JP7112886B2 - loading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a loading device.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are provided with a sheet storage section and feeding means such as a feeding roller for feeding the sheets stored in the sheet storage section. It is known to have a configuration for feeding the paper to the image forming section by a means. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of apparatuses equipped with a large-capacity sheet storage section capable of supplying a large number of sheets, such as several thousand sheets. Further, in recent years, in the printing market, there is an increasing need for printing on long paper, which is longer than normal size paper such as A3 and A4. Long paper is used, for example, for book covers, double pages of catalogs, and POP advertisements.

A conventional paper feeding device for long paper has a plurality of paper stacking lifters arranged side by side, and in common use, a removable partition plate is provided so that each lifter operates independently. By removing the partition plate and moving the respective stacking trays in conjunction with each other, it is possible to stack and feed long paper (Patent Document 1).

In addition, in order to be able to handle plain paper and long paper as a paper feeder for conventional long paper, it is possible to operate even when full of long paper exceeding the size of a commonly used paper stacking lifter. Some had a power source. However, since the same power source is used when using normal size paper, power is consumed more than necessary. Therefore, there is a paper feeder that physically changes the number of sheets that can be loaded between plain paper and long paper, such as 3000 sheets of plain paper and 1000 long paper sheets.

For example, in a configuration including a main lifter for stacking plain paper and an extension lifter for stacking long paper, the main lifter can be raised/lowered within a range up to a stacking position of, for example, 3000 sheets. On the other hand, the extension lifter can be raised/lowered within a range up to a stacking position of, for example, 1000 sheets. In such a configuration, when the number of sheets to be loaded is 1000 or less, the main lifter and the extension lifter move up/down synchronously. Only the lifter raises/lowers.

With the above configuration, when an attempt is made to switch to the long paper in a state where 1,000 or more sheets of plain paper are stacked, there is a step between the main lifter and the extension lifter. Therefore, long sheets cannot be stacked, so it is necessary to eliminate the level difference. In order to eliminate this step, it is necessary to raise the main lifter, but in general, the lifter is raised after the storage is closed in order to prevent injury to the user. Therefore, when the user removes the loaded plain paper and closes the storage to eliminate the gap between the lifters, the system checks whether the plain paper has been removed and synchronizes the main lifter and the extension lifter to remove the gap. Action to resolve is required.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200003 discloses a configuration for determining whether or not plain paper remains in a lifter, in which sheets are stacked at a paper feeding position when a stacking means is positioned at a predetermined height or higher during paper feeding. It describes a configuration for detecting whether or not

JP-A-2003-63719 JP 2015-199556 A

However, in the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-300003, in which it is detected whether or not the residual sheets are stacked at the paper feed position, the residual sheets are removed when the lifter is raised to the position of the paper presence/absence sensor at the paper feed position. It is detected that there is no In other words, it is only then that the user is urged to open the container again and remove the paper, resulting in a longer waiting time for the user. In addition, in a configuration having a main lifter and an extension lifter, if a long sheet is loaded with a step between the main lifter and the extension lifter after the residual sheet is removed, a stacking error occurs. , the usability is not good because the user has to spend time and effort to clear the error.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a stacking device that improves usability when replacing sheets.

In order to solve the above problems, a stacking device according to the present invention includes first stacking means that is vertically movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position and stacks sheets of a first size; A position below and above the lower limit position is defined as a predetermined position , and when the first loading means is between the predetermined position and the upper limit position, the first loading means is connected , A second loading means that is disconnected from the first loading means when the first loading means is below the predetermined position, and in a state of being coupled with the first loading means , the a second stacking means capable of moving vertically while stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size together with the first stacking means by moving the first stacking means in the vertical direction; first detection means for detecting that the first loading means is at the predetermined position; second detection means for detecting that the second loading means is at the predetermined position ; a top surface detecting means for detecting the top surface of the stacked sheets and the first stacking means; a setting means for setting whether or not a sheet of the second size is to be stacked, and when the upper surface detecting means detects the sheet stacked on the first stacking means when the setting means is set to stack the sheet of the second size. and determining means for determining an error when the first loading means is not at the predetermined position and the second loading means is at the predetermined position .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve usability at the time of sheet replacement.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus provided with a paper feeding device; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a paper deck; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a lifter; It is a figure which shows arrangement|positioning of each sensor. It is a figure which shows the position of a rear-end control member. It is a figure which shows the position of a main lifter and an extension lifter. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing positions of a main lifter and an extension lifter according to the remaining amount of sheets; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing positions of a main lifter and an extension lifter depending on the presence or absence of residual sheets; 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an image forming apparatus provided with a paper feeding device; FIG. It is a figure which shows a main lifter position detection sensor and an extension lifter HP sensor. It is a figure which shows a main lifter position detection sensor and an extension lifter HP sensor. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for detecting the presence/absence of remaining sheets; 4 is a flow chart showing processing up to setting a long sheet. 4 is a flow chart showing processing up to setting a long sheet.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the present invention. . In addition, the same reference numbers are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus (image forming system) equipped with a sheet feeding device according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1000 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main body) 900 , a scanner device 2000 arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 900 , and a paper deck 3000 connected to the apparatus main body 900 .

The scanner device 2000 includes a scanning optical system light source 201, a platen glass 202, an openable and closable original pressure plate 203, a lens 204, a light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) 205, an image processing unit 206, and a memory unit 208, and optically scans an original. to read. A memory unit 208 stores the image-processed signal processed by the image processing unit 206 . The scanner device 2000 is configured to irradiate a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 202 with light from a scanning optical system light source 201 when reading the document. The read document image is image-processed by the image processing unit 206 , converted into an electrically encoded electrical signal 207 , and transmitted to the laser scanner 111 in the apparatus main body 900 .

Note that the image information processed and encoded by the image processing unit 206 can be temporarily stored in the memory unit 208, and can be transmitted to the laser scanner 111 as required by a signal from the controller 120, which will be described later. In addition, a control unit 41 that controls the paper deck 3000 according to commands from the controller 120 is configured in the paper deck 3000 . The control unit 41 has a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and controls the paper deck 3000 in an integrated manner.

An apparatus main body 900 includes sheet feeding cassettes 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 for feeding sheets S, and a sheet conveying device 902 for conveying sheets S fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004 to an image forming portion 901. I have. The apparatus main body 900 includes a controller 120 having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM that controls each section of the image forming apparatus 1000 in an integrated manner. The overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1000 is realized by the cooperation between the controller 120 and the control unit 41 .

Here, each of the paper feed cassettes 1001 to 1004 includes a storage portion 10 that stores sheets S, a pickup roller 11, and a pair of separating and conveying rollers 25 composed of a feed roller 22 and a retard roller . The sheets S stored in the storage unit 10 are separated and fed one by one by a pick-up roller 11 and a separation/conveyance roller pair 25 that rotates in an upward/downward motion at a predetermined timing. A feed sensor 24 is arranged near the downstream side of the feed roller 22 and the retard roller 23 in the sheet feeding direction. sent to.

The sheet conveying device 902 includes a conveying roller pair 15 , a pre-registration roller pair 130 and a registration roller pair 110 . Sheets S fed from sheet feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004 are guided to registration roller pair 110 after passing through sheet conveying path 108 by conveying roller pair 15 and pre-registration roller pair 130 . After that, the sheet S is supplied to the image forming section 901 at a predetermined timing by the pair of registration rollers 110 .

The image forming section 901 includes a photosensitive drum 112 , a laser scanner 111 , a developing device 114 , a transfer charger 115 and a separation charger 116 . During image formation, the laser beam from the laser scanner 111 is reflected by the mirror 113 and irradiated to the photosensitive drum 112 rotating clockwise, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 112 . Furthermore, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 112 is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 114 .

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 112 is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer charger 115 in the transfer portion 112b. A sensor 112 a detects the sheet in front of the transfer charger 115 . Further, the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred in this way is electrostatically separated from the photosensitive drum 112 by the separation charger 116, and then conveyed to the fixing device 118 by the conveying belt 117, where the toner image is fixed. It is discharged by the discharge roller 119 . An image is formed on the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding device (paper feeding device) 30 or the paper feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004 by the image forming section 901 and the fixing device 118 .

A discharge sensor 122 is arranged in the conveying path between the fixing device 118 and the discharge roller 119 , and the controller 120 detects passage of the discharged sheet S based on the detection signal of the discharge sensor 122 .

In this embodiment, the device body 900 and the scanner device 2000 are configured as separate bodies, but the device body 900 and the scanner device 2000 may be integrated. Further, whether the device main body 900 is separate from the scanner device 2000 or integrated with it, it functions as a copying machine when a processing signal of the scanner device 2000 is input to the laser scanner 111, and functions as a FAX device when a FAX transmission signal is input. do. Furthermore, if a signal from a personal computer (PC) is input, it functions as a printer. Also, if a signal processed by the image processing unit 206 of the scanner device 2000 is transmitted to another FAX device, the scanner device 2000 functions as a FAX device. Further, in the scanner device 2000, if an automatic document feeder (ADF) 250 as indicated by a chain double-dashed line is configured in place of the pressure plate 203, it is possible to continuously read a plurality of documents (not shown). Become.

Next, the sheet feeding device 30 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described with a paper deck 3000, which is a large-capacity deck, as an example. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main parts of the paper deck 3000 with the exterior cover removed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the paper deck 3000 includes an apparatus main body 3000a, a large-capacity deck storage 62 housed in the apparatus main body 3000a, and a sheet feeding device 30. . The sheet feeding device 30 feeds the sheets S stacked and stored in the large-capacity deck storage 62 toward the image forming section 901 .

The sheet feeding device 30 includes a pickup roller 51 for feeding sheets S stacked on a main lifter (main tray) 61a and an extension lifter (extension tray) 61b (hereinafter collectively referred to as the lifter 61), and a pair of separating and conveying rollers. 31. Here, the separating/conveying roller pair 31 includes the feed roller 12 and the retard roller 13 . The main lifter 61a stacks sheets SS of regular size paper (hereinafter referred to as plain paper, for example). The extension lifter 61b is used when it is desired to extend the stacking area on the main tray and feed a large size sheet SL (hereinafter referred to as a long sheet, for example). The pickup roller 51 is placed near the tip in the sheet feeding direction (the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 2A) so that it can be pressed against the uppermost sheet on the lifter 61 by applying an appropriate force. are placed. The pickup roller 51 is provided above the lifter 61, contacts the uppermost sheet of the sheets S stacked on the raised lifter 61, and feeds the uppermost sheet.

The lifter 61 is capable of stacking sheets, and is supported so as to be vertically movable in the stacking direction (vertical direction, elevation direction) by a drive mechanism including an elevation motor as shown in FIG. An upper surface detection sensor 50 is arranged upstream of the pickup roller 51 on the upper side of the lifter 61 . The upper surface detection sensor 50 is positioned above the lifter 61 and detects the sheet S on the stacking member or the lifter 61 in a state where the sheet S is not stacked at the height for sheet feeding (upper surface detection sensor 50). One case). Further, in the present embodiment, the height at which the sheet is fed as described above is set to the upper limit position to which the lifter 61 can be raised.

The sheet feeding device 30 has a lifter 61 and two pairs of side regulating members 80 and 83 . The side regulating members 80 and 83 are provided at side ends in the width direction (direction of arrow h in FIG. 2A) perpendicular to the feeding direction of the sheets S stacked on the lifter 61 (direction of arrow b in FIG. 2A). It is configured such that the position can be regulated and both can move in the width direction.

In this embodiment, the pickup roller 51 is configured so as to be able to pressure-contact the uppermost sheet of the sheets S on the stacking member by applying an appropriate force. The sheets S on the lifter 61 are separated and fed one by one by the pick-up roller 51 and the separation/conveyance roller pair 31 that rotates while moving up and down at a predetermined timing.

A connecting portion of the paper deck 3000 to the apparatus main body 900 is provided with a connection conveying path 32 for feeding the sheet S from the paper deck 3000 side to the pre-registration roller pair 130 on the apparatus main body 900 side. A sensor 14 detects a sheet on the conveying path 32 . In the large-capacity deck storage 62, two pairs of storage units are provided on both sides of a direction (arrow h (width) direction in FIG. 2(a)) orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction (arrow b direction in FIG. 2(a)). Side regulating members 80 and 83 are arranged. The two pairs of side regulating members 80 and 83 are configured to be capable of guiding the sheet S on the lifter 61 by sliding to all sheet size widths corresponding to the specifications. That is, the side regulating members 80 and 83 are supported so as to be movable in the width direction, and come into contact with both ends of the stacked sheets S to regulate both side positions of the sheets S. As shown in FIG. Note that the front end regulating portion 86 in FIG. 2A regulates the front end of the sheet S on the lifter 61 . A trailing edge regulating member 87 is arranged to restrict the trailing edge of the sheet S on the lifter 61 . The trailing edge regulating member 87 is supported so as to be movable parallel to the sheet feeding direction (arrow b direction), and restricts the position of the trailing edge of the sheet S. As shown in FIG. The rear end regulating member 87 is movable along a positioning elongated hole 61 c formed in the central portion of the lifter 61 .

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the pickup roller 51 is driven and rotates in the direction of feeding the sheets S (direction of arrow a in FIG. 2A), the uppermost sheet S is sent out in the direction of arrow b. be As a result, the sheet S comes into contact with the nip portion of the pair of separating and conveying rollers 31 adjacent to the exit side of the pickup roller 51 .

When the sheets S sent out by the pickup roller 51 are multi-fed, the operation is as follows. In other words, the retard roller 13 driven to rotate in the opposite direction to the feed roller 12 rotating in the same direction as the arrow a (the direction of the arrow c) is the same as the feed roller 12 because two or more sheets S are interposed in the nip portion. rotate in the direction Then, the retard roller 13 pushes the second and subsequent sheets S in the nip portion back toward the lifter 61, and the feed roller 12 feeds only the uppermost sheet S in the direction of the arrow b.

When the sheet S is fed from either the paper deck 3000 or the paper feed cassettes 1001 to 1004 having the above configuration, the leading edge of the sheet S hits the nip portion of the pre-registration roller pair 130 . The pre-registration roller pair 130 is composed of a pair of opposing rollers, and is arranged on the conveying path of the sheet S so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow d in FIG. The sheet S that has once struck the nip portion of the pre-registration roller pair 130 is conveyed into the apparatus main body 900 by the pre-registration roller pair 130 that rotates in accordance with the feeding timing.

FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing how the large-capacity deck storage 62 is pulled out from the paper deck 3000 toward the front. For example, when the user replenishes sheets, removes sheets remaining in the lifter 61, or switches modes, which will be described later, the large-capacity deck storage 62 is pulled out as shown in FIG. be The paper deck 3000 includes an LED 400 for notifying the status of the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b, and an opening/closing instruction button 74 for receiving an instruction to pull out the large-capacity deck storage 62, which will be described later. When the user presses the open/close instruction button 74, the large-capacity deck storage 62 can be pulled out.

Next, the configuration of the lifter 61 will be described.

The lifter 61 is composed of a main lifter 61a and an extension lifter 61b. As shown in FIG. 3, the main lifter 61a has a plurality of wires connected to respective wire fulcrums of the main lifter 61a so that the main lifter 61a is suspended by the wires. When the wire is wound by the winding unit 90 connected to the lifting motor 55, the main lifter 61a moves upward, and when the wire is sent out, the main lifter 61a moves downward.

The extension lifter 61b is supported by the extension lifter support member 305 and the large-capacity deck storage 62, as shown in FIG. However, in FIG. 3, illustration of the large-capacity deck storage shed 62 is omitted. The extension lifter 61b is configured to connect and cooperate with the main lifter 61a above the support height position and below the upper limit position, and to follow the main lifter 61a. That is, the extension lifter 61b itself does not have a driving force. For example, if the main lifter 61a is higher than the support height of the extension lifter 61b, the extension lifter 61b is connected and interlocked with the main lifter 61a. Conversely, if the main lifter 61a is below the support height of the extension lifter 61b (below the support height position and above the lower limit position), the extension lifter 61b waits at the support height. Here, the support height is a predetermined height that is set in consideration of the driving force and strength of the lifter 61 . can be accommodated in

In this embodiment, the extension lifter 61b is configured to be interlockable on the track of the main lifter 61a. In FIG. 3, the center of gravity of the extension lifter 61b, the wire 306 positioned most upstream in the paper feed direction, and the extension lifter 61b is indicated by a dashed line. The wire 306 positioned most upstream with respect to the paper feed direction is installed on the right side of the center of gravity of the extension lifter 61b. With such a configuration, the posture of the extension lifter 61b is stabilized, and it is possible to reduce operation noise generated when contacting and separating from the main lifter 61a.

Here, two modes of the sheet feeding device 30 according to the types of sheets to be stacked will be described. In this embodiment, the types of sheets are roughly classified into two. One is plain paper such as A3 and A4, and the other is long paper that is longer than plain paper in the feeding and conveying direction. The sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are cut into plain paper and long paper depending on the position of the trailing end regulating member 87 . The position of the rear end regulating member 87 is detected by a rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302 shown in FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, the normal paper mode and the long paper mode are separated according to the position of the trailing end regulating member 87 described above. You can do it.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the trailing end regulating member 87 is located on the left side of the dashed line in FIG. 5A, it is determined that the sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are plain paper. In this embodiment, this state is called a plain paper mode. In the case of plain paper mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, the lifter 61 can be lowered to the lowest position detectable by the lowest position detection sensor 301, and a large number of sheets can be stacked. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the trailing edge regulating member 87 is located on the right side of the dashed line in FIG. 5B, it is determined that the sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are long sheets. be. In this embodiment, this state is called a long paper mode. In the case of the long paper mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, the lifter 61 can only be lowered to a position detectable by the extended lifter HP sensor 304, and the number of sheets that can be stacked is reduced to that of the plain paper mode. limited by comparison.

When the user moves the trailing edge regulating member 87 from the right side to the left side of the dashed line as shown in FIG. 5A, the mode is switched from the long paper mode to the plain paper mode. When the user moves the trailing end regulating member 87 from the left side to the right side of the dashed line as shown in FIG. 5B, the normal paper mode is switched to the long paper mode. In this embodiment, the plain paper mode and the long paper mode will be explained. is not limited to

Next, the arrangement positions of the sensors provided in the sheet feeding device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The main lifter position detection sensor 303 is provided at a position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a is 1000, and detects the main lifter 61a at that position. The extension lifter HP sensor 304 is provided at a position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the extension lifter 61b is 1000, and detects the extension lifter 61b or the sheet at that position. Further, the position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is 1000 is also the support height position described above. The relay sensor 48 is provided at a position corresponding to a case where the number of sheets stacked on the main lifter 61a is less than 1000, for example, 850, and detects the main lifter 61a or the sheets at that position. A foreign matter detection sensor 49 detects the presence or absence of a sheet or foreign matter on the extension lifter 61b. A paper presence/absence detection sensor 300 detects the presence/absence of a sheet or foreign matter on the main lifter 61a. When the user opens the storage (cover), the upper surface of the lifter descends to the position of the relay sensor 48 and stops so that sheets can be easily replenished. At this time, if sheets are stacked on the lifter, the upper surface of the sheet descends to the position of the intermediate sensor 48 and stops.

The main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 are configured as U-shaped sensors using interrupters, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. FIG. 10 is an oblique view of the flags provided on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b, and FIG. 11 is a top view. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the flag passes through the U-shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to determine whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized by a combination of ON/OFF of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. FIG. Here, "synchronized" means that there is no step between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b, and "not synchronized" means that there is a step between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b. means state.

6A shows a case where the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are interlocked and above the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. FIG. In this example, the number of stacked sheets is above the position of 1000 sheets. In that case, both sensors are turned off. 6B shows the case where the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are at the support height of the extension lifter support member 305. FIG. In this example, the number of stacked sheets is at the position of 1000 sheets. In that case, both sensors are turned on. FIG. 6(c) shows the case where the main lifter 61a is below the support height of the extension lifter support member 305 and the extension lifter 61b is at that support height. In this example, the main lifter 61a is located below the position of 1000 sheets. In that case, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is turned off and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is turned on.

A step between the lifters is generated according to, for example, the load amount of residual sheets remaining in the storage. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the number of remaining sheets is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 150 sheets), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized and level without steps. In this state, the user removes (removes) the remaining sheet and slides the trailing edge regulating member 87 to the rear side (to the right in the figure) of the trailing edge regulating member position detection sensor 302, thereby removing the long paper. can be set.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the number of remaining sheets is a predetermined amount or more (for example, 150 sheets or more), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized and there is a step. In this state, the user first removes the remaining sheet and slides the trailing edge regulating member 87 behind the trailing edge regulating member position detection sensor 302 (to the right in the drawing). Then, when the user closes the storage, the lifters are synchronized and ready to stack the long sheets. In this embodiment, the threshold is 150 sheets, but the threshold is not limited to the above, and various changes are possible depending on the configuration. For example, in the case of a configuration in which sheets can be detected one by one, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of residual paper in addition to the presence or absence of a level difference between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b.

As described above, a large amount of residual sheets in the sheet feeding device 30 causes a level difference between the lifters. Therefore, a process of synchronizing the lifters is required in order to make it possible to set the long paper. Therefore, in the sheet feeding device 30 of this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined amount or more of residual sheets are stacked.

In this embodiment, confirmation of remaining sheets is determined based on the reaction order (detection order) of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the intermediate sensor 48 . As shown in FIG. 8(b), when the user removes a large amount (for example, 150 or more) of remaining sheets and closes the storage, the main lifter 61a moves upward for synchronous operation. Then, during the ascent, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the intermediate sensor 48 react in this order. In other words, detection by the intermediate sensor 48 is performed after detection by the main lifter position detection sensor 303 . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(a), if the remaining sheet is left unremoved, the intermediate sensor 48 reacts first during the rise. That is, in this embodiment, the user is notified to remove the sheet when the intermediate sensor 48 reacts first. As a result, the user is quickly notified, and the waiting time of the user can be shortened.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing remaining sheet determination processing according to the present embodiment. Each process in FIG. 12 is realized by, for example, reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it by the CPU of the control unit 41 (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU). The process of FIG. 12 is started when the user attempts to switch modes or removes residual sheets in the sheet feeding device 30 and opens the storage.

In S101, the CPU waits for an instruction to open the storage. This determination is made based on whether or not the opening/closing instruction button 74 has been pressed. Upon receiving an instruction to open the storage, in S102, the CPU determines whether or not the normal paper mode is set based on the position of the trailing end regulating member 87. FIG. Here, if it is determined that the normal paper mode is selected, the process proceeds to S103, and if it is determined that the normal paper mode is not selected, the process proceeds to S114.

In S103, S104, and S105, the CPU lowers the main lifter 61a, and stops the main lifter 61a when the intermediate sensor 48 is turned off. At S106, the CPU opens the storage. At this point, the user can remove the remaining sheets in the storage, switch modes, and insert sheets. In S107, the CPU waits for the close of the storage. When the storage is closed, the process proceeds to S108.

In S108, the CPU determines whether or not the long paper mode is set based on the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87. FIG. Here, if it is determined that the long paper mode is set, that is, if the mode is switched, the process proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that the long paper mode is not set, for example, if the sheet is inserted in the plain paper mode, the process proceeds to S117. In S<b>117 , the CPU starts feeding a sheet (plain paper) from the sheet feeding device 30 .

If the process proceeds to S109, it means that the mode has been switched from the plain paper mode to the long paper mode. , determines whether or not a predetermined amount or more of residual sheets are stacked.

In S109, the CPU raises the main lifter 61a. At S110, the CPU determines whether the relay sensor 48 is off. Here, if it is determined that the relay sensor 48 is off, the process proceeds to S111, and if it is determined that the relay sensor 48 is not off, that is, is on, the process proceeds to S113. If the process proceeds to S113, it means that the intermediate sensor 48 reacted first because the residual sheets are stacked on the main lifter 61a. Notify remaining error. At that time, a prompt to open the storage may also be displayed. After S113, the processing from S106 is repeated.

In S111, the CPU determines whether or not the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on. Here, if it is determined that the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on, the process proceeds to S112, and if it is determined that the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is not on, that is, is off, the processing from S110 is repeated. If the process proceeds to S112, since no residual sheets are stacked on the main lifter 61a, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the intermediary sensor 48 respond in this order as the main lifter 61a rises. In S112, the CPU stops lifting the main lifter 61a. At this point, the printer is in a standby state (a long paper can be inserted) in the long paper mode.

After S112, or if it is determined in S102 that the normal paper mode is not set, the CPU opens the storage in S114. At this point, the user can remove the remaining sheets in the storage, switch modes, and insert sheets. In S115, the CPU waits for the storage to be closed. When the storage is closed, the process proceeds to S116.

At S<b>116 , the CPU determines based on the position of the trailing end regulating member 87 whether or not the long paper mode is set. Here, if it is determined that the long paper mode is set, the process proceeds to S117. In S<b>117 , the CPU starts feeding a sheet (long paper) from the sheet feeding device 30 . On the other hand, if it is determined not to be in the long paper mode, that is, if it is determined to be in the plain paper mode, the process proceeds to S103.

After S112, if the long paper mode is determined in S116, it means that the long paper is inserted in the standby state in the long paper mode. be done. Further, after S112, when it is determined in S116 that the long paper mode is not set, it means that the standby state in the long paper mode has been switched to the plain paper mode. In this case, the processing after S103 is performed again, and if the normal paper mode remains as it is because the normal paper has been inserted, the process advances from S108 to S117 to start feeding the normal paper. Further, if switching to the long paper mode is performed again, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount or more of residual sheets are stacked after S109 in order to set the standby state in the long paper mode. will be

After S102, if the long paper mode is determined in S116, it means that the feeding operation of the long paper was performed last time. It is possible to remove residual sheets, switch modes, and insert sheets. If the long paper mode is determined in S116 due to the insertion of the long paper, the operation of feeding the long paper is performed in S117. Also, if the mode has been switched to the plain paper mode, the plain paper mode is determined in S116, and the processing from S103 is performed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the number of remaining sheets on the main lifter 61a is checked based on the reaction order of the intermediate sensor 48 and the main lifter position detection sensor 303, so that a predetermined amount or more of the remaining sheets are stacked. The user can be quickly notified when

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the block configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000 for realizing the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 9 shows the paper deck 3000, the device main body 900, and the operation panel 40. As shown in FIG. The operation panel 40 displays various user interface screens such as device information, setting screens, job information, etc., and accepts instructions and setting operations from the user. The operation panel 40 is configured in the device body 900, for example. The apparatus main body 900 issues a print request to the control section 41 of the paper deck 3000 , and upon receiving the print request from the apparatus main body 900 , the control section 41 performs paper feeding operation to the apparatus main body 900 .

The control unit 41 controls the paper deck 3000 in an integrated manner. For example, when receiving an open/close request signal by pressing the open/close instruction button 74, the control unit 41 unlocks the storage lock solenoid 46 via the driver 45 to open the storage. The control unit 41 drives various motors 44 on the sheet conveying path through a motor driver 43 connected to an input/output interface (I/O) 42 . The control unit 41 also controls a drive mechanism 54 that moves the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b up and down via a motor driver 53 connected to an input/output interface (I/O) 42 . The drive mechanism 54 includes an elevating motor 55 . The lift motor 55 drives the winding unit 90 shown in FIG.

Detection signals from the intermediary sensor 48 , the storage opening/closing detection sensor 401 , the upper surface detection sensor 50 , and the paper presence/absence detection sensor 300 are transmitted to the control unit 41 . Here, the storage opening/closing detection sensor 401 is a sensor that detects the opening/closing state of the storage. Detection signals from the lower limit position detection sensor 301 , the rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302 , the main lifter position detection sensor 303 , the extension lifter HP sensor 304 and the foreign matter detection sensor 49 are sent to the control section 41 . Further, a storage opening request signal by pressing the opening/closing instruction button 74 is transmitted to the control unit 41 .

The control unit 41 controls lighting of the LED 400 according to a lighting control signal for the LED 400 . Lighting control of the LED 400 will be described in the second embodiment.

[Second embodiment]
In this embodiment, a configuration for notifying the user of whether or not the main lifter 61a and extension lifter 61b are synchronized, that is, whether or not there is a step (information about the positional relationship) will be described. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the sheet feeding device 30 is provided with an LED 400, and the state between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is indicated to the user by a plurality of lighting display patterns of the LED 400. Notice.

Here, the lighting pattern of the LED 400 will be described. Table 1 shows all lighting patterns of the LEDs 400 for each mode.

In addition, the LED 400 indicates whether or not each of the above-described modes and the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized with the rear end regulating member extension detection sensor 302, the main lifter position detection sensor 303, and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. decision based on Then, the user can identify the state of the storage by using three lighting patterns of lighting/extinguishing/blinking based on the judgment result. That is, the state between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is determined by a combination of ON/OFF of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. FIG.

As shown in Table 1, regardless of whether the main lifter 61a and extension lifter 61b are synchronized, the LED 400 is turned off in the plain paper mode. This is because the paper set can be changed from plain paper to plain paper regardless of whether the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized. By turning off the LED 400, the user can recognize that the paper set can be changed from plain paper to plain paper.

Also, when the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized and in the long paper mode, the LED 400 is lit. The lighting of the LED 400 allows the user to recognize that the paper set can be changed from long paper to long paper and from long paper to plain paper.

Further, when the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized and the long paper mode is set, the LED 400 blinks. In this state, since the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized, it is impossible to change the paper set from plain paper to long paper. Therefore, it is necessary to have the user close the storage and perform an operation to synchronize the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b. The blinking of the LED 400 allows the user to recognize that the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized. Information as shown in Table 1 is stored in the ROM of the control unit 41, for example.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the processing up to the setting of the long sheet in this embodiment. Each process in FIG. 13 is realized by, for example, reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it by the CPU of the control unit 41 (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU). The processing in FIG. 13 is started when the trailing edge regulating member position detection sensor 302 is turned on, that is, when the long paper mode is detected.

In S<b>201 , the CPU confirms a combination of detection results of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and extension lifter HP sensor 304 . Here, if the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is on, this indicates that there is a step, so the process proceeds to S202, and the CPU causes the LED 400 to blink. On the other hand, if the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 are on, it indicates that there is no step, so the process proceeds to S215, and the CPU turns on the LED 400 . After S215, in S216, the set of long paper is accepted. After S215, the process of FIG. 13 is terminated.

After S202, in S203, the CPU displays a message for setting the long paper on the operation panel 40. FIG. For example, the message "Please remove the paper and close the compartment in preparation for setting long paper. If you are using a normal size, please check the position of the trailing edge regulation plate." be done.

In S204, when the CPU detects that the storage is closed, in S205, the main lifter 61a is lifted. Then, in S206, the CPU confirms the combination of the detection results of the intermediate sensor 48 and the main lifter position detection sensor 303. FIG. Here, if the relay sensor 48 is on and the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off, the process proceeds to S207, and the CPU displays on the operation panel 40 a message prompting an operation to remove the remaining sheets. For example, the message "Please open the storage, remove the paper, and close the storage" is displayed. After S207, the processing from S204 is repeated. This is because the relay sensor 48 is turned on before the main lifter position detection sensor 303 because there is a sheet remaining on the main lifter 61a, as described in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, if the relay sensor 48 is off and the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off, the process proceeds to S208. In S208, the CPU waits for the main lifter position detection sensor 303 to change from OFF→ON→OFF. When the main lifter position detection sensor 303 changes from OFF→ON→OFF, in S209, the CPU reverses the movement of the main lifter 61a (that is, moves down).

In S210 and S211, the CPU lowers the main lifter 61a until the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is on. When the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is turned on and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is turned on, in S212, the CPU displays a message prompting the operation panel 40 to open the storage. At S213, the CPU opens the container, and at S214, accepts the set of long paper. After that, the process of FIG. 13 ends.

Further, in this embodiment, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 are detected at the support height described above corresponding to the position corresponding to the case where 1000 sheets are stacked on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b. The configuration is such that the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are detected. However, other configurations are possible. For example, at the above support height, at least the extension lifter HP sensor 304 may detect the extension lifter 61b. Then, at a position higher than the support height, a position is determined where the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are securely connected together and the long paper can be loaded. That is, the position is the position at which the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is turned off. In such a configuration, whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized may be determined based on the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Since the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is provided at the lower limit position of the extension lifter 61 b , the extension lifter 61 b does not move below the detection position of the extension lifter HP sensor 304 . Therefore, when the main lifter 61a is positioned below the extension lifter 61b, the lifters are not connected and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 remains on. Moreover, even when the main lifter 61a is at the same height as the lower limit position of the extension lifter 61b, the connection between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b has not yet been completed, and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is on. With such a configuration, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 detects the extension lifter 61b (the sensor is turned on), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not completely connected, and a step is formed between the lifters. Therefore, it can be determined that the long paper cannot be loaded. On the other hand, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 does not detect the extension lifter 61b, both the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are at the position where the connection between the lifters is completed or above the position where the connection is completed. Since the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are completely connected and there is no level difference between the lifters, it can be determined that the long sheets can be stacked. In this way, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are securely connected, that is, whether or not the long paper can be loaded, based only on the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304. I can. Table 2 shows a lighting pattern using the LED 400 as an example of notification in such a case. In Table 2, blinking indicates that the long paper cannot be loaded, and lit indicates that the long paper can be loaded.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing up to the setting of the long paper in the configuration described above. Each process in FIG. 14 is realized by, for example, reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it by the CPU of the control unit 41 (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU). The processing in FIG. 14 is started when the trailing end regulating member position detection sensor 302 is turned on, that is, when the long paper mode is detected.

In S<b>301 , the CPU confirms the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304 . Here, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is ON, it indicates that the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not completely connected and the long sheet cannot be set as described above. , S302, and the CPU causes the LED 400 to blink. On the other hand, if the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is off, the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are completely connected, indicating a state in which the long paper can be set. , the LED 400 is turned on (indicating that the long sheet can be set). After S310, setting of the long paper is accepted, and the processing of FIG. 14 is terminated.

After S302, in S303, the CPU displays a message for setting the long paper on the operation panel 40. FIG. For example, the message "Please remove the paper and close the compartment in preparation for setting long paper. If you are using a normal size, please check the position of the trailing edge regulation plate." be done.

When the CPU detects that the storage is closed in S304, it raises the main lifter 61a in S305. Then, in S306, the CPU waits for the extension lifter HP sensor 304 to change from on to off. When the extension lifter HP sensor 304 changes from ON to OFF, in S307, the CPU stops lifting the main lifter 61a. After that, in S308, the CPU displays a message on the operation panel 40 prompting the opening of the storage. In S309, the CPU opens the container and accepts the set of long paper. After that, the process of FIG. 14 ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lighting pattern of the LED 400 allows the user to recognize the state of the lifter 61 in an identifiable manner. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an error from being caused by setting the long paper in a state where there is a step, and to eliminate the trouble of the user such as canceling the error.

30 Sheet feeding device: 41 Control unit: 48 Intermediate sensor: 61a Main lifter: 61b Extension lifter: 303 Main lifter position detection sensor: 304 Extension lifter HP sensor

Claims (12)

a first stacking means that is vertically movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position and stacks sheets of a first size;
A position below the upper limit position and above the lower limit position is defined as a predetermined position, and when the first loading means is between the predetermined position and the upper limit position, it is connected to the first loading means. , a second loading means that is disconnected from the first loading means when the first loading means is below the predetermined position, wherein the second loading means is connected to the first loading means, a second stacking means capable of moving vertically while stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size together with the first stacking means by moving the first stacking means in the vertical direction; ,
a first detection means for detecting that the first loading means is at the predetermined position;
a second detection means for detecting that the second loading means is at the predetermined position;
upper surface detection means for detecting the upper surface of the sheets stacked on the first stacking means and the first stacking means;
setting means for setting which size sheet to stack among a plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet;
When the upper surface detecting means detects the sheets stacked on the first stacking means when the setting means is set to stack the sheets of the second size, and the first stacking means is not at the predetermined position and the second loading means is at the predetermined position;
A loading device comprising: 2. The stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the error indicates that a sheet remains on the first stacking means and prompts removal of the remaining sheet. The upper surface detection means detects the sheets stacked on the first stacking means and the top surface of the first stacking means at a first position higher than the predetermined position and lower than the upper limit position. 3. Loading device according to claim 1 or 2. a first stacking means that is vertically movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position and stacks sheets of a first size;
A position below the upper limit position and above the lower limit position is defined as a predetermined position, and when the first loading means is between the predetermined position and the upper limit position, it is connected to the first loading means. , a second loading means that is disconnected from the first loading means when the first loading means is below the predetermined position, wherein the second loading means is connected to the first loading means, a second stacking means capable of moving vertically while stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size together with the first stacking means by moving the first stacking means in the vertical direction; ,
The sheets stacked on the first stacking means are at a first position above the predetermined position and below the upper limit position, and the first stacking means is at the first position. a first detection means for outputting as a detection result that there is
a second detection means capable of detecting that the second loading means is at the predetermined position;
setting means for setting which size sheet to stack among a plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet;
When the first stacking means is raised from below the predetermined position in a state where the setting means is set to stack the sheets of the second size, the second detecting means 2 determination means for determining an error when the first detection means outputs the detection result while detecting the loading means;
A loading device comprising: 5. The stacking device according to claim 4 , wherein the error indicates that a sheet remains on the first stacking means and prompts removal of the remaining sheet. a first stacking means that is vertically movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position and stacks sheets of a first size;
A position below the upper limit position and above the lower limit position is defined as a predetermined position, and when the first loading means is between the predetermined position and the upper limit position, it is connected to the first loading means. , a second loading means that is disconnected from the first loading means when the first loading means is below the predetermined position, wherein the second loading means is connected to the first loading means, a second stacking means capable of moving vertically while stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size together with the first stacking means by moving the first stacking means in the vertical direction; ,
a first detection means for detecting that the first loading means is at the predetermined position;
a second detection means for detecting that the second loading means is at the predetermined position;
notification means for notifying a user whether or not the sheet of the second size can be stacked according to the detection result of the first detection means and the detection result of the second detection means ;
A loading device comprising: 7. The loading device according to claim 6 , wherein said notification means uses a plurality of types of light emission patterns to notify according to the detection result of said first detection means and the detection result of said second detection means. setting means for setting which size of sheets to stack among a plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet;
The notification means notifies in accordance with the detection result of the first detection means and the detection result of the second detection means when the setting means sets to stack the sheets of the second size. 8. The loading device according to claim 7 , wherein: a first stacking means that is vertically movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position and stacks sheets of a first size;
A position below the upper limit position and above the lower limit position is defined as a predetermined position, and when the first loading means is between the predetermined position and the upper limit position, it is connected to the first loading means. , a second loading means that is disconnected from the first loading means when the first loading means is below the predetermined position, wherein the second loading means is connected to the first loading means, a second stacking means capable of moving vertically while stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size together with the first stacking means by moving the first stacking means in the vertical direction; ,
a detecting means for detecting that the second loading means is at the predetermined position ;
notification means for notifying a user that the sheet of the second size can be loaded in response to the fact that the detection means has not detected the second stacking means ;
A loading device comprising: 10. The loading device according to claim 9 , wherein said notification means uses a plurality of types of light emission patterns to notify according to the detection result of said detection means. setting means for setting which size of sheets to stack among a plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet;
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said notification means notifies according to the detection result of said detection means when said setting means sets to stack sheets of said second size. Loading device as described. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein when said setting means sets to stack sheets of said first size, said notification means does not change according to the detection result of said detecting means. loading device.

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