JP7284133B2 - Paper sheet processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus for sterilizing the surfaces of banknotes when counting banknotes in bank stores, cash centers, and the like.

Customers who are concerned about the risk of infection caused by viruses attached to banknotes due to the recent global epidemics of infectious diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), MARS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), and the 2020 novel coronavirus. is increasing.

In order to remove viruses attached to banknotes, for example, banknotes are used after being stored in a warehouse for a period of time when the virus disappears, but this is an inefficient way of using banknotes in society. is.

Conventionally, there is a technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 as this type of invention for sterilizing viruses. In Patent Document 1, in a paper sheet processing apparatus, "By heating paper sheets conveyed in a paper sheet conveying path 15b connecting a reception port for receiving paper sheets and a storage unit for storing paper sheets, By providing the heating means 49 capable of sterilization and the ultraviolet irradiation means 36 capable of sterilizing the paper sheets by irradiating the paper sheets with ultraviolet rays, heating is more efficient than when the paper sheets are sterilized only by the heating means. The temperature of the means is lowered, and the ultraviolet output of the ultraviolet irradiation means is lowered as compared with the case where paper sheets are sterilized only by the ultraviolet irradiation means." (See the abstract of Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2002-32819

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in the paper sheet processing apparatus, the surface of the bill is sterilized by irradiating the bill with ultraviolet rays or by heating. Therefore, it is doubtful whether it has sufficient sterilization ability. Further, for example, polymer banknotes may be damaged by heat, and there is a problem that they are not practical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly practical paper sheet processing apparatus having sufficient sterilization capability for various types of banknotes.

In order to solve the above problems, the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyance path for conveying paper sheets, and a light source for irradiating the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveyance path with a light beam having sterilizing power. and a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the light beam emitted from the light source to the paper sheet being conveyed on the conveying path.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly practical paper sheet processing apparatus having sufficient sterilization capability for various types of bills. In addition, since the sterilization time of bills can be saved, efficient cash management is possible. A customer can touch bills with confidence.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the banknote sorting device according to the first embodiment; 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote sterilization unit of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit shown in the AA cross section of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit shown in the BB cross section of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of protecting a lamp by a coil shape according to a modified example of Embodiment 1; 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote sterilization unit of Example 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote sterilization unit of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote sterilization unit of a modified example of the second embodiment; The figure which shows schematic structure and operation|movement of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 3. FIG. The figure which shows schematic structure and operation|movement of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 3. FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic configuration diagram of the banknote sterilization unit shown in the CC cross section of FIG. 8A; The figure which shows the structural example of the banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. The figure which shows the structural example of the banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. The figure which shows the structural example of the banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. The figure which shows the structural example of the banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. The figure which shows the structural example of the banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. The schematic block diagram (side view) of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 5. FIG. The schematic block diagram (top view) of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 5. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of a banknote sterilization unit of a modified example of the fifth embodiment; The schematic block diagram (side view) of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 6. FIG. The schematic block diagram (top view) of the banknote sterilization unit of Example 6. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. The following examples do not limit the invention. Each drawing for describing the following embodiments merely shows an example. In the drawings of the embodiments below, the same reference numerals denote components or processes having the same or similar functions, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, subscripts are attached to the symbols of the same constituent elements to distinguish the plurality of identical constituent elements, and when the plurality of identical constituent elements are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to by the reference numerals without the subscripts. Moreover, each embodiment and each modification can be combined in part or in whole so as to match within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

In the following examples, the vertical direction (upper direction, upward direction) of the casing of the banknote handling device, the banknote sorting device, the banknote sterilization unit, and the expansion pocket is the positive direction of the Z axis, and the user side of the case (front side, The positive direction of the Y-axis is the direction from the front) to the opposite side (rear side, rearward), and the positive direction of the X-axis is the direction from the left side to the right side of the housing facing the user. In the description of the embodiments below, a positive XYZ coordinate system in which the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other is used. In the following embodiments, the directions and positions represented by "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", "back", "back", etc. are only relative, and the XYZ coordinate system is used to represent the bill processing apparatus. , the bill sorting device, the bill sterilization unit, and the expansion pocket, as well as other components, are not limited in orientation, shape, or size.

In the following embodiments, the banknote handling device, banknote sorting device, banknote sterilization unit, and expansion pocket will be described as an example in which banknotes are handled as paper sheets. Various paper sheets can be handled in the same way.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the bill sorting device 200 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the banknote processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

First, the functional configuration of the banknote sorting device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The banknote sorting device 200 is a device that performs scrutinization work such as counting of collected banknotes taken into the banknote sorting device 200, authenticity determination, and fitness separation processing.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the banknote sorting apparatus 200 has a main control section 250 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 251 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 252 , a display operation section 253 , a communication section 254 and a storage section 255 . The main control section 250 is a processor that controls each section in the banknote sorting apparatus 200 . The ROM 251 records programs and the like executed by the main control unit 250 . The RAM 252 records, in a readable and writable manner, control data for the main control section 250 to control each section.

The display operation unit 253 is a display provided with, for example, a touch panel that receives input operations by the operator of the banknote sorting device 200 and displays various data. The communication unit 254 transmits and receives information when the banknote sorting apparatus 200 communicates with an external device such as a host computer. The storage unit 255 is a storage or the like that stores various information. In the storage unit 255, authenticity judgment reference information 256 used for authenticity judgment of banknotes, fitness separation reference information 257 used as a reference for judging fit and unfit bills, and images obtained by scanner A 204 and scanner B 206, which will be described later, are stored. Banknote image information 258 that is information about is stored.

The banknote sorting apparatus 200 also includes a serial number reading sensor 201, a number detection sensor 203, a scanner A 204 that acquires images of the entire front and back sides of banknotes, a scanner B 205 that acquires a transparent image of the entire banknote, and a damaged banknote. It has a banknote recognition unit 210 including a bad note detection sensor 206 for reading the note level, and a sorting gate 230 for sorting the banknotes carefully inspected by the banknote recognition unit 210 . The banknote sorting device 200 also has a banknote feeding unit 281 and a banknote transport unit 282 .

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the banknote processing apparatus 1 of Example 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the inside of the banknote processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The banknote processing apparatus 1 of Example 1 includes a banknote sorting device 200 , a banknote sterilization unit 400 and an expansion stacker unit 300 .

The banknote sorting apparatus 200 includes a banknote recognition unit 210, a temporary storage unit 220, a banknote delivery unit 281, a plurality of sorting gates 230, a reject stacker 240, a first stacker 245A, a second stacker 245B, a third stacker 245C, and a fourth stacker. 245D.

The banknote identification unit 210 includes a serial number reading sensor 201, a number detection sensor 203, a scanner A 204, a scanner B 205, and an unfit note detection sensor 206, and counts and verifies the authenticity of the banknotes S delivered from the banknote delivery unit 281. Scrutiny such as judgment and damage separation processing is performed.

The temporary storage unit 220 temporarily stores the banknotes S that have been thrown from the banknote feeding unit 281 and passed through the banknote recognition unit 210 . The temporary storage unit 220 feeds the banknotes S, for which the destination stacker has been determined as a result of identification by the banknote identification unit 210, toward the target stacker or toward the banknote delivery unit 281 to be returned to the user. .

The banknote delivery unit 281 is a banknote S input unit, and delivers the stacked banknotes S inserted from the input port one by one. Each sorting gate 230 sorts the banknotes S inspected by the banknote identification unit 210 to each route. The reject stacker 240 and the first stacker 245A to the fourth stacker 245D are bill S storage means.

Further, the banknote sorting apparatus 200 is connected with an extended stacker unit 300 and a banknote sterilization unit 400 . The expansion stacker unit 300 has a plurality of sorting gates 230, a fifth stacker 245E, and a sixth stacker 245F. The banknote sterilization unit 400 has a transport path for sterilizing the surface of the banknote S transported on the transport path towards the extended stacker unit 300 .

Here, the expansion stacker unit 300 is assumed to be a unit having two expansion stackers, but is not limited to this, and may be a single pocket in which a large number of bills S are stacked. Further, as will be described later, instead of the banknote sorting device 200, a device that does not have the banknote recognition unit 210, the temporary storage unit 220, and the first stacker 245A to the fourth stacker 245D but has only the banknote delivery unit 281 is employed. may

Which stacker is assigned to each banknote S recognized by the banknote recognition unit 210 is a setting item set in the banknote processing apparatus 1 in advance. In the following description, the fifth stacker 245E is assigned banknotes of the first denomination, the sixth stacker 245F is assigned banknotes of the second denomination, and the reject stacker 240 is assigned banknotes of abnormal transport or counterfeit banknotes.

The banknotes S loaded in the banknote feeding unit 281 are separated one by one and sent to the banknote recognition unit 210 . The banknote identification unit 210 detects the authenticity and features of the banknotes S using various sensors, and stacks the banknotes S in the assigned stackers as described above according to the detected features.

The banknotes S sorted to the fifth stacker 245E and the sixth stacker 245F pass through the banknote sterilization unit 400 on the way. As described above, both sides of the bill S are sterilized by the bill sterilization unit 400 and stored in each pocket.

In order to secure the UV irradiation time in the banknote sterilization unit 400, the transport path is formed in, for example, a V-shape and/or an S-shape to ensure a long length. For example, the banknote transport speed in the banknote sterilization unit 400 within the predetermined transport section is reduced to a first speed at which the interval between the banknotes S is approximately 0, and outside the predetermined transport section after being discharged from the banknote sterilization unit 400, the banknote transport speed is reduced to the first speed. The sterilization time is adjusted by adjusting the banknote transport speed in the banknote sterilization unit 400 so as to return to the second speed, which is higher than the speed. In this way, a plurality of sterilization modes with different sterilization times can be realized.

The sterilized banknotes S are then transported to the extended stacker unit 300 and stacked in each stacker. In this manner, while the banknote sorting apparatus 200 sorts the banknotes, viruses and the like on the surface of the banknotes are sterilized, so that the banknotes can be handled more efficiently and safely.

Next, the configuration of the banknote sterilization unit 400 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the banknote sterilization unit 400 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the inside of the banknote sterilization unit 400 according to the first embodiment.

The banknote sterilization unit 400 has a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation lamp units 401A and 401B inside the housing 10 . Inside the ultraviolet irradiation lamp units 401A and 401B, a transport path 403 is formed so that the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402 can irradiate the bills S transported on the transport path 403 with ultraviolet rays.

Each of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp units 401A and 401B has a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402, and an S-shaped transport path 403 that repeats U-turns along the plurality of ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402 is formed. ing. Since the transport path 403 is formed in an S shape, the bills S transported through the UV irradiation lamp unit 401 are irradiated with UV rays in the UV irradiation lamp unit 401 for as long as possible. The ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 may be an elongated lamp, or may be formed by arranging a plurality of lamps to form an elongated shape.

In the example of FIG. 3, the two ultraviolet irradiation lamp units 401A and 401B are arranged in a V shape inside the housing 10, but the configuration, number, and number of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp units 401 The arrangement is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, one or more UV irradiation lamp units 401 having an S-shaped transport path 403 inside may be arranged such that the straight portion of the transport path 403 is substantially vertical (parallel to the XZ plane). . Further, for example, even if one or more UV irradiation lamp units 401 having an S-shaped transport path 403 inside are arranged such that the linear portion of the transport path 403 is substantially horizontal (parallel to the XY plane). good. Further, for example, two or more UV irradiation lamp units each having a transport path with only a straight portion inside may be arranged in a V shape inside the housing 10 .

The banknote sterilization unit 400 is also provided with an exhaust port 501 having a fan for discharging the heated air inside the housing 10 to the outside of the banknote processing apparatus 1 through a filter 502 .

Also, although details are omitted, a transport belt for transporting banknotes S, a motor for driving the transport belt, a light emitting and receiving sensor capable of confirming the arrival of banknotes S, a power supply, and a control board for controlling them are also included in the banknote sterilization unit. 400.

FIG. 4A is a schematic configuration diagram of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401A shown in the AA cross section of FIG. 4A is a view of the AA cross section of FIG. 3 as viewed in the direction of arrow A. FIG. FIG. 4B is a schematic configuration diagram of the UV irradiation lamp unit 401B shown in the BB cross section of FIG. FIG. 4B is a view of the BB cross section of FIG. 3 as viewed in the direction of arrow B. FIG.

The ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401A and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401B, which include the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 and the transport path 403, are entirely covered with a mirror-finished aluminum frame 404, in which the paper currency S travels along the transport path 403. be transported. Further, in order to prevent deterioration of the conveying belt 415 due to ultraviolet rays, a frame 410 made of mirror-finished aluminum is arranged between the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 and the conveying belt 415 so that the ultraviolet irradiation of the conveying belt 415 by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 is prevented. It has a structure to prevent In order to protect the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 from the transport path 403, an aluminum mesh 420 is arranged between the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 and the transport path 403 so that the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 is pressed during jam removal. The structure is such that it will not be damaged, and the worker will not get burned by directly touching the UV irradiation lamp 402 .

In this way, since the frame 404 and the frame 410 cover the periphery of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402, the ultraviolet rays of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 are reflected by the frame 404 and the frame 410, so that the banknotes S can be irradiated more efficiently. In addition, deterioration of components inside the lamp unit 401 for ultraviolet irradiation due to ultraviolet rays can be prevented.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, four ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402 are arranged in the width direction of the transport path 403 in the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401A, while in the example shown in FIG. 4B, the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401B , three ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402 are arranged in the width direction of the transport path 403 . That is, the position of the transport belt 415 in the width direction of the transport path 403 is different between the UV irradiation lamp unit 401A and the UV irradiation lamp unit 401B. In this way, by switching the sandwiching position of the banknote S between the UV irradiation lamp unit 401A in the first half of the transport path 403 and the UV irradiation lamp unit 401B in the latter half, the surface of the banknote S is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in a wider range. can do.

It should be noted that the frame 404 and the frame 410 are not limited to aluminum frames, and any material that reflects incident ultraviolet rays with a predetermined reflectance may be used as the reflecting member. Further, the light source is not limited to the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402, and may be any light source that emits a light beam having a sterilizing effect against target viruses, bacteria, or the like.

In addition to the aluminum mesh 420, for example, as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, by applying a titanium oxide coating to the filter 502 immediately before the exhaust port 501, the ultraviolet light leaking from the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401A and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp unit 401B reacts with the titanium oxide coating. , the air inside the banknote sterilization unit 400 can be sterilized with a photocatalyst and then discharged to the outside. Titanium coating is an example of photocatalytic processing, and may be applied not only to the filter 502 but also to the mesh 420 .

Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. 6A and 6B are schematic configuration diagrams of a banknote sterilization unit 400B of Example 2. FIG. In the configuration of the transport path 403 of Embodiment 1, a high sterilization effect can be expected by directly irradiating the bills S with ultraviolet rays from a close distance. Man-hours are required to replace the lamp 402 and remove the jam. In addition, a mechanism such as opening and closing of the transport path 403 between the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402 facing each other is required.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the banknote processing apparatus 1B, the UV irradiation lamp 402B is arranged only on one side in the width direction of the transport path inside the housing of the banknote sterilization unit 400B. This enhances ease of maintenance such as replacement and jam removal. In the example of FIG. 6A, the plurality of ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402B are arranged side by side on the surface inside the housing of the banknote sterilization unit 400B parallel to the YZ plane on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 6A. The ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402B may be an elongated lamp, or may be formed by arranging a plurality of lamps to form an elongated shape.

Further, in this embodiment, the transport path 403B is formed to meander inside the housing of the banknote sterilization unit 400B so that the banknote S stays in the banknote sterilization unit 400B for a longer period of time and is irradiated with more ultraviolet rays. Although FIG. 6A shows an example in which the transport path 403B meanders in the Z-axis direction, it is not limited to this, and may meander in the Y-axis direction, for example.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 10B is formed of a metal with a mirror surface or a member coated with a reflective paint on the surface, and by surrounding the entire transport path 403B, it can be placed on any one surface of the banknote sterilization unit 400B. Even if the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402B are reflected, the bills S can be irradiated with the ultraviolet rays without the energy attenuating.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the light of all the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402B is partially visible from the outside of the banknote sterilization unit 400B. For example, by cutting out a part of the surface on which the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402B are arranged and providing a hole 510, it is possible to determine which ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402B is out or when to replace which ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402B. It is possible to easily know whether or not they are close to each other, so that exchange can be efficiently performed.

Also in this embodiment, it is possible to uniformly irradiate the banknotes S with ultraviolet rays by changing the positions and the number of the transport belts in the first half and the latter half of the transport path 403B.

(Modification of Example 2)
In a modification of the second embodiment, one or more reflectors 520 as shown in FIG. 7 are provided at appropriate positions on the transport path 403B, and the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402B are reflected by the reflectors 520, and the transport path A structure is adopted in which the reflected light is incident on the surface of the banknote S conveyed on 403B at an incident angle of a predetermined angle or less, thereby efficiently irradiating the surface. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a banknote sterilization unit 400B-1 of a modification of the second embodiment, and is a top view of the inside of the banknote sterilization unit 400B-1. The housing 10B-1 of the banknote sterilization unit 400B-1 may be formed of a metal having a mirror surface or a member coated with a reflective paint, like the housing 10B of the banknote sterilization unit 400B of the second embodiment. good.

In general, the longer the conveying path, the more likely troubles such as paper jams will occur. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the conveying path as much as possible in an apparatus having a banknote conveying mechanism. On the other hand, when sterilizing banknotes transported on the transport path by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays or the like, it is desirable that the banknotes remain on the transport path for a sufficient amount of time in order to obtain a sufficient sterilization effect. Therefore, a third embodiment will be described in which a sufficient UV irradiation time can be ensured while using a short transport path.

8A, 8B, and 9 are diagrams showing a schematic configuration and operation of a banknote sterilization unit 400C of Example 3. FIG. A banknote sterilization unit 400C included in the banknote processing apparatus 1C corresponds to each of the transport paths 403-0, 403-1, 403-2, 403-3, 403-4 and the transport paths 403-0 to 403-4. Distribution gates 230-0, 230-1, 230-2, 230-3 and 230-4 are provided. The banknote sterilization unit 400C also includes UV irradiation lamps 402-0, 402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4, and 402-5.

Although detailed description and illustration are omitted, the banknote sterilization unit 400C includes a control board and a plurality of sensors for controlling each part including a plurality of motors for driving and stopping the transport paths 403-0 to 403-4. be done.

The number of transport paths (five transport paths 403-0 to 403-4) and ultraviolet irradiation lamps (six ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 to 402-5) shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is an example. It's nothing more than That is, it is sufficient that the banknotes on a plurality of transport paths can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays from above and below.

The banknote sterilization unit 400C has a structure in which a plurality of transport paths 403-0 to 403-4 are horizontally arranged so as to be sandwiched from above and below by ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 to 402-5. Of the banknotes S transported to the banknote sterilization unit 400C, the first n banknotes from the first to the nth banknotes are transported to the uppermost transport path 403-0 by switching the route by the sorting gate 230-0. be. When a predetermined number (n) of banknotes S are conveyed to the conveying path 403-0, the driving of the conveying path 403-0 is stopped. Then, the n banknotes S from the next (n+1)th to 2nth banknotes are transported to the transport path 403-1 on the second stage after switching the route by the 230-1. In this manner, the n banknotes S are conveyed from the first conveying path 403-0 to the fifth conveying path 403-4.

For example, the transport path 403-i (i=0 to 4) into which n banknotes S have been carried is stopped for a predetermined period of time, and the UV irradiation lamps 402-i and 402 sandwiching the transport path 403-i from above and below. At −(i+1), the n banknotes S are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Here, the predetermined time is the time when n banknotes S have been carried into the carrier path 403-i, and n banknotes S have started to be carried into the carrier path 403-j (where j=(i+4) mod 5). It's time to go. After a predetermined time has passed, n banknotes S are sequentially discharged from the transport path 403-i to the outside of the banknote sterilization unit 400C (see FIG. 8B).

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the banknote sterilization unit 400C shown in the CC section of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a view of the CC section of FIG. 8A viewed in the direction of arrow C. FIG. The banknote sterilization unit 400C has a housing 10C. Inside the housing 10C, the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402 and the transport path 403 are entirely covered with a mirror-finished aluminum frame 404, and bills S are transported along the transport path 403-i (i=0 to 4). In order to prevent deterioration of the conveyor belt 415 due to ultraviolet rays, a mirror-finished aluminum frame 410 is arranged between the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-j (j=0 to 5) and the conveyor belt 415. -j is configured to prevent the conveying belt 415 from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, in order to protect the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402-j from the transport path 403-i, an aluminum mesh 420 is arranged between the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 402-j and the transport path 403-i. The structure is such that the UV irradiation lamp 402-j is not damaged due to pressure, and the worker is not burned by direct contact with the UV irradiation lamp 402-j.

By adopting such a structure, even if the transport path is short, it is possible to obtain a structure in which obstacles such as jams are less likely to occur while securing a sufficient time for irradiating the banknotes S with ultraviolet rays to obtain a sterilizing effect. .

Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 3 described above, the transport speed of the banknotes S in the banknote sterilization units 400, 400B, 400B-1, and 400C is set to the first transport speed, which is slower than the second transport speed, which is the normal transport speed. By setting the speed, it is also possible to irradiate the banknotes S with the ultraviolet rays for a longer time.

In Examples 1 to 3 described above, as shown in FIG. is described as being sterilized before being transported to the bill sterilization unit 400 . However, various units and the banknote sterilization unit 400 may be combined in various forms to configure the banknote processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, as Example 4, with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10E, various units and the banknote sterilization unit 400 are combined in various forms to configure a banknote processing apparatus. 10A to 10E are diagrams showing configuration examples of a banknote processing apparatus using a banknote sterilization unit. In the fourth embodiment, an example using the banknote sterilization unit 400 is shown, but banknote sterilization units 400B, 400B-1, 400C, 400D, and 400E may be used.

A banknote processing apparatus 1D shown in FIG. 10A has a configuration in which a bundle winding unit 300D is connected to the rear side of the banknote sorting device 200 and the banknote sterilization unit 400 instead of the expansion stacker unit 300. FIG. The bundle unit 300D is storage means for bundling and storing banknotes sterilized by the banknote sterilization unit 400 after being identified by the banknote recognition unit 210 of the banknote sorting device 200 in units of a predetermined number.

10B has a configuration in which a plurality of extended stacker units 300 (two in FIG. 10B) are connected to the rear side of the banknote sorting device 200 and the banknote sterilization unit 400 .

10C has a configuration in which a stacker unit 300F is connected to the rear side of the feeding device 200F and the banknote sterilization unit 400. The banknote processing apparatus 1F shown in FIG. The banknotes put into the feeding device 200F are fed one by one from the feeding device 200F, are sterilized by the banknote sterilization unit 400, and are stored in the stacker of the stacker unit 300F.

10D has a configuration in which a unit including a banknote identification section 210 and an extended stacker unit 300 are connected to the rear side of the feeding device 200F and the banknote sterilization unit 400. The banknote processing apparatus 1G shown in FIG. A thickness detection unit that detects only the thickness of the banknotes conveyed on the conveyance path may be used instead of the banknote recognition unit 210 . After the banknotes sterilized by the banknote sterilization unit 400 are identified by the banknote identification unit 210, the banknotes are stored by switching the route to the stacker according to the identification result.

Here, the banknotes immediately after being delivered by the delivery device 200F have a relatively low transport speed at the initial speed stage. Therefore, in the banknote sterilization unit 400 within the predetermined transport section, the banknote transport speed is kept at the relatively low first speed and the banknote interval is narrowed. , to accelerate the bill transport speed to a second speed. As a result, it is possible to secure a sufficient bill conveying speed and a sufficient bill interval during bill identification, sorting, and stacking, while closing the space between bills when sterilizing bills.

10E is provided with a unit including a banknote recognition unit 210 on the back side of the feeding device 200F, and the banknote sterilization unit 400 and the expansion stacker unit 300 are connected to the back side of the unit including the banknote recognition unit 210. configuration. A thickness detection unit that detects only the thickness of the banknotes conveyed on the conveyance path may be used instead of the banknote recognition unit 210 . After being identified by the bill identification unit 210 , the bills sterilized by the bill sterilization unit 400 are stored by switching the route to a stacker according to the identification result of the bill identification unit 210 . 10C, the banknote processing apparatus 1G of FIG. 10D, and the banknote processing apparatus 1H of FIG.

FIG. 11A is a schematic configuration diagram (side view) of a banknote sterilization unit 400D of Example 4. FIG. In the configuration of this embodiment, instead of the above-described transport belts for transporting banknotes, banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 are paired vertically, and wire-shaped transport guides 440 are similarly paired vertically. The feature is that -0,440-1 are used.

FIG. 11B is a top view of a transport path including banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 and wire-shaped transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 of the banknote sterilization unit 400D. As shown in FIG. 11B, in this embodiment, four UV irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1 are arranged above and below the transport path, and transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 are arranged along the transport path. Eight of each are arranged on the upper and lower sides. Two banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 are provided on each of the six roller shafts 432-0 and 432-1. These numbers can be changed as appropriate. In addition, reflecting members (not shown) may be provided around the UV irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1 are elongated along the transport path including the transport guides 440-0 and 440-1. may be arranged along the transport path.

A plurality of banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 apply a driving force to the banknote, and the banknote is transported in the space between the transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 from left to right in the plane of FIG. 11B. go. At this time, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from above and below by ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1 arranged above and below. Since the transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 are wire-shaped, the amount of blocking of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1 is reduced, and the amount of ultraviolet rays applied to the bills is sufficiently reduced. can be secured.

Further, although the banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 are made of rubber, the deterioration of the rubber may be accelerated because the rollers are also irradiated with ultraviolet rays. For this reason, the rubber rollers of the banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 of this embodiment are made of fluororubber, which is excellent in durability. Alternatively, the circumferential surface of a normal rubber roller may be coated with fluorine.

Further, one of the banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 may be a metal roller and the other a rubber roller to prevent deterioration due to ultraviolet rays. In this case, metal rollers have less force to hold banknotes than rubber rollers. In particular, fluororubber or fluorine-coated rubber may have less friction. may be applied to increase retention.

It should be noted that the rollers are not limited to rubber rollers and may be resin rollers having a coefficient of friction suitable for conveying banknotes.

(Modification of Example 5)
FIG. 11C is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of a banknote sterilization unit 400D-1 as a modification of the fifth embodiment. In this modification, the transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 are arranged obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction of the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1 arranged along the banknote transport direction. . As a result, even if the banknote is conveyed through a location where ultraviolet rays are blocked by the conveyance guides 440-0 and 440-1 and are difficult to reach, the conveyance guides 440-0 and 440-1 are arranged obliquely. By also conveying the portion where the banknote is present, the banknote can be irradiated with more ultraviolet rays.

FIG. 12A is a schematic configuration diagram (side view) of a banknote sterilization unit 400E of Example 6, and FIG. 12B is a top view of the banknote sterilization unit 400E. In the configuration of the present embodiment, instead of the transport guides 440-0 and 440-1 of the fifth embodiment, transport guide glass plates 450-0 and 450-1 are provided as transport guides. The bill to which the conveying force is applied by -1 is conveyed between the conveying guide glass plates 450-0 and 450-1.

In this embodiment, the conveying guide glass plates 450-0 and 450-1 are divided into three by two pairs of bill conveying rollers 430-0 and 430-1 provided in the width direction of bill conveying. It is not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the number of banknote transport roller pairs. For example, only glass plates 450-0 and 450-1 for transport guide provided between two pairs of banknote transport rollers 430-0 and 430-1 provided in the width direction of banknote transport may be used. Further, instead of the glass plate, a resin plate or the like having a translucency of a sterilizing light beam such as an ultraviolet ray that can ensure strength against scratches or the like may be used.

According to the present embodiment, the transfer guide glass plates 450-0 and 450-1 do not block the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 402-0 and 402-1. The amount can be even higher.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, as long as there is no contradiction, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, replace, integrate, or distribute a part of the configuration of each embodiment. Also, the configurations and processes shown in the embodiments can be appropriately distributed or integrated based on processing efficiency or implementation efficiency.

1, 1B, 1B-1, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H: banknote processing device, 10, 10B, 10B-1, 10D: housing, 400, 400B, 400B-1, 400C, 400D: banknote sterilization unit , 401A, 401B: UV irradiation lamp unit, 402, 402B, 402-0 to 402-5: UV irradiation lamp, 403, 403B, 403-0 to 403-4: Conveyance path, 404, 410: Frame, 415 : transport belt 420: mesh 430-0, 430-1: banknote transport roller 432-0, 432-1: roller shaft 440-0, 440-1: transport guide 450-0, 450-1: Glass plate for conveyance guide, 501: exhaust port, 502: filter, 510: hole, 520: reflector

Claims (14)

a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
The transport path is formed in an S-shape and/or a V-shape,
wherein the light source simultaneously irradiates the ultraviolet rays to both sides of the paper sheet being conveyed along the S-shaped and/or V-shaped conveying path from the start point to the end point of the conveying path. A paper sheet processing apparatus, characterized in that it is arranged on both sides of the conveying path. a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
The transport path includes a plurality of linear transport paths through which paper sheets being transported on the transport path are sorted,
a plurality of the light sources are arranged to irradiate the ultraviolet rays to the paper sheets on each transport path;
Each transport path stops the paper sheets on each transport path for the predetermined time so that the sorted paper sheets are irradiated with the ultraviolet rays for the predetermined time. A paper sheet processing apparatus characterized by resuming conveyance of paper sheets and discharging them from each conveyance path. a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
a light shielding member positioned between a transport belt that sandwiches the paper sheet from both sides and the light source in the transport path and shielding the transport belt from being irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source;
a protective member that transmits the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source and protects the light source so that the light source and the paper sheet conveyed on the conveying path do not come into contact with each other; Paper sheet handling equipment. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the protective member is subjected to photocatalytic processing. a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
The transport path is formed in an S-shape and/or a V-shape,
The light source is arranged at a position away from the transport path on one side in the width direction of the transport path so as to irradiate the ultraviolet rays onto the paper sheets being transported on the transport path,
A second light source which reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source and is arranged at a position where the reflected light is irradiated onto the surface of the paper sheet being conveyed on the conveying path at an incident angle of less than or equal to a predetermined angle. A paper sheet processing apparatus further comprising a reflecting member. a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
A paper sheet processing apparatus, wherein a holding position of a conveying belt that holds the paper sheet from both sides of the conveying path is switched in the middle of the conveying path. Having a paper sheet feeding unit for feeding paper sheets inserted from the input port,
The transport path is
The paper sheets fed out by the paper sheet feeding section are irradiated with the ultraviolet rays from the paper sheet feeding section while being conveyed on the conveying path by the light source and the reflecting member. The sheet is conveyed at a second speed until it reaches a conveying section, and when it reaches the predetermined conveying section, it is conveyed at a first speed slower than the second speed in the predetermined conveying section . 7. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to any one of 6 . Having a paper sheet feeding unit for feeding paper sheets inserted from the input port,
The transport path is
The paper sheets fed out by the paper sheet feeding section are irradiated with the ultraviolet rays by the light source and the reflecting member immediately after the paper sheet feeding section while being conveyed on the conveying path. 7. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sheet is conveyed at a first conveying speed in a predetermined conveying section, and is conveyed at a second conveying speed higher than the first conveying speed outside the predetermined conveying section. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to item 1 . a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
The reflecting member is
Formed so as to cover the entire periphery of the transport path and the light source,
A paper sheet processing apparatus, wherein a hole is provided to make the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source visible from the outside where the entire periphery is covered. a filter that sterilizes the gas in the paper sheet processing apparatus with a photocatalyst;
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an exhaust port for discharging the sterilized gas. a transport path for transporting paper sheets;
a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
a reflecting member that reflects and irradiates the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source onto the paper sheets being conveyed on the conveying path;
with
The transport path is composed of a plurality of transport roller pairs and a plurality of wire-shaped transport guide pairs,
The light source is arranged on both sides of the transport path so as to simultaneously irradiate the ultraviolet rays on both sides of the bill transported between the pair of transport guides constituting the transport path,
The light source is arranged along the banknote transport direction in the transport path,
The paper sheet processing apparatus, wherein the pair of transport guides are installed in an oblique direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the light source. 12. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the transport rollers forming the pair of transport rollers are made of fluororubber or made of rubber whose peripheral surface is fluorine-coated. 13. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein one of the pair of conveying rollers is a metal roller having an uneven peripheral surface. A banknote sorting device that counts banknotes, determines authenticity, and performs fitness separation processing,
A banknote sorting apparatus, which can be used by connecting the paper sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

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