BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting apparatus for use in combination with
e.g. an automatic photographic printer for sorting prints generated from the printer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] A typical conventional sorting apparatus of the above-noted type is shown in Fig.
11. To briefly describe this apparatus, prints 40 discharged one after another from
a discharge opening of a photographic printer not shown are received on an upper surface
of a fixed receiver table 30. Then, when prints 40 of one negative film roll are produced,
a plurality of movable members 31 protruding upward from the receiver table 30 are
translated to one side of the table 30 as illustrated in Fig. 11(b) to move the prints
40 to cause them to drop on to a belt conveyer 29 disposed on this side. In this manner,
the apparatus effects a sorting operation of the prints.
[0003] With the above convention, however, the prints 40 are caused to drop on to the belt
conveyer 29 from an obliquely upper position by using the movable member 31. Hence,
if the movable members 31 are driven too fast, this will result in irregularity in
the location on the belt conveyer 29 onto which the prints 40 are dropped. Further,
when dropped on to the conveyer 29, the prints 40 tend to be scattered about. On the
other hand, if the movable members 31 are driven slowly, this will incline the prints
40 obliquely downwards from the receiver table 30, so that these prints 40 will 'collapse'
from the receiver table 30, as illustrated in Fig. 11(b). Then, in this case too,
the prints 40 when dropped will be scattered about as illustrated in Fig. 11(c).
[0004] In addition, in many cases, the movable members 31 need to move prints 40 of various
numbers and sizes. Then, even the scattering pattern of the dropped prints 40 may
be irregular. Accordingly, such irregularity in the sorted or un-sorted conditions
of the dropped prints would invite a problem in the subsequent process of the prints.
[0005] A sorter, comparable with the sorter as described above is known from US-A-2 672
079.
[0006] The present invention attends to the above-described drawbacks of the prior art and
its primary object is to provide an improved sorting apparatus which always can neatly
sort out prints discharged from a printer regardless of the number and/or size of
the prints.
[0007] For fulfilling the above-noted object, it is provided a sorting apparatus for use
with a printer, as defined in claim 1.
[0008] With the above construction, edges of the respective prints can be neatly aligned
as these prints mounted on an movable table come into contact with a stopper member.
Then, with being maintained in this contact with the stopper member, the movable table
is moved in the retracting direction to cause the prints to be dropped off the table
to be sorted. As the prints are allowed to be dropped substantially perpendicularly
with their edges aligned, the prints can be sorted neatly.
[0009] As a result, the subsequent process of these prints may be effected smoothly without
troubles.
[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the stopper member is rendered movable
together with the movable table, such that the movable table is retracted after the
stopper member and the movable table are moved together.
[0011] With this construction, the prints discharged from the discharge opening of the printer
may be transported e.g. laterally to be neatly sorted while the prints are kept mounted
on the movable table. Hence, this construction allows greater freedom in the assembly
of the sorting apparatus with the printer. Further, through setting of a stop position
of the stopper member, the dropping or sorting position of the prints may be freely
selected, or the edges of any prints may be neatly aligned regardless of the size
of the prints.
[0012] Accordingly, even when the printer has a significant height which presents difficulty
in handling of the prints after sorting thereof, the prints may be sorted with the
edges thereof being aligned with the forward side of the printer. So that, the subsequent
handling of the prints can be facilitated.
[0013] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the stopper member is rendered
movable relative to the movable table, such that the movable table is retracted relative
to the stopper after the stopper member is moved relative to the movable table.
[0014] With this construction, like the above-described construction, through setting of
a stop position of the stopper member, the dropping or sorting position of the prints
may be freely selected, or the edges of any prints may be neatly aligned regardless
of the size of the prints. And, the prints may be sorted to a position which advantageously
facilitates the subsequent handling thereof.
[0015] According to a still further aspect of the invention, an upper surface of the movable
table has a step for allowing the prints to ride thereon in an overhanging manner,
the upper surface having a downward inclination as extending toward a discharge opening
of the prints from the printer.
[0016] With this construction, the prints discharged from the discharge opening on to the
movable table may reliably be allowed to ride on the step along the inclined surface
in the overhanging manner. Thus, when the movable table is moved in the retracting
direction relative to the stopper member, there occurs no jamming of the prints into
the gap formed between the upper surface of this movable table and the bottom surface
of the stopper member. Accordingly, the gravity sorting operation of the prints may
be effected more reliably.
[0017] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the sorting apparatus further
comprising first driving means for driving the movable table, second driving means
for driving the stopper member, and a drive source for driving both first and second
driving means.
[0018] With the above, in comparison with a further construction in which the movable table
and the stopper member are driven by separate drive sources, the entire apparatus
may be formed more compact.
[0019] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprising
a movable-table support block for supporting the movable table, a stopper support
block for supporting the stopper member, and a slide shaft on which the movable-table
support block and the stopper support block are slidably mounted, said first drive
means including a first rotary element (e.g. a sprocket) and a first connecting member
(e.g. a chain) operatively associated with said first rotary element, said second
drive means including a second rotary element and a second connecting member operatively
associated with said second rotary element, said movable-table support block being
engaged with said first connecting member, said stopper support block being engaged
with said second connecting member, said first rotary element and said second rotary
element being disposed coaxially.
[0020] With the above construction, the above-described rather complicated relative movements
between the movable table and the stopper member may be reliably provided by using
those components such as the movable-table support block, chain, sprocket and the
stopper support block, chain, sprocket and so on. Moreover, as the movable-table support
block and the stopper support block are mounted on the same slide shaft and the first
and second rotary elements are disposed coaxially, the entire construction may be
formed compact and its assembly with the printer may be further facilitated.
[0021] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the first rotary element and
the second rotary element are mounted on a single drive shaft to be rotatable relative
to each other. This drive shaft and the first rotary element are operatively coupled
with each other via a friction mechanism. And, the drive shaft and the second rotary
element are operatively coupled with each other via a one-way clutch mechanism. The
drive shaft and the second rotary element are operatively coupled with each other
also via a clutch mechanism. A stopper is provided for coming into contact with the
movable-table support block for regulating movement of the movable-table support block.
The drive shaft is operatively coupled with a reversible motor.
[0022] With the above construction, the complex relative movements between the movable table
and the stopper member may be automatically effected by using the single reversible
motor. Hence, this construction allows weight reduction of the apparatus as well as
cost reduction of the same.
[0023] According to a still further aspect of the invention, said clutch mechanism includes
a first gear formed integral with the second rotary element, a second gear fixed to
the drive shaft, and a free gear mounted to the movable-table support block, rotation
of the second gear being transmitted via the free gear to the first gear.
[0024] Rotation in one direction of the motor may be transmitted to the second rotary element
via the drive shaft and the one-way clutch mechanism, while rotation in the other
direction may not. With the above construction, the rotation in the other direction
of the motor may be transmitted via the second gear, the free gear and the first gear
to the second rotary element. Further, this transmission of the rotation in the other
direction of the motor is allowed only when the free gear meshes both the first gear
and the second gear.
[0025] The clutch mechanism having the above construction is simple as being comprised mainly
of the gears.
[0026] Preferably, at least one of the first gear and second gear includes a mechanism for
absorbing a difference between the tooth phases of these first and second gears.
[0027] In transmitting the rotation of the motor to the second rotary element through the
clutch mechanism, it is necessary far the free gear mounted to the movable-table support
block to mesh both the first gear and the second gear. In this, if a difference is
present between the tooth phases of these gears, the simultaneous meshing engagements
may not take place smoothly. And, such un-smooth engagements may present a problem
in the durability of the mechanism.
[0028] Accordingly, by providing the mechanism capable of absorbing a difference between
the tooth phases of the two gears, the simultaneous meshing engagements between the
free gear and the first and second gears may be effected smoothly. And, the durability
of the clutch mechanism may be improved.
[0029] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises
a position detector for detecting a position of the stopper support block for controlling
a change in the stop position of the stopper member.
[0030] With this construction, with automatic change in the stop position of the stopper
member, the drop-sorting position of the prints may be selected. Or, any prints, regardless
of size thereof, may be neatly aligned at their edges.
[0031] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises
a belt conveyer disposed at the drop position of the prints downwardly of the movable
table.
[0032] With this construction, the sorted prints may be automatically transported to a desired
position. Hence, this will contribute to improvement of the convenience of the printer.
[0033] Further and other objects, features and effects of the invention will become more
apparent from the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034]
Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of an automatic photographic printer relating
to a first embodiment,
Fig. 2 is a section view of a sorting apparatus of the first embodiment,
Fig. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the sorting apparatus of the first
embodiment,
Fig. 4 are perspective views illustrating operational conditions of the sorting apparatus
of the first embodiment,
Fig. 5 are perspective views illustrating operational conditions of the sorting apparatus
of the first embodiment,
Fig. 6 are perspective views illustrating operational conditions of the sorting apparatus
of the first embodiment,
Fig. 7 are schematic views illustrating the operational conditions of the sorting
apparatus of the first embodiment,
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a clutch gear mechanism relating to a second embodiment,
Fig. 9 is side view of the clutch gear mechanism relating to the second embodiment,
Fig. 10 are operation views of the clutch gear mechanism of the second embodiment,
and
Fig. 11 are schematic views illustrating operational conditions of a conventional
sorting apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] A sorting apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for
use with a photographic printer will be described in details with reference to Figs.
1 through 7.
[0036] Fig. 1 shows, in its entirety, an automatic photographic printer for producing color
prints from a negative film. Though not described in details, upon designations of
the number or size of prints to be produced by operating a control unit 50, images
of the negative film are printed on to a color print paper by a printing device accommodated
inside the printer. Then, various processes such as development, water-washing and
so on are effected on this print paper, and the paper is dried by a drying unit and
then cut into color prints 40 of a predetermined size, which are discharged one after
another through a discharge opening 1 to be supplied on to a sorting apparatus which
is disposed downwardly of the discharge opening 1.
[0037] This sorting apparatus according to the invention, as shown in Figs. 4 through 6,
includes a movable table 2 for mounting thereon the color prints 40 discharged one
after another from the discharge opening 1 of the printer and a stopper member 3 disposed
on the upper surface of the movable table 2 for coming into contact with the color
prints 40 as mounted on the movable table 2. And, the movable table 2 and the stopper
member 3 are both movable relative to a casing 4 of the sorting apparatus.
[0038] As may be apparent from Fig. 2, the upper surface of the movable table 2 comprises
an inclined surface having a generally upward inclination as extending away from the
discharge opening 1 of the printer. Further, this upper surface has a sawtoothed configuration
formed of a plurality of steps 2a, with an upper surface of each step 2a having a
downward inclination as extending toward the discharge opening 1. With these arrangements,
the color prints 40 discharged from the discharge opening 1, irrespectively of their
sizes, may ride over the step 2a in an overhanging manner. Further, a corresponding
bottom surface of the stopper 3 has a matching sawtoothed configuration having a plurality
of steps 3a.
[0039] Inside the casing 4, a pair of slide shafts 5 extending along the length of the casing
4 are fixedly disposed. These slide shafts 5 slidably mount thereon a movable-table
support block 6 and a stopper support block 7 via slide bearings 6a, 7a respectively,
with the stopper support block 7 being disposed on the forward side of the printer.
[0040] The movable-table block 6 fixedly supports the movable table 2 via its plate-like
joints 6b. Likewise, the stopper support block 7 fixedly supports the stopper member
3 via its plate-like joints 7b. Correspondingly, the upper surface of the casing 4
defines a pair of slits 8 through which the joints 6b of the movable-table support
block 6 extend and also defines a further pair of slits 9 through which the joints
7b of the stopper support block 7 extend. Further, the movable table 2 defines a pair
of slits 10, through which the joints 7b of the stopper support block 7 extend.
[0041] At a rear region inside the casing 4 and downwardly of the slide shafts 5, there
is rotatably disposed a drive shaft 11 extending normal to the slide shafts 5. This
drive shaft 11 mounts a movable-table drive sprocket 12 adjacent one end thereof,
a stopper drive sprocket 13 adjacent the other end thereof and further mounts a clutch
member 14 at an intermediate portion thereof, respectively.
[0042] Between the movable-table drive sprocket 12 and the drive shaft 11, there is interposed
a friction mechanism 15 which effects a relative slipping action when the movable-table
drive sprocket 12 is subjected to a resistance force exceeding a predetermined magnitude.
Between the stopper drive sprocket 13 and the drive shaft 11, there is interposed
a one-way clutch 16. The clutch member 14, which is fixed to the drive shaft 11, integrally
includes a clutch gear 14a (hereinafter 'a second gear 14a'), which is disposed adjacent
a clutch gear 13a (hereinafter 'a first gear 13a') integrally of the stopper drive
sprocket 13.
[0043] A movable-table drive chain 18 is entrained between the movable-table drive sprocket
12 and a free sprocket 17. A stopper drive chain 20 is entrained between the stopper
drive sprocket 13 and a free sprocket 19. The latter free sprocket 19, on which the
stopper drive chain 20 is entrained, is mounted on a fixed shaft 21 fixed to the casing
4. Further, between this fixed shaft 21 and the free sprocket 19, there is interposed
a friction mechanism 19 having a substantially same construction as the afore-described
friction mechanism 15, so that the free sprocket 19 is not rotated unless the stopper
drive chain 20 receives a driving force beyond a predetermined magnitude.
[0044] The movable-table drive chain 18 and the stopper drive chain 20 are operatively coupled
with the movable-table support block 6 and the stopper support block 7, respectively.
A toothed belt 23 is entrained between a pulley 11a fixed to the drive shaft 11 and
a shaft of a reversible DC motor 22 having a reduction mechanism. Also, the movable-table
support block 6 rotatably mounts a free gear 24 which can mesh with the first gear
13a and the second gear 14a for operatively coupling the drive shaft 11 and the stopper
drive sprocket 13 to each other. These first and second gears 13a, 14a and the free
gear 24 together constitute a clutch mechanism 25.
[0045] As shown in Fig. 2, the stopper support block 7 includes a position detecting plate
25 extending downwards therefrom. Within a movable range of this position detecting
plate 26, there is provided a position detector 27 comprised of a light emitter 27a
and a light receiver 27b, for the purpose of controlling a change in the stop position
of the stopper member 3. Within a movable range of the movable-table support block
6, there are provided a stopper 28a for contacting the movable-table support block
6 so as to restrict movement of this block 6 toward the forward side of the printer
and a further stopper 28b for also contacting the movable-table support block 6 so
as to restrict opposite movement of this block 6 toward a rear side of the printer.
[0046] Toward the more foreward side of the printer than the above-described sorting apparatus,
a belt conveyer 29 is disposed for receiving and transporting one after another the
color prints 40 dropped off the movable table 2.
[0047] Next, the operations of this sorting apparatus will be described. First, when the
movable-table support block 6 and the stopper support block 7 are located on the rear
side of the printer, namely, on the side of the drive shaft 11, the color prints 40
are discharged from the discharge opening 1. In this, as illustrated in Fig. 4(a),
the movable table 2 is disposed downwardly of the discharge opening 1 and also the
stopper member 3 is disposed more rearwardly of the printer than the discharge opening
1, so that the color prints 40 are discharged on to the movable table 2 under this
condition.
[0048] When the accumulated or stacked color prints 40 reaches a predetermined amount, or
more specifically, when the color prints 40 of one entire negative film roll are produced,
this is detected by an unillustrated sensor. Upon this detection, the motor 22 is
rotated forwardly to forwardly rotate the drive shaft 11 via the pulley 22a, the toothed
belt 23 and the pulley 11a.
[0049] In association with this forward rotation of the drive shaft 11, the movable-table
drive sprocket 12 and the stopper drive sprocket 13 both effect forward rotations
to drive the movable-table drive chain 18 and the stopper drive chain 20, respectively.
Accordingly, the movable-table support block 6 and the stopper support block 7 are
slided along the slide shafts 5, whereby the movable table 2 and the stopper member
3 are together moved toward the forward side of the printer.
[0050] After being moved by a predetermined distance, the movable-table support block 6
comes into contact with the stopper 28a, whereby the block 6 is prevented from being
moved farther. In this condition, a slippage is caused by the function of the friction
mechanism 15, so that the movable-table drive sprocket 12 stops its rotation in spite
of the continued forward rotation of the drive shaft 11.
[0051] Thereafter, as illustrated in Fig. 4(b), only the stopper member 3 is further moved
toward the forward side of the printer. Then, when the position detecting plate 26
extending downwardly from the stopper support block 7 traverses the position detector
27, the motor 22 terminates its forward rotation to stop the stopper member 3, and
then the motor 22 effects a reverse rotation.
[0052] In association with this reverse rotation of the motor 22, the drive shaft 11 too
is rotated reversely so as to urge reverse rotations of the movable-table drive sprocket
12 and the stopper drive sprocket 13. However, such reverse rotation of the stopper
drive sprocket 13 is prevented by the function of the one-way clutch 16 interposed
between this sprocket 13 and the drive shaft 11, so that the movable-table drive sprocket
12 alone is allowed to rotate reversely.
[0053] With the above, the movable-table support block 6 is moved toward the rear side of
the printer. Then, as illustrated in Fig. 5(a), while the stopper member 3 is maintained
still, the movable table 2 is retracted away from this stopper member 3, such that
the color prints 40 on the movable table 2 with the positions thereof regulated through
the contact with the stopper member 3 are allowed, in this condition, to be dropped
on to the belt conveyer 29 disposed downwardly. This completes a sorting operation
of the prints.
[0054] In the course of the above-described process, since the color prints 40 are riding
in an overhanging manner on the plural steps 2a formed on the upper surface of the
movable table 2, the color prints 40 are prevented from being jammed between this
upper surface of the movable table 2 and the bottom surface of the stopper member
3. Especially, in the instant embodiment, the color prints 40 overhangingly ride on
more than two steps 2a, the jamming trouble of the prints 40 may be prevented more
reliably.
[0055] Further, since the free sprocket 19 on which the stopper drive chain 20 is entrained
is subjected to the frictional force from the friction mechanism 19a, even if the
stopper member 3 is subjected to an urging force toward the rear side of the printer
via the color prints 40 during the retracting movement of the movable table 2, the
frictional force can reliably maintain the stopper member 3 at the predetermined stop
position against such urging force. Consequently, a positioning error of the color
prints 40 may be reliably prevented.
[0056] With completion of the sorting operation of the color prints 40 as described above,
and when the movable-table support block 6 is moved toward the rear side of the printer
to come into contact with the stopper 28b, slippage is caused by the function of the
friction mechanism 15. So that, in spite of the continued reverse rotation of the
drive shaft 11, the rotation of the movable-table drive sprocket 12 is stopped, and
simultaneously the free gear 24 mounted to the movable-table support block 6 comes
into meshing with the first gear 13a of the stopper drive sprocket 13 and the second
gear 14a of the clutch member 14, thereby to integrally couple the drive shaft 11
and the stopper drive sprocket 13 to each other.
[0057] Then, the stopper drive sprocket 13 effects reverse rotation to drive the stopper
drive chain 20 and the stopper member 3 too is moved toward the rear side of the printer
3, the motor 22 is stopped, and the belt conveyer 29 is moved a predetermined distance
to be set to the initial condition. The above-described serial processes are schematically
illustrated in Figs. 7.
[0058] Incidentally, for changing the size of the color prints 40 to a new size, this new
size can be designated with an operation of the control unit 5 of the printer. With
this designation, the stop position of the stopper 3 is changed. More specifically,
in the foregoing description of the operations, the motor 22 stops its forward rotation
to stop the stopper member 3 simultaneously with the position detecting plate 26 extending
downwardly from the stopper support block 7 transversing the position detector 27.
Instead, with such designation of a new size by the control unit 5, the stop position
of the stopper member 3 will be changed as the motor 22 will be stopped not simultaneously
but with lapse of one second or two seconds after the position detecting plate 26
has transversed the position detector 27, for instance. Accordingly, irrespectively
of the size of the color prints 40, the front edges of the stacked color prints 40
can always be brought into neat alignment with the frontal edge of the belt conveyer
29. The operational processes for this sorting operation are illustrated in Fig. 5(b)
and Figs. 6(a) and (b).
[second embodiment]
[0059] A second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Figs. 8
through 10. This embodiment relates to improvement of the clutch mechanism 25 described
hereinbefore. The other constructions than this clutch mechanism 25 remain the same
and will therefore not be described to avoid redandancy.
[0060] As described supra, when a sorting operation of the color prints 40 is completed
and the movable-table support block 6 is moved toward the rear side of the printer
to come into contact with the stopper 28b, a slippage is caused by the function of
the friction mechanism 15. So that, in spite of the continued reverse rotation of
the drive shaft 11, the rotation of the movable-table drive sprocket 12 is stopped,
and simultaneously the free gear 24 mounted to the movable-table support block 6 comes
into meshing with the first gear 13a of the stopper drive sprocket 13 and the second
gear 14a of the clutch member 14, thereby to integrally couple the drive shaft 11
and the stopper drive sprocket 13 to each other.
[0061] As described above, the free gear 24 is to come into meshing with the first gear
13a and the second gear 14a simultaneously. So, for facilitating these meshing engagements
between the free gear 24 and the first and second gears 13a, 14a, the free gear 24
is mounted to be freely rotatable relative to the movable-table support block 6.
[0062] However, in order to for the simultaneous meshing engagements between the free gear
24 and the first gear 13a and the second gear 14a to take place smoothly, it is necessary
that the tooth phase of the first gear 13a and that of the second gear 14a exactly
match each other. Otherwise, i.e. with a difference between the tooth phases, the
simultaneous meshing engagements cannot take place smoothly. Or, if such un-smooth
engagements are forced, this will lead to a malfunction or even to deterioration in
the life of the clutch mechanism 25. Accordingly, it is preferred that the clutch
mechanism 25 be constructed with taking this respect into consideration.
[0063] Now, Fig. 8 is a perspective exploded view of such clutch mechanism 25 improved in
the above-described respect. In this embodiment, the construction of the second gear
14a remains the same as that of the foregoing embodiment. Whereas, the first gear
13a is comprised now of two parts, namely, a first rotary element 131 and a second
rotary element 132. The first rotary element 131 includes a toothed portion 131a for
meshing the teeth of the free gear 24, a projecting portion 131b extending along the
axial direction of the drive shaft 11, an end face portion 131c formed in the projecting
portion 131b, and a hole 131d defined in the projecting portion 131b. The second rotary
element 132 includes a recess portion 132a for defining a space for allowing movement
of the projecting portion 131b of the first rotary element 131, an end face portion
132b for contacting the end face portion 131c of the projecting portion 131b, and
a hole 132c. A spring 132 includes a hook 133a engageable with the hole 131d and a
further hook 133b engageable with the hole 132c. This spring 132 urges the first rotary
element 131 to rotate it about the axis X of the drive shaft 11 in a direction of
an arrow A in Figs. 8 and 10. In this urged state, the end face portion 131c and the
end face portion 132b are placed in contact with each other.
[0064] Incidentally, the second gear 14a includes a toothed portion 14b meshable with the
teeth of the free gear 24.
[0065] Preferably, the first rotary element 131, the second rotary element 132 and the spring
133 together constituting this first gear 13a be provided as one integral unit.
[0066] Figs. 10 show the first gear 13a and the second gear 14a in planar developments so
as to facilitate understanding of their positional relationship.
[0067] Fig. 10(a) shows a condition before the free gear 24 come into meshing engagements
with the first gear 13a and the second gear 14a. In this figure, there is an angular
difference of θ between the tooth phases of the first and second gears 13a, 14a. The
first gear 13a and the second gear 14a have a same pitch of α. As the end face portion
131c of the projecting portion 131b is in the direction of the arrow A by the spring
133, this end face portion 131c of the first rotary element 131 and the end face portion
132b of the second rotary element 132 are placed in contact with each other. Further,
this projecting portion 131b is movable by an angle β within the space defined by
the recess portion 132a. The angle β is set to be at least greater than the angle
corresponding to one tooth pitch.
[0068] Next, the function of this clutch mechanism 25 according to the second embodiment
will be described with reference to Figs. 10.
[0069] First, as the movable-table support block 6 is moved towards the rear side of the
printer, the free gear 24 mounted to the movable-table support block 6 comes into
meshing engagements with both the first gear 13a and the second gear 14a. In this
process, due to the above-described angular difference between the tooth phase of
the first gear 13a and that of the second gear 14a, when the meshing engagements take
place, the first rotary element 131 is rotated counterclockwise as illustrated in
Fig. 10(b), so as to bring the tooth phase of the first gear 13a into exact registration
with that of the second gear 14a. In this state, the projecting portion 131b has been
moved against the urging force of the spring 133, so that the end face 131c and the
end face 132c are located away from each other.
[0070] In the above-described manner, the free gear 24 mounted to the movable-table support
mount 6 comes into meshing engagements with the first gear 13a of the stopper drive
sprocket 13 and the second gear 14a of the clutch member 14, thereby to integrally
couple the drive shaft 11 and the stopper drive sprocket 13 with each other.
[0071] With the above, the stopper drive sprocket 13 is reversely rotated to drive the stopper
drive chain 20, whereby the stopper member 3 too is moved towards the rear side of
the printer, the motor 22 is stopped, and the belt conveyer 29 is moved the predetermined
distance to be set to the initial condition.
[further embodiments]
[0072] In the foregoing embodiments, the stop position of the stopper member 3 is varied
in association with the lapse of time period after the position detecting plate 26
has transversed the position detector 27. Instead, a plurality of such position detectors
27 may be arranged along the movable path of the position detecting plate 26, so that
these position detectors 27 are activated selectively. Or, a single position detector
27 may be rendered adjustable in position along the movable path of the position detecting
plate 26, so that the motor 22 may be stopped when this position detector 22 has transversed
the position detecting plate 26. In these manners, various modifications will be obvious
for one skilled in the art.
[0073] Also, in the foregoing, the movable table 2 and the stopper member 3 are moved together
and then the stopper member 3 is moved further to the predetermined position corresponding
to a designated size of the color prints 40 while the movable table 2 being maintained
still. Conversely, first the stopper member 3 may be moved to the position corresponding
to the designated size of the prints 40 and then this stopper member 3 will be moved
together with the movable table 2. Further alternatively, the movable table 2 and
the stopper member 3 may be moved simultaneously at different speeds. Hence, in this
respect too, various modifications are conceivable.
[0074] In the foregoing embodiment, the movable table 2 and the stopper member 3 are driven
by the combination of the sprockets and chains. The driving construction is not limited
thereto. For instance, rollers and springs 13 and belts 13 may be employed. In this
case, a movable-table drive roller and a stopper drive roller will be employed in
place of the movable-table drive sprocket 13 and the stopper drive sprocket 13, respectively.
And, a movable-table drive belt and a stopper drive belt will be employed in place
of the movable-table drive chain 18 and the stopper drive chain 20, respectively.
Further alternatively, a train of gears may be used as the driving construction.
[0075] In the second embodiment described above, the first rotary element 131 includes the
projecting portion 13a while the second rotary element 132 includes the recess portion
132a. Conversely, the first rotary element 131 may include a recess portion and the
second rotary element 132 may include a projecting portion.
[0076] Further, in the second embodiment, the first gear 13a is comprised of the two parts
of the first rotary element 131 and the second rotary element 132. Instead, the second
gear 14a may be comprised of two separate parts. In these manners, the mechanism for
absorbing the phase difference may be provided to either one or both of the first
gear 13a and the second gear 14a.
[0077] Incidentally, when the mechanism for absorbing the tooth phase difference is not
used as in the first embodiment, it is preferred that the first and second gears 13a,
14a have smaller module. Or, a roller type friction transmission mechanism may be
employed in place of the gear type mechanism disclosed.
1. A sorting apparatus for sorting a plurality of prints discharged from a prints discharge
opening (1) of a photographic printer, the sorting apparatus having:
a movable table (2) for mounting the prints (40) thereon;
a stopper member (3) disposed on a surface of the moveable table (2) for coming into
contact with the prints (40) mounted on the moveable table (2) ;
the movable table (2) being projectable and retractable relative to the stopper member
(3) ;
characterized in that:
the movable table and the stopper are arranged such that with a retracting movement
of the movable table (2) relative to the stopper member (3) and to the printer, the
prints (40) mounted on the movable table (2) are caused to come into contact with
the stopper member (3) and with a continuation of the retracting movement of the moveable
table (2) relative to the stopper member (3) and to the printer, with the stopper
member (3) being maintained still and in contact with the prints (40), the prints
(40) are restricted in position and allowed to reach an edge of the table so as to
be dropped substantially perpendicularly off the table (2) to be sorted.
2. A sorting apparatus according to claim 1,
characterized in that,
in said movable table (2) is formed a pair of slits (10) through which joints (7b)
extend for supporting the stopper member (3).
3. A sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
said stopper member (3) is rendered movable together with the movable table (2), such
that the movable table (2) is retracted relative to the stopper member (3) after the
stopper member (3) and the movable table (2) are moved together.
4. A sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
said stopper member (3) is rendered movable relative to the movable table (2), such
that the movable table (2) is retracted relative to the stopper member (3) after the
stopper member (3) is moved relative to the moveable table (2).
5. A sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
an upper surface of the movable table (2) has a step (2a) for allowing the prints
(40) to ride thereon in an overhanging manner, the upper surface having an inclination
as extending toward said prints discharge opening (1).
6. A sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized by first driving means for driving said movable table (2),
second driving means for driving said stopper member (3) and
a single drive source (22) for driving both said first and second driving means.
7. A sorting apparatus according to claim 6,
characterized by:
a movable-table support block (6) for supporting the movable table (2);
a stopper support block (7) for supporting the stopper member (3); and
a slide shaft (5) on which said movable-table support block (6) and said stopper support
block (7) are slidably mounted;
said first drive means including a first rotary element (12) and a first connecting
member (18) operatively associated with said first rotary element (12) ;
said second drive means including a second rotary element (13) and a second connecting
member (20) operatively associated with said second rotary element (13);
said movable-table support block (6) being engaged with said first connecting member
(18);
said stopper support block (7) being engaged with said second connecting member (20);
and
said first rotary element (12) and said second rotary element (13) being disposed
coaxially.
8. A sorting apparatus according to claim 7,
characterized in that:
said drive source comprises a reversible motor (22);
said first rotary element (12) and said second rotary element (13) are mounted on
a single drive shaft (11) to be rotatable relative to each other;
said drive shaft (11) and said first rotary element (12) are operatively coupled with
each other via a friction mechanism (15) ;
said drive shaft (11) and said second rotary element (13) are operatively coupled
with each other via a first one-way clutch mechanism (16) ;
said drive shaft (11) and said second rotary element (13) are operatively coupled
with each other also via a second clutch mechanism (25) ;
a stopper (28a, 28b) is provided for coming into contact with the movable-table support
block (6) for regulating movement of the movable-table support block (6); and
said drive shaft (11) is operatively coupled with said reversible motor (22).
9. A sorting apparatus according to claim 8,
characterized in that
said second clutch mechanism (25) includes a first gear (13a) formed integral with
said second rotary element (13), a second gear (14a) fixed to said drive shaft (11),
and a free gear (24) mounted to said movable-table support block (6), rotation of
said second gear (14a) being transmitted via the free gear (24) to the first gear
(13a).
10. A sorting apparatus according to claim 7,
characterized by a position detector (27) for detecting a position of said stopper support block (7)
for controlling a change in the stop position of the stopper member (3).
1. Sortiervorrichtung zum Sortieren einer Vielzahl von Abzügen, die aus einer Abzugausgabeöffnung
(1) einer photographischen Abzugvorrichtung ausgegeben werden, wobei die Sortiervorrichtung
hat:
einen beweglichen Tisch (2) zum Stapeln der Abzüge (40) darauf;
einem Anschlagelemerit (3), das auf der Fläche des beweglichen Tisches (2) angeordnet
ist, um in Kontakt mit den Abzügen (40) zu kommen, die auf dem beweglichen Tisch (2)
gestapelt werden;
wobei der bewegliche Tisch (2) relativ zu dem Anschlagelement (3) vorschiebund zurückziehbar
ist;
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der bewegliche Tisch und der Anschlag so angeordnet sind, dass bei einer Rückzugsbewegung
des beweglichen Tisches (2) relativ zu dem Anschlagelement (3) und zu der Abzugvorrichtung
die Abzüge (40), die auf dem beweglichen Tisch (2) gestapelt sind, in Kontakt kommen
mit dem Anschlagelement (3) und
bei einer Fortsetzung und der Rückzugsbewegung des beweglichen Tisches (2) relativ
zu dem Anschlagelement (3) und zu der Abzugvorrichtung, wobei das Anschlagelement
(3) in Ruhe und in Kontakt mit den Abzügen (40) gehalten wird, werden die Abzüge (40)
an ihrer Position gehalten und es wird ihnen ermöglicht, eine Kante des Tisches zu
erreichen, um im wesentlichen senkrecht von dem Tisch (2) herunterzufallen, um sortiert
zu werden.
2. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass in dem genannten beweglichen Tisch (2) ein Paar von Schlitzen (10) gebildet ist,
durch die sich Verbinder (7b) erstrecken, um das Anschlagelement (3) zu stützen.
3. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das genannte Anschlagelement (3) beweglich gehalten wird zusammen mit dem beweglichen
Tisch (2), so dass der bewegliche Tisch (2) relativ zu dem Anschlagelement (3) zurückgezogen
wird, nachdem das Anschlagelement (3) und der bewegliche Tisch (2) zusammen bewegt
werden.
4. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das genannte Anschlagelement (3) beweglich gehalten wird relativ zu dem beweglichen
Tisch (2), so dass der bewegliche Tisch (2) zurückgezogen wird relativ zum Anschlagelement
(3), nachdem das Anschlagelement (3) relativ zu dem beweglichen Tisch (2) bewegt wurde.
5. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass eine obere Fläche des beweglichen Tisches (2) eine Stufe (2a) hat, um den Abzügen
(40) zu ermöglichen, auf dieser in einer überhängenden Weise aufzusitzen, wobei die
obere Fläche eine Neigung hat, während sie sich in Richtung der genannten Abzugausgabeöffnung
(1) erstreckt.
6. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
gekennzeichnet durch
erste Antriebsmittel zum Antrieb des genannten beweglichen Tisches (2), zweiten Antriebsmitteln
zum Antrieb des genannten Anschlagelementes (3) und
eine einzelne Antriebsquelle (22) zum Antreiben sowohl der genannten ersten als auch
der zweiten Antriebsmittel.
7. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 6,
gekennzeichnet durch
einen Beweglichen-Tisch-Trageblock (6) zum Tragen des beweglichen Tisches (2);
einen Anschlagtrageblock (7) zum Tragen des Anschlagelementes (3); und
einer Gleitstange (5), auf der der genannte Bewegliche-Tisch-Trageblock (6) und der
genannte Anschlagtragblock (7) verschiebbar montiert sind;
wobei die genannten ersten Antriebsmittel ein erstes Drehelement (12) aufweisen und
ein erstes Verbindungselement (18), das funktionell mit dem genannten ersten Drehelement
(12) verbunden ist;
wobei das genannte zweite Antriebsmittel ein zweites Drehelement (13) aufweist und
ein zweites Verbindungselement (20), das funktionell mit dem genannten zweiten Drehelement
(13) verbunden ist;
wobei der genannte Bewegliche-Tisch-Trageblock (6) verbunden ist mit dem genannten
ersten Verbindungselement (8),
wobei der genannte Anschlagtragblock (7) verbunden ist mit dem genannten zweiten Verbindungselement
(20); und
wobei das genannte erste Drehelement (12) und das genannte zweite Drehelement (13)
koaxial angeordnet sind.
8. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass die genannte Antriebsquelle einen reversiblen Motor (22) aufweist;
wobei das genannte erste Drehelement (12) und das genannte zweite Drehelement (13)
auf einer einzelnen Antriebswelle (11) angeordnet sind, um relativ zueinander verdrehbar
zu sein;
wobei die erste Antriebswelle (11) und das genannte erste Drehelement (12) funktionell
miteinander verkoppelt sind über einen Reibmechanismus (15);
wobei die Antriebswelle (11) und das genannte zweite Drehelement (13) funktionell
miteinander gekoppelt sind über einen ersten Ein-Richtungs-Kupplungsmechanismus (16);
wobei die Antriebswelle (11) und das genannte zweite Drehelement (13) funktionell
miteinander gekoppelt sind ebenfalls über einen zweiten Kupplungsmechanismus (25);
wobei ein Anschlag (28a, 28b) vorgesehen ist, um in Kontakt mit dem Beweglichen-Tisch-Trageblock
(6) zu kommen zur Regulierung einer Bewegung des Beweglichen-Tisch-Trageblocks (6);
und
wobei die genannte Antriebswelle (11) funktionell gekoppelt ist mit dem genannten
reversiblen Motor (22).
9. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der genannte zweite Kupplungsmechanismus (25) ein erstes Antriebsorgan (13a) aufweist,
das integriert mit dem genannten zweiten Drehelement (3) ausgebildet ist und ein zweites
Antriebsorgan (14a), das an der Antriebswelle (11) befestigt ist, und ein freies Antriebsorgan
(24), das auf dem genannten Beweglichen-Tisch-Trageblock (6) montiert ist, wobei eine
Verdrehung des zweiten Antriebsorgan (14a) über das freie Antriebsorgan (24) auf das
erste Antriebsorgan (13a) übertragen wird.
10. Eine Sortiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 7,
gekennzeichnet durch
einen Positionsdetektor (27) zur Erkennung einer Position des genannten Anschlagtrageblocks
(7) zur Steuerung einer Änderung in der Anschlagposition des Anschlagelementes (3).
1. Dispositif de tri destiné à trier une pluralité d'épreuves évacuées depuis une ouverture
d'évacuation d'épreuves (1) d'une imprimante photographique, le dispositif de tri
comprenant :
une table mobile (2) destinée au montage des épreuves (40) sur celle-ci,
un élément d'arrêt (3) disposé sur une surface de la table mobile (2) destiné à venir
en contact avec les épreuves (40) montées sur la table mobile (2),
la table mobile (2) pouvant faire saillie et être rétractée par rapport à l'élément
d'arrêt (3),
caractérisé en ce que :
la table mobile et l'élément d'arrêt sont disposés de telle sorte qu'avec un déplacement
de retrait de la table mobile (2) par rapport à l'élément d'arrêt (3) et à l'imprimante,
les épreuves (40) montées sur la table mobile (2) sont amenées à venir en contact
avec l'élément d'arrêt (3) et qu'avec une poursuite du déplacement de retrait de la
table mobile (2) par rapport à l'élément d'arrêt (3) et à l'imprimante, l'élément
d'arrêt (3) étant maintenu immobile et en contact avec les épreuves (40), les épreuves
(40) sont limitées en position et peuvent atteindre un bord de la table de façon à
être laissées tomber pratiquement perpendiculairement depuis la table (2) pour être
triées.
2. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 1,
caractérisé en ce que,
dans ladite table mobile (2) est formée une paire de fentes (10) au travers de
laquelle des jointures (7b) s'étendent en vue de supporter l'élément d'arrêt (3).
3. Dispositif dé tri selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
caractérisé en ce que
ledit élément d'arrêt (3) est rendu mobile en même temps que la table mobile (2),
de sorte que la table mobile (2) est rétractée par rapport à l'élément d'arrêt (3)
après que l'élément d'arrêt (3) et la table mobile (2) sont déplacés ensemble.
4. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
caractérisé en ce que
ledit élément d'arrêt (3) est rendu mobile par rapport à la table mobile (2), de
sorte que la table mobile (2) est rétractée par rapport à l'élément d'arrêt (3) après
que l'élément d'arrêt (3) est déplacé par rapport à la table mobile (2).
5. Dispositif de tri selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4,
caractérisé en ce que
une surface supérieure de la table mobile (2) présente un étagement (2a) destiné
à permettre que les épreuves (40) passent sur celle-ci d'une manière en surplomb,
la surface, supérieure présentant une inclinaison lorsqu'elle s'étend vers ladite
ouverture d'évacuation d'épreuves (1).
6. Dispositif de tri selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5,
caractérisé par un premier moyen d'entraînement destiné à entraîner ladite table mobile (2),
un second moyen d'entraînement destiné à entraîner ledit élément d'arrêt (3) et
une source d'entraînement unique (22) destinée à entraîner à la fois lesdits premier
et second moyens d'entraînement.
7. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 6,
caractérisé par :
un bloc support de table mobile (6) destiné à supporter la table mobile (2),
un bloc support d'arrêt (7) destiné à supporter l'élément d'arrêt (3), et
une tige coulissante (5) sur laquelle ledit bloc support de table mobile (6) et ledit
bloc support d'arrêt (7) sont montés avec possibilité de coulissement,
ledit premier moyen d'entraînement comprenant un premier élément rotatif (12) et un
premier élément de liaison (18) fonctionnellement associé audit premier élément rotatif
(12),
ledit second moyen d'entraînement comprenant un second élément rotatif (13) et un
second élément de liaison (20) fonctionnellement associé audit second élément rotatif
(13),
ledit bloc support de table mobile (6) étant en prise avec ledit premier élément de
liaison (18),
ledit bloc support d'arrêt (7) étant en prise avec ledit second élément de liaison
(20), et
ledit premier élément rotatif (12) et ledit second élément rotatif (13) étant disposés
coaxialement.
8. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 7,
caractérisé en ce que :
ladite source d'entraînement comprend un moteur réversible (22),
ledit premier élément rotatif (12) et ledit second élément rotatif (13) sont montés
sur un seul arbre d'entraînement (11) afin de pouvoir tourner l'un par rapport à l'autre,
ledit arbre d'entraînement (11) et ledit premier élément rotatif (12) sont fonctionnellement
couplés l'un à l'autre par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme à friction (15),
ledit arbre d'entraînement (11) et ledit second élément rotatif (13) sont fonctionnellement
couplés l'un à l'autre par l'intermédiaire d'un premier mécanisme d'embrayage unidirectionnel
(16),
ledit arbre d'entraînement (11) et ledit second élément rotatif (13) sont fonctionnellement
couplés l'un à l'autre également par l'intermédiaire d'un second mécanisme d'embrayage
(25),
un arrêt (28a; 28b) est prévu pour venir en contact avec le bloc support de table
mobile (6) afin de réguler le déplacement du bloc support de table mobile (6), et
ledit arbre d'entraînement (11) est fonctionnement couplé audit moteur réversible
(22).
9. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 8,
caractérisé en ce que
ledit second mécanisme d'embrayage (25) comprend un premier élément d'engrenage
(13a) formé en une seule pièce avec ledit second élément rotatif (13), un second élément
d'engrenage (14a) fixé audit arbre d'entraînement (11), et un élément d'engrenage
libre (24) monté sur ledit bloc support de table mobile (6), la rotation dudit second
élément d'engrenage (14a) étant transmise par l'intermédiaire de l'élément d'engrenage
libre (24) au premier élément d'engrenage (13a).
10. Dispositif de tri selon la revendication 7,
caractérisé par un détecteur de position (27) destiné à détecter une position dudit bloc support
d'arrêt (7) en vue de commander un changement de la position d'arrêt de l'élément
d'arrêt (3).