Method and apparatus for output sheet handling capable of effectively switching ejection trays
US6494453B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/27
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel output sheet handling apparatus includes outlets, ejection trays, a tray switching mechanism, an outlet switching mechanism, and a controller. Each of outlets ejects a recording sheet. The outlets include at least one straight outlet configured to eject a recording sheet and to eject no stack of recording sheets processed in a complex finishing mode. The ejection trays, at least same plurality as the plurality of outlets, include at least one ejection tray configured to receive the recording sheet from at least two outlets among the outlets. The tray switching mechanism performs a tray switching operation for switching one of the ejection trays in operation to another. The outlet switching mechanism performs an outlet switching operation for switching one of the outlets in operation to another. The controller performs a control operation for controlling the tray and outlet switching mechanisms to minimize a total distance which one of ejection trays in operation and another one are moved during the ejection tray switching operation in accordance with a finishing mode selected when the large capacity ejection mode is selected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.