JP3227255B2 - Paper feeder of image forming device - 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 feeder for supplying recording paper to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, a large number of images are continuously recorded on the same recording sheet in many cases. However, there may be a case where an interruption is made during the recording of a large number of images and a small number of images are to be recorded using another recording sheet. Therefore, some conventional paper feeders attached to an image forming apparatus have a structure for responding to such a demand.

However, a paper feed mechanism including a dedicated pickup roller and a separating plate is provided in the vicinity of each paper feed table or paper storage cassette, and one paper feed mechanism corresponding to an operator's paper selection is provided. The mechanism operates so that the paper on the paper feed table or the paper in the cassette is selectively sent out and guided to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus.

[0004]

The above-mentioned conventional paper feeder has paper feed mechanisms by the number of paper feed tables or the number of cassettes that can be set in advance, and the paper fed from each roller is supplied in common. It has a plurality of transport paths for guiding to the paper position. For this reason, there is a problem that the structure is complicated and large, and a paper feeding trouble is likely to occur.

In order to solve this problem, the present inventor has proposed:
A paper feed mechanism is provided at a single location, and the idea of a paper feed device having a configuration in which either a multi-sheet feed table capable of stacking a large number of recording papers or the cassette is movable to a position portion of the paper feed mechanism is provided. Reached.

However, in this paper feeder, since the multi-sheet feeder and the cassette are moved to the same paper feed point in the paper feed mechanism, one operation interferes with the other. It is necessary to consider that there is nothing. At the same time, it is required to have a structure capable of smoothly and easily supplying the multi-sheet feeding table and the recording sheets of the cassette to the sheet feeding mechanism in a short time, and to construct an electric control means.

Further, by making the cassette detachable, the interruption work can be facilitated, but on the other hand, safe operation is required to prevent erroneous operation of the operator and erroneous operation of the apparatus itself.

Further, when a paper jam occurs during the paper feeding operation, or when a paper exchange occurs due to a paper supply or a change in the paper size, the multi-sheet feeding table and the cassette can be raised and lowered so as to be able to cope smoothly. Action is required.

The present invention provides a small-sized and simple sheet feeding device capable of arbitrarily switching between sheet feeding by a cassette and sheet feeding by a multi-sheet feeding table. Provided is a paper feeder that can perform a process such as a jam process or a paper replenishment by performing a button operation to lower a paper feed unit and a multi-sheet feed table by a predetermined amount in accordance with a current operation mode and to perform a process such as a paper jam. It is an object.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet feeding apparatus for picking up recording sheets 68 and 69 stacked one by one at a single sheet feeding position P2. A paper feed mechanism 3 for sending out toward the image recording section, and a cassette K which is vertically movable with respect to the paper feed mechanism and stores a recording paper 69 on its upper surface are provided detachably and correspond to the paper feed mechanism. A sheet feeding unit 10 having a notch 14 at a position, and a vertically movable unit provided in the sheet feeding unit;
A multi-sheet feeding table 50 on which recording paper 68 is placed, a multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103 for outputting a signal for instructing a lowering of the sheet feeding unit and the multi-sheet feeding table;
In the sheet feeding mode by the cassette, at least the sheet feeding unit is controlled to be lowered to a position where the cassette on the sheet feeding unit can be pulled out based on a signal of the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button. Feed control means for controlling the descending of the multi-sheet feeder until the recording sheet on the multi-sheet feeder separates from the sheet feed position based on the signal of the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button in the feed mode of 100.

Further, the paper feeding apparatus according to the present invention detects a jam state in the paper feeding mode by the cassette K and in the paper feeding mode by the multi-sheet feeding table 50 and outputs a signal to that effect. The paper feed control means 100 includes a paper feed control means 100 for detecting a paper jam based on a signal from the multi-sheet / cassette down button 103 when the paper jam detection means detects a paper jam during paper feed by the cassette. At least the sheet feeding unit is controlled to descend to a position where the cassette on the unit 10 can be pulled out, and when the jam detecting unit detects a jam during sheet feeding by the multi-sheet feeding table, the multi-sheet / cassette lowering is performed. Based on the signal of the button, the multi-sheet feeding table is controlled to descend until the recording paper 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table separates from the sheet feeding position P2.

[0012]

When the cassette K is set on the upper surface of the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103 is pressed in the sheet feeding mode using the cassette K, the sheet feeding control means 10 is set.
0 controls the lowering of at least the paper feeding unit 10 to a position where the cassette K on the paper feeding unit 10 can be pulled out based on the signal of the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103. This lowering control is also performed when the jam detector 119 detects a jam during paper feeding by the cassette K and the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103 is pressed. In this state, for example, paper jam processing in the paper feed mechanism 3, paper replenishment of the cassette K, and processing such as paper replacement accompanying a change in paper size are performed. When the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103 is pressed in the sheet feeding mode using the multi-sheet feeding table 50 with the cassette K removed from the upper surface of the sheet feeding unit 10, the sheet feeding control unit 100 sets the multi-sheet / cassette Based on the signal of the lowering button 103, only the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is controlled to be lowered until the recording paper 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 moves away from the sheet feeding position P2. This lowering control is also performed when the jam detector 119 detects a jam during feeding by the multi-sheet feeding table 50 and the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button 103 is pressed. In this state, for example, paper jam processing in the paper feed mechanism 3, paper replenishment of the multi-sheet feed table 50, and processing such as paper replacement accompanying a change in paper size are performed.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A paper feeder 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. The paper feed mechanism 3 provided on the printing device 2 side is provided with a pickup roller 43 for taking in the printing paper of the paper feeding device 1. The paper feeder 1 moves a cassette containing print papers and print papers stacked on a multi-sheet feeder described later up and down to position one of them in the paper feed mechanism 3, A desired printing paper can be supplied.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper feeder 1 has a substantially box-shaped frame 6 composed of a pair of left and right side plates 4, 4 and a bottom plate 5. The upper ends of the pair of side plates 4 and 4 are fixed and connected by a rod 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, a motor 8 as a drive source of the present apparatus is provided below the outer surface of one side plate 4. The motor 8 is linked to an input shaft of a gear box 9. The gear box 9 has a reduction gear for transmitting the rotational force of the motor 8 to two clutches 9a and 9b. The clutches 9a and 9b are connected to two drive shafts A and B, respectively. Each drive shaft A, B is parallel to each other,
A pair of side plates 4 and 4 are rotatably provided at predetermined intervals.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a substantially box-shaped paper supply unit 10 is provided in the frame 6 so as to be vertically movable. The paper feeding unit 10 has a configuration in which a lower base plate 11 and an upper cassette table 12 as a first paper feeding table are connected by a pair of side plates 13. A cassette K containing print paper is placed on the upper cassette table 12 (see FIG. 6B).

When a large number of sheets are to be continuously printed without using the cassette K, the cassette K is removed and the entire sheet feeding unit 10 is set at a predetermined upper position as described later. To prevent the paper feed mechanism 3 from interfering with the paper feed mechanism 3 as shown in FIGS.
A notch 14 is provided for dodging.

As shown in FIG. 2, guide grooves 15 and 16 are formed in the side plate 4 of the frame 6 in parallel with each other in the vertical direction. A roller 70 rotatably provided on the side surface of the base plate 11 is loosely fitted in one guide groove 15 so as to be vertically movable, and the other guide groove 16 is rotatable on the side surface of the cassette table 12. Are loosely fitted so as to be vertically movable.

A take-up pulley 17 is provided at an end of the drive shaft A protruding outward from the side plate 4. An intermediate pulley 18 is provided on the side plate 4 above the guide groove 15. One end of a wire 19 is connected to the peripheral surface of the winding pulley 17, and the wire 19 is connected to the intermediate pulley 18.
And the other end is connected to the roller 70.

Accordingly, if the motor 8 drives the drive shaft A to wind the wire 19 around the winding pulley 17,
The roller 70 is pulled upward by the wire 19, and the sheet feeding unit 10 moves up in the frame 6 along the guide grooves 15 and 16. When the drive shaft A is rotated in the reverse direction, the wire 19 wound on the winding pulley 17 is unwound, and the sheet feeding unit 10 descends by its own weight. That is, the entire box-shaped sheet feeding unit 10 can be moved up and down in the frame 6.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, an adjustment shaft 20 is provided above the base plate 11 of the paper feed unit 10 in parallel with the drive shafts A and B. The adjustment shaft 20 is rotatably provided between the side plates 13 and 13 of the sheet feeding unit 10. One end of the adjusting shaft 20 protrudes outward from a groove 21 provided in the one side plate 4 of the frame 6 along the longitudinal direction, and a pulley 22 is provided at the protruding one end. . A screw portion 23 is provided at the center of the adjustment shaft 20.

A plate-like lower fence base 24 is provided between the base plate 11 of the paper feed unit 10 and the adjustment shaft 20. The adjusting shaft 20 is inserted through the left and right edges 24a, 24a of the lower fence base 24 via a slide bush 25, and the screw portion 23 of the adjusting shaft 20 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower fence base 24 by a fixing tool 26. It is engaged with the set screw receiver 27. Therefore, if the adjustment shaft 20 is rotated,
The lower fence table 24 can move in the sheet feeding unit 10 in the axial direction.

A mechanism similar to the moving mechanism of the lower fence table 24 described above is provided below the cassette table 12 of the sheet feeding unit 10 as shown in FIG. That is, the screw portion 29 of the adjustment shaft 28 is attached to the upper fence base 30 by the fixing tool 31.
And is screwed with the screw receiver 32 fixed by. 33 is a slide bush and 34 is a pulley. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper adjustment shaft 28 also passes through a groove 35 provided in the side plate 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper fence table 30
And the lower fence table 24 are connected by a guide shaft 40. Further, a timing belt 41 is wound around the pulley 34 of the upper fence base 30 and the pulley 22 of the lower fence base 24. And the adjustment axis 2 of the upper fence base 30
The dial 8 is provided with a dial 42 as an operation unit so that the adjustment shaft 28 can be rotated manually.

Therefore, if the upper adjustment shaft 28 is rotated by turning the dial 42, the lower adjustment shaft 20 is simultaneously rotated by the pulleys 34 and 22 and the timing belt 41. The upper fence table 30 and the lower fence table 24 connected by the guide shaft 40 serve as a horizontal positioning mechanism in FIG.
The position can be adjusted left and right within.

As shown in FIG.
Inside, a multi-sheet feeding table 50 as a second sheet feeding table is provided below the cassette table 12 so as to be vertically movable.
The multi-sheet feeding table 50 has an upper plate 51 on which a large number of stacked printing sheets are placed, and a lower plate 52 that supports the upper plate 51 movably.

Guide members 54 are provided on both sides of the upper plate 51. The guide shafts 40 are inserted through the respective guide members 54, and the upper plate 51 can move up and down along the guide shafts 40.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
Rollers 55 are attached to both ends of the support shaft 53 fixed to the
Is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, two vertical guide grooves 56 are formed in the side plate 4 of the frame 6, and the rollers 55 of the support shaft 53 are movably engaged. A take-up pulley 57 is provided at an end of the drive shaft B protruding outward from the side plate 4.

Intermediate pulleys 58, 58 are provided on the side plate 4 above the guide grooves 56, 56, respectively. One ends of two wires 59, 59 are connected to the peripheral surface of the take-up pulley 57. The two wires 59, 59 are wound around different intermediate pulleys 58, 58, respectively, and the other ends thereof are connected. The two rollers 55, 55 are connected to each other.

Therefore, the motor 8 drives the drive shaft B to
When these wires 59, 59 are wound on the peripheral surface of the winding pulley 57, the rollers 55 are pulled upward by the wires 59, and the lower plate 52 is moved along the guide shaft 40 into the sheet feeding unit 1.
It rises within 0. When the drive shaft B is reversed, the wire 59 wound on the winding pulley 57 is unwound, and the lower plate 52 is lowered by its own weight.

The drive shafts A and B, the drive mechanism of the sheet feeding unit 10 using wires and pulleys, and the drive mechanism of the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are omitted in FIG. 4, but are opposite to those in FIG. It is also provided on the side plate 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of bearings 60 are provided on the lower plate 52. On these bearings 60, an upper plate 51 is provided movably. The upper plate 51 can move up and down along the guide shaft 40 and can move in the horizontal direction along the support shaft 53. Therefore, if the upper and lower fence tables 30 and 24 are moved in the horizontal direction by turning the dial 42, the upper plate 51 of the multi-sheet feeding table 50 moves along the support shaft 53.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, two fences 61, 61 are provided between the upper and lower fence tables 30, 24 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a slider 73 is slidably supported by two parallel guide shafts 62 fixed to the lower fence table 24, and the lower portion of the fence 61 is fixed to the slider 73. , The fence 61 and the slider 73 together with the guide shaft 6
2 can move along. Although not shown, a similar mechanism is provided above the upper fence base 30 and the fence 61. Although not shown, a fixing means is provided so that the position of the fence 61 can be fixed.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the mechanism outside the side plates 4, 4 is provided with outer frames 63a, 6b.
3b. Further, on the front side of the apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, an openable / closable cover 67 is provided. The device 1 cannot be driven or moved up and down unless the cover 67 is closed, so that safety during operation is ensured.

In the above configuration, when it is desired to perform continuous printing of a large number of sheets (T mode described later), the sheet feeding unit 1 is mounted on the cassette table 12 without the cassette K mounted thereon.
0 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are raised in conjunction with each other, and FIG.
The cassette table 12 is positioned above the paper feed mechanism 3 as shown in FIG. At this time, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50
Rises via the drive shafts A and B by driving the motor 8 in the forward direction with the clutches 9a and 9b connected.

When the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lifted, the notch 14 is provided in the cassette table 12, so that the entire sheet feeding unit 10 including the cassette table 12 interferes with the sheet feeding mechanism 3. You can climb without doing. Then, the paper feed unit 10 is positioned so that the pickup roller 43 of the paper feed mechanism 3 comes into contact with the upper surface of the print paper 68 placed on the multi-sheet feed table 50 from above with a predetermined paper feed pressure. After the start of printing, only the multi-sheet feeding table 50 rises following the reduction of the printing paper 68. This multi-sheet feeder 5
The rise of only 0 is performed by rotating only the drive shaft B forward with only the clutch 9b connected.

At the time of multi-sheet feeding, the upper and lower fence tables 30, 24 and the upper plate 5
If the position 1 is adjusted right and left, fine adjustment of the printing position with respect to the printing paper 68 can be performed.

When it is desired to feed the cassette (K mode described later), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are interlocked to a predetermined lower limit position as shown in FIG. 6B. The cassette table 12 is positioned below the sheet feeding mechanism 3. At this time, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lowered via the drive shafts A and B by driving the motor 8 in the reverse direction with the clutches 9a and 9b connected. Also at this time, the sheet feeding mechanism 3 can pass through the notch 14 without interfering with the cassette table 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the cassette K containing the printing paper 69 is set on the cassette table 12, and the print start button 82 provided on the printing apparatus 2 side is pressed, so that the paper is fed. The unit 10 moves up to a position where the unit 10 comes into contact with the pickup roller 43 at a predetermined sheet feeding pressure, and the sheet is sent out by the sheet feeding mechanism 3.

Next, the electrical configuration of the paper feeder 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The printing operation of the printing apparatus 2 is controlled by the print control unit 80. The print control unit 80 starts the print operation set by operating the print start button 82 provided on the operation panel 81. It has become.

The paper feed control means 100 provided on the paper feed device 1 side is electrically connected to the print control means 80 of the printing device 2, and controls the paper feed during printing, which will be described later. Also,
A multi-sheet / cassette switching button (hereinafter, referred to as a T / K switching button) 10 is provided on the operation panel 101 of the sheet feeding device 1.
2. A multi-sheet / cassette lowering button (hereinafter, referred to as a T / K lowering button) 103 and a display 104 as a notifying unit are provided. The paper feeding control unit 100 controls an operation signal of an operation panel 101 described below, The drive of the motor 8 and the clutch 9 based on the detection signal of each sensor as the detection means
By controlling the connection operations of a and 9b, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are raised and lowered.

The T / K switching button 102 is used for the T mode in which the multi-sheet feeding is performed using the printing sheets 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50, or the printing sheet 6 of the cassette K (FIG. 6B).
9 to switch to any one of the K mode in which cassette sheet feeding is performed. Also, the T / K lowering button 10
3 lowers the sheet feeding unit 10 or the multi-sheet feeding table 50 in order to perform processing such as jam processing and paper supply in any operation mode. Further, the display 104 displays an operation state during the sheet feeding operation.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, various sensors for inputting detection signals to the paper feed control means 100 are fixed to predetermined positions in the vertical direction of the paper feed unit 10 such as the side plate 4. The TK home sensor 110 is provided at the uppermost stop position of the paper feeding unit 10 and outputs an ON-state detection signal only when the cassette table 12 of the paper feeding unit 10 is at the TK home position P1. Otherwise, the detection signal of the OFF state is output.

The paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is provided at the pickup roller 43 or at a position close to the pickup roller 43, and detects any one of the printing papers 68 and 69 placed by raising the paper feed unit 10 or the multi-sheet feed table 50. When the pickup roller 43 comes into contact with the pickup roller 43 and is lifted to the sheet feeding position P2, the detection signal of the ON state is output, and otherwise, the detection signal of the OFF state is output. When the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is ON, the print papers 68 and 69 can be fed by the pickup roller 43.

The TT lower limit sensor 112 is provided at a TT lower limit position P3 slightly below the center of the paper feeding unit 10, and is turned on when the multi-sheet feeding table 50 reaches the TT lower limit position P3. , And outputs an OFF-state detection signal when it is located above the TT lower limit position P3.

The KK lower limit sensor 113 is provided at the KK lower limit position P4 at the bottom of the paper feed unit 10, and outputs an ON state detection signal only when the paper feed unit 10 is at the KK lower limit position P4. Otherwise, the detection signal of the OFF state is output.

The cassette sensor 114 is connected to the cassette table 12
When the cassette K is mounted on the cassette table 12, the detection signal of the ON state is output, and when the cassette K is not mounted, the detection signal of the OFF state is output. The cassette sensor 114 is, for example, a cassette K
A magnet is provided on the side, and a reed switch is provided at a position facing the magnet on the cassette table 12.

The printing paper 6 stored in the cassette K
By changing the position of the magnet according to the size of 9 and detecting this by the combination of a plurality of reed switches,
Only by mounting the cassette K, the size of the printing paper 69 can be automatically determined based on a combination of, for example, four bit values.

The cover sensor 115 detects opening and closing of the cover 67, and is composed of, for example, a microswitch. The power switch 116 switches the main power supply of the sheet feeding device 1.

The multi-sheet paper sensor 117 is provided on the multi-sheet feed table 50 and detects the presence or absence of the print paper 68 stacked on the multi-sheet feed table 50, and is turned on when the print sheet 68 is present. And outputs an OFF detection signal when there is no printing paper 68. Further, the cassette paper presence / absence sensor 118 is provided in the cassette K, and detects the presence / absence of the printing paper 69 loaded on the cassette K.
An ON detection signal is output when the printing paper 69 is present, and an OFF detection signal is output when the printing paper 69 is not present.

The jam detecting means 119 detects a paper jam during paper feeding, for example, when the printing papers 68 and 69 are not fed to the printing apparatus 2 via the pickup roller 43 and are stopped in the middle of the conveyance path. An ON detection signal indicating the state is output.

Here, the feed control means 100 controls the feed unit 10 and the multi-sheet feed table 50 simultaneously or independently by switching one motor 8 and clutches 9a and 9b. That is, in the T mode, the TK home position P at which the TK home sensor 110 is turned on.
1 is set as the multi-sheet feeding reference position of the sheet feeding unit 10, and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is controlled to move up and down between the sheet feeding position P2 and the TT lower limit position P3 (see FIG. 8).

In the K mode, the KK lower limit position P4 at which the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned on is set as the cassette paper feeding reference position of the paper feeding unit 10. The feed unit 10 is controlled to move up and down until the uppermost print sheet 69 contacts the feed upper limit sensor 111 and turns on. Note that the multi-sheet feeder 5
With respect to 0, the elevation control is performed in the paper feeding unit 10.

Further, the configuration of the paper feed control means 100 will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG. The paper feed control unit 100 includes a cassette presence / absence determination unit 100a, a mode determination unit 100b, an input switching unit 100c, an overload determination unit 100d, and a print inhibition signal output unit 100.
e, mode control means 100f, motor drive means 100
g, clutch switching means 100h.

The cassette presence / absence determining means 100a detects whether or not the cassette K is mounted on the cassette table 12 based on the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114.
The presence or absence of the cassette K is determined based on the ON / OFF state of the detection signal at that time, and the determination signal S1 is output to the mode determination means 100b and the mode control means 100f and further to the print inhibition signal output means 100e. . The cassette sensor 114 and the cassette presence determination means 1
00a constitutes a cassette presence detecting means.

The mode determination means 100b is provided with a determination signal S1 from the cassette presence determination means 100a and the power switch 1
Based on the 16 ON / OFF signals, the operation mode is determined to be either the T mode by feeding the multi-sheet feeding table 50 or the K mode by feeding the cassette K. When the T / K switching button 102 is pressed, the operation mode before the pressing is changed to another operation mode. Then, the mode determination means 10
0b outputs the determined mode determination signal S2 of either the T mode or the K mode to the input switching means 100c and the mode control means 100f.

The input switching means 100c selectively switches the detection signals from the buttons 102 and 103 and the sensors 110 to 115 based on the mode determination signal S2 from the mode determination means 100b and outputs the signals to the mode control means 100f. ing.

The overload judging means 100d uses TK
Home sensor 110, paper feed upper limit sensor 111 and T-
Based on each detection signal of the T lower limit sensor 112, the stacking amount of the printing papers 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is monitored to determine whether the stacking is over, and the determination signal S3 is output to the mode control unit 100f. ing. Then, when it is determined that the load is over, the display 10 as a notifying means is notified to that effect.
4 or by voice or the like.

The print inhibit signal output means 100e is provided with a T / K switch button 102 or a T / K
When the K-down button 103 is pressed, the print control unit 80 of the printing apparatus 2 outputs a print prohibition signal S4 that invalidates the press of the print start button 82 and prohibits the printing operation. Also, the print inhibition signal output unit 100e
Is a judgment signal S1 of the cassette presence / absence judgment means 100a.
Is also input, and when the mode is switched from the K mode to the T mode as described later, the print inhibition signal S4 is also output when the cassette presence determination signal S1 is input.

The mode control means 100f includes a T mode control means 100fA and a K mode control means 100fB. The T mode control unit 100fA receives the T mode mode determination signal S2 from the mode determination unit 100b.
Of the T mode, which will be described later. Each of the buttons 102 and 103 is input via the input switching unit 100c.
And the detection signals of the respective sensors 110 to 119 are taken as inputs, and a pulse signal S5 for driving the motor 8 to rotate forward or reverse is output to the motor driving means 100g.

The determination signal S1 of the cassette presence determination means 100a, the determination signal S3 of the overload determination means 100d, the print inhibition signal S of the print inhibition signal output means 100e.
When 4 is input, the drive of the motor 8 is controlled in accordance with the input. Then, the T mode control means 100fA
Transmits a control signal S7 for switching the clutches 9a and 9b in the T mode when moving up and down the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50.
Output at 0h.

The K mode control means 100fB controls the processing operation of the K mode, which will be described later, based on the input of the K mode mode determination signal S2 from the mode determination means 100b. Also, the input signals of the buttons 102 and 103 and the detection signals of the sensors 110 to 119 are taken as inputs via the input switching means 100c, and a pulse signal S6 for driving the motor 8 to rotate forward or reverse is sent to the motor driving means 100g. Output.

The determination signal S1 of the cassette presence determination means 100a, the determination signal S3 of the overload determination means 100d, the print inhibition signal S of the print inhibition signal output means 100e.
When 4 is input, the drive of the motor 8 is controlled in accordance with the input. Then, the K mode control means 100fB
Transmits a control signal S8 for switching the clutches 9a and 9b in the K mode when moving up and down the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50.
Output at 0h.

The motor driving means 100g controls the forward or reverse rotation of the motor 8 based on the pulse signal S5 from the T mode control means 100fA or the pulse signal S6 from the K mode control means 100fB.

When the rotation of the motor 8 is controlled, the clutch switching means 100h responds to each operation mode based on the control signal S7 or the control signal S8 input from the T mode control means 100fA or the K mode control means 100fB. The switching control of the clutches 9a and 9b is performed. Thereby, the TK home positions P1 and K in the T mode are set.
The raising / lowering operation of the sheet feeding unit 10 between the −K lower limit position P4 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 in the sheet feeding unit 10
Up / down operation, and paper feed upper limit sensor 111 in K mode
And the control of the raising / lowering operation of the cassette K between the KK lower limit position P4.

Next, the control operation of the paper feed control means 100 will be described with reference to an operation diagram and a flowchart. FIG.
0 is a flowchart showing an initial operation when the power switch is turned on. First, when the power switch 116 is turned on (SP10-1), the presence or absence of the cassette K on the cassette table 12 is determined based on the determination signal S1 of the cassette presence determination unit 100a based on the detection signal from the cassette sensor 114 (SP10-2). ).

When the cassette K is not placed on the cassette table 12 and the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 is in the OFF state (SP10-2 / No), the mode determination means 100b is activated based on the determination signal S1. The T mode is automatically set (SP10-3). Also, the power switch 116
At the time of N, when the cassette K is placed on the cassette table 12 and the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 is in the ON state (SP10-2 / Yes), the mode determination means 100b sets the K based on the determination signal S1. The mode is automatically set (SP10-4).

When the mode is automatically set to the T mode, the T mode control means 100fA operates according to the mode determination signal S2 of the mode determination means 100b. At the time of the T mode, the T mode control unit 100fA outputs the detection signals of the TK home sensor 110 and the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 so that the print paper 68 on the multi-sheet feed table 50 is fed by the pickup roller 43. The following control for bringing the uppermost position of the printing paper 68 into contact with the pickup roller 43 is performed based on the above.

First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the sheet feeding unit 10 is located at the multi-sheet feeding reference position in the T mode, that is, at the TK home position P1.
When the detection signal of the K home sensor 110 is ON (SP1
0-5 / Yes), print start button 8 of printing device 2
2 is pressed (SP10-6), if the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is ON (SP10-7 /
Yes), since the uppermost surface of the printing paper 68 is in contact with the pickup roller 43, the feeding operation of the printing paper 68 from the paper feeding device 1 to the printing device 2 is started (SP10-).
8).

On the other hand, when the T mode is automatically set, FIG.
As shown in (a), when the paper feed unit 10 is not at the multi-sheet feed reference position but is located below the pickup roller 43, the printing paper 68 is
And the paper feeding operation cannot be performed. In this case, the detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 is OFF.
In the state (SP10-5 / No), both clutches 9
The motor 8 is controlled to perform normal rotation with the a and 9b connected, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are moved up by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP10-9).

With this rise, the paper feed unit 10 is moved as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the multi-sheet feeding reference position is reached and the detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 turns ON (SP10-5 / Ye).
s) When the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed (SP10-6) and the detection signal of the paper feeding upper limit sensor 111 is turned on (SP10-7 / Yes), printing from the paper feeding apparatus 1 to the printing apparatus 2 is performed. The paper feeding operation of the paper 68 is started (SP10-8).

At this time, if the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is OFF (SP10-7 / No), the multi-sheet feeder table 50 is maintained until the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is turned ON.
Only (SP10-10).

On the other hand, when the mode is automatically set to the K mode, the K mode control means 100fB operates according to the mode determination signal S2 of the mode determination means 100b. In the K mode, the K mode control means 100fB
The following control is performed to bring the uppermost position of the printing paper 69 into contact with the pickup roller 43 based on the detection signal of the paper feeding upper limit sensor 111 so that the printing paper 69 is fed by the pickup roller 43.

First, when the K mode is automatically set, when the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed (SP
10-11), as shown in FIG. 6B, when the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is ON (SP10-1).
2 / Yes), since the uppermost position of the printing paper 69 is in contact with the pickup roller 43, the movement of the paper feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is stopped (SP10-1).
3) The operation of feeding the printing paper 69 from the paper feeding device 1 to the printing device 2 is started (SP10-8).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When the cassette K is located below the pickup roller 43, the printing paper 69 is not in contact with the pickup roller 43, and the sheet feeding operation cannot be performed. In this case, in a state where the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed (SP10-11), the feed upper limit sensor 111
In the FF state (SP10-12 / No), the motor 8 is controlled to rotate normally in a state where both clutches 9a and 9b are connected by this detection signal, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are linked. (SP10-1)
4).

When the sheet feeding unit 10 moves to the position shown in FIG. 6B and the detection signal of the sheet feeding upper limit sensor 111 is turned on (SP10-12 / Yes), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding are performed. Stop the ascent of the platform 50 (SP10
-13), printing paper 69 from paper feeding device 1 to printing device 2
Is started (SP10-8).

Next, the processing operation when the currently set operation mode is changed will be described. When the operation mode is changed, by pressing the T / K switching button 102, the mode determination means 100b outputs the mode determination signal S2 of the K mode after switching if the current operation mode is the T mode. , K mode control means 100
Processing is performed by fB. On the other hand, when the current operation mode is the K mode, the mode determination signal S2 of the T mode is output after the switching, and the processing is performed by the T mode control unit 100fA.

First, the operation when switching to the T mode by pressing the T / K switching button 102 when the current operation mode is the K mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Then, since the current operation mode is the K mode (SP12-1), the T / K switching button 10
2 is pressed (SP12-2), the cassette table 12
When the cassette K is placed on the cassette sensor 1, the cassette sensor 1
Since the detection signal of No. 14 is in the ON state (SP12
-3 / Yes), control for removing the cassette K from the cassette table 12 is performed. When the cassette K is not placed on the cassette table 12, the control can be passed to (SP12-10).

Here, while the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 is ON, the determination signal S1 of the cassette presence / absence determination means 100a determines that a cassette is present, and the print inhibit signal output means 100e prints to the print control means 80. The prohibition signal S4 is output. In this way, control is performed so that pressing of the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is invalidated and the printing operation is not started.

The detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 is turned on while the cassette K remains mounted on the cassette table 12.
In this state, when the T / K switching button 102 is pressed (SP12-2), it is confirmed that the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 is ON (SP12-3 / Yes), and both clutches 9a, 9b Is connected, the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lowered by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP12-4).

Then, until the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned on (SP12-5 / Yes), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lowered (SP12-).
6). As a result, the paper feeding unit 10 becomes the lower limit position,
An indication that the cassette K is placed on the cassette table 12 and a notification such as a buzzer are given. In this state, when the cover 67 is opened and the cassette K on the cassette table 12 is removed (SP12-7), the detection signal of the cassette sensor 114 switches to OFF.

Then, the cover 67 is closed (SP12
-8) When the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP12-9 / Yes), thereafter, the elevation control of the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 according to the mode described below. Can be transferred to

In this raising control, the printing paper 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is loaded according to the stacking amount of the printing paper 68 in FIGS.
Is selectively performed. First, a case where the load amount of the printing paper 68 is a height of H1 (suitable amount range) will be described with reference to FIG. When the T / K switching button 102 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 13A, the sheet feeding unit 10 is not at the multi-sheet feeding reference position, and the detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 is turned off (SP12-11). / No), the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is OFF (SP12-
12 / No), first, both clutches 9a, 9
While the motor b is connected, the motor 8 is controlled to perform normal rotation, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are moved up by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP12-10).

Here, as shown in FIG. 13B, after the sheet feeding unit 10 reaches the multi-sheet feeding reference position and the detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 is turned on, the printing start button of the printing apparatus 2 is turned on. 82 is pressed (SP12-1)
3) Until the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is turned on (SP12)
-15 / Yes) Only the clutch 9a is disengaged and only the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is raised (SP12-14). Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the printing paper 68 comes into contact with the pickup roller 43 and the detection signal of the paper feeding upper limit sensor 111 is turned on, the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is stopped (SP12-1).
6), the sheet feeding operation in the T mode is started (SP12)
-17).

Next, a case where the height H2 of the maximum number of print sheets 68 that can be stacked as shown in FIG. 14 will be described. In this case, when the T / K switching button 102 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
Is not at the multi-sheet feeding reference position and the TK home sensor 11
0 is OFF (SP12-11 / No), and the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is OFF (SP12-11 / No).
-12 / No), first, both clutches 9
While the motors 8a and 9b are connected, the motor 8 is controlled to perform normal rotation, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are moved up by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP12-10).

Here, as shown in FIG. 14B, before the sheet feeding unit 10 reaches the multi-sheet feeding reference position, that is,
While the detection signal of the TK home sensor remains OFF (SP
12-11 / No), the printing paper 6 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50
8 is in contact with the pick-up roller 43 and the upper-limit paper feed sensor 111 is turned on (SP12-12 / Ye).
s), when the detection signal of the TT lower limit sensor is OFF (SP12-18 / No), only the clutch 9b is disconnected and only the sheet feeding unit 10 is raised (SP12-1).
9).

Then, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the sheet feeding unit 10 reaches the upper limit position and the TK home sensor 11
When the 0 detection signal is turned on (SP12-20 / Ye
s), the lifting of the paper feed unit 10 stops (SP12-2).
1) The processing after the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed (SP12-13) is performed.

Next, a case where the printing paper 68 is excessively stacked to a height H3 exceeding the maximum stackable number as shown in FIG. 15 will be described. In this case, when the T / K switching button 102 is pressed, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are not at the multi-sheet feeding reference position as shown in FIG. The detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 is OFF (SP12-11 / No)
And the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is OFF (SP1
2-12 / No), both clutches 9a, 9
b is connected, the motor 8 is controlled to perform normal rotation, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are raised in conjunction with each other (S
P12-10).

However, thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15B, before the sheet feeding unit 10 reaches the multi-sheet feeding reference position, that is, while the detection signal of the TK home sensor 110 remains OFF ( (SP12-11 / No), the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is turned ON (SP12-12 / Yes),
And the detection signal of the TT lower limit sensor 112 is also turned ON (S
P12-18 / Yes), an excessive number of printing papers 68 are stacked on the multi-sheet feeding table 50, and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 prevents only the sheet feeding unit 10 from rising, and the multi-sheet feeding reference position. It is in a state where it cannot rise up to. In this case, the overload judging means 1 is based on the detection signals of the sensors.
In the case of 00d, it is determined that the load is over, and the process proceeds to the load over process (SP12-22).

FIG. 16 shows the contents of the processing at the time of overloading.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. At this time, until the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned on (SP16-
2 / Yes) The sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are linked and lowered (SP16-1).

The paper supply unit 10 stops at the KK lower limit position P4 (SP16-3), and a notification of overloading is made by display or sound if necessary (SP16-4).
In this state, the cover 67 is opened to remove the excess printing paper 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 (SP16-5), and the cover 67 is closed to execute the overload processing (SP12).
-21) ends. Thereafter, the sheet feeding operation in the T mode shown in FIG. 12 is restarted (move to SP12-10).

The lowering control of the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 at the time of stacking over is performed without lowering the printing paper 68 on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 without lowering to the KK lower limit position P4. The uppermost position may be separated from the pickup roller 43 and lowered only by a predetermined amount from which the excess load of the printing paper 68 can be taken out.

Next, the operation when switching to the K mode by pressing the T / K switching button 102 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since the current operation mode is the T mode (SP17-1), the sheet supply unit 10 is in the state of FIG. 13C (or any of FIG. 14C which is the same state), and The paper unit 10 is located at the multi-sheet feeding reference position, that is, the TK home position P1, and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is at the sheet feeding upper limit position P.
2, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lowered to place the cassette K on the cassette table 12, and the top surface of the printing paper 69 Control for bringing the position into contact with the pickup roller 43 is performed.

First, when the T / K switch button 102 is pressed (SP17-2), the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction with both clutches 9a and 9b connected, and the paper feeding unit 1 is controlled.
0 and the multi-sheet feeder table 50 are linked and lowered by the same amount (S
P17-3). Then, when the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned ON (SP17-4 / Yes), the lowering of the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is stopped (SP17).
17-5).

In this state, the cover 67 is opened and the cassette K is placed on the cassette table 12 (SP17-6). Next, the cassette sensor 114 is turned on, and the cover 67
Is closed (SP17-7), the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP17-8 / Yes), and the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed (SP17-).
9) In a state where both clutches 9a and 9b are connected, the motor 8 is controlled to perform normal rotation, and the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are raised by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP17-10).

Thus, when the detection signal of the paper feed upper limit sensor 111 is turned ON (SP17-11 / Yes), the lifting of the paper feed unit 10 and the multi-sheet feed table 50 is stopped (SP1).
7-12), the printing paper 69 from the paper feeding device 1 to the printing device 2
Is fed, and the feeding operation in the K mode is started (S
P17-13).

Next, when a jam (paper jam) occurs during paper feeding, or when paper replacement is performed in accordance with paper supply and a change in the size of printing paper, when the T / K lowering button 103 is pressed, In the T mode, the T mode control means 100fA
In the K mode, the K mode control means 10
At 0fB, the lowering control of the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 according to each operation mode is performed.

First, the processing operation during jam and paper supply in the T mode will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When a paper jam (jam) occurs during the paper feeding operation in the T mode, and this jam state is detected by the jam detecting unit 119 (SP18-1 / Yes), the fact is displayed on the display unit 104 and the feeding is performed. Paper operation automatically stops (S
P18-2).

When the T / K lowering button 103 is pressed (SP18-3), the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction with only the clutch 9b connected, and the TT lower limit sensor 112
Until the detection signal is turned on (SP18-5 / Yes),
Only the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is lowered (SP18-4).
In this state, the cover 67 is opened, and a jam clearing operation for removing a paper sheet having a paper jam is performed (SP18-
6).

Then, after the jam clearing operation is completed, the cover 6
7 is closed (SP18-7), the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP18-8 / Yes), and when the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed, the sheet feeding operation in the T mode is performed. Restarted (SP1 in FIG. 12)
Go to 2-13).

When the number of printing papers 68 stacked on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is reduced during the paper feeding operation in the T mode, when the paper is replenished or the paper is changed due to a change in the paper size ( SP18-10 / Yes), (by pressing a print stop button (not shown) of the printing apparatus 2)
With the printing operation including the paper feeding operation stopped temporarily,
When the T / K lowering button 103 is pressed (SP18-1)
1) In a state where only the clutch 9b is connected, the reverse rotation control of the motor 8 is performed, and the detection signal of the TT lower limit sensor 112 is turned on.
(SP18-13 / Yes) Multi-sheet feeding table 50
Only is lowered (SP18-12).

In this state, the cover 67 is opened, and the printing paper 68 is appropriately stacked on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 (SP18-1).
4) Adjust the width of the fence 61 if necessary. After the paper supply operation is completed, the cover 67 is closed (SP18-
7), the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 turns on (SP1)
8-8 / Yes), print start button 8 of printing device 2
When 2 is pressed, the sheet feeding operation in the T mode is restarted as described above (move to SP12-13).

If the multi-sheet paper sensor 117 detects that the paper has run out during the paper feeding operation in the T mode (SP18-15 / ON), the clutch 9 is turned off.
b is connected, and the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction.
Until the detection signal of the T lower limit sensor 112 is turned ON (SP1
8-17 / Yes) Only the multi-sheet feeding table 50 is lowered (SP18-16). In this state, the cover 67 is opened, and the printing paper 68 is appropriately stacked on the multi-sheet feeding table 50 (SP1).
8-18), the cover 67 is closed (SP18-7). Then, the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP1
8-8 / Yes), print start button 8 of printing device 2
When 2 is pressed, the sheet feeding operation in the T mode is restarted as described above (move to SP12-13).

Next, a processing operation in the case of a paper jam or paper supply in the K mode will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. If a paper jam (jam) occurs during the paper feeding operation in the K mode, this jam state is detected by the jam detecting unit 119 as in the T mode (SP19-1 / Ye).
s) That is displayed on the display 104 and the paper feeding operation is automatically stopped (SP19-2).

When the T / K lowering button 103 is pressed (SP19-3), the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction with both clutches 9a and 9b connected, and the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is output. Until it is turned on (SP19-5 / Y
es), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are linked and lowered by the same amount (SP19-4).

In this state, the cover 67 is opened, and a jam removing operation for removing the print paper having a paper jam is performed (S
P19-6). After the jam clearing operation is completed, the cover 67 is closed (SP19-7), the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP19-8 / Yes), and the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed, as described above. The paper feeding operation in the K mode is restarted (move to SP17-9).

If the number of printing papers 69 loaded in the cassette K is reduced during the paper feeding operation in the K mode and paper supply is performed (SP19-9 / Yes), the printing operation of the printing apparatus 2 (not shown) is performed. While the printing operation including the paper feeding operation to the printing apparatus 2 is temporarily stopped (by pressing the stop button),
/ K down button 103 is pressed (SP19-1)
0), the reverse rotation control of the motor 8 in a state where both clutches 9a and 9b are connected, and until the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned ON (SP19-12 / Yes), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the large number of sheets The paper feed table 50 is moved down by the same amount in conjunction with it (SP19-11).

In this state, the cover 67 is opened and the cassette K
The printing paper 69 is appropriately loaded on top and replenished (SP19-
13). After the paper supply operation is completed, the cover 67 is closed (S
(P19-7), when the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is turned ON (SP19-8 / Yes) and the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed, the sheet feeding operation in the K mode is resumed as described above (S19). Move to SP17-9). At this time, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are raised in conjunction with each other until the detection signal of the sheet feeding upper limit sensor 111 is turned ON, and the sheet feeding operation is restarted.

If it is detected by the cassette paper presence / absence sensor 118 that the paper has run out during the paper feeding operation in the K mode (SP19-14 / ON), both clutches 9a and 9b are connected. In this state, the motor 8 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction, and until the detection signal of the KK lower limit sensor 113 is turned ON (SP19-16 / Yes), the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 are lowered by the same amount in conjunction with each other (SP19-16 / Yes). SP19
-15). In this state, the cover 67 is opened, the printing paper 69 is appropriately loaded on the cassette K (SP19-17), and the cover 67 is closed (SP19-7). Then, the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 turns ON (SP19-8 / Ye).
s) When the print start button 82 of the printing apparatus 2 is pressed, the sheet feeding operation in the K mode is restarted as described above (move to SP17-9). By the way, in each processing operation of the above-described embodiment, when the cover 67 is open and the detection signal of the cover sensor 115 is in the OFF state, the sheet feeding unit 10 and the multi-sheet feeding table 50 do not move and stop. Is kept.

[0109]

According to the paper feeding apparatus of the present invention, a paper feeding unit on which a cassette can be mounted and a multi-sheet feeding table on which recording paper moving up and down in the paper feeding unit can be mounted are provided. Since the paper feed mechanism is selectively elevated to a position where paper can be fed to one paper feed mechanism, the paper set on a cassette or a multi-sheet feed table is selectively taken out by one paper feed mechanism, and the image forming apparatus Can be fed to the image recording unit.

Further, since the recording sheets set on the cassette and the multi-sheet feeding table are selectively supplied to the image recording section by one sheet supply mechanism, the recording sheets are supplied regardless of which recording sheet is supplied. Since the paper feed path from the paper mechanism to the image recording unit does not change and the paper feed timing is constant, there is no need for a device or adjustment for keeping the paper feed timing to the image recording unit constant. In a stencil printing apparatus in which the top and bottom are shifted due to a difference in timing, there is an excellent effect of improving the printing quality.

Further, since the recording paper set on the cassette and the multi-sheet feeding table is selectively fed to the image recording unit by one paper feeding mechanism, the configuration of the paper feeding path is simple and the maintenance and inspection thereof are easy. In addition to the simplicity, the space required for the sheet feeding path may be small, and thus the whole apparatus can be downsized.

In particular, according to the present invention, the sheet feeding unit and the multi-sheet feeding table are lowered by a predetermined amount depending on whether the operation mode at that time is a sheet feeding mode using a cassette or a sheet feeding mode using a multi-sheet feeding table. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly perform processing such as jam processing, paper replenishment, and paper replacement accompanying a paper size change in accordance with the operation mode. Further, in particular, even when the T / K lowering button is pressed in the cassette paper feeding mode, at least the paper feeding unit is lowered to a position where processing such as jam processing, paper replenishment, and paper replacement accompanying paper size change can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent an accident such as damage to the apparatus due to interference between the sheet feeding unit and the multi-sheet feeding table, and to normally start the apparatus and perform a desired operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device and a printing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main driving mechanism and the like of the paper feeding device.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a structure and the like of a main part of the paper feeding device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a driving source and the like of the paper feeding device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fence adjustment mechanism and the like in the sheet feeding device.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a sheet feeding state in a T mode in the sheet feeding device. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a sheet feeding state in a K mode in the sheet feeding device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sheet feeding device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a mounting position of each sensor provided in the paper feeding device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet feeding control unit of the sheet feeding device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an initial operation when a power switch is turned on in the paper feeding apparatus.

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state before sheet feeding in a T mode in the sheet feeding apparatus. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state of the same sheet feeding device before sheet feeding in the K mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paper feeder when switching from K mode to T mode.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are operation diagrams until the paper feed state is reached when the load amount of printing paper is an appropriate amount in the T mode of the paper feed device.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are operation diagrams until the paper feed state reaches the upper limit of an appropriate amount in the T mode of the paper feeder.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are operation diagrams until the printing paper is detected to be overloaded in the T mode of the paper feeding device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing when the paper feeding device is overloaded.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation when switching from the T mode to the K mode in the paper feeding device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a jam and paper supply process in the T mode of the paper feeding apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a jam and sheet replenishment process in the K mode of the sheet feeding apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... paper feeder, 2 ... printing apparatus, 3 ... paper feed mechanism, 8 ... motor, 9a, 9b ... clutch, 10 ... paper feed unit, 12
.., Cassette stand, 14 notch, 43 pickup roller, 50 multi-sheet feeder, 67 cover, 68, 69
... print paper, 80 ... print control means, 82 ... print start button, 100 ... paper feed control means, 100a ... cassette presence determination means, 100b ... mode determination means, 100c ... input switching means, 100d ... overload determination means, 100
e: print inhibition signal output means, 100f: mode control means, 100fA: T mode control means, 100fB: K mode control means, 100g: motor drive means, 100h ...
Clutch switching means, 102... T / K switching button, 103
... T / K lowering button, 110 ... TK home sensor, 1
11: paper feed upper limit sensor, 112: TT lower limit sensor, 1
13: KK lower limit sensor, 114: cassette sensor, 1
15 ... Cover sensor, 116 ... Power switch, 117 ...
Multi-sheet paper presence sensor, 118: cassette paper presence sensor, 119: jam detection means, K: cassette, P2: paper feed position.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI B65H 7/12 B65H 7/12 G03G 15/00 526 G03G 15/00 526 (56) References JP-A-64-53937 (JP, A) JP-A-1-220646 (JP, A) JP-A-2-204229 (JP, A) JP-A-62-205926 (JP, A) JP-A-62-56225 (JP, A) JP-A-3 -124647 (JP, A) JP-A-54-97028 (JP, A) JP-A-3-18042 (JP, U) JP-A-5-20172 (JP, U) JP-A-60-26449 (JP, U) (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 3/44 B65H 1/28 320 B65H 7/12

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. Recording papers (68, 69) stacked and mounted.
A paper feed mechanism (3) which takes out one sheet at a time at one paper feed position (P2) and feeds it toward the image recording section;
A cassette (K) containing 9) is provided detachably,
A sheet feeding unit (10) having a notch (14) at a position corresponding to the sheet feeding mechanism; and a multi-unit which is provided in the sheet feeding unit so as to be vertically movable and on which a recording sheet (68) is placed. A multi-sheet feeder table (50); a multi-sheet / cassette lowering button (1
03), in the paper feed mode using the cassette, at least the paper feed unit is controlled to be lowered to a position where the cassette on the paper feed unit can be pulled out based on the signal of the multi-sheet / cassette down button. In the paper feed mode using the multi-sheet feeder, the multi-sheet feeder is lowered based on the signal of the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button until the recording paper on the multi-sheet feeder is separated from the paper feed position. A sheet feeding device of an image forming apparatus, comprising a sheet feeding control unit (100). 2. A jam detecting means (119) for detecting a jam state in a paper feeding mode by the cassette (K) and in a paper feeding mode by the multi-sheet feeding table (50) and outputting a signal to that effect. The paper feed control means (100)
When the jam detecting unit detects a jam during paper feeding by the cassette, the paper feeding unit (1) is controlled based on a signal of the multi-sheet / cassette lowering button (103).
0) At least the sheet feeding unit is controlled to be lowered to a position where the upper cassette can be pulled out, and when the jam detecting unit detects a jam during sheet feeding by the multi-sheet feeding table, the multi-sheet / cassette lowering is performed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the descending of the multi-sheet feed table based on a signal from the button until the recording sheet on the multi-sheet feed table moves away from the sheet feeding position. Paper equipment.