JP3983973B2

JP3983973B2 - Paper sheet discharge and accumulation device

Info

Publication number: JP3983973B2
Application number: JP2000363815A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 聖保尾又
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2000-11-29
Filing date: 2000-11-29
Publication date: 2007-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-29
Also published as: JP2002167101A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば光学的文字読取装置等が備える紙葉類の排出集積装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、帳票等に記された文字を光学的に読み取るための光学的文字読取装置は、帳票を１枚ずつ装置内部に取込んで搬送し、搬送経路上に設けられたＣＣＤイメージセンサ等により帳票上の文字をイメージとして読取るとともに、読取った文字のイメージを１文字毎に検出して切出し文字認識を行うものとして構成されている。さらに、このような光学的文字読取装置には、文字の読取り処理が終了した帳票を装置内部から１枚ずつ排出し集積するために排出集積装置が一般に設けられている。
【０００３】
すなわち、図１１に示すように、従来の排出集積装置５１は、イメージセンサ等によって帳票５２から読み取られたデータ内容に基づいて、帳票５２の仕分けが行えるように複数設けられており、帳票５２が集積される集積部５３と、モータ５４によりベルト５５を介して駆動される一対の排出ローラ５６、５７を少なくとも備え、帳票５２を集積部５３に向けて１枚ずつ排出するための排出機構５８と、例えば処理対象の最大サイズの帳票５２ａに対応する位置に設けられ、集積部５３へ排出される帳票５２のストッパとして設けられた帳票ストッパ５９とから主に構成されている。
【０００４】
しかしながら、このように構成された従来の排出集積装置５１では、帳票の集積機構に、上述したストッパ構造を採用していることから、例えば互いに異なるサイズの帳票５２ｂを整位した状態で集積しようとした場合、帳票５２ｂが乱雑に集積されることは勿論、帳票５２ｂにおける文字の読取り処理順序と集積部５３に積載される積載順序とが変わってしまうことがあり、帳票集積後に引き続いて行われる他の処理に課題を残すことになる。
【０００５】
そこで、このような紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善するために様々な排出集積装置が開発されている。
【０００６】
例えば特開平９−１５１０１２号公報に開示されている第１のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１２及び図１３に示すように、ローラ６１、６２によって挟持しつつ搬送してきた紙幣６３を、羽根車６４に設けられた羽根６５によって一括保留部６６へ向けて跳ね飛ばすように移送するとともに、例えば紙幣６３に強い折り癖等があって、紙幣６３の後端部が浮き上がってしまうような場合でも、羽根車６４の羽根６５の旋回軌跡上に紙幣６３の後端部がくるように、押下げレバー６７により強制的に紙幣６３を撓ませ、紙幣６３の後端部を羽根６５によって押さえ付けつつ紙幣６３を集積して行くものである。
【０００７】
また、特開平６−３４７９９１号公報に開示されている第２のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１４に示すように、長尺の感光材料を画像コマ毎に裁断した写真プリント６８、６９を集積するためのものであって、裁断された写真プリント６８６９を反りが抑制された状態で集積できるように、プーリ７０、７１によって装置内部から受皿７２、７３、７４へ排出される写真プリント６８、６９の上面を、先端部にローラ７５が設けられたアーム７６の自重により押さえ付けつつ順次写真プリント６８、６９を集積して行く装置である。
【０００８】
さらに、実開平３−７１５０号公報に開示されている第３のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１５及び図１６に示すように、搬送ローラ７７、７８によって送り出されたカード７９の先端部と、回収箱８０の底面又は既に回収箱８０に回収されたカード７９上面との間で生じる摩擦力により、カード７９後端部が搬送ローラ７８に乗り上げたままのスリップ状態にならないように、カード７９の回収／非回収を切り替える切り替えアーム８１の一端部により、カード７９の後端部を鋸歯状歯車８２に押し当てるようにして、カード７９を確実に回収箱８０に収容できるようにしたものである。
【０００９】
すなわち、この排出集積装置は、搬送ローラ７７、７８による挟持状態からカード７９が開放されるタイミングをフォト検知器８３により検知させるとともに、このタイミングでソレノイド８４を介して切り替えアーム８１を鋸歯状歯車８２側に回動させ、これによりカード７９と鋸歯状歯車８２とを接触させることで、切り替えアーム８１によってカード７９の跳ね上がりを押さえ込みつつ、鋸歯状歯車８２によってカード７９を確実に回収箱８０内へ押し込むものとなっている。
【００１０】
また、特開２０００−２２２６１８号公報に開示されている第４のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１７及び図１８に示すように、紙幣８５の排出方向に対して下流側が上方に位置するように傾けて配置された紙幣集積板８６を有する集積部８７と、ローラ８８、８９等によって集積部８７に排出される排出前の紙幣８５の後端部を検知するセンサ９０と、先端部がねじりバネによって上方に付勢され、ローラ８８、８９等によって集積部８７に向けて排出された紙幣８５の移動を停止させるための紙幣押さえ板９１と、集積部８７の壁部９２に沿って後端部から紙幣８５を掻き落とすための羽根車９３と、紙幣押さえ板９１の動作タイミングをソレノイド９４を介して制御する制御装置とから主に構成されている。
【００１１】
すなわち、この排出集積装置は、集積部８７の壁部９２に沿って羽根車９３により紙幣８５の後端部を掻き落とせる位置で、紙幣８５の先端部を紙幣押さえ板９１により押圧し紙幣８５の移動を停止させることができるように、センサ９０による紙幣８５の後端部の検知信号、紙幣集積板８６上の紙幣８５の積載枚数、並びに紙幣８５の長手方向のサイズに基づいて、紙幣押さえ板９１による紙幣８５への押圧又は非押圧動作を制御することで、集積部８７に後端部が揃った状態で紙幣８５を集積することができる。
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善するために開発されたこのような排出集積装置においても、次のような課題があった。
すなわち、第１のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１２及び図１３に示したように、例えば折り癖の付いた紙幣６３の後端部を押下げレバー６７により強制的に撓ませ、紙幣６３を羽根６５によって押さえ付けつつ集積を行うものであるが、紙葉類の先端が最初に押下げレバー６７の側面に接触する際において、比較的剛性の高い紙幣であれば未だしも、帳票のような剛性の低い紙葉類の場合、押下げレバー６７との接触により紙葉類が折り曲るおそれがあり紙詰まり等が懸念される。
【００１３】
また、第２のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１４に示したように、予め反りのある写真プリントをアーム７６の自重により押さえ付けることで、集積動作の妨げとなる反りの影響を軽減しつつ集積を行うものであることから、サイズの異なる紙葉類を整位した状態で集積する機能はなく、また前記課題と同様、帳票のような剛性の低い紙葉類の場合、アーム７６の自重に抗しつつ、アーム７６先端のローラ７５と受皿（又は既に集積されている紙葉類）との間に紙葉類が入り込む際に例えば紙葉類が折れ曲がり紙詰まり等が生じるおそれがある。
【００１４】
さらに、第３のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１５及び図１６に示したように、カード７９の先端部と、回収箱８０の底面等との間で生じする摩擦力により、カード７９後端部が搬送ローラ７８上でスリップ状態にならないように、切り替えアーム８１により、カード７９を鋸歯状歯車８２に押し当てるように構成したもの、すなわち、回収箱８０へ向けてのカード７９の搬送力を向上させようとしたものであるから、サイズの異なる紙葉類を整位した状態で集積するといった点については課題が残る。
【００１５】
また、第４のタイプの排出集積装置は、図１７及び図１８に示したように、集積部８７の壁部９２に沿って羽根車９３により紙幣８５の後端部を掻き落とせる位置で、紙幣８５の先端部を紙幣押さえ板９１により押圧し紙幣８５の移動を停止させる機構なので、紙幣８５の後端部が羽根車９３の掻き落し位置に到達するタイミングと、紙幣８５の先端部に紙幣押さえ板９１を接触させるタイミングとを同期させることが難しく、紙葉類の排出（集積）速度の向上、すなわち紙葉類１枚ずつに対しての処理速度の向上を図ることが困難である。
【００１６】
そこで本発明は、このような課題を解決するためになされたもので、比較的剛性が低くしかもサイズの異なる複数の紙葉類を整位した状態で集積できるとともに、紙葉類の集積速度を実質的に向上させることのできる紙葉類の排出集積装置を提供するものである。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、紙葉類が集積される集積部と、前記紙葉類を挟持しつつ搬送すると共に挟持状態が開放される位置まで後端が送られた該紙葉類を前記集積部側へ向けて放出する一対の排出ローラを備えた排出機構を、下流側に有する紙葉類搬送手段と、前記紙葉類搬送手段によってその排出機構内を前記一対の排出ローラにより挟持されつつ下流側に搬送される紙葉類の搬送方向における後端の通過を前記一対の排出ローラの設置位置よりも上流側で検知する第１のセンサと、前記第１のセンサにより検知された前記紙葉類が前記一対の排出ローラにより挟持されつつさらに下流側に搬送されて、前記一対の排出ローラによる挟持状態が開放される位置まで送られた当該紙葉類の後端の通過を検知する第２のセンサと、前記排出機構によって排出される前記紙葉類の表面に摺接して負荷を与える摺接位置と該紙葉類の表面から離間する非摺接位置との間を移動可能に配置され、前記集積部に集積される該紙葉類の集積位置を調整するための摺接部材と、前記集積部において前記後端が揃った状態で前記紙葉類が集積されるように、前記第１及び第２のセンサによる検知結果に基づいて前記摺接部材の動作制御を行う制御手段とを具備し、前記制御手段は、前記排出機構内を搬送される前記紙葉類の後端が前記第１のセンサにより検出されたタイミングで前記摺接部材を前記摺接位置に移動させ、かつ前記第１のセンサにより検出された前記紙葉類がさらに下流側に搬送されて当該紙葉類の後端が前記第２のセンサにより検出されたタイミングで前記摺接部材を前記非摺接位置に移動させる動作制御を行う、ことを特徴とする。
【００１９】
すなわち、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、排出機構によって紙葉類が集積部へ排出される前に例えば所定の速度で搬送される紙葉類の後端の通過を検知するとともに、集積部へ排出される紙葉類の表面と摺接して排出力を調整する摺接部材の動作のタイミングを紙葉類の検知結果に基づいて制御することで、紙葉類の集積位置の調整が可能となり、これにより集積部において後端を揃えた状態で紙葉類を集積することができる。
【００２０】
したがって、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置によれば、集積対象の紙葉類が互いにサイズの異なる紙葉類であっても、紙葉類の後端を集積部上の所定の集積位置を基準に位置合わせした状態で紙葉類を集積して行くことが可能である。
【００２１】
また、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、集積部へ排出される紙葉類の表面へ摺接部材を摺接させることによって紙葉類を整位した状態で集積する構造、すなわち紙葉類の剛性が集積動作に悪影響を及ぼし難い構造を採っていることから、例えば紙葉類が比較的剛性の低い帳票等を集積する場合であってもこれを例えば曲げてしまうようなおそれ等がなく、整位された状態で紙葉類を好適に集積することができる。
【００２２】
さらに、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、紙葉類を整位した状態で集積するための機構が、排出される紙葉類の表面に摺接部材を単に摺接させるといった簡易的な機構、つまり複数の部材の動作のタイミング等を例えば複雑にからみ合わせて動作させること等が不要な機構であることから、紙葉類を整位させる際に例えば紙葉類を低速で搬送する必要等がなく、これにより実質的に紙葉類の集積速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００２７】
さらに、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、紙葉類が集積される集積部と、前記紙葉類を挟持しつつ搬送すると共に挟持状態が開放される位置まで後端が送られた該紙葉類を前記集積部側へ向けて放出する一対の排出ローラを備えた排出機構を、下流側に有する紙葉類搬送手段と、前記紙葉類搬送手段によってその排出機構内を前記一対の排出ローラにより挟持されつつ下流側に搬送される紙葉類の搬送方向における後端の通過を前記一対の排出ローラの設置位置よりも上流側で検知する第１のセンサと、前記第１のセンサにより検知された前記紙葉類が前記一対の排出ローラにより挟持されつつさらに下流側に搬送されて、前記一対の排出ローラによる挟持状態が開放される位置まで送られた当該紙葉類の後端の通過を検知する第２のセンサと、前記排出機構によって排出される前記紙葉類の表面に摺接して負荷を与える摺接位置と該紙葉類の表面から離間する非摺接位置との間を移動可能に配置され、前記集積部に集積される該紙葉類の集積位置を調整するための摺接部材と、前記摺接部材によって排出力を調整される前記紙葉類の表面を押さえ込み、前記集積部上の所定の集積位置に該紙葉類を強制的に移動させるための押込み部材と、前記集積部において前記後端が揃った状態で前記紙葉類が集積されるように、前記第１及び第２のセンサによる検知結果に基づいて前記摺接部材及び前記押込み部材の動作制御を行う制御手段とを具備し、前記制御手段は、前記排出機構内を搬送される前記紙葉類の後端が前記第１のセンサにより検出されたタイミングで前記摺接部材を前記摺接位置に移動させ、かつ前記第１のセンサにより検出された前記紙葉類がさらに下流側に搬送され当該紙葉類の後端が前記第２のセンサにより検出された前記一対の排出ローラによる当該紙葉類の挟持状態が開放されるタイミングで、前記摺接部材を前記非摺接位置に移動させると共に当該紙葉類の表面への前記押込み部材による押さえ込み動作を開始させる、ことを特徴とする。
【００２８】
したがって、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、排出機構によって紙葉類が集積部へ排出される前に、紙葉類の後端が所定の位置を通過したこと等を検知し、排出される紙葉類の表面に摺接部材を、紙葉類の検知結果に基づくタイミングで摺接させて、集積部へ向けての紙葉類の排出力を調整するとともに、調整された紙葉類の排出力並びに紙葉類の検知結果に基づいて所定のタイミングで紙葉類の表面を押さえ込み、集積部へ紙葉類を強制的に移動させることで、集積部において後端を揃えた状態で紙葉類を集積することができる。
【００２９】
すなわち、この発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置によれば、排出される紙葉類の排出力が摺接部材によって調整された後、押込み部材により紙葉類が集積部へ押し込まれる構成なので、紙葉類を集積部へ強制的に押し込むタイミング制御が高精度に行われ、集積対象の紙葉類が互いにサイズの異なる紙葉類であっても、より精度良く紙葉類を整位した状態で集積して行くことができる。
【００３０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づき説明する。
図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る集積排出機構を備えた光学的文字読取装置を示す図である。
【００３１】
同図に示すように、この光学的文字読取装置１は、装置内部に搬入される複数枚の帳票が積載されるホッパテーブル２と、ホッパテーブル２に積載された帳票の上面に摺接して帳票を装置内部に取込むピックローラ３及びフィードローラ４と、フィードローラ４によって装置内部に取込まれる帳票の下面に接触し、フィードローラ４と協働して帳票を一枚ずつ分離する分離ローラ６と、搬送路５の上下に対向して配置され、帳票を両面から挟持しつつ下流側へと搬送する複数の上部搬送ローラ７及び下部搬送ローラ８と、搬送されてきた帳票の表面に光を照射する光源１４と、搬送されてきた帳票の表面（上面）のイメージを読取るとともに、帳票の搬送方向におけるサイズを検出するＣＣＤイメージセンサ１３と、帳票の表面からの反射光をＣＣＤイメージセンサ１３へと導くミラー１０、１１及びレンズ１２と、搬送されてきた帳票の裏面のイメージを読取るための裏面密着センサ１５と、プラテンローラ１６に対向して設けられ、処理した帳票に対し連番等を印字する印字ヘッド１７と、印字ヘッド１７による印字処理を終えた後、フラッパ１８により仕分けられ、さらに駆動排出ローラ２２、従動排出ローラ２１に挟持されつつ装置内部より排出された帳票を集積するスタッカ１９、２０とから主に構成されている。
【００３２】
次に、本実施形態の光学的文字読取装置１に設けられた帳票の集積排出機構２３について説明する。
すなわち、図２に示すように、この集積排出機構２３は、互いにサイズの異なる帳票２４をスタッカ１９、２０に整位された状態で集積することが可能な機構であり、この帳票２４が集積されるスタッカ２０（及びスタッカ１９）と、スタッカ２０へ向けて帳票２４を挟持しつつ排出して行く一対のローラであって、モータ（図示せず）の駆動力により搬送ベルト等を介して駆動される前述した駆動排出ローラ２２及びこの駆動排出ローラ２２に対向にして設けられた従動排出ローラ２１と、前記モータ及び搬送ベルトを介して駆動され、排出ローラ２１、２２に向けて帳票２４を挟持しつつ搬送する駆動搬送ローラ８ａ及び対向する従動搬送ローラ８ｂと、排出ローラ２１、２２によって排出される帳票２４の表面に摺接して負荷を与え、スタッカ２０に集積される帳票２４の集積位置を調整するための摺接レバー２５と、摺接レバー２５の先端部に設けられ、帳票２４との間で高い摩擦力の得られる別部品の組込や、該レバーの先端部に高摩擦の得られる表面処理を施すことで構成された高摩擦部２６と、通電時に可動片２７が本体側に吸着される動作を利用し、摺接レバー２５先端の高摩擦部２６を、排出ローラ２１、２２に挟持されている帳票２４の表面に摺接する摺接位置（帳票２４の搬送方向における排出ローラ２１、２２の周面どうしが接触している位置）と帳票２４の表面から離間した非摺接位置との間で移動させる自己吸着型のソレノイド２８と、それぞれが発光器及び受光器により構成され、受光器が“暗”から“明”に変わるタイミングにより帳票２４の後端をそれぞれが検知する第１のセンサ２９及び第２のセンサ３０と、センサ２９、３０、ソレノイド２８、駆動排出ローラ２２及び駆動搬送ローラ８ａ等を監視することで、帳票２４の後端を第１のセンサ２９が検知したタイミングで、摺接レバー２５先端の高摩擦部２６を摺接位置に移動するとともに、帳票２４の後端を第２のセンサ３０が検知したタイミング、すなわち排出ローラ２１、２２の帳票２４の後端が挟持状態から開放されるタイミングで、摺接レバー２５先端の高摩擦部２６を非摺接位置に移動させる制御を行う制御部３１とから実現されている。
【００３３】
次に、このように構成された集積排出機構２３による帳票２４の集積動作について説明する。
【００３４】
印字ヘッド１７による印字処理を終え、搬送ローラ８ａ、８ｂによって搬送されてきた帳票２４の先端部分が、まず、排出ローラ２１、２２により取り込まれる。排出ローラ２１、２２によって帳票２４のスタッカ２０側への搬送がしばらく進むと、帳票２４の後端が第１のセンサ２９によって検知される。このタイミングで、制御部３１は、ソレノイド２８を制御して摺接レバー２５先端の高摩擦部２６を、図３に示すように、排出ローラ２１、２２に挟持されている帳票２４の表面に摺接する摺接位置に移動する。この際、高摩擦部２６は、帳票２４の後端近傍の表面（上面）に摺接することになる。
【００３５】
さらに、排出ローラ２１、２２によって帳票２４のスタッカ２０側への搬送がさらに進むと、帳票２４の後端が第２のセンサ３０によって検知される。このタイミングで、制御部３１は、ソレノイド２８を制御して摺接レバー２５先端の高摩擦部２６を、図２に示すように、帳票２４の表面から離間する非摺接位置に移動する。このタイミングは、排出ローラ２１、２２によって挟持されていた帳票２４の後端が挟持状態から開放される瞬間と同期している。排出ローラ２１、２２の挟持搬送状態から開放されたことで、帳票２４はスタッカ２０へ集積される。このような一連の動作制御により、搬送方向の長さが異なる様々なサイズの帳票を、後端部を揃えた状態でスタッカ２０に集積することが可能となる。
【００３６】
このように、本実施形態に係る光学的文字読取装置１が備えた排出集積機構２３は、スタッカ２０へ帳票２４が排出される前に、搬送されている帳票２４の後端を検知するとともに、スタッカ２０へ排出される帳票２４の後端部の表面（上面）と摺接して負荷を与える摺接レバー２５の動作のタイミングを、帳票２４の後端の検知結果に基づいて制御するので、スタッカ２０における帳票２４の集積位置の調整が可能となり、これにより集積対象の帳票が互いにサイズの異なる帳票であっても、スタッカ２０において後端部を揃えた状態で帳票２４を集積することができる。
【００３７】
また、本実施形態に係る排出集積機構２３は、スタッカ２０へ排出される帳票２４の表面へ摺接レバー２５を摺接させることによって帳票２４を整位した状態で集積する構造、すなわち剛性の比較的低い紙葉類である帳票２４のこの剛性が集積動作に悪影響を及ぼし難い構造を採っていることから、帳票２４を例えば曲げてしまうようなおそれ等がなく、整位された状態で帳票２４を好適に集積することができる。
【００３８】
さらに、本実施形態に係る排出集積機構２３は、帳票２４を整位した状態で集積するための機構が、排出される帳票２４の表面に摺接レバー２５を単に摺接させるといった簡易的な機構、つまり複数の部材の動作のタイミング等を例えば複雑にからみ合わせて動作させること等が不要な機構であることから、帳票を整位させる際に例えばこの帳票を低速で搬送する必要等がなく、これにより実質的に帳票の集積速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００３９】
なお、本実施形態の排出集積機構２３では、摺接レバー２５の先端の高摩擦部２６が、例えば帳票との摩擦力を向上させるための該レバーの表面処理等によって実現されたものであたっが、図４及び図５に示すように、ホッパテーブル２近傍の給紙機構部分で例えば採用される一方向クラッチ（one way clutch）等を備えた高摩擦ローラ３２を摺接レバーに設け、集積の際の整位能力の向上を図ってもよい。
【００４０】
また、本実施形態の排出集積機構２３では、第１、第２の２つのセンサ２９、３０を用いて、摺接レバー２５の動作制御を行うものであったが、第１のセンサ２９の受光器により“明”から“暗”に変わる帳票２４の先端検知のタイミング、ＣＣＤイメージセンサ１３によって検出可能な帳票２４の搬送方向におけるサイズ、帳票２４を搬送するための搬送ローラ８ａ等の駆動モータのパルス、並びに第１のセンサ２９による帳票２４の後端検知のタイミングに基づいて、摺接レバー２５の既述してきた動作制御が可能なので、第２のセンサ３０を削除して排出集積機構を構成してもよい。
【００４１】
（第２の実施形態）
この実施形態に係る光学的文字読取装置には、第１の実施形態の排出集積機構２３に代えて図６及び図７に示すように、排出集積機構３３が設けられている。すなわち、この排出集積機構３３は、排出集積機構２３の摺接レバー２５の代わりに、押込みレバー３４を備えている。この押込みレバー３４は、排出ローラ２１、２２によって排出される帳票２４の後端部表面を押さえ込み、スタッカ２０に帳票２４を強制的に移動させるためのものである。
【００４２】
このような排出集積機構３３では、帳票２４の後端が第１のセンサ２９によって検知されると、このタイミングから所定の時間経過後、制御部３１は、ソレノイド２８を制御して押込みレバー３４の先端部を、スタッカ２０側へ旋回させる。このタイミングは、排出ローラ２１、２２によって挟持されていた帳票２４の後端が挟持状態から開放される瞬間と同期している。これにより、図７に示すように、帳票２４の後端部表面が押込みレバー３４の先端部により押さえ込まれ、スタッカ２０に向けて帳票２４が強制的に移動することになる。したがって、搬送方向の長さが異なる様々なサイズの帳票を、後端部を揃えた状態でスタッカ２０に集積することが可能となる。
【００４３】
ここで、スタッカ２０に集積される前に帳票２４の後端が第２のセンサ３０によって検知されており、このタイミングから所定の時間経過後、つまり押込みレバー３４が帳票２４を押さえ込んでスタッカ２０へ向けて強制的に移動してからしばらくした後、押込みレバー３４の先端部が帳票２４の後端部表面より上昇し図６に示すように初期のスタンバイ位置で停止する。
【００４４】
このように、本実施形態に係る排出集積機構３３は、排出ローラ２１、２２によって帳票２４がスタッカ２０へ排出される前に、帳票２４の後端部が所定の位置を通過したこと等を検知し、この検知結果に基づく所定のタイミングで紙葉類の表面を押さえ込み、集積部へ紙葉類を強制的に移動させるものである。
【００４５】
したがって、この排出集積機構３３によれば、排出される帳票２４をスタッカ２０へ強制的に押し込むタイミングを調整できるので、スタッカ２０において例えば後端部を揃えた状態で帳票を集積することが可能となり、これにより集積対象の帳票が互いにサイズの異なる帳票であっても、帳票の後端部を集積部上の所定の集積位置を基準に位置合わせした状態で帳票を集積して行くことができる。
【００４６】
なお、本実施形態では、帳票２４を搬送するための搬送ローラ８ａ、８ｂや、排出ローラ２１、２２の動作制御については、特に説明しなかったが、帳票を搬送するための機構と帳票を集積するための機構とが各構成部材の動作のタイミングにおいて制約を受けることがないように、図８に示すように、排出駆動ローラ２２を駆動するための駆動モータ３５、３６及び搬送ベルト３７、３８をスタッカ１９、２０毎にそれぞれ独立した駆動系として設けるとともに、搬送駆動ローラ８ｂの駆動系である駆動モータ３９及び搬送ベルト４０を駆動排出ローラ２２の駆動系から独立した駆動系として設けてもよい。
【００４７】
また、第１の実施形態の排出集積機構２３が備えていた摺動レバー２５を本実施形態の排出集積機構３３に付与してもよい。これにより、スタッカ２０へ排出される帳票２４の排出力が摺接レバー２５によって調整された後、押込みレバー３４により帳票２４がスタッカ２０へ押し込まれることになるので、帳票２４がスタッカ２０へ強制的に押し込まれるタイミング制御が高精度に行われ、集積対象の帳票２４が互いにサイズの異なる帳票２４であっても、より精度良く帳票２４を整位した状態で集積して行くことができる。
【００４８】
以上、本発明を各実施の形態により具体的に説明したが、本発明は前記実施形態にのみ限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変更可能である。例えば、図９及び図１０に示すように、ＣＣＤ４１等による読取処理後の帳票類をランダムソートするためのソータ部４１を備えた光学的文字読取装置４３等において、このソータ部４１が備えるソータポケットテーブル４４及びソータ側排出ローラ４５等の構成部分に本発明の排出集積装置を適用してもよい。
【００４９】
また、上述した各実施形態は光学的文字読取装置を本発明に適用したものであったが、装置内部で処理された紙葉類を排出及び集積する例えばプリンタ又は複写機等にも、無論本発明を適用することができる。
【００５０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、紙葉類の表面に摺接する摺接部材の動作のタイミングを紙葉類の検知結果に基づいて制御することで、紙葉類の集積位置の調整が可能となり、これにより集積部において後端を揃えた状態で紙葉類を集積することができる。したがって、本発明によれば、集積対象の紙葉類が互いにサイズの異なる紙葉類であっても、紙葉類の後端を集積部上の所定の集積位置を基準に集積して行くことが可能である。
【００５１】
また、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、紙葉類の表面へ摺接部材を摺接させるといった、紙葉類の剛性が集積動作に悪影響を及ぼし難い構造を採用していることから、例えば紙葉類が比較的剛性の低い帳票等を集積する場合であっても、紙葉類を集積の際に曲げてしまうようなおそれが低減される。さらに、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置は、複数の部材の動作のタイミング等を例えば複雑にからみ合わせて動作させること等が不要な機構であることから、紙葉類を整位させる際に例えば紙葉類を低速で搬送する必要等がなく、これにより実質的に紙葉類の集積速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００５２】
さらに、本発明に係る紙葉類の排出集積装置によれば、排出される紙葉類を集積部へ押し込む押込み部材の動作のタイミングを制御できるので、集積部において後端を揃えた状態で紙葉類を集積することが可能であり、これにより集積対象の紙葉類が互いにサイズの異なる紙葉類であっても、紙葉類の後端を揃えた状態で集積部上の所定の集積位置に紙葉類を集積して行くことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態に係る集積排出機構を備えた光学的文字読取装置を示す図である。
【図２】図１の排出集積機構を詳細に示す図である。
【図３】図２の排出集積機構の帳票集積時の動作を示す図である。
【図４】図２、図３と異なる他の排出集積機構を示す図である。
【図５】図４の排出集積機構の帳票集積時の動作を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第２の実施形態に係る集積排出機構を示す図である。
【図７】図６の排出集積機構の帳票集積時の動作を示す図である。
【図８】図２乃至図７と異なる他の排出集積機構を示す図である。
【図９】本発明を適用可能なソータ部を有する光学的文字読取装置を示す図である。
【図１０】図９の光学的文字読取装置を示す断面図である。
【図１１】従来の紙葉類の排出集積装置を示す図である。
【図１２】紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善した第１のタイプの紙葉類の排出集積装置を示す図である。
【図１３】図１２の排出集積装置の主要部を示す斜視図である。
【図１４】紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善した第２のタイプの紙葉類の排出集積装置を示す図である。
【図１５】紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善した第３のタイプの紙葉類の排出集積装置を示す図である。
【図１６】図１５の排出集積装置の側面図である。
【図１７】紙葉類の集積状態の乱雑さを改善した第４のタイプの紙葉類の排出集積装置を示す図である。
【図１８】図１７の排出集積装置の紙幣押さえ板が動作した状態を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１…光学的文字読取装置、８ａ…駆動搬送ローラ、８ｂ…従動搬送ローラ、１９・２０…スタッカ、２１…従動排出ローラ、２２…駆動排出ローラ、２３、３３…集積排出機構、２４…帳票、２５…摺接レバー、２６…高摩擦部、２８…ソレノイド、２９・３０…センサ、３１…制御部、３２…高摩擦ローラ、３４…押込みレバー。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a paper sheet discharging and accumulating device provided in, for example, an optical character reader.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical character reader for optically reading characters written on a form, etc., takes the form one by one into the apparatus and conveys it, and forms it with a CCD image sensor or the like provided on the conveyance path. The upper character is read as an image, and an image of the read character is detected for each character and cut out character recognition is performed. Further, such an optical character reading apparatus is generally provided with a discharge stacking device for discharging and stacking the forms that have been subjected to the character reading process one by one from the inside of the device.
[0003]
That is, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of conventional discharge stacking apparatuses 51 are provided so that the forms 52 can be sorted based on the data content read from the forms 52 by an image sensor or the like. A stacking unit 53 to be stacked, and a pair of discharge rollers 56 and 57 driven by a motor 54 via a belt 55, and a discharge mechanism 58 for discharging the forms 52 one by one toward the stacking unit 53; For example, it is mainly composed of a form stopper 59 provided as a stopper of the form 52 provided at a position corresponding to the maximum size form 52a to be processed and discharged to the stacking unit 53.
[0004]
However, in the conventional discharge stacking apparatus 51 configured as described above, since the above-described stopper structure is employed in the form stacking mechanism, for example, the forms 52b having different sizes are stacked in an aligned state. In this case, the form 52b is randomly collected, and the character reading processing order in the form 52b and the stacking order to be stacked on the stacking unit 53 may be changed. Will leave issues in the process.
[0005]
Accordingly, various discharge and accumulation devices have been developed in order to improve the randomness of the accumulation state of such paper sheets.
[0006]
For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a first type of discharging and accumulating apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-1511012 impellers bills 63 conveyed while being sandwiched between rollers 61 and 62. Even when the rear end portion of the banknote 63 is lifted up, for example, when the banknote 63 has a strong fold, etc. The banknote 63 is forcibly bent by the push-down lever 67 so that the rear end of the banknote 63 is on the turning trajectory of the blade 65 of the impeller 64, and the banknote 63 is pressed while the rear end of the banknote 63 is pressed by the blade 65. 63 is accumulated.
[0007]
Further, a second type of discharge stacking apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-347991 stacks photographic prints 68 and 69 obtained by cutting a long photosensitive material for each image frame as shown in FIG. The photographic prints 68 and 69 discharged from the inside of the apparatus to the trays 72, 73 and 74 by the pulleys 70 and 71 so that the cut photographic prints 6869 can be collected in a state in which the warpage is suppressed. This is a device that sequentially accumulates photographic prints 68 and 69 while pressing the upper surface of the head with the weight of an arm 76 provided with a roller 75 at the tip.
[0008]
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the third type of discharge stacking device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-7150 includes a leading end portion of a card 79 fed by transport rollers 77 and 78, and The frictional force generated between the bottom surface of the collection box 80 or the top surface of the card 79 already collected in the collection box 80 prevents the card 79 from slipping with the rear end of the card 79 riding on the transport roller 78. The card 79 can be securely accommodated in the recovery box 80 by pressing the rear end of the card 79 against the sawtooth gear 82 by one end of the switching arm 81 for switching between recovery and non-recovery.
[0009]
That is, the discharge stacking apparatus causes the photo detector 83 to detect the timing at which the card 79 is released from the nipping state by the transport rollers 77 and 78, and at this timing, the switching arm 81 is sawtooth gear 82 via the solenoid 84. The card 79 and the saw-toothed gear 82 are brought into contact with each other, whereby the card 79 is reliably pushed into the collection box 80 by the saw-toothed gear 82 while the jumping up of the card 79 is suppressed by the switching arm 81. It has become a thing.
[0010]
Moreover, as shown in FIG.17 and FIG.18, the 4th type discharge | emission accumulation | stacking apparatus currently disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2000-222618 is located so that a downstream side may be located upwards with respect to the discharge direction of the banknote 85. FIG. An accumulating portion 87 having a bill accumulating plate 86 disposed at an angle, a sensor 90 for detecting the rear end portion of the bill 85 before being discharged to the accumulating portion 87 by rollers 88, 89, etc., and a torsion spring at the leading end portion The banknote pressing plate 91 for stopping the movement of the banknote 85 biased upward by the rollers 88 and 89 and discharged toward the stacking section 87 by the rollers 88 and 89, and the rear end section along the wall section 92 of the stacking section 87 Are mainly composed of an impeller 93 for scraping the banknote 85 from the machine and a control device for controlling the operation timing of the banknote pressing plate 91 via a solenoid 94.
[0011]
That is, the discharge stacking device presses the leading end of the banknote 85 with the banknote pressing plate 91 at a position where the rear end of the banknote 85 can be scraped off by the impeller 93 along the wall 92 of the stacking section 87. Based on the detection signal of the trailing edge of the banknote 85 by the sensor 90, the number of stacked banknotes 85 on the banknote stacking board 86, and the size in the longitudinal direction of the banknote 85 so that the movement can be stopped. By controlling the pressing or non-pressing operation on the banknote 85 by 91, the banknote 85 can be stacked in a state where the rear end portions are aligned with the stacking section 87.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even in such a discharge and accumulation device developed to improve the randomness of the accumulation state of paper sheets, there are the following problems.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first type of discharging and accumulating device forcibly bends the rear end portion of the banknote 63 with a fold, for example, by the push-down lever 67, The paper is accumulated while being pressed by the blades 65. However, when the leading edge of the paper sheet first contacts the side surface of the push-down lever 67, if it is a relatively rigid banknote, it is still like a form. In the case of a paper sheet having a low rigidity, the paper sheet may be bent due to contact with the push-down lever 67, and there is a concern about a paper jam or the like.
[0013]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the second type of discharge and stacking apparatus reduces the influence of the warp that hinders the stacking operation by pressing the photo print with the warp in advance by the weight of the arm 76. Since the sheets are stacked, there is no function of stacking sheets with different sizes in an aligned state. Similarly to the above-described problem, the weight of the arm 76 is low in the case of a sheet having low rigidity such as a form. However, when a paper sheet enters between the roller 75 at the tip of the arm 76 and the tray (or the paper sheets already accumulated), for example, the paper sheet may be bent and a paper jam may occur.
[0014]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the third type of discharge stacking apparatus is configured such that the rear end of the card 79 is generated by the frictional force generated between the front end of the card 79 and the bottom surface of the collection box 80. In which the card 79 is pressed against the sawtooth gear 82 by the switching arm 81 so that the portion does not slip on the transport roller 78, that is, the transport force of the card 79 toward the collection box 80 is increased. Since this is an attempt to improve, there remains a problem with respect to collecting sheets with different sizes in an aligned state.
[0015]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fourth type of discharge stacking device is a banknote at a position where the rear end portion of the banknote 85 can be scraped off by the impeller 93 along the wall portion 92 of the stacking section 87. Since the front end of 85 is pressed by the banknote pressing plate 91 and the movement of the banknote 85 is stopped, the timing at which the rear end of the banknote 85 reaches the scraping position of the impeller 93 and the banknote presser It is difficult to synchronize the timing with which the plate 91 is brought into contact, and it is difficult to improve the discharge (accumulation) speed of paper sheets, that is, to improve the processing speed for each paper sheet.
[0016]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to stack a plurality of paper sheets having relatively low rigidity and different sizes in an aligned state, and to increase the stacking speed of the paper sheets. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper sheet discharge and accumulation device which can be substantially improved.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, according to the present invention. Paper sheet discharge and accumulation equipment An accumulating unit for collecting paper sheets; A pair of discharge rollers for conveying the paper sheets while pinching them and discharging the paper sheets whose rear end is sent to a position where the pinching state is released toward the stacking unit side; Ejection mechanism The The paper sheet conveying means on the downstream side, and the inside of the discharge mechanism by the paper sheet conveying means While being sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers, Passing the trailing edge of the transported paper sheet in the transport direction A first sensor that detects upstream of the installation position of the pair of discharge rollers and the paper sheet detected by the first sensor are conveyed further downstream while being sandwiched by the pair of discharge rollers. A second sensor for detecting the passage of the rear end of the paper sheet that has been sent to a position where the clamping state by the pair of discharge rollers is released; The stacking portion is movably disposed between a sliding contact position that applies a load by sliding on the surface of the paper sheet discharged by the discharge mechanism and a non-sliding contact position that is separated from the surface of the paper sheet. A sliding contact member for adjusting the stacking position of the paper sheets to be stacked in the stacking section, so that the paper sheets are stacked in a state where the rear ends are aligned in the stacking section, The first and second sensors Control means for controlling the operation of the sliding contact member based on the detection result by the control means, the control means, At the timing when the rear end of the paper sheet conveyed in the discharge mechanism is detected by the first sensor Moving the sliding contact member to the sliding contact position; In addition, at the timing when the paper sheet detected by the first sensor is conveyed further downstream and the trailing edge of the paper sheet is detected by the second sensor. Operation control for moving the sliding contact member to the non-sliding contact position is performed.
[0019]
That is, this The paper sheet discharging and accumulating apparatus according to the present invention is a paper sheet discharging and accumulating apparatus that transports paper sheets at a predetermined speed, for example, before being discharged to the stacking unit by the discharging mechanism. Rear end By detecting the passage and controlling the operation timing of the sliding contact member that adjusts the discharge force by sliding contact with the surface of the paper discharged to the stacking unit based on the detection result of the paper, It is possible to adjust the accumulation position of the Trailing edge Paper sheets can be accumulated in a state in which they are aligned.
[0020]
Therefore, this According to the paper sheet discharging and accumulating apparatus according to the invention, even if the paper sheets to be accumulated are paper sheets of different sizes, Trailing edge It is possible to stack paper sheets in a state where the position is aligned with a predetermined stacking position on the stacking unit as a reference.
[0021]
Also, this The paper sheet discharging and accumulating device according to the invention has a structure in which paper sheets are stacked in an aligned state by sliding a sliding contact member on the surface of the paper sheets discharged to the stacking unit, that is, the paper sheets For example, even when paper sheets accumulate sheets with relatively low rigidity, for example, there is no risk of bending them, for example. The paper sheets can be suitably accumulated in the aligned state.
[0022]
further, this The paper sheet discharging and accumulating apparatus according to the invention is a simple mechanism in which the mechanism for stacking the paper sheets in an aligned state simply slides the sliding member on the surface of the discharged paper sheets. In other words, since it is a mechanism that does not require operation of a plurality of members to be entangled in a complicated manner, for example, it is necessary to transport the sheets at a low speed when aligning the sheets, etc. Accordingly, it is possible to substantially improve the accumulation speed of paper sheets.
[0027]
Furthermore, the paper sheet discharging and accumulating device according to the present invention includes an accumulating unit for accumulating paper sheets, A pair of discharge rollers for conveying the paper sheets while pinching them and discharging the paper sheets whose rear end is sent to a position where the pinching state is released toward the stacking unit side; Ejection mechanism The The paper sheet conveying means on the downstream side, and the inside of the discharge mechanism by the paper sheet conveying means While being sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers, Passing the trailing edge of the transported paper sheet in the transport direction A first sensor that detects upstream of the installation position of the pair of discharge rollers and the paper sheet detected by the first sensor are conveyed further downstream while being sandwiched by the pair of discharge rollers. A second sensor for detecting the passage of the rear end of the paper sheet that has been sent to a position where the clamping state by the pair of discharge rollers is released; The stacking portion is movably disposed between a sliding contact position that applies a load by sliding on the surface of the paper sheet discharged by the discharge mechanism and a non-sliding contact position that is separated from the surface of the paper sheet. A sliding contact member for adjusting the stacking position of the paper sheets stacked on the sheet, and a predetermined stacking position on the stacking unit by pressing down the surface of the paper sheets whose discharge force is adjusted by the sliding contact member A pressing member for forcibly moving the paper sheets, and the paper sheets are stacked in a state where the rear ends are aligned in the stacking section, The first and second sensors Control means for controlling the operation of the sliding contact member and the pushing member based on the detection result by the control means, the control means, At the timing when the rear end of the paper sheet conveyed in the discharge mechanism is detected by the first sensor Moving the sliding contact member to the sliding contact position; In addition, the paper sheet detected by the first sensor is conveyed further downstream, and the trailing edge of the paper sheet is detected by the second sensor. By the pair of discharge rollers Concerned When the paper is nipped so, Moving the sliding member to the non-sliding position Concerned The pressing operation by the pressing member on the surface of the paper sheet is started.
[0028]
Therefore, the paper sheet discharging and accumulating device according to the present invention is provided before the paper sheets are discharged to the accumulating unit by the discharging mechanism. ,paper Leafy Trailing edge Detects that the paper has passed a predetermined position, etc., and makes the sliding contact member come into contact with the surface of the discharged paper sheet at a timing based on the detection result of the paper sheet, so that the paper sheet toward the stacking unit The paper discharge force is adjusted, the surface of the paper sheet is pressed at a predetermined timing based on the adjusted paper discharge power and the paper sheet detection result, and the paper sheet is forced to the stacking unit. By moving, in the accumulation part Trailing edge Paper sheets can be accumulated in a state in which they are aligned.
[0029]
That is, according to the paper sheet discharging and accumulating device according to the present invention, the paper sheet is pushed into the stacking unit by the pushing member after the discharging force of the discharged paper sheet is adjusted by the sliding contact member. The timing control for forcibly pushing the paper sheets into the stacking unit is performed with high precision, and even if the paper sheets to be stacked are different in size, the paper sheets are aligned more accurately. It can be accumulated in the state.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view showing an optical character reading device provided with a stacking and discharging mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031]
As shown in the figure, the optical character reader 1 includes a hopper table 2 on which a plurality of forms to be carried into the apparatus are loaded, and a form in sliding contact with the upper surface of the form loaded on the hopper table 2. The pick roller 3 and the feed roller 4 that take in the inside of the apparatus, and the separation roller 6 that contacts the lower surface of the form that is taken into the apparatus by the feed roller 4 and separates the form one by one in cooperation with the feed roller 4. And a plurality of upper transport rollers 7 and lower transport rollers 8 that are disposed opposite to the upper and lower sides of the transport path 5 and transport the form downstream while sandwiching the form from both sides, and light is applied to the surface of the transported form. A light source 14 for irradiating, a CCD image sensor 13 for reading the image of the surface (upper surface) of the conveyed form and detecting the size in the direction of conveying the form, and reflected light from the surface of the form The mirrors 10 and 11 and the lens 12 that lead to the CCD image sensor 13, the back surface contact sensor 15 for reading the image of the back surface of the conveyed form, and the platen roller 16 are provided so as to face the processed form. The print head 17 that prints serial numbers and the like, and after the printing process by the print head 17 is finished, the form that is sorted by the flapper 18 and further sandwiched between the drive discharge roller 22 and the driven discharge roller 21 is discharged from the inside of the apparatus. The stacker 19 and 20 are mainly configured.
[0032]
Next, the form stacking / discharging mechanism 23 provided in the optical character reader 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the stacking / discharging mechanism 23 is a mechanism capable of stacking forms 24 having different sizes on the stackers 19 and 20 so that the forms 24 are stacked. The stacker 20 (and the stacker 19) and a pair of rollers that discharge the paper 24 while sandwiching the form 24 toward the stacker 20, and are driven via a conveyor belt or the like by a driving force of a motor (not shown). The drive discharge roller 22 and the driven discharge roller 21 provided opposite to the drive discharge roller 22 are driven via the motor and the conveyor belt, and the form 24 is sandwiched toward the discharge rollers 21 and 22. While applying a load in sliding contact with the surface of the form 24 discharged by the discharge rollers 21 and 22, and the driven transport roller 8a and the opposite driven transport roller 8b that are transported while being transported, A sliding contact lever 25 for adjusting the stacking position of the form 24 stacked on the tacker 20 and a separate part provided at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 and capable of obtaining a high frictional force with the form 24 Alternatively, the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 is utilized by utilizing the high friction portion 26 configured by subjecting the tip portion of the lever to a surface treatment capable of obtaining high friction and the operation that the movable piece 27 is attracted to the main body side when energized. The high friction portion 26 is in sliding contact with the surface of the form 24 sandwiched between the discharge rollers 21 and 22 (position where the peripheral surfaces of the discharge rollers 21 and 22 are in contact with each other in the conveyance direction of the form 24). And a self-adsorption type solenoid 28 that is moved between a non-sliding position separated from the surface of the form 24, and a timing at which the light receiver changes from “dark” to “light”. After form 24 By monitoring the first sensor 29 and the second sensor 30, the sensors 29 and 30, the solenoid 28, the drive discharge roller 22, the drive conveyance roller 8 a, etc. The high-friction portion 26 at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 is moved to the sliding contact position at the timing detected by the sensor 29 and the second sensor 30 detects the rear end of the form 24, that is, the discharge rollers 21 and 22. This is realized by a control unit 31 that performs control to move the high friction portion 26 at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 to the non-sliding contact timing when the rear end of the form 24 is released from the sandwiched state.
[0033]
Next, a stacking operation of the form 24 by the stacking / discharging mechanism 23 configured as described above will be described.
[0034]
After the printing process by the print head 17 is completed, the leading end portion of the form 24 conveyed by the conveyance rollers 8a and 8b is first taken in by the discharge rollers 21 and 22. When conveyance of the form 24 to the stacker 20 side proceeds for a while by the discharge rollers 21 and 22, the rear end of the form 24 is detected by the first sensor 29. At this timing, the control unit 31 controls the solenoid 28 to slide the high friction portion 26 at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 onto the surface of the form 24 held between the discharge rollers 21 and 22 as shown in FIG. Move to the sliding contact position. At this time, the high friction portion 26 comes into sliding contact with the surface (upper surface) in the vicinity of the rear end of the form 24.
[0035]
Further, when the conveyance of the form 24 to the stacker 20 side is further advanced by the discharge rollers 21 and 22, the rear end of the form 24 is detected by the second sensor 30. At this timing, the control unit 31 controls the solenoid 28 to move the high friction portion 26 at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 to a non-sliding contact position away from the surface of the form 24 as shown in FIG. This timing is synchronized with the moment when the rear end of the form 24 held by the discharge rollers 21 and 22 is released from the holding state. The forms 24 are stacked on the stacker 20 by releasing the nipping and conveying state of the discharge rollers 21 and 22. By such a series of operation controls, it is possible to stack forms of various sizes having different lengths in the transport direction on the stacker 20 with the rear end aligned.
[0036]
As described above, the discharge stacking mechanism 23 provided in the optical character reading device 1 according to the present embodiment detects the rear end of the conveyed form 24 before the form 24 is discharged to the stacker 20, and The timing of the operation of the sliding contact lever 25 that applies a load by sliding contact with the surface (upper surface) of the rear end portion of the form 24 discharged to the stacker 20 is controlled based on the detection result of the rear end of the form 24. Accordingly, the stacking position of the forms 24 in the stacker 20 can be adjusted, so that the forms 24 can be stacked in a state where the rear end portions are aligned in the stacker 20 even if the forms to be stacked have different sizes.
[0037]
Further, the discharge stacking mechanism 23 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the forms 24 are stacked in an aligned state by sliding the sliding contact lever 25 on the surface of the form 24 discharged to the stacker 20, that is, a rigidity comparison. Since the rigidity of the form 24, which is a low-priced paper sheet, has a structure that does not adversely affect the stacking operation, there is no risk of bending the form 24, for example, and the form 24 is in an aligned state. Can be suitably integrated.
[0038]
Further, the discharge and accumulation mechanism 23 according to the present embodiment is a simple mechanism in which the mechanism for accumulating the forms 24 in an aligned state simply slides the sliding contact lever 25 on the surface of the discharged forms 24. In other words, since it is a mechanism that does not need to move the operation timing of a plurality of members in a complicated manner, for example, there is no need to convey the form at a low speed when aligning the form, Thereby, it is possible to substantially improve the collection speed of the form.
[0039]
In the discharge accumulation mechanism 23 of the present embodiment, the high friction part 26 at the tip of the sliding contact lever 25 is realized, for example, by surface treatment of the lever for improving the frictional force with the form. 4 and 5, a high friction roller 32 having a one-way clutch or the like employed in the paper feeding mechanism portion in the vicinity of the hopper table 2 is provided on the sliding contact lever, for example, The positioning ability at the time may be improved.
[0040]
Further, in the discharge and accumulation mechanism 23 of the present embodiment, the first and second sensors 29 and 30 are used to control the operation of the sliding contact lever 25. The timing of detecting the leading edge of the form 24 that changes from “bright” to “dark” by the device, the size in the carrying direction of the form 24 that can be detected by the CCD image sensor 13, the drive motor such as the carrying roller 8a for carrying the form 24, etc. Since the above-described operation control of the sliding contact lever 25 is possible based on the pulse and the timing of the trailing edge detection of the form 24 by the first sensor 29, the second sensor 30 is deleted and the discharge stacking mechanism is configured. May be.
[0041]
(Second Embodiment)
The optical character reader according to this embodiment is provided with a discharge accumulation mechanism 33 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in place of the discharge accumulation mechanism 23 of the first embodiment. That is, the discharge accumulation mechanism 33 includes a push lever 34 instead of the sliding contact lever 25 of the discharge accumulation mechanism 23. The push lever 34 is for pressing the surface of the rear end portion of the form 24 discharged by the discharge rollers 21 and 22 and forcibly moving the form 24 to the stacker 20.
[0042]
In such a discharge and accumulation mechanism 33, when the rear end of the form 24 is detected by the first sensor 29, the controller 31 controls the solenoid 28 to control the push lever 34 after a predetermined time has elapsed from this timing. The tip is turned to the stacker 20 side. This timing is synchronized with the moment when the rear end of the form 24 held by the discharge rollers 21 and 22 is released from the holding state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the rear end portion of the form 24 is pressed by the tip of the push lever 34, and the form 24 is forced to move toward the stacker 20. Accordingly, it is possible to stack forms of various sizes having different lengths in the transport direction on the stacker 20 with the rear end portions aligned.
[0043]
Here, the rear end of the form 24 is detected by the second sensor 30 before being stacked on the stacker 20, and after a predetermined time has elapsed from this timing, that is, the push lever 34 presses the form 24 to the stacker 20. After a while after forcibly moving toward the end, the front end of the push lever 34 rises above the surface of the rear end of the form 24 and stops at the initial standby position as shown in FIG.
[0044]
As described above, the discharge stacking mechanism 33 according to the present embodiment detects that the rear end of the form 24 has passed a predetermined position before the form 24 is discharged to the stacker 20 by the discharge rollers 21 and 22. Then, the surface of the paper sheet is pressed at a predetermined timing based on the detection result, and the paper sheet is forcibly moved to the stacking unit.
[0045]
Therefore, according to the discharge stacking mechanism 33, the timing for forcibly pushing the discharged form 24 into the stacker 20 can be adjusted, so that it is possible to stack the forms in the stacker 20 with the rear ends aligned, for example. As a result, even if the forms to be accumulated are forms having different sizes, the forms can be accumulated with the rear end of the form aligned with a predetermined accumulation position on the accumulation unit as a reference.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the operation control of the transport rollers 8a and 8b for transporting the form 24 and the discharge rollers 21 and 22 has not been specifically described. However, the mechanism for transporting the form and the form are integrated. As shown in FIG. 8, drive motors 35 and 36 for driving the discharge drive roller 22 and transport belts 37 and 38 so that the mechanism for doing so is not restricted by the operation timing of each component. May be provided for each of the stackers 19 and 20 as a drive system independent of each other, and the drive motor 39 and the transport belt 40 which are drive systems of the transport drive roller 8b may be provided as drive systems independent of the drive system of the drive discharge roller 22. .
[0047]
Further, the slide lever 25 provided in the discharge accumulation mechanism 23 of the first embodiment may be provided to the discharge accumulation mechanism 33 of the present embodiment. Thereby, after the discharge force of the form 24 discharged to the stacker 20 is adjusted by the sliding contact lever 25, the form 24 is pushed into the stacker 20 by the push lever 34. Therefore, the form 24 is forced to the stacker 20. Is controlled with high accuracy, and even if the forms 24 to be stacked are different in size 24, the forms 24 can be stacked with higher accuracy.
[0048]
The present invention has been specifically described above with reference to each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in the optical character reader 43 having the sorter unit 41 for randomly sorting the forms after the reading processing by the CCD 41 etc., the sorter pocket provided in the sorter unit 41 The discharging and accumulating apparatus of the present invention may be applied to components such as the table 44 and the sorter side discharging roller 45.
[0049]
In each of the above-described embodiments, an optical character reading device is applied to the present invention. However, for example, a printer or a copying machine that discharges and collects paper sheets processed inside the device is of course a book. The invention can be applied.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the paper sheet discharge and accumulation device according to the present invention controls the timing of the operation of the sliding contact member that is in sliding contact with the surface of the paper sheet, based on the detection result of the paper sheet. It is possible to adjust the accumulation position of leaves, so that The edge Paper sheets can be accumulated in an aligned state. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the sheets to be stacked are different in size, Trailing edge Can be accumulated on the basis of a predetermined accumulation position on the accumulation unit.
[0051]
Further, the paper sheet discharging and accumulating device according to the present invention employs a structure in which the rigidity of the paper sheet hardly affects the stacking operation, such as sliding the sliding contact member on the surface of the paper sheet. Therefore, for example, even when paper sheets are stacked with relatively low rigidity, the risk of bending the paper sheets during stacking is reduced. Furthermore, the paper sheet discharge and accumulation apparatus according to the present invention is a mechanism that does not require operation of a plurality of members to be entangled in a complicated manner, for example, so that the paper sheets are aligned. At this time, for example, there is no need to convey the paper sheets at a low speed, and the accumulation speed of the paper sheets can be substantially improved.
[0052]
Furthermore, according to the paper sheet discharging and accumulating apparatus according to the present invention, the operation timing of the pushing member that pushes the discharged paper sheets into the accumulating unit can be controlled. Trailing edge It is possible to stack paper sheets in a state in which the paper sheets are aligned, so that even if the paper sheets to be stacked are paper sheets of different sizes, Trailing edge The sheets can be stacked at a predetermined stacking position on the stacking unit in a state where they are aligned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an optical character reading device provided with a stacking and discharging mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing in detail the discharge accumulation mechanism of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation during form accumulation of the discharge accumulation mechanism of FIG. 2;
4 is a view showing another discharge and accumulation mechanism different from those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.
5 is a diagram illustrating an operation during stacking of forms of the discharge stacking mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an accumulation / discharge mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation during form accumulation of the discharge accumulation mechanism of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view showing another discharge and accumulation mechanism different from those shown in FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an optical character reader having a sorter unit to which the present invention can be applied.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical character reading device of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view showing a conventional paper sheet discharge and accumulation device.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first type of paper sheet discharge and accumulation device in which the randomness of the paper sheet accumulation state is improved.
13 is a perspective view showing a main part of the discharge stacking apparatus of FIG. 12. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second type of paper sheet discharge and accumulation device in which the randomness of the paper sheet accumulation state is improved.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a third type of paper sheet discharge and accumulation device in which the randomness of the paper sheet accumulation state is improved.
16 is a side view of the discharge stacking apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fourth type of paper sheet discharge and accumulation device in which the randomness of the paper sheet accumulation state is improved.
18 is a view showing a state in which a banknote pressing plate of the discharge stacking apparatus of FIG. 17 is operated.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical character reader, 8a ... Drive conveyance roller, 8b ... Driven conveyance roller, 19.20 ... Stacker, 21 ... Driven discharge roller, 22 ... Drive discharge roller, 23, 33 ... Accumulation discharge mechanism, 24 ... Form, 25 ... sliding contact lever, 26 ... high friction part, 28 ... solenoid, 29.30 ... sensor, 31 ... control part, 32 ... high friction roller, 34 ... pressing lever.

Claims

An accumulating unit for collecting paper sheets;
The ejection mechanism having a pair of discharge rollers clamping state is emitted toward the paper leaf to the rear end is sent to a position which is opened to the collecting section side conveys while sandwiching the paper sheet, A paper sheet conveying means on the downstream side;
The passage of the trailing edge in the transport direction of the paper sheet being transported downstream while being sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers by the paper sheet transporting means is upstream of the installation position of the pair of discharge rollers. A first sensor to detect on the side;
The paper sheet detected by the first sensor is transported further downstream while being sandwiched by the pair of discharge rollers, and sent to a position where the sandwiched state by the pair of discharge rollers is released. A second sensor for detecting the passage of the rear end of the leaves;
The stacking portion is movably disposed between a sliding contact position that applies a load by sliding on the surface of the paper sheet discharged by the discharge mechanism and a non-sliding contact position that is separated from the surface of the paper sheet. A sliding contact member for adjusting the accumulation position of the paper sheets accumulated in
Control means for controlling the operation of the sliding contact member based on the detection results of the first and second sensors so that the paper sheets are stacked with the trailing edges aligned in the stacking unit. Equipped,
The control means moves the sliding contact member to the sliding contact position at a timing when a rear end of the paper sheet conveyed in the discharge mechanism is detected by the first sensor ; and The operation of moving the sliding member to the non-sliding position at the timing when the paper sheet detected by the sensor is further conveyed downstream and the trailing edge of the paper sheet is detected by the second sensor . Do control,
An apparatus for discharging and collecting paper sheets.

An accumulating unit for collecting paper sheets;
The ejection mechanism having a pair of discharge rollers clamping state is emitted toward the paper leaf to the rear end is sent to a position which is opened to the collecting section side conveys while sandwiching the paper sheet, A paper sheet conveying means on the downstream side;
The passage of the trailing edge in the transport direction of the paper sheet being transported downstream while being sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers by the paper sheet transporting means is upstream of the installation position of the pair of discharge rollers. A first sensor to detect on the side;
The paper sheet detected by the first sensor is transported further downstream while being sandwiched by the pair of discharge rollers, and sent to a position where the sandwiched state by the pair of discharge rollers is released. A second sensor for detecting the passage of the rear end of the leaves;
The stacking portion is movably disposed between a sliding contact position that applies a load by sliding on the surface of the paper sheet discharged by the discharge mechanism and a non-sliding contact position that is separated from the surface of the paper sheet. A sliding contact member for adjusting the accumulation position of the paper sheets accumulated in
A pressing member for pressing the surface of the paper sheet whose discharge force is adjusted by the sliding contact member, and forcibly moving the paper sheet to a predetermined stacking position on the stacking unit;
Operation control of the sliding contact member and the push-in member is performed based on the detection results of the first and second sensors so that the paper sheets are stacked with the trailing edges aligned in the stacking unit. Control means,
The control means moves the sliding contact member to the sliding contact position at a timing when a rear end of the paper sheet conveyed in the discharge mechanism is detected by the first sensor ; and clamping state of the sheet is opened by the pair of discharge rollers the rear end is detected by the second sensor detected the paper sheet is further conveyed to the downstream side the paper sheet by the sensor at timing to start the operation the hold-down by the pushing member of the sliding contact member to the surface of the paper sheet is moved to the non-sliding position,
An apparatus for discharging and collecting paper sheets.