Abstract:
According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided systems for conveying a sheet article into an intended pathway. The multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device includes at least three pathways for directing the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. A single gate plate is between the sheet conveying member and the pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member toward one of the pathways.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to a guide apparatus for selectively guiding sheet articles into a multiple conveying path. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a single gate system for guiding sheet articles through multiple pathways in any type of sheet conveying device including printing and nonprinting devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many sheet conveying devices including printing and nonprinting devices include a pathway that branches off in a plurality of directions. The mechanism that assists the sheet to the intended pathway is path selectors which are arranged in series along the path for steering a sheet. The sheet is directed into one of two-pathways by the two-path selector. After the sheet enters the intended pathway, the sheet is again directed into one of the two new pathways by another two-path selector. This pathway selection process continues in series until the sheet reaches the final intended pathway and proceeds as needed through the rest of the sheet conveying device. However, the problem with this configuration is that the two-path selectors positioned one after the other increase the width of the conveying device because the path selectors are arranged in series one after the other. 
     The two-path selectors may also be arranged in parallel. The two parallel path selectors are rotated simultaneously with each other. This, however, gives rise to a problem that the path selectors increase the number of actuators at a path selector, which may lower the reliability of the system and increase the shutdown rate due to paper jams. Additionally, this arrangement has a limitation on extending to more than three pathways. 
     There is a need for a multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into more than two paths of a sheet conveying device including a printing device or nonprinting device. While prior methods for selecting one of three pathways exist, there is a need for a single gate system that does not lower the reliability of the unit, yet provides for accurate distribution of the paper articles and limited time consumption during the path selecting process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device. The multi-way gate system includes a sheet conveying member, at least three pathways and a single gate plate. The sheet conveying member conveys a sheet through the device. The at least three pathways direct the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. The single gate plate including a first surface and a second surface is located between the sheet conveying member and the at least three pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member towards one of the at least three pathways. 
     According to another aspect illustrated herein, there is provided a multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device including a sheet conveying member, at least three pathways, a single gate plate and a hinged baffle. The sheet conveying member conveys a sheet. The at least three pathways directs the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. The single gate plate is located between the sheet conveying member and the at least three pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member towards one of the at least three pathways. The hinged baffle is located at the first surface side of the single gate plate. The hinged baffle is pivotable upon an axis to biased contact of said hinged baffle with said first gate surface. 
     According to a further aspect illustrated herein, there is provide a multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device including a sheet conveying member, four pathways, a single gate plate, a first hinged baffle and a second hinged baffle. The sheet conveying member conveys a sheet. The four pathways include a first pathway, a second pathway, a third pathway and a fourth pathway. The four pathways direct the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. The single gate plate has a first surface and second surface and the single gate plate located between the sheet conveying member and the four pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member into one of the four pathways. The single gate plate is located between the first hinged baffle and the second hinged baffle. The first hinged baffle is located at the first surface side of the single gate plate and the first hinged baffle is pivotable upon an axis. The first hinged baffle is spaced apart from the first surface of the gate plate for directing the sheet into the first pathway or the second pathway. The second hinged baffle is spaced apart from the second surface of the gate plate to divert the sheet into either of the third pathway or the fourth pathway. The second hinged baffle is pivotable upon an axis. 
     Additional features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the claims. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a three-way gate system of a sheet conveying device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a three-way gate system of a sheet conveying device including a hinged baffle. 
         FIG. 3  shows a four-way gate system of a sheet conveying device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The systems disclosed herein use a single gate to guide a paper article through a sheet conveying system into one of at least three different pathways. 
     As used herein, the phrase “sheet conveying device” encompasses any apparatus, such as a digital copier, a bookmaking machine, a facsimile machine, and a multi-function machine, which performs an outputting function for any purpose. The sheet conveying device includes printing and nonprinting devices. Examples of marking technologies include xerographic, inkjet, and offset marking. 
     As used herein, the phrase “sheet” encompasses, for example, one or more of a usually flimsy physical sheet of paper, heavy media paper, coated papers, transparencies, parchment, film, fabric, plastic, or other suitable physical print media substrate on which information can be reproduced. 
     As used herein, the phrase “path” or “pathway” encompasses any apparatus for separating and/or conveying one or more sheets into a substrate conveyance path inside a printing device. 
     As used herein the phrase “baffle” refers to a device configured to guide a substrate, such as a sheet, along a path. The baffle used herein includes moving baffles and non moving baffles. The moving baffles may be independently pivotable or connected to and pivotable with the gate. Additionally, it is contemplated that the baffle could be a non moving part that guides the sheet into the intended path, or pathway formed by members. The baffle could be made of plates, flexible or non flexible extensions, stand alone protrusions or knobs, wires, plastic moldings and any other devices that are configured to guide a substrate. 
       FIG. 1  provides a three-way gate system  10  for diverting or guiding a sheet  2  into one of three pathways  12  ( 12   a , 12   b , 12   c ) in a sheet conveying device  1 . A sheet  2  is fed from rolls  3  towards the gate plate  14  along the path direction D. The gate plate  14  is rotatable about a single gate plate axis  16 . The gate plate  14  is an elongated planar plate with a first surface  13  and a second surface  15 . The gate plate  14  rotates to align one of its surfaces ( 13 ,  15 ) with one of the three pathways  12 . The sheet  2  is moved by the rolls  3  onto and across the gate plate  14  in the direction of D. The sheet is guided by the gate plate  14  into the aligned pathway in the path direction of X, Y or Z.  FIG. 1  shows the various orientations of gate plate  14  to direct the sheet  2  into one of the three pathways ( 12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ). The gate plate  14  has a rotation angle range E which allows the gate plate  14  to align with any of the three pathways. The gate plate  14  is rotated about the axis  16  to orient the gate plate  14  into position A. Position A of the gate plate  14  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the first surface  13  of the gate plate  14  and into the first pathway  12   a  in the direction of X. Similarly, gate plate  14  is rotated about the axis  16  to orient the gate plate  14  into position B. Position B of the gate plate  14  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the first surface  13  of the gate plate  14  and into the second pathway  12   b  in the direction of Y. Further, when gate plate  14  is rotated about the axis  16  to orient the gate plate  14  into position C, position C of the gate plate  14  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the second surface  15  of the gate plate  14  and into the third pathway  12   c  in the direction of Z. The actuation of the gate plate  14  about the axis  16  may be achieved by a motor, such as a stepper motor. 
       FIG. 2  provides a three-way gate system  20  for diverting or guiding a sheet  2  into one of three pathways  22  ( 22   a , 22   b , 22   c ) in a sheet conveying device  1 . The three-way gate system  20  is similar to the three-way gate system  10  including a gate plate  14 . The three-way gate system  20  includes a gate plate  24  and a hinged baffle  28 . The hinged baffle  28  is positioned at the first surface  23  side of the gate plate  24 . Various baffle designs are available to provide the spacing as required herein.  FIG. 2  shows the hinged baffle  28  has an L-shaped bar, rod or plate including an elongated portion  28   a  and a shorter portion  28   b  extending perpendicularly from the elongated portion  28   a . The hinged baffle  28  includes a first surface  30  and a second surface  32 .  FIG. 2  shows a protrusion  29  extends from the second surface  32  of the elongated portion  28   a  in the opposing direction from the shorter portion  28   b . The hinged baffle  28  prevents a severely curled sheet intended to enter into the middle pathway  22   b  from diverting into the pathway  22   a . Additionally, the hinged baffle  28  prevents paper jamming that may occur if the paper is caught between the two pathways ( 22   a ,  22   b ). The hinged baffle  28  is rotatable about a baffle axis  34 . The hinged baffle  28  has a rotation angle range F which allows the hinged baffle  28  to move from the first pathway  22   a  to the second pathway  22   b . The hinged baffle  28  is limited in rotation due to the stop  36  located at the far end of the hinged baffle  28  at the opposite end of the protrusion  29 . The stop  36  limits the rotation of the protrusion  29  end of the hinged baffle  28  towards the gate plate  24 . The hinged baffle  28  is directed to rotate the angle F by contact with the gate plate  24 , as the gate plate  24  guides the hinged baffle  28  to the first pathway  22   a  or the second pathway  22   b , and the stop  36  limits the movement towards the gate plate  24 . The limited range of movement of the hinged baffle  28  prevents the hinged baffle  28  from interfering with the gate plate  24 , or jamming the gate plate  24 . The contact of the hinged baffle  28  with the gate plate  24  is maintained by a torsion spring or by the hinged baffle&#39;s weight with gravity acting downward in the configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . The torsion spring may be installed around the center of the baffle axis  34 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the sheet  2  is fed from rolls  3  towards the gate plate  24  along the path direction D. The gate plate  24  is rotatable about a single gate plate axis  26 . The gate plate  24  is an elongated planar plate with a first surface  23  and a second surface  25 . The gate plate  24  rotates to align one of its surfaces ( 23 ,  25 ) with one of the three pathways  22 . The sheet  2  is moved by the rolls  3  onto and across the gate plate  24  in the direction of D. The sheet is guided by the gate plate  24  into the aligned pathway in the path direction of X, Y or Z.  FIG. 2  shows the various orientations of gate plate  24  to direct the sheet  2  into one of the three pathways ( 22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c ). The gate plate  24  has a rotation angle range E which allows the gate plate  24  to align with any of the three pathways. The gate plate  24  is rotated about the axis  26  to orient the gate plate  24  in alignment with first pathway  22   a . The hinged baffle  28  contacts the first surface  23  of the gate plate  24 . The sheet  2  slides between the first surface  23  and the hinged baffle  28  and the sheet is guided into the first pathway  22   a  in the direction of X. Similarly, gate plate  24  is rotated about the axis  26  to orient the gate plate  24  in alignment with second pathway  22   b . The hinged baffle  28  contacts the first surface  23  of the gate plate  24 . The sheet  2  slides between the first surface  23  and the hinged baffle  28  and the sheet is guided into the second pathway  22   b  in the direction of Y. Further, when gate plate  24  is rotated about the axis  26  to orient the gate plate  24  in alignment with third pathway  22   c , the gate plate  24  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the second surface  25  of the gate plate  24  and into the third pathway  22   c  in the direction of Z. The actuation of the gate plate  24  about the axis  26  may be achieved by a motor, such as a stepper motor. 
       FIG. 3  provides a four-way gate system  40  that is similar to the three-way gate system  20  of  FIG. 2  including a gate plate and hinged baffle. The four-way gate system  40  is used for directing or guiding a sheet article to one of the four pathways  45  ( 45   a ,  45   b ,  45   c ,  45   d ). The four-way gate system  40  includes a gate plate  42  sandwiched between two hinged baffles  44 ,  46 . The gate plate  42  has a rotation angle range G which allows the gate plate to move in alignment with the four pathways  45 . The hinged baffles  44 ,  46  include first hinged baffle  44  and second hinged baffle  46 . The hinged baffles  44 ,  46  are similar to the hinged baffle  28  of  FIG. 2 . The hinged baffles  44 ,  46  are rotatable about baffle axes  48 ,  50 , respectively. Various baffle designs are available to provide the spacing as required herein.  FIG. 3  shows each hinged baffle  44 ,  46  as having an L-shaped bar, rod or plate including an elongated portion  44   a ,  46   a  and a shorter portion  44   b ,  46   b  extending perpendicularly from the elongated portion  44   a  and  46   a . The hinged baffles  44 ,  46  include a first surface and a second surface with a protrusion  52 ,  54  respectively, extending from each surface of the elongated portion in the opposing direction from the shorter portion. 
     The first hinged baffle  44  is limited in rotation due to the stop  56  located at the far end of the first hinged baffle  44  at the opposite end of the protrusion  52 . The first hinged baffle  44  has a rotation angle range H which allows for movement and alignment between the first pathway  45   a  and the second pathway  45   b . The first hinged baffle  44  is positioned at the first surface  41  side of the gate plate  42 . The first hinged baffle  44  prevents a severely curled sheet intended to enter into the second pathway  45   b  from diverting into the first pathway  45   a . Additionally, the hinged top baffle  44  prevents paper jamming that may occur if the paper is caught between the two pathways ( 45   a ,  45   b ). The stop  56  limits the rotation of the protrusion  52  end of the first hinged baffle  44  towards the gate plate  42 . The first hinged baffle  44  is directed to move between the first pathway  45   a  and the second pathway  45   b  by contact with the gate plate  42 . The limited range of movement of the first hinged baffle  44  prevents the hinged top baffle  44  from interfering with the gate plate  42 , or jamming the system. The contact of the first hinged baffle  44  with the gate plate  42  is maintained by a torsion spring or by the first hinged baffle&#39;s weight with gravity acting downward in the configuration as shown in  FIG. 3 . The torsion spring may be installed around the center of the baffle axis  48 . 
     The second hinged baffle  46  is positioned at the second surface  43  side of the gate plate  42 . The second hinged baffle  46  prevents a severely curled sheet intended to enter into the third pathway  45   c  from diverting into the fourth pathway  45   d . Additionally, the second hinged baffle  46  prevents paper jamming that may occur if the paper is caught between the two pathways ( 45   c ,  45   d ). The stop  57  limits the rotation of the protrusion  54  end of the second hinged baffle  46  towards the gate plate  42 . The second hinged baffle  46  is directed to move between the third pathway  45   c  and the fourth pathway  45   d  by contact with the gate plate  42 . The contact of the second hinged baffle  46  with the gate plate  42  is maintained by the gate plate  42  pushing on the second hinged baffle  46  and a torsion spring assembly setting the second hinged baffle  46  to be positioned at the resting state of alignment with the third pathway  45   c . Force is required to move the second hinged baffle  46  against the force of the spring to the location of the fourth pathway  45   d . The torsion spring may be installed around the center of the baffle axis  50 . The second hinged baffle  46  has rotation angle range I which allows for alignment between the third pathway  45   c  and the fourth pathway  45   d.    
       FIG. 3  shows the sheet  2  is fed from rolls  3  towards the gate plate  42  along the path direction D. The gate plate  42  is rotatable about a single gate plate axis  47 . The gate plate  42  is an elongated planar plate with a first surface  41  and a second surface  43 . The gate plate  42  rotates to align one of its surfaces ( 41 ,  43 ) with one of the four pathways  45 . The sheet  2  is moved by the rolls  3  onto and across the gate plate  42  in the direction of D. The sheet is guided by the gate plate  42  into the aligned pathway.  FIG. 3  shows the various orientations of gate plate  42  to direct the sheet  2  into one of the four pathways ( 45   a ,  45   b ,  45   c , and  45   d ). The gate plate  42  has a rotation angle range G which allows the gate plate  42  to align with any of the four pathways. For example, the gate plate  42  is rotated about the axis  47  to orient the gate plate  45  in alignment with first pathway  45   a . The first hinged baffle  44  contacts the first surface  41  of the gate plate  42 . The sheet  2  slides between the first surface  41  and the first hinged baffle  44  and the sheet is guided into the first pathway  45   a . Similarly, gate plate  42  is rotated about the axis  47  to orient the gate plate  42  in alignment with second pathway  45   b . The first hinged baffle  44  contacts the first surface  41  of the gate plate  42 . The sheet  2  slides between the first surface  41  and the first hinged baffle  44  and the sheet is guided into the second pathway  22   b . Further, when gate plate  42  is rotated about the axis  47  to orient the gate plate  42  in alignment with the third pathway  45   c , the second hinged baffle  46  contacts the second surface  43  of the gate plate  42 . The gate plate  42  and second hinged baffle  46  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the second surface  43  of the gate plate  42  and into the third pathway  45   c . Furthermore, when gate plate  42  is rotated about the axis  47  to orient the gate plate  42  in alignment with the fourth pathway  45   d , the second hinged baffle  46  contacts the second surface  43  of the gate plate  42 . The gate plate  42  and second hinged baffle  46  directs or guides the sheet  2  along the second surface  43  of the gate plate  42  and into the fourth pathway  45   d . The actuation of the gate plate  42  about the axis  47  may be achieved by a motor, such as a stepper motor. 
     Having described the aspects herein, it should now be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without departing from the contemplated scope. Accordingly, the aspects described herein are deemed illustrative rather than limiting, the true scope is set forth in the claims appended hereto.