JP3638987B2

JP3638987B2 - Automatic ticket gate

Info

Publication number: JP3638987B2
Application number: JP06119495A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 進橋本
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 1995-03-20
Filing date: 1995-03-20
Publication date: 2005-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-13
Also published as: JPH08263708A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、電車や船舶等の交通機関の駅に設置され、乗降客の所持する定期券、切符、プリペイドカード等の改札媒体を自動的に改札処理する自動改札装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、自動改札装置が広く普及しているが、これら従来の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入される改札媒体の表裏を判別する機能や反転機能を有しておらず、表裏ばらばらになって搬送される取引媒体に対応すべく、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として２個ずつの磁気ヘッドを設け、同様にサーマルプリンタも２個配設した構成となっている。
【０００３】
この結果、内部構成が複雑化し、保守，点検性の低下を招くと共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の長大化を招く等の問題があった。
そこで、改札機本体の内部構成の簡略化、長さ方向寸法の短縮化を図ることが可能な自動改札装置として、例えば特開平３−２９１７９０号公報及び特開平４−１４３８８４号公報に示されるもの、すなわち、改札媒体の表裏を認識し、裏と認識された改札媒体についてはスイッチバック式反転機構へ導入し、表裏揃えする自動改札装置が提唱されている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、先行技術として挙げた前記公報で示されるものは、（ａ）〜（ｃ）のような問題があった。
すなわち、
（ａ）改札媒体搬送路から振分けられた反転を必要とする改札媒体を、その回転走行に伴って一対の搬送ベルト間に受入れた後、該搬送ベルトの逆転走行により搬送路に向けて取出す構成となっている。このため、改札媒体の方向変換に時間がかかり、高速処理を図る上で障害となるばかりでなく、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合、これを矯正することができない。
【０００５】
（ｂ）また、昨今、実用に供される自動改札装置として、主に普通券（Ｗ３０×Ｌ５７．５ｍｍ）、定期券及び８５ｍｍカード（Ｗ５７．５×Ｌ８５ｍｍ）、大型券（Ｗ５７．５×Ｌ１２０ｍｍ）の３種類の大きさの改札媒体を取扱うことが求められているが、これについては何等考慮されておらず、特に搬送姿勢が崩れ易い普通券等の小さな改札媒体を取扱うことは難しいものとなっている。
【０００６】
（ｃ）さらに、取出し機構による取出しタイミングを、改札媒体の先端を検出することにより行っており、反転機構に侵入した改札媒体券の先端を検出した場合、取出し機構による取出しを行う際に改札媒体の後端位置を正確に検出し難い。このため、紙をベース材料とした普通券や８５ｍｍ券、及び１２０ｍｍの大型券等はその性質上、折り曲げにより変形を受けていることが多い改札媒体においては、券詰り等を発生する可能性が大きい。
などの問題があった。
【０００７】
本発明は、上記事情に基づきなされたもので、表裏取り揃え機能を有したものにおいて、大きさの異なる複数の改札媒体を、高速、かつ確実に処理し得るようにした自動改札装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、上記課題を解決するための第１の手段として、大きさが異なり夫々に磁気情報が記録される複数種の改札媒体を投入する投入口と、この投入口に投入された改札媒体を搬送する搬送手段と、この搬送手段を挟んで配置され前記磁気情報を読取る複数の磁気読取手段と、この磁気読取手段の読取結果を基に前記改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類を判別する判別手段と、前記磁気読取手段に対して改札媒体の搬送方向下流側に設けられ、この判別手段の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては表裏をそのままの姿勢で前記搬送手段により搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては前記搬送手段から振分ける振分手段と、この振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体をフリー状態で受入れて姿勢を整える媒体収納ポケット、及び該媒体収納ポケットに受入れた改札媒体を受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記搬送手段に取出すピックアップ機構を設けた取出し機構を有し、前記搬送手段により搬送される改札媒体の表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段と、このスイッチバック手段の前記媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在に設けられているとともに大きさの異なる改札媒体が前記収納ポケットに受入れられた際にそれぞれの改札媒体の受入れ時の後端側が前記取出し機構のピックアップ機構により取出し可能な位置に対向するように配置された改札媒体受け部材を有し、前記媒体収納ポケットに送り込まれる改札媒体の長さ、幅に応じて前記媒体収納ポケットの深さ及び幅を調整するポケットサイズ調整手段と、を具備する構成としたものである。
【０００９】
また、第２の手段として、大きさが異なり夫々に磁気情報が記録される複数種の改札媒体を投入する投入口と、この投入口に投入された改札媒体を搬送する搬送手段と、この搬送手段を挟んで配置され前記磁気情報を読取る複数の磁気読取手段と、この磁気読取手段の読取結果を基に前記改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類を判別する判別手段と、前記磁気読取手段に対して改札媒体の搬送方向下流側に設けられ、この判別手段の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては表裏をそのままの姿勢で前記搬送手段により搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては前記搬送手段から振分ける振分手段と、この振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体をフリー状態で受入れて姿勢を整える媒体収納ポケット、及び該媒体収納ポケットに受入れた改札媒体を受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記搬送手段に取出すピックアップ機構を設けた取出し機構を有し、前記搬送手段により搬送される改札媒体の表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段と、このスイッチバック手段の前記媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在に設けられているとともに大きさの異なる改札媒体が前記収納ポケットに受入れられた際にそれぞれの改札媒体の受入れ時の後端側が前記取出し機構のピックアップ機構により取出し可能な位置に対向するように配置された改札媒体受け部材を有し、前記媒体収納ポケットに送り込まれる改札媒体の長さ、幅に応じて前記媒体収納ポケットの深さ及び幅を調整するポケットサイズ調整手段と、前記スイッチバック手段に対して前記搬送手段の下流側に配置され、前記搬送手段上を表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられて搬送される改札媒体に磁気情報を書き込む１つの書込手段と、を具備する構成としたものである。
【００１０】
また、第３の手段として、長さが異なり夫々に磁気情報が記録される複数種の改札媒体を投入する投入口と、この投入口に投入された改札媒体を搬送する搬送手段と、この搬送手段上に配置され前記磁気情報を読取る磁気読取手段と、この磁気読取手段の読取結果を基に前記改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類を判別する判別手段と、この判別手段の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向に対し逆のものについては搬送路から振分ける振分手段と、この振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を受入れる媒体収納ポケット、及び該媒体収納ポケットに受入れた長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向し、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向となるように受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体を搬送路に取出す取出し機構を有し、前記搬送路における改札媒体の表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段とを具備する構成としたものである。
【００１１】
また、第４の手段として、改札用情報が付された大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を投入口から取込み一連の自動改札処理を行なってその改札媒体を排出口に排出する自動改札装置であって、前記投入口から取込んだ改札媒体を搬送する改札媒体搬送路の上下に配置された磁気ヘッドにより磁気情報を読取る磁気読取手段と、この磁気読取手段の読取結果を基に前記改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類を判別する判別手段と、この判別手段の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについてはそのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては前記改札媒体搬送路から振分ける振分手段と、この振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を受入れる媒体収納ポケット、及び該媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有すると共に受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出す取出し機構を有し、前記改札媒体搬送路における改札媒体の表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段と、このスイッチバック手段の前記媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有し、前記媒体収納ポケットに送り込まれる改札媒体のサイズに応じて前記媒体収納ポケットのサイズを調節するポケットサイズ調整手段とを具備する構成としたものである。
【００１２】
また、第５の手段として、改札用情報が付された大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を投入口から取込み一連の自動改札処理を行なってその改札媒体を排出口に排出する自動改札装置であって、前記投入口から取込んだ改札媒体を搬送する改札媒体搬送路の上下に配置された磁気ヘッドにより磁気情報を読取る磁気読取手段と、この磁気読取手段の読取結果を基に前記改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類を判別する判別手段と、この判別手段の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについてはそのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては前記改札媒体搬送路から振分ける振分手段と、この振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を受入れる媒体収納ポケット、及び該媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有すると共に受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出す取出し機構を有し、前記改札媒体搬送路における改札媒体の表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段と、このスイッチバック手段の前記媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有し、前記媒体収納ポケットに送り込まれる改札媒体のサイズに応じて前記媒体収納ポケットのサイズを調節するポケットサイズ調整手段と、前記媒体収納ポケット内に収容される改札媒体の受入れ時の後端を検知し、前記取出し機構による取出しタイミングをとる検知手段とを具備する構成としたものである。
【００１３】
【作用】
上記第１の手段の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００１４】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００１５】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が可能となる。
【００１６】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化が可能となる。
【００１７】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理が可能となる。
【００１８】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段を設け、媒体収納ポケットの深さ及び幅を、改札媒体の大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、改札媒体の大きさに左右されることなく、改札媒体を取出し機構に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することが可能となる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段が、媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイドで構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【００１９】
上記第２の手段の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００２０】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００２１】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が可能となる。
【００２２】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化が可能となる。
【００２３】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理が可能となる。
【００２４】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段を設け、媒体収納ポケットの深さ、及び幅を、改札媒体の大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、小さいサイズの改札媒体をも、その幅方向のスキューを防止した状態で取出し機構に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することが可能となる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段が、媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイドで構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【００２５】
上記第３の手段の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００２６】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００２７】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が可能となる。
【００２８】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化が可能となる。
【００２９】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理が可能となる。
【００３０】
また、取出し機構が、媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有する構成としたから、同一の機構で複数サイズの改札媒体の取出しが可能となり、構成が複雑化することなく、多様性に対処することが可能となる。
【００３１】
上記第４の手段の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００３２】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００３３】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が可能となる。
【００３４】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化が可能となる。
【００３５】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理が可能となる。
【００３６】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段を設け、媒体収納ポケットの深さを、改札媒体の大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、改札媒体の大きさに左右されることなく、改札媒体を取出し機構に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することが可能となる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段が、媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイドで構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【００３７】
また、取出し機構が、媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有する構成としたから、同一の機構で複数サイズの改札媒体の取出しが可能となり、構成が複雑化することなく、多様性に対処することが可能となる。
【００３８】
上記第５の手段の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００３９】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００４０】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が可能となる。
【００４１】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化が可能となる。
【００４２】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理が可能となる。
【００４３】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段を設け、媒体収納ポケットの深さを、改札媒体の大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、改札媒体の大きさに左右されることなく、改札媒体を取出し機構に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することが可能となる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段が、媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイドで構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【００４４】
また、取出し機構が、媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有する構成としたから、同一の機構で複数サイズの改札媒体の取出しが可能となり、構成が複雑化することなく、多様性に対処することが可能となる。
【００４５】
また、媒体収納ポケット内に収容される改札媒体の受入れ時の後端を検知手段により検知し、前記取出し機構による取出しタイミングをとるようにしたから、改札媒体の取出し時における先端側部分が確実に取出し機構に対向した状態で取出しが開始されることになり、従来のように先端検知するものに比べ、改札媒体の変形の影響を受け難く、動作がより確実にすることが可能となる。
【００４６】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の一実施例を図１ないし図９を参照して詳細に説明する。
図１は、本発明の自動改札装置１を乗降客通行用の通路側から見た所を示すもので、支持体２と、この支持体２により水平配置に支持された直方体状の改札機本体３と、この改札機本体３上に支柱４ａ、４ｂを介して支持された人間検知ポール５と、前記改札機本体３の側面に取付けられ通路６を遮断又は解放するゲート７とを具備している。
【００４７】
また、改札機本体６の上面には、一端側に投入口１０が、前記ゲート７の手前に位置して排出口１１が各々設けられているとともに、排出口１１の直前には改札媒体Ａについての案内表示、例えば普通券（切符）の有効、無効、定期券の期限切れ、プリペイドカードの残額等を文字により表示する液晶ディスプレイの如き案内表示手段１２が設けられている。
【００４８】
また、前記人間検知ポール８の駅構外側端部及び駅構内側端部と中央部とにはこの装置１の動作状態を例えば稼働状態は青色、停止状態は赤色で各々表示するコーナ表示部１３ａ、１３ｂ、中央表示部１３ｃからなる動作状態表示手段１３が設けられている。
【００４９】
また、改札機本体３内には、投入口１０に投入された改札媒体Ａを取込み一連の自動改札処理を行なってその改札媒体Ａを排出口１１に排出する内部処理ユニット１４が収容されている。
【００５０】
この内部処理ユニット１４は、図２に詳図するような構成となっている。
すなわち、投入口１０側に位置する前段部に整列部１５、中段部に磁気処理部１６、及び排出口１１側に位置する後段部に後方処理部１７が直線的に配置され、さらに、後方処理部１７の下方にはＳＦカード（料金内蔵カード）からなる改札媒体Ａを処理するＳＦ処理部１８が設けられている。
【００５１】
整列部１５には、投入口１０から取込んだ例えば磁気情報が付された普通券である切符Ａ₁ 、定期券Ａ₂ 、回数券Ａ₃ 、ＳＦカードＡ₄ 、または大型券Ａ₅ 等の改札媒体Ａを、その長さ方向が搬送方向となる状態、かつ片側基準となる状態に整列する整列手段２０が設けられている。
【００５２】
また、磁気処理部１６には、搬送路である改札媒体搬送路２１に対し、ヘッド面を各々上下に向けた一対の磁気ヘッド２２、２３を有する磁気読取手段２４と、改札媒体Ａの表裏を常に統一して次段へ送り出す後述する表裏統一処理手段としての改札媒体反転手段２５と、ヘッド面を上側に向けた磁気ヘッド２６を有する磁気書込手段２７と、同じくヘッド面を上側に向けた磁気ヘッド２８を有する磁気チェック手段２９が設けられている。
【００５３】
また、後方処理部１７には、プリントヘッド面を下に向けた印字手段としてサーマルプリンタ３０と、普通券である切符Ａ₁ にパンチ孔の穿孔を行なう入鋏手段としてのパンチユニット３１とが改札媒体搬送路２１に沿って順次配置されている。
【００５４】
また、ＳＦ処理部１８には、印字手段としてサーマルプリンタ３５と、ＳＦカードＡ₄ にパンチ孔の穿孔を行なう入鋏手段としてのパンチユニット３６と、改札媒体反転手段３７とが設けられている。
【００５５】
なお、図２中、３８は前記、整列部１５、磁気処理部１６、後方処理部１７等の搬送ローラ４２…及び搬送ベルト４３…等で前記改札媒体搬送路２１を形成する搬送手段４３の搬送系を駆動するメインモータ、３９はＳＦ処理部１８の搬送系を駆動するサーボモータ、４０は制御部である。
【００５６】
図３は、自動改札装置１の制御系を示すものである。この自動改札装置１は、プログラムメモリ４５及び制御部４０からなる制御手段４６を具備し、制御部４０により前記整列手段２０、磁気読取手段２４、表裏統一処理手段としての改札媒体反転手段２５、磁気書込手段２７、磁気チェック手段２９、サーマルプリンタ３０及び入鋏手段としてのパンチユニット３１の動作制御を行なうようになっている。
【００５７】
また、制御部４０により、案内表示手段１２、動作状態表示手段１３の表示制御を行なうようになっている。さらに、制御部４０には、前記磁気読取手段２４の読取結果を基に改札媒体Ａの表裏及び券の種類を判別する判定手段４７が接続されている。
【００５８】
また、前記表裏統一処理手段としての改札媒体反転手段２５は、図４及び図５に拡大して示すような構成となっている。
すなわち、前記判別手段４７の判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについてはそのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路２１を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては前記改札媒体搬送路２１から振分ける振分手段としてのゲ−ト５０と、このゲ−ト５０により振分けられた改札媒体Ａを受入れる媒体収納ポケット５１、及び該媒体収納ポケット５１に受入れた改札媒体Ａを、受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路２１に取出す取出し機構５２を有し、前記改札媒体搬送路２１における改札媒体Ａの表裏の方向を一定方向に揃えるスイッチバック手段５３を有する。
【００５９】
さらに、このスイッチバック手段５３の前記媒体収納ポケット５１内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材５４を有し、前記媒体収納ポケット５１に送り込まれる改札媒体Ａのサイズ（長さ、幅）に応じて前記媒体収納ポケット５１の深さ及び幅を調節するポケットサイズ調整手段５５を有する構成となっている。
【００６０】
また、振分手段としてのゲ−ト５０は、ソレノイド５６を駆動源としている。
また、前記スイッチバック手段５３の媒体収納ポケット５１は、一番大きな改札媒体Ａである大型券Ａ5 を収容し得る大きさの偏平薄箱状を呈しており、ソレノイド５７を駆動源として支軸５８を回動中心として回動可能となっている。
【００６１】
図６は、媒体収納ポケット５１における改札媒体Ａの搬送方向手前側（磁気読取り手段２４側）の形状を示すものである。
前記媒体収納ポケット５１は、図６に示すように、底部５１Ａが普通券である切符Ａ₁ 以外の定期券Ａ₂ 、回数券Ａ₃ 、ＳＦカードＡ₄ 、大型券Ａ₅ の位置決め部となっている。また、上端開口部５１Ｂは、改札媒体Ａの受入れが容易となるように外方に開いた形状となっている。
【００６２】
前記ポケットサイズ調整手段５５は、駆動源であるソレノイド６０の動きをリンク機構６１を介して改札媒体受け部材５４の往復運動に変えることにより、改札媒体受け部材５４を必要に応じて前記媒体収納ポケット５１に形成された開口部５９（図８参照）を介して媒体収納ポケット５１内に挿入する構成となっている。そして、媒体収納ポケット５１のポケットサイズを最小サイズの改札媒体Ａである普通券（切符）Ａ₁ に見合ったサイズに調整することができるようになっている。
【００６３】
改札媒体受け部材５４は、図６に示すように、水平な第１の支持部５４ａと垂直な第２の支持部５４ｂを有する断面Ｌ字状を呈し、普通券（切符）Ａ₁ の長さ方向（上下方向）と幅方向の位置決めを行うようになっている。
【００６４】
また、前記取出し機構５２は、図７及び図８に示すように、前記振分手段としてのゲ−ト５０の近傍、かつ周面が前記改札媒体搬送路２１の下面に接するように設けられる第１ロール６５と、この下方に配設された第２ロール６６と、これらロール６５，６６に掛け渡された取出しベルト６７からなり、上下方向に長い取出し領域Ｈを形成すると共に、前記媒体収納ポケット５１に形成された開口部（図示しない）と入れ子状態となるピックアップ機構６８と、このピックアップ機構６８に改札媒体Ａを押し付けるべく前記媒体収納ポケット５１側に配設されたピンチロール６９，７０を有するピンチ機構７１とで構成されている。
【００６５】
また、ピンチロール６９，７０の中間部に光軸が通るように検知手段としての光学的検知センサ８０が配設されていて、媒体収納ポケット５１に対する改札媒体Ａの進入、及び取出しを検知し、媒体収納ポケット５１及び取出し機構５２の動作タイミングを得るようになっている。
【００６６】
次に、上記構成の自動改札装置１の作用について説明する。
図２に示すように、投入口１０から投入された改札媒体Ａは、改札媒体搬送路２１を搬送される途上において、整列手段２０により整位され、この後、磁気読取手段２４の一対の磁気ヘッド２２，２３のうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段４７により改札媒体Ａの表裏及び券の種類が判別される。
【００６７】
その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が、予め決められた方向のものについては、振分手段であるゲ−ト５０を図４の実線状態にして、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路２１を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについてはソレノイド５０を駆動して前記ゲ−ト５０を図４の二点鎖線の状態に回動変位させて、改札媒体Ａを前記改札媒体搬送路２１から振分け、スイッチバック手段に５３に導く。
【００６８】
スイッチバック手段５３では、この時、媒体収納ポケット５１が図４に示すように取出し機構５２のピックアップ機構６８から離れた状態にあり、ゲ−ト５０により振分けられた改札媒体Ａは、媒体収納ポケット５１にフリー状態で受入れられる。
【００６９】
この時、図６に示すように、改札媒体Ａが、幅（Ｗ₁ ）３０×長さ（Ｌ₁ ）５７．５ｍｍの小さい普通券（切符）Ａ₁ である場合には、ポケットサイズ調整手段５５の改札媒体受け部材５４で位置決めされる。また、幅（Ｗ₂ ）５７．５×長さ（Ｌ₂ ）８５ｍｍの定期券Ａ₂ ，回数券Ａ₃ （８５ｍｍ幅のＳＦカードＡ₄ 含む）と、幅（Ｗ₃ ）５７．５×長さ（Ｌ₃ ）１２０ｍｍの大型券Ａ₅ は、媒体収納ポケット５１の底面５１Ａにより位置決めされた状態となる。
【００７０】
また、この時、取出し機構５２は、長い取出し領域Ｈを有するため、図７の（ａ）で示すように大型券Ａ₅ は勿論のこと、これより短い定期券Ａ₂ ，回数券Ａ₃ 、ＳＦカードＡ₄ も図７の（ｂ）に示すように取出し機構５２のピックアップ機構６８と、ピンチ機構７１との間に介在し、少なくとも下方のピンチロール６９により取出しベルト６７に接触するように押し付け可能な状態となる。
【００７１】
また、サイズの小さい普通券である切符Ａ₁ は図８に示すように、改札媒体受け部材５４により支持されることにより、取出し機構５２のピックアップ機構６８と、ピンチ機構７１との間に介在し、少なくとも下方のピンチロール６９により取出しベルト６７に接触するように押し付け可能な状態となる。
【００７２】
また、検知手段としてのセンサ８０の検知信号により、改札媒体Ａが媒体収納ポケット５１内に収容されたことが確認されると、ソレノイド５７が動作して図５に示すように媒体収納ポケット５１が取出し機構５２のピックアップ機構６８側に回動変位し、媒体収納ポケット５１と一体に動くピンチロール６９，７０からなるピンチ機構７１により、改札媒体Ａがピックアップ機構６８の取出し方向に回転走行する搬送ベルト６７に押付けられる。
【００７３】
これにより、媒体収納ポケット５１内の改札媒体Ａは、受入れ時の後端側（上端）が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路２１に取出される。
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路２１の振分手段としてのゲ−ト５０の配設部以降における改札媒体Ａの表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供される。
【００７４】
すなわち、磁気書込手段２７による書込処理、磁気チェック手段２９によるチェック処理、サーマルプリンタ３０による所定の文字情報の書込処理が行われると共に、切符Ａ₁ に対しては入鋏手段であるパンチユニット３１によるパンチ孔の穿孔処理が行なわれ、この後、排出口１１に排出される。
【００７５】
以上詳述したように、この実施例の自動改札装置１においては、改札媒体Ａの表裏の方向が一定方向に揃える構成のため、磁気書込み手段２７、磁気チェック手段２９として１個ずつの磁気ヘッド２６（２８）ですみ、同様に印字手段としてサーマルプリンタ３０も１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上が可能となると共に、改札機本体３の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化が図れる。
【００７６】
また、改札媒体Ａの表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット５１、及び取出し機構５２を有するスイッチバック手段５３を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体Ａの方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化することができる。
【００７７】
また、改札媒体Ａは、媒体収納ポケット５１に受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケット５１で姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケット５１に対する同一の大きさの改札媒体Ａの位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理ができる。
【００７８】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段５５を設け、媒体収納ポケット５１の深さを、改札媒体Ａの大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、改札媒体Ａの大きさに左右されることなく、改札媒体Ａを取出し機構５２に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体Ａを処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することが可能となる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段５５が、媒体収納ポケット５１内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材５４を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイド６０で構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【００７９】
また、取出し機構５２が、媒体収納ポケット５１に受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体Ａに対しても対向する取出し領域Ｈを有する構成としたから、同一の機構で複数サイズの改札媒体Ａの取出しが可能となり、構成が複雑化することなく、多様性に対処することができるものとなっている。
【００８０】
また、図９は、媒体収納ポケット５１内に収容される改札媒体Ａの受入れ時の後端を検知手段であるセンサ８０により検知し、前記取出し機構による取出しタイミングをとるようにした実施例を示すものである。
【００８１】
改札媒体Ａの取出し時における先端側部分が確実に取出し機構５２に対向した状態で取出しが開始されることになり、従来のように先端検知するものに比べ、改札媒体Ａの変形の影響を受け難く、動作がより確実にすることができるものとなっている。
【００８２】
なお、図９の説明において、前述の一実施例と同一部分は同一の符号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。
その他、本発明は、上述した実施例に限らず、本発明の要旨を変えない範囲で種々の変形実施が可能であることは勿論である。
【００８３】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述した本発明の自動改札装置によれば、次のような効果を奏する。本発明の自動改札装置にあっては、投入口から投入された改札媒体は、改札媒体搬送路を搬送される途上において、磁気読取手段の一対の磁気ヘッドのうちいずれか一方の磁気ヘッドにより改札用情報が読取られ、判別手段により改札媒体の表裏及び券の種類が判別される。その判別結果に基づいて、表裏の方向が予め決められた方向のものについては、そのままの姿勢で改札媒体搬送路を搬送させ、表裏の方向が逆のものについては振分手段により前記改札媒体搬送路から振分けられ、スイッチバック手段に導かれる。
【００８４】
スイッチバック手段では、振分手段により振分けられた改札媒体を、媒体収納ポケットにフリー状態で受入れた後、取出し機構により媒体収納ポケットから受入れ時の後端側が先端側となるように前記改札媒体搬送路に取出される。
【００８５】
これにより、前記改札媒体搬送路の振分手段の配設部以降における改札媒体の表裏の方向が一定方向に揃えられ、以降の自動改札処理に供され、磁気書込み手段、磁気チェック手段として１個ずつの磁気ヘッドですみ、同様にサーマルプリンタも１個ですむなど、内部構成の簡素化し、保守，点検性の向上ができると共に、改札機本体の長さ方向の寸法の短寸化ができる。
【００８６】
また、改札媒体の表裏を反転すべく搬送方向を切換える機構として、媒体収納ポケット、及び取出し機構を有するスイッチバック手段を用いたから、従来の搬送ベルトを正逆回転走行させる方式に比べ、改札媒体の方向変換が瞬時に行え、高速処理化ができる。
【００８７】
また、改札媒体は、媒体収納ポケットに受入れられる際にフリー状態で放出されて媒体収納ポケットで姿勢が整えられるため、媒体収納ポケットに対する同一の大きさの改札媒体の位置は常に一定となり、取出しタイミングが常に一定となる。また、搬入時に万が一姿勢が乱れた場合であっても、これを矯正することができ、より確実な処理ができる。
【００９４】
また、ポケットサイズ調整手段を設け、媒体収納ポケットの深さ、及び幅を、改札媒体の大きさに応じて調節し得るようにしたから、小さいサイズの改札媒体をも、その幅方向のスキューを防止した状態で取出し機構に確実に対向させることができ、大きさの異なる複数種の改札媒体を処理し得るものにおいて、安定した性能を確保することができる。また、ポケットサイズ調整手段が、媒体収納ポケット内に挿脱自在な改札媒体受け部材を有した構成としたから、駆動源をソレノイドで構成するなど簡単な機構で対応できる。
【０１００】
また、取出し機構が、媒体収納ポケットに受入れた幅は同じであるが、長さが異なるいずれの改札媒体に対しても対向する取出し領域を有する構成としたから、同一の機構で複数サイズの改札媒体の取出しが可能となり、構成が複雑化することなく、多様性に対処することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の自動改札装置の一実施例を一部切欠して示す側面図。
【図２】同実施例の要部である内部処理ユニットの断面図。
【図３】制御系を示すブロック図。
【図４】内部処理ユニットの主要部の構成を示す図。
【図５】内部処理ユニットの主要部の構成を示す図。
【図６】媒体収納ポケットにおける改札媒体の支持状態を示す説明図。
【図７】改札媒体の取出し機構に対する位置を示す説明図。
【図８】改札媒体の取出し機構に対する位置を示す説明図。
【図９】本発明の他の実施例を示す要部の概略図。
【符号の説明】
１…自動改札装置、３…改札機本体、１０…投入口、１１…排出口、１４…内部処理ユニット、２１…改札媒体搬送路、２２，２３…磁気ヘッド、２４…磁気読取手段、２７…磁気書込手段、２９…磁気チェック手段、４０…制御部、４７…判定手段、５０…ゲ−ト（振分手段）、５１…媒体収納ポケット、５２…取出し機構、５３…スイッチバック手段、５４…改札媒体受け部材、５５…ポケットサイズ調整手段、６８…ピックアップ機構、７１…ピンチ機構、８０…センサ（検知手段）、Ａ…改札媒体、Ｈ…取出し領域。[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an automatic ticket gate apparatus that is installed at a transportation station such as a train or a ship and automatically processes ticket gates such as commuter passes, tickets, and prepaid cards possessed by passengers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, automatic ticket gates have become widespread. However, these conventional automatic ticket gates do not have a function for discriminating the front and back of a ticket gate medium inserted from the slot and a reversing function. In order to correspond to the transaction medium conveyed in this way, two magnetic heads are provided as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means, and two thermal printers are also provided.
[0003]
As a result, the internal structure becomes complicated, which causes a decrease in maintenance and inspectability, and increases the length of the ticket gate body in the length direction.
Therefore, as an automatic ticket gate device capable of simplifying the internal structure of the ticket gate main body and shortening the lengthwise dimension, for example, those disclosed in JP-A-3-291790 and JP-A-4-143844. That is, there is proposed an automatic ticket gate device that recognizes the front and back sides of the ticket gate medium, introduces the ticket gate medium recognized as the reverse side into a switchback type reversing mechanism, and aligns the front and back sides.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned publications cited as the prior art have the following problems (a) to (c).
That is,
(A) A configuration in which a ticket gate medium requiring reversal distributed from a ticket gate medium conveyance path is received between a pair of conveyance belts along with its rotation and then taken out toward the conveyance path by reverse rotation of the conveyance belt. It has become. For this reason, it takes time to change the direction of the ticket gate medium, which not only becomes an obstacle to high-speed processing, but also cannot be corrected if the posture is disturbed during loading.
[0005]
(B) Moreover, as an automatic ticket gate apparatus which is practically used nowadays, mainly a regular ticket (W30 × L57.5 mm), a commuter pass and an 85 mm card (W57.5 × L85 mm), a large ticket (W57.5 × L120 mm). ) Is required to handle three types of ticket gate media, but no consideration is given to this, and it is particularly difficult to handle small ticket gate media such as ordinary tickets whose transport posture is likely to collapse. It has become.
[0006]
(C) Furthermore, when the leading edge of the ticket gate medium is detected by detecting the leading edge of the ticket gate medium when the leading edge of the ticket gate medium ticket that has entered the reversing mechanism is detected, It is difficult to accurately detect the rear end position. For this reason, regular tickets based on paper, 85 mm tickets, and large tickets of 120 mm, etc., due to their properties, may cause ticket jamming in ticket gate media that are often deformed by bending. large.
There were problems such as.
[0007]
The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and provides an automatic ticket gate apparatus capable of processing a plurality of ticket gate media of different sizes at high speed and reliably in the case of having a front and back sorting function. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a first means for solving the above problems. size , A slot for loading a plurality of types of ticket gate media in which magnetic information is recorded, a transport means for transporting the ticket gate medium loaded in the slot, and the transport means Across Arranged to read the magnetic information plural A magnetic reading means; and a determination means for determining the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of the ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading means; Provided downstream of the magnetic reading means in the direction of transport of the ticket gate medium, Based on the discrimination result of this discrimination means, the direction of the front and back is a predetermined direction Front and back In the same posture By the conveying means If the direction of the front and back is reversed Transport means The distribution means that distributes from each other, and the ticket gate media distributed by this distribution means In a free state Acceptance To adjust posture The medium storage pocket, and the rear end side when receiving the ticket gate medium received in the medium storage pocket is the front end side Transport means Take out Provided a pickup mechanism A take-out mechanism, Transported by transport means Switchback means for aligning the front and back sides of the ticket gate medium in a certain direction, and the switchback means can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket. When the ticket gate media of different sizes are provided in the storage pocket, the rear end side at the time of receiving each ticket gate medium faces the position where it can be taken out by the pickup mechanism of the pickup mechanism. Was The length of the ticket gate medium which has a ticket gate medium receiving member and is fed into the medium storage pocket ,width According to said media storage pocket Adjust the depth and width And a pocket size adjusting means.
[0009]
As a second means, A slot for loading a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different sizes and recording magnetic information, a transport means for transporting the ticket gate medium loaded in the slot, and the magnetic means disposed between the transport means Read multiple information A magnetic reading means; and a determination means for determining the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of the ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading means; Provided downstream of the magnetic reading means in the direction of transport of the ticket gate medium, Based on the discrimination result of this discrimination means, the direction of the front and back is a predetermined direction Front and back In the same posture By the conveying means If the direction of the front and back is reversed Transport means The distribution means that distributes from each other, and the ticket gate media distributed by this distribution means In a free state Acceptance To adjust posture The medium storage pocket, and the rear end side when receiving the ticket gate medium received in the medium storage pocket is the front end side Transport means Take out Provided a pickup mechanism A take-out mechanism, Transported by transport means Switchback means for aligning the front and back sides of the ticket gate medium in a certain direction, and the switchback means can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket. When the ticket gate media of different sizes are provided in the storage pocket, the rear end side at the time of receiving each ticket gate medium faces the position where it can be taken out by the pickup mechanism of the pickup mechanism. Was A pocket size adjusting means which has a ticket gate medium receiving member and adjusts the depth and width of the medium storage pocket according to the length and width of the ticket gate medium fed into the medium storage pocket; One writing means that is disposed downstream of the transport means with respect to the switchback means, and writes magnetic information on a ticket gate medium that is transported on the transport means with the front and back directions aligned in a fixed direction; It is set as the structure which comprises.
[0010]
Further, as a third means, a slot for loading a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different lengths and recording magnetic information, a transport means for transporting the ticket gate medium loaded in the slot, and the transport A magnetic reading means arranged on the means for reading the magnetic information, a discrimination means for discriminating the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of the ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading means, and based on the discrimination result of the discrimination means When the front and back directions are opposite to the predetermined direction, the sorting means for sorting from the transport path, the medium storage pocket for receiving the ticket gate media sorted by the sorting means, and the medium storage pocket Take out the ticket gate medium to the transport path so that it faces the ticket gate media of different lengths, and the rear end side at the time of receiving is the front end side so that the front and back directions are in a predetermined direction. A mechanism, in which a structure comprising a switchback means to align the direction of the front and back of the ticket gate medium in the conveying path in a predetermined direction.
[0011]
As a fourth means, there is an automatic ticket gate device that takes in a plurality of types of ticket gate media with different sizes attached with ticket gate information from the input port, performs a series of automatic ticket gate processing, and discharges the ticket gate medium to the discharge port. A magnetic reading means for reading magnetic information by a magnetic head arranged above and below a ticket gate medium conveyance path for conveying the ticket gate medium taken in from the insertion port, and the ticket gate medium based on a reading result of the magnetic reading means Based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means and the discriminating means of the front and back sides of the front and back sides, the front and back sides of the direction determined in advance are transported through the ticket gate medium transport path in the same posture, When the direction is reversed, the sorting means for sorting from the ticket gate medium conveying path, the medium storage pocket for receiving the ticket gate media sorted by the sorting means, and the medium storage pocket It has a take-out mechanism that takes out the ticket gate medium conveyance path so that the rear end side at the time of receiving is the front end side, as well as having a take-out area that is opposed to any ticket gate medium having the same width but different length A switchback means for aligning the front and back sides of the ticket gate medium in the ticket gate medium conveyance path in a fixed direction, and a ticket gate medium receiving member removably inserted in the medium storage pocket of the switchback means, the medium storage pocket And a pocket size adjusting means for adjusting the size of the medium storage pocket in accordance with the size of the ticket gate medium sent to the vehicle.
[0012]
Further, as a fifth means, there is an automatic ticket gate device that takes in a plurality of types of ticket gate media with different sizes attached with ticket gate information from the input port, performs a series of automatic ticket gate processing, and discharges the ticket gate medium to the discharge port. A magnetic reading means for reading magnetic information by a magnetic head arranged above and below a ticket gate medium conveyance path for conveying the ticket gate medium taken in from the insertion port, and the ticket gate medium based on a reading result of the magnetic reading means Based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means and the discriminating means of the front and back sides of the front and back sides, the front and back sides of the direction determined in advance are transported through the ticket gate medium transport path in the same posture, When the direction is reversed, the sorting means for sorting from the ticket gate medium conveying path, the medium storage pocket for receiving the ticket gate media sorted by the sorting means, and the medium storage pocket It has a take-out mechanism that takes out the ticket gate medium conveyance path so that the rear end side at the time of receiving is the front end side, as well as having a take-out area that is opposed to any ticket gate medium having the same width but different length A switchback means for aligning the front and back sides of the ticket gate medium in the ticket gate medium conveyance path in a fixed direction, and a ticket gate medium receiving member removably inserted in the medium storage pocket of the switchback means, the medium storage pocket A pocket size adjusting means for adjusting the size of the medium storage pocket in accordance with the size of the ticket gate medium sent to the medium, and detecting the rear end of the ticket gate medium received in the medium storage pocket, and by the take-out mechanism And a detection means for taking out the extraction timing.
[0013]
[Action]
In the automatic ticket gate apparatus of the first means, the ticket gate medium inserted from the insertion port is in the middle of being transported through the ticket gate medium transport path, and the magnetic head of either one of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means. The ticket gate information is read by the head, and the discrimination means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0014]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0015]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, simplifying the internal configuration, improving maintenance and inspection, and shortening the length of the ticket gate body. It becomes possible.
[0016]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantaneously and high-speed processing is possible.
[0017]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of carrying in, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0018]
In addition, a pocket size adjustment means is provided, and the depth of the medium storage pocket And width Can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium, so that the ticket gate medium can be reliably opposed to the take-out mechanism regardless of the size of the ticket gate medium, It is possible to secure a stable performance in the one that can process the ticket gate medium. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means has a ticket-medium receiving member that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket, it can be dealt with by a simple mechanism such as a drive source constituted by a solenoid.
[0019]
In the automatic ticket gate apparatus of the second means, the ticket gate medium inserted from the insertion slot is in the middle of being transported through the ticket gate medium transport path, and either one of the magnetic heads of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means. The ticket gate information is read by the head, and the discrimination means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0020]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0021]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, simplifying the internal configuration, improving maintenance and inspection, and shortening the length of the ticket gate body. It becomes possible.
[0022]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantaneously and high-speed processing is possible.
[0023]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of carrying in, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0024]
In addition, since the pocket size adjusting means is provided so that the depth and width of the medium storage pocket can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium, even a small size ticket gate medium can be skewed in the width direction. It is possible to reliably face the take-out mechanism in the prevented state, and to secure a stable performance in processing a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different sizes. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means has a ticket-medium receiving member that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket, it can be dealt with by a simple mechanism such as a drive source constituted by a solenoid.
[0025]
In the automatic ticket gate apparatus of the third means, the ticket gate medium inserted from the insertion slot is in the middle of being conveyed through the ticket gate medium conveyance path, and either one of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means is magnetic. The ticket gate information is read by the head, and the discrimination means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0026]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0027]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, simplifying the internal configuration, improving maintenance and inspection, and shortening the length of the ticket gate body. It becomes possible.
[0028]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantaneously and high-speed processing is possible.
[0029]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of carrying in, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0030]
In addition, since the take-out mechanism has a take-out area that is opposed to any of the ticket gate media having the same width received in the medium storage pocket but having different lengths, the same mechanism can be used for multiple size ticket gates. The medium can be taken out, and the diversity can be dealt with without complicating the configuration.
[0031]
In the automatic ticket gate device of the fourth means, the ticket gate medium inserted from the insertion slot is in the middle of being conveyed through the ticket gate medium conveyance path, and the magnetic ticket of either one of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means. The ticket gate information is read by the head, and the discrimination means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0032]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0033]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, simplifying the internal configuration, improving maintenance and inspection, and shortening the length of the ticket gate body. It becomes possible.
[0034]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantaneously and high-speed processing is possible.
[0035]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of carrying in, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0036]
Further, since the pocket size adjusting means is provided so that the depth of the medium storage pocket can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium, the ticket gate medium take-out mechanism is not affected by the size of the ticket gate medium. Therefore, stable performance can be ensured in the case where a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different sizes can be processed. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means has a ticket-medium receiving member that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket, it can be dealt with by a simple mechanism such as a drive source constituted by a solenoid.
[0037]
In addition, since the take-out mechanism has a take-out area that is opposed to any of the ticket gate media having the same width received in the medium storage pocket but having different lengths, the same mechanism can be used for multiple size ticket gates. The medium can be taken out, and the diversity can be dealt with without complicating the configuration.
[0038]
In the automatic ticket gate apparatus of the fifth means, the ticket gate medium inserted from the insertion slot is in the middle of being conveyed through the ticket gate medium conveyance path, and the magnetic ticket of either one of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means. The ticket gate information is read by the head, and the discrimination means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0039]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0040]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, simplifying the internal configuration, improving maintenance and inspection, and shortening the length of the ticket gate body. It becomes possible.
[0041]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantaneously and high-speed processing is possible.
[0042]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of carrying in, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0043]
Further, since the pocket size adjusting means is provided so that the depth of the medium storage pocket can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium, the ticket gate medium take-out mechanism is not affected by the size of the ticket gate medium. Therefore, stable performance can be ensured in the case where a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different sizes can be processed. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means has a ticket-medium receiving member that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket, it can be dealt with by a simple mechanism such as a drive source constituted by a solenoid.
[0044]
In addition, since the take-out mechanism has a take-out area that is opposed to any of the ticket gate media having the same width received in the medium storage pocket but having different lengths, the same mechanism can be used for multiple size ticket gates. The medium can be taken out, and the diversity can be dealt with without complicating the configuration.
[0045]
In addition, since the rear end when the ticket gate medium accommodated in the medium storage pocket is received is detected by the detecting means and the take-out timing is taken by the take-out mechanism, the front end side portion at the time of take-out of the ticket gate medium is reliably The pick-up is started in a state of facing the pick-up mechanism, and it is less affected by the deformation of the ticket gate medium as compared with the conventional one that detects the leading edge, and the operation can be made more reliable.
[0046]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows the automatic ticket gate 1 according to the present invention as seen from the side of a passage for passengers getting on and off, and a support body 2 and a rectangular parallelepiped ticket gate body supported horizontally by the support body 2. 3, a human detection pole 5 supported on the ticket gate main body 3 via pillars 4 a and 4 b, and a gate 7 attached to a side surface of the ticket gate main body 3 for blocking or releasing the passage 6. Yes.
[0047]
In addition, on the upper surface of the ticket gate main body 6, an insertion port 10 is provided on one end side, a discharge port 11 is provided in front of the gate 7, and immediately before the discharge port 11. Ticket gate Guidance display means 12 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying guidance display for the medium A, for example, a normal ticket (ticket) validity / invalidity, expiry of a commuter pass, the remaining amount of a prepaid card, etc. is provided.
[0048]
In addition, a corner display unit 13a that displays the operation state of the apparatus 1 on the outer edge of the station detection pole 8 and the inner edge of the station structure and the center of the human detection pole 8 is, for example, blue in the operation state and red in the stop state. 13b and an operation state display means 13 comprising a central display portion 13c.
[0049]
The ticket gate main body 3 accommodates an internal processing unit 14 that takes in the ticket gate medium A inserted into the insertion slot 10, performs a series of automatic ticket gate processing, and discharges the ticket gate medium A to the discharge outlet 11. .
[0050]
The internal processing unit 14 is configured as shown in detail in FIG.
That is, the alignment unit 15 is arranged at the front stage located on the input port 10 side, the magnetic processing unit 16 is arranged at the middle stage, and the rear processing unit 17 is arranged linearly at the rear stage located on the discharge port 11 side. Below the unit 17 is provided an SF processing unit 18 for processing the ticket gate medium A composed of an SF card (charge built-in card).
[0051]
For example, a ticket A which is a regular ticket with magnetic information taken in from the insertion slot 10 is placed in the alignment unit 15. ₁ , Commuter pass A ₂ , Coupon ticket A _Three , SF card A _Four Or large ticket A _Five Alignment means 20 is provided for aligning the ticket gate medium A such as a state in which the length direction is the transport direction and a state on the one side.
[0052]
In addition, the magnetic processing unit 16 includes a magnetic reading unit 24 having a pair of magnetic heads 22 and 23 with head surfaces facing up and down with respect to the ticket gate medium transport path 21 which is a transport path, Ticket gate As a means to unify the front and back, which will be described later, to always unify the front and back of the medium A and send it to the next stage Ticket gate A medium reversing means 25, a magnetic writing means 27 having a magnetic head 26 with the head surface facing upward, and a magnetic check means 29 having a magnetic head 28 with the head surface facing upward are also provided.
[0053]
Further, the rear processing unit 17 includes a thermal printer 30 as a printing unit with the print head surface facing down, and a ticket A that is a regular ticket. ₁ A punch unit 31 as a punching means for punching punch holes is sequentially arranged along the ticket gate medium transport path 21.
[0054]
Also, the SF processing unit 18 includes a thermal printer 35 and an SF card A as printing means. _Four A punch unit 36 serving as a punching means for punching a punch hole; Ticket gate A medium reversing means 37 is provided.
[0055]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 38 denotes the conveying roller 42 of the alignment unit 15, the magnetic processing unit 16, the rear processing unit 17, the conveying belt 43, etc. Ticket gate A main motor that drives the transport system of the transport means 43 that forms the medium transport path 21, a servo motor 39 that drives the transport system of the SF processing unit 18, and a control unit 40.
[0056]
FIG. 3 shows a control system of the automatic ticket gate 1. The automatic ticket gate 1 includes a control unit 46 including a program memory 45 and a control unit 40, and the control unit 40 serves as the alignment unit 20, the magnetic reading unit 24, and the front / back unification processing unit. Ticket gate The medium reversing means 25, the magnetic writing means 27, the magnetic checking means 29, the thermal printer 30, and the punch unit 31 as the punching means are controlled.
[0057]
The control unit 40 controls display of the guidance display unit 12 and the operation state display unit 13. Further, the control unit 40 is connected with a determination unit 47 for determining the front and back of the ticket gate medium A and the type of the ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading unit 24.
[0058]
In addition, as the front and back unified processing means Ticket gate The medium inverting means 25 has a configuration as shown in an enlarged manner in FIGS.
That is, based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means 47, the ticket gate medium conveyance path 21 is conveyed with the front and back directions in the predetermined direction, and the ticket gate is reversed for the reverse direction. A gate 50 as distribution means for distributing from the medium conveyance path 21, a medium storage pocket 51 for receiving the ticket gate medium A distributed by the gate 50, and a ticket gate medium A received in the medium storage pocket 51 A take-out mechanism 52 for taking out to the ticket gate medium transport path 21 so that the rear end side at the time of acceptance is the front end side, and switchback means for aligning the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium A in the ticket gate medium transport path 21 in a fixed direction 53.
[0059]
Further, the switchback means 53 has a ticket-medium receiving member 54 that can be inserted and removed in the medium storage pocket 51, and according to the size (length and width) of the ticket gate medium A fed into the medium storage pocket 51. The medium storage pocket 51 has pocket size adjusting means 55 for adjusting the depth and width.
[0060]
Further, the gate 50 as the distributing means uses a solenoid 56 as a drive source.
The medium storage pocket 51 of the switchback means 53 has a flat and thin box shape that can accommodate a large ticket A5, which is the largest ticket gate medium A, and a spindle 58 with a solenoid 57 as a drive source. Can be rotated around the center of rotation.
[0061]
FIG. 6 shows the shape of the media storage pocket 51 on the front side (magnetic reading means 24 side) of the ticket gate medium A in the transport direction.
As shown in FIG. 6, the medium storage pocket 51 has a ticket A whose bottom 51A is a regular ticket. ₁ Non-commuter pass A ₂ , Coupon ticket A _Three , SF card A _Four , Large ticket A _Five It is a positioning part. The upper end opening 51B has a shape opened outward so that the ticket gate medium A can be easily received.
[0062]
The pocket size adjusting means 55 changes the movement of the solenoid 60 as a driving source into the reciprocating motion of the ticket gate medium receiving member 54 via the link mechanism 61, thereby making the ticket gate medium receiving member 54 the medium storage pocket as necessary. It is configured to be inserted into the medium storage pocket 51 through an opening 59 (see FIG. 8) formed in 51. The pocket size of the medium storage pocket 51 is the ordinary ticket (ticket) A which is the smallest size ticket gate medium A. ₁ It can be adjusted to a size that suits your needs.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 6, the ticket gate medium receiving member 54 has an L-shaped cross section having a horizontal first support portion 54a and a vertical second support portion 54b. ₁ Positioning in the length direction (vertical direction) and the width direction is performed.
[0064]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the take-out mechanism 52 is provided in the vicinity of the gate 50 as the distributing means, and in such a manner that the peripheral surface is in contact with the lower surface of the ticket gate medium conveyance path 21. The medium storage pocket includes a roll 65, a second roll 66 disposed below the roll 65, and a take-out belt 67 stretched over the rolls 65 and 66, and forms a long take-out area H in the vertical direction. 51, an opening (not shown) formed in 51, a pickup mechanism 68 that is nested, and pinch rolls 69 and 70 disposed on the medium storage pocket 51 side so as to press the ticket gate medium A against the pickup mechanism 68. And a pinch mechanism 71.
[0065]
Further, an optical detection sensor 80 as a detecting means is disposed so that the optical axis passes through the intermediate portion of the pinch rolls 69 and 70, and detects the entrance and removal of the ticket gate medium A from the medium storage pocket 51, The operation timings of the medium storage pocket 51 and the take-out mechanism 52 are obtained.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the automatic ticket gate 1 configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket gate medium A input from the input port 10 is aligned by the aligning means 20 on the way of being transferred through the ticket gate medium transfer path 21, and thereafter, a pair of magnetic reading means 24 of the magnetic reading means 24. The ticket gate information is read by one of the heads 22 and 23, and the discriminating means 47 discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium A and the type of ticket.
[0067]
Based on the determination result, when the front and back directions are determined in advance, the gate 50 which is the sorting means is set to the solid line state in FIG. When the front and back directions are reversed, the solenoid 50 is driven to rotate and displace the gate 50 to the state of the two-dot chain line in FIG. The distribution and switch back means 53 are led.
[0068]
In the switchback means 53, at this time, the medium storage pocket 51 is in a state of being separated from the pickup mechanism 68 of the take-out mechanism 52 as shown in FIG. 4, and the ticket gate medium A distributed by the gate 50 is stored in the medium storage pocket. 51 is accepted in a free state.
[0069]
At this time, as shown in FIG. ₁ ) 30 x length (L ₁ ) Small regular ticket (ticket) A of 57.5mm ₁ In this case, the ticket is received by the ticket gate medium receiving member 54 of the pocket size adjusting means 55. The width (W ₂ ) 57.5 x length (L ₂ ) 85mm commuter pass A ₂ , Coupon ticket A _Three (85mm width SF card A _Four Including) and width (W _Three ) 57.5 x length (L _Three ) 120mm large ticket A _Five Is positioned by the bottom surface 51 </ b> A of the medium storage pocket 51.
[0070]
At this time, since the take-out mechanism 52 has a long take-out area H, the large-size ticket A as shown in FIG. _Five Of course, commuter pass A shorter than this ₂ , Coupon ticket A _Three , SF card A _Four 7B, the pickup mechanism 68 of the take-out mechanism 52 is interposed between the pick-up mechanism 68 and the pinch mechanism 71, and can be pressed to come into contact with the take-out belt 67 by at least the lower pinch roll 69. Become.
[0071]
Ticket A, a small ticket ₁ As shown in FIG. 8, by being supported by the ticket gate medium receiving member 54, it is interposed between the pick-up mechanism 68 of the take-out mechanism 52 and the pinch mechanism 71, and is attached to the take-out belt 67 by at least the lower pinch roll 69. It can be pressed to come into contact.
[0072]
Further, when it is confirmed by the detection signal of the sensor 80 as the detection means that the ticket gate medium A is stored in the medium storage pocket 51, the solenoid 57 operates and the medium storage pocket 51 is opened as shown in FIG. A conveyor belt in which the ticket gate medium A rotates and travels in the pick-up direction of the pick-up mechanism 68 by a pinch mechanism 71 composed of pinch rolls 69 and 70 that rotate and displace to the pick-up mechanism 68 side of the pick-up mechanism 52 and move integrally with the medium storage pocket 51. 67.
[0073]
As a result, the ticket gate medium A in the medium storage pocket 51 is taken out to the ticket gate medium transport path 21 so that the rear end (upper end) at the time of acceptance is the front end.
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium A after the arrangement portion of the gate 50 as the distributing means of the ticket gate medium transport path 21 are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing.
[0074]
That is, a writing process by the magnetic writing unit 27, a checking process by the magnetic checking unit 29, a writing process of predetermined character information by the thermal printer 30, and a ticket A are performed. ₁ Is punched by a punch unit 31 serving as a punching means, and then discharged to the discharge port 11.
[0075]
As described above in detail, in the automatic ticket gate 1 of this embodiment, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium A are arranged in a fixed direction, so that each magnetic head as the magnetic writing means 27 and the magnetic check means 29 is provided. 26 (28), similarly, only one thermal printer 30 is required as a printing means, and the internal structure can be simplified, maintenance and inspection can be improved, and the length of the ticket gate body 3 can be improved. Can be shortened.
[0076]
Further, since the switchback means 53 having the medium storage pocket 51 and the take-out mechanism 52 is used as the mechanism for switching the conveyance direction so as to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium A, it is compared with the conventional method of rotating the conveyance belt forward and backward. Further, the direction change of the ticket gate medium A can be performed instantaneously, and high-speed processing can be achieved.
[0077]
Further, since the ticket gate medium A is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket 51 and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket 51, the position of the ticket gate medium A having the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket 51 is always set. It becomes constant, and the extraction timing is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of loading, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0078]
Since the pocket size adjusting means 55 is provided so that the depth of the medium storage pocket 51 can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium A, the ticket gate is not affected by the size of the ticket gate medium A. The medium A can be surely opposed to the take-out mechanism 52, and can handle a plurality of types of ticket gate mediums A having different sizes, thereby ensuring stable performance. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means 55 has the ticket gate medium receiving member 54 that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket 51, it can be handled by a simple mechanism such as a solenoid 60 as a drive source.
[0079]
Further, since the take-out mechanism 52 has the same width as that received in the medium storage pocket 51, but has a take-out area H that opposes any ticket gate medium A having a different length, the same mechanism is used. A plurality of sizes of ticket gate media A can be taken out, and diversity can be dealt with without complicating the configuration.
[0080]
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the rear end when the ticket gate medium A received in the medium storage pocket 51 is received is detected by the sensor 80 as detection means, and the take-out timing by the take-out mechanism is taken. Is.
[0081]
When the ticket gate medium A is picked up, the leading end side is surely opposed to the pick-up mechanism 52, and the picking-up medium A is affected by the deformation of the ticket gate medium A as compared with the conventional one that detects the leading edge. It is difficult and the operation can be made more reliable.
[0082]
In the description of FIG. 9, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
The automatic ticket gate according to the present invention described in detail above has the following effects. The present invention In the automatic ticket gate, the ticket gate medium inserted from the slot is information on the ticket gate by one of the pair of magnetic heads of the magnetic reading means in the middle of being transported through the ticket gate medium transport path. Is read out, and the discriminating means discriminates the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of the ticket. On the basis of the determination result, the ticket gate medium transport path is transported in the same orientation for the direction in which the front and back directions are determined in advance, and the ticket gate medium transport is performed by the sorting means for those in which the front and back directions are reversed. Sorted from the road and led to switchback means.
[0084]
In the switchback means, the ticket gate medium sorted by the sorting means is received in the medium storage pocket in a free state, and then the ticket gate medium is transported so that the rear end side when receiving from the medium storage pocket is the front end side by the take-out mechanism. Taken to the road.
[0085]
As a result, the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium after the arrangement portion of the distribution means of the ticket gate medium conveyance path are aligned in a certain direction, and are used for the subsequent automatic ticket gate processing, and are used as magnetic writing means and magnetic check means. Each magnetic head only requires a single thermal printer, which simplifies the internal configuration, improves maintenance and inspection, and shortens the length of the ticket gate body.
[0086]
In addition, as a mechanism for switching the conveyance direction to reverse the front and back of the ticket gate medium, a switchback means having a medium storage pocket and a take-out mechanism is used. The direction can be changed instantly and the processing speed can be increased.
[0087]
Also, the ticket gate medium is released in a free state when it is received in the medium storage pocket, and the posture is adjusted in the medium storage pocket. Therefore, the position of the ticket gate medium of the same size with respect to the medium storage pocket is always constant, and the removal timing Is always constant. Further, even if the posture is disturbed at the time of loading, this can be corrected and more reliable processing can be performed.
[0094]
In addition, since the pocket size adjusting means is provided so that the depth and width of the medium storage pocket can be adjusted according to the size of the ticket gate medium, even a small size ticket gate medium can be skewed in the width direction. In the state where it is prevented, the pickup mechanism can be surely faced, and a stable performance can be secured in the case of processing a plurality of types of ticket gate media having different sizes. Further, since the pocket size adjusting means has a ticket-medium receiving member that can be inserted into and removed from the medium storage pocket, it can be dealt with by a simple mechanism such as a drive source constituted by a solenoid.
[0100]
In addition, since the take-out mechanism has a take-out area that is opposed to any of the ticket gate media having the same width received in the medium storage pocket but having different lengths, the same mechanism can be used for multiple size ticket gates. The medium can be taken out, and the diversity can be dealt with without complicating the configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of an embodiment of an automatic ticket gate apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an internal processing unit that is a main part of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an internal processing unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an internal processing unit.
[Fig. 6] In the media storage pocket Ticket gate Explanatory drawing which shows the support state of a medium.
[Fig. 7] Ticket gate FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a position with respect to a medium take-out mechanism.
[Fig. 8] Ticket gate FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a position with respect to a medium take-out mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the main part showing another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic ticket gate apparatus, 3 ... Ticket gate main body, 10 ... Input port, 11 ... Discharge port, 14 ... Internal processing unit, 21 ... Ticket gate medium conveyance path, 22, 23 ... Magnetic head, 24 ... Magnetic reading means, 27 ... Magnetic writing means, 29 ... magnetic check means, 40 ... control section, 47 ... determination means, 50 ... gate (sorting means), 51 ... medium storage pocket, 52 ... removal mechanism, 53 ... switchback means, 54 ... ticket gate receiving member, 55 ... pocket size adjusting means, 68 ... pickup mechanism, 71 ... pinch mechanism, 80 ... sensor (detecting means), A ... ticket gate medium, H ... take-out area.

Claims

A slot for loading multiple types of ticket gate media, each of which is different in size and in which magnetic information is recorded,
Transport means for transporting the ticket gate medium thrown into the slot;
A plurality of magnetic reading means arranged to sandwich the conveying means and read the magnetic information;
Discriminating means for discriminating the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading means,
Wherein provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the wicket medium relative to the magnetic reading means, based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means, the conveying means the front and back without changing posture for the front and back direction include the predetermined direction And for the ones with the opposite directions, the sorting means for sorting from the carrying means ,
A medium storage pocket that accepts the ticket gate medium sorted by the distribution means in a free state and adjusts the posture , and the transport means so that the rear end side when receiving the ticket gate medium received in the medium storage pocket is the front end side. A switchback means that has a pick-up mechanism provided with a pick-up mechanism for picking up and aligns the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium transported by the transport means in a certain direction;
The switchback means is detachably provided in the medium storage pocket, and when a ticket gate medium having a different size is received in the storage pocket, the rear end side at the time of receiving each ticket gate medium is the take-out mechanism. And a depth and width of the medium storage pocket depending on the length and width of the ticket gate medium fed into the medium storage pocket. and a pocket size adjustment means for adjusting the,
An automatic ticket gate device comprising:

A slot for loading multiple types of ticket gate media, each of which is different in size and in which magnetic information is recorded,
Transport means for transporting the ticket gate medium thrown into the slot;
A plurality of magnetic reading means arranged to sandwich the conveying means and read the magnetic information ;
Discriminating means for discriminating the front and back of the ticket gate medium and the type of ticket based on the reading result of the magnetic reading means,
Wherein provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the wicket medium relative to the magnetic reading means, based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means, the conveying means the front and back without changing posture for the front and back direction include the predetermined direction And for the ones with the opposite directions, the sorting means for sorting from the carrying means ,
A medium storage pocket that accepts the ticket gate medium sorted by the distribution means in a free state and adjusts the posture , and the transport means so that the rear end side when receiving the ticket gate medium received in the medium storage pocket is the front end side. A switchback means that has a pick-up mechanism provided with a pick-up mechanism for picking up and aligns the front and back directions of the ticket gate medium transported by the transport means in a certain direction;
The switchback means is detachably provided in the medium storage pocket, and when a ticket gate medium having a different size is received in the storage pocket, the rear end side at the time of receiving each ticket gate medium is the take-out mechanism. And a depth and width of the medium storage pocket depending on the length and width of the ticket gate medium fed into the medium storage pocket. Pocket size adjustment means to adjust,
One writing means that is disposed downstream of the transport means with respect to the switchback means, and writes magnetic information on a ticket gate medium that is transported on the transport means with the front and back directions aligned in a fixed direction;
An automatic ticket gate device comprising: