CA1190887A - Very high speed duplicator with finishing function - Google Patents
Very high speed duplicator with finishing functionInfo
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- CA1190887A CA1190887A CA000458688A CA458688A CA1190887A CA 1190887 A CA1190887 A CA 1190887A CA 000458688 A CA000458688 A CA 000458688A CA 458688 A CA458688 A CA 458688A CA 1190887 A CA1190887 A CA 1190887A
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A collation system is disclosed for use with a very high speed, fully automated reproduction system having a document handling apparatus, copy sheet processor, and a finishing station. In this arrangement, a sorter bin array is arranged to collate the copy sheets into copy sets corresponding to a multiple page document, the array being held stationary for the collection of some of the copy sheets and is moved past a sheet-receiving station for receiving at least one of the copy sheets.
A collation system is disclosed for use with a very high speed, fully automated reproduction system having a document handling apparatus, copy sheet processor, and a finishing station. In this arrangement, a sorter bin array is arranged to collate the copy sheets into copy sets corresponding to a multiple page document, the array being held stationary for the collection of some of the copy sheets and is moved past a sheet-receiving station for receiving at least one of the copy sheets.
Description
This invention relates ~o an improved finishing station for use in a reproduction systemO
With the advent of higher speed and more sophisticated copy producing rnachines1 printing presses9 and the like, conslderations as to how the mass of copies generated can bes~ and most effectively be h~ndled9 has assumed increasing importance~ One way has been to provide a reprocluction system with an inpu~ device in the form of a recirculating document handling o apparatus. In this system, a document sheet is removed from a collated set of ~;- document sheets, placed on an exposure platen for exposure at the~ rate of one exposure for each document sheet~ and returned to the top of the set in ~he document handling appara~us until the set of documen~ sheets has been completely circulated through the apparatus9 and a copy set has been produced. The set oE document sheets is then recycled for the reproduction of a second copy set9 and so on. After each copy set is produced and collected at a collection station, a finishing device such as a stitcher is activated to bindthe set. These systems are of the pre-collation type wherein the document sheets are precolla~ed in the document handling apparatus prior to commence-ment of a reproduction run. The output iEor the reproduction machine will likewise be precollated in sets corresponding to the sequenced numbered - document set in the document handling apparatus. The copy sheets are collected in collated sets as they are sequentially produced so that binding rnay be effected without the interaction of addi-tional devices. Such sys-tems are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,134,672.
One of the disadvantages in these systems having continuous documen~ recirculation to produce each bound copy set is ~hat for compilation of each copy set and eventual stapling or stitching, many moving parts have been re~uired and have added to the risks of unscheduled maintenance. In addition~ ~enerally, in providing for the stapling or stitching s~ep, a varied number of machine pitches per set may be lost thereby reducin~ throughput for the system.
In orde~ to achieve still higher rates of produc~ion of finished copy sets7 the present invention contemplates the concept of u~ilizing post-collation ra~her than pre-collation. The inventive arrangement utilizes ~.
document handling wherein a predetefmined number of light images are produced for each document sheet, say for example, of page one of a multi-page document, before a successive document sheet, perhaps page two of the document, is likewise imagedO This sequencing in turn may be repeated many more times if a very large number of copy sets are ~o be reproduced. In this manne~, the mechanical movernents involved in document handling are held to a minimum. As the copy sheets are being producedin accord~nce with the above imaging procedure, a single array of collecting bins or sorter is heldstationary and arranged to receive the copy sheet output -for collating the t lO same into collalted sets by means of a vertically arranged transport. For at least the last copy sheet of the sets, ~he array is indexed vertically ~o receive the last sheet. As the array is being so indexed~ each completed set is removed from a bin, and a finishing device such as a stitche~ or stapler is positione~ and activated to apply a staplec tna~lcahn completed set- This lS arrangement is different than that disclosed in I Patent Application Serial No. 380,40Lfiled J~ 23, 19817. and commonly assigned in that the present invention utilizes a s~atlonary sorter while collecting all but at least the last copy sheet and then indexes the sorter to collect the last sheet and to permit removal of the completed sets for stitching or stapling. In the earlie~ filed, 20 above-referred to application, the sorter is indexed ver~ically in both directions to collect all copy sheets of a set. With the present arrangement, maximum throughput is available from the various apparatus utilized in the reproduction system; this effort being accomplished with a minirnum of moving parts, less wear and tear, less down time or maintenance for the 25 apparatus utilized. In addition, the present arrangernent of fers a more economical system since sorter indexing noise is lower and ~here is lower power requirements. More productivity is possible because the last copy sheet is always fed while the sorter is moving downwardly regardless of the number of document sheets thus avoiding wasted down time without this feature.
In the IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 10, March 19769 pages 3160-3161, a colla~or-stapler mechanism is disclosed as having a single array of collating bins which are held in fixed position while a traveling clamp moves along to pic~ up a copy set from each bin and ~o convey the same to a jogger and then a stapler.
The Research Disclosure Bulletin of September 1979, pages 497 499, Paper No. 18541, illus1:ra~es and describes a copy sys~em having a document handl~r 12, a copy processor, copy storage section 14, and a finisher 16. Ordinarily, the section 14 functions in the manner of a stacking device wherein each bin collects all of the copies of a document sheet either manually or in combination with the handler 12 and is not utilized as a collator. However, the system can be programmed so that the section 14 functions as a conventional collator. There is no provision for coordinating or integrating this function with that of a finisher to arrive at high speed continuous collating and finishing.
Present day machines on the market, such as the Xerox duplication machines labeled -the 9400 Duplicator and the 9500 Duplicator marketed by Xerox Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut, utilize a document handler as an input device which exposes as many copies of a single docu-ment sheet at a time as is appropriate before star-ting on the next document sheet. Any other suitable type of auto-matic document ~andler may also be used in conjunction with the processor for the 9400 or 9500 Duplicators.
It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to produce bound se-ts or stac~s of copies of a multi-page document at the highest speed possible for a reproduction machine.
It is an object of an aspect of the present inven-tion to maintain full productivity in a reproduction/
finishing sys-tem by eliminatiny those machine copy cycle pitches which are wasted during some machine operating steps.
It is an object of an aspect of -the present invention to minimize the number of moving parts in a finishing station and to reduce- the number of movements usually incurred during the operation thereofO
* trade mark -3a-An aspect of the invention is as follows:
In combination with a reproduction system having a processor adapted to produce a plurality of copy sheets of different inf4rmational areas thereon, the improvement including:
a sorter having a pluxality of bins arranged to receive the copy sheet output from the processor and to collate the same into copy sets, means for moving said sorter between first and second positions, and control means for directing copy sheets into said bins when said sorter is in said first position and to direct at least one of the copy sheets in each of the sets when said sorter is being moved to said second position.
By way of added explanation7 the present invention in one of its aspects is directed to a finishing apparatus for binding copy sheets recei~ed in succession at a sheet collecting device, comprising a single bin array3 having a series of individual ver~ically arranged bins each with an inlet for receiving individual sheets from a sheet transport which conveys each sheet vertically to the bins in succession.
Means are provided for moving the array in a vertical direc-tion for the sequential disposition of a selected ones of ~he bins, or for all o~ the bins at a sheet receiving station for receiving at least the last sheet of the copy sets. A set transport means is also provided for removing each set o~ collated sheets from the bins at another fLxed station immediately below the sheet receiving station, while the array is being moved vertically to receive the last sheet. Staplin~ means for binding each set after removal from the sorter array is 8~7 --4~
arranged to receive each set from the set transport.
While the invention is disclosed in combination with a reproduction machine of the electrostatographic type, i~ will be unders~ood tha~ the disclosed collating system may be combined with o~her printing apparatus or 5 machines which merely sort~ collect and/or effect the movement of informa-tional items such as sheets or cards.
C1ther objects and advantages will be apparent from the ensuing description and drawings wherein Figure 1 is a schernatic illustration of a configura~ion of an 10 electrostatographic printing/finishing system employing the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross se~tional view of the ga~ed ~ransport apparatus utilized with the present invention, Figures 3 (a) ~o (d) illustrate a sequence of events in th~o finishing of sets of copy sheets, and 15Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control scheme for the printing system of Figure 1.
For a general unders~anding of a reproduction machine with which the present invention may be incorporated, re-ference is made to ~igure 1 wherein components of a typical elec~rostatic printing system are illustrated.
20 The printing systern is preferably of the xerographic type as one including axerographic processor 11, and an automatic type document handling apparatus ~- 12. Preferably, the processor 11 is the same as the processor in the commercial embodiment of the Xerox 9400 Duplicator, which utillzes flash, .~
full frame exposure for very high speed production. Document sheet exposure, 25 image processing and copy sheet transport/handling are under control by a ~nachine programmer and are efected in timed sequence, and in accordance with the program arl operator has preset in the machineO Further details in this re8ard are not necessary since the Xerox 940û Duplicator operates in this manner and is well known Details of the ~iming relationships, ~he pro-30 grammer~ and related structure and events are described in U.S. Patent Nos.3,790,270; 39796,4$6; and 3,917,396~ commonly assigned.
It will be understood tha~ most any o ther ~ype of xerographic processor and document handling appara-tus may be utilized.
Operating in conjunction with the processor 11 and apparatus 1~ is a flnishin~
35 s~ation 13 and thereby forms the reproduc~;on system shown in Figure 1.
The system comprising the processor 11, the document handling apparatus 1~, and the finishing station 13, is under control of a programmer P
which permits an operator various options: to turn the entire system ON or OFF; to program the reprodllc~ion system for a desired number of reproduc-tions to be made of each original document sheet or set; to select whether simplex or duplex copies are to be made; ~o select a desired output arrange-ment, that is9 sets mode or stacks mode, stapled or unstapled; to select one of a plurality of paper trays; to condition the machine for the type of documentg that is, whether one sided or two sicled, to selec~ a copy size reduction mo~e, and other desirable functions. The programmer P also includes a controller ~^ 10 which provides all operational timing and synchronization between the pro-`~ cessor ll and all of its xerographic processirlg functions, and system control functions, the automatic events to be described hereinafter. The controller may include any suitable microprocessor having a CPV and the appropriate machine clock~ but preferably the microprocessor is one similar to the Intel 8080 ~Aicroprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corpora~ion7 Santa Clara, California, and having sufficient ROM's and RAM's for all of the necessary functions in the reproduction system.
The document handling apparatus 12 serves to f~ed one document sheet D at a time from a supply of document shee~s into copying position on ~o the platen l4 where a single exposure of only one copy set is programmed7 or a f plurality of exposures may be made. Following exposure one or more times, each docurment sheet is automatically re~urned to the document supply ancl the next document sheet, if any, is brought into the exposure position on plate 14.
Document sheets returned to the supply stack may be recycled by the ~S apparatus 12 or simply removed by the user when the copying program is completed. Since the particular document apparatus l~ is a commerical clevice bein~ part of Xerox Corporation's product labeled the 9400 Duplicator, and a variation of the same is adequately descri~ed in U~S. Patent No.
3,944,794, further description thereof will not ke inc1uded herein~
Further details of the processing devices and sta~ions in the printer system or processor are not necPssary to understand the principles of the present invention. However, a detailed description of these processing stations and components along with the other structures o f the machine printer are disclosed in UO5O Patent NO. 49054,380 which is commonly assigned with ~he present invention.
As previously described, the document appara~us 1~ includes a document tray adapted for supporting a stack comprising a plurality of document shcets in nurnbered sequence with page one of the multi-page document on the bottom of the staclc. Since the illus~rated document handling 5 apparatus is of the bottom feeder type7 pa~e one will be ~he first documen~
sheet imaged, and so on.
For elther the simplex or duplex modes of operation, copy sheets exiting the exit slot 50 positioned at one end of the housing f or the xerographic processor 11 are directed ~o the finishing station 13 which 10 comprises a sorting or collating mechanism, a stapler apparatus, and an output eleva~or sys~em. After leaving the processor 11, each sheet is positioned upon a transport 92, is registered thereon and further conveyed generally along the same horizon~al plane as its previous path to a fixed receivlng poin-t or station 93. The transport includes a movable endless transport belt 94 upon which 15 each sheet is placecl and a plurality of loosely retained ro~atable balls 95 which rest along the belt 94 by gravity and which coact with the belt to convey sheets therebetween. The belt 94 is driven by a motor and sui~able gearing and pulleys (not shown) at a speed sligh~ly greater ~han the processlng speed ofthe processor 11 in order to add more working ~pace between ~he sheets and to 20 ensure that the final handling of copy sheets does not impede the throu~hput o~ the entire system as determined by the process spe~d.
At the exit slot 50, a sheet-contacting switch S-l .is posil:ioned to be actuated as each sheet enters the transport 92 of the finishing station 13.
The circuit for this switch is connected to ~he logic in the programmer P and ~5 serves to reset the machine clock for the finlshing function so that zero time for the sheet commences when the sheet is a~ the reference point 93.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the station 93, a lower rollef 97 o:E a vertical conveyor belt mechanism 9g of the gated transport type is positioned to receive copy sheets from the ~ransport belt 94 and to apply them upon a 30 belt 99 for the mechanism~ The belt 99 cooperates wi~h a plurality of rollers100 for transporting copy sheets vertically past the open ends of an array of collecting bins 101 for a sorter generally indica~ed by ~he ~eference numeral 102. A gate 103 is assoicated with each of the bins 102 for directing a sheet in~o a bin 101 when a 8ate 103 has been pivoted to a position to deflect a shee~35 into ~he associated bin~ A suitable solenoid (not shown) may be utilized witheach of the ~ates for causing deflection thereof and the programmer P may include the control circuitry for effecting the timed sequence of their opera~ion in aLccordance with a program selec~ed by the operaton.
In the illustrated embodiment, the array 102 includes twelve horizontally disposed bins 101 arranged in a vertical stack, the number of which corresponds to the predetermined number of exposures made of each document sheet while it is on the pla~en 140 The number of bins utilized should correspond to the total number of sheets in the paper path when the system has been programmed for the duplex mode so that a minimum of machine '1pitches" are not skipped. The number of exposures made for each o document sheet positioning on the pla~en also corresponds to ~his total number ~- of shee~s, which for the illustrated machine is twelve sheets.
The belt 99 rnay be drlven by any suitable means in the direction indicated by an arrow in ordel to permit collation of CQpy shee~s into the bins 101 as the gates 103 are sequen-tially actuated~ The sequence of loading or collecting sheets star~s with the bottommost bln and progresses to the topmost bin~ Futher details of a gated transport are unnecessary as these are known in the art and are provided in the sorter modules associated with the Xerox 9400 Duplicator. I~.S~ Patent No~ 3,709,492 discloses such transports, except the orientation which for the paten~ed system is horizontal rather ~han vertical.
The array 102 is mounted :for bi-directional vertical movement within a suitable supporting fixed frame and, as shown ln Flgure 1, the array ispositioned in its normal standby posi~ion with the lowerrnost bin opposite the roller 104 associated with the transport belt 94 adjacen~ the station 93. The lowermost gate 105 is at its deflection position9 whereat the sheet will be directed upwardly between the rollers 100 and the belt 99. When the ~ate 105 'is actuated out of this position and into its inactive position, the lowermost ~in receives sheets directly from the conveyor belt 94, through the sta~lon 93.
For ease OI understanding later description~ the bins are numbered consecutively from 1 to 12 starting at the lowest bin with bin numbered 12 at the top of the array. The array is held st~tionary during collating of copy sheets for all but at least the last sheet of each set of copy sheets being collected7 and is indexed in the downward direction past the receiving point ~3 for the sequential receiving of the last copy sheet in each of the bins. Upon operating in this sets mode, the array indexes downwardly one bin a~ a tlme and as each bin becomes aligned a~ the station 93, movement of the las~ copy sheet into each bin 101 is achleved directly by the transport belt 94 since the ga~e 105 would have been programmed to i~s inactive position for this phase of the operation, A suitable sensor SR-1 may be posi~ioned at the front edge of the lowermost bin to indical:e ~o the system logic that this action has occurredand to enable another indexing opera~ion. In addi~ion, as the array indexes downwardly, a set transpor~, to be descri~ed hereina~ter, unloads a set lrom the array at the rate of every other bin, say fc~r example, ~he odd numbered binsO During return of the array to the normal position, the set ~ransport unloads the even numbered ~ins thereby completing the unloading of the array.
When the array 102 reaches its low rmost posi~ion and bin ¢;~7_" 10 numbered 12 has received its last copy sheet, the document handling apparatus 12 has already removed :Erom the platen the document shee~ which initiated the production of the last copy sheets, has added and copied a successive document sheet of a documen~ se~, and has fed stlll another document shee~ to the platen. Since there are a number of images being processed in the 15 processor 11, in our example, twelve sheets in the paper path being conveyed by the various ~ranspor~s, two docurnent sheet changes would have occurred earlier than the time that the last copy sheet indicative thereof is received inbin 12. As the array indexes upward for the unloading o:E the remaining copy sheets, the first copy sheet of the next succeeding document sheet will be 20 received in the bin numbered 12 whereupon i:he array will index upwardly now to permit reception of the copy sheets in each of the bins successively. During the upwardly indexing movement of the array 102, the lirst copy shee~
entering each of the bins 101 will be made directly from the ~ransport belt 94, as the gate 105 will still be pro~rammed to its inactive position. When the 25 array reaches its ini~ial starting upper position9 i~ will remain stationary as before a~nd the gate 105 will be actuated to its deflection position. The array ;s now conditioned to receive each succeedlng copy sheet until the last copy sheets of the copy sets are in a position to be received in the array9 whereuponthe array ~ill be indexed downwardly as descrihed above~
3Q As will be described hereinafter, a set binding appar~tus in ~he f orm of a dual stapler appara~us is arranged im mediately below the bin receiving point ~3. This apparatus includes means to remove completed se~s of collated copy sheets from every other bin to effect single or dual s~apling along an edge of the set if so programmed or no stapling at all~ and to position35 the stapled or unstapled sets on an eleva~or mechanism. In order to permi~
complete removal OI the sets from all of the bins 101 in the array 102, ~he array must index once downwardly rela~ive to the point of set unloading and once upwardly. In the normal operating se~s mode9 ~he sorte~/finishing arrangement handles twelve sets a~ a time (a block of 12 copy sets) in cooperation with the document handling apparatus 12 as the lat~er exposes 5 each documen~ sheet twelve consecuti~/e ~imes before advancing to the next document sheet until the complete set thereof has been exposed~ If more than ~welve copy sets have been programmed~ the document apparatus/sorter finisher system will complete the reproduction run in blocks of 12 copy sets.
The system will continue to sort and automatically unload in blocks of 12 sets .~ 10 until the programmed number of sets is comple~ed.
''~ The bin array 102 is indexed vertically in either direction by a drive screw 107 connected to the shaft of a servo motor M-l which Is mounted to the base of ~he frame for the machine. These movements of the array are effected by a ball 108 secured to the rear wall of the array and through which 15 the screw 107 is threadedly rela~ed. Rota~ion of the screw (which is fixed ag~inst axial movement) in either direction will impart corresponding up or down moYement of ~he ball 108 and consequ~ntly the array. Further de~ails o:~
the bin array structure is no~ necessary as these details are disclosed in the above referred to U.S. patent application. Any other drive apparatus may be 20 utilized for indexing the array, such as pulleys and cables or suitably arranged fluid drive system.
` After copy sheets~ simplex or duplex, have been produced in the processor 11, transpor~ed by the transport 92 and collected in the bin array 102 wh.ile the system is in either the sets mode or the stacks mode, the 25 collected sets are now in condition to be further processed by ~ finishing apparatus generally indicated by the reference number 130. Actually, as will be discussed below, cluring the last series of indexing movement of the bin array when it is moving to its uppermost position, copy sets removal for the finishing action may take place simultaneously with collec~ion of copy sheetsO
The finishing apparatus 130 comprises five subassernblies each of which ls programmed ~o operate in timed sequence with each other? wi-th the system logic and programmer P, to be timed relative to the number of sets and copy sheets per set which were previously pre-programmecl by an opera~or9 and with the document shee~ ac~uation o:f the apparatus 12. As shown in 3~ Figure 1, the finishing apparatus comprises a set transpor~ 1329 individually-operable, dual stapler apparatus 134, and a set Isicker 136. In conjunction with the finishing apparatus 1309 the finishing station 13 also includes an elevator 138 and sets/stacl~s conveyor 140. All of these five subassemblies are fully disclosed in the above referred ~o U~S. patent application and details therefor will not be described herein.
llle se~ tranCpost 132 is utllized to unload automatically sets or stacks of copy sheets from the bins at an unload s~ation two copy-cycle pitches or bins below ~he sorter bin load sta~ion at 93. The set transport includes a reversible ser~o motor M-2 which effects reciprocable movement of the copy set clamping jaws 144, to ~he sorter 102 in a set gripping position, inlO the opposite direction to a set stapling position, and still further in that ~- direction~ to retract the jaws and back again to the sorter, all in cyclicactuation. In moving toward the sorter 102, the jaws 144 are sensed by a sensor SR-2 mounted on the frame for the sorter to zero reference the positioning of the se~ transpor~ as a timing monitor OI subsequent timed events 15 in the finishing function. The clamping and unclamping action of the jaws 144is provided by a suitab1e solenoid valve in a pneumatic device ~not shown).
The kiclcer mechanism 136 is uti~ized to push or kic.4 stapled sets from the stapler apparatus and permit dropping of the set on~o the elevator 138. if a stacks or uns~apled se~s mode has been programmed, the kicker 20 mechanism is arranged to serve as a backstop or the clamping jaws 144 to ~; strip stacks against. Drive is imparted to the mechanism 138 by a motor M-3 `~ which is a motor which can be utilized to drive the stapler heads as will be described hereinaEter.
The stapler apparatus 134 provides a stapling function either with a single staple or with two staples, both being adapted to be applied at various positions along a long edge of a set or staclc of copy sheets. Stapling is achieved by way of two identical mechanisms9 each of which provides the function of set clarnping, staple driving, and staple clinching. Preferably, ~heapparatus utilizes two c~mmercial type stapler heads 155~ such as the Bostitch staple head indkated as the 62- manufactured by the ~ostitch Division of Textron Corporation of Providence, Rhode Island.
A sensor SR-3 is positioned adjacent and between the stapler heads and is utilized in conjunction with the sensor SR-2 to monitc~r the time between the zero reference of the jaws 144 as they move toward a sorter bin and the time an e~ge of a set of copy sheets reache~ the stapler heads ~o be stapled~ This timing da~a is transmitted to ~he microprocessor in the ~q.~7 programmer P.
The elevator 13~ is utilized to collect into a pile the stapled or uns~apled sets or stacks of cDpy shee~s for delivery to the operator. The elevator comprises a tray assembly 165 mounted at ~he upper end of a vertically arranged, drive screw 166 ~hreadedly received in a threaded member 167 vertically fixed to the base frame for the finisher so that upsn rotation ofthe member 166, the tray 165 is moved vertically in the up or down direction.
A reversible mo~or M-4 is operati~/ely c:onnected to the member 167 for imparting rotation to the same in either direction. The tray receives the r ~0 stapled or unstapled sets or stacks as they are dropped when acted upon by the kicker mechanism 136.
Elevator height of piled sets or stacks is controlled by an optical sensor SR-4 which "looks" across the staek and effects the energization of the motor M-4 and lowering of the tray 165 until the pile is below the sensor. A
secolld sensor (not shown) may be positioned to sense the lowermost position of the elevator tray 165 whereat the tray is considered at full capacity.
In Figures 3 (a)-(d), there is shown sequences of collating and finishing events for a document having nine document sheets. In these illustrations, the vertical column of numbers 1-12 at the left of each sequence indicate the bin number and the right hand vertical colurnn of numbers ~` indicate the copy of the document sheet bein~ collected. As previously stated, it is assumed tha~ the document handling apparatus 12 is programmed to place a document sheet upon the platen 14 and to effect twelve exposures of the sheet before the remo~al of the docum~nt sheet and placement of a succeed~
ing document sheet, and so ~n. This assumption also corresponds wieh the number o bins in the array 102 wherein each copy sheet produced during the exposure of a document sheet on twelve occurrences is received in a bin, In F;gure 3 ~a)9 each of the bins 2-12 contain eight copy shee~s, all having been conveyed therein by the transpsrt mechanism 989 while bin 1 contains all nine sheetsy the ninth sheet having been conveyed into bin 1 directly by the transport 92 through the station 93~ The logic in the programmer P is arran~ed ro convey the last sheets o:l the copy sets in this marmer as the array 102 indexes downwardly. The sensor S-l in cooperation with the programme~ clock and the opera~or preset reproduc~ion run pro~ram will de~errnine when the last sheets are to arrlve and to effect ini~iation of the downward indexing activity. The hin array 102 in indexing from il:s upper -12_ position to its lower position, will receive the ninth <:opy sheet of the last document sheet in the bins numbered 2-12 consecutively. In this example~ it will be assumed that there are nine docurnen-t sheets in the documen~ being processed in the document handling apparatus 12. Since the nin~h copy sheet 5 is the last shee1: in the sets being produced~ as the array 102 indexes downwardly, as shown in Figure 3 (b) to receive each last sheet, the sets, now complete, in the odd numbered bins will also be ac1:ed upon by ~he finishing function comprising the set transpor~ mechanism 132, the stapler appara~us 134 and the set kicker mechanism 136, as aforesaid. It wil be noted tha~ for 10 the finishing fucntion, every other bin is af ~ected during the downward ~- movement of the array, while every successive bin receives the ninth copysheet. Since the ConYention in the described example is such that a copy sheet is produced every one-half second~ clamped sets are delivered to the stapler at one second intervals.
lSIn Figure 3 (c), on the upwardly return indexing movemen~ of the array7 the remaining sets in the even numbered bins are removed and finished.
In the event more than twelve copy s~ets of the nine sheet documen~ has been prograrnmed, the upwardly indexing array, in ~oing from its position in Figure 3 (c) to the positioning in ~igure 3 (d), will receive the first copy sheets for the 20 first document sheet being processed in the apparatus 12 as the latter commences its recycling sequences~ This process continues, with the docu-ment being copied in multiples of twelve sets until the copying/finishing run has been completed or terminated.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of a control arrangement f or the 25 reproduction system in ~igure 1~ The programmer P is operatively connected to four remotes~ the processor 11 for controlling the xerographic processing, copy sheet movement, timing and monitoring and all other para-meters in the processor; (2) ~he input sta~ion comprising the Elash illuminationsystem circuitryJ (3) the automatic document handling apparatus 12; and (4) 30 the finishing station 13.
The finishing station 13 includes three drivers, one of which is opera~ively connected by way of relays or reediac to the elevator rno~or M-49 Another driver is operatively connected to a ser~ro controller which in turn is connected to two power amplifiers and asociated circui~ryO The third driver is 35 operatively connected to the sorter gates 100 by way of their actuating solenoids (not shown)O One of the power ampliEiers serves to energize and operate the sorter array index motor M-l~ while the other amplifier serves to ener~ize and operate the set transport mo~or M-2. One of the power amplifiers also is operatively connected ~o the stapler drive system, the stapler clamping system, and the stapler clinching system.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that an elec~rostatographic system with finishing station has been described which will produce stapled collated sel:s and urstapled sets or stacks at a high production rate without loss of throu~hput, at a rate in accordance with the full processin~ speed of the copy processing machine and with a minimum of wear and fatigue o:~ the movin~ parts~
- ` While the invention has been described with ref erence to thestructure disclosed, it is not confined to the details set for~h but is intended to cove~ such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the following claims.
.,~, ~v,Ji
With the advent of higher speed and more sophisticated copy producing rnachines1 printing presses9 and the like, conslderations as to how the mass of copies generated can bes~ and most effectively be h~ndled9 has assumed increasing importance~ One way has been to provide a reprocluction system with an inpu~ device in the form of a recirculating document handling o apparatus. In this system, a document sheet is removed from a collated set of ~;- document sheets, placed on an exposure platen for exposure at the~ rate of one exposure for each document sheet~ and returned to the top of the set in ~he document handling appara~us until the set of documen~ sheets has been completely circulated through the apparatus9 and a copy set has been produced. The set oE document sheets is then recycled for the reproduction of a second copy set9 and so on. After each copy set is produced and collected at a collection station, a finishing device such as a stitcher is activated to bindthe set. These systems are of the pre-collation type wherein the document sheets are precolla~ed in the document handling apparatus prior to commence-ment of a reproduction run. The output iEor the reproduction machine will likewise be precollated in sets corresponding to the sequenced numbered - document set in the document handling apparatus. The copy sheets are collected in collated sets as they are sequentially produced so that binding rnay be effected without the interaction of addi-tional devices. Such sys-tems are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,134,672.
One of the disadvantages in these systems having continuous documen~ recirculation to produce each bound copy set is ~hat for compilation of each copy set and eventual stapling or stitching, many moving parts have been re~uired and have added to the risks of unscheduled maintenance. In addition~ ~enerally, in providing for the stapling or stitching s~ep, a varied number of machine pitches per set may be lost thereby reducin~ throughput for the system.
In orde~ to achieve still higher rates of produc~ion of finished copy sets7 the present invention contemplates the concept of u~ilizing post-collation ra~her than pre-collation. The inventive arrangement utilizes ~.
document handling wherein a predetefmined number of light images are produced for each document sheet, say for example, of page one of a multi-page document, before a successive document sheet, perhaps page two of the document, is likewise imagedO This sequencing in turn may be repeated many more times if a very large number of copy sets are ~o be reproduced. In this manne~, the mechanical movernents involved in document handling are held to a minimum. As the copy sheets are being producedin accord~nce with the above imaging procedure, a single array of collecting bins or sorter is heldstationary and arranged to receive the copy sheet output -for collating the t lO same into collalted sets by means of a vertically arranged transport. For at least the last copy sheet of the sets, ~he array is indexed vertically ~o receive the last sheet. As the array is being so indexed~ each completed set is removed from a bin, and a finishing device such as a stitche~ or stapler is positione~ and activated to apply a staplec tna~lcahn completed set- This lS arrangement is different than that disclosed in I Patent Application Serial No. 380,40Lfiled J~ 23, 19817. and commonly assigned in that the present invention utilizes a s~atlonary sorter while collecting all but at least the last copy sheet and then indexes the sorter to collect the last sheet and to permit removal of the completed sets for stitching or stapling. In the earlie~ filed, 20 above-referred to application, the sorter is indexed ver~ically in both directions to collect all copy sheets of a set. With the present arrangement, maximum throughput is available from the various apparatus utilized in the reproduction system; this effort being accomplished with a minirnum of moving parts, less wear and tear, less down time or maintenance for the 25 apparatus utilized. In addition, the present arrangernent of fers a more economical system since sorter indexing noise is lower and ~here is lower power requirements. More productivity is possible because the last copy sheet is always fed while the sorter is moving downwardly regardless of the number of document sheets thus avoiding wasted down time without this feature.
In the IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 10, March 19769 pages 3160-3161, a colla~or-stapler mechanism is disclosed as having a single array of collating bins which are held in fixed position while a traveling clamp moves along to pic~ up a copy set from each bin and ~o convey the same to a jogger and then a stapler.
The Research Disclosure Bulletin of September 1979, pages 497 499, Paper No. 18541, illus1:ra~es and describes a copy sys~em having a document handl~r 12, a copy processor, copy storage section 14, and a finisher 16. Ordinarily, the section 14 functions in the manner of a stacking device wherein each bin collects all of the copies of a document sheet either manually or in combination with the handler 12 and is not utilized as a collator. However, the system can be programmed so that the section 14 functions as a conventional collator. There is no provision for coordinating or integrating this function with that of a finisher to arrive at high speed continuous collating and finishing.
Present day machines on the market, such as the Xerox duplication machines labeled -the 9400 Duplicator and the 9500 Duplicator marketed by Xerox Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut, utilize a document handler as an input device which exposes as many copies of a single docu-ment sheet at a time as is appropriate before star-ting on the next document sheet. Any other suitable type of auto-matic document ~andler may also be used in conjunction with the processor for the 9400 or 9500 Duplicators.
It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to produce bound se-ts or stac~s of copies of a multi-page document at the highest speed possible for a reproduction machine.
It is an object of an aspect of the present inven-tion to maintain full productivity in a reproduction/
finishing sys-tem by eliminatiny those machine copy cycle pitches which are wasted during some machine operating steps.
It is an object of an aspect of -the present invention to minimize the number of moving parts in a finishing station and to reduce- the number of movements usually incurred during the operation thereofO
* trade mark -3a-An aspect of the invention is as follows:
In combination with a reproduction system having a processor adapted to produce a plurality of copy sheets of different inf4rmational areas thereon, the improvement including:
a sorter having a pluxality of bins arranged to receive the copy sheet output from the processor and to collate the same into copy sets, means for moving said sorter between first and second positions, and control means for directing copy sheets into said bins when said sorter is in said first position and to direct at least one of the copy sheets in each of the sets when said sorter is being moved to said second position.
By way of added explanation7 the present invention in one of its aspects is directed to a finishing apparatus for binding copy sheets recei~ed in succession at a sheet collecting device, comprising a single bin array3 having a series of individual ver~ically arranged bins each with an inlet for receiving individual sheets from a sheet transport which conveys each sheet vertically to the bins in succession.
Means are provided for moving the array in a vertical direc-tion for the sequential disposition of a selected ones of ~he bins, or for all o~ the bins at a sheet receiving station for receiving at least the last sheet of the copy sets. A set transport means is also provided for removing each set o~ collated sheets from the bins at another fLxed station immediately below the sheet receiving station, while the array is being moved vertically to receive the last sheet. Staplin~ means for binding each set after removal from the sorter array is 8~7 --4~
arranged to receive each set from the set transport.
While the invention is disclosed in combination with a reproduction machine of the electrostatographic type, i~ will be unders~ood tha~ the disclosed collating system may be combined with o~her printing apparatus or 5 machines which merely sort~ collect and/or effect the movement of informa-tional items such as sheets or cards.
C1ther objects and advantages will be apparent from the ensuing description and drawings wherein Figure 1 is a schernatic illustration of a configura~ion of an 10 electrostatographic printing/finishing system employing the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross se~tional view of the ga~ed ~ransport apparatus utilized with the present invention, Figures 3 (a) ~o (d) illustrate a sequence of events in th~o finishing of sets of copy sheets, and 15Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control scheme for the printing system of Figure 1.
For a general unders~anding of a reproduction machine with which the present invention may be incorporated, re-ference is made to ~igure 1 wherein components of a typical elec~rostatic printing system are illustrated.
20 The printing systern is preferably of the xerographic type as one including axerographic processor 11, and an automatic type document handling apparatus ~- 12. Preferably, the processor 11 is the same as the processor in the commercial embodiment of the Xerox 9400 Duplicator, which utillzes flash, .~
full frame exposure for very high speed production. Document sheet exposure, 25 image processing and copy sheet transport/handling are under control by a ~nachine programmer and are efected in timed sequence, and in accordance with the program arl operator has preset in the machineO Further details in this re8ard are not necessary since the Xerox 940û Duplicator operates in this manner and is well known Details of the ~iming relationships, ~he pro-30 grammer~ and related structure and events are described in U.S. Patent Nos.3,790,270; 39796,4$6; and 3,917,396~ commonly assigned.
It will be understood tha~ most any o ther ~ype of xerographic processor and document handling appara-tus may be utilized.
Operating in conjunction with the processor 11 and apparatus 1~ is a flnishin~
35 s~ation 13 and thereby forms the reproduc~;on system shown in Figure 1.
The system comprising the processor 11, the document handling apparatus 1~, and the finishing station 13, is under control of a programmer P
which permits an operator various options: to turn the entire system ON or OFF; to program the reprodllc~ion system for a desired number of reproduc-tions to be made of each original document sheet or set; to select whether simplex or duplex copies are to be made; ~o select a desired output arrange-ment, that is9 sets mode or stacks mode, stapled or unstapled; to select one of a plurality of paper trays; to condition the machine for the type of documentg that is, whether one sided or two sicled, to selec~ a copy size reduction mo~e, and other desirable functions. The programmer P also includes a controller ~^ 10 which provides all operational timing and synchronization between the pro-`~ cessor ll and all of its xerographic processirlg functions, and system control functions, the automatic events to be described hereinafter. The controller may include any suitable microprocessor having a CPV and the appropriate machine clock~ but preferably the microprocessor is one similar to the Intel 8080 ~Aicroprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corpora~ion7 Santa Clara, California, and having sufficient ROM's and RAM's for all of the necessary functions in the reproduction system.
The document handling apparatus 12 serves to f~ed one document sheet D at a time from a supply of document shee~s into copying position on ~o the platen l4 where a single exposure of only one copy set is programmed7 or a f plurality of exposures may be made. Following exposure one or more times, each docurment sheet is automatically re~urned to the document supply ancl the next document sheet, if any, is brought into the exposure position on plate 14.
Document sheets returned to the supply stack may be recycled by the ~S apparatus 12 or simply removed by the user when the copying program is completed. Since the particular document apparatus l~ is a commerical clevice bein~ part of Xerox Corporation's product labeled the 9400 Duplicator, and a variation of the same is adequately descri~ed in U~S. Patent No.
3,944,794, further description thereof will not ke inc1uded herein~
Further details of the processing devices and sta~ions in the printer system or processor are not necPssary to understand the principles of the present invention. However, a detailed description of these processing stations and components along with the other structures o f the machine printer are disclosed in UO5O Patent NO. 49054,380 which is commonly assigned with ~he present invention.
As previously described, the document appara~us 1~ includes a document tray adapted for supporting a stack comprising a plurality of document shcets in nurnbered sequence with page one of the multi-page document on the bottom of the staclc. Since the illus~rated document handling 5 apparatus is of the bottom feeder type7 pa~e one will be ~he first documen~
sheet imaged, and so on.
For elther the simplex or duplex modes of operation, copy sheets exiting the exit slot 50 positioned at one end of the housing f or the xerographic processor 11 are directed ~o the finishing station 13 which 10 comprises a sorting or collating mechanism, a stapler apparatus, and an output eleva~or sys~em. After leaving the processor 11, each sheet is positioned upon a transport 92, is registered thereon and further conveyed generally along the same horizon~al plane as its previous path to a fixed receivlng poin-t or station 93. The transport includes a movable endless transport belt 94 upon which 15 each sheet is placecl and a plurality of loosely retained ro~atable balls 95 which rest along the belt 94 by gravity and which coact with the belt to convey sheets therebetween. The belt 94 is driven by a motor and sui~able gearing and pulleys (not shown) at a speed sligh~ly greater ~han the processlng speed ofthe processor 11 in order to add more working ~pace between ~he sheets and to 20 ensure that the final handling of copy sheets does not impede the throu~hput o~ the entire system as determined by the process spe~d.
At the exit slot 50, a sheet-contacting switch S-l .is posil:ioned to be actuated as each sheet enters the transport 92 of the finishing station 13.
The circuit for this switch is connected to ~he logic in the programmer P and ~5 serves to reset the machine clock for the finlshing function so that zero time for the sheet commences when the sheet is a~ the reference point 93.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the station 93, a lower rollef 97 o:E a vertical conveyor belt mechanism 9g of the gated transport type is positioned to receive copy sheets from the ~ransport belt 94 and to apply them upon a 30 belt 99 for the mechanism~ The belt 99 cooperates wi~h a plurality of rollers100 for transporting copy sheets vertically past the open ends of an array of collecting bins 101 for a sorter generally indica~ed by ~he ~eference numeral 102. A gate 103 is assoicated with each of the bins 102 for directing a sheet in~o a bin 101 when a 8ate 103 has been pivoted to a position to deflect a shee~35 into ~he associated bin~ A suitable solenoid (not shown) may be utilized witheach of the ~ates for causing deflection thereof and the programmer P may include the control circuitry for effecting the timed sequence of their opera~ion in aLccordance with a program selec~ed by the operaton.
In the illustrated embodiment, the array 102 includes twelve horizontally disposed bins 101 arranged in a vertical stack, the number of which corresponds to the predetermined number of exposures made of each document sheet while it is on the pla~en 140 The number of bins utilized should correspond to the total number of sheets in the paper path when the system has been programmed for the duplex mode so that a minimum of machine '1pitches" are not skipped. The number of exposures made for each o document sheet positioning on the pla~en also corresponds to ~his total number ~- of shee~s, which for the illustrated machine is twelve sheets.
The belt 99 rnay be drlven by any suitable means in the direction indicated by an arrow in ordel to permit collation of CQpy shee~s into the bins 101 as the gates 103 are sequen-tially actuated~ The sequence of loading or collecting sheets star~s with the bottommost bln and progresses to the topmost bin~ Futher details of a gated transport are unnecessary as these are known in the art and are provided in the sorter modules associated with the Xerox 9400 Duplicator. I~.S~ Patent No~ 3,709,492 discloses such transports, except the orientation which for the paten~ed system is horizontal rather ~han vertical.
The array 102 is mounted :for bi-directional vertical movement within a suitable supporting fixed frame and, as shown ln Flgure 1, the array ispositioned in its normal standby posi~ion with the lowerrnost bin opposite the roller 104 associated with the transport belt 94 adjacen~ the station 93. The lowermost gate 105 is at its deflection position9 whereat the sheet will be directed upwardly between the rollers 100 and the belt 99. When the ~ate 105 'is actuated out of this position and into its inactive position, the lowermost ~in receives sheets directly from the conveyor belt 94, through the sta~lon 93.
For ease OI understanding later description~ the bins are numbered consecutively from 1 to 12 starting at the lowest bin with bin numbered 12 at the top of the array. The array is held st~tionary during collating of copy sheets for all but at least the last sheet of each set of copy sheets being collected7 and is indexed in the downward direction past the receiving point ~3 for the sequential receiving of the last copy sheet in each of the bins. Upon operating in this sets mode, the array indexes downwardly one bin a~ a tlme and as each bin becomes aligned a~ the station 93, movement of the las~ copy sheet into each bin 101 is achleved directly by the transport belt 94 since the ga~e 105 would have been programmed to i~s inactive position for this phase of the operation, A suitable sensor SR-1 may be posi~ioned at the front edge of the lowermost bin to indical:e ~o the system logic that this action has occurredand to enable another indexing opera~ion. In addi~ion, as the array indexes downwardly, a set transpor~, to be descri~ed hereina~ter, unloads a set lrom the array at the rate of every other bin, say fc~r example, ~he odd numbered binsO During return of the array to the normal position, the set ~ransport unloads the even numbered ~ins thereby completing the unloading of the array.
When the array 102 reaches its low rmost posi~ion and bin ¢;~7_" 10 numbered 12 has received its last copy sheet, the document handling apparatus 12 has already removed :Erom the platen the document shee~ which initiated the production of the last copy sheets, has added and copied a successive document sheet of a documen~ se~, and has fed stlll another document shee~ to the platen. Since there are a number of images being processed in the 15 processor 11, in our example, twelve sheets in the paper path being conveyed by the various ~ranspor~s, two docurnent sheet changes would have occurred earlier than the time that the last copy sheet indicative thereof is received inbin 12. As the array indexes upward for the unloading o:E the remaining copy sheets, the first copy sheet of the next succeeding document sheet will be 20 received in the bin numbered 12 whereupon i:he array will index upwardly now to permit reception of the copy sheets in each of the bins successively. During the upwardly indexing movement of the array 102, the lirst copy shee~
entering each of the bins 101 will be made directly from the ~ransport belt 94, as the gate 105 will still be pro~rammed to its inactive position. When the 25 array reaches its ini~ial starting upper position9 i~ will remain stationary as before a~nd the gate 105 will be actuated to its deflection position. The array ;s now conditioned to receive each succeedlng copy sheet until the last copy sheets of the copy sets are in a position to be received in the array9 whereuponthe array ~ill be indexed downwardly as descrihed above~
3Q As will be described hereinafter, a set binding appar~tus in ~he f orm of a dual stapler appara~us is arranged im mediately below the bin receiving point ~3. This apparatus includes means to remove completed se~s of collated copy sheets from every other bin to effect single or dual s~apling along an edge of the set if so programmed or no stapling at all~ and to position35 the stapled or unstapled sets on an eleva~or mechanism. In order to permi~
complete removal OI the sets from all of the bins 101 in the array 102, ~he array must index once downwardly rela~ive to the point of set unloading and once upwardly. In the normal operating se~s mode9 ~he sorte~/finishing arrangement handles twelve sets a~ a time (a block of 12 copy sets) in cooperation with the document handling apparatus 12 as the lat~er exposes 5 each documen~ sheet twelve consecuti~/e ~imes before advancing to the next document sheet until the complete set thereof has been exposed~ If more than ~welve copy sets have been programmed~ the document apparatus/sorter finisher system will complete the reproduction run in blocks of 12 copy sets.
The system will continue to sort and automatically unload in blocks of 12 sets .~ 10 until the programmed number of sets is comple~ed.
''~ The bin array 102 is indexed vertically in either direction by a drive screw 107 connected to the shaft of a servo motor M-l which Is mounted to the base of ~he frame for the machine. These movements of the array are effected by a ball 108 secured to the rear wall of the array and through which 15 the screw 107 is threadedly rela~ed. Rota~ion of the screw (which is fixed ag~inst axial movement) in either direction will impart corresponding up or down moYement of ~he ball 108 and consequ~ntly the array. Further de~ails o:~
the bin array structure is no~ necessary as these details are disclosed in the above referred to U.S. patent application. Any other drive apparatus may be 20 utilized for indexing the array, such as pulleys and cables or suitably arranged fluid drive system.
` After copy sheets~ simplex or duplex, have been produced in the processor 11, transpor~ed by the transport 92 and collected in the bin array 102 wh.ile the system is in either the sets mode or the stacks mode, the 25 collected sets are now in condition to be further processed by ~ finishing apparatus generally indicated by the reference number 130. Actually, as will be discussed below, cluring the last series of indexing movement of the bin array when it is moving to its uppermost position, copy sets removal for the finishing action may take place simultaneously with collec~ion of copy sheetsO
The finishing apparatus 130 comprises five subassernblies each of which ls programmed ~o operate in timed sequence with each other? wi-th the system logic and programmer P, to be timed relative to the number of sets and copy sheets per set which were previously pre-programmecl by an opera~or9 and with the document shee~ ac~uation o:f the apparatus 12. As shown in 3~ Figure 1, the finishing apparatus comprises a set transpor~ 1329 individually-operable, dual stapler apparatus 134, and a set Isicker 136. In conjunction with the finishing apparatus 1309 the finishing station 13 also includes an elevator 138 and sets/stacl~s conveyor 140. All of these five subassemblies are fully disclosed in the above referred ~o U~S. patent application and details therefor will not be described herein.
llle se~ tranCpost 132 is utllized to unload automatically sets or stacks of copy sheets from the bins at an unload s~ation two copy-cycle pitches or bins below ~he sorter bin load sta~ion at 93. The set transport includes a reversible ser~o motor M-2 which effects reciprocable movement of the copy set clamping jaws 144, to ~he sorter 102 in a set gripping position, inlO the opposite direction to a set stapling position, and still further in that ~- direction~ to retract the jaws and back again to the sorter, all in cyclicactuation. In moving toward the sorter 102, the jaws 144 are sensed by a sensor SR-2 mounted on the frame for the sorter to zero reference the positioning of the se~ transpor~ as a timing monitor OI subsequent timed events 15 in the finishing function. The clamping and unclamping action of the jaws 144is provided by a suitab1e solenoid valve in a pneumatic device ~not shown).
The kiclcer mechanism 136 is uti~ized to push or kic.4 stapled sets from the stapler apparatus and permit dropping of the set on~o the elevator 138. if a stacks or uns~apled se~s mode has been programmed, the kicker 20 mechanism is arranged to serve as a backstop or the clamping jaws 144 to ~; strip stacks against. Drive is imparted to the mechanism 138 by a motor M-3 `~ which is a motor which can be utilized to drive the stapler heads as will be described hereinaEter.
The stapler apparatus 134 provides a stapling function either with a single staple or with two staples, both being adapted to be applied at various positions along a long edge of a set or staclc of copy sheets. Stapling is achieved by way of two identical mechanisms9 each of which provides the function of set clarnping, staple driving, and staple clinching. Preferably, ~heapparatus utilizes two c~mmercial type stapler heads 155~ such as the Bostitch staple head indkated as the 62- manufactured by the ~ostitch Division of Textron Corporation of Providence, Rhode Island.
A sensor SR-3 is positioned adjacent and between the stapler heads and is utilized in conjunction with the sensor SR-2 to monitc~r the time between the zero reference of the jaws 144 as they move toward a sorter bin and the time an e~ge of a set of copy sheets reache~ the stapler heads ~o be stapled~ This timing da~a is transmitted to ~he microprocessor in the ~q.~7 programmer P.
The elevator 13~ is utilized to collect into a pile the stapled or uns~apled sets or stacks of cDpy shee~s for delivery to the operator. The elevator comprises a tray assembly 165 mounted at ~he upper end of a vertically arranged, drive screw 166 ~hreadedly received in a threaded member 167 vertically fixed to the base frame for the finisher so that upsn rotation ofthe member 166, the tray 165 is moved vertically in the up or down direction.
A reversible mo~or M-4 is operati~/ely c:onnected to the member 167 for imparting rotation to the same in either direction. The tray receives the r ~0 stapled or unstapled sets or stacks as they are dropped when acted upon by the kicker mechanism 136.
Elevator height of piled sets or stacks is controlled by an optical sensor SR-4 which "looks" across the staek and effects the energization of the motor M-4 and lowering of the tray 165 until the pile is below the sensor. A
secolld sensor (not shown) may be positioned to sense the lowermost position of the elevator tray 165 whereat the tray is considered at full capacity.
In Figures 3 (a)-(d), there is shown sequences of collating and finishing events for a document having nine document sheets. In these illustrations, the vertical column of numbers 1-12 at the left of each sequence indicate the bin number and the right hand vertical colurnn of numbers ~` indicate the copy of the document sheet bein~ collected. As previously stated, it is assumed tha~ the document handling apparatus 12 is programmed to place a document sheet upon the platen 14 and to effect twelve exposures of the sheet before the remo~al of the docum~nt sheet and placement of a succeed~
ing document sheet, and so ~n. This assumption also corresponds wieh the number o bins in the array 102 wherein each copy sheet produced during the exposure of a document sheet on twelve occurrences is received in a bin, In F;gure 3 ~a)9 each of the bins 2-12 contain eight copy shee~s, all having been conveyed therein by the transpsrt mechanism 989 while bin 1 contains all nine sheetsy the ninth sheet having been conveyed into bin 1 directly by the transport 92 through the station 93~ The logic in the programmer P is arran~ed ro convey the last sheets o:l the copy sets in this marmer as the array 102 indexes downwardly. The sensor S-l in cooperation with the programme~ clock and the opera~or preset reproduc~ion run pro~ram will de~errnine when the last sheets are to arrlve and to effect ini~iation of the downward indexing activity. The hin array 102 in indexing from il:s upper -12_ position to its lower position, will receive the ninth <:opy sheet of the last document sheet in the bins numbered 2-12 consecutively. In this example~ it will be assumed that there are nine docurnen-t sheets in the documen~ being processed in the document handling apparatus 12. Since the nin~h copy sheet 5 is the last shee1: in the sets being produced~ as the array 102 indexes downwardly, as shown in Figure 3 (b) to receive each last sheet, the sets, now complete, in the odd numbered bins will also be ac1:ed upon by ~he finishing function comprising the set transpor~ mechanism 132, the stapler appara~us 134 and the set kicker mechanism 136, as aforesaid. It wil be noted tha~ for 10 the finishing fucntion, every other bin is af ~ected during the downward ~- movement of the array, while every successive bin receives the ninth copysheet. Since the ConYention in the described example is such that a copy sheet is produced every one-half second~ clamped sets are delivered to the stapler at one second intervals.
lSIn Figure 3 (c), on the upwardly return indexing movemen~ of the array7 the remaining sets in the even numbered bins are removed and finished.
In the event more than twelve copy s~ets of the nine sheet documen~ has been prograrnmed, the upwardly indexing array, in ~oing from its position in Figure 3 (c) to the positioning in ~igure 3 (d), will receive the first copy sheets for the 20 first document sheet being processed in the apparatus 12 as the latter commences its recycling sequences~ This process continues, with the docu-ment being copied in multiples of twelve sets until the copying/finishing run has been completed or terminated.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of a control arrangement f or the 25 reproduction system in ~igure 1~ The programmer P is operatively connected to four remotes~ the processor 11 for controlling the xerographic processing, copy sheet movement, timing and monitoring and all other para-meters in the processor; (2) ~he input sta~ion comprising the Elash illuminationsystem circuitryJ (3) the automatic document handling apparatus 12; and (4) 30 the finishing station 13.
The finishing station 13 includes three drivers, one of which is opera~ively connected by way of relays or reediac to the elevator rno~or M-49 Another driver is operatively connected to a ser~ro controller which in turn is connected to two power amplifiers and asociated circui~ryO The third driver is 35 operatively connected to the sorter gates 100 by way of their actuating solenoids (not shown)O One of the power ampliEiers serves to energize and operate the sorter array index motor M-l~ while the other amplifier serves to ener~ize and operate the set transport mo~or M-2. One of the power amplifiers also is operatively connected ~o the stapler drive system, the stapler clamping system, and the stapler clinching system.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that an elec~rostatographic system with finishing station has been described which will produce stapled collated sel:s and urstapled sets or stacks at a high production rate without loss of throu~hput, at a rate in accordance with the full processin~ speed of the copy processing machine and with a minimum of wear and fatigue o:~ the movin~ parts~
- ` While the invention has been described with ref erence to thestructure disclosed, it is not confined to the details set for~h but is intended to cove~ such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the following claims.
.,~, ~v,Ji
Claims
1. In combination with a reproduction system having a processor adapted to produce a plurality of copy sheets of different informational areas thereon, the improvement including:
a sorter having a plurality of bins arranged to receive the copy sheet output from the processor and to collate the same into copy sets, means for moving said sorter between first and second positions, and control means for directing copy sheets into said bins when said sorter is in said first position and to direct at least one of the copy sheets in each of the sets when said sorter is being moved to said second position.
a sorter having a plurality of bins arranged to receive the copy sheet output from the processor and to collate the same into copy sets, means for moving said sorter between first and second positions, and control means for directing copy sheets into said bins when said sorter is in said first position and to direct at least one of the copy sheets in each of the sets when said sorter is being moved to said second position.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/254,343 US4368972A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1981-04-15 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
| US254,343 | 1981-04-15 | ||
| CA000398164A CA1185918A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1982-03-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000458688A Division CA1190887A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1984-07-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000458688A Division CA1190887A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1984-07-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1190887A true CA1190887A (en) | 1985-07-23 |
Family
ID=25669608
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000458687A Expired CA1190886A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1984-07-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
| CA000458688A Expired CA1190887A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1984-07-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000458687A Expired CA1190886A (en) | 1981-04-15 | 1984-07-11 | Very high speed duplicator with finishing function |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA1190886A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-07-11 CA CA000458687A patent/CA1190886A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-07-11 CA CA000458688A patent/CA1190887A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA1190886A (en) | 1985-07-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |