JP3610474B2

JP3610474B2 - Paper sheet transport device

Info

Publication number: JP3610474B2
Application number: JP26628598A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳一玉本; 俊一大原; 透 ▲高▼橋
Original assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Current assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Priority date: 1998-09-21
Filing date: 1998-09-21
Publication date: 2005-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-21
Also published as: JP2000095385A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、区分情報が付与された紙葉類をその区分情報に従い区分する紙葉類区分装置に係り、特に、宛名などが記載されたはがきや封筒などの郵便物を取り扱う装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
紙葉類の間隔を調整する従来の装置としては、例えば特開昭６３−３０６１３８号公報に記載された紙葉類連鎖補正機構がある。この従来例には、紙葉を搬送する系において、紙葉の間隔を検出するセンサと、検出した間隔に応じて搬送速度を変化させて紙葉の間隔を所定間隔に調整する制御部とを備えた搬送装置が示されている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前記連鎖補正機構は、長さがほぼ一定の紙幣を搬送対象の紙葉としており、長さが広い範囲に亘る紙葉類，例えば長さが１４０ｍｍ〜２３５ｍｍに亘る葉書や封書などの定形郵便書状の取り扱いについては、配慮されていない。
【０００４】
したがって、長い紙葉類に対しては、速度の異なる搬送路で挟持してしまうため、紙葉類が撓んだり、引っ張られたりする。一方、短い紙葉類は、全く挟持されないので、搬送姿勢が乱れたり、飛び出したりするという欠点があった。
【０００５】
本発明の目的は、長さが広い範囲に亘る紙葉類であっても、搬送速度を変化させて紙葉類の間隔を所定間隔に調整する加減速搬送路の前後で、紙葉類の長さにかかわらず、紙葉類の撓み，引っ張り，搬送姿勢の乱れ，飛び出しなどを抑制しながら、紙葉類を確実に挟持し搬送する手段を備えた紙葉類搬送装置を提供することである。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、上記目的を達成するために、紙葉類を挟持し所定速度で搬送する搬送路と、搬送路の途中に設けられ速度可変な加減速搬送路と、加減速搬送路の近傍に設けられ紙葉類の通過を検知する少なくとも１つの通過検知手段と、通過検知手段に接続され紙葉類同士の間隔を測定する測定手段と、測定手段の測定値に基づき加減速搬送路の速度を制御する制御手段とを備えた紙葉類搬送装置において、加減速搬送路の上流側および下流側の少なくとも一方に、搬送路の最端挟持点を移動させる挟持点移動手段を設け、測定手段が、紙葉類の搬送方向の長さをも測定する測定手段であり、制御手段が、紙葉類の長さに応じて挟持点移動手段を制御する制御手段である紙葉類搬送装置を提案する。
本発明においては、加減速搬送路の上流側および下流側の少なくとも一方に、搬送路の最端挟持点を移動させる挟持点移動手段を設け、測定手段が、紙葉類の搬送方向の長さをも測定し、制御手段が、紙葉類の長さに応じて挟持点移動手段を制御するので、長さが広い範囲に亘る紙葉類であっても、搬送速度を変化させて紙葉類の間隔を所定間隔に調整する加減速搬送路の前後で、紙葉類を確実に挟持し搬送できる。
【０００７】
本発明は、また、紙葉類を挟持し所定速度で搬送する搬送路と、搬送路の途中に設けられ速度可変な加減速搬送路と、加減速搬送路の近傍に設けられ紙葉類の通過を検知する少なくとも１つの通過検知手段と、通過検知手段に接続され紙葉類同士の間隔を測定する測定手段と、測定手段の測定値に基づき加減速搬送路の速度を制御する制御手段とを備えた紙葉類搬送装置において、加減速搬送路の上流側および下流側の少なくとも一方に、加減速搬送路から紙葉類搬送装置で取り扱う最大の紙葉類の長さまでの範囲に、搬送路の最端挟持点を移動させる挟持点移動手段を設け、測定手段が、紙葉類の搬送方向の長さをも測定する測定手段であり、制御手段が、紙葉類の長さに応じて挟持点移動手段を制御する制御手段である紙葉類搬送装置を提案する。
このようにすると、測定手段が、紙葉類の搬送方向の長さをも測定し、制御手段が、紙葉類の長さに応じて挟持点移動手段を制御するので、最長紙葉類も、加減速搬送路のみで挟持されて、所定の間隔調整動作を実行できるので、長さの異なる紙葉類についても、間隔調整を正確に実行し、紙葉類を確実に受け渡しできる。
【０００８】
本発明は、さらに、紙葉類を挟持し所定速度で搬送する搬送路と、搬送路の途中に設けられ速度可変な加減速搬送路と、加減速搬送路の近傍に設けられ紙葉類の通過を検知する少なくとも１つの通過検知手段と、通過検知手段に接続され紙葉類同士の間隔を測定する測定手段と、測定手段の測定値に基づき加減速搬送路の速度を制御する制御手段とを備えた紙葉類搬送装置において、加減速搬送路の上流側または下流側に、加減速搬送路から紙葉類搬送装置で取り扱う最大の紙葉類の長さまでの範囲に、搬送路の最端挟持点を移動させる挟持点移動手段を設け、挟持点移動手段が設置されていない下流側または上流側の加減速搬送路の最端挟持点が、加減速搬送路から紙葉類搬送装置で取り扱う最小の紙葉類の長さまでの範囲にあり、測定手段が、紙葉類の搬送方向の長さをも測定する手段であり、制御手段が、紙葉類の長さに応じて挟持点移動手段を制御する制御手段である紙葉類搬送装置を提案する。
その結果、最短紙葉類でも両端を挟持して、加減速搬送路に受け渡しできる。一方、搬送路を開放すると、最長紙葉類も、加減速搬送路のみで挟持されて、所定の間隔調整動作を実行できる。したがって、最短から最長まで長さの異なる紙葉類についても、間隔調整を正確に実行し、紙葉類を確実に受け渡しできる。
【０００９】
本発明は、紙葉類を挟持し所定速度で搬送する搬送路と、搬送路の途中に設けられ速度可変な加減速搬送路と、加減速搬送路の近傍に設けられ紙葉類の通過を検知する少なくとも１つの通過検知手段と、通過検知手段に接続され紙葉類同士の間隔を測定する測定手段と、測定手段の測定値に基づき加減速搬送路の速度を制御する制御手段とを備えた紙葉類搬送装置において、加減速搬送路の上流側に、搬送路で紙葉類が通過する経路に突出して紙葉類を厚み方向に変形させる紙葉類変形手段を設け、加減速搬送路の下流側に、搬送路の最端挟持点を移動させる挟持点移動手段を設けた紙葉類搬送装置を提案する。
このようにすると紙葉類同士を重ね合わせできる。紙葉類が、同じ集積部に連続して投入される場合、紙葉類同士を重ねても正常に区分できる。紙葉類を重ねることにより、重なった紙葉類はその前後の紙葉類との間隔を拡張できるので、その前後の機構部分の切り換え動作に余裕を持たせ、より安全に区分できる。また、予め重なっているので、集積部において、紙葉類同士が衝突して発生するジャムなどの集積不良を低減できる。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、図１〜図１３を参照して、本発明による紙葉類搬送装置の実施例を説明する。
【００１２】
図１は、本発明の紙葉類搬送装置を適用すべき一対象である書状区分機の概略構造を示す斜視図である。この書状区分機５０で取り扱う紙葉類の一例は、長さが１４０ｍｍ〜２３５ｍｍに亘る葉書や封書などの定形郵便書状である。書状区分機５０は、書状１に記された宛名やバーコードなどの区分情報を読取り、この区分情報に基づいて書状を区分処理する。
【００１３】
まず、書状区分機５０の構成を説明する。ホッパ２は、厚み方向に重ねられた書状１を運搬する。例えば孔の開いたベルトを含み、孔を通じてエアを吸引して書状１をベルトに吸着し、ベルトを移動させ、ホッパ２からの書状１を１通ずつ分離して供給する。なお、図１において、供給部３は、書状１を下側に供給する構成になっているが、供給方向は、上側，下側などいずれであってもよい。搬送路４は、例えば対向するベルトからなり、書状１を挟持して搬送する。搬送路４の搬送速度は、ほぼ一定に保たれている。
【００１４】
異物検知部５は、書状１がこの書状区分機５０の処理に適さないことを検知する。異物検知部５は、例えば書状の通過時間や搬送路の変形により、書状１の大きさや硬さが不適当であることや２枚以上重なって供給されていることを検知する。第１搬送ゲート６は、例えば書状１の搬送方向を切り換えるゲート部材をソレノイドなどで駆動する。第１リジェクト集積部７は、異物検知部５がこの書状区分機５０による処理には不適当と判定した書状１を集積する。
【００１５】
書状１の姿勢を修正する第１整位部８は、読み取り部９よりも上流側にあり、例えば搬送方向に対して斜行したベルトにより、書状１の一辺を搬送基準面に押し付けて、書状１の姿勢を整えてから、読み取り部９に搬送し、読み取り精度を上げる。読み取り部９は、書状１の区分情報を読み取る。書状区分機５０における区分情報の一例は、文字やバーコードで書かれた宛名である。
【００１６】
重送検知部１０は、例えば異なる搬送速度の対向するベルトを含み、重なった書状１同士をずらし、長さの変化を検出し、変化していれば、供給部３が書状１を２枚以上重ねて供給したことを検知する。第２搬送ゲート１１は、例えば書状１の搬送方向を切り換えるゲート部材をソレノイドなどで駆動する。第２リジェクト集積手段１２は、重送検知部１０で重送と判断された書状１を集積する。
【００１７】
第２整位部１３は、印刷部１４よりも上流側にあり、書状１の姿勢を整えてから、印刷部８に搬送し、所定位置に印刷させる。印刷部１４は、書状１の区分情報に従って、バーコードなどの機械コードを印刷する。印刷確認部１５は、印刷部１４での印刷結果を読み取り、正常に印刷されたことを確認する。
【００１８】
間隔調整手段１６は、例えば一対のゴムローラや対向する一対のベルトからなり、回転速度を変化させ、書状１を進み／遅れさせ、書状１同士の間隔を所定間隔に調整する。間隔調整手段１６の構成および動作については、後に詳しく述べる。
【００１９】
段ゲート１７は、書状１を各段に振り分ける。集積部１８は、書状１を厚み方向に重ねて集積する。表示手段１９は、書状区分機５０の動作状況を表示する。例えば三色信号灯や液晶ディスプレイなどを用いて、正常処理中であることや異常が発生したことなどを作業者に知らせる。区分設定手段２０は、例えばタッチパネルや複数のスイッチからなり、集積部１８に割り当てる区分情報のパターンを設定する。
【００２０】
次に、書状区分機５０の動作について、書状１の流れに沿って説明する。作業者は、厚み方向に重ねた状態でホッパ２に書状１を載せる。ホッパ２は、書状１を供給部３に向かって移動させ、供給部３は、近接してきた書状１から１通ずつ分離して順次搬送路４に供給する。
【００２１】
搬送路４上では、まず、異物検知部５が、書状１を処理できる種類のものか否か判断する。ここで、処理できない種類のものであると判断した場合、第１搬送ゲート６を切り換え、書状１を第１リジェクト集積部７に投入する。一方、処理できると判断した場合、読み取り部９が、書状１の宛名などの区分情報を読み取る。次に、重送検知部１０が、書状１の重なりの有無を検知する。ここで、書状１が複数枚重なっていると判断されたとき、第２搬送ゲート１１を切り換え、重なっている書状１を第２リジェクト集積部１２に投入する。
【００２２】
第２整位部１３は、正常と判断された書状１の姿勢を整えてから、印刷部１４に送る。印刷部１４は、区分情報に従ってバーコードなどを印刷する。印刷確認部１５が、バーコードなどを正常に印刷できたことを確認したら、区分情報に従って、段ゲート１７を切り換え、所定の集積部１８に書状１を投入する。
【００２３】
書状区分機５０は、これらの処理を複数の書状１について並行的に実行し、各書状１を所定の集積部１８に区分する。
【００２４】
以上のように構成されて動作する書状区分機５０において、搬送路４で複数の書状１を搬送する時に、書状１同士の間隔が変化することがある。特に、間隔が短くなると、段ゲート１７や各々の集積部１８に書状を導き入れる（図示しない）集積ゲートなどの動作が間に合わなくなり、書状１の搬送方向を切り換えられないことがある。また、書状１同士が近接して集積部１８に投入されると、書状１同士が衝突し、ジャムなどの集積不良を引き起こすことがある。そこで、書状１同士の間隔を所定間隔に調整する間隔調整手段１６が必要になる。
【００２５】
図２は、紙葉類搬送装置における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成の一例を示す図である。加減速搬送路１０１は、ここでは一対のローラであり、書状１を挟持して搬送する。加減速搬送路１０１は、図示しないモータにより駆動されるローラ１０１ａと、バネなどの弾性体１０１ｃと、弾性体１０１ｃで支持されたローラ１０１ｂとからなる。弾性体１０１ｃが書状１の厚さに従って変形すると、ローラ１０１ｂが移動するので、書状１の厚さにかかわらず、書状１を搬送できる。この場合、少なくともローラ１０１ａは、その表面に例えばゴムを張り付け摩擦係数を大きくし、少ない滑りで書状１を加減速させることが望ましい。なお、本実施例１の加減速搬送路１０１は、一対のローラとしたが、搬送路４と同様に、対向するベルトで書状１を挟持して搬送する構成であってもよい。
【００２６】
第１通過検知手段１０２および第２通過検知手段１０３は、例えばフォトダイオードとフォトトランジスタとからなり、透光と遮光とを検出し、矢印アの方向に搬送される書状１の通過を検知する。第１通過検知手段１０２は、加減速搬送路１０１の上流側にあり、第２通過検知手段１０３は、加減速搬送路１０１が書状１を挟持する範囲またはその近傍に設置されている。
【００２７】
測定手段１０４は、書状１同士の間隔を測定する。測定手段１０４は、第１通過検知手段１０２に接続され、第１通過検知手段１０２が透光状態である時間と搬送路４の搬送速度とから、書状１同士の間隔を測定する。同様に、第１通過検知手段１０２が遮光状態である時間から、書状１の長さを測定する。
【００２８】
なお、本実施例では、第１通過検知手段１０２が測定手段１０４に接続されているが、第１通過検知手段１０２が無い構成も考えられる。その場合は第２通過検知手段１０３を測定手段１０４にも接続する。
【００２９】
制御手段１０５は、測定手段１０４で測定した書状１同士の間隔に従って、加減速搬送路１０１の速度を制御する。
【００３０】
以下の説明では、共通して、搬送路４が加減速搬送路１０１の上流側で書状１を挟持する最下流点を最端挟持点Ａとし、搬送路４が加減速搬送路１０１の下流側で書状１を挟持する最上流点を最端挟持点Ｂとし、加減速搬送路１０１が書状１を挟持する点を挟持点Ｃとする。
【００３１】
図３は、間隔調整手段１６による間隔調整動作を説明するために、紙葉類搬送装置により書状を搬送する様子を示す模式図である。２枚の書状１ａ，１ｂが、矢印アの方向に搬送されている。書状１ｂが通過して第１通過検知手段１０２が透光状態になってから、次の書状１ａが進入して再び第１通過検知手段１０２が遮光状態になるまでの時間を、図２の測定手段１０４で計測する。その時間と搬送路４の搬送速度とから、書状１同士の間隔Ｇｍを求める。書状１同士の間隔を設定間隔Ｇｉにするには、調整距離Ｌｄ（＝Ｇｉ−Ｇｍ）だけ書状１ａを遅らせまたは進ませる必要がある。
【００３２】
図４は、図２の紙葉類搬送装置における通過点検知手段１０２，１０３，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。制御手段１０５は、調整距離Ｌｄを算出し、書状１ａの先端が第１通過検知手段１０２を遮光して遅延時間Ｔｄ１を経過した後、または、第２通過検知手段１０３を遮光して遅延時間Ｔｄ２を経過した後、加減速搬送路１０１の速度を変更する。なお、図４の速度変化の様子は、説明を簡単にするために線形な変化を示しているが、速度変化はこの例に限定されない。調整距離Ｌｄは、搬送路４の搬送速度Ｖｃｏｎｓｔと調整時間Ｔａｄｊと調整速度Ｖａｄｊとから、Ｌｄ＝（Ｖｃｏｎｓｔ−Ｖａｄｊ）×Ｔａｄｊとして求められる。
【００３３】
加減速時間Ｔａは、速度変更時に加減速搬送路１０１を駆動する（図示しない）モータの負荷を低減するとともに、駆動ローラ１０１ａと書状１との間の滑りを抑制するには、大きい方がよい。したがって、書状１は、間隔を調整している間に、進行距離Ｌｃだけ進む。進行距離Ｌｃは、調整距離Ｌｄと調整時間Ｔａｄｊと加減速時間Ｔａとから、Ｌｃ＝Ｖｃｏｎｓｔ×（Ｔａｄｊ＋Ｔａ）−Ｌｄで求められる。ここで、進行距離Ｌｃの一例を求めてみる。まず、様々な値を取り得る調整距離Ｌｄの影響を仮に無くするために、Ｖａｄｊ＝０ｍ／ｓとすると、Ｌｃ＝Ｖｃｏｎｓｔ×Ｔａとなる。そこで、Ｖｃｏｎｓｔ＝３．０ｍ／ｓ，Ｔａ＝３０ｍｓとすると、Ｌｃ＝９０ｍｍとなる。
【００３４】
調整時間Ｔａｄｊと加減速時間Ｔａとが経過し、加減速搬送路１０１の速度が定常速度に戻った後に、書状１ａが加減速搬送路１０１から離れるように、調整時間Ｔａｄｊと調整速度Ｖａｄｊとを設定する。このように書状１の搬送速度を変えると、書状１同士の間隔を設定間隔に調整できる。
【００３５】
ところで、加減速搬送路１０１では、長さの異なる紙葉類を扱うことがある。本実施例の書状区分機５０においては、定形書状を取り扱うために、上記１４０ｍｍ〜２３５ｍｍの長さの書状を搬送する。このように長さの異なる書状を取り扱う場合の図２の紙葉類搬送装置における最端挟持点Ａ，最端挟持点Ｂ，挟持点Ｃの位置関係を以下に説明する。
【００３６】
図５は、最短書状１ｃを搬送する場合の間隔調整手段１０１の挟持点位置を示す模式図である。Ｌａは最端挟持点Ａから挟持点Ｃまでの距離、Ｌｂは挟持点Ｃから最端挟持点Ｂまでの距離であり、例えばＬａとＬｂとは１２０ｍｍである。書状１を全く挟持せずに搬送すると、書状１の姿勢の乱れや書状１の搬送路４からの飛び出しなどの問題が生じることがある。そこで、挟持点から次の挟持点に最短書状１ｃを受け渡すときは、最短書状１ｃの両端を挟持してから受け渡すことが望ましく、また挟持できない場合もその距離を最小にすべきである。図５において、Ｈｄは、書状１が最端挟持点Ａと挟持点Ｃの両方に挟持されている時の余裕の距離である。余裕距離Ｈｄは、例えば１０ｍｍ以上あればよいが、この例の場合は、余裕距離Ｈｄを２０ｍｍとし、確実に受け渡すようにした。
【００３７】
図５において、加減速搬送路１０１は、最短書状１ｃが最端挟持点Ａを離れてから加減速を開始する。次に、点線で示す書状１ｃ′のように、最端挟持点Ｂに達する前に、進行距離Ｌｃを進んで定常速度に戻る。そのため、（Ｌｃ＋Ｈｄ）＜Ｌｂであればよく、ここでは（Ｌｃ＋Ｈｄ）＝（９０＋２０）＝１１０ｍｍで、Ｌｂ＝１２０ｍｍなので、前記不等式の関係が成立しており、最端挟持点Ｂに受け渡される前に間隔調整が終了する。
【００３８】
図６は、図５の挟持点の位置関係において、最長書状１ｄが進入した時の様子を示す図である。このとき、最長書状１ｄは、まだ最端挟持点Ａに挟持されている。この状態で加減速搬送路１０１を減速すると、最長書状１ｄの先端側は挟持点Ｃに挟持されて減速するが、後端側は最端挟持点Ａに挟持されているので、定常速度で搬送される。したがって、最端挟持点Ａと挟持点Ｃとの間で最長書状１ｄが撓んで、折れなどの破損が発生しやすくなる。
【００３９】
一方、加減速搬送路１０１を加速すると、搬送路４と加減速搬送路１０１とが最長書状１ｄを引っ張りあって、最長書状１ｄは所定の調整速度Ｖａｄｊにならないことが多い。この解決策としては、最端挟持点Ａや最端挟持点Ｂの挟持力よりも挟持点Ｃの挟持力を強くし、最長書状１ｄを加減速搬送路１０１の速度に強制的に合わせる方法も考えられる。しかし、書状１の厚さや摩擦係数の違いなどにより挟持力が変わり、所定の調整速度Ｖａｄｊにならないことがある。さらに、最長書状１ｄが撓むことを回避できない。
【００４０】
また、最長書状１ｄが最端挟持点Ａを通過してから、加減速搬送路１０１の速度を変更すると、点線で示す書状１ｄ′のように、調整距離Ｌｃが足りないために、やはり間隔を調整できない。この調整距離Ｌｃが足りないことは、例えば（Ｌａ＋Ｌｂ）＝１２０＋１２０＝２４０ｍｍが、（Ｌｍａｘ＋Ｌｃ）＝２３５＋９０＝３２５ｍｍよりも小さいことから、明らかである。したがって、図５の状態の挟持点の位置関係では、最長書状１ｄの間隔を調整できない。
【００４１】
図７は、最長書状１ｄを搬送する間隔に調整した挟持点の位置関係において、最短書状１ｃが進入した時の様子を示す模式図である。そこで、最長書状１ｄについて間隔調整するには、図７に示すように、最端挟持点Ａを最端挟持点Ａ′の位置に移動させる、すなわち、Ｌａ′＝Ｌｍａｘ−Ｈｄ（＝２３５−２０＝２１５ｍｍ）なる位置に移動させることが考えられる。
【００４２】
しかし、最短書状１ｃは最端挟持点Ａ′と挟持点Ｃとの間で挟持されなくなり、書状姿勢の乱れや搬送路４からの飛び出しなどの問題が生じていた。
【００４３】
《実施例１》
図８は、本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例１における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。本実施例１においては、挟持点移動手段１０６を設け、最端挟持点を最端挟持点Ａと最端挟持点Ａ′との間で移動できるようにした。挟持点移動手段１０６は、例えば搬送路４の近傍にローラ１０６ａを設け、（図示しない）ソレノイドなどによって、ローラ１０６ａをベルトに接触／離脱させる。
【００４４】
搬送路４は、対向する一対のベルトからなっているが、挟持点移動手段１０６がＯＦＦ（図８で実線）のとき、ローラ１０６ａは、一方のベルトを他方のベルトに押しつける。その結果、挟持点は、最端挟持点Ａの位置すなわち最短書状１ｃを受け渡すときに挟持する位置になる。このとき、Ｌａは例えば１２０ｍｍである。
【００４５】
一方、挟持点移動手段１０６がＯＮ（図８で点線）のとき、ローラ１０６ａはベルト同士を押しつけずに開放する。その結果、挟持点は、最端挟持点Ａ′の位置すなわち最長書状１ｄを受け渡すときに両端を挟持する位置になる。このとき、Ｌａ′は例えば２１５ｍｍである。
【００４６】
なお、ローラ１０６ａをベルトに接触／離脱させて最端挟持点を最端挟持点Ａと最端挟持点Ａ′との２点間で切り換える方式ではなく、ローラ１０６ａをベルトに接触させたままで、最端挟持点Ａと最端挟持点Ａ′との間の何点かの位置に移動させる方式を採用してもよい。
【００４７】
図９は、図８の実施例１における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。基本的には、挟持点移動手段１０６は、加減速搬送路１０１の速度が搬送路４と異なるときＯＮにし、同じ時はＯＦＦにする。
【００４８】
まず、通過検知手段１０２により、書状１の先端を検知したら、挟持点移動手段１０６は、遅延時間Ｔｄ１までの間、ＯＦＦを保つ。その結果、最短書状１ｃでも両端を挟持して、加減速搬送路１０１に受け渡しできる。遅延時間Ｔｄ１が経過して、書状１が挟持点Ｃに達した後、加減速搬送路１０１の速度を変化させる。このとき、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＮとし、搬送路４のベルト同士を開放すると、最長書状も、加減速搬送路１０１のみで挟持されて、所定の間隔調整動作を実行できる。その後、加減速搬送路１０１が通常速度Ｖｃｏｎｓｔに戻る遅延時間Ｔｄ３までの間は、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＮとし、その後ＯＦＦとする。
【００４９】
また、書状１が長さにかかわらず最端挟持点Ａを通過するように、書状１の後端が通過検知手段１０２を通過し遅延時間Ｔｄ３′経過してから、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＦＦとしてもよい。
【００５０】
以上の一連の間隔調整動作により、長さの異なる書状についても、間隔調整を正確に実行し、書状１を確実に受け渡しできる。
【００５１】
《実施例２》
図１０は、本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例２における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。本実施例２においては、挟持点移動手段１０６を設け、最端挟持点を最端挟持点Ｂと最端挟持点Ｂ′との間で移動できるようにした。
【００５２】
図１１は、図１０の実施例２における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。このような構成の場合、書状１が最端挟持点Ａを通過してから、加減速搬送路１０１の速度を変化させる。そのため、図１１に示すように、挟持点移動手段１０６と加減速搬送路１０１との動作タイミングが、図９の場合とは若干異なる。
【００５３】
すなわち、書状１が最端挟持点Ａを通過してから加減速搬送路１０１などを動作させるため、書状１が通過検知手段１０２を通過したときから遅延時間Ｔｄ４を経過するまでの間、加減速搬送路１０１は定常速度で搬送する。遅延時間Ｔｄ４までの間は、書状１の両端を挟持していることがあるからである。
【００５４】
遅延時間Ｔｄ４が経過した後に、加減速搬送路１０１を所定速度Ｖａｄｊに変化させる。このとき、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＮして最端挟持点をＢ′の位置すなわち間隔調整動作中は、最長書状１ｄにおいても加減速搬送路１０１のみで挟持する位置に最端挟持点を移動させる。
【００５５】
所定の調整時間Ｔａｄｊが経過して、加減速搬送路１０１が定常速度に戻るまでの遅延時間Ｔｄ５が経過した後に、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＦＦにする。その結果、最端挟持点は、Ｂの位置すなわち最短書状１ｃについても両端を挟持できる位置に移動する。
【００５６】
以上の一連の間隔調整動作により、挟持点移動手段１０６を加減速搬送路１０１の下流側に配置しても、間隔調整を正確に実行し、書状１を確実に受け渡しできる。
【００５７】
これまでの実施例１，２は、書状１同士の間隔を所定間隔に調整するために、挟持点移動手段を設けることにした。一方、読み取り部９で書状１の区分情報を読みとった結果、同じ集積部１８に連続して投入される場合、書状１同士を重ねても正常に区分できると考えられる。
【００５８】
《実施例３》
図１２は、本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例３における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。本実施例３は、同じ集積部１８に連続投入される書状１同士を重ねることができる手段を備えた紙葉類搬送装置である。加減速搬送路１０１の下流側に挟持点移動手段１０６を設け、上流側に書状変形手段１０７を設けてある。書状変形手段１０７は、変形レバー１０７ａと（ここでは図示しない）ソレノイドなどのアクチュエータからなる。変形レバー１０７ａは、書状変形手段１０７がＯＮのときのみに点線で示すように、搬送路４で書状１が通過する経路に突出する。
【００５９】
図１３は、図１２の実施例３における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，書状変形手段１０７，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。まず、書状１ｅの後端が通過検知手段１０２を通過してから挟持点Ａを通過するまで、すなわち、遅延時間Ｔｄ６の間、定常速度で書状１ｅを搬送する。遅延時間Ｔｄ６が経過したら、加減速搬送路１０１を停止または減速(速度をＶlowに変更)させる。また、搬送路４と加減速搬送路１０１との両方が１つの書状１ｅを挟持しないように、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＮにする。なお、両者の開始タイミングは同時でなくともよいが、少なくとも加減速搬送路１０１と搬送路４とで搬送速度が異なる間は、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＮとする。
【００６０】
一方、書状１ｅの後端が、搬送路４の上流側の最端挟持点Ａを通過するまで、遅延時間Ｔｄ７を経過してから、書状変形手段１０７をＯＮする。これにより、変形レバー１０７ａが搬送路４に突出し、書状が通過する経路から書状１ｅの後端を外しておく。これらの動作により、書状１ｅを加減速搬送路１０１に挟持した状態で待機させる。
【００６１】
次に、書状１ｆの先端が通過検知手段１０２を通過して書状１ｅの後端に到達するまで、遅延時間Ｔｄ８の間、書状変形手段１０７をＯＮの状態で保持し、書状１ｅの後端を厚み方向に変形させ、書状１ｆの先端が進入する経路から外しておき、遅延時間Ｔｄ８が経過し、書状１ｆが書状１ｅと重なったら、書状変形手段１０７をＯＦＦにする。その結果、書状１ｅと書状１ｆとが互いに重なり合うことになる。なお、図１２の実施例２の場合、書状１ｆが書状１ｅの下になるように重ねてある。
【００６２】
加減速搬送路１０１は、書状１ｆの先端が到達する前に、定常速度に戻るようにＴｄ９の遅延時間の後、搬送速度を変更する。さらに遅延時間Ｔｄ１０が経過して、加減速搬送路１０１の搬送速度が定常速度になってから、挟持点移動手段１０６をＯＦＦにする。
【００６３】
以上の一連の間隔調整動作により、書状１同士を重ね合わせできる。読み取り部９で書状１の区分情報を読みとった結果、同じ集積部１８に連続して投入される場合、書状１同士を重ねても正常に区分できる。書状を重ねることによって、重なった書状はその前後の書状との間隔を拡張できるので、段ゲート１７や集積部１８の集積ゲートの切り換え動作に余裕を持たせ、より安全に区分できる。また、予め重なっているので、集積部１８において、書状１同士が衝突して発生するジャムなどの集積不良を低減できる。
【００６４】
なお、図１３に点線で示すように、加減速搬送路１０１は、Ｖｌｏｗの減速または停止の後に、所定時間Ｔｆの間、定常速度よりも速い速度Ｖｆａｓｔまで加速してもよい。この場合、挟持点移動手段１０６は、時間Ｔｆが経過した後にＯＦＦとする。この方式では、重ねた書状とその後続の書状との間隔も広げることができ、段ゲート１７などの動作や集積部１８での集積に好適である。
【００６６】
また、加減速搬送路１０１において、ローラ１０１ａとローラ１０１ｂの外周との摩擦係数が同等であると、書状１がモータに駆動されないローラ１０１ｂの搬送速度で搬送されることがある。例えば加減速搬送路１０１で減速するとき、ローラ１０１ａはモータで駆動されているので、所定速度に制御できる。一方、ローラ１０１ｂはモータで駆動されていないので、ローラ１０１ａと書状１との間で滑りが発生すると、モータの駆動力が伝わらず、ローラ１０１ｂの慣性で、あまり減速せずに回転する。その結果、書状１は、ローラ１０１ｂの搬送速度に従ってしまい、所定速度にならないので、間隔調整または重ね合わせが失敗することがある。
【００６７】
そこで、モータで駆動されるローラ１０１ａの外周には、摩擦係数の高い部材を装着する。ローラ１０１ａの心金が例えばアルミなどの金属材料である場合、外周にゴムなどの高摩擦材を貼り付ける。一方、モータで駆動されないローラ１０１ｂは、その外周の摩擦係数をローラ１０１ａよりも低くする。ローラ１０１ｂが例えばアルミなどの金属材料である場合、外周も金属材料のままとするか、外周にフッ素樹脂などの低摩擦材を貼り付けてもよい。
【００６８】
このようにすると、書状１は主として摩擦係数の高いローラ１０１ａから加減速の力を受け、モータの速度に従い搬送されるので、正確な間隔調整または重ね合わせができる。
【００６９】
なお、上記いずれの実施例も、図１に示すように、間隔調整手段１６を段ゲート１７および集積部１８の直前に設置した場合を示しているが、実施例３の間隔調整手段１６を段ゲート１７および集積部１８の直前に設置し、実施例１または実施例２の間隔調整手段１６を系統内の他の位置に併設するような種々の組み合わせの構成を採用することも、もちろんできる。
【００７０】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、加減速搬送路の上流側または下流側の少なくとも一個所に、加減速搬送路に近接した搬送路の最端挟持点を紙葉類の長さに応じて移動させる挟持点移動手段を設けたので、紙葉類同士の間隔を設定した距離に調整し、紙葉類の姿勢の乱れや搬送路からの飛び出しなどの搬送不良を低減できる。
また、連続して同じ集積部に投入する書状を重ね合わせることもできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の紙葉類搬送装置を適用すべき一対象である書状区分機の概略構造を示す斜視図である。
【図２】紙葉類搬送装置における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成の一例を示す図である。
【図３】間隔調整手段１６による間隔調整動作を説明するために、紙葉類搬送装置により書状を搬送する様子を示す模式図である。
【図４】図２の紙葉類搬送装置における通過点検知手段１０２，１０３，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。
【図５】最短書状１ｃを搬送する場合の間隔調整手段１０１の挟持点位置を示す模式図である。
【図６】図５の挟持点の位置関係において、最長書状１ｄが進入した時の様子を示す図である。
【図７】最長書状１ｄを搬送する間隔に調整した挟持点の位置関係において、最短書状１ｃが進入した時の様子を示す模式図である。
【図８】本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例１における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。
【図９】図８の実施例１における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。
【図１０】本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例２における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。
【図１１】図１０の実施例２における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。
【図１２】本発明の紙葉類搬送装置の実施例３における間隔調整手段１６周りの構成を示す図である。
【図１３】図１２の実施例３における通過点検知手段１０２，挟持点移動手段１０６，書状変形手段１０７，加減速搬送路１０１の動作を示すタイムチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１書状
２ホッパ
３供給部
４搬送路
５異物検知部
６第１搬送ゲート
７第１リジェクト集積部
８第１整位部
９読み取り部
１０重送検出部
１１第２搬送ゲート
１２第２リジェクト集積部
１３第２整位部
１４印刷部
１５印刷確認部
１６間隔調整手段
１７段ゲート
１８集積部
１９表示手段
２０区分選択手段
５０書状区分機
１０１加減速搬送路
１０２第１通過検知手段
１０３第２通過検知手段
１０４測定手段
１０５制御手段
１０６挟持点移動手段
１０７書状変形手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a paper sheet sorting apparatus that sorts paper sheets to which sorting information is assigned according to the sorting information, and more particularly to an apparatus that handles postal items such as postcards and envelopes in which addresses are written.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional apparatus for adjusting the interval between paper sheets, for example, there is a paper sheet chain correction mechanism described in JP-A-63-306138. In this conventional example, in a system for conveying paper sheets, a sensor for detecting the interval between the paper sheets, and a control unit for adjusting the paper sheet interval to a predetermined interval by changing the conveyance speed according to the detected interval. A transport device is shown.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the chain correction mechanism uses a bill having a substantially constant length as a paper sheet to be transported, and has a wide range of paper sheets, for example, a regular form such as a postcard or a sealed letter having a length of 140 mm to 235 mm. The handling of postal letters is not considered.
[0004]
Therefore, since a long paper sheet is pinched by conveyance paths having different speeds, the paper sheet is bent or pulled. On the other hand, since short paper sheets are not pinched at all, there is a drawback that the conveying posture is disturbed or jumps out.
[0005]
The object of the present invention is to change the conveyance speed even before and after the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that adjusts the interval of the sheets to a predetermined interval, even if the sheet has a wide length. Regardless of the length of the paper sheet, while suppressing the bending, pulling, disorder of the transport posture, jumping out of the paper sheet, It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper sheet transport apparatus having means for securely holding and transporting paper sheets.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a conveyance path for nipping and conveying paper sheets at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that is provided in the middle of the conveyance path, and a speed change variable conveyance path. At least one passage detection means provided for detecting passage of paper sheets, measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the distance between the paper sheets, and the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means In the paper sheet conveying apparatus provided with a control means for controlling the nipping point moving means for moving the most nipping point of the conveying path to at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveying path The measuring means is also a measuring means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction, and the control means is a control means for controlling the nipping point moving means according to the length of the paper sheet. A paper sheet transport device is proposed.
In the present invention, the clamping point moving means for moving the most clamping point of the conveyance path to at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path The measuring means also measures the length of the paper sheet in the conveyance direction, and the control means controls the holding point moving means according to the length of the paper sheet. Therefore, even for paper sheets over a wide range, the paper sheets are securely clamped before and after the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that changes the conveyance speed to adjust the paper sheet interval to a predetermined interval. Can be transported.
[0007]
The present invention also includes a conveyance path for nipping and conveying a paper sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that is variable in the middle of the conveyance path, and a sheet that is provided near the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detection means for detecting passage, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the interval between the sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means; In the paper sheet transport apparatus equipped with the transport mechanism, at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the acceleration / deceleration transport path is transported within the range from the acceleration / deceleration transport path to the maximum length of the paper sheet handled by the paper sheet transport apparatus. Clamping point moving means for moving the endmost pinching point of the road The measuring means is also a measuring means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction, and the control means is a control means for controlling the nipping point moving means according to the length of the paper sheet. A paper sheet transport device is proposed.
If you do this, The measuring means also measures the length of the paper sheet in the conveyance direction, and the control means controls the nipping point moving means according to the length of the paper sheet. The longest paper sheet is also pinched only by the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path, and a predetermined interval adjustment operation can be executed. Therefore, even for paper sheets of different lengths, the interval adjustment is accurately executed to ensure that the paper sheet is securely I can deliver it.
[0008]
The present invention further includes a conveyance path for nipping and conveying a paper sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that is variable in the middle of the conveyance path, and a sheet that is provided near the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detection means for detecting passage, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the interval between the sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means; In the paper sheet transport apparatus equipped with the transport path, on the upstream side or downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration transport path, within the range from the acceleration / deceleration transport path to the maximum length of the paper sheet handled by the paper sheet transport apparatus, A holding point moving means for moving the end holding point is provided, and the most extreme holding point of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path on the downstream side or the upstream side where the holding point movement means is not installed is the sheet conveyance device from the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. Range up to the minimum length of paper to handle The measuring means is also means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveyance direction, and the control means is control means for controlling the nipping point moving means according to the length of the paper sheet. A paper sheet transport device is proposed.
As a result, even the shortest paper sheet can be transferred to the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path by sandwiching both ends. On the other hand, when the conveyance path is opened, the longest paper sheet is also held only by the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path, and a predetermined interval adjustment operation can be executed. Therefore, even for paper sheets having different lengths from the shortest to the longest, the interval adjustment can be accurately performed and the paper sheets can be reliably delivered.
[0009]
The present invention provides a conveyance path for nipping and conveying a paper sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path that is provided in the middle of the conveyance path, and that is provided in the vicinity of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detecting means for detecting, a measuring means connected to the passage detecting means for measuring an interval between paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on a measurement value of the measuring means. In the paper sheet transport apparatus, on the upstream side of the acceleration / deceleration transport path, paper sheet deforming means is provided to project the paper path through the path of the transport path and deform the paper sheet in the thickness direction. Proposed is a paper sheet conveying apparatus provided with a nipping point moving means for moving the most nipping point of the conveying path on the downstream side of the path.
In this way, paper sheets can be overlapped. When paper sheets are continuously fed into the same stacking unit, they can be normally classified even if they are stacked. By stacking paper sheets, the distance between the overlapped paper sheets and the preceding and following paper sheets can be expanded, so that the switching operation of the mechanism parts before and after the allowance can be given a more safe classification. Further, since they overlap in advance, it is possible to reduce stacking faults such as jams that occur when paper sheets collide with each other in the stacking unit.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1-13, the Example of the paper sheet conveying apparatus by this invention is described.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a letter sorter which is one object to which the paper sheet conveying device of the present invention is applied. An example of a paper sheet handled by the letter sorter 50 is a regular postal letter such as a postcard or a sealed letter having a length ranging from 140 mm to 235 mm. The letter sorter 50 reads sort information such as an address and a bar code written on the letter 1, and sorts the letter based on the sort information.
[0013]
First, the configuration of the letter sorter 50 will be described. The hopper 2 carries the letters 1 stacked in the thickness direction. For example, a belt having a hole is sucked, air is sucked through the hole to adsorb the letter 1 to the belt, the belt is moved, and the letter 1 from the hopper 2 is separated and supplied one by one. In FIG. 1, the supply unit 3 is configured to supply the letter 1 to the lower side, but the supply direction may be either the upper side or the lower side. The conveyance path 4 includes, for example, opposed belts, and conveys the letter 1 while sandwiching it. The conveyance speed of the conveyance path 4 is kept substantially constant.
[0014]
The foreign matter detector 5 detects that the letter 1 is not suitable for the processing of the letter sorter 50. The foreign matter detection unit 5 detects that the size and hardness of the letter 1 are inappropriate or that two or more sheets are overlapped and supplied due to, for example, the passage time of the letter or deformation of the conveyance path. The first transfer gate 6 drives, for example, a gate member that switches the transfer direction of the letter 1 with a solenoid or the like. The first reject accumulating unit 7 accumulates the letters 1 that the foreign object detection unit 5 determines to be inappropriate for processing by the letter sorter 50.
[0015]
The first positioning unit 8 that corrects the posture of the letter 1 is located upstream of the reading unit 9 and presses one side of the letter 1 against the conveyance reference surface by, for example, a belt inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. After the posture of 1 is adjusted, it is conveyed to the reading unit 9 to increase the reading accuracy. The reading unit 9 reads the classification information of the letter 1. An example of sorting information in the letter sorter 50 is an address written in characters or a barcode.
[0016]
The double feed detection unit 10 includes, for example, opposing belts with different conveyance speeds, shifts the overlapped letters 1 to each other, detects a change in length, and if there is a change, the supply unit 3 makes two or more letters 1 It detects that it has been supplied repeatedly. The second transfer gate 11 drives, for example, a gate member that switches the transfer direction of the letter 1 with a solenoid or the like. The second reject accumulating unit 12 accumulates the letters 1 determined to be double fed by the double feed detector 10.
[0017]
The second alignment unit 13 is located upstream of the printing unit 14, adjusts the posture of the letter 1, transports it to the printing unit 8, and prints it at a predetermined position. The printing unit 14 prints a machine code such as a barcode according to the classification information of the letter 1. The print confirmation unit 15 reads the printing result from the printing unit 14 and confirms that the printing has been normally performed.
[0018]
The interval adjusting unit 16 includes, for example, a pair of rubber rollers and a pair of opposed belts, and changes the rotation speed, advances / delays the letter 1 and adjusts the interval between the letters 1 to a predetermined interval. The configuration and operation of the interval adjusting unit 16 will be described in detail later.
[0019]
The stage gate 17 distributes the letter 1 to each stage. The stacking unit 18 stacks the letters 1 in the thickness direction. The display means 19 displays the operation status of the letter sorter 50. For example, a three-color signal lamp or a liquid crystal display is used to notify the operator that normal processing is being performed or an abnormality has occurred. The category setting means 20 is composed of, for example, a touch panel and a plurality of switches, and sets a pattern of category information assigned to the stacking unit 18.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the letter sorter 50 will be described along the letter 1 flow. The operator places the letter 1 on the hopper 2 in a state of being stacked in the thickness direction. The hopper 2 moves the letter 1 toward the supply unit 3, and the supply unit 3 separates the letter 1 from the adjacent letter 1 one by one and sequentially supplies it to the conveyance path 4.
[0021]
On the transport path 4, first, the foreign matter detection unit 5 determines whether or not it is of a type that can process the letter 1. If it is determined that the type cannot be processed, the first transfer gate 6 is switched, and the letter 1 is put into the first reject stacking unit 7. On the other hand, if it is determined that it can be processed, the reading unit 9 reads classification information such as the address of the letter 1. Next, the double feed detection unit 10 detects whether or not the letters 1 overlap. Here, when it is determined that a plurality of letters 1 overlap, the second transfer gate 11 is switched, and the overlapping letters 1 are put into the second reject stacker 12.
[0022]
The second alignment unit 13 adjusts the posture of the letter 1 determined to be normal, and then sends it to the printing unit 14. The printing unit 14 prints a barcode or the like according to the classification information. When the print confirmation unit 15 confirms that the barcode or the like has been printed normally, the stage gate 17 is switched according to the classification information, and the letter 1 is inserted into the predetermined stacking unit 18.
[0023]
The letter sorter 50 executes these processes for a plurality of letters 1 in parallel, and sorts each letter 1 into a predetermined stacking unit 18.
[0024]
In the letter sorter 50 configured and operated as described above, when a plurality of letters 1 are conveyed on the conveyance path 4, the interval between the letters 1 may change. In particular, when the interval is shortened, the operation of an integrated gate (not shown) for introducing a letter to the stage gate 17 and each collecting unit 18 may not be in time, and the conveyance direction of the letter 1 may not be switched. Further, when the letters 1 are close to each other and inserted into the stacking unit 18, the letters 1 may collide with each other and cause a stacking failure such as a jam. Therefore, interval adjusting means 16 for adjusting the interval between the letters 1 to a predetermined interval is required.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration around the interval adjusting unit 16 in the paper sheet transport apparatus. The acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is a pair of rollers here, and conveys the letter 1 while sandwiching it. The acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 includes a roller 101a driven by a motor (not shown), an elastic body 101c such as a spring, and a roller 101b supported by the elastic body 101c. When the elastic body 101c is deformed according to the thickness of the letter 1, the roller 101b moves, so that the letter 1 can be conveyed regardless of the thickness of the letter 1. In this case, it is desirable that at least the roller 101a is attached with rubber, for example, on its surface to increase the friction coefficient, and to accelerate and decelerate the letter 1 with less slip. In addition, although the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 of the first embodiment is a pair of rollers, similarly to the conveyance path 4, a configuration may be adopted in which the letter 1 is sandwiched and conveyed by an opposing belt.
[0026]
The first passage detection means 102 and the second passage detection means 103 are composed of, for example, a photodiode and a phototransistor, detect light transmission and light shielding, and detect passage of the letter 1 conveyed in the direction of arrow A. The first passage detection means 102 is on the upstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, and the second passage detection means 103 is installed in a range where the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 holds the letter 1 or in the vicinity thereof.
[0027]
Measuring means 104 measures the interval between letters 1. The measuring means 104 is connected to the first passage detection means 102 and measures the interval between the letters 1 from the time when the first passage detection means 102 is in a light-transmitting state and the transport speed of the transport path 4. Similarly, the length of the letter 1 is measured from the time when the first passage detection means 102 is in the light-shielded state.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, the first passage detection unit 102 is connected to the measurement unit 104, but a configuration without the first passage detection unit 102 is also conceivable. In that case, the second passage detection means 103 is also connected to the measurement means 104.
[0029]
The control unit 105 controls the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 according to the interval between the letters 1 measured by the measurement unit 104.
[0030]
In the following description, in common, the most downstream point where the conveyance path 4 sandwiches the letter 1 on the upstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is defined as the most end clamping point A, and the conveyance path 4 is the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101. The most upstream point where the letter 1 is sandwiched is the outermost clamping point B, and the point where the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 clamps the letter 1 is the clamping point C.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how a letter is conveyed by the paper sheet conveying device in order to explain the interval adjusting operation by the interval adjusting means 16. Two letters 1a and 1b are conveyed in the direction of arrow A. The time from when the letter 1b passes and the first passage detection means 102 enters the light-transmitting state until the next letter 1a enters and the first passage detection means 102 again enters the light-shielding state is measured in FIG. Measurement is performed by means 104. From the time and the conveyance speed of the conveyance path 4, the interval Gm between the letters 1 is obtained. In order to set the interval between the letters 1 to the set interval Gi, it is necessary to delay or advance the letter 1a by the adjustment distance Ld (= Gi−Gm).
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the passage point detection means 102 and 103 and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the paper sheet conveyance device of FIG. The control unit 105 calculates the adjustment distance Ld, and after the delay time Td1 has elapsed after the leading edge of the letter 1a blocks the first passage detection unit 102, or the second passage detection unit 103 blocks the delay time Td2. After elapses, the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is changed. 4 shows a linear change for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the speed change is not limited to this example. The adjustment distance Ld is obtained as Ld = (Vconst−Vadj) × Tadj from the conveyance speed Vconst of the conveyance path 4, the adjustment time Tadj, and the adjustment speed Vadj.
[0033]
The acceleration / deceleration time Ta is preferably large in order to reduce the load on the motor (not shown) that drives the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 when the speed is changed and to suppress slipping between the drive roller 101a and the letter 1. . Accordingly, the letter 1 advances by the travel distance Lc while adjusting the interval. The travel distance Lc is obtained by Lc = Vconst × (Tadj + Ta) −Ld from the adjustment distance Ld, the adjustment time Tadj, and the acceleration / deceleration time Ta. Here, an example of the travel distance Lc will be obtained. First, in order to eliminate the influence of the adjustment distance Ld that can take various values, if Vadj = 0 m / s, Lc = Vconst × Ta. Therefore, when Vconst = 3.0 m / s and Ta = 30 ms, Lc = 90 mm.
[0034]
After the adjustment time Tadj and the acceleration / deceleration time Ta have passed and the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 has returned to the steady speed, the adjustment time Tadj and the adjustment speed Vadj are set so that the letter 1a leaves the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101. Set. Thus, when the conveyance speed of the letter 1 is changed, the interval between the letters 1 can be adjusted to the set interval.
[0035]
Incidentally, the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 may handle paper sheets having different lengths. In the letter sorter 50 according to the present embodiment, the letter having the length of 140 mm to 235 mm is conveyed in order to handle the fixed letter. The positional relationship among the most end pinching point A, the most end pinching point B, and the pinching point C in the paper sheet conveying apparatus of FIG. 2 when handling letters having different lengths will be described below.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the nipping point position of the interval adjusting means 101 when the shortest letter 1c is conveyed. La is a distance from the most clamped point A to the clamped point C, and Lb is a distance from the clamped point C to the most clamped point B. For example, La and Lb are 120 mm. If the letter 1 is transported without being pinched at all, problems such as disorder of the posture of the letter 1 and popping of the letter 1 from the transport path 4 may occur. Therefore, when transferring the shortest letter 1c from the holding point to the next holding point, it is desirable to transfer it after holding both ends of the shortest letter 1c, and the distance should be minimized even if it cannot be held. In FIG. 5, Hd is a margin distance when the letter 1 is sandwiched between both the most sandwiched point A and the sandwiched point C. The margin distance Hd may be, for example, 10 mm or more, but in this example, the margin distance Hd is set to 20 mm so that the margin distance Hd is reliably delivered.
[0037]
In FIG. 5, the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 starts acceleration / deceleration after the shortest letter 1c leaves the endmost clamping point A. Next, as shown in a letter 1c 'indicated by a dotted line, before reaching the end pinching point B, the traveling distance Lc is advanced to return to the steady speed. Therefore, it is sufficient if (Lc + Hd) <Lb. Here, (Lc + Hd) = (90 + 20) = 110 mm and Lb = 120 mm, so the above inequality relationship is established, and before passing to the endmost pinching point B The interval adjustment ends.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when the longest letter 1d has entered in the positional relationship of the clamping points in FIG. At this time, the longest letter 1d is still held at the endmost holding point A. When the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is decelerated in this state, the leading end side of the longest letter 1d is pinched by the pinching point C to decelerate, but the rear end side is pinched by the outermost pinching point A, so that it is conveyed at a steady speed. Is done. Therefore, the longest letter 1d bends between the most clamped point A and the clamped point C, and breakage such as breakage is likely to occur.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is accelerated, the conveyance path 4 and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 often pull the longest letter 1d so that the longest letter 1d does not reach the predetermined adjustment speed Vadj. As a solution to this, there is a method in which the clamping force at the clamping point C is made stronger than the clamping force at the extreme end clamping point A or the extreme end clamping point B, and the longest letter 1d is forcibly matched to the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101. Conceivable. However, there are cases where the clamping force varies depending on the thickness of the letter 1 and the friction coefficient, and the predetermined adjustment speed Vadj is not achieved. Furthermore, it cannot avoid that the longest letter 1d bends.
[0040]
When the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is changed after the longest letter 1d has passed the endmost clamping point A, the adjustment distance Lc is not sufficient as in the letter 1d 'indicated by the dotted line. Cannot adjust. It is clear that the adjustment distance Lc is insufficient because, for example, (La + Lb) = 120 + 120 = 240 mm is smaller than (Lmax + Lc) = 235 + 90 = 325 mm. Therefore, the interval of the longest letter 1d cannot be adjusted in the positional relationship of the clamping points in the state of FIG.
[0041]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the shortest letter 1c has entered in the positional relationship of the nipping points adjusted to the interval for conveying the longest letter 1d. Therefore, in order to adjust the interval for the longest letter 1d, as shown in FIG. 7, the endmost pinching point A is moved to the position of the endmost pinching point A ′, that is, La ′ = Lmax−Hd (= 235-20). = 215 mm).
[0042]
However, the shortest letter 1c is not pinched between the pinching point A 'and the pinching point C, causing problems such as disorder of the letter posture and popping out of the conveyance path 4.
[0043]
Example 1
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting means 16 in the first embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the clamping point moving means 106 is provided so that the outermost clamping point can be moved between the outermost clamping point A and the outermost clamping point A ′. The nipping point moving means 106 is provided with a roller 106a in the vicinity of the conveyance path 4, for example, and causes the roller 106a to contact / separate the belt by a solenoid (not shown).
[0044]
The conveyance path 4 is composed of a pair of opposed belts. When the clamping point moving means 106 is OFF (solid line in FIG. 8), the roller 106a presses one belt against the other belt. As a result, the pinching point becomes the position of the pinch point A when passing the shortest letter 1c. At this time, La is 120 mm, for example.
[0045]
On the other hand, when the nipping point moving means 106 is ON (dotted line in FIG. 8), the roller 106a opens without pressing the belts. As a result, the pinching point is the position of the endmost pinching point A ′, that is, the position where both ends are pinched when the longest letter 1d is delivered. At this time, La ′ is, for example, 215 mm.
[0046]
The roller 106a is not in contact with or separated from the belt and the endmost pinching point is switched between the two points of the endmost pinching point A and the endmost pinching point A ′, but the roller 106a is kept in contact with the belt. You may employ | adopt the system moved to the position of some points between the endmost pinching point A and the endmost pinching point A '.
[0047]
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operations of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Basically, the nipping point moving means 106 is turned on when the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is different from that of the conveyance path 4, and is turned off when the speed is the same.
[0048]
First, when the leading edge of the letter 1 is detected by the passage detecting means 102, the holding point moving means 106 is kept OFF until the delay time Td1. As a result, both ends of the shortest letter 1c can be clamped and transferred to the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101. After the delay time Td1 elapses and the letter 1 reaches the clamping point C, the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is changed. At this time, when the nipping point moving means 106 is turned ON and the belts of the conveyance path 4 are released, the longest letter is also nipped only by the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, and a predetermined interval adjustment operation can be executed. Thereafter, the nipping point moving means 106 is turned on until the delay time Td3 at which the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 returns to the normal speed Vconst, and then turned off.
[0049]
Further, the clamping point moving means 106 is turned off after the delay time Td3 ′ has passed since the trailing end of the letter 1 passes through the passage detecting means 102 so that the letter 1 passes through the endmost clamping point A regardless of the length. It is good.
[0050]
Through the series of interval adjustment operations described above, the interval adjustment can be accurately performed even for letters having different lengths, and the letter 1 can be reliably delivered.
[0051]
Example 2
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting unit 16 in the second embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the pinching point moving means 106 is provided so that the outermost pinching point can be moved between the outermost pinching point B and the outermost pinching point B ′.
[0052]
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operations of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the case of such a configuration, the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is changed after the letter 1 passes through the endmost clamping point A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation timings of the clamping point moving means 106 and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 are slightly different from those in FIG.
[0053]
That is, in order to operate the acceleration / deceleration transport path 101 and the like after the letter 1 has passed the endmost clamping point A, the acceleration / deceleration is performed from when the letter 1 passes the passage detection means 102 until the delay time Td4 elapses. The conveyance path 101 conveys at a steady speed. This is because both ends of the letter 1 may be held until the delay time Td4.
[0054]
After the delay time Td4 has elapsed, the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is changed to a predetermined speed Vadj. At this time, when the nipping point moving means 106 is turned ON and the most end nipping point is moved to the position B ′, that is, the interval adjustment operation, the most nipping point is moved to a position nipping only the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 even in the longest letter 1d. Let
[0055]
After a predetermined adjustment time Tadj has elapsed and a delay time Td5 until the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 returns to the steady speed has elapsed, the clamping point moving means 106 is turned off. As a result, the endmost pinching point moves to a position where both ends can be pinched with respect to the position B, that is, the shortest letter 1c.
[0056]
With the series of interval adjustment operations described above, even when the nipping point moving means 106 is arranged on the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, the interval adjustment can be performed accurately and the letter 1 can be delivered reliably.
[0057]
In the first and second embodiments so far, the holding point moving means is provided in order to adjust the interval between the letters 1 to a predetermined interval. On the other hand, as a result of reading the classification information of the letter 1 by the reading unit 9, when it is continuously inserted into the same stacking unit 18, it is considered that the letter 1 can be normally classified even if the letters 1 are overlapped.
[0058]
Example 3
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting means 16 in the third embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention. The third embodiment is a paper sheet transport apparatus provided with means capable of stacking letters 1 that are continuously input into the same stacking unit 18. A clamping point moving means 106 is provided on the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, and a letter deforming means 107 is provided on the upstream side. The letter deforming means 107 includes a deforming lever 107a and an actuator such as a solenoid (not shown here). The deformation lever 107a protrudes along the path 4 through which the letter 1 passes, as indicated by the dotted line only when the letter deforming means 107 is ON.
[0059]
FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the operations of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, the letter deforming means 107, and the acceleration / deceleration conveying path 101 in the third embodiment shown in FIG. First, Until the rear end of the letter 1e passes through the passage detecting means 102 and passes through the clamping point A, that is, During the delay time Td6, the letter 1e is conveyed at a steady speed. When the delay time Td6 has elapsed, the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 is stopped or decelerated (the speed is changed to Vlow). Further, the clamping point moving means 106 is turned ON so that both the conveyance path 4 and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 do not clamp one letter 1e. Although the start timings of both may not be the same, the clamping point moving means 106 is turned ON at least while the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 and the conveyance path 4 have different conveyance speeds.
[0060]
On the other hand, the letter deforming means 107 is turned on after a delay time Td7 has elapsed until the rear end of the letter 1e passes through the upstream end clamping point A on the upstream side of the transport path 4. As a result, the deforming lever 107a protrudes into the conveyance path 4, and the rear end of the letter 1e is removed from the path through which the letter passes. By these operations, the letter 1e is held in a state of being sandwiched between the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101.
[0061]
Next, until the leading edge of the letter 1f passes through the passage detecting means 102 and reaches the trailing edge of the letter 1e, the letter deforming means 107 is held ON for the delay time Td8, and the trailing edge of the letter 1e is It is deformed in the thickness direction, removed from the path through which the tip of the letter 1f enters, and when the delay time Td8 elapses and the letter 1f overlaps the letter 1e, the letter deforming means 107 is turned off. As a result, the letter 1e and the letter 1f overlap each other. In the case of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the letter 1f is overlapped with the letter 1e.
[0062]
The acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 changes the conveyance speed after a delay time of Td9 so as to return to the steady speed before the leading edge of the letter 1f arrives. Further, after the delay time Td10 has elapsed and the conveyance speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 becomes a steady speed, the nipping point moving means 106 is turned off.
[0063]
Letters 1 can be overlapped with each other by the above series of interval adjustment operations. As a result of reading the classification information of the letter 1 by the reading unit 9, when it is continuously inserted into the same stacking unit 18, it can be normally classified even if the letters 1 are overlapped. By overlapping letters, the overlap between the letters before and after the letters can be expanded, so that the switching operation of the integrated gates of the stage gate 17 and the integrated unit 18 can be given a margin and can be classified more safely. Further, since they overlap in advance, the stacking unit 18 can reduce stacking defects such as jams that occur when letters 1 collide with each other.
[0064]
As indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 13, the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 may be accelerated to a speed Vfast higher than the steady speed for a predetermined time Tf after the deceleration or stop of Vlow. In this case, the clamping point moving means 106 is turned OFF after the time Tf has elapsed. In this method, the interval between the stacked letter and the letter following it can be increased, which is suitable for the operation of the stage gate 17 and the like and the accumulation in the accumulation unit 18.
[0066]
In the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, if the friction coefficients of the rollers 101a and 101b are equal, the letter 1 may be conveyed at the conveyance speed of the roller 101b that is not driven by the motor. For example, when decelerating on the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101, the roller 101a is driven by a motor, so that it can be controlled to a predetermined speed. On the other hand, since the roller 101b is not driven by the motor, if a slip occurs between the roller 101a and the letter 1, the driving force of the motor is not transmitted, and the roller 101b rotates without being decelerated so much. As a result, the letter 1 follows the conveying speed of the roller 101b and does not reach the predetermined speed, so that the interval adjustment or the overlay may fail.
[0067]
Therefore, a member having a high friction coefficient is mounted on the outer periphery of the roller 101a driven by the motor. When the mandrel of the roller 101a is a metal material such as aluminum, a high friction material such as rubber is attached to the outer periphery. On the other hand, the roller 101b that is not driven by the motor has a lower coefficient of friction than the roller 101a. When the roller 101b is made of a metal material such as aluminum, the outer periphery may be left as a metal material, or a low friction material such as a fluororesin may be attached to the outer periphery.
[0068]
In this way, the letter 1 receives the acceleration / deceleration force mainly from the roller 101a having a high friction coefficient and is conveyed according to the speed of the motor, so that accurate interval adjustment or superposition can be performed.
[0069]
In any of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the interval adjusting means 16 is installed immediately before the stage gate 17 and the stacking unit 18; It is of course possible to employ various combinations of configurations that are installed immediately before the gate 17 and the stacking unit 18 and the interval adjusting means 16 of the first or second embodiment is provided at another position in the system.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the pinching point that moves the endmost pinching point of the conveyance path adjacent to the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path at least at one location upstream or downstream of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path according to the length of the paper sheet. Since the moving means is provided, the interval between the paper sheets can be adjusted to the set distance, and the conveyance failure such as the disturbance of the posture of the paper sheets or the jumping out of the conveyance path can be reduced.
It is also possible to superimpose letters that are continuously input into the same stacking unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a letter sorter which is one object to which a paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration around an interval adjusting unit 16 in a paper sheet transport apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how a letter is conveyed by a paper sheet conveying device in order to explain the interval adjusting operation by the interval adjusting means 16;
4 is a time chart showing operations of passing point detection means 102 and 103 and an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the paper sheet conveyance device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a pinching point position of the interval adjusting means 101 when conveying the shortest letter 1c.
6 is a diagram showing a state when the longest letter 1d has entered in the positional relationship of the clamping points in FIG. 5; FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the shortest letter 1c has entered in the positional relationship of the nipping points adjusted to the interval for conveying the longest letter 1d.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting means 16 in the first embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention.
9 is a time chart showing the operations of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting unit 16 in the second embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention.
11 is a time chart showing the operation of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the second embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration around the interval adjusting unit 16 in the third embodiment of the paper sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention.
13 is a time chart showing the operations of the passing point detecting means 102, the clamping point moving means 106, the letter deforming means 107, and the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path 101 in the third embodiment shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 letter
2 Hoppers
3 Supply section
4 Transport path
5 Foreign object detector
6 First transfer gate
7 1st reject accumulation part
8 First alignment part
9 Reading unit
10 Double feed detector
11 Second transfer gate
12 Second reject stacker
13 Second alignment section
14 Printing department
15 Print confirmation part
16 Spacing adjustment means
17-stage gate
18 Stacking unit
19 Display means
20 Category selection means
50 letter sorter
101 Acceleration / deceleration conveyance path
102 1st passage detection means
103 Second passage detection means
104 Measuring means
105 Control means
106 Nipping point moving means
107 Letter changing means

Claims

A conveyance path for nipping and conveying a paper sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path provided in the middle of the conveyance path and a variable speed, and detecting the passage of the paper sheet provided in the vicinity of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path At least one passage detection means for measuring, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring an interval between the paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means In the paper sheet transport device comprising:
At least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path is provided with a nipping point moving means for moving the endmost holding point of the conveyance path ,
The measuring means is a measuring means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction;
The paper sheet transporting apparatus , wherein the control means is a control means for controlling the holding point moving means according to the length of the paper sheets.

A conveyance path for nipping and conveying a sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path provided in the middle of the conveyance path, and a passage provided for the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path in the vicinity of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detection means for measuring, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the interval between the paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means In the paper sheet transport device comprising:
At least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path, the end pinching point of the conveyance path within the range from the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path to the maximum length of the paper sheet handled by the paper sheet conveyance device A holding point moving means for moving the
The measuring means is a measuring means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction;
The paper sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is a control means for controlling the holding point moving means in accordance with the length of the paper sheet .

A conveyance path for nipping and conveying a sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path provided in the middle of the conveyance path, and a passage provided for the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path in the vicinity of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detection means for measuring, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the interval between the paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means In the paper sheet transport device comprising:
The most pinching point of the conveyance path is moved to the upstream or downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path to the range from the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path to the maximum length of the paper sheet handled by the paper sheet conveyance device. A holding point moving means is provided,
From the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path to the minimum length of the paper sheets handled by the paper sheet conveyance device, the most downstream clamping point of the downstream or upstream acceleration / deceleration conveyance path where the clamping point moving means is not installed It is in the range,
The measuring means is a means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction;
The paper sheet transporting apparatus , wherein the control means is a control means for controlling the holding point moving means according to the length of the paper sheets.

A conveyance path for nipping and conveying a sheet at a predetermined speed, an acceleration / deceleration conveyance path provided in the middle of the conveyance path, and a passage provided for the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path in the vicinity of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path. At least one passage detection means for measuring, a measurement means connected to the passage detection means for measuring the interval between the paper sheets, and a control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path based on the measurement value of the measurement means In the paper sheet transport device comprising:
Provided on the upstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path is a paper sheet deforming means that protrudes in a path through which the paper sheet passes through the conveyance path and deforms the paper sheet in the thickness direction,
Provided on the downstream side of the acceleration / deceleration conveyance path is a nipping point moving means for moving the most end nipping point of the conveyance path ,
The measuring means is a means for measuring the length of the paper sheet in the conveying direction;
It said control means, the sheet conveying device, wherein the a control unit that controls the clamping point moving means in accordance with the length of the paper sheet <br/>.