JPH01172131A - Sheet supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To positively connect a first gear to a second gear and disconnect the first gear from the second gear by connecting the first gear or a rest-lifting means to the second gear or a driving means so that these gears can be connected and disconnected by third and fourth gears integrally with each other interlocked and capable of floating each other to some extent. CONSTITUTION:When a door 15 of a case body 12 of the sheet supply device is opened, a lever 66 clockwise makes a circular motion by a spring 68 to depress a revolving mechanism 69 and separate gears 70, 71 from a gear 55 on a supply 38 side and a gear 58 on a motor side. On the other hand, when the door 15 is closed, the gears 70, 71 engage the gear 55, 58, and when the gear 58 is driven and rotated by the motor through a worm gear, the gear 55 is rotated through the gears 71, 70 in the same direction to raise a rest through a timing belt wrapped around the pulley 38. Thus, the first and second gears can be positively connected and disconnected without being damaged to each other.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a paper feeding device that is attached to an image forming apparatus such as an electronic copying machine and is capable of feeding a large amount of paper. .

(Prior Art) As is well known, various paper feeding devices of this type have been developed. This type of paper feeding device is equipped with a loading table on which a large amount of paper is loaded inside the feeding device, and the loading table is raised according to the amount of paper loaded on it. There is.

That is, the mounting table is provided with a lifting mechanism for the mounting table, and this lifting mechanism is provided with a first gear. Also,
The paper feeding device is provided with a motor that drives the mounting table, and the second gear is driven by this motor. The first and second gears can be connected and disconnected by a third gear, and when replenishing the paper feeder with paper, the third gear is separated from the first and second gears. When the paper is replenished, the first and second gears are connected by the third gear, and the mounting table is raised by the power of the motor.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, when the first and second gears are connected by the third gear, the positions of the teeth of the first and second gears may be misaligned. In such a case, the third gear cannot be reliably engaged with the first and second gears, and the gears may be damaged.

This invention solves the problem when connecting and disconnecting the first and second gears, and its purpose is to reliably connect and disconnect the first and second gears. The purpose of this paper is to provide a paper feeding device that is easy to use.

[Configuration of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems) This invention provides a system in which a large amount of transfer material is accommodated in the main body of the apparatus,
The material to be transferred is held by a mounting table that can be raised and lowered, and in a paper feeding device that supplies the material to be transferred to the image forming apparatus in a state where the main body of the apparatus is attached to the image forming apparatus, an elevating means for operating the mounting table. and a first gear provided on the elevating means, a driving means for driving the elevating means, a second gear driven by this driving means, and a first gear and a second gear. It is composed of third and fourth gears and 2, which are provided so as to be integrally connected and detachable, and are slightly movable relative to each other.

(Operation) This invention reliably connects the first and second gears by means of the third and fourth gears, which are interlocked in one direction and are slightly movable relative to each other. Gears can be connected and disconnected.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

3 and 4 show the paper feeding device.

This paper feeding device 11 includes a case body 12 made of resin in which a paper lifting mechanism (to be described later) is accommodated, a connecting portion 13 integrally formed with the case body 12, and a connecting portion 13 and the case body 12. It is comprised of a cover 14 that integrally covers the upper part of the case body 12 and is provided with a paper feeding mechanism, an electric circuit, etc., which will be described later, and a door 15 that is provided on the case body 12 so as to be openable and closable. Ribs 15a for reinforcing the door 15 are provided on both side edges of the door 15.

The connecting portion 13 connects the paper feeding device 11 to the copying machine main body 16, as shown in FIG.
It has the same shape as the paper feed cassette installed in the. That is, protrusions 13a are provided on both sides of the connecting portion 13, and when the connecting portion 13 is inserted into the paper feed cassette mounting portion 16a of the copying machine main body 16, the protrusions 13a and the proximal end of the connecting portion 13 13b is the guide groove 16b1 attachment part 1 of the protrusion 13a.
6a and are respectively engaged with the openings 16c of the paper feeding device 11.
is now retained.

In addition, handles 12 are provided on both sides of the case body 12, respectively.
A is provided. The position and width W of this handle 12a
As shown in FIG. 5, the position and width of the connecting portion 13 coincide with that of the connecting portion 13, and the connecting portion 13 and the handle 12a have the same shape as a normal paper feed cassette. - Therefore, the paper feed device 11 is connected to the paper feed cassette mounting portion 16 of the copying machine main body 16.
By holding this handle 12a, when attaching the paper feed cassette to a paper feed cassette or removing it from the mounting portion 16a, the paper feed cassette can be operated with the same feeling as a normal paper feed cassette.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a control bar is provided in the portion of the cover 14 corresponding to the case body 12.
control panel 17 is provided, and this control panel 1
7 is provided with a light emitting diode 18 that indicates whether the power of the paper feeding device 11 is on or off, and one light emitting diode that indicates that a paper jam has occurred. Also, cover 1
A notch 14a is provided in the portion corresponding to the connection portion 13 of No.4.
As shown in FIG. 5, a paper feed roller 16d provided on the copying machine main body 16 is inserted into the notch 14a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess 12b is provided at the bottom of the case body 12 at a portion indicated by P in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the base end of a presser member 21 is fixed to this recess 12b by, for example, a thumbscrew 20, and the tip of the presser member 21 is fixed to the copying machine main body 16. It comes into contact with a contact part 23 made of a rubber material, for example, provided on the side surface of the table 22 on which it is placed.

Therefore, even when a large amount of paper is stored inside the paper feeding device 11, the paper feeding device 11 can be reliably held horizontally.

Although the presser member 21 is in contact with the base 22, depending on the shape of the copying machine main body, the presser member 21 may be in contact with the copying machine main body.

Next, a mechanism for lifting and lowering sheets stored inside the paper feeder 11 will be described.

In FIGS. 8 to 11, the first and second side frames 31 and 32 are disposed and fixed along both inner side surfaces of the case body 12, and the first and second side frames 31 and 32 are 2
The side frames 31, 32 are fixed at a predetermined distance by first and second fixing frames 33, 34 provided at the lower end and the upper end, respectively. These first and second
One side frame 31.32 has an extending portion 31a13.
2a are provided respectively, and these extending portions 31 a
s 32 a is a protrusion 13 provided on the connecting portion 13;
It is fixed at a.

Further, a paper mounting table 35 as shown in FIG. 9 is provided between the first and second side frames 31 and 32. A brake pad 36 is provided at the center of the surface of the mounting table 35, and a through hole 35a is provided near the brake pad 36 in which the tip of a paper-out detection member 103, which will be described later, is accommodated. Further, a frame 37 is attached to the back surface of the mounting table 35. This frame 3
Mounting portions 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d are provided at both ends of the drive belt 7, respectively, to which drive belts are attached. These mounting parts 37a to 37d are connected to the slits 31b and 31 provided in the first and second side frames 31 and 32, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
c, 32b, and 32c.

Slits 31b, 31 of the first side frame 31
As shown in FIG. 10, pulleys 38, 39, 40, and 41 are provided at both longitudinal ends of
A pulley 42 is provided near 1. Also, the second
At both longitudinal ends of the slits 32b and 32c of the side frame 32, as shown in FIGS. .46, 47 are provided, and among these pulleys 38 to 47, pulleys 39 and 44 are connected to the shaft 4.
8, and are configured to rotate in one direction.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, endless timing belts 49, 50 are attached to these pulleys 38 to 42, 43 to 47, and the slits 31b, 31c,
The timing belts 49 and 50 are wrapped around each other in a substantially M-shape along the timing belts 32b and 32c.
Rollers 51, 52, 53 disposed near the pulleys 38, 39, 44 are in contact with each other. In addition, these timing belts 49 and 50 are provided with the above-mentioned mounting base 35.
The frame 37 provided in the part 37a is attached to the part 37a.

37b1, 37c, and 37d are each fixed.

Therefore, the above-mentioned mounting table 35 has these timing belts 49, 50 and slits 31b, 31c, 32.
It is possible to move horizontally along lines b and 32c.

Between the mounting stand 35 and the bottom of the case body 12,
A spring 54 is provided. That is, one end of this spring 54 is accommodated in a recess 12b provided in the bottom of the case body 12 through a through hole 33a provided in the first fixed frame 33, as shown in FIG. , the other end is the ninth
They are fixed to engaging pieces 37e, 37f, and 37g of a frame 37 attached to a mounting table 35 shown in the figure. Therefore, the mounting table 35 is always urged by the spring 54 in a direction away from the bottom surface of the case body 12.

By the way, this spring 54 connects the processing table 35 to the slit 31.
b, 31c, 32b, and 32c, and the biasing force of the spring 54 is
It is made slightly weaker than the maximum loading weight of the paper sheets placed on the mounting table 35.

On the other hand, a mounting table 35 is provided on the first side frame 31.
The timing belt 49.50
A drive section is provided to drive the.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 12 to 17, the pulley 38 is integrally provided with a gear 55 having a larger diameter. These pulleys 38 and gears 55 are attached to a rotating shaft 57 via a one-way clutch 56 built into them, and the timing belt 57 is moved in the direction of lowering the mounting table 35 (in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10).
9 is operated, the one-way clutch 56 is fixed to the rotating shaft 57, and the pulleys 38.55 are rotated together with the rotating shaft 57. In addition, in the case of the opposite direction, the rotating shaft 57
It is now considered to be in a free state.

A gear 58 having the same diameter and the same number of teeth as the gear 55 is fixed to the rotating shaft 57, and a gear 59 is attached to the gear 5-8.
are engaged. A bevel gear 60 is fixed to this gear 59, and a bevel gear 61 is meshed with this bevel gear 60. A gear 62 is fixed to this bevel gear 61, and a gear 63 is meshed with this gear 62. This gear 63 is integrally provided with a gear 64, and this gear 64
A gear arrow 5 driven by a motor to be described later is meshed with the gear.

In the above configuration, when paper is placed on the mounting table 35,
A force acts in the direction of lowering the loading table 35 and is applied to the worm gear 65 via the pulley 38 and the gears 55 to 64, but since the resistance between the gear 64 and the worm gear 65 is large, the maximum loading weight of the paper and the spring 54 are The mounting table 35 is prevented from descending with a force that is about the difference between the biasing force and the biasing force. Furthermore, even when there is no paper on the mounting table 35,
The resistance of the worm gear 65 and the gear 64 prevents the mounting table 35 from rising due to the force of the spring 54.

Further, on the side surface of the first side frame 31, a tenth
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a lever 66 constituting an actuating means is provided. The lever 66 is rotatable by a shaft 67 provided at the center in the longitudinal direction, and has a contact portion 67 at one end that can come into contact with the rib 15a of the door 15. Further, a coil spring 68 is provided between the other end of the lever 66 and the first side frame 31, and the spring 68 allows the lever 66 to rotate at one end in the direction of the door 15 at all times. energized.

On the other hand, a rotator 69 is provided on the first side frame 31 located near the other end of the lever 66 . This rotator 69 is connected to the first
It is rotatably provided on the side foot 31 of. A coil spring 73 is provided between one end of the rotor 6 and the other end of the lever 66, and the spring 73 causes the rotor 69 to interlock with the lever 66.

Moreover, gears 70.71 that are rotatable in one direction are provided at the other end of the rotor 69, and these gears 70.71 can mesh with the gears 55.58. .

FIGS. 1 and 2 show gears 70 and 71. These gears 70 and 71 have the same diameter and the same number of teeth,
Engagement portions 70a, 70b, 71 are provided on side portions facing each other.
a and 71b are provided, respectively. These engaging parts 7
0a, 70b.

As shown in FIG. 2, 71a and 71b are spaced apart from each other by, for example, 105 degrees. Therefore, these engaging portions 7Qa, 70b and 71a171b are adapted to loosely engage with each other, and the gear 70.71 can move slightly in a state in which these engaging portions 70a, 70b and 71a, 71b are engaged. It becomes.

In the above configuration, when the door 15 is opened as shown in FIG. section is pressed down. The rotor 69 is therefore rotated counterclockwise and the gear 70.71 is spaced apart from the gear 55.58.

Furthermore, when the door 15 is closed, one end of the lever 66 is pressed down by the rib 15a of the door 15, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the lever 66 is rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the spring 68, and in conjunction with this, the rotor 69 is rotated clockwise. Therefore, gear 70
．． 71 is meshed with gears 55 and 58. Therefore, when the door 15 is closed, the gears 55 and 58 are rotated together, and when the gear 58 is rotated in the direction of arrow W shown in FIG. 10 according to the operation of the worm gear 65, the one-way The gear 55, which is set free with respect to the shaft 57 by the clutch 56, is rotated in the same direction as this, and the mounting table 35 is raised as shown by arrow U in the figure. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the mounting table 35 is raised.

Next, a side portion of the paper feeder provided on the cover 14,
and various sensors etc. will be explained.

18 to 20, a U-shaped frame 81 is provided on the back side of the cover 14. As shown in FIGS.

A motor 82 is attached to a first side surface 81a of the frame 81, and a pulley 83 is provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 82.

Also, the first and second side surfaces 81a of the frame 81.

A shaft 84 is rotatably provided between the shafts 81b, and pulleys 85 and 86 are rotatably provided integrally with the shaft 84. This pulley 85 and the pulley 83
A timing belt 87 is stretched between them.

Further, a base end portion of a movable member 88 is rotatably provided on the shaft 84. At the tip of this movable member 88 is a support 8.
9 is rotatably provided, and rollers 90 and 91 are provided at both ends of this shaft 89 to send out the paper stacked on the mounting table 35.
is provided. Further, a pulley 93 is provided on the shaft 89 via a one-way clutch 92. A timing belt 94 is stretched between this pulley 93 and the pulley 86, and the rollers 90, 91
When the motor 82 is rotated in one direction, it is driven in the paper feeding direction, and when it is rotated in the other direction, it is stopped. Further, a weight 94 for balance adjustment is provided at the base end of the movable member 88.

On the other hand, a shaft 96 is rotatably provided on the second frame 81b. The worm gear 65 is provided at the tip of this shaft 96, and a pulley 98 is provided at the base end via a one-way clutch 97. A timing belt 99 is stretched between this pulley 98 and the pulley 86, and the worm gear 65 is connected to the motor 8.
When 2 is rotated in one direction, it is stopped, and when it is rotated in the other direction, it is rotated. Therefore, depending on the rotation direction of this motor 82, the rollers 90, 91
, and the mounting table 35 are selectively driven.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a switch 100 for detecting opening/closing of the door 15 is installed on the back side of the cover 14 via a member 101, and an operating portion 100a of this switch 100 is attached. An operator 15a provided on the cover 15 can come into contact with it.

Further, near the roller 90, there is a level detection member 102 for detecting the height of the mounting table 35, and a level detection member 102 for detecting the height of the mounting table 35.
paper out detection member 10 that detects the presence or absence of paper loaded on the
3 is provided. That is, a frame 104 is installed on the back side where the force t<-14 is applied, and this frame 104
The intermediate portions of the level detection member 102 and the paper-out detection member 103 are rotatably provided on a shaft 105 provided in the paper.

The frame 104 is provided with a level detection sensor 106 and a paper-out detection sensor 107, which are made of, for example, a photocoupler, a photosensor, etc., and these sensors 106.
The other ends of the level detection member 102 and the paper-out detection member 103 are allowed to enter between the light emitting element and the light receiving element 107 (not shown). Therefore, the height of the mounting table 35 and the presence or absence of paper are detected by the level detection sensor 106 and paper out detection sensor 107.

Furthermore, a circuit board PCB on which a control circuit, which will be described later, is arranged is attached to the back surface of the cover 14, and this circuit board P
CB is covered by metal cover MC.

Next, the internal configuration of the connection section 13 will be further explained.

In FIG. 22, first and second paper sensors 108 and 109 are attached to a member 110 inside the connecting portion 13 to detect the paper along the conveying direction of the paper taken out from the placement table 35. It is attached via .111. The first and second paper sensors 108 and 109 are each constituted by a reflective sensor, for example, and are configured to irradiate light onto the paper and detect light reflected from the paper. These first and second paper sensors 108, 109 are covered by a first paper guide 113 which is also attached to the connecting part 13 by a member 112,
Through holes 113a, 113 provided in the paper guide 113 of
The paper is detected via b. Furthermore, a paper size display section 13'd is provided on the distal end surface of the connection section 13. This display section 13d displays, for example, the 23rd
Code information indicating the paper size is set depending on the position of the claw 13e shown in the figure, and when the connecting portion 13 is attached to the copying machine main body 16 described above,
By detecting this claw 13e by a microswitch (not shown) provided on the copying machine main body, the paper size can be determined on the copying machine main body 16 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the connection portion 1 of the cover 14
A second paper guide 114 is attached to the back side facing the second paper guide 114.
A black sheet member 115 is attached to the surface facing the second paper sensor 108, 109, and this sheet member 115 prevents light from being reflected when there is no paper.

Further, on the back side of the cover 14, the above-mentioned frame 1
04, a circuit board, etc. are attached to the harness 116, and the connecting portion 13 is provided with a third harness 116 for guiding both ends of the sheet in the width direction.
A fourth paper guide 117,118 is provided. Legs 11 of these third and fourth paper guides 117 and 118
7a.

117b, 118a, and 118b are the mounting bases 35
Insertion slots 35b, 35 provided corresponding to the paper size
c, and 35d and 35e (shown in FIG. 9).

Next, the out-of-paper display of the paper feeder 11 for the copying machine main body 16 described above will be explained.

This paper feeding device 11 is not electrically connected to the copying machine main body 16 for signals other than a driving power source, and is configured to operate off-line. Therefore, it is necessary to notify the copying machine main body 16 of the out-of-paper state of the paper feeder 11.

By the way, the copying machine main body 1 to which this paper feeding device 11 is installed
A reflective paper sensor is provided in the paper feed cassette mounting portion 16a of No. 6. This paper sensor has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the light output from the light-emitting element is irradiated into the inside of the paper feed cassette through a through hole provided at the bottom of the attached paper feed cassette. The presence or absence of paper is detected by using a light receiving element to detect the presence or absence of reflected light from the paper stored in the paper feed cassette.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a recess 13c is provided on the back surface of the connecting portion 13, and
A light emitting diode 119 is provided inside. This recess 13c is located at the 23rd [1+;: As shown, the copying machine main body 1
The position is opposite to the paper sensor SC provided at 6. Further, the light emitting diode 119 is turned on when the paper out detection member 103 and paper out detection sensor 107 described above determine that there is paper, and is turned off when it is determined that there is no paper, and the light is turned off. Device 1
The presence or absence of paper in the copying machine body 16 is notified to the paper sensor SC of the copying machine main body 16.

FIG. 26 shows the configuration of the control system.

The control unit 120 controls the operation of the entire paper feeding device. The control unit 120 includes the aforementioned first and second paper sensors 108 and 109, a paper out detection sensor 107, a level detection sensor 106, and light emitting diodes 18 and 19 that respectively indicate power on/off and paper jam. A control panel 17 provided, a light emitting diode 119 that displays a paper-free display, a motor drive section 121 that controls the drive of the motor 82, and a switch 1 that detects the open/close state of the door 15.
00 is set.

In the above configuration, the operation will be explained.

First, when replenishing the paper feeder 11 with paper, the door 15 is opened as shown in FIG. 4, and in this state, the mounting table 35 is pushed down against the biasing force of the spring 54. door 1
5 is opened, the lever 66 and rotor 69 constituting the actuating means shown in FIG.
be separated from In this state, when the mounting table 35 is pushed against the urging force of the spring 54 and the resistance of the worm gear 65 and gear 64, the mounting table 35 is lowered.

In the above state, when sheets are loaded on the mounting table 35 and the door 15 is closed, the switch 100 is turned on and the motor 82 is rotated in the other direction described above under the control of the control section 120 and the motor drive section 121. In this direction of rotation, the rollers 90.91 are stopped by the one-way clutch 92 and only the worm gear 65 is rotated by the one-way clutch 97. As a result, gear 64.6
3 to 58 are rotated.

Further, when the door 15 is closed, the lever 66 is rotated by the rib 15a of the door 15, and the rotator 69 is rotated in conjunction with this. Therefore, the gears 70.71 provided on the rotor 69 mesh with the gears 55.58. Therefore, the gears 58 and 55 rotate integrally, and the power of the mimotor 82 is transmitted to the gear 55 without loss.

This rotation of the gear 55 rotates the gear 38, and the mounting table 35 is raised via the timing belts 49, 50.

As the mounting table 35 rises, the paper comes into contact with the rollers 90, 91, the level detection member 102 and the paper out detection member 103 are rotated, and the level detection sensor 106 and the paper out detection sensor 107 are turned off. When the controller 12
0, the motor 82 is stopped by the motor drive section 121, and the light emitting diode 119 is turned on. Thereafter, the motor 82 is rotated in the opposite direction (the one direction described above), and one sheet of paper on the mounting table 35 is sent to the standby position. That is, when the motor 82 is rotated in the opposite direction, the one-way clutch 97 stops the worm gear 65, and the one-way clutch 92 rotates only the rollers 90 and 91. Therefore, when the paper on the mounting table 35 is sent out by the rollers 90.91 and the paper is detected by the first and second paper sensors 108, 109, the motor 8 is
2 is stopped, and the paper is stopped at a standby position where it is exposed from the notch 14a of the cover 14.

In this way, even if the motor 82 is stopped while the loading table 35 fully loaded with paper is raised,
As described above, since the mounting table 35 is driven via the worm gear 65, it does not descend due to the resistance of the worm gear 65 and the gear 64 and the biasing force of the spring 54.

In this state, when the copying machine main body 16 starts a copying operation, the paper feed roller 16d (shown in FIG. 5) of the copying machine main body 16 is lowered and comes into contact with the paper in the standby position, and this The paper is taken out by one rotation of the paper roller 16d. Then, when the paper is taken out, the paper feed roller 16
d is raised again. Also, when the trailing edge of the paper passes the first paper sensor 108, this first paper sensor 108
turns off, and the control unit 120 and motor drive unit 121
Under this control, the motor 82 is rotated in one direction. Therefore, when the paper on the mounting table 35 is taken out and the leading edge of the paper is detected by the first paper sensor 108, the motor 82 is stopped. Then, when the preceding paper taken out by the paper feed roller 16d is further fed into the copying machine 16 and the second paper sensor 109 is turned off, the motor 82 is activated by the controller 120 and the motor drive unit 121. The control rotates it in one direction again so that the tip is in the first position.
The succeeding paper that is stopped at the paper sensor 108 position is fed. When the second paper sensor 109 detects the leading edge of the following paper, the motor 82 is stopped and the paper is stopped at the standby position. Copying machine body 16
When the copy operation is performed, the above operation is repeated.

On the other hand, when the paper on the mounting table 35 runs out, the paper out detection member 103 falls into the through hole 35a provided in the mounting table 35, and the paper out sensor 107 turns on. Then, the light emitting diode 119 is turned off by the control unit 120, and the copying machine main body 16 is notified that there is no paper. In the copying machine main body 16, a paper out message is displayed on an operation panel (not shown) based on the output of the paper out sensor SC.

Note that after the motor 82 is rotated in one direction and the paper is sent from the mounting table 35 to the standby position, for example, about 0.5
If the paper is not detected by one or both of the first paper sensor 108 and the second paper sensor 109 even after seconds have elapsed, it is determined that there is a paper feed error, and the light emitting diode 19 that indicates paper jam is turned on. At the same time, the light emitting diode 119 is turned off to display a paper out display, and a paper replenishment display is displayed on the operation panel of the copying machine main body 16.

According to the above embodiment, the gear 7 connecting the gears 55, 58
0.71 respectively engaging portion 70a170b1 or 7
1a, 71b are provided, and these engaging parts 70a, 70b and 7
1a and 71b with a slight margin, the gears 70 and 71 are movably interlocked. Therefore, when gears 70 and 71 are meshed with gears 55 and 58, even if the teeth of gears 55 and 58 are misaligned, it is possible to mesh them smoothly, which prevents problems caused by poor meshing as in the past. , it is possible to prevent damage to the gears.

Furthermore, a rotor 69 is provided with a gear 70.71 that connects the gears 55, 58, and the rotor 69 is interlocked with a lever 66 that is operated in accordance with the opening/closing operation of the door 15.
71 is connected to and released from gears 55 and 58. Therefore, since the gears 70.71 can be connected to and disconnected from the gears 55.58 with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent the device configuration from increasing in size, and the gears 70.71 can be operated reliably. It is possible.

Further, the door 15 is provided with a rib 15a, and a lever 66
is adapted to be driven by this rib 15a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deformation of the door 15, and it is also possible to reliably transmit the opening/closing force of the door 15 to the lever 66, thereby improving operational reliability.

Furthermore, the mounting table 35 is attached to an endless timing belt 49.5.
It is driven by 0. Therefore, unlike when using conventional wires or timing belts with ends, there is no need to fix both ends of the wire or timing belt, making the timing belt easy to install and easy to assemble and adjust. It's simple.

Furthermore, when using a timing belt or wire with ends, both ends of the timing belt or wire must be fixed to a boolean or mounting table, which increases the width of the pulleys, etc., and as a result, the shape of the paper feeder changes. Although it increases the size, when an endless timing belt is used as in this example, there is no need to fix it to the boot, etc., so there is no need to increase the width of the boot, etc., and the shape of the device can be adjusted. It is possible to suppress the increase in size.

In addition, since the mounting table 35 is fixed to each parallel portion of the endless timing belt 49.5o, it is possible to easily hold the mounting table 35 horizontally, and the point of effort can be reduced as the mounting table 35 moves. It also has the advantage of not requiring excessive force to change.

Furthermore, the power of the motor 82 is selectively supplied to the worm gear 65 and rollers 90.91 via one-way clutches 92.97.

Therefore, since it is possible to drive the mounting table 35 and send out the paper by one motor, it is possible to reduce the size of the device and the manufacturing cost.

Furthermore, since the driving of the mounting table 35 and the paper feeding operation are not performed at the same time, it is possible to drive these with a small output motor, and it is possible to reduce the power supply capacity.

Further, the mounting table 35 is biased by a spring 54, and the tension of the spring 54 is set to be slightly weaker than the maximum loading weight of the sheets to be placed on the mounting table 35. Therefore, the motor 82 does not need to have enough power to lift the paper itself, but only needs to have enough power to correspond to the difference between the maximum loaded weight of the paper and the tension of the spring 54, so a small motor is sufficient, and the device It is possible to reduce the size and manufacturing cost.

Moreover, the mounting table 35 is supported by the biasing force of the spring 54 and the motor 82.
Even if there is a manufacturing error in the biasing force of the spring 54, the mounting table 3 can be reliably
It is possible to drive 5.

Furthermore, the mounting table 35 is supported by the biasing force of the spring 54 and the motor 82.
Since it is driven by the sum of the powers of the - springs 54, the biasing force of the - springs 54 can be made weaker than when the mounting table is pushed up only by the springs. Therefore, the force with which the operator pushes down the mounting table 35 can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

Further, the mounting table 35 is driven via a worm gear 65, a gear 64 meshed with the worm gear, and the like. Therefore, the resistance of the worm gear 65 and the gear 64 can prevent the mounting table 35 from being inadvertently raised by the biasing force of the spring 54.

Furthermore, the width of the handle 12a provided on the case body 12 is the same as the width of the connecting portion 13, and is also the same size as a normal paper feed cassette.

Therefore, the paper feeding device 11 can be attached to and removed from the copying machine main body 16 with the same operational feeling as a normal paper feeding cassette.

Further, the mounting table 35 and a lifting mechanism for driving the mounting table 35 are provided in the first and second side frames 31 and 32 housed in the case body 12, and a motor 82 for driving the lifting mechanism, and The cover 14 is provided with a circuit board PCB on which a control circuit for driving the motor 82 is disposed, and a paper feeding mechanism section. Therefore, since it is possible to assemble and adjust the lifting mechanism section, control circuit, and delivery mechanism section separately, it is possible to simplify manufacturing and also to facilitate maintenance and inspection. be.

Furthermore, the out-of-paper state of the paper feeder 11 is displayed by a light emitting diode 119 provided on the back side of the connecting portion 13 to inform the copying machine main body 16 side. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where a mechanical shutter that operates depending on the presence or absence of paper is provided opposite to the paper out sensor SC in the main body of the copying machine, manufacturing costs can be reduced. , it is possible to improve reliability.

Further, the first and second side frames 31 and 32 are made of metal, and the case body 12 is made of resin. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight compared to the conventional case in which the entire case is made of metal.

Moreover, the first and second side frames 31.32 are provided with extending portions 31a, 32a, and these extending portions 31a, 32a are provided with the extending portions 31a, 32a.
are fixed to the handles 13a, 13a of the connecting portion 13 of the case body 12, respectively. Therefore, the extending portion 31a,
32a can reinforce the resin connecting portion 13.

Furthermore, a presser member 21 is provided at the bottom of the case body 12,
This holding member 21 is attached to a stand 22 on which the copying machine main body 16 is placed.
Alternatively, it is made to abut against the copying machine main body 16. Therefore, it is possible to hold the paper feeding device 11 horizontally, and it is possible to reduce the force applied to the connecting portion 13 of the case body 12.

Note that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the first and second gears are connected by the third and fourth gears, which are integrally interlocked and are allowed to move slightly relative to each other. By releasing the gears, it is possible to provide a paper feeding device that can reliably connect and disconnect the first and second gears while preventing damage to the gears.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 and 2 each show an embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 1 being an exploded perspective view of the main parts showing the configuration of the gear, Figure 2 being a front view showing the configuration of the gear, and Figure 2 being a front view showing the configuration of the gear. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a paper feeding device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a different operating state from FIG. 3, and FIG. The side view, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are shown to explain the holding member, respectively.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main parts showing the bottom of the case body, FIG. 7 is a side view showing the main parts of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the elevating mechanism of the mounting table, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting table, Figs. 10 and 11 respectively show the elevating mechanism of the mounting table, and Figs. 12 to 17 are side sectional views seen from different directions. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration, FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the main parts of FIG. 10 viewed from a different direction, and FIGS. The figures are side views of the main parts showing different operating states of the lever, Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the main parts seen from above, Fig. 17 is a side sectional view showing the operating states different from Fig. 10, and Fig. 18. 21 to 21 respectively show the structure of the cover, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the main part, FIG. 19 is a side view with a part cut away, and FIGS. 20 and 21.
The figures are exploded perspective views of the main parts, Figures 22 and 23 respectively show the configuration of the connection parts, Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts, Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view, and Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts. 25 and 25 respectively show the paperless display section, and the second
4 is a perspective view showing only the main parts, FIG. 25 is a side sectional view showing only the main parts, and FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram showing the control system. 11...Paper feeding device, 12...Case body, 14...
・Cover, 15... Door, 15a... Rib, 16.
... Copying machine main body, 31.32 ... First and second side frames, 35 ... Mounting table, 49.50 ... Timing belt, 54 ... Spring, 55.58.70.71
...Gear, 66...Lever, 69...Rotator, 5
6.92.97...One-way clutch, 65...
Worm gear, 82...Motor, 90.91...Roller, 100...Switch, 102...Level detection member, 103...Paper out detection member, 106...Level detection sensor, 107...・Paper out detection sensor, 108
．． 109...first and second paper sensors, 119...
Light emitting diode, 120...control unit. Applicant's Representative Patent Attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 9 Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 26

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A large amount of material to be transferred is stored in the main body of the apparatus, this material to be transferred is held by a mounting table that can be raised and lowered, and the material to be transferred is placed in the image forming apparatus in a state where the main body of the apparatus is attached to the image forming apparatus. A paper feeding device for supplying paper, comprising: an elevating means for operating the mounting table; a first gear provided on the elevating means; a driving means for driving the elevating means; and a device driven by the driving means. A second gear, and third and fourth gears that are integrally connected to and detachable from the first and second gears, and are slightly movable relative to each other. Paper feeding device. (2) The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the third and fourth gears have engaging portions that can engage with each other.