JP2008210002A - Handover unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To configure a compact unit for handing over a DP bag X accommodating a recording medium to a customer by automatic control. <P>SOLUTION: The handover unit includes an accommodation portion laid out a plurality of racks in a shelf shape inside a cabinet 41, and a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of racks simultaneously in the vertical direction. An insertion opening for inserting a DP bag X into the rack is formed on the rear side of the cabinet 41. Also, an ejection opening 45 for ejecting the DP bag X is formed on the front side of the cabinet 41. When a fixed reader 43 obtains identification information identifying the customer, a control unit discriminates the rack on which the corresponding DP bag X is mounted, moves to the level of the ejection opening 45, and pushes out from the ejection opening 45 by the function of the push-out mechanism disposed on the rear side of the cabinet 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a delivery device comprising a package storage unit containing a recording medium, and a control unit that performs delivery control of the package stored in the storage unit by acquiring specific information identifying a customer, Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering a package containing a recording medium such as photographic paper on which an image is printed to a customer by automatic control.

  There is an automatic print acceptance / delivery device that includes an automatic acceptance unit and an automatic delivery unit and is installed on an outer wall surface of a store or the like as a component related to the delivery device configured as described above. In this device, in the automatic reception unit, the customer inputs the order information and the information for identifying the customer himself, and the order information is printed by inserting a film or a recording medium used in the digital camera into the film reception unit. A magnetic card type order card is printed out. Next, printing is performed from a film at a photo shop or the like, and the printed processed product (recording medium of the present invention) is stored in a storage room in a state of being stored in a storage bag (package of the present invention). This storage room is equipped with a lockable door. After that, when the customer receives a processed print, the order card is inserted into the order information confirmation section, and the charge displayed on the monitor is sent to the charge reception section. By paying, the number of the vault corresponding to the order is displayed on the monitor, the vault door is unlocked, and the customer can open the door to receive the printed product (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-157474 A (paragraph numbers [0014] to [0065], FIGS. 1 to 5)

  In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, since it is possible to deliver a package containing a recording medium to a customer by automatic control, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of delivering the package when installed in a DP store. In addition, delivery of the package at the time of closing is also realized.

  However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, in order to realize delivery of a large number of packages, it is necessary to arrange a large number of storage chambers in parallel in a wall-shaped part in the same manner as a locker. It led to a change.

  An object of the present invention is to downsize a device for delivering a package containing a recording medium to a customer by automatic control.

A feature of the present invention is a delivery device comprising: a package housing unit that stores a recording medium; and a control unit that performs delivery control of the package housed in the housing unit by acquiring specific information for identifying a customer. In
The housing portion includes a plurality of racks arranged in a shelf shape inside the housing, and a drive mechanism that moves the plurality of racks up and down, and an insertion opening that feeds the package into the racks. A discharge opening that is formed on the rear side of the casing and that feeds the package out of the rack is formed on the front side of the casing, and the package placed on the rack is pushed out from the discharge opening to the front side of the casing. An extrusion mechanism is provided, and when the specific information is acquired, the control unit moves the rack on which the customer's package is placed to the extrusion position by the extrusion mechanism under the control of the drive mechanism, It is in the point provided with the discharge control means which extrudes the package by control.

  According to this configuration, by sending the package from the insertion opening, the package can be placed on the rack from the rear side of the casing, and the customer's package is placed when the control unit acquires specific information. The rack can be moved to the extrusion position by the extrusion mechanism, and the package can be pushed out from the discharge opening by the operation of the extrusion mechanism. In other words, it does not require a large installation area as compared with the one having a plurality of storage rooms, and for example, it is possible to send a package from the DP store to the housing of the delivery device. Customers can also receive packages. As a result, an apparatus for delivering a package containing a recording medium to a customer by automatic control has been configured to be small.

In the present invention, the control unit associates and stores identification information for individually identifying the plurality of racks and package information for specifying the package placed in one of the plurality of racks. With management means,
When the control unit acquires package information to be placed on the rack, the control unit selects a rack on which the package is not placed based on the information of the rack management means, and controls the drive mechanism, An insertion control means for allowing the package to be fed by moving the selected rack to the position of the insertion opening;
When the discharge control means acquires the package information to be discharged, it identifies the rack on which the package to be discharged is placed based on the information of the rack management means, and moves the rack to the position of the discharge opening. The package may be extruded by the extrusion mechanism.

  According to this configuration, when the package is placed on the rack, the insertion control means selects the rack on which the package is not placed based on information from the rack management means, and the selected rack is inserted into the opening. By moving to the position, the package can be inserted into the rack. Further, when discharging the package corresponding to the specific information, the discharge control means obtains information on the position of the rack on which the package is placed from the rack management means, moves the rack to the position of the discharge opening, and pushes it out. Can be extruded by the mechanism.

  The present invention comprises a rear shutter that opens and shields the insertion opening, and a front shutter that opens and shields the discharge opening, and the insertion control means moves the rear shutter when the package is inserted. Control for opening may be performed, and the discharge control means may perform control for opening the front shutter when the package is discharged by the push-out mechanism. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate erroneous insertion of the package by the rear shutter and to avoid the inconvenience of the package being intentionally extracted by the front shutter.

  In the present invention, a table portion on which the package is placed at the level of the insertion opening may be disposed on the rear side of the housing, and the push-out mechanism may be disposed at a lower position of the table portion. With this configuration, when a package is inserted into the insertion opening, the package can be placed on the table portion and fed into the insertion opening in a form in which the table portion is slid. Although the table portion protrudes from the rear portion of the casing, the table portion can be used effectively by arranging the pushing mechanism at the lower position of the table portion, and no dead space is created.

  In the present invention, the push-out stroke may be set so that the push-out mechanism ends the push-out operation in a state where a part of the package is pushed out from the discharge opening. With this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to provide a structure such as a tray for receiving the package as in the case of pushing out all of the package, and further downsizing is realized.

  The present invention includes a communication unit that permits access of information between a processing device that gives the specific information to the package and the control unit, and the processing device is configured to perform the above-described processing based on information acquired from the rack management unit. Order management means for managing the presence or absence of the package may be provided. According to this configuration, the processing device manages the presence / absence of the package based on the information acquired from the rack management unit, for example, whether or not the package corresponding to the specific information is placed on the rack of the delivery device. Information such as whether or not it has been placed on the rack.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
〔overall structure〕
As shown in FIG. 1, a reception terminal A, an information processing unit B that processes information transmitted from the plurality of reception terminals A, and a silver salt type photographic paper based on information from the information processing unit B A print processing unit C that performs a printing process on P (an example of a recording medium), and a delivery device G that delivers a DP bag X (an example of a package) containing photographic paper P printed by the print processing unit C to a customer. The print management system includes the exchange certificate printer H.

  In this embodiment, a paper-made envelope-shaped DP bag X is shown as an example of the package, but a box-shaped or resin-sheet-shaped bag may be used as the package. Further, although the silver salt type photographic paper P is used as the recording medium, it is not limited to the photographic paper P, and may be a print paper used in an ink jet printer.

  This print management system is one installed in a DP store, and the reception terminal A sets a medium M (see FIG. 2) used in a digital camera (not shown) by a customer, An order is received by a customer operating in the form of a service.

  The information processing unit B is arranged on the store side from the counter 1 of the DP store and performs an order for printing processing from a photographic film F used with a silver salt type camera (not shown) or a photo that has already been developed. An order such as reprint processing from the film F is accepted. Further, the information processing unit B realizes the printing process by transmitting the order information received by the information processing unit B or the order information received by the receiving terminal A to the print processing unit C. The order information includes print size and print order information and image data for realizing print processing.

  The delivery device G stores a plurality of DP bags X (an example of a package) so that when specific information for identifying a customer is acquired, the customer's DP bag X is selected and discharged to the front side. And has a function of delivering to the customer. Further, the delivery device G is installed in such a manner that the front side is exposed on the outer wall surface of the DP store, thereby realizing automatic delivery even when the store is closed.

  The exchange certificate printer H prints on the exchange certificate V specific information including a bar code for identifying a customer in the delivery device G. In addition, as this specific information, only the information that can specify the order can sufficiently manage the delivery device G, but the information that specifies the customer includes information on the reception date and time.

  CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) in which the receiving terminal A, the information processing unit B, the delivery device G, and the exchange certificate printer H are composed of a cable 2 and a repeater 3 composed of a LAN switch, a hub or the like. ) Type Ethernet (trademark) type LAN (an example of communication means). Further, the information processing unit B and the print processing unit C are also connected to each other by the cable 4 constituting the Ethernet (trademark) type LAN described above. Note that this communication means does not have to be an Ethernet type LAN, and a dedicated communication line such as a wireless type may be used.

[Reception terminal]
As shown in FIG. 2, the reception terminal A includes a housing 10 and a liquid crystal display 11 having a touch panel formed on a display surface. The front portion of the housing 10 includes a media drive 12 that acquires image data from the medium M, a connector 13 that is connected to the camera-equipped mobile phone T, and a receipt printer 15 that prints a receipt 14. Is provided with a processing unit 16 that performs processing of acquiring an order and transmitting it to the information processing unit B.

  The receiving terminal A obtains order information such as the print size and the number of prints necessary for print processing and customer-specific information (name and telephone number) by bringing a finger etc. into contact with the icons displayed on the display 11. The image data acquired from the medium M is transmitted to the information processing unit B together with processing information necessary for the print processing and customer-specific information.

  As the media M from which the image data can be acquired by the media drive 12, semiconductor media Ms such as Compact Flash (trademark), SD memory card (SD memory card), Memory Stick (trademark), A disk-shaped medium Md such as a CD (Compact Disc), a CD-R (CD-Recordable), or an MO (Magnet Optical Disk) is assumed. The connector 13 acquires image data taken by the mobile phone T.

[Information Processing Department]
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing section B converts a frame image of the photographic film F into a digital signal by photoelectric conversion to the console 21 and captures it as image data, and a display 23 for displaying various information. And a processing device 24 composed of a general-purpose computer that performs various processes necessary for image processing and print processing. On the upper surface of the console 21, a keyboard 25 for inputting information to the processing device 24 and a mouse 26 functioning as a pointing device are provided. The film scanner 22 realizes scanning of a plurality of types of photographic films F by selecting a film carrier 22A suitable for the size of the photographic film F.

  In the processing device 24, media drives corresponding to the structure of each media so as to acquire image data from a disk-shaped medium Md such as a CD, MO, or FD, or to acquire image data from a semiconductor medium Ms. 27. The processing device 24 displays the image data on the display 23 to perform correction processing, or transmits the image data to the print processing unit C to realize print processing in the print processing unit C, or A process for creating an electronic album by storing image data on the disk-shaped medium Md set in the media drive 27 is realized.

[Print processing section]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the print processing unit C continuously performs an exposure process for the photographic paper P, a development process for the photographic paper P after the exposure, and a drying process for the photographic paper P after the development. A housing 30 having a dark box structure that houses a system to be automatically operated is provided. The print processing unit C sends the photographic paper P after the drying process from the discharge unit 31 to the upper surface of the conveyance belt 32, and sorts and accumulates the photographic paper P conveyed in the horizontal direction by the conveyance belt 32 in units of orders. A sorter 34 having a plurality of trays 33 is provided, and a side surface of the housing 30 is further provided with a table 35 and a sorting device CA that supplies the DP bag X to the tray 33 of the sorter 34.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sorting apparatus CA receives a plurality of stock conveyors 36 on which DP bags X are placed and the DP bags X from the stock conveyors 36, and supplies them to the selected one of the trays 33. For this purpose, a supply conveyor 38 provided in the lifting platform 37 and a sorting control device 39 provided with a microprocessor so as to control them are provided. In the space where the stock conveyor 36 is arranged, a presence sensor 36S for detecting that the DP bag X is placed at the upper end position among the plurality of stock conveyors 36 is provided. A bar code sensor 37S is provided for acquiring bar code data.

  The sorting control device 39 includes a signal system for acquiring information from the presence / absence sensor 36S and the bar code sensor 37S, and controlling the stock conveyor 36 and the supply conveyor 38, and print processing is performed in the print processing unit C. An information processing system is provided for acquiring the order information of the photographic paper P that has been placed and the position of the tray 33 on which the photographic paper P to which the order information is given is stacked.

  In this print processing unit C, in order to identify the order, a sticker on which barcode information including order information is printed is affixed to the DP bag X, or this barcode is printed on the DP bag X, whereby the DP bag X The barcode information part BC is formed.

  When printing is performed from the long photographic film F immediately after the development processing in the information processing section B, the photographic film F is cut into a predetermined length by an enveloper E shown in FIG. It is necessary to store the photographic film F in the DP bag X. Similarly, when reprinting is performed from the photographic film F, the photographic film needs to be returned to the film cover and stored in the DP bag X. Further, when the information processing unit B creates an electronic album using a disc-shaped medium Md such as a CD-R, the created disc-shaped media Md must be stored in the DP bag X. A typical operation is performed at the table 35.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the sorting apparatus CA, when the operator places the DP bag X on the stock conveyor 36 at the upper end position, the DP bag X is placed on the stock conveyor 36 at the upper end position by a signal from the presence / absence sensor 36S. It is determined by the sorting control device 39 that this has been placed, and this sorting control device 39 moves the elevator 37 to the level of the stock conveyor 36 at the upper end position, and drives the stock conveyor 36 and the supply conveyor 38 synchronously. Thus, the DP bag X from the stock conveyor 36 is passed under the barcode sensor 37S, and the barcode information of the DP bag X is acquired.

  Further, as described above, the sorting control device 39 is in a position where the tray 33 on which the photographic paper P associated with the DP bag X from which the barcode information (order information) has been collected is collected can supply the DP bag X. In this case, when the DP bag X is supplied to the tray 33 and the tray 33 on which the photographic paper P associated with the DP bag X is to be stacked does not exist at a position where the DP bag X can be supplied, The DP bag X is returned to the stock conveyor 36 other than the upper end position. Thereafter, when the tray 33 reaches a position where the DP bag X can be supplied, the stock conveyor 36 and the supply conveyor 38 are driven, The DP bag X is supplied to the tray 33.

  In this way, when the sorting apparatus CA is operated, for example, the photographic film F is cut by the developer E into a predetermined length and inserted into a film cover (not shown). When the DP bag X is placed on the stock conveyor 36, the photographic paper P to be stored in the DP bag X has already been discharged to the tray 33 of the sorter 34, as in the case of the DP bag X. In addition, by placing the DP bag X of the order on the same tray 33 as the photographic paper P to be stored in the DP bag X, the collating operation is simplified. In addition, after the photographic paper P discharged to the tray 33 and the DP bag X of the order are taken out from the tray 33, an operation for artificially storing the photographic paper P in the DP bag X is performed thereafter.

  As described above, in the sorting apparatus CA, the presence / absence sensor 36S is provided at a position for detecting that the DP bag X is placed on the stock conveyor 36 at the upper end position. However, in the present invention, a plurality of stocks are replaced by this. Each conveyor 36 may be provided with a presence sensor 36S. With this configuration, the presence / absence sensor 36S detects the placement of the DP bag X regardless of the stock bag 36 placed on the stock conveyor 36, and the DP on the supply conveyor 38 in the same manner as the control described above. The barcode information of the bag X is acquired, and the DP bag X is directly supplied to the tray 33, or is temporarily returned to the stock conveyor 36 and then supplied to the tray 33.

[Outline of delivery device]
As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the delivery device G includes a DP bag X from an insertion opening 42 (a general term for the three insertion openings 42A, 42B, and 42C) formed on the rear surface 41R (rear side) of the housing 41. Is inserted into one of the plurality of racks R inside the housing 41, and thereafter, from the barcode of the exchange certificate V in the fixed reader 43 provided on the front surface 41F (front side). When the specific information for specifying the customer is acquired, the processing result is displayed on the monitor 44 of the front surface 41F, the DP bag X associated with the specific information is selected, and the discharge opening 45 formed on the front side of the housing The operation of discharging from the three discharge openings 45A, 45B, 45C is performed.

[Structure of delivery device]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, a table portion 46 is formed on the rear surface 41 </ b> R of the housing 41. By making the table surface of the table portion 46 coincide with the level of the insertion opening 42, The DP bag X can be inserted into the insertion opening 42 in a sliding form. Further, an extrusion mechanism Q is arranged at a lower position of the table surface of the table portion 46, and a control unit J having a microprocessor is arranged at a lower position, and connected to the control unit J by a cable 47a. A hand reader 47 for acquiring bar code information is provided.

  The casing 41 includes a casing frame 50 (see FIG. 10) formed by connecting metal materials in a frame shape. The first lifting frame 51 made of metal and the metal frame are connected to the casing frame 50. The second elevating frame 52 is supported so as to be movable up and down. A plurality of racks R having a horizontal shelf shape with respect to the first elevating frame 51 and the second elevating frame 52 are provided, and are accommodated in the first elevating frame 51 and the second elevating frame 52 provided with the rack R. The part is composed.

  Although not shown in the drawings, guide rails are provided on both sides of the first elevating frame 51 and the second elevating frame 52 to guide them in the vertical direction.

  A lift motor 53 is provided at a lower position of the housing frame 50, and drive pulleys 55 at both ends of a drive shaft 54 driven by a gear reduction mechanism 53g for reducing the drive force of the lift motor 53 are attached. A support pulley 56 is idled and supported on the left and right positions of the upper portion of the housing frame 50, and a timing belt type belt 57 is wound around the drive pulley 55 and the support pulley 56.

  One of the pair of belts 57 is connected to the first lifting frame 51, and the other of the pair of belts 57 is connected to the second lifting frame 52, whereby the first lifting frame 51 and the second lifting frame 52 are connected to each other. Raise and lower in the opposite direction.

  A drive mechanism is constituted by a transmission system from the lifting motor 53 to the belt 57. When the lifting motor 53 is operated, the pair of belts 57 operate in the same direction, but the lifting motor 53 is moved in a predetermined direction. When the rotary operation is performed, the first elevating frame 51 is connected to the rising side of one belt 57, and the second elevating frame 52 is connected to the lowering side of the other belt 57, thereby raising and lowering the motor. When operating 53, each is operated in the opposite direction to reduce the load on the lifting motor 53 and to suppress the phenomenon that the position of the center of gravity fluctuates up and down to improve the stability of the entire apparatus.

  The rack R is made of a resin plate-like material, and the first elevating frame 51 is provided with a rack R with a standard interval Gn in the vertical direction and an enlarged interval Ge larger than the standard interval Gn. The second elevating frame 52 has racks R supported at the same interval as the standard interval Gn. By providing the rack R in this way, it has a structure including three rows of a plurality of racks R arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. Further, the three pushing mechanisms Q are arranged at positions corresponding to the three discharge openings 45 corresponding to the levels of the discharge openings 45.

  Since the interval between the racks R is set to the standard interval Gn and the enlarged interval Ge as described above, the opening width in the vertical direction of the both end portions of the insertion openings 42A, 42B, 42C in the horizontal direction is the standard. The opening width in the vertical direction of the central portion of the insertion openings 42A, 42B, and 42C is made substantially equal to the enlarged space Ge. Similarly, the opening width in the vertical direction of both ends in the horizontal direction among the discharge openings 45A, 45B, 45C is substantially equal to the standard interval Gn, and the center of the discharge openings 45A, 45B, 45C. The opening width in the vertical direction of the part is substantially equal to the expansion interval Ge.

[Extrusion mechanism of delivery device]
The extrusion mechanisms Q have the same structure. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the push-out mechanism Q includes a first actuating body 61 that is supported by a support frame 60 so as to be movable in and out in the push-out direction by a guide rail and the like, and the first actuating body. A second actuating body 62 is supported on the upper surface of 61 by a guide rail or the like so as to be freely retractable in the pushing direction, and a DP bag X placed on the rack R with respect to the second actuating body 62. A driving belt 67 of a timing belt type is wound around an output pulley 65 and a driven pulley 66 that are driven by a driving motor 64 provided in the support frame 60. 1 The lower surface of the operating body 61 and the drive belt 67 are connected by a connecting body 61A.

  A pair of pulleys 68 are loosely supported on the upper surface of the first actuating body 61 at a position sandwiching the second actuating body 62, and an interlocking belt 69 is wound around each pulley 68. A portion of the belt 69 positioned outward in plan view is fixed to the bracket 60A of the support frame 60, and a portion of the interlock belt 69 positioned inward in plan view is connected to the second operating body 62. It is connected via 62A. As a result, an interlocking mechanism that operates the second operating body 62 with a stroke larger than the stroke of the first operating body 61 in conjunction with the operation of the first operating body 61 is configured.

  On the lower surface side of the first operating body 61, a detected piece 61S that operates integrally with the first operating body 61, and a non-contact type position detection sensor SQ for determining the position of the detected piece 61S , A detection system for detecting the pushing position of the pushing piece 63 from the working amount of the first working body 61 is provided. The detection system uses the position detection sensor SQ as a home position HP for detecting that the first operating body 61 is in the non-extrusion position and a discharge position EP for determining the extrusion position when the DP bag X is extruded. Has been placed.

  By configuring the detection system by the position detection sensor SQ in this way, when the DP bag X is pushed out, the drive motor 64 is operated until the position detection sensor SQ at the discharge position EP detects the detected piece 61S. Control is performed. In addition, in the discharge control means Jc, which will be described later, control is performed for a standard-sized DP bag X, but when a small DP bag X is used, position detection is performed so that the small DP bag X can be pushed out. A plurality of sensors SQ may be provided, and the control mode may be set so that the operation stroke of the extruded piece 63 can be changed by switching modes.

  When the DP bag X is inserted into the rack R from the insertion opening 42, in order to determine that the DP bag X has reached the insertion completion position, the light source SL is positioned near the insertion opening 42 inside the housing 41. An insertion sensor SI having a structure for receiving a light beam is provided. Further, in order to determine that the DP bag X has been completely removed from the discharge opening 45, a discharge sensor SE having a structure for receiving the light beam from the light source SL is provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening 45 inside the housing 41. Yes.

  The insertion sensor SI is provided at three places, insertion openings 42A, 42B, and 42C, and the discharge sensor SE is provided at three places, discharge openings 45A, 45B, and 45C. It should be noted that various structures such as a reflective distance sensor or an ultrasonic proximity sensor can be used as the insertion sensor SI and the discharge sensor SE.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the side surface of the second elevating frame 52, a sensor plate 52S having a light transmitting portion and a light blocking portion arranged vertically, and a count sensor SC that receives light from the light source SL by the sensor plate 52S. When the second lifting / lowering frame 52 is lifted / lowered (when the first lifting / lowering frame 51 is operated in the reverse direction), the counting sensor SC can count the number of times the light is received so that the lifting / lowering amount can be grasped. I have to.

  In this delivery device G, it is also possible to use a distance sensor or an encoder in order to detect the respective levels when the first elevating frame 51 is elevated (when the second elevating frame 52 operates in the reverse direction). Depending on the structure, it can be used appropriately.

[Rear shutter and front shutter of the delivery device]
As shown in FIG. 6, on the rear side of the casing frame 50, there are provided three rear shutters RS for opening and blocking the insertion openings 42A, 42B, and 42C. As shown in FIG. Are provided with three front shutters FS for opening and shielding the discharge openings 45A, 45B, 45C. The three rear shutters RS and the three front shutters FS have the same driving structure, and will be described together.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the front shutter FS (rear shutter RS) is supported at the lower end of the slide frame 71 supported so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the intermediate frame 50A of the housing frame 50 via a guide structure such as a rail. A plate-like shutter plate 72 is connected to the slide frame 71, a drive frame 73 is supported on the upper end of the slide frame 71, and the crank operating shaft 74 driven by a shutter motor 75 provided on the upper portion of the housing frame 50 is driven. It has a structure inserted through a hole 73 </ b> A formed in the frame 73.

  The shutter plate 72 has an inverted “T” shape to shield the insertion openings 42A, 42B, 42C or the discharge openings 45A, 45B, 45C when the shutter plate 72 is lowered. An open / close sensor SS that detects the state of the shutter plate 72 by contacting the drive frame 73 when the shutter plate 72 is raised is provided.

  Since the shutter plate 72 drive system is configured in this way, when the shutter plate 72 is opened, the shutter motor 75 is operated to raise the shutter plate 72 until the open / close sensor SS detects the open state. In this case, the shutter plate 72 is lowered by operating the shutter motor 75 until the open / close sensor SS detects the shielding state.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an insertion position lamp 81 is provided on the rear surface 41R of the housing 41 in the vicinity of the insertion openings 42A, 42B, 42C, and the customer puts the DP bag X in the central portion of the rear surface 41R. A receiving operation lamp 82 that is turned on when the take-out operation is performed, and a full lamp 83 that is turned on when the DP bags X are placed on all the racks R are provided.

[Processing procedure in the system]
FIG. 17 shows an outline of a processing procedure from accepting the printing process at the receiving terminal A to delivering the DP bag X containing the printed photographic paper P to the customer by the delivery device G.

  That is, the information input by the customer is acquired and stored at the reception terminal A, and when the acquisition is completed, a reception certificate 14 is issued at the reception terminal A. By showing the receipt 14 to the operator at the counter 1, the operator generates order information in the processing device 24, and after the settlement of the processing fee necessary for the print processing, the exchange certificate V is issued in the exchange certificate printer H. Certificate V is handed to the customer (steps # 01- # 03).

  Next, the operator acquires the image data and processing information stored in the receiving terminal A from the processing device 24, and then transmits them to the print processing unit C. By this transmission, the print processing unit C performs a process of printing the image data on the photographic paper P, and the photographic paper P subjected to the print processing is accumulated on the tray 33 of the sorter 34 (Steps # 04 and # 05).

  The operator stores the photographic paper P on which the image data is printed in this manner in the DP bag X (step # 06). When the photographic paper P is accommodated in the DP bag X, as described above, the photographic paper P is accommodated in the DP bag X sorted by the sorting apparatus CA. The verification of the order information printed on the back surface and the order information formed on the DP bag X is performed artificially.

  Next, the DP bag X is set in the delivery device G (Step # 07). At the time of this insertion, the barcode information formed on the DP bag X is read by the hand reader 47, the order information is specified, and the DP bag X is mounted on the rack R in the apparatus in a state where the DP bag X is managed. Put.

  Thereafter, the customer obtains identification information for identifying the customer by causing the exchange certificate V to approach the portion of the fixed reader 43 of the delivery device G to read the barcode information, and the customer's DP bag X is acquired by the delivery device G. The customer will receive the DP bag X (# 08).

[System overview and processing]
The configuration of the print management system and the outline of the control system of the delivery device G are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In particular, as shown in these drawings, the processing device 24 is provided with order management means 24A made of software, and the control unit J has rack management means Ja made of software, insertion control means Jb, and discharge control. Means Jc.

  Further, the order management means 24A manages information by an order information table 24T for managing order information, and the rack management means Ja includes identification information for individually identifying a plurality of racks R, and among the plurality of racks R. The rack R is managed based on the rack management table JT that associates the package information specified by the DP bag X (package) placed on one.

[Order Management Routine]
In the processing device 24, the order management means 24A executes the order management routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the operator generates an order, generation date / time information is attached to the generated order information and stored in the order information table 24T (steps # 101 and # 102).

  When the set information transmitted when the DP bag X is inserted into the delivery device G is acquired, the order information included in the set information is specified, set with date information, and the order information table 24T. (Steps # 103 and # 104).

  When the discharge information transmitted when the DP bag X is discharged from the delivery device G is acquired, the order information included in the discharge information is specified, and the information discharged with date information is added to the order information. The data is stored in the table 24T (Steps # 105 and # 106).

  Further, when the operator makes an output request such as when the operator inquires about the presence or absence of the DP bag X in the processing device 24, the output is performed in a form corresponding to the request (steps # 107 and # 108). This output includes: 1. Display the history of the specified order on the display 23. 2. A list of all order histories is displayed on the display 23. It is possible to select to display the processing status at the designated date and time on the display 23.

  The processing of this order management routine is realized by the order management means 24A, and this order management means 24A generates an order information table 24T in the processing device 24 and accesses information to this order information table 24T. The order management unit 24A stores information on the number of prints and print size information included in the print processing information.

[Set routine]
In the control unit J, when the DP bag X is inserted (set) into the delivery device G, the insertion control means Jb uses the information from the rack management means Ja to execute the processing of the flowchart of FIG. When the insertion control means Jb obtains the order information to be placed on the rack R (corresponding to the package information) with the hand reader 47, the insertion bag means the DP bag X based on the information of the rack management means Ja. The rack R that is not placed is selected, and the selected rack R is moved to the position of the insertion opening 42 to realize the feeding of the DP bag X.

  That is, when the barcode information of the DP bag X is read by the hand reader 47 in the delivery device G, the order information (which matches the package information) is extracted from the barcode information, and the processing device based on this order management means The processing information is fetched from 24, the thickness of the DP bag X is acquired from the information on the number of printed sheets, and the empty state of the rack R corresponding to this thickness is searched in the rack management table JT (steps # 201 and # 202).

  In this delivery device G, when it is determined that the number of printed sheets is large and the DP bag X is thick and cannot be inserted into the rack R with the standard interval Gn, the DP bag X is set as an insertion target in the rack R with the expansion interval Ge.

  The rack management table JT is created by the processing of the rack management means Ja, and the rack management table JT is placed in the rack R with respect to identification information for individually identifying a plurality of racks R. The DP bag X order information (which matches the package information) is stored in association with each other. .

  If there is no rack that can be found by this search (where the DP bag X can be placed), the full lamp 83 is turned on to end the process. If there is a rack that is empty, the rack R to be inserted is inserted. Is set and the rack R is moved to the insertion level (steps # 203 to # 205). In addition, when the rack R to be inserted is designated, the rack R at a position where the right and left weight balance is not lost is set in consideration of the weight balance of the left and right racks R.

  Further, even when there is a vacant rack R, if the receiving operation lamp 82 is in a lit state because the customer is taking out the DP bag X, the rear shutter RS is used until the receiving operation lamp 82 is turned off. The insertion is prevented without opening. If there is an empty rack and the receiving operation lamp 82 is turned off, the insertion position lamp 81 is turned on and the corresponding rear shutter RS is opened (steps # 206 and # 207).

  When the DP bag X can be inserted in this way, the operator inserts the DP bag X through the insertion opening 42 in which the rear shutter RS is set to the open state at the position where the insertion position lamp 81 is lit. Thus, when the insertion sensor SI detects that the insertion is completed, the insertion position lamp 81 is turned off, and the corresponding rear shutter RS is set to the shielding state (steps # 208 and # 209).

  After the insertion of the DP bag X is completed in this way, the order information of the inserted DP bag X and the identification information of the rack R to be inserted are stored in the rack management table, and the DP bag X of the inserted DP bag X is also stored. The order information and the identification information of the rack R to be inserted are transmitted as set information to the processing device 24 (steps # 210 and # 211).

[Discharge routine]
In the control unit J, when the DP bag X is discharged from the delivery device G, the discharge control means Jc uses the information from the rack management means Ja to execute the processing of the flowchart of FIG. When the discharge control means Jc obtains the order information to be discharged (which coincides with the package information) by the fixed reader 43, the discharge control means Jc places the DP bag X to be discharged based on the information of the rack management means Ja. The rack R is specified, the rack R is moved to the position of the discharge opening 45 (the pushing position by the pushing mechanism Q), and the extrusion by the pushing mechanism Q is controlled.

  In the delivery device G, when the specific information (barcode information) of the exchange certificate V is read by the fixed reader 43, the rack management table JT is searched for the DP bag X corresponding to the specific information. A message such as “There is no corresponding DP bag X in the apparatus, so confirmation by the operator is required” is displayed on the monitor 44, and when the existence is confirmed, a message indicating that the existence has been confirmed is displayed on the monitor 44. And the receiving operation lamp 82 is turned on (steps # 301 to # 304).

  This specific information may be order information or information for specifying the customer's DP bag X. In order to display the customer's name on the monitor 44 at the time of delivery, It is desirable to include information that can specify a customer in addition to these pieces of information.

  The rack management table JT is created by the processing of the rack management means Ja, and the rack management table JT is placed in the rack R with respect to identification information for individually identifying a plurality of racks R. The order information of the DP bag X is stored in association with each other.

  When the presence of the DP bag X is confirmed, the corresponding rack R is moved to the discharge level, the corresponding front shutter FS is opened, and the extrusion operation of the corresponding extrusion mechanism Q is performed (steps # 305 to # 307). .

  When the push-out mechanism Q operates in this way, the DP bag X is partially delivered from the discharge opening 45 as shown in FIG. 11B, and the customer pulls out the DP bag X to discharge the DP bag X. The sensor SE determines whether or not the DP bag X has been discharged, and after completion of the removal, the corresponding front shutter FS is shielded and the receiving operation lamp 82 is turned off (steps # 308 and # 309).

  After the discharge of the DP bag X is completed in this way, information indicating that the rack R from which the DP bag X has been discharged is in an empty state is stored in the rack management table JT, and the discharged DP bag X Are sent to the processing device 24 as discharge information (steps # 310, # 311).

[Concept of the Invention]
Thus, according to the present invention, after the delivery device G artificially inserts and places the DP bag X on the rack R, the DP bag X placed on the rack R is discharged. Since the extruding mechanism Q performs, for example, the structure of the rack R is not only simplified but the structure of the entire apparatus can be reduced as compared with the structure in which a transport belt is provided and the DP bag X is discharged by driving the transport belt. The number of accommodation of the DP bags X is increased while maintaining the miniaturization.

  Further, since the table portion 46 is formed on the upper side of the pushing mechanism Q disposed on the rear side of the casing 41, the DP bag X can be easily inserted, and at the same time, the apparatus can be downsized. In particular, when the DP bag X is discharged from the rack R by the extrusion mechanism Q, not all of the DP bag X is pushed out, but the extrusion stroke is set so that only a part of the DP bag X is pushed out. In addition, a member for receiving the DP bag X is not required, which leads to further miniaturization. Further, since the operation stroke of the extrusion mechanism Q does not need to be increased, the enlargement of the extrusion mechanism Q is suppressed.

  By performing an operation of reading the order information of the DP bag X with the hand reader 47, the optimum rack R for placement is automatically set, the corresponding insertion opening 42 is opened, and the insertion indicating the insertion opening 42 is inserted. Since the position lamp 81 is lit, the insertion opening can be easily recognized and inserted. Further, at the time of this insertion, the insertion is realized by sliding the DP bag X along the upper surface of the table portion 46 on the rear side of the casing 41.

  Further, when the customer is performing a take-out operation on the front side of the housing 41, the state can be determined from the lighting of the receiving operation lamp 82, and when there is no rack R that can be mounted, the full lamp 83 is turned on for insertion. Can understand that it is impossible.

  Thereafter, when the customer takes out the DP bag X, the specific information of the exchange certificate V is read by the fixed reader 43, and the corresponding DP bag X is automatically discharged from the discharge opening 45. Receipt of bag X is realized. Further, when the DP bag X is discharged in this way, a part of the DP bag X protrudes from the discharge opening 45. For example, the DP bag X is completely discharged like the DP bag X is discharged. There is no need to provide a structure for receiving the bag X, and the size reduction is realized.

  In particular, in the delivery device G, the DP bag X can be discharged in a situation where the operator of the DP store is not present, so that the customer can receive the DP bag X even when the store is closed at night.

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) An engagement structure such as a plurality of engagement grooves is formed at a set interval with respect to the first elevating frame 51 (or the second elevating frame 52), and the rack R is provided for each engagement structure. It is configured so that it can be freely inserted and removed. By configuring so that it can be inserted and removed in this way, the vertical interval of the rack R can be set arbitrarily, and the size of the package can be accommodated favorably.

  In the case where the rack R can be inserted and removed as described above, the rack R is provided with a structure for fixing the rack R to the frame by using the elasticity of the rack R, or provided with a dedicated lock member. You may comprise so that R may be fixed.

(B) Instead of a voucher printed with a barcode, in order to acquire specific information, for example, a card equipped with an IC tag is used to transmit specific information in a non-contact manner, or magnetic information such as a magnetic card You may use what conveys specific information.

(C) As the accommodating portion, one having only one frame or a structure having a plurality of racks R in three or more frames may be used. In addition, when three or more frames are used, a number of drive mechanisms corresponding to the number of frames may be provided so as to move up and down independently of each other in consideration of the weight balance.

Perspective view of print management system Perspective view of reception terminal Top view showing the flow of DP bags in the print management system Side view of sorting device The perspective view which shows a delivery apparatus from the front side The perspective view which shows a delivery apparatus from the rear surface side Perspective view showing the structure of the lifting frame Enlarged front view of the first lifting frame Enlarged front view of the second lifting frame Diagram showing shutter plate drive structure The figure which shows the operation form of the extrusion mechanism Vertical side view and plan view of the push-out mechanism in the retracted state Vertical side view and plan view of the extrusion mechanism in the extruded state Vertical section of extrusion mechanism Block diagram of control system of print management system Block diagram of the control system of the delivery device Flow chart showing processing procedure of print management system Flow chart of order management routine Set routine flowchart Flow chart of discharge routine

Explanation of symbols

24 processing device 24A order management means 41 case 42 insertion opening 45 discharge opening 46 table part 51 accommodating part (first lifting frame)
52 Housing (second lifting frame)
J Control unit Ja Rack management means Jb Insertion control means Jc Discharge control means P Recording medium (printing paper)
Q Extrusion mechanism R Rack RS Rear shutter FS Front shutter X Package (DP bag)

Claims (6)

A delivery device comprising: a package housing unit containing a recording medium; and a control unit that performs delivery control of the package housed in the housing unit by acquiring specific information identifying a customer,
The housing portion includes a plurality of racks arranged in a shelf shape inside the housing, and a drive mechanism that moves the racks up and down.
An insertion opening for feeding the package to the rack is formed on the rear side of the casing, and a discharge opening for feeding the package from the rack is formed on the front side of the casing.
An extrusion mechanism for extruding the package placed on the rack from the discharge opening to the front side of the housing;
When the specific information is acquired, the control unit moves the rack on which the customer's package is placed by the control of the drive mechanism to an extrusion position by the extrusion mechanism, and the control of the extrusion mechanism A delivery device comprising discharge control means for performing extrusion. The control unit includes rack management means for associating and storing identification information for individually identifying the plurality of racks and package information for specifying the package mounted on one of the plurality of racks. With
When the control unit acquires package information to be placed on the rack, the control unit selects a rack on which the package is not placed based on the information of the rack management means, and controls the drive mechanism, An insertion control means for allowing the package to be fed by moving the selected rack to the position of the insertion opening;
When the discharge control means acquires the package information to be discharged, it identifies the rack on which the package to be discharged is placed based on the information of the rack management means, and moves the rack to the position of the discharge opening. The delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the package is extruded by the extrusion mechanism. A rear shutter for opening and shielding the insertion opening; and a front shutter for opening and shielding the discharge opening;
The said insertion control means performs control which opens the said rear shutter at the time of insertion of the said package, and the said discharge control means performs control which opens the said front shutter at the time of discharge of the said package by the said extrusion mechanism. Delivery device.   The table part which mounts the said package in the level of the said insertion opening is arrange | positioned at the rear part side of the said housing | casing, The said extrusion mechanism is arrange | positioned in the lower position of this table part. The delivery device described in 1.   The delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an extrusion stroke is set so that the extrusion mechanism terminates an extrusion operation in a state where a part of the package is extruded from the discharge opening.   Communication means for permitting access of information between a processing device that gives the specific information to the package and the control unit, and the processing device determines whether the package exists based on information acquired from the rack management means. The delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising order management means for management.

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