JP3658673B2 - Paper sheet sorting device - Google Patents

Description

【００５９】
紙葉類２を一枚ずつ通紙する毎に紙葉類２の厚さを積算し（手順２０７）、通紙した紙葉類２の厚さの合計が第１の集積手段１１の長さよりも短ければ、第１の集積手段１１に集積可能と判断できる（手順２０８）。その場合には第１の集積手段１１に集積する（手順２０９）。そうでない場合には第２の振り分け制御部６１を制御（手順２１０）して紙葉類２を第２の集積手段１６に集積させる（手順２１１）。紙葉類２の全体量が供給手段１に一時に供給できる量を越えている場合、紙葉類２の全体を分割して処理する必要が生じる。本実施例では、紙葉類２を一度に区分処理可能な量毎にいくつかの領域に分割することとし、それぞれの領域を処理領域と呼ぶことにする（手順１０１）。
【００６０】
図２０を参照しながら処理領域を設定するための実施例について説明する。図２０に示すように、第１の記憶部６２より紙葉類２の宛先コード１５と厚さを読み出し（手順３０１）、順列制御部６３によって宛先コード順に並び替えてから（手順３０２）、第２の記憶部６４に記憶する（手順３０３）。このときの第２の記憶部６４の内容の一例を表２に示す。ここでは、宛先コード１５が第１列３２０に、厚さが第２列３２１に記憶されている。
【００６１】
【表２】

【００６２】
次に、第２の記憶部６４に記憶された宛先コード１５の先頭より順に紙葉類２の厚さを全て加算し、紙葉類２の厚さの合計Ｔallを計算する（手順３０４）。ここで、Ｔallと供給手段１に一度に供給可能な厚さＲとを比較し、Ｔall＜Ｒであれば全体を一度に処理することができるが、そうでない場合は全体をいくつかの処理領域に分ける必要が生じる（３０５）。まず供給手段１に供給可能な紙葉類２の厚さ総計をＲとし、Ｔall／Ｒを計算してその結果の小数部分を切り上げた整数値をＱとすれば、Ｑを紙葉類２の分割数、すなわち処理領域の数と定めることができる（手順３０６）。すなわち、全紙葉類２は、処理領域厚さＴseg＝Ｔall／Ｑで計算されるＱケの処理領域に分割される（手順３０７）。ここで、Ｔseg＜Ｒとなるので、各処理領域は供給手段１に一度に供給することが可能である。
【００６３】
本実施例では、Ｑ＝３の場合について説明する。宛先コードをＣＯＤ０００より順に紙葉類２の厚さを積算して（手順３０８）、それをΣｔとすることにより、Σｔ＜Ｔsegの範囲に収まる宛先コードの範囲が求められる。例えばＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ２９９までの紙葉類２の厚さ合計がＴsegより小さく、ＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ３００までの厚さ合計が処理領域厚さＴsegより大であったとすれば、ＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ２９９までを一つの処理領域とすることができる（手順３０９）。これを、第１の処理領域という意味でＳＥＧ１と称し、各宛先コード１５毎に付加し、第２の記憶部６４に記憶する（手順３１０）。同様にしてＣＯＤ３００以降も厚さ合計が処理領域厚さＴseg毎に処理領域を設定することができ、処理領域の設定が完了する（手順３１１）。表２に処理領域を設定した際の第２の記憶部６４の内容の一例を示す。すなわち、宛先コード１５の順に各紙葉類２の厚さと処理領域番号ＳＥＧ１〜ＳＥＧ３が付与されており、宛先コードＣＯＤ３００よりＣＯＤ６４９までを第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２とし、ＣＯＤ６５０よりＣＯＤ９９９までを第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３とした。それぞれの処理領域に属する紙葉類２の厚さ合計Σｔは互いにほぼ等しくなる。
【００６４】
ここで、第１〜第３の各処理領域ＳＥＧ１〜ＳＥＧ３に属する紙葉類２は、それぞれ供給手段１に一度に供給可能な量になっているが、一部の宛先コード１５に対応する紙葉類２が多い場合、あるいは厚い紙葉類２が多く集中した場合は、該当する区分領域で紙葉類２があふれる。このような状況を回避するため、紙葉類２が多く、あふれが生じる区分領域を予め予想し、該当する区分領域に対しては連続した複数の区分領域を割り当てることによってあふれを防止することができる（手順１０２）。
【００６５】
つぎに、図２１を参照しながら区分領域を設定する手段について説明する。図２１は区分領域を設定する手段を示す流れ図である。図９〜図１５を用いて配達道順の組立ての動作を説明したように、区分動作のたびに、宛先コード１５の各桁の数字が同じ紙葉類２が一つの区分領域に集積される。したがって、各桁毎に一つの区分領域に集積される紙葉類２の厚さを予め求め、あふれの発生を予測することができる。
【００６６】
区分動作は、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１の宛先コードの１桁目より行われるため、その場合の一例を図２１、表３及び表４を参照しながら説明する。
【００６７】
【表３】

【００６８】
【表４】

【００６９】
まず、処理領域を設定するが、ここでは第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１であるとする（手順４０１）。次に、宛先コードの桁数Ｎを設定する。ここでは、１桁目より開始するため、Ｎ＝１とする（手順４０２）。次に、第２の記憶部より第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１に属する紙葉類２の宛先コード、すなわちＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ２９９までと、それぞれに対応する紙葉類２の厚さを読み出す（手順４０３）。宛先コードの１桁目だけが同じもの同士をまとめる（手順４０４）。すなわち、表３に示すように、例えばａ欄には宛先コード１５の１桁目が０の宛先コード１５と厚さのみをまとめ、ｂ欄には宛先コード１５の１桁目が１の宛先コードと厚さのみをまとめ、同様に１桁目が２より９までについても繰り返す。
【００７０】
次に、それぞれ１桁目が同じ宛先コード１５でまとめられた紙葉類２の厚さを合計する（手順４０４）。例えばＸを任意の数字として、１桁目が０の紙葉類２の厚さ合計をΣＣＯＤＸＸ０と表し、一つの区分領域に収容できる紙葉類２の厚さをｓとする。一例として、ｓは120mmであるとする。ΣＣＯＤＸＸ０が例えば65mmである場合は、ΣＣＯＤＸＸ０＜ｓであり、これらの紙葉類２は一つの区分領域に収容することができる。ΣＣＯＤＸＸ１が例えば152mmである場合は、ΣＣＯＤＸＸ１＞ｓであるからこれらの紙葉類２は一つの区分領域に収容することはできない（手順４０５）。そこで、１桁目が１の紙葉類２に対しては、連続した２つの区分領域を与えることにする（手順４０６）。
【００７１】
以下、同様に１桁目が９に至るまで繰り返し、例えば宛先コードの１桁目が１と５の紙葉類２に対しては各２つの連続した区分領域を割り当て、その他に対しては各１つの区分領域を割り当てる。
【００７２】
区分領域が１２あって、それぞれをＳ１〜Ｓ１２で表すと、第１の処理領域の１桁目については、区分領域Ｓ１に０を割り当て、区分領域Ｓ２と区分領域Ｓ３には１を割り当てる。同様に各区分領域に１桁目の９までを順に割り当てると、表４のｃ欄に示すように、全ての区分領域Ｓ１〜Ｓ１２に宛先コードの１桁目が割り当てられるので、これを第３の記憶部６５に記憶する（手順４０７）。
【００７３】
以上で第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１の宛先コードの１桁目が完了する。Ｎ＝ｎ桁目まで完了したかどうかを判定し（手順４０８）、完了していなければ、Ｎ＝ｎ＋１＝２として（手順４０９）宛先コードの２桁目についても同様にＳ１〜Ｓ１２の区分領域を割り当てる。ただし、図９〜図１５を用いて説明したように、宛先コードの桁が変わる毎に区分領域に対する数値の設定を逆向きにする必要があるため、宛先コードの２桁目においては、区分領域Ｓ１に９を、Ｓ１２に０を割り当てるようにする。表４のｂ欄は、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１の宛先コード１５の２桁目について、２桁目が３と７の紙葉類２に対して連続した２つの区分領域を割り当てた例である。第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１についてはＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ２９９までの紙葉類２のみが属しているため、３桁目については０より２までの数値が各区分領域に順番に割り当てられる。ここで、数値の設定を２桁目とは逆にする必要があるため、区分領域Ｓ１に０またＳ１２には２が割り当てられる。
【００７４】
３桁目までが完了したら（手順４１０）、第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３まで完了したかどうかを判定し（手順４１１）、完了していなければＫ＝ｋ＋１＝ＳＥＧ２として（手順４１２）、第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２の区分領域を設定し、第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３についても同様に繰り返し、表４のｄ〜ｉ欄に示すように、全ての処理領域の全ての区分領域が宛先コードの各桁の数値に対して設定される（手順４１３）。ここで、全ての区分領域について紙葉類２のあふれが生じない場合には、表４のｅ欄に示すように、Ｓ１よりＳ１０までの区分領域のみを使用し、他の区分領域は使用しなくてもよい。
【００７５】
以上により、第３の記憶部６５には、宛先コードの各桁の数値に対応して、全ての処理領域ＳＥＧ１よりＳＥＧ３の全ての区分領域Ｓ１よりＳ１２の設定が記憶され、区分領域の設定が完了する。
【００７６】
次に、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１より処理を開始するために、処理領域番号Ｋ＝ＳＥＧ１を設定する（手順１０３）。
【００７７】
まず、図９，図１０に相当する宛先コード１５の１桁目に対応する区分を行うため、桁数Ｎ＝１を設定する（手順１０４）。次に、第３の記憶部６５より第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１の１桁目の区分領域の設定（表４のｃ欄による）を取得し（手順１０５）、制御手段６６に入力する（手順１０６）。制御手段６６では、その設定に基づいて第１の振り分け制御部６０に対して指示を送り、各切り替えゲート３５ａ〜３５ｊを対応させる（手順１０７）。
【００７８】
次に、紙葉類２を供給手段１に再び供給すると（手順１０８）、制御手段６６より供給制御部６８と分離制御部６７に信号が送られ、供給手段１は紙葉類２を分離手段４の方向に移動し、分離手段４では紙葉類２を右端より１枚ずつ分離して搬送路７に送り出す（手順１０９）。
【００７９】
紙葉類２は、第１の読み取り手段９によって、宛先コードを読み取られる（手順１１０）。読み取られた宛先コードは第２の記憶部６４の内容と照合され（手順１１１）、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１より第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３のどの処理領域に属する紙葉類２かが判定される（手順１１２）。もし、第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２か第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３に属する紙葉類２であった場合は、制御手段６６より第２の振り分け制御部６０に指示が送られ、第２の振り分け手段１７が動作して（手順１１３）紙葉類２は第２の集積手段１６に集積される（手順１１４）。もし、紙葉類２が第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１に属する場合は、第１の集積手段１１に集積される（手順１１５）。宛先コードの１桁目の数値に応じて、第１の振り分け制御部６１より対応する切り替えゲート３５ａ〜３５ｊを動作する指令を出す。例えば、宛先コードがＣＯＤ１８０であった場合は、第２の記憶部６４の内容と対応させた結果、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１に属することが判り、さらに、第３の記憶部６５の内容と対応させた結果、区分領域Ｓ１に集積されるべき紙葉類２である、と判定される。そこで、制御手段６６は第１の振り分け制御部６０に対し、切り替えゲート３５ａを動作させる指令を出し、宛先コードＣＯＤ１８０の紙葉類２は第１の集積手段１１の区分領域Ｓ１に集積される（手順１１６）。
【００８０】
全ての紙葉類２が第１の集積手段１１、もしくは第２の集積手段１６に集積したかどうかを判定し（手順１１７）、完了していなければ紙葉類２の供給を継続する。完了後は、第１の集積手段１１には、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１に属する紙葉類２のみが、宛先コードの１桁目が表４のｃ欄に示す第３の記憶部６５に記憶された区分領域の設定に従って区分集積された状態になる。
【００８１】
次に、第１の集積手段１１に集積された紙葉類２の順序を変えないようにしながら、紙葉類２を供給手段１に移動する（手順１１８）。このとき、第１の集積手段１１は、供給手段１に隣接し延長上に配置されているため、第１の集積手段１１の区分領域Ｓ１〜Ｓ１２に区分集積されている紙葉類２を、ただ隣接した供給手段１に移動するのみであるため、紙葉類２を一旦、かご等に移し変えて供給手段１の近傍に移動する必要はなく、容易に紙葉類２を供給手段１に再度、供給することができる。
【００８２】
以上の手順によって、宛先コードの１桁目による区分が完了する。次に、３桁目までの区分が完了したかどうかを判定し（手順１１９）、未完であれば、Ｎ＝ｎ＋１＝２として、２桁目の区分を行う（手順１２０）。２桁目の区分を行う際は、第３の記憶部６５より表４のｂ欄に示した区分領域の設定を取得する（手順１０５）。以下、同様な手順を繰り返して３桁目まで区分を繰り返すことにより、図９〜図１５の説明と同じ手順によって第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１の紙葉類２は宛先コードの順にＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ２９９までの順に並べ変えられる。
【００８３】
次に、全ての処理領域ＳＥＧ１よりＳＥＧ３の処理が完了しているかどうかを判定する（手順１２１）。まず第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１に属する紙葉類２のみの処理が完了したら、第１の集積手段１１より紙葉類２を全て取り出し（手順１２２）、次の処理領域Ｋ＝ｋ＋１＝ＳＥＧ２（手順１２３）を設定して第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２に属する紙葉類２を供給手段１にセットして（手順１０８）処理を行う。このとき、第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２に属する紙葉類２と、第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３に属する紙葉類２とは、第２の集積手段１６に集積されており、第２の集積手段１６より取り出して供給手段１にセットすることになる。
【００８４】
ここで、例えば第２の集積手段１６が２つの領域１６ａ，１６ｂに分割されている場合は、第２の処理領域ＳＥＧ２に属する紙葉類２を領域１６ａに集積し、第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３に属する紙葉類２を領域１６ｂに集積することができる。このような構成によれば、第２の集積手段１６内で処理領域別に区分集積することができる。
【００８５】
全ての処理領域の並び替えが完了したら（手順１２４）、第１の処理領域ＳＥＧ１より、第３の処理領域ＳＥＧ３までの紙葉類２は、それぞれの処理領域毎に配達道順の組立てがなされた状態になる。それらの紙葉類２をＳＥＧ１よりＳＥＧ３までの処理領域の順番に並べることにより、全ての紙葉類２が宛先コードの順にＣＯＤ０００よりＣＯＤ９９９まで並んだ状態となり、全紙葉類２の配達道順の組立てが完了する。
【００８６】
本実施例によれば、１０区分程度の小形の区分機を用いて紙葉類の配達道順の組立てを行うことができる。さらに、各紙葉類２の厚さを測定して宛先コード１５と対応させて処理することにより、供給手段１に一時に供給できる以上の量の紙葉類２を分割して処理し、全紙葉類２の配達道順の組立てを行うこともできる。また、配達道順の組立て動作の過程での第１の集積手段１１の区分領域よりのあふれを予測して、連続した複数の区分領域を割り当てることにより、あふれを防止することができる。
【００８７】
次に、他の実施例として、配達人一人分の紙葉類が、優先して配達すべき紙葉類と、そうでない紙葉類とに区分できる際に、優先度の高い紙葉類の配達道順の組立てを先行して行う構成について説明する。図２２に示すように、区分情報入力部７１より優先して配達すべき紙葉類２の宛先コード１５を取得する（手順１２００）。（手順２０１）より（手順２０６）までの動作は、図１９を用いて説明した実施例と同一である。次に、優先して配達すべき紙葉類２であるかどうかを判定し（手順１２０７）、もし優先して配達すべき紙葉類２であれば第１の集積手段１１に集積し（手順２０９）、そうでない場合は第２の振り分け手段１７を動作して（手順２１０）、第２の集積手段１６に集積する（手順２１１）。
【００８８】
このように構成することにより、優先して配達すべき紙葉類２のみを第１の集積手段１１に集積することができ、引き続き図１７に示す（手順１０１）以降の処理を行うことにより、優先度の高い紙葉類２の配達道順の組立てを先行して行うことができる。
【００８９】
本実施例では、全ての紙葉類２の厚さを測定する例を示したが、紙葉類２の厚さが予め判っている場合は、厚さ測定手段１８を省いてもよい。例えば、はがきを専用に区分する紙葉類区分装置であれば、厚さの測定を省略し、紙葉類２の厚さとして予め判っている厚さを使用すればよい。
【００９０】
また、他の実施例として、人手を介することなく紙葉類２を第１の集積手段１１より供給手段１に移動する手段の一例について説明する。図２３及び図２４は押し板３８を供給手段１及び第１の集積手段１１に沿って移動する構成の一例を示している。図２３及び図２４に示すように、移送する手段は、供給手段１及び第１の集積手段１１に沿って配置された水平移動レール２０と、水平移動レール２０に沿って移動可能に支持された平行移動部材２１と、平行移動部材２１に設けられた垂直移動レール２２と、垂直移動レール２２に沿って移動可能に支持された垂直移動部材２３と、一端を垂直移動部材２３に固定され、他端を押し板３８に固定された支持部材２４とよりなり、押し板３８が供給手段１の内部より外部に移動するための第１の空隙２５と、第１の集積手段１１のうち、分離手段４より最も遠方にある仕切り３０ａよりもさらに遠方に設けられ、押し板３８が第１の集積部１１の内部に移動することができる第２の空隙２６とが設けられている。すなわち、水平移動レール２０に沿って平行移動部材２１を移動させることにより、押し板３８を、供給手段１及び第１の集積手段１１の内部を矢印Ｋ方向に移動することができる。
【００９１】
また、垂直移動部材２３を垂直移動レール２２に沿って下方に移動させることにより、図２４に３８´で図示したように、押し板３８は第１の空隙２５を通って供給手段１の外部に移動することができる。さらに、押し板３８が供給手段１の外部にある場合は、押し板３８を水平移動レール２０に沿って第１の集積手段１１に沿って移動することができ、垂直移動部材２３を垂直移動レール２２に沿って上方に移動させることにより、第２の空隙２６を通って第１の集積手段１１の内部に移動することができる。すなわち、押し板３８は図２３に示す押し板移動軌跡２７に沿って移動することができる構成である。
【００９２】
図２５及び図２６は、第１の集積手段１１内部の各区分領域の仕切り３０を移動する構成の一例を示している。図２５及び図２６に示すように、仕切板移動手段は、固定された回転中心４１ａ，４１ｂの回りを回転することができるリンク４３ａ，４３ｂと、仕切り３０に固定された回転中心４５ａ，４５ｂの回りに一端を回転自在に軸支され、他端を接続軸４２ａ，４２ｂにおいて４３ａ，４３ｂとの間に回転自在に軸支されているリンク４４ａ，４４ｂとを備えている。図２５は仕切り３０が第１の集積手段１１の内部にある状態を示しており、図２６に示すように、リンク４３ａ，４３ｂを互いに外側に回転させることにより、仕切り３０を第１の集積手段１１の外側に移動することができる構成である。
【００９３】
次に、動作について図２３，図２７，図２８を参照しながら説明する。図２３は図１０と同様に、紙葉類２が供給手段１より供給され、それぞれの宛先コード１５に応じて第１の集積手段１１の内部に区分集積された状態を示している。
【００９４】
次に、図２７に示すように、押し板３８を押し板移動軌跡２７に沿って（チ）位置より（リ）位置まで移動し、第１の集積手段１１内にある全ての仕切り３０を図２６の位置になるように移動させる。すると第１の集積手段１１内にある紙葉類２の間にある仕切り３０がなくなり、紙葉類２の左端に押し板３８が位置する状態となる。しかる後、図２８に示すように、押し板３８を分離手段４の方向に移動させることにより、紙葉類２は第１の集積手段１１より供給手段１へと移動し、右端の紙葉は再び分離手段４に接する。この状態は、図１１と同様である。以上の動作を繰り返すことにより、人手を介することなく図９〜図１５に示す配達道順の組立て動作を行うことが可能となる。
【００９５】
図２９は、人手を介することなく紙葉類２を第１の集積手段１１より供給手段１に移動する手段を備えた一実施例の構成を示すブロック図である。図１６に示す実施例との相違は、第１の集積手段１１の仕切り３０を移動する仕切板移動手段と、押し板３８を供給手段１及び第１の集積手段１１に沿って移動させる手段とを制御する、仕切制御部７０を備えることのみである。
【００９６】
本実施例では、配達道順の組立てが完了した際、例えば宛先コード１５の読み取りが正常にできなかった紙葉類、あるいは搬送に不適と判定された紙葉類２が排除され、紙葉類排出部１０に集積される。これらの排除された紙葉類２は、配達道順の組立てが完了した後に、所定の位置に宛先コード１５順に並ぶように人手によって挿入しなければならない。その際は、配達道順の組立ての完了した紙葉類２の宛先コード１５または手書きされた配達宛先を目視で順次読み取って、紙葉類２を挿入すべき位置を探す必要がある。
【００９７】
図３０は、配達道順の組立てが完了した際、区分が完了した状態を表示する図１に示す表示手段１４の一実施例を示す図である。図３０に示すように、配達道順の組立てが完了した際の各区分領域と、そこに集積された紙葉類２の宛先の範囲とを表示した一例である。人手で挿入すべき紙葉類２の宛先を読んで表示された区分結果と比較することにより、どの区分領域内に挿入すべきであるかが判る。
【００９８】
図３１，図３２は、区分が完了した状態を表示する表示手段の他の実施例を示す図である。図３１に示すように、各区分領域Ｓ１よりＳ１２に対応して区分領域の近傍に設けられた表示手段７２が、表示制御部６９により表示内容を制御される。図３２は表示手段７２の表示内容の一例を示しており、区分が完了した際の各区分領域Ｓ１〜Ｓ１２のそれぞれに区分集積された紙葉類２の宛先の範囲を示す図である。人手で挿入すべき紙葉類２の宛先を読んで表示された区分結果と比較することにより、どの区分領域内に挿入すべきであるかが判る。また、本実施例では一つの区分領域毎に独立した表示手段７２を設けたが、例えば隣接した２つの区分領域毎に表示手段を設けてもよい。
【００９９】
さらに、宛先コード１５は同じだが配達先が複数あり、一旦、宛先コード１５順に配達道順の組立てを行った後、再度、確認のため手書きの宛先を目視で読み取り、配達先により順立し直す必要が生じる場合がある。このような場合は、予め確認の必要な宛先コード１５を区分情報入力部７１より入力しておき、該当する宛先コード１５が含まれる区分領域については別の表示手段、例えば表示灯を点灯するか、あるいは表示手段１４，７２の該当する区分領域の表示を点滅させるか、あるいは異なる色彩で表示する等の手段により、確認する必要のある区分領域を容易に認識することができる。
【０１００】
本実施例によれば、紙葉類の厚さと数量に基づいて一時に供給する紙葉類の数量を適正に制限することにより集積手段で紙葉類があふれることを防止できる。
【０１０１】
紙葉類の集積手段を供給手段の上流側に隣接して設け、紙葉類を集積手段より供給手段に移動回収することができるため、並び替えのために人手で紙葉類を集積手段から供給手段に移動する必要もなく、かつ移動が短時間に完了するため、並び替え動作に要する時間が短くて済むという効果がある。
【０１０２】
並び替え完了時に各区分領域の区分情報を表示することにより、例えば区分領域より排除された紙葉類を所定の位置に挿入する時の助けになる。また、同一の宛先コードをもつ複数の紙葉類で、人手による目視確認によって並び替えを必要とする場合は、該当する宛先コードを予め入力しておくことにより、並び替えが完了した時点でいずれの区分領域に収容されているかを表示することができ、人手によって作業する際の目安とすることができる。
【０１０３】
１０口程度の小形の区分機を用い、宛先コードが表示された紙葉類を、宛先コードによって示された順序に並び替えることが可能である。一例として宛先コードが紙葉類の配達先を表わし、その並び方を紙葉類の配達道順に対応づけることにより、供給された紙葉類を配達道順に並び替えることができる。
【０１０４】
さらに、供給手段に接した上流側に区分領域を備えているため、区分領域に区分集積された紙葉類を供給手段に再度、供給する際、移動のためのかご等の手段を用いる必要はなく、上流側にある区分領域より下流側にある供給手段に紙葉類を移動するのみである。従って、手作業で紙葉類を区分領域より供給手段に移動する場合でも、移動作業は容易となる。
【０１０５】
さらに、区分領域と供給手段は互いに延長上にあるため、押し板を移動する手段を設けることにより紙葉類を区分領域から供給手段に移動させることができる。このようにすることにより、手作業を介在することなく区分された紙葉類を供給手段に再度、供給することができ、紙葉類の配達道順の組立てを自動的に行うことが可能になる。
【０１０６】
なお、前記の実施例においては、紙葉類を立てた状態の場合について説明したが、水平状態の場合にも、適用することができる。
【０１０７】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、宛先コードが表示された紙葉類を、宛先コードによって示される順序に並び替えることが可能であり、その配達道順の組立て作業の効率を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の宛先コードの読み取り手段の一例を示す図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の集積手段と第１の振り分け手段の一例を示す断面図である。
【図４】本発明の一実施例を簡略化して表した構成図である。
【図５】本発明の他の実施例を簡略化して表した構成図である。
【図６】本発明の他の実施例を簡略化して表した構成図である。
【図７】本発明の他の実施例を簡略化して表した構成図である。
【図８】本発明の他の実施例を簡略化して表した構成図である。
【図９】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える動作を説明する図である。
【図１０】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１１】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１２】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１３】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１４】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１５】本発明の配達道順に応じて並び替える他の動作を説明する図である。
【図１６】本発明の一実施例の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１７】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１８】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１９】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２０】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２１】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２２】本発明の一実施例の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２３】本発明の押し板を移動する手段の一例を示す図である。
【図２４】図２３に示す押し板の動作を説明する図である。
【図２５】本発明の仕切りを移動する手段の一例を示す図である。
【図２６】図２５に示す仕切りを移動する手段の動作を説明する図である。
【図２７】紙葉類を第１の集積手段より供給手段に移動する手段の動作を説明する図である。
【図２８】紙葉類を第１の集積手段より供給手段に移動する手段の他の動作を説明する図である。
【図２９】本発明の他の実施例の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３０】本発明の表示手段の表示内容の一例を示す図である。
【図３１】本発明の他の実施例を示す斜視図である。
【図３２】本発明の表示手段の表示内容の他の例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 供給手段
２ 紙葉類
４ 分離手段
７ 搬送手段
８ 反転部
９ 第１の読み取り手段
１１ 第１の集積手段
１３ 第１の振り分け手段
１４ 表示手段
１５ 宛先コード
１６ 第２の集積手段
１７ 第２の振り分け手段
１８ 厚さ測定手段
６０ 第１の振り分け制御部
６１ 第２の振り分け制御部
６２ 第１の記憶部
６３ 順列制御部
６４ 第２の記憶部
６５ 第３の記憶部
６６ 制御手段
６７ 分離制御部
６８ 供給制御部
６９ 表示制御部
７０ 仕切制御部
７１ 区分情報入力部
７２ 表示手段
９０ 第２の読み取り手段[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for reading and sorting a destination code such as a bar code attached to a paper sheet such as a postal matter, and in particular, a large number of paper sheets are rearranged in the order of delivery according to each destination code. The present invention relates to a paper sheet sorting apparatus suitable for assembling a paper sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional paper sheet sorting apparatus, an apparatus that reads a destination code provided on a paper sheet and rearranges the input paper sheets in the order indicated by the destination code is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 63-287584. Is disclosed as a paper sheet delivery sorting system.
[0003]
In this conventional technique, a delivery address corresponding to a destination code of a paper sheet is input, and classification is performed according to the destination direction according to the input delivery address. At that time, the destination code and the quantity of paper sheets are stored in the storage unit for each destination direction. Next, the stored delivery destinations are rearranged in the order of delivery and stored again. Next, the paper sheets classified according to the destination direction are once taken out, the paper sheets are supplied again to the supply means, the delivery destination is read again, and collated with the destinations arranged in the order of delivery in the storage unit. Delivery order destination classification.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional paper sheet sorting apparatus, when sorting the paper sheets according to the delivery route, it is necessary to take out the paper sheets sorted into the sorting section and return them to the supply means. As a means for that, a measure is taken in which the sorted paper sheets are transported from the sorting section to the supply means and re-supplied. In this measure, since the paper sheets sorted and accumulated in the sorting section are supplied again to the supplying means, it is necessary to move the paper sheets taken out from the sorting section from the sorting section to the supplying means by about 3 to 6 m.
[0005]
However, for example, if the number of paper sheets per delivery person is about 1000, the total weight is about 10 kg. Therefore, a basket for storing paper sheets in the vicinity of the sorting section is prepared and sorted paper is used. It is necessary to feed the sheets to the supply means in order by putting the leaves into the cage with care so as not to break the order, moving the basket to the vicinity of the supply means. Such work is troublesome and there is a problem that the assembly of the delivery route cannot be performed correctly if the order of the paper sheets is wrong when taking them into and out of the basket.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet sorting apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of the work of rearranging the sorted paper sheets according to the delivery route.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a paper sheet sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes:A stacking means having a longitudinal direction in which a plurality of partition plates forming a plurality of sections to be stacked in an upright state are arranged, and a plurality of paper sheets provided on an extension in the longitudinal direction of the stacking means. A supply means for supplying the paper in an upright state, a separation means for separating and taking out the paper sheets supplied from the supply means one by one, a transport means for sequentially transporting the paper sheets taken out by the separation means, Reading means for reading a destination code of a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying means, and paper sheets conveyed by the conveying means on the basis of the destination code read by the reading means Sorting means, sorting means for transferring a plurality of sheets stacked in the order of the state of being accumulated in all the sections of the stacking means to the supply means, and sorting and stacking into the stacking means Paper leaf Is stored in a destination code, and the paper sheet sorting apparatus is provided with a control means for controlling the paper sorting process. The stacking means is provided with the partition plate inclined to the opposite side of the supply means. And a partition plate moving means for moving the partition plate out of the accumulation region, the transfer means comprising a rail provided in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the accumulation means and the supply means, A push plate movably disposed along the stack plate, and a moving member for moving the push plate back and forth inside the stacking means and the supply means, and controls the partition plate moving means and the transfer means. The partition plate is retracted out of the accumulation area, and the push plate is moved to the rear end of the accumulation means to advance into the accumulation means, and then the push plate is moved to the supply means side. Provided with partition control means to move Made isIt is characterized by that.
[0010]
  AlsoThe destination code is composed of a character string of a plurality of digits, and the control means sorts the different sheets of the stacking means on the basis of one digit of the destination code, and all the paper sheets that are divided and stored in the stacking means. By controlling the partition plate moving means and the transfer means to transfer to the supply means, changing the digit of the destination code and repeatedly executing the paper sheet sorting process, the paper sheets can be rearranged efficiently.
[0014]
Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of the stacking means (first) and the sorting means (first), a longitudinal direction in which a plurality of partition plates forming a plurality of sections to be stacked in a state where the paper sheets are stood is arranged. Have at least one second 2 Stacking means, and a second sorting means for sorting the sheets conveyed by the conveying means into preset sections of the second stacking means based on the destination code read by the reading means, A thickness measuring means for measuring the thickness of the paper sheet on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the separating means, and the control means determines the thickness of the paper sheet measured by the thickness measuring means for each paper sheet. A first storage unit that stores the correspondence by destination code, and the thicknesses of the plurality of paper sheets for each destination code calculated based on the thicknesses of the paper sheets stored in the first storage unit And a second storage unit that stores a plurality of processing sections that are less than or equal to a set value of paper sheets that can be supplied to the supply unit at a time, and the processing section of the second storage unit When there are a plurality of processes, one process section is distributed to the first stacking means, and another process section It can be made to distribute in the second stacking means. As a result, even if the amount of paper sheets exceeds the set value of paper sheets that can be supplied to the supply means at a time, the paper sheets can be processed in a plurality of times.
[0015]
  In the above-described case, the control unit distributes the digits of the destination code to different sections of the first stacking unit, and the thickness of the paper sheet corresponding to any one digit among the plurality of digits of the destination code. When the total thickness exceeds the amount that can be accumulated in one section, the same address code digit is assigned to and stored in two consecutive sections of the first stacking means. 3 storage units can be configured.
[0016]
  Further, when the destination code of the paper sheet to be preferentially delivered is input, the control means, when the destination code read by the reading means is the destination code of the paper sheet to be preferentially delivered, The relevant paper sheets can be allocated to the first stacking means, and in the case of other destination codes, the paper sheets can be allocated to the second stacking means.
[0025]
[Action]
According to the present invention, since the stacking means is arranged adjacent to the supply means, when the paper sheets that are separately stacked on the stacking means are supplied again to the supply means, the paper sheets from the stacking means to the supply means. Is easy and reliable. Since one or more sorting means and stacking means are provided, the paper sheets are sorted to each stacking means based on the delivery classification information by the control means, and the amount of paper sheets exceeds the amount that can be supplied to the supply means. At that time, it is divided into less than that amount and distributed to each stacking means. The sorted paper sheets are repeatedly sorted and sorted in the order of delivery, and the destination is displayed in the vicinity thereof. As a result, the efficiency of assembling the delivery route is improved.
[0026]
【Example】
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, means for conveying a plurality of paper sheets 2, at least one reading means for reading a destination code of each conveyed paper sheet 2, and each paper sheet 2 for each destination code. A paper sheet sorting apparatus comprising means for sorting, control means for storing each sorted paper sheet by destination, and means for rearranging each sorted paper sheet 2 in the order of delivery. Means for supplying each paper sheet 2 in an upright state; separating means 4 for separating and taking out the paper sheet 2 in the supplying means 1; and paper sheets taken out by the separating means 4 2 for conveying and reading the destination code, and sorting means includes a sorting means 13 for sorting the transported paper sheets 2 according to the destination code, and the sorted paper sheets. Kind A structure which is formed by the stacking means 11 provided adjacent a plurality of segmented regions and to the supply means 1 for integration in an upright state.
[0027]
That is, the supply means 1 that can hold a plurality of paper sheets 2 upright moves in the direction of the arrow A while pushing the paper sheets 2 supported so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow A along the supply means 1. Separation means 4 having a push plate 38 that can be separated and capable of separating and transporting only one of the sheets 2 placed on the supply means 1 at the right end and separating them upward is provided. The separation means 4 is generally a suction system using a vacuum suction belt. The vacuum chamber 5 is set to a negative pressure to suck the paper sheet 2 onto the suction belt 6, and the suction belt 6 is provided with a drive means such as an electric motor. By using and rotating, only one sheet at the right end of the paper sheets 2 can be separated and conveyed upward. A conveyance path (conveying means) 7 capable of conveying the paper sheet 2 conveys the front and back surfaces of the paper sheet 2 separated by the separating means 4 between belts. A reversing device (reversing means) 8 provided in the transport path 7 reverses the traveling direction of the paper sheet 2.
[0028]
For example, the first reading unit 9 that reads a destination code such as a barcode given in advance to the paper sheet 2, the paper sheet 2 in which the destination code cannot be read, the paper sheet 2 in which the destination code is read in error, Alternatively, the paper sheets 2 determined to be unsuitable for conveyance are discharged out of the conveyance path 7 by the paper sheet discharge unit 10 and accumulated. The first stacking means 11 that stacks the paper sheets 2 after the reading is performed is installed adjacent to the supply means 1 and upstream thereof. The inside of the first stacking means 11 is divided into, for example, divided areas S1 to S12, and the paper sheet 2 can be held substantially upright on the bottom plate 12 in each divided area. Then, according to the destination code read by the reading means 9, the first sorting means 13 that sorts and feeds the paper sheet 2 into any of the divided areas of the first stacking means 11, for example, the destination And a display device 14 for displaying information on the code.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination code assigned in advance to a paper sheet and a destination code reading unit 9. The destination code 15 ′ assigned to the paper sheet 2 is displayed as a bar code that can represent numbers or symbols by the length of the bar, for example. The reading means 9 is capable of reading a barcoded destination code 15 ′ provided therein, and the destination code 15 ′ read by the barcode reading means 92 is converted into an original number or symbol. The destination code 15 represented by the original number or symbol is decoded by decoding means 93 that can be decoded.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first stacking unit 11 and the first sorting unit 13. The first stacking means 11 has partitions 30a, 30b, 30c,... That divide the divided areas S1, S2, S3,..., A part of the transport path 7 and a belt 31 that moves in the direction of the arrow. The paper sheets 2 conveyed by the pulley 18 that drives the paper and the roller 34 that sandwiches the paper sheets 2 between the belt 31 are stacked. The first sorting means 13 switches the paper sheets 2 held between the belt 31 and the rollers 34 and transported from the direction B in FIG. 4 to the predetermined sorting areas S1, S2, S3. The gate 35 is composed of a rotation center shaft 36, and the switching gate 35 can be rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation center shaft 36. For example, the switching gate 35 is relative to the belt 31 like 35a or 35b. The paper sheets 2 are conveyed between the switching gates 35a and 35b and the belt 31 to the switching gate 35c. Here, the switching gate 35c is rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation center shaft 36c so that the leading end of the switching gate 35c is closer to the pulley 18 than the belt 31. 'Passes through the lower side of the switching gate 35c and is put into the partitioned area 11. Thus, by providing the required number of divided areas in the longitudinal direction of the first stacking means 11, for example, the first stacking means 11 can be divided into 12 divided areas. The sheets 2 ″ that have been put into the respective sorting areas are arranged along the partition 30 of S12 from the respective sorting areas S1, and are accumulated in an almost upright state while being inclined.
[0031]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the supply unit 1, the transport unit 7, the reversing unit 8, the reading unit 9, and the first stacking unit 11 from the supply unit 1 to the first stacking unit 11. An example of the configuration will be described. 4 to 8 are simplified views of the configuration of this embodiment. Here, the conveying means 7 is represented by a solid line indicating only the movement path of the paper sheet 2. FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment provided with a reversing unit 8 and a first reading means 9. Now, it is assumed that the front end of the paper sheet 2 is filled in, and the side on which the destination code 15 is printed is the A surface and faces the separating means 4 side.
[0032]
The paper sheets 2 held upright on the supply means 1 are (a) separated into single sheets by the separation means 4, conveyed upward, and delivered to the conveyance means 7 (b). The transported paper sheet 2 enters the reversing unit 8, is reversed front and back, and is transferred to the transport unit 7 from the rear end side until then (c), and the destination code 15 is read by the reading unit 9. At this time, the A-side is facing downward, and the reading means 9 is positioned below the conveying means 7 and reads the destination code 15 from below the paper sheets 2. Thereafter, the paper sheet 2 is conveyed in the posture shown in (d), and in any one of the divided areas in the first stacking means 11 according to the contents of the destination code 15 printed on the A side of the paper sheet 2. A series of sorting operations are completed. The posture of the paper sheet 2 at that time is the same as the posture shown in (a) when held upright on the supply means 1 as shown in (e). Here, by moving the paper sheet 2 from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1 and supplying it again to the separating means 4, the sorting operation of the paper sheets 2 can be repeated.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment provided with a reversing unit 8 and first reading means 9. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that the conveying means 7 passes below the supply means 1, and in this case as well, the paper sheets 2 (i) held upright on the supply means 1. ), And the posture of the paper sheet 2 (g) conveyed in the order of (b) to (f) along the conveying means 7 and accommodated in any one of the divided areas in the first stacking means 11 Are the same. Therefore, here, the sheet 2 is moved from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1 and supplied again to the separating means 4, so that the sorting operation of the sheets 2 is performed with the number of digits of the destination code 15. The same number can be repeated.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that the reversing unit 8 is not provided and the sheet 2 is positioned above the conveying means 7. A first reading unit 9 that reads the destination code 15 from above, a second reading unit 90 that is located below the conveying means 7 and reads the destination code 15 from below the paper sheet 2, and a first reading unit 9 and the second reading means 90 are provided with selection means 91 that selectively uses one of them. The leading edge of the paper sheet 2 and the printing surface of the destination code 15 are represented in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The paper sheets 2 held upright on the supply means 1 are (a) separated into single sheets by the separation means 4, conveyed upward, and delivered to the conveyance means 7 (b). The destination code of the paper sheet 2 is read by the first reading means 9 in the posture (c). At this time, the A surface is upward, and the first reading unit 9 reads the destination code 15. Thereafter, the paper sheet 2 is conveyed in the posture shown in (d), and in any one of the divided areas in the first stacking means 11 according to the contents of the destination code 15 printed on the A side of the paper sheet 2 And a series of sorting operations are completed. The posture of the paper sheet 2 at that time is opposite to the posture shown in (a) when the paper sheet 2 is held upright on the supply means 1 as shown in (e), and the front and back and the front and back are reversed. . Therefore, when the paper sheet 2 is moved from the first stacking means 11 to the supply means 1 and supplied again to the separating means 4 and the sorting operation of the paper sheets 2 is repeated, the posture of the paper sheets 2 is reversed. For this reason, the A side which is the printing surface of the destination code 15 faces downward opposite to the first reading means 9. Therefore, the destination code 15 is read from below the paper sheet 2 by the second reading means 90. With this configuration, the sorting operation of the paper sheet 2 is performed by selecting either the first reading unit 9 or the second reading unit 90 by the selection unit 91 every time a series of sorting operations are repeated. Can be repeated.
[0035]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the third embodiment is that the conveying means 7 passes below the supply means 1, and in this case also, the sheet 2 (A) held upright on the supply means 1 and the conveyance means 7 The posture of the paper sheet 2 (g) conveyed in the order of (b) to (f) along the means 7 and accommodated in any one of the divided areas in the first stacking means 11 is reverse. The front and back and front and back are reversed. Therefore, each time the series of sorting operations is repeated, the sorting operation of the paper sheet 2 can be repeated by selecting either the first reading means 9 or the second reading means 90 by the selection means 91.
[0036]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, even if the front and back of the paper sheet 2 supplied to the supply means 1 are uneven, the destination code 15 assigned to the paper sheet 2 is the first reading means. 9 and the second reading means 90 can be read. Therefore, when the paper sheet 2 is supplied to the supply means 1, there is an effect that it is not necessary to arrange the front and back of the paper sheet 2.
[0037]
FIG. 8 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first to fourth embodiments is that the sheet 2 separated by the separating means 4 is conveyed downward. . The reversing unit 8, the second reading unit 90, and the selection unit 91 are not provided. In the fifth embodiment, the paper sheets 2 (A) held upright on the supply means 1 and the first stacking means 11 are conveyed along the conveying means 7 in the order of (B) to (E). The postures of the sheets 2 (f) accommodated in any of the divided areas are the same. Therefore, the sorting operation of the paper sheets 2 can be repeated by moving the paper sheets 2 from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1 and supplying them again to the separating means 4.
[0038]
Next, the process of the rearrangement operation (assembly operation of delivery directions) of the paper sheets 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. 9-15 is a figure which shows an example of the assembly operation | movement of the delivery route of a present Example. Here, description will be made based on the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but also in the second to fifth embodiments, the shape of the conveying means 7 from the supply means 1 to the stacking means 11 and the paper sheet This can be realized in the same manner, except that the front and back of the class 2 are different.
[0039]
For the sake of explanation, the contents of the destination code 15 are indicated by three-digit numbers from 000 to 999, and are displayed as COD999 from COD000 to distinguish them from other numbers. Here, an operation of rearranging 1000 sheets 2 to which destination codes 15 from COD000 to COD999 arranged irregularly are assigned in the order indicated by the destination code 15 is shown. In order to simplify the explanation, the quantity of the paper sheets 2 is set to an amount that can be input into the supply means 1 at a time, and the paper sheets 2 that are input into the respective divided areas do not exceed the capacity of the respective divided areas. To do. Here, the operation of each component will not be described in detail, but only the arrangement of the destination codes 15 in the process of rearranging the paper sheets 2 will be described.
[0040]
9 to 15, the conveying means 7 for the paper sheet 2 is schematically shown by a simple solid line or a broken line for the sake of explanation. Here, what the conveyance means 7 is shown with a broken line represents a state in which there is no paper sheet 2 on the conveyance means 7.
[0041]
The first stacking means 11 is divided into 10 divided areas, and numbers from 0 to 9 are made to correspond to the respective sections. It is assumed that the conveyed paper sheets are sorted into the sorting areas corresponding to the respective destination codes 15.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 9, for example, 1000 sheets 2 with a 3-digit destination code 15 from COD000 to COD999 are supplied to the supply means 1, and the arrangement thereof is irregular. And The rightmost paper sheet 2 is in contact with the separating means 4 and, for example, the vacuum suction belt 6 of the separating means 4 rotates, so that only one sheet of the rightmost paper sheet 2 is separated and conveyed upward. As the paper sheets 2 are sequentially conveyed, the push plate 38 sends out the paper sheets 2 in the direction of the separating means 4 and conveys all the paper sheets 2 to the conveying means 7. The transported paper sheet 2 is read by the first reading means 9 with a destination code 15 provided on the paper sheet 2 in advance, that is, any numerical value of COD999 from COD000 in this embodiment.
[0043]
Now, as shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that 0 to 9 correspond in order from the segmented region S1 in the first stacking means 11 to S10. The paper sheet 2 having the destination code 15 read by the first reading means 9 is classified into one of the divided areas of S1 to S10 corresponding to the first digit of the destination code 15, that is, the number of the first place. It is thrown. Similarly, when all the sheets 2 are sorted and input from the respective divided areas S1 to S10 according to the 1's place of the destination code 15, the paper sheets 2 having only 1's in the respective divided areas S1 to S10 are arranged. Are accumulated. Here, when the destination code is CODXX0, the 1's place is all 0's, but the 10's place and the 100's place are sheets 2 in which the numbers from 0 to 9 are uneven. It has been shown.
[0044]
Next, all the paper sheets 2 are moved into the supply means 1 so that the order is not changed from the state where all the paper sheets 2 are accumulated in S10 from all the divided areas S1 of the first accumulation means 11. FIG. 11 shows a state after the paper sheet 2 is moved. In this state, by moving the paper sheet 2 in the supply unit 1 to the separating unit 4 side, only one sheet at the right end can be separated again and conveyed upward.
[0045]
Next, in FIG. 12, the division by the second digit, that is, the tenth place is shown. In FIG. 12, contrary to the case shown in FIG. 10, the segment areas S1 in the first stacking means 11 are made to correspond to S10 in order from 9 to 0. As shown in FIG. 11, first, the paper sheet 2 having only 1's places aligned with 9 is supplied to the separating unit 4, and the paper sheet 2 whose destination code 15 is read by the first reading unit 9 is the destination. Each of the codes 15 is sorted into one of the divided areas S1 to S10 corresponding to the tenth digit. Similarly, the sheets 2 whose 1's place is 0 from 0 are sequentially input into the second digit of the destination code 15, that is, into any of the divided areas S1 to S10 corresponding to the 10th place number. . As a result, within the segmented area S1, the paper sheets 2 that are not aligned to the left end side but have the lower two digits of 99 are stacked, and the lower two digits are not aligned to the right side but the lower two digits. 98 sheets are stacked, and further to the right are 100 sheets, but the 2 sheets with 97 in the last two digits are stacked. By repeating this, the sheets 2 that are not aligned to the rightmost 100 but have the last two digits of 90 are stacked. Within the segmented area S2, paper sheets 2 that are not aligned to the left end side but have the lower two digits of 89 are stacked, and the lower two digits are not aligned to the right side but the lower two digits are 88. The paper sheets 2 are accumulated, and further, the paper sheets 2 which are not aligned to the right of 100 but whose bottom two digits are 87 are accumulated. By repeating this, the sheets 2 that are not aligned to the rightmost 100 but whose last two digits are 80 are stacked. Similarly, in the segmented area S10, the sheets 2 that are not aligned at the left end side but whose lower two digits are 09 are stacked, and the lower two digits are not aligned at the right side but the lower two digits are aligned. The paper sheets 2 of 08 are stacked, and the paper sheets 2 of which the second two digits are 07 but are not aligned to the right of the 100th are stacked. By repeating this, the sheets 2 which are not aligned to the rightmost 100 but whose last two digits are 00 are accumulated.
[0046]
When the paper sheets 2 accumulated in the accumulating means 11 are moved to the supplying means 1 in this way, as shown in FIG. 13, the paper sheets 2 whose lower two digits are 00 at the right end and the lower two digits are 99 at the left end. The paper sheets 2 are arranged in order. Next, the sorted paper sheets 2 can be separated again one by one by the separating means 4 and supplied to the supplying means 7 by the same procedure as shown in FIGS.
[0047]
Next, in FIGS. 14 to 15, the third digit, that is, the division by the hundreds position is shown. In FIG. 14, contrary to that shown in FIG. 12, 0 to 9 are sequentially associated with the divided areas S <b> 1 and S <b> 10 in the first stacking means 11. As shown in FIG. 13, first, the paper sheets 2 aligned with the last two digits 00 are supplied to the separating unit 4, and the paper sheet 2 whose destination code 15 is read by the first reading unit 9 is the destination code 15. Of S1 and S10 corresponding to the number of the 100th place are sorted into any of the divided areas. Similarly, the sheet 2 with the 100th place being 0 from 0 is also put into one of the divided areas S1 to S10 corresponding to the 100th place number of the decoded destination code 19.
[0048]
As a result, in the divided area S1, the paper sheets 2 of COD000 are accumulated at the left end thereof, the paper sheets 2 of COD001 are accumulated on the left side thereof, and the paper sheets 2 of COD002 are further accumulated on the right side thereof. . By repeating this, the paper sheets 2 of COD099 are accumulated on the rightmost side. Inside the sorting area S2, the paper sheets 2 of the COD 100 are accumulated at the left end thereof, the paper sheets 2 of the COD 101 are accumulated on the right side thereof, and the paper sheets 2 of the COD 102 are further accumulated on the right side thereof. By repeating this, the paper sheets 2 of COD199 are accumulated on the rightmost side. Similarly, in the sorting area S10, the paper sheets 2 of COD900 are stacked on the left end thereof, the paper sheets 2 of COD901 are stacked on the right side, and the paper sheets 2 of COD902 are stacked on the right side thereof. By repeating this, the paper sheets 2 of COD999 are stacked on the rightmost side.
[0049]
As a result of the above operation, the stacking means 11 has the COD000 paper sheets 2 stacked at the left end and the COD999 paper sheets 2 stacked at the right end, and all the paper sheets 2 are displayed on the paper sheets 2. It will be in the state arranged in order of code 15.
[0050]
In this embodiment, as a result of rearranging the sheets 2, the left end is COD000 and the right end is COD999. However, in FIG. 10, FIG. 12, and FIG. By setting, the sheets 2 can be rearranged so that the right end is COD000 and the left end is COD999.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, an example in which 1000 sort operations from COD000 to COD999 are performed by repeating the division into 10 division areas three times is shown, but this operation is not limited to this. If the number of segmented regions is U and the number of repetitions is n, it is possible to rearrange U times n times.
[0052]
The process of rearranging the paper sheets 2 in the order of the destination codes 15 displayed on the paper sheets 2 has been described above. In the present embodiment, the amount of the paper sheets 2 to be rearranged is the supply means 1 or This is an example in which the capacity of the stacking means 11 is not exceeded and the capacity of S10 is not exceeded from the respective segmented areas S1.
[0053]
Next, means for rearranging the paper sheets 2 when the amount of the paper sheets 2 exceeds the capacity of the supply means 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the first stacking means (stacking means) will be described as being divided into 12 divided areas. As shown in FIG. 16, the paper sheet 2 can be divided into one or more second stacking means 16a and 16b capable of stacking the paper sheet 2 and the second stacking means 16a and 16b. A second distribution unit 17; a thickness measurement unit 18 capable of detecting the thickness of the paper sheet 2; a first distribution control unit 60 capable of controlling the first distribution unit 13; The second sorting control unit 61 capable of controlling the two sorting means 17, the destination code 15 read by the first reading means 9, and the thickness of the paper sheet 2 obtained by the thickness measuring means 18. A first storage unit 62 that can store the destination code, the permutation control unit 63 that rearranges the destination code and the thickness in the order of the destination code, and the destination code and the thickness that are rearranged by the permutation control unit 63. And all paper sheets A second storage unit 64 that stores processing area information when dividing 2 into a plurality of processing areas, and a division that divides the first accumulation means 11 for each digit of the destination codes to be divided A third storage unit 65 that stores the correspondence with the region, a separation control unit 67 that can control the separation unit 4, a supply control unit 68 that can control the supply unit (supply unit) 1, and a display A display control unit 69 that displays predetermined information on the means 14, a classification information input unit 71 that can input delivery classification information of the paper sheet 2, and a control unit 66 are provided.
[0054]
The control means 66 includes the thickness measuring means 16, the reading means 9, the first storage section 62, the second storage section 64, the third storage section 65, the permutation control section 63, the first distribution control section 60, the first 2 distribution control unit 61, separation control unit 67, supply control unit 68, display control unit 69, and division information input unit 71 can be controlled.
[0055]
The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 and Tables 1 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the delivery classification information indicating the delivery route of the destination code 15 given to the paper sheet 2 to be processed is acquired from the sorting information input unit 71 (procedure 99). Next, the thicknesses and destination codes 15 of all the sheets 2 are acquired (procedure 100). This operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a means for obtaining the thickness of the paper sheet 2 and the destination code 15. As shown in FIG. 19, when the paper sheet 2 is supplied to the supply unit 1 (procedure 201), a signal is sent from the control unit 66 to the supply control unit 68 and the separation control unit 67, and the supply unit 1 receives the paper sheet. 2 is moved in the direction of the separating means 4, and the separating means 4 separates the sheets 2 from the right end one by one and sends them out to the transport path 7 (procedure 202). The thickness of the paper sheet 2 is detected by the thickness measuring means 18 (procedure 203) and stored in the first storage unit 62 (procedure 204). The paper sheet 2 is further read through the reversing unit 8 and the destination code 15 given in advance by the reading means 9 (procedure 205) and input to the first storage unit 62 (procedure 206). In this manner, the first storage unit 62 stores the destination code 15 and the thickness for each sheet 2.
[0057]
Table 1 shows an example of the contents stored in the first storage unit 62. Here, the paper passing number is a temporary number assigned to the paper sheet 2 in the order in which the paper is passed. As described above, the first storage unit 62 stores the destination code 15 and the thickness in association with each sheet 2.
[0058]
[Table 1]

[0059]
Each time the paper sheets 2 are passed one by one, the thicknesses of the paper sheets 2 are integrated (procedure 207), and the total thickness of the paper sheets 2 passed is calculated from the length of the first stacking means 11. If it is shorter, it can be determined that the data can be accumulated in the first accumulation means 11 (procedure 208). In that case, it accumulates on the first accumulation means 11 (procedure 209). Otherwise, the second distribution control unit 61 is controlled (procedure 210) to stack the paper sheets 2 on the second stacking means 16 (procedure 211). If the total amount of the paper sheet 2 exceeds the amount that can be supplied to the supply means 1 at one time, the entire paper sheet 2 needs to be divided and processed. In this embodiment, the paper sheet 2 is divided into several regions for each amount that can be sorted at a time, and each region is referred to as a processing region (procedure 101).
[0060]
An embodiment for setting a processing region will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the destination code 15 and the thickness of the paper sheet 2 are read from the first storage unit 62 (procedure 301), and are rearranged in the order of the destination codes by the permutation control unit 63 (procedure 302). 2 (step 303). An example of the contents of the second storage unit 64 at this time is shown in Table 2. Here, the destination code 15 is stored in the first column 320 and the thickness is stored in the second column 321.
[0061]
[Table 2]

[0062]
Next, all the thicknesses of the paper sheets 2 are added in order from the top of the destination code 15 stored in the second storage unit 64, and the total thickness Tall of the paper sheets 2 is calculated (procedure 304). Here, Tall is compared with the thickness R that can be supplied to the supply means 1 at a time, and if Tall <R, the whole can be processed at once. (305). First, if the total thickness of the paper sheet 2 that can be supplied to the supply means 1 is R, and Tall / R is calculated and the integer value obtained by rounding up the decimal part is Q, then Q is Q of the paper sheet 2 It can be determined as the number of divisions, that is, the number of processing regions (procedure 306). That is, the entire sheet 2 is divided into Q processing areas calculated by the processing area thickness Tseg = Tall / Q (procedure 307). Here, since Tseg <R, each processing region can be supplied to the supply means 1 at a time.
[0063]
In this embodiment, a case where Q = 3 will be described. By summing up the thicknesses of the paper sheets 2 in order from the COD000 (step 308) and setting it as Σt, the range of destination codes that fall within the range of Σt <Tseg is obtained. For example, if the total thickness of the paper sheets 2 from COD000 to COD299 is smaller than Tseg and the total thickness from COD000 to COD300 is larger than the processing region thickness Tseg, COD000 to COD299 are one processing region. (Procedure 309). This is referred to as SEG1 in the sense of the first processing region, added for each destination code 15, and stored in the second storage unit 64 (procedure 310). Similarly, after COD 300, the total thickness can be set for each processing region thickness Tseg, and the setting of the processing region is completed (procedure 311). Table 2 shows an example of the contents of the second storage unit 64 when the processing area is set. That is, the thickness of each paper sheet 2 and the processing area numbers SEG1 to SEG3 are given in the order of the destination code 15, the destination code COD300 to COD649 are the second processing area SEG2, and the COD650 to COD999 are the third processing. Region SEG3. The total thicknesses Σt of the paper sheets 2 belonging to the respective processing regions are substantially equal to each other.
[0064]
Here, the paper sheets 2 belonging to the first to third processing areas SEG1 to SEG3 have a quantity that can be supplied to the supply means 1 at a time, but the paper corresponding to a part of the destination codes 15 is used. When there are many leaves 2 or when many thick paper sheets 2 are concentrated, the paper sheets 2 overflow in the corresponding division area. In order to avoid such a situation, it is possible to prevent the overflow by predicting in advance the divided area where there are many paper sheets 2 and overflowing, and assigning a plurality of continuous divided areas to the corresponding divided area. Yes (procedure 102).
[0065]
Next, means for setting the segmented area will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a means for setting the segmented area. As described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15, the delivery route assembling operation is described. Each time the sorting operation is performed, the sheets 2 having the same digit numbers of the destination code 15 are accumulated in one sorting area. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the thickness of the paper sheets 2 accumulated in one divided area for each digit in advance and predict the occurrence of overflow.
[0066]
Since the sorting operation is performed from the first digit of the destination code of the first processing area SEG1, an example of this case will be described with reference to FIG. 21, Table 3, and Table 4.
[0067]
[Table 3]

[0068]
[Table 4]

[0069]
First, a processing area is set. Here, it is assumed that the processing area is the first processing area SEG1 (procedure 401). Next, the number N of digits of the destination code is set. Here, since it starts from the first digit, N = 1 is set (procedure 402). Next, the destination codes of the paper sheets 2 belonging to the first processing area SEG1 from the second storage unit, that is, the thicknesses of the paper sheets 2 corresponding to the respective codes from COD000 to COD299 are read (procedure 403). Those having the same destination code only in the first digit are grouped together (procedure 404). That is, as shown in Table 3, for example, in the a column, the destination code 15 in which the first digit of the destination code 15 is 0 and only the thickness are collected, and in the b column, the destination code in which the first digit of the destination code 15 is 1 Only the thickness is summarized, and similarly, the first digit is repeated from 2 to 9.
[0070]
Next, the thicknesses of the sheets 2 grouped together with the same destination code 15 in the first digit are totaled (procedure 404). For example, assuming that X is an arbitrary number, the total thickness of the paper sheet 2 with the first digit being 0 is represented as ΣCODXX0, and the thickness of the paper sheet 2 that can be accommodated in one segmented region is represented by s. As an example, s is assumed to be 120 mm. When ΣCODEX0 is, for example, 65 mm, ΣCODEX0 <s, and these paper sheets 2 can be accommodated in one section area. When ΣCODEX1 is 152 mm, for example, ΣCODEX1> s, and therefore these paper sheets 2 cannot be accommodated in one sectioned area (procedure 405). Therefore, two consecutive divided areas are given to the paper sheet 2 whose first digit is 1 (procedure 406).
[0071]
Similarly, the process repeats until the first digit reaches 9, for example, two consecutive divided areas are assigned to the paper sheets 2 whose first digits of the destination code are 1 and 5, respectively. One partition area is allocated.
[0072]
If there are 12 segment areas and each is represented by S1 to S12, for the first digit of the first process area, 0 is allocated to the segment area S1, and 1 is allocated to the segment areas S2 and S3. Similarly, when the first digit 9 is sequentially assigned to each segmented area, the first digit of the destination code is allocated to all the segmented areas S1 to S12 as shown in the column c of Table 4. (Step 407).
[0073]
This completes the first digit of the destination code in the first processing area SEG1. It is determined whether or not N = nth digit is completed (procedure 408), and if not completed, N = n + 1 = 2 (procedure 409) is similarly applied to the second digit of the destination code in the divided areas S1 to S12. Assign. However, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15, since it is necessary to reverse the setting of the numerical value for the segmented area every time the digit of the destination code changes, the segmented area is displayed in the second digit of the destination code. 9 is assigned to S1, and 0 is assigned to S12. The column b in Table 4 is an example in which, for the second digit of the destination code 15 of the first processing area SEG1, two consecutive divided areas are assigned to the paper sheets 2 whose second digits are 3 and 7. . Since only the paper sheets 2 from COD000 to COD299 belong to the first processing area SEG1, a numerical value from 0 to 2 is assigned to each divided area in order for the third digit. Here, since it is necessary to reverse the setting of the numerical value to the second digit, 0 is assigned to the divided area S1 and 2 is assigned to S12.
[0074]
When the third digit is completed (procedure 410), it is determined whether or not the third processing area SEG3 is completed (procedure 411). If not completed, K = k + 1 = SEG2 is set (procedure 412). The division area of the processing area SEG2 is set, and the same is repeated for the third processing area SEG3, and as shown in the columns d to i in Table 4, all the division areas of all the processing areas are set for each digit of the destination code. It is set for the numerical value (procedure 413). Here, when the overflow of the paper sheets 2 does not occur in all the divided areas, as shown in the column e of Table 4, only the divided areas from S1 to S10 are used, and the other divided areas are used. It does not have to be.
[0075]
As described above, in the third storage unit 65, the settings of all the divided areas S1 to S12 of all the processing areas SEG1 to SEG3 are stored corresponding to the numerical value of each digit of the destination code. Complete.
[0076]
Next, in order to start processing from the first processing region SEG1, processing region number K = SEG1 is set (procedure 103).
[0077]
First, in order to perform classification corresponding to the first digit of the destination code 15 corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10, the number of digits N = 1 is set (procedure 104). Next, the setting of the first digit segmented area of the first processing area SEG1 (according to column c in Table 4) is acquired from the third storage unit 65 (procedure 105) and input to the control means 66 (procedure 106). ). The control means 66 sends an instruction to the first distribution control unit 60 based on the setting, and associates the switching gates 35a to 35j with each other (procedure 107).
[0078]
Next, when the paper sheet 2 is supplied again to the supply unit 1 (procedure 108), a signal is sent from the control unit 66 to the supply control unit 68 and the separation control unit 67, and the supply unit 1 separates the paper sheet 2 from the separation unit. The separation means 4 separates the sheets 2 from the right end one by one and sends them to the transport path 7 (procedure 109).
[0079]
The sheet 2 is read by the first reading means 9 (address 110). The read destination code is collated with the content of the second storage unit 64 (procedure 111), and it is determined which paper sheet 2 belongs to which processing area of the third processing area SEG3 from the first processing area SEG1. (Procedure 112). If the sheet 2 belongs to the second processing area SEG2 or the third processing area SEG3, an instruction is sent from the control means 66 to the second distribution control section 60, and the second distribution means 17 Is operated (procedure 113), the paper sheets 2 are accumulated in the second stacking means 16 (procedure 114). If the paper sheet 2 belongs to the first processing area SEG1, it is stacked on the first stacking means 11 (procedure 115). In response to the numerical value of the first digit of the destination code, the first distribution control unit 61 issues a command to operate the corresponding switching gates 35a to 35j. For example, when the destination code is COD180, it is found that the destination code belongs to the first processing area SEG1 as a result of the correspondence with the contents of the second storage unit 64, and further corresponds to the contents of the third storage unit 65. As a result, it is determined that the sheet 2 is to be accumulated in the divided area S1. Therefore, the control unit 66 issues a command for operating the switching gate 35a to the first distribution control unit 60, and the sheets 2 of the destination code COD180 are stacked in the sorting area S1 of the first stacking unit 11 ( Procedure 116).
[0080]
It is determined whether or not all the paper sheets 2 have been stacked on the first stacking means 11 or the second stacking means 16 (procedure 117). If not completed, the supply of the paper sheets 2 is continued. After the completion, only the paper sheets 2 belonging to the first processing area SEG1 are stored in the first storage unit 11 in the third storage unit 65 whose first digit of the destination code is shown in the column c of Table 4. According to the setting of the divided area, the divided and accumulated state is obtained.
[0081]
Next, the paper sheets 2 are moved to the supply means 1 while keeping the order of the paper sheets 2 collected on the first stacking means 11 unchanged (procedure 118). At this time, since the first stacking means 11 is arranged adjacent to the supply means 1 and on the extension, the paper sheets 2 that are sectioned and accumulated in the divided areas S1 to S12 of the first stacking means 11 are However, since it only moves to the adjacent supply means 1, there is no need to transfer the paper sheet 2 to a basket etc. once and move it to the vicinity of the supply means 1. Again, it can be supplied.
[0082]
With the above procedure, the classification by the first digit of the destination code is completed. Next, it is determined whether or not the division up to the third digit is completed (procedure 119). If it is not completed, the second digit is classified as N = n + 1 = 2 (procedure 120). When sorting the second digit, the setting of the sorting area shown in the column b of Table 4 is acquired from the third storage unit 65 (procedure 105). Thereafter, by repeating the same procedure and repeating the classification up to the third digit, the sheets 2 in the first processing area SEG1 are processed from COD000 to COD299 in the order of the destination code by the same procedure as described in FIGS. They can be rearranged in order.
[0083]
Next, it is determined whether or not the processing of SEG3 has been completed for all processing regions SEG1 (procedure 121). First, when the processing of only the paper sheets 2 belonging to the first processing area SEG1 is completed, all the paper sheets 2 are taken out from the first stacking means 11 (procedure 122), and the next processing area K = k + 1 = SEG2 (procedure). 123) is set, the paper sheet 2 belonging to the second processing area SEG2 is set in the supply means 1 (procedure 108), and processing is performed. At this time, the paper sheets 2 belonging to the second processing area SEG2 and the paper sheets 2 belonging to the third processing area SEG3 are accumulated in the second accumulation means 16, and the second accumulation means 16 This is taken out and set in the supply means 1.
[0084]
Here, for example, when the second stacking means 16 is divided into two regions 16a and 16b, the sheets 2 belonging to the second processing region SEG2 are stacked in the region 16a, and the third processing region SEG3. Can be accumulated in the area 16b. According to such a configuration, it is possible to separately accumulate the processing areas in the second stacking means 16.
[0085]
When the rearrangement of all the processing areas is completed (procedure 124), the sheets 2 from the first processing area SEG1 to the third processing area SEG3 are assembled with delivery routes for each processing area. It becomes a state. By arranging the paper sheets 2 in the order of the processing areas from SEG1 to SEG3, all the paper sheets 2 are arranged from COD000 to COD999 in the order of the destination codes, and assembling the delivery route of all the paper sheets 2 Is completed.
[0086]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to assemble the delivery route of paper sheets using a small sorter having about 10 sorts. Further, by measuring the thickness of each paper sheet 2 and processing it corresponding to the destination code 15, the paper sheet 2 is divided and processed in an amount that can be supplied to the supply means 1 at a time, and all the paper sheets are processed. It is also possible to assemble the delivery route of Class 2. In addition, it is possible to prevent overflow by assigning a plurality of continuous divided areas by predicting overflow from the divided areas of the first stacking means 11 in the process of assembling the delivery route.
[0087]
Next, as another embodiment, when a paper sheet for one delivery person can be classified into a paper sheet to be preferentially delivered and a paper sheet that is not to be delivered preferentially, A configuration in which delivery routes are assembled in advance will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the destination code 15 of the paper sheet 2 to be delivered with priority over the sorting information input unit 71 is acquired (procedure 1200). The operations from (procedure 201) to (procedure 206) are the same as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. Next, it is determined whether or not the paper sheet 2 is to be delivered with priority (procedure 1207). If the paper sheet 2 is to be delivered with priority, the paper is accumulated in the first stacking means 11 (procedure 1). 209), if not, the second distribution means 17 is operated (procedure 210) and accumulated in the second accumulation means 16 (procedure 211).
[0088]
With this configuration, it is possible to stack only the paper sheets 2 to be delivered with priority in the first stacking unit 11, and by continuing the processing after (procedure 101) shown in FIG. 17, Assembly of the delivery route of the high-priority paper sheets 2 can be performed in advance.
[0089]
In the present embodiment, an example in which the thicknesses of all the paper sheets 2 are measured is shown, but if the thickness of the paper sheets 2 is known in advance, the thickness measuring means 18 may be omitted. For example, in the case of a paper sheet sorting apparatus that specially sorts postcards, the thickness measurement may be omitted, and a thickness known in advance as the thickness of the paper sheet 2 may be used.
[0090]
As another embodiment, an example of means for moving the paper sheet 2 from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1 without manual intervention will be described. 23 and 24 show an example of a configuration in which the push plate 38 is moved along the supply unit 1 and the first stacking unit 11. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the means for transferring is supported by the horizontal moving rail 20 disposed along the supply means 1 and the first stacking means 11, and movable along the horizontal moving rail 20. A parallel movement member 21, a vertical movement rail 22 provided on the parallel movement member 21, a vertical movement member 23 supported so as to be movable along the vertical movement rail 22, and one end fixed to the vertical movement member 23; Of the first stacking means 11, the separating means is composed of a support member 24 whose end is fixed to the pushing plate 38, and the pushing plate 38 moves from the inside of the supplying means 1 to the outside. 4 is provided farther than the partition 30a farthest from 4 and a second gap 26 through which the push plate 38 can move into the first stacking portion 11 is provided. That is, by moving the translation member 21 along the horizontal movement rail 20, the push plate 38 can be moved in the direction of the arrow K in the supply unit 1 and the first stacking unit 11.
[0091]
Further, by moving the vertical movement member 23 downward along the vertical movement rail 22, the push plate 38 passes through the first gap 25 to the outside of the supply means 1 as illustrated by 38 ′ in FIG. 24. Can move. Furthermore, when the push plate 38 is outside the supply means 1, the push plate 38 can be moved along the first moving means 11 along the horizontal movement rail 20, and the vertical movement member 23 is moved along the vertical movement rail. By moving upward along the line 22, it is possible to move through the second gap 26 to the inside of the first stacking means 11. In other words, the push plate 38 can move along the push plate movement locus 27 shown in FIG.
[0092]
FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show an example of a configuration for moving the partition 30 of each divided region inside the first stacking means 11. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the partition plate moving means includes links 43 a and 43 b that can rotate around fixed rotation centers 41 a and 41 b and rotation centers 45 a and 45 b fixed to the partition 30. There are provided links 44a and 44b that are rotatably supported at one end and rotatably supported at the other end between the connecting shafts 42a and 42b by 43a and 43b. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the partition 30 is inside the first stacking means 11. As shown in FIG. 26, by rotating the links 43a and 43b toward each other, the partition 30 is moved to the first stacking means. 11 is configured to be able to move to the outside.
[0093]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG. 23, FIG. 27, and FIG. FIG. 23 shows a state in which the paper sheets 2 are supplied from the supply unit 1 and are separately accumulated in the first accumulation unit 11 according to the respective destination codes 15 as in FIG.
[0094]
Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the push plate 38 is moved from the (h) position to the (re) position along the push plate movement locus 27, and all the partitions 30 in the first stacking means 11 are illustrated. Move to position 26. Then, there is no partition 30 between the paper sheets 2 in the first stacking means 11, and the push plate 38 is positioned at the left end of the paper sheets 2. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28, by moving the push plate 38 in the direction of the separating means 4, the paper sheets 2 are moved from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1, and the rightmost paper sheet is Again contact with the separation means 4. This state is the same as in FIG. By repeating the above operation, the delivery route assembling operation shown in FIGS. 9 to 15 can be performed without human intervention.
[0095]
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment provided with means for moving the paper sheet 2 from the first stacking means 11 to the supplying means 1 without human intervention. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is that the partition plate moving means for moving the partition 30 of the first stacking means 11 and the means for moving the push plate 38 along the supply means 1 and the first stacking means 11 are different. It is only provided with the partition control part 70 which controls.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, when the assembly of the delivery route is completed, for example, the paper sheet in which the destination code 15 cannot be read normally or the paper sheet 2 determined to be unsuitable for conveyance is excluded, and the paper sheet is discharged. Integrated in the unit 10. These excluded paper sheets 2 must be manually inserted so as to be arranged in a predetermined position in the order of the destination code 15 after the assembly of the delivery route is completed. In this case, it is necessary to visually read the address code 15 of the paper sheet 2 for which the assembly of the delivery route has been completed or the hand-written delivery address, and find the position where the paper sheet 2 should be inserted.
[0097]
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the display means 14 shown in FIG. 1 for displaying a state where the division is completed when the assembly of the delivery route is completed. As shown in FIG. 30, it is an example in which each divided area when the assembly of the delivery route is completed and the destination range of the paper sheets 2 accumulated therein are displayed. By reading the address of the paper sheet 2 to be manually inserted and comparing it with the displayed sorting result, it is possible to determine in which sorting area it should be inserted.
[0098]
31 and 32 are diagrams showing another embodiment of the display means for displaying the state where the division is completed. As shown in FIG. 31, display contents are controlled by the display control unit 69 in the display means 72 provided in the vicinity of the divided areas corresponding to the divided areas S1 to S12. FIG. 32 shows an example of the display contents of the display means 72, and is a diagram showing the range of destinations of the paper sheets 2 that are separately collected in each of the divided areas S1 to S12 when the sorting is completed. By reading the address of the paper sheet 2 to be manually inserted and comparing it with the displayed sorting result, it is possible to determine in which sorting area it should be inserted. Further, in the present embodiment, the independent display means 72 is provided for each divided area. However, for example, a display means may be provided for every two adjacent divided areas.
[0099]
Furthermore, the destination code 15 is the same, but there are a plurality of delivery destinations. After assembling the delivery route in the order of the destination code 15, the handwritten destination is visually read again for confirmation, and it is necessary to reestablish by the delivery destination. May occur. In such a case, the destination code 15 that needs to be confirmed in advance is input from the classification information input unit 71, and another display means, for example, an indicator lamp is turned on for the classification area including the corresponding destination code 15 Alternatively, it is possible to easily recognize the divided area that needs to be confirmed by means such as blinking the display of the corresponding divided area on the display means 14 or 72 or displaying it in a different color.
[0100]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the paper sheets from overflowing by the stacking means by appropriately limiting the number of paper sheets to be supplied at a time based on the thickness and quantity of the paper sheets.
[0101]
Since the paper sheet stacking means is provided adjacent to the upstream side of the supply means, and the paper sheets can be moved and collected from the stacking means to the supply means, the paper sheets are manually removed from the stacking means for rearrangement. Since there is no need to move to the supply means and the movement is completed in a short time, the time required for the rearrangement operation can be shortened.
[0102]
By displaying the sorting information of each sorting area when the sorting is completed, for example, paper sheets excluded from the sorting area are inserted at a predetermined position. Also, if multiple sheets with the same destination code need to be rearranged by visual confirmation by hand, enter the corresponding destination code in advance, and when the sorting is completed, It can be displayed whether it is accommodated in a separate area, which can be used as a guideline when working manually.
[0103]
Using a small sorter of about 10 units, it is possible to rearrange the sheets on which the destination code is displayed in the order indicated by the destination code. As an example, the destination code represents the delivery destination of the paper sheet, and the supplied paper sheet can be rearranged to the delivery route by associating the order with the delivery route of the paper sheet.
[0104]
Furthermore, since the sorting area is provided on the upstream side in contact with the supplying means, it is necessary to use means such as a basket for movement when the paper sheets sorted and accumulated in the sorting area are supplied again to the supplying means. Instead, the paper sheets are only moved to the supply means located downstream from the sorting area located upstream. Therefore, even when the paper sheets are manually moved from the sorting area to the supply means, the moving work is facilitated.
[0105]
Furthermore, since the sorting area and the supply means are extended from each other, the paper sheets can be moved from the sorting area to the feeding means by providing means for moving the push plate. By doing so, the sorted paper sheets can be supplied again to the supply means without any manual work, and the delivery route of the paper sheets can be automatically assembled. .
[0106]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the paper sheet is set up has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a horizontal state.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the sheets on which the destination code is displayed can be rearranged in the order indicated by the destination code, and the efficiency of assembling the delivery route can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination code reading unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first stacking unit and a first sorting unit of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention in a simplified manner.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention in a simplified manner.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another operation of rearranging according to the delivery route of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of means for moving the push plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the push plate shown in FIG.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of means for moving the partition according to the present invention.
26 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the means for moving the partition shown in FIG. 25. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the means for moving paper sheets from the first stacking means to the supply means.
FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the means for moving paper sheets from the first stacking means to the supply means.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of display contents of the display means of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another example of display contents of the display means of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Supply means
2 Paper sheets
4 Separation means
7 Transport means
8 Reversing part
9 First reading means
11 First stacking means
13 First sorting means
14 Display means
15 Destination code
16 Second stacking means
17 Second sorting means
18 Thickness measuring means
60 First distribution control unit
61 Second distribution control unit
62 1st memory | storage part
63 Permutation control unit
64 Second storage unit
65 Third storage unit
66 Control means
67 Separation control unit
68 Supply control unit
69 Display controller
70 Partition controller
71 Classification information input section
72 Display means
90 Second reading means

Claims (6)

A stacking means having a longitudinal direction in which a plurality of partition plates forming a plurality of sections to be stacked in an upright state are arranged, and a plurality of paper sheets provided on an extension in the longitudinal direction of the stacking means. A supply means for supplying the paper in an upright state, a separation means for separating and taking out the paper sheets supplied from the supply means one by one, a transport means for sequentially transporting the paper sheets taken out by the separation means, A reading unit that reads a destination code of a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying unit, and a group in which the paper sheet conveyed by the conveying unit is preset in the stacking unit based on the destination code read by the reading unit Sorting means, sorting means for transferring a plurality of sheets stacked in the order of the state of being accumulated in all the sections of the stacking means to the supply means, and sorting and stacking into the stacking means Paper leaf In the paper sheet sorting apparatus comprising a control means for storing the destination code controlling the sorting processing of the sheets, and
The stacking means is formed with the partition plate inclined to the opposite side of the supply means, and having partition plate moving means for moving the partition plate out of the stacking area,
The transfer means includes a rail provided in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the stacking means and the supply means, a push plate provided movably along the rail, and the push plate as the stacking means and the supply means. And a moving member that advances and retreats inside,
The partition plate moving means and the transfer means are controlled to retract the partition plate out of the accumulation area, and the push plate is moved to the rear end of the accumulation means to advance into the accumulation means. After that, a paper sheet sorting apparatus comprising partition control means for moving the push plate to the supply means side . The destination code is composed of a multi-digit character string,
The control means distributes the different sheets of the stacking means to different sections based on one digit of the destination code, and distributes all the paper sheets divided and stacked by the stacking means to the partition plate moving means and the transfer means. 2. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet sorting apparatus repeatedly performs the paper sorting process by changing the digit of the destination code by controlling the number of the destination codes . A first stacking unit having a longitudinal direction in which a plurality of partition plates forming a plurality of sections to be stacked in a state where the paper sheets are stood are arranged; and provided on an extension of the first stacking unit in the longitudinal direction. Supply means for supplying a plurality of paper sheets in an upright state, separation means for separating and taking out the paper sheets supplied from the supply means one by one, and conveying the paper sheets taken out by the separation means in order Conveying means, reading means for reading a destination code of a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying means, and paper sheets conveyed by the conveying means based on the destination code read by the reading means in the first A first sorting unit that sorts into a preset section of the stacking means, and a plurality of paper sheets that are stacked in the order of the state of being stacked in all the sections of the first stacking unit Transfer means for moving to, and In the paper sheet sorting apparatus comprising a control means for storing the destination code of the sheet for controlling the sorting processing of paper sheets to be stacked by dividing the first integrated unit,
The first stacking means is formed with the partition plate inclined to the opposite side of the supply means, and having partition plate moving means for moving the partition plate out of the stacking area,
The transfer means includes a rail provided in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the first stacking means and the supply means, a push plate movably provided along the rail, and the push plate as the stacking means. A moving member that moves forward and backward in the supply means,
The partition plate moving means and the transfer means are controlled to retract the partition plate out of the first accumulation region, and the push plate is moved to the rear end portion of the first accumulation means. Partition control means for moving the push plate to the supply means side after advancing into the stacking means of 1 is provided,
Based on at least one second stacking unit having a longitudinal direction in which a plurality of partition plates forming a plurality of sections to be stacked in a state where the paper sheets are stood are arranged , and a destination code read by the reading unit A second sorting unit that sorts the sheets conveyed by the conveying unit into preset sections of the second stacking unit; and a thickness of the sheets on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the separating unit. And a thickness measuring means for measuring,
The control means stores a first storage unit that stores the thickness of the paper sheet measured by the thickness measurement unit in association with the destination code of each paper sheet, and the paper stored in the first storage unit The sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of paper sheets for each destination code calculated based on the thickness of the leaves is set to a plurality of processing categories that are equal to or less than a set value of the paper sheets that can be supplied to the supply unit at one time. A second storage unit that stores the processing unit separately, and when there are a plurality of processing sections of the second storage unit, one processing section is distributed to the first stacking unit, and the other processing section is allocated to the first storage section. 2. A paper sheet sorting apparatus characterized by sorting into two stacking means . The destination code is composed of a multi-digit character string,
The control means distributes the different sheets of the stacking means to different sections based on one digit of the destination code, and distributes all the sheets sorted and stacked by the first stacking means to the partition plate moving means. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the paper sorting unit is configured to control the transport unit to transport the paper to the supply unit, and to change the digit of the destination code and repeatedly execute the paper sheet sorting process . The control means distributes the digits of the destination code to different sections of the first stacking means, and totals the thicknesses of the paper sheets corresponding to any one digit among the plurality of digits of the destination code. When the total thickness exceeds the amount that can be accumulated in one section, a third storage section that assigns and stores the same destination code digit in two consecutive sections of the first stacking means. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper sheet sorting apparatus is provided. When the destination code of the paper sheet to be preferentially delivered is input, the control means applies if the destination code read by the reading means is the destination code of the paper sheet to be preferentially delivered. The paper sheet to be assigned is allocated to the first stacking unit, and in the case of other destination codes, the paper sheet is allocated to the second stacking unit. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to 1.

Images