twist outer guide portion 321a2 transfers the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 311a side of the first twist transport wall 311 via the first twist branch guide empty portion 332a to the first counter-rotating side air return hole 3411. It gives rise to a first twist outward guiding space 333a that can be guided to. Similarly, a second twist outer guide portion 321b2 is connected to the outside of the second twist branch guide portion 321b1 of the first twist outer cover 321 (on the right side in the uppermost stream and lower side in the most downstream direction). The second twist outer guide portion 321b2 transfers the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 312a side of the second twist transport wall 312 to the second rotation side air return hole 3421 via the second twist branch guide empty portion 332b. It gives rise to an inducible second twist outwardly guided empty space 333b. The second-direction end of the first twist outer guide portion 321a2 is smoothly curved to form a terminal bending portion 321a2-e that is in close contact with the outer wall surface 311a of the first twist transport wall 311. The first twist outward guide empty portion 333a is closed on the second direction side of the hole 3411. Similarly, the second direction end of the second twist outer guide portion 321b2 is a terminal bent portion 321b2-e that is smoothly curved and is in close contact with the outer wall surface 312a of the second twist transport wall 312, and is used as a second rotation side air feedback. The second twist outward guide vacant portion 333b is closed slightly on the second direction side of the hole 3421.

The second twist outer cover 322 is also the same as the first twist outer cover 321. It is provided with a structure that creates a fluid-guided empty space that guides each of the above. In the second twist outer cover 322 of this configuration, the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 provided corresponding to the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second twist branch provided corresponding to the second twist transfer wall 312. The guide portion 322a1 has a structure substantially symmetrical with respect to the central connecting portion 322c. The central connecting portion 322c of the second twist outer cover 322 is provided in the transport direction along the intermediate position between the second end edge 311d of the first twist transfer wall 311 and the second end edge 312d of the second twist transfer wall 312. It is a part that rotates approximately 90 [°] clockwise.

The inner surface of the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 in the second twist outer cover 322 is gradually centered from the central connection portion 322c between the first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes away from O in the second direction and gradually changes in the first direction when it exceeds the first twist transfer wall 311. Therefore, the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 is used for transporting the first twist transport wall 311 from the inner wall surface 311b side to the outer wall surface 311a side in the second direction side space of the second end edge 311d of the first twist transport wall 311. The second twist branch induction empty portion 332b for inducing air can be formed. Similarly, the inner surface of the second twist branch guide portion 322a1 in the second twist outer cover 322 is gradually center-twisted and conveyed from the central connecting portion 322c between the first twist transport wall 311 and the second twist transport wall 312. It is a smooth concave curved surface that protrudes from the road 331-O so as to move away from the second direction and gradually changes in the first direction when the second twist transport wall 312 is exceeded. Therefore, the second twist branch guide portion 322a1 is used for transporting the second twist transport wall 312 from the inner wall surface 312b side to the outer wall surface 312a side of the second twist transport wall 312 in the second direction side space of the second end edge 312d. The first twist branch induction empty portion 332a for inducing air can be formed.

A first twist outer guide portion 322b2 is connected to the outside of the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 of the second twist outer cover 322 (on the left side in the uppermost stream and upper side in the most downstream direction). The first twist outer guide portion 322b2 transfers the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 311a side of the first twist transport wall 311 to the first rotation side air return hole 3412 via the second twist branch guide empty portion 332b. It gives rise to an inducible second twist outwardly guided empty space 333b. Similarly, the second twist outer guide portion 322a2 connected to the outside of the second twist branch guide portion 322a1 of the second twist outer cover 322 (the right side in the uppermost stream and the lower side in the most downstream) is the first twist branch. A first twist outward guide vacant portion 333a capable of guiding the transport air guided to the outer wall surface 312a side of the second twist transport wall 312 to the second counter-rotating side air return hole 3422 via the guide vacant portion 332a is generated. Let me. The first direction end of the first twist outer guide portion 322b2 is a terminal bent portion 322b2-e that is smoothly curved and is in close contact with the outer wall surface 311a of the first twist transport wall 311. The second twist outward guidance empty portion 333b is closed on the first direction side of the 3412. Similarly, the first direction end of the second twist outward guide portion 322a2 is a terminal bent portion 322a2-e that is smoothly curved and is in close contact with the outer wall surface 312a of the second twist transport wall 312, and is the second counter-rotating side air. The first twist outward guidance empty portion 333a is closed on the first direction side of the return hole 3422.

Since the first twist outer cover 321 and the second twist outer cover 322 are axisymmetric with respect to the central axis CA-O, for example, an outer cover body formed as the first twist outer cover 321 can be used. It can be used as the second twist outer cover 322. That is, the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 and the first twist outer guide portion 321a2 of the first twist outer cover 321 arranged on the first end edge 311c side of the first twist transport wall 311 are the second twist transport wall. It corresponds to the second twist branch guide portion 322a1 and the second twist outer guide portion 322a2 of the second twist outer cover 322 arranged on the second end edge 312d side of 312. Further, the second twist branch guide portion 321b1 and the second twist outer guide portion 321b2 of the first twist outer cover 321 arranged on the first end edge 311c side of the second twist transport wall 312 are the first twist transport wall. It corresponds to the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 and the first twist outer guide portion 322b2 of the second twist outer cover 322 arranged on the second end edge 311d side of 311.

On the outer wall surface 311a side of the first twist transfer wall 311, the first counter-rotation side return guide portion 3511 corresponding to the first counter-rotation side air return hole 3411 and the first rotation side air return hole 3412 are supported. The first rotation side return guide portion 3512 is provided. On the outer wall surface 312a side of the second twist transfer wall 312, a second rotation side return guide portion 3521 corresponding to the second rotation side air return hole 3421 and a second rotation side air return hole 3422 corresponding to the second rotation side air return hole 3422. 2 The counter-rotating side feedback guide portion 3522 is provided. 1st counter-rotation side feedback guide unit 3511, 1st rotation side feedback guide unit 3512, 2nd rotation side feedback guide unit 3521, 2nd anti-rotation side feedback guide unit 3522 Section 35) guides the transport air guided to the first twist outward guide air portion 333a and the second twist outward guide air portion 333b to each air return hole 34.

The return guide portion 35 is a projecting body in which at least the air introduction opening 35a connected to the upstream opening edge of the air return hole 34 is located on the upstream side and narrows toward the downstream opening edge of the air return hole 34, and its cross section (upstream). The cross section at the end and the vertical cross section at the downstream end) were substantially triangular. Further, the opening width L3 of the air introduction opening 35a (for example, the amount of protrusion from the outer wall surfaces 311a and 312a of the first and second twist transport walls 311 and 312) is the first twist outer guide empty portion 333a and the second twist. It can be arbitrarily adjusted within the range of the outward guidance air portion 333b. For example, if the opening width L3 of the air introduction opening 35a is increased, the amount of air that can be guided to the air return hole 34 can be increased to strengthen the feedback flow, and if the opening width L3 of the air introduction opening 35a is decreased, the air is guided to the air return hole 34. The amount of air that can be produced can be reduced to suppress the feedback flow. The air return hole 34 and the return guide portion 35 can be formed at the same time when the first and second twist transfer walls 311, 312 are formed by resin processing. Of course, the return guide portion 35 may be formed by attaching the structure formed as a separate body along the edge portion of the air return hole 34.

Further, in the central twist transfer pipe 3-O of the present configuration, the counter-rotating side guide plate 36A is attached to the first twist branch guide portion 321a1 of the first twist outer cover 321 and the rotation side guide plate is attached to the second twist branch guide portion 321b1. 36R is provided respectively. Similarly, the second twist branch guide portion 322a1 of the second twist outer cover 322 is provided with a counter-rotating side guide plate 36A, and the first twist branch guide portion 322b1 is provided with a rotation side guide plate 36R. The counter-rotating side guide plate 36A is a semicircular plate-like body protruding into the first twisting branch guiding empty portion 332a, and the rotating side guiding plate 36R is a semicircle protruding into the second twisting branch guiding empty portion 332b. It is an arc-shaped plate-shaped body. The counter-rotating side guiding plate 36A and the rotating side guiding plate 36R exhibit the same functions as the left and right guiding plates 26L and 26R in the linear transfer pipe 2. However, since the first twist branch guide portion 321a1, 322a1 and the second twist branch guide portion 321b1, 322b1 are asymmetric, the counter-rotating side guide plate 36A and the rotation side guide plate 36R are also asymmetric.

In the linear transport pipe 2B described above, the same structure as the transport guide 27 provided to prevent the bill PM from coming into contact with the upper and lower outer covers 221,222 and the left and right guide plates 26L and 26R is provided. It may be provided in the central twist transfer pipe 3-O. In this case, a transport guide curved along the first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 is formed so that the first end edges 311c and 312c sides of the first and second twist transport walls 311, 312 and the first It may be attached to the two end edges 311d and 312d. Alternatively, erection materials are provided at the required intervals in the transport direction on the first end edges 311c, 312c side and the second end edges 311d, 312d side of the inner wall surfaces 311b, 312b of the first and second twist transport walls 311, 312. It may be used as a transport guide.

Since the central twist transfer pipe 3-O configured as described above is provided with the twist transfer path 311-O that rotates around the central axis CA-O, the first twist outer cover 321 is twisted to the right in the transfer direction and protrudes. The amount to be twisted and the amount of the second twist outer cover 322 twisted to the left in the transport direction and protrude are substantially equal to each other. On the other hand, the twist transfer pipe 3 of this configuration example is twisted to rotate around the eccentric twist shaft TA set to be offset to the second end edge side (the side of the second twist outer cover 322 in FIG. 13). By providing the transport path 331, the amount of protrusion to the left and right becomes unbalanced. As described above, the advantages of the twisted transport pipe 3 in which the amount of protrusion to the left side in the transport direction and the amount of protrusion to the right side in the transport direction are different will be described later.

FIG. 13 shows the twist transfer pipe 3 of this configuration example, and has a structure in which both the upstream end and the downstream end can be connected to the straight transfer pipes 2 and 2B in the same manner as the central twist transfer pipe 3-O described above. That is, the first straight transport wall 211 and the first twist transport wall 311, the second straight transport wall 212 and the second twist transport wall 312, the upper outer cover 221 and the first twist outer cover 321 and the lower outer cover 222. The second twist outer cover 322 corresponds to each. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations that are the same as or corresponding to those of the above-mentioned central twist transfer tube 3-O, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the twisted transport pipe 3 includes a transport guide 37 corresponding to the transport guide 27 of the linear transport pipe 2, and a guide rib protruding from the inner wall surface 311b of the first twist transport wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the second twist transport wall 312. 38 is provided.

Here, the details of the twist transfer path 331 formed in the twist transfer pipe 3 will be described. Of the fluid-passing twisted space 33, the space sandwiched between the inner wall surface 311b of the first twisted transport wall 311 and the inner wall surface 312b of the second twisted transport wall 312 becomes the twisted transport path 331, and the banknote PM is the twisted transport path 331. It rotates about 90 [°] clockwise while being transported inside. The first end edge side of the twist transfer path 331 is generally near the boundary between the first end edges 311c and 312c of the first and second twist transfer walls 311, 312, and the counter-rotating side guide plate 36A and the rotation side guide plate. The 36R and the transport guide 37 are provided on the outside of the twisted transport path 331. Similarly, the second end edge side of the twist transfer path 331 is also approximately near the boundary between the second end edges 311d and 312d of the first and second twist transfer walls 311, 312, and the counter-rotating side guide plate 36A and the rotation side guide plate. The 36R and the transport guide 37 are provided on the outside of the twisted transport path 331.

The twist transport path 331 has a flow path shape twisted around a linear eccentric twist axis TA from the center of the upstream end opening to the center of the downstream end opening, and rotates the paper surface of the bill PM transported from the upstream (for example). , Rotating clockwise toward the transport direction) to change the directions of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. Of course, the paper surface of the banknote PM transported from the upstream is rotated counterclockwise to form a twisted transport path that changes the directions of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. It is also possible. It is also possible to construct a twisted transport path in which the banknote PM transported from the upstream with the paper surface in the horizontal direction is rotated clockwise (or counterclockwise) to change it in the vertical direction.

Only the twist transfer path 331 is shown in FIG. 14 in a simplified manner. FIG. 14A is a front view of the twist transport path 331 viewed from upstream to downstream, and there is an empty space around the eccentric twist axis TA that can be seen from upstream to downstream. Hereinafter, in the twist transport path 331, the portions facing the paper surface of the banknote PM as paper notes received from the upstream are the first long side portion 331L1 (the portion corresponding to the first twist transport wall 311) and the second long side portion 331L2 (the portion corresponding to the first twist transport wall 311). The part corresponding to the second twist transport wall 312). Further, in the twisted transport path 331, the portion of the bill PM facing the first transport parallel side PM1a is referred to as the first short side portion 331S1, the portion of the bill PM facing the second transport parallel side PM1b is referred to as the second short side portion 331S2. .. FIG. 14B is a right side view of the twist transport path 331, in which the first short side portion 331S1 is twisted so as to be from the upper surface on the most upstream side to the right surface on the most downstream side, and the bottom surface on the most upstream side is formed. It can be seen that the second short side portion 331S2 is twisted so as to be on the left side surface on the most downstream side.

When a 10,000-yen Japanese banknote is used as the banknote PM, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction (first and second transport parallel sides PM1a, PM1b) are 160 [mm], and the dimensions in the lateral direction (first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a). , PM2b) has a dimension of 76 [mm] and a thickness of about 0.1 [mm]. For example, the width between the walls of the cross section of the flow path in the twisted transport path 331 (separation distance W between the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2) is 18 [mm], and the first and second long side portions 331L1. The length of 331L2 is 82 [mm]. Further, the eccentric twist shaft TA extends the eccentric twist point TP selected at the upstream end opening in the transport direction (the same transport direction as the linear transport pipe 2 on the upstream side to which the twist transport pipe 3 is connected) to reach the downstream end opening. It is a linear axis. The eccentric twist point TP is 9 [mm] (first long side portion 331L1) from the second short side portion 331S2 to the first short side portion 331S1 side at an equidistant distance from the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2. And the second long side portion 331L2 are set to a position shifted (halfway width which is 1/2 of the separation distance W).

Then, the twist transport path 331 is continuously changed at a constant angle (for example, 30 [°] with respect to 160 [mm]) with respect to a constant distance from the upstream to the downstream. As shown in FIG. 14 (C1), the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1 which is the upstream end opening in the twist transfer path 331 is a vertically long rectangle. As shown in FIG. 14 (C2), the second twist flow path cross section 331TS2 at a position 160 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the twist transfer path 331 has the same shape as the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1. However, the eccentric twist axis TA is tilted clockwise by 30 [°] from the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1. As shown in FIG. 14 (C3), the third twist flow path cross section 331TS3 at a position 320 [mm] downstream from the opening end of the twist transfer path 331 is the first and second twist flow path cross sections 331TS1,331TS2. Although it has the same shape as the above, it is in a state of being tilted by 60 [°] from the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1 in a clockwise direction about the eccentric twist axis TA. As shown in FIG. 14 (C4), the fourth twist flow path cross section 331TS4, which is the downstream end opening at the most downstream end of the twist transfer path 331 (position 480 mm downstream from the opening end), is the first to the first. It has the same shape as the third twisted flow path cross sections 331TS1 to 331TS3, but is tilted 90 [°] from the first twisted flow path cross section 331TS1 in a clockwise direction about the eccentric twist axis TA.

That is, the first twisted flow path cross section 331TS1 which is the upstream end opening is continuously rotated at a constant angle around the eccentric twisting axis TA parallel to the transport direction, and the fourth twisted flow path cross section 331TS4 which is the downstream end opening is reached. By reaching, the twist transfer path 331 is formed. The shape of the fourth twisted flow path cross section 331TS4 which is the downstream end opening is the same as the shape of the first twisted flow path cross section 331TS1 which is the upstream end opening, but the first and second long side portions 331L1, 331L2 and the first 1, The angles of the second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 are different. Further, the shape of the twisted flow path cross section (for example, the second and third twisted flow path cross sections 331TS2, 331TS3) which is a cross section at an arbitrary position orthogonal to the eccentric twisting axis TA is a first opening which is an upstream end opening and a downstream end opening. , The shape of the fourth twisted flow path cross section is the same as that of 331TS1 and 331TS4.

Here, if the position of the fourth twisted flow path cross section 331TS4, which is 480 mm downstream from the upstream end opening of the twisted transport path 331, is set to the most downstream opening end of the twisted transport path 331, the banknote PM is exactly 90 [. °] The shape of the flow path is rotated. By using this twist transport path 331, the direction in which the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM face can be changed from the vertical direction corresponding to the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1 to the fourth twist flow path cross section 331TS4. It can be transported downstream while rotating the paper surface so that it turns sideways.

The eccentric twist shaft TA capable of forming the twist transport path 331 as described above is an eccentric twist point TP arbitrarily set from an eccentric twist point settable range (detailed later) in the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1 which is an upstream end opening. Is a linear axis leading to the fourth twisted flow path cross section 331TS4, which is the opening at the downstream end. The eccentric twist point settable range is the virtual center line VCL orthogonal to the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 through the opening center point CP in the first twist flow path cross section 331TS1 which is the upstream end opening (FIG. 14 (FIG. 14). See C1)) Set to the above range. Further, in the twist transport path 331 of FIG. 14, the twist reference point TP was selected by moving toward the second short side portion 331S2 side, and the eccentric twist shaft TA was set, but conversely, on the first short side portion 331S1 side. The eccentric twist axis TA'may be set by selecting the twist reference point TP'.

The twist transport path 331 shown in FIG. 14 can be divided into exactly three equal parts for each length of the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM, and each corresponds to a reference twist transport path. Therefore, one of the three equal parts of the twisted transport path 331 (for example, the flow path from the first twisted flow path cross section 331TS1 to the second twisted flow path cross section 331TS2) is shown in FIG. 15 as the reference twisted transport path 331U. .. FIG. 15 (A1) is a front view of the reference twist transport path 331U as viewed from the upstream side. FIG. 15B is a right side view of the reference twist transport path 331U (viewed from the second long side portion 331L2 side). FIG. 15C is a plan view of the reference twist transport path 331U (viewed from the first short side portion 331S1 side).

The reference twist transfer and the eccentric twist axis TA of the 331U are linear axes from the upstream eccentric twist point TPU set in the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream eccentric twist point TPD set in the downstream end opening 331SD. The downstream end opening 331SD is located at a position rotated approximately 30 [°] toward the second long side portion 331L2 side around the eccentric twist axis TA, and has a region that can be seen from the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD. However, it seems that the space through which the banknote PM having the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of 76 [mm] can pass from the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD is not formed in the reference twist transport path 331U. Looks like.

On the other hand, FIG. 15 (A2) also shows the reference twist transport path 331U, which is a view of the upstream end opening 331SU and the downstream end opening 331SD viewed from the front side in parallel with the passage index axis IA. The passage index axis IA is a virtual straight line connecting the upstream center point CPU, which is the opening center point of the upstream end opening 331SU, and the downstream center point CPD, which is the opening center point of the downstream end opening 331SD. .. Looking at the reference twist transport path 331U from the viewpoint that the upstream center point CPU and the downstream center point CPD overlap at one point, a substantially diamond-shaped through space that can be seen from the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD is formed. You can see that there is. The longest diagonal line of the penetrating space is slightly longer than the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM, and the banknote PM can pass through in a flat plate shape.

That is, when the reference twist transport path 331U is viewed from a viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, the banknote PM can pass from the upstream end opening 331U to the downstream end opening 331SD as a through space that can see from the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD. It can be seen that the banknote passage space PAS is formed as the paper leaf passage space. Since this banknote passing empty space PAS is a space that can be seen in a state where the center points CPU and CPD of the upstream end opening 331SU and the downstream end opening 331SD having the same shape are overlapped, the shape of the cross section orthogonal to the passing index axis IA is approximately. It becomes a rhombus, and the banknote PM can pass through using the direction of the diagonal line on the long side as an index.

As described above, in the twist transfer path 331 in the twist transfer tube 3 of the present configuration example, the banknote PM moves downstream along the passage index axis IA for each reference twist transfer path 331U in which the bill passage empty space PAS is formed. As a result, the banknote PM can reach the downstream in the twisted transport path 331 while remaining flat. In addition, in order to form the bill passing empty portion PAS in the reference twist transport path 331U, the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1, 331L2 and the first and second short side portions 331S1 The length of the 331S2 and the twist angle from the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD can be variously set as factors.

Further, the length of the long side diagonal line in the bill passing empty space PAS does not necessarily have to be longer than the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM, and the paper surface of the bill PM is the reference twisted transport path 331U. It may be slightly rubbed against the inner wall surface. Even if the paper surface of the banknote PM slightly rubs against the inner wall surface of the reference twist transport path 331U, if the transport torque by the transport air is superior to the frictional force due to the rubbing, the bill PM will have the upstream end opening 331SU to the downstream end opening 331SD. Can pass up to.

However, it is necessary to set so that the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM do not hit the first short side portion 331S1 or the second short side portion 331S2 of the twist transport path 331. Since the transport state of the bill PM sent downstream by the transport air is not always stable, when the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM hit the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2. There is a risk that the banknote PM will stay in the pipe as it is due to a strong resistance that exceeds the transfer torque due to the transfer air. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a spatial margin on the side facing the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 from both ends of the bill passage empty portion PAS in consideration of the deviation of the transport state of the bill PM.

For example, the length of the side facing the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 of the bill passing empty portion PAS formed in the reference twisted transport path 331U is the length of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the bill PM. If the length is the same as (76 [mm]), the twist transport pipe 3 is capable of twist transport of the banknote PM. However, as described above, it must be avoided that the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM hit the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 and rub against each other. Therefore, the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM come into contact with the inner surface of the twisted transport pipe 3 on the side of the bill passing empty portion PAS facing the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2. The passage grace section PAM as a surplus space that can suppress the above is formed. The passage grace portion PAM formed on the first short side portion 331S1 side will be described in the partially enlarged area of FIG. 15 (A2). The first one protruding inward from the position where the first transport parallel side PM1a when the bill PM passes through the twist transport path 331 is assumed to be on the first short side portion 331S1 side of the reference twist transport path 331U. The grace space up to the narrowest portion 331S1p on the end side is the passage grace portion PAM. For Japanese banknotes PM in which the lengths of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b are 76 [mm], it is desirable to secure a passage delay portion PAM of about 1 to 2 [mm].

It should be noted that when the above-mentioned passage grace portion PAM is provided, the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side that protrudes most inward on the first short side portion 331S1 side is considered, and the most on the second short side portion 331S2 side. It is also necessary to consider the narrowest portion on the second end side that protrudes inward. In the first place, in the central twist transfer pipe 3-O, the narrowest portion generated on the first and second short side portions 331S1, 331S2 side is only a negligible amount of protrusion, but as the eccentric twist shaft TA moves away from the center of the opening. Since the distortion of the twisted structure becomes apparent, it is necessary to consider it for stable transportation of the banknote PM. Hereinafter, features and considerations according to the set position of the eccentric twist axis TA will be described.

FIG. 16 shows the first eccentric twist transfer path 331- in which the eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted to the second short side portion 331S2 side by about 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP. C1 is shown. In the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are set to 78 [mm], which is substantially the same as the lengths of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM. The separation distance W between the 1st long side portion 331L1 and the 2nd long side portion 331L2 was set to 18 [mm]. The first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1 watches the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side with respect to the transport direction (in FIG. 16A, the back side toward the paper surface). It is a twisted structure that is rotated 90 [°] around.

Since the first eccentric twist transfer path 331-C1 rotates the bill PM by 90 [°], it is sufficient that the upstream end opening and the downstream end opening are orthogonal to each other, but the upstream end opening to the downstream end Consider the case of rotating 180 [°] to the opening. The first eccentric twist transfer path 331-C1r for rotating the banknote PM by 180 [°] is as shown in FIG. 16 (B). That is, in the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1r, it is possible to see from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening (or from the downstream end opening to the upstream end opening) from a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis TA. The cross-sectional area of the penetrating space is the area of a circle whose diameter is the separation distance W between the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2. That is, the eccentric twist axis TA in which the position shifted by 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP on the center line parallel to the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is set as the eccentric twist point TP can set the eccentric twist point. Since it is in the range, it is possible to form an empty space PAS through which banknotes pass.

FIG. 16 (C1) shows the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U in the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1, which has the same length as the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM 160. It has a structure twisted by about 29 [°] at [mm]. In the first reference twist transfer path 331-C1U formed by twisting the upstream end opening around the eccentric twist axis TA at a position deviated from the opening center point CP by 8 [mm], from the inner surface on the first short side portion 331S1 side. Also, the inner surface on the second short side portion 331S2 side twists so as to narrow the flow path. When the first reference twisted transport path 331-C1U is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially diamond-shaped through space can be seen as shown in FIG. It can be seen that PAS is formed. On the 1st and 2nd short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 side of the bill passing empty space PAS, the paper surface of the bill PM comes into contact with the inner wall and bends only a small amount, but it resists the transport torque due to the transport air. Unless it causes strong friction, it does not hinder stable transportation. Similar to the above-mentioned central twist transport path 331-O, if it is necessary to form a bill passage region PA through which the bill PM can pass in a flat plate shape without bending, the twist angle can be suppressed by about 1 to 2 [°]. good.

However, in the first reference twisted transport path 331-C1U shown in FIG. 16 (C2), the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM just contacts the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side, and the second transport parallel side PM1b It is in a state of being in contact with the narrowest portion on the second end side (hereinafter referred to as a zero dimension state). That is, in the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1 formed by the eccentric twist axis TA displaced by 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP, when twisted by about 29 [°] at 160 [mm], it becomes a zero dimension state. Become. In the reference center twist transport path 83 in the center twist transport path 331-O described above, the zero dimension state can be obtained by twisting about 30 [°] at 160 [mm], so that the position deviates from the opening center point CP by 16 [mm]. It can be seen that when setting the eccentric twist axis TA, the twist angle for achieving the zero dimension state must be suppressed to a smaller size.

Further, in the first reference twisted transport path 331-C1U in the zero dimension state, the passage grace portion PAM is not formed at all, so that it is not suitable for stable transport of banknote PM. Therefore, if corrections are made to appropriately increase the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 from the zero dimension reference 78 [mm], the first transport parallel side PM1a and the first end side maximum of the banknote PM are corrected. A passage delay PAM can be formed between the narrow portions 331S1p. For example, the first and second long side portions 331L1 can form a passage grace portion PAM of 1 [mm] or more on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side of the bill passing empty portion PAS, respectively. If the length of the, 331L2 is 80 [mm] or more, stable transportation of the banknote PM can be realized.

In this way, with respect to the first reference twist transfer path 331-C1U in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP and twisted to the limit angle (about 29 [°]) at which the zero dimension state is reached. When forming the passage grace portion PAM, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 may be lengthened by the length required for the passage grace portion PAM. Even in the first reference twist transfer path 331-C1U having a structure in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP, the twist angle must be less than 29 [°] and reach the zero dimension state. For example, even if the correction value for increasing the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is suppressed to be smaller than 2 [mm], a sufficient passage grace portion PAM can be formed.

FIG. 16 (D1) shows the first reference of the structure in which the twist angle of the above-mentioned first reference twist transfer path 331-C1U is increased by 5 [°] and twisted to about 34 [°] at 160 [mm]. Twist transport path 331-C1U'. When the first reference twisted transport path 331-C1U'is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. 16 (D2), but the bill PM can pass through. No empty PAS is formed. The first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM protrudes into the wall from the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side (see the partially enlarged area of FIG. 16D2), and similarly, the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM It is in a state of protruding into the wall from the narrowest part on the second end side. In reality, the banknote PM is in a curved state when it is pressed against the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 in the narrow first reference twist transport path 331-C1U', so that the transport torque due to the transport air is generated. Even if it is strong, it is virtually impossible for the banknote PM to pass through the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U'.

In this way, the eccentric twist axis TA is displaced by 8 [mm] from the opening center point CP and passes through the first reference twist transfer path 331-C1U'twisted to an angle (about 34 [°]) exceeding the zero dimension state. When forming the grace portion PAM, it is necessary to make a correction so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 by adding a correction amount for making the bill passing empty portion PAS zero dimension. When the twist angle is increased as in the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U', even if the correction is made so that the passage grace portion PAM is formed, the first and second short sides of the bill passage empty portion PAS are formed. On the portions 331S1 and 331S2 sides, the area where the paper surface of the banknote PM contacts the inner wall is large, so that the contact resistance when the banknote PM passes through the first reference twisting transport path 331-C1U'is high. However, it is expected that stable transfer is possible with the transfer torque of the transfer air even if about 5 [°] is added to the reference twist angle that is in the zero dimension state.

FIG. 17 shows the second eccentric twist transfer path 331- in which the eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted to the second short side portion 331S2 side by about 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP. C2 is shown. In the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are set to 78 [mm], which is substantially the same as the lengths of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM. The separation distance W between the 1st long side portion 331L1 and the 2nd long side portion 331L2 was set to 18 [mm]. The second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2 watches the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side with respect to the transport direction (in FIG. 17A, the back side toward the paper surface). It is a twisted structure that is rotated 90 [°] around. In the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2, guide ribs 38 are provided on the inner surfaces of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2. The arrangement position of the guide rib 38 is, for example, 16 [mm] from the center of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 to the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2, respectively.

Since the second eccentric twist transfer path 331-C2 rotates the bill PM by 90 [°], it is sufficient that the upstream end opening and the downstream end opening are orthogonal to each other, but the upstream end opening to the downstream end Consider the case of rotating 180 [°] to the opening. The second eccentric twist transfer path 331-C2r for rotating the banknote PM by 180 [°] is as shown in FIG. 17 (B). That is, in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2r, it is possible to see from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening (or from the downstream end opening to the upstream end opening) from a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis TA. The cross-sectional area of the penetrating space is the area of a circle whose diameter is the separation distance W between the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2. However, since the guide ribs 38 are provided on the inner surfaces of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2r, the cross-sectional area of the through space that can be seen becomes small. The protrusion amount of the guide rib 38 is 1 to 1.5 [mm] with respect to the separation distance W of the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2 of 18 [mm], but the guide rib 38 Consider the case where the protrusion amount is 2 [mm]. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the penetrating space narrowed by the guide rib 38 to the cross-sectional area of the penetrating space without the guide rib 38 is “49π: 81π”. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the penetrating space in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2r satisfies the condition that the cross-sectional area is ½ or more of the area of the circle having the separation distance W (18 [mm]) as the diameter. That is, the eccentric twist axis TA in which the position shifted by 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP on the center line parallel to the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is set as the eccentric twist point TP can set the eccentric twist point. Since it is in the range, it is possible to form an empty space PAS through which banknotes pass.

FIG. 17 (C1) shows the second reference twist transport path 331-C2U in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2, which has the same length as the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM 160. It has a structure twisted by about 29 [°] at [mm]. The twist angle 29 [°] of the second reference twist transport path 331-C2U is smaller than the twist angle 29 [°] of the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U described above. .. Further, in the second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U, the guide rib 38 is omitted. Even in the second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U formed by twisting the upstream end opening around the eccentric twist axis TA at a position deviated from the opening center point CP by 16 [mm], the inner surface on the first short side portion 331S1 side. The inner surface on the second short side portion 331S2 side is twisted so as to narrow the flow path. The second reference twist transport path 331-C2U is more prominent than the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U in the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1 described above. When the second reference twisted transport path 331-C2U is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. It can be seen that PAS is formed. On the 1st and 2nd short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 side of the bill passing empty space PAS, the paper surface of the bill PM comes into contact with the inner wall and bends only a small amount, but it resists the transport torque due to the transport air. Unless it causes strong friction, it does not hinder stable transportation. Similar to the above-mentioned central twist transport path 331-O, if it is necessary to form a bill passage region PA through which the bill PM can pass in a flat plate shape without bending, the twist angle can be suppressed by about 1 to 2 [°]. good.

However, in the second reference twisted transport path 331-C2U shown in FIG. 17 (C2), the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM is in a zero dimension state in which it just contacts the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side. That is, in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2 formed by the eccentric twist axis TA deviated by 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP, when twisted by about 29 [°] at 160 [mm], it becomes a zero dimension state. Become. In the reference center twist transport path 83 in the center twist transport path 331-O described above, the zero dimension state can be obtained by twisting about 30 [°] at 160 [mm], so that the position deviates from the opening center point CP by 16 [mm]. It can be seen that when setting the eccentric twist axis TA, the twist angle for achieving the zero dimension state must be suppressed to a smaller size.

Further, in the second reference twisted transport path 331-C2U in the zero dimension state, the passage grace portion PAM is not formed at all, so that it is not suitable for stable transport of banknote PM. Therefore, if corrections are made to appropriately increase the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 from the zero dimension reference 78 [mm], the first transport parallel side PM1a and the first end side maximum of the banknote PM are corrected. A passage delay PAM can be formed between the narrow portions 331S1p. For example, the first and second long side portions 331L1 can form a passage grace portion PAM of 1 [mm] or more on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side of the bill passing empty portion PAS, respectively. If the length of the, 331L2 is 80 [mm] or more, stable transportation of the banknote PM can be realized.

In this way, with respect to the second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP and twisted to the limit angle (about 29 [°]) at which the zero dimension state is reached. When forming the passage grace portion PAM, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 may be lengthened by the length required for the passage grace portion PAM. Even in the second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U having a structure in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP, the twist angle must be less than 29 [°] and reach the zero dimension state. For example, even if the correction value for increasing the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is suppressed to be smaller than 2 [mm], a sufficient passage grace portion PAM can be formed.

FIG. 17 (D1) shows the second reference of the structure in which the twist angle of the above-mentioned second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U is increased by 5 [°] and twisted to about 34 [°] at 160 [mm]. Twist transport path 331-C2U'. The twist angle 34 [°] of the second reference twist transport path 331-C2U'is smaller than the twist angle 34 [°] of the first reference twist transport path 331-C1U' described above. ing. When the second reference twisted transport path 331-C2U'is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. 17 (D2), but the bill PM can pass through. No empty PAS is formed. The first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM protrudes into the wall from the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side (see the partially enlarged area of FIG. 17 (D2)), and similarly, the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM It is in a state of protruding into the wall from the narrowest part on the second end side. In reality, the banknote PM is pressed against the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 in the narrow second reference twisted transport path 331-C2U'and is in a curved state, so that the transport torque due to the transport air is generated. Even if it is strong, it is virtually impossible for the banknote PM to pass through the second reference twist transport path 331-C2U'.

In this way, the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 16 [mm] from the opening center point CP and passes through the second reference twist transfer path 331-C2U'twisted to an angle (about 34 [°]) exceeding the zero dimension state. When forming the grace portion PAM, it is necessary to make a correction so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 by adding a correction amount for making the bill passing empty portion PAS zero dimension. When the twist angle is increased as in the second reference twist transport path 331-C2U', even if the correction is made so that the passage grace portion PAM is formed, the first and second short sides of the bill passage empty portion PAS are formed. On the portions 331S1 and 331S2 sides, the area where the paper surface of the banknote PM contacts the inner wall is large, so that the contact resistance when the banknote PM passes through the second reference twisting transport path 331-C2U'is high. However, it is expected that stable transfer is possible with the transfer torque of the transfer air even if about 5 [°] is added to the reference twist angle that is in the zero dimension state.

FIG. 18 shows the third eccentric twist transfer path 331- in which the eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted to the second short side portion 331S2 side by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP. C3 is shown. In the third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are set to 78 [mm], which is substantially the same as the lengths of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM. The separation distance W between the 1st long side portion 331L1 and the 2nd long side portion 331L2 was set to 18 [mm]. The third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3 has a clock on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side with respect to the transport direction (in FIG. 18A, the back side toward the paper surface). It is a twisted structure that is rotated 90 [°] around.

Since the third eccentric twist transfer path 331-C3 rotates the banknote PM by 90 [°], it is sufficient that the upstream end opening and the downstream end opening are orthogonal to each other, but the upstream end opening to the downstream end Consider the case of rotating 180 [°] to the opening. The third eccentric twist transfer path 331-C3r for rotating the banknote PM by 180 [°] is as shown in FIG. 18 (B). That is, in the third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3r, it is possible to see from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening (or from the downstream end opening to the upstream end opening) from a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis TA. The cross-sectional area of the penetrating space is the area of a circle whose diameter is the separation distance W between the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2. That is, the eccentric twist axis TA in which the position shifted by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP on the center line parallel to the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is set as the eccentric twist point TP can set the eccentric twist point. Since it is in the range, it is possible to form an empty space PAS through which banknotes pass.

FIG. 18 (C1) shows the third reference twist transport path 331-C3U in the third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3, which has the same length as the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM 160. It has a structure twisted by about 28 [°] at [mm]. Even in the third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U formed by twisting the upstream end opening around the eccentric twist axis TA at a position deviated from the opening center point CP by 24 [mm], the inner surface on the first short side portion 331S1 side. The inner surface on the second short side portion 331S2 side is twisted so as to narrow the flow path. The third reference twist transport path 331-C3U is more prominent than the first and second reference twist transport paths 331-C1U and 331-C2U described above. When the third reference twisted transport path 331-C3U is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. It can be seen that PAS is formed. On the 1st and 2nd short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 side of the bill passing empty space PAS, the paper surface of the bill PM comes into contact with the inner wall and bends only a small amount, but it resists the transport torque due to the transport air. Unless it causes strong friction, it does not hinder stable transportation. Similar to the above-mentioned central twist transport path 331-O, if it is necessary to form a bill passage region PA through which the bill PM can pass in a flat plate shape without bending, the twist angle can be suppressed by about 1 to 2 [°]. good.

However, in the third reference twisted transport path 331-C3U shown in FIG. 18 (C2), the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM is in a zero dimension state in which it just contacts the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side. That is, in the third eccentric twist transfer path 331-C3 formed by the eccentric twist axis TA deviated by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP, when twisted by about 28 [°] at 160 [mm], it becomes a zero dimension state. Become. In the above-mentioned first and second reference twist transfer paths 331-C1U and 331-C2U, a twist of about 29 [°] at 160 [mm] can be made to a zero dimension state, so that the deviation is 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP. It can be seen that when setting the eccentric twist axis TA of the position, the twist angle for achieving the zero dimension state must be suppressed to a smaller size.

Further, in the third reference twisted transport path 331-C3U in the zero dimension state, the passage grace portion PAM is not formed at all, so that it is not suitable for stable transport of banknote PM. Therefore, if corrections are made to appropriately increase the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 from the zero dimension reference 78 [mm], the first transport parallel side PM1a and the first end side maximum of the banknote PM are corrected. A passage delay PAM can be formed between the narrow portions 331S1p. For example, the first and second long side portions 331L1 can form a passage grace portion PAM of 1 [mm] or more on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side of the bill passing empty portion PAS, respectively. If the length of the, 331L2 is 80 [mm] or more, stable transportation of the banknote PM can be realized.

In this way, with respect to the third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP and twisted to the limit angle (about 28 [°]) at which the zero dimension state is reached. When forming the passage grace portion PAM, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 may be corrected longer by the length required for the passage grace portion PAM. Even in the third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U having a structure in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP, the twist angle must be less than 28 [°] and reach the zero dimension state. For example, even if the correction value for increasing the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 is suppressed to be smaller than 2 [mm], a sufficient passage grace portion PAM can be formed.

FIG. 18 (D1) shows the third reference of the structure in which the twist angle of the above-mentioned third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U is increased by 5 [°] and twisted to about 33 [°] at 160 [mm]. Twist transport path 331-C3U'. When the third reference twisted transport path 331-C3U'is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. 18 (D2), but the bill PM can pass through. No empty PAS is formed. The first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM protrudes into the wall from the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side (see the partially enlarged area of FIG. 18 (D2)), and similarly, the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM It is in a state of protruding into the wall from the narrowest part on the second end side. In reality, the banknote PM is in a curved state when it is pressed against the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 in the narrow third reference twist transport path 331-C3U', so that the transport torque due to the transport air is generated. Even if it is strong, it is virtually impossible for the banknote PM to pass through the third reference twist transport path 331-C3U'.

In this way, the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 24 [mm] from the opening center point CP and passes through the third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U'twisted to an angle (about 33 [°]) exceeding the zero dimension state. When forming the grace portion PAM, it is necessary to make a correction so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 by adding a correction amount for making the bill passing empty portion PAS zero dimension. When the twist angle is increased as in the third reference twist transport path 331-C3U', even if the correction is made so that the passage grace portion PAM is formed, the first and second short sides of the bill passage empty portion PAS are formed. On the portions 331S1 and 331S2 sides, the area where the paper surface of the banknote PM contacts the inner wall is large, so that the contact resistance when the banknote PM passes through the third reference twisting transport path 331-C3U'is high. However, it is expected that stable transfer is possible with the transfer torque of the transfer air even if about 5 [°] is added to the reference twist angle that is in the zero dimension state.

FIG. 19 shows a twist transfer path 331 in which the eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted to the second short side portion 331S2 side by about 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP. In this twist transport path 331, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are set to 78 [mm], which is substantially the same as the lengths of the first and second transport orthogonal sides PM2a and PM2b of the banknote PM, and the first long side portion 331L1. The separation distance W from the second long side portion 331L2 was set to 18 [mm]. The twist transport path 331 is 90 [°] clockwise with respect to the transport direction (in the back side toward the paper surface in FIG. 19A), the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side. ] It is a rotated twisted structure.

Since the twist transport path 331 rotates the banknote PM by 90 [°], it is sufficient that the upstream end opening and the downstream end opening are orthogonal to each other, but 180 [°] from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening. ] Consider the case of rotation. The twist transport path 331r that rotates the bill PM by 180 [°] is as shown in FIG. 19 (B). That is, in the twist transport path 331r, the cross-sectional area of the through space that can be seen from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening (or from the downstream end opening toward the upstream end opening) from a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis TA. Is the area of a circle whose diameter is the separation distance W between the first long side portion 331L1 and the second long side portion 331L2. That is, a position shifted by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP to the second short side portion 331S2 side on the center line parallel to the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 (W / 2 from the second short side portion 331S2). Since the eccentric twist axis TA whose eccentric twist point TP is set to the eccentric twist point TP (position closer to the center) is within the range in which the eccentric twist point can be set, the bill passage empty space PAS can be formed.

The setting position of the eccentric twist point TP in the twist transport path 331 is the end on the second short side portion 331S2 side in the range in which the eccentric twist point can be set. Further, the position shifted by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP to the first short side portion 331S1 side is the end on the first short side portion 331S1 side in the range in which the eccentric twist point can be set. On a virtual straight line parallel to the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 through the opening center point CP, if it is within the eccentric twist point settable range formed on the opening center point CP side from these two ends. , The eccentric twist point TP can be set anywhere. However, since the axis parallel to the transport direction through the opening center point CP is the central axis CA-O of the central twist transfer pipe 3-O, the opening center point CP is excluded from the eccentric twist point settable range.

FIG. 19 (C1) shows a reference twist transport path 331U in the twist transport path 331, which is about 27 [°] at 160 [mm], which is the same length as the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the banknote PM. It is a twisted structure. Even in the reference twist transfer path 331U formed by twisting the upstream end opening around the eccentric twist axis TA at a position deviated from the opening center point CP by 30 [mm], the second short side portion 331S1 side is second than the inner surface. The inner surface on the short side portion 331S2 side twists so as to narrow the flow path. The reference twist transport path 331U is more prominent than the third reference twist transport path 331-C3U described above. When the reference twist transport path 331U is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. 19 (C2), and a bill passage empty space PAS through which the bill PM can pass is formed. You can see that it is. On the 1st and 2nd short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 side of the bill passing empty space PAS, the paper surface of the bill PM comes into contact with the inner wall and bends only a small amount, but it resists the transport torque due to the transport air. Unless it causes strong friction, it does not hinder stable transportation. Similar to the above-mentioned central twist transport path 331-O, if it is necessary to form a bill passage region PA through which the bill PM can pass in a flat plate shape without bending, the twist angle can be suppressed by about 1 to 2 [°]. good.

However, in the reference twist transport path 331U shown in FIG. 19 (C2), the first transport parallel side PM1a of the banknote PM is in a zero dimension state in which it just contacts the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side. That is, in the twist transfer path 331 formed by the eccentric twist shaft TA deviated by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP, the zero dimension state is reached when twisted by about 27 [°] at 160 [mm]. In the above-mentioned third reference twist transfer path 331-C3U, the eccentric twist axis TA at a position deviated by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP can be twisted by about 28 [°] at 160 [mm] to a zero dimension state. When setting, it can be seen that the twist angle for achieving the zero dimension state must be suppressed to a smaller value.

Further, in the reference twist transport path 331U in the zero dimension state, the passage grace portion PAM is not formed at all, so that it is not suitable for stable transport of banknote PM. Therefore, if corrections are made to appropriately increase the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 from the zero dimension reference 78 [mm], the first transport parallel side PM1a and the first end side maximum of the banknote PM are corrected. A passage delay PAM can be formed between the narrow portions 331S1p. For example, the first and second long side portions 331L1 can form a passage grace portion PAM of 1 [mm] or more on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side of the bill passing empty portion PAS, respectively. If the length of the, 331L2 is 80 [mm] or more, stable transportation of the banknote PM can be realized.

In this way, the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP and twisted to the limit angle (about 27 [°]) where the zero dimension state is reached. When forming the above, the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 may be corrected longer by the length required for the passage grace portion PAM. Even if the reference twist transfer path 331U has a structure in which the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP, if the twist angle is less than 27 [°] and the twist angle does not reach the zero dimension state, the first , Even if the correction value for increasing the length of the second long side portion 331L1 and 331L2 is suppressed to be smaller than 2 [mm], a sufficient passage grace portion PAM can be formed.

FIG. 19 (D1) shows a reference twist transport path 331U ′ having a structure in which the twist angle of the above-mentioned reference twist transport path 331U is increased by 5 [°] and twisted to about 32 [°] at 160 [mm]. be. When the reference twist transport path 331U'is viewed from the front side from the viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis IA, a substantially rhombic through space can be seen as shown in FIG. 19 (D2), but the bill passage space PAS through which the bill PM can pass is Not formed. The first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM protrudes into the wall from the narrowest portion 331S1p on the first end side (see the partially enlarged area of FIG. 19 (D2)), and similarly, the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM It is in a state of protruding into the wall from the narrowest part on the second end side. Actually, the banknote PM is in a curved state by being pressed against the first and second short side portions 331S1 and 331S2 in the narrow reference twist transport path 331U', so that even if the transport torque by the transport air is strong, the banknote PM is in a curved state. It is virtually impossible for the banknote PM to pass through the reference twist transport path 331U'.

In this way, the eccentric twist axis TA is shifted by 30 [mm] from the opening center point CP, and the passage grace portion PAM is provided for the reference twist transport path 331U'twisted to an angle (about 32 [°]) exceeding the zero dimension state. In the case of forming, it is necessary to make a correction so as to increase the length of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 by adding a correction amount for making the bill passing empty portion PAS zero dimension. In order to bring the reference twist transport path 331U'to the zero dimension state, a margin of 0.5 [mm] is required on the first short side portion 331S1 side and the second short side portion 331S2 side, respectively. The amount is about 1 [mm]. When the twist angle is increased as in the reference twist transport path 331U', even if the correction is made so that the passage grace portion PAM is formed, the first and second short side portions 331S1, 331S2 of the bill passage empty portion PAS are formed. On the side, since the area where the paper surface of the banknote PM contacts the inner wall increases, the contact resistance when the banknote PM passes through the reference twist transport path 331U'is increased. However, it is expected that stable transfer is possible with the transfer torque of the transfer air even if about 5 [°] is added to the reference twist angle that is in the zero dimension state.

As described above, in the twist transfer pipe 3, the necessary and sufficient passage grace portion PAM is formed from the zero dimension state according to the distance (first deviation amount) at which the eccentric twist point TP is separated from the opening center point CP. The correction conditions (first correction conditions) to be applied are different. Therefore, if the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are corrected so as to satisfy the first correction condition, the passage grace portion PAM necessary for stably transporting the banknote PM can be formed. ..

Further, in the twist transfer pipe 3, the correction amount for returning to the zero dimension state according to the twist angle (second deviation amount) larger than the reference twist angle (27 [°]) in the zero dimension state in the reference twist transfer path 331. The correction condition (second correction condition) for forming the necessary and sufficient passage grace portion PAM is different. Therefore, if the lengths of the first and second long side portions 331L1 and 331L2 are corrected so as to satisfy the second correction condition, the passage grace portion PAM necessary for stably transporting the banknote PM can be formed. ..

Then, in the twist transfer path 331 of the twist transfer tube 3 of the present configuration example, the passage grace portion PAM can be surely formed in the bill passage empty portion PAS by performing the correction according to the set position of the eccentric twist shaft TA. Therefore, even if the bill PM is shaken to the first short side portion 331S1 side or the second short side portion 331S2 side of the bill passage empty PAS, the first and second transport parallel sides PM1a and PM1b of the bill PM are the first and first. 2 It is possible to suppress contact with the short side portions 331S1 and 331S2, and it is possible to realize stable transportation of the banknote PM.

Further, in the twist transfer pipe 3 of this configuration example, a twist transfer path 331 having a shape in which the upstream end opening is rotated around the eccentric twist axis TA is formed, so that the first long side portion 331L1 side or the second long side is formed. The amount of protrusion of either one of the portions 331L2 is large, and the amount of protrusion of the other is small. Therefore, if the twist transport pipe 3 is arranged so that the side having a small protrusion amount in the twist transport path faces the other transport pipes arranged side by side, it is possible to keep the separation distance between the two rows of transport pipes small. Become. This advantage will be described with reference to FIG. The straight transport pipe 2 and the twisted transport pipe 3 described above are provided with upper and lower outer covers 221 and 222 and first and second twisted outer covers 321,322, but the description thereof will be simplified below. In order to make it more convenient, only the transport paths are installed side by side.

FIG. 20A is an image diagram of a straight transport path 231 and a central twist transport path 331-O arranged side by side as viewed from the upstream side or the downstream side. When two transport paths are installed side by side in two rows, they must be separated by a specified distance SR so that both transport paths do not come too close to each other. The regulated distance SR is preferably 1/2 or more of the transport path. When the straight transport paths 231 are arranged in two rows, the two straight transport paths 231 may be arranged with a regulation distance SR. However, when connecting the straight transport path 231 and the central twist transport path 331-O, the regulated distance SR must be secured also between the central twist transport path 331-O. Therefore, if the maximum protrusion on the straight transport path 231 side in the central twist transport path 331-O satisfies the regulation distance SR, the separation distance SD between the upstream end opening of the central twist transport path 331 and the straight transport path 231 is set. It will be considerably larger than the regulated distance SR.

FIG. 20B shows a linear transport path 231 and a first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1 arranged side by side. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so that the first eccentric twist transfer path 331-C1 passes through the eccentric twist point TP shifted by -8 [mm] (downward 8 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the eccentric twist axis is set. The structure is such that the upper side of the TA is twisted in a direction away from the linear transport path 231 arranged side by side. Therefore, in the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1, the maximum protrusion amount on the straight transport path 231 side is reduced, so that the straight transport path 231 and the first eccentric twist transport path 331-C1 are used so as to satisfy the regulation distance SR. The separation distance SD is slightly shorter than that in the case of the central twist transport path 331-O. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted by +8 [mm] (upward 8 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the lower side of the eccentric twist axis TA is arranged side by side. Similarly, the separation distance SD can be shortened even if the structure is twisted in the direction away from the straight transport path 231.

FIG. 20C shows a linear transport path 231 and a second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2 arranged side by side. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so that the second eccentric twist transfer path 331-C2 passes through the eccentric twist point TP deviated by -16 [mm] (downward 16 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the eccentric twist axis is set. The structure is such that the upper side of the TA is twisted in a direction away from the linear transport path 231 arranged side by side. Therefore, in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2, the maximum protrusion amount on the straight transport path 231 side is further reduced, so that the straight transport path 231 and the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2 satisfy the regulation distance SR. The separation distance SD from the first eccentric twist transfer path 331-C1 is slightly shorter than that in the case of the first eccentric twist transfer path 331-C1. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted by +16 [mm] (upward 16 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the lower side of the eccentric twist axis TA is arranged side by side. Similarly, the separation distance SD can be shortened even if the structure is twisted in the direction away from the straight transport path 231.

FIG. 20D shows a linear transport path 231 and a third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3 arranged side by side. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so that the third eccentric twist transfer path 331-C3 passes through the eccentric twist point TP shifted by -24 [mm] (downward 24 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the eccentric twist axis is set. The structure is such that the upper side of the TA is twisted in a direction away from the linear transport path 231 arranged side by side. Therefore, in the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2, the maximum protrusion amount on the straight transport path 231 side is further reduced, so that the straight transport path 231 and the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2 satisfy the regulation distance SR. The separation distance SD from and is slightly shorter than that in the case of the second eccentric twist transport path 331-C2. The eccentric twist axis TA is set so as to pass through the eccentric twist point TP shifted by +24 [mm] (upward 24 [mm]) from the opening center point CP, and the lower side of the eccentric twist axis TA is arranged side by side. Similarly, the separation distance SD can be shortened even if the structure is twisted in the direction away from the straight transport path 231.

FIG. 20E shows a linear transport path 231 and a twist transport path 331 of FIG. 14 arranged side by side. The twist transfer path 331 is located at the eccentric twist point TP (the second short side portion 331S2 side end point in the above-mentioned eccentric twist point settable range) shifted by −32 [mm] (downward 32 [mm]) from the opening center point CP. The eccentric twisting shaft TA is set, and the structure is such that the upper side of the eccentric twisting shaft TA is twisted in a direction away from the parallel linear transport path 231. Therefore, in the twist transport path 331, the maximum protrusion amount on the straight transport path 231 side is further reduced, so that the separation distance SD between the straight transport path 231 and the twist transport path 331 is set to the third eccentricity so as to satisfy the regulation distance SR. It is even shorter than in the case of the twist transfer path 331-C3. The eccentric twist axis TA at the eccentric twist point TP (the first short side portion 331S1 side end point in the above-mentioned eccentric twist point settable range) deviated by +32 [mm] (upward 32 [mm]) from the opening center point CP. The separation distance SD can be similarly shortened even if the structure is such that the lower side of the eccentric twist axis TA is twisted in a direction away from the parallel linear transport path 231.

As described above, if the first to third eccentric twist transport paths 331-C1 to C3 and the twist transport path 331 are arranged side by side with the straight transport path 231, the separation distance SD between the two is set to the central twist transport path 331-O. The separation distance from the straight transport path 231 can be suppressed to be smaller than the SD. Moreover, in the twist transport path 331 in which the end point in the range in which the eccentric twist point can be set at the upstream end opening is selected as the eccentric twist point TP and the eccentric twist axis TA is set, the separation distance SD from the parallel straight transport path 231 is the most. Since it can be made smaller, it is suitable for installing transport pipes in two rows in a narrow space in the game island. When it is necessary to keep the above-mentioned separation distance SD small, the position of the eccentric twist axis TA may be determined according to the space margin, but generally W / 2 [mm] from the lower edge or the upper edge of the upstream end opening. ] (Position corresponding to the twist transport path 331) or more, and W [mm] (position close to the third eccentric twist transport path 331-C3) or less is practically set.

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. For example, in the present embodiment, the banknotes as paper leaves are transported through the transport path through which the transport fluid flows, but the auxiliary transport pipe through which the transport fluid flows separately from the main transport pipe that transports the paper leaves. It may be configured to indirectly transport the paper sheets in the main transport pipe by the transport flow flowing in the auxiliary transport pipe. More specifically, an adsorbent such as a magnet arranged in the auxiliary transport pipe is moved by a transport flow, and an adsorbed body such as a metal or a magnet that is non-contactly adsorbed to the adsorbent is provided on the main transport pipe side. Then, the adsorbed body on the main transport tube side can be moved by the movement of the adsorbent in the auxiliary transport tube. If the adsorbed body on the main transport pipe side has a structure that pushes the paper leaves from the upstream to the downstream, the paper leaves on the main transport pipe side can be transported by the transport flow in the auxiliary transport pipe. This transfer method can be applied by using the above-mentioned central twist transfer pipe 3-O and the twist transfer pipe 3 as the main transfer pipe and separately providing an auxiliary transfer pipe along the twist of the main transfer pipe. In that case, the main transport pipe that does not allow the transport fluid to flow may be a non-sealed transport path.

1 Banknote transfer device 3 Twist transfer tube 331 Twist transfer path 331U Reference twist transfer path 331TS1 First twist channel cross section (upstream end opening)
331TS4 4th twisted flow path cross section (downstream end opening)
331L1 1st long side part 331L2 2nd long side part 331S1 1st short side part 331S2 2nd short side part CP opening center point TA eccentric twist axis TP eccentric twist point PM bill PM1a 1st transport parallel side PM1b 2nd transport parallel side PM2a 1st transport orthogonal side PM2b 2nd transport orthogonal side PAS Bill passing empty space

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, paper sheets whose paper surfaces are arranged parallel to the transport direction are transported from upstream to downstream in a transport pipe in which a transport path through which transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream is formed. In the paper leaf transport device, the paper strips have two transport parallel sides arranged in a direction parallel to the transport direction and two transport orthogonal sides arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The first long side portion and the second long side portion facing the paper surface of the paper leaf to be received from the upstream, and the first short side portion and the second short side portion facing the transport orthogonal side of the paper leaf. The rectangular upstream end opening formed on the short side is continuously rotated at a constant angle around the eccentric twist axis parallel to the transport direction to reach the downstream end opening having the same shape as the upstream end opening. A twisting transport path is formed in which the shape of the twisted flow path cross section, which is a cross section at an arbitrary position parallel to the eccentric twist axis, is the same as the shape of the upstream end opening and the shape of the downstream end opening. While rotating the paper surface so as to change the direction of the transport orthogonal side from the first and second short side portions of the upstream end opening to the first and second short side portions of the downstream end opening. The eccentric twist axis is provided with a twist transfer tube capable of allowing paper sheets to pass through the twist transfer path from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening, and the eccentric twist axis is from an eccentric twist point settable range inside the opening of the upstream end opening. The eccentric twist point arbitrarily selected is extended in the transport direction to form a linear axis leading to the inside of the opening of the downstream end opening, and the paper leaf is said to be from the upstream twist flow path cross section at an arbitrary point of the twist transport path. The reference twist transport path leading to the downstream twist flow path cross section at a position downstream by a distance corresponding to the transport parallel side is set from the center point of the upstream twist flow path cross section to the center point of the downstream twist flow path cross section. When viewed from a viewpoint parallel to the connecting passage index axis, a penetrating space is created that can be seen from the upstream twisted flow path cross section toward the downstream twisted flow path cross section, and the paper sheets are twisted on the upstream side. It is characterized in that an empty space through which paper leaves can pass from the cross section of the flow path to the cross section of the twisted flow path on the downstream side is formed.

Claims (5)

It is a paper leaf transport device that transports paper leaves whose paper surface is arranged parallel to the transport direction from upstream to downstream in a transport pipe in which a transport path through which a transport fluid flows from upstream to downstream is formed. hand,
The paper sheets have a rectangular shape having two transport parallel sides arranged in a direction parallel to the transport direction and two transport orthogonal sides arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
It is formed by a first long side portion and a second long side portion facing the paper surface of the paper leaf received from the upstream, and a first short side portion and a second short side portion facing the transport orthogonal side of the paper leaf. The eccentric twisting shaft is formed by continuously rotating the rectangular upstream end opening around the eccentric twisting axis parallel to the transport direction at a constant angle to reach the downstream end opening having the same shape as the upstream end opening. A twisted transport path is formed in which the shape of the twisted flow path cross section, which is a cross section at an arbitrary position orthogonal to the above, is the same as the shape of the upstream end opening and the shape of the downstream end opening, and the transport orthogonal side of the paper leaf is formed. The leaves are twisted while rotating the paper surface so as to change the facing direction from the first and second short sides of the upstream end opening to the first and second short sides of the downstream end opening. A twisted transport pipe that can pass through the transport path from the upstream end opening to the downstream end opening is provided.
The eccentric twist axis is a linear axis that extends in the transport direction to reach the downstream end opening by extending the eccentric twist point arbitrarily selected from the eccentric twist point settable range in the upstream end opening.
The reference torsional transport path from the upstream torsional flow path cross section at an arbitrary position of the torsional transport path to the downstream twisted flow path cross section at a position downstream by a distance corresponding to the transport parallel side of the paper sheets is described above. When viewed from a viewpoint parallel to the passage index axis connecting the center point of the upstream twisted flow path cross section to the center point of the downstream twisted flow path cross section, the upstream twisted flow path cross section to the downstream twisted flow path cross section. A penetrating space is created so that the paper leaves can pass through from the cross section of the upstream twisted flow path to the cross section of the downstream twisted flow path. A featured paper leaf transport device. The eccentric twist point settable range is such that the twist transport path obtained by rotating the upstream end opening 180 degrees around the eccentric twist axis is viewed from the upstream end opening to the downstream end at a viewpoint parallel to the eccentric twist axis. The cross-sectional area of the penetrating space that can be seen toward the opening or from the downstream end opening toward the upstream end opening has a diameter of the separation distance between the first long side portion and the second long side portion. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1, wherein the range is set to a range satisfying a condition of 1/2 or more of the area of a circle. On the side of the empty space through which the paper sheets pass, facing the first and second short sides, the paper leaves passing through the twisting transport path are the first short side of the empty space through which the paper sheets pass. It is characterized in that a passage grace portion is formed as a surplus space that can prevent the transport parallel side from coming into contact with the inner surface of the twisted transport pipe even if it is shaken to the side or the second short side. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1 or 2. The passage grace portion is the upstream end opening in the eccentric twist flow path based on the first correction condition determined according to the first deviation amount in which the eccentric twist point is separated from the opening center of the upstream end opening. The paper leaf transport according to claim 3, characterized in that it is formed by correcting the length of the first and second long side portions from to the downstream end opening to increase. Device. The passage grace portion is formed from the upstream end opening in the eccentric twist flow path based on a second correction condition determined according to a second deviation amount twisted larger than the reference twist angle in the reference twist transport path. The paper leaf according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it is formed by correcting the length of the first and second long side portions up to the downstream end opening so as to increase. Class transfer device.

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