JP5981624B2 - Paper sheet take-out device - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a paper sheet takeout apparatus that separates a plurality of stacked paper sheets one by one and takes them out on a conveyance path.

  Conventionally, as a paper sheet take-out device, a plurality of stacked paper sheets are sequentially supplied to a take-out position at one end in the stacking direction, and the paper sheets supplied to the take-out position are taken out in the surface direction to carry a conveyance path. A take-out device is known which feeds into

  In this type of take-out device, a plurality of sheets are stacked in the stacking direction by pressing the sheets at the rear end in the supply direction with a backup plate. In order to supply to the take-out position, the sheets are supplied to the take-out position in a state where the sheets are compressed in the stacking direction. For this reason, when the paper sheet at the take-out position is taken out in the surface direction, if the paper sheet at the take-out position is pressed against the take-out mechanism, the first paper sheet and the second and subsequent sheets supplied to the take-out position The sheets are in pressure contact with each other, and double feeding in which the second and subsequent sheets are taken out by the first sheet is likely to occur.

JP 2005-145671 A

  In particular, when a relatively thick and large heavy paper sheet is supplied to the take-out position, it is necessary to move the paper sheet in the stacking direction with a greater force, and the first paper sheet supplied to the take-out position The second sheet is pressed with a stronger force, and multifeed is more likely to occur.

  Therefore, it is desired to develop a paper sheet take-out device that can stably take out a relatively thick and large heavy paper sheet without causing multi-feed.

  The paper sheet take-out device according to the embodiment has a supply mechanism that moves the stacked paper sheets in the stacking direction and supplies the leading paper sheets to the take-out position. The supply mechanism includes a first floor belt that travels in the moving direction with the lower end sides of the plurality of sheets on the rear end side in the moving direction in contact with each other, and a lower end side of the sheets moved by the first floor belt. A second floor belt that abuts against it and travels at a speed different from that of the first floor belt to break the posture of the paper sheet to form a gap between the paper sheets, and the paper sheet moved by the second floor belt A third floor belt for returning the posture of the paper sheet by running at a speed different from that of the second floor belt with the lower end side of the paper abutting.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the paper sheet takeout device according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a side view of the take-out device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow II. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the operation of the take-out apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the take-out device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the take-out apparatus of FIG. 1 together with FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the supply mechanism of the take-out apparatus of FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the take-out device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the take-out device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the take-out device according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a paper sheet take-out device 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as take-out device 100) according to the first embodiment as viewed from above, and FIG. 2 shows the take-out device from the direction of arrow II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the control system 100 that controls the operation of the take-out device 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the take-out device 100 includes a loading unit 2 that loads a plurality of paper sheets M in a state where they are stacked on top of each other. The input part 2 extends in the horizontal direction in the figure. In the present embodiment, the paper sheet M is, for example, a postal letter such as a postcard or a sealed letter, and is inserted in a standing position via the input unit 2. Note that the paper sheets M handled by the take-out device 100 of the present embodiment, that is, the letter M, have different sizes, thicknesses, and weights, and include a heavy letter M that is thicker and larger than a normal one.

  A plurality of floor belts 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c are extended in parallel to each other so as to be able to travel in the direction of the arrow F in the figure. In FIG. 2, three floor belts 3a, 3b, and 3c are illustrated as one floor belt 3, and two floor belts 4a and 4b are illustrated as one floor belt 4, and three floor belts 3a, 3b, and 3c are illustrated as one floor belt 4. The floor belts 5a, 5b, and 5c are illustrated as one floor belt 5.

  Each floor belt 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c is wound around a plurality of pulleys 6 and stretched endlessly so that a part of the floor belt is exposed at the bottom of the insertion portion 2. It is provided and is wound around a pulley attached to the rotation shafts of the motors 7, 8, 9. That is, by rotating the motors 7, 8, and 9, the portions of the floor belts 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c that are exposed at the bottom of the charging unit 2 travel in the direction of arrow F. It has become. The traveling speed of each floor belt depends on the rotational speed of the motors 7, 8, 9.

  A backup plate 10 is disposed on one end side of the insertion portion 2, that is, on the right end side in the figure. The backup plate 10 is disposed at a position in contact with the surface of the letter M at one end in the overlapping direction (the end on the right side in the drawing, that is, the rear end in the moving direction to be described later) of the letter M put into the feeding unit 2. . In other words, a plurality of letters M are thrown in via the throwing section 2 so that the letter M at one end in the overlapping direction is in contact with the inner surface of the backup plate 10.

  The backup plate 10 is movably provided along a rail 11 extending in the direction of arrow F, and is attached to a drive belt 13 that travels endlessly by a motor 12. That is, the backup plate 10 can be moved in the left and right directions in the drawing along the rail 11 by driving the motor 12.

  Thus, the backup plate 10 is moved in the left direction in the drawing toward the take-out position P, and the plurality of floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c are caused to travel in the direction of arrow F. A plurality of letters M input in an accumulated state via the input unit 2 are moved in the direction of arrow F along the overlapping direction. At this time, all letters M input through the input unit 2 move in the direction of arrow F with their lower end sides in contact with the floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c. Is done. In this way, the letter M at the leading end in the moving direction (the left end in the figure) is supplied to the take-out position P.

  The letter M supplied to the take-out position P is taken out in the surface direction (upward in FIG. 1, ie, in the direction of the arrow T) by a take-out mechanism described later. For this reason, the backup plate 10 and the floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, and 5c are basically moved in the direction of arrow F little by little every time the letter M at the take-out position P is taken out. A plurality of letters M are supplied to the take-out position P one by one. The floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c, the motors 7, 8, 9, the backup plate 10, and the motor 12 described above receive the letter M input through the input unit 2. It functions as a supply mechanism of the present embodiment for supplying to the take-out position P.

  More specifically, the supply mechanism includes a plurality of rear ends including the letter M at the rear end in the moving direction, that is, the letter M in contact with the backup plate 10, among the stacked letters M input through the input unit 2. It has three relatively long first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c that run in the moving direction F with the lower end side of the letter M on the side in contact. The portion where the three first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c are exposed at the bottom of the insertion portion 2 extends to the vicinity of the take-out position P over substantially the entire length of the insertion portion 2. For this reason, most of the letters M input through the input unit 2 are placed on the first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c and moved to the vicinity of the take-out position P.

  Further, two relatively short second floor belts 4a and 4b are provided on the downstream side in the running direction of the three first floor belts 3a, 3b and 3c. The two second floor belts 4a, 4b are in a state where the end portion on the upstream side in the running direction is partially overlapped with the end portion on the downstream side in the running direction of the first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c. Has been placed. Furthermore, three relatively short third floor belts 5a, 5b, and 5c are disposed on the downstream side in the running direction of the two second floor belts 4a and 4b. These three third floor belts 5a, 5b, and 5c also have their end portions on the upstream side in the running direction partially overlapped with the end portions on the downstream side in the running direction of the second floor belts 4a and 4b. Has been placed.

  The second floor belts 4a, 4b and the third floor belts 5a, 5b, 5c are shorter in length along the arrow F direction than the first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c, and the letter M approaching the take-out position is the second. 1 floor belts 3a, 3b and 3c are sequentially received and moved. That is, the letter M that has been moved in the direction of the arrow F to the position near the take-out position P by the first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c is delivered to the second floor belts 4a, 4b and sent in the direction of the arrow F. It is delivered to the third floor belts 5a, 5b, 5c and supplied to the take-out position P.

  At the other end of the input unit 2, that is, the position facing the leading end in the moving direction of a plurality of stacked letters M, a support roller 21 (first rotating body) and a feeding roller 22 (second rotating body) of the take-out mechanism. Is arranged. That is, the support roller 21 and the feed roller 22 are disposed to face the take-out position P.

  As shown in the drawing, these two rollers 21 and 22 are arranged at positions that partially overlap the upper ends of the third floor belts 5a, 5b, and 5c on the downstream side in the traveling direction. In the present embodiment, the support roller 21 is arranged upstream from the feed roller 22 along the take-out direction T of the letter M, and is arranged at a position protruding from the feed roller 22 from the take-out position P toward the backup plate 10. ing.

  The support roller 21 is supported by the first support mechanism 23 so as to be able to come into and out of contact with the take-out position P (the left-right direction in the figure), and the feed roller 22 can also be separated from and brought into contact with the take-out position P by the second support mechanism 24 Direction). Further, the support roller 21 is rotated in the arrow direction in FIG. 1 by the motor 25, and the feed roller 22 is also rotated in the arrow direction in FIG.

  The support roller 21 arranged on the upstream side in the take-out direction T of the letter M along the take-out position P supports the letter M supplied to the take-out position P and rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing so that the letter M is in the surface direction. It functions to take out upward (in FIG. 1, that is, in the direction of arrow T).

  The support roller 21 supports the weight by pressing the opposite surface of the letter M when the relatively thick and heavy letter M supplied to the take-out position P is pushed in the direction of arrow F. For this reason, the support roller 21 presses the surface of the letter M at the take-out position P with a relatively large force. That is, the letter M at the take-out position P is generally taken out from the take-out position P only by the support roller 21.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the support roller 21 has two roller portions 21 a and 21 b that are arranged coaxially apart from each other in the vertical direction, and each of the roller portions 21 a and 21 b is respectively The first support mechanism 23 is rotatably attached to the tips of two arms 23a (first arm). And the base end of these two arms 23a is rotatably attached with respect to the support shaft 27 which functions as a rotation fulcrum arrange | positioned fixedly. Thus, when the arm 23a swings around the support shaft 27, the roller portions 21a and 21b of the support roller 21 push in the letter M at the take-out position P and move away from the letter M (the horizontal direction in the figure). Move to.

  A spring 28 is attached to each arm 23a. The spring 28 is attached to the arm 23a at a position and orientation that urges the arm 23a counterclockwise in FIG. That is, the spring 28 biases the roller portions 21a and 21b rotatably attached to the distal ends of the arms 23a in a direction in which the roller portions 21a and 21b are pressed against the letter M at the take-out position P. In addition, a stopper (not shown) that restricts the rotation of each arm 23a in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 at a predetermined position is provided, and the two roller portions 21a and 21b of the support roller 21 protrude in the direction of the backup plate 10. The amount is limited.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support shaft 27 of the first support mechanism 23 having the above structure is positioned and arranged obliquely downward to the left in the figure with respect to the support roller 21. By disposing the support shaft 27 at this position, when a reaction force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction (arrow direction in the figure) is applied to the support roller 21 from the letter M at the take-out position P, that is, the rotation of the support roller 21. When a force in a direction to stop the movement is applied, the two roller portions 21a and 21b of the support roller 21 can be moved in a direction to press against the surface of the letter M at the take-out position P.

  For this reason, when the letter M at the take-out position P is a relatively thick and large heavy letter M, a force that stops rotation due to insufficient rotational torque of the support roller 21 is applied from the letter M. The contact pressure of the support roller 21 against the letter M can be increased, a stronger feeding force can be applied to the letter M, and the letter M can be taken out more reliably.

  The feed roller 22 disposed on the downstream side of the support roller 21 along the take-out direction T of the letter M also has two roller portions (the lower roller portion is not shown) spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The second support mechanism 24 of the feed roller 22 includes two arms 24a (second arms) (the lower arm is not shown) having the respective roller portions rotatably attached to the distal ends, and the base ends of the arms 24a. And a spring 29 that urges each arm 24a (the spring 29 that urges the lower arm is not shown). Each roller portion of the feed roller 22 is rotated by the motor 26 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Since the basic structures of the feed roller 22 and the second support mechanism 24 are the same as those of the support roller 21 and the first support mechanism 23 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The spring 29 that biases the two arms 24a is attached in a direction and a position where each roller portion is pressed against the surface of the letter M at the take-out position P with a relatively weak force. Further, the two roller portions of the feed roller 22 are arranged at positions away from the take-out position P from the two roller portions 21 a and 21 b of the support roller 21. For this reason, the feed roller 22 does not support the letter M supplied to the take-out position P, but sends the letter M taken out from the take-out position P by the support roller 21 in the direction of the arrow T, as well as a pressing roller 31 (to be described later). In cooperation with the contact member), the plurality of letters M that have passed through the support roller 21 function to shift in a scissors shape as shown in the figure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support shaft 30 of the second support mechanism 24 is positioned and arranged obliquely upward and to the left of the feed roller 22. By disposing the support shaft 30 at this position, when a reaction force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction (arrow direction in the figure) acts on each roller portion of the feed roller 22 from the letter M at the take-out position P, that is, the feed When a force in a direction to stop the rotation of the roller 22 is applied, the two roller portions of the feed roller 22 move away (escape) from the surface of the letter M at the take-out position P. That is, as described above, the feed roller 22 does not give a strong conveying force to the letter M, and is provided only to send the letter M in a scissors shape downstream of the take-out position P.

  In particular, since the support roller 21 described above supports most of the weight of the letter M supplied to the take-out position P, the feed roller 22 does not apply a large pressing force to the letter at the take-out position P. For this reason, the feed roller 22 can contact the letter M that has passed through the support roller 21 (that is, the letter whose rear end in the take-out direction has passed through the nip of the support roller 21) without applying a strong pressing force. The contact pressure between letters at this position can be reduced, and the letter M can be easily shifted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressing roller 31 is the second and subsequent ones taken out to the letter M taken out from the take-out position P by the support roller 21 among the letters M put in through the feeding unit 2. The letter M is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the leading end (in the direction of the arrow T in the figure). That is, the pressing roller 31 is disposed on the opposite side of the feeding roller 22 and downstream of the feeding roller 22 in the taking-out direction of the letter M across the conveying path of the letter M taken out from the taking-out position P.

  Further, on the opposite side of the pressing roller 31 across the conveying path of the letter M, a feeding mechanism 40 for opposingly holding the letter M fed from the take-out position P by the feeding roller 22 and feeding it out on the feeding path is disposed oppositely. Has been. The feeding mechanism 40 includes an adsorption belt 41 that runs endlessly in the direction of the arrow T along the conveyance path, and an adsorption chamber 42 that is disposed on the opposite side of the conveyance path across the adsorption belt 41, that is, inside the adsorption belt 41. Have. In the present embodiment, two sets of feeding mechanisms 40 are provided along the direction in which the letter M is taken out.

  The feeding mechanism 40 causes the negative pressure generated in the suction chamber 42 to act on the surface side of the suction belt 41, that is, on the conveyance path side, through a plurality of suction holes (not shown) provided in the suction belt 41, so that the suction belt 41. The letter M is attracted to the surface of the sheet, and the suction belt 41 is run in the direction of arrow T, whereby the letter M is fed out in the direction of arrow T.

  By the way, in order to reliably send the letter M taken out from the take-out position P by the support roller 21 and sent by the feed roller 22 to the transport path, the position where the support roller 21 contacts the letter M at the take-out position P and the feed roller 22 are The distance between the position where the letter M contacts the letter M, the distance between the position where the feed roller 22 contacts the letter M and the position where the feeding mechanism 40 on the upstream side in the take-out direction contacts the letter, and the two feeding mechanisms 40 The supporting roller 21 and the feed roller 21 are fed so that the distance between the positions where they respectively contact the letter M is at least shorter than the length of the letter M that is the shortest in the take-out direction among the letters M processed by the take-out device 100. The roller 22 and the two feeding mechanisms 40 are positioned.

  The pressing roller 31 is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 32. The arm 32 is provided so that the pressing roller 31 can swing in the horizontal direction in the figure. A spring 33 is attached to the arm 32. The spring 33 is attached at a position and an orientation for biasing the pressing roller 31 in the left direction in the figure. The pressing roller 31 is given a rotational torque in the direction indicated by the arrow (counterclockwise) by a motor 34.

  Therefore, the pressing roller 31 applies a force in a direction to return to the take-out position P to the letter M taken out from the take-out position P. That is, the pressing roller 31 functions in cooperation with the above-described feed roller 22 to shift the letter M that has passed through the support roller 21 in a scissors manner. The pressing roller 31 is not for separating the first letter M taken out from the take-out position P from the second letter and subsequent letters, but a plurality of letters M passing through the pressing roller 31 are sandwiched between them. It is allowed to be fed into the feeding mechanism 40 in a state shifted in a shape.

  For this reason, the gap between the position where the suction belt 41 of the feeding mechanism 40 contacts the surface of the letter M and the position where the pressing roller 31 contacts the letter M is basically a plurality of relatively thin letters M ( For example, it is designed such that the thinnest letter M) among the letters processed by the apparatus 100 can be passed together. For this reason, a stopper (not shown) is brought into contact with the arm 32 that supports the pressing roller 31 so that the movement of the pressing roller 31 toward the feeding mechanism 40 is regulated. A gap is secured.

  On the other hand, if it is assumed that the thickest letter among the letters processed by the take-out device 100 passes between the feeding mechanism 40 and the pressing roller 31, the next letter contacting the thickest letter M may be taken out. Therefore, it is desirable that the gap between the feeding mechanism 40 and the pressing roller 31 is slightly larger than the thickness of the thickest letter M.

  Further, the feed roller 22 for feeding the letter M into the gap between the feeding mechanism 40 and the pressing roller 31 is also positioned and arranged at an appropriate position. That is, the position where the feed roller 22 contacts the letter M is between the position where the feeding mechanism 40 contacts the letter M and the position where the pressing roller 31 contacts the letter M along the overlapping direction of the letter M. Thus, the feed roller 22 is positioned and arranged.

  By disposing the feed roller 22 in such a positional relationship, a plurality of letters M which are taken out from the take-out position P by the support roller 21 and shifted in a scissor shape by the feed roller 21 and the pressing roller 31 are fed out. It can be reliably and stably sent toward the surface of the suction belt 41 of the mechanism 40, and the occurrence of double feeding of the letter M can be suppressed.

  The support roller 21, the feed roller 22, the pressing roller 31, and the feeding mechanism 40 described above function as a take-out mechanism that takes out the letter M supplied to the take-out position P by the above-described supply mechanism in the surface direction. Note that a separation mechanism and a drawing mechanism (not shown) are provided on the conveyance path downstream of the feeding mechanism 40, and the letter M fed on the conveyance path by the feeding mechanism 40 is separated and pulled out one by one. become. Here, a detailed description of the separation mechanism and the drawing mechanism is omitted.

The take-out mechanism operates as follows.
The letter M supplied to the take-out position P by the supply mechanism is fed out from the take-out position P by the support roller 21. At this time, since almost all of the supply pressure of the letter M by the supply mechanism is received by the support roller 21, the letter M at the take-out position P is pressed against the support roller 21 with a relatively strong force, and in the direction of arrow T with a relatively strong force. It is taken out. For this reason, the support roller 21 can take out a plurality of letters M collectively.

  After the trailing end of the letter M taken out from the take-out position P passes through the support roller 21, the feed roller 22 cooperates with the pressing roller 31 to shift the plurality of letters M in a scissors shape. At this time, since the letter M before passing through the support roller 21 is firmly supported by the support roller 21, the letter M whose rear end has passed through the support roller 21 has a contact pressure with the subsequent letter M. It becomes small and can be shifted like a scissors with a slight force.

  On the other hand, since the pressing roller 31 is disposed downstream of the feeding roller 22 in the take-out direction and with a clearance between the feeding mechanism 40 and the letter M between the feeding roller 22 and the pressing roller 31. It is easy to shift the letter M into scissors.

  In this way, after the feed roller 22 and the pressing roller 31 cooperate to shift the letter M in a scissors shape, the letter M is fed out onto the conveyance path by the two feeding mechanisms 40. Thereafter, the letter M transported through the transport path may be transported in an overlapped state. However, since there is a separation mechanism and a drawing mechanism (not shown) on the transport path, they are separated one by one here. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control system that controls the operation of the above-described take-out device 100 is based on the detection results of a plurality of (four in this embodiment) sensors S1 to S4. A controller 110 (control unit) for controlling the operation of

  Each of the four sensors S1 to S4 has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit on both sides of the moving path of the letter M. The controller 110 detects that the letter M has blocked the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting part of each sensor S1 to S4 and received by the light receiving part, and the letter M at the place where each sensor S1 to S4 is arranged. Determine the presence or absence. 1 and 2, the arrangement positions of the sensors S1 to S4 are illustrated as points through which the optical axis passes.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor S1 has an optical axis that passes through the insertion portion 2 near the connecting portion where the first floor belts 3a, 3b, and 3c and the second floor belts 4a and 4b partially overlap each other. It is arranged at the position to do. In addition, the sensor S2 is disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the closing portion 2 near the connecting portion where the second floor belts 4a, 4b and the third floor belts 5a, 5b, 5c partially overlap. . These two sensors S1 and S2 function as a detection unit that detects a gap between letters M input to the apparatus via the input unit 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor S <b> 3 and the sensor S <b> 4 are arranged at a position where the optical axis passes through a conveyance path on the downstream side in the take-out direction of the letter M from the take-out position P. More specifically, these two sensors S3 and S4 pass along the optical axis in a direction crossing the conveyance path on the downstream side in the direction of taking out the letter M from the position where the pressing roller 31 faces the feeding mechanism 40. Are positioned and arranged in a positional relationship.

The letter M taking-out operation by the taking-out apparatus 100 having the above structure will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, the controller 110 detects the letter M via the two sensors S3 and S4 arranged on the downstream side of the take-out position P (step 1). Then, the controller 110 determines whether or not there are a plurality of letters M at this position based on the detection result of step 1 (step 2).

  When the controller 110 determines in step 2 that there are a plurality of letters M (step 2; YES), the controller 110 determines that there are a plurality of letters M exceeding the pressing roller 31, and the motor 26 The rotation speed is controlled to reduce the rotation speed of the feed roller 22 (step 3), and the rotation speed of the motor 25 is controlled to reduce the rotation speed of the support roller 21 (step 4).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent too many letters M from being fed to the feeding mechanism 40 all at once, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of double feeding in which a plurality of letters M are fed while being overlapped via the feeding mechanism 40. . More specifically, when there are a plurality of letters M exceeding the pressing roller 31, it is highly likely that the second letter M and subsequent letters M are sent by the support roller 21 and the feed roller 22 as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, in this situation, by decelerating the two rollers, it is possible to reduce the speed at which the second and subsequent letters M are sent, and to suppress double feeding of letters M.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 2 that a plurality of letters M are not present at the positions of the sensors S3 and S4 (step 2; NO), the controller 110 determines the position of the backup plate 10 (step 5). At this time, the controller 110 determines the position of the backup plate 10 by detecting, for example, the output of an encoder (not shown) of the motor 12 that drives the backup plate 10.

  At this time, if it is determined that the backup plate 10 is in the home position that is the operation start position (step 5; NO), the controller 110 stops the motors 7, 8, and 9 to stop all the floor belts 3, 4, and 5. Is stopped (step 6), an unillustrated take-off switch is turned off (step 7, step 8; YES), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5 that the backup plate 10 is in the operating position (step 5; YES), the controller 110 determines that the letter M is being supplied, and the two sensors arranged in the input unit 2 The presence / absence of the letter M supplied to the vicinity of the take-out position P through S1 and S2 is detected (step 9).

  At this time, if it is determined that there is no letter M that blocks the optical axes of the sensors S1 and S2 (step 10; NO), the controller 110 detects the first floor belts 3a, 3b, and 3c and the second floor belts 4a and 4b. The travel speed is increased and the supply speed of the letter M is increased (step 11). Thereby, the letter M can be quickly supplied to the taking-out position P, and the trouble that the taking-out interval of the letter M becomes empty can be prevented.

  If the presence of the letter M is detected via the sensors S1 and S2 in step 10 (step 10; YES), the controller 110 controls the drive of the motor 26 so as to increase the rotation speed of the feed roller 22 (step 12). ) The motor 25 is driven and controlled to increase the rotational speed of the support roller 21 (step 13).

  After increasing the rotational speed of the two rollers 21 and 22 as in Steps 3 and 4 or Steps 12 and 13 described above, the controller 110 detects the letter M via the sensors S1 and S2 arranged in the input unit 2. (Step 14 in FIG. 5), and based on this detection result, the thickness of the letter M supplied to the take-out position P is estimated (Step 15). At this time, the controller 110 stores the thickness of the letter M estimated in step 15 in a memory (not shown) (step 16).

  The thickness of the letter M estimated in step 15 can be calculated, for example, from the supply speed of the letter M at that time and the time during which the sensors S1 and S2 detect the letter M. At the same time, the gap between the letters M can be detected from the supply speed of the letters M and the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2.

  When it is determined that the thickness of the letter M estimated in step 15 and stored in step 16 exceeds a preset threshold value (step 17; YES), the controller 110 is stored in the memory. It is determined whether or not the previous data, that is, the thickness of the previously supplied letter M exceeds the threshold value (step 18), and the thickness of the previous letter M is also set to the threshold value. If it exceeds (step 18; YES), the rotational torque of the support roller 21 and the feed roller 22 is increased (step 19).

  Thereby, when the thick letter M exceeding the threshold value is continuously supplied to the take-out position P, the conveying force by the support roller 21 and the conveying force by the feed roller 22 can be increased, and the thick and heavy letter M can be taken out reliably.

  On the other hand, when the above-mentioned previous letter M has a thickness equal to or smaller than the threshold value (step 18; NO), the controller 110 confirms that at least the thick letter M is not continuously supplied to the take-out position P. Judgment is made from the information about the gap between the letters M detected via the sensors S1 and S2, and the density state of the letter M previously supplied is judged (step 20).

  At this time, it is possible to detect the density state of the letter M by applying slit light extending in the supply direction to the lower end side of the letter M put in via the throwing unit 2. The density of the letter M is detected from the output signals of the two sensors S1 and S2. For example, when the time interval for detecting the gap is long, it can be detected that the letter M is supplied in a dense state.

  As a result of the determination in step 20, when it is determined that the previously supplied letter M is dense (step 20; YES), the controller 110 reduces the rotational torque of the support roller 21 and the feed roller 22 (step 20). 21) The rotational speed of the feed roller 22 is decelerated (step 22), and the rotational speed of the support roller 21 is decelerated (step 23).

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the relatively thin letter M from being taken out from the take-out position P all at once, and it is possible to prevent a problem that the letter M is clogged between the feeding mechanism 40 and the pressing roller 31 and causes a feeding failure.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 20 that the letter M previously supplied is rough (step 20; NO), the controller 110 increases the rotation speed of the feed roller 22 (step 24) and supports the support roller 21. The motors 25 and 26 are driven and controlled so as to increase the rotation speed of the motor 25 (step 25). As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that the amount of the letter M supplied to the take-out position P is reduced and the take-out interval is increased.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the roles of the two rollers are shared so that the support roller 21 supports the weight of the letter, and the feed roller 22 cooperates with the pressing roller 31 to shift the letter M in a scissors shape. Therefore, even when a relatively thick and large heavy letter M is taken out, it can be taken out stably without causing double feeding. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the allowable range of the thickness, size, and weight of the letter M to be processed can be widened, and the types of letters M to be input in a mixed manner can be increased.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the supply mechanism of the take-out device 100 of the above-described embodiment. The operation of the supply mechanism described here may be performed in parallel with the operation based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 described above, or may be performed separately from the operation based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5. .

  First, the controller 110 causes the second floor belts 4a, 4b to travel at a speed different from that of the first floor belts 3a, 3b, 3c (step 31), and causes the third floor belts 5a, 5b, 5c to move to the second floor belt 4a, The vehicle travels at a speed different from 4b (step 32). That is, by causing the second floor belt 4 to travel at a speed different from that of the first floor belt 3, the posture of the letter M is broken to form a gap between letters, and the third floor belt 5 is different from the second floor belt 4. By running at a speed, the posture of the letter M is restored.

  The second floor belt 4a, 4b is theoretically moved at a speed different from that of the first floor belt 3a, 3b, 3c, that is, faster than the first floor belt 3a, 3b, 3c. A gap corresponding to the speed difference is formed between the lower end sides of the letter M delivered from and supplied by the second floor belt 4. Thus, once the gap is formed between letters, the overlapped letters M can be handled, and an effect of suppressing double feeding can be expected.

  For example, when the letter M supplied to the vicinity of the take-out position P is a comparatively thin and light letter M, a gap is favorably formed between the lower ends of the letter M. On the other hand, when the letter M supplied up to the vicinity of the take-out position P is a relatively thick and heavy letter M, it is difficult to form a gap between the lower edges of the letter M. That is, since a relatively large inertia force acts on the heavy letter M, it is difficult to change the moving speed of the letter M even if the speed of the floor belts 3 and 4 is changed.

  Using such a difference in behavior (gap formation) due to the difference in the weight of the letter M, the controller 110 determines whether or not a gap has occurred between the letters based on the outputs of the sensors S1 and S2. (Step 33), and based on this determination, the floor belts 3, 4, and 5 are driven and controlled. At this time, the controller 110 also drives and controls the backup plate 10 in accordance with the control of the floor belts 3, 4, and 5.

  That is, when it is determined in step 33 that a good gap is formed between letters (step 33; YES), the controller 110 confirms that a relatively thin and light letter M is supplied toward the take-out position P. The first to third floor belts 3, 4, and 5 are driven and controlled so as to slow down the supply speed of the letter M (step 34). As a result, it is possible to prevent the thin and light letter M from being supplied to the take-out position P all at once, and to prevent the letter M from being jammed and causing a take-out defect.

  On the other hand, if the controller 110 determines in step 33 that there are not enough gaps between letters (step 33; NO), the controller 110 confirms that a relatively thick and heavy letter M is supplied toward the take-out position P. The first to third floor belts 3, 4, and 5 are driven and controlled so as to increase the supply speed of the letter M (step 35). Thereby, supply failure of the relatively thick and heavy letter M can be prevented, and take-out failure can be prevented.

  The controller 110 repeats the processes of steps 31 to 35 until the letter M input through the input unit 2 disappears (step 36; NO), and drives and controls the floor belts 3, 4, and 5.

  By controlling the operation of the supply mechanism as described above, an appropriate supply operation according to the thickness and weight of the letter M can be performed, supply failure can be prevented, take-out failure can be prevented, and double feeding can be suppressed. In particular, by performing the supply operation described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 together with the operation described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 4 and FIG. More stable removal is possible.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of the paper sheet take-out device 200 according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. The take-out device 200 includes a support belt 221 instead of the support roller 21, a feed belt 222 instead of the feed roller 22, and a pressing belt 231 instead of the pressing roller 31. The other structure has substantially the same structure as the take-out device 100 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, the same reference numerals are given to components that function in the same manner as the take-out device 100 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The support belt 221 is rotated by the motor 25 in the illustrated arrow direction. The support belt 221 is wound and stretched around pulleys that are rotatably attached to both ends of the arm 23a. The support belt 221 swings the arm 23a around the support shaft 27 to take out the position P. Is separated from the letter M. The positional relationship between the support shaft 27 and the position where the support belt 221 contacts the letter M supplied to the take-out position P is the same as the positional relationship between the support roller 21 and the support shaft 27 in the first embodiment. is there. For this reason, when a reaction force acts on the support belt 221 from the letter M at the take-out position P, the support belt 221 is biased in the direction in which the letter M is pushed.

  The feed belt 222 is rotated by the motor 26 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The feed belt 222 is wound and stretched around pulleys that are rotatably attached to both ends of the arm 24a. The feed belt 222 swings the arm 24a around the support shaft 30 to take out the position P. Is separated from the letter M. The positional relationship between the support belt 30 and the position where the feed belt 222 contacts the letter M supplied to the take-out position P is the same as the positional relationship between the feed roller 22 and the support shaft 30 in the first embodiment described above. is there. For this reason, when a reaction force acts on the feed belt 222 from the letter M at the take-out position P, the feed belt 222 is biased in a direction away from the letter M.

  The holding belt 231 is rotated by the motor 34 in the illustrated arrow direction. The position where the pressing belt 231 contacts the leading edge of the letter M is the same as the position where the pressing roller 31 of the first embodiment contacts the leading edge of the letter M.

  As described above, the first rotating body that supports the letter M supplied to the take-out position P is not limited to a roller, and may be a belt, and the second rotating body that shifts the letter M in a scissors shape is not limited to a roller, and may be a belt. There may be. Further, the contact member for shifting the letter M in cooperation with the second rotating body is not limited to a roller but may be a belt. In any case, the take-out device 200 of the present embodiment also functions in the same manner as the take-out device 100 of the first embodiment described above, and can provide the same effects.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the take-out device 300 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the take-out device 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The take-out device 300 includes a contact member 331 instead of the pressing roller 31, and the other structure has the same structure as the take-out device 100 of the first embodiment. The take-out device 400 includes a contact member 431 instead of the presser belt 231, and the other structure is the same as that of the take-out device 200 of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to components that function in the same manner, and the detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The contact member 331 (431) is disposed at the same position as the pressing roller 31 (pressing belt 231) and functions in the same manner. The contact member is a pad that does not rotate, but it does not necessarily need to rotate because it has a function of shifting the letter M in a scissors manner in cooperation with the feed roller 22 (feed belt 222).

  According to the paper sheet take-out device of at least one embodiment described above, the first rotary body that supports the letter M supplied to the take-out position P, and the letter M is sandwiched downstream in the take-out direction of the first rotary body. By having the second rotating body shifted in a shape, a relatively thick and large heavy paper sheet can be stably taken out without causing double feeding.

  Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  2 ... loading part, 3a, 3b, 3c ... 1st floor belt, 4a, 4b ... 2nd floor belt, 5a, 5b, 5c ... 3rd floor belt, 10 ... backup plate, 21 ... support roller, 22 ... feed roller , 23: First support mechanism, 24: Second support mechanism, 23a, 24a ... Arm, 27, 30 ... Support shaft, M ... Letter, P ... Extraction position.

Claims (4)

A supply mechanism for feeding a plurality of sheets fed in a standing position in a stacked state in the stacking direction and feeding the sheets at the leading end in the moving direction to the take-out position, and the supply mechanism supplies the paper sheets to the take-out position. A sheet take-out device having a take-out mechanism for taking out the sheet in the surface direction,
The supply mechanism is
A first floor belt that travels in the moving direction by bringing the lower end sides of a plurality of paper sheets on the rear end side including paper sheets at the rear end in the moving direction into contact with each other;
The lower end side of the paper sheet moved by the first floor belt is brought into contact with the first floor belt and travels in the moving direction at a speed different from that of the first floor belt, so that the posture of the paper sheet is destroyed and the paper sheet is moved between A second floor belt forming a gap;
A third floor belt that returns the posture of the paper sheet by bringing the lower edge of the paper sheet moved by the second floor belt into contact with each other and traveling in the moving direction at a speed different from that of the second floor belt. When,
A paper sheet take-out device. A detection unit for detecting the gap;
Based on the detection result in the detection unit, a control unit for controlling the operation of the first to third floor belts;
The paper sheet takeout device according to claim 1, further comprising: When the control unit detects that the gap is well formed via the detection unit, the control unit saves the number of sheets to be supplied to the take-out position. Control the operation of the floor belt,
The paper sheet takeout device according to claim 2. When the control unit detects that the gap is not formed via the detection unit, the control unit increases the supply speed of the paper sheets supplied to the take-out position. Control the operation,
The paper sheet takeout device according to claim 2 or claim 3.