DE102014011478A1 - Paper dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a paper dispensing device, comprising: a dispensing opening (5) for removing a sheet and a movable guide plate (10) for guiding the sheet to the dispensing opening, the guide plate being mounted on at least one axis (11). The axis is displaceable and rotatably mounted in a guide groove. Depending on where the blade presses against the guide plate, the axle is either displaced or rotated, a first sensor being provided for detecting a position of the axle in the guide groove and a second sensor being provided for detecting a rotational position of the axle in the guide groove.

Description

The invention relates to a paper delivery device comprising a discharge opening for removing a sheet and a movable guide plate for guiding the sheet to the discharge opening, wherein the guide plate is fixed to an axle.

Nowadays self-service machines are increasingly used, for example ATMs, reverse vending machines, ticket vending machines and parking machines. The mentioned machines have in common that they have a printer for printing z. As a receipt, a voucher, a billing document, a voucher or a ticket. It happens occasionally that a user removes the printed paper from the machine before printing is finished. As a result, the paper can be printed incorrectly or it breaks off too early or unnecessarily much paper is promoted. This may damage the printer or other parts of the self-service machine.

Furthermore, a jam in the printer can be caused by a blockage at a discharge opening. The paper jam may cause the paper to be printed incorrectly or components to be damaged.

To avoid the problems mentioned, the WO 2013/023544 A1 a paper output device by means of which an early paper removal and a paper blockade can be detected at a paper discharge opening. Another device for detecting an early paper removal is in the US 2008/0229892 A1 disclosed.

The object of the present invention is to design a paper output device which has a comparatively simple structure and by means of which early paper removal or paper blockade can be detected.

This object is achieved by a paper output device according to the main claim. Advantageous developments emerge with the features of the subclaims and the embodiments.

The paper dispenser according to the invention comprises a dispensing opening for removing a sheet and a movable guide plate for guiding the sheet to the dispensing opening, wherein the guide plate is attached at least on one axis. The axis is displaceable and rotatably mounted in a guide groove. Depending on where the blade presses against the guide plate, the axle is either shifted or rotated. A first sensor is provided for detecting a position of the axis in the guide groove and a second sensor is provided for detecting a rotational position of the axis in the guide groove.

Here, the displaceable mounting of the axis in the guide groove should mean that the axis can be displaced along a longitudinal direction of the guide groove. The paper dispensing device according to the invention is characterized by a particularly robust and comparatively simple construction. With the paper output device can be detected by simple means a premature paper removal. The axle can assume at least two positions in the longitudinal direction of the guide groove. When a user pulls on the paper in a premature paper removal, the paper usually abuts against the guide plate, whereby a force is exerted on the guide plate. By this force exerted on the guide plate, the axis shifts in the longitudinal direction of the guide groove. As a result, the position of the axis changes in the guide groove, which in turn can be detected by the first sensor. Thus, with the first sensor, a displacement of the axis in the guide groove can be detected.

Furthermore, the axis is additionally rotatably mounted in the guide groove. A second sensor is provided for detecting a rotational position of the axis. If the dispensing opening z. B. is accidentally blocked by a user, this may result in a paper jam in the paper output device result. With the said paper output device, this paper jam can now be detected or a blockage of the discharge opening can be detected. In the case of a locked dispensing opening or jam, the paper typically bulges and presses against the guide plate. Consequently, a torque acts on the guide plate, whereby the guide plate rotates about the bearing in the guide groove axis. The changed rotational position of the axis in the guide groove can then be detected by the second sensor. Thus, with the second sensor, a rotation of the axis in the guide groove can be detected.

Optionally, a first return element is provided for returning the axle to a specific position in the guide groove. This can ensure that the guide plate is usually in a predetermined first position in a paper output. If a user wishes to remove the paper prematurely, the axis is moved to a second or further position in the guide groove. After eliminating the fault, the axis is brought back into the first position by means of the first return element.

In a further embodiment, a second return element for returning the axle is provided in a certain rotational position. If the discharge opening is blocked and the paper can no longer be conveyed freely out of the paper delivery device, the axis typically rotates in the guide groove. If the blockage of the discharge opening is no longer present, the second return element can return the axis to a predetermined rotational position.

Suitably, the first sensor and / or the second sensor are arranged in or on the guide groove. The aforementioned sensors can thereby detect directly whether the axis is shifting or rotating. For the choice of the first sensor and / or the second sensor different sensors come into consideration. For example, electro-optical or electromagnetic sensors or mechanical switches may be mentioned here. Preferably, a non-contact detection of a position of the axis in the guide groove or a rotational position of the axis in the guide groove by the first and the second sensor.

Typically, the movable guide plate faces a fixed guide plate attached to a housing of the paper dispenser. In general, the guide plate and the guide plate are bounded laterally by two side walls. The guide plate and the guide plate usually form a paper feed channel, which allows a paper feed in the direction of the discharge opening.

A rotation of the axis may be limited by one or more stops. The attack or the attacks can z. B. on the axis, the guide plate or the side walls can be arranged.

In general, the guide plate is aligned at least in a position of the axis in the guide groove or a rotational position of the axis in the guide groove parallel to the movable guide plate. In one embodiment, the movable guide plate is arranged above the guide plate. In a premature paper removal then the movable guide plate is typically moved upward and by gravity, it requires no first return element or no second return element.

The guide groove is usually formed in at least one of the two side walls, preferably as an elongated recess. It can also be provided in each side wall, a guide. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the guide groove is aligned substantially in the vertical direction. Here, the vertical direction is defined by a direction of the gravity acting on the paper discharger. The longitudinal direction of the guide groove may also have other orientations, depending on the embodiment. Thus, the guide can have a curved shape, for. B. partially circular arc. It is only important that the axis can be moved in the guide groove and that premature paper removal can be detected by the first sensor.

The movable guide plate can also be arranged below the guide plate. In this embodiment, it is expedient if the first return element is provided in the guide groove. The guide plate usually has an end facing the dispensing opening and an end facing away from the dispensing opening. The axle is typically secured to the guide plate at the end facing the delivery port.

In a development, the guide plate comprises a support shaft. The support shaft rests on at least one position of the axis on one of the two side walls. The support shaft is usually attached to the discharge opening facing away from the end of the guide plate. As the axle rotates in the guide groove, the axle is typically pivoted away from the sidewall. In a displacement of the axis in the guide groove, the support shaft is typically on one or both side walls.

On one side of the guide groove, an optical transmitting unit may be provided. In addition, the axis may comprise reflection or transmission means, wherein the first sensor and / or the second sensor is an electro-optical sensor for detecting an optical signal sent by the optical transmission unit and transmitted through the axis or reflected by the axis. Upon displacement of the axis in the guide groove, for example, the optical signal can be blocked or transmitted or reflected by the axis, whereby the first sensor is able to detect the respective position of the axis in the guide groove. Similarly, upon rotation of the axis, the optical signal can be reflected or transmitted through the axis or blocked, so that the second sensor is able to detect the respective rotational position.

In one development, the axis comprises at least one marking which can be detected by the first sensor and / or the second sensor. The mark on the axis may be, for example, a certain magnetization of the axis. With a displacement or rotation of the axis, a magnetic field thus changes in the vicinity of the axis and this can then be detected by an electromagnetic sensor. The mark may for example also be formed by a projection. Upon rotation or displacement of the axis, the projection triggers a signal of the first or the second sensor. In this case, the sensor z. B. be a mechanical switch or an optical sensor. The axis may include a part-cylindrical portion and a flattened portion, with the flattened portion or protrusion adjacent to the part-cylindrical portion.

The invention also provides a printer with a printing device for printing a sheet and a paper cutter. The printer preferably has a paper delivery device of the type described above, the paper cutting device being arranged between the printing device and the paper delivery device. The first sensor and / or the second sensor may be connected to an evaluation and control unit. The evaluation and control unit can evaluate the signal detected by the sensor and assess whether there is a paper jam or a premature paper removal. If appropriate, then the evaluation and control unit sends a corresponding signal to the printing device and / or the paper cutter, whereby the printing process is terminated and / or the paper is cut off. This can be avoided that it comes to lasting damage to the printer, the printing device, the cutting device or the paper output device.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to accompanying figures. In the figures show

1A to 1C a printer with a paper cutter,

2 an axis of a guide plate in a guide groove,

3 another axis of the guide plate in a guide groove, and

4 another axis of a guide plate in a guide groove.

In the figures, recurring features are provided with identical reference numerals. Only in the embodiments of the figures disclosed features of the various embodiments can be combined and claimed individually.

The following is on the 1A to 1C directed. The 1A to C show schematic representations of a longitudinal section of a printer 1 a self-service machine. The printer 1 includes a paper output device 2 , a printing device 3 for printing a sheet, a paper cutter 4 for cutting a sheet and a discharge opening 5 , wherein the paper output device 2 between the discharge opening 5 and the paper cutter 4 is arranged and the printing device 3 in front of the paper cutter 4 is arranged. The printing device 3 includes a roller 6 and means for printing on a sheet 7 , In the embodiment, the paper 7 printed by a thermal printer (thermal printer). The paper to be printed 7 is on a paper roll 8th which is rotatable about an axis 9 is stored. In the conveying direction the paper arrives 7 from the roll of paper 8th first to the printing device 3 where it is printed and from the roller 6 is further promoted. Then it passes over the paper cutter 4 to the paper output device 2 ,

The paper output device 2 includes a dispensing opening 5 for removing a printed sheet and a movable guide plate 10 for guiding the sheet to the dispensing opening 5 , The guide plate 10 is substantially straight in longitudinal section. It can also be curved in other embodiments in longitudinal section, for example, be S-shaped. At the guide plate 10 are an axis 11 as well as a suspension axle 12 attached. Both the axis 11 as well as the axle 12 are formed substantially cylindrical. The movable guide plate 10 is a fixed, on a housing 15 the paper output device 2 fixed guide plate 13 across from. In the 1A are the moving guide plate 10 and the guide plate 13 arranged substantially parallel to each other. The guide plate 10 and the guide plate 13 form a paper conveyor channel 14 , which is a paper conveyor in the direction of the discharge opening 5 allowed. The paper conveyor channel 14 runs approximately from the paper cutter 4 diagonally towards the discharge opening 5 , The guide plate 13 is rigid with the housing 15 connected. Next are the guide plate 10 and the guide plate 13 laterally through two side walls 16 limited, in each of which a guide groove 17 is trained. A longitudinal direction of the guide groove 17 extends approximately in the vertical direction (y-direction). The guide groove 17 is in the 2 to 4 shown closer.

The axis 11 is in the guide groove 17 rotatably and slidably mounted, with a vertical displacement of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 is detectable by a first sensor S1 and a rotation of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 can be detected by a second sensor S2. The axis 11 can have at least two vertical positions in the guide groove 17 assume, taking the axis 11 between these two positions in the guide groove 17 can be moved. In addition, the axis can 11 assume at least two rotational positions, between which the axis 11 can be turned. A rotation of the axis 11 is limited by a stop, not shown.

In the guide groove 17 is a first return element 18 provided for resetting the axle 11 in a first position in the guide groove 17 , The axis 11 is located in the 1A in the said first position. Furthermore, a second return element 19 to reset the axle 11 provided in a certain rotational position. The second reset element 19 is on the movable guide plate 10 and the housing 15 the paper output device 2 attached. The second reset element 19 may alternatively but also in the guide 17 be provided. A first rotational position of the axle 11 in the guide groove 17 is in the 1A shown.

The first sensor S1 is directly at the guide groove 17 arranged. In addition, the second sensor S2 is directly on the guide groove 17 arranged. The sensors S1, S2 are equipped with an evaluation and control unit 20 connected, which in turn connected to the printing device 3 and the paper cutter 4 connected is. The evaluation and control unit 20 is configured to evaluate signals from the sensors S1, S2 and to control the printing device and the paper cutting device.

In the 1A to 1C is the movable guide plate 10 above the guide plate 13 arranged. In alternative embodiments, the guide plate 10 but also below the guide plate 13 be arranged. The axis 11 is at one of the dispensing opening 5 facing the end of the guide plate 10 attached. Furthermore, the axle is 12 on one of the paper cutter 4 facing the end of the guide plate 10 arranged and located in the 1A on the two side walls 16 on. There may also be a recess in the side walls 16 be provided, in which the axle 12 is plugged in. The only important thing is that the axis 11 undisturbed in the longitudinal direction of the guide 17 can be moved and undisturbed in the guide 17 to turn.

Below is the operation of the printer shown 1 explained. After a user has entered a corresponding command to print, for example, a check slip, a tax receipt, a parking ticket, a ticket, a receipt or the like in a self-service machine, the paper roll rotates 8th counterclockwise and paper 7 moves to the printing device 3 , The paper 7 is by means of the thermal pressure device 3 printed and off the roller 6 continue towards the discharge opening 5 promoted. This is the paper 7 first to the paper cutter 4 passed, after which it via the paper output device 2 for dispensing opening 5 arrives. When printing is finished, the paper becomes 7 through the paper cutter 4 tailored.

At the dispensing opening 5 a user can do the printed paper 7 remove. If the user the paper 7 from the discharge opening 5 takes before the paper 7 is completely printed, or the paper 7 through the paper cutter 4 is cut, a pulling force on the paper 7 exercised. The tensile force points approximately in the horizontal direction (x-direction). Due to the diagonal design of the conveyor channel is a force in the vertical direction (y-direction) on the guide plate 10 exercised and consequently shifts the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 in a second vertical position. The second vertical position is in the 1B shown. The first sensor S1 now detects that the axis 11 is no longer in the first vertical position but in the second vertical position. The first sensor S1 then sends a signal to an evaluation and control unit 20 , The evaluation and control unit 20 evaluates the signal sent by the first sensor S1 and sends a signal to control the paper cutter 4 as well as the printing device 3 , The printing device 3 then stops printing and the paper cutter 4 cuts the paper 7 from. This can help prevent damage to the printer.

In addition to the aforementioned premature paper removal, it can also happen that the dispensing opening 5 is blocked. In this case, paper jams 7 between the guide plate 13 and the guide plate 10 , The paper jam becomes the paper 7 arched upward in the embodiment, whereby the guide plate 10 around the axis 11 rotates. This is in the 1C to recognize. The axis 11 is thus rotated in a second rotational position in which the support shaft 12 no longer on the two side walls 16 rests. The second sensor S2 detects the second rotational position and sends a corresponding signal to the evaluation and control unit 20 , The evaluation and control unit 20 in turn sends a signal to the printing device 3 and to the paper cutter 4 , after which the paper cutter 4 the paper 7 cuts through and the printing device 3 finished the printing process. If the blockage at the discharge opening 5 is solved, the guide plate rotates 10 around the axis 11 back to the first rotational position. In the embodiments of the 1A to 1C Turning back to the first rotational position is done by gravity. To accelerate the rotation back to the first rotational position, the second is formed as a spring return element 19 provided, which is adapted to the guide plate 10 to move into the first rotational position. From the said results So that alternatively also on the first and the second return element 18 . 19 can be waived.

In the 2 to 4 are different formations of the axis 11 , the guide groove 17 and sensors S1, S2. The embodiments shown may all be in the printer of 1A to 1C be used.

A longitudinal direction of the guide groove 17 in the 2 is parallel to the y-direction shown. The cylindrical axis 11 can be in the longitudinal direction of the guide 17 move. The axis 11 includes two holes 21 . 22 which are formed substantially perpendicular to each other. Optionally, they may be at a different angle to each other, with the angle being greater than 0 ° and less than 180 °. The first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are in the 2 electro-optical sensors. In addition, a first optical transmitting unit 23 and a second optical transmitting unit 24 intended. The first and the second optical transmitting unit 23 . 24 continuously send a signal in the direction of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2. In the illustrated first vertical position of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 the first sensor S1 can not receive a signal from the first optical transmission unit 23 to detect. With a shift of the axis 11 in the vertical direction z. B. by a premature paper removal is the first hole 21 together with the axle 11 moved up in y-direction. This allows an optical signal from the first optical transmitting unit 23 get to the first sensor S1. Thus, it is recognized that the axis 11 in the second position in the guide groove 17 located. Also the second optical transmitting unit 24 continuously sends a signal to the second optical sensor S2. In contrast to the first optical sensor S1, the second optical sensor S2 continuously receives a signal in the first rotational position. Upon rotation of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 in the second rotational position, the bore also rotates 22 , and consequently, no signal comes from the second optical transmitting unit 24 to the second optical sensor S2. As a result, the second rotational position is detected. Instead of drilling 21 . 22 can also z. B. reflection means may be provided. During a rotation or displacement of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 the reflection means may be the optical signal of the optical transmitting unit 23 . 24 reflect. Alternatively, by a rotation or displacement of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 prevents the optical signal from the optical transmitting unit 23 . 24 is reflected. This allows the rotational position and the position of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 be recognized.

In the 3 includes the axis 11 a part-cylindrical area 25 and a flattened area 26 where the flattened area 25 to the part-cylindrical area 26 borders. With a vertical displacement of the axis 11 in the y-direction, a mechanical sensor S1 becomes the flattened area 25 the axis 11 triggered while turning the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 a mechanical sensor S2 is triggered. In the guide groove 17 of the 2 and 3 there is a non-illustrated first return element 18 , to reset the axle 11 in the first vertical position.

In the embodiment of 4 the sensors S1 nd S2 are inductive or electromagnetic sensors. The axis 11 includes an area 27 which is magnetized. When shifting the axis 11 In the y-direction, the magnetic field changes in the vicinity of the sensor S1 and upon rotation of the axis 11 in the guide groove 17 the magnetic field changes in the vicinity of the sensor S2. By the sensors S1 and S2 can thus be detected, in which rotational position or in which vertical position, the axis 11 located. Instead of the magnetic marker 27 as they are in the 4 is shown, other markings may be provided. It is only important that the marking is detectable by a corresponding first sensor S1 and / or a corresponding second sensor S2 and that the marking a trouble-free rotation or displacement of the axis 11 allowed. To sensors S1 and S2 or the first and the second sensor. In the 4 is the first reset element 18 in the guide groove 17 shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

printer

2

Paper dispenser

3

print Setup

4

Paper cutter

5

discharge opening

6

roller

7

paper

8th

paper roll

9

Axis of the paper roll

10

movable guide plate

11

axis

12

carrying axle

13

baffle

14

Paper conveying passage

15

casing

16

side walls

17

guide

18

first reset element

19

second return element

20

Evaluation and control unit

21

first hole

22

second hole

23

first optical transmitting unit

24

second optical transmitting unit

25

partly cylindrical area

26

flattened area

27

magnetised area

S1

first sensor

S2

second sensor

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2013/023544 A1 [0004]
• US 2008/0229892 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

A paper dispenser comprising: a dispensing opening for removing a sheet, a movable guide plate for guiding the sheet to the dispensing opening, the guide plate being affixed to at least one axis, characterized in that the axis is slidably and rotatably mounted in a guide groove and, as the case may be where the sheet presses against the guide plate, the axis is either displaced or rotated, a first sensor being provided for detecting a position of the axis in the guide groove, and a second sensor being provided for detecting a rotational position of the axis in the guide groove. Paper dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first return element is provided for returning the axle to a specific position in the guide groove and / or that a second return element is provided for returning the axle to a specific rotational position. Paper dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor and / or the second sensor are arranged in or on the guide groove. Paper dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable guide plate is opposed to a fixed fixed to a housing of the paper dispenser guide plate, wherein the guide plate and the guide plate are bounded laterally by two side walls and the guide groove is formed in at least one of the two side walls. Paper dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the movable guide plate is arranged above the guide plate. Paper dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide plate has an end facing the dispensing opening and an end facing away from the dispensing opening, wherein the axis is fixed to the guide plate at the end facing the dispensing opening. Paper dispensing device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the guide plate has a support shaft which rests on at least one position of the axis on one of the side walls. Paper delivery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one side of the axis, an optical transmitting unit is provided and that the axis has reflection or transmission means, wherein the first sensor and / or the second sensor is an electro-optical sensor for detecting a sent by the optical transmitting unit and transmitted or reflected by the axis optical signal. Paper dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis comprises at least one mark, which is detectable by the first sensor and / or the second sensor. A paper dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis comprises a part-cylindrical portion and a flattened portion or projection, the flattened portion or projection being adjacent to the part-cylindrical portion. Printer having a printing device for printing on a sheet and a paper cutting device, characterized in that it comprises a paper output device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper cutting device is arranged between the printing device and the paper output device.

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