Media identification device and media processing device

Abstract

To provide a medium identification device easy to accurately align the clearance of a gap, and a medium processing device.SOLUTION: A medium identification device comprises: a sensor part 40 for detecting a conveyed medium; and a supporting and guiding part 20 supporting and fixing the sensor part 40 and guiding the medium so that the medium passes through a region proximate to the sensor part 40. A first gap Gp1 and a second gap Gp2 are formed between the sensor part 40 and the supporting and guiding part 20. The first gap Gp1 and the second gap Gp2 have gap widths L1 and L3 different in the conveying direction, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium identification device and a medium processing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the medium identification device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sensor unit (referred to as a "magnetic sensor" in the document) for detecting a conveyed medium and a guiding unit (referred to as a "lower conveyance guide" in the document) for guiding the medium to a region close to the sensor unit are provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A gap is formed in the conveyance direction between the sensor unit and the guiding unit disclosed in Patent Document 1. In a medium identification device, it is often required to accurately adjust the clearance of the gap, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for adjusting the clearance by devising the sensor unit or the guiding unit.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium identification device and a medium processing device in which the clearance of a gap can be easily adjusted accurately.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A characteristic configuration of the medium identification device of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a sensor unit for detecting a conveyed medium, and a support guiding unit that supports and fixes the sensor unit and guides the medium so that the medium passes through a region close to the sensor unit. A first gap and a second gap are formed between the sensor unit and the support guiding unit. The second gap is a gap into which a positioning jig can be inserted when the sensor unit is supported and fixed while being positioned. Each of the first gap and the second gap is different in gap width in the conveyance direction. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a media processing apparatus including a media identification device.

[0007] According to the above-described characteristic configuration, two types of first gaps and second gaps are formed between the sensor unit and the support guide unit. It is conceivable to perform clearance adjustment by inserting, for example, a jig into the gap between the sensor unit and the support guide unit. With the above-described characteristic configuration, the gap widths of the first gap and the second gap are different from each other. Therefore, the degree of freedom in clearance adjustment is increased as compared with a configuration in which only one type of gap is formed between the sensor unit and the support guide unit. Also, according to the above-described characteristic configuration, for example, when an operator inserts a positioning jig into the second gap, it becomes easier to adjust the clearance between the sensor unit and the support guide part. As a result, a media identification device and a media processing device that can easily adjust the clearance of the gap with high accuracy are realized.

[0008] Another characteristic configuration of the media identification device according to the present invention is that the first gap is formed in a conveyance range in which the media is conveyed, the second gap is formed outside the conveyance range, and the gap width is larger than that of the first gap in the conveyance direction.

[0009] According to the above-described characteristic configuration, a second gap having a gap width larger than that of the first gap is formed outside the conveyance range in which the media is conveyed. With this configuration, for example, it becomes easier for an operator to adjust the clearance between the sensor unit and the support guide unit in the second gap without touching the sensor unit and the support guide unit in the first gap.

[0010] Another characteristic configuration of the media identification device according to the present invention is that the second gap has a gap width of 1 millimeter or more.

[0011] According to the above-described characteristic configuration, for example, it becomes easier for an operator to adjust the clearance between the sensor unit and the support guide unit in the second gap.

[0012]

[0013]

[0014] Another characteristic configuration of the medium identification device according to the present invention is that the second gap is formed such that the difference between the thickness of the positioning jig and the gap width of the second gap is smaller than the gap width of the first gap.

[0015] According to the above characteristic configuration, the remaining gap width in the second gap when the positioning jig is inserted into the second gap is narrower than the gap width of the first gap. Therefore, for example, it becomes easier for an operator to more accurately adjust the clearance in the first gap.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018] The medium identification device according to the present invention feature The characteristic configuration is A sensor unit that detects a medium to be conveyed, and a support guide part that supports and fixes the sensor unit and guides the medium so that the medium passes through a region where the medium approaches the sensor unit are provided. A first gap and a second gap are formed between the sensor unit and the support guide part, and each of the first gap and the second gap has a different gap width in the conveyance direction. A hole part through which a bolt for supporting and fixing the sensor unit is inserted is formed outside the end part in the width direction of the sensor unit in the support guide part. An insert fitting engageable with the bolt is provided at an end of the sensor portion facing the hole portion, and the inner diameter of the hole portion is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the insert fitting.

[0019] According to the above-described characteristic configuration, two types of first gaps and second gaps are formed between the sensor unit and the support guide part. It is conceivable to adjust the clearance by inserting, for example, a jig into the gap between the sensor unit and the support guide part. With the above-described characteristic configuration, the gap widths of the first gap and the second gap are different from each other. Therefore, the degree of freedom in adjusting the clearance is increased as compared with a configuration in which only one type of gap is formed between the sensor unit and the support guide part. Also, according to the above-described characteristic configuration, the bolt passes through the hole part and is fastened to the end part of the sensor unit. Therefore, the end part of the sensor unit is firmly supported and fixed to the support guide part. Furthermore, According to the above characteristic configuration, the inner diameter of the hole portion is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the insert fitting. With this configuration, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting abuts against the wall portion around the hole portion over the entire circumference. Therefore, even when the insert fitting is in a state of receiving a tensile force from the head of the bolt, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting is supported by the wall portion around the hole portion over the entire circumference. Thereby, the risk of the insert fitting falling off from the sensor portion (so-called jack-up phenomenon) is avoided. Thereby, a medium identification device and a medium processing device that can easily adjust the clearance of the gap with high accuracy are realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the media processing apparatus 1 is provided with a deposit slot 2, a withdrawal slot 3, a first integrated storage 4A, a second integrated storage 4B, a third integrated storage 4C, a withdrawal reject storage 5, a media identification device 10, and a conveyance path Cv. The media processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a deposit and withdrawal machine for bills and coins, an automatic payment machine, a money exchange machine, or a change machine. The media inserted into the deposit slot 2 is conveyed to the media identification device 10 by the conveyance path Cv. In the present embodiment, the "media" is a general term for, for example, printed coupons such as bills and gold certificates, and currency.

[0022] The media identification device 10 identifies the type of media, whether the media is genuine, whether the media is available for withdrawal, etc. Then, according to the identification result of the media identification device 10, the conveyance path Cv conveys the media to any one of the withdrawal port 3, the first storage 4A, the second storage 4B, the third storage 4C, and the withdrawal reject storage 5.

[0023] In each of the first storage 4A, the second storage 4B, and the third storage 4C, the media determined to be genuine and available for withdrawal in the media identification device 10 are stored by media type. At the time of withdrawal, the necessary media are conveyed from each of the first storage 4A, the second storage 4B, and the third storage 4C to the withdrawal port 3 via the conveyance path Cv. The media determined to be unavailable for withdrawal in the media identification device 10 are stored in the withdrawal reject storage 5. Examples of the media determined to be unavailable for withdrawal include banknotes that are about to tear at the crease and banknotes with tape attached.

[0024] The media identification device 10 of the present embodiment is provided in the middle of the media conveyance path Cv inside the media processing device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the media identification device 10 is provided with an upper housing portion 20, a lower housing portion 30, a sensor portion 40, a hair roller 11, an upper conveyance roller 12, and a lower conveyance roller 13. The sensor portion 40 is a magnetic line sensor. The upper housing portion 20 and the lower housing portion 30 are arranged side by side vertically. The gap between the upper housing portion 20 and the lower housing portion 30 serves as the conveyance path Cv. The upper housing portion 20 corresponds to the 'inside of the support case' of the present invention. The direction in which the media is conveyed in the conveyance path Cv is hereinafter referred to as the 'conveyance direction'.

[0025] Although not described in detail, an optical sensor is provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the medium identification device 10. The optical sensor is configured to be able to detect the color information of the medium. A glass surface is provided on the surface portion on the conveyance path Cv side in the optical sensor. The color information of the medium conveyed on the conveyance path Cv is read from the glass surface by the optical sensor. Note that the glass surface is configured to have a width wider than the conveyance width W shown in FIG. 3, but it may have the same width as the conveyance width W. Also, the detection width at which the optical sensor detects the medium may be the same as the width of the glass surface, or may be narrower than the width of the glass surface. Further, the optical sensor may be provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the medium identification device 10.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sensor unit 40 and a plurality of upper conveyance rollers 12 are supported by the upper housing portion 20. An opening edge portion 22 is formed at the lower portion of the upper housing portion 20. The lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40 enters an opening inside the opening edge portion 22. The longitudinal direction (width direction) of the sensor unit 40 is along a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction. That is, the direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction is the width direction of the sensor unit 40. Both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the sensor unit 40 are supported by the upper housing portion 20. The lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40 and the lower surface portion of the upper housing portion 20 are configured to be flush or substantially flush.

[0027] The upper conveyance rollers 12 are respectively arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the medium with the sensor unit 40 interposed therebetween in a state of being located above the conveyance path Cv. Each of the plurality of upper conveyance rollers 12 located on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the sensor unit 40 and each of the plurality of upper conveyance rollers 12 located on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the sensor unit 40 are arranged side by side along a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, a brush roller 11 and a plurality of lower conveying rollers 13 are supported by the lower housing portion 30. The lower conveying rollers 13 are arranged on the upper side and the lower side in the conveying direction of the medium with the brush roller 11 interposed therebetween in a state of being located below the conveying path Cv. Each of the plurality of lower conveying rollers 13 located on the upper side in the conveying direction with respect to the brush roller 11 and each of the plurality of lower conveying rollers 13 located on the lower side in the conveying direction with respect to the brush roller 11 are arranged side by side along a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0029] The medium is conveyed along the conveying path Cv while being sandwiched between the upper conveying roller 12 and the lower conveying roller 13. A reading surface exists on the lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40, and the medium on the conveying path Cv and the reading surface of the sensor unit 40 are close to each other. With this configuration, the sensor unit 40 detects the medium conveyed along the conveying path Cv including its type, size, etc. That is, the upper housing portion 20 supports and fixes the sensor unit 40 and guides the medium so as to pass through the region where the medium is close to the sensor unit 40. The brush roller 11 and the sensor unit 40 face each other in the vertical direction.

[0030] 〔Regarding the comb teeth portion〕 A first gap Gp1 exists between the lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40 and the opening edge portion 22 of the upper housing unit 20. This first gap Gp1 exists at two locations, on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction, sandwiching the sensor unit 40. For example, when the medium is a banknote, there are often folds, undulations, wrinkles, etc. on the banknote. Due to factors such as folds, undulations, and wrinkles of the banknote, if the banknote enters the first gap Gp1 while being conveyed along the conveyance path Cv, there is a risk of paper jam. To avoid such inconveniences, as shown in FIG. 3, comb teeth portions 21 and 41 are formed on the lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40 and the opening edge portion 22 of the upper housing unit 20, respectively. The conveyance width W shown in FIG. 3 is the conveyance range of the medium. The comb teeth portions 21 and 41 are formed over a width equal to or greater than the conveyance width W of the medium on each of the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction, sandwiching the sensor unit 40. From this, the first gap Gp1 is formed within the conveyance range where the medium is conveyed. Note that the conveyance width W is set to be narrower than the width within which the sensor unit 40 can detect the medium, but the conveyance width W may be the same as the width within which the sensor unit 40 can detect the medium.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, each of the comb teeth portions 21 and 41 has a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portions and the convex portions in each of the comb teeth portions 21 and 41 are continuously arranged alternately. The convex portion of the comb teeth portion 21 enters the recessed space of the comb teeth portion 41. Also, the convex portion of the comb teeth portion 41 enters the recessed space of the comb teeth portion 21.

[0032] The convex portion of the comb teeth portion 21 and the concave portion of the comb teeth portion 41 are each set to be separated by a gap width L1. Also, the convex portion of the comb teeth portion 41 and the concave portion of the comb teeth portion 21 are each set to be separated by a gap width L1. The gap width L1 is set to a sufficient dimension to prevent the medium from entering the first gap Gp1. In this embodiment, the gap width L1 is set to 0.2 millimeters.

[0033] Of the convex portions of the comb teeth portions 21 and 41, adjacent convex portions are set to be separated from each other by a gap width L2. In the present embodiment, the gap width L2 is set to 0.5 millimeters. The gap width L2 is set to be larger than the gap width L1.

[0034] In this way, in the first gap Gp1, the comb teeth portion 21 of the upper housing portion 20 and the comb teeth portion 41 of the sensor portion 40 are respectively formed. With this configuration, the entry of the medium into the first gap Gp1 is prevented.

[0035] 〔Regarding the positioning jig for assembly〕 As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first gap Gp1 is ensured by a gap width L1 in the conveyance direction of the medium. Therefore, when actually assembling the sensor portion 40 to the upper housing portion 20, it is required to accurately align the clearance between the comb teeth portion 21 and the comb teeth portion 41. If the sensor portion 40 is assembled while being biased to the upstream side or the downstream side in the conveyance direction at the opening edge portion 22, the first gap Gp1 on the biased side becomes narrow, and there is a possibility that the comb teeth portions 21 and 41 come into contact with each other. When the comb teeth portions 21 and 41 come into contact with each other, the vibration of the upper housing portion 20 is transmitted from the comb teeth portion 21 to the comb teeth portion 41 of the sensor portion 40. And there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the sensor portion 40 is reduced by the noise caused by the vibration. In order to avoid such inconveniences, in the present embodiment, when assembling the sensor portion 40 to the upper housing portion 20, the positioning jig 50 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is used.

[0036] The positioning jig 50 is made of a non-magnetic metal body such as aluminum, for example. The sensor portion 40 is a magnetic line sensor. For this reason, the possibility that the positioning jig 50 has magnetism is avoided. Further, the possibility that the positioning jig 50 having magnetism causes inconvenience to the sensor portion 40 is avoided.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, recessed portions 42 are formed at the four corner portions on the lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40. The recessed portions 42 are recessed inward from the opening edge portion 22 of the upper housing portion 20 in a bottom view of the upper housing portion 20. For this reason, a second gap Gp2 is formed by the four corner portions at the opening edge portion 22 and the four corner portions on the lower surface portion of the sensor unit 40. The second gap Gp2 is formed outside the conveyance range in which the medium is conveyed (that is, the range indicated by the conveyance width W). The second gap Gp2 is a gap into which a positioning jig 50 can be inserted when the sensor unit 40 is supported and fixed while being positioned.

[0038] The length of the positioning jig 50 in the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the length of the sensor unit 40 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an insertion portion 51 and an opening portion 52 are formed in the positioning jig 50. The insertion portion 51 is formed at the four corner portions of the positioning jig 50. The insertion portion 51 is a portion of the positioning jig 50 that can be inserted into the second gap Gp2. The opening portion 52 is formed to avoid interference with the hair roller 11.

[0039] The gap width L3 (see FIG. 7) of the second gap Gp2 in the conveyance direction is set to 1.1 millimeters. That is, the second gap Gp2 has a larger gap width L3 than the first gap Gp1 in the conveyance direction. Further, the thickness T (see FIG. 9) of the insertion portion 51 is set to 1.0 millimeter. The rigidity of the insertion portion 51 is ensured by the configuration in which the thickness T of the insertion portion 51 is set to 1.0 millimeter.

[0040] The operator closes the space between the upper housing portion 20 and the lower housing portion 30 with the insertion portions 51 of the positioning jig 50 inserted into the four second gaps Gp2. At this time, the hair roller 11 enters inside the opening portion 52. Thereby, interference between the hair roller 11 and the positioning jig 50 is avoided.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the four insertion portions 51 are inserted into the respective four second gaps Gp2, the remaining gaps of the second gaps Gp2 are 0.1 millimeter, which is the difference between the gap width L3 and the thickness T. From this, the assembly error of the sensor unit 40 with respect to the upper housing portion 20 is suppressed to 0.1 millimeter or less. That is, the assembly error of the sensor unit 40 with respect to the upper housing portion 20 is smaller than the gap width L1 of the first gap Gp1.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 12, vertical walls 20V and 20W are formed in respective portions of the upper housing portion 20 outside both longitudinal ends of the sensor unit 40. An operator fixes one end portion of the sensor unit 40 to the vertical wall 20V on one side of the upper housing portion 20 and fixes the other end portion of the sensor unit 40 to the vertical wall 20W on the other side of the upper housing portion 20 in a state where the insertion portions 51 of the positioning jig 50 are inserted into the four second gaps Gp2.

[0043] When the sensor unit 40 is assembled to the upper housing portion 20 in a state where the four insertion portions 51 of the positioning jig 50 are inserted into the respective four second gaps Gp2, the assembly error of the sensor unit 40 with respect to the upper housing portion 20 is 0.1 millimeter or less. Here, the set value of the gap width L1 is 0.2 millimeter. From this, each of the gap between the convex portion of the comb tooth portion 21 and the concave portion of the comb tooth portion 41 in the medium conveyance direction and the gap between the convex portion of the comb tooth portion 41 and the concave portion of the comb tooth portion 21 in the medium conveyance direction is surely secured to be 0.1 millimeter or more. Thereby, the possibility that the respective comb tooth portions 21 and 41 come into contact with each other is avoided.

[0044] In this way, the first gap Gp1 and the second gap Gp2 are formed between the sensor unit 40 and the upper housing portion 20, and each of the first gap Gp1 and the second gap Gp2 has different gap widths L1 and L3 in the conveyance direction. In addition, the second gap Gp2 is formed such that the difference between the thickness T of the positioning jig 50 and the gap width L3 of the second gap Gp2 is smaller than the gap width L1 of the first gap Gp1.

[0045] Note that the gap width L3 (see FIG. 7) in the conveyance direction of the second gap Gp2 may be set to the same 1.0 millimeter as the thickness T (see FIG. 9). In short, the second gap Gp2 may have a configuration with a gap width L3 of 1 millimeter or more and within 1 + L1 millimeters.

[0046] 〔Regarding the support structure of the sensor unit〕 As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, both longitudinal ends in the longitudinal direction of the sensor unit 40 are supported by the vertical walls 20V and 20W. In the upper housing part 20, hole parts 23 and 24 are formed in the vertical walls 20V and 20W of the portions outside both longitudinal ends of the sensor unit 40. Bolts 43 and 44 are inserted through the hole parts 23 and 24 to support and fix the sensor unit 40. The hole part 23 is formed as a round hole. The screw part of the bolt 43 penetrates the hole part 23 and is fastened to one end part of the sensor unit 40. The hole part 24 is formed with a larger diameter than the hole part 23. The entire bolt 44 enters the hole part 24 and is fastened to the bracket member 60 and the other end part of the sensor unit 40. The other end part of the sensor unit 40 is supported by the vertical wall 20W on the other side of the upper housing part 20 via the bracket member 60.

[0047] Both longitudinal ends of the sensor unit 40 are each constituted by a plastic material. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, insert fittings 45 and 46 are embedded in the plastic material. The insert fittings 45 and 46 each have the same outer diameter φD2.

[0048] Based on FIG. 14, the support structure at one longitudinal end of the sensor unit 40 will be described. One longitudinal end of the sensor unit 40 is directly supported by the vertical wall 20V by a bolt 43. The insert fitting 45 and the hole 23 are opposed to each other. The inner diameter φD1 of the hole 23 is formed to be larger than the screw outer diameter of the bolt 43 and smaller than the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 45. Thus, the bolt 43 passes through the hole 23 drilled in the vertical wall 20V and is screwed into the insert fitting 45. Also, the inner diameter φD1 of the hole 23 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the head of the bolt 43. Thus, the head of the bolt 43 is locked to the vertical wall 20V around the hole 23. For example, when the screw outer diameter of the bolt 43 is 3 millimeters, the inner diameter φD1 of the hole 23 is set to 3.6 millimeters. In this case, the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 45 is set to 4.0 millimeters.

[0049] When the screw portion of the bolt 43 is screwed into the insert fitting 45 and the head of the bolt 43 is locked to the vertical wall 20V, the insert fitting 45 receives a tensile force from the head of the bolt 43. This tensile force is directed outward in the longitudinal direction of the sensor unit 40.

[0050] As described above, the insert fitting 45 is embedded in a plastic material. If there is a portion of the radially outer part of the insert fitting 45 that does not contact the vertical wall 20V, there is a risk that the portion that does not contact the vertical wall 20V will be displaced outward beyond both longitudinal ends of the sensor unit 40 due to the above-described tensile force. And there is a risk of a phenomenon in which the insert fitting 45 partially comes out of the plastic material, so-called jack-up phenomenon.

[0051] In this embodiment, the inner diameter φD1 of the hole 23 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 45. With this configuration, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 45 abuts against the vertical wall 20V over the entire circumference. For this reason, even when the insert fitting 45 is in a state of receiving a tensile force from the head of the bolt 43, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 45 is pressed by the vertical wall 20V over the entire circumference. Thereby, the above-described jack-up phenomenon in the insert fitting 45 is avoided.

[0052] Based on FIGS. 13 and 15, the support structure at the other longitudinal end of the sensor unit 40 will be described. One longitudinal end of the sensor unit 40 is not directly supported by the vertical wall 20W, but is supported by the vertical wall 20W via the bracket member 60.

[0053] The bracket member 60 is provided with a fastening portion 61 and a slide portion 62. Further, a liner portion 25 is formed on the vertical wall 20W separately from the hole 24. The slide portion 62 is formed in a columnar shape. The liner portion 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The slide portion 62 is fitted inside the liner portion 25. And the slide portion 62 is configured to be slidable along the inner cylindrical portion of the liner portion 25. In other words, the liner portion 25 allows the slide portion 62 to slide in the left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction).

[0054] The fastening portion 61 is connected to one end of the slide portion 62. The fastening portion 61 is formed in a flat plate shape. The fastening portion 61 is formed with a hole 63 and a hook portion 64. The hole 63 is formed as a round hole. A key groove portion 24a is formed in the hole 24. The key groove portion 24a engages with the hook portion 64. The key groove portion 24a allows the hook portion 64 to slide in the left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction).

[0055] The sliding portion 62 engages with the liner portion 25. Further, the hook portion 64 engages with the key groove portion 24a. With this configuration, the fastening portion 61 is prevented from being displaced in the medium conveyance direction and the vertical direction. In this state, the insert fitting 46 and the hole portion 63 face each other. And in this state, the bolt 44 passes through the hole portion 63 and is screwed into the insert fitting 46. Therefore, the possibility that the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the sensor portion 40 is displaced or wobbles in the medium conveyance direction and the vertical direction is prevented.

[0056] The inner diameter φD1 of the hole portion 63 is formed to be larger than the screw outer diameter of the bolt 44 and smaller than the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 46. Thereby, the bolt 44 passes through the hole portion 63 and the insert fitting 46 is screwed. Further, the inner diameter φD1 of the hole portion 63 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the head of the bolt 44. Thereby, the head of the bolt 44 is locked to the fastening portion 61. For example, when the screw outer diameter of the bolt 44 is 3 millimeters, the inner diameter φD1 of the hole portion 63 is set to 3.6 millimeters. In this case, the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 46 is set to 4.0 millimeters.

[0057] The inner diameter φD1 of the hole portion 63 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter φD2 of the insert fitting 46. With this configuration, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 46 abuts against the fastening portion 61 over the entire circumference. Therefore, even when the insert fitting 46 receives a tensile force from the head of the bolt 44, the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 46 is pressed by the fastening portion 61 over the entire circumference. Thereby, the above-described jack-up phenomenon in the insert fitting 46 is avoided.

[0058] If the sensor portion 40 is directly bolt-fixed to each of the vertical walls 20V and 20W, the sensor portion 40 may receive a tensile force or a pressing force from the upper housing portion 20 due to a dimensional error between the sensor portion 40 and the upper housing portion 20. When the sensor portion 40 receives a tensile force or a pressing force, the detection accuracy of the sensor portion 40 may be reduced by noise caused by the tensile force or the pressing force.

[0059] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 40 is not configured to be directly bolted to both of the vertical walls 20V and 20W. The other end of the sensor unit 40 in the longitudinal direction is supported by 20W via the bracket member 60. Further, the slide portion 62 slides along the inner cylindrical portion of the liner portion 25. Therefore, dimensional errors between the sensor unit 40 and the upper housing portion 20 can be absorbed by the slide portion 62. With this configuration, the sensor unit 40 can accurately detect the medium without receiving tensile or compressive force from the upper housing portion 20.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, an end portion of the sensor unit 40 on the 20W side in the longitudinal direction and an edge portion of the opening edge portion 22 on the 20W side are separated by a gap width L4 in the conveyance path width direction (the direction indicated by the conveyance width W). This gap width L4 is formed to be smaller than the gap width L2 shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the gap width L4 is set to 0.2 millimeters. The gap width L4 changes due to dimensional errors between the sensor unit 40 and the upper housing portion 20, but changes so as to fit within a gap smaller than the gap width L2.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, a fastening portion 61 of the bracket member 60 and an inner surface portion of the vertical wall 20W (the surface portion on the sensor unit 40 side) are separated by a gap width L5 in the conveyance path width direction (the direction indicated by the conveyance width W). This gap width L5 is formed to be smaller than the gap width L2 shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the gap width L5 is set to 0.2 millimeters. The gap width L5 changes due to dimensional errors between the sensor unit 40 and the upper housing portion 20, but changes so as to fit within a gap smaller than the gap width L2.

[0062] 〔Alternative Embodiment〕 The present invention is not limited to the configurations illustrated in the above-described embodiments, and representative alternative embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below.

[0063] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the second gap Gp2 is formed outside the conveyance range indicated by the conveyance width W, but the second gap Gp2 may be formed within the conveyance range indicated by the conveyance width W.

[0064] (2) The above-described sensor unit 40 is a magnetic line sensor, but it may be a sensor of other types. For example, the sensor unit 40 may be an optical line sensor or a magnetic point sensor. When the sensor unit 40 is a point sensor, a configuration in which a plurality of sensor units 40 are arranged over a conveyance width W or more in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction of the conveyance path Cv may be adopted. When the sensor unit 40 is an optical line sensor having a light-emitting element, a configuration in which a calibration jig for calibrating the luminance of the light-emitting element is inserted into the second gap Gp2 may be adopted.

[0065] (3) In the above-described embodiment, one longitudinal end portion of the sensor unit 40 is directly supported by the vertical wall 20V by the bolt 43. Also, the other longitudinal end portion of the sensor unit 40 is supported by the vertical wall 20W via the bracket member 60 by the bolt 44. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, both longitudinal end portions of the sensor unit 40 may be directly supported by the vertical walls 20V and 20W by the bolts 43 and 44. Also, both longitudinal end portions of the sensor unit 40 may be supported by the vertical walls 20V and 20W via a pair of bracket members 60.

[0066] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the hole portion 23 is formed as a round hole, but the present invention is not limited to this form. If the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 45 is in contact with the vertical wall 20V over the entire circumference, the hole portion 23 may be an elliptical hole. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the hole portion 63 is formed as a round hole, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. If the radially outer portion of the insert fitting 46 is in contact with the fastening portion 61 over the entire circumference, the hole portion 63 may be an elliptical hole.

[0067] (5) In the above-described embodiment, both longitudinal ends of the sensor unit 40 are bolted, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the sensor unit 40, the bottom surface portion, the upper surface portion, the surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction, or the surface portion on the downstream side in the conveyance direction may be bolted to the upper housing unit 20. Further, only one longitudinal end of the sensor unit 40 may be bolted.

[0068] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the medium identification device 10 is provided in the medium processing device 1, but the medium identification device 10 is not limited to being provided in the medium processing device 1. For example, the medium identification device 10 may be provided in a medium manufacturing line in a mint, or may be provided in a medium conveyance system installed in an entertainment facility.

[0069] Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. Further, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified within the scope not departing from the object of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0070] The present invention can be applied to a medium identification device and a medium processing device. For example, it can be applied to a device for identifying or processing an object on a bill or sheet such as a banknote, a security, a gift certificate, or a ballot paper.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1: Medium processing device 10: Medium identification device 20: Upper housing unit (support guide unit) 20V: Vertical wall (outside the end in the width direction of the sensor unit) 20W: Vertical wall (outside the end in the width direction of the sensor unit) 23, 63: Hole portion 40: Sensor unit 43: Bolt 45, 46: Insert fitting 50: Positioning jig 51: Insertion part Gp1: First gap Gp2: Second gap W: Conveying width (conveying range) L1: Gap width L3: Gap width T: Thickness φD1: Inner diameter of the hole part φD2: Outer diameter of the insert fitting

Claims

1. A sensor unit that detects a medium to be conveyed, and a support guide unit that supports and fixes the sensor unit and guides the medium so that the medium passes through a region where the medium approaches the sensor unit, wherein a first gap and a second gap are formed between the sensor unit and the support guide unit, the second gap is a gap into which a positioning jig can be inserted when the sensor unit is supported and fixed while positioning the sensor unit, and each of the first gap and the second gap has a different gap width in the conveyance direction, a medium identification device.

2. The medium identification device according to claim 1, wherein the second gap is formed such that a difference between a thickness of the positioning jig and the gap width of the second gap is smaller than the gap width of the first gap.

3. A sensor unit that detects a medium to be conveyed, and a support guide unit that supports and fixes the sensor unit and guides the medium so that the medium passes through a region where the medium approaches the sensor unit, wherein a first gap and a second gap are formed between the sensor unit and the support guide unit, each of the first gap and the second gap has a different gap width in the conveyance direction, a hole through which a bolt for supporting and fixing the sensor unit is inserted is formed outside an end portion in the width direction of the sensor unit in the support guide unit, an insert fitting engageable with the bolt is provided at the end portion of the sensor unit facing the hole, and an inner diameter of the hole is formed smaller than an outer diameter of the insert fitting, a medium identification device.

4. The first gap is formed in a conveyance range in which the medium is conveyed, and the second gap is formed outside the conveyance range and has a gap width larger than that of the first gap in the conveyance direction, the medium identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The medium identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second gap has a gap width of 1 millimeter or more.

6. A medium processing device including the medium identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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