JP6672924B2 - Paper feeder, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device, an image forming device, and a program.

  In a general image forming apparatus, when an image is formed, if the sheet is skewed or distorted (so-called “skew”), the quality of the formed image deteriorates. For this reason, a technique has been developed for correcting the inclination and distortion of a sheet before image formation (hereinafter, may be referred to as “curl correction”). For example, a technique is known in which a sheet fed from a sheet feeding device to an image forming apparatus is abutted against a registration roller or the like to correct the skew of the sheet.

  However, a normal paper feeding device is provided with a regulating member for aligning the paper placed on the paper tray. The end comes into contact with the regulating member, and the accuracy of the bending correction is likely to be reduced.

  Therefore, a technique has been developed to prevent the paper from coming into contact with the regulating member by separating the regulating member from the paper when performing the paper skew correction (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-24925 A

  However, if the regulating member is separated from the sheet, the sheets placed on the sheet tray are likely to be misaligned, which may lead to poor sheet feeding.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device or the like in which a sheet to be subjected to a skew correction does not come into contact with a regulating member at the time of the correction and the sheets placed on a sheet tray do not become uneven.

(1) A sheet feeder for feeding a sheet to an image forming apparatus capable of correcting a skew of a sheet, comprising: a sheet tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed; and a side face of the sheet placed on the sheet tray. a downstream-side regulating member and the upstream regulating member disposed from the downstream side in this order along the conveying direction of the sheet in order to regulate, the downstream regulating member may contact the paper in a song Ri correction before Symbol paper The upstream regulating member, which can be moved to a position where it is not in contact with the paper being bent and cannot contact the paper being bent, is placed on the side of the paper below the paper being bent. And a control unit that maintains the regulating position .

(2) The sheet feeding device according to (1), wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member in a direction away from a side surface of the sheet placed on the sheet tray.

(3) The downstream regulating member includes a first regulating member arranged at the most downstream in the sheet conveying direction, and the upstream regulating member is arranged at a most upstream in the sheet conveying direction. includes a regulating member, wherein further comprising a second regulating member disposed between the first regulating member and the third regulating member, wherein, in the conveying direction of the paper in a song Ri correction length The paper feeding device according to (1) or (2), wherein the movement of the second regulating member is controlled accordingly .

(4) The downstream-side regulating member includes a first regulating member arranged at the most downstream in the sheet conveying direction, and the first regulating member can regulate the shortest sheet that can be placed on the sheet tray. The sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (3), which is arranged at a position.

(5) The above-mentioned (1) to (4), wherein the downstream-side regulating member and the upstream-side regulating member are configured to be able to regulate at least an uppermost sheet of a plurality of sheets placed on the sheet tray. The paper feeder according to any one of (1) to (4).

(6) the upstream-side regulating member adjacent to the downstream side regulating member, the distance to the end position of the sheet in a state in which the placed on the paper tray, performs the bend correction and the downstream regulating member adjacent contact The sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the sheet feeding device is arranged at a position shorter than a distance between the sheet feeding device and the bending correction mechanism.

(7) In a state where the longest sheet that can be placed on the sheet tray is abutted against a bend correction mechanism that performs the bend correction, the third regulating member is located upstream of a rear end position of the longest sheet. The sheet feeding device according to (3) , wherein the third regulating member is disposed on a side of the sheet feeding device, and has a structure that is longer in the sheet conveyance direction than the first regulating member and the second regulating member.

(8) wherein, when said downstream-side regulating member may contact the paper in a song Ri correction does not exist, it does not move the downstream regulating member, any one of (1) to (7) A paper feeder according to claim 1.

(9) wherein, when the downstream-side regulating member may contact the paper in a song Ri correction there are multiple to move all of the downstream regulating member may contact the sheet bend correction in The sheet feeding device according to any one of the above (1) to (7).

(10) The upstream-side regulating member includes a third regulating member disposed at the most upstream position in the sheet conveying direction, and the third regulating member is not provided with a moving mechanism. 9) The sheet feeding device according to any one of the above items.

(11) The control unit may be configured such that, immediately before the sheet placed on the sheet tray is fed to the image forming apparatus, if there is the downstream-side regulating member that does not regulate the side surface of the sheet. The sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the downstream-side regulating member is returned to a position where regulation is possible.

(12) The sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member only when the sheet being bent is thick paper.

(13) The downstream-side regulating member and the upstream-side regulating member are configured to regulate a first side surface of a sheet placed on the sheet tray and a second side surface of the sheet opposite to the first side surface. The paper feeder according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the paper feeder is disposed at a position where the paper feed is regulated.

(14) The sheet feeding device according to (13), wherein the control unit moves at least the downstream-side regulating member disposed at a position that regulates the first side surface of the sheet.

(15) The sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member in parallel in a thickness direction of the sheet placed on the sheet tray.

  (16) The paper feeder according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the paper is a long paper.

  (17) An image forming apparatus incorporating the sheet feeding device according to any one of (1) to (16) and including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device.

(18) A sheet feeding device for feeding an image to an image forming apparatus capable of correcting a sheet skew, comprising: a sheet tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed; and a side face of the sheet placed on the sheet tray. A computer of a paper feeder having a downstream regulating member and an upstream regulating member arranged in order from the downstream side in the paper transport direction for regulating the paper is provided with: (a) a computer mounted on the paper tray; A step of feeding a higher-order sheet to the image forming apparatus; and (b) a position of the sheet fed to the image forming apparatus in step (a) before the bend correction mechanism for performing the bend correction. a step of detecting the arrival in, is moved to a position not in contact before Symbol paper the downstream regulating member may contact the (c) after detection by the steps (b), sheet bend correction in the Touch the paper being curled Program for executing not the upstream-side regulating member, and procedures for maintaining a position for restricting the side surfaces of the sheet placed on the lower side of the sheet in the bend correction, a.

(19) A paper tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed, and a downstream regulating member arranged in order from the downstream side along the transport direction of the paper to regulate a side surface of the paper placed on the paper tray. and a upstream side regulating member, the computer bend correction image forming apparatus capable of the sheet, a step of feeding (a) the uppermost sheet placed on the sheet tray, (b) the steps (A) a procedure for detecting that the paper fed has reached a predetermined position before the bend correcting mechanism for performing the bend correction; and (c) a procedure for detecting that the sheet fed during the bend correction after the detection in the step (b). is moved to a position not in contact before Symbol paper the downstream regulating member may contact the paper, the upstream regulating member not in contact with the sheet in the bend correction, the lower side of the paper in the bend correction Side of the paper placed on A program for executing a procedure for maintaining a position to regulate.

  According to the present invention, of the plurality of regulating members arranged to regulate the side surface of the sheet placed on the sheet tray, some of the regulating members that can come into contact with the sheet being bent are corrected. Move to a position where it does not touch. As a result, the sheet being subjected to the skew correction does not come into contact with the restricting member, and the sheets placed on the sheet tray do not become uneven. As a result, the inclination and distortion of the sheet can be accurately corrected before the image is formed, and the sheet feeding failure does not occur.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system. FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of a conveyance section from a paper tray to a bending correction mechanism. 6 is a flowchart of a printing process. FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating a state in which a thick sheet and a sheet having a length of “b” or more and less than “d” in a transport direction is placed on a sheet tray. FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a state in which a sheet of thick paper whose length in the transport direction is equal to or more than “b” and less than “d” is being subjected to a skew correction; FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating a state in which a thick sheet and a sheet whose length in the conveyance direction is equal to or more than “d” and less than “g” is placed on a sheet tray. FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating a state in which the sheet of thick paper whose length in the transport direction is equal to or more than “d” and less than “g” is undergoing the skew correction. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a state in which a thick sheet and a sheet having a length in a transport direction less than “b” are placed on a sheet tray. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a state in which a sheet having a thickness of less than “b” in the conveyance direction is being subjected to the skew correction; FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a state in which thin paper and a paper having a length of “g” in the transport direction are placed on a paper tray. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a state in which the thin sheet and the sheet having the length in the conveyance direction of “g” are being subjected to the skew correction; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which some of the regulating members are moved in parallel below the sheets placed on the sheet tray. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a part of a regulating member is moved in parallel above a sheet placed on a sheet tray. It is a figure showing the example where some restriction members are constituted from a plurality of members. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the regulating member shown in FIG. 14 during correction of bending. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which only a regulating member located at a position of one side surface of a sheet is moved. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus in which a sheet feeding device is incorporated.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description, and may be different from the actual ratios.

[Image Forming System 10]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system 10. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the image forming system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a sheet feeding device 200. For example, from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper S, the image forming apparatus 100 and the paper feeding apparatus 200 are connected continuously (in the illustrated order).

(2) Image forming apparatus 100
The image forming apparatus 100 is a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like having at least a function of forming an image on the paper S.

  As a specific hardware configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, a touch panel unit 120, a transport roller pair 131, a skew correction mechanism 132, a sheet detection unit 133, an image The image forming apparatus includes a forming unit 140, a fixing unit 150, a paper discharging unit 160, and a communication unit 170.

(2-1) Control unit 110
The control unit 110 controls the entire image forming system 10. For example, the control unit 110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a storage.

  The CPU is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of the above-described units and various types of arithmetic processing according to programs. Each function of the image forming apparatus 100 is such that the CPU executes a corresponding program. Demonstrated by

  The memory is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. As the memory, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and the like are adopted.

  The storage is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including the operating system and various data. For the storage, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, a flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like is employed.

(2-2) Touch panel section 120
The touch panel unit 120 includes a display unit (not shown) such as a display, and a transparent operation panel attached to the display surface of the display unit. The touch panel unit 120 specifies a touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the image displayed on the display unit, converts the touch position into coordinates, and outputs the coordinates. The touch panel unit 120 is configured by a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic input detection element or the like.

(2-3) Transport roller pair 131
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport roller pair 131 includes a pair of transport rollers, and transports the sheet S output from the sheet feeding device 200 in the direction of the curl correction mechanism 132. Although only one transport roller pair 131 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of transport roller pairs 131 may be arranged along the transport path of the sheet S.

(2-4) Bending correction mechanism 132
The skew correction mechanism 132 includes a pair of registration rollers (hereinafter, referred to as “registration roller pair”). The skew correction mechanism 132 corrects the skew of the sheet S and also forms an image (formed on the intermediate transfer belt of the image forming unit 140). The toner image) and the sheet S are aligned.

  When performing the skew correction of the sheet S, the skew correction mechanism 132 presses the registration roller pair in a stopped state to form a nip portion. Thereafter, the leading end of the sheet S is abutted against the nip. In this state, the transport roller pair 131 is rotationally driven, and a loop is formed on the sheet S between the registration roller pair and the transport roller pair 131. At this time, the leading end of the paper S is parallel to the axial direction of the registration roller pair. After the leading end of the sheet S is corrected in this manner, the skew correction mechanism 132 drives the registration roller pair to rotate. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed to the transfer position of the image forming unit 140 (the position at which a toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the sheet S, which will be described later) while the inclination and distortion of the entire sheet S are corrected.

  Note that a motor is connected to the transport roller pair 131 and the registration roller pair. The motor is controlled by the control unit 110, and rotates the pair of transport rollers 131 and the pair of registration rollers separately or integrally as needed.

(2-5) Paper detection unit 133
The sheet detection unit 133 detects an end (front end) of the sheet S in the sub-scanning direction. For example, an image sensor is used for the paper detection unit 133. The sheet detection unit 133 is provided at a predetermined position before the sheet S reaches the skew correction mechanism 132 (for example, a position several centimeters upstream from the skew correction mechanism 132).

(2-6) Image forming unit 140
The image forming unit 140 forms a toner image by an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method, and transfers the toner image to the sheet S transported from the skew correction mechanism 132. For example, the image forming unit 140 employs a tandem system having independent photosensitive drums for each of the colors C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums (C, M, Y, K) are sequentially transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt, and the toner images (color, C, M, Y, K) on which the layers of each color (C, M, Y, K) are superimposed. Image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt. Here, the intermediate transfer belt is an endless belt, is wound around a plurality of rollers, and is supported so as to run. Then, by applying a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the transfer roller, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred onto the sheet S.

  However, the image forming unit 140 may employ a rotary system instead of the tandem system as described above. Further, a method other than the electrophotographic method (such as an ink jet method, an impact method, and a thermal transfer method) may be employed.

(2-7) Fixing unit 150
The fixing unit 150 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet S by heating the toner image onto the sheet S. For example, the fixing unit 150 presses a heating member, which is a heating source, to a pressing member. As a result, heat and pressure are applied to the sheet S at the fixing nip, and the toner image is fused and fixed.

(2-8) Discharge Unit 160
The paper discharge unit 160 is a paper discharge tray on which the paper S on which an image is formed is stacked. After passing through the fixing unit 150, the sheet S is discharged to the sheet discharging unit 160 by driving a sheet discharging roller or the like.

(2-9) Communication Unit 170
The communication unit 170 is an interface for communicating with the sheet feeding device 200. The communication unit 170 transmits and receives various set values and various information necessary for operation timing control to and from the sheet feeding device 200.

(3) Paper feeder 200
The paper feeding device 200 feeds the paper S to the image forming apparatus 100 capable of correcting the skew.

  As a specific hardware configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding device 200 includes a control unit 210, a paper tray 220, a first regulating member 231, a second regulating member 232, and a third regulating member. 233, a pickup roller 241, a paper feed roller 242, a separating roller 243, a transport roller pair 244, and a communication unit 250.

(3-1) Control unit 210
The control unit 210 controls the entire sheet feeding device 200. For example, the control unit 210 has a CPU, a memory, and a storage. Since the CPU, the memory, and the storage can be realized by the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100, the description is omitted.

(3-2) Paper tray 220
The paper tray 220 stores a plurality of sheets S placed thereon. The paper tray 220 has a configuration capable of storing paper S of various paper sizes and various paper types. For example, the paper tray 220 stores standard size paper (B5, A4, A3, etc.), as well as long paper that is longer in the transport direction (longitudinal direction) than the standard size paper. The paper tray 220 includes thick paper having a basis weight of not less than a predetermined basis weight (for example, 150 g / m ² or more) and thin paper having a basis weight of less than a predetermined basis weight (for example, less than 150 g / m ² ). To accommodate.

(3-3) First restricting member 231, second restricting member 232, and third restricting member 233
In order to regulate the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220, a plurality of regulating members are arranged along the transport direction of the sheet S. FIG. 1 shows an example in which three regulating members are arranged. Hereinafter, the first regulating member 231, the second regulating member 232, and the third regulating member 233 are referred to from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S.

  The first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 are a mechanism (hereinafter, may be referred to as a “moving mechanism”) that can move to a position where the rear end of the sheet S does not contact during the bend correction by the bend correction mechanism 132. Have. For example, the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 move in a direction away from the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. In addition, the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 are independently movable. In the present embodiment, the restricting member to be moved is changed in accordance with the length of the sheet S during the skew correction in the transport direction so as to be limited to only the restricting member to which the rear end of the sheet S during the skew correction can come into contact. In the present embodiment, members having the same shape (the same width, the same length, and the same height) are used as the first restriction member 231 and the second restriction member 232.

  The third regulating member 233 is not provided with a moving mechanism that the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 have. The third regulating member 233 is arranged at the uppermost stream in the transport direction of the sheet S among the plurality of regulating members. The third regulating member 233 is arranged at a position where the trailing end of the sheet S cannot come into contact during the curvature correction by the curvature correction mechanism 132. In the present embodiment, the third regulating member 233 is longer in the transport direction of the sheet S than other regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) in order to reliably regulate the sheet S. Having a structure.

(3-4) Pickup roller 241
The pickup roller 241 sends out the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the pickup roller 241 is arranged so as to press against the uppermost sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 with a predetermined pressure. When the pickup roller 241 rotates, the uppermost sheet S is sent from the sheet tray 220 to between the sheet feeding roller 242 and the separating roller 243.

(3-5) Paper feed roller 242, separating roller 243
The paper feed roller 242 conveys the paper S sent from the pickup roller 241 in the direction of the conveyance roller pair 244. The separating roller 243 is pressed against the sheet feeding roller 242 and separates the second and subsequent sheets from the first sheet when two or more sheets are sent out from the pickup roller 241 (double feed). To prevent double feed.

(3-6) Conveying roller pair 244
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport roller pair 244 includes a pair of transport rollers, and outputs the sheet S transported from the paper feed roller 242 to the image forming apparatus 100.

(3-7) Communication unit 250
The communication unit 250 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 100. The communication unit 250 transmits and receives various set values and various information necessary for operation timing control to and from the image forming apparatus 100.

(4) Positional Relationship Next, the positional relationship between the above components will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a conveyance section from the paper tray 220 to the bend correction mechanism 132. In FIG. 2, reference symbols “P1” to “P6” are attached to reference positions for convenience of description.

  “P1” indicates the position of the bending correction mechanism 132. “P2” indicates a leading end position of the sheet S normally placed on the sheet tray 220 (hereinafter, referred to as a “sheet feed start position”). “P3”, “P4”, and “P5” indicate the leading end positions (the leading end positions in the transport direction of the sheet S) of the first regulating member 231, the second regulating member 232, and the third regulating member 233, respectively. “P6” indicates the rear end position of the longest sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 (the rear end position in the transport direction of the sheet S) when the longest sheet S reaches the skew correction mechanism 132.

  As shown in FIG. 2, among the plurality of regulating members, the first regulating member 231 arranged at the most downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S is arranged at a position where the shortest sheet that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 can be regulated. Is done. Therefore, the distance “a” (ie, the distance between “P2” and “P3”) from the sheet feeding start position to the first regulating member 231 is the shortest transport direction of the sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 ( (Longitudinal direction).

  Further, the second regulating member 232 arranged on the upstream side of the first regulating member 231 allows the paper tray 220 to move even when the first regulating member 231 on the downstream side of the second regulating member 232 moves (for example, separates). Is placed at a position where the sheet S placed on the sheet can be regulated. Therefore, the distance “c” (ie, the distance between “P2” and “P4”) from the second regulating member 232 to the sheet feeding start position is the distance “c” between the first regulating member 231 and the bending correction mechanism 132. b ”(ie, the distance between“ P1 ”and“ P3 ”) (c <b).

  Similarly, the third regulating member 233 disposed on the upstream side of the first regulating member 231 can be used even when the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 downstream of the third regulating member 233 move. The sheet S placed on the tray 220 is arranged at a position where the sheet S can be regulated. Therefore, the distance “e” from the third regulating member 233 to the sheet feeding start position (that is, the distance between “P2” and “P5”) is the distance “d” from the second regulating member 232 to the bending correction mechanism 132. (That is, the distance between “P1” and “P4”) (e <d).

  In addition, the third regulating member 233 is arranged at a position where the rear end of the longest sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 cannot come into contact with the sheet S during the skew correction. Therefore, the distance “f” (ie, the distance between “P1” and “P5”) from the third regulating member 233 to the bending correction mechanism 132 is the length of the longest sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 “ g "(that is, the distance between" P1 "and" P6 ") (f> g).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of regulating members are provided at positions (231a, 232a, 233a) for regulating the first side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220, and at a position opposite to the first side surface. The positions (231b, 232b, 233b) that regulate the second side surface are respectively disposed. In other words, each of the first, second, and third regulating members (231, 232, 233) is composed of a pair of regulating members (a, b), and each regulating member (a, b) holds the sheet S. It is arranged at a position facing and sandwiching. With such an arrangement, the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 is moved on both sides by the first regulating member (231a, 231b), the second regulating member (232a, 232b), and the third regulating member (233a, 233b). It is regulated from the aspect. Further, in the present embodiment, the first side of the sheet S is defined as the rear side when the sheet feeding device 200 is viewed from the front, and the second side of the sheet S is defined as the depth side when the sheet feeding device 200 is viewed from the front. Side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pairs of transport rollers (131a, 131b) may be arranged in the main scanning direction of the paper S.

[Operation of Image Forming System 10]
Next, a characteristic operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

(1) Printing Process FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the printing process.

  FIG. 4 is a top view showing a state in which a sheet S having a length of thick paper and a length of “b” or more and less than “d” in the transport direction is placed on the paper tray 220. FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating a state in which the paper S whose length in the transport direction is equal to or more than “b” and less than “d” is undergoing the skew correction. FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating a state in which a sheet S having a thickness of not less than “d” and less than “g” in the transport direction is placed on the sheet tray 220. FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a state in which the paper S whose length in the conveyance direction is equal to or more than “d” and less than “g” is undergoing the skew correction. FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating a state in which a sheet S having a thickness of less than “b” in the transport direction is placed on the sheet tray 220. FIG. 9 is a top view showing a state in which the sheet S whose thickness in the conveyance direction is less than “b” is being subjected to the bending correction. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a state in which a thin sheet S having a length of “g” in the transport direction is placed on the sheet tray 220. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a state in which the thin paper S whose length in the transport direction is “g” is being subjected to the bending correction.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the printing process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts a printing process when receiving a copy instruction from a user via the touch panel unit 120 or when receiving a print job from another device.

  Prior to the start of the printing process, the control unit 110 specifies the paper size (B5, A4, A3, etc.) and the paper type (thick paper, thin paper, etc.) of the paper S to be printed from the user via the touch panel unit 120. Accept. However, when specifying a nonstandard paper size (e.g., long paper of "Xmm × Ymm"), it is necessary to specify at least the length in the transport direction (longitudinal direction) ("Ymm", etc.).

(Step S101)
When the printing process is started, the control unit 110 transmits a signal instructing the start of printing to the sheet feeding device 200 via the communication unit 170. At the same time, the control unit 110 transmits the set values relating to the paper size and paper type specified by the user to the paper feeding device 200 via the communication unit 170.

  When receiving a signal instructing the start of printing via the communication unit 250, the control unit 210 of the paper feeding device 200 registers (stores) the received setting values regarding the paper size and paper type in a memory or the like together with the signal.

(Step S102)
When there is a regulating member (first regulating member 231 and second regulating member 232) that does not regulate the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220, the control unit 210 can regulate the position (for example, The regulating member is returned to the position shown in FIG. 2). For example, the control unit 210 returns the regulating member by controlling a motor or the like connected to a regulating member that does not regulate the side surface of the sheet S.

(Step S103)
The control unit 210 determines whether the paper S to be printed is thick paper. Specifically, the control unit 210 reads the set value registered in step S101, and specifies which paper type of thick paper or thin paper is specified. If thick paper is specified (step S103: YES), control unit 210 causes the process to proceed to step S104. On the other hand, when thin paper is specified (step S103: NO), control unit 210 advances the process to step S110.

(Step S104)
The control unit 210 determines whether the length of the paper S to be printed in the transport direction is equal to or larger than “b” shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 210 reads out the set value registered in step S101 and specifies the specified paper size. If the length in the transport direction (longitudinal direction) defined by the specified paper size standard is equal to or longer than “b” (step S104: YES), control unit 210 advances the process to step S105. On the other hand, if the length in the transport direction defined by the specified paper size standard is less than “b” (step S104: NO), control unit 210 advances the process to step S110.

  If a nonstandard paper size is specified, the control unit 210 determines whether the length in the transport direction (such as “Ymm”) specified by the user is “b” or more. Good.

(Step S105)
The control unit 210 determines whether or not the length of the paper S to be printed in the transport direction is less than “d” illustrated in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 210 reads out the set value registered in step S101 and specifies the specified paper size. If the length in the transport direction (longitudinal direction) defined by the specified paper size standard is less than “d” (step S105: YES), control unit 210 advances the process to step S106. On the other hand, if the length in the transport direction defined by the specified paper size standard is equal to or longer than “d” (step S105: NO), control unit 210 advances the process to step S108.

  When a nonstandard paper size is specified, the control unit 210 determines whether the length in the transport direction (“Ymm” or the like) specified by the user is less than “d”. Good.

(Step S106)
The control unit 210 starts feeding the uppermost sheet S from the plurality of sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220. Specifically, the control unit 210 rotates the pickup roller 241 to send out the uppermost sheet S of the sheet tray 220 in the direction of the sheet feeding roller 242. At this time, the control unit 210 rotates the paper feed roller 242 and the transport roller pair 244 to output the paper S to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition, the control unit 210 transmits a signal notifying the start of paper feeding to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 250 together with the start of paper feeding. The control unit 110, which has received the signal via the communication unit 170, rotates the pair of conveying rollers (131 a, 131 b) until the leading end of the sheet S output from the sheet feeding device 200 reaches the skew correction mechanism 132. Transport.

  After the sheet detecting unit 133 detects the leading end of the sheet S, the control unit 110 transmits a signal notifying the detection to the sheet feeding device 200, and the process proceeds to step S107.

(Step S107)
Here, the process proceeds to step S107 because, as shown in FIG. 4, the paper S to be printed placed on the paper tray 220 is thick paper, and the length in the transport direction is “b” or more. d ”.

  When such a sheet S is abutted against the skew correction mechanism 132, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 5, the sheet S may come into contact with the first regulating members (231a, 231b), but the second regulating members (232a, 232b). And it cannot contact the third regulating member (233a, 233b).

  For this reason, the control unit 210 moves the first regulating members (231a, 231b) that can come into contact with the sheet S whose curvature is being corrected among the plurality of regulating members to a position where the first regulating members do not come into contact with the sheet S. Specifically, the control unit 210 controls a motor or the like connected to the first regulating member (231a, 231b), and causes the first regulating member (231a, 231b) to move the first regulating member (231a, 231b) to the sheet placed on the sheet tray 220. S is moved in a direction away from both side surfaces (FIG. 5).

(Step S108)
On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S105 to step S108, similarly to step S106, the control unit 210 starts feeding the top sheet S from the plurality of sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220. . Then, the uppermost sheet S on the sheet tray 220 is transported until the leading end reaches the curl correction mechanism 132.

  After the sheet detecting unit 133 detects the leading end of the sheet S, the control unit 110 transmits a signal notifying the detection to the sheet feeding device 200, and the process proceeds to step S109.

(Step S109)
Here, the process proceeds to step S109 because, as shown in FIG. 6, the paper S to be printed placed on the paper tray 220 is thick paper, and the length in the transport direction is “d” or more. g ".

  When such a sheet S is abutted against the skew correction mechanism 132, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 7, the sheet S may come into contact with the first regulating members (231a, 231b) and the second regulating members (232a, 232b). , Cannot contact the third regulating members (233a, 233b).

  Therefore, the control unit 210 does not contact the first regulating member (231a, 231b) and the second regulating member (232a, 232b), which are capable of coming into contact with the sheet S whose curvature is being corrected, among the plurality of regulating members. Move to the position. Specifically, the control unit 210 controls a motor and the like connected to the first regulating members (231a, 231b) and the second regulating members (232a, 232b). Thereby, the control unit 210 moves the first regulating members (231a, 231b) and the second regulating members (232a, 232b) in a direction away from both sides of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 ( (FIG. 7).

(Step S110)
When the process proceeds from step S104 to step S110 or from step S103 to step S110, similarly to step S106, the control unit 210 determines the top sheet S from the plurality of sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220. Start feeding paper. Then, the uppermost sheet S on the sheet tray 220 is transported until the leading end reaches the curl correction mechanism 132.

  Here, the process proceeds from step S104 to step S110 because, as shown in FIG. 8, the paper S to be printed placed on the paper tray 220 is thick paper and the length in the transport direction is “b”. Is less than ".

  When such a sheet S is abutted against the skew correction mechanism 132, it cannot contact any of the regulating members as shown by the broken line in FIG.

  Therefore, control unit 210 advances the process to step S111 without moving any of the regulating members.

  On the other hand, the process proceeds from step S103 to step S110 when the paper S to be printed placed on the paper tray 220 is a thin paper, as shown in FIG.

  Such a sheet S also includes a sheet whose length in the transport direction is equal to or more than “b”. Therefore, when the sheet S is abutted against the bend correction mechanism 132, the sheet S comes into contact with one of the regulating members as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 11. there is a possibility. However, since the sheet S is a thin sheet, the skew of the sheet S is completely corrected in the loop formed between the skew correction mechanism 132 and the transport roller 131 during the skew correction (FIG. 11). Even if the leading end of the thin paper is bent by the correction, the rigidity is low, so that the rear end of the thin paper is hardly affected by the bending, and the rear end of the thin paper does not swing right and left. Therefore, the sheet S is not affected by the control member. Therefore, the bending can be corrected with high accuracy without affecting the correction in the loop portion.

  From the above, the control unit 210 advances the process to step S111 without moving any regulating member, as in the case where the process proceeds from step S104 to step S110.

(Step S111)
When the process proceeds to step S <b> 111, the control unit 110 performs the skew correction with the sheet S abutted against the skew correction mechanism 132. Specifically, the control unit 110 drives the transport roller pair 131 to rotate, and forms a loop on the sheet S between the bend correction mechanism 132 and the transport roller pair 131. At this time, the leading end of the sheet S is parallel to the axial direction of the pair of registration rollers constituting the skew correction mechanism 132. After that, the control unit 110 rotationally drives the pair of registration rollers constituting the bending correction mechanism 132. Thus, the sheet S is conveyed to the transfer position of the image forming unit 140 while the entire sheet S is corrected.

(Step S112)
The image forming unit 140 forms a toner image by an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method, and transfers the toner image to the sheet S. Thereafter, the control unit 110 conveys the sheet S to the fixing unit 150 by rotating a predetermined conveyance roller (not shown) in the forward direction. The fixing unit 150 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet S by heating the toner image onto the sheet S.

(Step S113)
After that, the control unit 110 drives the paper discharge roller or the like to start the conveyance (paper discharge) of the paper S. At this time, the paper S is discharged onto the paper discharge unit 160.

(Step S114)
After discharging the sheet S, the control unit 110 determines whether or not it is time to end the printing process. For example, when the copying of all the pages included in the document is completed or when the printing of all the pages included in the print job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that it is time to end the printing process (step S114). : YES), and terminate the printing process. On the other hand, if there are still pages to be copied or printed, the control unit 110 determines that it is not time to end the printing process (step S114: NO), and returns the process to step S102.

  In the printing process described above, the control unit 210 controls a part of the plurality of regulating members (at least one of the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) that can come into contact with the sheet S that is undergoing the skew correction. Member) is moved to a position where it does not contact the sheet S (FIGS. 5 and 7). For this reason, the sheet S during the skew correction does not contact the regulating member, and the sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220 do not become uneven. As a result, the inclination and the distortion of the sheet S can be accurately corrected before the image formation, and the sheet feeding failure does not occur.

  In addition, the control unit 210 moves a part of the regulating member that can come into contact with the sheet S that is undergoing the skew correction in a direction away from the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 (FIGS. 5 and 5). 7). By such a simple control, the regulating member can be moved to a position where the regulating member does not contact the sheet S.

  Further, the control unit 210 changes some of the regulating members to be moved according to the length of the sheet S in the transport direction during the skew correction (FIGS. 5 and 7). Therefore, it is possible to move only the minimum necessary restricting member so as not to contact the sheet S during the skew correction, and it is possible to restrict the sheet S on the sheet tray 220 using as many restricting members as possible even during the skew correction.

  The regulating member (first regulating member 231), which is arranged at the most downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S among the plurality of regulating members, is arranged at a position where the shortest sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 can be regulated. (“A” <“the length of the sheet S in the transport direction”). Therefore, even when the shortest sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 220, it can always be regulated by the first regulating member 231.

  The distance (“c”) to the leading end position of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 between the second regulating member 232 and the regulating member (first regulating member 231) adjacent on the downstream side is different from that of the sheet S. It is arranged at a position shorter than the distance (“b”) between the S and the bending correction mechanism 132. Similarly, the distance (“e”) to the leading end position of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 between the third regulating member 233 and the regulating member (second regulating member 232) adjacent on the downstream side is different from that of the third regulating member 233. The sheet S is disposed at a position shorter than the distance (“d”) between the sheet S and the skew correction mechanism 132.

  That is, the second regulating member 232 and the third regulating member 233 are arranged at positions where the relations of “c” <“b” and “e” <“d” are satisfied (FIG. 2). Therefore, even when at least one of the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232 moves (for example, separates), the sheet S on the sheet tray 220 can always be regulated by the at least one regulating member.

  Further, the third regulating member 233 is disposed upstream of the rear end position of the sheet S in a state where the longest sheet S that can be placed on the sheet tray 220 is abutted against the bend correction mechanism 132. Such a third regulating member 233 has a structure longer in the sheet transport direction than other regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232). Thereby, the paper S can be reliably regulated.

  In addition, when there is no regulating member that can come into contact with the sheet S that is undergoing the skew correction, the control unit 210 does not move any regulating member (FIG. 9). Thus, when unnecessary, all the regulating members can be kept stopped, and there is no waste in the movement control of the regulating members.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of regulating members that can come into contact with the sheet S whose skew is being corrected among the plurality of regulating members, the control unit 210 may control all of the regulating members (first The regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) are moved (FIG. 7). For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the sheet S during the skew correction from coming into contact with the regulating member.

  Further, among the plurality of regulating members, the regulating member (third regulating member 233) arranged at the uppermost stream in the transport direction of the sheet S does not have a moving mechanism. Therefore, a necessary and sufficient effect can be obtained with the minimum necessary configuration, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

  In addition, immediately before the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 is fed to the image forming apparatus 100, if there is a regulating member that does not regulate the side surface of the sheet S, the control unit 210 The regulating member is returned to a possible position (step S102 in FIG. 3). Therefore, even if a different paper size and a different paper type are specified for the paper S to be printed next, once all the regulating members are returned to the reference position, and a new appropriate regulating member is selected. You can move.

  Also, the control unit 210 moves some of the plurality of regulating members that can come into contact with the sheet S whose curvature is being corrected, only when the sheet S undergoing the curvature correction is thick paper (FIG. 3 Steps S103 and S110). Therefore, when it is not necessary, for example, when correcting the bending of thin paper, all the regulating members can be kept stopped, and there is no waste in the movement control of the regulating members.

  Further, the plurality of regulating members are respectively provided at a position for regulating the first side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 and a position for regulating the second side surface opposite to the first side surface of the sheet S. (FIG. 2 etc.). Therefore, the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 can be regulated from both sides, and even in this case, the regulating member can be moved so as not to come into contact with the sheet S that is being bent.

  Also, the paper S placed on the paper tray 220 includes long paper. In the case of correcting the curl of a long sheet, the movement of the regulating member as in the present embodiment functions more effectively because the regulating member is particularly easily contacted.

  Each processing unit in the above-described flowchart is divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the image forming system 10. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of categorizing the processing steps or the names thereof. The processing performed by the image forming system 10 can be divided into more processing steps. Further, one processing step may execute more processing.

<Modification>
The above embodiments are intended to exemplify the gist of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above embodiment, some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) are moved in a direction away from the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) may be moved in parallel to the side surface of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. By such a movement control, even when there is no space in the direction away from the side surface of the sheet S, the regulating member can be moved so as not to come into contact with the sheet S during the skew correction.

  For example, some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) may be moved in parallel in the thickness direction of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) are moved in parallel (in the direction of gravity) below the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) are moved in parallel (in a direction against gravity) above the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220. is there.

  With the movement control as shown in FIG. 12, even when there is no space in the direction away from the side surface of the sheet S, the regulating member can be moved so as not to contact the sheet S during the skew correction. Since the side area of the sheet S remains regulated in a part of the sheet S, the sheet S can be regulated reliably. Also, the amount of movement of the regulating member can be minimized.

  Further, by the movement control as shown in FIG. 13, even when there is no space below the sheet S or in the direction away from the side surface of the sheet S, the regulating member is moved so as not to contact the sheet S during the skew correction. it can.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of regulating members (the first regulating member 231, the second regulating member 232, and the third regulating member 233) correspond to all of the plurality of sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220. Is regulated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of regulating members may be configured to be able to regulate at least the uppermost sheet of the plurality of sheets placed on the sheet tray 220. With such a configuration, the manufacturing cost of the regulating member can be minimized. Further, the space required for disposing the regulating member can be reduced, which can contribute to downsizing of the device.

  Further, some of the regulating members (the first regulating member 231 and the second regulating member 232) may be constituted by a plurality of members.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example in which some of the regulating members are configured by a plurality of members. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the regulating member shown in FIG. 14 during the bending correction.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a part of the regulating member is constituted by a plurality of members, and while the curl of the sheet S is being corrected, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 is regulated. Only the members (231a ', 231b', 232a ', 232b') may be separated from the side surface. Thereby, only a part of the regulating member can be moved so as not to come into contact with the sheet S during the skew correction, and the other part which does not need to be moved can be kept stopped. Therefore, the lower sheets S placed on the sheet tray 220 are always regulated even during the skew correction, and are not irregular.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, both side surfaces of the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 220 are provided with a plurality of regulating members (first regulating members (231a, 231b), second regulating members (232a, 232b), and third regulating members). It is regulated by the members (233a, 233b)). During the skew correction, both regulating members at the positions of both side surfaces (the first side surface and the second side surface) of the sheet S are moved. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the regulating members (the first regulating member 231a and the second regulating member 232a) at the position of one side surface of the sheet S may be moved.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which only the regulating member located at the position of one side surface of the sheet S is moved. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, a plurality of restricting members (first restricting member 231a, second restricting member 232a, 3 regulating member 233a) is disposed. Further, only the fourth regulating member 234, which is not provided with a moving mechanism, is disposed at a position regulating the second side (front side) opposite to the first side of the sheet S. During the skew correction, the control unit 210 moves only the regulating members (the first regulating member 231a and the second regulating member 232a) located at the position of the first side surface of the sheet S. Accordingly, even when there is no space for moving both regulating members located on both side surfaces of the sheet S, the regulating members can be moved so as not to contact the sheet S during the skew correction.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet feeding apparatus 200 are described as separate apparatuses. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet feeding device 200 may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 in which the sheet feeding device 200 is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet feeding apparatus 200 are integrated by incorporating the paper tray 220, the plurality of regulating members (231, 232, 233), and the like of the above embodiment into the image forming apparatus 100. Can be Therefore, there is no need to install the sheet feeding device 200, and space can be saved.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sheet S is abutted against the pair of registration rollers to correct the bending of the sheet S. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the skew correction of the sheet S may be performed by abutting against an alignment member other than the registration roller pair.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the regulating member is moved at the timing when the sheet detecting section 133 detects the leading end of the sheet S. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit 210 of the sheet feeding device 200 may measure the elapsed time using a timer after starting the sheet feeding, and may move the regulating member at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which three regulating members (the first regulating member 231, the second regulating member 232, and the third regulating member 233) are arranged, but the number of regulating members is not limited to this. Not exclusively. Two regulating members may be provided, or four or more regulating members may be arranged.

  Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined whether to move the regulating member according to whether the printing target paper S is thick paper or thin paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the regulating member may be moved uniformly regardless of whether it is thick paper or thin paper.

  Further, various post-processing devices may be further connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition, the configuration of the image forming system 10 described above is a main configuration in describing the features of the above embodiment, and is not limited to the above configuration. Further, the configuration provided in the general image forming system 10 is not excluded.

  Further, the program for operating the image forming system 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. Good. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a memory or a storage. Further, this program may be provided, for example, as independent application software, or may be incorporated in software of each device as one function of the image forming system 10.

10 image forming system,
100 image forming apparatus,
110 control unit (image forming apparatus),
120 touch panel,
131 conveyance roller (image forming apparatus),
132 bending correction mechanism,
133 paper detection unit,
140 image forming unit,
150 fixing unit,
160 paper output unit,
170 communication unit (image forming apparatus),
200 paper feeder,
210 control unit (paper feeder),
220 paper tray,
231 (a, b) first regulating member,
232 (a, b) second regulating member,
233 (a, b) third regulating member,
234 fourth regulating member,
241 pickup roller,
242 paper feed roller,
243 separating roller,
244 transport roller (paper feeder),
250 communication unit (paper feeder),
S paper.

Claims (19)

A sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet to an image forming apparatus capable of correcting a skew of a sheet,
A paper tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed,
A downstream regulating member and an upstream regulating member arranged in order from the downstream side along the transport direction of the paper to regulate the side surface of the paper placed on the paper tray,
With it can be moved to a position not in contact before Symbol paper the downstream regulating member may contact the paper in a song Ri correction, the upstream regulating member not in contact with the sheet in the bend correction A control unit that maintains the side surface of the sheet placed below the sheet under curl correction at a position that regulates the side surface ;
Paper feeder comprising: The paper feeder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member in a direction away from a side surface of the paper placed on the paper tray. The downstream-side regulating member includes a first regulating member arranged at the most downstream in the sheet conveyance direction,
The upstream regulating member includes a third regulating member arranged at the most upstream position in the sheet conveying direction,
A second regulating member disposed between the first regulating member and the third regulating member,
Wherein the control unit controls the movement of the second regulating member according to the length of the conveying direction of the paper in a song Ri correction, the sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The downstream-side regulating member includes a first regulating member arranged at the most downstream in the sheet conveyance direction,
4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the first regulating member is disposed at a position where the shortest sheet that can be placed on the sheet tray can be regulated. 5. 5. The downstream-side regulating member and the upstream-side regulating member are configured to be able to regulate at least an uppermost sheet of a plurality of sheets placed on the sheet tray. 6. A paper feeder according to claim 1. The upstream regulating member adjacent to the downstream side regulating member, the distance to the end position of the sheet in a state of being placed on the paper tray, bend correction mechanism for the bend correction and the downstream regulating member adjacent contact The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is arranged at a position shorter than a distance between the sheet feeding device and the sheet feeding device. In a state where the longest sheet that can be placed on the sheet tray is abutted against the skew correction mechanism that performs the skew correction, the third regulating member is disposed upstream of a rear end position of the longest sheet. It is,
The paper feeding device according to claim 3 , wherein the third regulating member has a structure longer in the sheet conveyance direction than the first regulating member and the second regulating member. Wherein, when said downstream-side regulating member may contact the sheet music Ri in the correction does not exist, does not move the downstream regulating member, the sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 7 Paper equipment. Wherein, when the downstream-side regulating member may contact the paper in a song Ri correction there are multiple to move all of the downstream regulating member may contact the sheet bend correction in claim The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The upstream-side regulating member includes a third regulating member arranged at the most upstream in the sheet conveying direction,
The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the third regulating member is not provided with a moving mechanism. The control unit can regulate the sheet placed on the sheet tray immediately before feeding the sheet to the image forming apparatus if there is the downstream-side regulating member that does not regulate the side surface of the sheet. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the downstream regulating member is returned to a proper position. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member only when the sheet being bent is thick paper. The downstream-side regulating member and the upstream-side regulating member regulate a position for regulating a first side surface of a sheet placed on the sheet tray and a second side surface of the sheet opposite to the first side surface. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sheet feeding device is arranged at each of a position and a position. The sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit moves at least the downstream-side regulating member disposed at a position regulating the first side surface of the sheet. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the downstream-side regulating member in parallel in a thickness direction of the paper placed on the paper tray.   The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is a long sheet. The paper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, is incorporated,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A sheet feeding device for feeding an image forming apparatus capable of correcting sheet skew, for regulating a sheet tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed, and a side surface of the sheet placed on the sheet tray. A paper feeder computer comprising a downstream regulating member and an upstream regulating member arranged in order from the downstream side along the paper transport direction,
(A) feeding the uppermost sheet placed on the sheet tray to the image forming apparatus;
(B) detecting that the sheet fed to the image forming apparatus according to the step (a) has reached a predetermined position before the bend correction mechanism for performing the bend correction;
After detection by (c) said steps (b), together with moving the downstream regulating member may contact the sheet bend correction in to a position not in contact with the front SL paper, not in contact with the sheet of the bend correction in A step of maintaining the upstream-side regulating member at a position that regulates a side surface of the sheet placed below the sheet under curl correction ;
A program for executing A paper tray on which a plurality of sheets are placed, and a downstream regulating member and an upstream side which are arranged in order from the downstream side along the transport direction of the paper to regulate a side surface of the paper placed on the paper tray. The computer of the image forming apparatus, which includes a regulating member and can correct paper skew,
(A) feeding the uppermost sheet placed on the sheet tray;
(B) a step of detecting that the sheet fed in step (a) has reached a predetermined position before the bend correction mechanism for performing the bend correction;
After detection by (c) said steps (b), together with moving the downstream regulating member may contact the sheet bend correction in to a position not in contact with the front SL paper, not in contact with the sheet of the bend correction in A step of maintaining the upstream-side regulating member at a position that regulates a side surface of the sheet placed below the sheet under curl correction ;
A program for executing