JP5412961B2 - Paper sheet placement device, paper sheet placement method, and paper sheet sorting machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper sheet placing device, a paper sheet placing method, and a paper sheet sorting machine.

Conventionally, a paper sheet sorter has been used to efficiently sort paper sheets such as postcards, envelopes, magazines stored in covers, books stored in boxes, and large envelopes. .
This type of paper sheet sorting machine generally includes a sorting and accumulating device that sorts paper sheets and a supply device that supplies paper sheets to the sorting and accumulating device. The supply device includes a single-feed unit, a transport unit (reading unit), a transfer unit, and the like, reads the destination of the paper sheets to be sorted, and transfers them to the transport box. The sorting and accumulating apparatus includes a bendable universal chain, a plurality of bendable universal chains, a transport box that transports paper sheets in a stored state, and a moving unit that moves the transport box at a predetermined speed. . The sorting and stacking apparatus transports the paper sheets transferred to the transport box and drops them into the stacking box according to the destination, whereby the paper sheets are sorted into the respective stacking boxes according to the destination.
In the paper sorting machine, various techniques for improving the processing capacity have been developed.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of a paper sheet sorting machine in which a supply device includes a single feed unit, a transport unit, an exclusion unit, a correction unit, a transfer unit, and a control unit. Has been. When the control unit determines that the paper sheet cannot be transferred to the planned transport box based on the detection signal from the transfer unit, the control unit transfers the paper sheet to the subsequent transport box.
According to this technique, it is possible to substantially improve the processing capability for sorting paper sheets.

Incidentally, as described above, the paper sheet sorting machine is automated, and can efficiently sort paper sheets. However, the paper sheets need to be supplied to a single feeding section (usually a suction belt) of the supply device in a predetermined state (a state where the paper sheets are stacked while standing). If this supply is delayed, the paper sheet sorting machine cannot demonstrate its excellent processing capability.
In addition, the feeding device usually automatically feeds paper sheets to the feeding section by a conveyor with a partition plate, but the paper sheets are stacked on the above conveyor while standing up by an operator. Placed. That is, the operator is required to continuously place the paper sheets, and when the paper sheets are placed with a gap between them, a time during which the paper sheets are not supplied to the one-feed unit occurs, The number drops.
For this reason, in general, an operator receives work guidance and training, and performs work so as to achieve a predetermined target value (usually a reasonable target value set based on an operation analysis). In addition, the operator's leader and administrator provide work guidance so that each operator achieves a predetermined target value.

JP 2008-149207 A

However, as described above, the paper sheet sorting machine can perform high-speed processing, but has not been able to exhibit its effect sufficiently and stably in actual operation. That is, even if a paper sheet sorter capable of high-speed processing is introduced, there is a problem that the effect is not achieved at the site of sorting paper sheets.
The reason for this is that, in a paper sheet sorter supplying apparatus capable of high-speed processing, the supply speed of paper sheets (postal items) placed by the operator is not in time for the processing speed of the apparatus (that is, the operator does The target value could not be achieved) and the idling of the device occurred intermittently.

  Next, when analyzing the cause of the above reason, for example, when almost all of the paper sheets to be placed are heavy thick envelopes containing magazines or books, the operator has to perform heavy labor. . In addition, for the weak operator, heavy paper sheets had to be placed in multiple steps. In such a case, the operator cannot achieve the predetermined target value. Therefore, even when the paper sheets to be placed are heavy, it is necessary to avoid the operator from having to perform heavy labor.

  In addition, when the shape and size of the paper sheets are substantially the same, and the paper sheets are envelopes or large-sized envelopes containing several pages of documents, the operator can perform a few loading operations. Ten paper sheets can be placed. On the other hand, when the thickness, the center of gravity position, the shape, and the like of the paper sheets are different, the operator places, for example, several paper sheets in one operation. In such a case, the operator cannot achieve the predetermined target value. Therefore, even when the thickness, the position of the center of gravity, the shape, and the like of the paper sheets are different, it is necessary to place a large number (for example, several tens of paper sheets) in one operation.

Furthermore, the operator needs to place the paper sheet without damaging the paper sheet. Also, careful actions are required to avoid damage. For example, when an operator receives attention from a reader or the like with respect to damage, the operator becomes too cautious and cannot achieve a predetermined target value. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a specific means that can quickly place the paper sheet without damaging the paper sheet.
Further, since the operator is a human, the ability for the placement work varies, and the work efficiency varies depending on the physical condition and the like. That is, it is necessary to provide specific means for achieving a predetermined target value regardless of the above-described difference in ability.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems. Paper sheets can be placed efficiently and without causing damage, and the load on the operator can be reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet loading device, a paper sheet loading method, and a paper sheet sorting machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the paper sheet stacking apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that a stacking unit on which a plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state are stacked and a plurality of paper sheets are not collapsed. A push plate that supports and moves the push plate so as to be pushed out from the placement portion, a push plate moving means that moves the push plate relative to the placement portion, and a hopper unit that has a lifting means that raises and lowers the placement portion and the push plate; The hopper unit moving means for moving the hopper unit between a supply position where the paper sheet is supplied to the hopper unit and a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device on which the paper sheet is placed And a control unit for controlling the hopper unit moving means, the elevating means, and the push plate moving means, and the hopper unit moving means sets the hopper unit supplied with paper sheets to the supply position. The lifting means moves the mounting part and the push plate down, the push plate moving means moves the push plate in the pushing direction with respect to the mounting part, and the push plate A plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state are pushed out from the placing portion, and the hopper unit moving means is stacked in the upright state by moving the hopper unit in a direction opposite to the pushing direction. A plurality of paper sheets are placed on a predetermined placement position in a state where they overlap while standing, and the push plate moving means moves the push plate in the direction opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placement portion, The raising / lowering means raises the placing portion and the push plate, and the hopper unit moving means moves the hopper unit to the supply position.

  In addition, the paper sheet placement method of the present invention supports a placement unit on which a plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state are placed, and a plurality of paper sheets so as not to fall down, Move the push plate that moves so as to push out from the placement unit, from the supply position where the paper sheets are supplied, to above the predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device on which the paper sheets are placed, Next, the placing part and the push plate are lowered, and then the push plate is moved in the pushing direction with respect to the placing part, and the placing part is moved in the direction opposite to the pushing direction, and is set up. A plurality of paper sheets stacked in a state are pushed out from the placement unit, placed in a state of being stacked while standing, and further, the push plate is opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placement unit. Move the mounting part and push plate upward. There a method for moving to the supply position with.

  Further, the paper sheet sorting machine of the present invention includes a sorting and stacking apparatus that sorts paper sheets, a paper sheet feeding apparatus that feeds paper sheets to the sorting and stacking apparatus, and a predetermined load on the paper sheet feeding apparatus. A placement unit for placing a plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state, wherein the placement device includes a paper sheet placement device for placing the paper sheets at a placement position; , A push plate that supports a plurality of paper sheets so as not to fall down and moves so as to be pushed out from the placement unit, a push plate moving unit that moves the push plate relative to the placement unit, and the placement unit and the push Between a hopper unit having a raising / lowering means for raising and lowering the plate, a supply position at which paper sheets are supplied to the hopper unit, and a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device on which the paper sheets are placed Hopper unit moving means for moving the hopper unit and the hopper A control unit for controlling the knit moving means, the lifting means, and the push plate moving means. The hopper unit moving means moves the hopper unit supplied with paper sheets from a supply position to a position above a predetermined placement position. The lifting / lowering means lowers the placing portion and the push plate, the push plate moving means moves the push plate in the pushing direction with respect to the placing portion, and the push plates are stacked in an upright state. In addition to pushing out the plurality of paper sheets from the placement section, the hopper unit moving means moves the hopper unit in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction, thereby allowing the plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state to be Place it on a predetermined placement position while standing and overlapping, and the push plate moving means moves the push plate in the direction opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placement part. Is moving, the lifting means raises the mounting portion and the push plate, the moving means for the hopper unit, it is constituted to move the hopper unit to supply position.

  According to the paper sheet loading device, the paper sheet loading method, and the paper sheet sorting machine of the present invention, the paper sheets can be loaded efficiently and without damage, The load on the operator can be reduced. Furthermore, the paper sheet sorting machine can perform high-speed processing in actual operation, and can fully and stably exhibit its effects.

FIG. 1a is a schematic plan view of a main part of a paper sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 b shows a schematic front view of the main part of the paper sheet stacking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1c is a schematic view of a main part of a paper sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a side view and (b) shows a view taken along the line AA. Show. FIG. 2a is a schematic plan view of a main part of the paper sheet supply device of the paper sheet sorting machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b is a schematic front view of the main part of the paper sheet supply device of the paper sheet sorting machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2c shows a schematic enlarged side view of a main part of the paper sheet supply device of the paper sheet sorting machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3: has shown the schematic front view of the principal part for demonstrating the operation state of the paper sheet mounting apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4: has shown the schematic front view of the principal part for demonstrating the operation state of the paper sheet mounting apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5: has shown the schematic front view of the principal part for demonstrating the operation state of the paper sheet mounting apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6: has shown the schematic flowchart figure for demonstrating the loading method of the paper sheets concerning one Embodiment of this invention.

[One Embodiment of Paper Sheet Placement Device and Paper Sheet Sorting Machine]
First, an embodiment of a paper sheet stacking apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1a is a schematic plan view of a main part of a paper sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1b is a schematic front view of the main part of the paper sheet stacking apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Further, FIG. 1c is a schematic view of a main part of the paper sheet stacking apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows a side view and (b) shows an AA arrow view. The figure is shown. In FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c, the postal matter transport means 4 and the like are omitted.
1a, 1b, and 1c, a paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a hopper unit 2, a hopper unit moving means 3, a postal matter conveying means 4, a rotating means 5, and The configuration includes a control unit (not shown). As will be described later, the paper sheet placement device 1 places a plurality of postal items 11 as paper sheets on a predetermined placement position while standing and overlapping.
Further, the postal matter 11 includes postcards, envelopes, large envelopes in which magazines, books, and the like are stored. In addition, what is already placed on the supply table 62 of the paper sheet supply apparatus 6 is a postal matter 10.

(Hopper unit)
The hopper unit 2 includes a unit case 21, a placement portion 22, a push plate 23, push plate moving means (such as a motor 24), lifting means (such as a motor 25 and a linear bearing 26), and the like. The hopper unit 2 is reciprocated substantially horizontally by the hopper unit moving means 3. Further, the hopper unit 2 of the present embodiment is connected to the hopper unit moving means 3 through the rotating means 5.

The unit case 21 has a base and a case, and stores a motor 24, a motor 25, and the like. The unit case 21 is rotatably connected to the base 31 of the hopper unit moving means 3 via the rotating shaft 51 of the rotating means 5. Further, the unit case 21 is provided with a drivable indicator lamp 28 at the top. Here, after the locking bar sensor 567b detects the locking bar 564, when the locking bar sensor 567a detects the locking bar 564, the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 starts operation by the operation switch 27. Is possible. The operable indicator light 28 is turned on when the operation switch 27 can start the operation.
The unit case 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited to this, and can have various shapes.

  The placement unit 22 is a pair of substantially rectangular plates, and a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in an upright state are placed (see FIG. 4). Further, the pair of placement portions 22 are provided apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and further, one placement portion 22 is chamfered (see FIG. 2c). By doing so, as shown in FIG. 2 c, the placement unit 22 can avoid contact with the partition plate 622 of the paper sheet supply device 6 when lowered. Moreover, each mounting part 22 is connected with the unit case 21 via the linear bearing 26 so that raising / lowering is possible.

Each mounting portion 22 has a slope formed at an end in the extrusion direction. In addition, each placement unit 22 is provided with a detection plate 222 at an end in the extrusion direction.
These detection plates 222 have a guide surface that forms the same surface as the slope, and are further provided with a postal mail sensor 223 that detects that the detection plate 222 has come into contact with the mail piece 10. ing. These placed postal matter sensors 223 output a contact detection signal to the control unit when the detection plate 222 contacts the postal matter 10 already placed. And a control part will stop the motor 34, if a contact detection signal is input, and the hopper unit 2 stops the movement to an extrusion direction.

  In this way, the postal matter 11 slides on the slope and the guide surface and is placed at a predetermined placement position, so that damage to the postal matter 11 can be reliably and effectively suppressed. Further, since the postal mail sensor 223 can automatically detect the last position of the postal matter 10 that is already placed, it is possible to avoid problems such as excessively pressing the postal matter 10 and causing damage. Further, the postal matter 11 can be placed on the last postal matter 10 with no gaps. Furthermore, since the operator only needs to confirm that it is operating normally, the workload of the operator is greatly reduced.

  Each placement part 22 is provided with a post-placement postal matter sensor 221 at a position away from the slope described above by a predetermined distance in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction. These post-placement postal matter sensors 221 detect postal matter 11 before being placed. That is, as will be described later, before the elevating means lowers the placing portion 22 and the push plate 23, the control portion controls the push plate moving means, and pushes the push plate 23 in the pushing direction with respect to the placing portion 22. Move to. Subsequently, when the postal mail sensor 221 detects the mail 11 that has moved, the postal mail sensor 221 outputs a movement detection signal to the control unit. And a control part will stop the motor 24, if a movement detection signal is input, and the push plate 23 stops the movement to an extrusion direction.

  In this way, the postal matter 11 can be moved to almost the front end portion of the placement portion 22, and the operation time can be shortened. Further, if the lifting / lowering means is before the placing portion 22 and the push plate 23 are lowered, the postal matter 11 can be moved to almost the front end portion of the placing portion 22 by avoiding the partition plate 622. Thereby, the next postal matter 11 can be placed on the postal matter 10 already placed without substantially leaving a gap.

  The push plate 23 is a substantially rectangular plate, and is erected so as to be movable on the mounting portion 22. The push plate 23 is moved in the extrusion direction and the direction opposite to the extrusion direction by the push plate moving means. Further, the push plate 23 is formed with a notch (see FIG. 2c) having a predetermined shape substantially at the lower part of the center, and when the push plate 23 is lowered, it is possible to avoid contact with the partition plate 622 of the paper sheet supply device 6. it can. The push plate 23 supports the plurality of mail items 11 so as not to fall down, and moves the mail items 11 so as to be pushed out from the placement unit 22.

  The push plate moving means is provided in each mounting portion 22 and includes a motor 24, a ball screw, a linear bearing, and the like (not shown). The push plate moving means is controlled by the control unit and moves the push plate 23 in the extrusion direction and in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction with respect to the placement unit 22.

  The elevating means is provided in the unit case 21 and includes a motor 25, a linear bearing 26, a ball screw, a linear bearing, and the like (not shown). This raising / lowering means is controlled by the control part, and raises / lowers the mounting part 22 and the push plate 23.

(Moving means for hopper unit)
The hopper unit moving means 3 includes a base 31, a pair of rails 32, a timing belt 33, a motor 34, a base sensor 35, and the like. The base 31 is provided on the rail 32 and reciprocates by a timing belt 33, a motor 34, and the like. The base sensor 35 is provided at a predetermined position (supply position) opposite to the extrusion direction. When the base 31 is detected, a detection signal is output to the control unit. The motor 34 is controlled by the control unit, and when the detection signal from the base sensor 35 is input, the control unit stops the base sensor 35. Further, the base 31 is connected to the hopper unit 2 through the rotating means 5. The hopper unit moving means 3 is provided between a supply position where the postal matter 11 is supplied to the hopper unit 2 and a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device 6 where the postal matter 11 is placed. The hopper unit 2 is moved.

(Control part)
The control unit is an information processing apparatus such as a programmable logic controller or a computer, and controls the hopper unit moving means 3, the elevating means, the push plate moving means, and the like.
Here, preferably, the control unit automatically performs a one-cycle placement operation to be described later while the operator presses the operation switch 27, and when the operator releases the operation switch 27, The moving means 3, the lifting means and the push plate moving means may be stopped. In this case, for example, when the operator releases the operation switch 27 in order to align the mail items 11, the hopper unit moving means 3, the elevating means and the push plate moving means are stopped, so that workability and safety are improved. Can be improved.

(Rotating means)
The rotating means 5 includes a rotating shaft 51, a bearing 52, an urging means 53, an arm 54, a handle 55, a positioning means 56, and the like. The rotation shaft 51 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the extrusion direction, one end is fixed to the unit case 21 of the hopper unit 2, and the other end is connected to the hopper via a pair of bearings 52. The unit moving means 3 is rotatably attached to the base 31. The rotating shaft 51 is provided with an urging means 53 such as a counter spring, and urges the rotating shaft 51 viewed from the front side in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. That is, when the hopper unit 2 is rotated in the clockwise direction around the rotation shaft 51, the urging means 53 acts in a direction opposite to the weight of the hopper unit 2 to rotate the hopper unit 2. Reduce operator load. Further, when the hopper unit 2 rotated in the clockwise direction is rotated in the counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft 51, the urging means 53 acts in a direction opposite to the weight of the hopper unit 2. The load on the operator who rotates the hopper unit 2 is reduced. Therefore, even an operator with weak arm strength can easily rotate the hopper unit 2.

  The arm 54 is erected on the unit case 21 and has a handle 55 at the upper end. In addition, an operation switch 27 is provided above the handle 55. In this way, the operator can press the operation switch 27 with the thumb of the right hand while holding the handle 55 with the right hand.

  The positioning means 56 includes a lever 561, a link mechanism 562, a spring 563, a locking bar 564, a locking plate 565, locking holes 566a and 566b, locking bar sensors 567a and 567b, and stoppers 568a and 568b. ing. A part of the lever 561 is accommodated in the arm 54 and the handle 55. The lever 561 rotates when the handle 55 is gripped, and the positioning state of the hopper unit 2 is released. The lever 561 is connected to the locking bar 564 via a link mechanism 562. Further, the locking rod 564 is biased in the direction of the locking plate 565 by a spring 563. The locking plate 565 is a semicircular plate fixed to the base 31. A locking hole 566a is formed above the rotation shaft 51, and the locking plate 565 is rotated 65 ° clockwise from the locking hole 566a. A locking hole 566b is formed. Locking bar sensors 567a and 567b for detecting the locking bar 564 engaged with the locking holes 566a and 566b are attached to the locking holes 566a and 566b. Further, the stopper plate 565 is provided with a stopper 568a for supporting the hopper unit 2 before the rotation and a stopper 568b for supporting the rotated hopper unit 2.

When the postal matter 11 is supplied to the hopper unit 2 by the rotating means 5, a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a tilted state are placed on the push plate 23 and supported by the placement unit 22. Thus, the operator can easily turn the hopper unit 2.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although it is set as the structure which rotates the hopper unit 2 65 degrees, the angle to rotate is not limited to this.

(Conveying means for mail)
The postal transport means 4 includes a placement plate 41, a support plate 42, a carry plate 43, and the like. The mounting plate 41 is installed in an inclined state so as to form substantially the same plane as the push plate 23 of the rotated hopper unit 2. Further, the support plate 42 is installed in an inclined state so as to form substantially the same plane as the placement portion 22 of the rotated hopper unit 2. As a result, the plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a tilted state are placed on the placement plate 41 and supported by the support plate 42. The carry plate 43 is a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a substantially flat state (inclined by 25 °) by a driving means (not shown) such as an air cylinder. The hopper unit 2 rotated by the rotating means 5 is supplied.
The postal matter transport means 4 automatically takes out the postal matter 11 from a case or the like (not shown) and supplies it to the hopper unit 2 in a substantially flat state.

Next, an embodiment of a paper sheet sorting machine provided with the paper sheet placing device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2a is a schematic plan view of a main part of the paper sheet supply device of the paper sheet sorting machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Moreover, FIG. 2b has shown the schematic front view of the principal part of the paper sheet supply apparatus of the paper sheet sorting machine concerning one Embodiment of this invention.
Furthermore, FIG. 2c has shown the general | schematic expanded side view of the principal part of the paper sheet supply apparatus of the paper sheet sorting machine concerning one Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, and FIG.
2a, 2b, and 2c, the paper sheet sorting machine of this embodiment supplies a sorting / stacking device (not shown) that sorts the postal matter 10 and the postal matter 10 to the sorting / stacking device. The paper sheet supply device 6 and the paper sheet placement device 1 for placing the postal matter 11 at a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device 6 are provided.
For example, the sorting / stacking apparatus of the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the sorting / stacking apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above. Therefore, the detailed description of the sorting and accumulating apparatus of this embodiment is omitted.

(Paper supply device)
The paper sheet supply device 6 according to the present embodiment has, for example, substantially the same configuration as the supply device described in Patent Document 1 described above. However, the paper sheet supply device 6 is different from the supply device described in Patent Document 1 in that it includes a chain conveyor 621 to which a plurality of partition plates 622 are attached. In addition, the other structure of the paper sheet supply apparatus 6 is as substantially the same as said supply apparatus.
Therefore, in the paper sheet supply apparatus 6, the detailed description of the same components as those of the above-described supply apparatus is omitted.

  The paper sheet supply device 6 includes a supply mechanism 61, a supply table 62, and the like. The supply mechanism 61 includes an adsorption belt 611, a postal matter detection lever 612, supply start belts 613 and 614, and the like. Further, the supply table 62 includes a chain conveyor 621 to which a plurality of partition plates 622 are attached. The partition plate 622 is a substantially L-shaped flat plate, and a notch is formed in the center portion to avoid contact with the suction belt 611. The chain conveyor 621 is positioned below the surface of the supply table 62.

  The conveyance direction of the chain conveyor 621 is the same as the extrusion direction of the hopper unit 2. Further, the paper sheet stacking device 1 mounts the postal matter 11 at a predetermined mounting position on the supply table 62 corresponding to the chain conveyor 621, and the partition plate 622 of the chain conveyor 621 is stacked while standing. The postal matter 10 in the state of being conveyed is conveyed in the conveyance direction (direction of the suction belt 611). Further, the supply mechanism 61 can take out the mail pieces 10 being conveyed one by one and send out the supply direction.

  Further, the hopper unit moving means 3 of the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 is provided substantially in parallel with the chain conveyor 621 of the paper sheet supply apparatus 6. Accordingly, the hopper unit 2 can move from an upstream position where the partition plate 622 is exposed on the supply table 62 to a position immediately before the suction belt 611.

Next, operations of the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 and the paper sheet sorting machine having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.
3 to 5 are schematic front views of main parts for explaining an operation state of the paper sheet stacking apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the paper sheet placement device 1 is in a position where the base 31 is detected by the base sensor 35 (the supply position described above), and the placement unit 22 is provided. It is in a horizontal state. At this time, the locking bar sensor 567a detects the locking bar 564 engaged with the locking hole 566a. This state is the initial state of the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1.
Further, the postal matter 10 is placed on the suction belt 611 side on the supply table 62 corresponding to the chain conveyor 621 while being stacked. Further, these mail items 10 are conveyed by the partition plate 622 of the chain conveyor 621, and are taken out one by one by the suction belt 611 and sent out in the supply direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the hopper unit 2 is rotated 65 ° in the clockwise direction by the operator. At this time, the operator holds the handle 55 with the right hand and moves the lever 561 in the direction of the central axis of the handle 55. As a result, the locking rod 564 is pulled out of the locking hole 566a of the locking plate 565 via the link mechanism 562, and the hopper unit 2 can be rotated. When the hopper unit 2 is rotated by 65 ° in the clockwise direction, the hopper unit 2 is locked to the stopper 568b. Subsequently, when the operator releases the lever 561, the locking rod 564 is connected to the link mechanism 562 or The spring 563 is inserted into the locking hole 566b of the locking plate 565, and the locking bar sensor 567b detects the locking bar 564. Further, when the locking bar 564 is engaged with the locking hole 566b, the hopper unit 2 maintains the rotated state. Therefore, the operator can release the right hand from the handle 55.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a substantially flat state (tilted at 25 °) are supplied to the rotated hopper unit 2 by the carry plate 43. Is done. If it does in this way, since the mail 11 will be automatically supplied when the carry plate 43 moves to the hopper unit 2, the load (physical load) of an operator can be reduced.
Here, the control unit moves the carry plate 43 in the direction of the hopper unit 2 when a detection signal indicating that the locking bar 564 is detected from the locking bar sensor 567b. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a switch (not shown) for moving the carry plate 43 may be operated by the operator.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the operator supports the plurality of mails 11 stacked with the left hand, holds the handle 55 with the right hand, and moves the lever 561 in the direction of the central axis of the handle 55. . As a result, the locking rod 564 is pulled out from the locking hole 566b of the locking plate 565 via the link mechanism 562, and the hopper unit 2 can rotate. Subsequently, the operator rotates the hopper unit 2 supplied with the postal matter 11 in the counterclockwise direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the hopper unit 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the hopper unit 2 is locked by the stopper 568a, and the placement portion 22 becomes substantially horizontal. Subsequently, when the operator releases the lever 561, the locking bar 564 is engaged with the locking hole 566a of the locking plate 565 via the link mechanism 562 and the spring 563, and the locking bar sensor 567a is locked. The bar 564 is detected. Further, when the locking rod 564 is engaged with the locking hole 566a, the placement portion 22 is maintained in a substantially horizontal state.

  Here, when the control unit inputs a detection signal indicating that the locking bar 564 is detected from the locking bar sensor 567a, the operation indicator lamp 28 is turned on. Subsequently, when the operator depresses the operation switch 27 with the right hand holding the handle 55, the motor 34 of the hopper unit moving means 3 is driven, and the hopper unit 2 moves in the pushing direction. At this time, the postal matter 11 stacked while standing on the placement portion 22 is supported by the left hand, and therefore does not fall in the pushing direction. Further, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the detection plate 222 comes into contact with the tail of the postal matter 10 already placed on the supply table 62, the postal matter sensor 223 is placed on the postal matter 10. And a contact detection signal is output to the control unit. Subsequently, when the contact detection signal is input, the control unit stops the motor 34 and stops the hopper unit 2. That is, the hopper unit moving means 3 moves the hopper unit 2 supplied with the postal matter 11 from the supply position to above the predetermined placement position. At this time, the postal matter 11 stacked while standing on the placement portion 22 is supported by the left hand, and therefore does not fall in the pushing direction. Further, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved.

Next, as shown in FIG.4 (c), a control part drives the motor 24 and moves the push plate 23 to the extrusion direction at the speed _Vp1 . Subsequently, when the postal mail sensor 221 detects the postal matter 11, a movement detection signal is output to the control unit, and the control unit that has input the movement detection signal stops the motor 24. In this way, the postal matter 11 is moved almost to the tip end side of the placement portion 22, so that the postal matter 11 can be connected to the chain conveyor 621 without substantially leaving a gap with the postal matter 10 already placed. It can be placed at a predetermined placement position on the corresponding supply table 62. At this time, the postal matter 11 stacked while standing on the placement portion 22 is supported by the left hand, and therefore does not fall in the pushing direction. Further, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the control unit drives the motor 25 to lower the placement unit 22 and the push plate 23 to a predetermined height (see FIG. 2c) and stops. That is, the raising / lowering means lowers the placing portion 22 and the push plate 23. Note that the placement portion 22 and the push plate 23 do not come into contact with the partition plate 622 even when lowered to a predetermined height. At this time, since the postal matter 11 stacked in a standing state on the placing portion 22 is supported by the left hand, it does not fall down in the pushing direction. Further, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved.

  Further, when the placement unit 22 and the push plate 23 are lowered, the postal matter 11 riding on the partition plate 622 may not be lowered. In this case, when the operator releases the right hand from the handle 55 and the operation switch 27, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that the postal matter 11 that has been picked up can be processed safely with the right hand. When the operator grips the handle 55 with the right hand and presses the operation switch 27, the stopped sheet placement device 1 is restarted. In this way, when the operator is likely to damage the postal matter 11, the paper sheet placing device 1 can be temporarily stopped to solve an unfavorable situation. Can be avoided almost certainly and easily.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit drives the motor 34 to move the hopper unit 2 in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction at the speed V _u1 and drives the motor 24 almost simultaneously. Then, the push plate 23 is moved in the extrusion direction at the speed V _p1 with respect to the mounting portion 22.
Here, usually, by setting speed V _u1 = speed V _p1 , the placement unit 22 that supports the postal matter 11 at the position where the push plate 23 and the postal matter 11 remain as they are with respect to the paper sheet supply device 6. Only the mail 11 is pulled out, and the postal matter 11 is placed at a predetermined placement position on the supply table 62. The speed V _p1 is preferably a speed that enables smooth and stable placement, specifically about 50 to 100 mm / sec.

  By doing so, the postal matter 11 placed on the placement unit 22 is placed at a predetermined placement position while being stacked while standing. At this time, since the postal matter 11 placed at a predetermined placement position on the supply table 62 corresponding to the chain conveyor 621 is supported by the left hand, it does not fall down in the pushing direction. Further, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the paper sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the push plate 23 moves to above the detection plate 222, all the postal items 11 placed on the placement unit 22 are predetermined on the supply table 62. It is mounted at the mounting position. That is, the push plate moving means moves the push plate 23 in the pushing direction with respect to the placement unit 22, and the push plate 23 pushes out a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a standing state from the placement unit 22. At the same time, the hopper unit moving means 3 moves the hopper unit 2 in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction, thereby allowing a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a standing state to be stacked in a predetermined state while standing. Place it on the mounting position. At this time, the operation switch 27 is pressed with the right hand, and further, when the pressed operation switch 27 is released, the sheet stacking device 1 stops, so that safety can be improved. it can.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the control means causes the push plate moving means to move the push plate 23 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placing section 22, and the lifting and lowering means to place the placing means. When the placing portion 22 and the push plate 23 are raised and the hopper unit moving means 3 moves the hopper unit 2 to the supply position, the operable indicator lamp 28 is turned off.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 5D, the one-cycle placement operation is completed, and the paper sheet placement device 1 returns to the initial state shown in FIG.
When the pressed operation switch 27 is released before the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 returns to the initial state shown in FIG. 3A, the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 stops. Therefore, safety can be improved.

Here, the quantity of the postal items 11 that can be placed by the above-described placement operation of one cycle is X, the operation time of one cycle is Y, and the processing time per one sheet supply device 6 is Z. Then, by setting X × Z / Y> 1, it becomes possible to place a postal matter 11 having a quantity equal to or higher than the processing speed of the paper sheet supply device 6. For example, assuming that the time per one paper sheet supply device 6 is 0.3 seconds, 40 or more mail items 11 are placed in less than 12 seconds in one cycle operation. 6 processing speeds can be made in time.
That is, the paper sheet placement device 1 places the postal matter 11 after moving the postal matter 11 placed on the placement unit 22 to the position immediately before the postal matter 10 already placed. By moving down to a low position where it is easy and pulling out only the placement part 22 from under the postal matter 11, one cycle operation of placing a large amount of postal matter 11 at a time can be performed semi-automatically.

As described above, according to the paper sheet placing device 1, the operator does not need to lift and move the postal matter 11, although it is necessary to support the postal matter 11, the postal matter 11 is almost a magazine. Even when it is a heavy, thick envelope containing books or books, there is no need to do heavy labor. In addition, a large number (for example, several tens) of postal items 11 can be placed in one cycle of the placement operation. Further, even if the postal matter 11 has a different thickness, barycentric position, shape, etc., a large number (for example, several tens of postal items) 11 can be placed in one cycle of the placement operation. Furthermore, as described above, the problem of damaging the postal matter 11 can be avoided almost certainly and easily.
That is, according to the paper sheet stacking device 1, a predetermined target value can be achieved regardless of the difference in the ability of the operator.

  In addition, as described above, the paper sheet supply device 6 of the paper sheet sorting machine according to the present embodiment allows the postal matter 11 having a predetermined target value to be almost continuously received by the paper sheet placing device 1. It is placed at a predetermined placement position on the supply table 62. That is, the operator cannot achieve a predetermined target value and can eliminate problems such as intermittent operation of the apparatus, so that a paper sheet that can be processed at high speed in actual operation. The effect of the classifier can be exhibited sufficiently and stably.

  As described above, according to the paper sheet placement device 1 of the present embodiment, the postal matter 11 can be placed efficiently and without causing damage, and the load on the operator is reduced. can do. Furthermore, the paper sheet sorting machine of the present embodiment can perform high-speed processing in actual operation, and can fully and stably exhibit its effects.

[One Embodiment of Paper Sheet Placement Method]
The present invention is also effective as an invention of a method for placing paper sheets.
Next, an embodiment of a paper sheet placement method will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the paper sheet placement method of the present embodiment stands at a predetermined placement position on the supply table 62 of the paper sheet supply apparatus 6 using the paper sheet placement apparatus 1 described above. This is a method of placing the postal matter 11 in a state where they are overlapped.
FIG. 6: has shown the schematic flowchart figure for demonstrating the loading method of the paper sheets concerning one Embodiment of this invention.
In FIG. 6, first, the sheet stacking device 1 is stacked from the initial state in which the hopper unit 2 is rotated by 65 ° in the clockwise direction and is almost stacked (inclined by 25 °). A plurality of postal items 11 are supplied from the postal matter transport means 4 to the hopper unit 2 (step S1 (see FIGS. 3A to 3C)).

  Next, the plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a substantially flat state are supported by the left hand of the operator, and the hopper unit 2 supplied with the postal items 11 is rotated counterclockwise by the operator. (Step S2 (see FIG. 3D)).

Next, when the operation switch 27 is pressed, the placement unit 22 on which the plurality of pieces of mail 11 stacked in a standing state and the plurality of pieces of mail 11 are supported so as not to fall down and placed. The push plate 23 that is moved so as to be pushed out from the placement unit 22 is moved from a supply position where the postal matter 11 is supplied to a predetermined table on the supply table 62 of the paper sheet supply device 6 on which the postal matter 11 paper sheets are placed. The position is moved upward (step S3 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B)).
At this time, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the detection plate 222 comes into contact with the tail of the postal matter 10 already placed on the supply table 62, the postal matter sensor 223 is placed on the postal matter 10. Is detected. Thereby, the hopper unit 2 stops.

Next, the push plate 23 is moved in the pushing direction, and the postal matter 11 is moved substantially to the front end side of the placement portion 22 (see step S4 (see FIG. 4C)).
At this time, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), when the postal matter 11 moves substantially to the front end side of the placement portion 22, the postal matter sensor 221 before placement detects the postal matter 11 that has moved. Thereby, the push plate 23 stops.

  Next, the mounting portion 22 and the push plate 23 are lowered to a predetermined height and stopped (step S5 (see FIG. 4D)).

  Next, the push plate 23 is moved in the pushing direction with respect to the placing portion 22 and the placing portion 22 is moved in a direction opposite to the pushing direction, thereby a plurality of postal items 11 stacked in a standing state. Is pushed out from the placement portion 22 and placed at a predetermined placement position while standing and overlapping (see step S6 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B)).

Next, the push plate 23 is moved in the direction opposite to the extruding direction with respect to the placing portion 22, and the placing portion 22 and the push plate 23 are raised and moved to the supply position (step S7 (FIG. 5 (c) )reference)).
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5D, when the operation switch 27 pressed by the operator is released, one cycle of the mounting operation is completed. Thereby, the paper sheet stacking apparatus 1 returns to the initial state shown in FIG.

Thus, according to the paper sheet placement method of the present embodiment, the operator does not need to lift and move the postal matter 11, although it is necessary to support the postal matter 11, the postal matter 11 is Even when it is a heavy, thick large envelope containing magazines or books, there is no need for heavy labor. In addition, a large number (for example, several tens) of postal items 11 can be placed in one cycle of the placement operation. Further, even if the postal matter 11 has a different thickness, barycentric position, shape, etc., a large number (for example, several tens of postal items) 11 can be placed in one cycle of the placement operation. Furthermore, as described above, the problem of damaging the postal matter 11 can be avoided almost certainly and easily.
That is, according to the paper sheet stacking device 1, a predetermined target value can be achieved regardless of the difference in the ability of the operator.

  As described above, according to the paper sheet placement method of the present embodiment, the postal matter 11 can be placed efficiently and without damaging, and the load on the operator is reduced. be able to.

As described above, the paper sheet placement device, the paper sheet placement method, and the paper sheet sorting machine of the present invention have been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the paper sheet placement apparatus according to the present invention has been described. The paper sheet placing method and the paper sheet sorting machine are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the paper sheet loading device 1 is configured such that the operator manually rotates the hopper unit 2, but is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the hopper unit 2 is rotated. It is good also as a structure provided with the drive means (motor, an air cylinder), etc. to move.
Further, the paper sheet placing device 1 is configured to move the hopper unit 2 from the right side to the left side when placing the postal matter 11, but is not limited to this. For example, the hopper unit 2 May be moved from the left side to the right side.

  Furthermore, the paper sheet placement device 1 is a semi-automated device that requires an operator to support the postal matter 11 on the placement unit 22, but is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, by providing support means for supporting the postal matter 11 on the placement unit 22, an almost completely automated apparatus can be obtained.

1 Sheet loading device 2 Hopper unit
3 Moving means for hopper unit
4 Transportation means for mail
5 Rotating means
6 Paper sheet feeder
10, 11 Mail 21 Unit case
22 Placement part
23 Push plate
24, 25 Motor
26 Linear bearing
27 Operation switch
28 Ready indicator
31 base
32 rails
33 Timing belt
34 Motor
35 Base sensor
41 Mounting plate
42 Support plate
43 Carry plate
51 Rotating shaft 52 Bearing 53 Biasing means 54 Arm 55 Handle 56 Positioning means 61 Supply mechanism 62 Supply table 221 Pre-placement postal matter sensor 222 Detection plate 223 Placed postal matter sensor 561 Lever 562 Link mechanism 563 Spring 564 Engagement Stop rod 565 Lock plate 566a, 566b Lock hole 567a, 567b Lock rod sensor 568a, 568b Stopper 611 Adsorption belt 612 Mail detection lever 613, 614 Supply start belt 614 Supply start belt 621 Chain conveyor 622 Partition plate

Claims (6)

A loading part on which a plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state are placed, a push plate that supports the plurality of paper sheets so as not to fall down, and moves to push out from the placing part, A push plate moving means for moving the push plate with respect to the placing portion, and a hopper unit having a lifting means for raising and lowering the placing portion and the push plate,
A hopper unit that moves the hopper unit between a supply position at which the paper sheets are supplied to the hopper unit and a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device on which the paper sheets are placed. Transportation means;
A control unit for controlling the hopper unit moving means, the elevating means and the push plate moving means ;
A sensor for a placed paper sheet that is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the placing section and detects the paper sheet already placed on the paper sheet supply device;
A pre-placement paper sheet sensor that is provided in the vicinity of the front end of the placement unit and detects the paper sheet before being placed on the paper sheet supply device ;
The paper sheet supply apparatus includes a conveyor having a plurality of partition plates, the predetermined placement position is on the conveyor, and the placement unit and the push plate are in contact with the partition plate. Has a shape to avoid,
The hopper unit moving means moves the hopper unit supplied with the paper sheets from the supply position to above the predetermined placement position,
When the control unit inputs a detection signal from the placed paper sheet sensor, the hopper unit moving unit stops the movement of the hopper unit,
Before the elevating means lowers the placing portion and the push plate, the control portion causes the push plate moving means to move the push plate in the pushing direction with respect to the placing portion, and When the detection signal from the pre-placement paper sheet sensor is input, the movement of the push plate is stopped,
The elevating means lowers the placing portion and the push plate;
The push plate moving means moves the push plate in the pushing direction with respect to the placement unit, and the push plate pushes a plurality of sheets stacked in the upright state from the placement unit. In addition, the hopper unit moving means moves the hopper unit in a direction opposite to the pushing direction so that the plurality of paper sheets stacked in the upright state are stacked in a standing state. Place it at a predetermined placement position,
The push plate moving means moves the push plate in a direction opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placing section, and the lifting means raises the placing section and the push plate, and the hopper unit. A paper sheet placing device, wherein the moving means moves the hopper unit to the supply position. When supplying the paper sheets to the hopper unit, the hopper is configured such that a plurality of paper sheets stacked in a tilted state are placed on the push plate and supported by the placement unit. 2. The paper sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a rotating means for rotating the unit. The paper sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a paper sheet transporting unit that supplies the paper sheet to the hopper unit rotated by the rotating unit. The one-cycle placement operation by the push plate moving means, the elevating means, the hopper unit moving means, and the control unit is automatically performed while the operator continues to press the operation switch, and, when the operator releases the operation switch, the supporting means of the sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that stop. A paper sheet placing method using the paper sheet placing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A placement unit on which a plurality of paper sheets stacked in an upright state are placed, and a push plate that supports the plurality of paper sheets so as not to fall down and moves to push out from the placement unit. , From the supply position where the paper sheet is supplied, moved above a predetermined placement position on the paper sheet supply device on which the paper sheet is placed,
When the placement section and the push plate are moved from the supply position to above the predetermined placement position, the placed paper sheet sensor provided in the vicinity of the front end of the placement section includes the paper sheet. When detecting the paper sheets already placed on the paper supply device, the movement of the placement portion and the push plate is stopped,
Before the elevating means lowers the placing portion and the push plate, the push plate moving means moves the push plate in the pushing direction with respect to the placing portion, and the pre-installing paper sheet. When the similar sensor detects the paper sheet before being placed on the paper sheet supply device, the movement of the push plate is stopped,
Next, the placement part and the push plate are lowered,
Subsequently, the push plate is moved in the extruding direction with respect to the placing section, and the placing section is moved in a direction opposite to the extruding direction, whereby a plurality of sheets stacked in the standing state are stacked. Extrude the leaves from the placement section, place the leaves on the predetermined placement position in a state of overlapping while standing,
Furthermore, the push plate is moved in a direction opposite to the pushing direction with respect to the placement unit, and the placement unit and the push plate are lifted and moved to the supply position. How to place a kind. A sorting and accumulating device for sorting paper sheets;
A paper sheet supply device for supplying the paper sheets to the sorting and accumulating device;
A predetermined mounting position on the paper sheet feeder, a paper sheet sorter comprising a mounting device of the sheet you placing the paper sheet,
The paper sheet sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the paper sheet placing apparatus is the paper sheet placing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

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