JP7171109B1 - Paper sheet conveying device and paper sheet conveying method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce the impact when a carrier catches bills and prevent damage to the bills. A central controller (150) operates a first blower (12a) at 60% of its maximum output until a carrier (110) passes a carrier passage detection sensor (140). After the carrier (110) passes the carrier passage detection sensor (140), the central controller (150) increases the power of the first blower (12a) to 100% of the maximum power. Since the carrier (110) travels at a low speed until the carrier (110) catches the banknotes (50), the impact when the carrier (110) catches the banknotes (50) can be reduced. After the carrier (110) has captured the bill (50), the carrier (110) runs at maximum speed. [Selection drawing] Fig. 21

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a paper sheet conveying apparatus and a paper sheet conveying method for conveying sheet-like paper such as bills by means of an air flow generated in a duct.

An example of such a paper sheet conveying device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2016-160038 (Patent Document 1).
26 to 31 show the banknote conveying apparatus described in the publication.
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the bill conveying device and the surrounding environment in which the bill conveying device is used.
As shown in FIG. 26, this banknote conveying apparatus has a carrier 10 (see FIG. 28) that conveys banknotes by pushing the banknotes with its front surface, and has a similar external shape to the carrier 10, and the carrier 10 can run. a banknote storage chamber 14 for storing banknotes conveyed by the carrier 10; 12a, a second blower 12b that generates an airflow that moves the carrier 10 in the direction away from the banknote storage chamber 14 in the duct 11, stoppers 13a and 13b that stop the carrier 10 at a predetermined position in the duct 11, It has

As shown in FIG. 26, a plurality of pachinko machines 20 and other amusement machines are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction of FIG. ), and next to the pachinko machine 20, a banknote inserting device 21 for inserting banknotes is installed. A number of game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) are paid out according to the amount of bills inserted into the bill insertion device 21 .
The duct 11 is installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 20 so as to extend parallel to the arrangement direction of the pachinko machine 20.例文帳に追加
FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view (including a partially exploded view) of the duct 11. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 27, the duct 11 has a hollow structure extending linearly, and its vertical cross section is shaped like a vertically elongated rectangle with the center portion in the vertical direction protruding inward. That is, the central portion in the vertical direction constitutes a projecting portion 11a projecting inward of the duct 11 in a rectangular shape.

Furthermore, a slit 11b is formed in the side wall of the duct 11 so as to correspond to the position of the bill inserting device 21. As shown in FIG. As will be described later, bills inserted into each bill inserting device 21 are fed into the duct 11 through the slit 11b.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the carrier 10. FIG.
The carrier 10 has a vertically extending central axis 10a, four first wings 10b arranged on one side of the central axis 10a, and four second wings arranged on the other side of the central axis 10a. 10c.
The first wings 10b are arranged so that a pair of the first wings 10b form a V shape with the upper end and the lower end of the central axis 10a as starting points. Similarly, the second wings 10c are arranged so that a set of two second wings 10c form a V shape with the upper and lower ends of the central axis 10a as starting points. As will be described later, bills fed into the duct 11 are transported with their outer edges pushed by the four first wings 10b.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the carrier 10 is accommodated inside the duct 11. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 29, the projecting portion 11a of the duct 11 extends into the space 10d (see FIG. 28) formed between the upper and lower first wings 10b and the space 10d formed between the upper and lower second wings 10c. Get stuck.
As shown in FIG. 26, the bill storage chamber 14 is arranged at one end of the duct 11 (the right end in FIG. 26). The banknote storage chamber 14 accommodates banknotes that have been fed from the banknote insertion device 21 into the duct 11 and transported by the carrier 10 .
A first blower 12 a and a second blower 12 b for sending an air flow (wind) into the duct 11 are arranged at both ends of the duct 11 .

Either one of the first blower 12a and the second blower 12b operates, or both do not operate. Both do not work at the same time. When the first blower 12a is activated, the second wing 10c of the carrier 10 accommodated inside the duct 11 receives wind pressure, and the carrier 10 travels in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote accommodation chamber 14. On the other hand, when the second blower 12b operates, the first wing 10b of the carrier 10 accommodated inside the duct 11 receives wind pressure, and the carrier 10 travels in the direction away from the banknote accommodation chamber 14 (direction X2).
Since the banknote storage chamber 14 is arranged continuously at one end (the right end in FIG. 26) of the duct 11, the second blower 12b is arranged adjacent to the banknote storage chamber 14, and the bypass passage 12c is provided. It is connected with the duct 11 via.
FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the banknote insertion device 21. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 30 , the banknote insertion device 21 includes a roller unit 21b and a transport path 21c extending obliquely with respect to the duct 11 .

Bills inserted from the bill insertion port 21a of the bill insertion device 21 are conveyed by the roller unit 21b, inspected for authenticity and denomination, and inserted into the duct 11 via the conveyance path 21c.
FIG. 31 shows stoppers 13a and 13b that stop the carrier 10 at predetermined positions within the duct 11 (specifically, near both ends of the duct 11).
The stoppers 13 a and 13 b are hook-shaped members extending inside the duct 11 . The first wing 10b of the carrier 10 is caught by the stopper 13a, so that the carrier 10 stops before the bill storage chamber 14.例文帳に追加Further, the second wing 10c of the carrier 10 is caught by the stopper 13b, so that the carrier 10 stops before the first blower 12a.
The banknote conveying device having the structure described above operates as follows.

When a customer of the pachinko machine 20 inserts a banknote into the banknote slot 21a of the banknote input device 21, the banknote is transported by the roller unit 21b and is input into the duct 11 from the slit 11b of the duct 11 via the transport path 21c. be.
The banknote insertion device 21 is provided with a banknote detection sensor (not shown). When a banknote is inserted into the duct 11, the banknote detection sensor sends a banknote insertion signal to the central control unit (not shown). (not included).
The central controller that receives the banknote insertion signal operates the first blower 12a. When the first blower 12a starts operating, an air flow (wind) is generated inside the duct 11 in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 . The carrier 10 travels in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 by the second wing 10c receiving wind pressure from this air flow. The carrier 10 captures bills inserted into the duct 11 with the first wing 10b before reaching the bill storage chamber 14.例文帳に追加The carrier 10 that has captured the banknotes continues to travel in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 while maintaining the state of pushing the captured banknotes, and then is stopped by the stopper 13a. When the carrier 10 stops, the banknotes are separated from the carrier 10 by the action of inertia and are accommodated in the banknote storage chamber 14 .

The banknotes are conveyed by the carrier 10 while maintaining a posture in which the paper surface is parallel to the running direction of the carrier 10 (longitudinal direction of the duct 11) and the short side is parallel to the central axis 10a of the carrier 10. be.
A sensor (not shown) for detecting the carrier 10 is arranged near the stopper 13a. When the carrier 10 is stopped by the stopper 13a, the sensor outputs a carrier stop signal indicating that the carrier 10 is stopped by the stopper 13a. Send to central controller.
Upon receiving the carrier stop signal, the central control unit stops the operation of the first blower 12a and waits a predetermined time after the carrier 10 is stopped by the stopper 13a (the time required for bills to be stored in the bill storage chamber 14). ) has passed, the second blower 12b is operated.
When the second blower 12b starts to operate, an air flow (wind) is generated inside the duct 11 in a direction (direction X2) away from the banknote storage chamber 14 . The carrier 10 travels in the direction (direction X2) away from the banknote storage chamber 14 by the first wing 10b receiving wind pressure from this airflow.
After that, the carrier 10 is caught by the stopper 13b and stopped. In this way the carrier 10 returns to its original position.
The above operation is one cycle operation from when the bill is inserted into the bill inserting device 21 until it is stored in the bill storage chamber 14 .

JP 2016-160038 A

In the conventional banknote transport apparatus shown in FIGS. 26 to 31, as described above, the carrier 10 receives the air flow generated by the first blower 12a and travels through the duct 11 toward the banknote storage chamber 14. , the banknotes thrown into the duct 11 are caught on the way and conveyed to the banknote storage chamber 14.例文帳に追加
Normally, in order to increase the bill conveying efficiency, the output of the first blower 12a is set to the maximum output so that the running speed of the carrier 10 becomes the maximum speed. When the carrier 10 runs at maximum speed, the impact on the bills when the carrier 10 captures the bills is quite large. This impact can cause the banknotes to bend, which can make their transport by the carrier 10 difficult. For example, if the banknotes are old or have a tendency to bend, the banknotes may clog the duct 11 at that location due to the impact when the carrier 10 hits the banknotes. In some cases, the banknote itself may be damaged (torn or partly cut).
The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus as described above, and is a paper sheet conveying apparatus capable of alleviating the impact applied to the bills when the carrier captures the bills. intended to provide

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides two approaches. In the first approach, the output of the first blower is controlled, thereby indirectly controlling the running speed of the carrier. In the second approach, the output of the first blower is not controlled, but the running speed of the carrier is directly controlled.

As a first approach, the present invention includes a duct, a paper sheet storage chamber arranged to communicate with the duct at one end of the duct, a carrier running in the duct, and a paper sheet in the duct. A first blower that generates an airflow in a direction toward a leaf storage chamber, a second blower that generates an airflow in the duct in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned direction, and paper sheets are thrown into the duct. and a paper sheet throwing device, wherein the carrier is driven in the duct by an air flow generated in the duct by the first blower, and thrown into the duct via the paper sheet throwing device. a paper sheet conveying device for conveying the paper sheets to the paper sheet storage chamber via the carrier, the paper sheet conveying device comprising a control device for controlling the output of the first blower; The control device makes the air flow generated by the first blower until the carrier reaches the paper sheet smaller than the air flow when the carrier reaches the paper sheet and conveys the paper sheet. A paper sheet conveying device to be controlled includes a carrier passage detection sensor that detects passage of the carrier and transmits a carrier passage detection signal, and the carrier passage detection sensor detects the passage of the carrier from the paper sheet insertion device. The control device is arranged outside the duct at a position close to the blower, and keeps the output of the first blower at the maximum output P1 of the first blower until receiving the carrier passage detection signal from the carrier passage detection sensor. % , and when the carrier passage detection signal is received from the carrier passage detection sensor, the output of the first blower is changed to P2% of the maximum output of the first blower, P2 is a value greater than P1, and the The carrier passing detection sensor is arranged such that the timing at which the airflow generated by the output of the first blower changed to P2% reaches the carrier and the timing at which the carrier catches the paper sheets are the same. To provide a paper sheet conveying device characterized by being arranged at a position.

The carrier passing detection sensor may be arranged within a range of 2 to 8 times the length of the paper sheets in the longitudinal direction of the duct from the paper sheet insertion device toward the first blower. preferable.
It is preferable that the carrier passing detection sensor is configured to be movable along the duct.
It is preferable to provide sensor moving means for moving the carrier passage detection sensor along the duct.
P1 is preferably 50 or more and 70 or less. Also, P1 is most preferably 60.
P2 is preferably 90 or more and 100 or less. Most preferably, P2 is 100.

As a first approach, the present invention further generates an airflow in the duct by means of a first blower, causes the carrier to run in the duct by the airflow, and removes the paper sheets thrown into the duct as described above. A paper sheet conveying method for conveying a paper sheet to a paper sheet storage chamber arranged at the end of a duct via the carrier, wherein the output of the first blower is set to In the paper sheet conveying method in which the air flow generated by the first blower is controlled to be smaller than the air flow when the carrier reaches the paper sheet and conveys the paper sheet, a first step of detecting whether or not the carrier has passed a second position closer to the first blower than the first position where the paper sheets are thrown in; and detecting passage of the carrier through the second position. a second step of setting the output of the first blower to P1% of the maximum output of the first blower until the second step of setting the output of the first blower to P1% of the maximum output of the first blower; a third step of changing to P2% of the maximum output of the blower, wherein P2 is a value greater than P1, and the second position is caused by the output of the first blower being changed to P2%; To provide a paper sheet conveying method characterized in that the position is such that the timing at which an air flow reaches the carrier and the timing at which the carrier catches the paper sheet are the same.
It is preferable that the paper sheet conveying method further includes a fourth step of changing the second position along the duct.

In the paper sheet conveying method described above, P1 is preferably 50 or more and 70 or less. Also, P1 is most preferably 60.
P2 is preferably 90 or more and 100 or less, and most preferably P2 is 100 .

In the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus, when the carrier 10 picks up bills, the speed is always the maximum (the output of the first blower 12a is the maximum output), so there is a high possibility that the bills will be damaged.
In contrast, in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first approach of the present invention, the output of the first blower is set relatively low before the carrier captures the bills. As a result, the carrier travels at a low speed until it captures the banknotes, so that the impact on the banknotes when capturing the banknotes is smaller than the impact that the conventional carrier gives to the banknotes. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably reduce the possibility that the banknotes are damaged due to an impact when the banknotes are captured.

According to the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the second approach of the present invention, the carrier is rapidly decelerated by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet device at the stage immediately before capturing the bill. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably reduce the possibility that the banknotes are damaged due to an impact when the banknotes are captured.
Furthermore, the carrier can run at maximum speed until it captures the banknotes except for the time it takes to pass through the inside of the electromagnet device. It is possible to shorten the time until the bill reaches the banknote, and in turn, it is possible to shorten the time until the banknote is stored in the banknote storage chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic which shows the structure of the paper sheet conveying apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention, and its surrounding environment. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier used in a paper sheet conveying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 2 when viewed from the rear side; 1 is a perspective view of a duct used in the paper sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the mutual positional relationship among carriers, bills, and ducts in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the mutual positional relationship among carriers, bills, and ducts in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a duct and a carrier containing duct branching from the duct; FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the duct and the carrier storage duct when viewed from the carrier storage duct side;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the duct and the carrier storage duct when viewed from the duct side; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier is stored in a carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier is stored in a carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier is stored in a carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier is stored in a carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier is stored in a carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carrier is discharged from the carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carrier is discharged from the carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carrier is discharged from the carrier storage duct in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a paper sheet conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing output control of the first blower by the central controller in the paper sheet conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which banknotes are captured by a carrier in the paper sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which banknotes are captured by a carrier in the paper sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which banknotes are captured by a carrier in the paper sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier passage detection sensor of a modified example is attached to a duct, and FIG. 23B is a side view of the carrier passage detection sensor shown in FIG. 23A. FIG. 24(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carrier passage detection sensor of the second modified example is attached to the duct, and FIG. 24(B) is a side view of the carrier passage detection sensor shown in FIG. 24(A). It is a partial cross-sectional view of a paper sheet conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

It is a schematic diagram showing the surrounding environment in which the conventional paper sheet conveying device is used. FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view (including a partially exploded view) of a duct that is one component of the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a carrier that is one component of the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the carrier shown in FIG. 28 is accommodated inside the duct shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a bill inserting device, which is one component of the conventional paper sheet conveying device shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing a stopper, which is one component of the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus shown in FIG. 26;

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 and its surrounding environment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.
A paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a linearly extending duct 120, a carrier 110 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) running in both directions inside the duct 120, and one end of the duct 120 (see FIG. 1). The first blower 12a is arranged in communication with the duct 120 at the right end), the second blower 12b is arranged in communication with the duct 120 at the other end of the duct 120 (the left end in FIG. and a banknote storage chamber 14 arranged at the other end (the left end in FIG. 1).

The first blower 12a generates an air flow (wind) in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 inside the duct 120, and causes the carrier 110 to travel in the direction X1. The second blower 12b generates an air flow (wind) in the direction (direction X2) toward the first blower 12a inside the duct 120, causing the carrier 110 to run in the direction X2.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier 110 used in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier 110 as seen from the rear side.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the carrier 110 has a "cannonball" shape, and specifically includes a cylindrical body portion 110a and a body portion 110a formed on the back side of the body portion 110a and continuously with the body portion 110a. and a hemispherically shaped rear portion 110b.
The carrier 110 has a hollow structure in order to reduce its weight.

The carrier 110 contacts the banknotes at the front surface 110c of the main body portion 110a, and pushes and conveys the banknotes while in contact. A plurality of projections 110d having the same shape are formed at regular intervals along the circumference of the front surface 110c of the body portion 110a. A banknote is sandwiched between two protrusions 110d adjacent to each other to hold the banknote. The projection 110d has, for example, a hemispherical shape.
The length in the central axis direction of the main body portion 110a of the carrier 110 is set as short as possible. By shortening the length of the body portion 110a, it is possible to smoothly turn a curved duct.
The carrier 110 moves forward by receiving an air flow (wind) from the first blower 12a at the rear portion 110b.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the duct 120 used in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the mutual positional relationship of the carrier 110, bills 50 and duct 120. FIG.

The duct 120 is composed of a first region 120a and a second region 120b, as shown in FIG.
The first area 120a has a vertically long rectangular shape, and its height is such that the short side 50a (see FIG. 5) of the banknote 50 can pass through, and its width is such that the banknote 50 is bent or folded. Alternatively, even if it is curved, it has a width that allows the banknotes 50 to pass through.
The second region 120b has a circular longitudinal section and is set to a size (radius) that allows the carrier 110 to pass therethrough.
The first region 120a and the second region 120b partially overlap each other, and the first region 120a passes through the center of the second region 120b and protrudes vertically from the second region 120b by an equal length. .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the carrier 110 pushes the short side 50a of the bill 50 with its front surface 110c, and conveys the bill 50 inside the duct 120 in the X1 direction. During transport, banknotes 50 pass through the first area 120a of the duct 120, and the carrier 110 passes through the second area 120b of the duct 120. As shown in FIG.
Thus, only banknotes 50 can pass through the first region 120a, and the carrier 110 cannot pass through the first region 120a (more precisely, the carrier 110 protrudes vertically from the second region 120b). cannot pass through the portion of the first region 120a where it is located).
7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the duct 120 and the carrier storage duct 130 branched from the duct 120, and FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the duct 120 and the carrier storage duct 130 when viewed from the carrier storage duct 130 side. 9 is a partial perspective view of the duct 120 and the carrier storage duct 130 viewed from the duct 120 side.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a carrier storage duct 130 branching from the duct 120 is formed in front of the banknote storage chamber 14 .
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, of the first region 120a and the second region 120b forming the duct 120, the first region 120a extends to the banknote storage chamber 14, and the second region 120b extends to the banknote storage chamber 14. It branches from the first region 120a to one of the left and right sides (the left side in FIG. 7, the right side is also possible, or both the left and right sides are also possible). The branched second region 120b constitutes the carrier storage duct 130. As shown in FIG. The carrier storage duct 130 is connected at its tip to the second blower 12b.
10 to 14 are cross-sectional views showing how the carrier 110 is accommodated in the carrier accommodating duct 130, and FIGS. 15 to 17 are cross-sectional views showing how the carrier 110 is discharged from the carrier accommodating duct 130. As shown in FIG. be.

As shown in FIG. 10, the carrier storage duct 130 is composed of a first portion 130a that curves from the duct 120 and then straightly extends, and a second portion 130b that curves and then straightly extends from the first portion 130a. there is The second portion 130b extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first region 120a.
A circular stopper 130c for stopping the carrier 110 is fitted inside the second portion 130b. After passing through the first portion 130a and the second portion 130b of the carrier storage duct 130 from the duct 120, the carrier 110 hits the stopper 130c and stops.
As shown in FIG. 7, at the position where the carrier storage duct 130 starts to bend from the duct 120, a sensor detects the passage of the carrier 110 and transmits a carrier passage signal to the central control unit (see FIG. 18 described later). 131 are arranged.
The banknotes 50 are conveyed to the banknote storage chamber 14 as follows.
When the customer of the pachinko machine 20 inserts the banknote 50 into the banknote insertion slot 21a of the banknote insertion device 21, the banknote 50 is conveyed by the roller unit 21b, passes through the conveyance path 21c, and passes through the banknote outlet 21d (see FIG. 18) to the duct 120. is put inside the

The banknote insertion device 21 is provided with a banknote detection sensor (not shown). When the banknote 50 is inserted into the duct 120, the banknote detection sensor transmits a banknote insertion signal indicating the banknote insertion to the central control unit. do.
The central controller that receives the banknote insertion signal operates the first blower 12a. When the first blower 12a starts operating, an air flow (wind) is generated inside the duct 120 in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 . The carrier 110 travels in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 with the main body portion 110a facing forward, due to the rear portion 110b receiving wind pressure from this airflow.
The carrier 110 catches bills inserted into the duct 120 on the front face 110c until the bill storage chamber 14 is reached. The carrier 110 that has captured the banknotes 50 continues to travel in the direction (direction X1) toward the banknote storage chamber 14 while maintaining the state of pushing the captured banknotes 50 with the front face 110c, and as shown in FIG. Reach before 130.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the carrier 110 reaches the carrier storage duct 130, the bills 50 pushed by the carrier 110 and traveling in the first area 120a of the duct 120 continue in the direction in which the first area 120a continues. keep running. That is, the banknote 50 continues to travel toward the banknote storage chamber 14 due to the inertial force up to that point, and is finally stored in the banknote storage chamber 14 .
On the other hand, the second region 120b of the duct 120 is curved in front of the bill storage chamber 14, and the carrier 110 can only pass through the second region 120b. enters the carrier storage duct 130 (second region 120b) and travels inside the carrier storage duct 130 . At this time, the sensor 131 detects the passage of the carrier 110 and transmits a first carrier passage signal to the central control unit. Upon receiving the carrier passage signal, the central control unit stops the operation of the first blower 12a, for example, or when a predetermined number of bills 50 or more are waiting in the bill inserting device 21, the maximum output is reached. The first blower 12a is kept on standby in a state of 50% output of .

After that, as shown in FIG. 13, the carrier 110 hits the stopper 130c and stops.
Even while the carrier 110 is conveying the banknotes 50 to the banknote storage chamber 14, new banknotes 50 continue to be inserted into the banknote insertion devices 21, and the inserted banknotes 50 are conveyed to the banknote storage chamber 14. is waiting inside the banknote inserting device 21.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, when the transportation of the first banknote 50 to the banknote storage chamber 14 is completed, the first carrier 110 is left inside the carrier storage duct 130 and the central control is performed. The device activates the first air blower 12a and causes the second carrier 110 to run toward the banknote storage chamber 14.例文帳に追加Similarly to the first carrier 110 , the second carrier 110 also catches bills 50 on the way and conveys the bills 50 toward the bill storage chamber 14 .

When the second carrier 110 reaches the carrier storage duct 130, only the banknotes 50 travel through the first region 120a of the duct 120 toward the banknote storage chamber 14 in the same manner as the first carrier 110, and finally is accommodated in the banknote accommodation chamber 14. The carrier 110 enters the branched carrier storage duct 130 (second region 120b), travels inside the carrier storage duct 130, and hits the stopped first carrier 110 and stops.
After that, the third to sixth carriers 110 convey bills 50 to the bill storage chamber 14 in the same manner as the first carrier 110 . At this point, as shown in FIG. 14, the six carriers 110 are stored inside the carrier storage duct 130, and the sensor 131 has so far sent six carrier passing signals to the central controller. are sending to Also, six banknotes 50 are stored in the banknote storage chamber 14 .

When the central controller receives the sixth carrier passing signal from the sensor 131, it activates the second blower 12b. The stopper 130c has a hole through which air flows. When the second blower 12b operates, the air flow generated by the second blower 12b exerts air pressure on the carrier 110 through the hole of the stopper 130c. By this wind pressure, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the six carriers 110 are collectively sent back from the carrier storage duct 130 through the duct 120 toward the first blower 12a.
When the first carrier 110 (the carrier 110 sent first) reaches the front of the first blower 12a, a sensor (not shown) detects the arrival of the carrier 110 and sends a carrier arrival signal to the central controller. Send. When the central controller receives the carrier arrival signal, it stops the operation of the second blower 12b. At this point, no carrier 110 remains in the carrier storage duct 130, as shown in FIG.

The six carriers 110 that have reached the front of the first blower 12a are stored one by one in a predetermined storage space. When the carriers 110 are sent toward the banknote storage chamber 14, the carriers 110 are taken out one by one from the storage space, and are subjected to the wind pressure of the air flow of the first blower 12a to move the inside of the duct 120 one by one into the banknote storage chamber. Take off towards 14.
The operation described above is one cycle of operation from when a plurality of banknotes 50 are inserted into the plurality of banknote inserting devices 21 until they are accommodated in the banknote storage chamber 14 .
FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the paper sheet conveying device 100 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18 , the paper sheet conveying device 100 further includes a carrier passage detection sensor 140 and a central controller 150 .
The carrier passing detection sensor 140 is arranged in the vicinity of the banknote insertion device 21 between the banknote insertion device 21 and the first blower 12a. That is, the carrier passing detection sensor 140 is located upstream of the banknote inserting device 21 at a predetermined distance when viewed from the direction X1.

Carrier passage detection sensor 140 is attached to the outer wall of duct 120 , and when carrier 110 passes in front of it, carrier passage detection sensor 140 transmits a carrier passage detection signal to central controller 150 .
A central controller 150 controls the output of the first blower 12a. Specifically, as described below, the central controller 150 controls the output of the first blower 12a depending on whether or not the carrier passage detection signal from the carrier passage detection sensor 140 is received.
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the output control of the first blower 12a by the central controller 150, and FIGS.
Output control of the first blower 12a by the central controller 150 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, when bills 50 are inserted into the duct 120 from the bill outlet 21d through the bill inserting device 21, a sensor (not shown) transmits a signal to the central controller 150 and receives this signal. Then, the central controller 150 starts operating the first blower 12a (step S110).

When the first blower 12a starts operating, the central controller 150 constantly monitors whether or not a carrier passage detection signal is received from the carrier passage detection sensor 140 (step S120).
If the central controller 150 has not received the carrier passing detection signal (NO in step S120), the central controller 150 sets the output of the first fan 12a to 60% of the maximum output of the first fan 12a ( step S130). Alternatively, the central controller 150 can set the output of the first blower 12a to 60% of the maximum output of the first blower 12a before the first blower 12a starts operating. Thus, the first blower 12a generates airflow in the duct 120 at 60% of its maximum power.

As shown in FIG. 21 , when the carrier 110 passes through the carrier passage detection sensor 140 , the carrier passage detection sensor 140 sends a carrier passage detection signal to the central controller 150 .
When the central controller 150 receives the carrier passage detection signal (YES in step S120), the central controller 150 reduces the output of the first blower 12a to 60% to 100% of the maximum output of the first blower 12a, that is, The output is raised to the maximum output (step S140).
As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, the carrier 110 that has captured the banknotes 50 receives the airflow generated by the maximum output of the first blower 12a, and conveys the banknotes 50 toward the banknote storage chamber 14 at the maximum speed.
After that, central controller 150 determines whether or not a carrier passage signal has been received from sensor 131 (step S150).
If no carrier pass signal has been received from the sensor 131 (NO in step S150), the presence or absence of the carrier pass signal from the sensor 131 is continuously monitored.

When the central controller 150 receives the carrier passing signal from the sensor 131 (YES in step S150), it determines that the banknotes 50 have been accommodated in the banknote storage chamber 14, and the central controller 150 operates the first blower 12a. Stop the operation (set the output to zero) (step S160).
As described above, in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the output control of the first blower 12a is performed when the banknotes 50 are conveyed by the carrier 110 .
Specifically, until the carrier 110 passes the carrier passage detection sensor 140, the central controller 150 suppresses the output of the first blower 12a to 60% of the maximum output, causing the carrier 110 to travel at a relatively low speed.
When the carrier 110 passes the carrier passage detection sensor 140, the central controller 150 determines that the carrier 110 has captured the bill 50, and increases the output of the first blower 12a from 60% to 100% of the maximum output. As a result, the carrier 110 starts running at maximum speed.

Thus, according to the output control of the first blower 12a performed by the central controller 150, the carrier 110 travels at a relatively low speed until the banknotes 50 are captured, and after the banknotes 50 are captured, the carrier 110 travels at the maximum speed. start running.
In the conventional paper sheet conveying apparatus, the carrier 10 was always at the maximum speed (the output of the first blower 12a was the maximum output) when picking up bills, so there was a great possibility that the bills would be damaged.
On the other hand, in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the carrier 110 runs at a low speed until the banknotes 50 are captured. is less than the impact on banknotes. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of damage to the banknote 50 due to impact when the banknote 50 is caught.
18 and 20, the position where the carrier passing detection sensor 140 is attached to the duct 120 and the position where the carrier 110 actually catches the bills 50 are different. The former is more upstream than the latter.

This is because even if the output of the first blower 12a is increased, there is a time lag before the increased air volume actually reaches the carrier 110 position.
Specifically, when the carrier 110 passes through the carrier passage detection sensor 140, a carrier passage detection signal is sent to the central controller 150, and the output of the first blower 12a is increased. By the time the flow actually reaches carrier 110 , carrier 110 has moved ahead of carrier passage detection sensor 140 . Therefore, the airflow due to the increased output catches up with the carrier 110 just at the timing when the carrier 110 captures the bills 50 .
For this reason, the position of the carrier passing detection sensor 140 is the position where the carrier 110 captures the banknote 50 (the position where the banknote 50 is inserted into the duct 120, that is, the banknote 50 is discharged from the banknote insertion device 21 into the duct 120). It is set upstream of the banknote outlet 21d).

Therefore, the distance from the carrier passing detection sensor 140 to the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 can be obtained in advance by repeated trials.
Experimentally, it is appropriate to set the distance from the carrier passing detection sensor 140 to the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 to a length between two and eight times the length of the long side of the banknote 50. . For example, when the banknote 50 is a 1,000-yen banknote, the distance from the carrier passing detection sensor 140 to the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 is appropriately three to four times the length of the long side of the 1,000-yen banknote. distance.
In the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the output of the first blower 12a is set to 60% of the maximum output before the carrier 110 captures the banknotes 50, and is set to 100% of the maximum output after capture. However, the output of the first blower 12a is not limited to these figures.

If the output of the first blower 12a is set high before the banknotes 50 are captured, the time required for the carrier 110 to reach the banknotes 50 can be shortened, but the impact on the banknotes 50 is increased. Conversely, if the output of the first blower 12a is set low before the banknotes 50 are captured, the impact on the banknotes 50 can be reduced, but the carrier 110 takes longer to reach the banknotes 50. . Therefore, the ratio of the output to the maximum output of the first blower 12a before and after capturing the banknotes 50 balances the degree of impact (damage) given to the banknotes 50 and the time required for the carrier 110 to reach the banknotes 50. determined by consideration.
In order to obtain the optimum ratio of the output to the maximum output of the first air blower 12a before capturing the bills 50, the following tests were conducted.
Wet towels were sandwiched on both sides of the bill for 1 minute to moisten the bill. 100 such moistened banknotes were prepared.
The output of the first blower 12a was increased by 10% from 30% to 100% of the maximum output, and the breakage of bills at each output was observed, and the time required for the carrier 110 to reach the bills was measured.

The permissible limit (acceptance line) is that the number of broken banknotes is less than 5 out of 100, and the arrival time of the carrier 110 to the banknote is 1.5 when the arrival time to the banknote at maximum output is 1. It was decided that it should be as follows.
Table 1 shows the test results.
(Table 1)

As is clear from the results in Table 1, the output ratio satisfying the permissible limits for the number of damaged sheets and the arrival time was 60%. At an output ratio of 50%, the number of damaged sheets is within the allowable limit, but the arrival time slightly exceeds the allowable limit. At an output ratio of 70%, the arrival time is within the allowable limit, but the number of damaged sheets exceeds the allowable limit. As described above, the output ratios of 50% and 70% do not satisfy the permissible limit for either the number of damaged sheets or the arrival time, but they are not unbearable for practical use. It was found from the test results that only the output ratio of 60% satisfies the permissible limits for both the number of damaged sheets and the arrival time, and that the output ratio of 60% (exactly around 60%) is the optimum value.
As described above, experimentally, the output of the first blower 12a before capturing the banknotes 50 is preferably 50% to 70%, most preferably 60%.
The output of the first blower 12a after capturing the banknotes 50 is preferably 90% to 100%. 100% is most preferable because there is no risk of breakage of the banknotes 50 after the banknotes 50 are captured. Conveyance efficiency is not greatly reduced.

In general, if the output of the first blower 12a before the banknotes 50 are captured is P1% and the output of the first blower 12a after the banknotes 50 are captured is P2%, the central controller 150 controls the first fan 12a. For output control, if P2 is set to a value larger than P1 (P2>P1), the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be operated.
The paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to the above structure, and various modifications are possible.
As described above, it is appropriate to set the distance from the carrier passing detection sensor 140 to the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 to a length between 2 and 8 times the length of the long side of the banknote 50. . However, in practice, the position of the carrier passing detection sensor 140 is slightly adjusted according to the variation in the output of the first blower 12a and the toughness of the banknote 50 (the older the banknote 50, the easier it is to fold and the more difficult it is to convey). Adjustments may need to be made.
Although the carrier passing detection sensor 140 in the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 is fixedly attached to the duct 120, it is also possible to attach the carrier passing detection sensor 140 movably to the duct 120. FIG.

23A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a carrier passage detection sensor 141, which is a modification of the carrier passage detection sensor 140, is attached to the duct 120, and FIG. 23B is a side view of the carrier passage detection sensor 141. FIG.
The carrier passing detection sensor 141 has an inner wall having the same shape as a portion of the outer wall of the duct 120 and is configured to be detachably fitted into the duct 120 .
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23B, the carrier passing detection sensor 141 can slide along the duct 120 in the longitudinal direction of the duct 120 . By sliding the carrier passage detection sensor 141, the relative position of the banknote insertion device 21 with respect to the banknote outlet 21d can be changed.
Furthermore, instead of the manually slidable carrier passage detection sensor 141, a mechanically slidable carrier passage detection sensor 142 can be used.

24A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carrier passage detection sensor 142 is attached to the duct 120, and FIG. 24B is a side view of the carrier passage detection sensor 142. FIG.
The carrier passage detection sensor 142 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the carrier passage detection sensor 141 and the carrier passage detection sensor 141 shown in FIG. a pinion 144 that meshes with the rack 143 below the rack 143; and a motor 145 that drives the pinion 144.
The operation of motor 145 is controlled by central controller 150 .
When the motor 145 rotates the pinion 144 clockwise in response to a signal from the central controller 150, the rack 143 moves in the direction X2 toward the first blower 12a, and the carrier passing detection sensor 141 fixed to the rack 143 moves. also moves in the direction X2. As a result, the distance from the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 to the carrier passage detection sensor 141 is increased.

Alternatively, when a signal from the central controller 150 causes the motor 145 to rotate the pinion 144 in the counterclockwise direction, the rack 143 moves in the direction X1 away from the first blower 12a and the carrier passing through which is fixed to the rack 143 moves. The detection sensor 141 also moves in the direction X1. As a result, the distance from the banknote outlet 21d of the banknote insertion device 21 to the carrier passage detection sensor 141 is reduced.
In FIGS. 24A and 24B, a combination of the rack 143 and the pinion 144 is used as means for moving the carrier passage detection sensor 141, but the means for moving the carrier passage detection sensor 141 is Any mechanism can be used without limitation.
Thus, the carrier passage detection sensor 141 can be manually or mechanically slid along the duct 120. You can freely adjust the distance.
Although six carriers 110 are used in this embodiment, the number of usable carriers 110 is not limited to six. Any number greater than or equal to two can be selected.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of a paper sheet conveying device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
The paper sheet conveying apparatus 200 according to this embodiment additionally includes an electromagnet device 160 compared to the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.
The electromagnet device 160 has a sheet shape, and the outer surface of the duct 120 extends along the length of the duct 120 over all or part of the area between the carrier passing detection sensor 140 and the bill outlet 21d of the bill inserting device 21. is wrapped in
The on/off of the electromagnet device 160 is controlled by the central controller 150 .
Further, in the paper sheet conveying device 200, a magnetic material is incorporated inside the carrier 110. As shown in FIG. For example, a thin sheet of iron is affixed circumferentially along the inner wall of the main body portion 110a of the carrier 110 .

In the paper sheet conveying apparatus 200 according to this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, output control of the first blower 12a is not performed. Instead of controlling the output of the first blower 12a, the speed of the carrier 110 is directly controlled as follows.
When bills 50 are inserted into the duct 120 from the bill outlet 21d through the bill insertion device 21, a sensor (not shown) transmits a signal to the central controller 150. Upon receiving this signal, the central controller 150 sends a signal to the central controller 150. 1 Start the operation of the air blower 12a. In this case, the central controller 150 operates the first blower 12a at maximum output from the beginning.
When carrier 110 passes carrier passage detection sensor 140 , carrier passage detection sensor 140 sends a carrier passage detection signal to central controller 150 . When the central controller 150 receives the carrier passing detection signal, the central controller 150 activates the electromagnet device 160 .

When the electromagnet device 160 starts operating, the carrier 110 has passed the carrier passage detection sensor 140 and reached the inside of the electromagnet device 160 wound around the duct 120 . When the electromagnet device 160 is activated, it generates a magnetic force around it. A magnetic material placed inside the carrier 110 responds to the magnetic force emitted by the electromagnet device 160 . Since the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet device 160 acts on the carrier 110 from all directions around the carrier 110 , the forward propulsion that the carrier 110 had until it reached the electromagnet device 160 is caused by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet device 160 . It will be removed.
As a result, the carrier 110 is in the same state as if the brake were applied, and the running speed of the carrier 110 is reduced. Carrier 110 captures bill 50 immediately after exiting electromagnet device 160 . Immediately after exiting the electromagnet device 160, the running speed of the carrier 110 remains low, so the impact when the carrier 110 captures the banknotes 50 is the same as the impact when the carrier 110 captures the banknotes 50 at the maximum speed. smaller in comparison. Therefore, the possibility of damaging the banknote 50 is reduced.

Once the carrier 110 exits the electromagnet device 160 , the carrier 110 is no longer subject to the magnetic force of the electromagnet device 160 . Therefore, after the timing at which the carrier 110 captures the banknotes 50, the carrier 110 receives the airflow generated by the maximum output of the first blower 12a and increases the traveling speed to the maximum speed again.
For example, a sensor is provided at the exit of the electromagnet device 160, and when this sensor detects the passage of the carrier 110, the central controller 150 stops the operation of the electromagnet device 160. FIG. Alternatively, the central controller 150 can automatically stop the electromagnet device 160 after a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) after receiving the carrier passage detection signal from the carrier passage detection sensor 140 . It can be determined arbitrarily at what time the electromagnet device 160 is stopped.
Alternatively, the electromagnet device 160 can always be operated without the on/off control of the electromagnet device 160 by the central controller 150 according to the carrier passage detection signal from the carrier passage detection sensor 140 . If the electromagnet device 160 is always operated, the carrier 110 will be automatically decelerated immediately before passing the banknote insertion device 21, and the on/off control of the electromagnet device 160 will be unnecessary.

The paper sheet conveying apparatus 200 according to this embodiment has the following effects.
According to the paper sheet conveying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, since the carrier 110 is traveling at a low speed until the carrier 110 reaches the banknotes 50, the banknotes 50 are stored in the banknote storage chamber 14. It will take a long time until
On the other hand, according to the paper sheet conveying apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the carrier 110 can run at the maximum speed until it catches the banknotes 50 except for the time it passes through the electromagnet device 160. Therefore, compared to the paper sheet transport apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time required for the carrier 110 to reach the banknotes 50, and thus the banknotes 50 can be stored. It is possible to shorten the time until it is stored in the chamber 14. - 特許庁

100 Sheet conveying device 110 carrier 120 duct 130 carrier storage duct 140 carrier passage detection sensor 150 central control device 160 electromagnet device according to the first embodiment

Claims (14)

a duct;
a paper sheet storage chamber arranged to communicate with the duct at one end of the duct;
a carrier running in the duct;
a first blower that generates an air flow in the duct in a direction toward the paper sheet storage chamber;
a second blower that generates an air flow in the duct in a direction opposite to the direction;
a paper sheet loading device for loading paper sheets into the duct;
with
The carrier is caused to run in the duct by the air flow generated in the duct by the first blower, and the paper sheets thrown into the duct via the paper sheet throwing device are stored in the paper sheets. A paper sheet conveying device for conveying to a chamber via the carrier,
The paper sheet conveying device includes a controller for controlling the output of the first blower, and the controller controls the air flow generated by the first blower until the carrier reaches the paper sheet. is controlled to be smaller than the air flow when reaching the paper sheet and conveying the paper sheet,
A carrier passage detection sensor that detects passage of the carrier and emits a carrier passage detection signal,
The carrier passage detection sensor is arranged outside the duct at a position closer to the first blower than the paper sheet insertion device,
The control device sets the output of the first blower to P1% of the maximum output of the first blower until receiving the carrier passage detection signal from the carrier passage detection sensor, when receiving a passing detection signal, changing the output of the first blower to P2% of the maximum output of the first blower;
P2 is a value greater than P1,
The carrier passage detection sensor is arranged so that the timing at which the airflow generated by the output of the first blower changed to P2% reaches the carrier and the timing at which the carrier catches the paper sheets are the same. A paper sheet conveying device characterized by being arranged at a position. The carrier passing detection sensor is arranged within a range of 2 to 8 times the length of the paper sheets in the longitudinal direction of the duct from the paper sheet insertion device toward the first blower. The paper sheet conveying device according to claim 1. 2. A paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carrier passage detection sensor is movable along said duct. 4. A paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising sensor moving means for moving said carrier passage detection sensor along said duct. 5. The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein P1 is 50 or more and 70 or less. 5. The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein P1 is 60. 5. The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein P2 is 90 or more and 100 or less. 5. The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein P2 is 100. An air flow is generated in the duct by the first blower, and the air flow causes the carrier to run in the duct, and the paper sheets placed in the end of the duct are stored in the paper sheets placed in the duct. In the paper sheet conveying method for conveying the paper sheet to the chamber via the carrier, the output of the first blower is an air flow generated by the first blower until the carrier reaches the paper sheet. is controlled to be smaller than the air flow when reaching the paper sheet and conveying the paper sheet,
a first step of detecting whether or not the carrier has passed a second position closer to the first blower than the first position where the paper sheets are thrown into the duct;
a second step of setting the output of the first blower to P1 % of the maximum output of the first blower until the passage of the carrier through the second position is detected;
a third step of changing the output of the first blower to P2 % of the maximum output of the first blower when the passage of the carrier through the second position is detected;
with
P2 is a value greater than P1,
The second position is such that the timing at which the airflow generated by the output of the first blower changed to P2% reaches the carrier and the timing at which the carrier catches the paper sheets are the same. A method for conveying paper sheets, characterized by: 10. The paper sheet conveying method according to claim 9, further comprising a fourth step of changing said second position along said duct. 11. The paper sheet conveying method according to claim 9, wherein P1 is 50 or more and 70 or less. 11. The paper sheet conveying method according to claim 9, wherein P1 is 60. 11. The paper sheet conveying method according to claim 9, wherein P2 is 90 or more and 100 or less. 11. The paper sheet conveying method according to claim 9, wherein P2 is 100.

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