DE3208548A1 - Sorting device for a copier - Google Patents

Abstract

A sorting device for a copier, wherein the sorting device is pivotably attached to the copier and thus allows easy access to the paper transport path in order, for example, to eliminate blockages of paper. The sorting device has a transport system and a sorting mechanism, the transport system being mounted fixedly at the output of the copier and being fitted with transport rollers which transport the paper to the sorting mechanism. The sorting mechanism has an input opening and a plurality of chambers which serve for receiving the copies. The sorting mechanism is pivotably attached to the transport system and can be pivoted from a closed position to an opened position in order to allow access to the paper transport path of the sorting device. In the case of a blockage of paper, the operating personnel can open the sorting mechanism with a horizontal pivoting movement and thus easily reach the jammed paper. Furthermore, the jammed paper can be removed easily and quickly in the direction of the paper transport path without fear of the paper tearing.

Description

Sorting device for a copier

This invention relates to a sorting system for an image forming apparatus (a copier) and this sorting system then has to sort and sort the copies to be stacked if several copies are made of an original document and from the Copier are led out.

In an image forming device (a copier), more conventional The sorting device is implemented, for example in the "XEROX 7000" automatic copier directly downstream of the output part of the copier and at this exit part attached directly. The sorting device is constructed in such a way that the Copies carried out at the output of the copier are correspondingly correct one after the other sorted with the copies being transported by transport rollers and finally sorted and stacked in a number of sorting chambers. The sorted ones The machine operator then finally removes stacks of copies from the sorting chambers taken out.

The devices and systems of the previously known design have however, it has a serious disadvantage when a paper jam occurs.

A paper jam is common between the sorting paper transports. (which are assigned to the paper outlet) and the sorting chamber.

This in turn has the consequence that the machine operator a Far too much of his working time is devoted to troubleshooting and debugging must spend, which continues to use the copier or the automatic copier during this time can't work. In addition, these machines are of a constructional nature designed so that access to the paper is possible in a direction that is transverse is arranged to the paper transport path. But that means that the machine operator does everything must remove jammed paper by removing this paper from the guide elements, that hold the paper in the paper path. It will jammed paper detected by the paper transport guide elements and finally torn when pulled out across the direction of the paper transport. That in turn has the consequence that small pieces of the jammed paper in the paper transport path remain and then again jam further and subsequent copies in the paper transport path leaves.

The invention thus addresses the following tasks: -The The problems and disadvantages listed above should be remedied and avoided. To this end, the invention provides for use with a copier or automatic copier a device with which the machine operator in the event of a paper jam then you can easily eliminate this jam if this paper jams between the sorting transport rollers and the sorting chamber.

To create a sorting device in which the Machine operator both at the paper outlet of the copier and at the paper inlet of the sorting device can check and determine whether or not there is a paper jam.

To create a sorting device in which access in the direction of of the paper transport is possible, which in turn means that the jammed Paper no longer through the guide elements arranged in the paper transport path is torn.

To create a sorting device in which the sorting mechanism can be opened, nhnc 'that the already sorted and stacked copies have to be messed up in the sorting chambers.

To create a sorting device in which the machine operator for the purpose of detecting a paper jam, both the output of the copier machine at the same time as well as the input of the sorting device can control.

To solve the tasks set for it, the invention provides a sorting device before, which is pivotally or foldably attached to a copier, namely such that this enables easy and clear access to the paper transport path is and aß.eine impairment by the transport guide element during removal of jammed paper is no longer given. The invention thus relates to a Sorting device, which consists of a sorting transport device and a sorting mechanism consists. The sorting transport device is at the output of the image forming device (Copier) firmly attached and has transport rollers that the paper to Transport the sorting mechanism there. The sorting mechanism consists of a sorting input and from a plurality of sorting chambers, which receive the extracted and sorted copies to have. The sorting mechanism can be swiveled or folded on the sorting transport device fastened and can from a closed position in the horizontal direction in an open position be pivoted, in which easy access to the paper transport path of the sorting device is possible. Does it occur in the area of the paper outlet or the paper inlet Sorting transport device to a paper jam, then the machine operator can the sorting mechanism swivel in the horizontal direction and then has free access to the jammed paper. That in turn also means that the jammed paper is in the direction of the paper transport path can be removed easily and quickly without the possibility of wcis is torn by the guide elements belonging to the transport mechanism.

The invention therefore relates to a for use with a Image forming device (copier) specific sorting system that can be pivoted or folded is attached to the copier and thereby easy and clear access to the paper transport path enables and continues to remove jammed paper without hindrance through the guide elements. The subject of the invention is in particular but a sorting system, which consists of a sorting device with a sorting transport device and with a sorting mechanism. The sorting transport device is at the exit of the image forming device (copier) firmly attached and is with paper transport rollers from which the paper is transported to the sorting technology.

Sorting technology in turn includes a sorting input and several Sorting chambers, which have to accommodate the copies that have been fed out. The sorting mechanics is attached to the sorting transport device in a pivotable or foldable manner, they can be moved horizontally from a closed position to an open position Position can be swiveled, which in turn is easy. Access to the paper transport path enables. Does it come from the paper outlet or the paper inlet of the sorting device If there is a paper jam, the machine operator can move the sorting mechanism horizontally swivel and then comes very easily to the thawed paper. That in turn also means that the jammed paper in the direction of the paper transport route ohnc! every mciq-1 i che tearing through the transport guide elements easily and quickly can be removed.

The invention will now be based on the illustrated in the drawing Embodiment (the embodiments shown in the drawing) in more detail explained. The drawing shows in: -Fig. 1 copier with attached Sorting device of the invention in a perspective view.

2 shows a section through the copier and the sorting device. This section is taken on the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 The zip 'belonging to the sorting device shown in Fig. 1 Sorting mechanics in perspective.

Fig. 4 The perspective view of a in connection with the In Fig. 3 shown sorting mechanics used movable sorting chamber / sorting support.

FIG. 5 The sorting mechanism according to FIG. 3 in a front view. Shown are the construction elements that the process of sorting chambers or sorting supports have to manage.

6 shows a section showing the paper output of a copier and the sorting inlet of the sorting device shown in FIG. 2.

Fiq. 7 A perspective view of the sorting machine c ha 111k, which i n Dr i 70 ri t a 1 r i c h do g i n the opening position has been opened is.

8 shows a partial plan view of the opened sorting mechanism according to FIG Fig. 8 Fig. 9 A section through the locking mechanism used for connecting the sorting mechanism with the sorting transport device is used.

If the invention is also based on a copier or automatic copier is described, it should be clear that the invention is the same also in every picture-forming device (for example in a facsimile machine) Can apply.

With Fi. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown a copier consisting of the actual one is intended for making copies of an original document Main housing 2 and further comprising a sorting device 15 for sorting and stapies of copies. Associated with the main housing 2 are: a control panel 101 for entering the appropriate copy instructions required, a document holder 7 for receiving the original, an original cover 103 and the paper cassettes 9 and 17 from which the paper is sequentially placed in the main body 2 Image forming mechanics are fed. The sorting device 15 is directly at the paper exit attached to the main housing and connected directly downstream of this paper output. To the Sorting devices include several sorting chambers arranged parallel to one another or sorting trays 42 which receive the copies fed out from the main body 2 . As can now be seen from FIG. 3, the copy chambers or copy supports 42 have also has a non-sorting chamber or support 42A to hold the copies which are fed into the operating mode. The sorting Compartments / shelves 42B through 42K are above the non-sorting compartment / shelf 42A and have to accommodate the sorted copies that are in the operating mode Sort are fed. In the case of the unsorted Chamber 42 A is a stationary and immovably arranged copy chamber, whereas the sorting copy chambers or copy supports 42B to 42K are so constructed and are designed to move vertically up and down can be. The non-sorting copy chamber 42A has a larger capacity as each of the sorting copy chambers or copy beds 42B to 42K.

In the middle part of the copier 1 is a photoelectric imaging drum 3 arranged so that it can move in rotation. All around this drum 3 arranged the devices listed below: - an exposure system 1 for Scanning the original held by the original holder 7; a focusing one Exposure optics 5, with which the light from the original zurLickgestrahlLe onto the photoelectric or photosensitive drum 3 is carried over; Finally, a drum charging system 6, which has to charge the drum 3 evenly with an electrostatic charge. Inserted into the right side of the copier 1, namely inserted removable, are the paper feed cassettes 9 and 17 with the copy paper P and P '. From the lower paper cassette 9, the paper P is withdrawn from the paper feed roller 10, whereupon then this paper P from a guide plate 11 of the peripheral surface of the fotosensiolive Trnmmel 3 is fed. The touch of the paper P with the Drum 3 causes the on Drum 3 stuck toner under the Effect of the toner transfer device 12 on c) as paper P transferred will. This paper P is then passed between the two fixing rollers 13a and 13b, which fix the toner present on the paper. After passing through the fixing rollers the paper P is transported on by the discharge rollers 28, this paper then led out of the main housing 2 and sorted by the sorting mechanism of the sorting device 15 is sorted and recorded. Copy paper P 'opposite to the copy paper P has a different format, is fed from the cassette 17 by the feed roller 1R peeled off in the same way as previously described i in the 7usamlile, lllong with t on the paper P. has been.

The paper detector device 214 faces the sorting device 15 arranged to record the removal of each finished copy and then has to generate an error signal if a copy is made within a given time has not been or is not properly led out.

As can now be seen from FIG. 3, the sorting mechanism 20 includes Mounting frame 39, which holds the sorting mechanism 20 and hinge-like with it the sorting transport device 19 (see Fig. 7) has to be connected. Also for Sorting mechanism 20 includes a holding frame 48 which is attached to frame 39 and the copy chambers or copy supports 42 and a speed-switchable electric motor 56 holds, which is connected to the chamber transport mechanism 308. The speed switchable Engine 56 is. rrii t 'e 1 ncr rot e wave n urid e 50 and ei rem Chain drive wheel 55 of the transport mechanism 308 coupled to a chain 58 and tied together. The chain 58 is assigned a chain tensioning wheel 59, which is used to tension the chain Has.

Fig. 4 shows that each sorting chamber or sorting support 42 consists of a flat and horizontally arranged plate made of spring steel sheet or made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The right side edge of the Copy support or the copy chamber 42 is bent so that a U-shaped spacer arises with which the predetermined distance between two adjacent copy chambers or copy edition 42 is retained.

The central part of each chamber or support 42 is V-shaped Cut-out that makes it easier to remove the paper that has been collected target. On the front edge and on the back edge are near the left edge the guide pins 43 are arranged at a distance from one another and protrude outwards. On the guide pins 43 are placed spacer caps 44, which serve to between the left end of adjacent copy chambers or copy supports 42 after the specified distance is maintained.

It will now be described below with reference to FIG. 5 how the Chamber lift mechanism 308 works and functions: - In the upper surface and in the lower surfaces of the frame 48 are opposite to each other camps 54a and 54b incorporated and in these bearings is the vertically aligned camshaft 50 used. The camshaft 50 includes a movable ring 319, which through the rotational movement of the camshaft 50 up and down is moved.

The movable ring 319 has one end of a sliding and U-shaped Spacer cap holder 51, which together with the ring 319 along the shaft 50 according to is driven up or down.

Near. of each free end of the U-shaped di s tanzka.ppenhal ters 51 there is a bore that receives the camshaft 50. The ring 319 is connected to the holder 51 so that it is on the hole in the free end of the Holder 51 is aligned. Put on the shaft 50 - in the middle part this shaft 50 - is a cam element 53. This cam element 53 has the purpose Connection with the guide caps 44 of the copy chambers or copy supports 42 a spiral guide groove 53a. The cap holder 51 has an elongated and vertically aligned cap slide grooves 52 that support the guide caps 44 absorbs, thereby the respectively applicable copy chambers or copy editions 42 can still be moved up and down. That means that the Movement of the ring 319 which causes the guide caps 44 to move in the vertical direction to move in the groove 52. Placed on the camshaft 50 - and arranged between the cam element 53 and the movable ring 319 -is a 'spring ring 60, which can move smoothly.

The spring ring or actuating ring 60 is via a compression spring 61 connected to ring 319. The downward spring force of the spring 61 pushes the guide cap 44k located in the uppermost position downwards, the then in turn the copy chamber or copy support 42k, which is located in the top position, pushes down.

A control disk is placed on the upper part of the camshaft 50 (Timing dial) 65.

This control disk 65, in which a (not shown) partial slot, is incorporated is intended along with a timing detector attached to the frame 48 66 record every rotary movement of the shaft, but also the rotary movement of the disk 65 via the control detector 66.

When the motor 56 is operating normally, the one generated by it Rotary movement transmitted to the sprocket 55, which in turn then turns the camshaft offset in rotation. The rotation of the camshaft 50 causes the Cam element 53 rotates in the same direction, which in turn has the consequence that each guide cap 44 is temporarily engaged with the spiral groove 53a will. This rotational movement of the cam element 53 leads to the fact that the guide cap 44 is pressed down. With one revolution of the cam element 53, the Guide cap 44 brought into a position which is just below the lower Surface of the cam element 53 is located. For example, the with Fig. 5 shown Situation the guide cap 44J straight below the cam element 53. whereas the guide cap 44I is in a Position just above the cam element 53 is. But that means that each rotational movement of the cam element 53 causes the downwardly driven Copy chamber or copy support always at a certain predetermined distance from the then the following copy chamber or copy bed is held, which in turn the It ensures that the copy to be sorted is always only in a very specific one Copy chamber or copy bed can enter. This copy goes into the copy chamber or out on the copy support, the respective guide cap 44 of which is straight is located under the cam element 53, (for example in Fig. 5 on the copy bed 42H). Each of the copy chambers or copy pads 42 is respectively raised or moved down by the spring force of the compression spring 61 as well as by the resulting force exerted by the lower end of the bracket 51 on the guide cap 44A is transmitted. For this reason, when each guide cap 44 enters the spiral guide groove 53a of the cam element 53 and then with this is in engagement, depending on the direction of rotation of the cam element, the Eührunqskappe 44 pushed either up or down. A separate chamber transport mechanism 308 isl. both the front end and the rear end of the copy chamber 42 assigned, each with a groove 52, in each of which (as can be seen from Fig. 3), an oppositely disposed guide cap 44 of each copy chamber or Copy bed engages.

As can now be seen from FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, there is the sorting device 15 from the sorting transport system 19, which is located at the exit end of the copier main body 2 is attached, and a sorting mechanism 20, which has to manage the sorting and stacking of the paper copies. The sorting transport system 19 is with the fastening elements 21 at the paper outlet of the copier belonging to Main body 2 attached.

The sorting transport system 19 has a horizontally oriented Paper input 22, at which the from the discharge rollers 28 on the paper transport Paper copies carried out from the copier 1 are brought in and thus taken over will. above and below the inlet opening 22 are tJ-f (irmiqe Sorler transport roller housings present, namely the roller housings 23a and 231). F 1 g. 5 shows that in these housings 23a and 23b, the transport rollers 25a and 25b each horizontally the shafts 24a and 24b sit. The upper transport rollers 25a are made of iron, whereas the lower transport rollers 25b are made of rubber. On the left A gear 26 is placed on the rear side of the lower shaft 24b. The gear 26 is driven by a (not shown) drive gear and set in rotation, which is assigned to the paper discharge roller 28 in the main housing 1 via an intermediate wheel 27 is.

On the right side of the sorting transport system 19 are available two at a distance upper hinge elements arranged to one another 70a and two lower hinge elements 70b arranged at a distance from one another are present. Each of the upper hinge elements 70a stands over a hinge pin or Pivot pin 29 in connection with the lower hinge element 70b assigned to it in each case. Each of the lower hinge elements 70b is on the sorting transport system 19 while each of the upper hinge members 70a is secured via the frame 39 is connected to the sorting mechanism 20. With the hinge pin 29 is the sorting mechanism 20 attached to the sorting transport system 19 in a pivotable and foldable manner. As a consequence of this can the sorting mechanism 20 and its associated sorting elements in Horizontalrichtuny be pivoted, i.e. in the direction A, which in turn means that the full access to the paper transport path is enabled. The hinge pin 29 is worked in one piece with the lower hinge element 70b and is of this lower hinge element aligned upwards. The hinge pin 29 is a vertically oriented opening of the upper hinge element 70a is used. This has the consequence that the sorting mechanism 20 in the direction A 'in a detachable manner the sorting transport system 19 is connected. The support element 23a has the task of the hot lift generated by the copier up through the (with Fig. 7 and A. n) outlet opening 1tlen 30 iii of the mechanism 20 to dissipate. The sorting transport system 19 also includes an electrostatic discharge device 34, which is attached to the support element 23a and is grounded via a Kahe i 35. The discharge device 34 is made of carbon fiber material.

On the front of the sorting transport system 19 is a locking bolt 36 is present, which protrudes and is oriented horizontally. This locking bolt 36 is assigned to the opening 38 in the sorting mechanism 20 in such a way that the tip this bolt 36 can then freely penetrate into the opening 38 when the sorting mechanism 20 is closed or is closed. The top of the hole or opening 38 is guided along the locking bolt 36 until that behind the locking bolt 36 a locking is achieved in that it falls into a recess 37. The upper part of the locking bolt 36 is steeper to the horizontal Inclination than is the case with the lower part of this bolt 36. So gives way in particular the upper part of the bolt 36 further from the horizontal center line D the bolt base as its lower part.

When the sorting mechanism 20 is closed, the machine operator swivels the sorting mechanism 20 around the hinge pin 29 as a pivot point to the right.

The opening 38 of the sorting mechanism 20 is guided in such a way that it on the way over the locking bolt 36 gradually increases, In order to close behind the locking bolt 36, to fall into the recess 37 and thereby to bring about the locking. In Fig. 9, the center line E is the Coupling opening 38 at a distance 1 below the center line D of the locking bolt 36 shown. By this association, which between the bolt 36 and the opening 38 is given, the opening 38 is able to fall down into the recess. If the machine operator should now want to open the sorting mechanism 20, then the sorting mechanism 20 is raised by it and thereby the locking of the opening 38 released with the locking bolt 36, whereupon the opening 38 is then over the recess 37 can move. If this has happened k to ii the machine operator open the sorting mechanism and thereby detach it from the sorting transport system, that it swings the sorting mechanism 20 horizontally in the direction of arrow A.

Should be at the output of the copier 1 or at the input of the sorting mechanism 20 result in a paper jam, this paper jam is detected by a paper jam detector 214 (Fig. 2) detected, which then also on the way of the feedback in this state makes a display field visible, which is assigned to the editing field of the copier is. In the event of a paper jam, the machine lifts the left front side the sorting mechanism 20 slightly and thereby unlocks the locking bolt 36.

After unlocking, the sorting mechanism can be fully opened be that it is pivoted or rotated in the direction of arrow A. Wei, l well the machine operator at the same time to both the paper output of the copier 1 and the inlet of the sorting mechanism 20, he can do that too Remove any jammed paper from each of these openings. In addition, then don't 711 fear that the jammed paper will tear if removes this jammed paper from the direction of the paper transport path will.

Because in the illustrated and described Aüsführungsbeispiel the Subject of the invention 'probably without affecting the spirit and scope of the invention to have to differ, changes can be made, everything should be in the Specification described is illustrative in nature and not limiting or constricting.

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Claims (4)

Claims 1. Sorting device for a copier for sorting and stacking copies sequentially from the paper outlet of the copier are led out, the sorting device from several vertically spaced there are mutually arranged chambers, which the copies from the paper outlet of the copier are supplied via an input opening in the sorting device, wherein each of the chambers is arranged substantially horizontally, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t: that an articulated connection (70a, 70b; 29) is provided, which pivotally connects the sorting device (15) to the copier device (2), wherein the sorting device (15) from a closed, the working position corresponding Position in which the paper outlet of the copier with the inlet opening (22> the sorting device (t5) is coupled, can be pivoted into an open position can, in which access to the paper outlet of the copier and to a ganssöffung (22) of the sorting device (15) is released. 2. Sorting device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h q e k e n n z e i c h n e t that a sliding mechanism (308) voryesollon is at least one of the Chambers (42) has to be raised or lowered in order to do this for the purpose of sorting and Stack the copies to align with the entrance opening (22). 3. Sorting device according to claim 1, characterized by a sorting mechanism (20), which is equipped with the input opening (22) and for sorting and stacking serves for copies, and by a transport system (19), which is fixed to the copier (2) is connected and the copies are transported to the entrance opening (22). 4. Sorting device according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the articulated connection (70a, 70b; 29) the sorting mechanism (20) can be pivoted connects to the transport system (19) that the articulated connection (70a, 70b; 29) from a first hinge element (70a) attached to the transport system (19) and from a second hinge element (7 Ob) attached, and that the gel connection (70a, 70b; 29) is a connecting element (29) which releasably connects the two hinge elements (70a, 70b) to one another.