JPH04179634A - Paper feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a large number of transfer papers to be partly loaded and accommodated in a tray serving as a second transfer-paper accommodation section and thereby thin the paper feeder device as a whole, by constituting the second transfer-paper accommodation section by one tray, and providing a guide rail which enables this tray to be drawn out in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transfer paper conveyance direction. CONSTITUTION:There are disposed a first transfer-paper accommodation section 20 having a plurality of transfer papers loaded thereon, a paper feeder means 31 for feeding the transfer papers P1 sheet by sheet from this section 20, a second transfer-paper accommodation section 21 horizontally disposed in parallel with the accommodation section 20, and a transfer-paper conveyance means 41 for collectively conveying the transfer papers P2 in the section 21 to the section 20. At this time, the section 21 is constituted by a second tray while, on the other hand, a guide rail L3 is provided so as to enable this second tray 21 to be drawn out in a direction substantially perpendicular to a transfer-paper conveyance direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a paper feeding device for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, paper feeding devices that can feed a large amount of transfer paper include a feeding device that stacks a large amount of paper into a bundle and feeds it, such as the feed device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application No. 57-182748, or a feeding device that feeds a large amount of paper by stacking it in a bundle, or a feeding device that feeds a large amount of paper into a bundle, such as the feeding device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application No. 57-182748. - Like the sheet replenishing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 33638 and the paper sheet transport device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-58090 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-58091, a large amount of paper is divided into two bundles and set in order to reduce the thickness. There is something.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional device described above, the feed device stacks a large amount of paper in one direction and feeds the paper, making it long in the vertical direction. Therefore, this device has a paper storage section in the main body. There was a problem in that it required a large space next to the main unit. Also, to replenish paper with this device,
It is necessary to temporarily stop the paper feeding operation and lower the electric heater tray section to secure a supply space. Therefore,
There was a problem that continuous paper feeding was not possible and productivity was poor.

In the sheet replenishing device and paper sheet transport device, after feeding one of the two paper sheets, the other paper is fed in the direction in which paper can be fed, and the next paper is placed in the empty space. can be replenished. That is, productivity is improved because continuous paper feeding is possible.

However, since the table on which the paper is set is replaced by a paper transport means such as a transport belt attached to the main body or a transport pressing means, when setting the paper, the operator must move the paper l as shown in Figure 18. It is necessary to insert the paper up to the top of the paper transport means 3 installed in the main body 2, and there is a problem that the paper replenishment performance is significantly inferior.

An object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding device that is thin, has good replenishment performance, and is capable of feeding a large amount of paper.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above object is to provide a first transfer paper accommodating section for stacking a plurality of transfer papers, a paper feeding means for feeding the transfer papers one by one from the first transfer paper accommodating section, a second transfer paper storage section disposed horizontally and parallel to the first transfer paper storage section; and a transfer unit that transports the transfer paper in the second transfer paper storage section all at once to the first transfer paper storage section. In the paper feeding device having a paper transport means, the second
This is achieved by a first means comprising a transfer paper accommodating section and a second tray, and a guide rail is installed so that the second tray can be pulled out in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transfer paper transport direction.

Further, the above object is achieved in the first means, further comprising configuring the first transfer paper accommodating section with a first tray;
This can also be achieved by a second means, characterized in that a guide rail is installed so that the tray can be pulled out substantially at right angles to the transfer paper transport direction.

In this case, in the cylinder 1 or the second means, it is preferable to provide a means or part such as a handle that can be used by hand only on the second tray or on both the first and second trays.

Further, the above object is such that, in the first or second means, the transfer paper transport means is pressed against a substantially central portion of the trailing edge of the bundle of transfer papers stacked on the second tray to transfer the transfer paper to the first tray. A press plate to be transferred, a guide member fixed to a second tray for reciprocating the press plate in the transfer paper transfer direction, and a second guide member for reciprocating the press plate along the guide member. This can also be achieved by a third means characterized in that it is comprised of a drive section including a forward and reverse rotation motor disposed at the bottom of two trays.

Note that the driving section is preferably connected to the pressing plate via a torque limiter section that transmits a predetermined torque.

Further, the transmission torque value of the torque limiter section is larger than the load torque when transferring the bundle of transfer paper loaded on the second tray to the first tray, and is larger than the allowable torque of the forward/reverse rotation motor as a drive source. It is also a good idea to set it within a small range.

Further, the above object is such that, in the first or second means, the position of the pressing plate is set in the transfer paper transport means when the bundle of transfer paper stacked on the second tray has been transferred to the first tray. This can also be achieved by a fourth means characterized in that a pressure plate detection sensor that can detect this is installed.

In addition, in the fourth means, if the pressing plate cannot be detected by the pressing plate detection sensor within a predetermined time after the pressing plate starts to transfer the transfer paper loaded in the second tray, the forward/reverse rotation motor is stopped. Additionally, a control means may be provided for displaying a message on the display section to indicate that there is a jam during transportation.

The first object is also achieved by a fifth means, characterized in that the second tray is provided with a locking mechanism that prevents the second tray from being pulled out from the main body.

The above object also includes, in the second means, a first locking mechanism that integrates the first tray and the second tray into the first tray and the second tray, and a first locking mechanism that prevents the first tray and the second tray from being pulled out from the main body. This can also be achieved by a sixth means characterized in that it includes a second locking mechanism that does this.

In the fifth and sixth means, from the time when the transfer paper transfer means starts to transfer the bundle of transfer paper in the second tray to the first transfer paper storage section or until the transfer to the first tray is completed, The apparatus may include a control means for controlling the first tray or the first and second trays so that they cannot be pulled out from the main body by a locking mechanism or a second locking mechanism.

In the first or second means, the press plate in the transfer paper transport means may be supported by support means that is detachably supported from the slider member.

Note that a support position variable means may be provided that can change the support position of the support means for supporting the press plate in the transfer paper transport direction.

Further, the above object includes, in the first or second means, at least one back fence for positioning the stacked paper in the first tray, and supporting the back fence in a swingable manner at a plurality of positions; The seventh paper is characterized in that it is provided with a side fence for laterally positioning the loaded paper.
This can also be achieved by means of

The back fence is provided so that it can be retracted from the transfer paper transfer zone by the operation of a solenoid fixed to the main body, and when the transfer paper is transferred from the second tray, the back fence is retracted from the paper transfer zone. You can also do it.

Furthermore, the above object is such that the first or second means includes a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper in the second transfer paper storage section or the second tray; This can also be achieved by an eighth means, characterized in that a control means is provided for displaying the empty state of paper on the display section when the paper runs out.

[For production]

According to the first method, since a large amount of transfer paper can be stacked and accommodated in two parts, it is possible to make the entire paper feeding device thinner, and moreover, the second tray can be moved on a guide rail. Since it can be pulled out, continuous feeding and replenishment of transfer paper is possible.

According to the second means, a large amount of transfer paper is transferred between the first tray and the second tray.
Since the paper feeding device can be loaded and housed in two separate trays, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness of the paper feeding device.
Since the first tray can be moved along the guide rail and pulled out together with the tray, continuous paper feeding and continuous replenishment of transfer paper is easier than in the first method.

Further, if a handle is provided only on the second tray or on both the first and second trays, it becomes easy to pull out the first tray or the second tray from the main body.

The transfer paper transport means includes a pressing plate that presses a rear edge substantially in the center of a bundle of transfer papers stacked on the second tray to transfer the transfer paper to the first tray; a drive unit including a guide member fixed to the second tray to reciprocate in the direction; and a forward/reverse motor disposed at the bottom of the second tray to reciprocate the pressing plate along the guide member. In this case, the bundle of transfer paper in the second tray can be automatically transferred to the first transfer paper storage section or into the first tray.

Furthermore, in the case where the driving section is connected to the pressing plate through a torque limiter section that transmits a predetermined torque, even if a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the driving section while transferring a bundle of transfer paper, the driving section Damage to itself can be prevented.

Further, the transmission torque value of the torque limiter section is set to the first
Even if the load torque is set to be larger than the load torque when transferring the bundle of transfer paper loaded on the tray to the first tray, but smaller than the allowable torque of the forward/reverse motor as the drive source,
Since the torque limiter idles in the event of a jam during transfer paper transfer, damage to the drive unit itself can be prevented.

According to the fourth means, the transfer paper transfer means is equipped with a pressure plate detection sensor capable of detecting the pressure plate when the bundle of transfer paper stacked on the second tray has been transferred to the second tray. Therefore, the drive source can be automatically stopped when the transfer sheet has been transferred.

Further, if the pressing plate cannot be detected by the pressing plate detection sensor within a predetermined time after the pressing plate starts to transfer the transfer paper loaded in the second tray, the forward/reverse rotation motor is stopped and the transfer paper is stopped during transfer. If a control means is provided to display a message on the display section indicating a jam, it is possible to notify an operator of the occurrence of a jam.

According to the fifth means, since the second tray is provided with a locking mechanism that prevents it from being pulled out from the main body, it is possible to prevent the operator from pulling out the tray by mistake.

According to the sixth means, the first tray and the second tray include a first locking mechanism that integrates the first tray and the second tray, and a first locking mechanism that prevents the first tray and the second tray from being pulled out from the main body. Since the second locking mechanism is provided, the first
The first tray and the second tray can be taken in and out simultaneously through the locking mechanism, and the operator can prevent both trays from being pulled out by the operator through the second locking mechanism.

Furthermore, if a control means is provided that operates the locking mechanism until the transfer of the bundle of transfer paper from one tray to the other tray is completed, the operator will be prevented from accidentally pulling out the tray while the transfer paper is being transferred. Therefore, the transfer of the bundle of transfer paper can be carried out smoothly without any trouble.

Furthermore, when the press plate in the transfer paper transport means is supported by support means that is detachably supported from the slider member, the press plate can be easily removed and attached.

Furthermore, if a support position variable means is provided that can change the support position of the support means for supporting the pressure plate to the transfer paper transport means, it is possible to cope with changes in the paper size used.

According to the seventh means, there is provided at least one backfence for positioning the trailing edge of the stacked sheets in the first tray, and the backfence is swingably supported at a plurality of positions, and Since the side fences for positioning in the lateral direction are provided, sheets of different sizes can be accurately accommodated in the first tray.

Further, when the back fence is provided with a back fence driving means for retracting the back fence from the transfer paper transfer zone when the transfer paper is transferred from one tray to another tray by operating the back fence by a solenoid, Excessive contact of the back fence with the paper can be avoided, and the paper can be protected from damage.

According to the eighth means, the second transfer paper storage section includes a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper in the second transfer paper storage section;
Since the control means is provided to display the empty state of paper on the display section when the second transfer paper storage section runs out of paper, the operator is prompted to replenish the paper when the paper actually runs out. I can do it.

C Example].

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The paper feeding unit of this embodiment has a two-stage paper feeding type with an upper stage a and a lower stage A, and the paper feeding device according to the present invention is disposed on the upper stage a side, and a large size paper such as A3 is disposed on the lower stage side. A conventional tray for storing sheets of paper is provided, and both can be pulled out in the direction toward the front of the page.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, in which 10 is a contact glass on which an original is placed, and 11 is an optical system that irradiates the original and exposes a photoreceptor 12. 13 is a charging device, 14 is a developing device, 15 is a transfer/separator, 16 is a cleaning section, 17 is a fixing section, 18 is a pair of registration rollers, 19 is a large tray for storing large-sized transfer paper, and 20 is a A first transfer paper accommodating section 21 is a second transfer paper accommodating section Ll, L2 . L3 is the first. A guide rail for guiding when pulling out the second transfer paper storage section 20.21, 2
2 is the large tray 19 or the first transfer paper storage section 2
L4.0 is a conveying means for conveying the transfer paper selected from L4.0 and fed to the pair of registration rollers 18; L5 is a guide rail that guides when pulling out the large tray 19.

In addition, 1. The configuration of the second trays 20 and 21 is such that the walls facing each other are open so that the paper P2 loaded in the second tray 21 can be transferred into the first tray 20.
This is a box with a transport passage.

Figure 2 is part 1 of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 2, and 25 is a first tray which is the first transfer paper storage section 20 and a second tray which is the second transfer paper storage section 21. a transfer path provided between the two trays for transferring the transfer paper P2 from the second tray 21 to the first tray 20;
26.27 are handles provided on the first tray 20 and the second tray 21, respectively, LL, L2. L3 is the first . Second tray 20.2
1 is a guide rail that allows the paper to be pulled out; 31 is a paper feeding means consisting of a pickup roller 32 and a pair of separation rollers 33;
34 and 35 are a pair of side fences, 36 is a back fence, 37 is a rotatable (liftable) bottom plate whose one end 37b engages with the first tray 20, and 38 is for retracting the back fence 36 from the transfer path 25. Solenoid for,
39 is a lifting means (described later) for driving the bottom plate 37;
40 is the bottom plate fixed to the second tray 21, 41 is the bottom plate 4
42 is a movable back fence 41 which is a transfer means for transferring the transfer papers P2 all at once to the first tray 20 by pressing the substantially central part of the rear end of the transfer papers P2 stacked on the tray 2; A hole is formed in the bottom plate 40 so that the pressing part 41a can be moved; 43 is a wire (a timing held may also be used) connected to the connecting part 41b at the lower end of the pressing part 41a; 44 to 47 are wires 43 The pulley to be stretched, 48 is a forward and reverse rotation motor that rotates the pulley 45 in forward and reverse directions;
49.50 is the protrusion 4 of the movable back fence 41
A home position sensor and a positioning sensor 51 detect the movement of the paper 1c, and a paper bundle detection sensor 51 detects the presence or absence of the transfer paper P2 on the bottom plate 40.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the driving section of the lifting means, and the second
．． In Figure 3.4, 52 is the hole 20a of the first tray 20.
53 is a pressure shaft that supports the other end of the pressure plate 52; 54 is a forward/reverse rotation motor that drives a sector gear 53a provided at the shaft end of the pressure shaft 53; , 55 is a limit switch that limits the upper limit position of the uppermost sheet of transfer paper P1 on the bottom plate 37, 56 is a lowering detection sensor that detects when the pressure 152 has descended to a position where it does not touch the bottom plate 37, and 57 is the first tray. This is an empty detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the 20 transfer sheets P1.

Since the copying operation around the photoreceptor 12 in the first embodiment is well known, the explanation will be omitted. 2nd tray 20.
The paper feeding operation of No. 21 will now be explained.

In the first tray 20, the stacked transfer papers P1 are fed by a pickup roller 32, and separated one by one by a pair of separation rollers 33! Il is sent. When the pickup roller 32 feeds paper, the forward/reverse rotation motor 54 rotates the pressure plate 52 via the sector gear 53a and the pressure shaft 53, and the bottom plate 37 presses the transfer paper Pi against the information. The rise of the transfer paper P1 is regulated by the detection operation of the limit switch 55, and the absence of the transfer paper PL is detected when the empty detection sensor 57 falls into the notch 37a of the bottom plate 37.

Transfer of the transfer paper P2 from the second tray 21 to the first tray 20 is carried out by a pulley 44 by rotation of a forward/reverse rotation motor 48.
This is done by moving the moving back fence 41 by a wire 43 supported and driven by ~47. That is, the transfer paper P2 is pressed by the pressing portion 41a of the movable back fence 41.
is pressed and transferred to the position of the transfer paper PI on the first tray 20. The pressing portion 41a protrudes further in the transport direction than the connecting portion 41b with the wire 43 below the bottom plate 40, so that the transfer paper P2 can be transported to the position Pl.

The movable back fence 41 reciprocates by the forward and reverse rotation of the forward and reverse rotation motor 48. This moving back fence 41 is connected to the wire 43. It is housed in the second tray 21 together with the pulleys 44 to 47. Therefore, when the second tray 21 is pulled out, the movable back fence 41, the wire 43. The pulleys 44 to 47 are pulled out to the front.

Therefore, when inserting the second tray 21 into the main body, the power supply for the forward/reverse rotation motor 48 and the sensors 49, 50 is connected to the main body and the second tray 21.
It is supplied by fitting connectors (not shown) disposed on each side of the tray 21 . At this time, taking safety standards into consideration, it is preferable that the connector on the main body side be closed by a shutter that is linked to the second tray 21 being pulled out.

The operation of the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the broken lines in FIG. 6 indicate parallel processing by an arithmetic processing means (not shown). Prior to paper feeding, the bottom plate 37 of the first tray 20 is raised by the normal rotation of the forward/reverse rotation motor 54 (5-1), and when the limit switch 55 determines that the raising has been completed (YES in S-2), 1 When the reverse rotation motor 54 stops (5-3), the empty detection 57 determines the presence or absence of the transfer paper Pl in the first tray 20, and if there is no transfer paper Pl (absence in S to 4), the second tray 21 The presence or absence of the transfer paper P2 is determined by the paper stack detection sensor 51, and if the transfer paper P2 is present (S-5 is present), the bottom plate 37 of the first tray 20 is lowered by the reverse rotation of the forward/reverse rotation motor 54. 5-6
), when the lowering detection sensor 56 determines that the lowering of the bottom plate 37 is completed (YES in S-7), the forward/reverse rotation motor 54
is stopped (5-8), and the solenoid 38 is turned on (S
-'9), the back fence 36 of the first tray 20 is evacuated from the transfer path 25; In this state, the movable back fence 41 of the second tray 21 is moved by the normal rotation of the forward/reverse rotation motor 48 to transfer the transfer paper P2 to the first tray 20 (
S-10) When the positioning sensor 50 detects the protrusion 41c of the moving back fence 41 and determines that transfer of the transfer paper P2 is complete (YES in S-11), the solenoid 38 is turned off (S-12). , the back fence 36 of the first tray 20 is returned to its original position (S-14), and the forward/reverse rotation motor 54 is rotated in the normal direction to raise the bottom plate 37 of the first fence 20 (S-13). When the limit switch 55 determines that the lifting is completed (S-14: YES), the forward/reverse rotation motor 54 is stopped (S-15), and the paper feeding operation is started (S-16).

When it is determined in the step (S-11) that transfer of the transfer paper P2 is completed (YES in S-11), the forward and reverse rotation motor 4
8 is reversed S-17), home position sensor 49
detects the protrusion 41c of the movable back fence 41, it is determined that the movable back fence 41 has returned to the home position (YES in 5-18), and the forward/reverse rotation motor 48 is stopped (S-19).

Further, if it is determined in step (S-4) that the transfer paper P1 is present (YES in S-4), the paper bundle detection sensor 51 determines the presence or absence of the transfer paper P2 in the second tray 21, and the If there is no paper P2 (absence in S-20), a message that there is no transfer paper P2 in the second tray 21 is displayed on the operation unit (not shown) to prompt the operator to replenish the paper (S-21). Also step (S
Even after the transfer of the transfer paper P2 from the second tray 21 to the first tray 20 is completed in step (S-19), the message that there is no transfer paper P2 is displayed (S-22) in the same way as in step (S-21).
.

Furthermore, in step (S-5), the transfer paper P in the second tray 21 is
If it is determined that there is no 1.2 (no S-5), the 1st. Second
Transfer paper PL in trays 20 and 21.

The operation unit displays that P2 is missing, prompting the operator to replenish paper (S-23).

In order to replenish the transfer paper according to the above-mentioned indication that there is no transfer paper P2 in the second tray 21 [steps (S-21) and (S-22)], as shown in FIG. This can be easily done by pulling out the handle 27 of 21 towards you. Further, the paper feeding operation of the first tray 20 can be performed even while replenishing transfer paper, so there is no time loss. Furthermore, the first. 2nd tray 2
In response to the display that there are no transfer sheets PI and P2 at 0°21 [step (S-23)), the first. second tray 20,
By pulling out the handles 26 and 27 of 21, transfer paper can be supplied to each of them.

In addition, as a second embodiment, the first tray 20 may be a transfer paper storage unit that is fixed to the main body. In this case, by making only the second tray 21 pullable, the transfer paper can be stored in one replenishment operation. Although the amount of replenishment is smaller than in the first embodiment, it is possible to replenish transfer paper during paper feeding operation, and the operability of replenishing transfer paper in the second tray 21 is at the same level as in the first embodiment. Since the mechanism for pulling out the 20 can be omitted, there is an advantage in terms of cost.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention, in which members corresponding to those explained in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted. The first feature is that the means 60 is provided and the handle 27 is provided only on the second tray 21.
This is different from the example.

8 and 9 are detailed configuration diagrams of the locking means,
In FIGS. 7 to 9, 61 is a lock release solenoid, and 62 is a shaft 6 fixed to a part of the first tray 20.
3 is a rotatably provided lock claw, and 64 is a lock claw 6.
2 is biased to rotate clockwise; 65 is a control lever for the lock release solenoid 61; 66 is connected to the control lever 65 via a return spring 67; one end is connected to the lock pawl 62; A rotatable release lever 68 that comes into contact with the locking claw 62 is formed on a part of the second tray 21, and a rotatable release lever 68 that comes into contact with the locking claw 62 is formed on a part of the second tray 21, It is a receiving part that can be engaged with and detached from 62.

In FIG. 8, under normal conditions, the receiving portion 68 of the second tray 21
The tip of the locking pawl 62 comes to engage with the second tray 21, and the first tray 20 can also be pulled out in conjunction with the second tray 21. When the lock release solenoid 61 is turned on, the tensile force of the solenoid 61 acts against the elastic force of the return spring 67 to rotate the release lever 66 to the position indicated by the broken line. Therefore, the tip of the lock claw 62 is
Since it is released from the receiving portion 68 of the tray 21, even if the second tray 21 is pulled, no pulling force is applied to the first tray 20.

FIG. 9 shows the state in which the second tray 21 is stored in the main body when the lock release solenoid 61 is turned off. The lock pawl 62 rotates against the elastic force of the torsion spring 64 to allow the second tray 21 to enter.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the third embodiment of the hand, from step (S-1) to step (S-23).
Since the process up to this point is the same as the first embodiment, after the paper feeding operation starts (S
-16) The operation of the locking means 60 will be explained. When the paper feeding operation is started, the lock release solenoid 61 is turned on (S-24), and the first. Unlock the second tray 20.21. Therefore, if you pull the handle 27 of the second tray 21 toward you to replenish transfer paper during paper feeding,
As shown in FIG. 11, only the second tray 21 can be pulled out to the front, making it easy to replenish transfer paper.

When the paper feeding operation is completed (S-25), the lock release solenoid 61 is turned off (S-26), and when the handle 27 of the second tray 21 is pulled toward the front, the first ．． Since the second trays 20 and 21 are integrated by the locking means 60 and pulled out toward the front, transfer paper can be supplied to each of them.

The operator can replenish the required tray with transfer paper without hesitation since it is determined whether the integrated one of 20 or 21 is to be pulled out.

In the third embodiment, in order to prevent the operator from accidentally pulling the tray when transferring the transfer paper P2 from the second tray 21 to the first tray 20, the first tray 21 is moved from the second tray 21 to the first tray 20. 2nd tray 2
It is conceivable to install a mechanism that prevents either 0 or 21 from being pulled out from the main body.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of an embodiment in which the side fences are replaceable in the width direction of the paper. It may be possible to change the direction.

In this case, screw holes previously provided on the first tray 20 correspond to the paper size, but as an advanced version, it is also possible to position the side fences 34 and 35 by belt drive. Further, as shown in the figure, the back fence 36 for positioning the trailing edge of the paper is swingably supported using a part of the side fence 34 as a fulcrum, but the side fence 36 is supported so that the fulcrum can be replaced depending on the size of the paper. 34 has two fitting parts 36-1 and 36-2.
are installed. And sector gear with arm 38-
By transmitting the stroke of the solenoid 38 installed in the main body to the drive gear 38-2 via 1,
The back fence 36 can be retracted from the paper transport area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the movable back fence 41 has a long axis guide rod 41-
The engaging portion 41-2 may be engaged with a slider 41-4 that is capable of linear movement along 3. As shown in the figure, by changing the holding position, it is possible to correspond to the paper size to be transported. The bottom plate 40 and the lifting bottom plate 37 have smooth surfaces so that the stack of sheets can slide and be easily transported, and ribs and beads are provided to reduce transport resistance. In addition, the bottom plate 40
There is a hole 42 on the bottom plate to which the tray is fixed and further allows a movable pressing portion 41-1 of the movable no-knock fence 41. Since the pressing portion 41-1 projects further in the transport direction than the retaining portion 41-2 with the slider 41-4 below the bottom plate 40, it is possible to transport the paper P2 to the position Pl.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the drive section for linearly moving the slider 41-4. The slider 41-4 is coupled to a wire (or timing belt) 43. The wire 43 is stretched between pulleys 44, 45°, 46, 47, and the back fence 41 is reciprocated by driving the pulley 45 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by a forward and reverse rotation motor 48.

FIG. 16 is a detailed diagram of the pulley 45. A geared torque limiter 45-1 is disposed coaxially with the pulley 45. The torque limiter 45 - 1 is used to limit the rotational force (torque) of the forward/reverse rotation motor 48 to a predetermined value or more and transmit it to the pulley 45 . As an example of a limiter, the figure shows a case where magnetic powder is used. By magnetizing the permanent magnet 45-2, magnetic powder 45-5 is placed in the minute gap between the magnetic metal disk 45-3 and the metal drum 45-4.
gather together and create magnetic flux, which connects the torque. Here, if a torque exceeding the set value is applied, the magnetic powder 45-5
This causes slippage between the metal drum 45-4 and the metal drum 45-4. Also,
The torque generated by the limiter is set within a range that is greater than the transfer load for the back fence 36 to transfer the paper, and smaller than the maximum transmission torque of the forward/reverse rotation motor 48.

Therefore, if the paper gets caught during transfer by the back fence 36 and becomes impossible to transfer, or if the slider 41-4 butts against the stopper 41-5, the limiter will not damage the drive unit due to overload. Driving around.

To position the back fence 36 in reciprocating motion, a protruding piece 36-3 is provided on the back fence 36, the protruding piece 36-3 is detected by the home sensor 49 and the positioning sensor 50, and the forward/reverse rotation motor 48 is turned ON/OFF. However, if a step motor is used as the forward/reverse rotation motor 48, positioning is possible by turning the motor ON/OFF;
A motor will be used. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, a stopper 36-5 is installed to restrict the moving distance of the slider 41-4, and the positioning of the reciprocating movement of the back fence 36 is performed by the slider 41-4 hitting the stopper 36-5. .

The back fence section and the back fence drive section described above are all housed in the box of the second tray 21, so when the second tray 21 is pulled out, the back fence section and the back fence drive section are shown as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The entire drive unit is pulled out to the front. Therefore, when inserting the second tray 21 into the main body, the power supply for the paper bundle transfer motor and the forward/reverse rotation motor 49°50 is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the main body and the second tray 21 side respectively. are supplied by fitting. At this time, in consideration of safety standards, it is natural to adopt a structure in which the connector on the main body side is closed by a shutter that is linked to the second tray 21 being pulled out.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the invention described in claim 1, the first transfer paper storage section can be moved on the guide rail and pulled out to the front side.
By having two trays, a large amount of transfer paper can be loaded and stored separately within this tray.
Not only can the entire paper feeding device be made thinner, but also continuous replenishment and feeding of transfer paper is possible via this tray.

According to the invention set forth in claim 2, both transfer paper storage sections are configured with two trays that can be moved on guide rails and pulled out to the front side, so that a large amount of transfer paper can be stored in both trays. Since the trays can be stacked and housed in two trays, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the paper feeder as a whole, and it is also possible to continuously replenish and feed transfer paper through both trays.

Since a portion that allows the tray to be pulled out by hand is formed on at least one of the trays, either tray can be easily pulled out from the main body.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the transfer paper transporting means is provided with a pressure plate that is supported in reciprocating movement by the guide member and is drivingly connected to the drive unit via the torque limiter unit, The stack of transfer paper in one tray can be automatically transferred to the other tray while preventing damage to the drive unit due to the load.

According to the invention set forth in claim 5, since the driving section is connected to the pressing plate through the torque limiter section that transmits a predetermined torque, a load exceeding the predetermined value is not applied while transferring the bundle of transfer paper. However, damage to the drive unit itself can be prevented.

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, the torque value of the torque limiter section is larger than the load torque when transferring the maximum weight bundle of transfer paper in one tray to another tray, and the torque value of the torque limiter section is larger than the load torque when transferring the maximum weight bundle of transfer paper in one tray to another tray, and Since the torque limiter is set within a range smaller than the allowable torque of the motor, the torque limiter can be idled in the event of a jam during paper transport, thereby preventing damage to the drive unit.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the transfer paper transport means is equipped with a pressure plate detection sensor that detects the position of the pressure plate when the bundle of transfer paper in one tray has been transferred to another tray. , the drive source can be automatically stopped when transfer of the transfer paper is completed.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 8, when the press plate detection sensor cannot detect the press plate within a predetermined time after the press plate starts to transfer the transfer paper loaded in one tray, the forward/reverse motor Since the apparatus is equipped with a control means for stopping the transfer and displaying a message on the display section indicating a jam during transfer, when a jam occurs, the operator can be notified of the occurrence of the jam.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since one of the trays according to the first aspect is provided with a locking mechanism that prevents the tray from being pulled out from the main body, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally pulling out the tray.

According to the invention set forth in claim 10, the paper feeding device set forth in claim 9 includes a first locking mechanism that integrates one tray and another tray, and a first locking mechanism that prevents one tray and the other tray from being pulled out from the main body. Since it is equipped with a second locking mechanism that allows
Both trays can be taken in and out at the same time via the first locking mechanism, and erroneous pulling out of both trays by the operator can be prevented via the second locking mechanism.

According to the invention set forth in claim 11, since the control means is provided to operate the locking mechanism until the transfer of the transfer paper from one tray to the other east tray is completed, there is no possibility that an operator may accidentally make a mistake while transferring the transfer paper. Since the tray is prevented from being pulled out, the transfer of the bundle of transfer paper can be carried out without any trouble.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the press plate is supported by the support means that is detachably supported from the slider member, the press plate can be easily removed and attached.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, since the support position changing means is provided which can change the support position of the support means for supporting the pressure plate in the transfer paper transport direction, it is possible to cope with changes in the size of the paper used. Is possible.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, there are a plurality of back fences for positioning the trailing edge of stacked sheets in one tray, and the back fences are swingably supported at a plurality of positions, and Since a side fence is provided to position the Ome paper in the lateral direction, the position of the back fence can be changed as appropriate, and therefore sheets of different sizes can be accurately accommodated in one tray.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a back fence driving means for evacuating the back fence from the transfer paper transfer zone when the transfer paper is transferred from one tray to another tray by operating the back fence by a solenoid. With this, it is possible to avoid excessive contact of the backfense to the paper, thereby protecting the paper from damage.

According to the invention described in claim 16, the second transfer paper storage section includes a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper in the second transfer paper storage section, and when the paper detection sensor detects that there is no paper, the display is displayed. Since the control unit is provided with a control means for displaying the empty state of paper, if the paper actually runs out, the operator can be prompted to replenish the paper.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a copying machine to which a first embodiment of the paper feeding device of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main parts of the first embodiment, and FIG.
The figure is a plan view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the drive unit of the lifting means, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the tray in the pulled-out state of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 and 9 are block diagrams of the locking means, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart related to the operation of the third embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the tray drawn out state of the third embodiment;
The figure is a plan view of the main parts of an embodiment in which the side fence can be replaced in the width direction of the paper, FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment in which the engagement position of the press plate with the slider is variable, and FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the slider drive unit, Figure 16 is a detailed view of the pulley,
The 17th is the 1st. FIG. 18, which is a block diagram of an embodiment in which the second locking mechanism is installed, is an explanatory diagram showing the replenishment state of transfer paper in a conventional paper feeding device. 20...... 1st tray, 21...
...Second tray, 26.27... Handle, Ll, L2. L3. L4゜L5...Guide rail, 31...Paper feeding means, 35.
......Side fence, 36...
...Back fence, 38...Solenoid, 41...Transfer means, 41-3...
・・・・・・Guide rod, 41-4・・・・・・・・・
・To slider, 45-1...Torque limiter, 48...Forward/reverse rotation motor, 49.
・・・・・・・・・Home sensor, 50・・・・・・・・・
・Positioning sensor, 51... Paper stack detection sensor, 56...Descent detection sensor, 57.
...Empty detection sensor, 60...
...First locking mechanism, 70...
Second locking mechanism. Fig. 1 Fig. 14 fJv Fig. 8 Fig. 68σ gII Fig. 131Z Fig. 14 Fig. 15 P/60 Fig. 77 Do jIla Fig.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A first transfer paper storage section for stacking a plurality of transfer papers;
a paper feeding means for feeding transfer sheets one by one from the first transfer paper storage section; a second transfer paper storage section disposed horizontally and in parallel with the first transfer paper storage section; In a paper feeding device having a transfer paper transporting means for collectively transporting transfer papers in two transfer paper storage units to a first transfer paper storage unit, the second transfer paper storage unit is configured with one tray, and the second transfer paper storage unit is configured with one tray; A paper feeding device characterized in that a guide rail is installed so that the tray can be pulled out in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transfer paper transport direction. (2) In the paper feeding device according to claim (1), the first transfer paper storage section is further configured with another tray, and
A paper feeding device characterized in that a guide rail is installed so that the other tray can be pulled out substantially perpendicular to the transfer paper transport direction. (3) In the paper feeding device according to claims (1) and (2),
The paper feeding device further comprises forming a portion on at least one of the first tray and the second tray so that the tray can be pulled out by hand. (4) The transfer paper transfer means includes a press plate that presses a substantially central portion of the trailing edge of a bundle of transfer paper stacked on the one tray to transfer the transfer paper to the first tray; A guide member fixed to one tray for reciprocating movement in the transfer paper transport direction, and a drive unit including a forward and reverse motor for reciprocating the pressing plate along the guide member. A paper feeding device according to claim (1). (5) The paper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the drive section is connected to the pressing plate via a torque limiter section that transmits a predetermined torque. (6) The transmission torque value of the torque limiter section is larger than the load torque when transferring the bundle of transfer paper loaded on the one tray to the other tray, and the torque limiter allows a forward/reverse motor as a drive source. The paper feeding device according to claim 5, wherein the setting is within a range smaller than the torque. (7) The transfer paper transfer means is equipped with a pressure plate detection sensor that detects the position of the pressure plate when the bundle of transfer paper stacked on the one tray has been transferred to another tray. 5. The paper feeding device according to claim 4, further comprising: (8) When the pressing plate detection sensor cannot detect the pressing plate within a predetermined time after the pressing plate starts transferring the transfer paper loaded in the one tray, the forward/reverse rotation motor is stopped; The paper feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for displaying a message on a display unit indicating a jam during transportation. (9) Claim (1) further comprising a locking mechanism that prevents the one tray from being pulled out from the main body.
) Paper feeding device described. (10) The paper feeding device according to claim (9) further includes a first locking mechanism that integrates the one tray and the other tray, and prevents the one tray and the other tray from being pulled out from the main body. A paper feeding device comprising: a second locking mechanism. (11) Claims (9) and (10) further comprising a control means for operating the locking mechanism until the transfer of the bundle of transfer paper from the one tray to the other tray is completed.
A paper feeding device according to any of the above. (12) The paper feeding device according to claim (4), wherein the pressing plate is supported by support means so as to be detachable from the slider member. (13) The paper feeding device according to claim (12), further comprising a support position variable means that can change the support position of the support means in the transfer paper transport direction. (14) The paper feeding device according to claim (2) further includes at least one backfence for positioning the trailing edge of the stacked sheets in one tray, and a first A paper feeding device characterized by being provided with a side fence for laterally positioning stacked papers in a tray. (15) In the paper feeding device according to claim (14), when the transfer paper is transferred from one tray to another tray by activating a backfence by a solenoid,
A paper feeding device characterized by comprising a backfence driving means for retracting the backfence from a transfer paper transport zone. (16) When the paper feeding device according to claim (1) further includes a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper in the second transfer paper storage section, and the paper detection sensor detects that there is no paper. A paper feeding device comprising: a control means for displaying an empty state of paper on a display section.