Apparatus for sampling a small number of printed sheets from printed

Abstract

A sampling apparatus automatically samples a small number of printed sheets from a conveyance path which is formed by two opposed conveyance members constituting the conveyance path and through which folded printed sheets are conveyed in a line and overlap each other at a certain pitch. The sampled printed sheets are taken out from the conveyance path through an opening portion formed in one of the conveyance members. The apparatus includes a sample plate. The sampling plate reciprocates linearly between a wait position and an advanced position. When the sampling plate is advanced, the sampling plate traverse a conveyance path zone corresponding to the opening portion and reaches the opening portion, while maintaining a posture in which the sampling plate is substantially parallel to the printed sheets line. When the sampling plate is retracted, the sample plate changes its posture to a second posture in which the sampling plate is substantially perpendicular to the printed sheets line and situated outside a side edge of the printed sheets line in order to avoid interference with the printed sheets line during its retreat. When the sampling plate is temporarily stopped in the conveyance path zone during the advancement, a capture portion of the sampling plate blocks the conveyance of printed sheets to be sampled and separates them from the printed sheets line for ejection.