JP4457175B1 - Paper sheet transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

In an optical sensor having a light receiving unit used in a paper sheet transport device, the influence of disturbance light is reduced.
[Solution] A reflective optical sensor 31B for detecting the banknote 18 in the transport tube 14 is installed on the wall surface side of the transport tube 14, and the reflective optical sensor 31B includes a light emitting unit 31b and a light receiving unit 31a to emit light. The light from the part 31b is detected by the light receiving part 31a, and the transport tube 14 is configured to include a material that transmits the light detected by the light receiving part 31a, and the transport pipe 14 facing the light receiving part 31a. A light blocking unit 34 that blocks light other than the light from the light emitting unit 31b is installed on the wall surface side. The light-shielding part 34 is a sheet made of an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive obtained by processing a black or black-brown resin having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part 31a into a film shape. ing.
[Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device that transports paper sheets such as banknotes using an air flow.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when transporting banknotes at a game hall or the like, a transport device that transports bills using a belt or a roller has been used. However, in such a transport apparatus, the entire apparatus becomes large in a game area having a large area, and the running cost for driving the belt and the rollers becomes very high.

  Therefore, the present inventor has proposed a paper sheet transport device that transports paper sheets such as banknotes using an air flow (Japanese Patent No. 4130697: Patent Document 1). According to the paper sheet conveying apparatus using such an air flow, the apparatus can be downsized and the running cost can be reduced as compared with a conveying apparatus using a belt or a roller. .

Japanese Patent No. 4130697

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a paper sheet transport apparatus 10A studied by the present inventor, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection point between a feeding device 19 and a transport pipe 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this paper sheet transport apparatus 10A, a translucent or transparent tube is used so that the stay and clogging in the transport pipe 14 can be easily visually observed. Further, when the banknote 18 is transported, an air flow (indicated by a hatched arrow in FIG. 1) generated from an air flow generator (not shown) is sent into the transport pipe 14 from the starting end, and the transport pipe The bent pipe 17 (U-shaped pipe) at a substantially middle point 14 makes a U-turn and circulates back to the end of the transport pipe 14 and to the intake port of the airflow generator. In addition, the display device 28 and the transport pipe 14 for displaying an alarm are installed outside the housing 20, and the collection device 15 for collecting the banknote 18 and the control device 26 for controlling the entire system are installed in the housing 20. .

  A loading device 19 for loading banknotes 18 into the conveying pipe 14 in parallel with the conveying pipe 14 is installed. The charging device 19 is installed over the entire conveyance pipeline. At this time, the transport pipe 14 is formed by reciprocating the transport pipe, and the back surface of the transport pipe 14 is opposed, so that the back surface of the input device 19 installed so as to surround the surface is the transport pipe. 14 to face each other.

  The insertion device 19 is configured to discharge the banknote 18 after waiting for the release permission after the banknote 18 is fed into the transport pipe 14 and is stopped and held in the middle of feeding. The steps from the stationary state to the completion of discharge are detected by the exit light sensor 31 used for the control judgment of the input device 19.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exit light sensor 31 for detecting the paper sheet discharge state from the input device 19 is installed on the wall surface side of the transport tube 14. For example, the exit light sensor 31 is an optical sensor for detecting completion of discharge until the banknote 18 is discharged from the exit of the input device 19 into the transport pipeline and disappears from the vicinity of the exit.

  As the exit light sensor 31, a transmissive optical sensor 31 </ b> A having a light receiving part 31 a installed on the wall surface of the transfer pipe 14 on the loading device 19 side and a light emitting part 31 b installed on the wall surface facing it can be used. The transmissive optical sensor 31 </ b> A can detect the presence or absence of the banknote 18 based on a change in the amount of light when there is no banknote 18 and when the banknote 18 blocks the transmitted light.

  However, a certain problem occurs in the number of input devices 19 per system (also referred to as an island), the installation relative position, and the interval that are assumed in advance. For example, when the installation density of the input devices 19 increases and the distance between them approaches, the space between the input devices 19 installed on the opposite side of the U-turn is closer. In such a case, it is conceivable that the installation position is shifted in the flow direction of the left and right airflows in order to avoid backside interference of the input device 19 (in FIG. 1, the input device 19 is installed shifted). There are various installation conditions depending on circumstances such as the installation location, and depending on the conditions, the opposing positions may coincide and interfere. For this reason, the light-receiving part 31a of the transmissive optical sensor 31A has a problem that the back side input device 19 and the like detect sensor light that is a light source and similar light (disturbance light) emitted from other devices.

  Here, the problem caused by disturbance light will be described in detail. The input device 19 is provided with a control unit (not shown) for controlling the entire input device 19 and an entrance light sensor (not shown) for confirming the input. In addition to the light emitting portion of the entrance light sensor, the input device 19 may be provided with a light emitter for displaying a control signal. For this reason, when the light receiving unit 31a of the transmissive optical sensor 31A detects a change in light from the light emitting unit 31b, light from various light sources other than the light emitting unit 31b (referred to as disturbance light or external light) is transmitted through the transmissive light. The light-receiving part 31a of the sensor 31A detects at the same time, resulting in a problem that accurate determination cannot be made.

  Furthermore, in the environment of the entire facility or the like to be installed, a change in the amount of light emitted from an external lighting device or other equipment may also affect the determination. In addition, in the structure of a conveyance pipeline, a straight line without a U-turn may be formed. Although there is no interference with other input devices 19 in the straight line, the conditions of the disturbance light emitted from other than the input devices 19 are the same, and the determination of the change in the light amount may also be affected.

  The objective of this invention is providing the technique which can reduce the influence by disturbance light in the optical sensor which has a light-receiving part used with a paper sheet conveying apparatus. The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Of the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows. A paper sheet transport apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transport pipe that transports paper sheets by an air flow, and an input device that feeds the paper sheet into the transport pipe, and the paper in the transport pipe. An optical sensor for detecting leaves is installed on the wall surface side of the transfer tube, and the optical sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detects light from the light emitting unit by the light receiving unit. The transport tube is configured to include a material that transmits light detected by the light receiving unit, and a surface other than the light from the light emitting unit is disposed on the wall surface side of the transport tube facing the light receiving unit. A light-shielding part that shields light is installed.
Here, the light-shielding part is a sheet made of an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive obtained by processing a black or black-brown resin having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part into a film shape, and the outer wall of the transport pipe It is affixed to.

  Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, effects obtained by typical ones will be briefly described as follows. According to the one embodiment, in the optical sensor having the light receiving unit used in the paper sheet transport device, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the paper sheet conveying apparatus which this inventor examined. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection location of the injection | throwing-in apparatus and conveyance pipe in the paper sheet conveyance apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the paper sheet conveying apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the control system of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the light-shielding part shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a light-shielding part is not installed. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the light-shielding part is installed in the inner wall of a conveyance pipe. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the light-shielding part is installed in the wall of a conveyance pipe. It is a figure for demonstrating the standby state of a charging device. It is a figure for demonstrating the banknote acceptance state of an insertion device. It is a figure for demonstrating the banknote discharge waiting state of an insertion device. It is a figure for demonstrating the banknote discharge completion state of an insertion device. It is a figure for demonstrating the output voltage characteristic of the light-receiving part of an exit light sensor. It is a control flow figure of a charging device. It is a figure for demonstrating the output voltage characteristic of the light-receiving part of the exit light sensor in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the light-shielding part in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the light-shielding part in other embodiment of this invention.

  The present inventor reduces the influence of disturbance light by apparently removing the disturbance light that is reflected directly from the front surface of the light receiving unit of the optical sensor or reflected in the apparatus, etc., out of the disturbance light. Has found that can. Note that “apparently complete” means that irregular reflection from the surface of device components, direct light from the outside of the system, etc., even if a light shielding portion described later is attached, for example, irregular reflection due to diffusion of the front light source Although it does not become zero because it passes through the outside, it means that it is shielded to the extent that there is no practical problem.

  Even if it is light emitted from the lighting fixtures and other equipment components at the installation location, the light that arrives from other than the front is reflected and arrives at the surface and inside of the transport tube (mostly irregularly reflected light) It arrives after being considerably attenuated by catadioptric. Therefore, in the present application, a difference between a sufficient amount of light necessary for detection between a numerical value (dark light amount) measured by turning off the light emitting unit of the optical sensor and a numerical value (bright light amount) when the light emitting unit is turned on. Is obtained, it is assumed that the dark light quantity is negligible.

  As a problem when using a transmissive optical sensor (transmitted light system) as an optical sensor, a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit (light source) are installed (installed on opposite wall surfaces) across the carrier tube, and the light emitting unit and A mounting part for installing the light receiving part is required, wiring is required for the light receiving part and the light emitting part, and the cost of parts of the transmitted light method is currently expensive, which may affect the cost of the entire system. . Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a case where a reflection type optical sensor in which a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit are integrated is used as an optical sensor, but a transmission type optical sensor can also be applied.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments, and the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the overall configuration of the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, about this paper sheet conveying apparatus 10, the technique of patent document 1 which this inventor proposed can also be referred.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the paper sheet transport device 10, an air flow (indicated by a hatched arrow in FIG. 3) generated by an air flow generator 11 such as a blower is connected to the delivery pipe 12 and the connection. It is configured to circulate through the pipe 13, the transport pipe 14, the collection device 15, and the return pipe 16. In order to constitute this circulation path, a bent pipe 17 bent in a U shape is formed in the transport pipe 14. The transport tube 14 uses a translucent or transparent tube so that it is easy to visually observe staying and clogging of the banknotes 18 inside the transport tube 14. As the banknote 18, for example, it is a Japanese banknote, and a current banknote (including a banknote issued before November 1, 2004) can be transported.

  In addition, a plurality of input devices 19 for feeding paper sheets such as banknotes 18 into the transport pipe 14 are installed in parallel at appropriate positions of the transport pipe 14. Since the feeding device 19 is installed over the entire conveyance pipeline, the conveyance tube 14 is formed with the back surface aligned by reciprocation of the conveyance pipeline. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the back surfaces of the transport pipes 14 are opposed to each other, and the relative positions of the input devices 19 installed in the respective conveying pipes 14 are substantially the same.

  The air flow generator 11, the delivery pipe 12, the connection pipe 13, the recovery apparatus 15, and the return pipe 16 are installed in, for example, the casing 20, and the transport pipe 14, the bent pipe 17, and the input device 19 are outside the casing 20. is set up. Further, the display unit 28 having an LED, a reset button for display unit, a power switch for display unit, and the like that are turned on in an error state such as a normal operation state or when a jam of the banknote 18 is detected is also the case 20. It is installed outside.

  The throwing device 19 includes a banknote recognition device 21 installed on the front side of feeding and a bending device 22 installed on the back side and connected to the transport pipe 14. The bending device 22 constituting the throwing device 19 forms a zigzag deformed portion 18b (a bent portion) at the rear end portion in the transport direction with respect to the flat portion 18a at the front end portion in the transport direction of the banknotes 18. It is. Wind pressure from the airflow flowing in the transport pipe 14 acts on the deforming portion 18b, and the banknote 18 is transported in the transport pipe 14.

  The collection device 15 includes a separation unit 23, a correction unit (not shown), and a storage unit (not shown) installed in the order of conveyance from the terminal end side of the conveyance tube 14. Among these, the separation unit 23 separates the banknote 18 that has been transported in the transport pipe 14 and the air flow that has given the propulsion force to the banknote 18 and sends the banknote 18 to the correction unit. The correction unit corrects the deformed portion 18 b of the banknote 18 that has been sent out from the separation unit 23. Moreover, a storage part stores the banknote 18 isolate | separated from the air flow by the separation part 23 in the state (flat state) which correct | amended the deformation | transformation of the deformation | transformation part 18b via the correction part, and was extended. .

  Thus, the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 forms the deformed portion 18b at the rear end portion of the banknote 18 and the transport pipe 14 in which the banknote 18 (paper sheets) is transported by the air flow, and enters the transport pipe 14. Installed at a terminal device 19 for feeding the banknote 18, an air flow generator 11 for causing the banknote 18 to generate an air flow in the transport pipe 14 by applying wind pressure to the deformed portion 18 b of the banknote 18, and a terminal portion of the transport pipe 14. And a collection device 15 that collects the banknotes 18 conveyed in the conveyance tube 14. Further, the paper sheet transport device 10 includes a control device 26 that controls the entire device such as the input device 19 and the collection device 15 in the housing 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 26 communicates with the input device 19 through a loop communication line 27 a, a display 28 that displays various states of the paper sheet transport device 10 through a communication line 27 b, and communication. The recovery device 15 is electrically connected via a line 27c. Thus, in the paper sheet transport apparatus 10, a control system is built around the control device 26, and the control device 26 has various functions.

  The controller 29 of the insertion device 19 detects the staying state of the banknote 18 at the entrance optical sensor 30 that detects that the banknote 18 has been inserted into the insertion device 19 and the part of the transport pipe 14 to which the insertion device 19 is connected. The exit light sensor 31, the feeding motor 32 of the bending device 22, and the control unit 33 of the bill identifying device 21 are electrically connected.

  Next, the surroundings of the conveyance pipe 14 where the exit light sensor 31 is installed will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the transport tube 14 includes a material that transmits light detected by the light receiving unit 31a. Thereby, in the transparent or translucent conveyance pipe | tube 14, the stay and clogging of the banknote 18 can be visually observed inside.

  In the present embodiment, a reflection type photosensor 31 </ b> B is used as the exit light sensor 31. The reflection type optical sensor 31B mounted on the substrate of the control unit 29 of the input device 19 as a common substrate is installed on the wall surface side of the transfer tube 14, and specifically, near the outlet of the input device 19. The tube surface installation portion on the downstream side in the transport direction is provided with a recess hole, in which the reflection type photosensor 31B is inserted with the light emitting / receiving surface facing the recess hole. Thereby, the light receiving part 31a of the reflection type optical sensor 31B can be installed toward the inside of the transport pipe.

  The reflective optical sensor 31B includes a light emitting unit 31b and a light receiving unit 31a, and detects light (detection light) from the light emitting unit 31b with the light receiving unit 31a. As an example of the optical path, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 31b is reflected by the inner wall surface facing the wall surface of the transport tube 14 on which the reflective optical sensor 31B is installed, and reaches the light receiving unit 31a. Here, the detection light is reflected by the inner wall surface of the transparent or translucent transport tube 14 in the direction of the optical axis of the light receiving unit 31a and on the wall surface side of the transport tube 14 facing the light receiving unit 31a. This is because the light shielding part 34 that shields light other than the light from the light source is installed.

  In addition, the light shielding unit 34 is installed in front of the opposite surface of the transport tube 14 to the reflection type photosensor 31B in a range where there is an influence from a light source that generates disturbance light. Thereby, even when the conveyance tube 14 capable of visual observation is used, in the reflection type optical sensor 31B having the light receiving unit 31a used in the paper sheet conveyance device 10, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced. it can.

  The light-shielding part 34 is an adhesive or black or black-brown resin (resin colored in a “light-shieldable color”) having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part 31a. It is a sheet (base material) of an adhesive, and this sheet is affixed to the outer wall of the conveyance tube 14. More specifically, as the sheet of the light shielding part 34, for example, a film-like sheet made of resin (polyester or the like) and produced in a dark blackish brown system with a light shielding rate of 100% is stuck on the outer wall of the transport tube 14. Such a sheet can block light other than the light from the light emitting portion 31b. Here, “a color that can be shielded from light” means that a dark or dark brown color such as black or black-brown is often used in a light-receiving sensor that uses ordinary light as detection light. What is necessary is just to use the shading color of the color suitable for the wavelength which receives light.

  The light shielding part 34 forms a reflection surface that reflects light (reflected light) from the light emitting part 31b. In FIG. 5, since the black-brown sheet (light-shielding part 34) is affixed to the outer wall of the conveyance pipe 14, the inner wall surface of the conveyance pipe 14 which is transparent or translucent is formed as a reflective surface. The reflection surface is formed even when the surface of the light shielding portion 34 itself has a reflection surface. For example, the inside of the light shielding part 34 has a light shielding property, and the surface thereof is a reflection surface. The light transmitted through the tube wall of the transport pipe 14 is reflected and transmitted to the inside of the tube wall to be reflected by the light receiving part 31a. May be returned. More specifically, it is a glass mirror that is made of a metal or hard resin and has a reflective surface on its surface or is mirror-processed, and is attached in accordance with the shape of the affixed portion of the transport tube 14. May be.

  The reflection type photosensor 31B may be installed on one of the opposing tube walls of the transport tube 14 as compared with the transmission type photosensor 31A described above, and an installation wiring that straddles the transport tube 14 becomes unnecessary. The control board can be integrated as a unit. Further, if a light receiving / emitting integrated type is used as the reflective optical sensor 31B, the size can be further reduced. In addition, since the transmissive optical sensor 31A has a high component cost, and in particular, the integrated reflective optical sensor 31B has a low component cost, the exit light sensor 31 (reflective light sensor) is connected to each of the outlets of more input devices 19. When the sensor 31B) is installed, the manufacturing cost of the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 can be suppressed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the light shielding unit 34 that shields light other than the light from the light emitting unit 31b is installed on the wall surface side of the transport tube 14 facing the light receiving unit 31a of the reflective optical sensor 31B. Since the transport tube 14 is transparent or translucent and the light-shielding part 34 is a black-brown film, the light-receiving part has a specular effect and the reflectivity of the light source for reflected light (light-emitting part 31b) is increased and the bill 18 is not present. The amount of received light 31a can be obtained.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the light shielding part 34 is not installed, there is almost no difference in the light receiving level obtained by adding the reflected light source light to the disturbance light. It cannot be adjusted to the specified value. Specifically, when adjusting the light quantity of the reflection light source (light emitting part 31b) in order to adjust the light quantity of the light receiving part 31a to a specified value without installing the light shielding part 34, the sensor light emitted from the back surface is detected. The specified amount of light cannot be adjusted accurately.

  For example, when the influence of back light interference is maximum, the actual reflected light level is low even if the amount of received light reaches a specified value. Therefore, it is determined that there is nothing because the required light amount level is not reached. Further, the amount of disturbance light affecting the exit light sensor 31 is not only the light directly reaching from another device on the back side, but also the light and system reaching the inside of the transparent or translucent tube material as the transport tube 14 by irregular reflection. Consideration is also given to the illumination of the facilities that leak from the gaps and the like.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a result of installing and measuring light-shielding portions 34 of various sizes, the entire position of the exit light sensor 31 is about five times longer than the sensor outer diameter in one direction. Attaching a light-shielding portion 34 having a size of about 100 times in the area ratio, which is 40 mm in the vertical direction and 60 mm in the left and right (the direction of air flow, that is, the conveyance direction) to the outer wall of the conveyance tube 14 on the facing side, The effect of light is reduced (approaching nearly zero). The size of the light shielding unit described above is a reference value, and the size of the light shielding unit 34 depends on the overall configuration of the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 and the size and type of the paper sheet (banknote 18) to be transported. In addition, since the size and shape of the transport pipe 14 and the charging device 19 are changed, they are appropriately changed according to those conditions.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, in order to detect the change of the light reception amount of the light-receiving part 31a, when the banknote 18 is not detected, the prescribed value of the light reception amount of the light-receiving part 31a is self-corrected. For example, when there is no light emission from the reflected light source (light emitting unit 31b), the light receiving level is shielded to near 0V, and the specified value of the received light level when there is no bill is within a predetermined range (in FIG. 13, the lower limit of the specified value). The bill is detected by self-correcting the amount of reflected light so that the line (experimental value is 1.0 V) to the upper limit line of the specified value (experimental value is 1.8 V). % Can be done accurately. Needless to say, the correction value must be set and defined as appropriate depending on the bill (paper sheet), the size of the apparatus, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the case where an integrated photosensor (reflective photosensor 31B) is used as the exit light sensor 31 is described. However, if the light shielding unit 34 is used, the light receiving unit 31a and the light emitting unit are used. The separation type photosensor 31b may be separated, or the transmission type photosensor described with reference to FIGS. That is, in the separation type optical sensor or the transmission type optical sensor having the light receiving part, the light shielding part 34 can reduce the influence of disturbance light.

  In the present embodiment, the case where a black-brown film is attached to the outer wall (outer surface) of the transport tube 14 as the light shielding portion 34 has been described, but it may be applied to the inner wall (FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the light-shielding part 34 includes a light-shielding member 35 made of an adhesive or an adhesive obtained by processing a black or black-brown resin having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part 31 a into a film, The light shielding member 35 has a reflective material 36 (which becomes a reflective surface 36) that covers the surface of the light receiving portion 31a side and reflects detection light, and is attached to the inner wall of the transport tube 14.

  As described above, the light-shielding part 34 shown in FIG. 7 is colored in a color that can shield the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part 31a (for example, black), and is made of a thin plate ( For example, it is formed in a film shape, covers one surface of the film shape, has a reflective surface 36 (reflecting material 36) that reflects the detection light, and an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive on the other surface of the thin plate shape The adhesive surface is applied to the inner wall of the transport pipe 14. In addition, as the light-shielding part 34 affixed to the inner wall of the conveyance pipe 14, it forms in a thin plate shape with the material containing the metal or glass mirror which can light-shield the detection light which the light-receiving part 31a can detect, One surface of this thin plate shape A reflective surface or a reflective material that reflects the detection light, and an adhesive or adhesive is applied to the other surface of the thin plate to form an adhesive surface, which is adhered to the inner wall of the transport tube 14 It may be a thing.

  Moreover, the case where the light shielding part 34 is insert-molded at the time of resin molding of the transport pipe 14 (FIG. 8) may be used. Alternatively, instead of the black-brown film as the light shielding part 34, a light shielding paint may be applied to the outer wall or the inner wall of the transport tube 14.

  Here, the light-shielding part 34 shown in FIG. 8 is colored in a color that can shield the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part 31a (for example, black), and is made of a thin plate-like material (for example, a resin that has a thickness that can be shielded). It is formed in a film shape and is insert-molded in the wall of the transport pipe 14. In addition, as the light-shielding part 34 insert-molded in the wall of the conveyance pipe 14, it forms in thin plate shape with the material containing the metal or glass mirror which can shield the detection light which the light-receiving part 31a can detect, and opposes the light-receiving part 31a. Or a reflective surface or a reflective material that reflects the detection light, or the surface is colored in a color that can block the detection light, and is insert-molded in the wall of the transport tube 14. May be.

  Next, the input device 19 for feeding the banknote 18 into the transport pipe 14 and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12. Of the pair of feed rollers 41, 41, the feed roller 41 located on the upstream side is attached to one end side of an L-shaped swing arm 43 that swings about a shaft 42, and is connected to the other end side of the swing arm 43. One end of the spring 44 is fixed and the upstream feed roller 41 is urged by the spring 44 so as to be in pressure contact with the downstream feed roller 41. Although not shown, a pair of L-shaped swing arms 43 are provided, and the other end of the upstream feed roller 41 is also rotatably supported.

  The shield shafts 45 and 46 are arranged in parallel with the feed rollers 41 and 41, respectively, and at a small interval from the feed rollers 41 and 41. The inclined guide portion 47 extends in the direction of the upstream feed roller 41 and extends gradually away from the transport pipe 14, and a stopper 48 is formed at the end. Further, on the downstream side of the inclined guide portion 47, a bag-like portion 49 is formed that extends in the direction of the downstream feed roller 41 and gradually abruptly separates from the transport pipe 14.

  In the state shown in FIG. 9, the banknote 18 is inserted into the banknote recognition device 21 and the banknote recognition operation is performed. At this time, the feeding rollers 41 and 41 are not yet rotated. From this state, the bill recognition operation is performed, and when the bill 18 is fed in the direction of the feeding rollers 41 and 41 by a feeding roller (not shown), as shown in FIG. The movable claw piece 51 is rotated against the urging force (not), and the entrance light sensor 30 is turned on. When this ON signal is input to the control unit 29, the control unit 29 drives the feed motor 32 (see FIG. 4) so that both the feed rollers 41, 41 rotate in the feed direction.

  When the bill 18 is fed by the both feeding rollers 41 and 41 and the rear end portion of the bill 18 passes between the fixed guide portion 50 and the movable claw piece 51, the movable claw piece 51 is moved by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). The paper sheet path is blocked by the fixed guide portion 50 and the movable claw piece 51 and the entrance light sensor 30 is turned off again, and this off signal is input to the control portion 29.

  When the ON signal is input to the control unit 29, the control unit 29 temporarily stops the feed motor 32 and rotates the feed motor 32 in the reverse direction by a predetermined angle. Thereby, the banknote 18 is pulled back a predetermined distance. When the banknote 18 is pulled back in this way, the rear end of the banknote 18 comes into contact with the inclined guide part 47, the rear end part of the banknote 18 is pulled back along the inclined guide part 47, and the rear end comes into contact with the stopper 48.

  When the feeding motor 32 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the banknote 18 gradually enters the bag-like portion 49 on the rear end side, and is formed in a folded shape along the inner wall of the bag-like portion 49. When the feeding motor 32 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the retracted banknote 18 is further deformed by forming a further deformed portion by curving the middle portion of the banknote 18. If the feed motor 32 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the deformation is emphasized. In this state, the feeding motor 32 is stopped.

  Subsequently, the feed motor 32 is rotated forward again. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the rear end portion of the folded banknote 18 enters between the pair of feed rollers 41, 41. When the feeding motor 32 is further rotated, the folded end of the banknote 18 tries to pass between the feeding rollers 41, 41. At this time, the resistance force from the banknote 18 becomes the biasing force of the spring 44. In contrast, the upstream feeding roller 41 is rotated in a direction away from the downstream feeding roller 41. As a result, when passing between the two feeding rollers 41, 41, an appropriate pressing force is applied to the looped folded end of the banknote 18, and the rear end of the banknote 18 is brought into a considerably strong state as shown in FIG. The feed rollers 41, 41 are deformed so as to be convex. In this way, a deformed portion 18 b on which the wind pressure of the air flow acts by the input device 19 is formed on the banknote 18 that is transported in the transport pipe 14.

  Next, the exit light sensor 31 having the light receiving part 31a and the light emitting part 31b will be described in the case of the reflective light sensor 31B. Refer to FIG. 9 for the reflection type optical sensor 31B, for example. The reflective optical sensor 31B is attached to an attachment member 39, a light receiving part 31a is installed between the light emitting parts 31b and 31b, and a light shielding wall 38 is arranged between them.

  First, basic characteristics of the reflective photosensor 31B will be described. (1) A light emitting / receiving unit integrated sensor is used as the reflective optical sensor 31B. (2) The sensor dark state is such that there is no banknote 18 and the reflected light from the transport tube wall of the light emitting unit 31b can be received (see FIGS. 9, 10, and 12). Actually, the amount of reflected light reaching the light receiving portion 31a of the reflection type optical sensor 31B without the banknote 18 is corrected so as to fall within a specified value range of 1.0 V to 1.8 V at the optical sensor output level. (Details of this correction will be described later) When the banknote 18 is placed in front of the light emitting portion 31b of the reflection type optical sensor 31B (see FIG. 11), the amount of reflected light increases due to the print surface reflectance, so this optical sensor output level. Is in the “bright” state, and the optical sensor output level when the banknote 18 is not present is relatively in the “dark” state. It should be noted that if the light level is initially set to a sufficient light amount within the specified value range of 1.0 V to 1.8 V or higher and a sheet with low reflectivity is placed, the light amount is reduced and the “dark” state is set. In this case, the initial state of the sensor can be expressed as a relatively “bright” state. The numerical values described above and below are merely examples, and it should be added here that they must be set as appropriate according to various conditions such as the configuration of the paper sheets and the paper sheet transporting apparatus.

  Here, the disturbance light received by the light receiving unit 31a of the reflection type photosensor 31B is emitted by the other reflection type photosensors 31B installed in the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 and diffusely reflected in the system. Light that is diffused by the system, LED light used by the system, etc. that reaches the system, illumination light that is outside the system or natural light that enters the system and that is reflected by the system, or light that is emitted during operation Light reflected from neighboring members other than the reflecting surface, other direct light and reflected light similar to the above, can be considered. However, the measurement described here is performed in a state in which the light shielding portion 34 is installed.

  A reflection type optical sensor as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained by measuring the received light amount (detection light) of the light receiving unit 31a as an output voltage under the conditions (1) and (2) above, and performing initial characteristics and initial adjustment. 31B characteristics can be obtained. The output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a in a state where the light emission of the light emitting unit 31b of the reflection type photosensor 31B is stopped is approximately 0.0 V, and the potential in this state is defined as an “output 0 V line”. Further, the upper and lower potentials of the output voltage range of the light receiving unit 31a in the state where the light emitting unit 31b of the reflection type optical sensor 31B emits light are set to “specified value upper limit line (1.8V)” and “specified value lower”, respectively. Limit line (1.0V) ”. Note that the light receiving portion 31a of the reflective optical sensor 31B has, for example, an output characteristic of 5 V at the maximum.

  In this way, in the light receiving unit 31a that defines the “output 0V line”, “specified value upper limit line”, and “specified value lower limit line”, the bill 18 is inserted by the input device 19 and is waiting to be released, that is, reflected light. The case where it measures in the state (refer FIG. 11) with the banknote 18 in the position where the sensor 31B was installed is demonstrated. The range between the “specified value lower limit line” and the “specified value upper limit line” is a specified value range that serves as a reference for correction processing of the reflective optical sensor 31B.

  When the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is adjusted to the “specified value lower limit line” and the “specified value upper limit line” without the banknote 18, the line ( (Potential) is increased by a predetermined voltage (in the experiment with this configuration, it is known that the voltage increases by at least 1.4 V). This is because the reflection position of the banknote surface is about 1/3 to 1 when the banknote 18 is present with respect to the position of the reflection surface (the inner wall surface of the transport pipe 14 on which the light shielding portion 34 is installed) without the banknote 18. / 2 or less, and the reflectivity of the bill surface is good, and the surface reflected light from the bill surface is sufficiently obtained, so that the output voltage of the light receiving portion 31a increases.

  For this reason, the voltage output of the light receiving unit 31a when there is no banknote 18 is adjusted to be higher than the “specified value lower limit line”, and it is determined (detected) that the banknote 18 is present when the voltage is greater than a predetermined potential. can do. In FIG. 13, this specified value is shown as “upper determination line (bank presence determination line)” (the experimental value was 2.4 V). The upper determination line is defined to be higher than the specified value upper limit line in the specified value range. In the present embodiment, the light from the light emitting unit 31b is initially set so that the output of the light receiving unit 31a detected in the state in which the banknote 18 is detected is higher than the upper determination line (upper specified value 2.4V). .

  Thus, in a state where the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a without the banknote 18 is controlled so as not to exceed the “prescribed value upper limit line”, the output voltage (light reception amount) of the light receiving unit 31a is “upper determination line”. It can be determined that the banknote 18 has been detected. In further application, when the measured value exceeding the “upper determination line” is instantaneous, it can be determined that the banknote 18 (released from the other upstream input machine) has passed.

  As described above, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a when the banknote 18 (paper sheet) is not present is defined, and the change of the light receiving unit output is monitored to detect the banknote 18 stagnating in the vicinity of the reflective optical sensor 31B. And the banknote 18 which passes the installation position of the reflection type optical sensor 31B can be detected.

  When the reflectivity of the surface of the paper sheet matches the specified value range, the change cannot be detected. In this case, the specified value range is changed in accordance with the characteristics of the paper sheet to be detected, or the transport pipe 14 around the reflective optical sensor 31B is all black to improve the light shielding property of the transport pipe 14. Furthermore, if a reflective material having a reflectance of 100% is installed at a portion that reflects the reflected light, etc., the change in the amount of received light can be detected regardless of the reflectance of the paper sheet. Note that the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 shown in the present embodiment is installed in advance for the purpose of transporting, for example, a bill 18 as a target paper sheet, or for the purpose of transporting other specified paper sheets, and the characteristics are unknown and unclear. Since it is not intended for transporting specific paper sheets, it may be set to a prescribed value or structure according to the object.

  Next, a method for correcting (self-correcting) the specified value of the light receiving unit 31a of the reflective optical sensor 31B will be described. In addition, in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 10 in this embodiment, the detection process which detects the banknote 18 with the reflection type optical sensor 31B, and the correction process which adjusts the light quantity of the light emission part 31b, and is set within a regulation value range are processed in parallel. is doing.

  Initial setting is performed so that the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a detected in a state where the banknote 18 is not detected is within the specified value range for the light from the light emitting unit 31b. That is, in a state where the banknote 18 is not detected, it is sufficient that the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is between the “specified value lower limit line” and the “specified value upper limit line”, and the setting may be relatively rough.

  In the reflection type optical sensor 31B, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is adjusted by adjusting the light amount of the reflected light source (light emitting unit 31b). Specifically, the light emitting unit 31b (reflected light source) is a light emitting diode, and is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the voltage applied to the light emitting diode. For example, the applied voltage range (the lowest voltage to the allowable maximum voltage) of the light emitting unit 31b is almost equally divided into seven levels and set from the light amount level 1 to the light amount level 7. With the above configuration, for example, the initial value is set to the light amount level 3 Set to and start. Subsequent measurement of the amount of light received by the reflective optical sensor 31B is continuously performed in a constant cycle. The time interval of the amount of received light is at least twice or more per second.

  The measured value obtained by the method of causing the light emitting diode 31b (reflecting light source) to emit light at regular time intervals and measuring the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a at the light emission timing is a specified value range ("specified value lower limit line"). ”To“ specified value upper limit line ”), the correction process is not performed. If a value lower than the “specified value lower limit line” is detected, a correction process for increasing the light amount level by one step is performed. As a result, if it is within the specified value range, the adjustment is completed.

  Conversely, if a value higher than the “prescribed upper limit line” is detected, if the value is lower than the “upper decision line”, it is determined that the amount of emitted light has changed, and a correction process is performed to lower the light amount level by one step. If it is within the specified value range, the adjustment is completed. On the other hand, if it is higher than the “upper determination line”, it is determined that there is a bill, and the processing operation at the time of bill detection is performed.

  In addition, when it exceeds the “specified value upper limit line” and is not more than the “upper determination line”, (1) when the light emission characteristics of the light emitting diode change due to the change in ambient temperature, (2) the reflection type photosensor 31B When there is some small piece that is not the banknote 18 before, (3) when the tube wall of the transfer pipe 14 has been contaminated by paper dust or the like, (4) other cases can be considered. In the case of (1), the temperature change in the usage environment of the paper sheet transport device 10 does not occur abruptly, and the light amount level with respect to the environmental change in which the ambient environment temperature gradually increases and then gradually decreases. It is possible to follow sufficiently with ± 1 step control. In many cases, the deposits such as (2) and (3) are naturally peeled off and carried to the recovery section by an air stream and removed by a filter. After the removal, the output level decreases, but the adjustment is performed to increase the light amount level by the adjustment function as described above, so that the specified value is always maintained.

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given for determining that there is a banknote when the output is equal to or higher than the “upper determination line” despite the absence of the banknote 18. If the bill is present for a long time, it is determined that the bill is jammed. As a result, if the apparatus is faulty as a result of inspection by the operator, the corresponding parts are replaced or the apparatus is repaired.

  In general, a light emitting diode has a phenomenon in which the amount of light decreases with the length of use time, but the amount of light increases rapidly (for example, the initial value is within a specified value range, but more rapidly than the upper determination line). The phenomenon of rising) usually does not occur. If it happens, it is mostly due to a failure of the control circuit, etc., but the reliability of the control circuit is currently very high, so that the output increases despite the absence of the banknote 18 as described above. However, even if it is left to error processing, the probability that the system will stop is very small and there is no practical problem.

  As described above, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is constantly monitored at regular time intervals, and an instantaneous change may occur at the measurement timing. This is a case where the banknote 18 is released from the upstream side and passes through the front. In order to determine that self-correction is necessary, for example, when the measurement is performed three times per second, the passage time of the banknote 18 is 1/3 second. It may be defined as below, and a value when the same value is continuously obtained twice or more may be used as a measured value. Alternatively, the measurement time may be sufficiently longer than the instantaneous change time, the number of measurements during that time may be increased, and the average output voltage during that time may be obtained and compared with the specified voltage.

  In the present embodiment, when the value exceeds the limit value and the same value continues for several seconds, it is determined that the change exceeds the limit and is corrected. In this way, various settings may be changed in accordance with the bill 18 and system configuration conditions. In the above example, the amount of light emission is adjusted by controlling the voltage that changes in the light emitting diode of the light emitting unit 31b. However, the light reception level may be controlled by adjusting the gain of the light receiving unit 31a, or both may be performed simultaneously. May be.

  Next, control of the exit light sensor 31 of the input device 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 14. When the system power supply of the paper sheet transport device 10 is turned on (step S10), the initialization is completed (step S20). Thereafter, in the exit light sensor 31, a detection process for monitoring (detecting) the release of the banknote 18 and a correction process for correcting the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a are performed in parallel. If an error occurs in the detection process and the correction process, a common error processing procedure (steps S510 to S530) is performed. It should be noted that the entrance light sensor 30 and the exit light sensor 31 are in the ON state when the banknote 18 is detected, and the OFF state is the opposite state.

  First, the detection process in the exit light sensor 31 will be described. After the initialization of the system is completed, it is determined whether or not the entrance light sensor 30 is in an ON state (step S110). That is, it is determined whether or not the banknote 18 is inserted into the insertion device 19. When the entrance light sensor 30 is not in the ON state, the banknote 18 has been released (step S240). On the other hand, when the entrance light sensor 30 is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the exit light sensor 31 is in the ON state (step S120).

  When the exit light sensor 31 is not in the ON state, the time count in that state is performed, and it is determined whether or not it is timed out (step S130). If it is not time-out, it is determined again whether or not the exit light sensor 31 is in the ON state (step S120). On the other hand, in the case of timeout, control is taken over to the error processing procedure (step S140).

  When the exit light sensor 31 is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the entrance light sensor 30 is in the OFF state (step S150). If the entrance light sensor 30 is not in the OFF state, the time count in that state is performed to determine whether or not it is timed out (step S160). If it is not time-out, it is determined again whether the entrance light sensor 30 is in the OFF state (step S150). On the other hand, in the case of timeout, control is taken over to the error processing procedure (step S170).

  When the exit light sensor 31 is in the ON state and the entrance light sensor 30 is in the OFF state, the banknote 18 is present at the exit of the insertion device 19, and the banknote 18 is allowed to be released (step S180). In FIG. 14, for the sake of simplification, the fact that there is a next step is omitted here. There is a banknote 18 at the outlet, and the banknote 18 is ready to be released (step S180). There are steps to be taken. That is, there is a series of steps in which the deformed portion 18 b is formed on the banknote 18 and sent to the transport pipe 14 by the operation of the loading device 19, which has been described in detail above. In this series of operations, the operation immediately before the insertion device 19 discharges the banknote 18 into the transport pipe 14 is configured to feed the banknote 18 into the transport pipe 14 with the feeding rollers 41 and 41 sandwiching the looped folded end of the banknote 18. The feed motor 32 continued to rotate so as to feed. By stopping the feeding motor 32 so as to keep the state in which the banknote 18 immediately before the release is sandwiched, the release permission waiting state is entered. Thereafter, the release permission is obtained, and the feeding motor 32 is further rotated, so that the banknote 18 is discharged into the transport pipe 14.

  Describe the previous step again and continue. After entering the release permission waiting state (step S180), it is determined whether or not the release permission exists (step S190). If there is no release permission, the state again waits for release permission (step S180). On the other hand, if there is a release permission, the banknote 18 is released or retried (step S200). The retry process is a process performed by alternately rotating the feeding roller 41 at the outlet 19 in the return direction and the feeding direction alternately. When the exit light sensor 31 is not in the OFF state, that is, when the banknote 18 is not released. This is a process to be performed. When this retry process is performed, the number of processes is counted.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the exit light sensor 31 is in the OFF state (step S210). If the exit light sensor 31 is not in the OFF state, it is determined whether or not the number of retries is greater than a predetermined number n (step S220). If the number of retries is not greater than the predetermined number n, retry processing is performed again (step S200). On the other hand, if the number of retries is greater than the predetermined number n, control is passed to the error processing procedure (step S230).

  When the exit light sensor 31 is in the OFF state, the banknote 18 is completely released (step S240). Thereby, the banknote 18 is sent out into the transport pipe 14 and is transported by receiving the wind pressure of the airflow from the airflow generator 11.

  Next, the correction process in the exit light sensor 31 will be described. After the initialization of the system is completed, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured (step S310). The measurement cycle is a plurality of times per second. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is within a specified value range (step S320). In the present embodiment, the specified value range is a range between the “specified value lower limit line” and the “specified value upper limit line” shown in FIG. If it is within the specified value range, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured again (step S310).

  When the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is outside the specified value range and lower than the “specified value lower limit line” (in the LOW state), it is corrected to be within the specified value range by the above-described method (step S330). Then, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured again (step S310).

  When the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is outside the specified value range and higher than the “paper sheet presence determination line” (in the HIGH state), it is determined whether or not the HIGH state of the output voltage is instantaneous ( Step S340). When the HIGH state of the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is instantaneous, the banknote 18 is present and has passed, and the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured again (step S310). In FIG. 14, for the sake of simplification, the fact that the following process is actually present is omitted here, that is, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is outside the specified value range and is the “specified value upper limit line”. If it is higher and lower than the “sheet presence determination line” (HIGH state), it is corrected to be within the specified value range by the above-described method (step S330), and the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured again. (Step S310). On the other hand, when the HIGH state of the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is not instantaneous, after the entrance light sensor 30 is turned on, the insertion device 19 forms the deformed portion 18b on the banknote 18 and feeds the banknote 18 into the transport pipe 14. In a series of steps, it is determined whether or not the preparation for feeding is completed and the banknote 18 is ready to be released (step S180).

  When waiting for release permission, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a is measured again (step S310). On the other hand, when it is not waiting for discharge permission, the exit light sensor 31 is in a state in which the banknote 18 remains (step S360). In the state where the banknotes 18 are staying, the time is counted and it is determined whether the time-out or the error condition is met (step S370).

  If the time-out or the error condition is not met, a staying state is set again (step S360). On the other hand, if the time-out or error processing conditions are met, control is passed to the error processing procedure (step S380).

  Next, an error processing procedure will be described. If the error processing procedure is taken over from the detection processing or correction processing in the exit light sensor 31, error processing is performed (step S510). After this error processing, the input device 19 is reset (step S520). The resetting of the charging device 19 includes not only operating the device reset function but also replacing the failed device. After the reset operation, the process returns to the step corresponding to the reset operation, and the operation is resumed (step S530).

  As described above, by controlling the exit light sensor 31 of the throwing device 19, it is possible to reduce the influence of disturbance light of the light receiving unit 31 a by self-correction while detecting the banknote 18.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, for example, the case where a banknote 18 such as a current banknote (including those issued before November 1, 2004) is used has been described. However, in the present embodiment, paper sheets other than the banknote 18 are used. The case will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, paper sheets such as banknotes and other securities other than Japanese yen, which have a reflectance opposite to that of the Japanese yen, and the reflectance of the surface of the paper sheet is 0% or close to 0%, The output voltage (light receiving amount) of the light receiving unit 31a at the time of detection may decrease. In this case, the “lower determination line (lower specified value 0.4V)” as the specified value for determining that the paper sheet has been detected is set lower than the “specified value lower limit line (1.0V)” (specified). By doing so, paper sheets may be detected when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 31a decreases from the “lower determination line (0.4V)”. That is, the lower determination line is defined lower than the specified lower limit line in the specified value range. Thereby, in the paper sheet having a surface reflectance of 0%, the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a at the time of detection becomes almost 0 V, and the presence or absence of the paper sheet can be detected from the difference.

  Even in such a low-reflectance paper sheet, as shown in the above embodiment, the detection process for detecting the banknote 18 by the exit light sensor 31 and the light amount of the light emitting unit 31b are adjusted, and the specified value range The internal correction processing can be performed in parallel. Specifically, first, the light from the light emitting unit 31b is initially set so that the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a detected in a state where no paper sheet is detected is within a specified value range. In addition, the light from the light emitting unit 31b is initially set so that the output of the light receiving unit 31a detected in the state in which the paper sheet is detected is lower than the “lower determination line”.

  Accordingly, when the measured value obtained by the method of causing the light emitting diode as the light emitting unit 31b to emit light at a constant time interval and measuring the output voltage of the light receiving unit 31a at the light emission timing is within the specified value range, correction processing is performed. Do not do. If a value higher than the “prescribed value upper limit line” is detected, if the value is lower than the “upper determination line”, it is determined that the amount of emitted light has changed, and correction processing for reducing the light amount level of the light emitting unit 31b by one step. If it is within the range of “specified value lower limit line” to “specified value upper limit line”, the adjustment is completed. On the other hand, if it is higher than the “upper decision line”, it is determined that there is a paper sheet, and the processing operation at the time of paper sheet detection is performed.

  Conversely, if a value lower than the “specified value lower limit line” is detected, if the value is higher than the “lower determination line”, it is determined that the amount of emitted light has changed, and correction processing is performed to increase the light amount level by one step. , The adjustment is completed if it falls within the range of “specified value lower limit line” to “specified value upper limit line”. On the other hand, if it is lower than the “lower determination line”, it is determined that there is a paper sheet, and the processing operation when detecting the paper sheet is performed.

  By performing such processing, even the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 that transports a paper sheet having a low surface reflectance such as 0% or close to 0% can reduce the influence of disturbance light. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with a case where paper sheets having a high surface reflectance such as Japanese yen bills are mixed. FIG. 15 is shown corresponding to such a case.

  When the measured value obtained by measuring the output of the light receiving unit 31a at a certain time interval is within the preset specified value range ("specified value upper limit line" to "specified value lower limit line"), the correction process is performed. Not performed. Further, in a paper sheet having a high surface reflectance, when the measured value is between the “upper determination line” and the “prescribed value upper limit line”, correction processing is performed. Further, in the paper sheet having a low surface reflectance, when the measured value is between the “lower determination line” and the “specified value lower limit line”, correction processing is performed. Further, when the measured value is not less than the “upper decision line” or not more than the “lower decision line”, the exit light sensor 31 has detected any one of the sheets having the surface reflectance. judge.

  By performing such processing, even when paper sheets having a low surface reflectance and paper sheets having a high surface reflectance are mixed, the light receiving unit 31a used in the paper sheet transport apparatus 10 is provided. In the exit light sensor 31, the influence by disturbance light can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, a sheet (base material) made of an adhesive or an adhesive obtained by processing a black or brown resin having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light receiving unit 31a into a film shape as the light shielding unit 34. Although the case where it used was demonstrated, in this embodiment, 34 A of light shielding parts which formed the reflective surface 36 in the single side | surface of the light shielding member 35 are demonstrated with reference to FIG.

  The light shielding unit 34A shown in FIG. 16 is, for example, a glass mirror that can shield the detection light that can be detected by the light receiving unit 31a, and reflects the detection light of the light emitting unit 31b of the reflective optical sensor 31B on the reflection surface 36. In addition to the glass mirror, for example, a mirror-finished metal plate (stainless steel, polished metal plate, gloss-plated metal plate, etc.) or resin that is colored to block detection light, or has a sufficient thickness Alternatively, it may be formed into a thin plate shape and include the reflective material 36 so as to cover the surface of one side.

  In the present embodiment, such a light shielding portion 34 </ b> A is installed using an attachment member 37 on the outer side of the transport pipe 14 facing the reflective optical sensor 31 </ b> B installed in the transport pipe 14. At that time, the light shielding unit 34A is installed so that the reflection surface 36 and the light emitting unit 31b face each other so that the detection light of the light emitting unit 31b is reflected by the reflection surface 36.

  As described above, since the light shielding unit 34A includes the reflective material 36, the detection light from the light emitting unit 31b is reflected by the reflective material 36 and reaches the light receiving unit 31a. Even in the case where the part 34A is installed, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced in the reflective optical sensor 31B having the light receiving part 31a used in the paper sheet transport apparatus 10.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the reflective optical sensor 31B is used as the exit light sensor 31 has been described. However, the transmission optical sensor 31A may be used. Also in this case, the light-shielding part 34A can be placed away from the transport tube 14 so as to shield the disturbance light entering the pipe line from the rear side of the transmitted light source (light-emitting part 31b).

(Embodiment 4)
In the present embodiment, a light shielding part 34B made of a stainless steel plate having a mirror-finished both surfaces will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light-shielding part 34B shown in FIG. 17 is made of a stainless steel plate whose both surfaces are mirror-finished. The reflection surface 36 reflects the detection light of the light emitting portion 31b of the reflection type optical sensor 31B. In addition to the stainless steel plate having a mirror-finished both surfaces, for example, a double-sided glass mirror or both surfaces are mirror-finished. The finished metal plate other than stainless steel (such as polished metal plate or glossy plated metal plate) or resin can be colored so that it can block the detection light, or processed into a film or thin plate with sufficient thickness, What was comprised including the reflective material 36 so that each may be covered may be sufficient.

  In the present embodiment, the light shielding unit 34B is configured such that, in the transport pipe 14 installed so as to make a U-turn, the input devices 19 installed in the parallel transport pipes 14 are closer to each other, and the light receiving section 31a is closer to each other. Is preferably used in the case where the optical axes of the stainless steel plate substantially coincide with each other, and according to the light-shielding portion 34B formed of the stainless steel plate, the space interval may be a space interval equal to or greater than the thickness of the stainless steel plate, The material thickness can be 0.1 mm or less, and can be installed even if it is almost in close contact. The light-shielding part 34B is installed using an attachment member 37 on the outer side of the transport pipe 14 facing the reflective optical sensor 31B installed in the transport pipe 14. At this time, the light-shielding part 34B is installed so that the reflection surface 36 and the light-emitting part 31b face each other so that the detection light of the light-emitting part 31b is reflected by the reflection surface 36 between the U-turned transport pipes 14. Is done.

  Thus, since the light shielding part 34B has the reflecting surface 36, the detection light from the light emitting part 31b is reflected by the reflecting surface 36 and reaches the light receiving part 31a. Even in the case where the unit 34B is installed, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced in the reflective optical sensor 31B having the light receiving unit 31a used in the paper sheet transport apparatus 10. In the case where the space is almost in close contact, the principle of the first embodiment is applied, and even if the light shielding part does not constitute the reflecting surface 36 on both surfaces of the light shielding part 34B, In some cases, it is possible to operate by forming a reflection surface on the inner wall, and as described above, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the reflective optical sensor 31B is used as the exit light sensor 31 has been described. However, the transmission optical sensor 31A may be used. Also in this case, the light-shielding part 34B can be installed away from the transport pipe 14 so as to shield the disturbance light entering the pipe line from the rear side of the transmitted light source (light-emitting part 31b).

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Not too long.

  For example, the purpose of paper sheet detection is to be applied to locations other than the transport pipe near the outlet of the input device, such as a paper pipe being extended due to an increase in the size of the paper sheet transport device, which may cause clogging of paper sheets. A light sensor can be installed. Specifically, the vicinity of the pipe feeding device (feeding machine), the position where paper sheets such as bent pipes (bent pipes) and branch pipes are likely to be clogged, and the paper sheet transporting device (system) have become huge. An optical sensor can be installed at a checkpoint when there is a need to control the number of free movements of paper sheets in a pipeline for each block of a certain length due to its long length. As described above, at least one optical sensor is installed at an arbitrary position on the transport path by the transport pipe so as to detect passage, stay, or clogging of paper sheets. What is necessary is just to install the light-shielding part mentioned above in the installation location of the optical sensor. In addition, the above-described correction process may be performed on the optical sensor.

  The present invention is widely used in the manufacturing industry of a paper sheet transport apparatus using a technology for transporting paper sheets by an air flow.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A Paper sheet conveying apparatus 11 Air flow generator 12 Sending pipe 13 Connection pipe 14 Conveying pipe 15 Collection | recovery apparatus 16 Return pipe 17 Bending pipe 18 Banknote 18a Flat part 18b Deformation part 19 Input apparatus 20 Case 21 Bill identification apparatus 22 Bending device 23 Separator 26 Controllers 27a, 27b, 27c Communication line 28 Display 29 Controller 30 Entrance light sensor 31 Exit light sensor 31A Transmission type optical sensor 31B Reflection type optical sensor 31a Light receiving unit 31b Light emitting unit 32 Feed motor 33 Control Parts 34, 34A, 34B Light shielding part 35 Light shielding member 36 Reflective material (reflective surface)
37 Attaching member 38 Light-shielding wall 39 Attaching member 41 Feeding roller 42 Shaft 43 Oscillating arm 44 Spring 45, 46 Shield shaft 47 Inclination guide portion 48 Stopper 49 Bag-like portion 50 Fixed guide portion 51 Moving claw piece

Claims (7)

A transport pipe through which paper sheets are transported by an air flow;
A paper sheet transport device comprising a loading device for feeding paper sheets into the transport pipe,
An optical sensor for detecting paper sheets in the transport pipe is installed on the wall surface side of the transport pipe,
The light sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detects light from the light emitting unit by the light receiving unit,
The transport tube is configured to include a material that transmits light detected by the light receiving unit,
A light-shielding part that shields light other than the light from the light-emitting part is installed on the wall surface side of the transport tube facing the light-receiving part ,
The light-shielding part is a sheet made of an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive obtained by processing a black or black-brown resin having a thickness capable of shielding the detection light that can be detected by the light-receiving part into a film shape, and is attached to the outer wall of the transport pipe and paper sheet conveying apparatus characterized by that. In the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1,
The paper sheet transporting apparatus, wherein the optical sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the exit of the input device and on the downstream side in the paper sheet transporting direction. In the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The paper sheet conveying apparatus, wherein the optical sensor is a reflective optical sensor. In the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3,
The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflective optical sensor is a light receiving and emitting integrated type. In the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The paper sheet transporting apparatus, wherein the optical sensor is a transmissive optical sensor. In the paper sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The paper sheet transporting apparatus, wherein the paper sheet transported in the transport pipe is formed with a deformed portion on which the wind pressure of the air flow acts by the input device. In the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The paper sheet conveying apparatus, wherein the paper sheet is a banknote.

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