EP0934224B1 - Reversing mechanism for sheet-like items - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a turning arrangement in a guide system for sheets made of sheet Material, especially for single sheets of paper in one Single sheet printer with a paper guide system, the Guidance system contains switch elements that enable the sheets with one or the other of theirs as needed Pages up of a unit for further processing feed. The invention further relates to a passive switch unit.

From Patents Abstracts of Japan M-701 together with JP 62-290 668 A a sheet transport device is known, the three Areas that are connected by transport paths. An active switch unit and a passive switch unit allow single sheets from a first area coming either directly without turning or using the passive switch unit using a third area be fed. A similar arrangement is also from DE 37 27 555 A1 known.

DE 88 03 496 U1 describes a printer with a plurality of output channels for recording media. Single sheets are conveyed via deflection elements in the printer. Extruded profiles are arranged close to conveyor rollers and lie with their contours relatively close to these rollers.

DE 39 14 183 A1 also describes a transport device for paper sheets using switch assemblies. The conveyor track is formed by extruded profiles, which are close are arranged by conveyor rollers and their contours correspond.

A transport device for paper is known from US Pat. No. 5,014,976 known in a copier. In the conveyor path for single sheets a guide element with different curvatures known. The Single sheets are guided along these curves.

From US 4,921,236 is a feed device for master copies known used in a single sheet copier becomes. In the feeding device, the ones to be copied Originals are pulled one by one from an input tray and along a first path of a transport unit. The Transport unit reverses the transport direction of the respective Template, which is then formed by one of two guide plates passive switch unit steered into a second path along which the original becomes a copy point is transported. After submitting the copy has passed through it with an active turnout unit provided reversed loop that promoted the template depending on the position of the active switch unit either along a third path to the input tray transported back or redirected and turned back to the copy point feeds. In the latter case, the submission is based on transported through the reversing loop after copying, then the template along the third path to the input tray feeds.

JP-59-22848 describes a turning arrangement with a passive one Switch unit that defines three paths along which a single sheet can be transported. At the passive switch unit, an active switch unit is provided, which is the single sheet fed from a first area optionally in the first path, the first area connects to a second area, or in the second path that connects the first area with a third area. A reversing unit is provided in the third area, which reverses the transport direction of the single sheet and it feeds along the third path to the second area, whereby the single sheet is turned.

So that the leaf to be conveyed along the third path does not is accidentally steered back into the second path is between the deflection unit and the section in which the second and third path converge, a spring-loaded Bracket provided that the cut sheet against that of the exit opening opposite wall of the third path presses. Furthermore, the passive switch unit in the Section where the two paths meet, one tapered wedge with a cross to the direction of transport of the single sheet decision edge. The wedge is inclined in relation to the longitudinal direction of the third path, so that the gap width of the third path in the direction of Decision edge seen increases and the wedge in the second Path juts out. This ensures that the bracket Single sheet pressed against the opposite wall in the third path is steered.

The object of the invention is a turning arrangement in one Guide system or a passive switch unit for such Specify management system at or through the one incorrect threading of the single sheet avoided in a simple manner and thus a jam of the single sheet in the guide system is prevented.

The task is accomplished by a turning arrangement with the features according to claim 1 and with a passive switch unit solved the features of claim 10.

In the invention is through the S-shaped section accomplished that transported through the section Single sheet with its flat side first in one and then arched in the opposite direction, so that the single sheet after going through the S-shaped Section runs approximately flat. This ensures that in particular the leading and trailing edges of the cut sheet in a common, parallel to the transport direction level. Through the inclined The wedged single sheet is wedged into the desired path is directed. Furthermore, the S-shaped section achieves that the single sheet due to its stiffness under great tension stands, causing its off the S-shaped section trailing trailing edge from the exit end of the section soaring at the edge of the decision Keils moved past. The S-shaped section therefore has one hand the effect of a decurling unit that the single sheet smoothes, on the other hand it serves as a tensioning device, which the single sheet before exiting from the with the S-shaped Section biased path. Through these two Functions of the S-shaped section will be simple Way achieved that the single sheet is not caught by the wedge and can be directed in the wrong path, but properly is transported further.

The active switch unit is a controlled deflection element, which transported those from the area of origin Depending on the control, bends in the first path or in the redirects second path. The entire turning process of an arch is thus by a single small movable deflecting element achieved, reducing the risk of paper jams in the Turning arrangement is greatly reduced.

The passive switch unit only leaves arches either the second path from the area of origin to the reverse area or along the third path from the reversal area to the target area step through. This ensures that the Bends depending on the position of the active switch unit only have two ways to go through the turning arrangement, namely directly from the area of origin to the target area or indirectly from the area of origin via the reversal area to the Target area, one side or the other of the Arcs face up in the target area.

The reversing unit advantageously consists of a pair counter-rotating rollers with a feed area between the Rolling and from a position detector to detect the Feed position of the sheets, the pair of rollers in two Directions for pulling and ejecting the sheets in can be operated in the opposite direction. The position detector, e.g. in the form of a light barrier, detected when the rear end of the bow completely the passive switch unit has gone through Only then can the transport of the Sheets stopped in the forward direction and the transport direction are reversed, the next transport of the The passive crossover unit in the backward direction Because of their special shape, the bow has to go through differently is considered when transporting the sheet in the forward direction.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the turning arrangement are the different paths as well as the active as also the passive switch unit by opposing pairs Extruded profiles set between two parallel arranged plates are attached. This will make one achieved particularly compact and stable construction, because of the Connection of the strand profiles determining the paths with the parallel plates make a significant contribution to static Stability of the entire device structure is achieved.

It is particularly advantageous if one of the pairs opposite extrusion profiles by a perpendicular to Direction of transport of the sheets and in the plane of the sheets Rotational axis pivoted and between the two parallel plates in the respective Path defining position is lockable. This swiveling allows some of the extrusion profiles of the turning arrangement quick and easy access to all areas the paper paths and the switch units in the event of a paper jam.

In a special embodiment of the turning arrangement is in each of the three areas a pair of rollers for transporting the Sheets with a position detector assigned to the respective pair of rollers arranged to detect the position of the sheets, the path length along the different paths between the respective roller pairs of the three areas shorter than that Length of the sheets to be transported. This will ensures that one to be transported through the paths Arch always between one of the roller pairs of the three Areas is located and its further transport is guaranteed becomes.

A design of the turning arrangement is particularly expedient, where the contours of the extruded profiles in the three Areas close to the contours of the respective rollers. This will reduce the risk of paper jams in the area of the pairs of rollers at the transition from one end of the channel to the other next channel start of a path minimized.

In another advantageous embodiment, they overlap the contours of the extruded profiles and the rollers in part, and Projections of the extruded profiles engage in recesses in the Rolls and / or projections of the rolls in depressions of the Extruded profiles. By bringing the Rolling to the extruded profiles is the "transfer" of the sheets from the channels to the transport rollers and vice versa from the Transport rollers to the channels only with an extremely low Jam risk associated.

In a preferred embodiment of the turning arrangement the deflecting element of the active switch unit essentially wedge-shaped, the tapering decision edge of the wedge to the path for the turn arrangement transported arches is directed and the Wedge in the area of its base by a perpendicular to the direction of transport of the arches and parallel to the plane of the arches Axis of rotation between a first position and a second position is pivotally arranged, the base the area perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wedge between the entry areas in the two paths for the transported to the target area or the reversal area Shields arches and the arches depending on the position of the deflecting element along the wedge surface in one or the other another path. This configuration of the active or dynamic switch unit becomes an efficient one and reliable switch function with low paper jam risk achieved. Due to the wedge-shaped design of the Deflection elements are also those when moving the deflection element occurring dynamic forces are particularly low, whereby e.g. a high switching frequency for the deflecting element can be realized.

The invention further relates to a passive switch unit for deflecting sheets of sheet material in a guide system formed from paths. The passive switch unit has a fixed one Wedge with a decision edge, the pointed tapered wedge runs inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of one path, protrudes into the other path and forms with this an S-shaped section with which the other path opens into the one path. This special shape of the passive or Static switch unit allows for paper feed from the active or dynamic switch unit along the paper on the bulged part of this path the path to the reversal area is curved. After this This reverses the transport direction of the paper sheet Paper due to its stiffness due to the bulge in the other path forced curvature of its trailing edge back so that after the reversal of direction because of the a path always wedged away the passive switch unit no longer towards the other path, but towards one path goes through.

It when the extruded profile of the other path in the opposite of the bent wedge Area is bulged so that the gap width of the other path between the extruded profile and the bent wedge essentially is constant. This will cause a narrowing and thus avoiding increased resistance for the arches in the other path.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a passive Turnout unit specified, the features of which in claim 10 are defined.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Wendeanordnung zeigt;

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Wendeanordnung zeigt;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht zur Veranschaulichung der Funktionsweise eines ersten Elements der erfindungsgemäßen Wendeanordnung ist;

Fig. 4

eine Schnittansicht zur Veranschaulichung der Funktionsweise eines zweiten Elements der erfindungsgemäßen Wendeanordnung ist; und

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht der in ein Gerät eingebauten erfindungsgemäßen Wendeanordnung zeigt.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the turning arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2

shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the turning arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a sectional view illustrating the operation of a first element of the turning arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a sectional view illustrating the operation of a second element of the turning arrangement according to the invention; and

Fig. 5

shows a sectional view of the turning arrangement according to the invention installed in a device.

Fig. 1 shows the sectional view of a first embodiment the turning arrangement according to the invention. The turning arrangement contains a combination of profiles P1 to P5, where it e.g. extruded profiles and that between two plates (not shown), e.g. Sheet metal boards, attached are. The extruded profiles P1 to P5, which contribute to Device stability are afforded with the side panels that e.g. can have a thickness of only 2 mm, rigidly screwed. For screw fastening, e.g. self-tapping Screws are used. The screwing is done in openings (not shown) in the respective extruded profile P1 to P5 have already been formed for this purpose.

The extruded profiles P3 and P5 are about a respective axis of rotation G rotatably attached so that e.g. to eliminate one Paper jams can be swung away. To this end, the swiveling end a button K to the outside, on which the operator touch and swivel the respective profile. This Button K is used to attach to a rod (not shown), in one of the shaped openings of the respective Profile is stored and for positioning the profile is inserted into a hole in the rear side plate. The axis of rotation G about which such a movable profile is pivoted is also in such an opening stored. The swiveling profiles P become electronic monitors, that is, it shows whether it is open or are closed.

In the illustrated embodiment, three areas are A, B and C of the turning arrangement according to the invention. On Region of origin A contains a pair of rollers 6a, 6b and one Position detector 8. A target area B also contains a Roller pair 14a, 14b and a position detector 16. Ein Reversal area C includes a pair of rollers 10a, 10b and one Position detector 12. The position detectors 8, 12, 16 are preferably designed as light barriers. Through the Profiles Pl to P5 are defined for paper paths, namely a path ac between the area A and the Area C, a path from between Area A and the area B and a path cb between area C and area B.

An active or dynamic switch unit 2 is in the Paths formed from and ac. This switch unit 2 contains a pivotable deflection element 2a, which e.g. electric or can be controlled pneumatically. The deflection element 2a the active switch unit 2 is wedge-shaped, being its tapered decision edge to the path for the sheets transported towards the turning arrangement is directed. The wedge-shaped deflection element 2a is in the Area of its base around a perpendicular to the direction of transport of the arcs and axis of rotation running parallel to the plane of the arcs 2b pivotable between a position b and a position c (in the state shown, the deflection element is in position c), so that it is transporting the arches from the area of origin A, can direct to the target area B or to the reversal area C. The sheets slide depending on the position b or c of the wedge-shaped deflection elements 2a along the wedge surface Kb or Kc in the path from or ac.

In addition, a passive or static switch unit 4 in the paths ac and cb arranged in front of the reversal area C. At This passive switch unit 4 is a fixed point tapered wedge 4a with a decision edge on which it is decided in which direction the sheet is transported is arranged such that one of the area A originating arch through the path ac to the reversal area C is conveyed while one originating from the reversal area C. Arch only carried in path cb to target area B. can be. This is possible because the tapered wedge with respect to the bisector W of the two tangents T1, T2 (see FIG. 4) on the two paths ac and cb in the switch area is bent away from the path cb. Besides, that is Profile Pl of the path ac in the region of the bent wedge 4a convexly curved so that the gap width s of the path ac is not is narrowed and no increased resistance for those to be transported Arches arises.

During the region of origin A with its pair of rollers 6a, 6b and the target area B with its pair of rollers 14a, 14b for To serve the transport of the sheets, the reversing area C has the Task of drawing in an arch brought up via path ac, to move between the pair of rollers 10a, 10b until the trailing edge of the sheet pass through the position detector 12 has, whereupon the rotation of the roller pair 10a, 10b stopped and reversed so that the arc in opposite Direction moved by the passive switch unit 4 is, but this time it no longer goes back to path ac, but is transported in the path cb to the target area B.

Depending on the position of the deflecting element 2a in the active one Switch unit 2 can differentiate between two operating cases become. If the deflection element is in position b, this is how the paper originating from area A comes from transported directly to target area B. Is located in contrast, the deflection element 2a of the active switch unit 2 in the position c, the paper is first through the path ac through the passive switch unit 4 in the reversing area C transported in which it first moved to the right is then ejected in the opposite direction to become. Due to the special shape of the paper channel the ejected moves in the opposite direction Sheet of paper now in path cb and finally to Target area B. The two by the position of the deflecting element 2a of the active switch unit 2 certain operating cases each transport a sheet with one or the other of its sides up, i.e. with its front side or its back up to the target area B. From there, the turned or not turned Sheets are fed to a post-processing unit.

In the turning arrangement shown, the profiles are Pl, P4 firmly screwed in, while the profiles P2, P3, P5 swivel are, the profiles P2 and P3 outside the path cb firmly connected by webs 20, 22 and thus only are pivotable together. The swivel movement takes place in each case around the axis of rotation of the profiles designated by G. With all profiles used, the natural metallic Consciously maintain the surface, that is, it becomes special no anodizing done, so by the paper movement possible electrostatic charge is easily derived. All profiles are with their Contours Pa, Pb, Pc as close as possible to the corresponding ones Roller pairs 6a, 6b, 14a, 14b or 10a, 10b of the areas A, B or C introduced. This will safely remove the paper from the Channel end of the paths inserted into the respective roller pairs, thus avoiding a paper jam in the area of the roller pairs becomes. In the reversal area C are the contours Pc of the profiles P1, P3 even brought so close to the rollers 10a, 10b, that the contours Pc of the profiles Pl, P3 and the rollers Partially overlap 10a, 10b. The profiles take hold P1, P3, however, only in places in the roller contour, whereby the roll diameter is reduced at these points.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment the turning arrangement according to the invention. The turning arrangement contains a combination of profiles P6 to P12. Elements that correspond to those of Fig. 1, wear the same reference numerals. Again, depending on the position of the deflecting element 2a turned or not turned paper fed to the target area B. In another use case the paper can also be fed from area C. In in this case, due to the passive switch unit 4 automatically the way to area B. In this embodiment profiles P7 and P8 are fixed. The other profiles P6, P9, P10, P11 and P12 can be pivoted about their respective axis of rotation G, the profile P6 being firmly connected to the profile P11 is panning with it.

Fig. 3 shows a more detailed sectional view of the invention dynamic switch unit 2 with profiles P13 up to P17. The deflecting element which can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 2b 2a is shown in the two positions b and c, the Deflection element 2a in position b with a solid Line and in position c with a dash-dotted line is drawn. The deflection element 2a is in the Position b is an arc from area A. distracted to area B. However, the deflection element is located 2a in position c, the area A originating sheets transported to area C. In the case of Fig. 3 arrangement shown is a pure switch arrangement, since they do not have any necessary for the turning function Reversal area. Both area B and area C are used for the further transport of the sheets. The dash-dotted Lines show some of the profiles, e.g. the profiles P13, P14 and P16, when swung out.

Fig. 4 shows a more detailed sectional view of the invention passive switch unit 4. the passive switch unit 4 is formed by three profiles P18, P19 and P20. Profile P18 and profile P19 each form together with the profile P20 one up and one left path w1 or w2 extending upward to the right. The pointy tapered wedge 4a is firmly connected to the profile P20, the tapered decision edge of the wedge 4a in essentially directed towards the path coming from below is. Tangent T1 along the left side Path and the tangent T2 along the right side directed path span an angle with a bisector W on. The tapered wedge 4a of the passive Switch unit 4 is from the direction of the bisector W bent away.

This special shape of the passive switch unit 4 a sheet of paper offers two options Switch unit 4 to go through. A from below along the The arrow R3 brought forward passes the switch unit 4 along the path to the top left that leads through the Arrow R1 is indicated. Because of the stiffness of the paper it is impossible that the leading paper end of the bottom introduced sheet in the switch unit 4 in the path in the top right corner. The one to the top right directional path can only be traversed by a paper through the top right along arrow R2 this path is introduced. Because of its flexibility the sheet of paper brought up from the top right can be S-shaped Area of this path compared to that of the bisector W bent wedge 4a with bulge 18 happen easily. Should the one brought up from the top right Paper sheets in the area below the switch unit 4 a reversal unit are fed, so now it turns conversely, paper moving upwards no longer in the back to the top right channel from which it was previously has come, but moves along the top left directed channel in the direction of arrow R1. Here too exploited the rigidity and resilience of the paper after bending through the S-shaped area during of the downward movement essentially again aligns straight when it reverses direction is transported to the top left.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a device with a housing 30 built-in turning arrangement according to the invention, which the Contains profiles P21 to P25. The device is e.g. an electrophotographic printer. The built-in Reversing arrangement enables paper output with either Face up or face down. For this paper is first through a channel along arrow R1 introduced to the turning arrangement according to the invention. The Paper then passes through area A and then varies depending on the position of the active switch unit 2 along the path transported to the area B from which it is along the Arrow R2 e.g. is supplied to a post-processing unit. Here, e.g. the picture side of the single sheet up.

The active switch unit 2 is in its other position switched, so that along the arrow Rl over the Area A led arch deflected to the left, crossed the path ac and the passive switch unit 4 in order finally to get to area C, where it initially is pulled in and then ejected and finally is transported along the path cb to the area B. Now the picture side of the paper sheet is at the bottom, see above that the paper in the reversed state of the post-processing unit is fed.

All path lengths along the path elements between successive ones Roller pairs must be in the inventive Arrangements should be shorter than the length of the items to be transported Sheets of paper in the transport direction. Each pair of rollers is a position detector e.g. B. in the form of a light barrier assigned so that it can always be monitored where a Paper sheet is located. This will make an appropriate ad possible for the user who occurs at an Then jam the paper path at the appropriate location by swinging down a profile can open the paper jam to fix. Swung-out profiles P are shown in FIG. 5 shown in dash-dotted lines.

Reference list

P1 to P25

Profiles

G

Axis of rotation

A

first area or area of origin

B

second area or target area

C.

third area or reverse area

from

first path

ac

second path

cb, bc

third path

6a, 6b

Pair of rollers

10a, 10b

Pair of rollers

14a, 14b

Pair of rollers

8, 12, 16

Position detector

2nd

active or dynamic switch unit

2a

Deflecting element

2 B

Axis of rotation

4th

passive or static switch unit

4a

pointed wedge

Kb, Kc

Wedge surface

20, 22

Walkways

Pa, Pb, Pc

Contours

b

first position

c

second position

T1, T2

tangent

R1, R2, R3

arrow

18th

bulge

30th

casing

Claims (10)

1. Turning arrangement in a guidance system for sheet-like material, in particular for individual sheets made of paper, in an individual-sheet printer or copier, having a paper-guidance system with diverter elements, it being the case that sheets of the sheet-like material which are transported up from a first region (A) of the guidance system can be branched off into one of two possible paths (ab or ac) by means of an active diverter unit (2),

   the sheets can be fed along the first path (ab) directly to a second region (B) of the guidance system, and the sheets can be fed along the second path (ac), by way of a passive diverter unit (4), first of all to a third region (C) of the guidance system, in which the transporting direction of the fed sheets can be reversed by means of a reversing unit (10),

   in order for them to be fed in the reverse direction in the third region (C) along a third path (cb), by way of the passive diverter unit (4), to the second region (B) of the guidance system,

   it being the case that the active diverter unit (2) contains an activated deflecting element (2a) by means of which the sheets transported up from the first region (A) , depending on the activation, are deflected into the first path (ab) or into the second path (ac),

   the passive diverter unit (4) only allows sheets to pass through either along the second path (ac) from the first region (A) to the third region (C) or along the third path (cb) from the third region (C) to the second region (B),

   and it being the case that the passive unit (4), in that section of the guidance system in which the second path (ac) and the third path (cb) run together, has a fixed wedge (4a) which tapers to a point, has a deciding edge running transversely to the transporting direction of the sheets and runs in an inclined manner in relation to the longitudinal direction of the third path (cb) such that the gap width of the third path (cb) increases in the region of the wedge (4a), as seen in the direction of the deciding edge, and the wedge (4a) projects into the second path (ac), characterized in that in the region of the wedge (4a), which tapers to a point, the second path (ac) has a convexity (18) which, with the wedge (4a), defines a section which runs in the form of an S in cross section, as seen transversely to the transporting direction, and with which the second path (ac) opens out into the third path (cb).
2. Turning arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the extruded profile (P1; P14; P18; P21) of the path (ac) is curved in the region located opposite the bent-away wedge (4a), with the result that the gap width (s) of the path (ac) between the extruded profile (P1; P14; P18; P21) and the bent-away wedge (4a) is essentially constant.
3. Turning arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reversing unit (10) comprises a pair of rollers (10a, 10b), which run in opposite directions and have a drawing-in region between the rollers, and a position detector (8), which is intended for detecting the draw-in position of the sheets, it being possible for the roller pair (10a, lOb) to be operated in two directions for drawing in the sheets and ejecting them in opposite directions.
4. Turning arrangement according to one of Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the paths (ab, ac, cb) and the active and passive diverter units (2, 4) are defined by extruded profiles (P1-P5; P6-P12; P13-P17) which are located opposite one another in pairs and are fastened between two parallel plates.
5. Turning arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in each case one of the extruded profiles (P1-P5; P6-P12; P13-P17) located opposite one another in pairs is arranged such that it can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (G) running perpendicularly to the transporting direction of the sheets, and in the plane of the sheets, and can be locked between the two parallel plates in the position defining the respective path.
6. Turning arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that arranged in each of the regions (A, B, C) is a roller pair (6a, 6b, 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b) for transporting the sheets with a position detector (8, 12, 16) which is assigned to the respective roller pair and is intended for detecting the position of the sheets, the distance along the paths (ab, ac, cb) between the respective roller pairs of the regions (A, B, C) being shorter than the length of the sheets which are to be transported.
7. Turning arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the regions (A, B, C), the contours (Pa, Pb, Pc) of the extruded profiles butt closely against the contours of the respective rollers.
8. Turning arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that the contours of the extruded profiles (Pc) and of the rollers (10a, 10b) are superimposed in part, and protrusions of the extruded profiles engage in depressions of the rollers and/or protrusions of the rollers engage in depressions of the extruded profiles.
9. Turning arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the deflecting element (2a) of the active diverter unit (2) is of essentially wedge-shaped design, it being the case that the deciding edge of the wedge, said edge tapering to a point, is directed towards the path for the sheets transported up to the turning arrangement and the wedge, in the region of its base, is arranged such that it can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (2b), running perpendicularly to the transporting direction of the sheets and parallel to the plane of the sheets, between a first position (b) and a second position (c), it being the case that the base of the wedge, in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (2b) of the wedge, screens the region between the inlet regions into the two paths (ab, ac) for the sheets transported away respectively to the second region (B) or to the third region (C) and the sheets, depending on the position (b or c) of the deflecting element (2), are deflected along a wedge surface (Kb or Kc respectively) into the path (ab or ac, respectively).
10. Passive diverter unit for deflecting sheets of sheet-like material in a guidance system formed from paths (wl, w2), it being the case that the diverter unit (4), in that section of the guidance system in which the two paths (wl, w2) run together, has a fixed wedge (4a) which tapers to a point, has a deciding edge running transversely to the transporting direction of the sheets and runs in an inclined manner in relation to the longitudinal direction of the one path (wl) such that the gap width of said path (wl)increases in the region of the wedge (4a), as seen in the direction of the deciding edge, and the wedge (4a) projects into the other path (w2), characterized
    in that in the region of the wedge (4a), which tapers to a point, the other path (w2) has a convexity (18) which, with the wedge (4a), defines a section which runs in the form of an S in cross section, as seen transversely to the transporting direction, and with which the other path (w2) opens out into the one path (w1).

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