WO2017130633A1

WO2017130633A1 - Stacker and control method for stacker

Info

Publication number: WO2017130633A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/089103
Authority: WO
Inventors: 邦幸三浦
Original assignee: サトーホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2016-12-28
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: JP6886411B2; JPWO2017130633A1

Abstract

This stacker (10) is provided with: an accommodation portion (104) that accommodates a plurality of printing media (PM) that are discharged from a printer, said media being arranged along a prescribed arrangement direction on a prescribed reference plane; a stopper (106) that has an inclined surface (106a) that is inclined relative to the reference plane; and a moving member (108) that, with respect to the stopper, is positioned in the direction of the rearmost printing medium from among the printing media accommodated by the accommodation portion. The inclined surface makes contact with the foremost printing medium from among the printing media accommodated by the accommodation portion. The moving member moves between a first position, at which the moving member makes contact with the rearmost printing medium from among the printing media accommodated by the accommodation portion, and a second position, which is spaced apart from the rearmost printing medium.

Description

Stacker and stacker control method

The present invention relates to a stacker that accommodates print media discharged from a printer, and a control method for the stacker.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stacker that holds a plurality of tags discharged from a printer in a vertical state and stores them in a horizontal direction is known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-105789).
The stacker disclosed in JP 2010-105789 A includes a pressing plate, a stopper plate, and a bottom surface portion. The tag is held in a vertical state by being sandwiched between the pressing plate and the stopper plate.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-105789, when a new tag is accommodated in a stacker, a new tag is inserted between a plurality of tags held in a vertical state and a stopper plate. At this time, since the plurality of tags held in the vertical state come into contact with the new tags, the accommodation state of the tags held in the vertical state becomes unstable.

An object of the present invention is to stabilize the accommodation state of a print medium in a stacker that accommodates a print medium discharged from a printer.

One embodiment of the present invention provides:
A storage unit configured to store a plurality of print media discharged from the printer in a predetermined arrangement direction on a predetermined reference plane;
A stopper having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the reference plane;
A moving member positioned in the direction of the last print medium among the plurality of print media housed in the housing portion with respect to the stopper;
The inclined surface is in contact with a leading print medium among a plurality of print media accommodated in the accommodating portion,
The moving member moves between a first position that contacts the last print medium among a plurality of print media housed in the housing portion and a second position that is separated from the last print medium.
It is a stacker.

According to the present invention, in the stacker that accommodates the print medium discharged from the printer, the accommodation state of the print medium can be stabilized.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the print medium according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the print medium PM of FIG. 1A taken along line II. The perspective view of the stacker of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the stacker of FIG. 2. Sectional drawing when the stacker of FIG. 3 is cut along the line II-II. The side view when the moving member 108 of FIG. 3 is seen from the RS side. The front view when the moving member 108 of FIG. 3 is seen from back RR. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of this embodiment. The top view of the stacker of the modification 3. FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the stacker of FIG. The top view of the 2nd adjustment part of the modification 4. FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the 2nd adjustment part of FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the 2nd adjustment part of FIG. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the 2nd adjustment part of FIG. The perspective view of the 2nd adjustment part of the modification 5. FIG. The front view of the 2nd adjustment part of FIG. 11A. The top view of the accommodating part of the modification 6. FIG. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the housing portion of FIG. 12A taken along line III-III.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that in the drawings for describing the present embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference symbols in principle, and the repetitive description thereof is omitted.

(1) Printing medium (Figs. 1A to 1B)
The print medium of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1A is a top view of the print medium of the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the print medium PM shown in FIG. 1A taken along line II.

The print medium PM in FIG. 1 is an RFID tag.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the front surface FF of the print medium PM is a print surface on which information (for example, characters, figures, barcodes, or combinations thereof) can be printed. An RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chip CH and an RFID antenna AN are embedded in the print medium PM.
As shown in FIG. 1B, since the chip CH is embedded in the print medium PM, the front surface FF has a protrusion FF1.
Hereinafter, a direction connecting the two side portions SP of the print medium PM is referred to as a “width direction”. The dimension between the two side portions SP of the print medium PM (that is, the width of the print medium PM) is W. A dimension between the protrusion FF1 of the print medium PM and the back surface BF (that is, the thickness of the print medium PM) is T.

(2) Stacker structure (Figures 2 to 5B)
The structure of the stacker of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stacker of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the stacker of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the stacker of FIG. 3 taken along the line II-II. FIG. 5A is a side view of the slider of FIG. 3 when viewed from the RS side. FIG. 5B is a front view of the slider of FIG. 3 when viewed from the rear RR.

The printer PR has a function of printing information on the front surface FF of the print medium PM and a function of writing data on the chip CH of the print medium PM.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer PR includes a discharge port EP.
The printer PR is configured to discharge the print medium PM in which the chip CH in which the data is written is embedded from the discharge port EP after writing the data in the chip CH.

The stacker 10 is a device that accommodates a plurality of print media PM discharged from the printer PR.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the stacker 10 includes a transport unit 102, a storage unit 104, a stopper 106, a moving member 108, a holding unit 110, a first adjustment unit 112, a transport roller 114,

Guide plates

116 and 118, a second adjustment unit 120, print

medium detection sensors

122 a and 122 b, a stopper detection sensor 124, frames 126 a and 126 b, a base 128, and a control unit 130 are provided.
The conveyance unit 102, the holding unit 110, the first adjustment unit 112, the conveyance roller 114, the

guide plates

116 and 118, the second adjustment unit 120, the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b, and the stopper detection sensor. 124,

frames

126a and 126b, and base 128 are not essential components.

The transport unit 102 is configured to transport the print medium PM discharged from the printer PR toward the storage unit 104.
As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance part 102 is located in the downward LO of the discharge port EP.
As shown in FIG. 4, the transport unit 102 includes a pair of transport pulleys 102 a and a transport belt 102 b.

The pair of transport pulleys 102a are pivotally supported by the

frames

126a and 126b so that they can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG.

The transport belt 102b is wound around a pair of transport pulleys 102a so that the print medium PM can be rotated in a direction to transport the print medium PM to the front FR or the rear RR.

When the transport pulley 102a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4, the transport belt 102b rotates in a direction to transport the print medium PM to the forward FR.
When the transport pulley 102a rotates clockwise in FIG. 4, the transport belt 102b rotates in a direction to transport the print medium PM to the rear RR.

The accommodation unit 104 accommodates the plurality of print media PM conveyed by the conveyance unit 102 in an arrangement along the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction) (an example of “predetermined arrangement direction”) on the reference plane. Configured as follows. The “reference plane” is a surface where the bottom portion BP of the print medium PM and the stack belt 104a are in contact with each other.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the storage unit 104 is located in the lower LO of the transport unit 102.
The accommodating portion 104 includes a stack belt 104a, a first side plate 104b, a second side plate 104c, and a pair of stack pulleys 104d.

The stack belt 104 a is configured to support the bottom BP of the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.
The stack belt 104a is wound around the pair of stack pulleys 104d so that the print medium PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 can be rotated in a direction in which the print medium PM is moved forward FR or backward RR.

The pair of stack pulleys 104d are pivotally supported on the base 128 so as to freely rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG. 4 according to the rotation of the stack belt 104a.

When the stack belt 104a rotates, the print medium PM supported by the stack belt 104a (that is, the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104) moves in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the stack belt 104a.

The first side plate 104b and the second side plate 104c are configured to support the side portion SP of the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.

The first side plate 104b is attached to the base 128 so as to be movable in the width direction (LS-RS direction) orthogonal to the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104. .

The second side plate 104c is fixed to the base 128.

When the first side plate 104b is moved in the width direction (LS-RS direction), the interval in the width direction (LS-RS direction) between the first side plate 104b and the second side plate 104c changes. Thereby, the print medium PM having various widths W can be accommodated.

The stopper 106 is configured to obliquely support a print medium (hereinafter referred to as “first print medium”) PM1 positioned at the foremost FR among the plurality of print media PM accommodated in the accommodation unit 104.
As shown in FIG. 4, the stopper 106 faces the moving member 108 in the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM.
The stopper 106 is fixed to the stack belt 104a so that it can move along the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM.
When the stack belt 104a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4, the stopper 106 moves to the forward FR.
When the stack belt 104a rotates clockwise in FIG. 4, the stopper 106 moves to the rear RR.

The stopper 106 has an inclined surface 106a. The inclined surface 106a is inclined with respect to the reference plane. Specifically, the upper UP end portion of the inclined surface 106a is positioned at the front FR from the lower LO end portion of the inclined surface 106a.

The moving member 108 is a print medium (hereinafter referred to as “the last print medium”) PMn (n is an integer of 1 or more) positioned at the rearmost RR among the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104. It is configured to push in the direction from the last print medium PMn toward the first print medium PM1 (that is, forward FR).
In other words, the moving member 108 is an example of a contact position (an example of “first position”) that contacts the last print medium PMn and an example of a standby position (an example of “second position”) that is separated from the last print medium PMn. ).
As shown in FIG. 4, the moving member 108 is positioned in the direction of the last print medium PMn (rear RR) with respect to the stopper 106. The stopper 106 is located in the lower LO of the transport unit 102.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, a rail groove 128a is provided on the surface of the base 128 on the upper UP side. The rail groove 128a extends in the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5B, a convex portion 108 b is provided on the lower LO side surface of the moving member 108.
The convex portion 108b is engaged with the rail groove 128a.

The holding unit 110 is configured to temporarily hold the print medium PM before the print medium PM is stored in the storage unit 104.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the holding unit 110 is provided above the storage unit 104. The holding unit 110 is, for example, a metal plate or a rubber plate.
As shown in FIG. 4, the end portion 110 a of the lower LO of the holding portion 110 is fixed to the end portion 108 a of the front FR of the moving member 108. The upper end 110b of the holding unit 110 is fixed to the

frames

126a and 126b. Accordingly, the print medium PM conveyed by the conveyance belt 102b slides down on the holding unit 110 from the vicinity of the position where the conveyance pulley 102a is pivotally supported.

The first adjustment unit 112 is configured to align the top positions of at least one print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first adjustment unit 112 includes an adjustment belt 112a and a pair of adjustment pulleys 112b.

The adjustment belt 112a is wound around a pair of adjustment pulleys 112b so as to be able to rotate while being in contact with the top portion TP of the print medium PM accommodated in the accommodation portion 104. The end of the lower LO of the adjustment belt 112a is substantially the same as the position of the top of the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104 in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction).

The pair of adjustment pulleys 112b are pivotally supported on the

frames

126a and 126b so that they can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG.

When the pair of adjustment pulleys 112b rotate clockwise in FIG. 4, the adjustment belt 112a rotates in the direction in which the top TP of the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104 is stroked forward FR. The end of the lower LO of the adjustment belt 112 a abuts on the top TP of the print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104. As a result, the positions in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction) of the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 are aligned.

The transport roller 114 is configured to transport the print medium PM discharged from the discharge port EP to the transport unit 102.
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller 114 is pivotally supported by the frame 126b so that it can rotate. The conveyance roller 114 is located in the lower LO of the discharge port EP.
The conveyance roller 114 is located between the discharge port EP and the conveyance unit 102 in a direction (LS-RS direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction (FR-RR direction) by the conveyance unit 102.

When the transport roller 114 rotates, the print medium PM discharged from the discharge port EP is transported in the direction of the transport unit 102 (RS direction). Thereby, the print medium PM can be reliably placed on the transport belt 102b. That is, the transport roller 114 is configured to assist the placement of the print medium PM discharged from the discharge port EP on the transport belt 102b.

The

guide plates

116 and 118 are configured to align the positions in the width direction (LS-RS direction) of the print medium PM conveyed by the conveyance unit 102.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide plate 116 is fixed to the frame 126a. The rear RR end of the guide plate 116 is located on the printer PR side (LS side) with respect to the front FR end. That is, the guide plate 116 is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction (RR-FR) of the print medium PM.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the guide plate 118 is attached to the frame 126a so as to be movable in the transport direction (RR-FR direction) and the width direction (LS-RS direction).
When the guide plate 118 is moved in the width direction (LS-RS direction), the distance between the

guide plates

116 and 118 in the width direction (LS-RS direction) changes. Thereby, the print medium PM having various widths W can be transported.

The second adjustment unit 120 is configured to align the positions of the side portions SP of at least one print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.
As shown in FIG. 3, the second adjustment unit 120 is attached to the base 128 so that it can move in the width direction (LS-RS direction) of the print medium PM accommodated in the accommodation unit 104. In addition, the second adjustment unit 120 is located at the rear RR of the stopper 106.

When the second adjustment unit 120 moves in the width direction (LS-RS direction), the position of the print medium PM in contact with the second adjustment unit 120 in the width direction (LS-RS direction) is aligned.

The print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b are configured to detect the print medium PM discharged from the discharge port EP. When the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b detect the print medium PM, the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b transmit a detection signal indicating that the print medium PM has been detected to the control unit 130.
The print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b are, for example, reflective optical sensors.

As shown in FIG. 3, the print medium detection sensor 122a prints the print medium discharged from the printer PR disposed at a position where the discharge direction (LS-RS direction) of the print medium PM is orthogonal to the transport direction (FR-RR direction). The medium PM is configured to be detected.
The print medium detection sensor 122b is configured to detect the print medium PM discharged from the printer PR disposed at the rear RR of the transport unit 102.

The stopper detection sensor 124 is configured to detect the stopper 106 at a predetermined position.
As shown in FIG. 3, the stopper detection sensor 124 is positioned forward FR with respect to the transport unit 102. The position of the stopper detection sensor 124 corresponds to the position when the number of print media PM accommodated in the accommodation unit 104 reaches the upper limit (hereinafter referred to as “full”).
The stopper detection sensor 124 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor.

When the stopper 106 reaches a predetermined position, the stopper detection sensor 124 transmits a detection signal indicating that the stopper 106 has been detected (that is, the storage unit 104 is full) to the control unit 130.

Each of the conveyance unit 102, the moving member 108, the first adjustment unit 112, the conveyance roller 114, and the second adjustment unit 120 includes a motor (not shown).
The control unit 130 includes a controller and a drive circuit.
The drive circuit is electrically connected to the motor of each part.
The controller is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the motor of each unit via the drive circuit.

(3) Stacker operation (FIGS. 6A to 6E)
The operation of the stacker of this embodiment will be described.
6A to 6E are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the stacker of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the print medium detection sensor 122a detects a new print medium PMn + 1 discharged from the discharge port EP, the control unit 130 is a control signal for rotating the transport roller 114 clockwise in FIG. 6A. Is generated. As a result, the transport roller 114 rotates. When the transport roller 114 rotates, it is transported in the RS direction. As a result, the print medium PMn + 1 is placed on the transport belt 102b.
At the timing when the print medium PM comes into contact with the guide plate 118, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for stopping the rotation of the transport roller 114.
The timing at which the print medium PM contacts the guide plate 118 is, for example, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 130 transmitted a control signal for rotating the transport roller 114.
When the stacker 10 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects that the print medium PM is in contact with the guide plate 118, the timing at which the print medium PM is in contact with the guide plate 118 is the guide by the print medium PM. The timing which the said sensor detected the contact to the board 118 may be sufficient.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, at the timing when the print medium PM is discharged from the discharge port EP, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for rotating the transport pulley 102a counterclockwise in FIG. 6B. Thereby, the conveyance pulley 102a rotates.
The timing at which the print medium PM is discharged from the discharge port EP is, for example, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the print medium PM was detected by the print

medium detection sensor

122a or 122b.
When the transport pulley 102a rotates, the transport belt 102b rotates to transport the print medium PM to the front FR. The print medium PMn + 1 placed on the conveyance belt 102b is conveyed to the forward FR while the position in the width direction (LS-RS direction) is adjusted by contacting the guide plates 116 and 118 (see FIG. 3). .

Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the storage unit 104 stores a plurality of print media PM1 to PMn. The plurality of print media PM1 to PMn accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 are inclined according to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 106a. The leading print medium PM1 is supported by the inclined surface 106a.
At the timing when the print medium PMn + 1 falls from the transport belt 102b, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for stopping the rotation of the transport pulley 102a. Thereby, the conveyance pulley 102a stops.
The timing when the print medium PMn + 1 falls from the conveyance belt 102b is, for example, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the print

medium detection sensor

122a or 122b detected the print medium PMn + 1.
Note that when the stacker 10 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects that the print medium PM is in contact with the guide plate 118, the timing at which the print medium PMn + 1 falls from the conveyance belt 102b is a guide by the print medium PMn + 1. This is one of timings when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor detected contact with the plate 118.
The print medium PMn + 1 sliding down on the holding unit 110 is supported by the last print medium PMn among the print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 and the holding unit 110. As a result, the print medium PMn + 1 is held before being stored in the storage unit 104.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, at the timing when the print medium PMn + 1 is held, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the moving member 108 to the rear RR. Thereby, the moving member 108 moves to the standby position of the rear RR.
The timing at which the print medium PMn + 1 is held is, for example, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the print medium PMn + 1 is detected by the print

medium detection sensor

122a or 122b, and the control unit 130 for rotating the transport pulley 102a. It is one of the timings when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the control signal.
When the moving member 108 in contact with the last print medium PMn moves rearward RR (that is, away from the last print medium PMn), the holding of the print medium PMn + 1 is released. The print medium PMn + 1 whose holding has been released falls into the storage unit 104.
At the timing when the moving member 108 moves to the rear RR, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the second adjustment unit 120 in the RS direction and then moving it in the LS direction. Accordingly, the second adjustment unit 120 moves in the LS direction after moving in the RS direction. As a result, the positions in the width direction (LS-RS direction) of the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 are aligned.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the moving member 108 to the forward FR. Thereby, the moving member 108 moves to the contact position of the front FR. When the moving member 108 moves to the contact position, the print medium PMn + 1 that has fallen into the accommodating portion 104 is pushed into the front FR. As a result, the print medium PMn + 1 is inclined according to the inclination angle of the print media PM1 to PMn (that is, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 106a). As a result, the storage state of the print media PM1 to PMn + 1 stored in the storage unit 104 is stabilized.
Further, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for rotating the pair of adjustment pulleys 112b clockwise in FIG. 6E. Thereby, a pair of adjustment pulley 112b rotates. When the pair of adjustment pulleys 112b rotate, the adjustment belt 112a rotates while contacting the tops TP of the plurality of print media PM including the print media PMn + 1. As a result, the positions in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction) of the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 are aligned.

When the moving member 108 further moves forward FR, the plurality of print media PM1 to PMn + 1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 are pushed into the forward FR. As a result, the stack belt 104a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4, and the stopper 106 moves to the forward FR.

The above steps are repeated until the stopper detection sensor 124 detects the stopper 106 (that is, until the storage portion 104 becomes full).
When the stopper detection sensor 124 detects the stopper 106, the control unit 130 stops the control.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent the print medium PM from being transported to the storage unit 104 (that is, the storage unit 104 overflows) after the storage unit 104 becomes full.

(4) Summary This embodiment is summarized.

The stopper 106 has an inclined surface 106a. The plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 is inclined along the inclination angle of the inclined surface 106a.
Thereby, the accommodation state of the printing medium PM can be stabilized.

The stacker 10 includes a holding unit 110. The holding unit 110 temporarily holds the print medium PM before the print medium PM is stored in the storage unit 104.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent the print medium PM dropped from the transport unit 102 from bouncing on the surface of the stack belt 104a. As a result, the print medium PM is reliably accommodated without jumping over the first side plate 104b or the second side plate 104c (that is, jumping out of the stacker 10).

The stacker 10 includes a first adjustment unit 112. The first adjustment unit 112 aligns the top positions of at least one print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.
As a result, the positions in the vertical direction (UP-LO) of the plurality of print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 can be aligned.

The stacker 10 includes a second adjustment unit 120. The second adjustment unit 120 aligns the positions of the side portions SP of at least one print medium PM stored in the storage unit 104.
Thereby, the positions in the width direction (LS-RS) of the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 can be aligned.

The stacker 10 includes a stopper detection sensor 124. The stopper detection sensor 124 detects the stopper 106 at a predetermined position. When the stopper detection sensor 124 detects the stopper 106 at a predetermined position, the control unit 130 stops the control of the transport unit 102.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent the number of print media PM exceeding the allowable amount of the storage unit 104 from being stored in the storage unit 104.

The stacker 10 can operate without being electrically connected to the printer PR. That is, the stacker 10 can operate independently of the printer PR.
Thereby, even if the control unit 130 stops the control of the conveyance unit 102, the operation of the printer PR (for example, printing of information on the printing medium PM, writing of data on the chip CH, etc.) is not stopped. The print medium PM accommodated in the unit 104 can be collected.

(5) Modification A modification of the present embodiment will be described.

(5-1) Modification 1
Modification 1 will be described. This modification is a modification of the print medium PM.

In the present embodiment, an RFID tag is exemplified as the print medium PM. However, the print medium PM is not limited to the RFID tag.
The print medium PM may be, for example, a label (specifically, the back BF is an adhesive layer) or a tag in which the chip CH and the antenna AN are not embedded.
In other words, the stacker 10 does not depend on the type of the print medium PM, and is defined by the range defined by the movable range of the first side plate 104b (the width direction between the first side plate 104b and the second side plate 104c (LS-RS Any type of print medium PM can be accommodated as long as the print medium PM has a width W included in the (direction) interval.

In the present embodiment, the stacker 10 accommodates the print medium PM in which information is printed on the front FF and data is written on the chip CH. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The stacker 10 has no information printed on the front FF (that is, data is written on the chip CH) and no data is written on the chip CH (that is, no information is written on the front FF). It is also possible to accommodate a print medium PM that has just been printed.
In other words, the stacker 10 determines the print medium PM discharged from the printer PR regardless of whether the printer PR has printed information on the print medium PM and whether the printer PR has written data on the chip CH. Can be accommodated.

(5-2) Modification 2
Modification 2 will be described. This modification is a modification of the position where the printer PR is installed.

In the present embodiment, the example in which the printer PR is installed on the LS side with respect to the stacker 10 has been described. In this case, the print medium PM discharged from the printer PR is discharged in a direction (LS-RS direction) orthogonal to the transport direction (FR-RR direction). However, the position where the printer PR is installed is not limited to this.
The printer PR may be set at the rear RR of the transport unit 102. In this case, the print medium PM discharged from the printer PR is discharged in the transport direction (FR-RR direction). The print medium PM discharged from the printer PR is detected by the print medium detection sensor 122b.

In the second modification, the conveyance roller 114 and the print medium detection sensor 122a are not necessary.

(5-3) Modification 3
Modification 3 will be described. This modification is a modification of the first adjustment unit 112.

(5-3-1) Stacker structure (Fig. 7)
The structure of the stacker of Modification 3 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the stacker of the third modification.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the stacker 10 according to the third modification includes a first adjustment unit 212 (a guide plate 212 a, an adjustment plate 212 b, and a motor (not shown)) instead of the first adjustment unit 112 in FIG. 4. It has.

The guide plate 212 a is configured to guide the print medium PM conveyed by the conveyance belt 102 b toward the storage unit 104 by sandwiching the print medium PM together with the holding unit 110.
The upper UP end of the guide plate 212a is pivotally supported by the

frames

126a and 126b so that the guide plate 212a can be rotated about the rotation axis 212c of the front FR of the transport belt 102b.
The print medium PM conveyed by the conveyance belt 102b is guided to the storage unit 104 by being sandwiched between the holding unit 110 and the guide plate 212a.

The adjustment plate 212b is provided at the end of the lower LO of the guide plate 212a.

(5-3-2) Stacker operation (FIGS. 8A to 8C)
The operation of the stacker of Modification 3 will be described.
8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the stacker of FIG.

6B, the new print medium PMn + 1 slides down on the holding unit 110 as shown in FIG. 8A. The print medium PMn + 1 sliding down on the holding unit 110 is supported by the last print medium PMn among the print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 and the holding unit 110. As a result, the print medium PMn + 1 is held before being stored in the storage unit 104.

As shown in FIG. 8B, at the timing when the print medium PMn + 1 is held, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for rotating the guide plate 212a clockwise in FIG. 8B. As a result, the guide plate 212a rotates. When the guide plate 212a rotates, a gap is formed between the top portions TP of the plurality of print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 and the lower surface 212ba of the adjustment plate 212b.
Further, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the moving member 108 to the rear RR. As a result, the moving member 108 moves to the rear RR. When the moving member 108 moves to the rear RR, the holding of the print medium PMn + 1 is released. The print medium PMn + 1 whose holding has been released falls into the storage unit 104.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the moving member 108 to the forward FR. Thereby, the moving member 108 moves to the forward FR. When the moving member 108 moves to the front FR, the print medium PMn + 1 that has fallen into the storage unit 104 is pushed into the front FR. As a result, the print medium PMn + 1 is inclined in accordance with the inclination angle of the print media PM1 to PMn (inclination angle of the inclined surface 106a). As a result, the storage state of the print media PM1 to PMn + 1 stored in the storage unit 104 is stabilized.
Further, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for rotating the guide plate 212a counterclockwise in FIG. 8C. When the guide plate 212a rotates, the top portions TP of the plurality of print media PM including the print media PMn + 1 and the lower surface 212ba of the adjustment plate 212b come into contact with each other. As a result, the positions in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction) of the plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 are aligned.

When the moving member 108 further moves forward FR, the stopper 106 moves forward FR as in FIG. 6E.

The above steps are repeated until the stopper detection sensor 124 detects the stopper 106 (that is, until the accommodating portion 104 becomes full), as in FIGS. 6A to 6E.

(5-4) Modification 4 (FIGS. 9 to 10C)
Modification 4 will be described. This modification is a modification of the second adjustment unit 120.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the second adjustment unit of the fourth modification. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the second adjustment unit in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second adjustment unit 220 includes a guide piece 220a and an urging member 220b.

The biasing member 220b is configured to apply a biasing force Fb in the RS direction to the guide piece 220a.
The urging member 220b is fixed to the frame 126b and the guide piece 220a.

The guide piece 220a is configured to adjust the position of the side portion SP of at least one print medium PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104.
The guide piece 220a has an inclined surface 220c and a flat surface 220d.

The inclined surface 220c is inclined with respect to the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM.
The rear RR end portion 220ca of the inclined surface 220c is closer to the frame 126b side than the end portion 108ca on the frame 126b side (LS side) to which the biasing member 220b is fixed out of the front FR end portions of the moving member 108. (LS side).
An end portion 220cb of the forward FR of the inclined surface 220c is located on the first side plate 104b side (RS side) with respect to the end portion 108ca.

The plane 220d faces the first side plate 104b. The flat surface 220d abuts on the side portion (LS side) opposite to the first side plate 104b of the side portion SP of the print medium PM accommodated in the accommodation portion 104.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10B, when the moving member 108 moves forward FR while being in contact with the inclined surface 220c, the direction (LS direction) is opposite to the direction of the biasing force Fb (RS direction). ) Power is applied. By this force, the guide piece 220a moves in the direction (LS direction) opposite to the direction of the biasing force Fb (RS direction).

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the moving member 108 moves to the rear RR, the guide piece 220a moves in the direction of the urging force Fb (RS direction). As a result, the flat surface 220d comes into contact with the side portion SP of the print medium PM. Thereby, the positions in the width direction (LS-RS direction) of the plurality of print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 are aligned.

In this modification, the example in which the guide piece 220a has the inclined surface 220c has been described. However, the guide piece 220a may have a rectangular shape, and the moving member 108 may have an inclined surface.
In this case, the inclined surface of the moving member 108 is inclined with respect to the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM. The front FR end of the inclined surface of the moving member 108 is located on the first side plate 104b side (RS side) with respect to the rear RR end of the moving member 108.

(5-5) Modification 5 (FIGS. 11A to 11B)
Modification 5 will be described. This modification is a modification of the second adjustment unit 120.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the second adjustment unit 320 of Modification 5. FIG. FIG. 11B is a front view of the second adjustment unit 320 of FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the second adjustment unit 320 includes

adjustment plates

320a and 320b and

yarns

320c and 320d.
The moving member 308 includes a contact plate 308a, an arm 308b, a connecting member 308c, and a pair of L-shaped links 308d.

The

adjustment plates

320a and 320b are pivotally supported on the base 128 by a torsion spring (not shown) so that the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b can rotate about the ends 320ac and 320bc of the lower LO in FIG. 11B, respectively. The torsion spring applies a biasing force in the inner direction (RS direction and LS direction) to the adjusting

plates

320a and 320b, respectively.
The adjusting

plates

320a and 320b have holes 320aa and 320ba, respectively.

The pair of L-shaped links 308d includes a hole 308da, a first rotation shaft 308db, and a second rotation shaft 308dc.

The

yarns

320c and 320d penetrate the holes 320aa and 320ba, respectively, and are tied to the hole 308da. That is, the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b are connected to the pair of L-shaped links 308d via the

threads

320c and 320d.

The contact plate 308a contacts the last print medium PMn out of the print media PM stored in the storage unit 104. When the moving member 308 moves to the forward FR, the contact plate 308a pushes the print medium PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 into the forward FR.

The arm 308b is connected to the contact plate 308a and the pair of L-shaped links 308d via a connecting member 308c.

The pair of L-shaped links 308d is pivotally supported on the base 128 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation shaft 308db.
The pair of L-shaped links 308d are pivotally supported by the connecting member 308c so as to be rotatable about the second rotation shaft 308dc.

The control unit 130 generates a control signal for moving the moving member 308 in the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print medium PM.
When the control unit 130 generates a control signal, the moving member 308 moves in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction).

When the moving member 308 moves to the forward FR, the arm 308b applies a force to the forward FR to the pair of L-shaped links 308d. The pair of L-shaped links 308d rotate around the first rotation shaft 308db and the second rotation shaft 308dc in accordance with the force applied from the arm 308b. The rotation direction of the pair of L-shaped links 308d is a direction in which the holes 308da are separated from the print medium PM. When the pair of L-shaped links 308d rotate, the

threads

320c and 320d apply a force in the opposite direction to the print medium PM to the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b with the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b as a reference. By this force, the adjusting

plates

320a and 320b rotate around the end portions 320ac and 320bc in the direction in which the upper end portions 320ab and 320bb of FIG. 11B are separated from the print medium PM.

When the moving member 308 moves to the rear RR, the arm 308b applies a force to the rear RR to the pair of L-shaped links 308d. The pair of L-shaped links 308d rotate around the first rotation shaft 308db and the second rotation shaft 308dc in accordance with the force applied from the arm 308b. The rotation direction of the pair of L-shaped links 308d is a direction in which the hole 308da approaches the print medium PM. When the pair of L-shaped links 308d rotate, the

threads

320c and 320d are loosened, so that the force applied by the

threads

320c and 320d is released. Therefore, only the urging force applied by the torsion spring acts on the adjusting

plates

320a and 320b. By this urging force, the adjusting

plates

320a and 320b rotate around the ends 320ac and 320bc in the direction in which the ends 320ab and 320bb approach the print medium PM. As a result, the inner (RS side and LS side) surfaces of the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b come into contact with the side portion SP of the print medium PM. Thereby, the positions in the width direction (LS-RS direction) of the plurality of print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 are aligned.

Note that the member that applies the biasing force to the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b may be a pair of coil springs instead of the torsion springs. One end of the pair of coil springs is fixed to the

frames

126a and 126b, respectively. The other ends of the pair of coil springs are fixed to the outer (LS side and RS side) surfaces of the

adjustment plates

320a and 320b, respectively.

(5-6) Modification 6 (FIGS. 12A to 12B)
Modification 6 will be described. This modification is a modification of the accommodating portion 104.
FIG. 12A is a top view of the accommodating portion 204 of the sixth modification. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the housing portion 204 of FIG. 12A taken along the line III-III.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12B, the stack belt 204a of the housing portion 204 has a plurality of grooves 204aa.
Each groove 204aa is configured to hold the bottom of each print medium PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 204.
The interval D between the grooves 204aa is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the print medium PM.
Each groove 204aa is a V-shaped groove. That is, each groove 204aa has an inclined surface. Each groove 204aa extends in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction (FR-RR direction) of the print media PM (that is, the width direction (LS-RS direction)).

The plurality of print media PM stored in the storage unit 104 are fixed by the inclined surfaces of the grooves 204aa, respectively.
Since the interval D of the grooves 203aa is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the print medium PM, the intervals between the print media PM held by the grooves 204aa are kept uniform.
Thereby, the accommodation state of each printing medium PM can be stabilized more. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, even when the front surface FF of the print medium PM has the protruding portion FF1, the intervals between the print media PM accommodated in the accommodating portion 104 can be kept uniform.

The groove 204aa is not limited to the V-shaped groove.
The groove 204aa may have a curved surface (that is, an arc shape) instead of the inclined surface. In this case, the distance between the arc centers is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the print medium PM.
Further, the groove 204aa may be uneven. In this case, the interval between the convex portions is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the print medium PM.

(5-7) Modification 7
Modification 7 will be described. This modification is an example in which the transport unit 102 is omitted.

When the transport unit 102 is omitted, the stacker 10 is provided with an inclined surface instead of the transport unit 102 of FIGS. The inclined surface is located above the storage unit 104.

The print medium PM discharged from the discharge port EP is transported to the inclined surface by the rotation of the transport roller 114. The print medium PM conveyed to the inclined surface slides down to the front FR along the inclined surface due to its own weight. The sliding print medium PM is held before being accommodated in the accommodating portion 104, as in the present embodiment.

According to this modification, it is not necessary to control the transport unit 102 and the transport unit 102. Thereby, compared with this embodiment, the power consumption of the stacker 10 can be reduced and the stacker 10 can be reduced in size.

(5-8) Modification 8
Modification 8 will be described. In this modification, the conveyance unit 102, the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b, the conveyance roller 114, and the

guide plates

116 and 118 are configured to be able to adjust the position in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction). is there.

The

frames

126a and 126b include support members.
The support members are attached to the

frames

126a and 126b so that they can move in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction).
The pair of transport pulleys 102a, the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b, the transport rollers 114, and the

guide plates

116 and 118 are supported by a support member.

When the support member is moved in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction), the pair of transport pulleys 102a, the print

medium detection sensors

122a and 122b, the transport roller 114, and the

guide plates

116 and 118 are moved in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction). Move to. Accordingly, the print medium PM discharged from various types of printers PR can be accommodated without depending on the position of the discharge port EP in the vertical direction (UP-LO direction).

(5-9) Modification 9
Modification 9 will be described. The modified example 9 is an example in which the stacker 10 operates in conjunction with the printer PR.

The stacker 10 of the modification 9 is connected to the printer PR via a data cable.
The printer PR further has a function of transmitting a signal indicating success or failure of data writing to the chip CH to the control unit 130 via the data cable.

When the controller 130 receives from the printer PR a signal indicating the success or failure of data writing to the chip CH, the controller 130 determines the rotation direction of the transport pulley 102a based on the signal. Specifically, the control unit 130 determines the direction of rotation clockwise in FIG. 4 when the signal indicates success. On the other hand, when the signal indicates failure, the control unit 130 determines the rotation direction counterclockwise in FIG.
Next, the control unit 130 generates a control signal for rotating the transport pulley 102a in the determined rotation direction. Thereby, the conveyance pulley 102a rotates in the rotation direction determined by the control unit 130. As a result, the conveyor belt 102b rotates in a direction (forward FR or backward RR) according to the success or failure of data writing to the chip CH.

According to this modification, the rotation direction of the transport belt 102b is switched according to whether data is written to the chip CH. Thereby, when the writing of data to the chip CH fails, the print medium PM can be transported in the backward RR (that is, the direction opposite to the storage unit 104 with respect to the transport unit 102). As a result, it is possible to prevent the print medium PM that has failed to write data to the chip CH from being mixed into the storage unit 104.
Further, a box may be provided in the rear RR of the transport unit 102. In this case, the print medium PM for which data writing to the chip CH has failed is collected in a box. This facilitates the collection of the print medium PM that has failed to write data to the chip CH.

(5-10) Modification 10
Modification 10 will be described. The modification 10 is an example in which the second adjustment unit 120 is mechanically driven instead of the motor.

The second adjustment unit 120 of Modification 10 is connected to the moving member 108 by an arm (not shown).
The second adjustment unit 120 is configured to move in the RS direction in FIG. 3 when the moving member 108 moves to the front FR, and to move in the LS direction in FIG. 3 when the moving member 108 moves to the rear RR. The

In Modification 10, the second adjustment unit 120 can be moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving member 108. In other words, the control unit 130 only generates a control signal for controlling the moving member 108 without generating a control signal for controlling the second adjusting unit 120, and the moving member 108 and the second adjusting unit 120. Drive both.
Thereby, the manufacturing cost and power consumption of the stacker 10 can be reduced.

(5-11) Modification 11
Modification 11 will be described. The modification 11 is an example of the storage unit 104 configured so that the storage amount of the storage unit 104 is variable.

The accommodating part 104 of the modification 11 is configured to be extendable in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction) in FIG.

The stopper detection sensor 124 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction) in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the housing portion 104. The stopper detection sensor 124 is attached to the accommodating part 104 with a magnet, for example. Therefore, the stopper detection sensor 124 can be attached to an arbitrary position of the housing portion 104.

When the accommodating part 104 is extended forward FR, the accommodation amount of the accommodating part 104 will increase. In particular, when the installation space of the stacker 10 is wide, a large number of print media PM can be accommodated at a time by extending the accommodating portion 104 to the front FR.
On the other hand, when the accommodating portion 104 is contracted to the rear RR, the size of the stacker 10 in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction) is reduced. In particular, when the installation space of the stacker 10 is small, the stacker 10 can be used by shrinking the accommodating portion 104 to the rear RR.

In addition, by configuring the stopper detection sensor 124 to be movable, it is possible to detect that an arbitrary number of print media PM has been stored in the storage unit 104.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in detail, the scope of the present invention is not limited to said embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be variously improved and changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Moreover, said embodiment and modification can be combined.

10: Stacker 102: Conveying section 102a: Conveying pulley 102b: Conveying belt 104: Storage section 104a: Stack belt 104b: First side plate 104c: Second side plate 104d: Stack pulley 106: Stopper 108: Moving member 110: Holding section 112: First adjustment unit 112a: Adjustment belt 112b: Adjustment pulley 114: Conveying rollers 116, 118: Guide plate 120: Second adjustment unit 122a: Print medium detection sensor 122b: Print medium detection sensor 124:

Stopper detection sensors

126a, 126b : Frame 128: Base 128a: Rail groove 130: Control unit 204: Storage unit 204a: Stack belt 212: First adjustment unit 212a: Guide plate 212b: Adjustment plate 212c: Rotating shaft 220: Second adjustment Portion 220a: Guide piece 220b: Biasing member 220c: Inclined surface 220d: Flat surface 308: Moving member 308a: Abutting plate 308b: Arm 308c: Connection member 308d: L-shaped link 320:

Second adjusting portion

320a, 320b:

Adjustment plate

320c, 320d: yarn

Claims

A storage unit configured to store a plurality of print media discharged from the printer in a predetermined arrangement direction on a predetermined reference plane;
A stopper having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the reference plane;
A moving member positioned in the direction of the last print medium among the plurality of print media housed in the housing portion with respect to the stopper;
The inclined surface is in contact with a leading print medium among a plurality of print media accommodated in the accommodating portion,
The moving member moves between a first position that contacts the last print medium among a plurality of print media housed in the housing portion and a second position that is separated from the last print medium.
Stacker.
A holding unit that temporarily holds the print medium before the print medium is stored in the storage unit;
The stacker according to claim 1.
The holding unit releases the holding of the print medium when the moving member that is in contact with the last print medium is separated from the last print medium;
The stacker according to claim 2.
The holding portion is provided above the housing portion.
The stacker according to claim 2 or 3.
The stacker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first adjustment unit that aligns a top position of at least one print medium stored in the storage unit.
A second adjusting unit that aligns the position of the side of at least one print medium stored in the storage unit;
The stacker according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The accommodating portion has a plurality of grooves for holding bottom portions of the plurality of print media.
The stacker according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A transport unit that transports the print medium discharged from the printer to the storage unit;
A sensor for detecting the stopper at a predetermined position;
A control unit for controlling the transport unit,
The stopper is configured to move along the arrangement direction,
When the sensor detects the stopper, the control unit stops the control of the transport unit.
The stacker according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The moving member pushes the last print medium out of the plurality of print media accommodated in the accommodating portion in a direction from the last print medium toward the first print medium.
The stacker according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The moving member pushes the last print medium in a direction from the last print medium to the first print medium each time one print medium is ejected from the printer.
The stacker according to claim 9.
A storage unit that stores a plurality of print media discharged from the printer in a predetermined arrangement direction on a predetermined reference plane, a holding unit that temporarily holds the print medium, and the storage unit Control of a stacker comprising: a moving member that moves between a first position that abuts on the last printing medium among a plurality of printing media contained in the first printing medium and a second position that is spaced apart from the last printing medium. A method,
By moving the moving member to the first position, the holding unit holds the print medium,
Releasing the holding of the print medium by the holding unit by moving the moving member to the second position;
Stacker control method.