Sheet bundle discharge-handling and guided stowing mechanism

Abstract

In a multi-bundle stacker having an inclined bundle-discharging mechanism for frontward discharging of copy-sheet bundles from adjacent upwardly inclined sorting trays of a sorter disposed on the side of a photocopying machine, a stowing bin is provided having a bundle-receiving platform lying at an inclination generally parallel to the inclination of the sorting trays. A bundle discharge/stowing path, that the trailing end nearest the copying machine of a sheet bundle discharged into stowage follows, is defined having a portion generally orthogonal to, and lying between, the bundle-discharging mechanism and the stowing bin. A standing wall extends partially in the discharge/stowing path upward from the stowing bin. A tilted bundle stowing guide is mounted on a triangular foot over the standing wall. A bundle turning guide assembly including a pusher mechanism intersects the bundle discharge/stowing path at an angle below the bundle stowing guide. The trailing end of a sheet bundle in stowage guided down the bundle stowing guide is turned toward horizontal as it leaves the bottom of the guide and passes along a guide plate of the bundle turning guide assembly. The pusher mechanism, cooperative with a mechanism for retracting the guide plate clear of the bundle as it leaves the bundle stowing guide, pushes the upper portion of the trailing end of the bundle down off the guide plate, and the bundle is guided to settle into a stack in the stowing bin.