JPH02182675A - Sheet receiving refeeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the carrying resistance to sheets and efficiently carry large- sized sheets requiring a relatively large carrying force by providing such a constitution as moving a regulating member for conforming sheets to the slightly outer side than a normal regulating position when a great number of large-sized sheets are received. CONSTITUTION:When a great number of large-sized sheets are received in a receiving part, for example, 30 or more sheets of a size of A3 or more are received, a regulating member 105 is moved to the slightly outer side than a normal regulating position set so far by a control means. Hence, the carrying resistant force of the regulating member 105 acting on the sheets is reduced, and the probability of causing a carrying mistake is reduced much more.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention is a paper storing and refeeding device, in particular, a paper ejected from an image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine, and sequentially reduces the paper thickness for double-sided/composite copying, etc. The present invention relates to a paper storage and refeeding device that stores sheets in a stacked manner in a direction and then transports the stored sheets to an image forming apparatus main body.

In recent years, an increasing number of copying systems are equipped with a refeeding device that feeds the paper that has already been copied on the first side ejected from the copying machine into the copying machine for double-sided/composite copying. ing. In this type of paper refeeding device, regulating members for aligning the paper are provided on both sides in the storage direction, and the paper is moved to a regulating position corresponding to the paper size. However, this regulating member acts as a conveyance resistance against the paper, weakens the conveyance force, and causes conveyance errors such as paper jams.

In particular, the reduction in conveying force due to the regulating member is more pronounced for large-sized sheets such as A3 size, and as the number of sheets stored increases.

Therefore, the paper storage and refeeding device according to the present invention includes (a) a storage section for storing paper, and (b) a conveying means for feeding the paper into the storage section. (C) a paper re-feeding unit for transporting the paper in the storage unit to the main body of the image forming apparatus; and (d) a regulation member that is movable to a regulation position corresponding to the size of the paper and aligns the paper in the storage unit. (e) a control means for moving the regulating member to a position corresponding to the size of the paper, and for moving the regulating member slightly outward from the normal regulating position when a large number of large-sized papers are stored; , is equipped with.

In the above configuration, when a large number of large-sized sheets of paper are stored in the storage unit, for example, when 30 or more sheets of A3 size or larger are stored, the regulating member moves beyond the normal regulating position where it was previously set. Move slightly outward. With this,
The conveyance resistance force that the regulating member acts on the paper is reduced,
The probability of transport errors is further reduced.

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the paper storage and refeeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a paper storage and refeeding unit that is an option for a copying machine.

[Copying Machine Main Body] As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine main body (1) is designed to form images based on the well-known electrophotographic copying method, and is installed on a desk (5). The photosensitive drum (10) installed approximately in the center is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (8), and first, a constant charge is applied by the charger (11), and the optical system (12) moves in the direction of arrow (b). By scanning in the direction, the image of the document set on the document table glass (13) is slit-exposed onto the photoreceptor drum (10).This causes the electrostatic charge formed on the photoreceptor drum (10) to The latent image is turned into a toner image by a magnetic brush type developing device (14).
The image is transferred onto the paper by a transfer charger (15).

The photosensitive drum (10) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (a) after the transfer, and the remaining toner is wiped away by a blade-type cleaning device (17), and an eraser lamp (18)
) to erase the residual charge and prepare for the next copying operation.

Paper is stored in automatic paper feed cassettes (20), (21), (2).
2), one sheet at a time is selectively fed, and sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers (23). After transfer, the paper is transferred to a separate charger (16
) is separated from the photoreceptor drum (10) by the AC discharge from the paper and the stiffness of the paper itself, and is fed to the fixing device (25) while being attracted to a conveyor belt (24) equipped with an air suction means (not shown). After the toner image is fixed here, it is completely discharged from the pair of discharge rollers (26).

On the other hand, below the photoreceptor drum (10), there is a paper refeed path (2) for conveying the paper refed from the storage and refeed unit (40), which will be described in detail below, to the timing roller pair (23). 30) is installed. This passage (30) is composed of conveyance rollers (31), (32) and guide plates (33), (34) installed around them.

The paper is transported from the storage and refeeding unit (40) to the passage (
Paper can be re-fed at 30). The paper is conveyed from this path (30) via a pair of rollers (27) to a pair of timing rollers (23) and reaches a transfer section.

This paper refeeding path (30) has either an upper guide plate (33) or a lower guide plate (34) in the vertical direction so that the jammed paper can be easily removed if a paper jam occurs here. Can be opened and closed. Figure 19 shows the lower guide plate (34) that can be opened.
It is cut so that it can be rotated downward as shown by the dashed line using a) as a fulcrum. One end of the lower guide plate (34) [copier main body (
1) The lock claw (35) is attached to the front side of the bottle (35a).
It is attached in a biased state in the direction of arrow (h) using a spring member (not shown) as a fulcrum. Normally, the lock pawl (35) engages with the negative end (33b) of the upper guide plate (33), allowing the roller (32) to come into contact with the roller (31) and allowing paper to be conveyed. On the other hand, when the lock claw (35) is disengaged, the lower guide plate (34) rotates downward together with the lower roller (32) about the support shaft (34a), opening the paper refeeding path (30). do. Moreover, the opening and closing of the passageway (30) is detected by turning on and off a micro switch (SWZ).

Fig. 20 shows the upper guide plate (33) that can be opened, and the upper guide plate (33) is opened relative to the fixed lower guide plate (34).
33) is rotatable upward about the support shaft (33a) as shown by the dashed line. Upper guide plate (33)
There is a lock claw (3
5) is attached with the pin (35a) as a fulcrum and biased in the direction of the arrow (h') by a spring member (not shown).Normally, the lock claw (35) is attached to the lower guide plate (34).
The roller (31) is engaged with one end (34b) of the roller (31).
32) to enable conveyance of the paper.

On the other hand, when the lock claw (35) is disengaged, the upper guide plate (33) is moved around the upper roller (33a) using the support shaft (33a) as a fulcrum.
1) to open the paper refeed path (30).

Note that this type does not include a switch for detecting opening/closing of the upper guide plate (33). Upper guide plate (
33) is because the paper can be set automatically by its own weight when the operator releases his/her hand after clearing the paper jam.

On the other hand, in the lower guide plate open type, the operator must lift the lower guide plate (34) to set it, and there is no means for detecting a setting failure [switch (SWZ)].
]Is required.

By the way, the copying machine body (1) is equipped with a microswitch (SW3) that detects the opening and closing of the front door, and the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is equipped with a dip switch (SWl) that switches the reset means (Fig. 1). In this embodiment, the jam reset means of the copying machine body (1) is the opening/closing detection switch (SWZ) of the paper refeed path (30) or the front door opening/closing detection switch (SW3).
is used. In other words, in the case of the upper guide plate open type shown in Fig. 20, the dip switch (SWI) is set to the on side, and the re-feeding is started when the front door opening/closing detection switch (SW3) is turned on after clearing a paper jam. Paper aisle (30)
Perform a jam reset. On the other hand, in the lower guide plate open type shown in Fig. 19, the dip switch (SW
I) is set to the on side, and the paper refeeding path opening/closing detection switch <SWZ> is turned on after paper jam removal, the jam reset of the paper refeeding path (30) is performed. This will be explained in detail later with reference to a flowchart.

[Configuration and operation of paper storage and refeeding unit (basic configuration) This paper storage and refeeding unit (40), as shown in FIG.
50) and a lower unit (130) having a paper storage function.
It is made up of. The upper unit (50) is connected to the U of the hook (2) fixed to the front and rear frames of the copying machine body (1).
The upper unit (50) is suspended by engaging a stepped shaft (51) fixed to the front and rear frames of the upper unit (50) in the groove. The lower unit (130) is screwed to the side of the desk (5), and its upper part slightly extends into the upper unit (50).

In this way, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is divided into upper and lower units (50) and (130) and can be attached to and detached from the main body independently.This makes attachment and detachment easy and prevents failure. When replacing parts, either one of the units (50),
(130) can be removed, and even when removed and placed on the floor, stability is maintained and it is difficult to fall over.

In addition, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) includes a paper ejection tray (
80) or a sorter (200) can be selectively installed. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a paper discharge tray (80) is installed, and FIG. 1 shows a state in which a sorter (200) is installed. The sorter (200) has a well-known structure and function, and it can handle 20 bins (21
0). In addition, this sorter (200
), the top bin position has a paper output tray (
80) is installed and functions as a tray during non-sorting and a first bin during sorting.

On the other hand, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is detailed as follows.
a paper feeding switching section (60) for receiving paper ejected from the copying machine main body (1) and appropriately switching the paper feeding mode;
an intermediate storage section (90) for temporarily storing the paper whose first side has been copied during double-sided/composite copying; and this intermediate storage section (90).
a paper refeeding section (160) for refeeding the paper stored in the paper sheet one by one to the paper refeeding path (30) for second side copying;
).

(Configuration and operation of paper passing switching unit) The paper passing switching unit (60) includes a guide plate (61a), (6
1b).

(62), paper feeding switching claws (70), (73), ejection roller pair (75), transport roller pair (76), guide plate (7
8), (79), etc. Switching claw (7
0) has an upper surface (70a), an arcuate surface (70b), and (70c) for guiding the paper, and an arcuate surface (70c).
A resin film (72) is attached to the paper guide for paper guide. This film (72) has a guide plate (
62), and allows the paper conveyed from the left side in Figure 2 to pass to the right, but the paper conveyed also from the right side is guided to the circular arc surface (70c) of the switching claw (70). It has the function of

The switching pawl (70) is rotatably mounted around the support shaft (71), and can be switched between the solid line position and the dashed-dot line position in FIG. 2 by turning on and off the solenoid. Another switching claw (73) is located on the top surface (73) for guiding the paper.
a) It has an arcuate surface (73b), is rotatably mounted around a support shaft (74), and can be switched between the solid line position and the dashed-dotted line position by turning on and off the solenoid. The solenoid for the discharge roller pair (75) is turned on.

When it is off, it is possible to switch to forward and reverse rotation via a clutch means (not shown). Further, the guide plate (79) is cut so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow (C) about the support shaft (77) in order to open the passage for clearing a paper jam or the like.

The paper ejection tray (8 degrees Celsius) is supported on a support plate (82), and the trailing edge of the paper ejected from the ejection roller pair (75) is regulated and aligned by a regulation plate (89). tray(
80) is attached, the switching claw (73) is attached.
) can be removed, and when the sorter (200) is installed, the paper ejection tray 80) and support plate (82) are removed.
A switching claw (73) is attached instead.

On the other hand, the upper surface (70a) of the switching claw (70) and the guide plate (
62), a conveyance path formed by a guide plate (78),
A pair of conveyance rollers (76) in the conveyance path formed by (79)
Actuators (65) and (66
) having photosensors (SEI) and (SE2) are installed to detect passing paper. In addition, the switching claw (
A static elimination brush (69) is installed directly above the unit (40) to eliminate static electricity from the paper that can be completely discharged from this unit (40).

The photosensor (SEL) also functions as means for resetting jam processing when a paper jam occurs at the ejection section. That is, when a paper jam occurs near the sensor (SEI), the sensor (SEI') maintains the paper detection (on) state. If the paper is jammed at this position, the paper output tray (80)
is installed, the discharge roller pair (75
), even when the sorter (200) is being read directly, the jammed paper is pulled out from the discharge roller pair (75) with the sorter (200) opened relative to the unit (40). be able to. When the jammed paper is pulled out, the sensor (SEI) turns off, and in this state the unit (
40). Note that such jam removal control will be described in detail later with reference to a flowchart.

Next, the paper passing mode in the paper passing switching section (60) will be explained.

When paper is ejected in single-sided copy mode and duplex/composite copy mode, the switching claw (70) is set to the solid line position, the switching claw (73) is set to the - dotted chain line position, and the ejection roller pair (
75) is driven in normal rotation so as to convey the paper toward the switching claw (73). When the sorter (200) is connected,
The paper sent out from the pair of ejection rollers (26) of the copying machine main body (1) to the paper feed switching section (60) passes through the guide plate (62).
, the top surface (70a) of the switching claw (70), the switching claw (70)
3) While being guided by the upper surface (73a), a conveying force is applied by a pair of discharge rollers (75), and the sheet is sent to the sorter (200). When the paper ejection tray (80) is attached, the switching claw (73) is removed and the paper is directly ejected from the ejection roller pair (75) onto the paper ejection tray (80).

When the paper copied on the first side is ejected from the copying machine main body (1> in double-sided copy mode), the switching claw (70) is fully set to the - dotted chain line position, and the paper moves between the guide plate (78) and the switching claw. (70) from the conveying roller pair (76) while being guided by the circular arc surface (70b) of the intermediate storage section (9), which will be described in detail below.
0).

On the other hand, when the paper copied on the first side is ejected from the copying machine main body (1) in the composite copy mode, the switching claw (70)
, (73) are set at the solid line position, and the discharge roller pair (
75) is initially driven in normal rotation. The paper can be changed using the switching claw (70
) and the circular arc surface (70a) of the switching claw (73).
3b), and the forward rotation of the discharge roller pair (75) is stopped a predetermined time after the trailing edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SEI). This predetermined time is the time it takes for the trailing edge of the paper to move from the detection point of the sensor (SEl) to an arbitrary position between the leading edge of the film (72) and the pair of ejection rollers (75). The end portion is stopped in a state where it is sandwiched between a pair of discharge rollers 75). When the normal rotation of the ejection roller pair (75> is stopped, if the sorter (200) is installed, the leading edge of the paper is placed on the circular arc surface (73) of the switching claw (73).
73b), the rear end regulating plate (89), the guide surface (79a) provided integrally with the guide plate (79), the guide surface (95a) of the guide frame (95), the guide surface (97) of the guide frame (97), 97a) and the side surfaces (201) and (202) of the sorter (200), and are located in the gap formed by these members.
The side surfaces (201) and (202) are formed with ribs (201a) and (202a) as shown in FIG. 18, so that the paper can be guided smoothly. Further, ribs are similarly formed on the other guide surfaces (79a), (95a), and (97a).

On the other hand, if the paper output tray (80) is installed,
The paper is guided on the paper output tray (80).

Next, the pair of ejection rollers (75) is driven in the reverse direction, and the sheet whose rear end is sandwiched between the pair of ejection rollers (75) is conveyed to the left with the rear end leading. The film (72) and the circular arc surface (70) of the switching claw (70)
0c) while being guided by the transport roller pair (76) to the intermediate storage section (90>).

(The installation of the switching claw is structural) As shown in Figure 15, the switching claw (70) is attached to the support shaft 71)
Bearings (180) from the outside of the front and rear frames (not shown)
.

(181) so as to be rotatable, and a plunger (182) of a solenoid (SLI) is connected to the end of the support shaft (71) via a lever (183).

The solenoid (SLI) is fixed to the front frame (not shown) via a bracket (184). When the solenoid (SLI> is fully activated), this switching pawl (70) is biased by a torsion coil spring (185) wound around the support shaft (71) and is held at the solid line position in Fig. 2. ing. When the solenoid (SLI) is turned on, it rotates in the direction of arrow (p) and is set to the position indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG.

On the other hand, the other switching claw (73) can be rotatably supported on the back side by interposing a bearing (186) on the support shaft (74) from the inside of the frame (not shown), and on the near side In this case, the shaft (187a) of the lever (187) is inserted into the hole (74a) from the outside of the frame (not shown) to support the lever (187), and the plunger of the solenoid (SLY) is inserted through the lever (187). It is connected to (188). The solenoid (SL2) is fixed to a front frame (not shown) via a bracket (189).

When the solenoid (SL2) is turned off, the switching pawl (73) is biased by the torsion coil spring (190) wound around the lever shaft (187a), and the switching pawl (73) is biased at the point fJ4 line in FIG. is maintained. Solenoid (SL2)
When turned on, it rotates in the direction of the arrow (q>) and is set to the position shown by the solid line in FIG.

Further, the switching claw (73) is restricted from moving in the axial direction by fitting an elastic spacer (191) to the support shaft (74). Therefore, in order to remove this switching claw (73), first pull out the spacer (191) from the support shaft (74> in the direction of arrow (r) (downward), and then remove the switching claw (73).
) itself in the direction of arrow (S) (towards the back).

As a result, the hole <74a) is disengaged from the lever shaft (187a). Finally, it can be removed by slightly lifting the front side of the switching claw (73) upwards and moving it in the opposite direction to the arrow (s).To install, simply perform the above steps in reverse. The structure allows the switching claw (73) to be easily attached and detached without using any tools.

(The installation of the paper output tray is structured) As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the tray support plate (82)
insert the protruding piece (82a) at one end into the opening (
52a), and the protruding piece (82b) at the other end is engaged with the opening (53a) of the rear frame (53).
It is attached between the frames (52) and (53) by engaging the notch (82c) of 2b) with the lower edge of the opening (53a). Further, the rear end regulating plate (89) is screwed between the frames (52) and (53). The paper output tray (80) has its lower end surface (80a) connected to the support plate (82).
Place the protruding piece (82b) on top.

(gzb) into the long hole (89a) of the rear end regulating plate (89),
(89a), it is positioned and attached to the upper unit (50). Note that the notch (89b) formed in the rear end regulating plate (89) has a pair of discharge rollers (75
) the lower roller is located.

When connecting the sorter (200), the paper output tray (80) is connected to the protrusion (80b), (80b) through the elongated hole (89a), (
It is removed by pulling it out from 89a). In addition, the support plate (82) extends the projecting piece (82b) in the arrow (1) direction (upward).
Lift up to release the engagement of the notch (82c), and follow the arrow (u
) direction (towards this side) to disengage the protruding piece (82b) from the rear frame (53), thereby allowing it to be removed. That is, with the above structure, the paper output tray (8
0), the support plate (82) can be easily attached and detached without using any tools.

When installing the paper output tray (80), the support plate (82)
is unable to move upward due to its own weight and the weight of the paper discharge tray (80).

(Structure and operation of intermediate storage part) The intermediate storage part (90) is composed of a part belonging to the upper unit (50>) and a part belonging to the lower unit (130). A guide frame (91), a guide frame (95), a base plate (100), a side regulation plate (105), (105) (see Fig. 3), which guides both sides of the paper, a side regulation plate (105), (105). ) holding plate (11
0), guide frames (97), (98), storage roller pair (116), paddle wheel (117), pressing member (120) capable of pressing the rear end of the sheet in the storage direction
, a frame (131), a lower edge regulating plate (140) that regulates the lower edge of the stored paper, a first guide member (151) made of wire (C152), and a second guide member (1
53), a stepping motor (Ml) that drives the side regulating plate (105), (105), and a lower end regulating plate (14).
0) and a geared motor (M2). Further, a photosensor (SE4) having an actuator (159) is installed in the portion where the guide frames (97) and (98) are located, and this intermediate storage portion (98) is installed.
0) detects whether paper is stored in the paper.

When the paper is stored in the intermediate storage section (90), the paper placement surface is formed by the base plate (100) and the holding plate (11).
0) and a guide frame (98).

The lower edge regulating plate (140) is for regulating the lower edge (the leading edge in the housing direction) of the stored paper.
) of the geared motor (M2), which is fixed to the pulley (14
1) and a pulley (142) rotatably attached to the frame (131).
3), and is movable up and down along the inclined surface of the frame (131) based on forward and reverse rotation of the geared motor (M2), and is positioned at a height corresponding to the size of the paper to be accommodated. This embodiment is configured to pass BS size paper horizontally, A4 size paper horizontally and vertically, and B4 size and A3 size paper vertically with a center reference. The position shown by the solid line in Fig. 2 is the regulation position for horizontal passing of BS size, which is the minimum size, and the lower end regulation plate (140) uses this position as the home position and adjusts the paper size by driving the motor (M2). Move to the corresponding position.

The reason why the lower edge regulating plate (140) is moved in accordance with the paper size in this way is to keep the upper edge height of the stored paper constant in preparation for refeeding, and the upper edge height is set at the 11a
As shown in Figures 11c to 11c, the top edge of the paper is
161).

Here, the drive mechanism of the lower end regulating plate (140) will be explained with reference to FIG. 13.

The lower end regulating plate (140) is fixed to the timing belt (143) via a slide member (144), and the slide member (144) can be guided in the vertical direction through a slit formed in the inclined surface of the frame (131). . This protrusion (14
4a) blocks the optical axis of the photosensor (5E7) when the lower end regulating plate (140) is located at the top home position, thereby detecting the position of the lower end regulating plate (140). becomes. The output pulley (141) is fixed to the shaft (145) of the geared motor (M2), and the idle pulley (142) is fixed to the frame <131) with the bracket (1
46) and is rotatably supported by a support shaft (147). The timing belt (143) is stretched around the pulleys (141) and (142) as described above.

As shown in Figures 14a to 14d, the geared motor (M2) includes a two-ohm gear (148a) fixed to the output shaft of the motor body, a pulse disk (149), and a helical gear that meshes with the two-ohm gear (148a). (,148b),
An intermediate gear (148C) is fixed coaxially with the helical gear (148b), and a gear (1) rotatably supported on the pulley shaft (145) so as to mesh with this intermediate gear (L48c).
48d). The rotational force of the motor body is transmitted through each gear (148a) to (148d) to the output pulley (
141). This geared motor (M2) has a drive system consisting of a ohm gear (148a) and a gear gear (14).
8b), even if the feed T to the guard monitor (M2) is turned off while a load is applied, that is, the paper is placed on the lower end regulating plate (140), the paper The lower end regulating plate (1
40) will not shift downward.

On the other hand, the amount of movement of the stopper (140) is determined by the rotation of the pulse disk (149) provided on the output shaft using a photo sensor (SE8).
(See FIG. 13) is detected by counting. Furthermore, the moving speed of the lower end regulating plate (140) is determined by the lower end regulating plate (140).
140) is at any position, the paper size will change between the time when the copying machine main body (1) starts the paper feeding operation and the time when the trailing edge of the ejected paper passes through the pair of storage rollers (116). It can be moved to the corresponding regulation position. Therefore, there is no need to delay the paper feeding operation in order to move the lower end regulating plate (140) to a predetermined regulating position, and there is no reduction in copying efficiency.

The paddle wheel (117) is a rotating shaft with a plurality of flexible blades attached in the radial direction, and the paddle wheel (117) has an arrow (
d), and can be rotationally driven in the direction of the housing roller pair (116
) to the intermediate storage section (90). In addition, the tip of the paddle wheel (117) is maintained at a predetermined distance from the guide frame (98), so that when the number of sheets stored is small and the paper passing resistance is small, more conveying force is not applied to the paper than necessary. First, it prevents "wrinkles" etc. from occurring on the paper. Then, after a certain number of sheets or more have been stored, as the number of sheets stored increases, the pressure is applied more strongly, and a stronger conveying force is applied as the number of sheets stored increases. On the other hand, during paper refeeding as described below, this paddle wheel (117) will not come into contact with the paper if the number of sheets falls below a certain number, and the paper passing resistance due to the paddle wheel (117) will be reduced. Disappear.

The first guide members (151) and (152) are made of relatively rigid wire, and the upper part is a guide frame (97).
.

(98), and the lower part is held by a holder (132) provided at the lower end of the frame (113). As shown in FIG. 8, the inner first guide member (151), (15
1) is the slit (L40a) of the lower end regulating plate (140),
(140a) and is inserted into the outer first guide member (140a).
52) and (152) are located on the outside of the lower end regulating plate (140), and are expanded outward as they extend downward (see FIG. 10).

The second guide members (153), (153) are made of elastic wire rods, the upper part is held by the guide frame (97), the slit (140b) of the lower end regulation m (140),
(140b), is installed at a position that guides approximately the center of the paper, and is entirely movable in the thickness direction of the stored paper.

These guide members (151), (152), (15
3) is made of a wire material to reduce paper passing resistance and electrostatic adsorption force, and the paper contained therein is placed on the lower end regulating plate (140).
It has the function of preventing the paper from slipping off, ensuring smooth storage, and preventing the paper from buckling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for B5 size horizontal paper, the lower end regulating plate (140) is set at the solid line position in FIG. 2, so the first guide member < 151) ,
(152) does not substantially act on the paper, while
The second guide members (153), (153) are in the (a) position when no paper is stored, and the frame (98) and the second guide member (153) are in the (a) position when no paper is stored.
3) is set so that the gap with and,
It retreats outward as more paper is accommodated. (b) The position shows this backward movement. In addition, the paper indicated by the - dotted chain line (51
) and (51) indicate the state of curling on the front and back sides, respectively.

Figures 8 and 9 are A4 size horizontal paper, A
This figure shows how three sizes of paper are stored vertically.

In addition, since the first guide member (152) is expanded outward from the middle as shown in FIG. 153), (153) to give firmness to the paper, and even greatly curled paper (52), (53) is reliably accommodated and buckling is prevented.

The paper holding member (120) has arms (121), (121) located on both sides, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
A presser Fi (122) attached to the tips of the arms (121) and (121), and a roller presser plate (123) fixed to the presser plate (122) at a position corresponding to the paper refeed roller (161) described below. , a buckling correction arm (125) located approximately in the center. This holding member (120) has arms (121), (12
1) is rotatably attached to the guide frame (95) via a support shaft (124) that supports it, and rotates between the solid line position and the dashed-dotted line position in FIG. 2 when the solenoid is turned on and off. The buckling correction arm (125) is inclined toward the holding plate (110) and has a bent shape at a middle part (125a), and this middle part (125a) regulates the stored paper;
The buckling is corrected. Furthermore, the buckling correction arm (125) also has the effect of stiffening the paper in the storage direction when the paper comes into contact with the buckling correction arm (125).

By the way, the presser member (120) is
As shown in FIG. 5, the guide frame (95) held through the intermediate storage section (90) rotates in the direction of arrow (j) about a support shaft (96) provided at one end as a fulcrum. can be opened, and the pressing member (120
) can also be retracted from the intermediate storage section (90). Additionally, a torsion coil spring (12) wound around the support shaft (124) is provided between the arm (121) and the guide frame (95).
6) is interposed and urges the presser member (120) to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 (home position).

Kira, the protruding piece (121g) protruding from the arm (121)
) (see Figure 3) can block the optical axis of the photosensor (SE5), and when this photosensor (SE5) is turned on.

In the OFF state, it is detected whether the pressing member (120) is retracted to the home position or driven to a position where it presses the trailing edge of the sheet.

The guide frame (95) can be rotated together with the holding member (120) to open the intermediate storage part (90), and the guide plate (79) can be rotated with the pin (77) as the fulcrum as shown by the arrow (c).
The reason why the paper can be rotated in this direction is for the operator to remove jammed paper. The guide plate (79) returns under its own weight. On the other hand, the guide frame (95) must be closed by the operator after clearing the paper jam. Therefore, in this embodiment, a sensor (SE9) for detecting that the guide frame (95) is set is provided (see FIG. 2). That is, this sensor (SE9) is turned on and the guide frame (
95), a jam reset process is performed within the unit (40).

Next, the drive mechanism of the holding member (120) will be explained with reference to FIG.

The drive source drives the conveyance system of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40).
The rotational force of this main motor is transmitted to a pulley (181) by a timing belt (180), and the pulley (181) is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow (V).A ratchet is attached to a spindle (182). Wheel (1
83), a cam (184) is rotatably attached to the pulley (181) via a spring clutch (not shown). Ratchet wheel (183), cam (1
84) respectively have locking portions (xg3a) on their outer peripheral surfaces.

(,183b), (184a), (1g4b) [
Note that (183b) is not shown in FIG. 6 and is formed with a square. On the other hand, the solenoid (SL3) has one end (1
It has a lever (185) that can rotate about 85a) as a fulcrum, and when in the off state, the lever (185) moves in the direction of an arrow (W).
direction, and the claw portion (185b) engages the locking portion (183a).
, (184a) or (183b), (184b), ratchet wheel (183), cam (18
4) Stop the rotation. And the pressing member <120
), the solenoid (SL3) is momentarily turned on and the ratchet wheel (183) and cam (184) rotate 180 degrees.

On the other hand, the support shaft (186) installed coaxially with the support shaft (124) of the holding member (120) has a drive plate <187),
The lower end of (188) is rotatably attached.

The drive plates (187) and (188) are biased in the direction of narrowing the distance between them by a torsion coil spring (189) wound around the support shaft (186), and a drive plate (187) is provided at the tip of one of the drive plates (187). The pin (190) and the end side of the other drive plate (188) are in pressure contact with each other. The driving plate (187) has a link (19) connected at both ends with pins (190) and (191).
2) is connected to the circumference of the cam (184). In addition, the tip of the drive plate (188) is attached to the slide pin (1
93) is mounted slidably in the axial direction via a bearing (194). Rollers (195), (195) are rotatably attached to the end of the slide pin (193) via a pin (196) provided in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the slide pin (193). Drive plate (18
8) and the flange (1) fixed to the slide pin (193).
The compressed fill spring (198) is completely installed between the The slide pin (193), rollers (195), (195) are biased toward the arm (121) by this spring force, and the rollers (195), (195) are biased toward the arm (121).
21) on the back (121b) side.

In the above configuration, the locking portion (184) of the cam (184)
When the drive plate (187) and (188) are locked to the claw (185b) of the lever (185), the drive plates (187) and (188) move in the direction of the arrow (
f> is set at a rotated position in the opposite direction. The pressing member (120) is biased in the direction opposite to the arrow (f) by the biasing force of the torsion fill spring (126), and the arm (120) is biased in the opposite direction to the arrow (f).
The back part (121b) of 1> is the roller (195), (19
5), which is the home position. The solenoid (SL3) is turned on and the lever (18
5) is released from the locking part (184a), the cam (184) rotates 180 degrees in the direction of arrow (V), and the drive plate (187) is forcibly rotated in the direction of arrow (f). The driving plate (188), which is connected by a torsion coil spring (189), also rotates in the direction of arrow (f). At the same time, the back part (121b) of the arm (121)
95) and (195), and the holding member (12
0) also rotates in the direction of the arrow (f), and the rear end of the paper fed into the intermediate storage section (90) is moved to the base plate (100).
Press to the side. In this suppressed position, the claw part (185b) of the lever (185) is connected to the engaging part (184b) of the cam (184).
It is held by engaging with. Now that the solenoid (SL3) is turned on, the drive plate (187),
(188), the presser member <120) returns to the home position. That is, the holding member (120) rotates between the pressing position and the home position each time the solenoid (SL3) is turned on. However, during this time, the main motor needs to be rotationally driven as a drive source.

By the way, in order to make the above operation possible, the drive plate (18
7) The spring force of the torsion coil spring (189) that applies a bonding force between 7) and (188) is set to be stronger than the spring force of the torsion coil spring (126) that applies a return force to the holding member (120). ing. In addition, torsion coil springs (
The spring force of 189) is determined by taking into consideration the resistance of the return torsion coil spring (126), since the presser member (120) presses the upper end of the paper even when refeeding the paper, which will be described in detail below. It is necessary to set the force so that the upper end of the paper is pressed against the paper refeeding roller (161) to the extent that it is possible to refeed the paper. Furthermore, as the number of sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) increases, the amount of movement of the presser member (120) in the direction of the arrow (f>) gradually decreases. (188) is expanded, the spring force of the torsion fill spring (189) also increases, and as a result, the pressing force of the pressing member (120) against the paper increases.

In this way, the presser member (120)
The reason why the driving amount of the paper decreases and the pressing force increases is that the driving load is kept constant at all times, and the paper feeding pressure at the time of paper refeeding, which will be explained below, is automatically adjusted according to the amount of paper stored. A good refeeding operation will be achieved. That is, when sheets of paper stored in a substantially vertical state are separated and fed one by one, the paper feed resistance increases as the amount of paper stored increases.

However, due to the action of the torsion coil spring (189), the pressure force applied to the paper refeed roller (161) increases as the paper capacity increases, so an appropriate paper feeding pressure is automatically set according to the paper capacity. It will end.

On the other hand, as explained in FIG. 5, the holding member (120) can rotate in the direction of the arrow (j) together with the guide frame (95) to open the intermediate storage portion (90). At the time of this release, the back part (121b) of the arm (121)
95), (195) and slide bin (193).
) and move it toward the drive plate (188) against the spring force of the compression coil spring (198). With this, arm (1
21) and the rollers (195), (195) are automatically disengaged. On the other hand, when the pressing member (120) is closed, the rollers (195), (195) engage with the back portion <121b> while sliding on the inclined surface (121c) formed on the arm (121).

In order to ensure this re-engagement, when the pressing member (120) is closed together with the guide frame (95), the solenoid (SL3) is turned on once.

With this, even if the re-engagement is incomplete, the rollers (195), (195) will reliably go around from the inclined surface (121c) to the back part (121b).

Further, at the entrance of the intermediate storage section (90), a separator (93) attached to the guide frame (91) and a static elimination brush (99) attached to the guide frame (95) are located. The separator (93) is connected to the guide frame (9
1), and is rotatably supported by the shaft, and hangs vertically due to its own weight. This separator (93) guides both sides of the paper being stored, and also guides the rear end (the upper end in the storage direction) of the paper that is being stored to the base plate <1.
00> side to prevent the paper entrance section from being closed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the separator (93) is located between the pair of storage rollers (116). Furthermore, the separator (93) of the holding plate (122) is
) is formed with a notch (122a),
Preventing mutual interference.

As shown in Fig. 3, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are movable in the paper width direction on the holding plate (110), and can be rotated forward and backward on the back side of the holding plate (110). It is connected to a stepping motor (Ml). That is, the side regulating plates (105), (1os) are moved in the width direction of the paper by driving the stepping motor (Ml) in forward and reverse directions, and have a home position slightly outside both sides of the largest size paper. to the side regulation position corresponding to each paper size.

Incidentally, the holding plate (110) that holds the side regulating plates (105), (105) is attached to the base plate (100) so that its position can be finely adjusted in the width direction of the paper. That is, the holding plate (110) has a slit (11) extending in the width direction of the paper for tightening the screw (112).
1) is completely formed, the fixing position can be finely adjusted in the width direction within the length range of this slit (111), and in conjunction with this, the positions of the side regulating plates (105), (105) are also finely adjusted. This adjustment is for correcting the deviation in the width direction between the first and second images formed on the paper, and is particularly effective in composite copying where images are formed twice on the same surface.

Next, the paper storage operation will be explained.

First, as a preparatory operation, the lower end regulating plate (140) is moved to a position corresponding to the paper size to be accommodated, and the side regulating plates (105), (105) are moved to positions corresponding to both sides of the paper. At the same time, the holding member (120)
The storage roller pair (116) and paddle wheel (117) are set to the solid line position shown in FIG.

The paper passing direction is switched by the paper passing switching unit (60), and the paper conveyed downward from the conveying roller pair (76) is given a conveying force by the accommodation roller pair (116),
The intermediate storage part (90) is being neutralized by the static eliminating brush (99).
sent to. First, when the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE2), the side regulating plate (105).

(105) is retracted slightly outward from the both-side regulation positions of the paper. The paper is guided by the separator (93) and carried into the intermediate storage section (90) (see FIG. 11a).

Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the sensor (SE2) detects the trailing edge of the paper that is being accommodated, the side regulation plate (105) is moved.

(105) are moved to positions corresponding to both sides of the paper to align the paper in the width direction. Furthermore, a presser member (120
) rotates in the direction of arrow (f>) to the position indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 2, and presses the rear end of the paper toward the base plate (100) (see FIGS. 11b and 11c).

At this time, the rear end of the paper rotates the separator (93) in the direction of arrow (e) as shown in FIG.
move inside. When the trailing edge of the paper comes off, the separator (93) immediately rotates in the direction of the arrow (e) due to the moment due to its own weight, passes through the notch (122a) of the holding plate (122), and returns to the vertical position (the second (See figure 1ie).

By the way, the timing at which the side regulation plates (105), (105) move to the paper both side regulation positions is set to be a minute time later than the timing at which the leading edge of the paper reaches the upper surface of the lower end regulation plate (140). In addition, the holding member (
120) presses the trailing edge of the paper (reaches the position indicated by the - dotted chain line).
05) is set after a minute time has elapsed from the timing at which the paper reaches the both-side regulation position.

By the above timing control, the sheets are first aligned in the vertical direction, then aligned in the width direction, and finally the rear end is moved toward the base plate (100), thereby achieving a good alignment state. Also, the middle part (125a) of the arm (125) located in the center of the presser member (120)
Each time the paper is stored in conjunction with the pressing operation, the paper is urged toward the holding plate (110) to correct buckling and keep the paper in a smooth state.

When the first sheet of paper is accommodated, the presser member (12
0) is retracted to the solid line position, and the leading edge of the next paper is located at the sensor (S
When the detection is completed with E2), the side regulation plate (105)
, (105) are retracted outward, and thereafter the side regulating plates (105), (
105), the holding member (120) is driven.

Note that the above control will be explained in detail later.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 11a, the pressing member (120
) is retracted from the pressing position, the rear end of the unaccommodated paper is regulated by the separator (93), and the paper entrance of the intermediate storage section (90) is prevented from closing.

This prevents the leading edge of the succeeding sheet from colliding with the trailing edge of the already stored sheet, resulting in a paper jam, or from being fed between the already stored sheets, resulting in irregular page alignment. Moreover, as mentioned above, this separator (93)
It also functions as a guide plate when storing paper, ensuring reliable storage even if the paper is heavily curled. Therefore, there is no need to provide a large space above the intermediate storage section (90) in consideration of paper curl.

In this embodiment, side stoppers (106), (106) having the same function as the separator (93) are provided on the side regulating plates (105), (105). As shown in FIG. 3, the side stoppers (106), (106) have an inclined surface (106a), a regulating surface (106b), and a projecting piece (106c), and include a side regulating plate (105),
(105) is rotatably attached to the notch formed in the upper part of the plate (105) using the pin (107) as a fulcrum, and is biased in the direction of arrow (g) 15 by a spring (not shown), and the protruding piece (106c) is attached to the side regulating plate ( 105) from the outside, the positioning is completed.

When storing the paper, the paper is held by the side stoppers (106), (106)
When the pressing member (120) rotates in the direction of arrow (f) and presses the rear end of the paper, the paper passes the inclined surface (106a). By pressing, the paper retreats in the opposite direction to the arrow <g), and the trailing edge of the paper passes over the side stoppers (106) and (106) and moves toward the holding plate (110). As soon as the paper gets over it, it rotates in the direction of the arrow (g) by the spring force.
It returns to its original state and regulates the rear end side of the stored paper using the regulating surface (106b).

As shown in FIG. 4, the regulating surface (
106b), the width direction length (,n) is the reciprocating distance of the side regulating plate (105) when storing paper, and the adjustment range of the holding plate (110) by the pickpocket 7l-(111) is (1). ), the length in the width direction (m) is set to satisfy the relationship m>(n+1)/2. With this, even if the retaining plate (110) is moved within the range (1) and the positions of the side regulating plates (105), (105) are finely adjusted, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are When retracted outward during storage, both sides of the stored paper engage with the regulating surfaces (106b), (106b), and the inclined surface (106a).

There is no risk that the paper will return to the (106a) side, that is, the trailing edge of the paper will close the paper entrance. The above functions are provided by the separator (
93) and the side stopper (106) alone are sufficient. However, by using both in combination as in this embodiment, it is possible to accommodate sheets of various sizes and curls of various shapes more reliably.

(Configuration and operation of paper refeeding unit) The paper refeeding unit (160), when a paper refeeding signal is issued for the first side copied paper stored in the intermediate storage unit (90), stores the paper. This is to refeed the sheets one by one to the refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1) in the order in which they are removed.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a base plate (<100) which also serves as a paper placement surface of the intermediate storage section (90), a paper refeed roller (161) which is intermittently rotationally driven by a clutch.
and separation roller (163), this separation roller (16
3) Urethane rubber separation pad (165) that comes into pressure contact with
, a pair of registration rollers (170) that are intermittently rotationally driven by a clutch. Paper refeed path (30
) is composed of a guide frame (91) (7), a guide surface (91b>) and a guide plate (94), and an actuator (17) is provided just before the pair of registration rollers (170).
9) is installed.

Further, the guide frame (91) is rotatable in the direction of arrow (i) about a support shaft (92) in order to open a paper refeed path for clearing a paper jam or the like.

The paper refeed roller (161) and the separation roller (163) apply conveying force through frictional force between them and the paper, and when the separation pad (165) comes into pressure contact with the separation roller (163), the weight of the paper is reduced. This is prevented for the following reasons:

The frictional force (μm) between the separation roller (163) and the paper is set to be larger than the frictional force (μ2) between the papers.

Also, the frictional force (μ
3) is set larger than the frictional force (μ2) between sheets, but smaller than the frictional force (μm) between the separation roller (163) and the sheets.

That is, μm〉μ2 μm〉μ3〉μ2 This is due to the relationship expressed by .

Here, regarding the paper refeeding operation, Figures 12a and 12
This will be explained with reference to Figure b and Figure 12c.

When the copy signal for refeeding the paper is transmitted, the pressing member (120) is first driven to press the upper end of the paper (
(See Figure 12a). After a short period of time has passed from this pressing timing, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163
) is rotated in the direction of the arrow (h), and the paper refeed roller (1
61) to feed the paper upwards (No. 12b)
(see figure). Separation roller (163) and separation pad (165)
) If multiple sheets of paper are sent out, the frictional force μm〉, (μ2), (μ3
), only one sheet of paper that comes into contact with the separation roller (163) is conveyed to the pair of registration rollers (170).

The leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3), and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the registration roller pair (170) is driven to rotate. Until the pair of registration rollers (170) is completely rotated, the leading edge of the sheet contacts the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers (170) to form a minute loop (12th
(see figure c).

For this reason, the upper part of the base plate (100) has a recess (
100a) is formed. In addition, the presser member <12
0) retreats backward when the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3), and thereby the separation roller (163)
The paper remaining in the nip portion of the separation pad (165) falls and is returned to the original storage position (see Figure 12d).

After the pair of registration rollers (170) is rotationally driven at the above-mentioned timing, the paper is conveyed upward by the conveying force from the pair of registration rollers (170), and is guided by the guide surface (91b) and the guide plate (94). , and is fed into the paper refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1). Paper refeed roller (16
1) The rotation of the separation roller (163) is temporarily stopped after a short period of time has elapsed since the registration roller pair (170) was rotated. However, these rollers (161)
, (163) has a one-way bearing interposed between it and the drive shaft, so that it rotates as the paper is conveyed.

In the paper feeding operation for the second and subsequent sheets, the sensor (SE3) first detects the leading edge of the paper that is about to be re-fed, and then adds a predetermined length (margin length) to the length of the paper. After the time for conveying the paper by the length has elapsed, the pressing member (120) is driven again to press the leading edge of the paper. Next, when the trailing edge of the paper that is being re-fed is detected by the sensor (SE3), the re-feed roller (161) and separation roller (163) are rotated again, and the The same operation as with paper is repeated.

When the sensor (SE4) detects that all the sheets in the intermediate storage section (90) have been re-fed, the lower edge regulating plate (1
40) and the side regulating plates (105) and (105) each return to their home positions.

Note that such control will be described in detail later.

[Control Circuit] The control circuit of the sheet storage and refeeding unit (40) having the above configuration and operation will now be described with reference to FIG. 21.

Controlled by a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU)
(300). CPU (300)
has a built-in counter (301), register (302), memory (303), etc., and the CP of the copying machine body (1).
Communication with U (310) is possible. Counter (30
1) is used to control the movement of the lower end regulating plate (140), and is connected to the guard motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8).
) rotation pulse count signal is input.

In addition, each input boat has sensors (SEL) to (SE7
).

On/off signals from (SE9), (SWI), and (SW2) are input. Sensor (SEL) ~ (SE4
) emits an off signal when the actuator is shielded from light and no paper is detected, and when paper is detected, it switches to an on signal. Sensor (SE5) ~ (SE7
) and (SE9) emit an on signal when the light is shielded by the respective detection object, and switch to an off signal when the light shielding is released.

On the other hand, each output boat outputs on/off signals to the solenoids, clutches, and motors that drive each member. When the solenoid (SLI) is on, the switching claw (70) is
Switch to the dotted chain line position. When the solenoid (SL'2) is on, it switches the switching claw (73) to the solid line position. Each time the solenoid (SL3) is turned on, the holding member (1
20) to the paper suppression position and the retreat position (home position). When the solenoid (SL4) is on, it switches the discharge roller pair (75) to reverse rotation. Further, when the clutch (CLI) is on, it transmits driving force to the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163). Clutch (C
13) cuts off the transmission of driving force to the registration roller pair (170) when turned on. In addition, the CPU of the copying machine body (1)
A microswitch (SW3) for detecting opening/closing of the front door is connected to (310).

[Control procedure] Next, the control procedure of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) executed by the CPU (300) will be explained in Figs. 22 to 41.
This will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. By the way, in the following explanation, on-edge means that a switch, sensor, signal, etc. switches from an off state to an on state, and off-edge means that a switch, sensor, signal, etc. switches from an on state to an off state. means.

FIG. 22 shows the main routine of the CPU (300).

When the CPU (300) is reset and the program starts, step / step (51) clears the random access memory (303), initializes the registers (302), etc., and makes initial settings to put each device into the initial mode. Do this. Next, in step (S2), initial communication is performed with the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1), and in step (S3), communication data required for controlling the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is received. Once you have confirmed that you have taken the
In step (S4), a system speed conversion subroutine is processed. In this step (S4), the system speed (paper conveyance speed) of the copying machine main body (1) communicated in the step (S2) is read, and this data is converted into the amount of paper conveyance per one count of the internal timer.

Next, in step (S5), an internal timer is started. This internal timer is fully set in step (Sl) and is used to determine the processing time number of the main routine of the CPU (300), and serves as a reference for one count of the timer in each subroutine to be described later.

Next, in step (S6), it is determined whether the jam flag is rOyo or not. As described below, the jam flag is set to ``rl'' when a paper jam occurs in the unit (40) and paper refeed path (30) [step (53)].
46) Reference. Therefore, if it is set to 'IJ', the process immediately moves to step (511'), and if it is reset to 'O', each subroutine of steps (S7) to (510) is sequentially called, and all subroutines are called. When the process ends, in step (513), the process waits for the internal timer to end, and then returns to step (S5). Step (510
The storage counter control subroutine executed in ) performs a process of counting the number of sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) one by one using the storage counter.

On the other hand, when an interrupt request is received from the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1), an interrupt process based on the contents of the recipient is executed in step (515). In addition, an internal counter (30
When there is an interrupt request from step 1), a process for stopping the lower end regulating plate (140) is executed in step (518).

This stopping process will be described later.

FIG. 23 shows a subroutine for system speed conversion processed in step (S5) of the main routine.

Here, considering that the system speed of the copying machine main body in which the book storage and refeeding unit (40) is installed varies, and the paper conveyance speed of the unit (40) is also adjusted to match the system speed, Conversion is performed to synchronize the control timing in the unit (40) with the paper conveyance speed.

Specifically, in step (520), the system speed value of the main body <A) is set, and in step (521), the CPU
0th order to set the internal timer value (B) of (300),
A/B is calculated in step (522), and step (52
In 3), this value is stored in memory as (D 5peed ).

For example, if the internal timer value (B) is constant at 1 m5ec, the main system speed value (A) is 100 mm/
sec, (D 5peed) is 0.1mm/
m5ec, and the paper becomes 0. with one count of the internal timer.
It will move 1mm.

Here, the process of setting the timer of each subroutine with reference to (D 5peed ) will be described based on FIG. 24. The processing here is executed for all timer sets in each subroutine.

First, in step (530), a timer address is assigned to the HL register. The timer address means the address in memory where the timer value set here is stored. next,
In step (531), the length to be changed is assigned to the BC register, and in step (532), the value of the BC register is
D 5peed ) and assign this value to the EA register. That is, when the length to be changed is 100 mm (D 5p
eed) is 0.1mm/m5ec as mentioned above,
The content assigned to the EA register is 1000.

That is, here, when the internal timer counts 1000, it means that the paper has been conveyed 100 mm. Next, in step (533), the contents of the EA register are stored at the address indicated by the HL register.

(Control when storing paper) FIG. 25 shows a subroutine for duplex/composite paper rolls processed in step (S7) of the main routine.

Here, the switching claws (70), (73) and the bottom edge regulating plate (140) are used depending on the double-sided copy mode and composite copy mode.
), side regulation plate <105), (105), etc., and executes a process of storing the first side copied sheets discharged from the copying machine main body (1) one by one into the intermediate storage section (90). .

This subroutine consists of steps (540) to (543), and in step (540), the standby, copy start, and end states are controlled according to the count value of the accommodation state counter. Step (5
In step 42), the operation of the holding member <120) is controlled, and in step (543), the side regulating plate (105),
(105) is controlled. Note that the switching pawl control in step (541) and the switching claw control in step (54)
Details of each subroutine of the side regulation plate control in 3) will be omitted.

FIG. 26 shows a subroutine for accommodation state control that can be processed in step ``i*''(540>).

First, in step (550), the count value of the accommodation state counter is checked.The accommodation state counter has been reset to "0" in the initial setting, and if it is "0", the sensor (SE4) is checked in step (551). is off, that is, whether there is any paper left in the intermediate storage section (90).If the sensor (SE4) is off and no paper remains, in step (552) the regulation plate (105) is checked. ),
(105) and (140) are returned to their home positions, and in step (553), the paper presence flag is reset to r□, and in step (S53a), the accommodation counter for counting the number of sheets of paper is reset to "0", The process moves to step (555). If the sensor (SE4) is activated and there is paper left, the paper presence flag is set to 11'' in step (554), and the process moves to step (S55).

In step (555), the accommodation state counter is set to “1”.
Set to .

At step (556), the accommodation state counter is set to “1”.
If it is determined that the
) to determine whether the print switch is on or not. The print switch on signal is sent from the main CPU (310)
The information is communicated from the CPU (300) through interrupt processing. If the print switch is on-edge, step (558
), it is determined whether the floppy mode that can be executed at that time is duplex mode or composite mode, and if it is not either mode, paper is not stored, and step <561
). If either duplex mode or composite mode is to be executed, check that the paper presence flag is reset to "rO" in step (559), and then
At step <560), the regulation plate (105), (105)
, (140) to a position corresponding to the paper size, and the process moves to step (561). Step (561)
Now, set the accommodation state counter to "2°".

No in both steps (550) and (556)
If it is determined that the copying machine body (1
) is completed. The copy end signal is communicated to the CPU (300) by interrupt processing, and if the copy is completed, the accommodation state counter is reset to "MO" in step (563), and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 27 shows a subroutine for returning the regulation plates (105), (105,), <140) that have been processed in step (S52) to their initial positions (home positions).

Here, the paper feed weight signal is set in step (569), and the side regulating plate (105) is set in step (570).
.

Allow (105) to return to the initial position, step (571)
The lower end regulating plate (140) is returned to the initial position in step (572), and the regulating plates (105), (105), (
When it is confirmed that all of 140) have returned to their initial positions, the paper feed wait signal is reset in step (573) and the process ends.

The paper feed weight signal that is set and reset in steps (569) and (573) is
) to prohibit paper feeding operations. Regulation plate (
105), (105), and (140) are being moved, if the paper is fed into the intermediate storage section (90), it may cause a paper jam.

Therefore, each regulation plate (105), (105), (14
0) respectively return to their initial positions, the paper feeding operation is prohibited. However, when moving from the initial position to the regulation position according to the paper size, each regulation plate (105), (
105).

(140) does not interfere with paper conveyance, and in particular, since the lower regulating plate (140) moves in the same direction as the paper storage direction, there is no problem even if paper is stored. Therefore, in this embodiment, each regulation plate (105), (105).

When (140) returns to the initial position, the paper feed wait signal is reset to cancel the paper feed prohibition.

Therefore, each regulation plate (105), (105), (14
0) moves to the regulation position according to the paper size, paper feeding operation becomes possible, the paper feeding wait time is shortened accordingly, and the copying speed is improved.

Step (571) of returning the lower end regulating plate (140)
The processing will be explained in detail in FIG. 28 below. A detailed explanation of the process for returning the side regulating plate (105), <105) will be omitted, but it is basically the same as the process shown in FIG.

Accordingly, the process of returning the lower end regulating plate to its initial position in step (571) will be explained with reference to FIG. Here, the lower end regulating plate (140) is allowed to rise to the home position at a high first speed, then lowered from the home position once at a second speed that is half of the first speed, and finally the second speed to return to the home position and stop.

First, in step (580) the home set flag is set to "0".
”, and in step (581) it is determined whether the first home check flag is “0”. The home set flag is set to 11 when the lower end regulating plate (140) is finally set to the home position, and the first home set flag is set to 11 when the lower end regulating plate (140) is finally moved to the home position. Set to "1". Steps < 580) and (581) are both Y
If it is determined to be ES, the sensor (S
E7) is on or not, that is, whether or not the lower end regulating plate (140) is located at the home position. If it is off, the motor (Ml) is driven in the upward direction in step (587); Raise the lower end regulating plate (140). When the sensor (SE7) is turned on and it is confirmed that the lower end regulating plate (140) has moved to the home position, the motor (Ml) is stopped in step (583), and the motor (Ml) is stopped in step (583).
84), assign "40" to the B register. "40" that can be assigned to the B register is the count value of the rotation pulse detection sensor (SE8) of the motor (Ml).Next, in step (SSS), the lower end The subroutine of the regulation plate lowering process is executed, and the first home check flag is set to "1" in step (586).

Next, if the first home check flag is determined to be "1" in step (581), step (581)
In step 588), it is determined whether the positioning completion flag is "1". This positioning completion flag is set to 11 when the lower end regulating plate (140) has descended by a predetermined amount from the home position by the interrupt process described below [Step (
5135)]. Therefore, if this flag is set to "1," check in step (589) that the home position sensor (SE7) is not on-edge, and then set the half speed request flag to "11" in step (594). , the motor (Ml) is driven in the upward direction in step (595). Now the lower end regulating plate (
140) rises toward the home position at a low second speed, and when it is determined in step (589) that the home position sensor (SE7) is on-edge, the motor (Ml) is stopped in step (590). . At the same time, in step (591) the home set flag is set to ``rl''.
is set to prohibit execution of the subroutine of this step (571), the half speed request flag is reset to 10'' in step (592), and step (59
3) reset the first home check flag to "rO".

FIG. 29 shows a subroutine of the regulating plate movement process executed in step (560). Here, the side regulation plate (105), <105), the bottom regulation plate (140)
from the home position to the regulation position corresponding to the paper size.

First, in step (5100), the amount of movement of each regulation plate (105), (105), (140) is calculated from the paper size. Specifically, the required travel distance is determined by the motor (
Divide by the pulse pitch of Ml) and (Ml) to find the count value corresponding to the moving distance. Next, step (510
Step 1) moves the side regulation plates (105) and (105) to the regulation position corresponding to the paper size, and step (510)
In step 2), the lower end regulating plate (140) is moved to the regulating position corresponding to the paper size.

Step (5102) of moving the lower end regulating plate (140)
) will be explained in detail in FIGS. 30 and 31 below.

A detailed explanation of the process of moving the side regulating plates (105) and (105) will be omitted, but it is basically the same as the process shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.

The process of moving the lower end regulating plate (140) is performed in step (5110) as shown in FIG.
) is substituted into the B register, and a subroutine for lowering the lower end regulating plate is executed in step (Sill).

The lower end regulating plate lowering process in this step (Sill) is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 30, this process is executed in common with the process at step (585) in the initial position return subroutine. That is, in step (5120), 30 counts are subtracted from the value of the B register, and the value is stored in the register (EC
PTO), and in step (5121) the value of the B register is set in the register (ECPTI).

Next, in step (5122), the motor (Ml) is driven in the downward direction to lower the lower end regulating plate (140>).

FIG. 32 shows a subroutine for controlling the speed of the lower end regulating plate, which is executed in step (S9>) of the main routine.

Here, when the half speed request flag is set to "1", the moving speed of the lower end regulating plate (140) is switched to a lower second speed. That is, step (5
In step 130), it is determined whether the half-speed request flag is "1" or not, and if it has been reset to "O", the subroutine is immediately terminated.

If it is set to "1", check the current state of the speed state counter in step (5131), and check "0".
”, it is determined in step (5132) whether the current movement direction is downward, and if it is downward, step (5133) is executed.
to drive the motor (M2) in the downward direction, and step (51)
35). If the moving direction is upward, the motor (M2) is driven in the upward direction in step (5134), and the process proceeds to step (5135). Step (5135)
Now set the speed state counter to "1".

If the speed state counter is set to "1", the motor (M2) is stopped in step (5136) and the speed state counter is reset to "0".

That is, when the half speed request flag is set to '1', steps (5131) to (513)
Every time the process 7) is repeated, the drive of motor 2) is turned on and off, so even if the drive voltage of the motor (M2) is not reduced by half, the power that can be supplied to the motor (M2) is halved. Substantially, the rotational speed of the motor (M2) is halved.

Here, the subroutine of step (518) in which interrupt processing is performed will be explained with reference to FIG. This interrupt processing is to stop the lower end regulation plate (140) at the home position or paper regulation position, and counts the rotation pulses of the motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8) and registers (E
CPTO) or (ECPTl) [Step (5121)
, (5122)].

Specifically, in step (5140) the sensor (SE8)
It is determined whether the pulse count value matches the register (ECPTO), and if it matches, the step (5141
) to stop the motor (M2) and step (5142)
Set the half speed request flag to rl.

On the other hand, the pulse count value is -
If it does not match, that is, if it matches the register (ECPTl), the motor (M2) is stopped in step (5143), the half speed request flag is reset in step (5144), and the positioning completion flag is set in step (5135). Set to rl.

FIGS. 34a and 34b show a subroutine for controlling the pressing member during storage, which is executed in step (542).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the containment hold state counter. This state counter is controlled by a pressing member (120) depending on the copying and paper conveyance state.
display decisions to control the behavior of the

First, in step (5150), it is determined whether or not the count value of the holding state counter is "0". If it is reset to "0", in step (5151), whether the copying machine main body (1) is in the copying operation or not is determined. If copying is in progress, it is determined in step (5152) whether or not the storage mode is for double-sided/composite copying.If the storage mode is not such, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and if this type of storage If it is the mode, the count f of the state counter is checked in step (5153).

When the count value is “0”, confirm that the main motor (M3) is being driven in step <5154), and then
In step (5155), the presser member (120) is reset to the home position, and in step (5156), the main motor drive request flag is set to rl. When this main motor drive request flag is set to 11'', the main motor (M3) continues to be driven.

Next, step <51s? ), it is determined whether the reset of the presser member (120) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the accommodation presser state counter is set to "
Set it to 1.

Note that the pressing member (
120) is reset by turning on the solenoid (SL3). Therefore, even if the arm (12
1) and the roller (195) are disengaged,
Move the roller (195) from the inclined axis <121c) to the back (12
1b) can be reliably passed around.

If the current value of the state counter is "1", it is determined in step (5159) whether the sensor (SE5) is on or not. That is, the reset of the holding member (120) executed in the step (5155) is Check whether it has been executed reliably by turning on and off the sensor (SE5).

If the sensor (SE5) is turned on and reset is confirmed, the housing hold state counter is set to 2'' in step (5160).

If the current value of the state counter is "2", it is checked in step (5161) whether the paper detection sensor (SE2) is off-edge, that is, whether the trailing edge of the paper has passed the detection part of the sensor (SE2). Determine.Sensor (SE2)
If it is off-edge, a close delay timer is set in step (5162), and a holding hold state counter is set to "3" in step (5163). This close delay timer determines the pressing timing of the holding member (120). The holding member (120) is set to press the trailing edge of the paper a short time after the leading edge of the paper to be accommodated reaches the lower end regulating plate (140).

If the current value of the state counter is 43", confirm the end of the close delay timer in step (5164), and then press the holding member (12") in step (5165).
0). As a result, the presser member (120) presses the rear end of the stored paper, and is temporarily stopped in this state. Next, in step (5166), it is determined whether or not turning on and off of the solenoid (SL3) for performing this drive has been completed, and if it has been completed, the holding member jam timer 1 is set in step (5167). , step (51
At step 68>, the housing/holding state counter is set to 4'. Jam timer 1 here is the holding member (120)
Detects that a paper jam has occurred at the entrance of the intermediate storage section (90) when the solenoid (SL3') for driving the solenoid (SL3') is turned on and off but no pressing operation is actually performed. used for.

If the current value of the state counter is 4, it is determined in step (5169) whether the sensor (SE5) is off. That is, whether or not the pressing member (120) was reliably driven in step (5165) is checked by turning on and off the sensor (SE5).

The sensor (SE5) is turned off and the holding member (12
0) is confirmed to be in the suppressed state, step (
5170) to set the oven delay timer.

This oven delay timer is for holding the pressing member (120) in the paper pressing position for a certain period of time. Further, since the pressing round member (120) was driven normally, the pressing member jam timer 1 is reset in step (5171), and the pressing member jam timer 1 is reset in step (5172).
) to set the accommodation presser state counter to "5".

If the state counter's state counter is "5", the end of the oven delay timer is confirmed in step (5173), and the holding member (
120). With this, the holding member <120)
is retracted from the paper pressing position. Next, step (517
5), it is determined whether or not this driving is completed, and if it is completed, the holding member jam timer 2 is set in step (5176).
is set, and in step (5177') the accommodation hold state counter is set to "6". The jam timer 2 here can be used to detect that a paper jam has occurred in this portion when the presser member (120) has been driven but has not actually retreated to the home position.

If the count value of the state counter is “6”, the sensor (SE5) is turned on in step (5178),
When it is confirmed that the holding member (120) has reliably retreated, the holding member jam timer 2 is reset in step (5179). Next, in step (5180) it is determined whether or not the copy operation has ended, and if it has not ended, in step (5183) the accommodation holding state counter is set to "2".
”. When the copy operation is completed, step (5) is set.
At step 181), the main motor drive request flag is reset to r□, and at step (5182), the accommodation press state counter is reset to '0''.

(Control during paper refeeding) FIG. 35 shows a subroutine for paper refeeding control processed in step (S8) of the main routine.

Here, based on the paper refeed signal, the paper refeed roller (16
1), registration roller pair (170), holding member (
120), etc., and transfers the first side copied sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) one by one to the copying machine main body (
1) Execute the sending process.

This subroutine includes steps (5200) to (5202).
) consists of each subroutine, and step (5200)
In step (5201), the state of waiting, paper refeeding start, and end is controlled according to the count value of the paper refeed state counter.In step (5201), the clutches (CLI) and (CL
2) turns the paper refeed roller (161) and registration roller pair (170) on and off. In step (5202), the operation of the holding member (120) is controlled.

FIG. 36 shows the paper refeed state control subroutine processed in step 5200.

First, in step (5210), the paper refeed state counter is checked for the current state. This state counter is reset to "O" by default, and if it is "0", the paper presence flag is set to r'1 in step (5211).
Determine whether or not. If the paper presence flag is set to "1", that is, if the paper is stored in the intermediate storage section (90), the paper refeed state counter is set to "1" in step (5212).

If it is determined in step (5213) that the state counter is set to "1", step (5214)
It is determined whether the print switch is on-edge or not, and if it is on-edge, the paper refeed mode flag is set to 11'' in step <5215). When this paper refeeding mode flag is set to "rl", it indicates that the paper refeeding operation is in progress. Next, in step (5221) it is determined whether the paper size that can be accommodated in the intermediate storage section (90) is A3 size or more, and in step (5222) it is determined whether the count value of the storage counter is "30" or more. Determine. If both are YES, that is, A3 to the intermediate storage part (90).
If 30 or more sheets of paper larger than the size are stored and the paper can be re-fed from now on, the side regulation plate (105) is loaded in step (5223).

(105) is expanded outward by a small amount (1 mm on each side). With this, the side regulation plate (105),
(105), the conveyance resistance force against the re-feed paper is reduced, and the occurrence of re-feed errors is eliminated. Then, in step (5216), the paper refeed state counter is set to "2".

If NO is determined in both steps (5210) and (5213), it is determined in step (5217) whether or not the intermediate storage section (90) is empty.

Here, it is determined whether the paper is empty based on a combination of the off timing of the empty detection sensor (SE4) and a timer. If the paper is empty, that is, if all the stored paper has been re-fed, step (521
8), reset the paper refeeding mode flag to rO'', and step (5219), set the regulation plate (105), (105)(
140) to the home position, and step (522
0) resets the paper refeed state counter to "0".

By the way, the subroutine for the initial position of the regulating plate processed in step (5219) is the same as the process in step (552) described above (see FIGS. 27 and 28).

FIGS. 37a and 37b show a subroutine for paper refeed clutch control that can be executed in step (5201).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the Crabchi state counter. This state counter makes judgments to control the paper refeed roller (161), separation roller (163), and clutches (CLl) and (CL,) of the registration roller pair (170) according to the paper refeed state. indicate.

First, in step (5240), the paper refeed mode flag is set to "
It is determined whether or not it is IJ, and the following steps are executed only when it is set to "11". That is, step (524
1) Check the count value of the clutch state counter. If the count value is “0”, step (52
In step 42), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is "1" or not. This conveyance permission signal indicates that the re-fed paper is sent to the copying machine main body (1).
This is a signal to stop re-feeding of the paper when the registration is opened because it is registered by the pair of timing rollers (23) in the inner timing roller pair (23). Prohibits refeeding when reset to .

This signal is sent to the CPU of the copying machine main body (1) by interrupt processing.
(310) to the CPU (300). Therefore, if the transport permission signal has been set to rl, an interval timer is set in step (5243>),
In step (5244), the clutch state counter is set to “
Set to I It. This interval timer is used to determine the timing at which the paper is sent out from the pair of registration rollers (170).

If the current value of the state counter is '1', it is determined in step (5245) whether the transport permission signal is "1" or not, and if it is fully set to "1", step (5246) is performed.
) to continue counting the interval timer and set it to '0'.
If the timer has been reset, the timer is temporarily stopped from counting in step (5247).

Next, in step (5248), it is determined whether the presser member oven flag is 10'' or not. This pressing member oven flag is set and reset in the paper refeed pressing member control subroutine described below.
, when the paper has been reset completely, it is displayed that the pressing member (120) is pressing the upper end of the paper, and when it has been completely set to ``rl'', it is displayed that it has retreated to the home position. Therefore, the holding member oven flag is rO
” (if it is in the suppressed state), in step (5249) the clutches (CLl) and (Cl3
) on. Now, the paper refeed roller (161)
While the separation roller (163) can be rotated, the rotation of the registration roller pair (170) is stopped.

Next, in step (5250), a paper refeed jam timer is set, and in step (5251), a clutch state counter is set to "2"'. The paper refeed jam timer here can be used in combination with the sensor (SE3) to detect the occurrence of a paper jam near the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163).

If the count value of the state counter is "2", it is determined in step (5252) whether the transport permission signal is "11" or not, and if it is fully set to "1", step (5253) is performed.
At step (5254), the count of the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer is increased to a number a, and at step (5254), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is kept on. On the other hand, the transport permission signal is
□, if the count of the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5255), and the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off in step (5256).

Next, in step <5257), it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) is on or not, that is, the leading edge of the re-fed paper is detected by the sensor (SE3).
) has reached the detection point of the sensor (SE3
) is on, the refeed jam timer is reset in step (5258), the registration timer and unloading jam timer are set in step (5259), and the clutch state counter is set to "3" in step (5260). set. The registration timer here is used to form a slight loop at the leading end of the paper on the near side of the registration roller pair (170) to prevent the paper from being skewed. In addition, the unloading timer is used in combination with the sensor (SE3) to detect when a paper jam occurs in this area when the paper does not pass the detection point of the sensor (SE3) within a predetermined time (corresponding to a sufficient margin for the paper length). Detect that.

If the current value of the state counter is "3", it is determined in step (5261) whether the transport permission signal is rl, and if it is fully set to "1", step (5262) is performed.
At step (5263), the interval timer, registration timer, and detection jam timer are allowed to continue counting, and at step (5263), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is kept on. on the other hand,
If the conveyance permission signal is reset to "0", the count of the interval timer, registration timer and detection jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5264),
In step (5265), the paper refeed clutch is turned off.

Next, when the end of the registration timer is confirmed in step <5266), the paper refeed clutch (CLl) is turned off in step (5267). As a result, the leading edge of the re-fed paper is registered by the pair of registration rollers (170), forming a slight loop and waiting. Subsequently, in step (5268), the clutch state counter is set to 4''.

If the count value of the state counter is "4", it is determined in step (5269) whether the transport permission signal is "rl", and if it is set to "rl", step (5270) is performed.
Allow the interval timer and unloading jam timer to continue counting, and if they are reset to '0', proceed to step (5).
271), the count of the interval timer and unloading jam timer is temporarily stopped.

Subsequently, when the end of the interval timer is confirmed in step (5272), the clutch (Cl3) is turned off and the clutch (CLI) is turned on in step (5273). When the clutch (Cl3) is turned off, the registration roller pair (170
) begins to rotate, and when the clutch (CLI) is turned on, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163) begin to rotate.

As a result, the paper is carried out from the registration roller pair <170) to the paper refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1). In addition, along with the registration roller pair (170), the roller (161)
.

(163) is also rotated in order to reliably feed the leading edge of the paper into the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers (170).

Next, in step (S274), the presser member oven request flag is set to 11'', and in step (5275)
) to set the unloading assist timer, and step (527
In step 6), set the clutch state counter to "5'".Here, when the holding member oven flag is set to "r'1", the holding member (120) is retracted from the pressing position to the home position. It is meant to give instructions. Further, the carry-out assist timer is used to obtain the timing to stop the rotation of the paper refeed roller (161) and the separation roller (163) after the paper has been refeeded reliably.

If the count value of the state counter is "5", it is determined in step (5277) whether the transport permission signal is "1" or not, and if it is set to '1', step (5278) is performed.
Set the count of the unloading jam timer and unloading assist timer to M and H, and in step (S279) set the paper refeed clutch (
Mlm turns on the CLI) and turns off the resist clutch (CL2). On the other hand, if the conveyance permission signal has been reset to rOJ, the count of the unloading jam timer and unloading assist timer is temporarily stopped in step (5280).
In step (5281), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off and the registration clutch (CL, ) is turned on.

Next, when it is confirmed in step (5282) that the discharge assist timer has ended, the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off in step (5283). Now, the paper refeed roller (
161), the rotation of the separation roller (163) is stopped,
The paper is carried out from the intermediate storage section (90) by the rotation of the pair of registration rollers (170). In addition, each roller (161
).

(163) rotates as the paper is conveyed by the action of a one-way bearing. Then, in step (5284), the clutch state counter is set to "6".

If the current value of the state counter is "6", it is determined in step (5285) whether the transport permission signal is "1" or not, and if rl has been set completely, step (5286) is performed.
) to count the unloading jam timer. Then, in step (5287), the resist clutch (CL2) is kept turned off. If the conveyance permission signal is reset to "r□", the count of the conveyance jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5288), and the registration clutch (CL2) is turned on in step (5289) to temporarily stop conveyance of the paper. .

Next, in step (5290), it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) is off or not, that is, the trailing edge of the re-fed paper is detected by the sensor (SE3).
3) Determine whether it has passed the rear end or not, and send the sensor (SE3
) is off, the output jam timer is reset in step (5291), and the clutch state counter is reset to m_Otl in step (5292).

Figures 38a and 38b show the subroutine of the sheet refeed pressing member foot roll executed in step (5202).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the paper refeed holding state counter. This state counter changes depending on the state of copying and refeeding of paper.
20) displays the judgment for controlling the operation. Note that the control in this subroutine is basically the 34th subroutine.
The same control as the subroutine of the housing and pressing member foot roll in step (542) shown in FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B is performed.

First, in step (5300), the paper refeed mode flag is set to 1.
1", and if it is reset to "0", immediately terminate this subroutine, and if it is set to rl, check the count value of the paper refeed presser state counter in step <5301). do.

When the count value is °O'', confirm that the main motor (M3) is being driven in step (5302), and
In step (5303), the presser member (120) is reset to the home position. Lead, step (530
In step 4), the presser member oven request flag is reset to r□, and in step (5305), the presser member (12
0) is completed, and if it has been completed, the paper refeed press state counter is set to "1" in step (5306).

If the count value of the state counter is "1pa", it is determined in step (5307) whether the sensor (SE5) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, the step <530
If the reset process in 4) was reliably executed,
In step (5308), the presser member oven flag is
Set to "1". Then, in step (5309), the paper refeed holding state counter is set to 2°'.

If the count value of the state counter is ``2'', it is determined in step (5310) whether the copy request flag is ``1''. The paper feed is CP
When it is communicated to U (300), it is set to "rl".

Therefore, if the copy request flag is set to "rl", in step (5311) the holding member (120
) to drive. With this, the pressing member (120) presses the leading edge of the paper in the intermediate storage section (90), and is temporarily stopped in this state.Next, in step (5312), it is determined whether or not this driving is completed. If it is completed, the paper refeeding state counter is set to “3” in step (5313).
”.

If the current value of the state counter is "3", it is determined in step (5314) whether the sensor (SE5) is off. That is, whether or not the pressing member (120) was reliably driven in step (5311) is checked by turning on and off the sensor (SE5).

The sensor (SE5) is turned off and the holding member (12
0), the pressing member oven flag is reset to "0" in step (S3L5), and the paper refeed pressing state counter is set to 4'' in step (5316).

If the count value of the state counter is "4", it is determined in step (5317) whether or not the presser member oven request flag is "11". rl'', this flag is reset to 1''0'' in step (531B), and the holding member (120) is driven in step (5319). With this, the holding member (12
0) retreats from the paper pressing position.

Here, the pressing of the paper by the pressing member (120) is released when the pressing member (120) is in the pressing position when the registration roller pair (170) carries out the paper from the intermediate storage section (90). In order to prevent paper passing resistance from increasing, the second and subsequent sheets of paper remaining in the nip between the separation roller (163) and separation pad (165) are accommodated by their own weight. Next, in step (5320) it is determined whether or not this drive has been completed. If it has been completed, in step (5321) the paper refeeding state counter is set to "5". set.

If the count value of the state counter is 5'', the sensor (SE5) is turned on in step (5322), and if it is confirmed that the holding member (120) is retracted, the holding member (120) is turned on in step (5323). Set the component oven flag to "1". Next, step (5324)
The presser member driving delay timer is set in step (5325), and the refeeding state counter is set to '6''. This is for driving the holding member (120) to the paper suppressing position before the holding member (120) is rotationally driven.

If the count value of the state counter is "6", it is determined in step (5326) whether the conveyance permission signal (which appeared in the paper refeeding clutch control subroutine) is "1" or not. If this signal is set to rl, the count of the presser member drive delay timer is continued in step (5327), and if it has been reset to "0", the count of the delay timer is temporarily stopped in step (5328). let Next, step (5329)
When the end of the delay timer is confirmed in step (
5330), the paper refeed state counter is set to 2'' and the above process is repeated.

FIG. 39 shows a subroutine for jam detection and processing that can be executed in step (511) of the main routine. It will warn you and instruct you to remove the paper.

First, in step (5340) it is determined whether the jam flag is rOl. When this jam flag is set to "1", it indicates that a paper jam has occurred. Therefore, if it is already set to "1", step <5347
). If it has been reset to '0', the presence or absence of a paper jam at each location is determined in steps (5341) to (5344), and the jam timer is subtracted in step (5348). That is, steps (5341), (5342
), a paper jam occurs near the entrance when storing paper [see steps (5167) and (5176)], and step (
5343), (5344), there is a paper jam near the exit during paper refeeding [steps (5250), (5259)
)) is determined at the end of each timer. If a paper jam occurs at any location, a jam signal is sent in step (5345). Here, the jam signal detected in each step (5341) to (5344) is communicated to the main body CPU (310). moreover,
In step (5346), the jam flag is set to 11'', and in step (5347), a jam processing subroutine is executed.

In particular, in this embodiment, when storing paper, intermediate storage is performed by comparing the output signals of the position detection sensor (SE5) of the stretching member (120) and the sensor (SE2) that detects the conveyance state of the paper. Since paper jams are detected at the paper entrance to the section (90), paper jams can be detected early, reducing paper loss and preventing abnormal loads from being placed on the device. It is.

FIG. 40 shows the jam processing subroutine executed in step (5347).

Here, first, in step (5350), it is confirmed that the jam flag is set to 1"1" (paper jam has occurred), and in step (5351), the jam signal is set to indicate that there is a paper jam in the unit (40). Determine whether or not it is indicated. If the paper is jammed in the unit (40), it is determined in step (5352) whether or not it is in the ejection mode.

The discharge mode is a mode in which the paper is discharged from the discharge roller pair (75) to the paper discharge tray (80) or the sorter (200). Therefore, if it is not the ejection mode, that is, if it is the accommodation refeed mode, the sensor (SE
9) is on-edge, and if it is on-edge, it is determined that the operator has cleared the paper jam (removed the jammed paper) and closed the guide frame (95);
In step (5355), a jam reset is performed in the unit (40). Here, the jam signal is returned to a normal state, and counters, flags, etc. If it is determined, it is determined in step (S354) whether the sensor (SEI) is turned off, and if it is turned off, it is determined that the operator has pulled out the jammed paper from the ejection roller pair (75), and the step (5355) is performed. Perform a jam reset.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5351) is NO, that is, if the paper jam has occurred in the paper refeed path (30), step (5356)
WI) is on. If the switch (SWI) is on, the model is of the upper guide plate open type shown in Fig. 20, so in step (5357) switch <
The open/closed state of the front door of the main body is determined by turning on or off SWS>. The signal from the switch (SW3) is transmitted to the copier main body (1
), and the opening/closing status of the front door of the main body is determined by communication between the CPU (310) and the CPU (300). If the switch (SW3) is off, the main unit front door oven flag is set to "rl" in step (535g>), and when it is confirmed that the flag is set to "1" in step (5359),
In step (5360'), it is determined again whether the switch (SW3) is on or off. When the switch (SW3) is turned on, the operator finishes removing the jammed paper.
It is determined that the front door of the main unit is closed, and step (5361) is executed.
) to reset the main body front door oven flag to l''0'', and in step (5362) reset the jam in the paper refeed path (30).Here, the jam signal is returned to the normal state, and the counter and flag are reset. etc., etc.

Also, in the step (5356), the dip switch (
If it is determined that SWI) is off, step (
5363), it is determined whether the microswitch (SW2') is on-edge. The switch (SW2) is turned on when the lower guide plate (34) is set as described above. Therefore, if it is on-edge, it is determined that the removal of the jammed paper by the operator is completed and the lower guide plate (34) is closed, and in the step (5362), the paper refeed path (30
) to reset the jam.

FIG. 41 shows a subroutine for detecting the paper refeed path set, which is executed in step (512) of the main routine.

First, in step (5370) the dip switch (SW
I) is off, and if it is off, that is, the 19th
In the case of the lower guide plate open type model shown in the figure, the open/closed state of the lower guide plate (34) is determined by turning on and off the switch (SW2) in step (5371), and the switch (
If SW2) is off and the lower guide plate (34) is open, the re-feed path setting failure flag is set to 11'' in step (5372). When this flag is set to 1, copying operations are prohibited.

Also, when the switch (SW2) is on, the lower guide plate (34)
If it is closed, the refeed path setting failure flag is reset to "rO" in step (5373).

By the above-described control, paper is re-fed with the paper re-feed path (30) open, and inconveniences such as paper jams are reliably prevented.

Note that if the switch (SW2) is not installed on the copying machine main body (1) side, the CPU (3)
00) switch (SW2) port has a switch <
A signal indicating that 5W2) is on can be input.

[Other Embodiments] Note that the paper storage and refeeding device according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist.

In particular, the paper storage state may be in a substantially horizontal state other than the substantially vertical state, and the paper may be housed in a type built into the main body of the copying machine. Furthermore, in addition to the paper refeeding function, it may also have a function of binding the stored stack of paper with a stapler or clip.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the regulating member for aligning sheets is moved slightly outward from the normal regulating position when a large number of large-sized papers can be accommodated. Therefore, the conveyance resistance against the paper is reduced, and large-sized paper that requires a relatively large conveyance force can be conveyed well, and conveyance errors can be prevented from occurring.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the paper storage and refeeding device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including the main body of the copying machine, FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the paper storage and refeeding unit, and FIG. 3 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the side stopper, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the presser member and the guide frame, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the presser member. . 7, 8, and 9 are horizontal sectional views of the paper guide portion of the lower unit, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the paper guide member of the lower unit. Figures 11a, 11b, and 11C are explanatory diagrams of operations when storing paper, Figures 12a, 12b, and 12c.
12d is an explanatory diagram of the operation at the time of paper refeeding. 13th
The figure is an exploded perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the lower end regulating plate, No. 14a
14b, 14c, and 14d are a plan view, a front view, a left side view, and a right side view of the geared motor, respectively. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the installation of the switching claw, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the structure of the installation of the paper output tray and support plate, and Figure 17 is a vertical section showing the structure of the installation of the support plate. It is a diagram. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the sorter. FIGS. 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams of the opening/closing mechanism of the paper refeed path. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the paper storage and refeeding unit. Figures 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34a
34b, 35, 36, 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, 39, 40
41 are flowcharts showing control procedures, respectively. (1)...Copying machine main body, (40)...Paper refeeding unit, (60)...Paper feeding switching section, (76)...
Conveying roller pair, (90)...Intermediate storage section, (105)
... Side regulation plate, (116) ... Accommodation roller pair,
(160)... Paper refeed unit, (161)... Paper refeed roller, (300)... Microcomputer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A paper storage and refeeding device that sequentially stores sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus main body in a stacked manner in the paper thickness direction, and then transports the stored sheets to the image forming apparatus main body, comprising: a storage section for accommodating the paper, a conveying means for feeding the paper into the storage section, a paper refeeding means for transporting the paper in the storage section to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a control position corresponding to the size of the paper. A regulating member that is movable and aligns the sheets in the storage unit, and a regulating member that moves the regulating member to a position corresponding to the size of the paper, and when a large number of large sheets of paper are stored, the regulating member is moved to the regular position. A paper storage refeeding device characterized by comprising: a control means for moving the paper slightly outward from a regulation position;