EP1762524A1

EP1762524A1 - Sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP1762524A1
Application number: EP06019194A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hideaki c/o Intellectual Property Divis. Watanabe
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2005-09-13
Filing date: 2006-09-13
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Also published as: CN1931694A; JP2007076794A; US20070069458A1

Abstract

This specification discloses a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path that includes, a perforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, a perforated second conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts, a first pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, a second pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path, second and third sensors respectively placed between the first pneumatic operation body and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation body and the third conveying path, and first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation body and the second pneumatic operation body in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors, wherein the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are each provided with a groove for guiding the running of the first or the second conveyor belt, and a pneumatic run with one end opening at the groove, and the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second conveyor belt or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second conveyor belt.

Description

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application JP2005-265832 filed on September 13, 2005 , the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Present invention relates to the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products.
Conventionally, in a conveying apparatus for conveying sheet-like paper product by clamping with conveyor belts, a method of guiding the leading end of sheet-like paper product in a designated direction according to a rocking type conveying route switching mechanism placed along the conveying path for switching between two ways is disclosed in the Japanese patent document, JP2002-367003A .
However, since the method disclosed in the patent document JP2002-367003A is of rocking to obstruct the conveying path, it tends to cause faults, such as a fault of sheet-like paper product being damaged or being jammed when sheet-like paper product passes during rocking of the switching mechanism. In order to prevent these faults, it was needed to widen spacing between sheet-like paper products conveyed in considerable extent. Therefore, there was a defect that the processing efficiency of sheet-like paper products becomes down.
Further, in a portion where the switching mechanisms are provided continuously, since sheet-like paper product cannot be clamped by conveyor belts, it is employed a method of guiding sheet-like paper products by incurvating the sheet-like paper product itself to a barrel roof form with which the form hardly collapses. However, since in the sheet-like paper product with a weak drape, such as a bill, the form collapsed easily, and thus a leading end thereof are hardly guided correctly, there was still a defect of easily causing a paper jam.
Present invention is devised to eliminate the above described disadvantage. Therefore the present invention has an object to provide a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus capable of narrowing spacing between sheet-like paper products conveyed and improving processing efficiency of the sheet-like paper products by employing air-intake/air-discharge operation instead of is employed for switching the conveying route of sheet-like paper products instead of rocking type switching mechanism.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by that a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path comprises a perforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, a perforated second conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts, a first pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, a second pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path, second and third sensors respectively placed between the first pneumatic operation body and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation body and the third conveying path, and first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation body and the second pneumatic operation body in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors, wherein the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are each provided with a groove for guiding the running of the first or the second conveyor belt, and a pneumatic run with one end opening at the groove, and the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second conveyor belt or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second conveyor belt.
Another aspect of the present invention is characterized by that a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching a conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, comprises an unperforated first conveyor belt provided for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, an unperforated second conveyor belt provided for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts, a first pneumatic operation roller device placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, a second pneumatic operation roller device placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path, a second and third sensors placed, respectively between the first pneumatic operation roller device and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation roller device and the third conveying path, and first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation roller device and the second pneumatic operation roller device in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors, wherein the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices are each provided a plurality of holes perforated around the roller surface, a pneumatic run with one end opening at the plurality of holes through roller shafts, and the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second pneumatic operation roller device surface or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second pneumatic operation roller device surface.
Further aspect of the present invention is characterized by that a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, comprises a perforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, a perforated second conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts, a first pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, a second pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path, second and third sensors respectively placed between the first pneumatic operation body and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation body and the third conveying path, and first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation body and the second pneumatic operation body in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors, wherein the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second conveyor belt or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second conveyor belt.
A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic section showing the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus according to first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the pneumatic operation body according to first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view showing the perforated conveyor belt according to first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic section showing the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus according to second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing the pneumatic operation roller device by second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic section showing the discharging type pneumatic operation body according to third embodiment of the present invention.
Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic section of a sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In this first embodiment, the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus is equipped in a sheet-like paper product processing apparatus which conveys sheet-like paper products at high speed and processes them. For example, it is an apparatus for switching conveying paths of the sheet-like paper product which clamp sheet-like paper products such as bank notes by the conveying belts, and convey from a first conveying path to a second conveying path or from the first conveying path to a third conveying path.
FIG. 2 is a drawing explaining pneumatic operation bodies employed in the first embodiment, for example, a first pneumatic operation body 1. In more detail, FIG. 2(1)is a top view, FIG. 2(2) is a front view, FIG. 2,(3) is a bottom view, and FIG. 2(4) is a side elevation.
The pneumatic operation body 1 is connected to pneumatic operation control device 3 via pneumatic tube 3D, and provided with pneumatic tube connection part 101 forming port opening of air, and openings 102 and 103 for intaking or discharging air. The openings 102 and 103 are communicated to pneumatic tube connection part 101 through pneumatic run 104.
The openings 102 and 103 open at grooves which guide runnings of conveyor belts 5A. The width and the depth of the groove are enlarged a little than the width and the thickness of conveyor belt 5A, so that perforated conveyor belt 5A can run smoothly. The second pneumatic operation body 2 is constituted likewise the first pneumatic operation body 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of perforated conveyor belt 5A employed for this embodiment, for example, the first transportation belt. The second conveyor belt 5B is constituted likewise the first conveyor belt 5A.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the constitution and the operation of the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus of the first embodiment will be explained.
The sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus of the first embodiment is provided with parallel two pairs of conveyor belts, i.e., perforated first conveyor belt 5A running from first conveying path to second conveying path through the first pneumatic operation body 1, and perforated second conveyor belt 5B running from first conveying path to third conveying path through the second pneumatic operation body 2. These parallel pairs of conveyor belts convey sheet-like paper product P by clamping it.
Sheet-like paper product P conveyed by being clamped by the first and second conveyor belts 5A and 5B is detected by the first sensor 8 placed along the first conveying path.
The first and the second pneumatic operation bodies 1 and 2 are each formed grooves for guiding runnings of first and second conveyor belts 5A and 5B.
Further, first and second pneumatic operation control devices 3 and 4 are coupled between pneumatic operation bodies 1 and 2 and a pneumatic pump (not shown). These pneumatic operation control devices 3 and 4 control the pneumatic operation of pneumatic operation bodies 1 and 2.
Further, a first pinch-roller pair 13 for supporting the first and the second conveyor belts 5A, 5B by clamping them, second roller pair 14 for supporting the first and third conveyor belts 5A, 11 by clamping them, third roller pair 15 for supporting the second and fourth conveyor belts 5B, 12 by clamping them are provided. And separation guide 7 is placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path.
The first conveyor belt 5A is perforated holes at constant interval. Through the holes, intaking or discharging of air is possible. Further, the first conveyor belt 5A brings sheet-like paper products P in conveying route switching section by clamping them in corporation with the second conveyor belt 5B, and then conveys the paper products P brought by clamping in corporation with the third conveyor belt 11.
Like the first conveyor belt 5A, the second conveyor belt 5B is perforated holes at constant interval. Through the holes, intaking or discharging of air is possible. Further, the second conveyor belt 5B brings the sheet-like paper products P in conveying route switching section by clamping them in corporation with the first conveyor belt 5A, and then conveys the paper products P brought by clamping in corporation with the fourth conveyor belt 12.
The above-described conveyor belts 5A, 5B, 11 and 12 are each supported by respective pinch-roller pair 13-15, and driven in synchronism with each other by drive motor (not shown).
Pneumatic operation control device 3 is a system for controlling electro-magnetic valve 3B to perform air-intake/air-discharge/pause for the first pneumatic operation body 1.
Pneumatic tube 3A is connected to the air supply port of electro-magnetic valve 3B, and thus air is supplied through the pneumatic tube 3A. This pneumatic tube 3A is connected to the compressor (not shown), and thus air is supplied from the compressor.
Pneumatic tube 3C is connected to the air discharge port of electro-magnetic valve 3B, and when control of air-discharge/air-intake is not carried out to pneumatic operation body 1, the air supplied from pneumatic tube 3A is discharged from the pneumatic operation body 1.
Pneumatic tube 3D is connected to air control port of electro-magnetic valve 3B, and then control of air-intake/air-discharge/pause is carried out to pneumatic operation body 1 through the pneumatic tube 3D. Now, this air control is carried out by the pneumatic operation control device.
Pneumatic operation control device 4 is a system for controlling electro-magnetic valve 4B to perform air-intake/air-discharge/pause for the first pneumatic operation body 2. As well, since pneumatic operation control device 4 is constituted in identical to pneumatic operation control device 3, description of the pneumatic operation control device 4 will be omitted.
Now, an operation for conveying the sheet-like paper product P in the direction of the second conveying path by the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus of the first embodiment will be explained. Following operations are controlled by the pneumatic operation control device (not shown) for controlling sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus.
When sheet-like paper product P is detected by the first sensor 8, pneumatic control means controls the electro-magnetic valve 3B to carry out the air-intake from openings 102 and 103 opening at the groove for guiding the first conveyor belt 5A of pneumatic operation body 1, and makes sheet-like paper product P be attracted to the first conveyor belt 5A. According to this air-intake operation, sheet-like paper product P is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path which is the running direction of the first conveyor belt 5A.
Further, sheet-like paper product P is brought into the second conveying path by being supported by the first conveyor belt 5A and the third conveyor belt 11 which are supported their running by pinch-roller pair 14. Here, it is further preferred that when sheet-like paper product P is pulled to pneumatic operation body 1 the air-discharge operation of the second pneumatic operation body 2 is carried out for pressing the sheet-like paper product P against the first conveyor belt 5A. This operation is effective when two pieces of sheet-like paper product are conveyed in succession, as described in detail later.
When conveying sheet-like paper product P in the direction of the third conveying path by the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus, air-intake operation through openings 102 and 103 opening at the groove for guiding the first conveyor belt 5B of pneumatic operation body 2 is carried out to attract sheet-like paper product P to the second conveyor belt 5B. According to this air-intake operation, sheet-like paper product P is conveyed in the direction of the third conveying path which is the running direction of the second conveyor belt 5B. Here, it is further preferred that when sheet-like paper product P is pulled to pneumatic operation body 2 the air-discharge operation of the second pneumatic operation body 1 is carried out for pressing the sheet-like paper product P against the first conveyor belt 5B. This operation is effective when two pieces of sheet-like paper product are conveyed in succession, as described in detail later.
Further, sheet-like paper product P is brought into the third conveying path by being supported by the second conveyor belt 5B and the third conveyor belt 12 which are supported their running by pinch-roller pair 15.
Next, it will be explained about that two consecutive sheet-like paper products Pa, Pb are conveyed to the second carrying path and the third carrying path, respectively.
When sheet-like paper product Pa is detected by the first sensor 8, pneumatic control means controls the electro-magnetic valve 3B to carry out the air-intake from openings 102 and 103 opening at the groove for guiding the first conveyor belt 5A of pneumatic operation body 1, and makes sheet-like paper product Pa be attracted to the first conveyor belt 5A. At the same time as that, the electro-magnetic valve 4B is also operated to carry out the air-discharge operation of the second pneumatic operation body 2 to press the sheet-like paper product Pa against the first conveyor belt 5A.
In this situation, the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path by running of conveyor belts 5A, 5B, 11, and 12. When the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa has been clamped by the second conveying path pinch-roller 14, the sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path even though the pneumatic operation body 1 has paused the air-intake operation.
Further since no mechanism element such as rocking member working in accordance with the electro-magnetic valve 3B on the conveying path, there is no danger of that the sheet-like paper product Pa is not damaged by operation of such mechanism element when the electro-magnetic valve 3B has worked.
When the detection output of the second sensor 9 has changed to OFF state, it is assumed that sheet-like paper product Pa has been held by the second conveying path pinch-roller 14. Then the electro-magnetic valve 3B is so changed to make the pneumatic operation body 2 to air-intake operation state and the pneumatic operation body 1 into the air-discharge operation state. Thereby, sheet-like paper product Pb is conveyed in the direction of the third conveying path.
The separation guide is constituted to prevent that the sheet-like paper product conveyed to the second conveying path or the third conveying path is accidentally conveyed to the other-side conveying path. Here, the separation guide 7 is provided for preventing that at this time the trailing end part of the sheet-like paper product Pa is brought into the third conveying path by being attracted to the second conveyor belt 5B.
By having such construction free from mechanism element such as rocking member, the first embodiment is able to consecutively convey sheet-like paper products with very narrow spaces between them. Further the first embodiment is able to reliably convey even feeble sheet-like paper product by making pneumatic operation body 1 to air-intake operation state and pneumatic operation body 2 to the air-discharge operation state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic section of the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of pneumatic operation roller device 30 (31) employed in this second embodiment.
This second embodiment is almost' same as the first embodiment except that first and second pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 are employed instead of first and second pneumatic operation bodies 1 and 2 in first embodiment and non-perforated conveyor belts 6A and 6B are employed.
That is, sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus according to this first embodiment is provided with a first conveyor belt 6A constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path through first air operation roller 30, and a second conveyor belt 6B constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path through second air operation roller 31. Then, sheet-like paper products are conveyed as clamped between the first conveyor belt 6A and the second conveyor belt 6B.
The sheet-like paper product P conveyed by the first and second conveyor belts 6A and 6B is detected by the first sensor 8 placed along the first conveying path.
The first and second pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 are provided with rollers. The rollers are constituted to support the runnings of the first and second conveyor belts 6A and 6B conveying the sheet-like paper product P and to bring the sheet-like paper product P therein, respectively. And the rollers are perforated with a plurality of holes 301 for carrying out air-intake operation and/or air-discharge operation.
Further these pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 are provided with pneumatic operation control devices 3 and 4 for charging or discharging air thereto. Further, a plurality of pinch-roller pairs 13-15 for supporting the first and second conveyor belts 6A, 6B by clamping them are provided. And a separation guide 7 is placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path.
Here, the components similar to those in the pneumatic operation control devices 3 and 4 of the first embodiment will be assigned with the same reference numerals and the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted, and those different from the embodiment will be described.
Although in the first embodiment pneumatic tubes 3A and 4A are connected to air supply opening of electro-magnetic valves 3B and 4B, in this second embodiment those pneumatic tubes 3A and 4A are not employed. This is because that the pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 of the second embodiment carries out air-intake operation and pause operation but not carry out air-discharge operation.
The rollers of the pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 are formed in hollow cylinder and perforated a plurality of holes on the circumference surface of the roller. Revolving shaft of the pneumatic operation roller devices 30 and 31 are connected to a compressor (not shown) through pneumatic tube 3C, 3D, 4C and 4D, and electro-magnetic valves 3B and 4B.
Now, operations for conveying two consecutive sheet-like paper products Pa and Pb to the second conveying path and the third conveying path according to the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus of the first embodiment respectively will be explained.
When the first sensor 8 detects the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa, electro-magnetic valve 3B is operated to carry out air-intake operation through the holes 301 of the rollers of pneumatic operation roller device 30, and attract sheet-like paper product Pa.
In this situation, the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path by running of conveyor belts 5A, 5B, 11, and 12. When the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa has been clamped by the second conveying path pinch-roller 14, the sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path even though the pneumatic operation roller device 30 has paused the air-intake operation. Therefore, when detection output of the second sensor 9 turns ON, and the second conveying path pinch-roller 14 clamps the sheet-like paper product Pa, electro-magnetic valve 3B is paused and air-intake operation of the pneumatic operation roller device 30 is suspended.
When the first sensor 8 detects the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa, electro-magnetic valve 4B is operated to carry out air-intake operation through the holes 301 of the rollers of pneumatic operation roller device 31, and attract sheet-like paper product Pb.
In this situation, the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pb is conveyed in the direction of the third conveying path by running of conveyor belts 6A, 6B, 11, and 12. When the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pb has been clamped by the third conveying path pinch-roller 15, the sheet-like paper product Pb is conveyed in the direction of the third conveying path even though the pneumatic operation roller device 31 has paused the air-intake operation. Therefore, when detection output of the third sensor 10 turns ON, and the third conveying path pinch-roller 15 clamps the sheet-like paper product Pb, electro-magnetic valve 4B is paused and air-intake operation of the pneumatic operation roller device 31 is suspended.
Here, the separation guide 7 is provided for preventing that the sheet-like paper product Pa is brought into between pinch-roller 15 and pneumatic operation roller device 31, or that the sheet-like paper product Pb is brought into between pinch-roller 14 and pneumatic operation roller device 30.
According to this second embodiment, it is able to confine to only air-intake operation and pause operation, and thus the constitution of the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus becomes simplified. This second embodiment is suitable for a case that sheet-like paper product is rigid and thus it is no need of air-discharge operation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic section of pneumatic operation body according to third embodiment of the present invention.
In this third embodiment, air-discharge type pneumatic operation body is provided instead of air-intake type pneumatic operation bodies 1, 2 of first embodiment. Since pneumatic operation control devices 3 and 4 and conveyor belts 11 and 12 are the same as those of first embodiment, description of those will be omitted and those different from the embodiment will be described. The first pneumatic operation body 40 has pneumatic tube connection part 401, and air is supplied from pneumatic operation control device 3 connected to the pneumatic tube connection part 401. The supplied air passes through pneumatic run 402, and is discharged from air-discharge opening 403 opening at a portion near the trailing end of the first pneumatic operation body 40. In this embodiment, air-discharge operation and the pause operation are controlled by the opening and closing of electro-magnetic valve 3B.
In the first embodiment, the air-intake operation is preponderantly carried out and the air-discharge operation is supplementarily carried out. On the other hand, only the air-discharge operation is carried out. Air discharge opening 403 of the first pneumatic operation body 40 is constituted to blow air out in a front oblique direction, and pushes the leading end of sheet-like paper product P out in the direction of the third conveying path.
This sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus of third embodiment is provided with a pair of first conveyor belt 6A constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path through first air operation roller 40, and a pair of second conveyor belt 6B constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path through second air operation roller (not shown). Then, sheet-like paper products are conveyed as clamped between the first conveyor belts 6A and the second conveyor belts 6B.
The sheet-like paper product P conveyed by the first and second conveyor belts 6A and 6B is detected by the first sensor 8 placed along the first conveying path.
The first and the second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41 are each formed grooves for guiding runnings of third and fourth conveyor belts 6A and 6B, and perforated a plurality of holes for passing air.
The first and the second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41 are constituted to be supplied air from first and second pneumatic operation control devices (not shown). Further, first pinch-roller pair 13 for supporting the first and the second conveyor belts 5A, 5B by clamping them, second pinch-roller pair 14 for supporting the first and third conveyor belts 5A, 11 by clamping them, third pinch-roller pair 15 for supporting the second and fourth conveyor belts 5B, 12 by clamping them are provided. And separation guide 7 is placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path. Further, Branching guide 7 is formed in a plurality of pinch-roller pairs 13-15 which pinch and support the first and second conveyor belts 6A and 6B of the above, and the distribution part of the direction of the second conveying path, and the direction of the third conveying path.
With the second conveyor belt 6B, the first conveyor belt 6A clamps sheet-like paper product P, takes it in among the first and second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41, and clamps sheet-like paper product P with the third conveyor belt 11, and conveys it to the second conveying path.
With the first conveyor belt 6A, the second conveyor belt 6B clamps sheet-like paper product P, and takes it in among the first and second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41, and it clamps and conveys sheet-like paper product P with the fourth conveyor belt 12.
According to the place explained above, when conveying to the second conveying path, it sprays, only electro-magnetic valve 4B of guide 41 is turned ON, and electro-magnetic valve 3B of the first pneumatic operation body 40 is turned OFF, for example.
Now, the operation in the case of conveying two consecutive sheet-like paper products Pa and Pb of two sheets to the second conveying path and the third conveying path, respectively with the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus by the first and second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41 of the first embodiment will be explained. The example at the time of changing and employing the first and second pneumatic operation bodies 40 and 41 of the first embodiment for pneumatic operation bodies 1 and 2 of the sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.
When the first sensor 8 detects the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa, electro-magnetic valve 4B is operated, air is blown out from air-discharge opening 403 of blasting guide 41, and sheet-like paper product Pa is forced on the first pneumatic operation body 40.
In this situation, the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path by running of conveyor belts 6A, 6B, 11, and 12. When the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa has been clamped by the second conveying path pinch roller 14, the sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path even though the pneumatic operation body 41 has paused the air-intake operation. Therefore, when detection output of the second sensor 9 turns ON, and the second conveying path pinch roller 14 clamps the sheet-like paper product Pa, electro-magnetic valve 4B is paused and air-intake operation of the pneumatic operation body 41 is suspended.
When the first sensor 8 detects the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pb, electro-magnetic valve 3B is operated, air is blown out from air-discharge opening 403 of blasting guide 40, and sheet-like paper product Pa is forced on the first pneumatic operation body 40.
When conveyor belts 6A, 6B, 11, and 12 run in the condition, the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pa is conveyed in the direction of the second conveying path. Even if it does not carry out spraying by pneumatic operation body 40 after the leading end of sheet-like paper product Pb is clamped by the second conveying path pinch roller 14, sheet-like paper product Pb is conveyed in the direction of the third conveying path. Therefore, when it detects that the detection output of the second sensor 10 was set to ON, and the third conveying path pinch roller 15 clamped sheet-like paper product Pb, electro-magnetic valve 3B is suspended and blowing air by pneumatic operation body 40 is suspended.
Here, the separation guide 7 is provided for preventing that the sheet-like paper product Pa is brought into between pinch roller 15 and pneumatic operation roller device 41, or that the sheet-like paper product Pb is brought into between pinch roller 14 and pneumatic operation roller device 40.
By having such construction it is able to obtain the same effect as that of second embodiment.
By employing the air-intake /air-discharge operation, the conveying route of sheet-like paper product can be switched at very high speed compared with the case where a rocking mechanism is used. Therefore, since the conveying density and/or conveying speed of the sheet-like paper products can be raised, an efficiency of processing sheet-like paper products can be raised.
While there have been illustrated and described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the present invention without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, comprising:
a perforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path;

a perforated second conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path;

a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts;

a first pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path;

a second pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path;

second and third sensors respectively placed between the first pneumatic operation body and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation body and the third conveying path; and

first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation body and the second pneumatic operation body in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors;
wherein
the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are each provided with a groove for guiding the running of the first or the second conveyor belt, and a pneumatic run with one end opening at the groove, and
the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second conveyor belt or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second conveyor belt.
A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the pneumatic control means, comprises:
an electro-magnetic valve provided for controlling air-intake of the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies; and

a pneumatic tube provided for connecting the electro-magnetic valve to the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies;
wherein
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls the first pneumatic operation body to suck air from the opening provided at their groove and to draw the sheet-like paper product to the first conveyor belt, and to discharge air from the opening provided at the groove of the second pneumatic operation body to press the sheet-like paper product to the first conveyor belt,
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls the second pneumatic operation body to suck air from the opening provided at their groove and to draw the sheet-like paper product to the second conveyor belt, and to discharge air from the opening provided at the groove of the first pneumatic operation body to press the sheet-like paper product against the second conveyor belt.
The sheet-like paper product conveying route switching apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a separation guide placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path,
wherein the separation guide is constituted to prevent that the sheet-like paper product conveyed to the second conveying path or the third conveying path is accidentally conveyed to the other-side conveying path.
A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching a conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, comprising:
an unperforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path;

an unperforated second conveyor belt provided for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path;

a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts;

a first pneumatic operation roller device placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path,

a second pneumatic operation roller device placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path,

a second and third sensors placed, respectively between the first pneumatic operation roller device and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation roller device and the third conveying path, and

first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation roller device and the second pneumatic operation roller device in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors;
wherein
the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices are each provided a plurality of holes perforated around the roller surface, a pneumatic run with one end opening at the plurality of holes through roller shafts, and
the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second pneumatic operation roller device surface or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second pneumatic operation roller device surface.
A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein
the pneumatic control means, comprises:
an electro-magnetic valve provided for controlling air-intake of the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices; and

a pneumatic tube provided for connecting the electro-magnetic valve to the first and the second pneumatic operation roller devices;
wherein
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the second conveying path,
when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls to suck air from the holes provided at the first pneumatic operation roller device to draw the sheet-like paper product to the first conveyor belt,
and to discharge air from the holes provided at the second pneumatic operation roller device to press the sheet-like paper product against the first conveyor belt,
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the third conveying path,
when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls the second pneumatic operation roller device to suck air from the holes provided at the second pneumatic operation roller device to draw the sheet-like paper product to the second conveyor belt,
and to discharge air from the holes provided at the first pneumatic operation roller device to press the sheet-like paper product to the second conveyor belt.
The sheet-like paper product conveying route switching apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising
a separation guide placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path,
wherein the separation guide is constituted to prevent that the sheet-like paper product conveyed to the second conveying path or the third conveying path is accidentally conveyed to the other-side conveying path.
A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus for switching conveying route of sheet-like paper products between a first conveying route from a first conveying path to a second conveying path and a second conveying route from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, comprising:
a perforated first conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the second conveying path;

a perforated second conveyor belt constituted for running from the first conveying path to the third conveying path;

a first sensor placed along the first conveying path for detecting the sheet-like paper product conveyed by being clamped between the first and second conveyor belts;

a first pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path;

a second pneumatic operation body placed between the first conveying path and the third conveying path;

second and third sensors respectively placed between the first pneumatic operation body and the second conveying path and between the second pneumatic operation body and the third conveying path; and

first and second pneumatic control means provided for controlling pneumatic operation of the first pneumatic operation body and the second pneumatic operation body in response to the first, the second, and the third sensors;
wherein
the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the first or the second conveyor belt or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the first or the second conveyor belt.
the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are each provided with a pair of grooves for guiding the running of the first or the second conveyor belt, and a pneumatic run with one end opening at an operation surface between the pair of the grooves, and
the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies are constituted for drawing the sheet-like paper product by air-intake through the pneumatic run to the operation surface or bearing off the sheet-like paper product by air-discharge through the pneumatic run from the operation surface.
A sheet-like paper products conveying route switching apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the pneumatic control means, comprises:
an electro-magnetic valve provided for controlling air-intake of the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies; and

a pneumatic tube provided for connecting the electro-magnetic valve to the first and the second pneumatic operation bodies;
wherein
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the second conveying path, when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls the first pneumatic operation body to suck air from the opening provided at their groove and to draw the sheet-like paper product to the first conveyor belt, and to discharge air from the opening provided at the groove of the second pneumatic operation body to press the sheet-like paper product to the first conveyor belt,
in case of switching the conveying path of the sheet-like paper product from the first conveying path to the third conveying path, when the sheet-like paper product is detected by the first sensor, the pneumatic control means controls the second pneumatic operation body to suck air from the opening provided at their groove and to draw the sheet-like paper product to the second conveyor belt, and to discharge air from the opening provided at the groove of the first pneumatic operation body to press the sheet-like paper product against the second conveyor belt.
The sheet-like paper product conveying route switching apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a separation guide placed at a separation zone of the second conveying path and the third conveying path,
wherein the separation guide is constituted to prevent that the sheet-like paper product conveyed to the second conveying path or the third conveying path is accidentally conveyed to the other-side conveying path.