JPH0266056A - Paper housing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce paper through resistance and statically attracting force as small as possible for paper by providing linear guide members which are arranged guiding a surface of at least either obverse or reverse of the paper and spreading in a width direction of the paper toward the downstream side in an accommodating direction. CONSTITUTION:Paper is fed sheet by sheet into an accommodating part almost in a vertical direction and housed while the paper is guided by linear guide members 151, 152. In this time of accommodation, the paper, being guided linearly in a direction of its thickness, is guided in a condition with paper through resistance small even with statically attracting force extremely small.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is used to perform double-sided/composite copying or stapling on paper ejected from a paper storage device, particularly an image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine. The present invention relates to a paper storage device that sequentially stacks and stores paper sheets in the thickness direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, various types of copying machines have been provided that are equipped with automatic duplex/composite copying functions. These machines adopt a configuration in which the paper is stacked vertically in the thickness direction and stored next to the paper outlet of the copying machine body, in order to temporarily store the paper that has been copied on the first side and then re-feed the paper. ing. However, when paper is stored vertically in this way, the paper buckles and acts as a resistance when storing the next paper, leading to problems such as poor storage, failure, or failure or inability to refeed the paper. There is.

Conventionally, as this type of device, for example, US Pat. No. 3.9
47.018 is known. This device blows air onto the paper to reduce the contact resistance between the paper and the guide plate when refeeding the paper, and also uses the guide plate to prevent the paper from falling over and buckling as the paper runs out. It is structured so that it moves sequentially to sandwich the paper.

However, this method requires a means for blowing air and a means for driving the guide plate, which has the problem of increasing the size of the apparatus. Moreover, if the guide portion is a plate-like plane, the electrostatic adhesion force to the paper increases, which is not preferable.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to have a simple structure, to reduce the paper passing resistance and electrostatic attraction force to the paper as much as possible, to guide and store the paper in a good condition in a substantially vertical direction, or to be able to refeed the paper. An object of the present invention is to provide a paper storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the paper storage device according to the present invention includes: (,) a storage section that stores paper in a substantially vertical state; (b) a downstream side in the paper storage direction of the storage section. A linear guide member that guides at least one of the front and back surfaces of the paper on the side and is disposed to extend in the width direction of the paper toward the downstream side in the storage direction.

In the configuration described above, the sheets are fed one by one in a substantially vertical direction into the storage section, and are stored while being guided by a linear guide member. During this storage, since the paper is guided by the linear guide member in the four directions, the paper can be guided with little resistance to paper passage and with extremely little electrostatic adsorption force. Further, the guide member is expanded in the width direction of the paper toward the downstream side in the storage direction, and can reliably guide wide paper or paper curled into various shapes.

[Margins below] Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the paper accommodating 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 body] As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 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 the arrow (a), and is first given a constant electric charge by the charging unit 11), and the optical system (12) moves in the direction of the arrow (b). ) direction, the image of the original set on the original table glass (13) is slit-exposed onto the photosensitive drum (10). The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photoreceptor drum 10) 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 photoreceptor drum (10) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (8) even after transfer, and the remaining toner can be wiped away by a blade-type cleaning device (17), and the eraser lamp (18)
) to erase residual charges 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 release from ) and the paper's own strength, and is fed into the fixing device 25) while being attracted by a conveyor belt (24) equipped with an air suction means (not shown). After the toner image is fixed here, it is discharged from the discharge roller pair 26).

On the other hand, below the photoreceptor drum (10), there is a paper refeeding path (10) for conveying the paper refed from the storage and refeeding unit (40) to the timing roller pair (23), which will be described in detail below. 30) is installed.This path (30) is made up of a pair of transport 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 (
The paper is 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.

[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 composed 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 the paper output tray (80) installed, and Fig. 1 shows the sorter (200) installed. There were 20 bottles (21
0). Note that 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 not fully attached to the 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 that has been conveyed 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), can be mounted rotatably about a support shaft (74), and can be switched between the solid line position and the dashed-dot line position by turning on and off the solenoid. The solenoid for the discharge roller pair (75) is turned on.

When turned off, the rotation can be switched between 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 (80) 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). Please note that this paper output tray (
80) is attached, the switching claw (73) is attached.
) is removed, and when the sorter (200) is installed, the paper output 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 eliminating brush (69) can be installed directly above the unit (73) to eliminate static electricity from the paper discharged from this unit (40).

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 rotated in the normal direction so as to convey the paper toward the switching claw (73). When the sorter (200) is connected,
The paper sent out from the ejection roller pair (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 copying mode, the switching claw (70> is set to -
The paper is set at the position indicated by the dotted chain line, and the paper is guided by the guide plate (78) and the arcuate surface (70b) of the switching claw (70) from the transport roller pair (76) to the intermediate storage section (described in detail below).
90).

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), the guide is bent, and after a predetermined period of time after the sensor (SEL) detects the trailing edge of the paper, the discharge roller 75)
forward rotation is stopped. 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 ejection roller pair (75). The end has a pair of ejection rollers (75)
It stops when it is caught between the two. When the normal rotation of the ejection roller pair (75) is stopped and the sorter (Zoo) is fully installed, the leading edge of the paper is placed between the circular arc surface (73b) of the switching claw (73) and the trailing edge regulating plate (89). ), guide plate (79)
the guide surface (79a) provided integrally with the guide surface (95a) of the guide frame (95), the guide surface (97a) of the guide frame (97), and the sorter (200).
It is guided by the side surfaces <201> and (202) of and located in the gap formed by these members. Sorta (20
As shown in FIG. 18, ribs (201a) and (202a) are formed on the side surfaces <201) and (202) of 0), 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 can be guided on the paper output tray (80).

Next, the pair of discharge rollers (75) is driven in the reverse direction, and the paper whose rear end is sandwiched between the pair of discharge rollers (75) is conveyed to the left with the trailing edge leading. , the film (72), the circular arc surface (70) of the switching claw (70)
c) while being guided by the pair of conveying rollers (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 (<5LI) is fixed to the front frame (not shown) via a bracket (184). When the solenoid (SLI) is turned off, this switching claw (
70) is a torsion coil spring (71〉) wound around the support shaft (71〉).
185), and is held at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. When the solenoid (SLI) is turned on, the arrow (
p), and is set to the position indicated by the dotted chain line in FIG.

On the other hand, the other switching claw (73) is rotatably supported on the rear side by interposing a bearing (186) on the support shaft (74) from the inside of the frame (not shown), and on the front side On the side, the shaft (187a) of the lever (187) is supported by protruding into the hole <74a) from the outside of the frame (not shown), and the solenoid (SL2) is connected via this lever (187). Connected to plunger (188). The solenoid (SL2) is fixed to a front frame (not shown) via a bracket (189).

When the solenoid (SLY) is turned off, the switching pawl (73) is biased by the torsion coil spring (190) wound around the lever shaft (187a) and moves to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. Retained. When the solenoid (SL2) is turned on, it rotates in the direction of 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 spindle (74) in the direction of the 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, the switching claw (73) can be removed by slightly lifting its front side upward and moving it in the opposite direction to the arrow (s). The above-mentioned structure can be installed by performing the above steps in reverse, making it possible to easily attach and detach the switching pawl (73) 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), the protruding piece (82b) at the other end is engaged with the opening (53a) of the rear frame (53) (7), and the notch (82c) of the protruding piece (82b) is opened (53a). frame (52), (53) by engaging with the lower edge of the frame (52), (53).
installed between. Further, the rear end regulating plate (89) is fully screwed between the frames (52) and (53). The paper output tray (80> has a lower end surface <80a) connected to the support plate (80).
2) Place the projecting piece (82b) on top.

(82b) to the long hole (89a) of the rear end regulating plate (89),
(89a), it can be positioned and attached to the upper unit (50). Note that the ejection roller pair (75) is located in the notch (89b) formed in the rear end regulating plate (89>).
) the lower roller is located.

When connecting the sorter (200), the paper output tray (80) has protrusions (80b), (Bob), and elongated holes (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). In detail, a guide frame (91) having a guide surface (91a), a guide frame (95), a base plate (100), side regulating plates (105), (105) that guide both sides of the paper (see Fig. 3), Side regulation plates (105), retaining plate (11) that holds (105)
0), guide frame (97), <98), storage roller pair (116), paddle wheel (117), presser member (120) capable of pressing the rear end of the sheet in the storage direction
, a frame (131), a lower end regulating plate <140> that regulates the lower end of the stored paper, first guide members (151) and (152) made of wire, and a second guide member (1
53), a side regulating plate (105), a stepping motor <Ml) that drives the (105), and a lower end regulating plate (14).
0) and a geared motor (Ml). Furthermore, a photosensor (SE4>) having an actuator (159) is installed in the portion where the guide frames (97) and (98) are located, and this intermediate housing part (9
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), can be configured with 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 (Ml) fixed to the pulley (14
1) and Boo 1 rotatably attached to the frame (131)
timing belt (142) stretched between the
3), and can move up and down along the inclined surface of the frame (131) based on the forward and reverse rotation of the geared motor (Ml), and can be positioned at a height corresponding to the size of the paper to be accommodated. This embodiment is configured to pass B5 size paper horizontally, A4 size paper horizontally and vertically, and B4 size and A3 size paper vertically with the center reference. The position shown by the solid line in Fig. 2 is the regulation position for horizontal passing of B5 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 to Figure 1ie, 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) is guided in the vertical direction by a slit formed in the inclined surface of the frame (131). .This protrusion (14
4a) blocks the optical axis of the photosensor (SE7) 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 boot (141) can be fixed to the shaft (145) of the geared motor (M2), and the idle pulley (142) can be 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 (148b) fixed coaxially with the helical gear (148b)
148c), a gear (14) rotatably supported on the boot shaft (145) so as to mesh with the intermediate gear
8d). The rotational force of the motor body is transmitted to the output boot (1) through each gear (148a) to (148d).
41). This geared motor (M2) has a drive system consisting of a ohm gear (148a) and a helical gear (148a).
Since the speed reduction mechanism (b) is adopted, even if the power to the geared motor (M2) is turned off while a load is applied, that is, the paper is placed on the lower end regulating plate (140), the paper Depending on the weight, lower end regulating plate (14
0) 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 located, the paper size will change from the time the paper feeding operation starts in the copying machine main body (1) until the trailing edge of the ejected paper passes the pair of storage rollers (116). It is possible to move 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 (9o>).Furthermore, the tip of the paddle wheel (117) maintains a predetermined distance from the guide frame (98). When the number of paper sheets accommodated is small and the paper passing resistance is small, no more than necessary conveyance force is applied to the paper, and the occurrence of "wrinkles" etc. on the paper is prevented. After the paper is stored, the paddle wheel (117) is pressed more strongly as the number of sheets stored increases, 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 When the number of sheets becomes less than a certain number, it will not come into contact with the sheets, and the sheet passing resistance caused by the paddle wheel (117) will 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 (140a) of the lower end regulating plate (140);
(140a) and 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), and the slit (140b) of the lower end regulating plate (140),
(140b), can be installed at a position that guides approximately the central portion of the paper, and is movable in the thickness direction of the entire paper contained therein.

These guide members (151), <152>, (1
53) is made of a wire material to reduce paper passing resistance and electrostatic adsorption force, and the paper stored therein is placed on the bottom end regulating plate (140).
), it has the function of preventing paper from slipping off the paper, ensuring smooth storage, and preventing buckling of the paper. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for B5 size horizontally passing paper, the lower end regulating plate (140) is fully set at the solid line position in FIG. 2, so the first guide member (151) ,
(152) does not substantially act on the paper. On the other hand, the second guide members (153) and (153) are in position (a) when the paper cannot be accommodated, and the thickness of the paper is equal to the amount of paper that can be accommodated. Sayori frame (98) and second guide member (1
53) is set so that the gap between the two is narrower. Then, as the paper is accommodated, it retreats outward. (b) The position shows this backward movement. In addition, the paper indicated by the - dotted chain line (5
1> 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) and (153) to give firmness to the paper, ensuring that even greatly curled paper (52), <53) is accommodated and preventing buckling.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the paper holding member (120) has arms (121), (121) located on both sides,
These arms (121), (121) have a holding plate (122) attached to the tip thereof, and a roller holding plate (123) fixed to the holding plate (122) at a position corresponding to the paper refeed roller (161) described below. ), and consists of a buckling correction arm (125) located approximately at the center. This holding member (120) has arms (121>, (121
) through the support shaft (124) that supports the guide frame (
95), and rotates between the solid line position and the dashed-dotted line position in FIG. 2 by turning the solenoid on and off. The buckling correction arm (125) is inclined toward the holding plate (110) and has a bent shape at the middle portion (125a),
This middle section (125a) regulates the stored paper,
The buckling is corrected. In addition, 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 portion (9o) rotates in the direction of arrow (j) about a support shaft (96) provided at one end as a fulcrum. The upper part can be opened, and the pressing member (12
0) can also be evacuated from the intermediate storage section (90).

Additionally, a torsion coil spring (1) wound around the support shaft (124) is provided between the arm (121) and the guide frame (95).
26) is interposed to attach the holding member (120) to the solid line position (home position) in FIG. 2 (11).

Furthermore, a protruding piece (121a) protrudingly provided on the arm <121)
) (see Figure 3) is a photosensor (SE5) (1) The optical axis can be blocked, and 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.

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

The driving source is a main motor that drives the conveyance system of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40).The rotational force of this main motor is transmitted to the pulley (181) by the timing belt (180), and the pulley (181) is connected to the arrow (■). ) direction. A ratchet wheel (18) is attached to the spindle (182).
3) The cam (184) is rotatably attached to the pulley (181) via a spring clutch (not shown). Ratchet wheel (183), cam (18
A locking portion (183a) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of 4).

(183b), (184a), (184b) [(183b) is not shown in FIG. 6] are completely formed. On the other hand, the solenoid (SL3) has one end (18
5a) as a fulcrum, and in the off state, the lever <185) rotates in the direction of arrow (1), and the claw portion (185b) engages with the locking portion (183a). ,
(184a) or (183b>, engages with (184b), ratchet wheel <183), cam (184)
stop the rotation. Then, only when driving the holding member (120), the solenoid <5L3) is momentarily turned on, and the ratchet wheel (183) and cam (1
84) rotates 180°.

On the other hand, a drive plate (187),
The lower end of (tsg) 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 bin (193) via pins (196) provided perpendicular to the axis thereof. The slide bin (193) has a drive plate (18
8) and the flange (1) fixed to the slide bin (193).
A compressed fill spring (198) is installed between the compressed fill spring (97) and the compressed fill spring (198). The slide bin (193), rollers (195), and (195) are biased toward the arm (121) by this spring force, and the rollers (195) and (195) are biased toward the arm <1.
21) on the back (121b) side.

In the above configuration, the locking portion (184) of the cam (184)
When a) is locked to the claw part (185b) of the lever (185), the drive plate (187), (tgs) moves in the direction of the arrow (
f) is set in a rotated position in the opposite direction. The holding member (120) is urged in the direction opposite to the arrow <f by the urging force of the torsion fill spring (126), and the arm (120)
The back part (121b) of 1) is the roller (195), (19
5), which is the home position. Solenoid (SL3) is turned on and lever <18
5) releases the lock from the locking part (184a), the cam (184) moves to 18o.

At the same time as it rotates in the direction of the arrow (■), the drive plate (187) forcibly rotates in the direction of the arrow (f), causing the coil spring (1
The drive plate (188) connected by 89) also rotates in the direction of arrow (f). At the same time, the back part (121b) of the arm <121) is pressed by the rollers (195), (195), and the holding member (120) also rotates in the direction of the arrow (f>) and is sent into the intermediate storage part (90). Press the rear end of the sheet of paper against the base plate (100).At this pressing position, the claw part (185b) of the lever (185) is pressed against the cam (
It is held by engaging with the locking part (184b) of 184). Furthermore, by turning on the solenoid (SL3), the drive plates (187), (188) and the holding member (120) return to their home positions. 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 There is. In addition, torsion coil springs (
The spring force of 189) is determined by taking into consideration the resistance of the return torsion fill spring (126), since the upper end of the paper is pressed by the pressing member (120) during paper refeeding, 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. Further, as the number of sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) increases, the amount of movement of the pressing member <120) in the direction of arrow (f) gradually decreases. At this time, the gap between the pin (190) and the drive plate (188) is expanded, and the spring force of the torsion coil spring (189) is also increased, resulting in an increase in the pressing force of the pressing member (120) against the paper. .

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 that are fully accommodated in a substantially vertical state are separated and fed one by one, the paper feed resistance increases as the amount of paper that is accommodated 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 pin (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-assembly, when the presser member (120) is closed together with the guide plate (95), the tureenoid (SL3') is turned on by -degree.

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

Furthermore, a separator (93) attached to the guide frame (91) and a static elimination brush (99) attached to the guide frame (95) are located at the entrance of the intermediate storage section (90). 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 accommodated, and also guides the rear end (the upper end of the paper in the accommodation direction) of the paper that is being accommodated 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') in a portion facing each other to prevent mutual interference.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are movable in the width direction of the paper 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), (105) 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 formed, and the fixing position is finely adjusted in the width direction within the long 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 edge regulating plate (140) is moved to a position corresponding to the paper size that can 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)
11a, the accommodation roller pair (116) and paddle wheel (117) are rotated.

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) is moved.

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

Then, after a predetermined period of time after the sensor (SE2) detects the trailing edge of the sheet that is being accommodated, the side regulating plate <105).

(105) are moved to positions corresponding to both sides of the paper to align the paper in the width direction. Furthermore, a holding 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 1ie).

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 presser plate <122), and returns to the vertical position ( (See Figure 11c).

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>). , 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), so that a good alignment state can be obtained. Further, the middle section (125a) of the arm <125 located at the center of the pressing member (120) urges the sheet toward the holding plate (110) each time the sheet is stored in conjunction with the pressing operation. Corrects buckling and keeps paper smooth.

When the first sheet of paper is stored, 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 detected at 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 stored 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.

Further, 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, this side stopper (106), <106) has an inclined surface (106a), a regulating surface (106b), and a projecting piece (106c), and includes a side regulating plate (105),
(105) is rotatably attached to the notch formed in the upper part of the side regulating plate (105) using a pin (107) as a fulcrum, and is biased in the direction of arrow (g) by a spring (not shown), so that the protruding piece (106c) ) is positioned by coming into contact with it from the outside.

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) and (106g). By pressing, the paper retreats in the opposite direction to the arrow (g>), and the trailing edge of the paper moves over the side stoppers <106>, (106) and moves toward the holding plate (110). Rotates in the direction of arrow (g) with spring force,
It returns and regulates the rear end side of the stored paper with the regulating surface <106b).

As shown in FIG. 4, the regulating surface (
106b), the width direction length (m) is the reciprocating distance of the side regulating plate (105) when storing paper (n), and the adjustment range of the holding plate (110) by the slit (111) is (n).
1), the length in the width direction (m) is set to satisfy the relationship m>(n+1)/2. With this, even if the holding plate (110) is moved within the range (1) and the positions of the side regulating plates Dos) and (tos) are finely adjusted,
When the side regulating plates (105), (105) are 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) receives a paper refeeding signal when a paper refeeding signal is issued for the first side copied paper stored in the intermediate storage unit (90). 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 arrive.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a base plate (100) that also serves as a paper placement surface of the intermediate storage section (90), a paper refeed roller (161) that can be rotated intermittently by a clutch, and a separation roller ( 163), a separation pad (165) made of urethane rubber that is in pressure contact with this separation roller (163), and a pair of registration rollers (165) that can be rotated intermittently by a clutch.
70) etc. The paper path to the paper refeed path (30) is connected to the guide surface (91b) of the guide frame (91).
) and a guide plate (94), and a photosensor (SE3) having an actuator (179) is installed immediately in front of the pair of registration rollers (170).

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 a conveying force through frictional force with the paper, and the separation pad (165) presses against the separation roller (163) to reduce the weight of the paper. 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 sheets.

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

That is, μm〉μ2 μm〉μ3〉μ2 This is because the relationship is set as shown in .

Here, regarding the paper refeeding operation, Figures 12a and 12
This will be explained with reference to Figure b and Figure 1.2c.

When a copying signal for refeeding paper is sent, first, the pushing support member (120) is driven to press the top edge of the paper (
(See Figure 12a). After a short period of time has passed from this suppression timing, the paper refeed roller (161) and the separation roller (163
) is completely rotated in the direction of arrow (h), and the paper refeed roller (1
61) to feed the paper upwards (No. 12b)
), separation roller (163) and separation pad (165)
) If a plurality of sheets of paper are sent out, the frictional force (μm) 2 (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).

When the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3) and a predetermined time has elapsed, the registration roller pair (170) is driven to rotate. Until the pair of registration rollers (170) is rotationally driven, the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with 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, a holding member (12
0) retreats backwards when the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3), thereby separating the paper from the separation port (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).

Registration roller pair (170) 75 at the above-mentioned timing
(After being rotated, the paper is rotated by a pair of registration rollers (170
) is conveyed upward by the conveying force from the guide surface (91b).
, the copying machine main body (1) is completely guided by the guide plate (94).
) into the paper refeed path (30). The rotation of the paper refeed roller (161) and 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 (1
61) and (163) have a one-way bearing interposed between them and the drive shaft, so that they rotate as the paper is conveyed.

In the paper feeding operation for the second and subsequent sheets of paper, the sensor (SE3) first detects the leading edge of the paper that is being re-fed, and then adds a predetermined length (margin) to the length of the paper. After the time has elapsed for the sheet to be conveyed by the length of the sheet, the pressing member (120) is driven again to press the leading edge of the sheet. 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 first sheet The same action as paper can be 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 (L
40) and the side regulating plate (105), <105) each return to their home positions.

Note that such control will be described in detail later.

[Control Circuit] Here, the control circuit of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) having the above configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

Control is performed by a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU) (
300). The CPU (300) has a built-in counter (301), register (302), memory (303), etc., and the CPU of the copying machine 1)
It is possible to communicate with (310). 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 are input from. Sensor (SEL)
~ (SE4) generates an off signal when the light is blocked by each actuator and no paper is detected, and switches to an on signal when paper is detected. Sensor (SE5)
~(SET) emits an on signal when the light is shielded by the respective detection object, and switches to an off signal when the light shielding is released.

On the other hand, each output boat outputs on/off signals for the solenoids, clutches, and motors that drive each member. When the solenoid (SLI) is on, it switches the switching claw (70) to the -dotted chain line position. When the solenoid (Sl2) is on, it switches the switching claw (73) to the solid line position. Each time the solenoid (Sl3) is turned on, the presser member (1
20) to the paper pressing 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). Kula 7chi (
Cl3) cuts off the transmission of driving force to the registration roller pair (170) when it is on.

[Control procedure] Next, the control procedure of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) executed by the CPU (300) will be explained in Figs. 20 to 37.
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. 20 shows the main routine of the CPU (300).

When the CPU (300) is reset and the program starts, in step <51), the random access memory (303) is cleared, the registers (302), etc. are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode. . Next, in step (Sl), the copying machine body (
Initial communication is performed with the CPU (310) in step (1), and when it is confirmed in step (S3) that the communication data required for controlling the sheet storage and refeeding unit (40) has been received, step (S3) is performed. In S4), a system speed conversion subroutine is processed. In this step (separate), the step (S
The system speed (paper conveyance speed) of the copying machine main body (1) communicated in step 1) 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 at step (Sl) and is used to determine the processing time of the main routine of the CPU (300), and serves as a reference for one count of the timer in each subroutine described later.

Next, in step (S6), it is determined whether the jam flag is 10'' or not. As will be explained below, the jam flag is set to "1" when a paper jam occurs in the unit (40) [see step (5346)].

Therefore, if it is set to '1', the step (
510), and if r Wait for the end and return to step (S5).

On the other hand, when an interrupt request is received from the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1), interrupt processing is executed based on the communication content 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. 21 shows a subroutine for converting system speed that can be processed in step (S5) of the main routine.

Here, 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. The control timing in step (40) is converted into synchronization with the paper conveyance speed.

Specifically, in step (520), the system speed value (A) of the main body is set, and in step (521), the CP
Set the internal timer value (B) of U (300) 6 Next, calculate A/B in step (522), and perform step (
523), this value is stored in memory as (D 5peed ).

For example, if the internal timer value (B) is constant at l m5ec, the main body system speed value (A) is 100 mm/
sec, (D 5peed ) is 0.1 mm/
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 explained based on FIG. 22. 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. Timer address means the address in memory where the timer value set here is stored.
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 5pead ) and assign this value to the EA' register. That is, when the length to be changed is 100 mm (D 5
peed) is 0.1 mm/m5ec mentioned above, then E
The content assigned to the A register is 1000.

That is, here, when the internal timer counts 1000, it means that the paper has been conveyed 100 mm.6 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. 23 shows a subroutine for double-sided/combined paper rolls processed in step (S7) of the main routine.

Here, the switching claws (70), (73) and the lower end regulating plate (140)
), side regulating plates (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 unit (90). do.

This subroutine consists of steps (540) to (543), and in step (540), the standby, copy start, and end states are checked according to the count value of the accommodation state counter. Step (5
In step 42), the movement of the holding member (120) is controlled, and in step (543>), the side regulating plate (105),
(105) is executed. In addition, the switching claw foot roll of step (541) and step (54
Details of each subroutine of the side regulating plate foot roll in 3) will be omitted.

FIG. 24 shows the containment state control subroutine processed in step (540).

First, in step (550), the count value of the accommodated state counter is checked. The containment state counter is reset to '0' by default, and if it is 0 '',
Whether or not the sensor (SE4) is off in step (551);
That is, it is determined whether or not there are no sheets left in the intermediate storage section (90). If the sensor (SE4) is off and there is no paper left, the regulation plate (105),
Return (105) and (140) to their home positions,
In step (553), the low weight flag is reset to 10, and the process moves to step (555). Sensor (SE4'
) is on and paper remains, step (554)
Set the low weight flag to 11" in step (555).
). In step (555), the accommodation state counter is set to "1".

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-edge.

The on signal of the print switch is communicated from the main body CPU (310) to the CPU (300) by interrupt processing. If the print switch is on-edge, step (558
), it is determined whether the copy mode being executed at that time is duplex mode or composite mode, and if it is not either mode, paper is not stored, and step (561) is performed.
Move to. If either the duplex mode or the composite mode is to be executed, in step (559), confirm that the low weight flag is reset to 0 degrees, and in step (560), set the regulation plate <105), (105),
(140) to the position corresponding to the paper size,
The process moves to step (561). In step (561), the accommodation state counter is set 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 "O" in step (563), and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 25 shows the regulation plate (105), (105), <140) processed in step (552) at the initial position (
The subroutine for returning to the home position) is shown below.

Here, in step (570), the side regulation plate (105
).

(105) is returned to the initial position, and step (571)
The lower end regulating plate (140) is allowed to return to its initial position in step (572), and the regulating plates (105), (105), (
The process ends when it is confirmed that all of 140) have returned to their initial positions.

Step (571) of returning the lower end regulating plate (140)
The processing will be explained in detail in FIG. 26 below. Side regulation plate (
Although the details of the process for restoring los) and (tos) will be omitted, the process 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 raised to the home position at a high first speed, then lowered from the home position once at a second speed that is half the first speed, and finally raised to the second speed. Return to home position and stop.

First, in step (580) the home set flag is set to "0".
”, it is determined in step (581) whether the first home check flag is “OJ” or not.The home set flag is set to 11 when the lower end regulating plate (140) is finally set to the home position. , the first home check flag is set to "1" when the lower end regulating plate (140) is moved to the home position. Steps (580) and (581) are both Y
If it is determined to be ES, the sensor (S
E7) is on, that is, whether the lower end regulating plate (140) is located at the home position. If it is off, the motor (M2) 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 (M2) is stopped in step (583), and the motor (M2) is stopped in step (S
84), "40" is assigned to the B register. "40" assigned to the B register is the count value of the rotation pulse detection sensor (SE8) of the motor (M2).Next, in step (585), a subroutine for lowering the lower end regulating plate is executed, and in step (S86) ) sets the first home check flag to rl.

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 rl. This positioning completion flag is set to ``rl'' when the lower end regulating plate (140) is lowered by a predetermined amount from the Baum position by an 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) moves toward the home position at a second low speed, and if it is determined in step (589) that the home position sensor (SE7) is on-edge, the motor (Ml) is stopped in step (590). let At the same time, the home set flag is set to 11 in step (591').
" to prohibit execution of the subroutine in this step (571), reset the half speed request flag to "10" in step (592), and
93), the first home check flag is reset to "rO".

FIG. 27 shows a subroutine of the regulating plate movement process executed in step (560). Here, side regulation plates (105), (105), lower end 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 motor (
Divide by the pulse pitch of Ml >, (Ml) to find the count value corresponding to the moving distance 6 Next, step (sl
ol> to move the side regulation plates (105), (105) to the regulation position corresponding to the paper size, and then proceed to step (51).
02), 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. 28 and 29 below.

A detailed explanation of the process for moving the side regulating plates (105) and (105) will be omitted, but it is basically the same as the process shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The process of moving the lower end regulating plate (140) is performed in step (5110) as shown in FIG.
The movement amount calculation value obtained in > is substituted into the B register, and in step (S111), a subroutine for lowering the lower end regulating plate is executed.

The lower end regulating plate lowering process in this step (Sill) is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 29, 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. 30 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
130), it is determined whether the half-speed request flag is "1.", and if it is reset to "0.", the subroutine is immediately terminated.

If it is set to 1, check the current status of the speed state counter in step (5131), and
In the case of OII, it is determined in step (5132) whether the current movement direction is downward, and if it is downward, step (513) is executed.
3) drives the motor (Ml) in the downward direction and steps (
5135). If the moving direction is upward, the motor (Ml) is driven in the upward direction in step (5134), and the process proceeds to step (5135). Step (513
In 5), the speed state counter is set to '1'.

If the speed state counter is set to “1”,
In step (5136), the motor (Ml) is stopped and the speed state counter is reset to O11.

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

Here, the subroutine of step (518) in which interrupt processing is performed will be explained with reference to FIG. This interrupt processing stops the lower end regulation plate <140) at the home position or paper regulation position, counts the rotation pulses of the motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8), and counts the rotation pulses of the motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8) and
CPTO) or (ECPTI) [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 not, that is, if it matches the register (ECPTI), the motor (M2) is allowed to stop 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. 32a and 32b 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 state of the frame and paper conveyance.
Displays the judgment of whether or not to control the behavior of the person.

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

When the KARANTOI direct is "0", it is confirmed in step (5154) that the main motor (M3) is being driven, and the holding member (120) is reset to the home position in step (5155). ) sets the main motor drive request flag to rl. When this main motor drive request flag is set to "1", the main motor (M3) continues to be driven.

Next, in step (5157) it is determined whether or not the resetting of the holding member (120) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the housing holding state counter is set to "
Set to 1”.

Note that the pressing member (
120) is reset by turning on the solenoid (SL3'). Therefore, even if arm (1
Even if the engagement between the roller (195) and the roller (195) is released, the roller (195) can be moved from the inclined shaft (121c) to the back (1
21b).

If the current value of the state counter is "1", it is determined in step (5159) whether the sensor (SE5) is on. That is, whether or not the reset of the presser member (120) executed in step (5155) has been reliably executed is checked 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 count of the state counter (direct) 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). Sensor (SE2)
If it is an off-edge, a close delay timer is set in step (s162), and a holding hold state counter is set to 311 in step (5163). This close delay timer is used to determine the pressing timing of the presser member (120), and the presser member (120) is used to press the paper after a minute time from the time when the leading edge of the stored paper reaches the lower end regulating plate (140). It is set to press the rear end.

If the count value of the state counter is "3", 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 pressing 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 the solenoid (SL3) has been turned on and turned on to perform this drive, and if it has been completed, the holding member jam timer 1 is set in step (5167). and step (51
68), set the accommodation presser state counter to '4''. Here, jam timer 1 is set to presser 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 paper has been turned on and off but no pressing operation is actually performed. It can be used for

If the state counter's curvature is "4°",
In step (5169), it is determined 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
If it is confirmed that 0) is in the pressed 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. Also, since the presser member (120) was driven normally, the presser member jam timer 1 is reset in step (5171), and step <5172).
Set the accommodation hold 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, presser member (120)
is retracted from the paper pressing position. Next, step (517
In step 5), it is determined whether or not this driving has been completed. If it has been completed, the pressing 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 pressing 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 (517B),
When it is confirmed that the presser member (120) has reliably retreated, the presser 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 "0", and at step (5182), the holding presser state counter is reset to 0''.

(Control during paper refeeding) FIG. 33 shows a subroutine for paper refeeding roll that is 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), presser member (
120), etc., and load the first side copied sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) one by one into the copying machine main body (
1) Execute the sending process.

This subroutine includes steps (5200) to (5202).
) consists of each subroutine, step (5200)
Then, depending on the count value of the paper refeeding state counter, the state of waiting, paper refeeding start, and end is monitored. In step (5201), clutch (CLI>, (Cl3
) controls the paper refeed roller (161) and registration roller pair (170). In step (5202), the operation of the presser member (120) is controlled.

FIG. 34 shows a subroutine for paper refeed state control that can be processed in step (5200).

First, in step (5210), the count value of the paper refeed state counter is checked. This state counter can be reset to ``0'' in the initial setting, and if it is 0'', the 0 paper presence flag, which determines whether the paper presence flag is ``1'' or not, is set to rl in step (5211). 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 fully set to "1", step <5214)
Determine whether the print switch is on-edge or not. If it is on-edge, set the paper refeed mode flag to 11. , and set the paper refeed state counter to "2°' with the Stereo knob (5216). When this paper refeed mode flag is set to 11",
Displays that paper refeeding is in progress.

If the determination in both steps (5210) and (5213) is negative, 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 10'', 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. 25 and 26).
Figures a and 35b show the paper refeed clutch control subroutine executed in step (5201).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the clutch state counter. This state counter displays the judgment for controlling the clutches (CLI >, (Cl3)) of the paper refeed roller (161), separation roller (163), and registration roller pair (170) according to the paper refeed state. do.

First, in step (5240), the paper refeed mode flag is set to r.
1, and executes the following steps only when it is set to '1'. That is, step (524
Check the count value of the clutch state counter at step (5) if the count value is “0”.
242), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is 11''. This conveyance permission signal indicates that the re-fed paper is
) is registered by the pair of timing rollers (23) in the register, so it is a signal to stop refeeding of the paper when the registration is opened. Prohibits refeeding when reset to . This signal is sent to the CP of the copying machine main body (1) in interrupt processing.
Heat is passed from U (310) to CPU (300). Therefore, the transport permission signal is 11. If it is set to
An interval timer is set in step (5243), and a clutch state counter is set to "1" in step <5244). 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 "11" or not, and if it is set to '1', step (5246) is performed.
) to control the timer count m, and r□
, if the timer has been reset to , the timer is temporarily stopped counting in step (5247).

Next, in step (5248), it is determined whether the pressing member oven flag is "0" or not. This pressing member oven flag is set and reset in the paper refeeding pressing member control subroutine described below.
When it has been reset to "rl", it is displayed that the push support member (120) is pressing the upper end of the paper, and when it is set to "rl", it is displayed that it has retreated to the home position. Therefore, the presser member oven flag is "o".
, if it is reset to , (if it is in the pressed state), step (5249) tick latch (CLI), (Cl3
) on. With this, 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 current value of the state counter is 2°', it is determined in step (5252) whether the transport permission signal is "rl", and if it is set to "1", step (5253) is performed.
), the count of the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer is set to arc, and in step (5254), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is kept on. On the other hand, if the transport permission signal is reset to "0.", step (5255
), the count of the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer is temporarily stopped, and in step (5256), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off.

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). The registration timer here is used to form a slight loop at the leading edge of the paper on the front side of the registration roller pair (170) to prevent the paper from being skewed.The ejection timer is also used to prevent the paper from skewing. In combination with SE3), 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), it is detected that a paper jam has occurred at this portion.

If the count value of the state counter is "3", it is determined in step (5261) whether the transport permission signal is rl, and if it is set to '1', step (5262) is performed.
At step (5263), the interval timer, registration timer, and detection jam timer continue counting, and at step (5263), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is kept on. on the other hand,
If the transport permission signal is reset to "rO", 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 (CLI) is turned off in step (5267). As a result, the leading edge of the re-fed paper is placed on standby with the registration roller pair (170) forming a slight loop due to lack of registration. 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 "1", step (5270) is performed.
Continue counting the interval timer and unloading jam timer, and if they are reset to 'O', 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 to ensure that the leading edge of the paper is fed into the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers (170).

Next, in step (5274), the presser member oven request flag is set to "1", and in step (5275), the presser member oven request flag is set to "1".
) to set the unloading assist timer, and step (527
In step 6), set the clutch state counter to "5". Here, the presser member oven flag is "1. When the clutch state counter is set to 1, it instructs the process to retract the presser member (120) from the pressing position to the home position. In addition, the unloading assist timer is used to ensure that the paper is re-fed before the re-feed roller (161) and separation roller (
163) to obtain the timing to stop the rotation.

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.
") to continue counting the unloading jam timer and unloading assist timer, and in step (5279) to continue turning on the paper refeed clutch (CLI) and turning off the registration clutch (Cl3). Meanwhile, the transport permission signal is set to rOj. If it has been reset, at step (5280), the count of the unloading jam timer and unloading assist timer is temporarily stopped,
In step (5281), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off and the registration clutch (Cl3) is activated.

Next, when it is confirmed in step (5282) that the discharge assist timer has ended, the paper refeed clutch (CLL) 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).
).

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

If the current value of the state counter is “6゛′,
In step <5285), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is "1" or not, and if it is fully set to '1', step <528
In step 6), the unloading jam timer continues counting, and in step (5287), the resist clutch (Cl3) is turned off! ! Have them read. If the conveyance permission signal has been reset to "rO", the count of the conveyance jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (528B>), and the registration clutch (Cl3) 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 unloading jam timer is reset in step (5291), and the clutch state counter is reset to "011" in step (5292).

FIGS. 36a and 36b show a subroutine for controlling the paper refeed pressing member, which is 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 on whether or not to control the operation. Note that the control in this subroutine is basically the 32nd
The same control as the accommodation pressing member control subroutine in step (542) shown in FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B is performed.

First, in step (5300), the paper refeed mode flag is set to "
1. If it is set to ``O'', this subroutine is immediately terminated, and if it is set to ``1.'', in step (5301), the current status counter of the paper refeed hold state counter is checked.

When the karantoi direct is "0", it is confirmed in step <5302) that the main motor (M3) is being driven, and the holding member (120) is reset to the home position in step (5303). Step (53)
04), set the holding member oven request flag to "0"
, and in step (5305) press the holding member (1
It is determined whether or not the reset in step 20) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the paper refeed hold state counter is set to "1" in step (5306).

If the current value of the state counter is "1", it is determined in step (5307) whether the sensor (SE5) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, the sensor (SE5) is
If the reset process in step 304) has been reliably executed, the pressing member oven flag is set to "1" in step <5308). Next, step (5309)
Set the paper refeed hold state counter 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''. This copy request flag indicates that the paper refeed signal is sent from the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1).
When communicated to U (300), rl is set.

Therefore, if the copy request flag is set to 11'', the pressing member (120) is set at step (5311).
) to drive. As a result, the presser member (120) presses the leading edge of the paper in the intermediate storage section 90) and is temporarily stopped in this state. If it is completed, the paper refeeding state counter is set to “3°” in step (5313).
”.

If the state counter value is "3", it is determined in step (5314) whether the sensor (SE5) is off or not. That is, the drive of the presser member (120) executed in the step (5311) is Check whether or not the process has been reliably executed by turning the sensor (SE5) on and off.

The sensor (SE5) is turned off, and the presser member (12)
0), the presser member oven flag is set to "0" in step (5315), and the paper refeed presser state counter is set to "4" in step (5316). Set to .

If the state counter value is "4", it is determined in step (5317) whether the pressing member oven request flag is rl. If it is set to ``1'', this flag is reset to ``OJ'' in step (5318), and the presser member (120) is driven in step <5319.
0) retreats from the paper pressing position.

Here, the paper 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 moved to the storage position by their own weight. Next, in step (5320) it is determined whether or not this drive has been completed, and if it has been completed, the paper refeed hold state counter is set to "5'" in step (5321). do.

The count value of the state counter (if “5°”,
When it is confirmed in step (5322) that the sensor (SE5) is on and that the presser member (120) has reliably retreated, the presser member oven flag is set to 11'' in step (5323). Next, step (53
24”) to set the presser member drive delay timer.
In step (5325), the paper refeed state counter is set to 6'.
’. This delay timer is for driving the pressing member (120) to the paper pressing position before the paper refeeding roller (161) is rotated to refeed the next paper.

If the current value of the state counter is “6′′,
In step (5326), the conveyance permission signal (which appeared in the paper refeeding clutch control subroutine) is rl,
Determine whether or not. If this signal has been completely set to "rl", the counting of the holding member driving delay timer is continued in step (5327), and if it has been reset to "rO", the counting of the delay timer is temporarily stopped in step (5328). Next, step (5329
), when the end of the delay timer is confirmed, the paper refeed state counter is set to "2" in step (5330), and the above process is repeated.

FIG. 37 shows the jam detection/processing subroutine executed in step (510) of the main routine. Here, when it is detected that a paper jam has occurred at any part of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40), a warning is issued to that effect and an instruction is given to remove the paper.

First, in step (5340) it is determined whether the jam flag is 10J or not. When this jam flag is set to "1", it indicates that a paper jam has occurred. Therefore, if it has already been set to "1.", immediately step (5347)
). If it is reset to "0", it is determined in steps (5341) to (5344) whether or not there is a paper jam at each location. That is, step (5341).

In (5342), a paper jam occurs near the entrance when storing paper [see step (5167), (5176),
In steps (5343) and (S344), there is a paper jam near the exit during paper refeeding [steps (5250) and (
5259) Determine whether there is a reference item at the end of each timer. If a paper jam occurs in any part,
A jam signal is transmitted in step (5345). Here, the jam signal detected in each step (5341) to (5344) is communicated to the main body CPU (310).

Furthermore, in step (5346), the jam flag is set to 1 degree, and in step (5347), the jam processing subroutine is executed. Reset the jam signal and reset the jam flag to 10.

In particular, in this embodiment, when storing paper, the intermediate storage section ( Since paper jams are detected at the paper entrance to the machine (90), the occurrence of paper jams can be detected early, paper loss can be reduced, and abnormal loads on the device can be prevented. .

[Margin below] [Other Examples] Note that the paper storage device according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist.

In particular, in the above embodiments, a device with a paper refeeding function was shown, but it is also possible to use a storage device with a function of binding a stack of stored sheets with a stapler or a stapler, or a storage device with only a function of storing sheets in a stacked manner. There may be.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, in the lower unit (130) of the intermediate storage section (90), both of the two opposing guide surfaces sandwiching the paper are provided with linear guide members (151).

<152>, but only one of the surfaces may be guided by a linear guide member.

As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, at least one of the front and back sides of the paper is guided by a linear guide on the downstream side in the paper storage direction of the storage section provided in a substantially vertical state. Since the paper is guided by a member, the storage device can have an extremely simple structure, and paper feeding resistance and electrostatic adsorption force are reduced as much as possible.
The paper can be guided approximately vertically in a good manner. Moreover, since the linear guide member is spread out in the width direction of the paper toward the downstream side in the storage direction, it can reliably guide even large-sized paper or paper curled into various shapes. can be accommodated.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment in which the paper storage device according to the present invention is applied as a paper storage and refeeding device. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including the main body of the copying machine, Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the sheet storage and refeeding unit, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the presser member, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the side stopper. , FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the holding member and the guide frame, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the holding 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. Figure 11a, Figure 11b, 1st
Figure 1c is an explanatory diagram of the operation when storing paper, Figure 12a,
Figure b, Figure 12c, and Figure 12d are explanatory diagrams of the operation at the time of paper refeeding. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the lower end regulating plate, Fig. 14a, Fig. 14b, Fig. 14c, Fig. 14d.
The figures are a plan view, a front view, a left side view, and a right side view of the guard 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. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the paper storage and refeeding unit. Figure 20, 2nd
Figure 1, Figure 22, Figure 23, Figure 24, Figure 25, Figure 2
Figure 6, Figure 27, Figure 28, Figure 29, Figure 30, Figure 3
Figure 1, Figure 32a, Figure 32b, Figure 33, Figure 34,
35a, 35b, 36a, 36b, and 37 are flowcharts showing control procedures, respectively. (1)...Copying machine main body, (40)...Paper refeeding unit, (60)...Paper feeding switching section, (90)...
Intermediate storage section, (120)...pressing member, (140)
...lower end regulation plate, (151), (152) ...first guide member, (160) ...paper refeeding section, (161)
...Refeed roller.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A paper storage device that stores sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus main body in a stacked manner in the paper thickness direction, comprising: a storage section that stores the sheets in a substantially vertical state; and a paper storage section of the storage section. A linear guide member that guides at least one of the front and back sides of the paper on the downstream side in the storage direction and is disposed to extend in the width direction of the paper toward the downstream side in the storage direction. Containment device.