JP2000044069A - Paper separation device and its program recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately separate paper sheet by sheet, and feed them even if a bundle of paper mixed with the plural kinds of paper different in size and quality is set, or the bundles of paper are set in disorder. SOLUTION: When a slip is fed, which is taken out of a bundle of slips set in a paper stack part 5-1 by means of a paper feeding roller 5-8, a paper separation mechanism is provided at plural stages in the paper feeding direction. Namely, the paper separation mechanism is formed out of a driven roller 5-5 and a feeding roller 5-13 in a first stage, feeding rollers 5-15 and 5-16 in a second stage, and of feeding rollers 5-20 and 5-21 in a third stage, and the slips taken out while being piled up one above the other, are thereby separated sheet by sheet.by individually controlling motors 5-3, 5-9, 5-17, 5-18, 5-24 and 5-25 corresponding to the respective rollers respectively.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for removing one sheet from a bundle of sheets in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and set.
The present invention relates to a sheet separating apparatus that separates and outputs sheets one by one and a program recording medium for the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a sheet separating apparatus for separating sheets one by one from a sheet bundle, a check reading apparatus for automatically reading and processing the contents written on a check has been used. By simply setting a plurality of checks in the apparatus in a stacked state, the checks are separated one by one from the bundle and conveyed to the check reader.

[0003]

However, in this type of sheet separating apparatus, it is necessary to set the same sheet size, and it is necessary to set sheets of the same thickness. It was necessary to set them in a state where they were aligned. An object of the present invention is to reliably separate sheets one by one even if a bundle of papers in which a plurality of types of papers having different paper sizes and paper qualities are mixed or a bundle of papers is set in a complicated manner. And send it out.

[0004]

The means of the present invention are as follows. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a take-out means for taking out a sheet from a bundle of sheets in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and set, and a plurality of sheets taken out by the take-out means in the sending direction when the sheets are taken out. Separating a plurality of stacked sheets taken out one by one by a multi-stage separating mechanism by individually controlling the rotation of a pair of feed rollers constituting each separating mechanism. And a sending means for sending the paper separated by the separating means to the outside. The present invention may be as follows. (1) The separating means has an individual drive motor for each feed roller, and temporarily stops a drive motor corresponding to one of the pair of feed rollers constituting the separation mechanism to perform the feed. Controls roller rotation. (2) A direction changing means for changing the conveying direction of the sheet separated by the separating means is provided, and the sheet separating mechanism is provided also in the direction changed by the direction changing means, and a pair of feeders constituting the mechanism are provided. Control the rotation of the rollers individually. (3) A pair of brush rollers are provided near the receiving portion for receiving the paper separated by the separating means, and the rotation of the pair of brush rollers receives the paper while suppressing the amount of paper passing therethrough. . (4) a lateral transport unit having a feed roller for transporting the sheet in the horizontal direction near a receiving unit for receiving the sheet separated by the separating unit; and a horizontal transport unit until the sheet reaches the receiving unit. By moving the feed roller constituting the conveying means by a predetermined amount, the introduction portion to the receiving portion is opened, and when the paper reaches the receiving portion, the feed roller is returned to the original position and moved to the receiving portion. Transport control means for enabling the transport in the horizontal direction by closing the introduction portion of

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a sheet taken out from a bundle of sheets in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and set is sent, a plurality of stages of sheet separation provided in the sending direction are provided. In this case, the control unit controls the rotation of a pair of feed rollers constituting each separation mechanism, and separates a plurality of stacked sheets taken out one by one by a plurality of separation mechanisms.
The separated sheet is sent out. Therefore, even if a bundle of papers in which a plurality of types of papers having different paper sizes and paper qualities are mixed or a bundle of papers is set in a complicated manner, it is necessary to reliably separate and send out the papers one by one. Can be.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an essential part of a classification and sorting apparatus for sorting slips such as a notice of receipt of a utility bill and tax collected at a bank office, a transfer slip, a bill, a check, and the like for each type. The sorting / sorting apparatus 1 is entirely formed on a desk, and on one side (right side in the figure) of the top plate portion, there is provided a sorting box 2 having a plurality of (for example, 80) sorting pockets for sorting slips by sorting. In addition to being built in, a keyboard 3 for inputting sorting destinations and various commands, and a display device 4 for displaying a slip name and the like are mounted on the top panel. Here, the sorting / sorting apparatus 1 can sort the slips by classification as well as the usual method of manually inputting the sort destinations of the slips one by one while the operator manually inputs the slips, and a stack of slips (in this example, a maximum of 500 sorts).
There is an automatic transport sorting method in which the slips are automatically loaded while transporting the slips one by one simply by setting the slips in the mixed hopper 5, and any one of them can be arbitrarily selected (or used continuously). I have. In this case, the automatic transport sorting mechanism separates a bundle of slips set as objects of classification and sorting, and outputs the slips one by one. Path 6 that conveys the document in the direction of the classification box 2, an image reader 7 that optically reads the classification destination written on the form while the form is being conveyed while being guided along the path 6, An input unit 8 for inputting a slip into a classification pocket in the classification box 2 corresponding to the classification destination read by the reader 7.

In the course of transporting the slip, the transport path 6 includes a switching mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) for switching the transport direction of the slip if there is an error in the reading result read by the image reader 7. A reject pocket 9 for collecting and storing the error slips which have been switched and transported by the switching mechanism, and furthermore, a serial number is assigned to each of the slips during the transport to the classification box 2 when the reading is normally performed. The printer includes a printer 10 for numbering, and a manual insertion slot 11 for inputting a slip by interruption from outside the transport path 6. Note that the manual insertion slot 11 is also used for re-inputting the error slip collected and stored in the reject pocket 9, and in this case, the classification destination is visually read from the slip and key-input. Like that. The external pocket 12 does not store the slip being conveyed in the sorting box 2 but only reads the slip contents by the image reader 7.
And collects and stores the slips sequentially sent out from the server, and up to 500 slips can be stored similarly to the mixed hopper 5. Also in this case, a switching mechanism for switching the transport direction is provided. The image reader 7 is a line sensor, and the OCR characters and barcodes read by the image reader 7 are also transferred to an external computer PC, and the slips (total amounts) are sorted for each classification destination.

FIG. 2 conceptually shows the main structure in the sorting / sorting apparatus 1, that is, the sorting box 2 and its driving system. FIG. 2 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view, and FIG. It is. The sorting box 2 is rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft (support shaft) 13 that supports the sorting box 2 in the top plate portion of the sorting device 1. The classification box 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom as a whole, and a plurality of classification pockets 15 are formed in the inside thereof by a plurality of partition plates 14 arranged radially. The sorting pockets 15 sort and store slips for each type, and a positioning bar code 16 is added to a position corresponding to each sorting pocket 15 on the outer peripheral surface of the sorting box 2. Here, when the slip is stored, when a sort destination code designating the type of the slip is input, the step motor 17 is driven and its rotation is transmitted to the sort box 2 via the belt 18 so that the sort box 2 is corrected. It is driven to rotate in the reverse direction. At that time, the position mark sensor 19
Is for reading a positioning bar code 16 which is added to the outer peripheral surface of the classification box 2 and expresses the classification information.
When the barcode 16 corresponding to the classification destination code is read, the drive of the step motor 17 is controlled so that the classification box 2 stops at that position. That is, the position mark sensor 19 is a bar code reader that detects the position of the sorting pocket 15 assigned in advance in accordance with the sorting destination code, and the detected sorting pocket 15 comes to a position facing the slip slot 20. Up to this point, the classification box 2 is driven to rotate. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, an electromagnetic brake 21 is provided below the step motor 17, and the electromagnetic brake 21 decelerates and stops the rotation of the step motor 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the partition plate 14 has its lower part rotatably attached to the sorting box 2 so as to be inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the vertical plane. The reason why the partition plate 14 is inclined at 45 degrees is that the opening of the classification pocket 15 can be made wider than in the case where the partition plate is fixed upright, so that slips can be inserted and taken out. It will be easy. In addition, since the slip is stored in a state of being laid down at 45 degrees, the height of the sorting box 2 can be reduced accordingly, and the sorting box 2 can be made thinner.
By laying down the slips, the order in which the slips are inserted can be maintained, and subsequent work can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, if the slips are stored upright, the bundle of slips is "squeezed" by the rotation drive of the classification box 2, and the slips are gradually lifted up at the center thereof. This is because the collapsed state of the stored state can be effectively prevented without the collapsed state of the slip. In this way, 45
As shown in FIG. 1, a bundle of slips is set at a 45-degree state in the mixed hopper 5 so that the slips being transported while being guided by the transport path 6 are also set to 45 degrees.
Each slip is conveyed while being laid down at a time, and the slip is also put into the classification box 2 in a state where the slip is laid down at 45 degrees in the input unit 8. That is, in the entire system, the slip is processed while being laid down at 45 degrees.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are views showing the configuration of the mixed hopper 5 in detail. The mixed hopper 5 reliably separates and sends out the slips one by one even when a plurality of slips are taken out of a stack of slips in which a plurality of slips having different slip sizes and paper qualities are mixed. Although the bundle of slips is set in a state of being inclined at an angle of 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 1, FIGS. 4 to 6 show a case where the bundle of slips is set upright to make the drawings easier to see. 4 is a schematic side view of the mixed hopper 5, and FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the mixed hopper 5. The paper stack unit 5-1 is where a bundle of slips is set.
The bundle of slips is constantly pressed by the hopper fence 5-2. A lower part of the hopper fence 5-2 is fixed to a belt 5-6 wound around a driving roller 5-4 driven by a hopper motor 5-3 and a driven roller 5-5, and is driven in a lateral direction in the figure by belt transmission. It is possible to move to. The photo sensor 5-7 is a transmission type sensor for detecting that a bundle of slips is set in the paper stack unit 5-1. The hopper fence 5-2 is moved in the direction in which the bundle of slips is pressed by the driving of the hopper fence 5-2. The paper feed roller 5-8 is rotated clockwise in the figure (in the direction in which the slip is taken out of the paper stack unit 5-1) by a belt wound around the paper feed motor 5-9. It is attached to the tip of an arm 5-10 rotatable counterclockwise in the figure with the side as a fulcrum. The arm 5-10 is attached obliquely to the slip surface and is rotatable within a predetermined angle range.
The paper feed roller 5-8 presses the slip surface on the opposite side to the pressing direction of the hopper fence 5-2 due to the weight of the sheet. Here, when the pressing force of the hopper fence 5-2 is transmitted to the paper feeding roller 5-8 via a bundle of slips against the weight of the paper feeding roller 5-8, the arm 5-10 is rotated. The micro switch 5-
11 is turned on. The micro switch 5-11 is turned on by the ON signal to feed the roller 5-8.
The hopper fence 5-2 is suddenly stopped by stopping the drive of the hopper fence and applying an electromagnetic brake (not shown). I try to keep it constant. The slit plate 5-12 forms a slit through which the slip is taken out from the paper stacking section 5-1. The slip that comes into close contact with the slit tends to drop by the rotation of the paper feed roller 5-8. The number of sheets is limited by the plate 5-12. At that time, the slips may be taken out from the slit in a state where a plurality of slips are overlapped.

A feed motor 5-9 rotates a feed roller 5-13 in addition to the feed roller 5-8. Feed roller 5-1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a roller which is disposed in the feeding direction of the slip taken out from the paper stacking section 5-1 and is disposed so as to face the driven roller 5-5. Functions as a retard roller. That is, the driven roller 5-5 is rotated when the hopper fence 5-2 moves, and is stopped by the action of the above-described electromagnetic brake when the hopper motor 5-3 stops. Of the driven roller 5-5, the rotation speed of the driven roller 5-5 is not changed.
3, the driven roller 5-5 functions as a retard roller with respect to the feed roller 5-13. As described above, the feed roller 5-13 and the driven roller 5-5 have a function of sending out a slip in a predetermined direction, and also have a function of sending out a slip passing therethrough while "ironing", so that the slip from the paper stack unit 5-1 is temporarily stopped. Even if a plurality of slips are taken out of the stack, the function of separating the slips one by one is combined. In this case, a plurality of types of slips having different paper sizes and paper qualities are mixed in the mixed hopper 5, and the paper stack unit 5-1 is formed.
Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure the function of separating the slip, a plurality of separation mechanisms are arranged in the sending direction of the slip. In this case, each separation mechanism is composed of a pair of feed rollers facing each other, a drive motor for individually rotating each roller, and a belt wound around the feed roller and the motor. The sheets are separated one by one.

That is, a light transmission type passage sensor 5-14 is provided near the first-stage separation mechanism including the driven roller 5-5 and the feed roller 5-13. When it is detected by 14 that the leading end of the slip has passed, the second stage separation mechanism is operated. Here, the second-stage separation mechanism includes a pair of feed rollers 5.
-15, 5-16, and dedicated motors 5-17, 5-18 corresponding to the respective feed rollers, and the feed rollers are individually driven by a dedicated motor by belt transmission. The feed roller 5-15 functions as a normal paper feed roller, while the feed roller 5-16 functions as a retard roller in addition to the paper feed roller. -18
In the process of sending out the slips in a predetermined direction by temporarily turning off the and turning on an electromagnetic brake (not shown), even if a plurality of slips are overlapped, the slip function is also provided. A light transmission type passage sensor 5-19 is provided near the second stage separation mechanism.
When the passage sensor 5-19 detects that the leading end of the slip has passed, the third-stage separation mechanism is operated. Here, the third-stage separation mechanism includes a pair of feed rollers 5-20 and 5-21 and a brush roller 5-2.
2, 5-23, a dedicated motor 5-24 for driving the feed roller 5-20 and the brush roller 5-22 by belt transmission, and a dedicated motor for driving the feed roller 5-21 and the brush roller 5-23 by belt transmission. And the motor 5-25. The feed roller 5-20 functions as a normal paper feed roller.
The feed roller 5-21 functions as a retard roller in addition to the paper feed roller, and temporarily turns off the motor 5-25 upon detection of the passage sensor 5-19 to actuate an electromagnetic brake (not shown). By doing so, it also has a slip separation function. Furthermore, brush rollers 5-22, 5-23
When the lower end of the sent slip abuts against the bottom rail 5-26, the impact is relieved and the posture is corrected.
By the rotation of 22, 22 and 23, the feed amount of the slip passing between them is suppressed by the brush roller, and when the slip falls on the bottom rail 5-26 for receiving the slip, the impact is alleviated and the posture is corrected. . FIG.
As shown in the figure, the feed rollers 5-13, 5-15, 5-2
0 are provided in parallel on the coaxial line, and two driven rollers 5-5 and feed rollers 5-
16 and 5-21 are also provided two by two in parallel. FIG. 7 is a diagram for conceptually explaining this state. When the corner of the slip hits the bottom rail 5-26, the paper is not damaged by the action of the brush rollers 5-22 and 5-23. , Absorb the skew and correct the posture,
Stand up.

The horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 includes a brush roller 5-2.
2, 5-23, which is a direction change transport mechanism for changing a slip set on the bottom rail 5-26 in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction), and FIG. 6 shows the details thereof.
That is, the horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 has a configuration in which a pair of transport rollers 5-28 and 5-29 facing each other are arranged in four rows in the transport direction. The transport rollers 5-28... Located on the same side of each row are drive rollers whose shafts are fixed and driven by a motor 5-30, but the transport rollers 5-29 located on the opposite side. .. Are driven rollers pivotally supported by a plate member 5-31 rotatable around the lower end. The plate member 5-31 is opened (retracted) by a predetermined angle from its standing state to open the opposing conveying rollers 5-28 and 5-29 (the bottom rail 5).
-26 is opened), and the introduction to the bottom rail 5-26 is performed smoothly, and the rotation of the plate member 5-31 is controlled by a solenoid 5-32 for opening the bottom rail. At this time, the plate member 5-31 is tilted down in the direction of the solenoid 5-32 until the slip is sent to the horizontal transport mechanism 5-27, and the transport rollers 5-28 and 5-29 are in the open state. When the sheet sensor 5-33 detects the arrival at 5-26, the solenoid 5-32 is operated, and the plate member 5-31 is raised (returned) to be set in a transportable state. This horizontal transport mechanism 5-2
The exit 7 is further provided with a slip separation mechanism. Here, as described above, the slip is reliably separated by the multi-stage separation mechanism in the process in which the slip is transported in the vertical direction, but may not be completely separated depending on climatic conditions, static electricity, and the like. It is provided to separate the slips in the conveying process in the direction, and the retard effect is exerted by stopping one of the pair of feed rollers 5-34 and 5-35. This is the same as the above-described separation mechanism. The passage sensor 5-36 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor that detects that a slip has been sent from the mixed hopper 5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the transport path 6.
The slip sent from the mixed hopper 5 is guided to the transport path 6, where the slip is optically read by the image reader 7. The image reader 7 uses an infrared sensor to skip the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printed on the slip, and reads only the actual data such as the classification destination and the amount of money written on the slip. Will also be forwarded. A pair of transport rollers 6-1 and 6-1 facing the transport path 6 at intervals slightly shorter than the length of the slip (corresponding to the minimum size).
Are arranged. Further, as shown in the partial enlarged view, the conveyance path 6 is provided with guide rails 6-2 constituting the conveyance path inclined at 45 degrees, and the slip is guided by the conveyance path and conveyed at 45 degrees. In this transporting process, a switching unit for branching the transporting path is provided. That is,
A switching plate 6-3 is provided at a branch point at which the slip is switched from the normal direction (the direction toward the input unit 8) to the reject pocket 9, and the transport path is switched by its operation. Here, when an error occurs in the reading result by the image reader 7, the switching plate 6-3 switches the transport path to the reject pocket 9 side.

The printer 1 is located at a position passing this branch point.
0 is provided. The printer 10 is a print head 10
a, and a platen 10b, and a serial number is printed on the slip. In this case, the serial number is printed for each classification based on the classification destination of the slip. A manual insertion slot 11 is formed at a position passing through the printer 10. The manual insertion slot 11 allows a slip to be inserted into the transport path 6 from the outside, and a sensor for detecting that the slip has been inserted into the manual insertion slot 11 is connected to the external introduction path 6-4 connected to the manual insertion slot 11. A standby roller 6-5 driven based on the output of the roller (not shown) is provided, and the slip inserted from the manual insertion slot 11 by this roller driving is introduced into the transport path 6 from the external introduction path 6-4. . A switching plate 6-3 is provided at a branch point where the conveying path is branched in the same manner as described above at a position passing through the manual insertion slot 11.
Reference numeral -3 indicates that the switching is performed in response to an operator's instruction, and the slip is switched from the normal direction in which the slip is conveyed to the insertion unit 8 to the outer pocket 12 side. Then, the slip sent from the transport roller 6-1 at the last stage is guided to the inside of the input unit 8, and at this time, the transmission type paper sensor 6-6 detects that the rear end of the slip has passed. It is a sensor to detect.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show the configuration of the charging unit 8. FIG. FIG. 9 conceptually shows the configuration of the input unit 8, and the entire configuration of the input unit 8 will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. As its main components, the input unit 8 includes a clip plate 8-1, a slide plate 8-
2, a movable board 8-3 and a brush roller 8-4, and when a slip is introduced from the transport roller 6-1 at the last stage of the transport path 6 to the input unit 8, the slip is transmitted by the paper sensor 6-6. Is detected, the clip plate 8-1 is actuated to hold the slip. The clip plate 8-1 is attached to the upper surface of the slide plate 8-2, the upper end of which is a fixed end, and the lower end is a free end. The slip is sandwiched between the clip plate 8-1 and the slide plate 8-2. Configure the clip part to have. Since the slip sent from the transport path 6 is transported in a state of being inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, the clip portion also holds the slip in a state of being inclined by 45 degrees. That is, the slide plate 8-2, the movable substrate 8-3
Is mounted so as to be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, the slide plate 8-2 is attached to the movable substrate 8-3 so as to be vertically movable at an angle of 45 degrees, and the tip of the slide plate 8-2. , A brush roller 8-4 having a long bristle is rotatably attached. Here, in a state where the slip is held by the clip portion, the slide plate 8-2 descends obliquely at an angle of 45 degrees and enters the classification pocket forming the classification box. At this time, the brush roller 8-4
Is rotated with the lowering of the slide plate 8-2, and the entire slip is gathered to one side in the pocket by catching the upper end portion of the stack of slips stored in the pocket,
The brush roller 8-4 having a long bristle has a function of collecting slips, which acts to create a gap for putting the slips into the pockets. That is, the brush roller 8-4 forms a gap for inserting a slip by gathering the slip bundle already stored in the pocket to one side of the pocket so as not to be affected by the fan-shaped swelling, for example. It is. The paper sensor 8-5 detects whether or not the slip has been inserted into the pocket by opening the slip by opening the clip plate 8-1, and when the slip of the slip is confirmed by the paper sensor 8-5. The slide plate 8-2 moves diagonally upward and returns to its original state.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the charging unit 8 in detail. The opening and closing of the clip plate 8-1 is controlled by transmitting the operation of a solenoid 8-6 via a support plate 8-7. The solenoid 8-6 is fixed to a slide plate 8-2. The support plate 8-7 is rotatably supported by the slide plate 8-2. here,
FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a clip portion.
Are formed on the lower surface of the slide plate 8 at a predetermined interval, and the stripe-shaped protrusions B are also formed on the upper surface of the slide plate 8-2. It secures the gripping force when it is sandwiched and prevents sticking of slips. The slide plate 8-2 is vertically movably mounted on the movable substrate 8-3 via a rail type traveling member 8-8. The rail type traveling member 8-8 is mounted on both sides of the upper surface of the movable substrate 8-3. The smooth running is enabled by fitting projection members attached to both sides of the lower surface of the slide plate 8-2 into the provided rail members.

The movable substrate 8-3 is rotatably supported at its lower end in a state inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the fixed substrate 8-9 placed horizontally, and is fixed on the fixed substrate 8-9. The spring 8-10 is constantly urged in the counterclockwise direction (the direction in which the angle between the fixed substrate 8-9 and the movable substrate 8-3 opens by 45 degrees or more). In this case, the movable substrate 8-3 is normally fixed at a position of 45 degrees, but rotates at about 60 degrees by receiving the elastic force of the spring 8-10 at a predetermined timing, and then moves to the original position of 45 degrees. Is to be returned to. As described above, the mechanism for operating the movable substrate 8-3 can be easily realized by a stopper, a position sensor, a return mechanism, and the like, but the mechanism is not illustrated in order to avoid complication of the drawing. A drive motor 8-11 is attached to the upper end of the lower surface of the movable substrate 8-3. A part of the timing belt 8-13 wound around the motor shaft and the pulley 8-12 is a slide plate. The slide plate 8-2 is connected to the lower surface fixing portion 8-14 of the slide plate 8-2 and moves up and down in accordance with the rotation direction of the motor 8-11.

A brush roller 8-4 is provided at the tip end of the slide plate 8-2. The brush roller 8-4 is rotated by the power of sliding movement of the slide plate 8-2. A part of the timing belt 8-16 wound around the roller shaft and the pulley 8-15 is connected to the upper surface fixing portion 8-17 of the movable substrate 8-3, and according to the moving direction of the slide plate 8-2. Forward rotation of brush roller 8-4 /
Reverse. In this case, the brush roller shaft and the pulley 8-1
5 is set to 3: 1 so that the brush roller 8-4 rotates three times faster than the moving speed of the slide plate 8-2. As shown in FIG. 12, the roller shafts on both sides of the brush roller 8-4 are pivotally supported at the distal ends of the arms 8-18. The arm 8-18 is provided along the side surface of the slide plate 8-2, and the other end is bent at a substantially right angle to form a locking portion 8-19. The arm 8-18 is pivotally supported by the side surface of the plate 8-2, and the arm 8-18 can rotate about the pivot. in this case,
A spiral spring 8-20 is provided in the bent portion, and one end of the spiral spring 8-20 is fixed to the arm 8-18 to thereby form the arm 8-18.
Is normally located at a position parallel to the slide plate 8-2 under the spring force, but when the slide plate 8-2 is lowered, the locking portions 8-19 of the arms 8-18 are moved to the side surfaces of the movable substrate 8-3. When the arm 8-18 comes into contact with a stopper 8-21 formed on the portion, the arm 8-18 rotates about the support shaft. Note that the arrow shown in FIG. 10 indicates the movement locus when the brush roller 8-4 descends. Although not shown, when the locking portion 8-19 abuts on the stopper 8-21, a micro switch provided on the stopper 8-21 is turned on to open the clip portion.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the classification and sorting apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the sorting / sorting apparatus 1 according to various programs loaded in the RAM 32.
The storage device 33 includes a storage medium 34 in which an operating system, various application programs, data files, character font data, and the like are stored in advance, and a drive system thereof. The storage medium 34 is provided fixedly or removably mounted.
Floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, R
It is composed of a magnetic / optical storage medium such as an AM card and a semiconductor memory. The programs and data in the storage medium 34 are loaded into the RAM 32 under the control of the CPU 31 as needed. Further, the CPU 31 receives a program and data transmitted from another device connected via a communication line or the like and stores the program and data in the storage medium 34 or stores the program and data in the storage medium provided in the other device. The stored programs and data can be used via a communication line or the like. The CPU 31 has input / output peripheral devices such as a classification box 2, a keyboard 3, a display device 4, a mixed hopper 5, a transport path 6, an image reader 7,
Input unit 8, reject pocket 9, printer 1
0, the external pocket 12 is connected, and the CPU 31 controls those operations.

Next, the operation of the sorting apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mixed hopper 5, FIG. 15 is an operation of the transport path 6, and FIG.
The program for realizing the functions described in these flowcharts is stored in a storage medium 34 in the form of a program code readable by the CPU 31, and its contents are stored in the RAM 32. Loaded within. First, the mixed hopper 5
In step A1, the CPU 31 constantly monitors whether or not a slip is set in the paper stack unit 5-1 based on the output of the photosensor 5-7 (step A1), and waits until the slip is set. Here, the paper stack unit 5-1
When a slip is set therein, the CPU 31 drives the hopper motor 5-3 to rotate in the forward direction as shown (step A2). Then, the hopper fence 5-2 is the belt 5
The document in the sheet stack unit 5-1 is moved in a direction of pressing the slip in the sheet stack unit 5-1 through the sheet feed roller 5-8 through the sheet feed roller -5. As a result, the slip hits the paper feed roller 5-8, and the rotation of the arm 5-10 supporting the same causes the micro switch 5-11.
Is turned on, the CPU 31 determines that this is the case in step A3.
(Step A2). Thereby, the micro switch 5-
When the switch 11 is turned on, the hopper motor 5-3 is stopped (step A4), and the feed motors 5-17, 5-18, 5-24, and 5-2 are fed together with the paper feed motor 5-9.
5 are driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (positive direction) in the figure (step A5).

Then, the slip taken out of the paper stack section 5-1 by the paper feed roller 5-8 is sent to the slit plate 5
Although the number of sheets is limited by -12, a plurality of sheets are taken out in an overlapping state and reach the first-stage separation mechanism. In this case, the hopper motor 5-3 is kept electromagnetically braked, and the driven roller 5-5 functions as a retard roller.
Since the slip passing between −13 and −13 is sent out only by the rotation of the feed roller 5-13, a retard effect is generated, and the separating action of a plurality of stacked slips works. Where C
When the PU 31 detects the timing at which the leading end of the slip is introduced into the second stage separation mechanism based on the output of the passage sensor 5-14 (step A6), the PU 31 temporarily stops the motor 5-18 constituting the second stage separation mechanism. Stop and apply the electromagnetic brake (step A7). As a result, the feed roller 5-16 functions as a retard roller, and the function of separating the slip passing between the feed rollers 5-15 and 5-16 works. Further, when the CPU 31 detects the timing at which the leading end of the slip is introduced into the third stage separation mechanism based on the output of the passage sensor 5-19 (step A8), the CPU 31 temporarily stops the motor 5-25 constituting the third stage separation mechanism. And the electromagnetic brake is applied (step A9). Then, the function of separating the slip passing between the feed rollers 5-20 and 5-21 works. In this case, the brush rollers 5-22 and 5-23 alleviate the impact when the leading end of the sent slip hits the bottom rail 5-26, correct the posture of the slip and shift the slip on the bottom rail 5-26. Erect. At this time, when the CPU 31 detects that the slip has reached the bottom rail 5-26 based on the output of the paper sensor 5-33 (step A10), the CPU 31 operates the solenoid 5-32 to raise the plate member 5-31. And motor 5-30
Is driven (step A11).

As a result, the horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 operates, and the slip is transported in the horizontal direction.
Since the separation mechanism is also provided at the exit 27, the slip passing between the pair of feed rollers 5-35 is separated. Then, the CPU 31 checks whether there is a slip in the paper stack unit 5-1 based on the output of the photosensor 5-7 monitoring the slip in the paper stack unit 5-1 (step A).
12) If there is, return to step A3. In this case, when the micro switch 5-11 is detected to be off, the hopper motor 5-3 is rotated in the forward direction until it is turned on (step A2). Thereby, the paper stack unit 5-1
Even if the slip inside is gradually taken out, the hopper face 5-
Since 2 is moved accordingly, it is pressed by the feed roller 5-8, but it can be kept constant at all times. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated, and if it is detected in step A12 that there is no slip in the paper stack unit 5-1, the process proceeds to step A13, and after a lapse of a fixed time, that is, after all the slips have been sent out, The motor is stopped, and the hopper motor 5-3 is rotated in the reverse direction. As a result, the hopper face 5-2 moves rightward in the drawing and returns to the initial position, and the sheet stacking section 5-1 opens to a size that allows a maximum of 500 slips to be set.

As described above, the mixed hopper 5 separates out the slips one by one and sends them out, and sends them to the transport path 6. Then, the CPU 31
Operate according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the CPU 31 checks whether collection to the external pocket 12 is instructed (step B1), and if not, switches the switching plate 6-3 at the branch point of the external pocket 12 in the normal direction (step B2). If the external collection is instructed, the switching plate 6-3 is switched to the external pocket 12 side (step B3). Then, each of the transport rollers 6-1 is driven, and the image reader 7 is operated (step B4). In this state,
It is checked whether the data is normally read by the image reader 7 (step B5).
The transport path is switched to the reject pocket 9 side (step B6). If the reading is performed normally, the classification destination is determined, classification destination numbering data is created (step B7), and the creation data is sent to the printer 10. Then, a slip is printed (step B8). Then, a sensor detects whether a slip has been inserted from the manual insertion slot 11 (step B9).
-5 is driven to introduce the slip into the transport path (step B10). This operation is performed until the absence of a slip is detected on the mixed hopper 5 side, and it is determined in step B5 that all slips have passed through the transport path 6 in step B11.
Return to and repeat.

Here, the operation of the classification box 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, on the outer peripheral surface of the classification box 2, a positioning barcode 16 indicating a classification destination is added to a position corresponding to each classification pocket 15. The classification box 2 is rotationally driven while comparing the read classification code with the barcode read by the position mark sensor 19, and when the corresponding classification destination barcode is read, the classification box 2 is placed at that position. Is stopped and the electromagnetic brake 21 is applied. As a result, the corresponding classification pocket 15 is set at a position facing the slip insertion slot 20.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input unit 8. First, the CPU 31 waits until the last sheet sensor 6-6 of the transport path 6 is turned on (step C1) and turned off (step C2). That is, a slip is sent out from the transport path 6 and the leading end of the slip is
6 and it is detected in steps C1 and C2 that the trailing end has passed through the paper sensor 6-6, the slip shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the solenoid 8-6 is turned on at this timing to close the clip and hold the slip (step C3). When the motor 8-11 is driven to rotate in the forward direction (see FIG. 10), the slide plate 8-2 is driven.
Is the movable substrate 8 with the rotation of the timing belt 8-13.
-3 is moved downward (step C4). FIG.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a state where the slide plate 8-2 is lowered. The slide plate 8-2 reaches the sorting pocket 15 of the sorting box 2 while holding the slip by a clip portion. A part of the timing belt 8-16 wound between the pulleys 8-15 is a movable substrate 8-3.
10, the timing belt 8-16 rotates in conjunction with the lowering of the slide plate 8-2, and the brush roller 8-4 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In this case, the brush roller 8-4 rotates at a speed three times the interlocking speed of the slide plate 8-2. The brush roller 8-4 rotates the brush roller 8-4 so that the upper end of the bundle of slips stored in the pocket is separated and the entire slip is gathered to one side of the pocket, so that the slip is inserted into the pocket. make.

When the slide plate 8-2 is further lowered while the bundle of slips is being pushed by the brush roller 8-4 in this manner, as shown in FIG.
8 is a stopper 8-2 of the movable substrate 8-3.
Hit 1 As a result, the arm 8-18 rotates about the support shaft. FIG. 18 shows a state in this case. After the bundle of slips in the pocket is scattered by the brush roller 8-4, the brush roller 8-4 further enters the pocket, and at the same time, the arm 8 is moved by the stopper action. Because -18 will rotate,
The slip in the pocket is pressed from the side by the brush roller 8-4. As a result, the gap for inserting the slip is further increased. When the locking portion 8-19 abuts on the stopper 8-21 in this way, a micro switch (not shown) provided on the stopper 8-21 is turned on. 8-1
Then, the driving of the movable substrate 8-3 is stopped and the locking of the movable substrate 8-3 is released (step C6). Thereby, the movable substrate 8-3
Is slightly raised by the action of the spring 8-10, so that the arm 8-18 further rotates. As a result, the slips in the pocket are gathered to one side in the pocket by the pressing by the stopper action and the pressing (swinging) by the rising of the movable substrate 8-3.

In this state, the solenoid 8-6 is operated to open the clip plate 8-1 (step C7). Then, the slip slips on the slide plate 8-2 by its own weight and falls, but at this time, the slide plate 8-2
In contrast, since the arm 8-18 is at the position shown in FIG. 18, the slip is not disturbed by the brush roller 8-4, and the slip is placed in the designated classification pocket 15 facing the slip input port 20. It can be inserted reliably. Then, based on the output of the paper sensor 8-5 provided in the clip portion, it is checked whether the slip has come off the clip portion (step C8). Here, if the slip is not caught in the clip part, since the slip was put in the pocket,
After the movable substrate 8-3 is rotated back against the spring 8-10 to return to the original position, the movable substrate 8-3 is locked (step C9), and the motor 8-11 is rotated in reverse to slide. The plate 8-2 is raised (Step C10). In this case, as the slide plate 8-2 rises, the locking portions 8-1
Since the engagement between the stopper 9 and the stopper 8-21 is released, the arm 8-18 is returned to the original state by the spiral spring 8-20 of the support shaft. Thus, the slide plate 8-2
After returning the arms 8-18 and the like to the initial state, the process proceeds to step C11 to check whether all the slips in the mixed hopper 5 have been sorted and sorted in the sorting box 2. In this case,
The determination is made based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that there was no slip in the paper stack unit 5-1 of the mixed hopper 5, but if the slip sorting has not been completed,
It returns to step C1 and waits for the next slip. In this manner, slips are inserted one by one into the designated classification pocket while repeating the lowering / upward movement of the slide plate 8-2. At this time, the slip remains in the clip portion and is not inserted into the pocket by step C8. When it is detected that the input has been performed, the process proceeds to step C12 in order to try the input again,
The clip is closed, the movable board 8-3 is restored to its original position and locked (step C13), and the motor 8-11 is locked.
Is reversed to raise the slide plate 8-2 (step C14). Then, returning to step C4, the slide plate 8
-2 is lowered. By repeating the ascending / descending of the slide plate 8-2 by such a series of operations, the slip is reliably inserted.

As described above, in this sorting and sorting apparatus 1, when a bundle of slips to be sorted and set is set in the mixed hopper 5, the slips of the slips are separated and sent out one by one by the mixed hopper 5. You. Then, the slips are transported one by one to the sorting box 2 side by the transport path 6, and in the transport process, the classification destination indicated on the slip is read by the image reader 7. Then, the classification pocket 15 corresponding to the classification is selectively designated based on the read classification destination code, and the slip introduced from the transport path 6 to the input unit 8 is introduced into the designated pocket. Therefore, only by setting a bundle of slips to be sorted and sorted in the mixed hopper 5, the slips can be stored one by one in the sorting pocket 15 corresponding to the sorting, so that the operator can determine the sorting destination for each slip. Is no longer required to be entered by a key, the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced, and reliable classification and sorting can be realized. The mixed hopper 5 feeds a slip from a stack of slips set in the sheet stacking section 5-1.
In addition to the above, when sending out the slips taken out by the paper feed rollers 5-8, a plurality of separation mechanisms are provided in the sending direction, and each separation mechanism is constituted by a pair of opposed feed rollers. Since the rotation of the rollers is individually controlled, the slips can be surely separated one by one. That is, when a stack of slips in which a plurality of types of slips having different sheet sizes and paper qualities are mixed is set in the sheet stacking section 5-1, or when the stack of slips is set in a complicated manner, a plurality of slips overlap. However, even in such a case, each time the sheet passes through a plurality of separation mechanisms, a plurality of overlapped slips are "squeezed out". The slips sent from 5 are surely separated one by one.

Further, when a document is conveyed in the horizontal direction by changing the conveyance direction of the slip by the horizontal conveyance mechanism 5-27, a separation mechanism comprising a pair of feed rollers is also provided near the exit, so that the separation in the vertical direction is provided. Even if there is a slip that cannot be completely separated by the mechanism, the separation is ensured by the separating action by the change of direction. Further, a pair of brush rollers 5-22, 5-23 is provided near the bottom rail 5-26 for receiving the slip separated by the vertical separating mechanism, and the rotation of the pair of brush rollers 5-22, 5-23. As a result, the slip is dropped on the bottom rail 5-26 while the feed amount of the slip passing therethrough is suppressed, so that the skew can be absorbed and the posture can be corrected without damaging the paper, and the horizontal position thereafter can be corrected. It is possible to carry out the transfer in the direction smoothly. Further, a horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 is provided in the vicinity of the bottom rail 5-26, and a plate member 5 constituting the horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 until the slip falls on the bottom rail 5-26.
Feed roller 5-29 on the bottom rail 5-26.
To open the bottom rail 5-26, and when the slip reaches the bottom rail 5-26, the plate member 5-31 is opened.
Is returned and the bottom rail 5-26 is closed to enable the conveyance in the lateral direction, so that the direction can be changed smoothly.

In the above-described embodiment, the slip is a notice of receipt of a utility bill or tax, a transfer slip, a bill, a check, etc., but is not limited to the slip, but may be a questionnaire sheet, a test sheet, or the like. Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to paper, but may be a film-shaped synthetic resin sheet. That is, the sheet is a general term for sheets other than paper. Also,
A serial number may be printed on a slip and a stamp may be imprinted on the slip in the course of transport by the transport path 6. Further, in the above-described embodiment, each separation mechanism is constituted by a pair of feed rollers, and the motor corresponding to one of the feed rollers is stopped and an electromagnetic brake is applied to make the rollers function as retard rollers. However, the rotation of the retard roller may be controlled by rotating the corresponding motor forward / reverse. In this case, the forward / reverse ratio may be set in consideration of the slip sending function and the separating function. In this case, any one of the plurality of stages of the separation mechanism may be stopped, and the rotation control of the other separation mechanism may be arbitrarily combined such that the retard roller of the other separation mechanism is rotated forward / reverse. The paper sensor may be a transmission type optical sensor, a reflection type optical sensor, or a mechanical switch of a lever type.

[0032]

According to the present invention, when a sheet taken out of a sheet bundle is sent out, a plurality of sheet separating mechanisms are provided in the sending direction, and a pair of feed rollers constituting each separating mechanism rotate. Are controlled individually.
Even if a bundle of papers in which a plurality of types of papers having different paper sizes and paper qualities are mixed or a bundle of papers is set in a complicated manner, the papers can be reliably separated and sent out one by one. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a main part of a classification and sorting apparatus 1. FIG.

FIG. 2 conceptually shows a classification box 2 as a main structure in the classification and sorting apparatus 1 and a drive system thereof.
Is a schematic cross-sectional view, and (B) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view.

FIG. 3 is a view showing that a slip is stored in each pocket in a state where the slip is laid at 45 degrees in a classification box 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view for explaining a configuration of a mixed hopper 5;

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a mixed hopper 5;

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view conceptually showing a horizontal transport mechanism 5-27 and a separation mechanism at the last stage in the mixed hopper 5.

FIG. 7 shows a brush roller 5-22 (5-
The figure for demonstrating the effect | action of 23).

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the transport path 6 and also shows a partially enlarged view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing a main configuration of a charging unit 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of the charging unit 8 in detail.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a clip plate 8-1 and a slide plate 8-2 constituting a clip portion in the input unit 8.

FIG. 12 shows a brush roller 8-
FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the arm 8-18 to which the arm 4 is attached, wherein FIG. 18A illustrates a state before the arm rotates, and FIG. 18B illustrates a state after the arm rotates.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the classification and sorting apparatus 1.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mixed hopper 5;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transport path 6;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the input unit 8;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an operation state of the insertion unit 8 and a state in which a slip in a pocket is being scraped to one side thereof by a brush roller 8-4.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an operation state of the insertion unit 8, and showing a state in which a slip in a pocket is pressed from a side surface thereof by a brush roller 8-4.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sorting apparatus 2 Classification box 5 Mixed hopper 5-1 Paper stack part 5-2 Hopper fence 5-3 Hopper motor 5-4 Drive roller 5-5 Follower roller 5-6 Belt 5-7 Photo sensor 5-8 Paper feed Roller 5-9 Paper feed motor 5-10 Arm 5-11 Micro switch 5-12 Slit plate 5-13, 5-15, 5-16, 5-20, 5-21,
5-34, 5-35 feed roller 5-14, 5-19, 5-36 Passage sensor 5-17, 5-18, 5-24, 5-25, 5-30
Motor 5-22, 5-23 Brush roller 5-26 Bottom rail 5-27 Horizontal transport mechanism 5-28, 5-29 Transport roller 5-31 Plate member 5-32 Solenoid 5-33 Paper sensor 6 Transport path 8 Input unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Partition plate 15 Classification pocket 16 Positioning barcode 19 Position mark sensor 31 CPU 32 RAM 33 Storage device 34 Storage medium

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F343 FA04 FB07 FC01 GA04 GB01 GC01 GD01 HA12 JA19 JA20 JD04 JD09 JD33 JD34 JD39 KB05 KB17 LA04 LA16 LC23 LD10 LD27 MA03 MA13 MA15 MA54 MB04 MB14 MB15 MC10 MC17

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A take-out means for taking out a sheet from a bundle of sheets in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and set, and a plurality of stages of sheet separation in the sending direction when sending out the sheet taken out by the take-out means. A separation unit that has a mechanism and separates a plurality of stacked and taken out sheets one by one by a plurality of separation mechanisms by individually controlling the rotation of a pair of feed rollers constituting each separation mechanism, A sheet separating device for sending out the sheet separated by the separating unit to the outside. 2. The separation means has an individual drive motor for each feed roller, and temporarily stops a drive motor corresponding to one of the pair of feed rollers constituting the separation mechanism. 2. The sheet separating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the feed roller is controlled. 3. A direction changing means for changing the conveying direction of the sheet separated by said separating means, and said sheet separating mechanism is also provided in the direction changed by said direction changing means. 2. The sheet separating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the feed rollers is individually controlled. 4. A pair of brush rollers is provided in the vicinity of a receiving portion for receiving the paper separated by the separating means,
2. The paper separating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the pair of brush rollers suppresses the amount of paper passing therethrough while receiving the paper. 5. A horizontal conveying means having a feed roller for conveying a sheet in a horizontal direction in the vicinity of a receiving portion for receiving the sheet separated by the separating means; By moving the feed roller constituting the horizontal conveying means by a predetermined amount, the introduction portion to the receiving portion is opened, and when the paper reaches the receiving portion, the feed roller is returned to the original position and the receiving portion is returned. 2. A sheet separating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyance control means for enabling conveyance in a lateral direction by closing an introduction portion of the sheet. 6. A computer according to claim 1, further comprising: a function for taking out a sheet from a bundle of sheets in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and set; and a plurality of stages of sheet separating mechanisms provided in a feeding direction of the taken out sheet. A function of separating a plurality of stacked sheets taken out one by one by a plurality of separation mechanisms by individually controlling the rotations of a pair of feed rollers constituting each separation mechanism; A recording medium on which a program for realizing a function of sending a printed sheet to the outside is recorded.