JP2022088299A - Paper sheet transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper sheet transport device which can prevent an internal pressure of a joint part from increasing in a joint pipe where two transport paths for transporting paper sheets are joined.

SOLUTION: Functions of pressure regulating means 39 respectively provided at a first end side wall part 33' and a second end side wall part 34' in a joint guide part 3c" of a joint pipe are utilized to prevent air for transportation from leaking from a decompression hole 39b to a pressure regulating chamber 39a to maintain an internal pressure in the joint guide part 3c" when the internal pressure is not high and to release the air for transportation from the decompression hole 39b to the pressure regulating chamber 39a to decrease the internal pressure in the joint guide part 3" when the internal pressure increases.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

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 pinch 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 a belt and a roller. It is transported to the banknote vault.

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

In recent years, there has been proposed a paper leaf transport device that generates a transport air flow in a transport pipe and transports banknotes on the air flow (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this Patent Document 1, a common pipe to which a plurality of blower pipes and outlets of each blower pipe are connected, a feeding device attached to each blower pipe and sending paper leaves into the blower pipe, and attached to each blower pipe. , A technique of providing an on-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the blower pipe and controlling each on-off valve is described. That is, in the paper leaf transport device described in Patent Document 1, paper leaves are sent so as to merge from each blower pipe to the common pipe by controlling the on-off valve or the like, and the paper is fed by the collection device provided downstream of the common pipe. It becomes possible to collect leaves.

Japanese Patent No. 4182143

However, in the paper leaf transport device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to stably transport the paper leaves at the portion where each blower pipe and the common pipe meet. This is because at the part where the two transport pipes meet, a phenomenon occurs in which a part of the transport fluid flowing from the upstream branches in a direction different from that of the downstream, and paper leaves are caught in this flow and flow to the downstream. This is because a entanglement phenomenon that prevents stable flow occurs. Since the paper leaf transport device described in Patent Document 1 cannot prevent the occurrence of this entrainment phenomenon, it is difficult to stably transport the paper leaves.

Therefore, the present invention suppresses the entanglement phenomenon of paper leaves that occurs at the portion where the two transport paths for transporting paper leaves meet due to the flow of the transport fluid, and enables stable transport of the paper leaves. The purpose is to provide a leaf transport device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, paper sheets having a paper surface arranged in parallel with the transport direction are transported 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. This is a paper leaf transport device, which is formed by the transport pipe and is formed by the transport pipe as a flow path different from the arbitrary first transport path through which the transport fluid flows and the first transport path. A second transport path through which the transport fluid flows, an integrated transport path formed by the transport pipe as a flow path downstream of the first transport path and the downstream end of the second transport path, and an integrated transport path through which the transport fluid flows. The first transport guide section connected to the downstream end of the first transport path, the second transport guide section connected to the downstream end of the second transport path, the first transport guide section and the second transport guide. A merging pipe provided with a merging portion for merging the portions to form a flow path in the same transport direction as the integrated transport path and a merging connection section connected to the upstream end of the integrated transport path is provided. The above-mentioned supply from the merging pipe to the integrated transport path to a wall portion facing the transport parallel side parallel to the transport direction of the paper sheets at an appropriate position between the merging portion of the merging pipe and the merging connection portion. It is characterized by providing a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the transport fluid.
Further, in the above configuration, the pressure adjusting means includes a pressure adjusting chamber communicating with the inside of the confluence through the pressure reducing hole and a valve of a pressure reducing valve capable of closing the pressure reducing hole, and the valve is the pressure reducing hole. The internal pressure of the communication pipe may be adjusted by converting into a pressure adjusting non-operating state in which the valve is closed and a pressure adjusting operating state in which the valve does not block the pressure reducing hole.
Further, in the above configuration, the pressure adjusting means includes a pressurizing body that presses the valve against the pressure reducing hole with a compression load equal to or higher than the reference pressure in the confluence, and the pressure in the confluence is less than the compression load. Is in the pressure adjusting non-operating state, and when the pressure in the merging portion reaches the compressive load, the pressure adjusting operating state is entered, so that the internal pressure of the merging pipe may be automatically adjusted.
Further, in the above configuration, the pressurizing body is a coil spring having one end pressed against the valve, and is provided with an adjusting screw body having a pressure receiving portion hitting the other end of the coil spring, and the pressure receiving portion of the adjusting screw body is displaced. By doing so, the compression state of the coil spring may be changed to adjust the compression load of the coil spring.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, paper sheets having a paper surface arranged in parallel with the transport direction are transported 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. A first transport path formed by the transport tube and through which the transport fluid flows, and the transport tube formed as a flow path different from the first transport path. A second transport path through which the transport fluid flows, an integrated transport path formed by the transport pipe as a flow path downstream of the first transport path and the downstream end of the second transport path, and an integrated transport path through which the transport fluid flows. The first transport guide unit connected to the downstream end of the first transport path, the second transport guide section connected to the downstream end of the second transport path, the first transport guide section and the second transport guide. A merging pipe provided with a merging portion for merging the portions to form a flow path in the same transport direction as the integrated transport path and a merging connection section connected to the upstream end of the integrated transport path is provided. The merging pipe is characterized by being provided with a transport control means for generating a transport control flow that controls the flow of the transport fluid at the merging section where the first transport guide section and the second transport guide section merge. And.

Further, in the above configuration, the merging pipe faces one surface of the paper sheets, and the first outer wall portion extending from the upstream end of the first transport guiding portion to the downstream end of the merging portion via the merging portion. And the first inner side wall portion which is provided so as to face the first outer wall portion so that the other surface of the paper leaves faces, and extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the first transport guiding portion, and the paper. One surface of the leaves faces, and the second outer wall portion from the upstream end of the second transport guide portion to the downstream end of the confluence portion via the confluence portion and the other surface of the paper leaves face. The second inner side wall portion is provided so as to face the second outer wall portion and extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second transport guide portion, and the transport control means is provided with the first inner side wall portion. And the injection port opened at the confluence base where the second inner side wall portion is joined, and the transfer from the outer surface side of the first and second inner side wall portions to the injection port so as to generate the transfer control flow. It may be provided with a fluid guiding unit for guiding the fluid.

Further, in the above configuration, the injection port may be provided so as to avoid the center of the merging base portion in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper sheets.

Further, in the above configuration, the fluid guide section may be a fluid guide path that guides the transport fluid flowing in the transport path to the injection port of the merging base.

Further, in the above configuration, a transport flow generating means for generating a transport flow, which is a flow of the transport fluid, is provided at the uppermost flow of the transport pipe, and the transport flow generated by the transport flow generating means is controlled. Therefore, the transport control flow injected from the injection port may be changed.

Further, in the above configuration, at least the inner surface of the first inner side wall portion and the inner surface of the second inner side wall portion may be provided with guide ribs that continuously project in the transport direction.

Further, in the above configuration, a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the transport fluid supplied from the merge pipe to the integrated transport path may be provided.

According to the present invention, a transport control means is provided in a confluence pipe that merges the first transport path and the second transport path and leads to the integrated transport path, and a transport control flow that controls the flow of the transport fluid is generated. The phenomenon of paper leaf entrainment can be suppressed, and stable transportation of paper leaves becomes possible.

(A) is a schematic block diagram of the paper leaf transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. (B) is a schematic block diagram of the paper leaf transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of a confluence pipe. It is explanatory drawing of the flow path structure in the confluence pipe. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance seen from the downstream side of a confluence pipe. (A) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first inner side wall portion and the second inner side wall portion of the combined pipe as viewed from the downstream side. (B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first inner side wall portion and the second inner side wall portion of the combined pipe as viewed from the first end side. (A) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first transport flow flows from the first transport path to the combined pipe. (B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the second transport flow is flowed from the second transport path to the combined pipe. (C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first transport flow and the second transport flow flow from the first transport path and the second transport path to the combined pipe, respectively. (D) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first transport flow and the second transport flow are flowed from the first transport path and the second transport path to the combined pipe and the transport flow control means is activated. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the 1st inner side wall part which provided the 1st transport flow taxiway, and the 2nd inner side wall part which provided a 2nd transport flow taxiway, as seen from the 1st end side. (A) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first transport flow and the first auxiliary flow flow from the first transport path to the combined pipe. (B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the second transport flow and the second auxiliary flow flow from the second transport path to the combined pipe. (C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first transport flow and the first auxiliary flow, and the second transport flow and the second auxiliary flow flow from the first transport path and the second transport path to the combined pipe, respectively. (A) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first inner side wall portion and the second inner side wall portion provided with the guide ribs as viewed from the downstream side. (B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second inner side wall portion provided with the guide rib as seen from the inner surface side. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the combined pipe of the 2nd configuration example which merges a 1st transport path and a 2nd transport path orthogonal to each other from the 1st end side. It is explanatory drawing of the flow path structure in the confluence pipe of the 2nd configuration example. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the combined pipe of the 3rd configuration example provided with the pressure adjusting means as seen from the 1st end side, and a partially enlarged perspective view thereof. (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pressure adjusting means in the pressure adjusting non-operating state. (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pressure adjusting means in the pressure adjusting operating state.

Next, an embodiment of the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached 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 is installed in, for example, a game store, and transports banknotes PM inserted into a game medium lending device, a card sales device, or the like inside a straight line transfer tube 2, a merge tube 3, or the like. It can be used as if it were passed through the road and collected in one place. In the banknote transport device 1 of the present embodiment, the banknotes PM are transported so that the paper surface of the banknotes PM is in the vertical direction. FIG. 1B shows a schematic configuration seen from the side, and FIG. 1B shows a schematic configuration of the banknote carrier 1 as viewed from the side (the direction in which the paper surface of the banknote PM can be seen).

For example, a substantially linear first transport path 21 formed by the straight transport tube 2, and a substantially linear second transport path 22 formed by the straight transport tube 2 as a flow path different from the first transport path 21. Are arranged in parallel with each other and connected to the first transport guiding portion 3a1 and the second transport guiding portion 3a2 of the merging pipe 3, respectively. In the merging pipe 3, the first transport guiding section 3a1 and the second transport guiding section 3a2 merge at the merging section 3b, and the most downstream end of the merging guiding section 3c connected to the downstream of the merging section 3b is the merging connecting section 3d. The upstream end of the substantially linear integrated transport path 23 formed by the linear transport tube 2 as a flow path downstream from the downstream ends of the first and second transport paths 21 and 22, is combined with the merging connection portion 3d of the merging pipe 3. By connecting, it is possible to form a bill transport path in which two flow paths are integrated into one flow path.

A transport flow generator 4 is connected to the upstream ends of the first and second transport paths 21 and 22, and the transport flow generator 4 blows out transport air as a transport fluid and sends it into each flow path. By sucking the transport air on the most downstream side of the integrated transport path 23, the transport flow TF is generated. The banknote PM can be transported from upstream to downstream by this transport flow TF. The transport flow generator 4 may separately have a blower function to the first transport passage 21 and a blower function to the second transport passage 22, or the first and second transport passages 21 may be provided with one blower function. , 22 may be generated at the same time.

A banknote collection device 5 is connected to the downstream end of the integrated transfer path 23, and the banknote PM conveyed by the transfer flow TF is collected by the banknote collection device 5 and stored in, for example, a banknote stacker. The bill collection device 5 may be provided with a suction device or the like for sucking transport air from the integrated transport path 23, or a transport flow generator 4 may be provided with a bill transport path that is entirely curved in a U shape. And the bill collecting device 5 may be adjacent to each other, and an air circulation structure may be used in which the suction unit of the transport flow generator 4 sucks the transport air in the integrated transport path 23.

The banknote PM to be transported by the banknote transfer device 1 is fed from the banknote feeding device 6 provided at an appropriate position into the straight transport tube 2 so that the long side direction is the transport direction. In addition, in order to connect the bill feeding device 6 to the straight transport pipe 2 and the like, the upstream side transport pipe connecting structure and the downstream side transport pipe connecting structure may be provided in the bill feeding device 6, or the bill feeding device connecting structure may be provided in a straight line. It may be provided in the transport pipe 2 or the like. Further, the bill PM sent into the first and second transport paths 21 and 22 by the bill sending device 6 is an appropriate bill PM that has been determined to be authentic by the bill identification device 7 provided in the game medium lending device or the like. As described above, the bill PM in the straight transport pipe 2 is in the 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 is parallel to the transport direction. The parallel side PM1b 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 (see FIG. 1B).

Here, the combined pipe 3 of the first configuration example will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the combined pipe 3 forms a first transport guide portion 3a1 connected to a downstream end of the linear transport pipe 2 forming the first transport path 21 and a second transport path 22. It is provided with a second transport guide portion 3a2 connected to the downstream end of the linear transport pipe 2. These first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2 gradually approach each other toward the downstream so as to bring the flow paths connected to the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22 arranged in parallel at appropriate distances closer to each other. It is a flow path. A merging portion 3b is connected downstream of the first and second transport guiding portions 3a1 and 3a2, and the two flow paths are converged into one flow path. The flow path direction of the merging guide portion 3c connected to the downstream of the merging portion 3b is the same as that of the integrated transport path 23, and the merging connection portion 3d which is the downstream end of the merging guide portion 3c forms the integrated transport path 23. It is connected to the upstream end of the straight line transfer pipe 2.

The combined pipe 3 in which each flow path is formed as described above includes a first outer wall portion 31a, a first inner side wall portion 31b, a second outer wall portion 32a, a second inner side wall portion 32b, and a first end side wall. It has an external shape surrounded by the portion 33 and the second end side wall portion 34. The first outer wall portion 31a is a wall body facing one side of the bill PM and extending from the upstream end of the first transport guiding portion 3a1 to the downstream end of the merging guiding portion 3c via the merging portion 3b. The first inner side wall portion 31b is provided so as to face the first outer wall portion 31a so that the other side of the bill PM faces, and is a wall body extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the first transport guiding portion 3a1. The second outer wall portion 32a is a wall body facing one side of the bill PM and extending from the upstream end of the second transport guiding portion 3a2 to the downstream end of the merging guiding portion 3c via the merging portion 3b. The second inner wall surface portion 32b is provided so as to face the second outer wall portion 32a so that the other side of the bill PM faces, and is a wall body extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second transport guiding portion 3a2. The first end side wall portion 33 is an upper lid that closes the upper side (first end side) facing the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM. The second end side wall portion 34 is a lower lid that closes the lower side (second end side) facing the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM.

Since the first outer wall portion 31a and the first inner side wall portion 31b face each other with an equidistant distance, the first transport guide portion 3a1 is formed as a flow path of equal width, and the first transport from the first transport path 21 is performed. The flow TF1 flows in. Similarly, since the second outer wall portion 32a and the second inner side wall portion 32b also face each other with an equidistant distance, the second transport guide portion 3a2 is formed as an equidistant flow path, and the second transport guide portion 3a2 is formed from the second transport path 22. The second transport flow TF2 flows in. Even on the downstream side of the merging pipe 3, the first outer wall portion 31a and the first inner side wall portion 31b face each other with an equidistant distance, so that the merging guide portion 3c is formed as an equidistant flow path, and the integrated transport path is formed. The integrated transport flow TF3 is supplied to 23. In the combined pipe 3 of this configuration example, the combined guiding portion 3c is formed at the lateral intermediate position between the first transport guiding portion 3a1 and the second transport guiding portion 3a2 arranged side by side. However, this structure is used. Not limited to. Depending on the structure of the merging portion 3b, which will be described later, the merging guiding portion 3c may be arranged closer to the first transport guiding portion 3a1 side or closer to the second transport guiding portion 3a2 side.

The merging portion 3b from the downstream of the first and second transport guiding portions 3a1 and 3a2 to the upstream of the merging guiding portion 3c is a flow path formed between the first outer wall portion 31a and the second outer wall portion 32a. , It is a flow path on the downstream side beyond the merging base portion 35 where the first inner side wall portion 31b and the second inner side wall portion 32b are joined. The first inner side wall portion 31b is interrupted at the merging base portion 35, but as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the first inner side wall portion 31b is equidistant from the first outer wall portion 31a. The first inner side wall virtual extension line 31b-EL when extended is smoothly in contact with the second outer wall portion 32a. Similarly, the second inner side wall portion 32b is also interrupted at the merging base portion 35, but as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the second inner side wall portion 32b is equidistant from the second outer wall portion 32a. The second inner side wall virtual extension line 32b-EL in the case of being extended is smoothly in contact with the first outer wall portion 31a. These first and second inner side wall virtual extension lines 31b-EL and 32b-EL intersect with the first and second outer wall portions 31a and 32a and have the same width as the first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2. The portion that converges on the flow path of is the downstream end of the confluence portion 3b.

In the merging pipe 3 of this configuration example, the merging pipe 3 is connected to the integrated transport path 23 via a merging guide portion 3c provided further downstream of the merging portion 3b, and the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 are merged. It is assumed that the wind direction and the like of the integrated conveyed flow TF3 that has been made to be supplied are stably supplied to the integrated conveyed passage 23. However, the merging connection portion 3d for connecting to the upstream end of the integrated transport path 23 does not necessarily have to be provided at the downstream end of the merging guidance portion 3c. For example, without providing the merging guide portion 3c, the downstream end of the merging portion 3b is set to be the downstream end portion of the merging pipe 3, and this downstream end portion is used as the merging connection portion 3d to form an integrated transport path 23. It may be connected to the most upstream end of the conveyor pipe 2 or the like. However, the tangential direction of the first and second outer wall portions 31a and 32a in the merging connection portion 3d which is the downstream end of the merging portion 3b is adjusted to be the same as the transport direction in the integrated transport path 23, and the integrated transport flow TF3 is adjusted. It is desirable to make it flow smoothly.

Further, in the merging pipe 3, the flow of the transport air (transport fluid) for controlling the transport direction of the banknote PM at the merging section 3b where the first transport guide section 3a1 and the second transport guide section 3a2 merge. A transport control means for generating a certain transport control flow CF is provided. This is the first and first when the first transport flow TF1 flows from the first transport guide unit 3a1 to the merging section 3b, or when the second transport flow TF2 flows from the second transport guiding section 3a2 into the merging section 3b. 2 This is to avoid a problem (entanglement phenomenon) in which a part of the transport flow TF1 and TF2 hinders stable transport of the bill PM. Such a problem occurs when the blowout flow by the transport flow generator 4 is larger than the suction flow by the suction device provided on the bill collection device 5, so if the discharge force and the suction force are about the same, then This is a problem in the banknote transport device 1 in which the merging pipe 3 is arranged close to the transport flow generator 4. When the merging pipe 3 is arranged at a position where the suction flow by the suction device provided on the bill collection device 5 side is larger than the blowout flow by the transport flow generator 4, the bill PM is strongly directed toward the integrated transport path 23. Since it is drawn in, such a problem does not occur. Hereinafter, an example of the transport control means will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

At the confluence base 35 where the downstream end of the first inner side wall portion 31b and the downstream end of the second inner side wall portion 32b are joined, the first injection port 361 is brought closer to the first end side wall portion 33 toward the second end. A second injection port 362 is provided so as to be closer to the side wall portion 34. The first and second injection ports 361 and 362 are through holes penetrating the outer surface 31b1 to the inner surface 31b2 of the first inner side wall portion 31b and the outer surface 32b1 to the inner surface 32b2 of the second inner side wall portion 32b, and are transport parallel center surfaces. It is provided symmetrically with respect to PS. The transport parallel center surface PS is a virtual surface parallel to the transport direction of the banknote PM through the center between the walls of the first and second outer wall portions 31a and 32a in the merging guide portion 3c.

Further, the first injection port 361 and the second injection port 362 are provided symmetrically with respect to the transport orthogonal center plane VS. The transport orthogonal central surface VS is a virtual plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote PM through the intermediate positions of the first and second outer wall portions 31a and 32a in the merging guide portion 3c. Therefore, the distance to the second opening end edge portion 361b, which is the opening end edge on the second end side wall portion 34 side of the first injection port 361, and the first end of the second injection port 362 with respect to the transport orthogonal central surface VS. It is equal to the distance to the first open end edge portion 362a, which is the open end edge on the side wall portion 33 side. Similarly, the distance to the first opening end edge portion 361a, which is the opening end edge on the first end side wall portion 33 side of the first injection port 361, and the second end of the second injection port 362 with respect to the transport orthogonal center surface VS. The distance to the second open end edge portion 362b, which is the open end edge on the side wall portion 34 side, is the same.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, an auxiliary flow SF, which is a flow of air generated by the blower device 371, is provided on the outer surfaces 31b1, 32b1 side of the first and second inner side wall portions 31b, 32b. 1. An auxiliary flow guide path 372 is provided as a fluid guiding portion that leads to the second injection ports 361 and 362. That is, in the merging pipe 3 provided with the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 opened in the merging base 35 and the auxiliary flow guide path 372 for guiding the auxiliary flow SF, the auxiliary flow SF from the blower 371 is the first and first. By passing through the second injection ports 361 and 362, the transfer control flow CF is generated in the confluence portion 3b.

As described above, the transport control means is provided by the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 opened at the confluence base 35, the blower device 371 for generating the auxiliary flow SF, and the auxiliary flow guide path 372 for guiding the auxiliary flow SF. The flow of the transport fluid in the configured combined pipe 3A will be described with reference to FIG. The combined pipe 3A is arranged at a portion of the bill transport device 1 where "suction flow on the bill collection device 5 side <blowout flow on the transport flow generator 4 side".

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21 to the first transport guide unit 3a1 and the second transport flow TF2 is not supplied from the second transport path 22. , Only the first transport flow TF1 passes through the merging portion 3b and reaches the merging guiding portion 3c. At this time, most of the first transport flow TF1 flows to the merging guide portion 3c, but a part of the first transport flow TF1 becomes the first branch flow TF1-d and flows into the second transport guide portion 3a2 side. It ends up. Therefore, from the merging portion 3b to the merging induction portion 3c, the first transport flow TF1'is the first transport flow TF1'in which the first branch flow TF1-d is lost from the first transport flow TF1. When the bill PM is transported to the first transport guide portion 3a1 of the merging pipe 3A, which is the flow of the transport fluid, the bill PM is caught in the first branch flow TF1-d at the merging portion 3b. There is a risk that a entanglement phenomenon will occur in which the fluid does not flow stably downstream.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22 to the second transport guide unit 3a2, and the first transport flow TF1 is not supplied from the first transport path 21. , Only the second carrier flow TF2 passes through the merging portion 3b and reaches the merging guiding portion 3c. Also at this time, most of the second transport flow TF2 flows to the merging guide portion 3c, but a part of the second transport flow TF2 becomes the second branch flow TF2-d and moves to the first transport guide portion 3a1 side. It will flow in. Therefore, from the merging section 3b to the merging induction section 3c, the second transport flow TF2'in which the second branch flow TF2-d is lost from the second transport flow TF2 becomes. When the bill PM is conveyed to the second transport guide portion 3a2 of the merging pipe 3A, which is the flow of the transport fluid, the bill PM is caught in the second branch flow TF2-d at the merging portion 3b. There is a risk that a entanglement phenomenon will occur in which the fluid does not flow stably downstream.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21 to the first transport guide unit 3a1, and the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22 to the second transport guide unit 3a2. The first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 both pass through the merging portion 3b and reach the merging guiding portion 3c. At this time, most of the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 flow to the merging guide portion 3c, but some of them become a branch flow and try to flow into the other guide portion, so that the merging base 35 A vortex VF is generated in the vicinity of. When the bill PM is transported to the first transport guide portion 3a1 or the second transport guide portion 3a2 of the confluence pipe 3A, which is the flow of the transport fluid, the bill PM is caught in the vortex flow VF at the confluence portion 3b. This causes deceleration and stagnation, which hinders the transportation of banknotes. It should be noted that the integrated transport flow TF3', which is obtained by reducing the lost air volume as a vortex flow VF from the total air volume of the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2, flows from the merging section 3b to the merging induction section 3c. ..

As shown in FIG. 6D, the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21 to the first transport guide unit 3a1, and the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22 to the second transport guide unit 3a2. The transfer control flow CF is generated by the transfer control means while being supplied to the. Then, the transport control flow CF prevents a part of the first transport flow TF1 from becoming the first branch flow TF1-d in the merging portion 3b, and the first transport flow TF1 smoothly flows to the merging guide portion 3c. Similarly, the transport control flow CF prevents a part of the second transport flow TF2 from becoming the second branch flow TF2-d in the merging portion 3b, and the second transport flow TF2 smoothly flows to the merging guide portion 3c. .. That is, the transport control flow CF generated from the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 of the merging base 35 suppresses the entrainment phenomenon of the bill PM and enables stable transport of the bill PM. Further, since the transport control flow CF is pressed diagonally toward the downstream with respect to the paper surface of the bill PM heading from the first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2 to the confluence portion 3b, the bill is from the transport control flow CF. The PM is given a carrying force in the downstream direction.

In addition to the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 merged at the merging section 3b, the transport control flow CF reaches the merging induction section 3c, so that the total air volume thereof is the integrated transport flow TF3. At this time, since the cross sections of the flow paths of the first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2 and the cross sections of the flow paths of the merge guidance portion 3c have the same shape, the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 merge at the same time. When supplied to the pipe 3, the internal pressure of the combined induction portion 3c becomes considerably high. It is desirable to provide a pressure adjusting means (detailed later) that automatically adjusts the inside of the merging guide portion 3c to an appropriate pressure so that this pressure difference does not hinder the transportation of the bill PM.

Further, the transport control flow CF determines factors such as the opening position and opening shape of the first and second injection ports 361 and 362, the flow pressure of the auxiliary flow SF, and the inflow direction to the first and second injection ports 361 and 362. By changing it, it is possible to control various flow velocities and ejection directions. For example, when increasing the air volume from the transport control flow CF, it can be dealt with by increasing the opening amount in the height direction of the first and second injection ports 361 and 362. However, the opening positions of the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 are set so as to avoid the required range including the transport orthogonal center surface VS. This is because the flow of the transport fluid flowing in the transport path such as the straight transport pipe 2 is at the upper and lower portions (the portion closer to the first end side wall portion 33 and the second end side wall portion 34) than near the center in the height direction. This is because it tends to be stronger. Near the center of the merging base 35 (required range including the transport orthogonal center plane VS), the first and second branch currents TF1-d and TF2-d that hinder the transport of banknotes are not generated, so they are in the vicinity of this. If the transport control flow CF is generated, there is a risk that the transport control flow CF itself will be a factor in generating turbulence. Therefore, avoiding the vicinity of the center of the merging base 35 in the height direction (direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote PM), the first injection port 361 is on the first end side wall 33 side and the first injection port 361 is on the second end side wall 34 side. The structure of each of the second injection ports 362 makes sense. It should be noted that the transfer control means is not limited to the case where one injection port is provided on the upper and lower sides, and a plurality of injection ports may be provided on the upper side and the lower side respectively.

The above-mentioned merging pipe 3A is conveyed and controlled by the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 opened at the merging base 35, the blower 371 for generating the auxiliary flow SF, and the auxiliary flow guide path 372 for guiding the auxiliary flow SF. Although the means are configured, the need for the blower device 371 separately complicates the device structure and increases the cost. Therefore, a transfer control means that does not require an external device for obtaining the auxiliary flow SF will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the first and second inner side wall portions 31b and 32b are viewed from above (the first end side wall portion 33 side). A first transport flow guide path 373 as a fluid guide path is provided on the outer surface 31b1 side of the first inner side wall portion 31b, and a second transport flow as a fluid guide path is provided on the outer surface 32b1 side of the second inner side wall portion 32b. A taxiway 374 is provided. In FIG. 7, only the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 corresponding to the first injection port 361 of the merging base 35 are shown, but the first and second transport flow guides corresponding to the second injection port 362 are shown. The roads 373 and 374 can also be provided with a vertically symmetrical structure.

In order to form the first transport flow guide path 373, the first auxiliary section portion that protrudes toward the outer surface 31b1 of the first inner side wall portion 31b at a position substantially flush with the second opening end edge portion 361b of the first injection port 361. A 373a and a first auxiliary side wall portion 373b, which is a wall body arranged at a substantially constant distance from the outer surface 31b1 of the first inner side wall portion 31b, are provided. When the upper end side of the first inner side wall portion 31b and the first auxiliary side wall portion 373b is closed by the first end side wall portion 33 (not shown), the first transport flow guide path 373, which is a guide path for the transport fluid, is formed. To. The surface shape of the outer surface 373b1 of the first auxiliary side wall portion 373b may be arbitrary, but the inner surface 373b2 of the first auxiliary side wall portion 373b has the same flow of the transport fluid as the outer surface 31b1 of the first inner side wall portion 31b. It is desirable to have a smooth curved surface that does not interfere with the above.

In order to form the second transport flow guide path 374, the second auxiliary section portion that projects toward the outer surface 32b1 of the second inner side wall portion 32b at a position substantially flush with the second opening end edge portion 361b of the first injection port 361. 374a and a second auxiliary side wall portion 374b, which is a wall body arranged at a substantially constant distance from the outer surface 32b1 of the second inner side wall portion 32b, are provided. When the upper end side of the first inner side wall portion 31b and the first auxiliary side wall portion 373b is closed by the first end side wall portion 33 (not shown), a second transport flow guide path 374 which is a guide path for the transport fluid is formed. To. The surface shape of the outer surface 374b1 of the second auxiliary side wall portion 374b may be arbitrary, but the inner surface 374b2 of the second auxiliary side wall portion 374b has the same flow of the transport fluid as the outer surface 32b1 of the second inner side wall portion 32b. It is desirable to have a smooth curved surface that does not interfere with the above.

The structure for flowing the transport fluid into the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 configured as described above is not particularly limited. For example, a flow that guides the transport flow generated in the first and second transport guide units 3a1 and 3a2 to the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 by the operation of the transport flow generator 4 as the transport flow generation means. The road structure may be provided between the upper portion of the first and second inner side wall portions 31b and 32b and the first end side wall portion 33. Further, the transport flow generated in the first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2 due to the operation of the transport flow generator 4 as the transport flow generating means is first transmitted from the wall surface of the first and second inner side wall portions 31b and 32b. , A flow path structure for guiding to the second transport flow taxiway 373, 374 may be provided. Alternatively, a transport fluid supply structure for guiding and supplying the transport fluid flowing in the pipe to the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 is provided in the linear transport pipe 2 or the like provided upstream of the merging pipe 3. May be good. In any case, if the transport fluid used for transporting the banknote PM is poured into the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 and used as the auxiliary flow SF, the blower 371 is not required separately, so that it is practical. Is. Moreover, when the transport flow generated by the transport flow generator 4 is used as the auxiliary flow SF, it is injected from the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 by controlling the transport flow by the transport flow generator 4. It is also possible to change the transport control flow CF.

As described above, the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 opened at the confluence base 35 and the first and second transports that guide the transport fluid flowing in the transport path to the first and second injection ports 361 and 362. The flow of the transport fluid in the combined pipe 3B constituting the transport control means with the flow guide paths 373 and 374 will be described with reference to FIG. The combined pipe 3B is also arranged at a portion of the bill transport device 1 where "suction flow on the bill collection device 5 side <blowout flow on the transport flow generator 4 side".

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21 to the first transport guide unit 3a1 and the second transport flow TF2 is not supplied from the second transport path 22. , Only the first transport flow TF1 passes through the merging portion 3b and reaches the merging guiding portion 3c. At this time, the first auxiliary flow SF1 diverted from the first transport flow TF1 is also guided from the first transport flow guide path 373 to the first and second injection ports 361 and 362, so that the transport control flow CF is introduced into the confluence portion 3b. Occurs. Therefore, the transport control flow CF generated from the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 of the merging base 35 suppresses the entrainment phenomenon of the bill PM and enables stable transport of the bill PM. Further, since the transport control flow CF applies a transport force to the side surface of the bill PM, it can contribute to smooth bill transport.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22 to the second transport guide unit 3a2, and the first transport flow TF1 is not supplied from the first transport path 21. , Only the second carrier flow TF2 passes through the merging portion 3b and reaches the merging guiding portion 3c. At this time, the second auxiliary flow SF2 diverted from the second transport flow TF2 is also guided from the second transport flow guide path 374 to the first and second injection ports 361 and 362, so that the transport control flow CF is introduced into the confluence portion 3b. Occurs. Therefore, the transport control flow CF generated from the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 of the merging base 35 suppresses the entrainment phenomenon of the bill PM and enables stable transport of the bill PM. Further, since the transport control flow CF applies a transport force to the side surface of the bill PM, it can contribute to smooth bill transport.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21 to the first transport guide unit 3a1, and the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22 to the second transport guide unit 3a2. The first and second transport flows TF1 and TF2 both pass through the merging portion 3b and reach the merging guiding portion 3c. At this time, the first auxiliary flow SF1 diverted from the first transport flow TF1 is from the first transport flow taxiway 373, and the second auxiliary flow SF2 diverted from the second transport flow TF2 is from the second transport flow taxiway 374. Since it is guided to the first and second injection ports 361 and 362, a transfer control flow CF is generated in the confluence portion 3b. Therefore, the transport control flow CF generated from the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 of the merging base 35 suppresses the entrainment phenomenon of the bill PM and enables stable transport of the bill PM. Further, since the transport control flow CF applies a transport force to the side surface of the bill PM, it can contribute to smooth bill transport.

In the combined pipe 3B in which the transport control means is configured by the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 and the first and second transport flow guide paths 373 and 374 described above, the first and second transport paths 21 and 22 It is highly convenient because the transport control flow CF can be automatically generated regardless of whether the transport flow is flown to only one of them or the transport flow is flown to both the first and second transport paths 21 and 22. Become.

Further, in the combined pipe 3 provided with the transport control means, the phenomenon of the bill PM being caught can be suppressed, so that the risk of the bill PM sticking to the inner wall of the merge pipe 3 and staying is low, but for safety. , As shown in FIG. 9, the guide rib 38 may be provided. The guide rib 38 is a projecting body that continuously protrudes in the transport direction on the inner surface 31b2 of the first inner side wall portion 31b and the inner surface 32b2 of the second inner side wall portion 32b, and the cross-sectional shape thereof is substantially triangular.

Therefore, even if the bill PM passing through the first and second transport guide portions 3a1 and 3a2 of the merging pipe 3 is close to the inner surfaces 31b2 and 32b2 of the first and second inner side wall portions 31b and 32b, the bill PM remains. It is only in line contact with the guide rib 38, and does not cause enough friction to stay in the flow path.

Moreover, the joint end portion 38a in which the guide rib 38 provided on the first inner side wall portion 31b side and the guide rib 38 provided on the second inner side wall portion 32b side are integrally connected at the confluence base portion 35 protrudes downstream at an acute angle. It becomes a shape (see FIG. 9B). That is, since the joint end portion 38a of the guide rib 38 is located on the downstream side by a distance L from the downstream end of the merging base portion 35, the banknote PM can be guided to the downstream side from the region where the vortex flow VF or the like is generated. It can contribute to alleviating the phenomenon of banknote PM entrainment. Further, even when the banknotes PM are conveyed from the first and second transport paths 21 and 22 almost at the same time and the two banknotes PM reach the merging portion 3b of the merging pipe 3 at almost the same time, the joint end portion is provided by the guide rib 38. The bill PM is guided to 38a, which also has the effect of alleviating the impact caused by the collision of the bill PM.

The forming position of the guide rib 38 is not particularly limited, but it is desirable to provide the guide rib 38 at an intermediate position in the vertical direction of each of the first and second injection ports 361 and 362. For example, when the vertical width of the first injection port 361 is W, the distance from the first opening end edge portion 361a of the first injection port 361 to the joining end portion 38a and the distance from the second opening end edge portion 361b to the joining end portion 38a. The distance to is approximately W / 2. Similarly, when the vertical width of the second injection port 362 is W, the distance from the first opening end edge portion 362a of the second injection port 362 to the joining end portion 38a and the distance from the second opening end edge portion 362b to the joining end portion 38a. The distance to is approximately W / 2. The flow of the transport fluid passing through the first and second injection ports 361 and 362 becomes stronger at the upper and lower portions (the portions near the first end side wall portion 33 and the second end side wall portion 34) than near the center in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the guide rib 38 is provided at an intermediate position in the vertical direction, the influence on the transport control flow CF can be reduced.

Further, the above-mentioned combined pipe 3 merges the first and second transport paths 21 and 22 having substantially parallel transport directions, but the transport directions of the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22 are different. It is also possible to merge things. The combined pipe 3'of the second configuration example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 joins the first transport path 21 which is in the same straight line as the integrated transport path 23 and the second transport path 22 orthogonal to the integrated transport path 23. It is a structure to make it.

The combined pipe 3'has a first transport guide portion 3a1' connected to the downstream end of the straight transport pipe 2 forming the first transport path 21 and a downstream end of the straight transport pipe 2 forming the second transport path 22. The second transport guide unit 3a2'to be connected is provided, and the first and second transport flows TF1 and TF2 flow in from the first and second transport paths 21 and 22. A confluence portion 3b'is connected downstream of the first and second transport guide portions 3a1'and 3a2', and the two flow paths are converged into one flow path. The downstream end of the merging portion 3b'is designated as the merging connection portion 3d'and is connected to the upstream end of the straight transfer pipe 2 forming the integrated transport path 23, but the merging guidance connected to the downstream of the merging portion 3b' A portion 3c'may be provided.

The combined pipe 3'in which each flow path is formed as described above includes a first outer wall portion 31a', a first inner side wall portion 31b', a second outer wall portion 32a', and a second inner side wall portion 32b'. It is an external shape surrounded by the first end side wall portion 33'and the second end side wall portion 34'. The first outer wall portion 31a'is a flat plate-shaped wall body facing one side of the bill PM and extending from the upstream end of the first transport guiding portion 3a1'to the downstream end of the merging portion 3b'. The first inner side wall portion 31b'is provided so as to face the first outer wall portion 31a'so that the other side of the bill PM faces, and is a straight flat plate from the upstream end to the downstream end of the first transport guide portion 3a1'. It is a wall like a wall. The second outer wall portion 32a'is an arc-shaped curved wall body facing one side of the bill PM and extending from the upstream end of the second transport guiding portion 3a2'to the downstream end of the merging portion 3b'. The second inner side wall portion 32b'is provided so as to face the second outer wall portion 32a'so that the other side of the bill PM faces, and has an arc shape extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second transport guiding portion 3a2'. It is a curved wall body. The first end side wall portion 33'is an upper lid that closes the upper side (first end side) facing the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM. The second end side wall portion 34'is a lower lid that closes the lower side (second end side) facing the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM.

Since the first outer wall portion 31a'and the first inner side wall portion 31b' face each other with an equidistant distance, the first transport guide portion 3a1'is formed as an equidistant flow path, and the first transport guide portion 3a1'is formed from the first transport path 21. The first transport flow TF1 flows in. Similarly, since the second outer wall portion 32a'and the second inner side wall portion 32b' are also arcuate facing each other with an equidistant distance, the second transport guide portion 3a2'is formed as an equidistant flow path, and the second transport guide portion 3a2'is formed. The second transport flow TF2 from the transport path 22 flows in. Even on the downstream side of the merging pipe 3 ′, the first outer wall portion 31a ′ and the first inner side wall portion 31b ′ face each other at equal distances, so that the merging connection portion 3d ′ which is the downstream end of the merging portion 3b ′. A straight line transfer pipe 2 forming the integrated transfer path 23 can be connected to the integrated transfer path 23, and the integrated transfer flow TF3 is supplied to the integrated transfer path 23.

The merging portion 3b ′ from the downstream of the first and second transport guiding portions 3a1 ′ and 3a2 ′ to the merging connecting portion 3d ′ is formed between the first outer wall portion 31a ′ and the second outer wall portion 32a ′. This is a flow path on the downstream side beyond the confluence base portion 35'where the first inner side wall portion 31b'and the second inner side wall portion 32b' are joined. The first inner side wall portion 31b'is interrupted at the merging base portion 35', but as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, the first inner side wall portion 31b'is equal to the first outer wall portion 31a'. The first inner side wall virtual extension line 31b'-EL when extended at a distance is in contact with the downstream end of the second outer wall portion 32a' while remaining linear. Similarly, the second inner side wall portion 32b'is also interrupted at the merging base portion 35', but as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 11, the second inner side wall portion 32b'is separated from the second outer wall portion 32a'. The second inner side wall virtual extension line 32b'-EL when extended at equal distances smoothly contacts the downstream end of the first outer wall portion 31a'.

Further, also in the merging pipe 3', in the merging portion 3b' where the first transport guiding portion 3a1'and the second transport guiding portion 3a2' meet, the transport air (conveying fluid) for controlling the transport direction of the banknote PM. ) Is provided with a transport control means for generating a transport control flow CF. The transport control means may be configured to guide the auxiliary flow SF to the first and second injection ports 361'and 362' by using the blower device 371 and the auxiliary flow guide path 372 described above, or the first and second transports. The auxiliary flow SF may be guided to the first and second injection ports 361'and 362' by using the flow guide paths 373 and 374.

If the transport control flow CF can be ejected in a direction that enables stable transport of the banknote PM, the opening directions of the first and second injection ports 361'and 362'are not particularly limited, but the merge pipe 3'is merged. It is assumed that the base portion 35'is directed toward the road width intermediate position (end center CP) of the confluence connection portion 3d'. For example, when imagining a linear flow path in which the first outer wall portion 31a', the first inner side wall portion 31b', and the first inner side wall virtual extension line 31b'-EL serve as a side wall, the width of the linear flow path The first center line CL1, which is the direction center line, reaches the end center CP at the confluence connection portion 3d'. Further, when imagining an arc-shaped flow path in which the second outer wall portion 32a', the second inner side wall portion 32b', and the second inner wall surface virtual extension line 32b'-EL serve as a side wall, the width of the arc-shaped flow path The second center line CL2, which is the direction center line, reaches the end center CP at the confluence connection portion 3d'. Therefore, if the first and second injection ports 361'and 362' are opened so as to go from the merging base 35'to the end center CP, it is easy to obtain an appropriate transfer control flow CF.

For reference, when Japanese banknotes PM (76 [mm] x 160 [mm]) are to be transported, the road width of the first and second transport guidance portions 3a1', 3a2' and the confluence connection portion 3d'is 18 If the radius from the center O to the second center line CL2 is set to 150 [mm] in [mm], a practical combined pipe 3'can be configured. The distance between the first end side wall portion 33'and the second end side wall portion 34'is about 80 [mm].

In the combined pipes 3 and 3'of the first and second configuration examples described above, when the first and second transport streams TF1 and TF2 are simultaneously supplied from the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22, the integrated transport path As described above, the internal pressure of the integrated transport flow TF3 supplied to 23 increases. Therefore, the combined pipe 3 "of the third configuration example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided with a pressure adjusting means 39 for adjusting the pressure of the transport air supplied to the integrated transport path 23. The combined pipe 3 ″ of the above-mentioned merges the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 from the orthogonal first transport passage 21 and the second transport passage 22 in the same manner as the merge pipe 3 ′ of the second configuration example described above. The structure is such that the integrated transport flow TF3 is supplied to the integrated transport path 23 arranged linearly with the first transport path 21. Therefore, the same structure as the combined pipe 3'of the second configuration example is designated by the same reference numeral, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The merging pipe 3 ″ is provided with a merging guide portion 3c ″ connected to the downstream of the merging portion 3b ′, and forms an integrated transport path 23 via a merging junction portion 3d ″ which is a downstream end of the merging guiding portion 3c ″. It has a structure connected to the straight transfer pipe 2. The pressure adjusting means 39 is provided on the first end side wall portion 33'and the second end side wall portion 34'of the merging guide portion 3c ", respectively. That is, the merging guidance portion provided on the downstream side of the merging portion 3b'. If the pressure adjusting means 39 is provided in 3c ″, the pressure can be adjusted in a state where the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 are completely merged and the internal pressure is highest. It is desirable that the pressure adjusting means 39 is provided on the downstream side of the merging portion 3b', but it is said that the downstream portion of the merging portion 3b' (the first transport flow TF1 and the second transport flow TF2 are sufficiently merged). It may be provided in a part that can be regarded as).

The pressure adjusting means 39 is a transport fluid at a suitable position on the side wall of the pressure adjusting chamber structure 391 which is a substantially cubic wall body protruding from the first end side wall portion 33'(or the second end side wall portion 34'). It is an appearance in which a slit 391a for extracting transport air is opened and an adjusting screw body 392 is screwed to a protruding end wall. The shape and number of slits 391a are not particularly limited, but it is sufficient if a sufficient opening area can be secured for passing the transport air extracted from the confluence pipe 3 ″. Rather, the slit 391a is excessive. In this configuration example, the slits 391a are provided only on the two side walls substantially parallel to the paper surface of the banknote PM, because the physical strength of the pressure regulating chamber structure 391 is impaired.

A pressure control chamber 39a is formed inside the pressure control chamber structure 391, and the merging guide portion 3c ″ is formed through the pressure reducing hole 39b formed in the first end side wall portion 33 ′ (or the second end side wall portion 34 ′). The opening of the pressure reducing hole 39b on the pressure regulating chamber 39a side, which communicates with the inside of the pipe, can be closed by the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393. That is, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), the valve 393a is a pressure reducing hole. In the pressure control non-operating state blocking 39b, the transfer air does not leak from the inside of the communication pipe 3 ″ to the pressure control chamber 39a, so that the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ does not change. As shown, in the pressure adjusting operation state in which the valve 393a does not block the pressure reducing hole 39b, the transfer air leaks from the inside of the confluence pipe 3 ″ to the pressure adjusting chamber 39a, so that the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ decreases. Further, when the separation distance between the opening of the pressure reducing hole 39b on the pressure adjusting chamber 39a side and the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 becomes large in the pressure adjusting operating state, the pressure leaks from the inside of the confluence pipe 3 ″ to the pressure adjusting chamber 39a. The amount of transport air that comes out increases, and the degree to which the internal pressure of the merging guide 3c ″ decreases also increases. Therefore, if the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 is adjusted according to the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c ″, the merging is performed. It is possible to reduce the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c "in the pipe 3" and keep it constant.

An adjusting screw body 392 and a coil spring 394 are used to automatically adjust the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ in the merging pipe 3 ″. The adjusting screw body 392 is a substantially cylindrical body, and has a screw portion 392b that follows the knob portion 392a on the protruding end side on the outer periphery, and is provided on the outer periphery of the guide empty portion 392c, which is an inner through hole, so as to project from the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393. The slide bar 393b is inserted. Therefore, when the slide bar 393b of the pressure reducing valve 393 is displaced while being guided by the guide empty portion 392c of the adjusting screw body 392, the position of the valve 393a changes, so that the separation distance from the pressure reducing hole 39b can be changed. Since the threaded portion 392b of the adjusting screw body 392 is screwed into the screw groove 391b provided in the pressure regulating chamber constituent body 391 and attached, the outer surface of the slide bar 393b of the pressure reducing valve 393 rubs against the inner surface of the guide empty portion 392c. The adjusting screw body 392 is held in place even if it moves.

A pressure receiving portion 392d that receives the pressing force from the coil spring 394 is formed on the inner insertion end side (the side on which the knob portion 392a is not formed) of the adjusting screw body 392. The coil spring 394 loosely fitted to the slide bar 393b of the pressure reducing valve 393 is compressed, one end of which hits the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393, and the other end of which hits the pressure receiving portion 392d of the adjusting screw body 392. That is, since the pressure receiving portion 392d of the adjusting screw body 392 held in the fixed position does not substantially displace, the compressive load of the coil spring 394 and the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ acting on the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393. The position of the valve 393a changes depending on the relationship.

The pressure in the transport pipe forming the transport path changes depending on the flow rate and the flow velocity of the transport air, which is the transport fluid. In the merging guide portion 3c ″ of the merging pipe 3 ″, the first transport flow TF1 from the first transport path 21 and the second transport flow TF2 from the second transport path 22 merge, and the flow rate of the transport air is about doubled. The internal pressure increases mainly due to the increase in the internal pressure. For example, the internal pressure of the merging guide unit 3c ″ when only the first transport flow TF1 is supplied from the first transport path 21, or the merging when only the second transport flow TF2 is supplied from the second transport path 22. The internal pressure of the induction portion 3c ″ is used as the reference pressure. Therefore, if "compression load of coil spring 394 ≥ reference pressure" is set, the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 closes the pressure reducing hole 39b unless the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c "exceeds the reference pressure. The non-operating state is maintained, and the merging induction unit 3c ″ is not depressurized by the pressure adjusting means 39 (see FIG. 13 (A)).

On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c "exceeds the compressive load of the coil spring 394, the pressure adjusting operation state of pushing the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 into the pressure adjusting chamber 39a against the compressive load of the coil spring 394 is established. A part of the transport air passes through the pressure reducing hole 39b and flows out from the slit 391a, and the merging guide portion 3c ″ is decompressed (see FIG. 13B). Moreover, the larger the difference between the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c "and the reference pressure, the larger the amount of pushing the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393, the wider the separation distance between the pressure reducing hole 39b and the valve 393a, and the pressure reducing hole 39b. The amount of transport air that flows out from the slit 391a through the slit 391a increases, and the degree of decompression increases.

For example, if a coil spring 394 having an elastic modulus that changes the compressive load so as to draw out the transport air from the pressure reducing hole 39b to the pressure regulating chamber 39a by the amount equal to the difference between the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c ″ and the reference pressure is used. It is possible to realize the pressure adjusting means 39 that automatically keeps the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ at the reference pressure. However, it is practically difficult to select a coil spring 394 that has a proportional relationship with a compression load change in the entire range of pressure change. Further, rather than lowering the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ to the reference pressure, it is desirable to adjust the internal pressure so that the internal pressure is slightly higher than the reference pressure in anticipation of a subsequent pressure drop.

For example, in order to adjust the internal pressure of the merging guide portion 3c ″ to about 1.3 times the reference pressure, the compressive load of the coil spring 394 may be adjusted so as to satisfy the following first to third conditions. When the internal pressure of the induction portion 3c "is equal to the reference pressure, the first condition of" compression load of coil spring 394> internal pressure of merging induction portion 3c "" is satisfied. When the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c ″ is 1.3 times the reference pressure, the second condition that “compressive load of the coil spring 394 = internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c ″” is satisfied. When the internal pressure of the merging induction portion 3c "is 1.5 times the reference pressure, the third condition of" compression load of coil spring 394 <internal pressure of merging induction portion 3c "" is satisfied. If a coil spring 394 having an appropriate free length and elastic modulus is used, the first and third conditions should be satisfied when the compressive load is adjusted so as to satisfy the second condition.

The compression load of the coil spring 394 can be easily adjusted by the adjusting screw body 392. When the screw portion 392b is tightened (turned clockwise) by pinching the knob portion 392a with a fingertip, the pressure receiving portion 392d approaches the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 and compresses the coil spring 394, so that a compressive load is applied. Can be enhanced. On the contrary, when the screw portion 392b is loosened (turned counterclockwise), the pressure receiving portion 392d moves away from the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393, and the coil spring 394 loosens, so that the compressive load can be weakened. Further, the force for pressing the valve 393a of the pressure reducing valve 393 against the pressure reducing hole 39b is not limited to the compressive load of the coil spring 394, and a known and existing pressurizing method such as the isopolar repulsive force of the magnet is appropriately adopted. I do not care.

As described above, in the combined pipe 3 ″ provided with the pressure adjusting means 39, even when the first and second transport flows TF1 and TF2 are simultaneously supplied from the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22, they are appropriately supplied. Since it can be supplied to the integrated transport path 23 as a decompressed integrated transport flow TF3, there is no major obstacle to the stable transport of the bill PM. Moreover, the first end side wall portion facing the first transport parallel side PM1a of the bill PM. Since the pressure adjusting means 39 is provided on 33'and the second end side wall portion 34'facing the second transport parallel side PM1b of the bill PM, the flow of transport air due to the depressurization operation enables stable transport of the bill PM. Inhibition can also be prevented. Further, if the pressure adjusting means 39 is provided downstream of the merging guide portion 3c in the merging pipe 3 of the first configuration example and the merging portion 3b in the merging pipe 3'of the second configuration example, the same applies. It works.

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

1 Banknote transfer device 2 Straight transfer tube 21 1st transfer path 22 2nd transfer path 23 Integrated transfer path 3 Confluence pipe 3a1 1st transfer guidance part 3a2 2nd transfer guidance part 3b Confluence part 3c Confluence induction part 3d Confluence joint 35 Base 361 1st injection port 362 2nd injection port 371 Blower 372 Auxiliary flow guide path

Claims (4)

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,
An arbitrary first transport path formed by the transport pipe and through which the transport fluid flows, and
A second transport path formed by the transport pipe as a flow path different from the first transport path and through which the transport fluid flows,
An integrated transport path formed by the transport pipe as a flow path downstream from the downstream end of the first transport path and the second transport path, and through which the transport fluid flows.
The first transport guidance unit connected to the downstream end of the first transport path, the second transport guidance section connected to the downstream end of the second transport path, the first transport guidance section and the second transport guidance section. A confluence pipe including a confluence portion that merges the portions to form a flow path in the same transport direction as the integrated transport path, and a confluence connection portion that is connected to the upstream end of the integrated transport path.
And
At an appropriate position between the merging portion and the merging connection portion of the merging pipe, the merging pipe supplies the paper leaves to the wall portion facing the transport parallel side parallel to the transport direction. A paper leaf transport device characterized by providing a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the transport fluid. The pressure adjusting means includes a pressure adjusting chamber communicating with the inside of the merging pipe through the pressure reducing hole, and a valve of a pressure reducing valve capable of closing the pressure reducing hole.
It is characterized in that the internal pressure of the confluence pipe is adjusted by converting into a pressure adjusting non-operating state in which the valve closes the pressure reducing hole and a pressure adjusting operating state in which the valve does not block the pressure reducing hole. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1. The pressure adjusting means includes a pressurizing body that presses the valve against the pressure reducing hole with a compressive load equal to or higher than the reference pressure in the confluence.
When the pressure in the merging portion is less than the compression load, the pressure adjusting non-operating state is set, and when the pressure in the merging portion reaches the compressing load, the pressure adjusting operating state is set, so that the internal pressure of the merging pipe is increased. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 2, further comprising automatic adjustment. The pressurizing body is a coil spring whose one end is pressed against the valve.
An adjustment screw body for which the pressure receiving portion hits the other end of the coil spring is provided.
The paper leaf transport device according to claim 3, wherein the compression state of the coil spring is changed by displacement of the pressure receiving portion of the adjusting screw body to adjust the compression load of the coil spring.

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