JP3186157B2 - Paper feeder - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper feeding device applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a paper feeding apparatus applied to an image forming apparatus, many apparatuses for facilitating replenishment and replenishment of paper have been proposed and implemented.

For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 57-182748 (hereinafter referred to as the first publication) discloses a paper feeder for feeding a large amount of sheets in a bundle, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 49-33638.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2-58090, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-58090 (third publication), Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-56334 (4th publication),
JP-A-3-73730 (No. 5), JP-A-3-1246
Japanese Patent Publication No. 33 (Sixth Publication) discloses a sheet feeding device capable of setting a large amount of sheets in two bundles.

[0004]

In the conventional paper feeder described above, the paper feeder disclosed in the first publication is long in the vertical direction because a large amount of paper is piled up and fed in a bundle. The paper storage section cannot be placed inside,
There was a problem that a large space was required beside the main body. In addition, in order to replenish the paper with this paper feeding device, it is necessary to temporarily stop the paper feeding operation and further lower the elevator tray to secure a replenishing space. Therefore, there was also a problem that continuous paper feeding was not possible and productivity was poor.

In the paper feeders of the second to sixth publications, since a large amount of paper can be set in two bundles, a thin paper feeder can be provided. However, in the paper feeders of the fourth to sixth publications, the auxiliary storage container for the paper is drivingly connected to the screw screws fixed to the main storage container for the paper. It is necessary to pull out the main storage container including the secondary storage container. Therefore, it is impossible to supply paper to the sub-container while paper is being supplied from the main storage container. That is, as in the case of the paper feeding device of the first publication, the paper feeding operation is temporarily stopped in order to replenish the paper, so that there is a problem that continuous paper feeding cannot be performed and productivity is deteriorated.

In the paper feeders of the second and third publications, after one of the two bundles of paper is fed, the other paper is transported in a feedable direction. The next paper can be supplied. That is, since continuous paper feeding is possible, productivity is improved.

[0007] However, since both the paper feeders of the second and third publications set the paper on behalf of the paper transporting means (transport belt in the second publication, and a transfer pressing plate in the third publication), the paper is set. When the operator sets the sheet P as shown in FIG.
01, and the paper supply performance is extremely poor.

Further, in the paper feeder of the second publication, since sheets are set only on the spare sheet stacking table, once the sheets are used up, the sheets are set on the spare sheet stacking table once and the sheets are loaded on the sheet stacking table. And then reload the paper so that the paper is fully loaded. That is, 1
There is a problem that the sheets cannot be fully loaded in the number of sheet supply operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeder capable of performing high-volume paper feed with good operability in consideration of the above-mentioned problems.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a first tray on which a plurality of sheets are stacked, sheet feeding means for feeding sheets one by one from the first tray, and the first tray. The paper is arranged horizontally and substantially 90
Paper loaded on the first tray in a paper feeder comprising: a second tray that can be pulled out in a proper direction; and a transfer unit that collectively transfers the sheets of the second tray to the first tray. A pair of first side fences that regulate the width direction of the first side fence, and a pair of paper trailing edge pressing members that can swing about a fulcrum provided at a part of each of the first side fences;
This is achieved by a first means provided on the first side fence and having a drive source for swinging the paper trailing edge pressing member.

The first side fence, the paper trailing edge pressing member, and the driving source are unitized as a side fence body, and the pair of side fence bodies are formed as the first fence body.
This is also achieved by a second means removably provided on the tray.

[0012] The present invention is also achieved by a third means provided with a drive unit for moving the pair of side fence bodies in parallel in the width direction of the sheet.

A pair of second side fences for regulating the width direction of the sheets stacked on the second tray;
Manual position changing means for manually changing the position of the side fence in the width direction; position detection means for detecting the position of the second side fence in the width direction; and a second tray based on a detection signal from the position detection means. The present invention is also achieved by a fourth means including a control means for controlling the driving section so as to determine the size of the paper stacked on the first tray and correct the position of the side fence body of the first tray.

[0014] Further, first display means for displaying the size of the paper loaded on the first tray, second display means for displaying the size of the paper loaded on the second tray, and the second tray accommodated in the second tray. The present invention is also achieved by a fifth means including a transfer display means for displaying that the sheet is transferred to the first tray.

[0015]

[0016]

In the first means, a large amount of paper is transferred from the second tray to the first tray, so that the supply of the paper to the first tray becomes easy, and the first tray is held down by the paper trailing edge pressing member. Since both corners of the trailing edge of the sheet are regulated, the sheet feeding operation without skew can be performed, and the sheet trailing edge pressing member can be retracted from the transport path by the driving source, so that the sheet bundle can be transported reliably.

In the second means, since the side fence body is detachably connected to the first tray, replacement for each sheet size is possible.

[0018] In the third means, the first unit is provided by the driving unit.
Since the side fence body of the tray can be automatically moved in parallel to a predetermined position, the size of paper can be accommodated without replacing the side fence.

In the fourth means, the position of the second side fence of the second tray can be easily changed by the operator by the manual position changing means, so that the operator can set a sheet of a desired size and can detect the position. Second by means
Since the size of the paper accommodated in the tray can be detected, the position of the first side fence of the first tray can be corrected based on the signal.

In the fifth means, the transfer display means indicates to the operator that the sheet bundle of the second tray is being transferred toward the first tray, so that an erroneous operation such as removal and insertion of the tray during the transfer of the sheet can be performed. Can be prevented.

[0021]

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copying machine using a first embodiment of the present invention. In the copying machine main body, a well-known electrophotographic forming section A is installed at an upper portion, and a paper feeding portion is provided at a lower portion. Section B is installed. The paper feeding unit B is of a two-stage paper feeding type of an upper stage a and a lower stage b. In the lower row b, large-size paper such as A3 (5
(About 00 sheets) is supported by rails 7a and 7b so that the tray 3 can be pulled out toward the front of the drawing. The paper feed unit in the upper stage a is according to the present embodiment, and the paper storage unit is configured to store small-sized paper such as A4 in the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 in a width direction of 500 sheets each, for a total of 1000 sheets.
It can accommodate up to The shapes of the left and right trays 1 and 2 are set so that the sheets P2 stacked on the left can be transported to the right.
The box between the trays 1 and 2 serving as a transfer passage is an open box. The left and right trays 1 and 2 are supported by rails 4, 5 and 6 so that they can be pulled out toward the front of the drawing.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the sheet feeding section in the upper part a of FIG. Handle 2- in front of left tray 2
1 is provided and is used when the left tray 2 is pulled out. Further, a paper feed unit 8 is provided at the front edge of the right tray 1 on the transport side. In the paper feeding means 8, reference numeral 9 denotes a pickup roller which presses the loaded paper P1 and sends out the paper from the storage section, and reference numerals 10 and 11 denote separation rollers which separate and feed the paper one by one. The right tray 1 is provided with a pair of side fences (first side fences) 12 and 13 for positioning the sheet P1, back fences 14 and 15 serving as sheet trailing edge pressing members, and a bottom plate 16 on which sheets are stacked. Has been established.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a plan view showing the vicinity of the side fence 12 in FIG. 2 and a perspective view in which a part thereof is sectioned (the description of the side fence 13 is omitted because it has the same configuration as 12).

The back fence 14 supported swingably about a fulcrum 12-1 disposed in a part of the side fence 12 is urged counterclockwise by a torsion spring 17 shown in FIG. Have been. The back fence 14 in the biased state regulates the trailing edge of the sheet as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 18 denotes a rotary solenoid, which is a driving source supported on the bottom of the side fence 12, and electromagnetically rotates a pin 18-2 fixed to the rotating disk 18-1 by a predetermined angle (θ °).
The back fence 14 is retracted by the torque against the urging force of the torsion spring 17 to the position indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 4 to secure the sheet transfer area instantaneously.

When the energization is stopped, a return spring (not shown) inside the rotary solenoid 18 causes the pin 1 to rotate.
8-2 returns to the standby position, and the back fence 14 also returns to the position for regulating the trailing edge of the sheet. Although a motor or the like is also conceivable as a driving source for moving the back fence 14,
The rotary solenoid is superior in response performance and return performance. The above-mentioned series of components are all supported by the side fence 12 and are unitized. This side fence body is engaged with the first tray 1 by an appropriate engaging body 12-2 such as an easily removable screw. The first tray 1 has an engaging body 12- corresponding to each size.
Since the two locking portions (not shown) are provided, the size desired by the operator can be accommodated by simply changing the position of the side fence body as shown in FIG.

Below the bottom plate 16, there is provided a lifting device 19 which presses the bottom plate 16 to urge it toward the pickup roller 9. FIG. 6 shows a drive unit of the lifting device 19. In the figure, a sector gear 19-2 fixed to the shaft end of a pressure shaft 19-1 is driven by a forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3. The pressure shaft 19-1 is supported below the tray base, and a pressure plate 19-4 is provided at the other shaft end. This pressing shaft 1
When 9-1 rotates clockwise, the pressure plate 19-4
Raises the bottom plate 16 from below below the hole 20 on the tray base, the loaded paper P1 is urged upward, and the uppermost paper comes into contact with the pickup roller 9.

It is to be noted that an ascending detection sensor 9-1 for detecting the height of the uppermost sheet may be provided if necessary. Reference numeral 21 in FIG. 3 denotes a descent detecting sensor that detects that the pressure plate 19-4 has been lowered to a position where it does not contact the bottom plate 16.
Reference numeral 22 denotes a sheet empty detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in the right tray 1. When there is no sheet in the right tray 1, the filler portion 22a of the empty detection sensor 22 is connected to the cutout portion shown in FIG. It is detected that there is no paper by falling into 16-1.

The right tray 1 is provided with a lock mechanism as shown in FIG.
A lock claw 32 is provided rotatably about a shaft 32-1 fixed to the right tray 1 as a fulcrum. This lock claw 32
Is always urged clockwise by the torsion spring 32-3. Therefore, since the lock claw 32 is held so that the tip end 32-2 fits into the lock hole 2-3 of the left tray 2, when the left tray 2 is pulled, the right tray 1 can be integrally pulled out. However, when the lock release solenoid 31 supported by the main body is turned on, the release lever 31-2 is rotated by the solenoid operating rod 31-4 to the position indicated by the dotted line in the drawing against the spring force of the return spring 31-1. .
Therefore, since the tip 32-2 of the lock claw 32 is released from the lock hole 2-3 of the left tray 2, even if the left tray 2 is pulled, no pulling force acts on the right tray 1.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the lock mechanism when the left tray 2 is stored in the main body when the lock release solenoid 31 of FIG. 7 is turned off, and the edge portion 2-4 of the left tray 2 and the tip 32 of the lock claw 32 are shown. 2 are cam-shaped as shown, the lock claw 32 rotates counterclockwise against the force of the torsion spring 32-3 to allow the left tray 2 to enter.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left tray 2 is provided with a bottom plate 23 on which the sheets P2 are stacked, and further presses the trailing edge and the substantially central portion of the stacked sheets P2 so that the sheet P2 is A movable back fence 24 is provided, which is a transfer means for collectively transferring one tray 1 direction. The bottom plate 2
The surface 3 and the ascending bottom plate 16 are smoothed or provided with ribs or beads to reduce the transport resistance so that the sheet bundle can be easily slid and transported. The bottom plate 2
The bottom plate 2 is fixed to the left tray 2 so that the pressing portion 24-1 of the movable back fence 24 can move.
3 is provided with a hole 23-1. Pressing part 24-1
Protrudes in the transport direction from the connection portion 24-2 with the wire (may be a timing belt) 25 below the bottom plate 23, so that the paper P2 can be transported to the position of P1.

The wire 25 connected to the back fence 24 is stretched between pulleys 26, 27, 28 and 29,
The back fence 24 reciprocates by driving the pulley 27 to rotate freely forward and reverse by the forward and reverse rotation motor 30. The positioning of this reciprocation is determined by the back fence 24
Is provided by protruding pieces 24-3, and the protruding pieces 24-3 are detected by the home sensor 47 and the positioning sensor 48. The movable back fence 24 and the drive unit of the back fence 24 are all housed in the box of the left tray 2.

Therefore, when the left tray 2 is pulled out, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the back fence unit and the back fence drive unit can be pulled out to the front. Further, a paper bundle detection sensor 33 for determining the presence or absence of paper on the left tray 2 is provided below the bottom plate 23. The side fences (second side fences) 43 and 42 of the left tray 2 are the right tray 1
Like the side fences 12 and 13, the left tray 2 is connected to the left tray 2 by an easily detachable connecting portion (not shown), and a plurality of female sides of the connecting portion are provided on the left tray 2 so as to correspond to the sheet size. Have been.

With the above-described configuration, the present embodiment provides a continuous large-volume sheet feeding device for sheets of one size desired by an operator. If the operator wants to change the paper size, the change can be achieved by the serviceman or the operator easily replacing the side fence.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a continuous large-volume sheet feeding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which can automatically cope with a sheet size when an operator wants to store sheets of different sizes such as A4 and B5. Is shown. Members corresponding to the members described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As a schematic configuration, the side fence body of the right tray 1 is automatically moved in parallel so as to correspond to the sheet size. Pulley 3 at the bottom of right tray 1
A wire 40 wound around 4, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 is stretched. The side fences 12 and 13
It is connected to the wire 40 by the lower connecting portions 12-3 and 13-3, and is further moved in parallel as shown in FIG.

In the figure, since a stepping motor capable of open-loop control is assumed as the forward / reverse rotation motor 41, means for detecting the positions of the side fences 12 and 13 is not shown, but when a DC motor or the like is used. Is provided with a position detecting means (a sensor may be used in the case of a step motor).

The side fence 42 of the left tray 2
43 is movably supported by the rack gear 44 and the pinion gear 45 below the bottom plate 23 so that the operator can easily change the width direction of the sheet, so that if one side fence is moved, the other side fence is also moved. Follow (manual position changing means). The rack gear 44 and the pinion gear 45 are vertically stepped so as not to interfere with the wire 25. The size of the sheet set on the left tray 2 is detected by detecting the positions of the side fences 42 and 43 by the sensors 46 and 47.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the operation unit of the above-described apparatus. The display unit 50 shown in FIG. 12 displays a display 51 of the size of the stored paper and a display 52 of the paper feed unit selected by the operator. I do.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the display unit. In FIG. 13A, A4 paper is set on the right tray 1 and B is set on the left tray 2.
The state in which five sheets are stored is displayed on the first display means 52a and the second display means 52b.

In FIG. 13B, the state in which the sheet P1 of the right tray 1 is consumed and the sheet P2 of the left tray 2 is being transferred to the right tray 1 is indicated by an arrow (transfer display means) 53.

FIG. 13C shows that the transfer is completed and ready.

With the above configuration, the operator is informed of the state in which the sheet is being transferred, thereby preventing an erroneous operation.
In addition, it is possible to display that the left tray 2 is empty, and to urge paper supply.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts of the continuous large-volume sheet feeding apparatus capable of handling a plurality of sizes in the above embodiment.

When the start signal is inputted, the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 for raising the bottom plate starts forward rotation (S1). When the completion of the ascent is detected by the ascent sensor 9-1 (Y in S2)
ES), the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 stops (S)
3). If the empty detection sensor 22 detects that the sheet on the right tray 1 remains (S4), the sheet feeding operation is started (S5). However, it is detected that the paper is consumed and becomes empty (detected by the empty detection sensor 22: S4
Further, if there is a sheet on the left tray 2 at this time (detected by the sheet bundle detection sensor 33: S6 is present), the ascending device 19 is commanded to rotate the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 in reverse ( S
7) Return the bottom plate 16 to the release position (S7). Then, the end fences 14 and 15 of the right tray 1 are retracted from the paper bundle transport path (the rotary solenoid 18 is turned on: S1
8).

Here, the size of the sheet P2 of the left tray 2 is detected by the sensors 46 and 47, and the size is compared with the position of the side fences 12 and 13 of the right tray 1, and if they are different (NO in S9). ), The position of the side fences 12, 13 is corrected by the right side fence motor (forward / reverse rotation motor) 41 (S10). Next, the movable back fence 24 is driven by the sheet bundle transfer motor (forward / reverse rotation motor) 30 to transfer the sheet P2 to the right tray 1 (S11). When the transfer of the sheet is detected (YES in S12), the movable back fence 24 is returned to the home position by the sheet bundle transfer motor 30 (detected by the home sensor 47), and the display unit 50 is displayed.
Is displayed on the left tray 2 to prompt the operator to replenish the paper.

In the right tray 1, after the sheet bundle is transferred, the trailing edge of the sheet is regulated by returning the end fences 14 and 15 to the return position (rotary solenoid 18 off: S
14), raise the bottom plate 16 to a predetermined position (S1).
5) Perform a paper feeding operation. When the paper feed operation starts (S
5) The unlock solenoid 31 is turned on (S1).
6) Unlock the left and right trays 1 and 2. Also,
When the paper feeding operation is completed (S17), the unlock solenoid 31 is turned off (S18).

Therefore, during the paper feeding operation, the operator notices the paper empty display of the left tray 2 and pulls the handle 2-1 toward the front. As shown in FIG. 9, only the left tray 2 is brought forward. Pulled out to replenish paper. That is,
Since the left tray 2 is in front, the operator can easily supply sheets, and the sheet feeding operation on the right tray 1 is performed even during sheet supply, so that there is no time loss.
Here, when the operator wants to set a sheet size different from the sheet size set last time, the sheets are set after adjusting the side fences 41 and 42 of the left tray 2 to a desired size. When the sheet P1 in the right tray 1 is consumed, the sheet of the size set in the left tray 2 can be used. When the operator pulls the handle 2-1 forward when the sheets in the left and right trays 1 and 2 are exhausted or when the power is turned off, the left and right trays 1 and 2 are integrally pulled out as shown in FIG. Therefore, a total of 1000 sheets can be replenished by one replenishing operation.

By the above operation, if the user pulls the handle 2-1 only once, the machine selects the left tray 2 or the integrated left and right trays 1 and 2, so that the operator can easily select the necessary tray. Paper of a desired size can be supplied.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The paper feeding unit in FIG. 1 is of a two-stage paper feeding type consisting of an upper stage a and a lower stage b. A conventional tray 3 for storing large-size sheets (about 500 sheets) such as A3 is supported by rails 7a and 7b in the lower stage b so that the tray 3 can be pulled out toward the front of the drawing. The upper row a is an example of a sheet feeding apparatus using this embodiment. The sheet storage unit can store 500 sheets of small size paper such as A4 in the short direction in the right (first) tray 1 and the left (second) tray 2, that is, a total of 1000 sheets. The shape of the left and right trays 1 and 2 is a box with an open wall between the trays 1 and 2 serving as a transfer passage so that the sheets P2 stacked on the left can be transferred to the right. The left and right trays 1 and 2 are supported by rails 4, 5 and 6 so that they can be pulled out toward the front of the drawing.

A handle 2-1 is provided on the front surface of the left tray 2 and is used when pulling out the left tray 2. Further, a paper feed unit 8 is provided at the front edge of the right tray 1 on the transport side. In the sheet feeding means 8, reference numeral 9 denotes a pickup roller which presses and contacts the stacked sheets P1 to send out the sheets from the storage section.
Reference numerals 0 and 11 denote separation rollers that separate and feed the sheets one by one. A pair of side fences 12 and 13 for positioning the sheet P1 and a back fence 1 are provided on the right tray.
4, 15 and a bottom plate 16 on which sheets are stacked are provided.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a plan view showing the vicinity of the side fence 12 in FIG. 2 and a partially sectional perspective view (the description of the side fence 13 is omitted because it has the same configuration as 12).

The back fence 14 supported so as to be able to swing around a fulcrum 12-1 arranged in a part of the side fence 12 is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a torsion spring 17 shown in FIG. I have. The back fence 14 in the biased state regulates the trailing edge of the sheet as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 18 denotes a rotary solenoid supported on the bottom of the side fence 12, and a pin 18 fixed to the rotating disk 18-1.
-2 is electromagnetically rotated by a predetermined angle, and the torque causes the back fence 14 to retract to the position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 4 against the urging force of the torsion spring 17 to secure the sheet transfer area instantaneously.

When the power supply is stopped, the pin 18-2 returns to the initial position by the return spring (not shown) inside the solenoid 18, and the back fence 14 also returns to the position for regulating the trailing edge of the sheet.

Below the bottom plate 16, a lifting device 1 which presses the bottom plate 16 to urge it toward the pickup roller 9
9 are provided. FIG. 6 shows a drive unit of the lifting device 19. In the figure, a sector gear 19-2 provided at the shaft end of a pressure shaft 19-1 is driven by a forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3. When the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 moves the pressure plate 19-4 upward, the rotation speed (forward rotation) of the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 decreases when the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 moves downward. (Reverse rotation). That is, since it is necessary to accurately control the height of the uppermost sheet in the forward rotation direction, the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 is controlled to rotate at a low rotation so as not to cause a problem such as overrun. Further, in the reverse rotation direction, since it is necessary to transport the paper in the left tray 2 as quickly as possible, the forward / reverse rotation motor 19-3 is controlled to rotate at a high rotation so that the bottom plate 16 is quickly lowered. The execution method is, for example, when the forward / reverse rotation motor is DC
In the case of a motor, this can be achieved by changing the + and-electrodes and changing the input voltage. If the forward / reverse rotation motor is a stepping motor, the input pulse speed (PP
This can be achieved by changing S).

The pressing shaft 19-1 is supported below the tray base, and a pressing plate 19-4 is provided at the other shaft end. When the pressure shaft 19-1 rotates clockwise, the pressure plate 1
9-4 lifts the bottom plate 16 from below below the hole 20 on the tray base, so that the loaded paper P1 is urged upward, and the uppermost paper comes into contact with the pickup roller 9.

It is to be noted that a rise detecting sensor 9-1 for detecting the height of the uppermost sheet may be provided if necessary. Reference numeral 21 in FIG. 3 denotes a descending detection sensor that detects that the pressing plate 19-4 has descended to a position where it does not contact the bottom plate 16.
Reference numeral 22 denotes an empty sheet detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in the right tray 1. When there is no sheet in the right tray 1, the filler portion 22a of the empty detection sensor 22
It is detected that there is no paper by falling into the notch 16-1 of the bottom plate 16.

The right tray 1 is provided with a lock mechanism supported by the tray. As shown in FIG.
A lock claw 32 is provided rotatably about a shaft 32-1 fixed to the right tray 1 as a fulcrum. The lock claw 32 is constantly urged clockwise by a torsion spring 32-3. Therefore, since the lock claw 32 is held so that the tip 32-2 of the lock claw is fitted in the lock hole 2-3 of the left tray 2, the right tray 1 can be pulled out integrally by pulling the left tray 2. Becomes However, when the lock release solenoid 31 supported by the main body is turned on, the release lever 31-2 is rotated by the solenoid operating rod 31-4 to the position indicated by the dotted line in the drawing against the spring force of the return spring 31-1. . Therefore, the tip 32-2 of the lock claw 32 is connected to the left tray 2
Is released from the lock hole 2-3, no pulling force acts on the right tray 1 even if the left tray 2 is pulled.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the lock mechanism when the left tray 2 is stored in the main body when the lock release solenoid 31 shown in FIG. 7 is turned off. The edge 2-4 of the left tray 2 and the tip 32 of the lock claw 32 are shown. 2 have a cam shape as shown in the figure, the lock claw 32 rotates counterclockwise against the force of the torsion spring 32-3 to allow the left tray 2 to enter.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left tray 2 is provided with a bottom plate 23 on which the sheets P2 are stacked, and further presses the trailing edge and substantially the center of the stacked sheets P2 to move the sheet P2 rightward. A movable back fence 24 is provided, which is a transfer means for collectively transferring in the direction of the tray 1. The movable back fence 24 is movable in the sheet transfer direction along a guide member (not shown) fixed to the left tray 2. The bottom plate 23 and the bottom plate 16 are smoothed so that the bundle of sheets slides and can be easily transported, or ribs and beads are provided to reduce conveyance resistance. Also, the bottom plate 23
Is fixed to the left tray 2 and the movable back fence 2
There is a hole 23-1 on the bottom plate 23 so that the fourth pressing portion 24-1 can move. Since the pressing portion 24-1 protrudes toward the transport direction from the connecting portion 24-2 with the wire (may be a timing belt) 25 below the bottom plate 23,
The sheet P2 can be transported to the position P1.

The wire 25 connected to the back fence 24 is stretched between pulleys 26, 27, 28, 29. The back fence 24 is rotated by the forward / reverse rotation motor 30 so that the back fence 24 can rotate freely. Reciprocate. The rotation speed of the forward / reverse rotation motor 30 is
In the direction of transferring (forward rotation), control is performed at a rotation speed at which high torque is generated, and in the direction of returning to the home position (reverse rotation), control is performed so as to rotate at low torque and at high speed. In other words, a high torque is required because the sheet bundle is transported in the forward rotation direction, but a torque in the reverse rotation direction is unnecessary.
Need to be quickly returned to the home position to reduce the waiting time for the operator to supply paper.

The positioning of the reciprocating motion is performed by providing a projecting piece 24-3 on the back fence 24 and detecting the projecting piece 24-3 by the home sensor 47 and the positioning sensor 48. The movable back fence 24 and the drive unit of the back fence are all housed in the box of the left tray 2.

Therefore, when the left tray 2 is pulled out, as shown in FIG.
10, the back fence unit and the back fence drive unit can be pulled out to the front. Further, a paper bundle detection sensor 33 for determining the presence or absence of paper on the left tray 2 is provided below the bottom plate 23. Left tray 2 side fence 42,
43 regulates the width of the paper P2 loaded on the right tray 1.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to flowcharts 6 and 17.

When the start signal is input, the bottom plate raising motor 19-3 starts normal rotation (S20). When the completion of the ascent is detected by the ascent sensor 9-1 (S21), the ascent motor 19-3 stops (S22). Then, if the empty sensor 22 indicates that the sheet on the right tray 1 remains (Yes in S23), the sheet feeding operation is started (S38). However, it is detected that the sheet has been consumed and emptied (detected by the empty sensor 22: no in S23), and if there is a sheet in the left tray 2 at this time (detected by the sheet bundle detection sensor 33: S24) The bottom plate lifting device 19 is commanded to quickly reverse the lifting motor 19-3 to return the bottom plate 16 to the release position (S25, 26, 27). Activate the bottom plate release solenoid 19-11 to instantly lower the bottom plate.
Further time savings can be achieved.

Then, the end fence 1 of the right tray 1
4, 15 are retracted from the paper bundle transfer path (rotary solenoid 18ON: S28). Next, the movable back fence 24 is driven to transfer the sheet bundle P2 to the right tray (S2).
9). When the completion of the paper transfer is detected (YE in S30)
S), quickly return the movable back fence 24 to the home position (detected by the home sensor 31: S34, 35, 3)
6) The sheet empty of the left tray 2 is displayed on the operation unit or the like to urge the operator to replenish the sheet.

In the right tray 1, after the sheet bundle is transferred, the trailing edge of the sheet is regulated by returning the end fences 14, 15 to the return position (rotary solenoid 18 OFF:
S31), the bottom plate 16 is raised to a predetermined position, and a sheet feeding operation is performed (S32, 33, 37, 38). When the paper feeding operation is started, the unlock solenoid 31 is turned on (S39).
After unlocking the left and right trays and completing the paper feeding operation, the unlocking solenoid 31 is turned off (S40, 41).
Therefore, when the operator notices the paper empty display of the left tray 2 during the paper feeding operation and pulls the handle 2-1 forward to replenish the paper, only the left tray 2 is pulled forward as shown in FIG. I can do it. That is, since the left tray 2 is at the front, the operator can easily supply paper, and the paper feeding operation on the right tray 1 is performed during the supply of paper, so that there is no time loss.

When the sheets in the left and right trays 1 and 2 are used up or when the power is turned off, the operator can use the handle 2.
When the user pulls -1 forward, as shown in FIG.
2 are unified and pulled out to the front, so that a total of 1000 sheets can be replenished by one replenishing operation.

With the above operation, if the user pulls the handle 2-1 only once, the operator can automatically select the left tray 2 or the integrated left and right trays. Size paper can be supplied.
Further, since the time required for transferring the sheet bundle is reduced by the above-described methods, the waiting time for the operator and the time required for transferring the sheet can be significantly reduced.

In the third embodiment having the above-described structure, a first sheet storage unit for stacking a plurality of sheets and a sheet feeding unit for feeding sheets one by one from the first sheet storage unit When,
A second paper storage unit disposed substantially horizontally and in parallel with the first paper storage unit; and a transfer unit that collectively transfers the sheets in the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit. , First
The paper storage unit and the second paper storage unit are constituted by separate first and second trays, and at least the second tray can be pulled out by approximately 90 ° with respect to the paper transfer direction by a guide rail installed in the main body. In a certain paper feeder, a bottom plate for loading the sheets stored in the first tray, a pressing plate for pressing the bottom plate upward, a driving unit including a forward / reverse motor for driving the pressing plate, and the forward / reverse motor The motor control means controls the rotation speed at low speed in the ascending direction of the bottom plate and at the high speed rotation in the descending direction of the bottom plate. In addition, the time required for paper transfer can be reduced.

Also, a first sheet storage section for stacking a plurality of sheets, sheet feeding means for feeding sheets one by one from the first sheet storage section, and a substantially horizontal and parallel arrangement in the first sheet storage section. And a transfer means for collectively transferring the sheets of the second sheet storage section to the first sheet storage section. The first sheet storage section and the second sheet storage section A first tray and a second tray separated from each other, and at least the second tray can be pulled out by approximately 90 ° with respect to a sheet transport direction by a guide rail provided on the main body. The transfer means presses a trailing edge substantially central portion of the bundle of sheets stacked on the second tray to transfer the sheet to the first tray, and a reciprocating means for reciprocating the press plate in the sheet transfer direction. A guide member fixed to the second tray; A drive unit including a forward / reverse rotation motor disposed at the bottom of the second tray for reciprocating along the guide member, and control means for changing the rotation speed according to the rotation direction of the forward / reverse rotation motor, Since the motor control means changes the number of rotations according to the moving direction of the pressing plate, it is possible to perform the sheet transfer reliably and to reduce the downtime of the sheet supply of the second tray.

FIGS. 18 to 22 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. However, in the fourth embodiment, only the bottom plate raising device 19 is different from the above-described embodiment, so the bottom plate raising device will be described, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the bottom plate lifting device 19, and FIG.
9 shows a top view of FIG. A sector gear 19-2 fixed to the shaft end of the pressure shaft 19-1 is provided with a drive motor 19-3A.
Gear trains 19-10, 19-13 and movable gear 19
Drive is transmitted via -5. This drive motor 1
9-3A does not rotate in the reverse direction, unlike the aforementioned forward / reverse motor. Also, the movable gear 19-5 is a movable shaft 1
9-14 rotatably supported. This movable shaft 1
One end of 9-14 is pressed by the receiving portion 1-2 of the right tray 1 and moves in the axial direction. Compression spring 1
9-6 is a bearing at one end and a movable shaft 19- at the other end.
14 is restricted by a retaining ring 19-9 fixed to the fixing member 14. Therefore, the movable shaft 19-14 is always urged toward the first tray 1 by the compression spring 19-6. Therefore, when the first tray 1 is pulled out as shown in FIG. 20, the movable shaft 19- is driven by the urging force of the compression spring 19-6.
Reference numeral 14 moves in the direction of the arrow, and along with the movement, the connection between the movable gear 19-5 and the sector gear 19-2 is cut off, so that the pressure plate 19- fixed to one end of the pressure shaft 19-1. 4
And the bottom plate 16 falls freely from the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. That is, since the pressure plate 19-4 drops instantaneously from the hole 20 of the first tray 1, even if the first tray 1 is pulled out, it can be performed without interference.

Also, when the sheet P1 in the right tray 1 is consumed and the sheet P2 in the left tray 2 is transferred to the right tray 1, the bottom plate 16 needs to be lowered because it interferes with the sheet transfer. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
One side of a movable gear 19-5, which is always urged rightward on the paper, by a compression spring 19-7, one side of which is restricted by a retaining ring 19-8 fixed to 9-14.
-12 and the solenoid 19-11 are moved as shown in the figure.

Accordingly, similarly to the case where the right tray 1 is pulled out, the movable gear 19-5 and the sector gear 19-2 are used.
Of the pressure plate 19-4 and the bottom plate 1 are disconnected.
6 falls freely from the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. That is,
Since the bottom plate 16 descends instantaneously, the sheet can be transferred as soon as possible.

Reference numerals 54 and 55 in FIG. 22 denote members made of a soft sponge material or a rubber material. The members 54 and 55 collide with these members after the bottom plate 16 and the pressure plate 19-4 fall freely. And does not cause discomfort to the operator.

In the fourth embodiment constructed as above, a bottom plate for stacking the sheets stored in the first tray, a pressing plate for pressing the bottom plate upward, and a driving means for driving the pressing plate And a drive disconnecting means for temporarily cutting off the drive from the drive means to a drive connecting portion extending to the pressure plate, and a control means for free-falling the pressure plate and the bottom plate by the drive disconnection means, Since the drive cutting means lowers the bottom plate instantaneously, the time required for paper transfer can be greatly reduced.

Further, in the paper feeder, since the sound absorbing member is interposed in each of the collision portions where the pressure plate and the bottom plate collide after free fall, the sound absorbing material can reduce the sound of the collision portion even if the pressure plate and the bottom plate fall freely. It absorbs and does not give the operator any discomfort.

[0081]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a large amount of sheets can be transferred from the second tray to the first tray at once, and the sheet trailing edge pressing member which can swing can be used. There is no skew, and reliable paper transfer can be performed.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the side fence can be removed and replaced with a sheet according to the sheet size.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the side fence body can be moved in parallel, so that it is possible to cope with a change in paper size without replacement.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the position of the side fence of the second tray can be changed so that sheets of a size desired by the operator can be easily set.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an erroneous operation can be prevented by displaying a display during paper transfer.

[0086]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine using a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper sheet feeding unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the sheet feeding unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view near a side fence.

FIG. 5 is a front view near the side fence of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a lifting device.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 7 during operation.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a tray is pulled out.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a tray is pulled out.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a display unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of a display unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a large-volume sheet feeding operation.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart that follows the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a large-volume sheet feeding operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart that follows the flowchart of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a bottom plate raising mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view showing a state where the first tray is pulled out from the state of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side view showing a state where the movable gear is moved.

FIG. 22 is a front view showing a modification of the sheet feeding unit.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet set of a conventional apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 right tray (first tray) 2 left tray (second tray) 8 paper feeder 12, 13 first side fence 14, 15 back fence (paper trailing edge pressing member) 18 rotary solenoid (drive source) 24 movable back Fence (moving means) 30 Forward / reverse rotation motor

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A first tray on which a plurality of sheets are stacked;
A sheet feeding means for feeding sheets one by one from the first tray; and a second sheet feeding means arranged substantially horizontally in parallel with the first tray and capable of being pulled out from the apparatus main body in a direction substantially 90 degrees from the sheet transfer direction. In a sheet feeding device including a tray and a transfer unit that collectively transfers the sheets of the second tray to the first tray, a pair of first and second first trays that regulate the width direction of the sheets stacked on the first tray are provided. A side fence, a pair of paper trailing edge pressing members swingable about a fulcrum provided at a part of each of the first side fences;
And a drive source for swinging the sheet trailing edge pressing member. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first side fence, the paper trailing edge pressing member, and the driving source are unitized as a side fence body, and the pair of side fence bodies are detachably provided on the first tray. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, further comprising a driving unit configured to move the pair of side fence bodies in parallel in a width direction of the sheet. 4. A pair of second side fences for regulating the width direction of the sheets stacked on the second tray, and a manual position changing means for manually changing the position of the second side fences in the width direction. A position detecting means for detecting the position of the second side fence in the width direction, and judging the size of the sheets stacked on the second tray based on a detection signal from the position detecting means, and detecting the side fence of the first tray. 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, further comprising control means for controlling the driving unit so as to correct the position of the body. 5. A first display means for displaying the size of the paper loaded on the first tray, a second display means for displaying the size of the paper loaded on the second tray, and housed in the second tray. And a transfer display unit for displaying that the selected sheet is transferred to the first tray.
Paper feeder as described.