JP2017214187A - Medium transport device and medium transaction device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to perform truing-up of a medium while preventing a damage on the medium.SOLUTION: An aligner part 13 of a check processing device 1 enables rotation of a roller rotary shaft 55 and a taper roller 56 around a vertical shaft with a ball joint part 54 as a center in each truing-up roller part 51, and enables application of restitutive forces of springs 57 and 58 from a cross direction. Thus, the aligner part 13 performs truing-up by applying a right direction force to a check CK from the taper roller 56 in only the case that truing-up of the check CK to a reference surface guide 31 is not completed, and can align a direction of application of the force with a transportation direction in the case that truing-up has been already completed. As a result, the aligner part 13 achieves both of truing-up of the check CK to the reference surface guide 31 and transportation of the check CK without damaging at a high level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium transport apparatus and a medium transaction apparatus, and is suitably applied to a check processing apparatus that performs deposit processing using a medium such as a check.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a check processing apparatus, a financial institution or the like that makes a deposit transaction using a check as a medium with a customer has been widespread. In general, a character represented by a special font using magnetic ink (hereinafter referred to as MICR) conforming to the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) method is applied to a predetermined portion of the check, for example, a portion above the lower end by a predetermined distance. Information on the check is printed.

  For this reason, a magnetic processing device is incorporated in the check processing device, and after the MICR characters are read from the check by the magnetic head in the magnetic reading device, a deposit transaction is performed. However, this magnetic head is relatively small because it is difficult to make it large in terms of cost and the like.

  In view of this, the check processing apparatus transports along the predetermined transport path with the left-right direction of the check as the traveling direction, and the lower end of the check is brought into contact with a predetermined reference plane by a width adjusting mechanism provided on the transport path of the check. It is conceivable to perform a width adjustment process for contact. In such a check processing apparatus, the check is delivered to the magnetic reader with the lower end thereof being brought closer to the reference surface (for example, the right side surface) by the width adjusting mechanism, so that the magnetic head arranged in accordance with the reference surface , MICR characters can be read well.

  As such a width adjusting mechanism, for example, by using a tapered roller having a surface abutting on the check formed in a conical shape (tapered), the check is moved toward the reference surface while being advanced along the conveyance path. Have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-6-92516 (FIGS. 1 and 4 etc.)

  However, in the check processing device having such a configuration, in the width adjusting mechanism, even when the lower end of the check is already in contact with the reference surface, a force is continuously applied from the tapered roller to the check toward the reference surface. It will be. For this reason, in the check processing apparatus, there is a problem that when the rigidity of the check is relatively low, that is, when the so-called stiffness is weak, the check may be buckled and damaged such as generating wrinkles or folds. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a medium conveying apparatus and a medium processing apparatus that can perform good width adjustment while preventing damage to the medium.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the medium conveying apparatus of the present invention, a conveying path for the medium is formed along a predetermined conveying direction by a guide surface facing the sheet surface of the sheet-like medium, and the medium is conveyed along the conveying path. A conveyance guide for guiding the medium, a reference plane guide for limiting the conveyance range of the medium in the conveyance path with respect to the first width direction which is one of the width directions orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a reference plane guide closer to the paper surface of the medium A roller that rotates about a predetermined roller rotation axis, and a part of the rotating roller is brought into contact with the medium in the conveyance path so that the roller contacts the medium. A rotation shaft support portion that rotatably supports the roller rotation shaft so as to apply a force to the roller, and a posture change portion that changes the direction of the force applied to the medium from the roller by changing the posture of the roller rotation shaft; Sandwich the conveyance path In provided in the roller position opposed to and the surface facing the said roller to provide a roller opposing portion which travels in the conveying direction in accordance with the rotation of the roller.

  Further, in the medium transaction apparatus of the present invention, a delivery unit that transfers a medium formed in a paper sheet shape to a user, and an aligner that conveys the medium in the conveyance direction and moves in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. The aligner unit includes a conveyance guide configured to form a conveyance path of the medium along the conveyance direction by a guide surface facing the paper surface of the medium, and to guide the medium along the conveyance path; With respect to the first width direction which is one of the orthogonal width directions, a reference surface guide for limiting the medium conveyance range in the conveyance path, and a single contact peripheral side surface for abutting the side closer to the reference surface guide to the paper surface of the medium A roller that rotates about a predetermined roller rotation axis, and a roller rotation shaft that applies a force to the medium from the roller by bringing a part of the rotating roller into contact with the medium in the conveyance path. Rotating shaft support to support rotation And a posture changing portion that changes the direction of the force applied from the roller to the medium by changing the posture of the roller rotation shaft, and a position facing the roller across the conveyance path, and facing the roller A roller facing portion is provided that advances the surface in the transport direction in accordance with the rotation of the roller.

  In the present invention, when the medium is separated from the reference plane guide, a force from the roller toward the first width direction is applied to the medium, while the medium is in contact with the reference plane guide. By changing the posture of the roller rotation shaft, it is possible to apply a force in the transport direction from the roller to the medium. As a result, the present invention can prevent damage due to excessive pressing of the medium against the reference surface guide.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the medium conveying apparatus and medium processing apparatus which can perform a width adjustment favorably, preventing the damage of a medium are realizable.

It is a basic diagram which shows the whole structure of a check processing apparatus. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 1st Embodiment. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 1st Embodiment. It is an approximate line sectional view showing composition of a ball joint part. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a taper roller. It is a basic diagram which shows the direction where the attitude | position and force of a taper roller act. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the conventional aligner part. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the conventional aligner part. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 2nd Embodiment. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 2nd Embodiment. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 3rd Embodiment. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 3rd Embodiment. It is a rough-line perspective view which shows the structure of a holder. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a composite roller. It is an approximate line figure showing change of a posture of a compound roller, and contact with a check. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 3rd Embodiment. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 4th Embodiment. It is a rough-line front view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 4th Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the direction where force acts on a check from a taper roller in 4th Embodiment. It is a rough-line top view which shows the conveyance to the front of a check in the aligner part by 4th Embodiment. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure of the aligner part by 5th Embodiment. It is an approximate line top view showing signs that a check is conveyed backward in a 5th embodiment. It is a rough-line top view which shows a mode that a check is conveyed in the front direction in 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Check Processing Device Configuration]
As shown in the schematic left side view of FIG. 1, the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is installed in, for example, a financial institution or the like and communicates with a user (that is, a customer of the financial institution). Perform processing related to check deposit transactions. A check processing apparatus 1 as a medium transaction apparatus has a configuration in which a plurality of processing units for performing various processes related to a check as a medium are incorporated in a frame 2 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

  Below, the customer facing side of the check processing apparatus 1 is the front side, the opposite is the rear side, the left and right sides are the left side and the right side as viewed from the customer facing the front side, respectively, and the upper side and the lower side are further Define and explain.

  The check processing device 1 is configured to control the entire system by a control unit 3 as a switching control unit. The control unit 3 is configured around a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and reads and executes a predetermined program from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc. (not shown), thereby executing various transactions related to deposit transactions. Perform the process. The control unit 3 includes a storage unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, and the like, and stores various information relating to various programs and deposit transactions.

  Incidentally, the check processing apparatus 1 receives a display unit (not shown) for displaying various information for the user based on the control of the control unit 3, and accepts the user's operation instructions and notifies the control unit 3. An operation unit (not shown) is also provided.

  In the upper half of the upper part of the frame 2, a bundle part 11 is arranged as a delivery part that delivers a check with the user. An openable / closable shutter 11 </ b> S is provided at the front end of the bundle unit 11. The control unit 3 controls the bundle unit 11 to open the shutter 11S when receiving an operation for instructing the start of the deposit transaction from the user via the operation unit (not shown) described above.

  In response to this, the bundle unit 11 holds the check CK (hereinafter also referred to as a bundle check CKB) accumulated in a bundle for the user, and then closes the shutter 11S to hold it inside. Protect check CK. Incidentally, the check CK is composed of rectangular paper, and information such as the amount of money is displayed on the surface thereof. In addition, the bundle check CKB is inserted with the long side of each check CK along the front and back, the short side along the left and right direction, and the surface on which the amount and the like are written facing upward.

  The bundle unit 11 forms a bundle conveyance path WB along the front-rear direction by a bundle conveyance mechanism provided therein, and conveys the bundle check CKB backward along the bundle conveyance path WB. 11 is made to reach the front side of the separation part 12 provided in the vicinity of the rear end. The separation unit 12 separates the check CK one by one from the upper surface side of the bundle check CKB and sequentially delivers it to the rear aligner unit 13.

  The aligner unit 13 internally includes a first transport path W1 in which the upper end of the transport path mainly along the vertical direction is connected to the rear end of the transport path mainly along the front-rear direction. The received check CK is sequentially conveyed backward and downward along the first conveyance path W1. At this time, the aligner unit 13 brings the check CK to one side in the width direction of the first transport path W1, for example, the right side, and delivers it to the first switching unit 14 disposed below (details will be described later).

  The first switching unit 14 connects the upper first transport path W1 and the rear second transport path W2 by switching the transport path of the check CK based on the control of the control unit 3, or the rear first transport path W2. The second conveyance path W2 and the lower third conveyance path W3 are connected. That is, when the check CK is delivered from the aligner unit 13, the first switching unit 14 connects the upper first conveyance path W1 and the rear second conveyance path W2, and delivers the check CK to the front scanner unit 15. .

  By the way, inside the aligner unit 13 and the first switching unit 14, the first conveyance path W1 that is the conveyance path of the check CK from the separation unit 12 to the delivery to the scanner unit 15 is shaped like a capital letter “C”. Alternatively, it is formed in a shape in which the upper side of the capital letter “U” is rotated forward. For this reason, the check CK is delivered from the first switching unit 14 to the scanner unit 15 with the surface facing downward.

  The scanner unit 15 is located almost directly below the aligner unit 13, and a second conveyance path W <b> 2 along the front-rear direction is formed inside. The scanner unit 15 reads the MICR characters from the check CK while conveying the check CK forward along the second conveyance path W2 from the first switching unit 14, and captures images of both sides of the check CK. After generating the data, the data is transferred to the second switching unit 16 located on the lower front side. The second switching unit 16 switches the internal conveyance path so as to connect the rear upper side and the front side under the control of the control unit 3, and delivers the check CK received from the scanner unit 15 to the front escrow unit 17.

  The escrow unit 17 is disposed almost directly below the bundle unit 11, and includes a drum that rotates inside the tape, a tape that is wound around the peripheral side surface of the drum, a transport unit for transporting the check CK, and the like. The escrow unit 17 temporarily holds the check CK by conveying the check CK received from the second switching unit 16 to the vicinity of the peripheral side surface of the drum and winding it around the peripheral side surface of the drum together with the tape. For convenience of explanation, a series of processes so far are referred to as a deposit reading process.

  When the control unit 3 finishes reading all the checks CK inserted in the bundle unit 11 by the scanner unit 15, the control unit 3 displays images, characters, and the like representing the read contents on a display unit (not shown), and also to the user. Inquire about whether or not to continue the deposit transaction.

  Here, when an instruction to stop the deposit transaction is given by the user, the control unit 3 starts a return process for causing the user to return all checks CK held on the escrow unit 17. That is, the escrow unit 17 feeds the check CK that has been put on hold one by one by rotating the drum in the reverse direction, and delivers it to the scanner unit 15 via the second switching unit 16. The scanner unit 15, the first switching unit 14, and the aligner unit 13 convey the check CK along the second conveyance path W2 and the first conveyance path W1 in the direction opposite to the deposit reading process, thereby separating the check CK. Sequentially delivered to 12.

  The separation unit 12 accumulates the check CK in the bundle unit 11 by discharging the delivered check CK forward. When the check CK is released by the separating unit 12 and the bundle check CKB is formed, the bundle unit 11 opens the shutter 11S and collects the bundle of check CKs, that is, the bundle check CKB along the bundle conveyance path WB. It is conveyed forward and clamped with its front portion exposed to the outside.

  Here, the bundle unit 11 monitors whether or not the bundle check CKB has been taken out by the incorporated sensor. When the control unit 3 detects that the bundle check CKB is taken out by the sensor of the bundle unit 11, the control unit 3 determines that the bundle check CKB has been returned to the user, closes the shutter 11S, and ends the return process. To do.

  On the other hand, when the bundle check CKB has not been taken out within the predetermined time in the bundle unit 11, the control unit 3 determines that the user has left the bank check CKB and forgets to take it, and forgets to take in the bundle check CKB. Start processing. Specifically, as in the case of the deposit reading process, the control unit 3 conveys the bundle check CKB backward by the bundle unit 11, and again separates the check CK one by one by the separation unit 12. The switching unit 14 and the scanner unit 15 are transported to the second switching unit 16 along the first transport path W1 and the second transport path W2.

  At this time, the second switching unit 16 switches the internal conveyance path so as to connect the rear upper side and the rear lower side under the control of the control unit 3, and the check CK received from the scanner unit 15 is transferred to the rear lower retracting unit 18. hand over. The retracting unit 18 is disposed almost directly below the scanner unit 15, and has a storage space for storing the check CK therein and a discharge mechanism for discharging the check CK to the storage space. The retract unit 18 sequentially releases the check CK received from the second switching unit 16 into the release space by the release mechanism, and stores the check CK in a state of being accumulated in the release space. Thereby, the control part 3 complete | finishes a forgetting taking-in process.

  On the other hand, when the user is instructed to continue the deposit transaction in a state where all checks CK are held in the escrow unit 17 by the deposit reading process, the control unit 3 performs a storing process for storing the held check CK. Start. Specifically, the escrow unit 17 feeds the check CK that has been put on hold one by one by rotating the drum in the reverse direction, and delivers it to the scanner unit 15 via the second switching unit 16.

  The scanner unit 15 conveys the check CK sequentially received from the second switching unit 16 to the rear along the second conveyance path W2, and indicates the transaction result for the check CK by a built-in printer or stamp stamping unit. And the image is taken to recognize the printing state, and then the check CK is delivered to the first switching unit 14.

  At this time, the first switching unit 14 switches the internal conveyance path so as to connect the second conveyance path W2 on the front side and the third conveyance path W3 on the lower side under the control of the control unit 3, and is received from the scanner unit 15. The check CK is handed over to the lower rear middle conveyance section 19. The rear middle transport unit 19 is formed with a third transport path W3 along the up-down direction on the rear side of the retract unit 18, and the check CK received from the first switching unit 14 is moved along the third transport path W3. It is conveyed downward and delivered to the lower third switching unit 20.

  The third switching unit 20 connects the upper third conveyance path W3 and the lower fourth conveyance path W4 by switching the internal conveyance path based on the control of the control unit 3, or the upper third conveyance path. W3 is connected to the rear fifth conveyance path W5. For example, when the third switching unit 20 switches the internal conveyance path so as to connect the upper third conveyance path W3 and the lower fourth conveyance path W4, the check CK received from the upper rear middle conveyance unit 19 Is delivered to the lower rear lower conveyance section 21.

  The rear lower conveyance unit 21 forms a fourth conveyance path W4 so as to connect the upper side and the front lower side, convey the check CK received from the third switching unit 20 to the front lower side, and provide the front lower side The first stacker unit 22A is handed over. The first stacker unit 22A has a stacker that can be attached to and detached from the frame 2 and can store a large number of checks CK therein, a discharge mechanism that discharges the check CK into the stacker, and the like. When the first stacker unit 22A receives the check CK from the rear lower conveyance unit 21, the first stacker unit 22A releases the check CK by the release mechanism and stores it in the stacker.

  Further, when the third switching unit 20 switches the internal conveyance path so as to connect the upper third conveyance path W3 and the rear fifth conveyance path W5, the check CK received from the rear middle conveyance unit 19 is transferred to the front side. To the lower transport section 23. The lower conveyance unit 23 forms a fifth conveyance path W5 so as to connect the rear side and the front lower side below the retracting unit 18 and above the first stacker unit 22A, and the fifth conveyance path W5. , The check CK is conveyed forward and downward and delivered to the second stacker portion 22B provided at the front and lower side. The second stacker unit 22B is configured in the same manner as the first stacker unit 22A. When the check CK is received from the lower transport unit 23, the check CK is released by the release mechanism and is collected and stored in the stacker.

  Thus, when the control unit 3 stores all the checks CK held in the escrow unit 17 in the stacker of the first stacker unit 22A or the second stacker unit 22B, the storage process ends. Thereby, the control part 3 completes the payment transaction of the check CK between users.

[1-2. Aligner configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the aligner 13 is roughly divided into an upper aligner 13 </ b> U that conveys the check CK substantially along the front-rear direction on the relatively upper side, and a substantially vertical direction on the relatively rear side. And a rear aligner portion 13R that conveys the check CK along. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made with attention paid to the upper aligner portion 13U.

  In the upper aligner 13U, the transport direction, which is the direction in which the check CK is transported, is the front-rear direction. In the following, the rear direction in which the check CK is conveyed in the deposit reading process is also referred to as a first conveyance direction, and the front direction in which the check CK is conveyed in the return process is also referred to as a second conveyance direction.

  As shown in a schematic plan view in FIG. 2 and a schematic front view in FIG. 3, the aligner portion 13 has a configuration in which various components are provided inside a frame 30 forming a skeleton portion. Yes. Inside the frame 30, a reference plane guide 31 having a thin plate shape in the left-right direction is provided on the right side of the center in the left-right direction. Thus, the space in the frame 30 is divided into a conveyance space 32 on the left side of the reference plane guide 31 and a mechanism space 33 on the right side of the reference plane guide 31.

  In the transport space 32, an upper transport guide 35 and a lower transport guide 36 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the first transport path W1, respectively. The upper transport guide 35 has a lower surface 35S formed flat to define the upper end of the first transport path W1, and serves as a guide surface for guiding the check CK. Similarly, the lower transport guide 36 is a guide surface having a flat upper surface 36S, and defines the lower end of the first transport path W1. The reference surface guide 31 defines the right end of the first transport path W1 by the reference surface 31S that is the left surface. Incidentally, the left end of the first transport path W1 is defined by the right surface of the frame left side plate 30L which is the left side portion of the frame 30. In other words, the reference plane guide 31 restricts the right side of the conveyance range that is the range in which the check CK is conveyed in the first conveyance path W1.

  For this reason, in the transport space 32 of the aligner unit 13, each check surface of the check CK faces the lower surface 35 </ b> S that is the guide surface of the upper transport guide 35 and the upper surface 36 </ b> S that is the guide surface of the lower transport guide 36. CK can be guided to advance in the backward direction, which is the first transport direction, or in the forward direction, which is the second transport direction.

[1-2-1. Conveying roller group configuration]
Below the lower conveyance guide 36, conveyance roller groups 40 are respectively arranged at a plurality of discrete locations along the front-rear direction. Each of the transport roller groups 40 has a configuration in which transport rollers 42 are respectively inserted on the left and right sides of the drive shaft 41 along the left-right direction.

  The drive shaft 41 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape with the central axis extending in the left-right direction, and can be rotated by the reference surface guide 31 and the left side surface 30L of the frame at a position slightly away from the lower conveyance guide 36. It is supported. The transport roller 42 is formed in a flat columnar shape or a disc shape with the central axis extending in the left-right direction, and is fixed to the drive shaft 41. The peripheral side surface of the conveyance roller 42 is made of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient, such as rubber, and is a facing surface that faces a tapered roller described later.

  The lower conveyance guide 36 is appropriately formed with a hole penetrating in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to the conveyance roller 42. Therefore, most of the transport roller 42 is positioned below the upper surface 36S of the lower transport guide 36, that is, outside the first transport path W1, but a portion near the upper end of the transport roller 42 is located above the upper surface 36S. It is located on the upper side, that is, inside the first transport path W1.

  Furthermore, the right side portion of the drive shaft 41 extends into the mechanism space 33 on the right side of the reference plane guide 31 and a predetermined gear is attached. In the mechanism space 33, a motor (not shown) and a plurality of gears for sequentially transmitting driving force from the motor are appropriately provided.

  For this reason, the aligner unit 13 transmits the driving force from the motor to the drive shaft 41 via a plurality of gears provided in the mechanism space 33 by appropriately rotating the motor in the mechanism space 33, and the drive Each conveyance roller 42 is rotated integrally with the shaft 41. As a result, the aligner unit 13 causes the check roller CK to contact the check CK in the backward direction (first transfer direction) or the forward direction (second transfer direction) when the transfer rollers 42 are brought into contact with the check CK in the first transfer path W1. ) Can be applied.

[1-2-2. Configuration of width adjusting roller group]
On the other hand, on the upper side of the upper conveyance guide 35, width-adjusting roller groups 50 are respectively arranged at a plurality of discrete locations along the front-rear direction (that is, the conveyance direction). Each width adjusting roller group 50 is provided with a width adjusting roller portion 51 at one place on the left and right sides, specifically, at a position directly above each conveying roller 42 in the conveying roller group 40.

  Each width adjusting roller portion 51 includes a support frame 52, a support column 53, a ball joint portion 54, a roller rotation shaft 55, a taper roller 56, and springs 57 and 58.

  The support frame 52 includes two rod-shaped width direction frames 52A along the left-right direction (that is, the width direction) and one rod-shaped conveyance direction frame 52B along the front-rear direction (that is, the conveyance direction). Yes.

  The right end of the width direction frame 52A is fixed to the reference plane guide 31, and the left end is fixed to the frame left side plate 30L. Further, the two width direction frames 52A are arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. In the width adjusting roller group 50, the two width adjusting roller portions 51 arranged in the left-right direction share the width direction frame 52A.

  The front end and the rear end of the transport direction frame 52B are fixed to the width direction frame 52A located on the front side and the rear side, respectively. In the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the transport direction frame 52B, a columnar support column 53 is erected upward. A ball joint portion 54 is attached to the upper end of the support column 53.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ball joint portion 54 includes an inner sphere 54 </ b> A configured in a generally spherical shape, and an outer shell body 54 </ b> B formed in a hollow sphere so as to cover the outer periphery thereof. The lower part of the outer shell body 54B is fixed to the upper end of the support column 53, and a relatively large opening is formed on the right side. A roller rotation shaft 55 is fixed to the right side of the inner sphere 54A. The roller rotation shaft 55 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape along the left-right direction, and extends to the right outer side of the outer shell body 54B through the opening of the outer shell body 54B.

  With this configuration, the ball joint portion 54 changes (that is, rotates) the posture of the inner sphere 54A within the outer shell 54B within a range in which the roller rotation shaft 55 can move within the opening of the outer shell 54B. Thus, the roller rotation shaft 55 can be rotated in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

  A taper roller 56 is rotatably inserted into the roller rotation shaft 55. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5A, the taper roller 56 is formed in a disk shape having a central axis coinciding with the roller rotation shaft 55 as a whole, but its peripheral side surface is conical or tapered. Is formed. That is, the taper roller 56 has a larger distance (that is, radius) from the roller rotation shaft 55 to the peripheral side surface on the right side than on the left side (FIG. 3). When a cross-sectional shape by a simple plane is assumed, the peripheral side surface is inclined with respect to the center line. The taper roller 56 is made of a flexible material such as resin or rubber.

  In the width adjusting roller portion 51, a hole portion 35H penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the upper conveyance guide 35, and the length of the support pillar 53 is set appropriately, so that the roller rotation shaft 55 is substantially in the left-right direction. When the posture is orthogonal, the lower end vicinity of the taper roller 56 is made to reach below the lower surface 35S and is positioned in the first transport path W1.

  That is, in the width adjusting roller portion 51, a virtual axis along the vertical direction with the ball joint portion 54 disposed on the left side of the taper roller 56, that is, farther than the taper roller 56 as viewed from the reference surface guide 31, as the rotation center. The roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 can be rotated around (hereinafter also referred to as the vertical axis) and the posture thereof can be changed. Incidentally, the vertical axis is also a vertical axis perpendicular to the lower surface 35S (that is, the guide surface) of the upper conveyance guide 35.

  As a result, the roller rotation shaft 55 has a posture in which the right end is positioned forward of the left end in addition to an orthogonal posture substantially along the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction), a right oblique front posture along the oblique direction, It is possible to change the posture to the right oblique rear position along the oblique direction by positioning the right end rearward.

  The spring 57 as the posture changing portion is configured as a so-called coil spring, and its rear end is attached in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 in a state of being extended from the natural length, and its front end is the roller rotation shaft 55. It is attached to the width direction frame 52A located on the front side. Here, since the ball joint portion 54 to which the left end of the roller rotation shaft 55 is attached is attached to the upper end of the support column 53, it is at a position higher than the conveyance direction frame 52B and the width direction frame 52A. For this reason, the spring 57 causes a force toward the front lower side to act on the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 by the action of the restoring force.

  Further, the spring 58 is configured as a coil spring similar to the spring 57, and its front end is attached in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 in a state where it is extended from its natural length, and its rear end is attached to the roller rotation shaft 55. It is attached to the width direction frame 52A located on the rear side. For this reason, the spring 58 exerts a force directed rearward and downward on the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 by the action of the restoring force.

  That is, in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55, the force urging forward by the spring 57 and the force urging backward by the spring 58 act in opposite directions with respect to the front-rear direction. As a result, the roller rotation shaft 55 has an orthogonal posture along the left-right direction due to the balance between the urging forces.

  Further, in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55, a downward force is applied from the springs 57 and 58 in the vertical direction. As a result, the roller rotation shaft 55 rotates so as to displace the vicinity of the right end downward, and presses the taper roller 56 downward.

[1-3. Check transportation by aligner]
With such a configuration, when the check CK is conveyed into the first conveyance path W1, the aligner unit 13 causes the conveyance roller 42 of each conveyance roller group 40 and each width adjustment as shown in FIG. 5B. The check CK is sandwiched between the roller 51 and the taper roller 56. At this time, the taper roller 56 presses the right side portion (that is, one side portion) located near the lower end of the peripheral side surface and the vicinity thereof against the upper surface of the check CK, and presses the lower end to the right side (that is, the side having the larger radius). Deform as if defeated. For convenience of explanation, the peripheral side surface of the taper roller 56 is also referred to as a single contact peripheral side surface, and the portion of the taper roller 56 that is in contact with the check CK is also referred to as a contact portion.

  In this state, the aligner unit 13 transmits a driving force from a motor (not shown) to rotate the transport roller 42 in either direction, so that a force directed forward or backward is applied to the check CK. In response to this, the taper roller 56 is driven by a forward or rearward force transmitted through the check CK and rotates about the roller rotation shaft 55.

  At this time, with the rotation of the taper roller 56, the portion that has come out from the vicinity of the lower end is restored to its original shape, while the portion that has newly reached the vicinity of the lower end is deformed to fall to the right. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the taper roller 56 is directed to the right as the first width direction along with the deformation near the lower end, in addition to the force F1 acting in the backward direction as it rotates. Force F2 acts. A force F3 that is a resultant force of the forces F1 and F2 is a force that is directed in a direction inclined to the right side by a predetermined angle θ (for example, diagonally rearward to the right) from a direction orthogonal to the roller rotation shaft 55 (for example, backward direction). .

  That is, when the aligner 13 is transporting the check CK backward in a deposit transaction or the like as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2, the taper roller 56 is behind the check CK. A force F3 directed diagonally to the right is applied. Thereby, the aligner unit 13 can convey the check CK diagonally rearward and rightward in the first conveyance path W1. In other words, the aligner unit 13 can transport the check CK in the backward direction and move the reference surface guide 31 in the right direction, that is, the width can be increased.

  Eventually, when the check CK comes into contact with the reference plane guide 31, that is, when the check CK has been justified, the aligner unit 13 can no longer move the check CK to the right. . At this time, the aligner unit 13 conveys the check CK toward the rear by the force transmitted from the conveyance roller 42.

  In this case, in the width adjusting roller portion 51, friction acts between the check CK and the taper roller 56, so that the taper roller 56 applies the same force to the check CK in the direction opposite to the force F2 (FIG. 6A). It can be considered that a force F4 of a magnitude is applied. Along with this, the width adjusting roller unit 51 tries to match the direction of the force F3 acting on the check CK from the taper roller 56 directly behind the direction in which the check CK is conveyed.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the width adjusting roller 51 rotates the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 around the vertical axis around the ball joint portion 54 while extending the spring 57. The right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 is positioned behind the left end. As a result, the width adjusting roller portion 51 applies the force F3 from the taper roller 56 almost rightward, and hardly applies the force in the right direction where the reference surface guide 31 is located.

  Incidentally, in the width adjusting roller portion 51, the roller rotation is performed only when the check CK contacts the reference surface guide 31 and the force F4 is applied by appropriately selecting the spring constants and lengths of the springs 57 and 58. The shaft 55 can be changed from the orthogonal posture to the diagonally right rear posture (FIG. 6B).

  Further, when the return process is performed in the deposit transaction, the aligner unit 13 conveys the check CK in the forward direction in a state where the width adjustment of the check CK is completed, that is, in a state where the right end of the check CK is in contact with the reference surface guide 31. It will be. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6 (C) corresponding to FIG. 6 (B), in the width adjusting roller portion 51, the roller rotation shaft 55 is set to the right diagonally forward posture, contrary to the case where the check CK is conveyed backward. Change. As a result, the width adjusting roller portion 51 can direct the force F3 applied to the check CK from the taper roller 56 substantially in the forward direction, and can hardly apply the force in the right direction to the check CK.

  As described above, in the width adjusting roller portion 51, the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 are centered on the ball joint portion 54 depending on whether or not the leftward force F4 is applied from the check CK to the taper roller 56. The direction of the force applied to the check CK can be switched by rotating around the vertical axis to change its posture.

[1-4. Effect]
Here, for the purpose of comparison with the aligner unit 13 of the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7 corresponding to FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the conventional aligner unit 913. In the conventional aligner 913, a width adjusting roller 951 corresponding to the width adjusting roller 51 according to the first embodiment is provided. In the width adjusting roller portion 951, a roller rotation shaft 955 corresponding to the roller rotation shaft 55 is fixed in an orthogonal posture along the left-right direction. That is, the ball joint portion 54 and the springs 57 and 58 are not provided.

  For this reason, in the conventional aligner 913, when the check CK is conveyed rearward in the deposit reading process or the like, a force is always applied to the check CK from the taper roller 56 in the diagonally backward right direction. As a result, in the conventional aligner 913, the check CK continues to apply a rightward force even after the check CK comes into contact with the reference surface guide 31, so that the so-called stiffness is weak particularly when the check CK has low rigidity. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8 corresponding to FIG. 3, the check CK may be damaged, such as generation of wrinkles or creases.

  On the other hand, the aligner unit 13 of the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment rotates the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 around the vertical axis around the ball joint portion 54 in each width adjusting roller unit 51. The same force is applied to the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 by the springs 57 and 58 from the front-rear direction.

  In the situation where the check CK is conveyed from the front side to the rear side along the first conveyance path W1 in the deposit reading process or the like, the aligner unit 13 is when the right end of the check CK is separated from the reference plane guide 31. In this case, the roller rotation shaft 55 is set in an orthogonal posture, and a force is applied from the taper roller 56 to the check CK obliquely rearward to the right (FIG. 6A). Accordingly, the aligner unit 13 can move the check CK to the right while transporting the check CK rearward along the first transport path W <b> 1, and can narrow the width to the reference plane guide 31.

  On the other hand, when the right end of the check CK is in contact with the reference surface guide 31, that is, when the width adjustment is completed, the aligner unit 13 uses a reaction force that acts on the tapered roller 56 from the check CK to The rotation shaft 55 is set to the right rearward posture, and a force is applied to the check CK from the taper roller 56 in the rear direction (FIG. 6B). Thereby, the aligner part 13 can convey along the 1st conveyance path W1, maintaining the state where width alignment with respect to the reference plane guide 31 of the check CK was completed.

  Further, when the check CK is conveyed from the rear side to the front direction along the first conveyance path W1 in the return process or the like, the aligner unit 13 has already completed the width adjustment of the check CK to the reference plane guide 31. It has become a state. In this case, the aligner 13 also uses the force F4 acting on the taper roller 56 from the check CK to place the roller rotation shaft 55 in the right diagonal forward position, and applies the force forward from the taper roller 56 to the check CK. (FIG. 6C). As a result, the aligner unit 13 can transport the check CK along the first transport path W1 while maintaining the state in which the check CK is completely aligned with the reference surface guide 31.

  In other words, the aligner unit 13 applies a force in the right direction if the check CK is not fully aligned with the reference plane guide 31 regardless of whether the check CK is transported forward or backward. If the width of the check CK is completed, unnecessary force is not applied in the right direction and the check can be transported without being damaged. As a result, the aligner unit 13 can achieve both a high level of width adjustment of the check CK to the reference plane guide 31 and conveyance of the check CK without damage.

  Further, the width adjusting roller portion 51 of the aligner portion 13 is provided with springs 57 and 58 in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 so as to apply an elastic force in the forward direction and the backward direction, respectively. As a result, the width adjusting roller portion 51 does not receive the force F4 (FIG. 6A) when the width adjustment of the check CK sandwiched between the conveying roller 42 and the check roller CK is not completed. Can be maintained in an orthogonal posture. On the other hand, when the width adjustment roller unit 51 has completed the width adjustment of the check CK and receives the force F4, the width adjustment roller portion 51 moves the roller rotation shaft 55 to the right diagonally rearward posture (FIG. 6B) or right diagonally forward posture ( 6 (C)).

  That is, the width adjusting roller portion 51 can adjust the roller rotation shaft 55 to an appropriate posture by using the force F4 acting on the tapered roller 56 from the check CK with a relatively simple configuration. For this reason, the width adjusting roller unit 51 does not need to use a complicated configuration such as rotating the roller rotation shaft 55 by driving a predetermined actuator when a predetermined sensor detects the width alignment of the check CK.

  Furthermore, since the width adjusting roller portion 51 has springs 57 and 58 disposed on the front side and the rear side of the roller rotation shaft 55, the space to be secured on the left side of the taper roller 56 can be kept relatively small. Thereby, in the aligner part 13, the taper roller 56 can also be arrange | positioned in the immediate vicinity of the reference plane 31S in the left side of the reference plane guide 31, for example.

  According to the above configuration, the aligner unit 13 of the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured so that the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 are rotated about the vertical axis in each width adjusting roller unit 51 with the ball joint unit 54 as the center. And the restoring force of the springs 57 and 58 is applied from the front-rear direction. As a result, the aligner unit 13 applies the rightward force to the check CK from the taper roller 56 only when the check CK is not yet completed to the reference plane guide 31, and the alignment is already completed. In this case, the direction in which the force acts can be matched with the transport direction. As a result, the aligner unit 13 can balance the check CK to the reference plane guide 31 and the conveyance without damaging the check CK at a high level.

[2. Second Embodiment]
The check processing device 101 (FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment is different from the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has an aligner unit 113 that replaces the aligner unit 13. This point is similarly configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aligner portion 113 has a width adjusting roller group 150 instead of the width adjusting roller group 50 as compared with the aligner portion 13 according to the first embodiment. Although it is different in that it has, the other points are configured similarly. Each width adjusting roller group 150 is provided with a width adjusting roller portion 151 in place of the width adjusting roller portion 51, one on each of the left side and the right side.

  The width adjusting roller portion 151 is different from the width adjusting roller portion 51 according to the first embodiment in that it has a support frame 52 and a support frame 152 and a spring 157 instead of the springs 57 and 58, but the other The points are similarly configured.

  The support frame 152 includes a left support frame 152A disposed on the left side of the taper roller 56 and a right support frame 152B disposed on the right side of the taper roller 56. Each of the left support frame 152A and the right support frame 152B is formed in an elongated bar shape along the front-rear direction, and the position with respect to the frame 30, the upper conveyance guide 35, and the like is fixed.

  On the upper surface of the left support frame 152A, a support pillar 53 similar to that of the first embodiment is erected, and a ball joint portion 54 is provided at the upper end thereof. A roller rotating shaft 55 is attached to the right side of the inner sphere 54A (FIG. 4) of the ball joint portion 54. A taper roller 56 is inserted through the roller rotation shaft 55.

  That is, in the width adjusting roller portion 151, as in the first embodiment, the ball joint portion 54 disposed on the left side of the taper roller 56 and farther from the taper roller 56 as viewed from the reference surface guide 31 is used as a rotation center. The roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 can be rotated around the vertical axis.

  Like the springs 57 and 58 in the first embodiment, the spring 157 is configured as a so-called coil spring, and its left end is attached to the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 in a state of being extended from the natural length. The right end is attached to the right support frame 152B. As a result, the roller rotation shaft 55 has an orthogonal posture along the left-right direction, as in the first embodiment.

  Further, in the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55, a downward force from the spring 157 acts in the vertical direction. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the roller rotation shaft 55 rotates so as to displace the vicinity of the right end downward, and presses the taper roller 56 downward.

  With the above configuration, the aligner unit 113 according to the second embodiment operates in the same manner as the aligner unit 13 in the first embodiment. That is, in the situation where the check CK is being conveyed from the front side toward the rear side along the first conveyance path W1 in the deposit reading process or the like, the aligner unit 113 detects that the width of the check CK is incomplete. The rotating shaft 55 is set in an orthogonal posture, and a force is applied from the taper roller 56 to the check CK diagonally rearward to the right (FIG. 6A). As a result, the aligner unit 113 moves the check CK to the right while conveying the check CK rearward along the first conveyance path W1, as in the first embodiment. You can send them.

  Further, when the aligning of the check CK is completed, the aligner 113 uses the force F4 (FIG. 6A) acting on the tapered roller 56 from the check CK to tilt the roller rotation shaft 55 to the right rearward posture. Then, a force is applied backward from the tapered roller 56 to the check CK (FIG. 6B). As a result, the aligner unit 113 can transport the check CK along the first transport path W1 while maintaining the state in which the check CK has been justified with respect to the reference surface guide 31 as in the first embodiment.

  Further, the aligner unit 113 uses a force F4 that acts on the tapered roller 56 from the check CK when the check CK is conveyed from the rear side to the front side in a state where the check CK is narrowed to the reference surface guide 31 in the return processing or the like. Then, the roller rotation shaft 55 is set to the right diagonal forward position, and a force is applied in the forward direction from the tapered roller 56 to the check CK (FIG. 6C). As a result, the aligner unit 113 can transport the check CK along the first transport path W <b> 1 while maintaining the state in which the check CK is completely aligned with the reference surface guide 31.

  In other words, the aligner unit 113 applies a force in the right direction if the check CK is not completely moved to the reference plane guide 31 regardless of whether the check CK is conveyed forward or backward. If the width of the check CK is completed, unnecessary force is not applied in the right direction and the check can be transported without being damaged. As a result, the aligner unit 113 achieves a high level of compatibility between bringing the check CK closer to the reference plane guide 31 and transporting the check CK without damaging the same as in the first embodiment. be able to.

  Further, since the width adjusting roller portion 151 has the spring 157 disposed on the right side of the roller rotation shaft 55, the space to be secured on the front side and the rear side of the taper roller 56 can be kept relatively small. Thereby, in the aligner unit 113, for example, by arranging the width-adjusting roller groups 150 so that the distance between the front and rear directions is relatively narrow, the distance between the taper rollers 56 in the front and rear direction can be relatively narrow. .

  In other respects, the aligner unit 113 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the aligner unit 13 according to the first embodiment.

  According to the above configuration, the aligner unit 113 of the check processing device 101 according to the second embodiment has the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 around the vertical axis around the ball joint portion 54 in each width-adjusting roller unit 151. And a restoring force is exerted from the spring 157 in the right direction. As a result, the aligner 113 performs the width alignment by applying a rightward force to the check CK from the taper roller 56 only when the width adjustment of the check CK to the reference surface guide 31 is not completed, and the width alignment is already completed. In this case, the direction in which the force acts can be matched with the transport direction. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the aligner unit 113 achieves a high level of both the width adjustment of the check CK to the reference surface guide 31 and the conveyance of the check CK without damage. Can be made.

[3. Third Embodiment]
The check processing device 201 (FIG. 1) according to the third embodiment is different from the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has an aligner unit 213 that replaces the aligner unit 13. This point is similarly configured.

[3-1. Aligner configuration]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aligner portion 213 has a width adjusting roller group 250 instead of the width adjusting roller group 50 as compared with the aligner portion 13 according to the first embodiment. Although it is different in that it has the reference surface contact sensor unit 261, other points are configured in the same manner. Each width adjusting roller group 250 is provided with a width adjusting roller portion 251 instead of the width adjusting roller portion 51, one on each of the left side and the right side.

  The width-adjusting roller unit 251 includes two support frames 252A and 252B, a holder 253, a roller rotating shaft 255, a composite roller 256, a spring 257, a link arm 258, and a link driving unit 259.

  Each of the support frames 252A and 252B is configured in a bar shape along the left-right direction (that is, the width direction) like the width-direction frame 52A (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment, and the right end thereof is the reference plane guide. 31 and the left end thereof is fixed to the frame left side plate 30L. Incidentally, the support frames 252A and 252B are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. In the width adjusting roller group 250, the support frames 252A and 252B are shared by two width adjusting roller portions 251 arranged in the left-right direction.

  As shown in a perspective view of FIG. 13, the holder 253 includes a main body 253A configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, rotating shafts 253B and 253C provided on the front side and the rear side of the main body 253A, and the main body. It is comprised by link shaft 253D provided in the rear side of the part 253A.

  The main body 253A is configured in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the lower side is opened. In addition, a long hole extending in the vertical direction is formed in the center portion in the front-rear direction on both the left and right side surfaces. The rotation shaft 253B is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape with the central axis extending in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is fixed near the center in the left-right direction near the lower end of the front side surface of the main body 253A. The rotation shaft 253C is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape similar to the rotation shaft 253B, and its front end is fixed near the center in the left-right direction near the lower end of the rear side surface of the main body 253A.

  The rotating shaft 253B is rotatably inserted in the vicinity of the front end of the supporting frame 252A (FIG. 11) positioned on the front side. Further, the rotation shaft 253C is rotatably inserted in the vicinity of the rear end of the support frame 252B (FIG. 11) positioned on the rear side. For this reason, the holder 253 can be rotated with respect to the support frames 252A and 252B and the like around an axis along the front-rear direction (hereinafter referred to as the front-rear axis). Since this front-rear axis is also an axis along the conveyance direction of the check CK, it is also referred to as a conveyance axis below.

  The link shaft 253D is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape with the central axis extending in the front-rear direction, like the rotation shafts 253B and 253C, and the front end thereof is in the vicinity of the upper end of the rear surface of the main body 253A, that is, the rotation shaft 253C. It is fixed at a location sufficiently away from the top.

  The roller rotation shaft 255 corresponds to the roller rotation shaft 55 in the first embodiment, and is configured in an elongated cylindrical shape along the left-right direction. The roller rotation shaft 255 is inserted through long holes formed in the left and right side plates of the main body 253A of the holder 253, respectively. The roller rotation shaft 255 is pressed downward by a spring 257 inside the long hole.

  The composite roller 256 is rotatably held by the holder 253 by being inserted into the roller rotation shaft 255 at the center portion in a state in which the upper range of about 2/3 enters the inside of the holder 253. . As shown in FIG. 14A and the front view in FIG. 14B, the composite roller 256 includes a left straight roller portion 256A and a right tapered roller portion 256B.

  As shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 15A, the composite roller 256 has a rectilinear roller portion 256A when the roller rotation shaft 255 is in a posture substantially along the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as a horizontal posture). Is lower than the lower end of the tapered roller portion 256B. That is, when the roller rotation shaft 255 is in a horizontal posture when the check roller CK is in a horizontal state below the composite roller 256, the straight roller portion 256A is brought into contact with the check CK while the taper roller portion 256B is Pull away from check CK.

  The circumferential side surface of the rectilinear roller portion 256A has a symmetrical shape with respect to the left-right direction, and does not apply a force in the left-right direction to the check CK. Hereinafter, the circumferential side surface of the rectilinear roller portion 256A is also referred to as a rectilinear circumferential side surface. For this reason, if the composite roller 256 rotates about the roller rotation shaft 255, a force directed in the forward or backward direction is applied to the check CK. Hereinafter, the posture of the composite roller 256 at this time is referred to as a straight running posture.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15 (B) corresponding to FIG. 15 (A), the composite roller 256 is arranged in the horizontal direction so that the roller rotation shaft 255 has the left end positioned on the upper side and the right end positioned on the lower side. When the posture is inclined by a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as an inclined posture), the lower end of the tapered roller portion 256B is lower than the lower end of the linearly moving roller portion 256A. That is, when the roller rotating shaft 255 is inclined when the check roller CK is in a horizontal state below the composite roller 256, the peripheral side surface (that is, the one-contact peripheral side surface) of the taper roller portion 256B is used as the check CK. On the other hand, the linearly moving roller portion 256A is pulled away from the check CK.

  Here, the composite roller 256 is substantially the same as the tapered roller 56 (FIG. 5) in the first embodiment in the cross-sectional shape of the portion that substantially constitutes the tapered roller portion 256B, that is, the hatched portion in FIG. It is equivalent. For this reason, if the composite roller 256 rotates around the roller rotation shaft 255, the rightward force is applied to the check CK as in the case of the taper roller 56 in the first embodiment (FIG. 6A). ). Hereinafter, the posture of the composite roller 256 at this time is referred to as a width approaching posture or a single contact posture.

  The link arm 258 (FIGS. 11 and 12) is formed in an elongated rod shape along the left-right direction, and the link shaft 253D of the holder 253 is rotatably inserted. The right end of the link arm 258 reaches the right side of the reference plane guide 31, that is, in the mechanism space 33, and is attached to the link drive unit 259 in the mechanism space 33.

  The link drive unit 259 incorporates components such as an actuator, and moves the link arm 258 to the left or right within a predetermined movement range based on the control of the control unit 3 (FIG. 1). A force in the right direction or the left direction is applied to the vicinity of the upper end of the holder 253 via 253D. In response to this, the holder 253 rotates about the rotation shafts 253B and 253C together with the roller rotation shaft 255, the composite roller 256, and the like.

  Specifically, when the link arm 258 is moved to the left side, the link driving unit 259 positions the link shaft 253D almost directly above the rotation shaft 253C as shown in FIG. As a result, the width-adjusting roller unit 251 has a state in which the roller rotation shaft 255 is substantially horizontal, the composite roller 256 is in the straight running posture (FIG. 15A), and the straight roller unit 256A can be brought into contact with the lower check CK. To do.

  In addition, when the link arm 258 is moved to the right side, the link driving unit 259 positions the link shaft 253D on the right side of the rotation shaft 253C as shown in FIG. As a result, the width-adjusting roller unit 251 tilts the roller rotation shaft 255 together with the holder 253 by a predetermined angle, sets the composite roller 256 to the width-adjusting posture (FIG. 15B), and moves the linearly moving roller unit 256A to the lower check CK. It is in a state where it can be brought into contact.

  As described above, the width-adjusting roller unit 251 moves the link arm 258 to the right side or the left side by the link driving unit 259, thereby changing the postures of the roller rotation shaft 255 and the composite roller 256 together with the holder 253. It is possible to switch to a straight running posture or a width-shifting posture.

  In other words, the width adjusting roller 251 rotates the roller rotation shaft 255 and the composite roller 256 around the front and rear axes around the rotation shafts 253B and 253C of the holder 253 as the link arm 258 moves. The direction of the force applied to the check CK can be switched by moving and changing the posture.

  Incidentally, in the width adjusting roller group 250, the two width adjusting roller portions 251 arranged in the left-right direction share the link arm 258. Therefore, in the aligner unit 213, the posture of the composite roller 256 in each width adjusting roller unit 251 can be switched in units of each width adjusting roller group 250.

[3-2. Configuration of width adjustment sensor section and change of posture of compound roller]
Further, the aligner portion 213 (FIG. 11) is provided with a reference surface abutment sensor portion 261 at a plurality of locations that are close to the reference surface 31S on the left side of the reference surface guide 31 and spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction. Yes.

  Each reference surface abutment sensor unit 261 includes a light emitting unit 262 disposed on the upper side of the upper conveyance guide 35 and a light receiving unit 263 disposed on the lower side of the lower conveyance guide 36. The light emitting unit 262 incorporates a predetermined light emitting element, and emits the detection light L1 downward based on the control of the control unit 3 (FIG. 1). That is, the optical path of the detection light L1 passes through the reference surface 31S in the reference surface guide 31.

  The light receiving unit 263 incorporates a predetermined light receiving element, receives the detection light L <b> 1 irradiated from the upper side, generates a light reception signal representing the light amount, and supplies the light reception signal to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 recognizes the position of the check CK in the left-right direction (that is, the width direction) by comparing the signal level of the light reception signal supplied from the light reception unit 263 with a predetermined threshold value. That is, when the signal level of the light reception signal is relatively high, the control unit 3 determines that the detection light L1 is not shielded by the check CK and the check CK has not reached the vicinity of the reference plane guide 31. In addition, when the signal level of the light reception signal is relatively low, the control unit 3 determines that the detection light L1 is shielded by the check CK and the check CK has reached the vicinity of the reference plane guide 31.

  Further, the control unit 3 stores in advance the respective positions of the reference surface contact sensor units 261 in the front-rear direction, and the width of the check CK is determined based on the signal level of the light reception signal obtained from each light reception unit 263. It is determined whether or not the gathering is completed. The control unit 3 also stores in advance the positions of the reference surface contact sensor units 261 and the width-adjusting roller groups 250 in the front-rear direction.

  By the way, in the aligner part 213, the space | interval regarding the front-back direction of the reference plane contact sensor parts 261 is sufficiently shorter than the length along the conveyance direction of the check CK, that is, the length in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, in the aligner unit 213, if the width adjustment of the check CK is completed, the detection light L1 is shielded by the check CK in the two or more reference surface contact sensor units 261 adjacent in the front-rear direction. become.

  Further, in the aligner unit 213, if the check CK is inclined with respect to the transport direction and only the rightmost vertex is in contact with the reference surface 31S, two reference surface contact sensors adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. The detection light L1 is shielded only in one of the portions 261, and the other detection light L1 is not shielded. In such a case, in the aligner unit 213, by continuing the width adjustment of the check CK by the width adjustment roller unit 251, the right side of the check CK can be normally completed along the reference surface 31S. there is a possibility.

  Therefore, the control unit 3 reduces the width of the check CK when the detection light L1 is blocked by two or more reference surface contact sensor units 261 adjacent in the front-rear direction among all the reference surface contact sensor units 261. Is determined to have been completed. In other cases, it is determined that the width alignment has not been completed. Then, the control unit 3 switches the posture of the composite roller 256 in each width adjusting roller unit 251 for each width adjusting roller group 250 depending on whether or not the width adjustment of the check CK is completed. ing.

  Specifically, when performing the deposit reading process, the control unit 3 first moves the link arm 258 to the right side in all the width-adjusting roller groups 250 in the aligner unit 213 as shown in FIG. Is the width-alignment posture (FIG. 15B).

  Next, the control unit 3 conveys the check CK backward by the aligner unit 213 while sequentially determining whether or not the detection light L1 is blocked for all the reference surface contact sensor units 261. At this time, the aligner unit 213 conveys the check CK in the backward direction while moving the check CK in the right direction because each composite roller 256 is in the width-alignment posture.

  Here, when the detection light L1 is blocked by two or more reference surface contact sensor units 261 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction among all the reference surface contact sensor units 261, the control unit 3 shifts the check CK. Is considered completed. At this time, the control unit 3 moves the link arm 258 to the left side by the link driving unit 259 in the width-adjusting roller group 250 located downstream of the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 where the detection light L1 is shielded. (FIG. 12), each composite roller 256 is switched to the straight running posture (FIG. 15A). As a result, the aligner 213 can apply the force only in the backward direction to the check CK in which the width adjustment has already been completed without causing the force from the composite roller 256 to move in the right direction unnecessarily.

  Incidentally, the control unit 3 determines that the check CK has been transported from the aligner unit 213 to the first switching unit 14 (FIG. 1) when the detection light L1 is not blocked by all the reference surface contact sensor units 261. To do. At this time, the control unit 3 moves the link arms 258 of all the width adjusting roller groups 250 in the aligner unit 213 to the right side (FIG. 16) to prepare for the next check CK, and all the composite rollers 256 are adjusted again. Assume the posture (FIG. 15B).

  Further, when performing the return process, the control unit 3 moves the link arms 258 of all the width-adjusting roller groups 250 in the aligner unit 213 to the left side by the link driving unit 259 (FIG. 12). The roller 256 is switched to the straight running posture (FIG. 15A). As a result, the aligner 213 can apply the force only to the forward direction without causing the force toward the right direction from the composite roller 256 to be applied unnecessarily to the check CK in which the width adjustment has already been completed.

[3-3. Effect]
In the above configuration, the aligner unit 213 of the check processing device 201 according to the third embodiment is provided with the straight roller unit 256A and the taper roller unit 256B on the composite roller 256 in each width-adjusting roller unit 251 (FIG. 14). By changing the posture of the rotating shaft 255, either one is brought into contact with the check CK (FIG. 15).

  The aligner unit 213 is configured such that a holder 253 (FIG. 13) that rotatably holds the composite roller 256 is configured to be rotatable about the front and rear axes about the rotation shafts 253B and 253C, and then via the link shaft 253D. The posture of the link arm 258 connected in this way is changed in accordance with the movement in the left-right direction (FIGS. 12 and 16).

  Therefore, the aligner unit 213 moves the link arm 258 in the left-right direction by the link driving unit 259, and rotates the composite roller 256 together with the holder 253 about the front and rear axes about the rotation shafts 253B and 253C. The posture of the roller 256 can be switched to a straight running posture (FIG. 15A) or a width-shifting posture (FIG. 15B). That is, the aligner unit 213 can switch whether or not the check CK is to be widened by changing the posture of the composite roller 256 to the width-shifting posture or the straight-ahead posture.

  The aligner unit 213 has a plurality of reference surface contact sensor units 261 disposed in the vicinity of the reference surface 31S on the left side of the reference surface guide 31. In response to this, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the check CK has been shifted and whether or not the shift of the check CK has been completed depending on whether or not the detection light L1 is blocked by each reference surface contact sensor unit 261. The position of the check CK in the front-rear direction is determined.

  When performing the deposit reading process, the control unit 3 moves the link arm 258 of each width adjusting roller group 250 to the right side in advance, and performs the width adjustment of the check CK with each composite roller 256 as the width adjusting posture (FIG. 16). Here, when the control unit 3 detects that the width adjustment is completed, the control unit 3 moves the link arm 258 of each width adjustment roller group 250 to the left side of the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 where the detection light L1 is shielded. Each composite roller 256 is switched to a straight running posture (FIG. 12).

  As a result, the aligner 213 applies a force to the check roller CK in the width alignment posture to the right to move the check CK before the width adjustment is completed, and moves the check CK to the right. In contrast, it is possible to make the vehicle go straight backward without applying a force to the right. As a result, in the aligner unit 213, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of damage or the like due to unnecessary application of a force in the right direction to the check CK that has been completed.

  In the aligner unit 213, the link arm 258 and the link driving unit 259 are shared between the two width adjusting roller units 251 constituting the width adjusting roller group 250. Thereby, in the aligner part 213, a structure can be simplified rather than the case where the link arm 258 and the link drive part 259 are provided for each width-adjusting roller part 251.

  From another viewpoint, in the aligner unit 213, when the check CK is appropriately widened, the right side of the check CK is brought into contact with the reference surface 31S, and the front side and the rear side are substantially in the horizontal direction. It is along. At this time, in the aligner unit 213, the timing of feeding the rear side of the check CK between the two width adjusting roller units 251 arranged in the left-right direction is almost the same. For this reason, in the aligner part 213, even if the posture of the composite roller 256 is changed at the same time between the two width adjusting roller parts 251 constituting the width adjusting roller group 250, no problem occurs.

  Furthermore, in the aligner unit 213, by switching the posture of the composite roller 256 to the straight running posture (FIG. 15A) or the width-shifting posture (FIG. 15B), it may have the same function as a general roller, Alternatively, it is switched whether to have the same function as the taper roller 56 (FIG. 4). Accordingly, in the aligner unit 213, for example, a roller that applies a force in the conveyance direction to the check CK and a roller that applies a force in the right direction are separately provided, and these are appropriately retreated in a vertical direction by a predetermined moving mechanism or the like. As compared with the case where the direction in which the force acts is switched, the number of necessary rollers, the occupied volume, and the like can be reduced, and the mechanism can be simplified.

  According to the above configuration, the aligner unit 213 of the check processing device 201 according to the third embodiment is provided with the straight roller unit 256A and the taper roller unit 256B on the composite roller 256 in each width-shifting roller unit 251, and the reference surface contact. According to the detection result of the check CK by the sensor unit 261, the posture of each composite roller 256 is switched to the straight running posture or the width-shifting posture. As a result, the aligner 213 can apply a force in the right direction only when the check CK is not yet completed, and can convey the check CK without damaging it.

[4. Fourth Embodiment]
The check processing device 301 (FIG. 1) according to the fourth embodiment is different from the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has an aligner unit 313 instead of the aligner unit 13. This point is similarly configured. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aligner unit 313 includes a width adjusting roller unit 351 instead of each width adjusting roller unit 51 in the first embodiment. Yes.

  The width adjusting roller portion 351 includes a roller rotation shaft 355 corresponding to the roller rotation shaft 55 in the first embodiment and a taper roller 56 similar to that in the first embodiment. The roller rotation shaft 355 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape similar to the roller rotation shaft 55. However, unlike the first embodiment, the roller rotation shaft 355 is positioned with the left end positioned rearward of the right end, that is, in the left-right direction ( In a posture inclined by an angle θ (FIG. 6A) with respect to the width direction, it is rotatably supported by a support member (not shown). Incidentally, the posture of the roller rotation shaft 355 is substantially the same as the posture of the roller rotation shaft 55 (FIG. 6C) when the return process is performed in the first embodiment.

  For this reason, when the check roller 351 conveys the check CK in the backward direction in the deposit reading process, as shown in FIG. 19A, the width-aligning roller unit 351 tilts the check CK to the right by an angle 2θ from the rear. Force is applied in the diagonally backward direction. As a result, the aligner 313 can apply a greater force to the check CK in the right direction than in the first embodiment, and the check CK can be actively moved to the right to efficiently move the check CK. Alignment can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the check roller 351 conveys the check CK in the forward direction in the return process, as shown in FIG. 19B, the width adjusting roller unit 351 applies a force to the check CK in the forward direction. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 20, the aligner unit 313 can prevent the check CK from being damaged without applying unnecessary force to the check CK that has already been aligned. .

  According to the above configuration, the aligner unit 313 of the check processing device 301 according to the fourth embodiment holds the roller rotation shaft 355 in a posture inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the left-right direction in the width-adjusting roller unit 351, The taper roller 56 is rotated about the roller rotation shaft 355. As a result, the aligner 313 does not exert a force in the right direction when the check CK is conveyed forward in the return process, and thus damage due to the check CK being pressed against the reference surface guide 31 can be prevented.

[5. Fifth embodiment]
The check processing device 301 (FIG. 1) according to the fifth embodiment is different from the check processing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has an aligner unit 413 instead of the aligner unit 13. This point is similarly configured. As shown in FIG. 21 corresponding to FIG. 2, the aligner unit 413 is provided with a width adjusting roller unit 451 instead of the width adjusting roller unit 51 in the first embodiment.

  The width adjusting roller portion 451 includes a rotating portion 454, a roller rotating shaft 455, and a roller 456 respectively corresponding to the ball joint portion 54, the roller rotating shaft 55, and the taper roller 56 in the width adjusting roller portion 51 according to the first embodiment. In addition, a post 457 and a rotation restricting portion 458 are provided.

  The rotating portion 454 is attached to the upper side of the upper conveyance guide 35 on the right side of the roller 456, that is, on the side close to the reference surface guide 31. The rotation unit 454 supports the roller rotation shaft 455 so as to be rotatable with respect to the upper conveyance guide 35 around a virtual vertical axis along the vertical direction.

  The roller rotation shaft 455 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape like the roller rotation shaft 55 according to the first embodiment. The right end of the roller rotation shaft 455 is attached to the rotating portion 454 and the roller 456 is rotatably inserted. Yes. The roller 456 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose peripheral side surface is parallel to the roller rotation shaft 455, similar to the transport roller 42 (FIG. 3), and has a configuration different from the tapered roller 56 according to the first embodiment. It has become.

  The post 457 is suspended downward from the left end of the roller rotation shaft 455. The rotation limiting portion 458 is disposed on the upper side of the upper conveyance guide 35 on the opposite side of the rotation portion 454 with the roller 456 interposed therebetween, and a limiting groove 458D is formed. The limiting groove 458 </ b> D is formed in a curved line shape that draws a part of an arc centered on the rotating portion 454, and the groove width is slightly wider than the post 457.

  The restriction groove 458D has a front end located substantially on the left side of the rotating portion 454, and a rear end located rearward of the restriction groove 458D. The rotation restricting portion 458 allows the post 457 to enter the restriction groove 458D, thereby restricting the rotation range of the roller rotation shaft 455.

  For example, when the post 457 is positioned at the foremost side in the limiting groove 458D, the roller rotation shaft 455 has a posture substantially along the left-right direction. Hereinafter, this posture is referred to as a straight running posture. Further, when the post 457 is positioned at the rearmost position in the restriction groove 458D, the roller rotation shaft 455 has a posture in which the left end is positioned rearward from the right end and is rotated from the straight traveling posture to a predetermined angle. Hereinafter, this posture is referred to as a width-alignment posture.

  In the aligner unit 413, when the check CK is transported along the first transport path W1, the postures of the roller rotation shaft 455 and the roller 456 in the width adjusting roller unit 451 are changed according to the force received from the check CK. It is supposed to let you.

  For example, when the check roller 451 conveys the check CK backward in the deposit reading process, as shown in FIG. 22A, the check CK traveling backward causes the roller 456 to move backward. Receive. As a result, in the width adjusting roller portion 451, the roller rotation shaft 455 is rotated clockwise with the rotation portion 454 as the rotation center, and the post 457 is placed in the restriction groove 458D as shown in FIG. It is made to stand still in a state where it is positioned in the vicinity of the rear end, that is, a width-shifting posture.

  At this time, the roller 456 rotates in response to the force from the check CK. However, since the roller rotation shaft 455 is in the width-adjusted posture, the roller 456 has a force including a component in the right direction in the diagonally backward direction to the right. Will act. Thereby, the roller 456 can narrow the check CK in the right direction, that is, toward the reference surface guide 31.

  Further, when the check CK is transported forward in the return process, the width adjusting roller unit 451 receives the force toward the roller 456 forward by the check CK traveling forward as shown in FIG. 23A. . As a result, in the width adjusting roller portion 451, the roller rotation shaft 455 is rotated counterclockwise with the rotation portion 454 as the rotation center, and the post 457 is placed in the restriction groove 458D as shown in FIG. It is made to stand still in the state where it is located in the vicinity of the foremost end, that is, a straight running posture.

  At this time, since the roller rotation shaft 455 is in a straight traveling posture, the roller 456 applies a force only in the forward direction and does not apply a force in the right direction when rotating by receiving the force from the check CK. . Accordingly, the roller 456 can prevent damage to the check CK without applying unnecessary rightward force to the check CK that has already been width-aligned.

  According to the above configuration, the aligner unit 413 of the check processing device 401 according to the fifth embodiment is configured so that the roller rotation shaft 455 can be rotated around the rotation unit 454 in the width adjusting roller unit 451, The rotation range is limited to a range in which the post 457 can move within the limiting groove 458D. When the roller 456 receives a force from the check CK, the width-shifting roller unit 451 rotates the roller rotation shaft 455, and when the check CK is conveyed in the backward direction, the width-shifting roller unit 451 has a width-shifting posture. When transporting to, go straight. As a result, the aligner unit 413 does not exert a force in the right direction when the check CK is transported forward in the return process, so that damage due to the check CK being pressed against the reference surface guide 31 can be prevented.

[6. Other Embodiments]
In the first and second embodiments described above, a force acts on the check CK from the tapered roller 56 by rotating the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 around the vertical axis to change their postures. The case where the direction is changed has been described (FIGS. 2 and 6). In the third embodiment, the direction in which force is applied from the composite roller 256 to the check CK is changed by rotating the roller rotation shaft 255 and the composite roller 256 around the front and rear axes to change the posture. The case of making it described was described (FIG. 12). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the direction of the force acting on the check CK from the taper roller or the like is changed by rotating the roller rotation shaft around the axis along various directions to change its posture. Also good.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the rotation center when rotating the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 is set to the left side of the taper roller 56, that is, the position of the ball joint portion 54 has been described. (FIG. 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 may be held by a holder similar to the holder 253 in the third embodiment, and the rotation shaft may be provided on the upper surface of the holder. In this case, the position of the rotation shaft may be located on the left side of the taper roller 56 near the right end, that is, near the lower end of the taper roller 56, where it is in contact with the check CK. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the elastic force (restoring force) is applied to the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 from the front and rear directions by the springs 57 and 58 formed of coil springs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an elastic force (restoring force) may be applied by various members such as a leaf spring and rubber. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, in the two width adjusting roller portions 51 arranged side by side in each width adjusting roller group 50, the roller rotation shaft 55 and the taper roller 56 are made independent of each other. The case of rotating is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both roller rotating shafts 55 may be rotated in conjunction with a link arm such as the link arm 258 in the third embodiment. As a result, the direction in which the force acts from the two tapered rollers 56 arranged on the left and right with respect to the check CK can always be aligned, and the direction in which the force acts varies due to variations in the elastic force among the springs. Can be prevented. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the springs 57 and 58 are respectively hung between the vicinity of the right end of the roller rotation shaft 55 and the lower width direction frame 52A so that the roller rotation shaft 55 is placed on the roller rotation shaft 55. On the other hand, the case of applying a downward force was described (FIG. 3). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the roller rotation shaft 55 extends downward from the vicinity of the right end thereof to the same height as the width direction frame 52A, and the spring 57 is interposed between the vicinity of the lower end and the width direction frame 52A. And 58 may be used. In this case, since the downward force from the springs 57 and 58 does not act, a separate roller pressing spring may be provided to apply the downward force. In this case, by appropriately setting the spring constant of each spring, the magnitude of the force acting on the roller rotation shaft 55 in the front-rear direction and the magnitude of the force acting on the lower direction are independent of each other. Can be adjusted to the optimum value. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the roller rotating shaft 55 is supported by the ball joint portion 54 in a state where the roller rotating shaft 55 can be rotated around the vertical axis along the vertical direction and the front and rear axes along the front-rear direction. Said. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the roller rotation shaft 55 may be supported in a state in which the roller rotation shaft 55 can rotate about the vertical axis and the front-rear axis by bearings having various known configurations. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, when the roller rotation shaft 255 is set substantially horizontal, the straight roller portion 256A is brought into contact with the check CK, and when the roller rotation shaft 255 is inclined from the horizontal, the taper roller The case where the composite roller 256 is configured to bring the portion 256B into contact with the check CK has been described (FIGS. 14 and 15). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the roller rotation shaft 255 is substantially horizontal, the taper roller portion is brought into contact with the check CK, and when the roller rotation shaft 255 is inclined from the horizontal, the straight roller portion is checked. The composite roller may have various configurations, such as configuring the composite roller so as to contact the CK. In short, by rotating the roller rotation shaft 255 and the composite roller around the front and rear axes and changing their postures, it is possible to switch whether the straight roller portion or the taper roller portion is brought into contact with the check CK. What is necessary is just to be able to change the direction which acts.

  Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, the reference surface contact sensor units 261 are arranged at a plurality of locations separated in the front-rear direction in the aligner unit 213, and two or more reference surface contact sensor units adjacent in the front-rear direction. A case has been described in which it is determined that the check CK has been justified when the detection light L1 is shielded in H.261. In this case, the link arm 258 is moved to the left side in the width adjusting roller group 250 on the downstream side of the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 so that each composite roller 256 is switched to the straight running posture.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a check having a standard size is conveyed at a standard speed, the reference surface abutment sensor unit 261 measures in advance a standard light shielding time for shielding the detection light L1. Alternatively, when the time for blocking the detection light L1 in each reference surface contact sensor portion 261 is equal to the standard light blocking time, it may be determined that the check CK has been justified. Alternatively, the time when the detection light is shielded when the check CK passes in the sensor provided in the separation unit 12 (FIG. 1) is measured, and the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 detects only the equivalent time. When the light L1 is shielded, it may be determined that the width adjustment of the check CK is completed.

  Alternatively, for example, when only one reference surface contact sensor unit 261 is provided in the aligner unit 213 and the detection light L1 is blocked by the reference surface contact sensor unit 261, it is determined that the width adjustment of the check CK is completed. Alternatively, in each of the width adjusting roller groups 250, the link arm 258 may be moved to the left side to switch each composite roller 256 to a straight traveling posture. Further, in this case, a central sensor configured in the same manner as the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 is added to the left side of the reference surface contact sensor unit 261 with a sufficient interval, and the detection light blocking state of the center sensor is changed. By using together, the determination accuracy of whether or not the width adjustment is completed may be improved.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the transport roller 42 is disposed on the opposite side of the width-adjusting roller unit 51 across the first transport path W1, and the check CK is sandwiched between the transport roller 42 and the taper roller 56. Thus, the case where a force is applied to the check CK and conveyed is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the conveyance roller 42, a conveyance belt that runs the belt in the conveyance direction may be provided, and the check CK may be sandwiched between the conveyance belt and the taper roller 56. In short, it is only necessary to apply a force along the conveyance direction to the check CK. The same applies to the second to fifth embodiments.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, a case is described in which the present invention is applied to the aligner unit 13 that moves the check CK while conveying the check CK in the check processing apparatus 1 that performs the deposit process using the check CK as a medium. It was. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in various media processing apparatuses that handle various paper-like media such as various securities, cash vouchers, and tickets, the present invention is applied to an aligner section that narrows the media while conveying the media. May be. The same applies to the second to fifth embodiments.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of the present invention extends to embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined, and embodiments in which some are extracted. It is.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the upper conveyance guide 35 and the lower conveyance guide 36 as the conveyance guide, the reference surface guide 31 as the reference surface guide, the taper roller 56 as the roller, and the rotation shaft support portion. The case where the aligner unit 13 serving as the medium transporting device is configured by the ball joint unit 54, the springs 57 and 58 serving as the posture changing unit, and the transporting roller 42 serving as the roller facing unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a medium conveyance device is configured by a conveyance guide having various other configurations, a reference surface guide, a roller, a rotating shaft support portion, a posture changing portion, and a roller facing portion. Also good.

  The present invention can be used, for example, in a check processing apparatus that moves a check while conveying the check in a deposit process using a check.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101,201,301,401 ... Check processing apparatus, 3 ... Control part, 11 ... Bundle part, 12 ... Separation part, 13, 113, 213, 313, 413 ... Aligner part, 13R ... Rear aligner section, 13U: upper aligner section, 30: frame, 30L: frame left side plate, 31: reference plane guide, 31S: reference plane, 32: transport space, 33: mechanism space, 35 ... ... Upper conveying guide, 35H ... hole, 35S ... lower surface, 36 ... lower conveying guide, 36S ... upper surface, 40 ... conveying roller group, 41 ... drive shaft, 42 ... conveying roller, 50, 150 , 250... Alignment roller group, 51, 151, 251, 351, 451... Alignment roller portion, 52, 152, 252A, 252B... Support frame, 53. , 55, 255, 355, 455... Roller rotation shaft, 56... Taper roller, 57, 58, 157, 257... Spring, 253... Holder, 253A. 253D …… Link shaft, 256 …… Composite roller, 256A …… Straight forward roller portion, 256B …… Taper roller portion, 258 …… Link arm, 259 …… Link drive portion, 261 …… Reference surface contact sensor portion, 262… ... Light emitting part, 263 ... Light receiving part, 454 ... Rotating part, 456 ... Roller, 457 ... Post, 458 ... Rotation restricting part, 458D ... Limiting groove, CK ... Check, F1, F2, F3, F4... Force, L1... Detection light, W1.

Claims (12)

A conveyance guide for guiding the medium along the conveyance path by forming a conveyance path of the medium along a predetermined conveyance direction by a guide surface facing the paper surface of the sheet-like medium;
Regarding a first width direction that is one of the width directions orthogonal to the transport direction, a reference surface guide that limits the transport range of the medium in the transport path;
A roller that has a single abutting peripheral side surface that abuts the side close to the reference surface guide with respect to the paper surface of the medium, and rotates about a predetermined roller rotation axis;
A rotating shaft support portion that rotatably supports the roller rotating shaft so that a part of the rotating roller is brought into contact with the medium in the conveyance path and force is applied to the medium from the roller;
A posture changing unit that changes a direction of a force applied to the medium from the roller by changing a posture of the roller rotation shaft;
A medium provided with a roller facing portion that is provided at a position facing the roller across the transport path and advances a facing surface facing the roller in the transport direction in accordance with the rotation of the roller. Conveying device. The posture changing portion is disposed on the opposite side of the reference surface guide across a contact portion where the one contact peripheral side surface of the roller contacts the medium, and is centered on a vertical axis perpendicular to the guide surface. The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a direction of a force acting on the medium from the roller is changed by rotating a roller rotation shaft. When the medium is not in contact with the reference surface guide, the posture changing unit causes a part of the force acting on the medium from the roller to be directed in the first width direction, and the medium acts on the reference surface guide. The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when abutting, the force acting on the medium from the roller is directed in the conveying direction. The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the posture changing unit urges the roller rotation shaft to approach a posture along the width direction. The force urged to the roller rotation shaft by the posture changing unit is smaller than the force acting on the roller from the medium when the medium is in contact with the reference surface guide. The medium carrying device described in 1. The posture changing unit is configured such that a portion of the roller rotation shaft located closer to the reference surface guide than the roller is equivalent to the first transport direction which is one of the transport directions and the second transport direction opposite thereto. The medium conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the medium conveying device is biased by a force of The said attitude | position change part urges | biases the location located in the side near the said reference plane guide rather than the said roller in the said roller rotating shaft toward the said 1st width direction. Medium transport device. The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the posture changing unit urges the roller toward the roller facing unit. In addition to the single contact peripheral side surface, the roller has a rectilinear peripheral side surface that applies a force to the medium in the transport direction,
The posture changing unit rotates the roller rotation shaft about a conveyance axis along the conveyance direction, thereby bringing the one-contact circumferential side into contact with the medium, or a straight-adjusting circumferential side The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium conveying apparatus is switched to a rectilinear attitude in contact with the medium. A reference surface abutment sensor for detecting whether the medium abuts against the reference surface guide;
When it is detected by the reference surface contact sensor that the medium is not in contact with the reference surface guide, the posture changing unit switches the roller to the width adjustment posture, and the reference surface contact sensor A switching control unit that controls the posture changing unit to switch the roller to the rectilinear posture when it is detected that the medium is in contact with the reference surface guide. The medium carrying device described in 1. A plurality of width-adjusting roller portions having the roller, the rotating shaft support portion, and the posture changing portion, the roller facing portion, and the reference surface abutment sensor are disposed along the transport direction.
The switching control unit switches the roller disposed downstream of the reference surface contact sensor that has detected that the medium is in contact with the reference surface guide to the rectilinear posture. The medium carrying device according to claim 10. A delivery unit that delivers a medium formed in a paper sheet to a user;
An aligner unit that transports the medium in the transport direction and moves the medium in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
The aligner is
A conveyance guide for guiding the medium along the conveyance path by forming a conveyance path for the medium along the conveyance direction by a guide surface facing the paper surface of the medium;
Regarding a first width direction that is one of the width directions orthogonal to the transport direction, a reference surface guide that limits the transport range of the medium in the transport path;
A roller that has a single abutting peripheral side surface that abuts the side close to the reference surface guide with respect to the paper surface of the medium, and rotates about a predetermined roller rotation axis;
A rotating shaft support portion that rotatably supports the roller rotating shaft so that a part of the rotating roller is brought into contact with the medium in the conveyance path and force is applied to the medium from the roller;
A posture changing unit that changes a direction of a force applied to the medium from the roller by changing a posture of the roller rotation shaft;
A medium provided with a roller facing portion that is provided at a position facing the roller across the transport path and advances a facing surface facing the roller in the transport direction in accordance with the rotation of the roller. Trading device.

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