EP0214096B1 - Method and device for distributing single objects on several conveyors - Google Patents

Method and device for distributing single objects on several conveyors Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0214096B1
EP0214096B1 EP86810360A EP86810360A EP0214096B1 EP 0214096 B1 EP0214096 B1 EP 0214096B1 EP 86810360 A EP86810360 A EP 86810360A EP 86810360 A EP86810360 A EP 86810360A EP 0214096 B1 EP0214096 B1 EP 0214096B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
single sheets
series
output conveyors
distribution scheme
distribution
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EP86810360A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0214096A1 (en
Inventor
Heiner Schaub
Peter Bürki
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Gretag AG
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Gretag AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03D15/00—Apparatus for treating processed material
    • G03D15/001—Counting; Classifying; Marking
    • G03D15/005—Order systems, e.g. printsorter
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding device according to the preamble of claim 6.
  • single sheet paper processors When making photographic copies, i.a. single sheet paper processors are also used which, for reasons of capacity, are provided with a plurality of parallel transport paths by means of which the exposed single sheets ejected by a copying machine are conveyed through the required treatment baths and drying stages.
  • the single sheets are ejected by the copier, i.e. a more or less large number of consecutive sheets belongs to a series, just an order. For understandable reasons, the individual orders must be strictly kept apart.
  • Order sorting according to the paper processor has hitherto usually been based on the number of images per job electronically stored during copying and counting of the copies leaving the paper processor.
  • this method has various shortcomings and risks. For example, In the event of a power failure, the stored information will be lost unless special security measures have been taken. A much more serious disadvantage can be seen in the fact that this system is completely out of step if one or more individual images are lost on the way through the processor. Unless otherwise detected, this condition will remain until the processor is completely drained and the memory is reset. The result is that in the event of an error, the orders have to be re-sorted by hand, which is of course time-consuming and cumbersome and should therefore be avoided if possible. In addition, the error cannot be determined automatically, so that a considerable number of images may have to be re-sorted.
  • the invention is intended to create a distribution system which allows the transitions between series of successive individual objects to be marked or recognized and thus enables automatic sorting by series.
  • the device shown schematically in Figs. 1 and 2 is a so-called "minilab", i.e. a compact system for the production of photographic copies. It comprises an automatic copying machine K, a distribution station V, a wet processing and drying station T for single sheets and a collecting or return station S, and all of these stations are run through in sequence by the photographic copying material P stored in a cassette C.
  • minilab i.e. a compact system for the production of photographic copies. It comprises an automatic copying machine K, a distribution station V, a wet processing and drying station T for single sheets and a collecting or return station S, and all of these stations are run through in sequence by the photographic copying material P stored in a cassette C.
  • the copying material P arrives from the cassette C into the copying machine K and is fed there via a pair of transport rollers la, Ib to a cutting device 2, which divides it into individual sheets B of the desired format.
  • the copying material is therefore in the form of single sheets B for all further processing steps.
  • the single sheets B pass into the exposure zone in the copying machine via a conveyor device, hereinafter referred to as the infeed conveyor track 10, consisting of two pairs of rollers 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b and a perforated endless belt 13 4 exposed imagewise and then arrive one after the other in distribution station V.
  • a conveyor device hereinafter referred to as the infeed conveyor track 10 consisting of two pairs of rollers 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b and a perforated endless belt 13 4 exposed imagewise and then arrive one after the other in distribution station V.
  • the individual sheets B are distributed from the distribution station V to several, here e.g. three parallel conveying devices, hereinafter referred to as outlet transport tracks 20a, b, c, and transported by means of the latter through the wet treatment and drying station T.
  • outlet transport tracks 20a, b, c Of the outlet conveyor tracks, only one pair of takeover rollers 21 a, 21 is shown in the drawing.
  • the single sheets B leave the treatment station T on their three or more outlet transport lanes, they reach the collecting and return conveyor station S via a further pair of takeover rollers 22a, 22b. There, the single sheets B are passed via a cross conveyor 30 to a return conveyor 40 and, depending on the order, into the Collection trays 41 of the same filed.
  • the return conveyor 40 is automatically activated in a manner to be described, so that the copies (single sheets B) belonging to the next order reach the next following collection tray 41.
  • a control device 50 is provided which cooperates with a light barrier device 60 which extends across the outlet transport tracks 20a-c and in turn is controlled by the latter.
  • the return conveyor 40 then makes the copies ready for further processing (final processing).
  • the distribution station V comprises a distribution device 100 and an associated electronic control 200, which at the same time also the transport organs 1a, 1b, 10 and the cutting device 2 in the copier K controls. External commands can be entered into the controller 200 via an input 201.
  • the hardware 200 of the controller 200 is arbitrary as long as it is only able to effect the functional sequences described below.
  • the distribution station 100 essentially consists of a carriage 110 which is movable transversely to the conveying direction of the inlet transport path 10 and the outlet transport paths 20a-c and which is displaceably mounted by means of slide bearings on two slide rods 113 and 114 fixed to the device.
  • a toothed belt 115 running around two rollers 111 and 112 and a drive motor 116 for the front roller 111 are provided.
  • the drive motor 116 is controlled by the control device 200.
  • Carriage 110 and toothed belt 115 are connected to one another at point 117.
  • the carriage 110 itself essentially consists of a base plate 121, an upper plate 122, two connecting webs 123 and 124 with slide bearings for the slide rod 113 and two further slide bearings 125 and 126 for the slide rod 114 and a bearing plate 127.
  • the two lower rollers 131b and 132b are driven via a belt 133 by a motor 134 attached to the base plate 121.
  • the motor 134 is controlled by the control device 200.
  • the pairs of transport rollers 131a, b and 132a, b take over the single sheets B from the infeed transport path 10 and pass them on to the outfeed transport paths 20a-c.
  • the transverse movement of the carriage 110 results in a division into the (here three) outlet transport tracks. Specifically, this is done in such a way that the carriage 110 moves to the pick-up position shown in full extension in FIG. 2, so that the sheet B takes over, then moves into the desired delivery position corresponding to the outfeed transport path 20a, b or c to be addressed ( in FIG. 2, for example, for the outfeed conveyor 20c (indicated by dashed lines at 110 ') and then feeds the single sheet onto this outfeed conveyor.
  • the distribution takes place under the control of the control device 200 according to a distribution scheme which is expediently designed such that there is a uniform and space-saving occupancy of the individual discharge conveyor tracks.
  • a possible distribution scheme is e.g. cyclically, ie first image on lane 20a, next image on lane 20b, third image on lane 20c and then again from the front, etc.
  • other distribution schemes are also possible.
  • a characteristic of the production of photographic copies is that the individual images are practically always produced in series or in groups, i.e. that always a more or less large number of successive single sheets belong to one and the same customer order and it must be ensured that images of different orders are not mixed up.
  • the number of individual images per job is known, it is either entered into the controller 200 in some form or the controller of the copying machine itself determines it in a conventional manner. In practice, however, knowledge of these individual image numbers per job is not sufficient to reliably separate the individual jobs , because in rough everyday operation it can happen that a single sheet remains undetected in the wet treatment station and thus messes up the entire image sequence.
  • This problem is now solved in a simple manner by the invention in that a separating feature is generated which marks the end of an order or the transition between two successive orders.
  • This separating feature consists of a machine-detectable change in the distribution scheme of the single sheets to the (here three) outfeed transport lanes, for example by skipping a transport lane or by reversing the cycle sense or generally by changing between two (or more) distribution schemes.
  • This separation feature formed in this way is then recognized at the exit of the treatment station or at the entrance to the collection station by means of the system of light barriers 60 and the controller 50 and used to activate the return conveyor 40 in such a way that only the images from one and the same order are activated get into the same bowl 41.
  • the number of sheets between two detected separation features can of course also be determined and compared with the target numbers present in the copier. In the event of deviations, suitable remedial measures can then be taken. It can also be used to suppress or ignore pretended order ends, etc.
  • 3a-6c illustrate the principle according to the invention of generating a separation feature using four examples.
  • the single sheets are each divided into three outfeed conveyor tracks according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and in the next two examples four or two.
  • the inlet transport path is symbolized by line 10, the outlet transport paths are indicated by lines 20a-d.
  • 3b-6b show a typical single sheet arrangement on the outfeed conveyor tracks which move forward to the right are.
  • the single sheets are here according to their belonging to an order with A1, A2, A3etc. or B1, B2, B3 and so on. It can be seen that the sheets in all four examples have been distributed over the three or four or two outfeed conveyor tracks according to a cyclical pattern. Furthermore, a transport path was skipped after the end of an order, i.e. after the last sheet of a series (here according to the one marked by A), which results in a gap 70 which can be detected by the light barrier arrangement 60 and evaluated accordingly by the control device 50.
  • 3c-6c show the (idealized) the scanning signals generated by the light barriers assigned to the individual discharge conveyor tracks, as they result for the sheet arrangements shown in FIGS. 3b-6b.
  • the pulses marked 11 to 12 or 13 or 14 correspond to the foremost sheets A1-A3 or A1-A4 or A1-A2 in FIGS. 3b-6b. It can be seen from the pulse diagrams that the gaps can be determined very simply by monitoring the chronological sequence of the single sheet pulses.
  • 7a and 7b indicate possibilities of how the outlet conveyor tracks 20a-20b can be located relative to the inlet conveyor track 10.
  • the position of the webs can be set by software, possibly depending on the paper width.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Photographic Processing Devices Using Wet Methods (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
  • Projection-Type Copiers In General (AREA)
  • Collation Of Sheets And Webs (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein verfahren gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und eine entsprechende Vorrichtung gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 6.The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding device according to the preamble of claim 6.

Bei der Herstellung von fotografischen Kopien werden u.a. auch Einzelblatt-Papierprozessoren verwendet, welche aus Kapazitätsgründen mit mehreren parallelen Transportbahnen versehen sind, mittels denen die von einem Kopiergerät ausgestossenen belichteten Einzelblätter durch die erforderlichen Behandlungsbäder und Trocknungsstufen befördert werden. Die Einzelblätter werden vom Kopiergerät auftragsweise ausgestossen, d.h. eine mehr oder weniger grosse Anzahl von aufeinanderfolgenden Blättern gehört zu einer Serie, eben einem Auftrag. Aus verständlichen Gründen müssen die einzelnen Aufträge streng auseinandergehalten werden.When making photographic copies, i.a. single sheet paper processors are also used which, for reasons of capacity, are provided with a plurality of parallel transport paths by means of which the exposed single sheets ejected by a copying machine are conveyed through the required treatment baths and drying stages. The single sheets are ejected by the copier, i.e. a more or less large number of consecutive sheets belongs to a series, just an order. For understandable reasons, the individual orders must be strictly kept apart.

Die Auftragssortierung nach dem Papierprozessor erfolgt bisher üblicherweise aufgrund der beim Kopieren elektronisch gespeicherten Anzahl Bilder pro Auftrag und Abzählen der den Papierprozessorverlassenden Kopien. Diese Methode ist aber mit verschiedenen Mängeln und Risiken behaftet. So kann z.B. bei einem Netzausfall die gespeicherte Information verloren gehen, wenn nicht besondere Sicherungsmassnahmen getroffen worden sind. Ein wesentlich schwerer wiegender Nachteil ist aber darin zu sehen, dass dieses System völlig ausser Tritt kommt, wenn ein oder gar mehrere Einzelbilder auf dem Weg durch den prozessor verloren gehen. Dieser Zustand bleibt dann, sofern er nicht auf andere Weise entdeckt wird, bis zum vollständigen Entleeren des Prozessors und Rückstellen der Speicher erhalten. Die Folge ist, dass im Fehlerfall die Aufträge von Hand nochmals nachsortiert werden müssen, was natürlich zeitraubend und umständlich ist und deshalb nach Möglichkeit vermieden werden sollte. Zudem kann der Fehler nicht automatisch festgestellt werden, sodass unter Umständen eine erheblicbe Anzahl von Bildern neu sortiert werden muss.Order sorting according to the paper processor has hitherto usually been based on the number of images per job electronically stored during copying and counting of the copies leaving the paper processor. However, this method has various shortcomings and risks. For example, In the event of a power failure, the stored information will be lost unless special security measures have been taken. A much more serious disadvantage can be seen in the fact that this system is completely out of step if one or more individual images are lost on the way through the processor. Unless otherwise detected, this condition will remain until the processor is completely drained and the memory is reset. The result is that in the event of an error, the orders have to be re-sorted by hand, which is of course time-consuming and cumbersome and should therefore be avoided if possible. In addition, the error cannot be determined automatically, so that a considerable number of images may have to be re-sorted.

Dieses Problem soll nun durch die Erfindung behoben werden. Konkret soll durch die Erfindung ein verteilsystem geschaffen werden, welches es erlaubt, die Uebergänge zwischen Serien von aufeinanderfolgenden Einzelobjekten zu markieren bzw. zu erkennen und damit ein automatisches Sortieren nach Serien zu ermöglichen.This problem is now to be solved by the invention. Specifically, the invention is intended to create a distribution system which allows the transitions between series of successive individual objects to be marked or recognized and thus enables automatic sorting by series.

Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren und die entsprechende Vorrichtung, die diese der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabenstellung bewältigen, sind in den Ansprüchen 1 und 6 beschrieben. Zweckmässige und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen, Weiterbildungen und Anwendungen ergeben sich aus den übrigen Ansprüchen.The method according to the invention and the corresponding device which accomplish this task on which the invention is based are described in claims 1 and 6. Appropriate and advantageous refinements, developments and applications result from the remaining claims.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 und 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht und eine schematische Ansicht von oben auf eine erfindungsgemäss ausgerüstete Laboreinrichtung zur Herstellung von fotografischen Kopien,
  • Fig. 3a bis 6c Schemata und Diagramme zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des erfindungsgemässen Verteilverfahrens.und
  • Fig. 7a bis 8b Schemata zu Detailvarianten.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:
  • 1 and 2 is a schematic side view and a schematic view from above of a laboratory device equipped according to the invention for the production of photographic copies,
  • 3a to 6c schemes and diagrams to explain the operation of the distribution method according to the invention. And
  • 7a to 8b schemes for detail variants.

Die in den Fig. 1 und 2 stark schematisiert dargestellte Vorrichtung ist ein sog. "Minilab", d.h. eine Kompaktanlage zur Herstellung von fotografischen Kopien. Sie umfasst ein automatisches Kopiergerät K, eine Verteilstation V, eine Nassbehandlungs- und Trocknungsstation T für Einzelblätter und eine Sammel- oder Rückförderstation S, und alle diese Stationen werden von dem in einer Kassette C vorrätig gehaltenen fotografischen Kopiermaterial P der Reihe nach durchlaufen.The device shown schematically in Figs. 1 and 2 is a so-called "minilab", i.e. a compact system for the production of photographic copies. It comprises an automatic copying machine K, a distribution station V, a wet processing and drying station T for single sheets and a collecting or return station S, and all of these stations are run through in sequence by the photographic copying material P stored in a cassette C.

Als erstes gelangt das Kopiermaterial P von der Kassette C in das Kopiergerät K und wird dort über ein Transportrollenpaar la, Ib einer Schneideeinrichtung 2 zugeführt, die es in einzelne Blätter B des jeweils gewünschten Formats zerteilt. Für sämtliche weiteren Verarbeitungsschritte liegt also das Kopiermaterial in Form von Einzelblättern B vor.First of all, the copying material P arrives from the cassette C into the copying machine K and is fed there via a pair of transport rollers la, Ib to a cutting device 2, which divides it into individual sheets B of the desired format. The copying material is therefore in the form of single sheets B for all further processing steps.

Von der Schneideeinrichtung 2 gelangen die Einzelblätter B über eine im folgenden als Einlauftransportbahn 10 bezeichnete, aus zwei Rollenpaaren 11 a, 11 b und 12a, 12b sowie einem gelochten Endlosriemen 13 bestehende Fördereinrichtung in die Belichtungszone im Kopiergerät, werden dort via Projektionsobjektiv 3 ab einem Original 4 bildmässig belichtet und gelangen dann der Reihe nach in die Verteilststion V.From the cutting device 2, the single sheets B pass into the exposure zone in the copying machine via a conveyor device, hereinafter referred to as the infeed conveyor track 10, consisting of two pairs of rollers 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b and a perforated endless belt 13 4 exposed imagewise and then arrive one after the other in distribution station V.

Von der Verteilstation V werden die Einzelblätter B auf mehrere, hier z.B. drei parallele, im folgenden als Auslauftransportbahnen 20a, b, c bezeichnete Fördereinrichtungen aufgeteilt und mittels dieser letzteren durch die Nassbehandlungs- und Trocknungsstation T transportiert. Von den Auslauftransportbahnen ist in der Zeichnung nur ein Uebernahmewalzenpaar 21 a, 21 dargestellt.The individual sheets B are distributed from the distribution station V to several, here e.g. three parallel conveying devices, hereinafter referred to as outlet transport tracks 20a, b, c, and transported by means of the latter through the wet treatment and drying station T. Of the outlet conveyor tracks, only one pair of takeover rollers 21 a, 21 is shown in the drawing.

Wenn die Einzelblätter B die Behandlungsstation T auf deren drei oder mehreren Auslauftransportbahnen verlassen, gelangen sie über ein weiteres Uebernahmewalzenpaar 22a, 22b in die Sammel- und Rückförderstation S. Dort werden die Einzelblätter B über einen Querförderer 30 zu einem Rückförderer 40 geleitet und auftragsweise in den Auffangschalen 41 desselben abgelegt. Wenn alle Kopien eines Auftrags in einer Schale sind, wird in noch zu beschreibender Weise automatisch der Rückförderer 40 aktiviert, sodass die zum nächstfolgenden Auftrag gehörenden Kopien (Einzelblätter B) in die nächstfolgende Auffangschale 41 gelangen. Zur Steuerung dieses automatischen Fortschaltens ist eine Steuereinrichtung 50 vorgesehen, die mit einer sich quer über die Auslauftransportbahnen 20a-c erstreckenden Lichtschrankeneinrichtung 60 zusammenarbeitet und ihrerseits von dieser gesteuert wird. Der Rückförderer 40 stellt die Kopien dann auftragsweise für die weitere Bearbeitung (Endabfertigung) bereit.When the single sheets B leave the treatment station T on their three or more outlet transport lanes, they reach the collecting and return conveyor station S via a further pair of takeover rollers 22a, 22b. There, the single sheets B are passed via a cross conveyor 30 to a return conveyor 40 and, depending on the order, into the Collection trays 41 of the same filed. When all copies of an order are in a tray, the return conveyor 40 is automatically activated in a manner to be described, so that the copies (single sheets B) belonging to the next order reach the next following collection tray 41. To control this automatic advancement, a control device 50 is provided which cooperates with a light barrier device 60 which extends across the outlet transport tracks 20a-c and in turn is controlled by the latter. The return conveyor 40 then makes the copies ready for further processing (final processing).

Die Verteilstation V umfasst eine Verteileinrichtung 100 und eine zugehörige elektronische Steuerung 200, welche gleichzeitig auch die Transportorgane 1a, 1b, 10 und die Schneideeinrichtung 2 im Kopiergerät K steuert. Ueber einen Eingang 201 können der Steuerung 200 externe Befehle eingegeben werden. Die hardwaremässige Realisation der Steuerung 200 ist beliebig, solange sie nur imstande ist, die im folgenden beschriebenen Funktionsabläufe zu bewirken.The distribution station V comprises a distribution device 100 and an associated electronic control 200, which at the same time also the transport organs 1a, 1b, 10 and the cutting device 2 in the copier K controls. External commands can be entered into the controller 200 via an input 201. The hardware 200 of the controller 200 is arbitrary as long as it is only able to effect the functional sequences described below.

Die Verteilstation 100 besteht im wesentlichen aus einem quer zur Förderrichtung der Einlauftransportbahn 10 und der Auslauftransportbahnen 20a-c beweglichen Schlitten 110, der mittels Gleitlagern auf zwei gerätefesten Gleitstangen 113 und 114 verschiebbar gelagert ist. Zum Antrieb des Schlittens 110 ist ein um zwei Rollen 111 und 112 umlaufender Zahnriemen 115 sowie ein Antriebsmotor 116 für die vordere Rolle 111 vorgesehen. Der Antriebsmotor 116 wird von der Steuereinrichtung 200 kontrolliert. Schlitten 110 und Zahnriemen 115 sind am Punkt 117 miteinander verbunden.The distribution station 100 essentially consists of a carriage 110 which is movable transversely to the conveying direction of the inlet transport path 10 and the outlet transport paths 20a-c and which is displaceably mounted by means of slide bearings on two slide rods 113 and 114 fixed to the device. To drive the carriage 110, a toothed belt 115 running around two rollers 111 and 112 and a drive motor 116 for the front roller 111 are provided. The drive motor 116 is controlled by the control device 200. Carriage 110 and toothed belt 115 are connected to one another at point 117.

Der Schlitten 110 selbst besteht im wesentlichen aus einer Basisplatte 121, einer Oberplatte 122, zwei Verbindungsstegen 123 und 124 mit Gleitlagern für die Gleitstange 113 sowie zwei weiteren Gleitlagern 125 und 126 für die Gleitstange 114 und einer Lagerplatte 127. In bzw. an der letzteren sind zwei Transportrollenpaare 131a, b und 132a, b gelagert. Die beiden unteren Rollen 131b und 132b sind über einen Riemen 133 von einem an der Basisplatte 121 befestigten Motor 134 angetrieben. Der Motor 134 wird wie der Motor 116 von der Steuereinrichtung 200 kontrolliert.The carriage 110 itself essentially consists of a base plate 121, an upper plate 122, two connecting webs 123 and 124 with slide bearings for the slide rod 113 and two further slide bearings 125 and 126 for the slide rod 114 and a bearing plate 127. In or on the latter are two pairs of transport rollers 131a, b and 132a, b stored. The two lower rollers 131b and 132b are driven via a belt 133 by a motor 134 attached to the base plate 121. Like the motor 116, the motor 134 is controlled by the control device 200.

Die Transportrollenpaare 131a, b und 132a, b übernehmen die Einzelblätter B von der Einlauftransportbahn 10 und geben sie an die Auslauftransportbahnen 20a-c weiter. Durch die Querbewegung des Schlittens 110 wird dabei eine Aufteilung auf die (hier drei) Auslauftransportbahnen erreicht. Im einzelnen erfolgt dies so, dass der Schlitten 110 zur Uebernahme eines Einzelblatts B in die in Fig. 2 voll ausgezogen gezeigte Abholstellung fährt, dass Einzelblatt B übernimmt, sich dann in die gewünschte, der anzusprechenden Auslauftransportbahn 20a, b oder c entsprechende Abgabestellung bewegt (in Fig. 2 beispielsweise für die Auslauftransportbahn 20c strichliert mit 110' angedeutet) und dann das Einzelblatt auf diese Auslauftransportbahn aufgibt. Die Verteilung erfolgt dabei unter Kontrolle der Steuereinrichtung 200 nach einem Verteilschema, das zweckmässig so ausgestaltet ist, dass sich eine gleichmässige und platzsparende Belegung der einzelnen Auslauftransportbahnen ergibt. Ein mögliches Verteilschema ist z.B. zyklisch, also erstes Bild etwa auf Bahn 20a, nächstes Bild auf Bahn 20b, drittes Bild auf Bahn 20c und dann wieder von vorne usw. Selbstverständlich sind auch andere Verteilschemata möglich.The pairs of transport rollers 131a, b and 132a, b take over the single sheets B from the infeed transport path 10 and pass them on to the outfeed transport paths 20a-c. The transverse movement of the carriage 110 results in a division into the (here three) outlet transport tracks. Specifically, this is done in such a way that the carriage 110 moves to the pick-up position shown in full extension in FIG. 2, so that the sheet B takes over, then moves into the desired delivery position corresponding to the outfeed transport path 20a, b or c to be addressed ( in FIG. 2, for example, for the outfeed conveyor 20c (indicated by dashed lines at 110 ') and then feeds the single sheet onto this outfeed conveyor. The distribution takes place under the control of the control device 200 according to a distribution scheme which is expediently designed such that there is a uniform and space-saving occupancy of the individual discharge conveyor tracks. A possible distribution scheme is e.g. cyclically, ie first image on lane 20a, next image on lane 20b, third image on lane 20c and then again from the front, etc. Of course, other distribution schemes are also possible.

Ein Charakteristikum der Herstellung fotografischer Kopien besteht darin, dass die Einzelbilder praktisch immer serien- oder gruppenweise anfallen, d.h. dass immer eine mehr oder weniger grosse Anzahl von aufeinanderfolgenden Einzelblättern zu ein und demselbem Kundenauftrag gehören und unbedingt dafür gesorgt werden muss, dass Bilder verschiedener Aufträge nicht durcheinander gebracht werden. Die Anzahl der Einzelbilder pro Auftrag ist bekannt, sie wird entweder der Steuerung 200 in irgendeiner Form eingegeben oder die Steuerung des Kopiergeräts ermittelt sie in herkömmlicher Weise selbst. Die Kenntnis dieser Einzelbilderanzahlen pro Auftrag reicht aber in der Praxis nicht aus, die einzelnen Aufträge sicher auseinanderzuhalten, da es im rauhen Alltagsbetrieb vorkommen kann, dass ein Einzelblatt unerkannt in der Nassbehandlungsstation hängen bleibt und dadurch die gesamte Bildsequenz durcheinander bringt.A characteristic of the production of photographic copies is that the individual images are practically always produced in series or in groups, i.e. that always a more or less large number of successive single sheets belong to one and the same customer order and it must be ensured that images of different orders are not mixed up. The number of individual images per job is known, it is either entered into the controller 200 in some form or the controller of the copying machine itself determines it in a conventional manner. In practice, however, knowledge of these individual image numbers per job is not sufficient to reliably separate the individual jobs , because in rough everyday operation it can happen that a single sheet remains undetected in the wet treatment station and thus messes up the entire image sequence.

Dieses Problem wird nun durch die Erfindung auf einfache Weise dadurch gelöst, dass ein Trenn-Merkmal erzeugt wird, welches das Ende eines Auftrags bzw. den Uebergang zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Aufträgen markiert. Dieses Trenn-Merkmal besteht in einer maschinell detektierbaren Aenderung des Verteilschemas der Einzelblätter auf die (hier drei) Auslauftransportbahnen, beispielsweise etwa durch Ueberspringen einer Transportbahn oder durch Umkehrung des Zyklus-Sinns oder generell durch Wechsel zwischen zwei (oder mehreren) Verteilschemata. Dieses so gebildete Trenn-Merkmal wird dann am Ausgang der Behandlungsstation bzw. am Eingang der Sammelstation mittels des Systems von Lichtschranken 60 und der Steuerung 50 erkannt und dazu benutzt, den Rückförderer 40 so zu aktivieren, dass jeweils nur die Bilder aus ein und demselben Auftrag in dieselbe Schale 41 gelangen.This problem is now solved in a simple manner by the invention in that a separating feature is generated which marks the end of an order or the transition between two successive orders. This separating feature consists of a machine-detectable change in the distribution scheme of the single sheets to the (here three) outfeed transport lanes, for example by skipping a transport lane or by reversing the cycle sense or generally by changing between two (or more) distribution schemes. This separation feature formed in this way is then recognized at the exit of the treatment station or at the entrance to the collection station by means of the system of light barriers 60 and the controller 50 and used to activate the return conveyor 40 in such a way that only the images from one and the same order are activated get into the same bowl 41.

Wenn nun ein Einzelblatt in der Behandlung-Station T verbleibt und dadurch das Vorliegen eines Trenn-Merkmals vortäuscht, so ist dies ohne grosse nachteilige Folgen. Es bewirkt lediglich, dass die Bilder des betreffenden Auftrags auf zwei Auffangschalen 41 aufgeteilt werden, und danach ist die Ordnung automatisch wieder hergestellt.If a single sheet now remains in the treatment station T and thereby simulates the presence of a separation feature, this has no major disadvantageous consequences. It merely causes the images of the job in question to be divided into two collecting trays 41, and the order is then automatically restored.

Zur zusätzlichen Kontrolle können selbstverständlich auch noch die Blatt-Anzahlen zwischen zwei detektierten Trenn-Merkmalen bestimmt und mit den im Kopiergerät vorhandenen Soll-Zahlen verglichen werden. Bei Abweichungen können dann geeignete Abhilfemassnahmen ergriffen werden. Eventuell können damit auch vorgetäuschte Auftragsenden unterdrückt bzw. ignoriert werden, usw.For additional control, the number of sheets between two detected separation features can of course also be determined and compared with the target numbers present in the copier. In the event of deviations, suitable remedial measures can then be taken. It can also be used to suppress or ignore pretended order ends, etc.

Die Fig. 3a-6c verdeutlichen das erfindungsgemässe Prinzip der Erzeugung eines Trenn-Merkmals anhand von vier Beispielen. In den ersten beiden Beispielen werden die Einzelblätter auf je drei Auslauftransportbahnen entsprechend Fig. 1 und 2 aufgeteilt, und in den beiden nächsten Beispielen auf vier bzw. zwei. Die Einlauftransportbahn ist durch die Linie 10 symbolisiert, die Auslauftransportbahnen sind durch die Linien 20a-d angedeutet.3a-6c illustrate the principle according to the invention of generating a separation feature using four examples. In the first two examples, the single sheets are each divided into three outfeed conveyor tracks according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and in the next two examples four or two. The inlet transport path is symbolized by line 10, the outlet transport paths are indicated by lines 20a-d.

Die Fig. 3b-6b zeigen eine typische Einzelblattanordnung auf den Auslauftransportbahnen, welche als sich nach rechts fortbewegend vorzustellen sind. Die Einzelblätter sind hier entsprechend ihrer Zugehörigkeit zu einem Auftrag mit A1,A2,A3etc. bzw. B1, B2, B3 usf. bezeichnet. Man erkennt, dass die Blätter in allen vier Beispielen nach einem zyklischen Schema auf die drei bzw. vier bzw. zwei Auslauftransportbahnen verteilt worden sind. Fernerwurde jeweils nach dem Ende eines Auftrags, also nach dem letzten Blatt einer Serie (hier nach der durch A gekennzeichneten) eine Transportbahn übersprungen, wodurch sich eine Lücke 70 ergibt, die von der Lichtschrankenanordnung 60 erfasst und von der Steuereinrichtung 50 entsprechend ausgewertet werden kann. In den Fig. 3c-6c sind die von den den einzelnen Auslauftransportbahnen zugeordneten Lichtschranken erzeugten Abtastsignale, wie sie sich fürdie in den Fig. 3b-6b gezeigten Blattanordnungen ergeben, (idealisiert) dargestellt. Die mit 11 bis 12 bzw. 13 bzw. 14 markierten Impulse entsprechen dabei jeweils den vordersten Blättern A1-A3 bzw. A1-A4 bzw. A1-A2 in den Fig. 3b-6b. Aus den Impulsdiagrammen ist erkennbar, dass die Lücken sehr einfach dadurch feststellbar sind, dass die zeitliche Sequenz der Einzelblatt-Impulse überwacht wird.3b-6b show a typical single sheet arrangement on the outfeed conveyor tracks which move forward to the right are. The single sheets are here according to their belonging to an order with A1, A2, A3etc. or B1, B2, B3 and so on. It can be seen that the sheets in all four examples have been distributed over the three or four or two outfeed conveyor tracks according to a cyclical pattern. Furthermore, a transport path was skipped after the end of an order, i.e. after the last sheet of a series (here according to the one marked by A), which results in a gap 70 which can be detected by the light barrier arrangement 60 and evaluated accordingly by the control device 50. 3c-6c show the (idealized) the scanning signals generated by the light barriers assigned to the individual discharge conveyor tracks, as they result for the sheet arrangements shown in FIGS. 3b-6b. The pulses marked 11 to 12 or 13 or 14 correspond to the foremost sheets A1-A3 or A1-A4 or A1-A2 in FIGS. 3b-6b. It can be seen from the pulse diagrams that the gaps can be determined very simply by monitoring the chronological sequence of the single sheet pulses.

In den Fig. 7a und 7b sind Möglichkeiten angedeutet, wie die Auslauftransportbahnen 20a-20b relativ zur Einlauftransportbahn 10 liegen können. Die Lage der Bahnen kann softwaremässig eingestellt werden, eventuell in Abhängigkeit von der Papierbreite.7a and 7b indicate possibilities of how the outlet conveyor tracks 20a-20b can be located relative to the inlet conveyor track 10. The position of the webs can be set by software, possibly depending on the paper width.

Fig. 8a und 8b schliesslich zeigen, wie mittels vier Auslauftransportbahnen 20a-20d für Einzelblätter B kleineren Formats zwei Auslauftransportbahnen 20a' und 20b' für Einzelblätter BB grösseren Formats realisiert werden können. Dabei kann dieselbe Verteilstation V und dieselbe Lichtschrankenanordnung 60 unverändert eingesetzt werden, Aenderungen sind lediglich in der Schlittensteuerung und in der Auswertung der Lichtschrankensignale notwendig. Diese Aenderungen können jedoch leicht und einfach per Software durchgeführt werden.8a and 8b finally show how two outlet transport tracks 20a 'and 20b' for single sheets BB of larger format can be realized by means of four outlet transport tracks 20a-20d for single sheets B of a smaller format. The same distribution station V and the same light barrier arrangement 60 can be used unchanged, changes are only necessary in the slide control and in the evaluation of the light barrier signals. However, these changes can be made easily and simply by software.

Das vorstehend beschriebene erfindungsgemässe Verfahren ist selbstverständlich nicht nur im Zusammenhang mit der Herstellung von fotografischen Kopien sondern überall dort einsetzbar, wo Einzelobjekte auf mehreren Transportbahnen befördert werden und Uebergänge zwischen bestimmten Objekten markiert werden sollen.The method according to the invention described above can of course be used not only in connection with the production of photographic copies but also wherever individual objects are transported on several transport tracks and transitions between certain objects are to be marked.

Claims (9)

1. A process for the distribution to two or more output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) of objects (B) arriving in a distribution station (V) in succession on an input conveyor (10), the objects being delivered to the individual output conveyors in accordance with a predetermined distribution scheme and a number of successively arriving objects forming a series, wherein for identifying the transition from one series to the next, at least one of the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) is passed over within the distribution scheme or a switch-over is made to a different predetermined distribution scheme.
2. A process for the treatment of sheet material, especially photographic sheet material, in a treatment station, in which single sheets (B) arriving in a distribution station (V) in succession and in series on an input conveyor (10) are delivered to two or more output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) in accordance with a predetermined distribution scheme and are conveyed through the treatment station (T) by the output conveyors, and in which, furthermore, the single sheets (B) belonging to each series, especially a customer order, are brought together again after the treatment, wherein for identifying the transition between two successive series of single sheets, at least one of the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) is passed over within the distribution scheme or a switch-over is made to a different predetermined distribution scheme and in that manner a separation feature (70) is generated.
3. A process according to claim 2, wherein the single sheets (B) leaving the treatment station (T) on the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) are examined for the appearance of a separation feature (70) marking the transition between two successive series of single sheets, and the information thereby obtained is used for controlling the bringing together of the single sheets (B) belonging to each series.
4. A process according to claim 3, wherein for further controlling the bringing together of the single sheets, in addition the number of single sheets (B) between each two successive separation features (70) is determined.
5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cyclic distribution scheme is used and the direction of the cycle is reversed after each series of single sheets.
6. An apparatus for the distribution to two or more output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) of objects (B) arriving in the apparatus in succession on an input conveyor (10), having a delivery device (110) and a control unit (200) therefor, the delivery device (110) taking the successively arriving objects (B) from the input conveyor (10) and delivering them to the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) in accordance with a distribution scheme controlled by the control unit (200), wherein the control unit (200) is designed to generate a separation feature (70) marking the transition between two successive series of objects (B) by passing over at least one of the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) within the distribution scheme, or by changing the distribution scheme, on delivery of the objects (B) to the output conveyors.
7. An apparatus for the treatment of sheet material (B), especially photographic sheet material, in a treatment station (T), having a distribution device comprising a delivery device (110) and a control unit (200), which distribution device, in accordance with a predetermined distribution scheme, distributes single sheets (B) arriving in succession and in series on an input conveyor (10) to two or more output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) by means of which the single sheets (B) are conveyed through the treatment station (T), and having a collecting station (S) which, after the treatment, brings together again the single sheets (B) belonging to each series, wherein the control unit (200) is designed to generate a separation feature (70) marking the transition between two successive series of single sheets (B) by passing over at least one of the output conveyors (20a, 20b, 20c) within the distribution scheme, or by changing the distribution scheme, on delivery of the single sheets (B) to the output conveyors.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the collecting station (S) is designed to identify the separation features and these are used for bringing together the single sheets.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the collecting station (S) is designed to count the single sheets (B) between each two separation features (70) and to evaluate the information thereby obtained.
EP86810360A 1985-08-19 1986-08-14 Method and device for distributing single objects on several conveyors Expired - Lifetime EP0214096B1 (en)

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CH355985 1985-08-19
CH3559/85 1985-08-19

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EP (1) EP0214096B1 (en)
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DE3676136D1 (en) 1991-01-24
DK162210C (en) 1992-03-16
DK392586A (en) 1987-02-20
US4705376A (en) 1987-11-10
JPS6256249A (en) 1987-03-11
JP2763288B2 (en) 1998-06-11
DK392586D0 (en) 1986-08-18
EP0214096A1 (en) 1987-03-11
DK162210B (en) 1991-09-30

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