Integrated intelligent file sorting machine

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated intelligent file arrangement machine which is specially designed for arranging files. The existing file arrangement tools and methods basically utilize common office equipment, and problems of scattered tools, repeated operation, time-consuming and laborious exist. The machine is composed of a machine box, a three-dimensional motion printer, a high-speed scanning instrument and a control device; the three-dimensional motion printer is installed on the machine box; a document clamping device is arranged in the middle of the upper cover of the machine box, and can clamp document files, so as to facilitate page coding, scanning of documents and printing of an archiving chapter; the high-speed scanning instrument is connected with the machine base; a side clamping device is arranged on the left side and the rear side of the upper cover of the machine box, and can clamp flat document boxes and the like, so as to facilitate printing of graphics and texts. The machine integrates multiple file arrangement tools, integrates OCR technology and voice-to-text technology, integrates multiple independent file arrangement procedures, and continuously operates like a flow line, so that time is saved, the font is beautiful, and the machine is suitable for being used in government and enterprise units and file arrangement service enterprises, and can be used for quickly and high-quality arrangement of files.

Description

Technical Field The all-in-one intelligent file sorting machine belongs to office equipment, and is specifically designed for file sorting. Background Technology Existing archival organization tools and methods primarily utilize ordinary office equipment: computer input, pencil pagination, document scanning, and the application of subject stamps to file boxes and document archiving stamps. More advanced methods exist, such as disassembling documents for continuous scanning, batch-processing and naming scanned documents, printing file boxes, and applying electronic archiving stamps. However, as equipment and tools for archival organization, the following problems remain: First, tools and equipment are scattered, lacking a unified tool specifically designed for archival organization, resulting in a lack of integration. Second, pagination and scanning processes are separate; pagination and archiving stamps are applied before scanning, requiring repeated page-by-page review. Batch scanning necessitates disassembling and reassembling documents, wasting time. While high-speed scanners exist, disassembling, organizing, and reassembling documents still takes considerable time, resulting in minimal reduction in overall scanning time. Third, printing file boxes and applying archiving stamps are separate from document organization processes; although printing equipment and some information sharing exist, they require independent operation. In summary, the process of organizing archives suffers from problems such as scattered tools, repetitive operations, and time-consuming and labor-intensive processes. There is a lack of a modern, dedicated machine for organizing archives, and the level of professionalism and intelligence in archive organization lags far behind the development of modern technology.

[0001] In 2019, I applied for and was granted a patent for "An Archive Organizing System" (patent number 201922088700.1). However, during development, I discovered that the design was unsuccessful due to two main problems. First, it failed to meet fire safety standards. The print head was mounted on an electromagnetic lifting mechanism. Because the printing media varied in thickness, and the electromagnetic lifting mechanism could not be set to a specific height, excessive pressure caused by thick media resulted in overheating of the electromagnetic lifting mechanism, posing a risk of explosion. This is a fatal flaw for dedicated archive organizing machinery, as archives cannot be regenerated in the event of a fire. Second, the machine was too large and unlikely to gain market acceptance. The separate design of the document holder and the file box rack resulted in a bulky machine with high costs, inconvenient handling, and excessive space requirements, making it unpopular in the market. Therefore, I abandoned the patent, and the "Archive Organizing System" was never manufactured. Summary of the Invention This all-in-one intelligent file organizer is specifically designed for organizing files. Its features include:

[0002] It consists of a chassis, a 3D motion printer, a high-speed scanner, and control components. The main control components are installed inside the chassis to manage the entire document processing machine's operation. A 3D motion mechanism is mounted on the chassis; the Y-axis rests on the side of the chassis, with rectangular openings for Y-axis bearing movement on both sides. Two rows of bearings on the XY-axis connecting plate are engaged within these rectangular openings, allowing for forward and backward sliding. The XY-axis connecting plate connects the Y-axis to the X-axis support. A Z-axis clamp is mounted on the X-axis support, with a rack fixed to one side of the X-axis support. A stepper motor and gear are fixed to the front side of the Z-axis clamp, driving the Z-axis assembly to move left and right. A Z-axis support is mounted on the other side of the Z-axis clamp; the support is a box with an opening on the right, with a lead screw stepper motor vertically mounted in the middle and two vertical shafts mounted on either side. The printer bracket has springs on one side; casters and three lugs on one side of the printer bracket are respectively fitted onto the vertical shaft and the lead screw, allowing the printer bracket to move up and down relative to the Z-axis bracket. The T-shaped slider of the Z-axis lead screw rests against the lower side of the middle lug of the printer bracket, but the two are not connected or fixed. The stepper motor can only control the printer bracket to move upward. Springs on both sides of the vertical shaft are installed on the upper side of the lugs, pressing the printer bracket downward. The printer is installed in the printer bracket to print relevant graphics and text. During printing, the Z-axis motor moves the T-shaped slider down to the lowest position, the spring presses the printer bracket down, and the casters press on the carrier to print the thinnest carrier. However, when encountering a thick carrier, the carrier will naturally push against the printer bracket to move downward, the casters press on the carrier, and the T-shaped slider on the lead screw will still move down to the lowest position.

[0003] The printer has document clips in the center of the top, with hooks at the top. A control handle for these clips is located at the rear of the printer (on the operator's side). These clips can hold documents (including files, labels, and V4 plain paper) for easy securing and flipping, and are used for page numbering, document scanning, and printing archival stamps, labels, and reference forms. Side clips are located on the left and rear of the top of the printer, also controlled by the clip control handle. These clips can hold flattened document boxes, accounting document boxes, accounting voucher covers, etc., for the 3D motion printer to print. In use, the clip control handle lifts all clips, allowing the document clips to be properly secured. To secure a document, place it against the document clip axis on the left and the front edge against the fold hook. Alternatively, place the document against the edge clip axis on both the left and back sides. The document clip has placement marks at the top and bottom, and markings for other media such as file boxes on the side clips. With the clamps, you can easily align and clamp printing media, including documents, unfolded document archives, accounting voucher boxes, voucher covers, A4 labels, A4 plain paper, etc. The high-speed scanner is connected to the chassis and mounted on the front top of the chassis. With the folder on the document clip, you can scan documents. Multiple rows of lights can be added to the high-speed scanner to form a shadowless lamp, resulting in better scanning quality.

[0004] The Y-axis can also be located on the chassis; the three-dimensional motion mechanism can also be replaced by a robotic arm, which is fixed to the front left corner of the chassis, and the printer is installed at the end of the robotic arm.

[0005] This invention combines a three-dimensional motion mechanism, an inkjet printer, and a printer descent and rebound technology. The printer moves while the document carrier remains stationary. When the carrier is thick, it naturally lifts the printer. With the help of operating software, it can print images and text on document carriers of different thicknesses, sizes, and materials. With the help of operating software, it can meet various stamping and printing needs of document organization.

[0006] Compared to the original patent "A File Organizing System", there are two main improvements. First, the original file box rack has been eliminated, and clamps and markings have been added directly to the original document platform. The document platform and file box rack operate on the same platform, eliminating a pair of slide rails that are more than one meter long. The width and height of the machine are reduced by nearly half, and the volume is less than a quarter of the original. This solves the problem of the large machine size, reduces manufacturing costs and selling price, and saves on daily handling costs (moving the original machine required a freight vehicle and at least two porters due to its size and weight; now only one person is needed, and it can be transported by a small car, which is a significant expense reduction for intermediary companies providing file organizing services using this machine). Only one workstation is needed during operation. Previously, scanning documents and printing file boxes were far apart, requiring two workstations and frequent movement, which was time-consuming. The simplified design results in a lower machine efficiency. The elimination of the need for a gantry crane to move back and forth between the document platform and file box rack also improves printing efficiency. Second, the Y-axis is designed to rely on the side panel of the chassis, saving space and further reducing the size of the machine body. Third, the moving mechanism was changed from the original two-dimensional gantry moving mechanism to a three-dimensional moving mechanism, adding a Z-axis and creating a descent and rebound technology to replace the original electromagnetic lifting mechanism. This solved the problems of easy overheating and substandard fire protection rating of the electromagnetic lifting mechanism while meeting the printing requirements of carriers of different thicknesses.

[0007] The successful development and application of the integrated intelligent archival processing machine, rather than just having immature designs, will bring significant progress to the scientific development of the archival processing industry. Firstly, it integrates various archival processing tools into one machine, allowing multiple devices and tools to perform the work of a single unit, thus enhancing the modernization level of the archival processing industry. Secondly, it effectively integrates multiple independent processes in archival processing, forming a streamlined, continuous operation that greatly saves processing time. A skilled operator can increase processing speed by 2-5 times. The process for processing a volume of documents is as follows: place a folder on a file rack, assign a page number, and immediately scan the document. When turning pages and writing the next page, the program automatically names and saves the previously scanned document according to rules. After a document is scanned and written, an archiving stamp is printed immediately. After a volume of documents is processed, the file directory, notes, and document archive box are printed immediately, thus completing the processing of a box of documents, with automatic data correlation. When processing physical and electronic archives, self-adhesive labels can be printed simultaneously; when processing accounting and scientific archives, archiving stamps, covers, and archive boxes can be printed simultaneously. While high-speed document scanners may seem slower than high-speed multi-page scanners, their overall processing time is not significantly longer due to their ability to scan simultaneously, avoid repeated document disassembly and reassembly, and automatically name documents. Thirdly, all text and images in the archive are printed by a printer, ensuring standard fonts, precise positioning, and data correlation, resulting in higher aesthetic appeal and data accuracy. Fourthly, the archive processing is intelligent. The machine supports integrated operating software, incorporating OCR image recognition technology and speech-to-text technology, coupled with AI analysis, making text entry more automated. This improves the quality and efficiency of the process, propelling the technological level of archive processing to a new level. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of integrated smart file sorting machine

[0009] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the Y-axis structure of the integrated intelligent file sorting machine

[0010] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the Z-axis assembly of the integrated intelligent file sorting machine

[0011] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of Z-axis lifting of integrated smart file sorting machine

[0012] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the integrated smart file sorting machine printing file box

[0013] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the integrated smart file sorting machine with the Y-axis on the chassis.

[0014] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of an integrated intelligent file sorting machine with a three-dimensional motion mechanism and a robotic arm.

[0015] In the diagram, 1 is the chassis, 2 is the X-axis bracket, 3 is the Y-axis bearing moving rectangular window, 4 is the X-Y axis connecting plate, 5 is the Y-axis bearing, 6 is the Y-axis motion transmission axis, 7 is the synchronous pulley, 8 is the Y-axis stepper motor, 9 is the synchronous pulley belt system, 10 is the Z-axis assembly, 11 is the printer bracket, 12 is the document rack, 13 is the document rack control handle, 14 is the document, 15 is the high-speed scanner, 16 is the document archiving stamp, 17 is the document placement mark, 18 is the shadowless lamp, 19 is the side rack, 20 is the carrier placement mark, 21 is the cross laser, 22 is the laser, 23 is the Z-axis clamp, 24 is the X-axis bearing, 25 is the Z-axis bracket, 26 is the Z-axis stepper motor, 27 is the vertical shaft, 28 is the spring, 29 is the lug, 30 is the caster, 31 is the Z-axis lead screw, 32 is the Z-axis T-slider, 33 is the X-axis stepper motor, 34 is the gear, 35 is the rack, 36 is the unfolded file box, 37 is the Y-axis bracket, and 38 is the robotic arm. Specific implementation methods

[0016] The following describes some embodiments of the present invention. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. All embodiments similar to the present invention but without innovation are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Example 1: As Figures 1-4 The integrated intelligent file organizer shown comprises: 1. A chassis containing the control circuitry, with a flat top surface. A three-dimensional motion mechanism is mounted on chassis 1 to drive the printer; 2. The X-axis support of the three-dimensional motion mechanism; 3. Rectangular windows for Y-axis bearing movement, one on each side plate of chassis 1; 4. Two XY-axis connecting plates for the three-dimensional motion mechanism, with double-row bearings (or single-row bearings) 5 below each plate, which are fitted into rectangular windows 3. The XY-axis connecting plates 4 can move within the rectangular windows 3; 6. A Y-axis motion transmission shaft, installed at the front of chassis 1, with a synchronous pulley 7 fixed on it, driven by the Y-axis... The XY axis stepper motor 8 drives the XY axis, and its power is transmitted to the XY axis connecting plate 3 by the synchronous pulley belt system 9 on both sides of the axis 6, realizing the forward and backward movement. The synchronous pulley belt system consists of two synchronous pulleys and a synchronous belt. One synchronous pulley is fixed on the Y-axis motion transmission axis 6, and the other synchronous pulley is fixed on the side plate of the chassis 1. The two ends of the synchronous belt are fixed to the XY axis connecting plate 3. The XY axis connecting plate 3 is connected to the X-axis bracket 2. 10 is the Z-axis assembly of the three-dimensional motion mechanism, with a printer bracket 11 on it. The X, Y, and Z axes can be driven by stepper motors, closed-loop stepper motors, or servo motors. The printer can be an inkjet printer.

[0018] The document clip 12 is located in the middle of the top of the chassis 1. The document clip control handle 13 can be opened and closed up and down to clip the document 14 onto the chassis 1 and flatten it, making it easy for the high-speed scanner 15 to scan the document and for the printer cover (i.e., the printer) filing stamp 16 in the printer bracket 11. 17 is a document placement mark, drawn on the chassis 1. There are two marks, which are used to calibrate the placement of the document 14 to facilitate correct document scanning and accurate printing of the filing stamp. The high-speed scanner 15 is fixed to the rear of the top of the chassis 1. 18 is a shadowless lamp, installed on both sides of the high-speed scanner 15. It has multiple rows of lights to create a shadowless lamp effect and prevent shadows in the scanned documents.

[0019] 19 is the side clip, consisting of two parts, one mounted on the left edge of the chassis 1 and the other on the rear edge of the chassis 1, both controlled by the document clip control handle 13; 20 is the carrier placement mark, a right-angled broken line, which is aligned with the right and front edges of the side clip axis respectively; 21 is the cross laser, emitted by the laser 22 fixed on the Z-axis assembly 10, which shines on the printing carrier to accurately calibrate the printing position before printing.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-axis structure of the integrated intelligent file sorting machine, shown from the inside of the chassis 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional motion mechanism Z-axis assembly 10. (1) is the front view (Z-axis bracket 25 is a cross section), (2) is the right view cross section. 23 is the Z-axis clamp, there are two pieces, and the Z-axis assembly 10 is installed on the X-axis bracket 2 by the X-axis bearing 24. 25 is the Z-axis bracket, which is shaped like a box with an opening on the right. It is fixed on a flat plate of the Z-axis clamp 23. There is a lead screw Z-axis stepper motor 26 on it, and two vertical shafts 27. There are springs 28 on the vertical shafts 27. The printer bracket 11 has three ears 29 and casters 30. The ears are respectively fitted on the lead screw 31 of the lead screw X-axis stepper motor 26 and the vertical shaft 27. The T-shaped slider 32 on the lead screw 31 can drive the printer bracket 11 to move up and down relative to the Z-axis bracket 25. The X-axis stepper motor 33 is fixed on one side of the clamp of the Z-axis clamp 23. Its gear 34 is combined with the rack 35 fixed on the X-axis bracket 2 to drive the Z-axis assembly 11 to move horizontally left and right on the X-axis bracket 2.

[0022] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the Z-axis lifting of an integrated intelligent file sorting machine. The spring 28 on the vertical shaft 27 is above the lug 29, and the spring 28 presses the printer bracket 11 downward. The T-shaped slider 32 on the lead screw 31 rests against the lower side of the lug 29. The Z-axis stepper motor 26 can only drive the printer bracket 11 to move upward. When printing, the Z-axis motor 26 rotates and moves the T-shaped slider 32 down to the lowest position to print the thinnest carrier. However, when encountering a thick carrier, the carrier will naturally resist the downward movement of the printer bracket 11, and the caster 30 will press on the carrier. The T-shaped slider 32 on the lead screw 31 will still move down to the lowest position, so that both thick and thin materials can be printed. (1) indicates that the caster 30 is stopped at the highest position, and the Z-axis assembly can move freely without obstruction. (2) indicates that the caster 30 is stopped at the lowest position and the thinnest carrier is printed. (3) indicates that the caster 30 is stopped at the thickest position and the thickest carrier is printed. (4) indicates that the caster 30 is stopped at any position and any thickness of carrier is printed. In Figure (1), the T-shaped slider 32 is at its highest position, and the lug 29 is close to the T-shaped slider 32; in Figures (2)-(4), the T-shaped slider 32 is at its lowest position, and the lug 29 is at different positions, separated from the T-shaped slider 32; the movement distance of the Z-axis is constant.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated intelligent document sorting machine printing document box. The unfolded document box 36 is clamped on the machine box 1 by the side clip 19. The left and rear edges of the document box 36 are aligned with the carrier placement mark 20.

[0024] Example 2: Figure 6 The integrated smart file organizer shown has its Y-axis outside the chassis. The chassis 1 has a Y-axis bracket 37, one on each side, which is connected to the X-axis bracket 2.

[0025] Example 3: Figure 7 The three-dimensional motion mechanism shown is an integrated intelligent file sorting machine with a robotic arm. The three-dimensional motion mechanism is replaced by a robotic arm 38, which is installed at the front corner of the chassis 1. The printer bracket 11 is installed at the end of the robotic arm 38. The robotic arm 38 can drive the printer in the printer bracket 11 to move freely on the chassis 1 and print the text and images to the corresponding positions.

[0026] The manufacturing of integrated intelligent document processing machines is largely based on existing components such as high-speed scanners, inkjet printers, stepper motors, and robotic arms. With appropriate selection and improvement, the chassis and related connectors can be manufactured and assembled. Software development utilizes common tools like VB.net to create desktop applications, or it can be designed as a local area network (LAN) for collaborative operation and secure data sharing. A network board design is also available for remote collaborative operation. Data is stored locally, with data structures and specifications consistent with the requirements of the State Archives Administration and relevant competent archives. After document processing is complete, it is uploaded remotely to the competent archives management department in one go, or it can be reported using mobile storage devices. Document processing data can be stored on the computer of the document processing unit or accessed and utilized through a local area network using the machine's operating software. Integrated intelligent document processing machines are widely applicable to government agencies, public institutions, and document processing service companies for fast and high-quality document processing.

Claims

1. An all-in-one intelligent file sorting machine, belonging to office equipment, specifically a dedicated file sorting device, is characterized by: It consists of a chassis, a 3D motion printer, a high-speed scanner, and control components. The main control components are installed inside the chassis to control the entire operation of the document processing machine. The 3D motion mechanism is mounted on the chassis. The Y-axis rests on the side of the chassis, with rectangular openings for Y-axis bearing movement on both sides. Two rows of bearings on the XY-axis connecting plate are engaged within these rectangular openings, allowing for forward and backward sliding. The XY-axis connecting plate connects the Y-axis to the X-axis support. The Z-axis clamp is mounted on the X-axis support, with a rack fixed inside one side of the X-axis support. An X-axis stepper motor and a rack are located on the front side of the Z-axis clamp. The printer bracket has casters at the bottom and three lugs on one side. The lugs fit onto the vertical shafts and the lead screw, allowing the printer bracket to move up and down relative to the Z-axis bracket. The Z-axis bracket has casters at the bottom and three lugs on one side. The lugs fit onto the vertical shafts and the lead screw, allowing the printer bracket to move up and down relative to the Z-axis bracket. The Z-axis lead screw T-slider rests against the lower side of the lug in the middle of the printer bracket, but the two are not connected or fixed. The Z-axis stepper motor can only control the printer bracket to move up. Springs on both vertical shafts are installed above the lugs to press the printer bracket downwards; the printer is installed in the printer bracket to print relevant graphics and text; The machine chassis features a document clip in the center, with a hook at the top. A control handle for the document clip is located at the rear of the chassis (near the operator). The document clip can hold documents (including files, labels, and V4 plain paper) for easy securing and unfolding, and is used for page numbering, document scanning, and printing archival stamps, labels, and reference sheets. Side clips are located on the left and rear of the chassis, also controlled by the document clip control handle. These clips can hold flattened document archives, accounting archives, and accounting voucher covers for printing images and text by the 3D motion printer. The document clips have document placement marks at the top and bottom, and carrier placement marks at the side clips. With the help of the clamps, the printing carrier can be easily aligned and clamped. A high-speed scanner is connected to the chassis and mounted at the front top. Documents are clipped onto the document clips for scanning. The stepper motor can be a closed-loop stepper motor or a servo motor.

2. The integrated intelligent file sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Y-axis of the 3D motion printer is mounted on the chassis.

3. The integrated intelligent file sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The high-speed scanner has one or two rows of lights on each side, creating a shadowless lighting effect and reducing scanning shadows.

4. The integrated intelligent file sorting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The three-dimensional motion mechanism is replaced by a robotic arm, which is installed in the front left corner of the chassis. The printer is installed at the end of the robotic arm, which can move on the chassis to print the graphics and text to the corresponding positions.

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