EP0934555B1 - Shutter device enabling access to paper path in single sheet printers and photocopiers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flap arrangement for access to a paper path from cut sheet printers and copiers, with a hinged flap that locked in place Operating situation for a section of a management area forms the paper path and by means of an actuator pivotable about a first pivot axis into an open position is in which it stands for access from the paper path and with a second one located next to the first door pivoting flap, which is like the first flap in her lockable operating position a section of the guide surface forms on the portion formed by the first flap adjacent, and about a second pivot axis in an open position is pivotable, in which it protrudes from the paper path and the Access area enlarged.

Comes in the paper path of cut sheet printers and copiers sometimes jams. In any case, the paper path at least partially exposed to jammed sheets to remove. The simplicity is as follows, instead of Cut sheet printers and copiers from cut sheet printers only spoken; it cannot with single sheet printers only paper, but also other printed matter are processed, in the following only of paper jam, paper goods and the like. is spoken.

It is to remove jammed sheets from the paper path known, for example, to arrange flaps along the paper path, which in the closed position is part of the guide surfaces of the paper path and in the event of a paper jam can be pivoted away from the paper path so that the User can remove the jammed sheets.

So is a copier from US Patent 4,116,556 Known, in which to clear any paper jams in the A flap arrangement is provided in the region of the photoconductor drum is. The flap arrangement consists of two over one Hinged flaps, each of which over a pivot axis on the housing of the copier can be pivoted is stored. The two flaps are common between an operating situation in which they are a management area for the Form paper path, and an open position adjustable in the the flaps are swung away from the paper path and a side Space between the paper path and the flaps release through which jammed sheets can be removed. A comparable flap arrangement with two on the housing hinged flaps is from the US patent 4,478,506 or JP-57 151 954 A.

In these known flap arrangements, the flaps can to be swung away from the paper path to access to enable the paper path. The one created for access There is a gap between the paper path and the flaps however, due to the small size of such copiers comparatively small, so that the jammed leaves only under difficult conditions and with great time Effort can be removed from the paper path.

The object of the invention is a flap arrangement for single sheet printers and copiers that are easy to deploy can be opened and allows easy access to the paper path.

This task is the beginning of a flap arrangement mentioned type solved in that in the open position swiveled flaps open an opening to the paper path for access, and that at least one clamping element on the second flap is provided in the operating position of the second flap is biased and by the biasing force of its opening movement supported in the open position. Advantageous further training result from the dependent claims.

In the invention, they give together in the open position pivoted flaps an opening through which the in Paper jammed sheets in a simple and convenient way can be removed. Furthermore, the opening of the flaps facilitated by the tensioning element that the opening movement the second flap supports. In contrast, is the second door pivoted into the operating position, it is through from the clamping element applied preload is mechanically clamped and is kept in a defined position in this way.

Basically, it is possible to use each of the two flaps its own locking device and its own actuating device equip that separately for each flap must be operated. According to a development of the invention but it is advantageous that the second flap through the Actuator together with the first flap is pivotable, so that the operation is simple and little Takes time.

It would now be possible to have a higher-level actuation and To provide locking device that e.g. over a linkage is connected to each of the two flaps. A special one simple and practical embodiment of the invention now in that the second flap can be taken away from the first flap train.

The first swivel axis can be mounted on a swivel, for example Carrier can be arranged displaceably, so that on this Way the first flap can be swung around obstacles can.

In a preferred embodiment, the first pivot axis arranged stationary on the single sheet printer. To the first She has the ability to swing the flap around an obstacle if necessary, on the back, i.e. from the paper path opposite side, a protruding web, the free End edge is penetrated by the pivot axis.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the second flap be pivoted to store on the first flap and as a tensioning element Tension spring to be provided with one end at the first Flap and with its other end to the second flap is attached so that the second pivot axis when pivoting the first flap pivots. By the tension spring two flaps attached so that they are in their Operating situation between their guide surfaces and the second Swivel axis are loaded towards each other. Thus, the Movement of the second flap at least in one direction, namely when opening the flaps on simple and reliable Controlled way.

In another preferred second embodiment also the second swivel axis fixed on the single sheet printer arranged and a tension spring is provided as a tensioning element with one end fixed on the single printer and with her other end is attached to the second flap. There are thus two separate flaps are provided, which are like shutters articulated on both sides of the access opening of the paper path are.

The flaps can be made of deep-drawn sheet metal, for example shaped or cast in one piece. According to further training the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the Both flaps are parts of profile strips that extend transversely extend to the paper path.

Such profile strips can with high accuracy and surface quality economically made of plastic or Light metal can be produced and with a wide range of options if required Stiffeners are provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Actuating device, which is mounted in the first flap, locking bar extending transversely to the paper path, the in a fixed abutment on the single sheet printer engages and has a pull button for unlocking.

Thus, the first flap is positive in its respective Locking position maintained; The locking bar can be operated using the pull button from the outside of the mechanism of the single sheet printer be operated here. With one accordingly stiff flap it is sufficient to have this on one side only to lock. A reliable mounting of the flap will achieved according to a development of the invention in that an abutment is arranged on both sides of the first flap.

In the first of the above alternative designs is for better stiffening the profile strip and a storage plate on the for storing additional elements first flap attached, which is transverse to this from the Side facing away from the guide surface. The second mouth points on its side facing away from the guide surface a protruding web, at the end of which the second Pivot axis is provided, the second pivot axis is connected to the protruding part of the bearing plate.

Between the first flap, which is the actuator has, and the second flap can be arranged a linkage be that for the movement control of the second flap provides.

Because the first door by locking the actuator is set in its operating position, the Support the second flap in the operating position over the first flap. There is also a fixed abutment provided that the second flap in its operating position supported. This is for a stable and precise end position the second mouth.

The abutment advantageously consists of a stationary one Backdrop that is used to hold and support a Sliding block is provided, which is attached to the second flap is. When swiveling the second flap into the operating position the sliding block intervenes in the backdrop and supports the second flap.

The backdrop near the end of the second flap is preferred arranged, which faces away from the first flap. The The backdrop has two parallel guide webs, which are preferably parallel to the guide surface of the second flap extend, the one facing away from the second flap Guide bar is shortened so that the sliding block when opening the two flaps in front of this guide bridge from the backdrop can be swung out and when closing the flaps against the longer runway runs from and into the scenery is feasible.

The limitation of the open end position of the second flap on the first could be through a rest, a lock, or a suitable arrangement of the tension spring. A special one simple and reliable design is, however, to provide a stop on the bearing plate. The second Flap is against the stop by the tension spring pulled and thus reliably assumes its end position.

A particularly convenient arrangement of the above second form of training, with both flaps on both sides the opening in a fixed pivot bearing attached are that the second flap on their Back and close to it facing away from the first flap has a projecting web, with the free end of the second pivot axis is connected, and that in the open Position the second flap one through the two ends of the Tension spring straight line intersects the second swivel axis. The tension spring thus holds the second flap in its open position, so that an additional stop or a Locking for the second flap is not required even if they are in their open position from engaging with the first flap is released.

To the second flap in its operating position against the force to hold the tension spring, only one stop is required, which, however, must be controlled by the first flap. For this purpose, the second flap is on the first flap Operating situation arranged behind extension, which at locked first flap also the second flap in your Operational situation holds.

The extension preferably serves not only for the second Flap closed, i.e. to keep in their operating position but it is extended so that when closing the first flap engages behind the second flap and thus the carries the second flap into the closed operating position.

All that is needed is a tension spring and a rigid one Extension to the second flap in its closing and opening movement to fully couple with the first flap, whereby the reliability is increased due to the simple structure is.

The extension could for example be designed as a bolt be screwed into the profile bar forming the first flap is. A particularly simple one, however. stable design is that the extension on a sheet is formed, which extends transversely to the first flap and attached to the back. The broad one, however thin-walled extension made of sheet metal, which is transverse in one direction its wall thickness is loaded, forms a light, rigid Element. The sheet also stiffens itself the profile bar that forms the first flap.

The extension can reach behind a separate guide stone, which is formed on the second flap. It is also possible to make the second flap longer than the first, so that the extension engages behind the second flap.

A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the extension acts on the linkage of the tension spring and to the side of the second flap or opposite one Slot is arranged in this, so that the swivel paths the second flap and the extension can overlap. All are thus placed on the second flap Forces introduced into the tension spring linkage. The second The flap itself remains essentially unloaded and can therefore be carried out easily.

The invention is not based on the exemplary embodiments mentioned above and on an arrangement with two flaps limited. For example, each flap can be separate can be operated and locked, and there can be more than two Flaps may be provided. For example, it would be possible to have two Arrange flaps on either side of an opening, one of which at least one in turn composed of two flaps would be as described in the above embodiment.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Längsansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Klappenanordnung, in Betriebslage,

Fig. 2

die Klappenanordnung der Fig. 1 in offener Lage,

Fig. 3

die Klappenanordnung der Fig. 1 während des Öffnens oder Schließens,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Längsansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Klappenanordnung, in Betriebslage,

Fig. 5

die Klappenanordnung der Fig. 4 in offener Lage, und

Fig. 6

die Klappenanordnung der Fig. 4 während des öffnens oder Schließens.

The invention is explained in detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic longitudinal view of a first embodiment of the flap arrangement according to the invention, in the operating position,

Fig. 2

1 in the open position,

Fig. 3

1 during the opening or closing,

Fig. 4

2 shows a schematic longitudinal view of a second embodiment of the flap arrangement according to the invention, in the operating position,

Fig. 5

4 in the open position, and

Fig. 6

the flap arrangement of Fig. 4 during opening or closing.

Reference numerals in one of the three figures 1 to 3 respectively 4 to 6 are valid for all three figures accordingly.

In Fig. 1, several paper paths in side view as dashed lines Lines shown by pinch or conveyor rollers 3 are limited. The paper paths are from guide surfaces limited for the single sheets; these are guide surfaces not shown here, except for an arched one Section in which the guide surface from the outer surfaces two adjacent flaps P1, P2 formed is when this is in the operating position shown in Fig. 1 are located. The two flaps P1 and P2 are located between two pinch roller pairs 3 of the paper path.

Both flaps P1 and P2 are formed from a profile bar, which extends across the paper path. The first Profile rod P1 is formed from a hollow profile, which of the adjacent to the paper path, arcuate in cross section Outer wall, an inner wall connecting its ends like a string and a stiffener is formed that approximates Connects the center of the outer and inner wall. The inner wall has one near the first pivot point D2 flat groove 10 with which it can be opened (Fig. 2) grips the adjacent pinch roller.

At the intersection of the inner and outer wall, the one Pinch roller pair is closest, extends a first Swivel axis D2 along the first flap P1. In the place of The profile rod forming the first flap P1 has a pivot axis a profile section resembling a bore, in the pivot pin inserted at the ends of the profile bar can be in the fixed storage of the not shown Single sheet printer are included.

Another training 11 similar to a bore of the profile bar is located at the junction of the outer wall and stiffening. This training is from a locking bar V1 enforced at at least one end of the first flap P1 has an actuating button, which serves, by pulling or pushing the locking bar V1 in its longitudinal direction (in the profile direction of the first Flap P1) to move so that it is not shown Brackets is released on both sides of the first flap are arranged in a fixed position. The locking bar holds in its rest position V1 the first flap P1 locks in the in Fig. 1 shown operating position.

At one or both ends of the first flap P1 is on this a bearing plate L placed on the bracing and Part of the profile covered by the first pivot axis D2 is turned away. The bearing plate extends over the Inner wall of the profile far out and forms a triangular Leg, the one pointing away from the first flap P1 Tip is penetrated by a second pivot axis D1 and in the middle of a stop A (Fig. 2) is arranged, the on the side of the bearing plate facing the first flap P1 L survives.

At the junction of the inner wall and the bracing there is a spring link 12, the end of the first flap P1 and the bearing plate L protrude.

The outer wall of the first flap P1 is adjacent to an arcuate one Section a of the paper path starting from a straight one Section b followed, on which one wall of a second Flap P2 adjoins. This wall is on her first flap P1 facing edge bent away from the paper path and overlapped there the side of the first flap P1 facing the paper path.

On the back of the second flap P2, from its curved one Edge by about a third of its length (the one in the conveying direction the sheet of paper runs) is removed, stands in their First web 20 extending in the direction of the profile, one Length that is almost half the length of the flap equivalent.

There is a thickening on the free edge of the first web formed an interior resembling a bore, by which runs a second pivot axis D1, which on a imaginary line between the pivot axis D2 and a sliding block G lies. This thickening is on both ends of the Overlapped tip of bearing plate L of first flap P1; a pivot pin attached to this bearing plate L. extends into the interior of the thickening.

Near the edge of the second flap P2, that of the curved edge opposite is from the back of the flap second web 21, the free edge of which is also formed like that of the first bridge. At the ends of this free edge the cylindrical sliding block G is attached in each case extends in the direction of the profile.

At the back of the wall the second flap P2 is about in the middle between the two webs 20 and 21 at each end a spring linkage 22 is formed. Between the two Spring linkages 12 and 22 of the two flaps P1 and P2 a tension spring Z1 extends at each of its ends.

On one side of the second flap P2 there is a fixed, backdrop-like guide F arranged with a long, for adjacent paper web parallel guide web F1 and one short guide bar F2, which is on the side of the long guide bar F1, which is remote from the paper web, in parallel is arranged to this. The distance between the two Guide bars F1 and F2 are dimensioned so that the sliding block G slidably and practically free of play between them is.

1, the sliding block G sits between the two guide bars F1 and F2, so that the second Flap P2 on the one hand through the guide F and on the other hand is held by the second pivot axis D1, which in turn is fixed because the locking rod V1 is the first Holds flap P1 in its operating position.

If the locking rod V1 is released and with it Handling the first flap P1 opened (opposite in Fig. 1 clockwise), the pivot axis D1 moves away from Paper path b and takes the second flap P2 with it. As from Fig. 3, this is loaded by the tension spring Z1 so that they pivoted clockwise about the pivot axis D1 is, the sliding block G against the guide web F1 the Guide F is pressed until the second flap P1 with its first web 20 abuts the stop A (Fig. 2). This Intermediate layer is shown in Fig. 3, in which the arrow f the pressure of the sliding block G against the guide bar F1 clarified.

The sliding block G has meanwhile changed by the length of the Arrow e moves along the guide web F1 and is there stepped out of the engagement area of the holding web F2. Now the pivoting movement of the locking rod V1 continued, then ultimately the one shown in FIG. Open position reached, the sliding block G the dash-dotted line Trajectory g covered.

In this open position, the locking rod V1 can again be locked on the single sheet printer so that the flap arrangement remains in the open position shown in FIG. 2.

When closing, the sliding block G pushes against the guide bar F1 of the guide F and is then along this moves until it is in the space between the guide bar F1 and landing stage F2 arrives. Now the first flap P1 is opened the locking rod V1 locks and holds it in turn in cooperation with the guide F firmly. It takes effect the edge of the second flap away from the first flap P1 Flap P2 in the catchment area between the adjacent ones Pinch rolls of the paper path. Only because of the invention Arrangement from the two flaps P1 and P2 can be one Opening made of such a large width that access to the paper path is facilitated because the second flap P2 first pivoted out of its operating position to the first flap P1 is before it together with the first flap P1 is completely swung away from the paper path.

4 to 6 is a second embodiment of the Flap assembly shown attached to a paper path is limited by two pairs of pinch rollers 4 and 5 and approximately is slightly angled in the middle between them.

The paper path is from two flaps P4 and P3 in their operating position limited, both as described above Flaps P1 and P2, consist of profiled bars, which are extend across the paper web.

The first flap P4 has a wall that adjoins the course the paper web is adapted and from the first pair of pinch rollers 5 to over the middle of the distance to the second pair of pinch rollers 4 extends. The side edge of the first flap P4, facing the first pair of pinch rollers 5 is light bent away from the paper path to the inlet of a sheet of paper to facilitate at this point.

Located near the bent edge on the back the wall (the side facing away from the paper path) an education with an interior resembling a hole through which extends a first pivot axis D4 with which the first flap P4 pivotally attached to the single sheet printer is.

A similar education is in the middle between the two Edges of the first flap P4 attached and take a locking bar V2 on, their structure and mode of operation of the above described locking rod V1 of the first embodiment and which, like this one, the first flap P4 in the operating position shown in Fig. 4 releasably locked.

Furthermore, there is an embodiment with a bore similar Interior each on the second flap P3 facing Edge of the first flap P4 and one at the free end edge Web 40 formed, which for stiffening purposes on the Back of the wall of the first flap P4 near the intake of the Locking rod V2 is attached and at right angles from the Wall protrudes.

On the end sides of the first flap P4 is on both sides a sheet B is attached, the web 40 and the second flap P3 facing part of the wall is carried and one protruding far in the direction of the second flap P3 Has finger that far behind the second flap P3.

The second flap P3 has a wall that extends between the first two pinch rollers 4 reach in on their back approximately in the middle between the two edges Has spring linkage and a guide pin. The Guide pin sits in a configuration that a bore resembles, and near the first pinch rollers one of the The back (the side facing away from the paper path) protrudes Bridge 30 carries. The web 30 has one at its free end edge Thickening, through the interior of which the second pivot axis D3 runs, by means of which the second flap P3 rotatably on Cut sheet printer is attached.

The edge of the wall facing the first flap P4 is sufficient not quite up to the first flap P4 and is off the paper web slightly bent away.

A tension spring Z2 is at one end on the spring linkage the second flap P3, and with its other end a fixed point of the cut sheet printer. This point is the center of the through the two flaps P4 and P3 covered paper path with distance so that 5 the track of the second pivot axis D3 and the two pivot points of the tension spring Z2 lie in a straight line.

In the operating position of FIG. 4, the first flap P4 is through the locking rod V2 held, reaches behind with the Sheet B finger the guide pin of the second flap P3 and thereby keeps them in their operating position, although from the Tension spring Z2 on the second flap P3 a tensile force for opening acts.

The locking rod V2 is unlocked and is by means of the handle attached to it, the first flap P4 in her open position pivoted (Fig. 5), then the first flap P4 in this open position again using the locking rod V2 locked. The second flap P3 is then from Finger released, swung open by the tension of the tension spring Z2 and held by them in the open position.

Now the first flap P4 is in the open position by pressing the locking rod V2 released and swiveled closed, the finger comes into contact with the guide pin on the second flap P3 and pushes it towards the paper path. Because this load against the second pivot axis D3 is offset, the guide pin yields and runs along the edge of the finger against it, he swings the second flap P3 until the flaps P4 and P3 have reached the operating position of FIG. 4.

In both embodiments, the profile bars that the Form flaps P1 and P4, made of plastic or metal, preferably be made of an aluminum alloy. The Bearing plates L and B are on one side on the two Ends of the profile bars attached, the first flaps P1 and form P4.

Claims (17)

1. Shutter arrangement for access to a paper path of single sheet printers and copiers, comprising a pivotably arranged shutter (P1, P4) which, in its arrested operating position, forms a section of a guide surface for the paper path and which can be pivoted with an actuation means (V1, V2) about a first swivelling axis (D2, D4) into an open position in which it stands off from the paper path for access, and comprising a second pivotable shutter (P2, P3) arranged next to the first shutter (P1, P4), which, like the first shutter (P1, P4) forms a section of the guide surface in its lockable operating position, which section adjoins the section formed by the first shutter (P1, P4), and which is pivotable about a second swivelling axis (D1, D3) into an open position in which it stands off from the paper path and enlarges the access area, characterized in that the shutters (P1, P2, P3, P4) pivoted into the open position release an opening to the paper path for access, and in that at least one tension element (Z1, Z2) is provided at the second shutter (P2, P3), which tension element is pre-stressed in the operating position of the second shutter (P2, P3) and supports the opening motion thereof into the open position by the pre-stressing force.
2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the second shutter (P2, P3) is pivotable together with the first shutter (P1, P4) by the actuation means (V1, V2).
3. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the second shutter (P2, P3) is formed such that it can be entrained by the first shutter (P1, P4).
4. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first swivelling axis (D2, D4) is stationarily arranged at the single sheet printer.
5. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second shutter (P2) is pivotably connected to the first shutter (P1) by the second swivelling axis (D1), and in that a tension spring (Z1) serves as tension element, which tension spring has its one end secured to the first shutter (P1) and has its other end secured to the second shutter (P2).
6. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second swivelling axis (D3) is stationarily arranged at the single sheet printer, and in that a tension spring (Z2) serves as tension element, which tension spring has its one end stationarily secured to the single sheet printer and has its other end secured to the second shutter (P3).
7. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two shutters (P1, P2, P4, P3) are sections of profiled ledges which extend transversely relative to the paper path.
8. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuation means is a locking rod (V1, V2) mounted in the first shutter (P1, P4) and extending transversely relative to the paper path, which locking rod engages into an abutment stationarily attached to the single sheet printer or two abutments attached at both sides of the first shutter (P1, P4) and has a draw-button at one end for unlocking.
9. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that a bearing plate (L) is attached to the first shutter (P1), said bearing plate extending transversely thereto and projecting at its side which faces away from the paper path and faces toward the second shutter (P2), in that the second shutter (P2) has a projecting web at its side facing away from the paper path and through the end of which the second swivelling axis (D1) extends, and in that the second swivelling axis (D1) penetrates the projecting part of the bearing plate (L).
10. Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that a stationary abutment (F) is provided which supports the second shutter (P2) in its operating position.
11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the abutment is composed of a stationary connecting link (F) which is configured for the acceptance and support of a sliding pad (G) which is attached to the second shutter (P2), given the swivel motion of the second shutter, enters into engagement with the connecting link (F) or, respectively, releases therefrom and is supported therein in the operating position.
12. Arrangement according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a stop (A) is seated on the bearing plate (L) of the first shutter (P1), said stop (A) projecting into the motion region of the second shutter pivotably mounted at the first shutter (P1) and limiting the opening motion of the second shutter into the open position.
13. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the second shutter (P3) comprises a projecting web (30) at its backside and close to its edge facing away from the first shutter (P4), the free end of said web (30) being penetrated by the second swivelling axis (D3), and in that, in the open position of the second shutter (P3), a straight line extending through the two ends of the tension spring (Z2) intersects the second swivelling axis (D3).
14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that a continuation engaging behind the second shutter (P3) in the operating position is arranged at the first shutter (P4), said continuation also holding the second shutter (P3) in its operating position when the first shutter (P4) is locked.
15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the continuation is lengthened such that, in the open position of both shutters (P4, P3) it engages behind the second shutter (P3) or a fashioning arranged thereat when closing the first shutter (P4) and thus entrains the second shutter (P3) into the closed operating position.
16. Arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the continuation is formed at a plate (B) which extends transversely relative to the first shutter (P4) and is attached to the backside thereof.
17. Arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the continuation acts on the articulation of the tension spring (Z2) and is arranged laterally next to the second shutter (P3) or opposite a slot therein, so that the swivel paths of second shutter (P3) and continuation can overlap.

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