B65H2301/44822

CONVEYANCE PATH SWITCHING MODULE AND PAPER SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS EQUIPPED THEREWITH

A conveyance path switching module includes a main body and a switching mechanism. The main body has first, second and third conveyance paths. The switching mechanism includes a first switching assembly and a second switching assembly. The first switching assembly and the second switching assembly are pivoted to the main body. By pivotally turning of the first switching assembly and the second switching assembly, the switching mechanism is adapted to be switched to a first state to open the first conveyance path and close the second conveyance path and the third conveyance path, adapted to be switched to a second state to open the second conveyance path and close the first conveyance path and the third conveyance path, and adapted to be switched to a third state to open the third conveyance path and close the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path.

TRANSPORT APPARATUS

A lead-in path through which a sheet is led in; a first branch path and a second branch path which branch from the lead-in path; a first switchback path which extends from the first branch path; a second switchback path which extends from the second branch path; a first joining path and a second joining path through which the switched-back sheet is transported; and a lead-out path which extends from a joining point at which the first joining path and the second joining path join with each other, are provided. The lead-out path passes through between the first switchback path and the second switchback path. A first connection point at which the first switchback path and the first joining path are connected to each other is disposed above a second connection point at which the second switchback path and the second joining path are connected to each other.

Transport apparatus

A lead-in path through which a sheet is led in; a first branch path and a second branch path which branch from the lead-in path; a first switchback path which extends from the first branch path; a second switchback path which extends from the second branch path; a first joining path and a second joining path through which the switched-back sheet is transported; and a lead-out path which extends from a joining point at which the first joining path and the second joining path join with each other, are provided. The lead-out path passes through between the first switchback path and the second switchback path. A first connection point at which the first switchback path and the first joining path are connected to each other is disposed above a second connection point at which the second switchback path and the second joining path are connected to each other.