JP2022099734A - Paper sheet conveyance apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet conveyance apparatus capable of appropriately collecting paper sheets even if the plural paper sheets that are pressed to a conveyance auxiliary body from the rear and are conveyed to reach a collecting device in a state in which they are dispersed in front and in rear.SOLUTION: A temporary stop unit 80 is provided at predetermined distance in front of a collecting device 50 installed in the end of a conveyance path. The temporary stop unit 80 passes notes, temporarily stops a conveyance auxiliary body 16 for predetermined time, and then cancels the temporary stop and opens the conveyance path. Even if plural notes are conveyed dispersedly in front and in rear without being bundled together, preceding notes are completely discharged from the collecting device 50 during the temporary stop, a second group of notes conveyed by the conveyance auxiliary body 16 after the cancellation can enter the collecting device smoothly. Accordingly, a harmful influence of note crushing because of arrival of the conveyance auxiliary body 16 from the rear in a state in which there are a first group of notes within the collecting device and the second group of notes cannot enter inside can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

The present invention relates to a paper leaf transport device for transporting paper leaves such as banknotes in a game hall or the like.

Inside the game machine island, which houses multiple sets of game ball lending machines that lend game balls (pachinko balls, etc.) to players in response to the insertion of banknotes and game machines such as pachinko machines, A transport device for transporting the bills inserted into each gaming ball lending machine to a safe provided at the end of the gaming machine island is provided along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island. In addition, a transport device that collects banknotes from each safe on a plurality of game machine islands installed in the game hall and transports them to the main safe of the game hall office has also appeared.

As a transport method used in such a transport device, belt transport has been the mainstream in the past, but in recent years, a method using an air flow generated in a transport pipe has been diversified. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a cylindrical transport assist body 101 thrown into a transport pipe 100 as shown in FIG. 28 is moved by the action of an air flow generated in the transport pipe, and the moving transport assist A transport device of a method in which a paper leaf in a tube is pushed and moved from behind by a body 101 is disclosed.

In the transport device using the transport assist body, a recovery device for separating the transport assist body and the paper leaves transported by the transport assist body and collecting the paper leaves is provided at the end of the transport pipe. FIG. 29 shows how paper leaves are collected by the collection device 110.

In this collection device 110, the transport assisting body 101 that has pushed and moved the paper leaves from behind is received and collected by the separation portion 112 provided with the slit (passage port) (Fig. B), and only the paper leaves are collected as described above. The paper leaves and the transport aid are separated by passing through the slit and advancing to the downstream passage portion 114.

The aisle portion 114 is an area for temporarily stopping or decelerating (for example, 10 cm / sec) and storing paper leaves that have moved in the transport pipe at a high speed (for example, 2 m / sec), and the aisle portion 114 is used. The paper leaves that have entered are discharged to the outside from the end of the passage portion 114 by a transport mechanism 116 using a transport roller or a transport belt (Fig. C).

The paper leaves discharged from the collection device 110 are sent to the main safe of the office and stored. The transport assist body 101 is separated from the separation portion 112 and collected at a position where the separation portion 112 is rotated laterally from the front of the passage portion 114 (FIG. c).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-15578

When the paper leaves are transported by the transport assisting body, usually, the rear end of the paper sheets is pushed and moved by the transport assisting body in a state of being in contact with the transport assisting body. Also. When the transport assisting body transports a plurality of sheets of paper at one time, usually, the state in which the plurality of sheets of paper leaves are in a bundle and the rear end of the bundle is in contact with the transporting assisting body. It is pushed and moved by. However, such a transport state is not always maintained, and some influence (for example, the influence of gravity acting on the paper leaves in the traveling direction at the descent point of the transport path, the influence of air resistance, the joint of the transport pipes). If the paper leaves move away from the transport aid to some extent, or if the transport aid transports multiple bills at once, the bundle will collapse and multiple bills will be collapsed. Sheets of paper may be transported in a state of being dispersed in the front-back direction (for example, the first group and the second group behind it) (see FIG. 30).

When a plurality of sheets of paper leaves arrive at the recovery device in a state of being dispersed back and forth, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), the first group of paper leaves that arrived first reaches the passage portion 114 of the recovery device 110. It is stowed and stopped / decelerated. After that, the tip of the second group of paper leaves may hit the rear end of the first group of paper leaves that first reaches and stops / decelerates in the passage portion 114, which is delayed. The second group of paper leaves that have arrived are not put into the passage portion 114, but are crushed by the transport assist body arriving from the rear, resulting in clogging (FIG. 31 (b)).

This problem is not limited to the case where the transport assisting body is moved by the action of the air flow, and can occur if the transporting assisting body pushes and moves the paper leaves to transport the paper leaves. For example, it can occur even if the transport aid is self-propelled. It should be noted that the phenomenon that the paper leaves move in a state of being separated from the transport assist body to some extent may occur not only at the descending part of the transport path but also at another place, for example, a place where the transport path is horizontal.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even if a plurality of sheets of paper that are pushed from behind by the transport assisting body and are transported reach the recovery device in a state of being dispersed back and forth. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper leaf transport device capable of appropriately collecting paper leaves.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object is as follows.

[1] A paper leaf transport device that pushes and transports paper leaves with a transport auxiliary body that moves along a transport path.
A storage unit provided at the destination of transportation, which accepts and stores the paper leaves without accepting the transport auxiliary body, and then discharges the paper leaves to the outside.
A temporary stop unit that temporarily stops the transport assisting body and then releases the temporary stop before a predetermined distance of the storage unit.
A paper leaf transport device characterized by having.

It is a figure which shows an example of the layout in the playground where the paper leaf collection and transport system which applied the paper leaf transport apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is installed. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the paper leaf collection transfer system to which the paper leaf transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the transport auxiliary body pushes and moves a bill in a transport pipe from the rear end side. It is a perspective view which shows the transport pipe of a straight part. It is sectional drawing which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the transport pipe of a straight part. It is a figure which shows the plane and the front of the transport assist body. It is sectional drawing which shows the transport pipe and the transport auxiliary body in the state which the transport auxiliary body is inserted in the transport pipe. It is a figure which shows the inside of the transport pipe which goes in and out of the collective safe of the paper leaf collection and transport system shown in FIG. 2, and the collective safe. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a game machine island. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the island banknote carrier. It is a perspective view which shows the state which disassembled the recovery device into an outer case and an inner unit. It is a perspective view which shows the inner unit of a recovery device. It is a perspective view which shows the state which disassembled the passage part of the inner unit into the main body part side and the facing wall part side. It is a perspective view which looked at the main body part of the passage part from the inner wall surface side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cross section and operation of a recovery device. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the pause unit. It is a perspective view which shows the stopper drive part of a temporary stop unit. It is a side view which shows the connecting pipe part of a temporary stop unit. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 18 of the pause unit (the contact member is at the contact position). FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 18 of the temporary stop unit (the contact member is in the release position). It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between the contact member at a contact position, and the transport assist body which abuts and pauses at this contact member. It is a figure which shows the continuous state of the head of a contact member at a contact position, and the inner wall surface of a connecting pipe part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a pause unit and a collection device (when a plurality of banknotes are distributed and carried in a plurality of sheets). It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a pause unit and a collection device (when a plurality of banknotes are conveyed as one bundle). It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a pause unit and a collection device (another example when a plurality of banknotes are conveyed as one bundle). It is a figure which shows the mode that the transport auxiliary body pushes and moves the paper leaf in a tube from the rear, and transports. It is a figure which shows the state which the paper leaf is collected by the collection device in the conventional transport device. It is a figure which shows a mode that a plurality of sheets of paper are dispersed and carried back and forth. It is explanatory drawing which shows the problem which occurs in the recovery device of the conventional transfer device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an in-store layout of a game hall 2 in which a paper leaf collection and transportation system 1 to which the paper leaf material transportation device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied is installed. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the paper leaf collection and transportation system 1. In the store of the game hall 2, a large number of game machine islands 3 are arranged across the aisle. On each game machine island 3, a pair of a game ball lending machine 4 that lends a game ball (pachinko ball) to a player upon receiving a bill and a game machine 5 such as a pachinko machine is back-to-back. Multiple sets are housed on the front and back.

The paper leaf collection and transportation system 1 is provided inside the game machine island 3 and takes in the banknotes discharged from the back of each game ball lending machine 4 to the safe in the relay box 6 at the end of the game machine island 3. The banknote transport device 7 on the island to be transported and the banknotes stored in the safe of each game machine island 3 are collected around the upper part of each game machine island 3 (for example, behind the ceiling or near the ceiling) and the office work of the game hall 2. Banknotes are fed out from the main transport device 10 that transports the banknotes to the collection safe 9 installed in the place, etc., and the safes of each game machine island 3, and the banknotes are relay-transported to the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 that passes above the safes. A relay transfer device 8 is provided.

The relay box 6 provided at the island end of each gaming machine island 3 houses a safe, a drive unit, a control unit, and the like of the island bill transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8. In addition to the safe, the collective safe 9 houses a drive unit and a control unit of the main transport device 10.

The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is installed so as to exit from the collective safe 9 of the office, pass above the installation location of the relay box 6 of each gaming machine island 3, and return to the collective safe 9 again. In the example of FIG. 2, the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is extended upward after leaving the collective safe 9, enters the ceiling, changes its direction horizontally, and plays each game along the ceiling. After going around the place directly above the place where the relay box 6 of the machine island 3 is installed, it is extended so as to descend and return to the collective safe 9. In the middle of the transport path 11 slightly before returning to the safe 9, a temporary stop unit 80 is installed, which allows the bill P to pass through, but suspends the transport assist 16 for a predetermined time, and then opens toward the safe 9. ing. In the embodiment, the main transport device 10 provided with the pause unit 80 corresponds to the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention.

The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 of the paper leaf collection and transport system 1 is a tubular transport pipe 12. The main transport device 10 is a transport auxiliary body 16 (see FIGS. 3 to 7) that generates an air flow in the transport pipe 12 and moves in the transport pipe 12 in response to the air flow. Is pushed and moved from behind to be transported downstream (transportation direction FW). In the paper leaf collection / transfer system 1, the banknote P is conveyed in the transfer tube 12 in a horizontally long posture with the paper surface vertical.

The transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 is configured by connecting a plurality of transport pipes 12. The transport pipe and the transport pipe next to it are connected via a connecting portion 15, a take-in device 14, and the like. The transport pipe 12 includes a straight straight transport pipe 12a, a laterally curved pipe 12b for changing the course by 90 degrees to the left and right, and a vertically curved pipe 12c for changing the course from horizontal to vertical or from vertical to horizontal (Fig.). 2. See FIG. 8). By connecting these, the transport route can be freely set.

The take-in device 14 has a function of taking in the banknotes conveyed by the relay transfer device 8 into the transfer path 11 of the main transfer device 10, and also has a function of connecting the front and rear transfer pipes 12.

FIG. 8 shows a collective safe 9 with the front cover removed and a transport pipe 12 that goes in and out of the safe. Inside the collection safe 9, an air flow generator 21 and a bill separation / transport auxiliary circulation device 22 are provided. The bill separation / transport assist body circulation device 22 has the function of the transport assist body insertion device 23 that sends the transport assist body 16 into the transport pipe 12, and the transport assist body 16 (mainly) that pushes and moves the bill and this from the rear. It has the function of a recovery device 50 (corresponding to the storage unit of the present invention) that separates the transport assist body 16) that has returned after going around the transport path 11 of the transport device 10 and collects each of them. It functions to deliver the transport assist body 16 collected in 50 to the transport assist body insertion device 23 for cyclical use. The banknotes P collected by the collection device 50 are transported to the banknote storage unit 25 in the collection safe 9 and stored and stored.

The air flow generator 21 generates an air flow by rotating the blades with a motor. The air blowout side of the air flow generator 21 is connected to the air inlet of the transport assist body insertion device 23, and the start end of the transport pipe 12 is connected to the air outlet of the transport assist body insertion device 23. The air flow generated by the air flow generator 21 is sent to the start end of the transfer pipe 12 through the transfer auxiliary insertion device 23. The end of the transport pipe 12 that has returned after going around the amusement park is connected to the inlet of the recovery device 50, and the air flow discharge port of the recovery device 50 is connected to the air suction port of the air flow generator 21. The air flow that has flowed into the recovery device 50 from the end of the transport pipe 12 passes through the recovery device 50 and is sucked into the air suction port of the air flow generator 21.

A temporary stop unit 80 is provided in the middle of the transport path before a predetermined distance to the safe 9. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the temporary stop unit 80 connects the direct transfer pipe 12a descending from the ceiling and the vertically curved pipe 12c immediately before reaching the collection safe 9, and functions as a connecting portion. ..

An auxiliary blower (not shown) for enhancing the air flow is provided at an appropriate position in the middle of the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10. For example, the auxiliary blower is provided at a place where the transport path is curved. Further, the auxiliary blower is provided at the connecting point of the transport path. The auxiliary blower plays a role of enhancing the air flow toward the downstream in order to surely reach the transport auxiliary body 16 to the collection safe 9. The auxiliary blower may have a function of sucking air on the upstream side.

The control unit 27 of the paper leaf collection and transfer system 1 installed inside the collective safe 9 is composed mainly of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. To. The control unit 27 controls the operation of the air flow generator 21, the bill separation / transport auxiliary circulation device 22, and the like. Further, a control unit for controlling the operation of the island bill transport device 7, the relay transport device 8, and the fetching device 14 is provided in the relay box 6, and the control unit 27 in the collection safe 9 and each relay box 6 are provided. The control unit is connected by a communication line and operates in cooperation. For example, when the control unit of the relay box 6 receives a discharge instruction from the control unit 27 in the collection safe 9, the relay transport device performs an operation of sending the bills held in the relay box into the upper transport path 11. 8 and the capture device 14 are controlled and executed. The auxiliary blower is provided with a control unit, is connected to the control unit 27 in the collective safe 9 by a communication line, and operates in cooperation with the control unit 27.

The collection of banknotes by the paper leaf collection and transportation system 1 is performed as follows.

The bills inserted from each gaming ball lending machine 4 of the gaming machine island 3 are conveyed to the relay box 6 at the end of the gaming machine island 3 by the island bill transporting device 7, and are temporarily stored in an internal safe. When collecting the banknotes stored in the safe in the relay box 6 of each game machine island 3 to the collecting safe 9, the banknotes are taken out from the safe of one or more relay boxes 6 and are moved upward by the relay transport device 8. The banknotes are transported to the loading device 14, and the fetching device 14 captures the banknotes into the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 and makes them stand by.

When the loading of banknotes into the transport path 11 is completed, the transport assist body 16 is transferred from the transport assist body insertion device 23 in the collection safe 9 to the transport path (in order to transport and collect the banknotes to the collection safe 9. Conveyance pipe) 11 is sent out. The delivered transport assist body 16 moves downstream in the transport path 11 of the main transport device 10 under the action of an air flow, and returns to the collection safe 9 while collecting banknotes. At that time, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transport assist body 16 pushes and moves the bill P from behind the bill P to transport the bill P (the transport direction FW in the figure). The transport assist body 16 that has received the air flow moves in the transport pipe 12 at a high speed of about 2 m / sec.

The temporary stop unit 80 installed in front of the collective safe 9 by a predetermined distance allows the banknotes heading for the collective safe 9 to pass as they are, and the transport assist body 16 is temporarily stopped. Here, the pause unit 80 suspends the transport assist body 16 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and then releases the pause. Banknotes that have passed through the pause unit 80 and reached the collection device 50 during the pause are collected by the collection device 50, and banknotes that have passed through the pause unit 80 but have not reached the collection device 50 are transported after being released. It is pushed by the auxiliary body 16 to reach the recovery device 50 and is recovered.

In this way, in the main transport device 10, the transport auxiliary body 16 moves under the action of the air flow, and the banknotes are pushed and moved from the rear by the transport auxiliary body 16 to transport the banknotes, so that the banknotes themselves have a propulsive force from the air flow. You don't have to get. Therefore, no measures such as bending banknotes are taken to receive the air flow. Further, since the transport auxiliary body 16 can efficiently obtain the propulsive force from the air flow as compared with the bent bills and the like, it is possible to efficiently transport the bills and to transport a plurality of bills at one time.

In the paper leaf collection and transport system 1, the island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 also use the same method as the main transport device 10 (a method of pushing the banknotes from behind with a transport assist body 16 that moves by air flow). To carry. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the island banknote carrier 7 includes a relay box 6 provided at one end of the gaming machine island 3 and having the same configuration as the collection safe 9, and the relay box 6 to the gaming machine island 3. A transport pipe 12 installed on the island so as to make a U-turn and return to the relay box 6 after being extended to the other end of the ball, and a game ball lending machine 4 provided corresponding to each game ball lending machine 4. It is composed of an island take-in device 14b or the like that takes in the bills discharged from the above into the transport pipe 12. The island capture device 14b also has a function of connecting the transport pipe 12.

The relay box 6 is provided with a bill separation / transport assist body circulation device 22 (transport assist body insertion device 23 and collection device 50), an air flow generator 21, a bill storage unit 25, a control unit, and the like. In the island banknote transport device 7, a temporary stop unit 80 may be provided in the middle of the transport pipe in front of the collection device 50 by a predetermined distance.

The relay transfer device 8 also conveys banknotes by the same method as the main transfer device 10 (a method of pushing up banknotes from below by a transfer auxiliary body 16 that moves by an air flow). The relay transfer device 8 includes a transfer pipe extending from the relay box 6 to the upper intake device 14, and an air flow generator for generating an upward air flow in the transfer pipe. In the relay transfer device 8, the transfer auxiliary body 16 that moves upward in the transfer tube by the action of the air flow pushes up the banknotes drawn out from the bill storage unit 25 from below and conveys them to the upper take-in device 14. After the banknotes are taken into the fetching device 14, the transport assist body 16 returns to the standby position at the lower end of the transport pipe by stopping the air flow or generating the air flow in the opposite direction to prepare for the next relay transport. ..

The island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 are not limited to the above-mentioned transport method, and other transport methods such as belt transport may be adopted.

Next, the shapes of the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the transport pipe 12 in a straight line portion, and FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction FW (= transport direction FW of bill P = air flow direction) of the transport pipe 12 in the same portion. It is a figure. The transport pipe 12 is made of a resin having a thickness of about 1.5 mm. The transport pipe 12 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

The shape of the cross section of the straight portion of the transport pipe 12 perpendicular to the extending direction FW is such that the central portion of the long side of the rectangle is extended outward to the rectangle. Specifically, the transport pipe 12 has a wall portion 31 having a rectangular short side in cross section, a side wall portion 32 having a rectangular long side in cross section, and an extension portion extending outward in a rectangular shape at the central portion of the side wall portion 32. It is equipped with 33. The short side direction is the X direction and the long side direction is the Y direction in a substantially rectangular cross section perpendicular to the extension direction (transport direction FW) of the transfer pipe 12. The direction toward the center of the transport pipe 12 in each of the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as an inner side, and the direction from the center toward the inner wall is referred to as an outer side.

The expansion portion 33 is divided into two by a separation wall 34 erected inward of the transport pipe 12. The separation wall 34 is formed by attaching a T-shaped member to the inner wall of the expansion portion 33.

On the side wall portion 32, a plurality of ribs 35 protruding inward of the transport pipe 12 are formed so as to extend along the transport direction. In this example, a rib 35 projecting inward of the transport pipe 12 is formed at the boundary between the side wall portion 32 and the expansion portion 33 along the transport direction FW. The separation wall 34 has the same height as the rib 35, and the top of the separation wall 34 acts as a rib. Hereinafter, the separation wall 34 is also referred to as a rib 34.

The side wall portion 32 is a pair of inner walls facing the paper surface of the bill P to be transported. The bill P has a rectangular shape and is conveyed in the transport pipe 12 in a direction in which the long side is the transport direction FW. In other words, the paper surface P faces the side wall portion 32 of the transport pipe 12, and one short side of the bill P is the front end side of the transport direction FW, and the other short side is the rear end side.

The distance Dy between the pair of wall portions 31 facing each other of the transport pipe 12 is slightly longer than the short side of the bill P. Further, the distance Dx between the pair of side wall portions 32 facing each other (the rib 35, the expansion portion 33, and the portion where the separation wall 34 is not formed (referred to as a reference plane portion)) is set to about 21 mm. The expansion portion 33 provided on each side wall portion 32 extends outward by about 6 mm from the side wall portion 32 (reference plane portion). The tops of the ribs 35 and the separation wall 34 have a height of about 2 mm inward from the side wall portion 32 (reference plane portion). The height of the rib 35 may be appropriately set.

The transport pipe 12 can be installed and used by tilting its longitudinal direction at any angle other than vertical and horizontal, and the transport auxiliary body 16 can smoothly move in the transport pipe 12 at any angle. can. FIG. 5 shows a transport pipe 12 in a vertical posture installed so that the long side of the rectangular cross section is vertical.

FIG. 6 shows the plane and the front of the transport assist body 16. The transport assist body 16 has a columnar shape with a circular cross section having different diameters at each portion. The transport assist body 16 is used by being inserted into the transport pipe 12 so that the central axis of the cylinder is in the Y direction of the transport pipe 12. The transport assist body 16 has a shape symmetrical with respect to the center in the length direction, and has a head portion 16a, a neck portion 16b having a diameter slightly smaller than the head portion, and a large diameter larger than the head portion 16a in order from one end. It is configured to have a constricted portion 16d having the same diameter as the portion 16c and the neck portion 16b and located at the center in the length direction, a large diameter portion 16c, a neck portion 16b, and a head portion 16a. The transport assist body 16 is lightweight and durable, and the inside is formed in a cavity by, for example, plastic. If it is lightweight and durable, it may be formed of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, or the like.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section in a state where the transport assist body 16 is inserted in the transport pipe 12. The figure is a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction FW and passing through the central axis of the transport assist body 16. The diameter of each part of the transport assist body 16 corresponds to the shape of the inner edge of the transport pipe 12. That is, the cross-sectional shape passing through the central axis of the transport auxiliary body 16 has a shape corresponding to the inner edge shape of the transport pipe 12 in the cross section perpendicular to the extension direction FW, and the inside of the transport pipe 12 is between the inner wall and the inner wall. It has a shape that almost closes with a predetermined clearance.

In this way, the transport assist body 16 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner edge of the transport pipe 12 (almost the same shape with a slight clearance) and closes almost the entire cross section of the transport pipe 12, so that the action of air flow can be exerted. It can be received and moved efficiently. Further, the transport assisting body 16 plays a role of preventing the air flow from the upstream side from reaching the downstream side of the transport assisting body 16 and suppressing the turbulence of the air flow on the downstream side.

The bill P tends to stick to the side wall portion 32 when acted on by the air flow in the transport pipe 12. That is, the distance between one paper surface of the banknote P and the side wall portion 32 facing the same and the distance between the other paper surface and the side wall portion 32 facing the same are rarely equal, and any of the intervals is set. It is narrower than the other. Since the flow velocity of the air flow is faster on the narrow interval side than on the wide interval side, the air pressure on the narrow interval side becomes lower than the air pressure on the wide interval side, and this pressure difference causes the bill P to be adsorbed and pressed against the side wall portion 32 on the narrow interval side. Will be done. In that case, the space on the narrow space side becomes even narrower, and a phenomenon occurs in which the banknote P sticks to the side wall portion 32 and is adsorbed.

If the bill P is strongly attached to the side wall portion 32, it becomes difficult to push and move the bill P with the transport assisting body 16 to transport the bill P. However, as described above, the transport auxiliary body 16 acts to block (reduce) the flow of air to the downstream side thereof, so that the force with which the bill P sticks and is attracted becomes small, and smooth transport is realized.

The two large-diameter portions 16c of the transport auxiliary body 16 engage with each of the two expansion portions 33 separated by the separation wall 34 of the transport pipe 12. In this example, the expansion portion 33 is divided into two by a separation wall 34, and these expansion portions 33 are provided near the center of the transport pipe 12 in the Y direction, so that the transport assist body 16 is maintained in a stable posture. Can be moved. Further, since the posture of the transport assist body 16 is stable, the large-diameter portion 16c of the transport assist body 16 can appropriately contact the rear end of the bill P to provide a stable transport force. Further, it becomes difficult for the bill P to be caught between the transport pipe 12 and the transport assist body 16.

Further, by providing the large diameter portion 16c of the transport assist body 16, the area of the portion affected by the air flow is expanded, and the force for moving can be efficiently received. Further, since the large diameter portion 16c is provided to efficiently receive the action of the air flow, the diameter of the head portion 16a can be reduced accordingly. By reducing the diameter of the head, the distance (width (Dx)) between the pair of side wall portions 32 facing each other in the transport pipe 12 can be narrowed, and the banknote P can be prevented from falling.

Further, the presence of the plurality of ribs 35 provided on the side wall portion 32 prevents the bill P from sticking to the side wall portion 32 exactly. That is, the contact area between the bill P and the side wall portion 32 is reduced, friction is reduced, and the generation of static electricity can be suppressed. Further, even when the bill P is attached to the side wall portion 32, the bill P is supported by the tip portion of the rib 35, so that a gap is secured between the side wall portion 32 and the bill P around the rib 35. Sticking force is kept small. Further, since the bill P is supported by the separation wall 34, the bill P is prevented from falling into the recess of the expansion portion 33.

Further, the plurality of ribs 35 protruding inward from the side wall portion 32 and the tops of the separation walls 34 have a substantial passage width W of the banknote P in the width direction (X direction) of the transport pipe 12, and the distance Dx between the reference plane portions. It serves to make it narrower. As a result, the bill P is less likely to fall toward one side wall portion 32 in the transport pipe 12, and the posture of the bill P is held along the Y direction. In particular, by providing a plurality of ribs 35, the above-mentioned fall of the bill P is appropriately prevented, and the sticking of the bill P to the side wall portion 32 is also effectively prevented. It should be noted that the Dx can be increased by the amount provided with the rib 35, whereby the cross-sectional area of the transport pipe 12 is increased and the transport assist body 16 is easily affected by the air flow.

In the case of the transport auxiliary body 16 according to the present embodiment, the diameter of the large diameter portion 16c is the largest, so that the large diameter portion 16c abuts on the rear end of the bill P and pushes it as shown in FIG. Become.

The transport assist body 16 is not limited to the illustrated shape, and may be, for example, a shape in which two large diameter portions 16c are integrated without providing the constricted portion 16d, or a shape in which the head portion 16a is not provided. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis may be rectangular. The shape may be appropriate so that the bill can be pushed and moved from behind in a stable posture.

Next, the recovery device 50 will be described.

11 is an exploded perspective view of the recovery device 50, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the inner unit 52 of the recovery device 50, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the passage portion 54 of the inner unit 52 disassembled into a main body portion side and a facing wall portion side. 14 is a perspective view showing the main body of the passage portion 54 as viewed from the inner wall side, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a cross section and operation of the recovery device 50.

The recovery device 50 includes a hollow outer case 51 and an inner unit 52 that is removably inserted into the outer case 51 through an opening at the rear end of the outer case 51 (see FIG. 11). The end of the transport pipe 12 is tightly inserted and connected to the front opening 51a of the outer case 51.

In the inner unit 52, the bill P pushed and moved by the transport assist body 16 is passed downstream from the slit 53a (see FIG. 15), and the transport assist body 16 is captured to separate them. The 53 is provided with a passage portion 54 for receiving and storing banknotes that have passed through the slit 53a of the separation portion 53 from the inflow port 54a (see FIGS. 12 and 15A).

The separation portion 53 has a shape as if the hollow cylinder is divided into two along its axis, and the transport assist body 16 received from the rectangular opening corresponding to the division end face is inside the semi-cylindrical wall portion. It has a structure that makes it come into contact with and stop. The slit 53a opened in the semi-cylindrical wall portion of the separation portion 53 has a width that allows a dozen or more banknotes P to pass through in a bundled state.

The separation portion 53 has a standby position (see FIGS. 11 and 15 (a)) for receiving the transport assist body 16 arriving from the end of the transport pipe 12 in front of the inflow port 54a of the passage portion 54, and the inflow port 54a. It is configured to be rotatable to a discharge position (see FIGS. 12 and 15 (b)) that is off the front side. Here, the separation unit 53 rotates with the power of a solenoid (not shown).

A discharge port 53b for dropping the transport assist body 16 downward is provided on the bottom surface of the separation portion 53. Further, in the outer case 51, a drop port 51b is provided on the bottom surface of the position corresponding to the discharge port 53b of the separation portion 53 moved to the discharge position. When the separation portion 53 holding the transport assist body 16 rotates from the standby position to the discharge position, the held transport assist body 16 moves downward through the discharge port 53b on the bottom surface of the separation unit 53 and the drop port 51b on the bottom surface of the outer case 51. It falls to, is handed over to the transport assist body insertion device 23, and is reused for the next delivery.

The passage portion 54 of the inner unit 52 is an area for temporarily storing the stopped / decelerated bills received from the inflow port 54a, and the stopped / decelerated bills are passed through the passage portion by the transport mechanism provided in the passage portion 54. It is conveyed to the feeding port 54b at the end of 54 and sent out to the outside. The bills exiting the payout port 54b of the collection device 50 are sent to the bill storage unit 25 and stored.

A rib 55 projecting into the passage is provided in the upstream portion of one inner wall of the passage portion 54 along the extending direction of the passage, and banknotes are conveyed toward the end of the passage portion 54 downstream of the rib 55. A transport belt 56 for this purpose is hung. Ribs 55 are also provided on the other inner wall of the passage portion 54, and the space between the opposite ribs 55 and the ribs 55 is a substantial passage for banknotes.

A transport roller 57 for sandwiching and discharging bills is provided near the end of the passage portion 54. In the recovery device 50, an air suction port 54c is provided behind the transport belt 56, and a duct leading to the suction side of the air flow generator 21 is connected to the outer case 51 of the portion corresponding to the suction port 54c. be. By sucking air to the outside from the suction port 54c behind the transport belt 56, the banknotes are attached to the transport belt 56 and transported.

Three transport belts 56 are bridged in parallel at intervals from each other (see FIG. 14), and bills are sucked between the transport belts 56 in the portion between the transport belts 56 and the transport belts 56. A partition wall 54d is provided to prevent the above.

Further, the aisle portion 54 is provided with an auxiliary transport mechanism 58 in case the banknotes cannot be successfully transported by the transport belt 56. The auxiliary transport mechanism 58 is provided at a position corresponding to the roller 58a provided on one inner wall side of the passage portion 54 and the roller 58a on the other inner wall side of the passage portion 54, and is provided in the longitudinal direction of the passage portion 54. It is composed of an annular holding belt 58b spanned so as to circulate along the line. The pinching belt 58b has a storage position (see FIG. 15A) that does not advance into the actual passage of the bill (inside the top of the rib 55) and a sandwiching position that advances into the passage and abuts on the roller 58a (FIG. 15). (Refer to (b)) and is supported in a displaceable manner. The holding belt 58b is driven by a drive unit (not shown) and orbits in a direction of transporting banknotes downstream. Further, it is driven by a solenoid (not shown) and displaced between the retracted position and the pinched position.

The collection device 50 is a sensor that detects whether or not the transport assist body 16 has arrived at the separation unit 53 at the standby position, whether or not there is a bill in the passage portion 54, and whether or not the bill has been ejected from the passage portion 54. It is equipped with a sensor that detects this.

Next, the operation of the recovery device 50 will be described.

When the air flow generator 21 generates an air flow, the air flow goes around the transport path 11 and flows into the recovery device 50 from the front opening 51a of the outer case 51 of the recovery device 50, and further, the inner unit 52 Enter the passage portion 54 from the inflow port 54a. The air in the passage portion 54 is sucked into the air flow generator 21 from the suction port 54c through the duct.

When a bill arrives at the collection device 50 from the end of the transport pipe 12 in a state where the air flow is flowing as described above, the bill passes through the slit 53a of the separation portion 53 and enters the passage portion 54. The banknotes that have entered the passage portion 54 are attached to the transport belt 56 by the above-mentioned suction to stop or decelerate the movement. Then, it is conveyed to the downstream side of the passage portion 54 by the conveying belt 56 at a low speed (for example, 10 cm / sec), is further sandwiched by the conveying roller 57, and is discharged to the outside from the feeding port 54b. Here, when the collection device 50 detects that a bill has entered the passage portion 54, it starts driving the transport belt 56 and the transport roller 57, and stops driving these when the bill is ejected. Regardless of whether or not the banknotes have reached the passage portion 54 of the collection device 50, the collection device 50 is in the transport operation of the main transport device 10 (from the start to the end of the transport operation by the transport assist body). May be driven at all times.

The transport assist body 16 that has reached the recovery device 50 from the end of the transport pipe 12 is received by the separation unit 53. When it is detected that the transport assist body 16 has reached the separation unit 53, the separation unit 53 is moved to the discharge position shown in FIG. 15B, and the transport assist body 16 is moved to the discharge port 53b of the separation unit 53 and the outer case 51. It is discharged downward through the drop port 51b. The discharged transport assist body 16 is taken into the standby unit of the transport assist body insertion device 23 and used for the next delivery. When an abnormality occurs in the ejection of banknotes by the transport belt 56, the auxiliary transport mechanism 58 is activated to eject the banknotes.

The recovery device may have another configuration. For example, in the collection device 50, the stored banknotes are discharged from the rear end of the passage portion 54, but the bills may be discharged sideways or downward. The collection device may have a function of temporarily storing banknotes moving at high speed, decelerating or stopping the banknotes, and then discharging the banknotes to the outside.

Further, the transport auxiliary body 16 captured by the separation unit 53 is configured to be dropped downward and delivered to the transfer auxiliary body insertion device 23. For example, after the transfer auxiliary body 16 is captured by the separation unit 53, the air flow The transport auxiliary body 16 may be sent back from the separation unit 53 toward the start end of the transport pipe 12 by reversing the flow or the like, and may be reused for the next transport.

Next, the pause unit 80 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pause unit 80. The temporary stop unit 80 is attached to a connecting pipe portion 81 that connects the front and rear transport pipes, and a contact member 83 that is attached to the outside of the side surface of the connecting pipe portion 81 and abuts on the transport assist body 16 to temporarily stop the connecting pipe. It is configured to include a stopper drive unit 82 for moving in and out of the unit 81, and a control unit 89 for controlling the operation of the pause unit 80. In addition, the pause unit 80 is provided with an error indicator and a reset switch (not shown).

17 is a perspective view showing the stopper drive unit 82, FIG. 18 is a side view of the connecting pipe unit 81, and FIGS. 19 and 20 are sectional views taken along the line AA of the temporary stop unit 80. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the contact member 83 is in the contact position advanced into the connecting pipe portion 81, and FIG. 20 shows a state in which the contact member 83 is in the release position retracted from the inside of the connecting pipe portion 81. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the contact member 83 at the contact position and the transport assisting body 16 that is in contact with the contact member 83 and temporarily stopped. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a connected state between the head of the contact member 83 at the contact position and the inner wall surface of the connecting pipe portion 81.

The connecting pipe portion 81 is composed of an upstream side end portion 81a, a downstream side end portion 81b, and an intermediate pipeline portion 81c between them, and is not shown for connection to the upstream side end portion 81a and the downstream side end portion 81b, respectively. The transport pipes 12 on the upstream side and the downstream side are connected via the adapter. By connecting the transport pipe 12 to the upstream side and the downstream side of the connecting pipe portion 81 via the connection adapter, the transport pipe 12 whose inner shape is shown in FIG. 5 and the like from the upstream side transport pipe to the downstream side transport pipe. In addition to being the same as, the inner walls and ribs are connected in a forward step relationship that allows smooth passage of bills and transport aids without being caught.

An opening 84 for the contact member 83 to enter and exit is provided on one side wall of the intermediate pipeline portion 81c of the connecting pipe portion 81. Further, the intermediate pipeline portion 81c is provided with a sensor 85 for detecting the transport assisting body 16 that has come into contact with the contact member 83 and has been temporarily stopped. For this sensor 85, for example, a reflective type or a transmissive type optical sensor can be used.

The stopper drive portion 82 is provided on the contact member 83 in which the head portion 83b that abuts on the transport assist body 16 is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped arm portion 83a having a rectangular cross section, and on the base end side of the arm portion 83a of the contact member 83. It has a solenoid 86 that is connected to move the contact member 83 back and forth, and a mounting frame 87 that is screwed to the side surface of the connecting pipe portion 81 and holds the solenoid 86 and the like. Further, the stopper drive unit 82 includes a sensor 88 that detects whether the contact member 83 is in the contact position or the release position.

As shown in FIG. 21, the head portion 83b of the abutting member 83 is divided into two parts, and each abuts on the two large diameter portions 16c of the transport assist body 16. In FIG. 21, in order to show the inner edge shape of the intermediate pipeline portion 81c of the temporary stop unit 80, the cross sections of the transport pipes 12 having the same inner edge shape are superimposed and shown for reference. As shown in FIG. 21, the head 83b of the contact member 83 firmly contacts the transport assist body 16 at the contact position, but is substantially inside the passage of the banknote (inside the top of the rib 35 and the separation wall 34). ) Is set not to advance.

Further, since the head 83b of the contact member 83 abuts on each of the two large diameter portions 16c of the transport assist body 16, it is possible to prevent the posture of the transport assist body 16 from tilting and collapsing when the head 83b abuts. , The transport assist body 16 can be temporarily stopped in a stable posture. As a result, it is possible to prevent the transport assisting body 16 from coming off the detection range of the sensor 85 due to the posture collapse and causing erroneous detection.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22A, at the contact position, the inner wall and ribs of the intermediate pipeline portion 81c are connected to the head 83b of the contact member 83 in a forward step (a banknote traveling downstream can pass through without being caught). It is set to connect with one). As a result, even when the banknote bends and enters the expansion portion 33 of the transport pipe 12 and passes through the intermediate pipe line portion 81c while contacting the inner wall, the banknote is caught on the head 83b of the contact member 83. It is possible to prevent such things as being lost. If the head of the abutting member has a shape as shown in FIG. 22 (b), a step is generated at the joint between the inner wall surface and the head, and the bill is easily caught.

Next, the movement of the transport assisting body 16 and the bills to be transported from the pause unit 80 to the collection device 50 will be described.

In each of FIGS. 23 to 27, the collection in the safe 9 is taken from the middle of the direct transfer pipe 12a descending from the ceiling after passing through the most downstream take-in device 14, via the temporary stop unit 80 and the vertically curved pipe 12c. The transport path of the part leading to the device 50 is shown.

In the paper leaf collection and transport system 1, the transport assist body 16 is discharged from the bill separation / transport assist body circulation device 22 in a state where the contact member 83 of the temporary stop unit 80 is set at the contact position, and the bill transport operation is performed. Is started.

First, as shown in FIG. 23A, a case where a plurality of banknotes are transported in a state of being divided into two groups, a first group and a second group lagging from the first group, will be described. Such a transport state is likely to occur in the portion of the direct transport pipe 12a that descends from the ceiling. The banknotes of the first group and the second group pass through the pause unit 80 without being disturbed by the contact member 83 (FIG. 23 (a)), and the transport assist body 16 comes into contact with the contact member 83 for a temporary period of time. It pauses in the stop unit 80 (FIG. 23 (b)).

The first group of banknotes that first reach the collection device 50 are stored in the collection device 50 and stopped / decelerated (moved at a low speed) in the collection device 50. The banknotes of the second group that reached the collection device 50 at a high speed of about 2 m / sec later stopped with the tip of the banknotes of the first group stopped / decelerated in the collection device 50. (Fig. 23 (b)).

While the transport assist body 16 is temporarily suspended by the temporary stop unit 80, the banknotes of the first group in the collection device 50 are transported to the transport belt 56 or the like and discharged to the outside (FIG. 23 (c)). ).

The sensor 85 is used to monitor whether or not the transport assist body 16 is in contact with the contact member 83 and is temporarily stopped, and when the sensor 85 detects the transport assist body 16 (the transport assist body 16 is the contact member 83). The contact member 83 is displaced to the release position after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 5 seconds) from the time when the contact member 83 abuts on the surface and the temporary stop is started, and the transport assist body 16 is opened downstream.

The predetermined time until the suspension is released is set to be equal to or longer than the maximum time required for the bills contained in the collection device 50 to be completely discharged from the collection device 50 after the suspension is started. The predetermined time may be appropriately set according to the time required for the collection device 50 to eject the banknotes, the path length from the pause unit 80 to the collection device 50, and the like.

The control unit 89 returns the contact member 83 to the contact position before the next transfer assist body 16 is sent out from the transfer assist body insertion device 23. Here, after the displacement to the release position, the contact position is returned after a certain period of time (for example, 1 second to 10 seconds). In addition, for example, after the release position is set, when it is confirmed that the transport assist body 16 is not detected by the sensor 85, the transport assist body 16 is returned to the contact position, or at the same time when the transport assist body insertion device 23 sends out the next transport assist body 16. The contact member 83 is set at the contact position.

When the temporary stop unit 80 opens the transport assist body 16, the transport assist body 16 pushes and moves the banknotes of the second group from the rear and transports them into the collection device 50 as shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b). do. The transport assist body 16 is captured by the separation section 53 of the collection device 50, and the banknotes of the second group pass through the separation section 53 and are stored in the aisle section 54. After that, as shown in FIG. 24 (c), the transport assist body 16 is discharged downward from the separation unit 53 and moves to the transport assist body insertion device 23, and the banknotes of the second group are transported to the transport belt 56 or the like. It is discharged to the outside.

In this way, by suspending the transport assist body 16 by the pause unit 80 and then opening it after a predetermined time, even when a plurality of banknotes arrive at the collection device in a state of being dispersed back and forth, FIG. 31 (b). ), The banknotes can be properly collected without the crushing phenomenon of the banknotes.

25 and 26 show a case where a plurality of banknotes are transported as one bundle. The banknotes (see FIG. 25 (a)) descending from the ceiling as a bundle pass through the pause unit 80 without being disturbed by the contact member 83, and proceed as they are to reach the collection device 50. , It is housed in the recovery device 50 and stops / decelerates. The transport assist body 16 comes into contact with the contact member 83 and temporarily stops in the pause unit 80 (FIG. 25 (b)).

While the transfer assist body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stop unit 80, the banknotes in the collection device 50 are conveyed to the transfer belt 56 or the like and discharged to the outside (FIG. 25 (c)).

When the temporary stop unit 80 opens the transport auxiliary body 16 after a predetermined time has elapsed from suspending the transport auxiliary body 16, the transport auxiliary body 16 is collected by the recovery device 50 as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b). When it reaches the recovery device 50, it is captured by the separation unit 53. After that, as shown in FIG. 26 (c), the transport assist body 16 is discharged downward from the separation unit 53 and returns to the transport assist body insertion device 23.

As shown in FIG. 27A, even if the banknotes that have passed through the temporary stop unit 80 stop in the middle of the collection device 50 without reaching the collection device 50, the banknotes are transferred to the transport assist body 16 released after a predetermined time. It is pushed from the rear and transported to the recovery device 50 for recovery ((b) (c) in the same figure).

In this way, in both the case where a plurality of banknotes are separately transported in the front-rear direction and the case where the plurality of banknotes are transported in a bundle, the transport assist body 16 is provided by the pause unit 80. It can be handled by the same control of pausing for a predetermined time and then releasing it. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect whether a plurality of banknotes are transported as one bundle or separately in the front and rear, and the detection and control can be simplified.

In the above example, after the transport assist body 16 is temporarily stopped by the pause unit 80 and a predetermined fixed time (5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the pause is released and the transport assist body 16 is opened downstream. However, the state of arrival and discharge of banknotes to the collection device 50 may be detected, and the release of the pause may be controlled based on the detection result.

For example, control as follows.
If it is detected that the banknotes have reached the collection device 50 and entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time after the transport assist body 16 is detected by the temporary stop unit 80, the banknotes have been discharged from the collection device 50. After detecting that, cancel the pause. The above-mentioned predetermined time is the maximum time that the banknote will take to reach the collection device 50 after the transport assist body 16 is detected by the pause unit 80. The predetermined time may be obtained from the distance from the pause unit 80 to the collection device 50 and the moving speed of the bill.
If it is not detected that the bill has reached the collection device 50 and has entered the collection device 50 within a predetermined time after the transport assist body 16 is detected by the pause unit 80, the pause is released at that time. This is a control corresponding to the case where the bill does not reach the collection device 50 and stops in the middle, as shown in FIG. 27 (a).

Note that the island banknote transport device 7 of the gaming machine island 3 does not have a downward transport path or a vertically curved pipe 12c in front of the collection device 50 unlike the main transport device 10, but transports like the island bill transport device 7. Even on the route, banknotes may be distributed back and forth and transported. Therefore, even in the island banknote transport device 7, by providing the temporary stop unit 80 in front of the collection device 50 by a predetermined distance, the banknotes can be smoothly collected without causing the problem as shown in FIG. 31 (b). Can be done.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention.

In the embodiment, the control unit 89 of the pause unit 80 controls the pause unit 80, but even if the control unit 27 in the safe 9 is configured to control the operation of the pause unit 80. good. Alternatively, the control unit 27 in the safe 9 and the control unit 89 of the temporary stop unit 80 may be configured to control the operation of the temporary stop unit 80 in cooperation with each other.

The mounting position of the pause unit 80 is not limited to the position shown in the embodiment. When there is a descending transport pipe and a vertically curved pipe 12c immediately before the recovery device 50 as shown in the embodiment, it is preferable to provide a temporary stop unit 80 between the descending transport pipe and the vertically curved pipe 12c. .. The temporary stop unit 80 is attached at a position downstream of the most downstream take-in device 14 in the transport path, and at least one banknote (paper leaf to be transported) upstream of the collection device 50. All you need is. At least one banknote (paper leaf to be transported) upstream from the collection device 50 is the banknote of the second group in which the transport assist 16 stopped by the temporary stop unit 80 (see FIG. 23 (b)). This is to secure a distance that does not crush.

Further, within the above range, it is preferable to install the pause unit 80 closer to the recovery device 50 so that the first group of paper leaves can reach the recovery device 50 reliably. For example, if the distance from the outlet of the vertically curved pipe 12c to the recovery device 50 is sufficient, the temporary stop unit 80 may be installed at the outlet or downstream of the outlet of the vertically curved pipe 12c.

Alternatively, the pause unit 80 is moved from the collection device 50 within the above-mentioned range so that the banknotes of the first group do not reach the collection device 50 when the transport auxiliary body 16 is temporarily stopped by the suspension unit 80. It may be installed separately. In this case, when the transport assist body 16 is temporarily stopped by the temporary stop unit 80, the banknotes of the first group and the second group are both stopped in front of the collection device 50 as shown in FIG. 27, and then the pause is released. Then, the transport auxiliary body 16 comes to transport these while bundling them, and the paper leaves arrive at the recovery device 50 as one bundle. It is a condition that the banknotes are not dispersed back and forth again while the transport assisting body 16 after the suspension is released is transporting the banknotes. For example, when the transport assist body 16 is paused by the pause unit 80, there is no transport pipe that descends further downstream from the position where the banknotes of the first group and the second group stop in front of the collection device 50. Is desirable.

Further, when there is a transport path that descends vertically or at an angle from the ceiling or the like in front of the collection device 50, the banknotes are likely to be dispersed back and forth in the descending transport path, so that the end of the descending portion or It is preferable to install the temporary stop unit 80 at a position downstream from the end.

In the embodiment, the temporary stop unit 80 having the function of the connecting portion 15 is installed at the connecting portion between the transport pipe and the transport pipe, but the transport is performed at the end or in the middle of the linear or curved transport pipe. A mechanism for suspending the auxiliary body 16 may be added.

The shape of the contact member 83 that abuts on the transport assist body 16 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. As long as it can come into contact with the transport assist body 16 and be temporarily stopped, for example, it may be in contact with only one large diameter portion 16c of the transport assist body 16.

Further, the shape of the transport assist body 16 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. For example, it may be a pillar shape such as a rectangular cross section or a polygon. Further, although the transport assist body 16 has a shape symmetrical with respect to the central portion in the Y direction, the shape may be asymmetrical in the Y direction. The shape of the contact member 83 may be changed according to the shape of the transport assist body.

The island banknote transport device 7 and the relay transport device 8 may be a transport device that transports banknotes by a method such as belt transport.

The present invention is not limited to a method in which banknotes are pushed and moved by a transport assist body 16 that moves by the action of an air flow to transport the banknotes. Any method may be used as long as the moving body pushes and moves the banknotes to convey the banknotes. For example, a self-propelled moving body may move in the transport tube 12 to convey the banknotes. In the case of the self-propelled type, the moving body may be configured to suspend the self-propelled at a position corresponding to the installation position of the temporary stop unit 80, or the self-propelled stop and the contact with the contact member 83 may be performed. May be used in combination to pause.

Further, in the embodiment, the case where the recovery device 50 is provided at the end of the transport path 11 is shown, but the destination of the transport is not limited to the end of the transport path. The temporary stop unit 80 may be provided in front of a predetermined distance of the recovery device installed at the destination of transportation. For example, the destination of the transfer may be a branch from the middle of the transfer path.

In the embodiment, the transport path 11 shows the case where the bills are transported in a state where the paper surface is upright, but the transport passage 11 may be installed in a direction in which the bills are transported in a laid state.

In addition, each connecting portion 15 (FIG. 2) is provided with a passage sensor and a sensor board for detecting that either the transport assist body 16 or the bill P (hereinafter referred to as the transport assist body) has passed. The sensor board is provided with a control unit. The control unit of the sensor board is connected to the control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 by a communication line, and the detection state of the transport assisting body or the like by the passage sensor is information that can identify the position of the corresponding connecting unit (for example, each). It is transmitted from the sensor board to the control unit 27 together with the identification number individually given to the connecting unit). The pause unit 80 is also included in the connecting portion 15.

The control unit 27 of the collective safe 9 notifies the notification device of the function of the monitoring unit that monitors the retention of the transport auxiliary body and the like in the transport pipe including the connecting unit 15 and the monitoring result by the monitoring unit, and notifies the error notification. It has the function of a department.

The monitoring department
(1) The transport auxiliary body or the like is stagnant between the connecting portion 15 corresponding to the passing sensor that detects the transport assisting body or the like and the connecting portion 15 corresponding to the passing sensor that does not detect the transport assisting body or the like.
(2) The transport auxiliary body or the like is stagnant in the connecting portion 15 corresponding to the passage sensor.
To monitor.

The error notification unit notifies the notification device of information indicating where (between which connection portion and which connection portion and in which connection portion) the transport assist body or the like is stagnant. The notification device may be a monitor device installed in an office or the like, or a mobile terminal (smartphone, wearable watch, etc.) carried by an employee. The monitoring device and the mobile terminal are controlled by the control unit 27, or perform a notification operation based on the information notified from the control unit 27.

Further, the temporary stop unit 80 detects an operation error of the contact member 83. Specifically, the sensor 88 detects whether the contact member 83 is in the contact position or the release position, and when the contact member 83 is not displaced as instructed by the control unit 89, the contact member 83 malfunctions. Is notified as an error. Further, when it is detected that the temporarily stopped transport assist body 16 is stopped in the temporary stop unit 80 even if the contact member 83 is displaced to the release position, an error is notified.

The game machine island 3 is not limited to the configuration for accommodating the pachinko machine and the game ball lending machine exemplified in the embodiment, and may be a game machine island for accommodating a medal lending machine, a slot machine, or the like.

In the embodiment, banknotes have been described as examples of paper leaves, but other types of paper leaves such as tickets and cards may be used. Moreover, the shape of paper leaves is not limited to a rectangle. Further, the place where the paper leaf transport device according to the present invention is installed is not limited to the amusement park, and may be another facility.

1 ... Paper leaf collection and transportation system 2 ... Game hall 3 ... Game machine island 4 ... Game ball rental machine 5 ... Game machine 6 ... Relay box 7 ... Island banknote transport device 8 ... Relay transport device 9 ... Collective safe 10 ... Main transport Device 11 ... Collective safe 11 ... Transport path 12 ... Transport pipe 12a ... Direct transport pipe 12b ... Horizontal curved pipe 12c ... Vertical curved pipe 14 ... Import device 14b ... Shimauchi capture device 15 ... Connecting part 16 ... Transport auxiliary body 16a ... Head 16b ... Neck 16c ... Large diameter 16d ... Constriction 21 ... Air flow generator 22 ... Banknote separation / transport aid circulation device 23 ... Transport aid insertion device 24 ... Collection device 25 ... Banknote storage 27 ... Control unit 31 ... Wall 32 ... Side wall 33 ... Expansion 34 ... Separation wall 35 ... Rib 50 ... Recovery device 51 ... Outer case 51a ... Front opening 51b ... Fall port 52 ... Inner unit 53 ... Separation 53a ... Slit 53b ... Discharge port 54 ... Passage 54a ... Inflow port 54b ... Outlet 54c ... Suction port 54d ... Partition wall 55 ... Storage body 55 ... Rib 56 ... Transport belt 57 ... Transport roller 58 ... Auxiliary transport mechanism 58a ... Roller 58b ... Holding belt 80 ... Temporary stop unit 81 ... Connecting pipe part 81a ... Upstream side end 81b ... Downstream side end 81c ... Intermediate pipeline 82 ... Stopper drive part 82a ... Solvent 89 ... Control part 83 ... Contact member 83a ... Arm part 83b ... Head Part 84 ... Opening 85 ... Sensor 86 ... Solson 87 ... Mounting frame 88 ... Sensor Dx ... Distance between reference planes of the transport pipe Dy ... Inner dimensions of the transport pipe in the Y direction FW ... Extension direction of the transport pipe P ... Banknote W ... Passage width X ... Passage width direction of the transport pipe Y ... Height direction of the transport pipe

Claims (5)

It is a paper leaf transport device that pushes and transports paper leaves with a transport auxiliary that moves in the transport path.
A storage unit provided at the destination of transportation, which accepts and stores the paper leaves without accepting the transport auxiliary body, and then discharges the paper leaves to the outside.
A temporary stop unit that temporarily stops the transport assisting body and then releases the temporary stop before a predetermined distance of the storage unit.
A paper leaf transport device characterized by having. The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1, wherein the temporary stop unit releases the temporary stop after a certain period of time has elapsed from the temporary stop of the transport auxiliary. Detecting that paper leaves have been discharged from the storage unit,
The paper leaf transport device according to claim 1, wherein the pause unit releases the pause after the detection. The pause control unit advances the stopper member to the contact position where the paper leaves can pass and comes into contact with the transport assist body when the transport assist body is temporarily stopped, and the paper leaf when the pause is released. The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stopper member is retracted to a release position where it does not come into contact with the class and the transport assist body. The paper leaf transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport path is a transport pipe, and the transport auxiliary body moves by the action of an air flow flowing in the transport pipe.

Images