EP1008016B1 - Aligning device - Google Patents

Aligning device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1008016B1
EP1008016B1 EP97945780A EP97945780A EP1008016B1 EP 1008016 B1 EP1008016 B1 EP 1008016B1 EP 97945780 A EP97945780 A EP 97945780A EP 97945780 A EP97945780 A EP 97945780A EP 1008016 B1 EP1008016 B1 EP 1008016B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transport
sheet
aligning
conveying direction
roller
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97945780A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1008016A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Thiemann
Otto Olbrich
Stefan Hajdukiewicz
Georg BÖHMER
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 Production Printing Germany GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
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
Application filed by Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP1008016A1 publication Critical patent/EP1008016A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1008016B1 publication Critical patent/EP1008016B1/en
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
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B65H9/004—Deskewing sheet by abutting against a stop, i.e. producing a buckling of the sheet
    • B65H9/006—Deskewing sheet by abutting against a stop, i.e. producing a buckling of the sheet the stop being formed by forwarding means in stand-by
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/06—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers or balls, e.g. between rollers
    • B65H5/062—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers or balls, e.g. between rollers between rollers or balls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H7/00—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles
    • B65H7/02—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors
    • B65H7/06—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed
    • B65H7/10—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed responsive to incorrect side register
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G03G15/6555—Handling of sheet copy material taking place in a specific part of the copy material feeding path
    • G03G15/6558—Feeding path after the copy sheet preparation and up to the transfer point, e.g. registering; Deskewing; Correct timing of sheet feeding to the transfer point
    • G03G15/6567—Feeding path after the copy sheet preparation and up to the transfer point, e.g. registering; Deskewing; Correct timing of sheet feeding to the transfer point for deskewing or aligning
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/10—Rollers
    • B65H2404/14—Roller pairs
    • B65H2404/144—Roller pairs with relative movement of the rollers to / from each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/10—Rollers
    • B65H2404/15—Roller assembly, particular roller arrangement
    • B65H2404/152—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame
    • B65H2404/1523—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame moving in parallel to its axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/20—Location in space
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/50—Occurence
    • B65H2511/51—Presence
    • B65H2511/514—Particular portion of element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2553/00—Sensing or detecting means
    • B65H2553/40—Sensing or detecting means using optical, e.g. photographic, elements
    • B65H2553/41—Photoelectric detectors
    • B65H2553/412—Photoelectric detectors in barrier arrangements, i.e. emitter facing a receptor element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2553/00—Sensing or detecting means
    • B65H2553/40—Sensing or detecting means using optical, e.g. photographic, elements
    • B65H2553/41—Photoelectric detectors
    • B65H2553/416—Array arrangement, i.e. row of emitters or detectors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/13—Parts concerned of the handled material
    • B65H2701/131—Edges
    • B65H2701/1315—Edges side edges, i.e. regarded in context of transport
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00535—Stable handling of copy medium
    • G03G2215/00556—Control of copy medium feeding
    • G03G2215/00561—Aligning or deskewing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00535—Stable handling of copy medium
    • G03G2215/00717—Detection of physical properties
    • G03G2215/00721—Detection of physical properties of sheet position

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an alignment device, in particular for a single sheet printer or copier, for alignment of a single sheet of a record carrier, with a Sensor device that detects the side edge of the sheet to to determine its position relative to a target pressure position with a traversable transverse to the transport direction of the sheet Transport device with which the sheet held by it in Dependence on the determined position in the target pressure position can be aligned and the two facing each other arranged, in a transverse to the direction of transport running contact line touching transport units has, the line of contact a stop for the front edge of the record carrier, and with one that Sheet of the feeding device feeding the transport device, the sheet in the transport position before being picked up by the Conveying units so far that the sheet between the feed device and the transport device bulges and aligns with the line of contact.
  • the for Printing or copying a single sheet of each Record carrier for example a single sheet Paper that is fed often has the problem that the Recording media at an angle or offset in the single sheet printer or copier is pulled.
  • the oblique or offset recording of the recording medium takes this a position that deviates from a target pressure position in which the record carrier can be printed correctly. Because proper printing on the record carrier only is possible in the target printing position, in particular can be pre-printed Forms or record carriers that are already with Color are printed and applied to the subsequent colors should no longer be printed correctly.
  • US-A-4 805 892 describes a device in US Pat a printer with a sheet based on the target print position is offset transversely to the direction of transport can be.
  • the device is from a feeder and one downstream of this seen in the direction of transport Transport device formed that is transverse to the direction of transport can be moved.
  • Transport device formed that is transverse to the direction of transport can be moved.
  • During the transport of the Sheet becomes the feeder with a higher conveying speed operated as the transport device, so that a loop forms between the two devices, which a movement of the transport device transversely to Direction of transport allows without that to be aligned Sheet is damaged.
  • To align the sheet accordingly a previously determined offset that the to be aligned Sheet transporting device transversely to Transport direction moved.
  • EP-A-0 658 503 describes an alignment device for Copiers with which one with respect to the direction of transport sheet drawn in at an angle parallel to the transport direction can be aligned.
  • the alignment device is off two driven roller pairs formed on a common Line are arranged transversely to the direction of transport and each capture an edge area of the sheet to be aligned.
  • the two pairs of roles with different Conveyor speeds operated so that the one edge area of the sheet compared to the other marginal area of the sheet is delayed or accelerated.
  • DE 32 23 048 C2 is one Alignment device for copiers known in which the Position of individually fed sheets of a record carrier before printing with a traversable transverse to the transport direction Transport device can be changed.
  • this known alignment device is the sheet first aligned parallel to the transport direction. For this the across, i.e. approximately perpendicular to the direction of transport Transport gap of the transport device closed so that there is a line of contact between the transport units formed. This line of contact between the transport units forms the stop for the front edge of the 3lattes.
  • a record carrier sheet is in the copier it is inserted by means of the transport device upstream feeder retracted and in the direction promoted the transport device. The feeder only ends the transport process when the sheet is between the feeding device and the transport device bulges.
  • the arched record carrier sheet stands under tension and lies evenly with its front edge to the line of contact between the transport units of the Transport device on. Then the sheet of the Transport device detected and conveyed into the copier.
  • a sensor device detects during this transport process the side edge of the sheet and determines its position transverse to the direction of transport and relative to the target pressure position. Corresponds to the determined position across the transport direction not the target pressure position, the one holding the sheet Transport device stopped and so far across the transport direction move until the position of the sheet of the target pressure position equivalent. Then the transport process continued.
  • the distance between the feed device and the transport device downstream conveyor that the sheet in the Copier transported be larger than the maximum possible Length of a single sheet. This is the only way to ensure that neither the feeder nor the conveyor hold the sheet while it is off the transport device is aligned transversely to the transport direction. Otherwise the sheet will be damaged during alignment. consequently the length of the alignment device depends on the maximum leaf length and is designed to be large. At the same time, shorter leaves that are less than half as thick are long like the sheets of maximum length by the alignment device not be transported since the surrender such a short sheet from the feeder the transport device or from this to the conveyor device fails.
  • the feeder gives what is to be aligned Sheet free after it from the transport device has been recorded. This ensures in a simple manner that the sheet is aligned transversely to the transport direction during the alignment is only held by the transport device. Furthermore, in the structural arrangement of the feeder to the transport device no consideration of the actual sheet length can be taken so that on the one hand Sheets of different lengths can be aligned and on the other hand the distance of the feed device to the transport device can be kept low, resulting in a small overall length for the alignment device is possible.
  • the feeder has two transverse to the transport direction of the sheet Conveyor units. At least one of the two funding units is between the transport position in which it is at the other Delivery unit is applied, and the open operating position movable in which it is at a distance from the other conveyor unit is held.
  • Suitable conveyor units are, for example rotatably mounted conveyor rollers, at least one of which is driven. Furthermore, the use of conveyor belts or tractor units possible.
  • At least one clamping element is that the movable conveyor unit in the transport position biases. Furthermore, at least on the feed device an actuating unit is provided which the movable conveyor unit against the force of the clamping element in the open operating position emotional. This ensures that the Feeder is ready for transport at any time and only while aligning the blade in the open operating position located.
  • the alignment device to provide a tensioning device which the transport device, before grasping the sheet, in a starting position across stops in the direction of transport in which the transport device is arranged approximately in the center of the transport path, along which the sheet is fed through the alignment device becomes.
  • the alignment device is ensured by the clamping device that the transport device before the recording medium detected, is in a defined starting position.
  • the transport device must be used transversely when moving to the transport device against the force of the clamping device be moved so that it is mechanically clamped. Thereby a particularly high positioning accuracy is achieved.
  • Hydraulic fixtures are suitable among others or mechanical spring elements, each on the two End faces of the transport device arranged on the frame the alignment device are attached.
  • the sensor device preferably has a first edge sensor, seen in the direction of transport, in front of the transport device is arranged.
  • This first edge sensor detects the position of the side edge of the sheet to the target pressure position Start to align the sheet. It is also an advantage if the sensor device is in the transport direction seen after the transport device arranged second Edge sensor has the location of the side edge of the sheet determined only when the transport device the sheet of Transfer location of the single sheet printer or copier supplies. This makes it possible to use the first edge sensor the position of the side edge of the sheet is constantly increasing monitor and the transport device during the process continuously readjust.
  • a first and second edge sensors it is possible not only the Determine sheet offset, but also by comparison that determined by the two edge sensors simultaneously Location values to determine whether the record carrier is drawn in at an angle. Are particularly suitable as edge sensors simple light barriers but also light sensitive Arrangements like CCD arrays.
  • the transport device is preferably by means of a first drive transverse to the transport direction of the record carrier method.
  • a first drive especially servo drives, since they are controlled very precisely can be.
  • Stepper motors are also used as drives for the transport device proposed as this by counting of the individual control pulses positioned very precisely can be and at the same time by counting the individual Control pulses determined the position of the transport device can be.
  • the first transport unit of the transport device is one transport roller extending transversely to the transport direction. At least one is pre-tensioned as the second transport unit back pressure roller resting on the transport roller used. Both the transport roller and the counter pressure roller can be formed with an elastic coating be so that the sheet can be held securely.
  • the transport takes place by means of a second drive that moves the transport roller.
  • a drive a servo drive or is also suitable here a stepper motor.
  • tractor units can be used as transport units So-called tractor units are used, the record carrier using conveyor belts in the alignment device move in.
  • FIG 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment an alignment device 10 shown for alignment of a single sheet 12 of a record carrier made of paper.
  • the alignment device 10 has an in Figure 1 shown approximately in the middle of the transport device 14, seen in the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12 of the transport device 14 arranged feed device 18 and one in the transport direction 16 to the transport device 14 subsequent conveyor device 20. Furthermore is the alignment device 10 with a total of four light barriers 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • the first light barrier 22 is seen directly in the transport direction 16 arranged in front of the feed device 18 and gives to the Control (not shown) of the alignment device 10 Signal off as soon as the sheet 12 in the alignment device 10th is inserted.
  • the second and third light barriers 24 and 26 are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the transport device 14.
  • the second light barrier 24 is in the transport direction 16 positioned in front of the transport device 14 and detects the sheet 12 as soon as it is the transport device 14th is fed.
  • the third light barrier 26 is in the transport direction 16 seen after the transport device 14 arranged and is used to determine the side edge of the sheet 12, as soon as the sheet 12 is gripped by the transport device 14 has been.
  • Seen in the transport direction 16 immediately before of the conveyor device 20 is the fourth light barrier 28 attached, which grips the sheet 12 once it is the conveyor 20 is supplied.
  • the transport device 14 uses one in a frame (not shown) mounted transport roller 30, which extends transversely to the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12. Above the transport roller 30, three are also in the Frame-held counter-pressure rollers 32 stored under Bias applied to the transport roller 30 and with this form a transport gap through which the sheet 12 is conveyed becomes. On the right front side of the Transport roller 30, a roller drive 34 is arranged. This Roller drive 34 displaces the transport roller 30 during the Transport of the sheet 12 in rotation, so that by the under Biasing on the transport roller 30 abutting pressure rollers 32 the sheet 12 is promoted.
  • the frame of the transport device 14 is transverse to the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12 extending guide rails (not shown) held. On each face of the frame the transport device 14 is one end of each Leaf spring 36 and 38 attached. The other end of the leaf spring 36 and 38 is fixed to the frame 40 of the alignment device 10 connected. Immediately behind the roller drive 34, an actuator 42 is attached to this, the drive shaft 44 extends in the transport direction 16. The Drive shaft 44 is equipped with a toothing that with one attached to the frame 40 of the alignment device 10, rack extending transversely to the transport direction 16 46 is engaged.
  • the actuator 42 by the controller (not shown) of the alignment device 10 activated by the interaction of the drive shaft 44 with the rack 46, the transport device 14 along the Guides against the force of the leaf springs 36 and 38 across Transport direction 16 moves. If the actuator 42 is deactivated, the transport device 14 moves through the Effect of leaf springs 36 and 38 back in their Starting position.
  • the feed device 18 uses a transverse to the transport direction 16 extending feed roller 48 which in one Frame (not shown) is rotatably mounted. Above the Feed roller 48 is arranged a counter pressure roller 50. The The platen roller 50 is at one end thereof pivotable plate 52 and 54 rotatably mounted. The swiveling Plates 52 and 54 are on a common axis A. attached, which in turn on the frame (not shown) is rotatably mounted. On each plate 52 and 54 is also a coil spring 56 or 58 pushed onto the axis A.
  • the conveyor 20 also uses a cross to the direction of transport 16 extending conveyor roller 64 on the under Prestress three back pressure rollers 66.
  • the conveyor roller 64 is 68 in by means of a conveyor roller drive Rotation offset, so that between the conveyor roller 64 and arranged the counter pressure rollers 66 arranged sheet 12 becomes.
  • the controller stops the feeder 18 until the fourth light barrier 28 has detected that the further sheet has left the alignment device 10.
  • the control deactivates the roller drive 34 and moves with it With the help of the actuator 42, the transport device 14 back to their starting position, i.e. approximately in the middle of the transport track.
  • the controller then activates the feed device again 18, so that the sheet 12 to be aligned further in the alignment device 10 is retracted.
  • the feeder 18 not stopped, but pulls the sheet 12 without Interruption in the alignment device 10.
  • the sheet 12 to be aligned is placed in the transport device 14 arrives, its front edge slides into the transport gap between transport roller 30 and counter-pressure roller 32. It forms the one shown in dash-dotted line Line of contact between the transport roller 30 and the this adjacent pressure rollers 32 a stop on which the front edge of the sheet 12 aligns. Because the feeder 18 still the sheet 12 in the alignment device 10 promotes, the sheet 12 bulges between the Feed device 18 and transport device 14, as in Figure 1 shown. After a specified period, the Control of the alignment device 10, the feed device 18 so that the sheet is held by the feeder 18 is and at the same time due to the bulge caused tension in sheet 12 with its leading edge aligns the line of contact.
  • the controller holds the transport device 14 on.
  • the control then actuates the control elements 60 of the feed device 18, whereby the counter-pressure roller 50 from their transport position in which they are under tension the feed roller 48 is in the open operating position is moved in which it is kept at a distance from the feed roller 48 is.
  • the feed device 18 the sheet 12 free, which relaxes and flat again runs along the transport direction 16.
  • the transport device 14 begins the alignment process, which is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 becomes.
  • FIG. 1 shows a path-time diagram and a current-time diagram below this.
  • the path-time diagram shows the alignment process of the sheet 12 in a top view, the different positions of the sheet 12 being shown in dotted, dashed or solid lines.
  • the setpoint pressure position which is labeled X D on the path axis, runs in a dashed line.
  • the value X 0 on the axis defines the starting position of the sheet 12 when it is drawn into the alignment device 10.
  • the value X L defines a predetermined distance of the third light barrier 26 from the target pressure position, which should be 6 mm in this exemplary embodiment.
  • the current-time diagram shows the signal curve 70 of the light barrier 26 and the signal curve 72 of the actuator 42, with which the transport device 14 is moved transversely to the transport direction 16.
  • the sheet previously aligned by the alignment device 10 has left the transport device 14. Since the light barrier 26 is no longer interrupted, it generates a signal (shown hatched).
  • the light barrier 26 informs the controller that the sheet has left the transport device 14, the.
  • Actuator 42 activated, as shown in the waveform 72; whereby the transport device 14 is moved back to its original position. The return movement of the transport device 14 is completed at time t 2 .
  • the third light barrier 26 detects the sheet 12 to be realigned, which is drawn into the transport device 14 with an initial position X 0 .
  • the third light barrier 26 is interrupted, which can be seen in the signal curve 70.
  • the control detects the signal from the third light barrier 26 at time t 3 , it moves the feed device 18 into the open position, which releases the sheet 12, and then activates the actuator 42, which transversely transversely aligns the entire transport device 14 and thus also the sheet 12 to be aligned moved to the transport direction 16 to the left.
  • the sheet 12 has been moved to the left so far that its position corresponds to the position X L of the third light barrier 26, this is no longer interrupted by the sheet 12 and generates a signal, as shown in the signal curve 70.
  • the control system recognizes that the sheet 12 is at the level of the third light barrier 26 and stops the actuator drive second drive 42.
  • the control activates the actuator 42 in such a way that it moves the transport device 14 and thus the sheet 12 to the right transversely to the transport direction.
  • the actuator 42 is operated by the control at a constant speed over a predetermined period of time. After this period of time at time t 6 , the control stops the actuator 42, so that the transport device 14 and thus the sheet 12 remain in a certain position transverse to the transport direction 16. Since the actuator 42 had been activated at a constant speed for a predetermined period of time, the blade 12 was moved to the right a predetermined distance.
  • This path section corresponds to the distance between the third light barrier 26 and the target pressure position X D , so that the sheet 12 is at the level of the target pressure position X D with the right side edge from time t 6 .
  • the control activates the roller drive 34 of the transport device 14 and the conveyor roller drive 68 of the conveyor 20. This will remove the sheet 12 from the alignment device 10 transported.
  • the deactivated Control the adjusting elements 60 of the feed device 18, whereby the platen roller 50 by the force of the coil springs 56 and 58 is moved back to its transport position.

Abstract

The invention relates to an aligning device (10) for individual sheet (12) alignment. The aligning device (10) comprises a sensor device (22, 24, 26, 28), a feeding device (18), a conveyor device (14) located downstream from the feeding device in the direction of conveyance of the sheet (12). In order to align the sheet (12) the sensor device (22, 24, 26, 28) detects the side end of sheet so that its position can be determined in relation to a desired printing position. The conveyor device (14) holding the sheet (12) is shifted in relation to the direction (16) in which the sheet (12) is conveyed so that the sheet (12) can be moved into the desired printing position. Before the sheet is aligned (12) the feeding device (18), which feeds the sheet (12) to the conveyor device (14), is opened.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Ausrichtvorrichtung, insbesondere für einen Einzelblattdrucker oder Kopierer, zum Ausrichten eines einzelnen Blattes eines Aufzeichnungsträgers, mit einer Sensorvorrichtung, die die Seitenkante des Blattes erfaßt, um dessen Lage relativ zu einer Soll-Drucklage zu ermitteln, mit einer quer zur Transportrichtung des Blattes verfahrbaren Transportvorrichtung, mit der das von ihr gehaltene Blatt in Abhängigkeit von der ermittelten Lage in die Soll-Drucklage ausgerichtet werden kann und die zwei einander gegenüberliegend angeordnete, sich in einer quer zur Transportrichtung verlaufenden Berührungslinie berührende Transporteinheiten hat, wobei die Berührungslinie einen Anschlag für die Vorderkante des Aufzeichnungsträgers bildet, und mit einer das Blatt der Transportvorrichtung zuführenden Zuführvorrichtung, die in Transportstellung das Blatt vor dem Erfassen durch die Transporteinheiten soweit fördert, daß sich das Blatt zwischen der Zuführvorrichtung und der Transportvorrichtung wölbt und an der Berührungslinie ausrichtet.The invention relates to an alignment device, in particular for a single sheet printer or copier, for alignment of a single sheet of a record carrier, with a Sensor device that detects the side edge of the sheet to to determine its position relative to a target pressure position with a traversable transverse to the transport direction of the sheet Transport device with which the sheet held by it in Dependence on the determined position in the target pressure position can be aligned and the two facing each other arranged, in a transverse to the direction of transport running contact line touching transport units has, the line of contact a stop for the front edge of the record carrier, and with one that Sheet of the feeding device feeding the transport device, the sheet in the transport position before being picked up by the Conveying units so far that the sheet between the feed device and the transport device bulges and aligns with the line of contact.

Bei einem Einzelblattdrucker oder einem Kopierer, dem zum Bedrucken bzw. Kopieren jeweils ein einzelnes Blatt eines Aufzeichnungsträgers, beispielsweise ein einzelnes Blatt Papier, zugeführt wird, besteht häufig das Problem, daß der Aufzeichnungsträger schräg oder versetzt in den Einzelblattdrucker bzw. Kopierer eingezogen wird. Durch das schräge oder versetzte Einziehen des Aufzeichnungsträgers nimmt dieser eine Lage ein, die von einer Soll-Drucklage abweicht, in der der Aufzeichnungsträger ordnungsgemäß bedruckt werden kann. Da ein ordnungsgemäßes Bedrucken des Aufzeichnungsträgers nur in der Soll-Drucklage möglich ist, können insbesondere vorbedruckte Formulare oder Aufzeichnungsträger, die bereits mit Farbe bedruckt sind und auf die Folgefarben aufgebracht werden sollen, nicht mehr fehlerfrei bedruckt werden. With a single sheet printer or a copier, the for Printing or copying a single sheet of each Record carrier, for example a single sheet Paper that is fed often has the problem that the Recording media at an angle or offset in the single sheet printer or copier is pulled. By the oblique or offset recording of the recording medium takes this a position that deviates from a target pressure position in which the record carrier can be printed correctly. Because proper printing on the record carrier only is possible in the target printing position, in particular can be pre-printed Forms or record carriers that are already with Color are printed and applied to the subsequent colors should no longer be printed correctly.

Zur Lösung dieses Froblemes sind verschiedene Vorrichtungen bekannt. So beschreibt die US-A-4 805 892 eine Einrichtung in einem Drucker, mit der ein Blatt, das bezogen auf die Soll-Drucklage quer zur Transportrichtung versetzt ist, ausgerichtet werden kann. Die Einrichtung ist aus einer Zuführvorrichtung und einer in Transportrichtung gesehen dieser nachgeordneten Transportvorrichtung gebildet, die quer zur Transportrichtung bewegt werden kann. Während des Transportes des Blattes wird die Zuführvorrichtung mit einer höheren Fördergeschwindigkeit betrieben als die Transportvorrichtung, so daß sich zwischen den beiden Vorrichtungen eine Schlaufe bildet, die eine Bewegung der Transportvorrichtung quer zur Transportrichtung ermöglicht, ohne daß das auszurichtende Blatt beschädigt wird. Zum Ausrichten des Blattes wird entsprechend einem zuvor ermittelten Versatz die das auszurichtende Blatt transportierende Transportvorrichtung quer zur Transportrichtung bewegt.Various devices are available to solve this problem known. For example, US-A-4 805 892 describes a device in US Pat a printer with a sheet based on the target print position is offset transversely to the direction of transport can be. The device is from a feeder and one downstream of this seen in the direction of transport Transport device formed that is transverse to the direction of transport can be moved. During the transport of the Sheet becomes the feeder with a higher conveying speed operated as the transport device, so that a loop forms between the two devices, which a movement of the transport device transversely to Direction of transport allows without that to be aligned Sheet is damaged. To align the sheet accordingly a previously determined offset that the to be aligned Sheet transporting device transversely to Transport direction moved.

Die EP-A-0 658 503 beschreibt eine Ausrichtvorrichtung für Kopiereinrichtungen, mit der ein bezüglich der Transportrichtung schräg eingezogenes Blatt parallel zur Transportrichtung ausgerichtet werden kann. Die Ausrichtvorrichtung ist aus zwei angetriebenen Rollenpaaren gebildet, die auf einer gemeinsamen Linie quer zur Transportrichtung angeordnet sind und jeweils einen Randbereich des auszurichtenden Blattes erfassen. Zum Ausrichten des Blattes parallel zur Transportrichtung werden die beiden Rollenpaare mit unterschiedlichen Fördergeschwindigkeiten betrieben, so daß der eine Randbereich des Blattes verglichen mit dem anderen Randbereich des Blattes verzögert oder beschleunigt wird. EP-A-0 658 503 describes an alignment device for Copiers with which one with respect to the direction of transport sheet drawn in at an angle parallel to the transport direction can be aligned. The alignment device is off two driven roller pairs formed on a common Line are arranged transversely to the direction of transport and each capture an edge area of the sheet to be aligned. For aligning the sheet parallel to the transport direction the two pairs of roles with different Conveyor speeds operated so that the one edge area of the sheet compared to the other marginal area of the sheet is delayed or accelerated.

Aus der DE 32 23 048 C2 ist eine Ausrichtvorrichtung für Kopiergeräte bekannt, bei der die Lage einzeln zugeführter Blätter eines Aufzeichnungsträgers vor dem Bedrucken mit einer quer zur Transportrichtung verfahrbaren Transportvorrichtung verändert werden kann. Bei dieser bekannten Ausrichtvorrichtung wird das Blatt zunächst parallel zur Transportrichtung ausgerichtet. Dazu wird der quer, d.h. etwa senkrecht zur Transportrichtung verlaufende Transportspalt der Transportvorrichtung geschlossen, so daß sich zwischen den Transporteinheiten eine Berührungslinie ausbildet. Diese Berührungslinie zwischen den Transporteinheiten bildet den Anschlag für die Vorderkante des 3lattes. Wird nun ein Aufzeichnungsträgerblatt in das Kopiergerät eingelegt, wird es mittels der der Transportvorrichtung vorgeschalteten Zuführvorrichtung eingezogen und in Richtung der Transportvorrichtung gefördert. Die Zuführvorrichtung beendet den Transportvorgang erst, wenn sich das Blatt zwischen der Zuführvorrichtung und der Transportvorrichtung wölbt. Dadurch steht das gewölbte Aufzeichnungsträgerblatt unter Spannung und liegt mit seiner Vorderkante gleichmäßig an die Berührungslinie zwischen den Transporteinheiten der Transportvorrichtung an. Anschließend wird das Blatt von der Transportvorrichtung erfaßt und in das Kopiergerät gefördert. Während dieses Transportvorgangs erfaßt eine Sensorvorrichtung die Seitenkante des Blattes und ermittelt deren Lage quer zur Transportrichtung und relativ zur Soll-Drucklage. Entspricht die ermittelte Lage quer zur Transportrichtung nicht der Soll-Drucklage, wird die das Blatt haltende Transportvorrichtung gestoppt und soweit quer zur Transportrichtung verfahren, bis die Lage des Blattes der Soll-Drucklage entspricht. Anschließend wird der Transportvorgang fortgesetzt.DE 32 23 048 C2 is one Alignment device for copiers known in which the Position of individually fed sheets of a record carrier before printing with a traversable transverse to the transport direction Transport device can be changed. at this known alignment device is the sheet first aligned parallel to the transport direction. For this the across, i.e. approximately perpendicular to the direction of transport Transport gap of the transport device closed so that there is a line of contact between the transport units formed. This line of contact between the transport units forms the stop for the front edge of the 3lattes. Now a record carrier sheet is in the copier it is inserted by means of the transport device upstream feeder retracted and in the direction promoted the transport device. The feeder only ends the transport process when the sheet is between the feeding device and the transport device bulges. As a result, the arched record carrier sheet stands under tension and lies evenly with its front edge to the line of contact between the transport units of the Transport device on. Then the sheet of the Transport device detected and conveyed into the copier. A sensor device detects during this transport process the side edge of the sheet and determines its position transverse to the direction of transport and relative to the target pressure position. Corresponds to the determined position across the transport direction not the target pressure position, the one holding the sheet Transport device stopped and so far across the transport direction move until the position of the sheet of the target pressure position equivalent. Then the transport process continued.

Bei dieser bekannten Ausrichtvorrichtung muß der Abstand zwischen der Zuführvorrichtung und der der Transportvorrichtung nachgeordneten Fördervorrichtung, die das Blatt in das Kopiergerät transportiert, größer sein als die maximal mögliche Länge eines einzelnen Blattes. Nur so ist sichergestellt, daß weder die Zuführvorrichtung noch die Fördervorrichtung das Blatt halten, während es von der Transportvorrichtung quer zur Transportrichtung ausgerichtet wird. Andernfalls wird das Blatt während des Ausrichtens beschädigt. Folglich richtet sich die Baulänge der Ausrichtvorrichtung nach der maximalen Blattlänge und ist entsprechend groß ausgebildet. Gleichzeitig können kürzere Blätter, die weniger als halb so lang sind wie die Blätter maximaler Länge durch die Ausrichtungsvorrichtung nicht transportiert werden, da die Übergabe eines derartig kurzen Blattes von der Zuführvorrichtung an die Transportvorrichtung oder von dieser an die Fördervorrichtung scheitert.In this known alignment device, the distance between the feed device and the transport device downstream conveyor that the sheet in the Copier transported, be larger than the maximum possible Length of a single sheet. This is the only way to ensure that neither the feeder nor the conveyor hold the sheet while it is off the transport device is aligned transversely to the transport direction. Otherwise the sheet will be damaged during alignment. consequently the length of the alignment device depends on the maximum leaf length and is designed to be large. At the same time, shorter leaves that are less than half as thick are long like the sheets of maximum length by the alignment device not be transported since the surrender such a short sheet from the feeder the transport device or from this to the conveyor device fails.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung eine Ausrichtvorrichtung bereitzustellen, deren Baulänge vergleichsweise gering ist und die auf einfache Weise Blätter unterschiedlichster Länge ausrichten kann.It is an object of the invention to provide an alignment device whose overall length is comparatively short and the align sheets of various lengths in a simple manner can.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Ausrichtvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, daß die Zuführvorrichtung von der Transportstellung in eine offene Betriebsstellung verstellbar ist, in der sie das Blatt nach dem Erfassen durch die Transporteinrichtung freigibt. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.This task is at the beginning of an alignment device mentioned type solved in that the feed device of the transport position is adjustable into an open operating position is in the sheet after capturing it through the transport device releases. Advantageous further training result from the subclaims.

Bei der Erfindung gibt die Zuführvorrichtung das auszurichtende Blatt frei, nachdem es von der Transportvorrichtung erfaßt worden ist. Dadurch ist auf einfache Weise sichergestellt, daß das Blatt während des Ausrichtens quer zur Transportrichtung nur von der Transportvorrichtung gehalten wird. Ferner muß bei der konstruktiven Anordnung der Zuführvorrichtung zur Transportvorrichtung keinerlei Rücksicht auf die tatsächliche Blattlänge genommen werden, so daß einerseits Blätter unterschiedlichster Länge ausgerichtet werden können und andererseits der Abstand der Zuführvorrichtung zur Transportvorrichtung gering gehalten werden kann, wodurch eine geringe Baulänge für die Ausrichtvorrichtung möglich ist.In the invention, the feeder gives what is to be aligned Sheet free after it from the transport device has been recorded. This ensures in a simple manner that the sheet is aligned transversely to the transport direction during the alignment is only held by the transport device. Furthermore, in the structural arrangement of the feeder to the transport device no consideration of the actual sheet length can be taken so that on the one hand Sheets of different lengths can be aligned and on the other hand the distance of the feed device to the transport device can be kept low, resulting in a small overall length for the alignment device is possible.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform hat die Zuführvorrichtung zwei quer zur Transportrichtung des Blattes verlaufende Fördereinheiten. Mindestens eine der beiden Fördereinheiten ist zwischen der Transportstellung, in der sie an der anderen Fördereinheit anliegt, und der offenen Betriebsstellung bewegbar, in der sie mit Abstand zur anderen Fördereinheit gehalten ist. Als Fördereinheiten eignen sich beispielsweise drehbar gelagerte Förderwalzen, von denen mindestens eine angetrieben ist. Des weiteren ist die Verwendung von Förderbändern oder Traktoreinheiten möglich.In a preferred embodiment, the feeder has two transverse to the transport direction of the sheet Conveyor units. At least one of the two funding units is between the transport position in which it is at the other Delivery unit is applied, and the open operating position movable in which it is at a distance from the other conveyor unit is held. Suitable conveyor units are, for example rotatably mounted conveyor rollers, at least one of which is driven. Furthermore, the use of conveyor belts or tractor units possible.

Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist es ferner von Vorteil, wenn an der Zuführvorrichtung mindestens ein Spannelement vorgesehen ist, das die bewegbare Fördereinheit in die Transportstellung vorspannt. Ferner ist an der Zuführvorrichtung mindestens eine Stelleinheit vorgesehen, die die bewegbare Fördereinheit gegen die Kraft des Spannelementes in die offene Betriebsstellung bewegt. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, daß die Zuführvorrichtung jederzeit transportbereit ist und sich nur während des Ausrichtens des Blattes in der offenen Betriebsstellung befindet.In this embodiment, it is also advantageous if on the feed device is provided at least one clamping element is that the movable conveyor unit in the transport position biases. Furthermore, at least on the feed device an actuating unit is provided which the movable conveyor unit against the force of the clamping element in the open operating position emotional. This ensures that the Feeder is ready for transport at any time and only while aligning the blade in the open operating position located.

Des weiteren wird vorgeschlagen, an der Ausrichtvorrichtung eine Spannvorrichtung vorzusehen, die die Transportvorrichtung, bevor sie das Blatt erfaßt, in einer Ausgangslage quer zur Transportrichtung hält, in der die Transportvorrichtung etwa mittig ausgerichtet zur Transportbahn angeordnet ist, entlang der das Blatt durch die Ausrichtvorrichtung geführt wird. Während des eigentlichen Ausrichtens des Blattes wird dann die Transportvorrichtung gegen die Kraft der Spannvorrichtung verfahren. Bei dieser Ausführungsform der Ausrichtvorrichtung wird durch die Spannvorrichtung sichergestellt, daß sich die Transportvorrichtung, bevor sie den Aufzeichnungsträger erfaßt, in einer definierten Ausgangslage befindet. Ferner mußt die Transportvorrichtung beim Verfahren quer zur Transportvorrichtung gegen die Kraft der Spannvorrichtung bewegt werden, so daß sie mechanisch eingespannt ist. Dadurch wird eine besonders hohe Positioniergenauigkeit erzielt. Als Spannvorrichtungen eignen sich unter anderem hydraulische oder mechanische Federelemente, die jeweils an den beiden Stirnseiten der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet, am Gestell der Ausrichtvorrichtung befestigt sind.Furthermore, it is proposed to use the alignment device to provide a tensioning device which the transport device, before grasping the sheet, in a starting position across stops in the direction of transport in which the transport device is arranged approximately in the center of the transport path, along which the sheet is fed through the alignment device becomes. During the actual alignment of the sheet then the transport device against the force of the clamping device method. In this embodiment, the alignment device is ensured by the clamping device that the transport device before the recording medium detected, is in a defined starting position. Furthermore, the transport device must be used transversely when moving to the transport device against the force of the clamping device be moved so that it is mechanically clamped. Thereby a particularly high positioning accuracy is achieved. As Hydraulic fixtures are suitable among others or mechanical spring elements, each on the two End faces of the transport device arranged on the frame the alignment device are attached.

Die Sensorvorrichtung hat vorzugsweise einen ersten Kantensensor, der in Transportrichtung gesehen, vor der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet ist. Dieser erste Kantensensor erfaßt die Lage der Seitenkante des Blattes zur Soll-Drucklage zu Beginn des Ausrichtens des Blattes. Weiter ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Sensorvorrichtung einen in Transportrichtung gesehen nach der Transportvorrichtung angeordneten zweiten Kantensensor hat, der die Lage der Seitenkante des Blattes erst bestimmt, wenn die Transportvorrichtung das Blatt der Umdruckstelle des Einzelblattdruckers bzw. des Kopierers zuführt. Dadurch ist es möglich, mit Hilfe des ersten Kantensensors die Lage der Seitenkante des Blattes ständig zu überwachen und die Transportvorrichtung beim Verfahren kontinuierlich nachzuregeln. Bei gleichzeitiger Verwendung eines ersten und zweiten Kantensensors ist es möglich nicht nur den Versatz des Blattes zu ermitteln, sondern auch durch Vergleich der von den beiden Kantensensoren gleichzeitig ermittelten Lagewerte zu bestimmen, ob der Aufzeichnungsträger schräg eingezogen wird. Als Kantensensoren eignen sich insbesondere einfache Lichtschranken aber auch lichtempfindliche Anordnungen wie CCD-Arrays.The sensor device preferably has a first edge sensor, seen in the direction of transport, in front of the transport device is arranged. This first edge sensor detects the position of the side edge of the sheet to the target pressure position Start to align the sheet. It is also an advantage if the sensor device is in the transport direction seen after the transport device arranged second Edge sensor has the location of the side edge of the sheet determined only when the transport device the sheet of Transfer location of the single sheet printer or copier supplies. This makes it possible to use the first edge sensor the position of the side edge of the sheet is constantly increasing monitor and the transport device during the process continuously readjust. When using a first and second edge sensors it is possible not only the Determine sheet offset, but also by comparison that determined by the two edge sensors simultaneously Location values to determine whether the record carrier is drawn in at an angle. Are particularly suitable as edge sensors simple light barriers but also light sensitive Arrangements like CCD arrays.

Die Transportvorrichtung wird vorzugsweise mittels eines ersten Antriebes quer zur Transportrichtung des Aufzeichnungsträgers verfahren. Als erster Antrieb eignen sich insbesondere Servoantriebe, da diese sehr genau angesteuert werden können. Ferner werden Schrittmotoren als Antriebe für die Transportvorrichtung vorgeschlagen, da diese durch Abzählen der einzelnen Steuerimpulse sehr genau positioniert werden können und gleichzeitig durch Abzählen der einzelnen Steuerimpulse die Position der Transportvorrichtung ermittelt werden kann.The transport device is preferably by means of a first drive transverse to the transport direction of the record carrier method. Are suitable as the first drive especially servo drives, since they are controlled very precisely can be. Stepper motors are also used as drives for the transport device proposed as this by counting of the individual control pulses positioned very precisely can be and at the same time by counting the individual Control pulses determined the position of the transport device can be.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Ausrichtvorrichtung ist die erste Transporteinheit der Transportvorrichtung eine sich quer zur Transportrichtung erstreckende Transportwalze. Als zweite Transporteinheit wird mindestens eine unter Vorspannung an der Transportwalze anliegende Gegendruckwalze verwendet. Sowohl die Transportwalze als auch die Gegendruckwalze können mit einer elastischen Beschichtung ausgebildet sein, so daß das Blatt sicher gehalten werden kann. Bei dieser Ausführungsform erfolgt der Transport mittels eines zweiten Antriebes, der die Transportwalze bewegt. Als Antrieb eignet sich auch hier beispielsweise ein Servoantrieb oder ein Schrittmotor. Des weiteren können als Transporteinheiten sogenannte Traktoreinheiten verwendet werden, die den Aufzeichnungsträger mittels Transportbänder in die Ausrichtvorrichtung einziehen.In a preferred embodiment of the alignment device the first transport unit of the transport device is one transport roller extending transversely to the transport direction. At least one is pre-tensioned as the second transport unit back pressure roller resting on the transport roller used. Both the transport roller and the counter pressure roller can be formed with an elastic coating be so that the sheet can be held securely. at this embodiment, the transport takes place by means of a second drive that moves the transport roller. As a drive a servo drive or is also suitable here a stepper motor. Furthermore can be used as transport units So-called tractor units are used, the record carrier using conveyor belts in the alignment device move in.

Nachfolgend wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Darin zeigen:

Figur 1
eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Ausrichtvorrichtung nach der Erfindung; und
Figur 2
eine schematische Darstellung der Vorgänge beim Ausrichten eines einzelnen Blattes eines Aufzeichnungsträgers.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. In it show:
Figure 1
a schematic diagram of an alignment device according to the invention; and
Figure 2
is a schematic representation of the processes when aligning a single sheet of a recording medium.

In Figur 1 ist eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispieles einer Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 gezeigt, die zum Ausrichten eines einzelnen Blattes 12 eines Aufzeichnungsträgers aus Papier dient. Die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 hat eine in Figur 1 etwa in der Mitte dargestellte Transportvorrichtung 14, eine in Transportrichtung 16 des Blattes 12 gesehen vor der Transportvorrichtung 14 angeordnete Zuführeinrichtung 18 sowie eine sich in Transportrichtung 16 an die Transportvorrichtung 14 anschließende Fördervorrichtung 20. Des weiteren ist die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 mit insgesamt vier Lichtschranken 22, 24, 26 und 28 ausgestattet. Die erste Lichtschranke 22 ist in Transportrichtung 16 gesehen unmittelbar vor der Zuführvorrichtung 18 angeordnet und gibt an die Steuerung (nicht dargestellt) der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 ein Signal ab, sobald das Blatt 12 in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 eingelegt wird. Die zweite und dritte Lichtschranke 24 und 26 sind in unmittelbarer Nähe der Transportvorrichtung 14 angeordnet. Die zweite Lichtschranke 24 ist in Transportrichtung 16 gesehen vor der Transportvorrichtung 14 positioniert und erfaßt das Blatt 12, sobald es der Transportvorrichtung 14 zugeführt wird. Die dritte Lichtschranke 26 ist in Transportrichtung 16 gesehen nach der Transportvorrichtung 14 angeordnet und dient zum Ermitteln der Seitenkante des Blattes 12, sobald das Blatt 12 von der Transportvorrichtung 14 erfaßt worden ist. In Transportrichtung 16 gesehen unmittelbar vor der Fördervorrichtung 20 ist die vierte Lichtschranke 28 befestigt, die das Blatt 12 erfaßt, sobald es der Fördervorrichtung 20 zugeführt wird. Durch Einsatz der Lichtschranken 22, 24, 26 und 28 wird sichergestellt, daß sich während der Ausrichtung des Blattes 12 durch die Transportvorrichtung 14 nur ein Blatt 12 in der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 befindet, wie nachfolgend noch erläutert wird.In Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment an alignment device 10 shown for alignment of a single sheet 12 of a record carrier made of paper. The alignment device 10 has an in Figure 1 shown approximately in the middle of the transport device 14, seen in the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12 of the transport device 14 arranged feed device 18 and one in the transport direction 16 to the transport device 14 subsequent conveyor device 20. Furthermore is the alignment device 10 with a total of four light barriers 22, 24, 26 and 28. The first light barrier 22 is seen directly in the transport direction 16 arranged in front of the feed device 18 and gives to the Control (not shown) of the alignment device 10 Signal off as soon as the sheet 12 in the alignment device 10th is inserted. The second and third light barriers 24 and 26 are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the transport device 14. The second light barrier 24 is in the transport direction 16 positioned in front of the transport device 14 and detects the sheet 12 as soon as it is the transport device 14th is fed. The third light barrier 26 is in the transport direction 16 seen after the transport device 14 arranged and is used to determine the side edge of the sheet 12, as soon as the sheet 12 is gripped by the transport device 14 has been. Seen in the transport direction 16 immediately before of the conveyor device 20 is the fourth light barrier 28 attached, which grips the sheet 12 once it is the conveyor 20 is supplied. By using the light barriers 22, 24, 26 and 28 ensures that during the Alignment of the sheet 12 by the transport device 14 only one sheet 12 is in the alignment device 10, such as will be explained below.

Die Transportvorrichtung 14 verwendet eine in einem Rahmen (nicht dargestellt) gelagerte Transportwalze 30, die sich quer zur Transportrichtung 16 des Blattes 12 erstreckt. Oberhalb der Transportwalze 30 sind drei gleichfalls im Rahmen gehaltene Gegendruckwalzen 32 gelagert, die unter Vorspannung an der Transportwalze 30 anliegen und mit dieser einen Transportspalt bilden, durch den das Blatt 12 gefördert wird. An der in Figur 1 dargestellten rechten Stirnseite der Transportwalze 30 ist ein Walzenantrieb 34 angeordnet. Dieser Walzenantrieb 34 versetzt die Transportwalze 30 während des Transportes des Blattes 12 in Drehung, so daß durch die unter Vorspannung an der Transportwalze 30 anliegenden Gegendruckwalzen 32 das Blatt 12 gefördert wird.The transport device 14 uses one in a frame (not shown) mounted transport roller 30, which extends transversely to the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12. Above the transport roller 30, three are also in the Frame-held counter-pressure rollers 32 stored under Bias applied to the transport roller 30 and with this form a transport gap through which the sheet 12 is conveyed becomes. On the right front side of the Transport roller 30, a roller drive 34 is arranged. This Roller drive 34 displaces the transport roller 30 during the Transport of the sheet 12 in rotation, so that by the under Biasing on the transport roller 30 abutting pressure rollers 32 the sheet 12 is promoted.

Der Rahmen der Transportvorrichtung 14 ist in quer zur Transportrichtung 16 des Blattes 12 verlaufenden Führungsschienen (nicht dargestellt) gehalten. An jeder Stirnseite des Rahmens der Transportvorrichtung 14 ist jeweils das eine Ende einer Blattfeder 36 bzw. 38 befestigt. Das andere Ende der Blattfeder 36 bzw. 38 ist fest mit dem Gestell 40 der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 verbunden. Unmittelbar hinter dem Walzenantrieb 34 ist an diesem ein Stellantrieb 42 befestigt, dessen Antriebswelle 44 sich in Transportrichtung 16 erstreckt. Die Antriebswelle 44 ist mit einer Verzahnung ausgestattet, die mit einer am Gestell 40 der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 befestigten, sich quer zur Transportrichtung 16 erstreckenden Zahnstange 46 in Eingriff steht. Wird der Stellantrieb 42 durch die Steuerung (nicht dargestellt) der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 aktiviert, wird durch das Zusammenwirken der Antriebswelle 44 mit der Zahnstange 46 die Transportvorrichtung 14 entlang der Führungen gegen die Kraft der Blattfedern 36 und 38 quer zur Transportrichtung 16 bewegt. Wird der Stellantrieb 42 deaktiviert, bewegt sich die Transportvorrichtung 14 durch die Wirkung der Blattfedern 36 und 38 wieder zurück in ihre Ausgangsstellung.The frame of the transport device 14 is transverse to the transport direction 16 of the sheet 12 extending guide rails (not shown) held. On each face of the frame the transport device 14 is one end of each Leaf spring 36 and 38 attached. The other end of the leaf spring 36 and 38 is fixed to the frame 40 of the alignment device 10 connected. Immediately behind the roller drive 34, an actuator 42 is attached to this, the drive shaft 44 extends in the transport direction 16. The Drive shaft 44 is equipped with a toothing that with one attached to the frame 40 of the alignment device 10, rack extending transversely to the transport direction 16 46 is engaged. If the actuator 42 by the controller (not shown) of the alignment device 10 activated by the interaction of the drive shaft 44 with the rack 46, the transport device 14 along the Guides against the force of the leaf springs 36 and 38 across Transport direction 16 moves. If the actuator 42 is deactivated, the transport device 14 moves through the Effect of leaf springs 36 and 38 back in their Starting position.

Die Zuführvorrichtung 18 verwendet eine sich quer zur Transportrichtung 16 erstreckende Zuführwalze 48, die in einem Rahmen (nicht dargestellt) drehbar gelagert ist. Oberhalb der Zuführwalze 48 ist eine Gegendruckwalze 50 angeordnet. Die Gegendruckwalze 50 ist mit jedem ihrer Enden an einer schwenkbaren Platte 52 bzw. 54 drehbar gelagert. Die schwenkbaren Platten 52 und 54 sind auf einer gemeinsamen Achse A befestigt, die ihrerseits am Rahmen (nicht dargestellt) drehbar gelagert ist. An jeder Platte 52 bzw. 54 ist ferner eine Spiralfeder 56 bzw. 58 auf die Achse A aufgeschoben. Durch diese beiden Spiralfedern 56 und 58 werden die schwenkbaren Platten 52 und 54 und damit die Gegendruckwalze 50 in Richtung der Zuführwalze 48 vorgespannt, so daß die Gegendruckwalze 50 in einer Transportstellung, in der das Blatt 12 durch die Zuführvorrichtung 18 transportiert werden kann, unter Vorspannung an der Zuführwalze 48 anliegt. An jeder der schwenkbaren Platte 52 und 54 ist ferner ein Stellelement 60 vorgesehen, von denen in Figur 1 nur das Stellelement 60 der links dargestellten Platte 52 zu sehen ist. Mit Hilfe der Stellelemente 60 kann die Gegendruckwalze 50 gegen die Kraft der Spiralfedern 56 und 58 in eine offene Betriebsstellung bewegt werden, in der sie mit Abstand zur Zuführwalze 48 gehalten ist. Die Zuführwalze 48 wird mittels eines Zuführwalzenantriebes 62 in Drehung versetzt, so daß das zwischen der Zuführwalze 48 und der an dieser anliegenden Gegendruckwalze 50 angeordnete Blatt 12 gefördert wird. Die Fördervorrichtung 20 verwendet gleichfalls eine sich quer zur Transportrichtung 16 erstreckende Förderwalze 64, an der unter Vorspannung drei Gegendruckwalzen 66 anliegen. Die Förderwalze 64 wird mittels eines Förderwalzenantriebes 68 in Drehung versetzt, so daß das zwischen der Förderwalze 64 und den Gegendruckwalzen 66 angeordnete Blatt 12 transportiert wird.The feed device 18 uses a transverse to the transport direction 16 extending feed roller 48 which in one Frame (not shown) is rotatably mounted. Above the Feed roller 48 is arranged a counter pressure roller 50. The The platen roller 50 is at one end thereof pivotable plate 52 and 54 rotatably mounted. The swiveling Plates 52 and 54 are on a common axis A. attached, which in turn on the frame (not shown) is rotatably mounted. On each plate 52 and 54 is also a coil spring 56 or 58 pushed onto the axis A. Through these two spiral springs 56 and 58, the pivotable Plates 52 and 54 and thus the counter-pressure roller 50 in Biased towards the feed roller 48 so that the back pressure roller 50 in a transport position in which the sheet 12 can be transported by the feed device 18, bears against the feed roller 48 under pretension. At each of the pivotable plate 52 and 54 is also an actuator 60 provided, of which in Figure 1 only the actuator 60 plate 52 shown on the left can be seen. With the help of Actuators 60 can counter-pressure roller 50 against the force the coil springs 56 and 58 in an open operating position are moved in the distance from the feed roller 48th is held. The feed roller 48 is driven by a feed roller 62 rotated so that between the feed roller 48 and the counter-pressure roller lying against it 50 arranged sheet 12 is promoted. The conveyor 20 also uses a cross to the direction of transport 16 extending conveyor roller 64 on the under Prestress three back pressure rollers 66. The conveyor roller 64 is 68 in by means of a conveyor roller drive Rotation offset, so that between the conveyor roller 64 and arranged the counter pressure rollers 66 arranged sheet 12 becomes.

Nachfolgend wird die Funktionsweise der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 anhand der Figuren 1 und 2 näher erläutert. Sobald ein einzelnes Blatt 12 eines Aufzeichnungsträgers in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 eingelegt wird, erfaßt die erste Lichtschranke 22 die in Figur 1 links dargestellte Seitenkante des Blattes 12 und gibt an die Steuerung (nicht dargestellt) der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 ein Signal ab. Durch das Signal der ersten Lichtschranke 22 aktiviert die Steuerung den Zuführwalzenantrieb 62 der Zuführvorrichtung 18, wodurch die in die Transportstellung geschwenkte Zuführwalze 48 in Drehung versetzt wird und das Blatt 12 in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 einzieht. Sobald die zweite Lichtschranke 24 die Vorderkante des in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 geförderten Blattes 12 erfaßt, gibt sie dieses Signal an die Steuerung weiter. Below is the operation of the alignment device 10 explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Once a single sheet 12 of a record carrier in the aligner 10 is inserted, detects the first light barrier 22 the side edge of the left side shown in FIG Sheet 12 and gives to the controller (not shown) Alignment device 10 a signal. By the signal of the the first light barrier 22, the control activates the feed roller drive 62 of the feed device 18, whereby the in the Transport position pivoted feed roller 48 in rotation is displaced and the sheet 12 into the alignment device 10 moves in. As soon as the second light barrier 24 the front edge of the sheet 12 fed into the alignment device 10 detected, it passes this signal on to the controller.

Sollte sich noch ein weiteres Blatt in der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 befinden, stoppt die Steuerung die Zuführvorrichtung 18, bis die vierte Lichtschranke 28 erfaßt hat, daß das weitere Blatt die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 verlassen hat. Hat das weitere Blatt die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 verlassen, deaktiviert die Steuerung den Walzenantrieb 34 und fährt mit Hilfe des Stellantriebes 42 die Transportvorrichtung 14 zurück in ihre Ausgangslage, d.h. etwa mittig zur Transportbahn. Anschließend aktiviert die Steuerung erneut die Zuführvorrichtung 18, so daß das auszurichtende Blatt 12 weiter in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 eingezogen wird. Sollte sich zu dem Zeitpunkt, als die Steuerung das Signal der zweiten Lichtschranke 22 erfaßte, kein weiteres Blatt in der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 befunden haben, wird die Zuführvorrichtung 18 nicht gestoppt, sondern zieht das Blatt 12 ohne Unterbrechung in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10.There should be another sheet in the alignment device 10 are located, the controller stops the feeder 18 until the fourth light barrier 28 has detected that the further sheet has left the alignment device 10. Has the further sheet leaves the alignment device 10, the control deactivates the roller drive 34 and moves with it With the help of the actuator 42, the transport device 14 back to their starting position, i.e. approximately in the middle of the transport track. The controller then activates the feed device again 18, so that the sheet 12 to be aligned further in the alignment device 10 is retracted. Should be too the time when the controller receives the signal from the second Photoelectric sensor 22 detected no further sheet in the alignment device 10 have been found, the feeder 18 not stopped, but pulls the sheet 12 without Interruption in the alignment device 10.

Sobald das auszurichtende Blatt 12 in die Transportvorrichtung 14 gelangt, schiebt sich seine Vorderkante in den Transportspalt zwischen Transportwalze 30 und Gegendruckwalze 32. Dabei bildet die in strichpunktierter Linie dargestellte Berührungslinie zwischen der Transportwalze 30 und den an dieser anliegenden Gegendruckwalzen 32 einen Anschlag, an dem sich die Vorderkante des Blattes 12 ausrichtet. Da die Zuführvorrichtung 18 nach wie vor das Blatt 12 in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 fördert, wölbt sich das Blatt 12 zwischen der Zuführvorrichtung 18 und der Transportvorrichtung 14, wie in Figur 1 gezeigt. Nach einem vorgegebenen Zeitraum hält die Steuerung der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 die Zuführvorrichtung 18 an, so daß das Blatt von der Zuführvorrichtung 18 gehalten wird und sich gleichzeitig aufgrund der durch die Wölbung verursachten Spannungen im Blatt 12 mit seiner Vorderkante an der Berührungslinie ausrichtet. Anschließend aktiviert die Steuerung den Walzenantrieb 34 der Transportvorrichtung 14, so daß das Blatt 12 in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 eingezogen wird. Sobald die dritte Lichtschranke 26 die Vorderkante des Blatts 12 erfaßt, hält die Steuerung die Transportvorrichtung 14 an. Anschließend betätigt die Steuerung die Stellelemente 60 der Zuführvorrichtung 18, wodurch die Gegendruckwalze 50 aus ihrer Transportstellung, in der sie unter Vorspannung an der Zuführwalze 48 anliegt, in die offene Betriebsstellung bewegt wird, in der sie mit Abstand zur Zuführwalze 48 gehalten ist. Durch diese Öffnungsbewegung gibt die Zuführvorrichtung 18 das Blatt 12 frei, das sich entspannt und wieder plan entlang der Transportrichtung 16 verläuft. Anschließend beginnt die Transportvorrichtung 14 mit dem Ausrichtvorgang, der nachfolgend unter Bezugnahme auf die Figur 2 näher erläutert wird.Once the sheet 12 to be aligned is placed in the transport device 14 arrives, its front edge slides into the transport gap between transport roller 30 and counter-pressure roller 32. It forms the one shown in dash-dotted line Line of contact between the transport roller 30 and the this adjacent pressure rollers 32 a stop on which the front edge of the sheet 12 aligns. Because the feeder 18 still the sheet 12 in the alignment device 10 promotes, the sheet 12 bulges between the Feed device 18 and transport device 14, as in Figure 1 shown. After a specified period, the Control of the alignment device 10, the feed device 18 so that the sheet is held by the feeder 18 is and at the same time due to the bulge caused tension in sheet 12 with its leading edge aligns the line of contact. Then activated the Control the roller drive 34 of the transport device 14, so that the sheet 12 is drawn into the alignment device 10 becomes. As soon as the third light barrier 26 the front edge of the Detected sheet 12, the controller holds the transport device 14 on. The control then actuates the control elements 60 of the feed device 18, whereby the counter-pressure roller 50 from their transport position in which they are under tension the feed roller 48 is in the open operating position is moved in which it is kept at a distance from the feed roller 48 is. Through this opening movement, the feed device 18 the sheet 12 free, which relaxes and flat again runs along the transport direction 16. Subsequently the transport device 14 begins the alignment process, which is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 becomes.

In Figur 2 ist der eigentliche Ausrichtvorgang des Blattes 12 dargestellt. Figur 2 zeigt ein Weg-Zeit-Diagramm und ein unter diesem angeordnetes Strom-Zeit-Diagramm.The actual alignment process of the blade 12 is shown in FIG shown. Figure 2 shows a path-time diagram and a current-time diagram below this.

Das Weg-Zeit-Diagramm zeigt den Ausrichtvorgang des Blattes 12 in Draufsicht, wobei die unterschiedlichen Positionen des Blattes 12 gepunktet, gestrichelt bzw. in durchgezogener Linie dargestellt sind. Parallel zur Zeitachse verläuft in gestrichelter Linie die Soll-Drucklage, die an der Wegachse mit XD bezeichnet ist. Der Wert X0 an der Achse definiert die Ausgangslage des Blattes 12, wenn dieses in die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 eingezogen wird. Der Wert XL definiert einen vorbestimmten Abstand der dritten Lichtschranke 26 von der Soll-Drucklage, der in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel bei 6 mm liegen soll.The path-time diagram shows the alignment process of the sheet 12 in a top view, the different positions of the sheet 12 being shown in dotted, dashed or solid lines. Parallel to the time axis, the setpoint pressure position, which is labeled X D on the path axis, runs in a dashed line. The value X 0 on the axis defines the starting position of the sheet 12 when it is drawn into the alignment device 10. The value X L defines a predetermined distance of the third light barrier 26 from the target pressure position, which should be 6 mm in this exemplary embodiment.

Das Strom-Zeit-Diagramm zeigt den Signalverlauf 70 der Lichtschranke 26 und den Signalverlauf 72 des Stellantriebes 42, mit dem die Transportvorrichtung 14 quer zur Transportrichtung 16 verfahren wird. Zum Zeitpunkt t1 hat das vorher durch die Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 ausgerichtete Blatt die Transportvorrichtung 14 verlassen. Da die Lichtschranke 26 nicht mehr unterbrochen ist, erzeugt sie ein Signal (schraffiert dargestellt). Sobald die Lichtschranke 26 der Steuerung mitteilt, daß das Blatt die Transportvorrichtung 14 verlassen hat, wird der. Stellantrieb 42 aktiviert, wie im Signalverlauf 72 dargestellt; wodurch die Transportvorrichtung 14 wieder in ihrer Ausgangslage bewegt wird. Die Rückstellbewegung der Transportvorrichtung 14 ist zum Zeitpunkt t2 abgeschlossen.The current-time diagram shows the signal curve 70 of the light barrier 26 and the signal curve 72 of the actuator 42, with which the transport device 14 is moved transversely to the transport direction 16. At time t 1 , the sheet previously aligned by the alignment device 10 has left the transport device 14. Since the light barrier 26 is no longer interrupted, it generates a signal (shown hatched). As soon as the light barrier 26 informs the controller that the sheet has left the transport device 14, the. Actuator 42 activated, as shown in the waveform 72; whereby the transport device 14 is moved back to its original position. The return movement of the transport device 14 is completed at time t 2 .

Zum Zeitpunkt t3 erfaßt die dritte Lichtschranke 26 das neu auszurichtende Blatt 12, das mit einer Ausgangslage X0 in die Transportvorrichtung 14 eingezogen wird. Dabei wird die dritte Lichtschranke 26 unterbrochen, was im Signalverlauf 70 erkennbar ist. Sobald die Steuerung zum Zeitpunkt t3 das Signal der dritten Lichtschranke 26 erfaßt, bewegt sie die Zuführvorrichtung 18 in die offene Stellung, die das Blatt 12 freigibt und aktiviert anschließend den Stellantrieb 42, der die gesamte Transportvorrichtung 14 und damit auch das auszurichtende Blatt 12 quer zur Transportrichtung 16 nach links bewegt. Zum Zeitpunkt t4 ist das Blatt 12 soweit nach links bewegt worden, daß seine Position der Lage XL der dritten Lichtschranke 26 entspricht, diese nicht mehr durch das Blatt 12 unterbrochen wird und ein Signal erzeugt, wie im Signalverlauf 70 dargestellt. Dadurch erkennt die Steuerung, daß sich das Blatt 12 auf Höhe der dritten Lichtschranke 26 befindet und hält den Stellenantrieb zweiten Antrieb 42 an.At time t 3, the third light barrier 26 detects the sheet 12 to be realigned, which is drawn into the transport device 14 with an initial position X 0 . The third light barrier 26 is interrupted, which can be seen in the signal curve 70. As soon as the control detects the signal from the third light barrier 26 at time t 3 , it moves the feed device 18 into the open position, which releases the sheet 12, and then activates the actuator 42, which transversely transversely aligns the entire transport device 14 and thus also the sheet 12 to be aligned moved to the transport direction 16 to the left. At time t 4 , the sheet 12 has been moved to the left so far that its position corresponds to the position X L of the third light barrier 26, this is no longer interrupted by the sheet 12 and generates a signal, as shown in the signal curve 70. As a result, the control system recognizes that the sheet 12 is at the level of the third light barrier 26 and stops the actuator drive second drive 42.

Anschließend, zum Zeitpunkt t5, aktiviert die Steuerung den Stellenantrieb 42 derart, daß dieser die Transportvorrichtung 14 und damit das Blatt 12 quer zur Transportrichtung nach rechts bewegt. Der Stellenantrieb 42 wird dabei von der Steüerung mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit über einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum betrieben. Nach Ablauf dieses Zeitraums zum Zeitpunkt t6, hält die Steuerung den Stellantrieb 42 an, so daß die Transportvorrichtung 14 und damit das Blatt 12 in einer bestimmten Position quer zur Transportrichtung 16 verharrt. Da der Stellantrieb 42 mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit über einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum aktiviert worden war, wurde das Blatt 12 einen vorbestimmten Wegabschnitt nach rechts bewegt. Dieser Wegabschnitt entspricht dem Abstand der dritten Lichtschranke 26 zur Soll-Drucklage XD, so daß sich das Blatt 12 ab dem Zeitpunkt t6 mit seiner rechten Seitenkante auf Höhe der Soll-Drucklage XD befindet.Then, at time t 5 , the control activates the actuator 42 in such a way that it moves the transport device 14 and thus the sheet 12 to the right transversely to the transport direction. The actuator 42 is operated by the control at a constant speed over a predetermined period of time. After this period of time at time t 6 , the control stops the actuator 42, so that the transport device 14 and thus the sheet 12 remain in a certain position transverse to the transport direction 16. Since the actuator 42 had been activated at a constant speed for a predetermined period of time, the blade 12 was moved to the right a predetermined distance. This path section corresponds to the distance between the third light barrier 26 and the target pressure position X D , so that the sheet 12 is at the level of the target pressure position X D with the right side edge from time t 6 .

Nachdem das Blatt 12 ordnungsgemäß ausgerichtet worden ist, aktiviert die Steuerung den Walzenantrieb 34 der Transportvorrichtung 14 sowie den Förderwalzenantrieb 68 der Fördervorrichtung 20. Dadurch wird das Blatt 12 aus der Ausrichtvorrichtung 10 transportiert. Sobald die zweite Lichtschranke 24 die Hinterkante des Blattes 12 erfaßt, deaktiviert die Steuerung die Stellelemente 60 der Zuführvorrichtung 18, wodurch die Gegendruckwalze 50 durch die Kraft der Spiralfedern 56 und 58 wieder in ihre Transportstellung bewegt wird. After the sheet 12 has been properly aligned, the control activates the roller drive 34 of the transport device 14 and the conveyor roller drive 68 of the conveyor 20. This will remove the sheet 12 from the alignment device 10 transported. As soon as the second light barrier 24 detects the rear edge of the sheet 12, the deactivated Control the adjusting elements 60 of the feed device 18, whereby the platen roller 50 by the force of the coil springs 56 and 58 is moved back to its transport position.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
Ausrichtvorrichtungalignment
1212
Blatt eines AufzeichnungsträgersSheet of a record carrier
1414
Transportvorrichtungtransport device
1616
Transportrichtungtransport direction
1818
Zuführvorrichtungfeeder
2020
Fördervorrichtungconveyor
2222
erste Lichtschrankefirst light barrier
2424
zweite Lichtschrankesecond light barrier
2626
dritte Lichtschrankethird light barrier
2828
vierte Lichtschrankefourth light barrier
3030
Transportwalzetransport roller
3232
GegendruckwalzenCounterpressure rollers
3434
Walzenantriebroller drive
3636
Blattfederleaf spring
3838
Blattfederleaf spring
4040
Gestell der AusrichtvorrichtungAlignment frame
4242
Stellantriebactuator
4444
Antriebswelledrive shaft
4646
Zahnstangerack
4848
Zuführwalzefeed
5050
GegendruckwalzeBacking roll
5252
schwenkbare Platteswiveling plate
5454
schwenkbare Platteswiveling plate
AA
Achseaxis
5656
Spiralfederspiral spring
5858
Spiralfederspiral spring
6060
Steilelementsteep element
6262
ZuführwalzenantriebZuführwalzenantrieb
6464
Förderwalzeconveyor roller
6666
GegendruckwalzenCounterpressure rollers
6868
FörderwalzenantriebConveyor roller drive
7070
Signalverlauf der dritten Lichtschranke 26Signal curve of the third light barrier 26
7272
Signalverlauf des Stellantriebes 42Signal curve of the actuator 42

Claims (15)

  1. Aligning device, particularly for a single-sheet printer or copier, for aligning a single sheet (12) of a recording medium,
    comprising a sensor device (22, 24, 26, 28) that acquires the lateral edge of the sheet (12) in order to identify its position (X0) relative to a rated printing position (XD),
    comprising a transport device (14) movable transversely relative to the conveying direction of the sheet (12) with which the sheet (12) held by it can be aligned into the rated printing position (xD [sic]) dependent on the identified position (x0) and that has two transport units (30, 32) arranged lying opposite one another and contacting one another in a contact line proceeding transversely relative to the conveying direction (16), whereby the contact line forms a detent for the leading edge of the recording medium (12), and
    comprising a delivery means (18) the sheet (12) to the transport device (14), said delivery means, in transport position, conveying the sheet (12) to such an extent before being ceased by the transport units (30, 32) that the sheet (12) arcs between the delivery device (18) and the transport device (14) and aligns itself at the contact line, characterized in that the delivery device (18) is adjustable from the transport position into an open operating position in which it releases the sheet (12) after it has been ceased by the transport device (14).
  2. Aligning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery device (18) has two conveyor units proceeding transversely relative to the conveying direction of the sheet (12); and in that at least one of the conveyor units (48) is movable between the transport position in which it lies against the other conveyor unit (50) and the open operating position in which it is held at a distance from the other conveyor unit (50).
  3. Aligning device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one tensing element (52, 54) that pre-stresses the movable conveyor unit (48) into the transport position and at least one actuator unit (60) moving the movable conveyor unit (48) into the open operating position opposite the force of the tensing element (52, 54) are provided at the delivery device (18).
  4. Aligning device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that a tensing device (36, 38) holds the transport device (14) in an initial position transverse relative to the conveying direction (16) before the alignment of the sheet (12); and in that, given alignment of the sheet (12), the transport device (14) is moved opposite the force of the tensing device (36, 38).
  5. Aligning device according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the sensor means has a first edge sensor (24) arranged preceding the transport device (14) as viewed in conveying direction (16), said first edge sensor (24) detecting the lateral edge of the sheet (12) and identifying the position (X0) thereof relative to the rated printing position (XD) at the beginning of the aligning of the sheet (12).
  6. Aligning device according to one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the sensor device has a second edge sensor (26) arranged following the transport device (14) as view in conveying direction (16).
  7. Aligning device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a light barrier or a light-sensitive arrangement is employed as first edge sensor (24) and/or as second edge sensor (26).
  8. Aligning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the light - sensitive arrangement is a CCD array.
  9. Aligning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conveyor device (20) is arranged following the transport device (14) as seen in conveying direction (16).
  10. Aligning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (14) is moved with a first drive (36) transversely relative to the conveying direction (16) of the recording medium (12).
  11. Aligning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport unit is a transport roller (30) extending transversely relative to the conveying direction (16); and in that the second transport unit is at least one counter-pressure roller (32) lying against the transport roller (30) with pre-stress, whereby the contact line between the two rollers (30, 32) forms the detent for the leading edge of the sheet (12) at the beginning of the aligning.
  12. Alignment device according to claim 11, characterized in that the transport roller (30) is driven with a second drive (34).
  13. Aligning device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the rollers (30, 32) are held in the initial position with the tensing device (36, 38); and in that the rollers (30, 32) are movable transversely relative to the conveying direction (16) opposite the force of the tensing device (36, 38).
  14. Aligning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the tensing device has two leaf springs (36, 38) arranged parallel to one another that are respectively arranged close to those ends of the transport roller (30) of the transport device (14) that lie opposite one another.
  15. Aligning device according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that the first and/or the second drive (36, 34) is respectively a servo drive or a stepping motor.
EP97945780A 1996-10-22 1997-10-22 Aligning device Expired - Lifetime EP1008016B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19643626 1996-10-22
DE19643626 1996-10-22
PCT/DE1997/002459 WO1998018053A1 (en) 1996-10-22 1997-10-22 Aligning device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1008016A1 EP1008016A1 (en) 2000-06-14
EP1008016B1 true EP1008016B1 (en) 2002-01-09

Family

ID=7809487

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97945780A Expired - Lifetime EP1008016B1 (en) 1996-10-22 1997-10-22 Aligning device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6135446A (en)
EP (1) EP1008016B1 (en)
DE (2) DE59706144D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998018053A1 (en)

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DE19781181D2 (en) 1999-12-23
US6135446A (en) 2000-10-24
WO1998018053A1 (en) 1998-04-30
DE59706144D1 (en) 2002-02-28

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