WO2018193911A1

WO2018193911A1 - Medium accumulation device and medium issuance device

Info

Publication number: WO2018193911A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/015050
Authority: WO
Inventors: 直人中山
Original assignee: 日本電産サンキョー株式会社
Priority date: 2017-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-10
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Also published as: TWI668671B; JPWO2018193911A1; TW201944359A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medium accumulation device which enables accumulating of a medium in an organized manner even where a large quantity of the medium is being supplied obliquely from above then accumulated, and a shortening of dispensing time when dispensing a single sheet of the medium. With this medium accumulation device, when a single sheet of a medium (2) is dispensed, the medium (2) is conveyed by a lower conveyance unit (44) and upper conveyance unit (45) which are forwardly inclined, the medium being sandwiched between the lower conveyance unit (44) and the upper conveyance unit (45). When a plurality of the medium (2) is dispensed, the upper conveyance unit (45) being forwardly inclined, the plurality of the medium (2) is accumulated on the lower conveyance part (44), which is in a horizontal state, after which the upper conveyance part (45) rotates into the horizontal state and the plurality of the medium (2) sandwiched between the lower conveyance part (44) and upper conveyance part (45) is conveyed by the lower conveyance part (44) and upper conveyance part (45).

Description

Medium stacking apparatus and medium issuing machine

The present invention relates to a medium stacking apparatus capable of stacking and discharging a plurality of media. The present invention also relates to a medium issuing machine provided with such a medium stacking apparatus.

Conventionally, a ticket issuing unit that automatically issues a medium such as a voting ticket or a ticket is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1 includes an exit portion that accumulates (stacks) a plurality of printed media and discharges them to a takeout port. The outlet unit includes a table on which the medium is placed, a medium operation unit and a lower conveyance unit that convey the medium accumulated on the table, and a moving unit that rotates the medium operation unit. The medium operation unit is disposed above the table. The lower transport unit is disposed under the table. A medium is supplied to the table from obliquely upward and rearward.

In the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, the medium operating unit is rotatable about the front end of the medium operating unit. In addition, the medium operating unit has a first position at which the medium can be received on the table, a second position at which the medium on the table is pressed toward the table, and a second position at which the medium accumulated on the table is transported to the ejection port. It is possible to rotate between the three positions. The medium operation unit at the first position and the second position is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side. The rear end of the medium operation unit at the first position is disposed above the rear end of the medium operation unit at the second position. The medium operating unit at the third position is in a horizontal state.

Further, in the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, when a medium is supplied to the table, the table is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side. The tilt angle of the table at this time is substantially equal to the tilt angle of the medium operating unit arranged at the second position. When the medium operation unit rotates between the first position and the second position, the table inclined so as to move downward as moving toward the front side does not move. On the other hand, when the medium operation unit rotates between the second position and the third position, the table rotates together with the medium operation unit with the front end of the table as the rotation center. When the medium operation unit is rotated to the third position, the table is in a horizontal state.

Furthermore, in the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, when the medium is supplied to the table, the lower transport unit is in an oblique state substantially parallel to the table. That is, when the medium is supplied to the table, the lower transport unit is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side. When the medium operation unit rotates between the first position and the second position, the lower transport unit that is inclined downward toward the front side does not move. On the other hand, when the medium operation unit rotates between the second position and the third position, the lower transport unit rotates together with the medium operation unit with the front end of the lower transport unit as the rotation center. . When the medium operating unit is rotated to the third position, the lower transport unit is in a horizontal state.

In the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, first, one medium is supplied to the table in a state where the medium operation unit is at the first position. When the supplied medium is placed on the table, the medium operation unit at the first position rotates to the second position and presses the medium placed on the table toward the table. To return to the first position. Thereafter, each time one medium is supplied to the table, the medium operation unit repeatedly rotates between the first position and the second position, and a plurality of media are accumulated on the table. When a predetermined number of media are accumulated on the table, the medium operating unit rotates to the third position together with the table and the lower transport unit. When the medium operating unit is rotated to the third position, the medium operating unit and the lower transport unit transport the accumulated medium in the horizontal direction to the take-out port.

JP 2014-123194 A

In the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, the medium is supplied to the table from diagonally above and behind. Further, in this ticket issuing unit, when the medium supplied from the obliquely rear upper side is accumulated on the table, the medium operating unit is arranged at the first position, and the table is inclined so as to be directed downward as it goes to the front side. is doing. Therefore, in this ticket issuing unit, even when the number of media stacked on the table increases, it is possible to stack the media on the table in an orderly manner. On the other hand, in the ticket issuing unit described in Patent Document 1, even when issuing a single medium, a single medium is issued unless the medium operation unit is rotated from the first position to the third position. Therefore, in this ticket issuing unit, it takes time to issue one medium.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a medium stacking apparatus capable of stacking a plurality of media supplied obliquely from above and discharging them horizontally, even if the number of media supplied obliquely from above is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a medium stacking apparatus that can stack media in an orderly manner and can shorten the discharge time when discharging one medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide a medium issuing machine provided with such a medium stacking apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, a medium stacking apparatus according to the present invention is a medium stacking apparatus capable of stacking a plurality of media supplied obliquely from above and discharging them in a horizontal direction. A lower transport unit that transports the medium in contact with the lower surface, an upper transport unit that transports the medium in contact with the upper surface of the medium that is the other surface of the medium, and a medium transported by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit A rotation mechanism that rotates the lower conveyance unit and the upper conveyance unit with the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the thickness direction of the medium as the rotation axis direction, and the medium discharge side is defined as the front side. If the medium supply side, which is the opposite side, is the rear side, when one medium is ejected, it is sandwiched between the lower conveyance unit and the upper conveyance unit that are inclined downward toward the front side. Media is transported by the lower transport and upper transport When a plurality of media are discharged, the plurality of media are accumulated on the lower transport unit that is in a horizontal state with the upper transport unit inclined downward toward the front side. After that, the plurality of media sandwiched between the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit are rotated until the upper transport unit is in a horizontal state, and are transported by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit.

In the medium stacking apparatus of the present invention, the medium is supplied obliquely from above and behind. Further, in the present invention, when a plurality of media are discharged, a plurality of media are disposed on the lower transport unit that is in a horizontal state with the upper transport unit being inclined toward the lower side toward the front side. A sheet of media is collected. That is, in the present invention, when the medium supplied from the obliquely rear upper side is accumulated in the lower transport unit, the upper transport unit is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side, and the lower transport unit is It is in a horizontal state. For this reason, according to the present invention, even when the number of media supplied to the lower transport unit from the obliquely rearward upper side and stacked is increased, the media can be neatly stacked on the lower transport unit.

Further, in the present invention, when one medium is ejected, the medium sandwiched between the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit that is inclined downward toward the front side is transferred to the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit. It is transported by the transport unit. That is, in the present invention, when one medium is ejected, the medium fed from the obliquely rear upper side is inclined by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit that are inclined so as to go downward as going to the front side. It is transported as it is. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to shorten the discharge time when discharging one medium.

In the present invention, when a plurality of media are ejected, the plurality of media stacked in the lower transport unit are placed in a state of being sandwiched between the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit that are in the horizontal state. Since the sheet is conveyed by the conveying unit and the upper conveying unit, even if the number of accumulated media increases, a plurality of accumulated media can be horizontally (specifically, directly or via a predetermined medium discharging unit). , Forward). On the other hand, when one medium is ejected, one medium is transported diagonally forward and downward by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit. When one medium is ejected, one medium is transported. Since one medium can be easily elastically deformed so that the medium is discharged in the forward direction, when one medium is discharged, one sheet is used by using a predetermined medium discharge portion or a guide member. It becomes possible to discharge the medium in the forward direction.

In the present invention, the medium accumulating device includes a first frame to which the upper transport unit is attached, a second frame to which the lower transport unit is attached and rotatably holding the first frame, and a second frame that is rotatable. A first frame that can be rotated with respect to the second frame with the front end of the first frame as the rotation center and the width direction of the medium as the rotation axis direction. The second frame is rotatable with respect to the third frame with the front end of the second frame as the rotation center and the width direction of the medium as the rotation axis direction. The moving mechanism urges the first frame in a direction in which the upper conveyance unit moves toward the lower conveyance unit around the rotation center of the first frame and a drive mechanism that rotates the second frame with respect to the third frame. Follow the biasing member and the front side And a holding mechanism for holding the first frame to hold the upper conveying portion inclined toward the lower side, and a plurality of media are stacked on the lower conveying portion in a horizontal state. In some cases, the first frame is held by the holding mechanism, and when a plurality of media are stacked on the lower conveyance unit in a horizontal state, the holding state of the first frame by the holding mechanism is released, and the urging member It is preferable that the first frame is rotated until the upper conveying portion is in a horizontal state by the urging force.

If comprised in this way, in addition to the drive mechanism which rotates a 2nd frame with respect to a 3rd frame, a rotation mechanism is provided with the 2nd drive mechanism which rotates a 1st frame with respect to a 2nd frame. Even if it is not, it becomes possible to make the lower transport section horizontal with the upper transport section tilted so that it goes downward as it goes to the front side, and the upper transport section is rotated to the horizontal state. It becomes possible. Further, even if the rotation mechanism does not include the second drive mechanism, the upper conveyance unit can be rotated together with the lower conveyance unit by the drive mechanism. Therefore, the configuration of the rotation mechanism can be simplified.

In the present invention, the medium stacking apparatus includes a stopper member for restricting the movement of the medium stacked on the lower transport unit in a horizontal state to the front side, and a link mechanism for moving the stopper member. The link mechanism is tilted so that the upper transport section is directed downward as it goes to the front side, and the lower transport section that is tilted so as to go downward as it goes to the front side rotates to a horizontal state. It is preferable that the stopper member is moved to a restricting position for restricting the movement of the medium accumulated in the lower transport unit to the front side in accordance with the turning operation. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to accumulate | store a medium more regularly in a lower conveyance part using a stopper member. Moreover, if comprised in this way, it will become unnecessary to provide the drive source which moves a stopper member. Therefore, the configuration of the medium stacking apparatus can be simplified even if a stopper member for restricting the movement of the medium stacked in the lower transport unit is provided.

In the present invention, the medium stacking apparatus includes a first frame to which the upper transport unit is attached, a second frame to which the lower transport unit is attached and rotatably holding the first frame, and a stopper that biases the stopper member. And the second frame holds the stopper member in a rotatable manner. The stopper member includes a medium contact portion that contacts the front end of the medium and restricts the movement of the medium. Thus, the stopper can be rotated with the width direction of the medium as the axial direction of the rotation, and the stopper urging member can move toward the retreat position where the medium contact portion retracts below the upper surface of the lower transport portion. The stopper member is preferably biased. With this configuration, when the medium is not accumulated in the lower transport unit, the stopper member can be reliably retracted to the retracted position by the biasing force of the stopper biasing member.

In the present invention, the link mechanism includes a link member fixed to the first frame and a pin fixed to the stopper member. The pin protrudes from the stopper member in the width direction of the medium, and the pin is inserted into the link member. It is preferable that a cam hole is formed. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to simplify the structure of a link mechanism.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the medium stacking apparatus includes a medium discharge unit that is disposed on the front side of the lower transfer unit and the upper transfer unit and that transfers and discharges the medium. If comprised in this way, it will mount on a medium discharge part from a lower conveyance part and an upper conveyance part so that one sheet of medium conveyed diagonally forward and downward by a lower conveyance part and an upper conveyance part may be discharged to the front direction. The medium can be elastically deformed when moving, and the medium can be reliably discharged forward by the medium discharge unit.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the medium stacking apparatus includes a medium recovery unit that is disposed behind the lower transfer unit and the upper transfer unit and that stores the recovered medium. With this configuration, for example, when the user forgets to remove the medium ejected from the medium stacking device, the forgotten medium can be collected and stored in the medium collection unit. The medium stacking apparatus of the present invention includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the lower conveyance unit and the upper conveyance unit. For example, when a plurality of medium recovery units are provided, the lower conveyance unit and By changing the rotation angle of the upper transport unit, it is possible to select a medium recovery unit for storing the recovered medium from a plurality of medium recovery units.

In the present invention, the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit preferably include a transport belt that transports the medium in contact with the medium. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to convey a medium reliably.

The medium stacking apparatus of the present invention includes a medium cutting apparatus that cuts a plurality of mediums connected in a belt-like manner for each medium, and recording and printing magnetic data on the medium cut by the medium cutting apparatus to transfer the medium to the medium stacking apparatus. The present invention can be used in a medium issuing machine that includes a medium processing apparatus for transporting. In this medium issuing machine, in the medium stacking device, it is possible to stack the media in an orderly manner even when the number of media fed obliquely from the top increases and to discharge when discharging one medium. Time can be shortened.

In the present invention, the medium cutting device includes a cutting unit having a cutting blade that cuts a plurality of media connected in a strip shape for each medium, and the width of the cutting blade in the width direction of the medium is wider than the width of the medium. The attachment position of the cutting unit in the width direction of the medium is preferably adjustable. If comprised in this way, even if the specific location of a cutting blade wears unevenly, it will become possible to use a cutting blade continuously by adjusting the attachment position of the cutting unit in the width direction of a medium. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the replacement frequency of the cutting blade.

In the present invention, the medium processing apparatus includes a recording magnetic head for recording magnetic data on the medium, a reading magnetic head for reading magnetic data of the medium recorded by the recording magnetic head, and a print head for printing on the medium. The read magnetic head is disposed in front of the recording magnetic head, the print head is disposed in front of the read magnetic head, and the distance between the read magnetic head and the print head in the medium conveyance direction is provided. Is preferably shorter than the length of the medium in the medium conveyance direction. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to reduce in size a medium processing apparatus in the conveyance direction of a medium.

As described above, in the medium stacking apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to stack the media in an orderly manner even when the number of media fed obliquely from the top increases, and at the time of discharging one medium. It becomes possible to shorten the discharge time. In the medium issuing machine according to the present invention, the medium stacking apparatus can stack the medium in an orderly manner even when the number of the medium supplied and stacked from obliquely above increases, and ejects one medium. This makes it possible to shorten the discharge time.

It is a side view for demonstrating schematic structure of the medium issuing machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state of the medium before cut | disconnecting with the medium cutting device shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the medium cutting device shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating schematic structure of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining a schematic configuration of the medium accumulation device shown in FIG. 1. It is a side view for demonstrating the structure of the medium conveyance mechanism and rotation mechanism which are shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the medium integration | stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the medium integration | stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of the medium processing apparatus concerning other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the medium processing apparatus shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic configuration of the media issuing machine)
FIG. 1 is a side view for explaining a schematic configuration of a medium issuing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of the medium 2 before being cut by the medium cutting device 4 shown in FIG.

The medium issuing machine 1 in this embodiment is an apparatus that is used by being mounted on an automatic ticket vending machine installed at a station, for example, and issues a medium 2 such as a ticket. The plurality of media 2 before being supplied to the medium issuing machine 1 are connected in a band shape. The medium issuing machine 1 includes a medium cutting device 4 that cuts a plurality of media 2 connected in a strip shape into each medium 2, and a medium processing device that records and prints magnetic data on the medium 2 cut by the medium cutting device 4. 5 and a medium stacking device 6 capable of stacking and discharging a plurality of media 2 supplied from the medium processing device 5. The medium issuing machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a medium cutting device 4, a medium processing device 5, and a medium stacking device 6.

In this embodiment, the Z direction and the vertical direction (vertical direction) shown in FIG. In the following description, the Y direction in FIG. 1 or the like orthogonal to the vertical direction is referred to as “left-right direction”, and the X direction in FIG. Further, the X1 direction side in FIG. 1 or the like which is one side in the front-rear direction is referred to as the “front” side, and the X2 direction side in FIG. The medium cutting device 4, the medium processing device 5, and the medium stacking device 6 are arranged in this order from the rear side to the front side.

The medium 2 is, for example, a paper card having a predetermined thickness, and is formed in a rectangular shape. On the front surface of the medium 2, a printing unit that performs printing by a thermal method is formed. On the back surface of the medium 2, a magnetic stripe for recording magnetic data is formed. A plurality of media 2 connected in a belt shape are wound in a roll shape. Two media 2 wound in a roll shape are arranged below the medium issuing machine 1. A plurality of media 2 connected in a band shape are supplied to the medium issuing machine 1 from the rear side. That is, a plurality of media 2 connected in a belt shape are supplied to the media cutting device 4 from the rear side. Note that the plurality of media 2 connected in a belt shape may overlap in a zigzag folded state.

The medium 2 is transported inside the medium issuing machine 1 so that the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the long side) of the medium 2 formed in a rectangular shape coincides with the transport direction of the medium 2. Are transported in a state where the short direction (the direction parallel to the short side) coincides with the left-right direction. Further, the medium 2 is transported inside the medium issuing machine 1 with the front surface of the medium 2 facing upward and the back surface of the medium 2 facing downward. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of media 2 are connected via a connection portion 2a. The width of the connecting portion 2a in the left-right direction is narrower than the width of the medium 2 in the left-right direction. Between the two media 2, two connecting portions 2 a are formed that are arranged in a state spaced apart in the left-right direction.

(Configuration of media cutting device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the medium cutting device 4 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the medium cutting device 4 includes a cutting unit 9 having a cutting blade 8 that cuts a plurality of media 2 connected in a strip shape for each medium 2, and a motor 10 that drives the cutting blade 8. And a medium take-in mechanism 11 for taking the medium 2 connected in a belt shape into the medium cutting device 4. The medium take-in mechanism 11 is disposed behind the cutting unit 9.

The medium take-in mechanism 11 is disposed opposite to the conveyance roller 12 that contacts the medium 2 and conveys the medium 2, the motor 13 that is connected to the conveyance roller 12 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown), and the conveyance roller 12. And a pad roller 14 that is biased toward the conveying roller 12. The medium take-in mechanism 11 according to the present embodiment includes a conveyance roller 12 and a pad roller 14 that take in the medium 2 connected in a belt shape from the obliquely rear upper side to the medium cutting device 4, and the medium 2 connected in a belt shape from the obliquely rear lower side to the medium cutting device 4. A conveyance roller 12 and a pad roller 14 are provided.

It should be noted that an optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the medium 2 is provided on the obliquely rear upper side and obliquely forward lower side of the conveying roller 12 and the pad roller 14 that take the medium 2 connected in a belt shape into the medium cutting device 4 from the obliquely rear upper side. An optical system for detecting the medium 2 is disposed on the obliquely rear lower side and the obliquely front upper side of the transport roller 12 and the pad roller 14 that take the medium 2 connected in a belt shape into the medium cutting device 4 from below and below. Sensor (not shown) is arranged. This sensor includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that are disposed so as to sandwich the passage position of the medium 2 in the vertical direction. In addition, an optical cut position sensor (not shown) including a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged so as to sandwich the passage position of the medium 2 in the vertical direction is arranged behind the cutting unit 9. The cut position sensor is disposed at a position where the medium 2 passes in the left-right direction and at a position shifted from the connection portion 2a.

The width of the cutting blade 8 in the left-right direction is wider than the width in the left-right direction of the medium 2 (width in the short direction). The cutting blade 8 cuts two connection portions 2 a formed between the two media 2 to separate one medium 2 from the medium 2 connected in a band shape. The mounting position of the cutting unit 9 in the left-right direction can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the mounting position of the cutting unit 9 in the left-right direction is manually adjusted.

Since the cutting blade 8 cuts the two connecting portions 2a arranged in a state spaced apart in the left-right direction, in the cutting blade 8, only the portion of the cutting blade 8 that contacts the connecting portion 2a is unevenly worn. . In this embodiment, when the cutting blade 8 performs a predetermined number of cuts, the attachment position of the cutting unit 9 is moved in the left-right direction. That is, when the cutting blade 8 cuts the connecting portion 2a a predetermined number of times, and it is estimated that the specific portion of the cutting blade 8 has been partially worn, the attachment position of the cutting unit 9 is moved in the left-right direction. For example, the cutting unit 9 attached at the position shown in FIG. 3A is attached by moving in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

The cutting unit 9 is fixed with a screw at the first position (position shown in FIG. 3A) or the second position (position shown in FIG. 3B). The frame of the medium cutting device 4 is formed with a mark used when fixing the cutting unit 9 at the first position and a mark used when fixing the cutting unit 9 at the second position. The cutting unit 9 is aligned at the first position or the second position using the mark formed on the cutting unit 9 and the mark formed on the frame of the medium cutting device 4. For example, the mounting position of the cutting unit 9 in the left-right direction may be adjusted using protrusions formed on the cutting unit 9 and a plurality of notches formed on the frame of the medium cutting device 4.

Further, the medium issuing machine 1 includes a counter (not shown) that counts the number of times of cutting by the cutting blade 8 and a memory (not shown) that stores the count number of the counter. The life of the cutting blade 8 due to uneven wear is estimated by the count number of the counter, and when the count number by the counter exceeds a predetermined number of times, the medium issuing machine 1 issues an alarm to the host device to which the medium issuing machine 1 is connected. increase. For example, the medium issuing machine 1 raises an alarm to a higher-level model or the like by display using an LED or the like, display using an LCD, or a warning display for a command response.

In the medium cutting device 4, the conveying roller 12 and the pad roller 14 that take in the medium 2 connected in a belt shape into the medium cutting device 4 from the obliquely rear upper side, or the conveying roller that takes in the medium 2 connected in a belt shape into the medium cutting device 4 from the obliquely lower back. 12 and the pad roller 14 supply either one of the two media 2 connected in a belt shape to the cutting unit 9.

For example, when the medium 2 connected in a strip shape is supplied to the cutting unit 9 by the transport roller 12 and the pad roller 14 that take the medium 2 connected in a strip shape into the medium cutting device 4 from obliquely upward and rearward, first, the transport roller 12 and The user manually sets the medium 2 connected in a band shape at a position where the front end of the medium 2 connected in a band shape is detected by a sensor arranged obliquely behind the pad roller 14. Thereafter, the belt 2 and the pad roller 14 transport the medium 2 connected in a belt shape to the position where the front end of the medium 2 connected in a belt shape is detected by a sensor arranged on the lower front side of the transport roller 12 and the pad roller 14. Then, after the medium 2 is conveyed in the reverse direction for a predetermined distance, the medium 2 is stopped and a command for issuing the medium 2 is awaited.

When the issue command for the medium 2 is input to the medium issuer 1, the transport roller until the medium 2 once detected by the cut position sensor disposed behind the cutting unit 9 is no longer detected by the cut position sensor. After the medium 2 connected in a strip shape by the belt 12 and the pad roller 14 is conveyed to the front side, the medium 2 is stopped. At this time, the conveyance roller 26 and the pad roller 28 arranged on the rearmost side among the plurality of conveyance rollers 26 and the pad rollers 28 described later also convey the medium 2 connected in a band shape.

In this state, the motor 10 is driven, and the cutting blade 8 cuts the medium 2 connected in a belt shape. The cut medium 2 is conveyed forward by the conveying roller 26 and the pad roller 28. In addition, when the medium 2 connected in a strip shape is cut by the cutting blade, the transport roller is moved to a position where the front end of the medium 2 connected in the strip shape is not detected by the sensor disposed on the lower front side of the transport roller 12 and the pad roller 14. 12 and the pad roller 14 convey the medium 2 connected in a strip shape in the reverse direction, and then convey the medium 2 in the reverse direction for a predetermined distance, then stop the medium 2 and issue a command for issuing the next medium 2 wait.

Note that a position sensor (not shown) is disposed in front of the transport roller 26 and the pad roller 28 disposed on the rearmost side. When the medium 2 once detected by the cut position sensor is conveyed again to the front side by the conveying roller 12 and the pad roller 14 until the medium 2 is detected again by the cut position sensor, the medium 2 is stopped when the medium 2 is stopped. The state of the medium 2 connected in a belt shape is confirmed by the position sensor. For example, it is confirmed by this position sensor whether or not a jam of the medium 2 connected in a belt shape has occurred. Further, it is confirmed by this position sensor whether or not the length of the medium 2 connected in a belt shape is abnormal.

(Configuration of media processing device)
FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a schematic configuration of the medium processing apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium processing apparatus 5 shown in FIG.

The medium processing device 5 includes a magnetic head 17 as a recording magnetic head for recording magnetic data on the medium 2, a magnetic head 18 as a reading magnetic head for reading the magnetic data of the medium 2 recorded by the magnetic head 17, And a print head 19 for printing on the medium 2. The magnetic head 18 is a so-called verify head for confirming whether magnetic data is properly recorded on the medium 2. The print head 19 is a thermal head.

Further, the medium processing device 5 includes a medium transport mechanism 20 that transports the medium 2 inside the medium processing device 5. Inside the medium processing apparatus 5, a medium transport path 21 through which the medium 2 is transported is formed (see the dashed line in FIGS. 1 and 4). In addition, the medium processing device 5 includes a head lifting mechanism 22 that lifts and lowers the print head 19, a medium recovery unit 23 that stores the recovered medium 2, and a medium recovery mechanism that recovers the medium 2 to the medium recovery unit 23. 24. The medium processing device 5 records and prints magnetic data on the medium 2 and conveys the medium 2 to the medium stacking device 6.

The medium transport mechanism 20 is opposed to the plurality of transport rollers 26 that contact the medium 2 and transport the medium 2, a motor 27 to which the transport rollers 26 are connected via a power transmission mechanism (not shown), and the transport rollers 26. And a plurality of pad rollers 28 that are arranged and biased toward the conveying roller 26. The plurality of transport rollers 26 and the pad rollers 28 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Further, the transport roller 26 is disposed on the lower side, and the pad roller 28 is disposed on the upper side. In this embodiment, the medium 2 is transported in the front-rear direction by the medium transport mechanism 20. The thickness direction of the medium 2 conveyed by the medium conveyance mechanism 20 coincides with the vertical direction.

The

magnetic heads

17 and 18 are arranged so as to face the medium conveyance path 21 from below. The print head 19 is disposed so as to face the medium conveyance path 21 from above. On the upper side of the

magnetic heads

17 and 18, a facing member (not shown) such as a facing roller facing the

magnetic heads

17 and 18 is disposed. A counter roller 29 that faces the print head 19 is disposed below the print head 19.

The magnetic head 18 is arranged in front of the magnetic head 17, and the print head 19 is arranged in front of the magnetic head 18. The distance between the magnetic head 17 and the magnetic head 18 in the front-rear direction is slightly shorter than the length of the medium 2 in the front-rear direction (length in the longitudinal direction). The distance between the magnetic head 18 and the print head 19 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the medium 2 in the front-rear direction.

The head elevating mechanism 22 is connected to the head holding member 30 that holds the print head 19, the eccentric cam 31 that rotates the head holding member 30, and the eccentric cam 31 via a power transmission mechanism that is not shown. And a motor 32. The rear end portion of the head holding member 30 is rotatably supported by the frame of the medium processing device 5. The head holding member 30 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. The print head 19 is fixed to the front end portion of the head holding member 30. The head holding member 30 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 4 by a spring member (not shown).

The head holding member 30 is formed with a cam follower portion 30a that contacts the eccentric cam 31. The cam follower 30 a is disposed on the rear side of the print head 19. The cam follower portion 30a is a roller that rotates with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. The eccentric cam 31 is rotatable by the power of the motor 32 with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. The eccentric cam 31 can contact the lower end of the cam follower portion 30a. According to the rotational position of the eccentric cam 31, the print head 19 is located between a retreat position where the print head 19 is retracted upward so that the print head 19 does not contact the medium 2 and a print position where the print head 19 can contact the medium 2. Go up and down. In addition, since the cam follower part 30a of this form is a roller, it is possible to reduce wear of the eccentric cam 31 and the cam follower part 30a with which the cam follower part 30a contacts.

The medium recovery unit 23 is formed in a box shape with an opening formed on the upper surface side. The medium recovery mechanism 24 includes a flapper 35 for guiding the recovered medium 2 toward the medium recovery unit 23, a solenoid 36 that rotates the flapper 35, and a transport that transports the medium 2 toward the medium recovery unit 23. A roller 37, and a pad roller 38 that is disposed opposite to the conveyance roller 37 and is urged toward the conveyance roller 37 are provided. The flapper 35 is disposed between the magnetic head 17 and the magnetic head 18 in the front-rear direction. The conveyance roller 37 and the pad roller 38 are disposed on the obliquely lower back side of the flapper 35, and the medium recovery unit 23 is disposed on the obliquely rear lower side of the conveyance roller 37 and the pad roller 38.

The flapper 35 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. Further, the flapper 35 is configured to guide the medium 2 along the medium conveyance path 21 in the front-rear direction (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4) and the medium 2 conveyed toward the rear side with the conveyance roller 37 and the pad. It can be rotated between a collection position (a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4) guided toward the roller 38. The conveyance roller 37 is connected to the motor 27 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment, when an error occurs in the magnetic data read result of the medium 2 read by the magnetic head 18, the medium 2 is collected and stored in the medium collecting unit 23.

In the medium processing device 5, when the medium 2 cut by the medium cutting device 4 is conveyed to the front side by the medium conveying mechanism 20 and taken into the medium processing device 5 (see FIG. 5A), the medium conveyed to the front side. 2, magnetic data is recorded by the magnetic head 17 (see FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 6A). When magnetic data is recorded on the medium 2 by the magnetic head 17, the magnetic data recorded on the medium 2 is read by the magnetic head 18 (see FIG. 6). When magnetic data is recorded on the medium 2 and when magnetic data recorded on the medium 2 is read, the print head 19 is retracted upward.

When an error occurs in the reading result of the magnetic data read by the magnetic head 18, the medium 2 is conveyed toward the rear side, and the medium 2 is collected by the medium collecting unit 23 (see FIG. 7A). . On the other hand, when the reading result of the magnetic data read by the magnetic head 18 is normal, the print head 19 is moved after the medium 2 is conveyed to a predetermined position along the medium conveyance path 21 toward the rear side. It descends and contacts the medium 2 (see FIG. 7B). Thereafter, the medium 2 is conveyed toward the front side, and printing is performed on the medium 2 (see FIG. 7C). The printed medium 2 is supplied to the medium stacking device 6.

(Configuration of media stacking device)
FIG. 8 is a side view for explaining a schematic configuration of the medium stacking device 6 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the medium transport mechanism 43 and the rotation mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium stacking apparatus 6 shown in FIG.

The medium accumulating device 6 constitutes the front end of the medium issuing machine 1. The medium 2 discharged from the medium stacking device 6 is the medium 2 issued from the medium issuing machine 1. An issue port for the medium 2 is formed at the front end of the medium stacking device 6. The medium 2 is supplied to the medium stacking device 6 from obliquely above. That is, the medium 2 discharged from the medium processing apparatus 5 is supplied to the medium stacking apparatus 6 from obliquely upward and rearward.

The medium accumulating device 6 discharges one medium 2 supplied from the medium processing device 5 in the horizontal direction. Further, the medium stacking device 6 stacks a plurality of media 2 supplied from the medium processing device 5 and discharges them in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the medium stacking apparatus 6 discharges one medium 2 or a plurality of stacked media 2 in the forward direction. The medium stacking apparatus 6 of this embodiment can discharge, for example, a maximum of 10 stacked media 2. The front side (X1 direction side) of the present embodiment is the medium 2 discharge side, and the rear side is the medium 2 supply side.

The medium stacking device 6 includes a transport roller 41 and a pad roller 42 for taking the medium 2 discharged from the medium processing device 5 into the medium stacking device 6. The conveyance roller 41 is connected to the motor 27 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The conveyance roller 41 is disposed obliquely in front lower side of the conveyance roller 26 disposed on the foremost side. The pad roller 42 is opposed to the conveying roller 41 from the upper front side. The pad roller 42 is urged toward the transport roller 41.

The medium stacking device 6 includes a medium transport mechanism 43 that transports the medium 2 taken in by the transport roller 41 and the pad roller 42. The medium transport mechanism 43 contacts the lower surface of the medium 2 that is one side of the medium 2 and transports the medium 2, and contacts the upper surface of the medium 2 that is the other surface of the medium 2. 2, an upper transport unit 45 that transports 2, a medium discharge unit 46 that transports and discharges the medium 2, and a drive mechanism 47. Further, the medium stacking device 6 is recovered by a frame 49 as a third frame that rotatably holds a frame 56 described later, a rotation mechanism 50 that rotates the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. And a medium recovery unit 51 (see FIG. 1) in which the medium 2 is accommodated.

The lower conveyance unit 44 includes a conveyance belt 53 that contacts the medium 2 and conveys the medium 2, and two

pulleys

54 and 55 on which the conveyance belt 53 is bridged. The two

pulleys

54 and 55 are rotatably held by the frame 56. That is, the lower transport unit 44 is attached to the frame 56. The two

pulleys

54 and 55 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the pulley 54 is disposed on the front side, and the pulley 55 is disposed on the rear side. The

pulleys

54 and 55 rotate with the left-right direction as the axial direction of rotation. The frame 56 in this embodiment is a second frame.

The upper transport unit 45 is disposed on the upper side of the lower transport unit 44. The upper transport unit 45 includes a transport belt 57 that contacts the medium 2 and transports the medium 2, and two

pulleys

58 and 59 around which the transport belt 57 is bridged. The two

pulleys

58 and 59 are rotatably held by the frame 60. That is, the upper transport unit 45 is attached to the frame 60. The two

pulleys

58 and 59 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the pulley 58 is disposed on the front side, and the pulley 59 is disposed on the rear side. The

pulleys

58 and 59 rotate with the left-right direction as the axial direction of rotation. The left-right direction (Y direction) of this embodiment is the width direction of the medium 2 orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium 2 transported to the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 and the thickness direction of the medium 2. Further, the frame 60 of this embodiment is the first frame.

The frame 56 is held by the frame 49 so that it can be rotated with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. The frame 56 is rotatable with respect to the frame 49 with the front end of the frame 56 as the rotation center and the horizontal direction as the rotation axis direction. Specifically, the frame 56 is rotatable with respect to the frame 49 with the rotation center of the pulley 54 as the rotation center. In the following description, the rotation center of the frame 56 is referred to as “rotation center C1”.

The frame 60 is held by the frame 56 so that it can be rotated with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. Further, the frame 60 is rotatable with respect to the frame 56 with the front end portion of the frame 60 as a rotation center and the horizontal direction as the rotation axis direction. Specifically, the frame 60 is rotatable with respect to the frame 56 with the rotation center of the pulley 58 as the rotation center. In the following description, the rotation center of the frame 60 is referred to as “rotation center C2”. In the following description, the clockwise direction in FIGS. 8 to 11 is referred to as “clockwise”, and the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 8 to 11 is referred to as “counterclockwise”.

The medium discharge unit 46 is disposed in front of the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. The medium discharge unit 46 is in contact with the lower surface of the medium 2 to convey the medium 2, the two pulleys 63 around which the conveyance belt 62 is bridged, and the upper surface of the medium 2 to be conveyed into the medium 2. A conveyor belt 64 and two pulleys 65 around which the conveyor belt 64 is bridged. The

pulleys

63 and 65 rotate with the left-right direction as the axial direction of rotation.

The two pulleys 63 are arranged with a gap in the front-rear direction, and the two pulleys 65 are arranged with a gap in the front-rear direction. The two pulleys 63 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, and the upper surface of the transport belt 62 is horizontal. On the other hand, the pulley 65 disposed on the rear side is disposed slightly above the pulley 65 disposed on the front side, and the lower surface of the conveyor belt 64 is slightly lower toward the front side. Inclined. In a state where there is no medium 2 between the transport belt 62 and the transport belt 64, the upper surface of the front end portion of the transport belt 62 and the lower surface of the front end portion of the transport belt 64 are in contact with each other. The gap between the upper surface of the conveyor belt 62 and the lower surface of the conveyor belt 64 gradually increases toward the rear side.

The drive mechanism 47 includes a motor 66 and a power transmission mechanism 67 that transmits the power of the motor 66 to the

pulleys

54, 58, 63, and 65. The power transmission mechanism 67 rotates together with a pulley 68 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 66, a pulley 69 that rotates together with the pulley 54, a belt 70 that spans the

pulleys

68 and 69, and the

pulleys

54 and 69. And a gear 72 that meshes with the gear 71 and rotates together with the pulley 58. The pulley 54, the pulley 69, and the gear 71 are arranged coaxially, and the pulley 58 and the gear 72 are arranged coaxially. The power transmission mechanism 67 includes a gear train 73 that transmits the rotational force of the gear 71 to the

pulleys

63 and 65.

The medium recovery unit 51 is formed in a box shape with an opening formed on the upper surface side. The medium recovery unit 51 is disposed behind the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. Specifically, the medium recovery unit 51 is disposed obliquely behind and below the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. In this embodiment, when forgetting to remove the medium 2 issued to the medium 2 issuing port formed at the front end of the medium stacking device 6 occurs, the medium 2 is collected and stored in the medium collecting unit 51.

The rotation mechanism 50 rotates the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation. The rotation mechanism 50 includes a drive mechanism 75 that rotates the frame 56 with respect to the frame 49, and the frame 60 in a direction in which the upper conveyance unit 45 faces the lower conveyance unit 44 about the rotation center C2 of the frame 60. A tension coil spring 76 as a biasing member to be biased, and a holding mechanism 77 that holds the frame 60 in order to hold the upper conveying portion 45 that is inclined downward toward the front side. Yes.

The drive mechanism 75 includes a motor 78 and a power transmission mechanism 79 that transmits the power of the motor 78 to the frame 56. The power transmission mechanism 79 includes a fan-shaped gear portion 56a formed at the rear end portion of the frame 56, and a gear train 80 that connects the motor 78 and the gear portion 56a. The final gear 81 constituting the gear train 80 meshes with the gear portion 56a from the rear side. When the motor 78 is driven, the frame 56 rotates about the rotation center C1.

The tension coil spring 76 is disposed between the

pulleys

54 and 58 and the

pulleys

55 and 59 in the front-rear direction. The upper end portion of the tension coil spring 76 is attached to the frame 60. A lower end portion of the tension coil spring 76 is attached to the frame 56. The tension coil spring 76 urges the frame 60 clockwise with respect to the frame 56 about the rotation center C <b> 2 of the frame 60.

The holding mechanism 77 includes a lever member 83 that is held by the frame 49 so as to be able to rotate with the left-right direction as the axis direction of rotation, a solenoid 84 that rotates the lever member 83, and a lever member 83. A tension coil spring 85 is provided, and a pin 86 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) fixed to the frame 60 is provided. The lever member 83, the solenoid 84, and the tension coil spring 85 are disposed on the upper conveyance unit 45. The frame 49 holds the upper end portion of the lever member 83, and the lever member 83 rotates around the upper end portion of the lever member 83. In the following description, the rotation center of the lever member 83 is referred to as “rotation center C3”.

The solenoid 84 is disposed behind the lever member 83. The solenoid 84 is arranged so that the plunger of the solenoid 84 protrudes to the front side. The front end portion of the plunger of the solenoid 84 is connected to the lever member 83 below the rotation center C3. One end portion of the tension coil spring 85 is attached to the lever member 83 below the rotation center C3. The other end of the tension coil spring 85 is disposed in front of one end of the tension coil spring 85 and is attached to the frame 49. The tension coil spring 85 urges the lever member 83 in the clockwise direction around the rotation center C3. In this embodiment, the plunger of the solenoid 84 is connected to a fixed shaft fixed to the lever member 83, and one end of the tension coil spring 85 is attached to the fixed shaft.

The lower end portion of the lever member 83 is formed with a protruding portion 83a protruding rearward, and the shape of the lever member 83 when viewed from the left-right direction is substantially L-shaped. The pin 86 is fixed to the upper end portion of the frame 60. The pin 86 is fixed to the center portion of the frame 60 in the front-rear direction. The pin 86 protrudes from the frame 60 to one side in the left-right direction.

When the solenoid 84 is energized in a state where the upper conveying portion 45 is inclined at a predetermined angle so as to be directed downward toward the front side, the lever member 83 is rotated counterclockwise and the lever member 83 is The protrusion 83a contacts the pin 86 from below. Further, when the protruding portion 83a comes into contact with the pin 86 from the lower side, the clockwise rotation of the frame 60 is restricted. That is, when the protruding portion 83a comes into contact with the pin 86 from the lower side, the clockwise rotation of the upper conveying portion 45 is restricted. 8 and 9, the pin 86 is not shown.

As described above, when the motor 78 is driven, the frame 56 rotates about the rotation center C1. Further, when the motor 78 is driven in a state where the clockwise rotation of the frame 60 is not restricted by the holding mechanism 77, the frame 60 biased by the tension coil spring 76 is a frame centered on the rotation center C1. Rotate with 56. That is, when the motor 78 is driven in a state in which the rotation of the frame 60 in the clockwise direction is not restricted by the holding mechanism 77, the upper conveyance unit 45 rotates together with the lower conveyance unit 44 around the rotation center C1. Move.

In this embodiment, when the holding mechanism 77 restricts the rotation of the frame 60 in the clockwise direction, the frame 56 rotates in the clockwise direction. When the motor 78 is driven in a state where the rotation of the frame 60 in the clockwise direction is restricted by the holding mechanism 77, the frame 60 does not rotate but only the frame 56 rotates about the rotation center C1. . That is, when the motor 78 is driven in a state where the rotation of the frame 60 in the clockwise direction is restricted by the holding mechanism 77, the upper conveyance unit 45 does not rotate, and only the lower conveyance unit 44 is centered on the rotation center C1. And turn.

When only the lower conveyance unit 44 is rotated and stopped in the clockwise direction, the energization to the solenoid 84 is stopped, and the lever member 83 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the urging force of the tension coil spring 85. 83a moves forward and the projecting portion 83a is detached from the pin 86. When the protruding portion 83a is detached from the pin 86, the frame 60 rotates about the rotation center C2 until the upper conveyance portion 45 comes into contact with the lower conveyance portion 44.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, there is a state in which the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 are inclined at the same angle with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be directed downward toward the front side. This is the home position of the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. When the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 are at the home position, the transport roller 41 is disposed on the upper obliquely rear side of the rear end of the transport belt 53. When the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 are at the home position, the contact point between the conveyance roller 41 and the pad roller 42 is disposed on an extension line of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 53 when viewed from the left-right direction.

Further, in this embodiment, when one medium 2 is discharged from the medium stacking device 6 (that is, when one medium 2 is issued from the medium issuing machine 1), the lower transport unit at the home position The medium 2 sandwiched between 44 and the upper transport unit 45 is transported by the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. That is, when one medium 2 is discharged, the medium 2 sandwiched between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 that is inclined downward toward the front side is moved to the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 44. It is transported by the transport unit 45. The single medium 2 conveyed by the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 is then conveyed by the medium discharge unit 46 and discharged from the medium stacking device 6. When the medium 2 is not present between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 at the home position, the upper surface of the transport belt 53 and the lower surface of the transport belt 57 are in contact with each other.

Further, when a plurality of media 2 are discharged from the medium stacking device 6, first, the upper transport unit 45 is inclined so as to be directed downward toward the front side, and is in a horizontal state. A plurality of media 2 are stacked on the transport unit 44 (see FIG. 10B). Specifically, first, after the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 are in the home position, the solenoid 84 is energized, and the clockwise rotation of the upper conveyance unit 45 is restricted. The lower conveyance unit 44 rotates until the motor 78 is driven and becomes horizontal. Thereafter, the medium 2 is taken in by the transport roller 41 and the pad roller 42, and a plurality of media 2 are accumulated in the lower transport unit 44 in a horizontal state. As described above, when a plurality of media 2 are stacked on the lower transport unit 44 that is in a horizontal state, the frame 60 is held by the holding mechanism 77, and the upper transport unit 45 moves toward the front side. It is in a state of being inclined so as to face downward.

In addition, when the lower conveyance unit 44 is in a horizontal state, the pulley 54 and the pulley 55 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, and the upper surface of the conveyance belt 53 is horizontal. Further, in a state in which the frame 60 is held by the holding mechanism 77, the upper transport unit 45 is slightly rotated counterclockwise from the home position (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Further, when a plurality of media 2 are stacked on the lower transport unit 44, one medium 2 is transported between the transport belt 53 and the transport belt 57 while the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 are at the home position. After being taken in between, the solenoid 84 is energized, and the clockwise rotation of the upper conveyance unit 45 is restricted, and the motor 78 is driven to move the lower conveyance unit 44 until it becomes horizontal. You may rotate.

When a predetermined number of media 2 are accumulated in the lower conveyance unit 44 in the horizontal state, the energization of the solenoid 84 is stopped and the holding state of the frame 60 by the holding mechanism 77 is released. When the holding state of the frame 60 by the holding mechanism 77 is released, the frame 60 rotates around the rotation center C2 until the upper conveying portion 45 becomes horizontal by the urging force of the tension coil spring 76 (FIG. 11 ( A)). Thereafter, the plurality of media 2 sandwiched between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 are transported by the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45.

That is, when a predetermined number of media 2 are stacked on the lower transport unit 44 in the horizontal state, the upper transport unit 45 is rotated until it is in a horizontal state and is sandwiched between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. The plurality of media 2 are transported by the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45. The plurality of media 2 conveyed by the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45 are then conveyed by the medium discharge unit 46 and discharged from the medium stacking device 6. When the upper conveyance unit 45 is in a horizontal state, the pulley 58 and the pulley 59 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, and the lower surface of the conveyance belt 57 is horizontal.

Further, in this embodiment, when forgetting to remove the medium 2 discharged from the medium stacking device 6 (that is, the medium 2 issued from the medium issuing machine 1) occurs, as shown in FIG. 44 and the upper transport unit 45 are rotated clockwise (that is, the frame 56 is rotated clockwise) and are inclined to the lower side toward the rear side, and the medium discharge unit 46, the medium 2 is transported to the medium recovery unit 51 by the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45, and the recovered medium 2 is accommodated in the medium recovery unit 51.

Further, the medium stacking device 6 includes a stopper member 87 for restricting the movement of the medium 2 stacked on the lower transport unit 44 in a horizontal state to the front side, and a link mechanism 88 for moving the stopper member 87. And a tension coil spring 89 as a stopper urging member for urging the stopper member 87.

The stopper member 87 includes a medium contact portion 87a that contacts the front end of the medium 2 and restricts the movement of the medium 2. The medium contact portion 87 a constitutes the front end portion of the stopper member 87. The stopper member 87 is rotatably held by the frame 56. Specifically, the rear end portion of the stopper member 87 is rotatably held by the frame 56. The stopper member 87 is held by the frame 56 so that the stopper member 87 can be rotated with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation. The stopper member 87 is disposed between the two

pulleys

54 and 55. In the following description, the rotation center of the stopper member 87 is referred to as “rotation center C4”.

One end of the tension coil spring 89 is attached to the stopper member 87. Specifically, one end of the tension coil spring 89 is attached to the stopper member 87 in front of the rotation center C4. The other end of the tension coil spring 89 is attached to the frame 56. The other end of the tension coil spring 89 is disposed below the one end of the tension coil spring 89. The tension coil spring 89 urges the stopper member 87 counterclockwise about the rotation center C4. Specifically, the tension coil spring 89 urges the stopper member 87 toward the retreat position where the medium contact portion 87a retracts below the upper surface of the lower transport portion 44 (that is, the upper surface of the transport belt 53). Yes.

The link mechanism 88 includes a link member 92 fixed to the frame 60 and a pin 93 fixed to the stopper member 87. The link member 92 is fixed to the front end portion of the frame 60, and rotates together with the upper transport unit 45 and the frame 60 about the rotation center C2. The link member 92 extends obliquely from the front end of the frame 60 toward the lower rear side. The pin 93 is fixed to the front end side of the stopper member 87. The pin 93 is fixed to the stopper member 87 on the rear side of the medium contact portion 87a. The pin 93 protrudes from the stopper member 87 to one side in the left-right direction. A cam hole 92 a into which the pin 93 is inserted is formed at the lower end portion of the link member 92. The cam hole 92a is a long hole.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 are at the home position, the medium contact portion 87a of the stopper member 87 is positioned on the upper surface (the transport belt 53). Is retracted below the upper surface). Further, in this embodiment, when the upper conveyance unit 45 rotates together with the lower conveyance unit 44, when the upper surface of the conveyance belt 53 and the lower surface of the conveyance belt 57 are parallel, the medium contact portion 87a is Retracted below the upper surface of the conveyor belt 53 (see FIG. 11).

On the other hand, when the frame 56 is rotated while the frame 60 is held by the holding mechanism 77 and the lower conveyance unit 44 at the home position is rotated to a horizontal state, as shown in FIG. The contact portion 87 a protrudes above the upper surface of the transport belt 53. In other words, the link mechanism 88 includes the lower conveyance unit 44 that is inclined so as to be directed downward toward the front side while the upper conveyance unit 45 is inclined to be directed downward toward the front side. The stopper member 87 is moved to a restricting position for restricting the movement of the medium 2 accumulated in the lower transporting portion 44 to the front side with the turning operation when turning to the horizontal state.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the medium 2 is supplied to the medium stacking device 6 from obliquely upward and rearward. Further, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of media 2 are discharged from the medium stacking device 6, the upper conveyance unit 45 is inclined so as to be directed downward toward the front side, thereby being in a horizontal state. A plurality of media 2 are accumulated in the lower conveyance unit 44. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the medium 2 supplied obliquely from the upper rear is accumulated in the lower transport unit 44, the upper transport unit 45 is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side. The conveyance unit 44 is in a horizontal state. For this reason, in this embodiment, even if the number of media 2 supplied to and accumulated in the lower conveyance unit 44 from obliquely rearward and upward increases, the medium 2 can be neatly accumulated in the lower conveyance unit 44.

In this embodiment, when one medium 2 is ejected from the medium stacking device 6, the medium sandwiched between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 that are inclined downward toward the front side. 2 is conveyed by the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. That is, in this embodiment, when one medium 2 is discharged from the medium stacking device 6, the medium 2 supplied from the obliquely rearward upper side is inclined downward toward the front side. It is conveyed as it is by the conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the discharge time when discharging one medium 2.

In this embodiment, when the plurality of media 2 are discharged, the plurality of media 2 accumulated in the lower transport unit 44 are sandwiched between the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 that are in the horizontal state. In the state, it is conveyed by the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the number of stacked media 2 increases, it is possible to discharge a plurality of stacked media 2 in the forward direction via the medium discharge unit 46.

In this embodiment, when one medium 2 is discharged, one medium 2 is transported diagonally forward and downward by the lower transport section 44 and the upper transport section 45, but the ejected medium 2 When there is one sheet, it becomes possible to easily elastically deform one medium 2 so that one medium 2 is discharged in the forward direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if one medium 2 is transported obliquely forward and downward by the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45, it is transferred from the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45 to the medium discharge unit 46. At this time, one medium 2 can be elastically deformed, and one medium 2 can be discharged forward by the medium discharge section 46.

In this embodiment, the frame 60 to which the upper conveyance unit 45 is attached is rotatably held by the frame 56 to which the lower conveyance unit 44 is attached, and the frame 56 is rotatably held by the frame 49. In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 50 includes a drive mechanism 75 that rotates the frame 56 with respect to the frame 49, and a frame in a direction in which the upper conveyance unit 45 faces the lower conveyance unit 44 about the rotation center C2. And a tension coil spring 76 for urging 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the rotation mechanism 50 does not include the second drive mechanism that rotates the frame 60 with respect to the frame 56 in addition to the drive mechanism 75, the upper transport unit 45 is driven by the drive mechanism 75. Can be rotated.

Further, in this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 50 holds the frame 60 in order to hold the upper conveyance unit 45 in a state of being inclined downward toward the front side, and a tension coil spring. 76, even if the rotation mechanism 50 does not include the second drive mechanism, the lower transport unit 44 is tilted so that the upper transport unit 45 is inclined downward toward the front side. Can be made horizontal, and the upper conveying section 45 can be rotated to the horizontal state.

That is, in this embodiment, even if the rotation mechanism 50 does not include the second drive mechanism, the upper transport unit 45 can be rotated by the drive mechanism 75 and the lower side as it goes to the front side. The lower conveyance unit 44 can be made horizontal with the upper conveyance unit 45 inclined so as to be directed toward the upper side, and the upper conveyance unit 45 can be rotated to the horizontal state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the rotation mechanism 50 can be simplified.

In this embodiment, the medium stacking device 6 includes a stopper member 87 for restricting the movement of the medium 2 stacked on the lower transport unit 44 in the horizontal state to the front side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium 2 can be more neatly accumulated in the lower transport unit 44 using the stopper member 87.

Further, in this embodiment, the link mechanism 88 is inclined so that the upper transport unit 45 is inclined downward toward the front side while being inclined downward toward the front side. The stopper member 87 is moved to a regulation position that regulates the movement of the medium 2 accumulated in the lower conveyance unit 44 to the front side in accordance with the rotation operation when the conveyance unit 44 is rotated to the horizontal state. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide a drive source for moving the stopper member 87. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the medium stacking device 6 can be simplified even if the stopper member 87 for restricting the movement of the medium 2 stacked on the lower transport unit 44 is provided.

In this embodiment, the tension coil spring 89 urges the stopper member 87 toward the retreat position where the medium contact portion 87a is retracted below the upper surface of the lower conveying portion 44 (the upper surface of the conveying belt 53). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the medium 2 is not accumulated in the lower transport unit 44, the stopper member 87 can be reliably retracted to the retracted position by the biasing force of the tension coil spring 89.

In this embodiment, the medium recovery unit 51 is disposed behind the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when forgetting to remove the medium 2 discharged from the medium stacking device 6 (that is, the medium 2 issued from the medium issuing machine 1) occurs, It can be collected and stored in the medium collecting unit 51.

In this embodiment, the width of the cutting blade 8 in the left-right direction is wider than the width in the left-right direction of the medium 2, and the mounting position of the cutting unit 9 in the left-right direction can be adjusted. Further, in this embodiment, when the connection portion 2a is cut a predetermined number of times by the cutting blade 8, the attachment position of the cutting unit 9 is moved in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the cutting blade 8 can be continuously used even when only the portion of the cutting blade 8 that contacts the connecting portion 2a is partially worn. Therefore, in this embodiment, the replacement frequency of the cutting blade 8 can be reduced.

(Modification of media processing device)
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the medium processing apparatus 5 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium processing apparatus 5 shown in FIG. In FIGS. 12 to 14, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the above-described embodiment, the medium processing device 5 may include a magnetic head 97 that records magnetic data on the medium 2 and reads the recorded magnetic data, instead of the

magnetic heads

17 and 18. In this case, the distance between the magnetic head 97 and the print head 19 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the medium 2 in the front-rear direction. In this case, when the medium 2 cut by the medium cutting device 4 is taken into the medium processing device 5 (see FIG. 12A), the magnetic data is transferred to the medium 2 conveyed to the front side by the magnetic head 97. Is recorded (see FIGS. 12B and 12C).

When magnetic data is recorded on the medium 2 by the magnetic head 97, the medium 2 is transported to the rear side, and the recorded magnetic data is read by the magnetic head 97 (see FIG. 13). When magnetic data is recorded on the medium 2 and when magnetic data recorded on the medium 2 is read, the print head 19 is retracted upward. Further, when the magnetic data is normally recorded on the medium 2, the print head 19 descends and comes into contact with the medium 2 after the medium 2 is conveyed to a predetermined position toward the front side (see FIG. 14A). ). Thereafter, the medium 2 is conveyed toward the front side, and printing is performed on the medium 2 (see FIG. 14B). In this modification, the medium processing device 5 can be reduced in size in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the medium issuing machine 1 can be reduced in size in the front-rear direction.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the above-described form, the frame 60 may be rotatably held by the frame 49. In the above-described form, the medium stacking device 6 may include a plurality of medium recovery units 51. Since the medium stacking device 6 includes the rotation mechanism 50 that rotates the lower transport unit 44 and the upper transport unit 45, when the medium stacking device 6 includes a plurality of medium recovery units 51, the lower transport unit 50 By changing the rotation angle of the section 44 and the upper transport section 45, it is possible to select the medium collection section 51 in which the collected medium 2 is stored from among the plurality of medium collection sections 51. The medium stacking device 6 may not include the medium recovery unit 51.

In the embodiment described above, the rotation mechanism 50 may include a second drive mechanism that rotates the frame 60 relative to the frame 56 in addition to the drive mechanism 75. In this case, the tension coil spring 76 and the holding mechanism 77 are not necessary. In the above-described embodiment, the medium transport mechanism 43 may not include the medium discharge unit 46. In this case, for example, a guide member is disposed in front of the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45, and one medium conveyed obliquely forward and downward by the lower conveyance unit 44 and the upper conveyance unit 45. 2 is elastically deformed in the guide member so as to be discharged in the forward direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the medium stacking device 6 may include a gear train or a cam mechanism for moving the stopper member 87 in accordance with the rotation operation of the lower transport unit 44, instead of the link mechanism 88. Further, the medium stacking device 6 may include a drive source such as a solenoid for moving the stopper member 87 instead of the link mechanism 88. In the above-described form, the lower transport unit 44 may include a transport roller that transports the medium 2 in contact with the lower surface of the medium 2 instead of the transport belt 53, and the upper transport unit 45 transports the medium 2. Instead of the belt 57, a conveyance roller for conveying the medium 2 in contact with the upper surface of the medium 2 may be provided. Further, the medium discharge unit 46 may include a conveyance roller instead of the

conveyance belts

62 and 64.

In the embodiment described above, the frame 60 may be biased by a spring member other than the tension coil spring 76. In the embodiment described above, the lever member 83 may be biased by a spring member other than the tension coil spring 85, or the stopper member 87 may be biased by a spring member other than the tension coil spring 89. Moreover, in the form mentioned above, the attachment position of the cutting | disconnection unit 9 in the left-right direction does not need to be adjustable. In this case, the medium cutting device 4 can be reduced in size in the left-right direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the connection portion 2a may not be formed between the plurality of media 2 connected in a belt shape. That is, the media 2 formed in a rectangular shape may be directly connected to each other, and the width in the left-right direction of the plurality of media 2 connected in a strip shape may be constant. In the above-described form, the medium stacking device 6 may be used in a device other than the medium issuing machine 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medium issuing machine 2 Medium 4 Medium cutting device 5 Medium processing device 6 Medium stacking device 8 Cutting blade 9 Cutting unit 17 Magnetic head (magnetic head for recording)
18 Magnetic head (reading magnetic head)
19 Print Head 44 Lower Conveying Unit 45 Upper Conveying Unit 46 Medium Ejecting Unit 49 Frame (Third Frame)
50 Rotating mechanism 51 Medium recovery unit 53, 57 Conveying belt 56 Frame (second frame)
60 frames (first frame)
75 Drive mechanism 76 Tension coil spring (biasing member)
77 Holding mechanism 87 Stopper member 87a Medium contact portion 88 Link mechanism 89 Tension coil spring (stopper biasing member)
92 Link member 92a Cam hole 93 Pin X1 Front side (medium discharge side)
X2 Rear side (medium supply side)
Y Medium width direction

Claims

In a medium stacking apparatus capable of stacking a plurality of media supplied obliquely from above and discharging them horizontally,
A lower transport unit that contacts the lower surface of the medium that is one surface of the medium and transports the medium, and an upper transport unit that contacts the upper surface of the medium that is the other surface of the medium and transports the medium And the lower transport unit and the upper transport with the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium transported by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit and the thickness direction of the medium as the axis direction of rotation. A rotation mechanism for rotating the transport unit,
When the discharge side of the medium is the front side, and the supply side of the medium that is the opposite side of the front side is the rear side,
When one sheet of the medium is discharged, the medium sandwiched between the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit, which is inclined downward toward the front side, is transferred to the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit. Conveyed by the department,
When a plurality of the media are discharged, the plurality of the media are placed on the lower transport unit that is in a horizontal state with the upper transport unit inclined toward the lower side toward the front side. And the plurality of media sandwiched between the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit are transported by the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit. A medium accumulating device.
A first frame to which the upper transport unit is attached, a second frame to which the lower transport unit is attached and rotatably holding the first frame, and a third frame that rotatably holds the second frame And
The first frame is rotatable with respect to the second frame with the front end portion of the first frame as a rotation center and the width direction of the medium as a rotation axis direction.
The second frame is rotatable with respect to the third frame with the front end portion of the second frame as a rotation center and the width direction of the medium as a rotation axial direction.
The rotation mechanism includes a drive mechanism that rotates the second frame with respect to the third frame, and a direction in which the upper conveyance unit moves toward the lower conveyance unit around the rotation center of the first frame. An urging member that urges the first frame, and a holding mechanism that holds the first frame in order to hold the upper conveying portion that is inclined downward toward the front side. Prepared,
When a plurality of the media are stacked on the lower transport unit in a horizontal state, the first frame is held by the holding mechanism,
When a plurality of the media are stacked on the lower conveyance unit in a horizontal state, the holding state of the first frame by the holding mechanism is released, and the upper conveyance unit is moved by the urging force of the urging member. 2. The medium accumulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is rotated until it is in a horizontal state.
A stopper member for restricting the movement of the medium accumulated in the lower conveyance unit in a horizontal state to the front side, and a link mechanism for moving the stopper member;
The link mechanism is in a state in which the upper conveyance unit is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side, and the lower conveyance unit that is inclined so as to go downward as it goes to the front side is in a horizontal state 2. The stopper member according to claim 1, wherein the stopper member is moved to a restricting position for restricting the movement of the medium accumulated in the lower transport unit to the front side in accordance with a turning operation when turning to the position. Media accumulation device.
A first frame to which the upper conveyance unit is attached; a second frame to which the lower conveyance unit is attached and rotatably holding the first frame; and a stopper urging member that urges the stopper member. ,
The second frame holds the stopper member rotatably,
The stopper member includes a medium contact portion that contacts the front end of the medium and restricts the movement of the medium, and rotates with the width direction of the medium as an axis direction of rotation with respect to the second frame. Is possible,
The medium according to claim 3, wherein the stopper urging member urges the stopper member toward a retreat position where the medium contact portion retreats below the upper surface of the lower transport unit. Integrated device.
The link mechanism includes a link member fixed to the first frame and a pin fixed to the stopper member;
The pin protrudes from the stopper member in the width direction of the medium,
5. The medium accumulating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a cam hole into which the pin is inserted is formed in the link member.
6. The medium stacking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a medium discharge unit that is disposed on a front side of the lower transfer unit and the upper transfer unit and that transfers and discharges the medium.
6. The medium stacking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a medium collection unit that is disposed behind the lower conveyance unit and the upper conveyance unit and accommodates the collected medium. .
6. The medium stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower transport unit and the upper transport unit include a transport belt that transports the medium in contact with the medium.
6. The medium accumulating device according to claim 1, a medium cutting device that cuts a plurality of media connected in a band shape for each of the media, and magnetic data stored in the medium cut by the medium cutting device. A medium issuing machine comprising: a medium processing apparatus that performs recording and printing and conveys the medium to the medium stacking apparatus.
The medium cutting device includes a cutting unit having a cutting blade for cutting a plurality of the media connected in a belt shape for each medium,
The width of the cutting blade in the width direction of the medium is wider than the width of the medium,
The medium issuing machine according to claim 9, wherein the attachment position of the cutting unit in the width direction of the medium is adjustable.
The medium processing apparatus includes a recording magnetic head for recording magnetic data on the medium, a reading magnetic head for reading the magnetic data of the medium recorded by the recording magnetic head, and a print head for printing on the medium And
The read magnetic head is disposed in front of the recording magnetic head,
The print head is disposed in front of the read magnetic head,
10. The medium issuing machine according to claim 9, wherein a distance between the read magnetic head and the print head in the medium transport direction is shorter than a length of the medium in the medium transport direction.