JP6182416B2 - Paper feeding device and paper feeding method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus and a sheet feeding method for feeding sheets one by one from a sheet feeding stand in a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  The sheet feeding device is for feeding sheets one by one from a bundle of sheets stacked on a sheet feeding table. As the sheet feeding device, for example, there is one using an air adsorption belt. In a paper feeding device using an air adsorption belt, double feeding of paper may occur in an environment where static electricity is generated. In order to prevent double feeding of paper, a paper feeding device using an air adsorption belt is provided with a separation pad that regulates the interval of the paper conveyance path (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 uses a movement control means such as an electromagnetic solenoid or an urging spring to move the separation pad to a separation operation position where the sheet conveyance path is restricted, or the retreat position where the separation pad is retreated downward from the sheet conveyance path. The switching of the position of the pad is disclosed.

JP 2007-55786 A

  The paper feeder disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two types of paper-making means, ie, a paper-making pad and a separation roller that is driven to rotate in a direction opposite to the paper-conveying direction. Depending on the paper, thin paper, or paper that easily adheres, at least one of the two types of paper-making means is selected and used. The above-described electromagnetic solenoid or the like moves the separation pad to the separating operation position when the separation pad is required, and moves the separation pad to the retracted position when the separation pad is not required.

  In Patent Document 1, it is described that two types of paper-sheet-spreading means are used at the same time when transporting paper that is easily adhered. However, in the case of transporting a sheet that is easy to adhere, Patent Document 1 discloses any disclosure or suggestion about how and when the position control of the separation pad is performed when the separation pad is used alone as a sheet separation means. It ’s not something. In addition, the provision of the two types of paper feeding means in the paper feeding device has the problems that the cost of the device is increased, the structure is complicated, and the size is increased.

  Therefore, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that a paper feeding device using an air adsorbing belt and a separating member suppresses the occurrence of double feeding of paper even in an environment where static electricity occurs, for example. It is to provide a paper method.

  In order to solve the above technical problem, according to the present invention, the following paper feeding device and paper feeding method are provided.

That is, the paper feeding device according to claim 1 of the present invention is
An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. A control unit that performs normal control such that the whispering member is located at the retracted position,
When the double feed of the paper is detected by the double feed detection sensor, the control unit performs a special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position until a rear end of the sheet passes through the separation member. It is characterized by controlling as follows.

According to a second aspect of the present invention ,
An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. A control unit that performs normal control such that the whispering member is located at the retracted position,
The control unit performs control so as to perform a special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position while the sheet is being conveyed when the double conveyance of the sheet is detected by the double detection sensor. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the special control is performed when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor.

In the paper feeding device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor even during the special control, It is characterized by issuing a warning prompting to make an adjustment.

In the paper feeding method according to claim 5 of the present invention,
An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. And a control unit that performs normal control so that the separating member is positioned at the retracted position, wherein the control unit detects the double feed of the paper by the double feed detection sensor. In this case, control is performed so as to perform the special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position until the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the separation member.

A paper feeding method according to claim 6 of the present invention is:
An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. A sheet feeding method in a sheet feeding apparatus, comprising: a control unit that performs normal control such that a separating member is positioned at the retracted position.
The control unit performs control so as to perform a special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position while the sheet is being conveyed when the double conveyance of the sheet is detected by the double detection sensor. It is characterized by.

The sheet feeding method according to claim 7 of the present invention is characterized in that the special control is performed when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor.

In the paper feeding method according to claim 8 of the present invention, when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor even during the special control, It is characterized by issuing a warning prompting to make an adjustment.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the double feeding of the paper is detected, the control unit causes the special member in which the winding member is positioned at the winding position from the normal control until the trailing edge of the paper passes through the winding member. Switch to control. As a result, for example, when multiple paper feeds occur frequently in an environment where static electricity is generated, the necessary and sufficient contact time of the webbing member with respect to the transported paper is ensured, and the webbing operation is performed reliably . There is an effect that occurrence of double feeding can be suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the double feeding of the paper is detected, the control unit switches from the normal control to the special control in which the winding member is located at the winding position while the paper is being conveyed. As a result, for example, when multiple paper feeds occur frequently in an environment where static electricity is generated, sufficient contact time of the webbing member with respect to the paper being transported is ensured, and the webbing operation is performed reliably. In addition, the special control can be simplified because it is not necessary to switch between the turning position and the retracted position in the special control .

In the present invention according to claim 3 , the risk that the scooping member causes unnecessary damage to the paper to be transported is reduced only when special control is required, such as when paper is frequently fed. There is an effect.

In this invention which concerns on Claim 4 , there exists an effect that a user can take an appropriate response by warning.

In this invention which concerns on Claim 5, when the double feed of a sheet | seat is detected, the control part is specially positioned so that the separating member is positioned at the separating position from the normal control until the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the separating member. Switch to control. As a result, for example, when multiple paper feeds occur frequently in an environment where static electricity is generated, the necessary and sufficient contact time of the webbing member with respect to the transported paper is ensured, and the webbing operation is performed reliably . There is an effect that occurrence of double feeding can be suppressed.

In this invention which concerns on Claim 6, when the double feed of a sheet | seat is detected, while the said sheet | seat is conveyed by the control part, the control part is switched to the special control which a separation member is located in a separation position. As a result, for example, when multiple paper feeds occur frequently in an environment where static electricity is generated, sufficient contact time of the webbing member with respect to the paper being transported is ensured, and the webbing operation is performed reliably. In addition, the special control can be simplified because it is not necessary to switch between the turning position and the retracted position in the special control .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the risk of causing unnecessary damage to the transported sheet is reduced only when special control is required, such as when multiple sheets are repeatedly fed. There is an effect.

In this invention which concerns on Claim 8 , there exists an effect that a user can take an appropriate response by warning.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a paper feeding device in the paper processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the paper processing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining normal control in the sheet feeding device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating certain special control in the sheet feeding device. It is a flowchart explaining the other special control in a paper feeder.

  FIGS. 1 to 6 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment in which a paper feeding device 7 according to the present invention is applied to a paper processing device 1. For convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the paper transport direction T is called the front, the direction opposite to the paper transport direction T is called “rear”, and the paper width direction (perpendicular to the paper transport direction T). (Horizontal direction) is referred to as “left-right direction”, and “right” and “left” are defined in the state viewed from the rear, and will be described below. The paper feeding device 7 of the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a stencil printing machine, a copying machine, or a printer.

(Overall configuration of paper processing equipment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an entire sheet processing apparatus 1 to which a sheet feeding device 7 of the present invention is applied. The sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding apparatus 7 that conveys and feeds sheets P one by one in a sheet conveying direction indicated by an arrow T from a large number of stacked sheets P (sheet bundle Q). A processing apparatus main body 2 that processes the fed paper P while conveying it, and a paper discharge tray 18 are provided. In the path from the paper feeding device 7 to the paper discharge tray 18, a paper conveyance path 10 is formed by a conveyance means including a plurality of pairs of rollers 4.

  On the sheet conveyance path 10, at least a first processing unit 5A, a second processing unit 5B, and a third processing unit (for example, a margin cutting unit) 5C are provided in this order from the paper feeding device 7 side. These processing units 5A, 5B, and 5C are provided as units that can be attached to and detached from the processing apparatus main body 2, but may be fixed to the processing apparatus main body 2. The processing units 5A, 5B, and 5C are configured to have the same dimensions and shape in appearance so that they can be attached and detached at any installation location. The processing units 5A, 5B, 5C and the roller 4 are connected to driving means (not shown). The first processing unit 5A and the second processing unit 5B do not mean only two processing units, but can include two or more processing units. Examples of the processing unit include a vertical cutting unit, a horizontal cutting unit, a vertical folding unit, a horizontal folding unit, a rounding unit, or a perforation processing unit. Depending on the processing application, a required processing unit is selected from these various processing units, and the selected processing unit is incorporated at an appropriate position in the processing apparatus main body 2. Further, the paper processing apparatus 1 has a trash box 5 for collecting cutting waste generated by cutting the paper P at the bottom of the processing apparatus main body 2.

(Electrical configuration of paper processing equipment)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1. The sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 6 in the processing apparatus main body 2 that controls various operations of the apparatus. ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable memory), switches on the operation panel, motors, fans, solenoids and various sensors are connected via the I / O port. Are connected to a control unit (CPU) 6.

  The ROM stores a basic program. In addition to being used as a storage unit that temporarily stores various data, the RAM is also used as a counter D that counts the number of double feeds during normal control, which will be described later. In addition to being used as a storage unit for storing control programs, parameters, and the like, the EEPROM is also used as a counter E that counts the number of double feeds during special control described later. The motors provided in the paper processing apparatus 1 are, for example, an adsorption belt drive motor, a paper feed table lifting motor, and a skew correction drive motor. The fan provided in the paper processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a suction fan. The solenoid provided in the sheet processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a shutter solenoid or a winding member drive solenoid. The sensors provided in the paper processing apparatus 1 include, for example, an upper limiter switch and a lower limiter switch at the paper feed tray 30, a paper level detection sensor 35, a paper front edge level detection sensor 37, a paper front edge detection sensor 25, and double feed detection. A sensor 26 and a paper trailing edge detection sensor 27. Using the operation panel, paper processing conditions and setting information are input and information is displayed. The operation panel is provided with a start button for starting a series of sheet processing operations.

(Overall configuration of paper feeder)
As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feeding device 7 includes a paper feeding unit 3, a suction conveyance mechanism 8, a skew conveyance mechanism 9, and a front stopper 11. The sheet feeder 7 further includes various sensors such as a sheet front end detection sensor 25, a double feed detection sensor 26, a sheet rear end detection sensor 27, a sheet level detection sensor 35, and a sheet front end level sensor 37. . The sheet feeding device 7 includes a sheet separating mechanism 55 for separating and separating sheets P using the separation pad 59.

  In FIG. 2, the paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed stand 30, a pair of side guides (not shown), and a rear end pressing member 14. The paper feed table 30 is configured so that a large number of sheets P can be stacked and moved up and down. The paper feed table 30 is lifted and lowered electrically using a lifting device that uses a paper feed lift motor as a drive source. The upper limit position and the lower limit position of the paper tray 30 are detected by an upper limit limiter switch and a lower limit limiter switch, respectively, and the limiter switch functions as a safety device in case of emergency. The pair of side guides are spaced apart from each other in the paper width direction. The rear end pressing member 14 is configured to align the rear surfaces of the stacked sheets P (that is, the sheet bundle Q) and to press the rear end Pb of the uppermost stacked sheet P with its own weight.

(Rear end holding member of paper feeder)
The rear end pressing member 14 has, for example, a book stand shape that is placed on the paper feed table 30 and is disposed in the vicinity of the fixed side guide. The rear end pressing member 14 presses a part of the rear end Pb of the uppermost sheet P, specifically, the rear end Pb on the fixed side guide side of the uppermost sheet P. The rear end pressing member 14 includes a rear end pressing plate 31 and a rear guide plate 32. The rear guide plate 32 has a bottom surface portion and a guide portion, and is bent into a substantially L shape. A sheet bundle Q is placed on the bottom surface portion disposed on the top surface of the paper feed table 30, and the bottom surface portion is sandwiched between the top surface of the paper feed table 30 and the bottom surface of the lowest-level paper P. At the same time, the guide unit is in contact with the rear surface of the sheet bundle Q stacked on the sheet feeding table 30. Accordingly, the rear guide plate 32 functions as a rear surface regulating member that aligns the rear surfaces of the stacked paper bundles Q. In addition, when the paper feed table 30 is made of a metal material including iron, nickel, and cobalt having magnetism, a magnetic sheet or the like that is detachably attached to the upper surface of the paper feed table 30 on the lower surface of the bottom surface portion. An adhesion member can also be stuck.

  The rear end pressing plate 31 has a pressing portion, a catching portion, and a support portion. The pressing portion is bent in a substantially L shape with respect to the support portion, and the catching portion is substantially L-shaped with respect to the support portion. It is bent into a shape.

  A guide pin is erected on the support portion of the rear end pressing plate 31. A guide hole that extends in the vertical direction and through which the guide pin is inserted is formed at a substantially central portion in the width direction of the guide portion. The length of the guide hole is larger than the height of the stacked paper P, and the width of the guide hole is sized so that the guide pin can slide up and down along the guide hole. Since the rear end pressing plate 31 can move up and down with respect to the rear guide plate 32, the position of the pressing portion of the rear end pressing plate 31 according to the number of sheets P stacked (the height of the sheet bundle Q). Changes accordingly. Then, by the weight of the rear end pressing plate 31, the pressing portion can press the upper surface of the rear end on the fixed side guide side in the stacked uppermost paper P. Therefore, the rear end pressing plate 31 functions as a rear end pressing member that presses the upper surface of the rear end Pb of the uppermost sheet P. By changing the installation location of the trailing edge pressing member 14 in accordance with the size of the sheet P to be stacked, the pressing position at the trailing edge Pb of the sheet P can be adjusted.

(Paper level detection of paper feeder)
In FIG. 2, a paper level detection sensor 35 is disposed on the left side (inside) of the fixed side guide and on the rear side of the front end Pf of the paper P and above the paper feed table 30. The detection lever 36 is disposed so that the detection lever 36 of the paper level detection sensor 35 extends obliquely downward and forward, and the lower end of the detection lever 36 contacts the upper surface of the rising paper P. A paper level detection sensor 35 detects the level of the uppermost paper P on the paper feed tray 30. The paper level detection sensor 35 is provided with an adjustment dial that can adjust the suction characteristics for the paper P by adjusting the distance between the lower portion of the transport belt 43 of the suction transport mechanism 8 and the uppermost paper P. That is, the adjustment dial can be used to narrow the interval when the paper P is thick paper, or widen the space when the paper P is thin paper.

  By the way, the front end Pf of the paper P may be curled because the paper P is warped depending on the environment (high humidity) in which the paper feeding device is used and the difference in shrinkage of the printed matter between the front surface and the back surface. . When the front end Pf of the paper P is curled upward or downward, it is difficult to accurately position the curled front end Pf. In particular, the uppermost sheet P immediately after the start of the sheet feeding operation may be in a state where the sheets P are in close contact with each other by static electricity or the like before the air is blown. Therefore, the position of the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P is determined. It is difficult to specify accurately. Therefore, a sheet front end level sensor 37 for detecting the level of the front end Pf of the sheet P is disposed above the front end Pf of the sheet P. The detection lever 38 is disposed so that the detection lever 38 of the paper front end level detection sensor 37 extends obliquely downward and rearward and the lower end of the detection lever 38 contacts the front end Pf of the rising paper P. Yes.

  First, when a paper feed start signal is input through the start button on the operation panel, the following suction / conveyance operation control is performed on the uppermost paper P in the paper bundle Q when the paper feed operation starts. Done. First, the sheet feed table 30 on which the sheet bundle Q is placed rises. When the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P in the sheet bundle Q comes into contact with the detection lever 38 of the sheet front end level detection sensor 37, the ascent of the sheet feed table 30 is stopped. The level of the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P is detected from the stop position of the sheet feed table 30. The stop position of the paper feed tray 30 is temporarily stored in the RAM as initial position information of the front end Pf of the uppermost paper P. The paper feed table 30 is lowered to a predetermined standby position. Thereafter, the paper feed table 30 is raised at a low speed that is about half the normal ascent rate by the paper feed lift motor. Then, while referring to the initial position information of the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P, the sheet feed table 30 is raised until the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P contacts the detection lever 38 of the sheet front end level detection sensor 37. Thus, the control unit 6 controls. Therefore, the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P does not overrun the lower end position of the detection lever 38, and the position of the uppermost sheet P is accurately determined.

  Thereafter, as will be described in detail later, a whirling operation is performed on the uppermost sheet P. The upper surface of the uppermost sheet P that is squeezed adheres to the lower surface of the transport belt 43. The sucked uppermost sheet P is transported forward by the transport belt 43.

  The lower end of the detection lever 36 of the paper level detection sensor 35 is arranged at substantially the same level as the lower end of the detection lever 38 of the paper front end level detection sensor 37. For this reason, when the suction / conveyance operation control for the uppermost sheet P is performed using the sheet front end level detection sensor 37, the sheet level detection sensor 35 also comes into contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P. A signal that is present or a non-contact is issued. However, the signal from the paper level detection sensor 35 is not used for the suction / conveyance control for the uppermost paper P at the start of the paper feeding operation. At the start of the paper feeding operation, the suction / conveyance control for the second and subsequent sheets P is performed using the sheet level detection sensor 35 and is performed using the sheet front end level detection sensor 37. There is nothing.

(Suction conveyance mechanism of paper feeder)
In FIG. 2, the suction conveyance mechanism 8 disposed above the front portion of the paper feed tray 30 includes a pair of front and rear rotation rollers 41 and 42, and a suction-type conveyance belt 43 wound between the rotation rollers 41 and 42. A suction box 44 disposed in the conveyor belt 43 and a suction fan (not shown) are provided. The pair of rotating rollers 41 and 42 are rotationally driven by a suction belt driving motor. A plurality of transport belts 43 are arranged in parallel with the paper transport direction T while being spaced apart in the paper width direction, and a plurality of suction holes are formed in each transport belt 43. A plurality of suction slits are formed on the lower surface of the suction box 44, and air can be sucked from the suction slits.

  By driving the suction fan, the suction box 44 sucks the air below the suction box 44 upward, and the lower surface (conveyance surface) of the conveyor belt 43 adsorbs the upper surface of the separated and rolled paper P. . As a result, only one sheet P is separated from the sheet bundle Q. The paper P adsorbed on the lower surface of the transport belt 43 is transported in the paper transport direction T toward the skew transport mechanism 9.

  In the suction conveyance mechanism 8, a sheet front end level detection sensor 37 is disposed between two conveyance belts 43 positioned approximately in the center in the sheet width direction. The sheet front end level detection sensor 37 has a detection lever 38 extending obliquely downward and rearward. The front portion of the detection lever 38 is rotatably supported, and the lower end of the detection lever 38 is configured to contact the front end Pf of the uppermost sheet P. Further, a sheet trailing edge detection sensor 27 is disposed between the two conveying belts 43 located approximately in the center in the sheet width direction and in the vicinity of the lower surface of the conveying belt 43. The paper rear end detection sensor 27 is a reflection type photosensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and can detect passage of the paper P at the rear end Pb by light shielding of the paper P.

(Feeding mechanism of paper feeder)
The skew conveyance mechanism 9 located in front of the suction conveyance mechanism 8 places the paper P conveyed forward by the suction conveyance mechanism 8 on the adsorption-type conveyance belt 53 spanned between the pair of rotation rollers 51 and 52. While being transported. The pair of rotating rollers 51 and 52 are rotationally driven by a skew correction driving motor. A suction box 54 is disposed in the suction type conveyance belt 53. The upper surface (conveyance surface) of the conveyance belt 43 can adsorb the lower surface of the paper P. The suction type conveyance belt 53 is disposed so as to be slightly inclined with respect to a guide wall (not shown) extending in parallel with the sheet conveyance direction T. In the skew feeding mechanism 9, the paper P is transported while being pushed toward the guide wall, so that one side edge of the paper P is transported in the paper transport direction T in a state along the guide wall. Therefore, even if the paper P transported by the suction transport mechanism 8 is transported in an inclined manner with respect to the paper transport direction T, correction is made so that the paper P is transported in the paper transport direction T by the skew transport mechanism 9. can do. When the paper P is a thick paper, the suction can be sucked by the suction box 54, and the paper P is sucked and transported by the suction-type transport belt 53. Further, when the paper P is a thin paper, the suction by the suction box 54 is disabled and the paper P is transported only by the grip force of the transport belt 53.

  A sheet front end detection sensor 25 and a double feed detection sensor 26 are arranged between two conveyance belts 53 positioned approximately in the center in the sheet width direction. The sheet front end detection sensor 25 is a transmissive photosensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged with the sheet conveyance path 10 interposed therebetween, and can detect the passage of the sheet P by shielding the sheet P. The double feed detection sensor 26 is an ultrasonic sensor in which an ultrasonic oscillator and a geophone are arranged with the paper conveyance path 10 interposed therebetween, and an ultrasonic wave is applied to the conveyed paper P and transmitted through the paper P. By measuring the intensity of the paper, it is possible to detect double feeding of the paper P being conveyed.

(Paper feeding mechanism)
The front stopper 11 is erected so as to be adjacent to the front end of the paper feed table 30. Between the paper feeding unit 3 and the front stopper 11, a paper rolling mechanism 55 is provided that rolls the paper P sucked by the suction conveyance mechanism 8. In the paper rolling mechanism 55, a rolling pad (rolling member) 59 that contacts the lower surface of the conveyed paper P, a plunger 57, a link member 58 that connects the rolling pad 59 and the plunger 57, and the rolling pad 59 are vertically moved. And an electromagnetic solenoid (spreading member driving unit) 56 that drives the plunger 57 so as to move. One end of the link member 58 is connected to the padding pad 59, and the other end of the link member 58 is connected to the plunger 57. The sheet winding mechanism 55 is configured such that the separation pad 59 protrudes toward the sheet conveyance path 10 through the communication port 61 provided on the inclined surface of the front stopper 11.

  The electromagnetic solenoid 56 enlarges the gap in the paper conveyance path 10 by retreating the separation pad 59 from the paper conveyance path 10 and the separation position for regulating the gap in the paper conveyance path 10 by the approach of the separation pad 59 to the paper conveyance path 10. The plunger 57 is driven so that the pad 59 moves between the retracted position to be moved. The electromagnetic solenoid 56 may be either a pull type in which the plunger 57 is pulled in when energized or a push type in which the plunger 57 pops out when energized. The sheet winding mechanism 55 includes a return spring (not shown) that urges the separation pad 59 displaced by energization to return to the original position when the electromagnetic solenoid 56 is not energized.

  The spreading pad 59 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the paper transport path 10. The wicking pad 59 is made of a flexible and elastically deformable material such as a synthetic rubber material such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber, or a natural rubber material, and has a frictional force that exceeds the suction force of the suction conveyance mechanism 8. It has a frictional resistance that acts on the paper P. Therefore, when the suction conveyance mechanism 8 conveys only one sheet P, the separation pad 59 conveys the sheet P as it is downstream of the sheet conveyance path 10 as the adsorption force of the adsorption conveyance mechanism 8 overcomes the frictional force. However, when the sheet P to which the suction conveyance mechanism 8 comes into close contact is to be fed, the frictional force between the separation pad 59 and the sheet P overcomes the contact force between the sheets P, and the uppermost sheet P is removed. Only one sheet is conveyed to the downstream side of the sheet conveying path 10 and other sheets P are prevented from being conveyed to the downstream side.

  The link member 58 and / or the plunger 57 has a gap adjusting mechanism for finely adjusting the amount of gap in the paper transport path 10 due to the appearance and movement of the separation pad 59.

(Normal control in paper feeder)
The normal control in the paper feeding process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When an operation start instruction is input through an operation key on the operation panel, the control unit 6 receives an input of a set value for the number N of sheets to be processed from the operation key on the operation panel (# 10). The controller 6 determines whether or not a special control flag is set (# 12). When the special control flag is set (YES in # 12), the process proceeds to special control described later (# 16). When the special control flag is not set (NO in # 12), the control unit 6 determines whether or not the paper feeding operation is started (# 14). If the paper feeding operation has not been started (NO in # 14), the process waits until the paper feeding operation is started. When the paper feeding operation is started (YES in # 14), the control unit 6 sets the counter D to operate (# 18). The control unit 6 moves the whirling pad 59 to the whirling position (# 20).

  The paper P is transported to the downstream side of the paper transport path 10 while being sucked by the transport belt 43 of the suction transport mechanism 8, and the control unit 6 performs double feed of the paper P based on the detection result of the double feed detection sensor 26. Is determined (# 22). If double feeding of the paper P has not occurred (NO in # 22), the control unit 6 resets the counter D (# 24). The control unit 6 determines whether or not the front end Pf of the paper P is detected based on the detection result of the paper front end detection sensor 25 and the paper P is delivered from the suction transport mechanism 8 to the skew transport mechanism 9. Is determined (# 26). If the front end Pf of the paper P has not been detected (NO in # 26), the process returns to step # 22 for determining whether or not the double feeding of the paper P has occurred. When the front end Pf of the paper P is detected (YES in # 26), the control unit 6 moves the scooping pad 59 to the retracted position (# 28). The control unit 6 determines whether or not the processing for the set sheet processing number N has been completed (# 30). If the processing of the set number N of sheets to be processed is not completed (NO in # 30), the process returns to step # 12 for determining whether or not the special control flag is set. If the processing for the set number N of sheets has been completed (YES in # 30), the normal control ends.

  If double feeding of the paper P has occurred (YES in # 22), the control unit 6 adds 1 to the counter D (# 32). The controller 6 determines whether or not the number of counters D is a predetermined number (for example, 10) or more (# 34). If the number of the counter D has not reached the predetermined number (NO in # 34), the process proceeds to step # 40 where the user performs a multifeed process such as removing the multifeed paper P. When the number of the counters D reaches the predetermined number, and the predetermined number of sheets P are continuously fed (YES in # 34), the control unit 6 resets the counter D (# 36). Then, the control unit 6 sets a special control flag (# 38). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 40 where a multi-feed process such as removing the multi-feed paper P is performed. And normal control is complete | finished.

(Special control in paper feeder)
With reference to FIG. 5, a specific control in the paper feeding process will be described.

  If the special control flag is set (YES in # 12), the process proceeds to the special control shown in FIG. In the special control, first, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the paper feeding operation is started (# 50). If the paper feeding operation is not started (NO in # 50), the process waits until the paper feeding operation is started. When the paper feeding operation is started (YES in # 50), the control unit 6 sets the counter E to operate (# 52). The control unit 6 moves the whirl pad 59 to the whirl position (# 54).

  The paper P is transported to the downstream side of the paper transport path 10 while being sucked by the transport belt 43 of the suction transport mechanism 8, and the control unit 6 performs double feed of the paper P based on the detection result of the double feed detection sensor 26. Is determined (# 56). If double feeding of the paper P has not occurred (NO in # 56), the control unit 6 resets the counter E (# 58). Based on the detection result of the paper trailing edge detection sensor 27, the control unit 6 detects whether or not the trailing edge Pb of the paper P has been detected and the paper P has completely passed the separation pad 59 (# 60). . If the trailing edge Pb of the paper P is not detected (NO in # 60), the process returns to step # 56 for determining whether or not the double feeding of the paper P has occurred. When the trailing edge Pb of the paper P is detected (YES in # 60), the control unit 6 moves the scooping pad 59 to the retracted position (# 62). Then, the special control ends.

  If double feeding of the paper P has occurred (YES in # 56), the control unit 6 adds 1 to the counter E (# 64). The controller 6 determines whether the number of counters E is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more (# 66). If the number of the counter E has not reached the predetermined number (NO in # 66), the process proceeds to step # 72 where a multifeed process such as removing the multifeed paper P is performed. When the number of counters E reaches the predetermined number and the predetermined number of sheets P are continuously fed (YES in # 66), the control unit 6 resets the counter E (# 68). Then, the control unit 6 displays a warning such as “Please adjust the gap amount in the paper conveyance path” on the operation panel (# 70). The process proceeds to step # 72 where the user removes the multi-feed paper P and performs multi-feed processing such as adjusting the gap amount in the paper transport path 10. Then, the special control ends.

  In certain special control shown in FIG. 5, the separation pad 59 is positioned in the separation position until the trailing edge Pb of the paper P passes the separation pad 59, that is, the separation pad is taken for a longer time than in the normal control. It is controlled so that 59 is located in the winding position. Accordingly, the necessary and sufficient contact time of the separation pad 59 with respect to the conveyed paper P is ensured, and the separation operation is reliably executed.

(Special control in paper feeder)
With reference to FIG. 6, another special control in the paper feeding process will be described.

  When the special control flag is set (YES in # 12), it is possible to shift to another special control shown in FIG. In the other special control, first, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the paper feeding operation is started (# 80). If the paper feeding operation is not started (NO in # 80), the process waits until the paper feeding operation is started. When the paper feeding operation is started (YES in # 80), the control unit 6 sets the counter E to operate (# 82). The control unit 6 moves the whirling pad 59 to the whirling position (# 84).

  The paper P is transported to the downstream side of the paper transport path 10 while being sucked by the transport belt 43 of the suction transport mechanism 8, and the control unit 6 performs double feed of the paper P based on the detection result of the double feed detection sensor 26. Is determined (# 86). When the double feeding of the paper P has not occurred (NO in # 86), the control unit 6 ends the special control while keeping the scooping pad 59 in the scooping position.

  If double feeding of the paper P has occurred (YES in # 86), the control unit 6 adds 1 to the counter E (# 90). The controller 6 determines whether or not the number of counters E is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more (# 92). If the number of the counter E has not reached the predetermined number (NO in # 92), the process proceeds to step # 98 where a multifeed process such as removing the multifeed paper P is performed. When the number of counters E reaches the predetermined number and the predetermined number of double feeds of the paper P are continuously generated (YES in # 92), the control unit 6 resets the counter E (# 94). Then, the control unit 6 displays a warning such as “Please adjust the gap amount in the paper conveyance path” on the operation panel (# 96). The process proceeds to step # 98 where a multi-feed process such as removing the multi-feed paper P and adjusting the gap amount in the paper transport path 10 by the user is performed. Then, the special control ends.

  In the other special control shown in FIG. 6, while the paper P is being conveyed, the separation pad 59 is always positioned at the separation position, that is, the separation pad 59 is disposed at a separation position for a longer time than in the normal control. It is controlled to be located at. Therefore, a sufficient contact time of the separation pad 59 with respect to the conveyed paper P is ensured, and it is not necessary to switch between the separation position and the retracted position, so that special control is simplified.

  It should be noted that an air outlet is provided on the inclined surface of the front stopper 11, and air is blown out from the outlet, and air is blown between the upper sheets P of the stacked sheet bundle Q so that the sheets P are connected to each other. You may make it equip with the auxiliary | assistant whispering structure which reduces adhesiveness of this beforehand.

  Further, instead of providing the paper trailing edge detection sensor 27, the paper leading edge detection sensor 25 can be used to know the trailing edge Pb of the paper P. As the skew correction driving motor in the skew feeding mechanism 9, for example, a stepping motor whose rotation amount is regulated in proportion to the number of driving pulses or a servo motor whose rotation amount is detected by an encoder is used. The amount of movement of the paper P in the paper transport direction T can be known. Using the number of drive pulses after the front edge Pf of the paper P is detected as a variable, the information about the size of the paper P in the paper conveyance direction T input or detected, and the paper front edge detection sensor 25 and the separation pad 59. It is possible to know when the trailing edge Pb of the paper P has passed the separation pad 59 on the basis of the distance.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper processing apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 3 Paper feed unit 4 Roller 5 Trash box 5A 1st processing unit 5B 2nd processing unit 5C 3rd processing unit (margin cutting unit)
6 Control unit (CPU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 Paper feeder 8 Adsorption conveyance mechanism 9 Skew conveyance mechanism 10 Paper conveyance path 11 Front stopper 14 Rear edge pressing member 18 Paper discharge tray 25 Paper front edge detection sensor 26 Double feed detection sensor 27 Paper rear edge detection sensor 30 Paper feed base 31 Rear end holding plate 32 Rear guide plate 35 Paper level detection sensor 36 Detection lever 37 Paper front end level sensor 38 Detection lever 43 Suction-type transport belt 44 Suction box 53 Suction-type transport belt 54 Suction box 55 Paper-handling mechanism 56 Electromagnetic solenoid (rolling member) Drive part)
57 Plunger 58 Link member 59
61 Communication port P Paper Pf Front edge Pb Rear edge Q Paper bundle T Paper conveyance direction

Claims (8)

An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. A control unit that performs normal control such that the whispering member is located at the retracted position,
When the double feed of the paper is detected by the double feed detection sensor, the control unit performs a special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position until a rear end of the sheet passes through the separation member. Control the paper feeding device. An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. A control unit that performs normal control such that the whispering member is located at the retracted position,
The control unit performs control so as to perform a special control in which the separation member is positioned at the separation position while the sheet is being conveyed when the double conveyance of the sheet is detected by the double detection sensor. Paper feeder. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A paper feeding device that performs the special control when the double feeding of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feeding detection sensor. In the paper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A paper feeding device that issues a warning prompting the user to adjust the sheeting member when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor even during the special control. . An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. And a control unit that performs normal control so that the separating member is positioned at the retracted position, wherein the control unit detects the double feed of the paper by the double feed detection sensor. In this case, the paper feeding method performs control so as to perform special control in which the webbing member is positioned at the webbing position until the trailing edge of the paper passes through the webbing member. An adsorbing and conveying mechanism installed above the sheet bundle placed on the sheet feeding table and air adsorbing and conveying the upper surface of the uppermost sheet in the sheet bundle;
A webbing member that regulates a gap in a paper transport path formed by the suction transport mechanism and rolls the paper;
A separation position in which a gap in the sheet conveyance path is regulated by the approach of the separation member to the sheet conveyance path, and a retraction position in which the gap in the sheet conveyance path is enlarged by retraction of the separation member from the sheet conveyance path. , A whispering member driving unit that drives the whispering member so that the whispering member moves between,
A paper front end detection sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport path with respect to the webbing member and detects a front end of the transported paper;
A double feed detection sensor for detecting double feed of the paper;
When the conveyance of the sheet by the suction conveyance mechanism is enabled, the separation member is positioned at the separation position, and when the front end of the sheet is detected by the sheet front end detection sensor, the separation member is positioned at the separation position. And a control unit that performs normal control so that the separating member is positioned at the retracted position, wherein the control unit detects the double feed of the paper by the double feed detection sensor. In the case where the paper is being conveyed , the paper feeding method performs control so as to perform the special control in which the webbing member is located at the webpage position. In the paper feeding method according to claim 5 or 6 ,
A paper feeding method in which the special control is performed when double feeding of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feeding detection sensor. In the paper feeding method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 ,
A paper feeding method that issues a warning prompting the user to adjust the sheeting member when the double feed of the paper is continuously detected a plurality of times by the double feed detection sensor even during the special control. .

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