JP5465622B2 - Front / back reversing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a front / back reversing device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a front / back reversing device that takes in paper sheets including bills, banknotes, slips, etc., reverses the front and back sides of the taken paper sheets, and discharges the paper sheets. For example, a ticket printer used when issuing tickets such as tickets or admission tickets has a front / back reversing device inside, and by reversing the front and back of the ticket according to the state of the inserted ticket, Make sure that the front and back of the ticket are aligned so that the printed surface faces in a certain direction. In addition, for example, an automatic ticket gate provided in a transportation facility also has a front / back reversing device inside, and by reversing the front and back of the ticket according to the state of the ticket inserted by the passenger, the information recorded on the ticket can be reduced in size. Can be read with no error (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  Many of the existing front / back reversing devices employ a so-called switchback system. Typically, a switchback type front / back reversing device takes a paper sheet into a reversing conveyance path or a pool portion, and conveys the paper sheet in the reverse direction while taking it in, while turning it over. As a result, the paper sheets whose front and back sides are reversed are discharged (for example, see Patent Documents 2 and 3 below).

JP-A-3-29073 JP 2009-18888 A JP-A-9-110265

  However, existing switchback type front / back reversing devices have limitations on the length of paper sheets that can be handled. For example, in the front / back reversing device described in Patent Document 2, the depth of the reversal pool portion into which the paper sheets are taken is fixed. Therefore, when paper sheets that are too short compared to the depth of the reversal pool section are taken in, the reversing roller cannot discharge the paper sheets. In addition, when a paper sheet that is too long compared to the depth of the reversal pool part is inserted, the rear end of the paper sheet is not taken into the reversal pool part, and there is a possibility that a failure such as a jam (clogging) may occur. is there.

  On the other hand, in the front / back reversing device described in Patent Document 3, the position of the stopper provided in the reversing conveyance path can be moved by the elasticity of the spring, so that paper sheets of different lengths can be relatively flexible. It can be handled. However, in this case as well, the elastic force of the spring acting in the paper discharge direction increases in accordance with the extension of the spring in accordance with Hooke's law. There is also a limit to the extension of the spring. Therefore, when a paper sheet exceeding a certain length is inserted, if the conveying force of the roller is strong, the paper sheet is bent by the conveying force and the elastic force of the spring, or if the conveying force is weak The possibility of a failure occurring inside the apparatus cannot be excluded, such as a jam that occurs when the paper sheet cannot pass through the guide roller.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the handling of paper sheets with different lengths, and reduces the risk of failure when paper sheets with lengths that do not comply with the regulations are inserted. The device is to be provided.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a front / back reversing device for reversing the front and back of a paper sheet, wherein the first transport path for carrying the paper sheet and the transport direction of the paper sheet are reversed. A reversing mechanism having a reversing conveyance path, a second conveying path for carrying out the paper sheets, a take-in roller for taking the paper sheets from the first conveying path into the reversing conveying path, and the paper sheets The paper sheet is provided between the discharge roller for discharging the paper from the reverse conveyance path to the second conveyance path, the take-in roller and the discharge roller, and is taken into the reverse conveyance path of the reverse mechanism. A switching roller for switching the direction of the rear end from the first transport path to the second transport path, and the reversing mechanism is in contact with the front end of the paper sheet taken in by the take-in roller and is elastic. To remove the paper in the direction of discharge from the reversing conveyance path. And a guide for separating the limiter from the reversing conveyance path when the limiter moves in the direction of taking in the reversing conveyance path beyond the first distance against the elastic force. Are provided.

  According to such a configuration, when a paper sheet not exceeding a predetermined length is carried into the front / back reversing device, the take-in roller takes the paper sheet into the reversing conveyance path of the reversing mechanism, The limiter urges the paper sheets taken into the reversing conveyance path by an elastic force. When the paper sheet is completely taken into the reversing conveyance path and the conveyance force by the take-in roller is lost, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed by the elastic force biased by the limiter. And after the said switching roller switches the direction of the rear end (front end of a discharge direction) of the taking-in direction of a paper sheet, the said take-in roller discharges a paper sheet from the said conveyance path for reversal. Further, when a paper sheet exceeding a predetermined length is carried into the front / back reversing device, the take-in direction of the reversing conveyance path against the elastic force while the limiter is pushed by the paper sheet And the guide moves the limiter away from the reversing conveyance path.

  In addition, when the limiter moves beyond a second distance shorter than the first distance, the guide moves the limiter around the rotation axis of the limiter positioned outside the reversing conveyance path. It may be rotated.

  Further, the limiter includes a contact portion that contacts the front end of the paper sheet on the reversing conveyance path, and the rotation shaft that is engaged with a groove of the guide that is provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path. The contact portion of the limiter and the rotation shaft are movable along the groove of the guide, and the guide groove moves the rotation shaft of the limiter moved to the second distance. It may be locked.

  The reversing mechanism includes a sensor that detects that the paper sheet has moved in the take-in direction on the reversing conveyance path beyond the first distance, and an alarm that issues an alarm according to the output of the sensor. And may further include

  Further, the front and back reversing device includes a first reversing mechanism having each of the pair of the limiter and the guide, and a reversing mechanism for taking in the paper sheets according to the length of the paper sheets to be carried in. A switching unit that switches between the reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism, from a switching point by the switching unit to a separation point of the limiter on the reversing conveyance path of the first reversing mechanism. And the length from the switching point to the separation point of the limiter on the reversing conveyance path of the second reversing mechanism may be different.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a front / back reversing device for reversing the front and back of a paper sheet, the first transport path for carrying the paper sheet, and the transport direction of the paper sheet Two reversing mechanisms each having a reversing conveyance path for reversing the sheet, a second conveying path for carrying out the paper sheet, and a reversal for taking in the paper sheet according to the length of the paper sheet carried in A switching unit for switching the mechanism between the first reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism, a take-in roller for taking the paper sheets from the first transport path to a switching point of the switching unit, and the paper sheets A discharge roller that discharges from the switching point to the second transport path, and is provided between the take-in roller and the discharge roller, and is provided on the reverse transport path of the first reverse mechanism or the second reverse mechanism. The direction of the trailing edge of the paper sheet taken in is from the first conveyance path A switching roller for switching to the second conveyance path, and the first reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism are in contact with a front end of the paper sheet taken in by the take-in roller, and are elastically forced to Each of the paper sheets further includes a limiter for urging the paper sheet in the discharging direction from the reversing conveyance path, and the length of the paper sheet that can be taken in by the first reversing mechanism, and the second reversing mechanism. Thus, a front / back reversing device different from the length of the paper sheet that can be taken in is provided.

  As described above, according to the front / back reversing device according to the present invention, the handling of paper sheets having different lengths is improved, and the risk of failure when a paper sheet having a length that does not conform to the regulations is inserted. Can be reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the front-back inversion apparatus relevant to this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of arrangement | positioning of a switching roller and a taking-in roller. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of arrangement | positioning of a switching roller and a discharge roller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed flow of the front-back inversion operation | movement by the front-back inversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed flow of operation | movement by the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd operation example of the front-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement by the front-and-back inversion apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<1. Basic principle of reversing mechanism>
First, the basic principle of the reversing mechanism of the front / back reversing apparatus related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The reversing mechanism of the front / back reversing device related to the present invention is a reversing mechanism employing a so-called switchback system.

[1-1. Example of device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a front / back reversing device 1 as an example related to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the front / back reversing device 1 includes a first transport path 12, a second transport path 14, a first pressure roller 22, a first transport roller 24, a second pressure roller 26, a second transport roller 28, and a take-in. A solenoid 30, a take-in blade 32, a take-in roller 42, a discharge roller 44, a switching roller 46, and a reversing mechanism 50. The reversing mechanism 50 includes a reversing conveyance path 16, a limiter 52, and a spring 60. The front / back reversing device 1 may be, for example, a device built in a ticket printing machine used when issuing a ticket such as a ticket or an admission ticket, or an automatic ticket gate provided in a transportation facility.

  The first transport path 12 is taken between the first pressure roller 22 and the first transport roller 24 from the inside or outside carry-in port (not shown) of the front / back reversing device 1 located on the right side of FIG. This is a conveyance path toward the insertion blade 32. The first conveyance path 12 is connected to the second conveyance path 14 above the switching roller 46. The first transport path 12 is connected to the reversing transport path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 via the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42.

  The second transport path 14 passes through a space between the second pressure roller 26 and the second transport roller 28 toward a carry-out port (not shown) inside or outside the front / back reversing device 1 located on the left side of FIG. It is a transport path. The second conveyance path 14 is connected to the reversal conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 via the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44.

  The first pressure roller 22 and the first transport roller 24 are disposed at positions where the paper sheets to be transported into the first transport path 12 are sandwiched from above and below. In FIG. 1, the first transport roller 24 rotates counterclockwise and transports the paper sheet carried into the first transport path 12 in the direction of the second transport path 14 or the reverse transport path 16. The first pressure roller 22 rotates clockwise by pressing paper sheets conveyed on the first conveyance roller 24 from above.

  The second pressure roller 26 and the second transport roller 28 are disposed at positions where the paper sheets transported from the second transport path 14 are sandwiched from above and below. In FIG. 1, the second transport roller 28 rotates counterclockwise and transports the paper sheet transported from the first transport path 12 or the reversing transport path 16 in the direction of unloading from the second transport path 14. . The second pressure roller 26 rotates clockwise by pressing the paper sheet transported on the second transport roller 28 from above.

  The intake blade 32 is provided at a point where the first conveyance path 12 branches to the second conveyance path 14 and the reverse conveyance path 16. The posture of the take-in blade 32 is controlled to either the posture 32 a or the posture 32 b by the driving force generated from the take-in solenoid 30. If the posture of the take-in blade 32 is the posture 32 a, the paper sheet conveyed from the first conveying path 12 is guided toward the upper side of the switching roller 46. On the other hand, if the posture of the take-in blade 32 is the posture 32 b, the paper sheet conveyed from the first conveyance path 12 is guided between the switching roller 46 and the intake roller 42.

  The take-in roller 42 is disposed at a position facing the switching roller 46 at a connection point between the first conveyance path 12 and the reverse conveyance path 16. In FIG. 1, the take-in roller 42 rotates counterclockwise, conveys paper sheets guided by the take-in blade 32 (posture 32 b) to the reversing conveyance path 16 and takes them into the reversing mechanism 50.

  The discharge roller 44 is disposed at a position facing the switching roller 46 at a connection point between the second conveyance path 14 and the reverse conveyance path 16. In FIG. 1, the discharge roller 44 rotates counterclockwise, sandwiches the rear end of the paper taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 together with the switching roller 46, and removes the paper from the reversing mechanism 50. Discharge to the transport path.

  The switching roller 46 is disposed between the take-in roller 42 and the discharge roller 44. Above the switching roller 46, a gap for connecting the first conveyance path 12 and the second conveyance path 14 is formed, and the paper sheets pass from the first conveyance path 12 to the second conveyance path 14 via this gap. Can be transported. In addition, a plurality of blades 48 are radially provided on the outer periphery of the switching roller 46. In FIG. 1, the blade 48 of the switching roller 46 is shown to interfere with the intake roller 42 and the discharge roller 44. However, in actuality, the blade 48 is formed of a flexible member, and the blade 48 is bent, so that a sheet between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 or between the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44 is removed. Can pass through.

  In FIG. 1, the switching roller 46 rotates clockwise. As a result, the trailing edge of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 is pushed by the blades 48 of the rotating switching roller 46 and pulled away from the take-in roller 42. The blade 48 of the rotating switching roller 46 switches the direction of the rear end of the paper sheet from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 14.

  The reversing mechanism 50 is a mechanism for reversing the transport direction of the paper sheets taken into the reversing transport path 16 from the first transport path 12 by a switchback method and discharging the paper sheets to the second transport path 14. is there.

  The reversing conveyance path 16 has a substantially Y shape, and is formed so that one of the upper branches is connected to the first conveyance path 12 and the other is connected to the second conveyance path 14. A limiter 52 is disposed below the reversing transport path 16 so as to intersect the reversing transport path 16. The limiter 52 is connected to the spring 60 at a connecting point 62 at the end, and is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. The surface of the limiter 52 at the intersection with the reversing conveyance path 16 forms a contact portion 54 that comes into contact with the front end of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16.

  The spring 60 is installed between a connection point 62 of the limiter 52 and a connection point 64 on a housing (not shown). As a result, when the limiter 52 is pushed downward by the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 and moves downward, the elastic force of the spring 60 having a strength corresponding to the moving distance causes the limiter 52 and the paper sheet to move. It is urged in the direction of discharging from the reverse conveyance path 16. The elastic modulus of the spring 60 is preferably selected in accordance with the rigidity of the paper sheet so that the paper sheet that receives the elastic force of the spring 60 and the conveying force of the take-in roller 42 does not break.

  The length of the reversing conveyance path 16 is selected according to the length of the paper sheet 10 (see FIG. 5) determined by the standard of the paper sheet to be handled by the front / back reversing device 1. At least the reversing conveyance path 16 has a length that can accommodate the entire paper sheet whose rear end has passed between the take-in roller 42 and the switching roller 46.

[1-2. Example of non-inverted operation]
2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation example of the front / back reversing apparatus 1 when it is not reversed. 4-6 is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation example at the time of inversion of the front-back inversion apparatus 1. FIG. Note that whether or not the front / back reversing device 1 should reverse the front and back of the paper sheet is determined in advance by a determination device (not shown) inside or outside the front / back reversing device 1. Then, the determination device inputs a control signal indicating the determination result to the intake solenoid 30.

  When the front / back reversing device 1 does not reverse the front and back of the paper sheet, the take-in blade 32 changes the posture 32a according to the control of the take-in solenoid 30 as shown in FIGS. maintain. That is, a linear path is opened between the first transport path 12 and the second transport path 14. Accordingly, the paper sheet 10 (see FIG. 2) conveyed between the first pressure roller 22 and the first conveyance roller 24 is conveyed horizontally due to its rigidity and passes above the switching roller 46, and the second pressure. It reaches between the roller 26 and the second transport roller 28 and is transported to the second transport path 14 (see FIG. 3). As a result, in this case, the front and back sides of the paper sheet 10 are not reversed, and the paper sheet 10 is carried out in the same direction as when it was carried into the front and back reversing device 1.

[1-3. Example of operation during inversion]
When the front / back reversing device 1 reverses the front and back of the paper sheet, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the posture of the take-in blade 32 depends on the control of the take-in solenoid 30. It is switched to 32b. That is, the take-in blade 32 closes between the first conveyance path 12 and the second conveyance path 14, and the take-in blade 32 switches the paper sheet 10 conveyed from the first conveyance path 12 to the switching roller. It guides toward between 46 and the taking-in roller 42 (refer FIG. 4). Then, the paper sheet 10 passes between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 and is taken into the take-in conveyance path 16. At this time, the front end of the paper sheet 10 contacts the contact portion 54 of the limiter 52 and pushes the limiter 52 downward (D1 direction). Further, the paper sheet 10 (see FIG. 5) that has been transported and completely taken into the reversing transport path 16 loses the transport force by the take-in roller 42. At this time, only the elastic force of the spring 60 transmitted through the limiter 52 is urged to the paper sheet 10. Thereby, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet 10 is reversed from the take-in direction (D1 direction in FIG. 5) to the discharge direction (the opposite direction to the D1 direction). The direction of the rear end of the paper sheet 10 (the rear end when viewed from the take-in direction and the front end when viewed from the discharge direction) is changed from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 14 by the switching roller 46. It is switched (see arrow D2 in FIG. 5). As a result, the paper sheet 10 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 44 and the switching roller 46, and is discharged to the second conveyance path 14 with the elastic force of the spring 60 and the conveyance force of the discharge roller 44 (FIG. 6). reference). In this case, when the paper sheet 10 is switched back by the reversing mechanism 50, the front and back of the paper sheet 10 are reversed. Then, the paper sheet 10 is unloaded from the front / back reversing device 1 in a reversed state from the state of being carried into the front / back reversing device 1.

  Note that the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 are arranged such that their outer circumferences overlap each other when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of the arrangement of the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 by a cross section (A1 in FIG. 1) viewed from the direction A2 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the sheet 10 passing between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 is bent in a wave shape because the outer circumferences of the switch roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 overlap each other when viewed from the rotation axis direction. . Thereby, since the rigidity of the paper sheet 10 along the conveyance direction is increased, the paper sheet 10 in contact with the limiter 52 can push down the limiter 52 without bending.

  On the other hand, the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44 may be arranged such that the outer circumferences of the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44 are spaced from each other by about the thickness of the paper sheet 10 when viewed from the rotation axis direction. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44 by a cross section (B1 in FIG. 1) viewed from the direction B2 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, it is understood that the paper sheet 10 passing between the switching roller 46 and the discharge roller 44 is not bent as compared with the example of FIG.

[1-4. Operation flow]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the front / back reversing apparatus 1. Referring to FIG. 9, first, a determination device inside or outside the front / back reversing device 1 determines whether or not the front / back reversing device 1 should reverse the front and back of the paper sheet (step S <b> 100). Here, when the front and back of the paper sheet should be reversed, the operation at the time of reversal (steps S102 to S128) is performed. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to reverse the front and back of the paper sheet, the non-inversion operation (steps S132 to S136) is performed.

  In the reversal operation, first, the take-in solenoid 30 switches the posture of the take-in blade 32 to the posture 32b (step S102). Next, the paper sheet is carried into the first conveyance path 12 from the carry-in entrance (step S104). Next, the paper sheet guided to the take-in blade 32 is taken into the reversal conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 from the first conveyance path 12 by the take-in roller 42 (step S106). Next, the front / back reversing operation by the reversing mechanism 50 is performed (step S108).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the front / back reversing operation by the reversing mechanism 50 of the front / back reversing device 1. Referring to FIG. 10, first, the front end of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 hits the limiter 52 (step S112). Next, the paper sheet moves downward against the elastic force of the spring 60 biased through the contact portion 54 of the limiter 52 (step S114). Next, the switching roller 46 switches the direction of the rear end of the paper sheet 10 completely taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 from the first conveyance path 12 to the second conveyance path 14 (step S116). Further, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed by the elastic force of the spring 60 (step S118). Then, the limiter 52 urged by the elastic force of the spring 60 pushes up the paper sheets in the discharge direction and returns to the original position (step S120).

  Returning to FIG. 9, the description of the operation flow of the front / back reversing device 1 will be continued. The paper sheet pushed up by the limiter 52 is discharged from the reversing conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 50 to the second conveying path 14 by the discharge roller 44 (step S126). Then, the paper sheet is transported on the second transport path 14 by the second pressure roller 26 and the second transport roller 28, and is transported from the front / back reversing device 1 (step S128).

  On the other hand, when the paper sheet is carried into the first transport path 12 from the carry-in entrance in the non-reverse operation (step S132), the paper sheet is moved by the first pressure roller 22 and the first transport roller 24 to the It is transported from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 14 (step S134). Then, the paper sheets are transported on the second transport path 14 by the second pressure roller 26 and the second transport roller 28, and are transported out of the front / back reversing device 1 (step S136).

[1-5. Problem description]
The front / back reversing device 1 described above can handle paper sheets having different lengths relatively flexibly because the limiter 52 is movable along the reversing conveyance path 16. Further, since no actuator is required in the reversing mechanism 50, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus is low. However, when a paper sheet exceeding a certain length is taken into the reversing mechanism 50, the elastic force by the spring 60 becomes excessively strong, or the elongation of the spring 60 reaches the limit, whereby the reversing conveyance path 16 is reached. There is a possibility that paper sheets that have not been completely taken in will break. Further, even when the paper sheets are not broken, the paper sheets are not completely taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 and are jammed in the conveyance path, which may cause a failure such as a jam.

  In particular, at the present time when services are diversified, there are various types of tickets issued by, for example, ticket printing machines. For example, not only regular tickets but also various tickets such as coupon tickets, receipts, credit card statements, and specially planned limited-time tickets are printed at the ticket office of transportation facilities. obtain. And the length prescribed | regulated to these various tickets is not necessarily the same. However, if it is necessary to use a different ticket printer for each ticket of a different standard, there is a disadvantage in terms of cost and installation area. Therefore, it is possible to provide a front / back reversing device that enables more flexible handling of paper sheets having different lengths and that does not cause any trouble when a paper sheet having a length that does not conform to the regulations is inserted. It is demanded. The two embodiments of the present invention described in the next section realize such a front-back reversing device.

<2. First Embodiment>
[2-1. Example of device configuration]
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the front / back reversing device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the front / back reversing device 2 is similar to the front / back reversing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the first transport path 12, the second transport path 14, the first pressure roller 22, the first transport roller 24, the second The pressure roller 26, the second conveying roller 28, the take-in solenoid 30, the take-in blade 32, the take-in roller 42, the discharge roller 44, and the switching roller 46 are provided. Further, the front / back reversing device 2 includes a reversing mechanism 150. The reversing mechanism 150 includes a reversing conveyance path 16, a limiter 152, a spring 160, a guide 170, and a sensor 180.

  The limiter 152 is disposed below the reversing conveyance path 16 so as to intersect the reversing conveyance path 16. The limiter 152 is connected to the spring 160 at the central connection point 162. One end of the limiter 152 is formed with a contact portion 154 that comes into contact with the front end in the taking-in direction of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 at the intersection with the reversing conveyance path 16. At the other end of the limiter 152, a rotating shaft 156 that is engaged with a groove 172 of a guide 170 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 16 is disposed.

  The spring 160 is installed between a connection point 162 of the limiter 152 and a connection point 164 on a housing (not shown). Accordingly, when the limiter 152 is pushed by the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 and moves downward, the elastic force of the spring 160 having a strength corresponding to the moving distance causes the limiter 152 and the paper sheet to move. It is urged in the direction of discharging from the reverse conveyance path 16.

  The guide 170 is located outside the reversing conveyance path 16 and has the groove 172 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 16 as described above. Since the rotation shaft 156 of the limiter 152 is engaged with the groove 172, the contact portion 154 and the rotation shaft 156 of the limiter 152 are moved along the groove 172 in the vertical direction in FIG. 11 (D3 direction in FIG. It can be moved in the opposite direction). The lower end 174 of the groove 172 is positioned below a distance L2 that is shorter than a distance L1, which will be described later, from a position where the lower end 174 of the groove 172 is engaged with the rotating shaft 156 in a state where the sheets are not taken in.

  The sensor 180 is a sensor that outputs a signal when the paper sheet moves on the reversing conveyance path 16 in the take-in direction beyond the distance L1. The sensor 180 may be any type of sensor such as an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a contact sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects an object on the reversing conveyance path 16. The sensor 180 is provided not on the reversing conveyance path 16 but on the guide 170, for example, and detects the movement of the paper sheet exceeding the distance L1 based on the rotation angle of the limiter 152 around the rotation shaft 156. Also good. When the sensor 180 outputs the above-described signal, an alarm device (not shown) issues a warning by sound or light, for example.

[2-2. Example of operation]
The operation when the front / back reversing device 2 is not reversed is the same as the operation example when the front / back reversing device 1 is not reversed described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Moreover, the operation | movement at the time of inversion of the front / back inversion apparatus 2 is the same as that of the operation example at the time of inversion of the front / back inversion apparatus 1 demonstrated using FIGS. However, according to the front / back reversing device 2 according to the present embodiment, the limiter 152 that moves over the distance L2 to the distance L1 rotates around the rotation shaft 156. It is possible to handle longer paper sheets by the amount of rotation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the front / back reversing device 2 operates as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 when a paper sheet having a length exceeding a specified length is inserted. Note that the length of the paper sheet exceeding the regulation is typically such that the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 moves beyond the distance L1 before the paper sheet is completely taken into the reversing conveyance path 16. Say length.

  Referring to FIG. 12, it is guided by the take-in blade 32 switched to the posture 32b and passes between the switch roller 46 and the take-in roller 42, and the front end pushes down the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 to the distance L2. A paper sheet 10 is shown. At this time, the rotation shaft 156 of the limiter 152 moves to the lower end 174 of the groove 172 and is locked to the lower end 174.

  When the paper sheet 10 is further taken in by the conveying force of the take-in roller 42 and the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 is pushed down beyond the distance L2, the limiter 152 is rotated by the rotating shaft 156 locked to the lower end 174 of the groove 172. Rotate around the center. When the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 pushed by the paper sheet 10 further moves downward beyond the distance L1, the rotating limiter 152 is finally detached from the reversing conveyance path 16 (FIG. 13). reference). As a result, the paper sheet 10 that has lost the elastic force of the spring 160 biased through the limiter 152 moves further down the reversing conveyance path 16. At this time, an alarm is issued according to the output signal from the sensor 180 that detects the paper sheet 10 that moves beyond the distance L1. Then, the paper sheet 10 is discharged from the lower side of the conveyance path 16 to the outside, or is removed by an operator who has confirmed the alarm.

[2-3. Operation flow]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation flow when a paper sheet having a length exceeding the regulation by the reversing mechanism 150 of the front / back reversing device 2 is inserted. Referring to FIG. 15, first, the front end of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 16 of the reversing mechanism 150 hits the limiter 152 (step S112). When the paper sheet further moves downward due to the conveying force of the take-in roller 42, the limiter 152 moves downward against the elastic force of the spring 160 (step S114). Up to this point, the operation is the same as that of the front / back reversing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. Next, when the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 moves beyond the distance L2 (step S216), the limiter 152 rotates about the rotation shaft 156 (step S218). When the contact portion 154 of the limiter 152 moves beyond the distance L1 (step S220), the limiter 152 is detached from the reversing conveyance path 16 (step S222). Then, the sensor 180 detects the sheet 10 moving beyond the limiter detachment or the distance L1, and an alarm is issued from the alarm device (step S224).

[2-4. Summary of First Embodiment]
So far, the front / back reversing device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, the limiter that urges the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path in the discharge direction to reverse the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is movable and further rotatable by the elasticity of the spring. Therefore, even when the lengths of the paper sheets differ to some extent, the front and back of the paper sheets can be reversed. Also in this embodiment, since an actuator is not required in the reversing mechanism, the advantage that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus is low is maintained. Further, when the limiter moves beyond the first distance (for example, distance L1) in the take-in direction of the reversing conveyance path against the elastic force of the spring, the limiter is detached from the reversing conveyance path. Accordingly, an excessive elastic force is not applied to the paper sheet, and the paper sheet is not broken in the reversing conveyance path. Further, since the paper sheets are not completely taken into the reversing conveyance path and are not jammed in the conveyance path, the occurrence of a failure such as a jam is avoided. Also, if the limiter rotates and leaves the reversing transport path, even if the paper is left in the reversing transport path, the operator can easily remove the paper without disassembling the device. Is possible.

<3. Second Embodiment>
[3-1. Example of device configuration]
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the front / back reversing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, similarly to the front / back reversing device 2 according to the second embodiment, the front / back reversing device 3 includes a first transport path 12, a second transport path 14, a first pressure roller 22, a first transport roller 24, A second pressure roller 26, a second transport roller 28, a take-in solenoid 30, a take-in blade 32, a take-in roller 42, a discharge roller 44, and a switching roller 46 are provided. Further, the front / back reversing device 3 includes a switching unit 140, a first reversing mechanism 250, and a second reversing mechanism 350. The first reversing mechanism 250 includes a reversing conveyance path 216, a limiter 252, a spring 260, a guide 270, and a sensor 180. The second reversing mechanism 350 includes a reversing conveyance path 316, a limiter 352, a spring 360, a guide 370, and a sensor 180.

  The switching unit 140 includes a switching blade 142 and a switching solenoid 144. The switching blade 142 is provided in the branch portion 17 where the conveyance path branches into the reversal conveyance path 216 of the first reversing mechanism 250 and the reversal conveyance path 316 of the second reversing mechanism 350. The posture of the switching blade 142 is controlled so as to selectively block either the reversing transport path 216 or the reversing transport path 316 by the driving force generated from the switching solenoid 144. When the switching blade 142 blocks the reversing conveyance path 316, the paper sheet that has reached the branching portion 17 is guided to the reversing conveyance path 216 and taken into the first reversing mechanism 250. On the other hand, when the switching blade 142 blocks the reversing conveyance path 216, the paper sheet that has reached the branching portion 17 is guided to the reversing conveyance path 316 and taken into the second reversing mechanism 350.

  The limiter 252 of the first reversing mechanism 250 is disposed below the reversing conveyance path 216 so as to intersect the reversing conveyance path 216. The limiter 252 is connected to the spring 260 at a central connection point 262. One end of the limiter 252 is formed with a contact portion 254 that comes into contact with the front end in the taking-in direction of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 216 at the intersection with the reversing conveyance path 216. At the other end of the limiter 252, a rotating shaft 256 that is engaged with a groove 272 of a guide 270 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 216 is disposed.

  The spring 260 is installed between a connection point 262 of the limiter 252 and a connection point 264 on a housing (not shown). As a result, when the limiter 252 is pushed by the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 216 and moves downward, the elastic force of the spring 260 having a strength corresponding to the moving distance causes the limiter 252 and the paper sheet to move. It is urged in the direction of discharging from the reversing conveyance path 216.

  The guide 270 is located outside the reversing conveyance path 216 and has the groove 272 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 216 as described above. Since the rotary shaft 256 of the limiter 252 is engaged with the groove 272, the contact portion 254 and the rotary shaft 256 of the limiter 252 can move along the groove 272 in the direction D4 in FIG. is there.

  The limiter 352 of the second reversing mechanism 350 is disposed below the reversing transport path 316 so as to intersect the reversing transport path 316. The limiter 352 is connected to the spring 360 at the central connection point 362. One end of the limiter 352 is formed with a contact portion 354 that comes into contact with the front end in the taking-in direction of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 316 at the intersection with the reversing conveyance path 316. At the other end of the limiter 352, a rotating shaft 356 that is engaged with a groove 372 of a guide 370 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 316 is disposed.

  The spring 360 is installed between a connection point 362 of the limiter 352 and a connection point 364 on a housing (not shown). As a result, when the limiter 352 is pushed downward by the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path 316 and moves downward, the elastic force of the spring 360 having a strength corresponding to the moving distance causes the limiter 352 and the paper sheet to move. The urging force is applied in the discharge direction from the reverse conveyance path 316.

  The guide 370 is located outside the reversing conveyance path 316 and has the groove 372 provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path 316 as described above. Since the rotation shaft 356 of the limiter 352 is engaged with the groove 372, the contact portion 354 and the rotation shaft 356 of the limiter 352 can move along the groove 372 in the direction D5 in FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the length from the switching point of the sheet take-in destination by the switching unit 140 to the limiter 252 of the first reversing mechanism 250 and the limiter of the second reversing mechanism 350 from the switching point. Different from the length up to 352. In the present embodiment, the length from the switching point to the limiter 252 of the first reversing mechanism 250 is shorter than the length from the switching point to the limiter 352 of the second reversing mechanism 350. As a result, the first reversing mechanism 250 takes in a relatively short paper sheet and reverses its conveying direction, and the second reversing mechanism 350 takes in a relatively long paper sheet and reverses its conveying direction. It becomes possible to make it. For example, the length of the paper sheet taken in by the first reversing mechanism 250 is a length within a range of 70 mm to 100 mm defined as the length of a general ticket, and the second reversing mechanism 350 takes in the paper. The length of the paper sheet may be a longer length in the range of 105 mm to 135 mm.

  In the example of FIG. 16, both the first reversing mechanism 250 and the second reversing mechanism 350 have the sensor 180. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and either one or both of the sensors 180 may be omitted. For example, only the second reversing mechanism 350 that takes in longer paper sheets may have the sensor 180.

[3-2. First operation example during inversion]
The operation at the time of non-inversion of the front / back reversing device 3 is the same as the operation example at the time of non-inversion of the front / back reversing device 1 described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation example when reversing a shorter paper sheet by the front / back reversing device 3. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation example when reversing a longer sheet by the front / back reversing device 3. In addition, the length of the paper sheet carried into the front / back reversing device 3 is determined in advance by a length determination device (not shown) inside or outside the front / back reversing device 3. Then, the length determination device inputs a control signal corresponding to the determination result to the switching solenoid 144 of the switching unit 140.

  When a shorter paper sheet 11 a is carried into the front / back reversing device 3, as shown in FIG. 17, the attitude of the switching blade 142 of the switching unit 140 depends on the control of the switching solenoid 144. The reversing conveyance path 316 is switched so as to be closed. As a result, the paper sheet 11 a that passes between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 and reaches the branching portion 17 is taken into the reversing conveyance path 216 of the first reversing mechanism 250. And the front end of the paper sheet 11a contacts the contact part 254 of the limiter 252, and pushes down the limiter 252 in the D4 direction. Further, the paper sheet 11a (see FIG. 17) that has been transported and completely taken into the reversing transport path 216 loses the transport force of the take-in roller 42. At this time, only the elastic force of the spring 260 transmitted through the limiter 252 is biased to the paper sheet 11a. Thereby, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet 11a is reversed from the take-in direction (D4 direction in FIG. 17) to the discharge direction (the opposite direction to the D4 direction). Further, the direction of the rear end of the paper sheet 11 a is switched from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 14 by the switching roller 46. As a result, the paper sheet 11a is sandwiched between the discharge roller 44 and the switching roller 46, and is discharged to the second transport path 14 with the elastic force of the spring 260 and the transport force of the discharge roller 44.

[3-3. Second example of operation during inversion]
When a longer paper sheet 11b is carried into the front / back reversing device 3, as shown in FIG. 18, the attitude of the switching blade 142 of the switching unit 140 depends on the control of the switching solenoid 144. The reversing conveyance path 216 is switched so as to be closed. As a result, the paper sheet 11b passing between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42 and reaching the branching portion 17 is taken into the reversing conveyance path 316 of the second reversing mechanism 350. And the front end of the paper sheet 11b contacts the contact part 354 of the limiter 352, and pushes down the limiter 352 in the D5 direction. Further, the paper sheet 11b (see FIG. 18) that has been transported and completely taken into the reversing transport path 316 loses the transport force of the take-in roller 42. At this time, only the elastic force of the spring 360 transmitted through the limiter 352 is biased to the paper sheet 11b. Thereby, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet 11b is reversed from the take-in direction (D5 direction in FIG. 18) to the discharge direction (the opposite direction to the D5 direction). Further, the direction of the rear end of the paper sheet 11 b is switched from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 14 by the switching roller 46. As a result, the paper sheet 11b is sandwiched between the discharge roller 44 and the switching roller 46, and is discharged to the second conveyance path 14 by obtaining the elastic force of the spring 360 and the conveyance force of the discharge roller 44.

  In addition, when a paper sheet (not shown) having a length exceeding a specified length is taken into the second reversing mechanism 350, the limiter 352 of the second reversing mechanism 350 is engaged by the groove 372 of the guide 370. It rotates about the rotation shaft 356 to be stopped, and is detached from the reverse conveyance path 316. As a result, the non-standard paper sheets are detected by the sensor 180 of the second reversing mechanism 350, and an alarm is issued as in the case of the front / back reversing device 2 according to the second embodiment.

[3-4. Operation flow]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the front / back reversing device 3. Referring to FIG. 19, first, a determination device inside or outside the front / back reversing device 3 determines whether or not the front / back reversing device 3 should reverse the front and back of the paper sheet (step S <b> 100). Here, when it is not necessary to reverse the front and back of the paper sheet, the non-inversion operation (steps S132 to S136) is performed. In addition, since the operation | movement (step S132-S136) at the time of non-inversion is common with the operation | movement of the front-back inversion apparatus 1 demonstrated using FIG. 9, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the front and back sides of the paper sheet are to be reversed, the take-in solenoid 30 first switches the posture of the take-in blade 32 to the posture 32b (step S102). Next, the paper sheet is carried into the first conveyance path 12 from the carry-in entrance (step S104).

  In addition, the length determination device inside or outside the front / back reversing device 3 determines whether the length of the paper sheet carried into the front / back reversing device 3 is less than a predetermined threshold (step S302). Here, when the length of the paper sheet is less than a predetermined threshold, the paper sheet is guided by the take-in blade 32 and passes between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42. Further, it is guided by the switching blade 142 and taken into the reversing conveyance path 216 of the first reversing mechanism 250 from the first conveying path 12 (step S304). Next, a front / back reversing operation is performed by the first reversing mechanism 250 (step S306). The front / back reversing operation by the first reversing mechanism 250 is the same as the operation by the reversing mechanism 50 of the front / back reversing device 1 described with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the paper sheet whose transport direction is reversed in the first reversing mechanism 250 is discharged from the reversing transport path 216 of the first reversing mechanism 250 to the second transport path 14 by the discharge roller 44 (step S308). .

  On the other hand, if the length of the paper sheet is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in step S302, the paper sheet is guided by the take-in blade 32 and passes between the switching roller 46 and the take-in roller 42. Thereafter, the sheet is further guided by the switching blade 142 and taken into the reversing conveyance path 316 of the second reversing mechanism 350 from the first conveying path 12 (step S314). Next, a front / back reversing operation is performed by the second reversing mechanism 350 (step S316). The front / back reversing operation by the second reversing mechanism 350 is the same as the operation by the reversing mechanism 50 of the front / back reversing device 1 described with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the paper sheet whose transport direction is reversed in the second reversing mechanism 350 is discharged from the reversing transport path 316 of the second reversing mechanism 350 to the second transport path 14 by the discharge roller 44 (step S318). .

  Then, the paper sheets are transported on the second transport path 14 by the second pressure roller 26 and the second transport roller 28, and are transported from the front / back reversing device 3 (step S320).

[3-5. Summary of Second Embodiment]
So far, the front / back reversing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, the front / back reversing device 3 includes two reversing mechanisms having different lengths from the switching point where the reversing conveyance path branches to the separation point of the limiter. This means that the lengths of paper sheets that can be taken in by the two reversing mechanisms of the front / back reversing device 3 are different from each other. Therefore, it is possible to reverse the front and back of the paper sheets having various lengths as compared with the case where there is one reversing mechanism.

  Further, when the limiter moves beyond a certain distance in the direction of taking in the reversing conveyance path against the elastic force of the spring, the limiter is detached from the reversing conveyance path. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, the paper sheets are not broken in the reversing conveyance path, and the occurrence of a failure such as a jam is avoided. In addition, the limiter rotates and leaves the reversing transport path, so that even if paper sheets are left in the reversing transport path, the operator can easily remove the paper sheets without disassembling the device. Is possible.

  Also, when adopting a configuration in which the limiter is not separated from the reversing conveyance path as in the front / back reversing device 1, paper sheets are selectively fed to the two reversing mechanisms as in the front / back reversing device 3 according to the present embodiment. By taking in, for example, the front and back of paper sheets of various lengths can be reversed without being limited by the limit of elongation of one spring.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

1, 2, 3 Front / back reversing device 10, 11a, 11b Paper sheets 12 First transport path 14 Second transport path 16 Reverse transport path 42 Taking-in roller 44 Discharge roller 46 Switching roller 48 Blade 140 Switching unit 150, 250, 350 Reverse mechanism 152,252,352 Limiter 156,256,356 Rotating shaft 160,260,360 Spring 170,270,370 Guide 172,272,372 Groove 180 Sensor

Claims (6)

A reversing device for reversing the front and back of a paper sheet,
A first conveyance path for carrying in the paper sheets;
A reversing mechanism having a reversing conveyance path for reversing the conveying direction of the paper sheets;
A second conveyance path for carrying out the paper sheets;
A take-in roller for taking in the paper sheets from the first transport path to the reversing transport path;
A discharge roller for discharging the paper sheet from the reversing conveyance path to the second conveyance path;
Provided between the take-in roller and the discharge roller and switch the direction of the rear end of the paper sheet taken into the reversing conveyance path of the reversing mechanism from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. A switching roller;
With
The reversing mechanism is
A limiter that contacts the front end of the paper sheet taken in by the take-in roller and biases the paper sheet in the discharge direction from the reversing conveyance path by an elastic force;
A guide for separating the limiter from the reversing conveyance path when the limiter moves beyond a first distance in the take-in direction of the reversing conveyance path against the elastic force;
Further having
Front and back reversing device.   The guide rotates the limiter about a rotation axis of the limiter positioned outside the reversing conveyance path when the limiter moves beyond a second distance shorter than the first distance. The front / back reversing device according to claim 1. The limiter includes a contact portion that contacts the front end of the paper sheet on the reversing conveyance path, and the rotation shaft that is engaged with a groove of the guide provided in parallel with the reversing conveyance path. Have
The contact portion and the rotation shaft of the limiter are movable along a groove of the guide,
The groove of the guide locks the rotating shaft of the limiter moved to the second distance;
The front / back reversing device according to claim 2. The reversing mechanism is
A sensor for detecting that the paper sheets have moved in the take-in direction on the reversing conveyance path beyond the first distance;
An alarm that issues a warning in accordance with the output of the sensor;
The front / back reversing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The front / back reversing device is:
Two reversing mechanisms each having a set of the limiter and the guide;
A switching unit for switching a reversing mechanism for taking in the paper sheets between the first reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism according to the length of the paper sheets to be carried in;
Further comprising
The length from the switching point by the switching unit to the separation point of the limiter on the reversing conveyance path of the first reversing mechanism and the limiter on the reversing conveyance path of the second reversing mechanism from the switching point. Different from the length to the departure point,
The front / back reversing device according to claim 1. A reversing device for reversing the front and back of a paper sheet,
A first conveyance path for carrying in the paper sheets;
Two reversing mechanisms each having a reversing conveying path for reversing the conveying direction of the paper sheets;
A second conveyance path for carrying out the paper sheets;
A switching unit for switching a reversing mechanism for taking in the paper sheets between the first reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism according to the length of the paper sheets to be carried in;
A take-in roller for taking in the paper sheets from the first transport path to the switching point of the switching unit;
A discharge roller for discharging the paper sheets from the switching point to the second transport path;
A direction of a rear end of the paper sheet that is provided between the take-in roller and the discharge roller and is taken into the reversing conveyance path of the first reversing mechanism or the second reversing mechanism is the first. A switching roller for switching from the transport path to the second transport path;
With
The first reversing mechanism and the second reversing mechanism are in contact with the front end of the paper sheet taken in by the take-in roller, and the paper sheet is moved in the discharge direction from the reversing conveyance path by elastic force. Each further having an energizing limiter,
The length of the paper sheet that can be taken in by the first reversing mechanism is different from the length of the paper sheet that can be taken in by the second reversing mechanism.
Front and back reversing device.

Images