EP0607701A2 - Fördervorrichtung für Dokumente - Google Patents

Fördervorrichtung für Dokumente Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0607701A2
EP0607701A2 EP93310566A EP93310566A EP0607701A2 EP 0607701 A2 EP0607701 A2 EP 0607701A2 EP 93310566 A EP93310566 A EP 93310566A EP 93310566 A EP93310566 A EP 93310566A EP 0607701 A2 EP0607701 A2 EP 0607701A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tray
paper
sheet
tray element
devices
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93310566A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0607701A3 (en
EP0607701B1 (de
Inventor
Harry T. Garland
Gerald A. May
Roger D. Melen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/003,553 external-priority patent/US5248139A/en
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Publication of EP0607701A2 publication Critical patent/EP0607701A2/de
Publication of EP0607701A3 publication Critical patent/EP0607701A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0607701B1 publication Critical patent/EP0607701B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H83/00—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such
    • B65H83/02—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such performed on the same pile or stack
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to document tansport apparatus, such as paper trays, designed for use in conjunction with a system for printing and/or scanning and/or sending/receiving facsimiles of documents or electronic mail.
  • the present invention relates to a paper tray that rotates between one position and another to permit receipt of a sheet of paper from and introduction of the same sheet of paper into the system.
  • Document transport apparatus such as paper trays are found, in one configuration or another, as part of nearly every copy machine, facsimile machine, and scanner apparatus. Typical paper trays are either attachable to or integrated with the output side of the machine.
  • an elevator type system for moving the paper tray from one position to another may be included.
  • the paper receiver tray moves along a vertical axis to receive paper as it exits at different output ports of the machine.
  • the present invention is a document transport apparatus (100) that may be attached to or integrated with a system (200) for performing a plurality of functions on a single sheet of paper.
  • the apparatus (100) includes an elongate tray element (102), having an end stop element (110) to stop the movement of the sheet of paper as it is delivered to the tray element (102).
  • a rotation element (104), such as a roll bar, is attached on the underside of the tray element (102) and proximate to the receiving end of the tray element (102).
  • the rotation element (104) may selectively be activated by a motor (112) attached to the rotation element (104), to move the tray element (102) from one position to another.
  • the receiving end of the tray element (102) is positioned adjacent a first output port (206) for one of the devices of the attached system (200).
  • Port (206) may be a scanner output or a facsimile output.
  • the tray (102) typically includes side walls (106) at least one of which is outwardly angled to guide the paper into the tray (102).
  • the motor (112) then may be activated, and the tray (102) rotated to position the receiving end of the tray (102) against an input port (208) for another one of the devices of the attached system (200).
  • the paper then may be introduced into the device, such as a printer for overprinting, or a copier for copying.
  • the apparatus (100) may include two or more tray elements (102) preferably in a stacked configuration, defining a tray assembly (300, 400). The entire tray assembly (300, 400) may then be rotated to receive paper from one or more devices, and to introduce the paper into one or more devices.
  • the present invention generally is an apparatus 100 for receiving a sheet of paper from one device and delivering that same sheet of paper to a different device.
  • the apparatus includes a paper tray element 102 that attaches to or is integral with a system 200 incorporating more than one type of paper-handling device.
  • the apparatus 100 is mounted to the system 200 so that the tray element 102 rotates from a first position for receiving a sheet of paper from one device, to a second position for delivering that same sheet of paper to another device.
  • FIGURE 1 shows a side view of a system 200 incorporating the document transport apparatus 100 of the present invention.
  • the illustrated apparatus 100 includes a tray element 102 pivotally mounted on a rotation element 104.
  • the rotation element 104 is either integral with the system housing 202, attached to the system housing 202, or detachably fixed to the system housing 202.
  • the apparatus 100 is detachably connected to the system housing 202 by a tongue-and-groove device.
  • the system 200 includes a recessed receptacle 204 for introducing a paper tray 102 of the type that holds several sheets of blank paper to be drawn into the system 200 for imprinting.
  • the apparatus 100 has a width and design to fit into the recessed receptacle 204.
  • the tray element 102 preferably includes opposing walls 106 attached to opposite sides of the tray 102.
  • the walls 106 may be of predetermined height sufficient to keep sheets of paper within the tray 102 during delivery of a sheet from the system 200, yet not so high that said walls 106 interfere with the movement of the tray 102 from one position to another within the recessed receptacle 204, as discussed in further detail below.
  • one wall 106' is slightly outwardly angled (see FIGURE 2).
  • Most presently available systems 200 include any output port 206 from one device offset from an output (or input) port 208 of the other device.
  • a tray 102 aligned with the first output port 206 would not be aligned with the second port 208.
  • the tray 102 is aligned with the second port 208, and the angled wall 106' functions to guide the paper as it exits the first port 206 into the tray 102.
  • the outwardly angled wall 106' may act as a guide to direct the sheet of paper into the tray 102.
  • the outwardly angled wall 106' may be omitted.
  • the top surface 103 of the tray element 102 includes a plurality of raised rib elements 108 that extend along the longitudinal axis of the tray element 102.
  • the ribs 108 function to raise the sheet of paper received in the apparatus 100 from the top surface 103 of the tray element 102 to substantially reduce accumulation of static electricity, which may inhibit movement of the sheet of paper into and out of the tray element 102.
  • the tray element 102 preferably includes an end stop element 110 at the end of the tray 102 opposite the receiving end 101 of the apparatus 100.
  • the end stop element 110 may be extensions of the walls 106, or may be separate elements that upwardly extend from the end of the tray element 102.
  • the stop elements 110 function to prevent a sheet of paper from sliding out of the tray element 102 as it is delivered from the system 200.
  • the stop elements 110 may be a single unit, or may be several elements, and may be of any type generally known and available in the art.
  • the end stop elements 110 may be designed to telescope for extending the length of the tray element 102 and thus to accommodate several paper types and sizes.
  • the rotation element 104 is positioned on the bottom surface of the tray element 102 in a position proximate to the receiving end of the tray 102.
  • the exact location of the rotation element 104 will depend on several structural variables, including how far the end 101 of the tray element 102 sits in the recessed receptable 204 area.
  • the end 101 of the tray 102 is positioned such that at least part of the tray 102 is within the recessed receptacle 204 area.
  • the position of the rotation element 104 will partially depend on the height of the receptacle 204.
  • An important aspect of the invention is the ability of the apparatus 100 to move from a first position adjacent to the output port 206 of one device to a second position adjacent to the output/input port 208 of another device.
  • a roll bar 104 would be positioned such that the portion of the tray 102 that extends from the roll bar 104 to the receiving end 101 is about 35 inches (8.90 cm).
  • the end 101 does not contact the walls of the recess 204. Dimensions will depend on the specific configuration of the system 200 used in conjunction with the apparatus 100.
  • the rotation element 104 is a roll bar attached to the bottom side of the tray element 102.
  • the rotation element 104 may also be attached directly to the side of the tray element 102.
  • Other elements that permit the tray element 102 to rotate about an axis may also be used.
  • the rotation element 104 is connected to an activation device 112, such as a motor.
  • a ramping motor such as a stepper motor, is used to move the tray apparatus 100.
  • Many stepper motors are generally commercially available that would be satisfactory for use with the present apparatus 100.
  • One commercially available stepper motor is Model K82439, available from Airpax Inc., Cheshire, Connecticut.
  • the activation device 112 preferably is controlled by a microprocessor for gradually accelerating and decelerating the motor 112 for smooth movement of the tray apparatus 100 between positions without clatter.
  • the apparatus 100 further includes a detection element 114 for detecting the position of the sheet of paper and for providing feedback to the activation device 112.
  • the detection element 114 may include an optical detector 114, such as an optical limit switch, or a positional feedback device.
  • the detection element 114 may provide positional feedback information to the activation device 112 either directly, or indirectly by sending the information to a computer that subsequently controls the activation device 112.
  • the detector element 114 may be one of many such elements generally commercially available, such as Model OPB960, available from Optek Technology, Carrollton, Texas.
  • a registered over-printing system 200 may include the present apparatus 100.
  • a sheet of paper is scanned into a computer system, where the scanned document may be manipulated by a user.
  • a system is used for scanning in a form, and filling out that form on-line.
  • the original sheet, or form is then fed into a printer which imprints the information entered by computer onto the form.
  • the illustrated system 200 includes a scanner output port 206, a facsimile output port 207, and a printer input port 208.
  • the tray apparatus 100 is placed in a first position, shown in FIGURE 3A, whereby the receiving end of the tray apparatus 100 is adjacent the scanner output port 206 of the system 200.
  • a document, or sheet of paper is scanned through the scanner and the sheet is delivered into the tray element 102.
  • the receiving end of the tray element 102 preferably is close to the output port 206 to prevent the sheet of paper from catching against the end of the tray 102.
  • the receiving end of the tray 102 is ramped to form a smooth entry for the sheet of paper.
  • the activation device 112 rotates the rotation element 104, moving the tray element 102 from its first position, to a second position, shown in FIGURE 3B.
  • the receiving end of the tray 102 is positioned adjacent the input port 208 of a printer device.
  • the paper is then delivered into the printer input port 208, and exits at port 207.
  • a sheet of paper exiting port 206 from a scanner or from port 207 from a printer will fall into the tray 102.
  • the apparatus 100 receives a sheet of paper from the facsimile output port 207 when in the first position.
  • port 206 may be either an output port or an input port, depending on the configuration of devices within the system 200.
  • the tray 102 then is rotated to a second position from which the sheet of paper is delivered to a scanner input port 206, or printer input port 208.
  • the apparatus 100 may be used with systems 200 having other combinations and configurations of devices.
  • FIGURE 4 An alternative embodiment of the present apparatus 100 is shown in FIGURE 4 in its first position.
  • the apparatus 100 includes a two-level tray assembly 300.
  • That assembly 300 includes an upper tray 302 and a lower tray 302', assembled in a stacked configuration.
  • the upper tray 302 functions in a manner similar to that of the single tray apparatus 100 described in detail above.
  • the lower tray 302' may be designed as an escrow tray for holding received paper.
  • the lower tray 302' includes a retaining lip 304 adjacent the receiving end 101 of that tray 302' to prevent a sheet of paper delivered to the tray 302' from sliding out of the tray when the assembly 300 is rotated to the second position (not shown).
  • FIGURE 5 Another alternative embodiment of the present invention 100 is shown in FIGURE 5 in its first position.
  • the apparatus 100 includes a three-level tray assembly 400.
  • the top tray element 402 is adapted to receive scanned documents.
  • the middle tray 402' may be positioned from a first position to a second position in a manner for use with registered over-printing, substantially as described above in relation to the single tray embodiment of FIGURES 3A and 3B.
  • the bottom tray element 402'' may be used as an escrow tray for holding paper received from, e.g., facsimile device.
  • any tray 102 of the assembly may be designated the escrow tray, or the tray that rotates between one output port 206 and another port 208.
  • more than one tray element 102 of either tray assembly 300, 400 may be adapted to both receive and deliver sheets of paper.
  • the specific configuration of the assembly 300, 400 may depend on the type of system 200 in which it is incorporated.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system 200 that may be used in practicing the present invention.
  • An optical scanner 12 converts written, printed, digital, and/or graphical information that appears on input document 11 into an electronic digital form, such as a bit map, and stores this information into a storage buffer 22 within a computer 2.
  • the information within buffer 22 may then be edited by human means, automatic means, or some combination thereof.
  • human editing means is the combination of a display 23, such as a CRT or LCD, which normally includes associated storage registers, and an input device 3.
  • Input device 3 may be a keyboard, mouse, electronic pen, etc., or a combination thereof.
  • Information from within buffer 22 may be portrayed on display 23, showing all the instruction text, blocks for addresses, boxes to be checked, arrows, letterheads, seals, and related graphics.
  • the image on display 23 preferably is made to look exactly like the original document 11.
  • the human operator edits this information by activating input device 3.
  • the operator scrolls (and pans) the display 23 image, stopping at each blank region to be completed.
  • input means 3 is a keyboard
  • the operator places the cursor in the blank region and enters ASCII text from keyboard 3.
  • the entered ASCII text may immediately be displayed in the blank region, and may be changed or deleted using word processor editing features of computer 2.
  • the operator can see the visible relationship between entered text and the original form on display 23.
  • the operator can easily center the entered ASCII text up-right and left-down.
  • Graphics information may be entered using a mouse 3 or electronic pen 3, and appropriate software.
  • printer 13 can print directly from the storage registers of display 23. In either case, the printing can be done onto the original document 11; or an entirely new form including the edits can be printed, in which case the representation 22 of the original document 11 can be saved for later use as a master for later editing or mass production of forms 11.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an optical character recognizer (OCR) 21 coupled to storage buffer 22.
  • OCR 21 optical character recognizer
  • Program 24 then compares this representation 22 with pre-stored cues that are stored within program 24 or within look-up table 25. When a match occurs, program 24 acts in a prearranged manner as defined by information contained within look-up table 25 to edit the representation 22 and restore the edited representation back into buffer 22, where it is subsequently printed onto document 11 by printer 13.
  • the information scanned into buffer 22 may be a digital representation of the expression "name and address”.
  • program 24 compares this representation from within buffer 22 with the identical representation from within itself or from table 25, it detects a match, automatically adds the name and address of the owner of computer 2 to the original representation after the expression "name and address", and resubmits the edited representation to buffer 22. Then when printer 13 prints this information onto the original document 11, the owner's name and address is automatically printed onto document 11 in the proper location.
  • the scanner 12, computer 2, and printer 13 reside within the same physical housing 1. This greatly facilitates the use of the apparatus.
  • Figure 8 shows how this is accomplished using a single paper transport mechanism 4, which physically transports document 11 through scanner 12 and printer 13.
  • Computer 2 is coupled to each of scanner 12 and printer 13, all three of these components are within the same physical housing 1.

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  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
  • Manual Feeding Of Sheets (AREA)
EP19930310566 1993-01-13 1993-12-24 Fördervorrichtung für Dokumente Expired - Lifetime EP0607701B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/003,553 US5248139A (en) 1991-10-30 1993-01-13 Document transport apparatus
US3553 1993-01-13

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0607701A2 true EP0607701A2 (de) 1994-07-27
EP0607701A3 EP0607701A3 (en) 1994-08-17
EP0607701B1 EP0607701B1 (de) 1997-09-10

Family

ID=21706407

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19930310566 Expired - Lifetime EP0607701B1 (de) 1993-01-13 1993-12-24 Fördervorrichtung für Dokumente

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0607701B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH06263292A (de)
DE (1) DE69313813T2 (de)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0303556A1 (de) * 1987-08-11 1989-02-15 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Papierführungsvorrichtung für Büromaschinen, insbes. für Matrixdrucker
US4806035A (en) * 1986-09-29 1989-02-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Printer with sheet guide and separator
EP0351480A1 (de) * 1988-07-22 1990-01-24 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Druckstation mit Ausgabevorrichtung für Einzelblätter

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4806035A (en) * 1986-09-29 1989-02-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Printer with sheet guide and separator
EP0303556A1 (de) * 1987-08-11 1989-02-15 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Papierführungsvorrichtung für Büromaschinen, insbes. für Matrixdrucker
EP0351480A1 (de) * 1988-07-22 1990-01-24 MANNESMANN Aktiengesellschaft Druckstation mit Ausgabevorrichtung für Einzelblätter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0607701A3 (en) 1994-08-17
JPH06263292A (ja) 1994-09-20
DE69313813T2 (de) 1998-01-22
EP0607701B1 (de) 1997-09-10
DE69313813D1 (de) 1997-10-16

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