JPH04179643A - Paper sheet feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve paper feed efficiency by setting a longer conveying means to faster conveying speed than a shorter conveying means, in the case of a copying machine or the like provided with a plurality of paper sheet storage means and respective conveying paths and conveying means. CONSTITUTION:A copying device 1 is provided with a front loading deck of large capacity comprising decks of means of an upper step 2002, intermediate step 2003 and a lower step 2004 and a multihand insertion part 2001. Sensors 2a to 2g are provided in a conveying path. The sensors 2a, 2b, 2d serve as each paper feed sensor in the upper to lower steps, the sensors 2c, 2e serve as each path sensor of the intermediate and lower steps, and the sensors 2f, 2g serve as an interface sensor. When a conveying passage is determined, a conveying speed is switched in accordance with a length of the conveying passage according to a sequence, and the conveying speed of a long conveying route is set faster.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a large-capacity paper deck that is attached to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printing machine and supplies sheets to the image forming apparatus.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, in a large-capacity paper deck that transports sheets using a predetermined transport path and supplies paper to an image forming apparatus, the paper transport operation is adjusted so that no paper is left on the paper transport path during non-image forming operations. What controls the start timing is known.

[Problem that the invention is trying to solve]

However, when the paper conveyance speed is fixed, the time required for conveyance is determined by the length of the conveyance path through which the paper is conveyed, and as a result, the overall image forming efficiency may be reduced.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an apparatus for supplying paper to an image forming apparatus, in which an eleventh second storage means for storing paper and a paper in the first storage means are provided. a first conveyance path for conveying the paper, a second conveyance path longer than the first conveyance path for conveying the paper in the second storage means, and the first storage means. a first conveyance means for conveying the paper of the means along the first conveyance path; and a first conveyance means for conveying the paper of the means along the first conveyance path;
a second conveyance means for conveying along the conveyance path;
and a conveyance control means for making the paper conveyance speed by the second conveyance means faster than the sheet conveyance speed by the first conveyance means.

[Effect]

With the above configuration, in the present invention, when there are a plurality of paper transport paths, the speed of paper transport is switched depending on the selected transport path, thereby realizing improvement in paper feeding efficiency to the image forming apparatus.

〔Example〕 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a copying machine system diagram.

1 is a copying device. 2 is upper row 2002 / middle row 200
3/This is a large-capacity front-loading deck (hereinafter referred to as PFU) consisting of a three-tier deck in the lower tier 2004 and a multi-manual feed section 2001. The upper/middle tiers are structured so that they can be slid together and pulled out in order to improve operability during JAM processing of sheets. 2a-2
g is a sensor for controlling the conveyance timing of the paper sent out from the PFU and for monitoring jams on the conveyance path. Note that 2a is the upper paper feed sensor, 2b is the middle paper feed sensor, 2C is the middle pass sensor, and 2d is the lower paper feed sensor 2.
e is the lower path sensor, 2f is the interface sensor 1
, 2g is the interface sensor 2. 3 is an automatic document feeder with a document reversing mechanism (hereinafter referred to as RDF). 4 is a sorter. The ejected sheets are sorted according to the mode (non-sort, sort, group) set from the operation unit of the copying machine.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are electrical circuit block diagrams showing the configuration of the PFU. The PFU is a system controller that serves as a controller for controlling each part, and includes a CPU 201,
ROM202, RAM203, I10 input/output 204.2
05 etc.

First, the sensors connected to the I10 input section will be explained.

(1) Multi paper presence detection sensor (206) Detects whether paper is placed in the multi manual feed section.

(2) Upper/middle/lower paper presence sensor (207, 208
, 209) Detect whether paper is set on each of the upper/middle/lower decks.

(3) Multi-use open/close switch (210) Detects the open/closed state of the cover of the multi-purpose manual feed section 2001.

(4) Upper/middle/lower opening/closing switch (211, 212
, 213) Press to pull out the upper/middle/lower decks.

(5) Upper/middle/lower upper limit detection switch (214, 2
16,218) Detects when the bottom plate of each upper/middle/lower deck has risen to its upper limit.

(6) Upper/middle/lower lower limit switch (215, 217, 219) Detects when the bottom plate of each upper/middle/lower deck has descended to its lower limit.

(7) Upper/middle/lower paper surface sensor (220, 221,
222) It is detected that the upper surface of the paper stacked on each of the upper/middle/lower decks is at a predetermined position.

(8) Upper/middle/lower deck set switch (223
, 224, 225) It is detected that the drawer portions of the upper/middle/lower decks are pushed in and set at appropriate positions.

(9) Upper/middle/lower paper feed sensor (226, 227,
229) Obtain the timing signal necessary for the conveyance sequence of the paper placed on the paper conveyance path and conveyed from each of the upper/middle/lower decks. 2a.

Corresponds to 2b and 2d.

(10) Middle/lower path sensor (228, 230) Arranged on the upper transport path and lower transport path of the interface section, and obtains a timing signal in the same manner as in (9). 2C
Corresponds to 12e.

(11) Lower one-back sensor (231) In the lower deck, which is a large capacity deck, detects that the top surface of the paper is at a predetermined position so that the top surface of the paper is only lowered by a certain amount.

(12) Joint switch (232) In order to improve operability during JAM processing at the connection part with the main body,
Although the middle deck can be pulled out as a unit, it detects whether the upper/middle deck is properly connected to the main body of the paper feeder.

(13) Paper size setting switch (233) Upper/middle/
Set the paper size loaded on each lower deck.

(14) Upper stage conveyance motor encoder (234) Consists of a clock disk and a photo ink rotor attached to the output shaft of the common upper/middle stage conveyance motor, and according to the rotation of the conveyance motor,
Generates a pulse signal.

(15) Lower deck transport motor encoder (235) Consists of a clock disk and a photointerrupter attached to the output shaft of the lower deck transport motor, and generates a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the transport motor.

(I6) Interface encoder (236) Interface section Consists of a clock disk and a photointerrupter attached to the output shaft of the transport motor, and generates a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation of the transport motor.

(17) Interface sensor 1/sensor 2 (237
, 238) Obtains the timing necessary for the conveyance sequence of the paper placed on the conveyance path below the interface and conveyed. It corresponds to 2f and 2g.

Next, the load connected to the I10 output section 205 will be explained.

(1) Multi paper feed motor (239) Drives the multi-manual transport section.

(2) Multi pickup solenoid (240) This is a solenoid for pressing the pickup roller that feeds the paper placed in the multi manual feed section against the paper.

(3) Upper/middle/lower pickup solenoid (24
L 242.243) This is a solenoid that presses the paper against the pickup roller that sends out the paper stacked on the upper/middle/lower decks.

(4) Upper/middle/lower deck lifting motor (244, 2
45, 246) Motors for pushing up the bottom plates of the upper/middle/lower decks as paper runs out, or lowering them to replenish paper.
0).

(5) Upper/middle/lower clutch (247, 248, 2
49) An electromagnetic clutch for transmitting the drive of the upper transport motor to the upper/middle transport section and the drive of the lower transport motor to the lower transport section.

(6) Upper/middle/lower deck lock solenoid (25
0, 251, 252) This is a solenoid for operating the latch that sets the upper/middle/lower decks in the paper feed device.

(7) Upper/middle/lower opening/closing LED (253,254
, 255) When pulling out the upper/middle/lower decks,
This is an LED that blinks while each deck is lowered.

(8) Interface clutch 1/clutch 2 (25
6,257) This is an electromagnetic clutch for transmitting the drive of the interface section conveyance motor to a plurality of drive rollers arranged on the upper and lower conveyance paths of the interface section.

Next, the transport motor PLL control section shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

In the PFU of the present invention, an upper conveyance motor 262 for driving the conveyance section of the upper/middle deck, a lower conveyance motor 263 for driving the conveyance section of the lower deck, a conveyance path at the joint between the copying device and the paper feeder. (Interface part)
interface motor 26 for driving the transport section of
1 are arranged, and each is controlled by PLL.

Clock generator 2 connected to CPU 201
65 outputs clock pulses corresponding to the transport speeds of the upper/middle/lower decks and the transport speed of the interface section, and the clock pulses corresponding to the transport speeds of the upper/middle/lower decks and the interface section are outputted to each PLL control circuit 266.
．． 268. The reference clock pulse, the encoder output pulse generated when the upper/lower transport motors 262 and 263 that drive the upper/middle/lower decks rotate, and the encoder output pulse generated when the interface motor 261 that drives the interface section rotates. Frequency comparison, phase comparison, etc. are performed with the encoder output pulse. As a result, the effective voltage applied to the transport motor is determined by the pulse duty ratio obtained by comparing the output difference signal with a sawtooth wave or a triangular wave integrated with the pulse output from the PWM pulse generator 264 connected to the CPU 201. is made variable, and the rotation speed of the transport motor is controlled to be constant.

The configuration is such that switching control is performed using a switching signal when driving the upper/middle deck and when driving the lower deck. Further, by writing desired frequency data from the CPU 201 and changing the clock pulse frequency generated from the clock generator 265, it is possible to set the motor rotation speed to various values.

Next, using the flowcharts in Figures 5 to 14, PF
The actual operation of U will be explained in detail.

First, in FIG. 5, the upper lifter sequence (S200
), middle lifter sequence (S400), and lower lifter sequence (5300), respectively. Next, it is determined whether there is a multi-sheet feed signal from the copying machine (SIOI).

This multi-sheet feed signal is a paper-feed request signal from the copying machine to the multi-manual feeder of the PFU, and the PFU starts conveying paper. Similarly, the upper paper feed signal, middle paper feed signal, and lower paper feed signal, which will be described later, are
This is a paper feed request signal for the middle and lower stages. If there is a paper feed signal at 5IOI, the process proceeds to the multi-sheet feed sequence at 5500, and if there is no paper feed signal, the upper stage paper feed signal is checked at 5103. 5 if there is a paper feed signal in 5103
The process proceeds to the upper stage paper feeding sequence at 600, and if there is no paper feeding signal, the middle stage paper feeding signal is checked at 5105. 5105
If there is a paper feed signal, the process proceeds to the middle paper feed sequence in step 5700, and if there is no paper feed signal, the lower paper feed signal is checked in step 5107. If there is a paper feed signal in 5107, the process proceeds to the lower paper feed sequence in 5800, and if there is no paper feed signal, the process proceeds to the pre-paper feed sequence in 5900. and,
After each process, the process returns to the upper lifter sequence (S200). Each sequence (S200 to S5900) will be explained below.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the upper lifter sequence (S200). In the upper lifter sequence, first 5201
Determine whether the upper deck is transporting paper or not. If it is transporting paper, proceed to 5227.5229 and raise the upper lifter motor until the upper limit switch or upper paper level switch is turned on (3231), and stop when it is turned on. Let (
S233).

If the upper tray is not being conveyed in 5201, it is determined in 5203 whether the upper deck set switch is on or off, and if it is off, the tray (a part that can be pulled out to store paper) is open, so the process advances to 8221 and the upper tray set switch is turned off. Wait until the switch is turned on, that is, the orchestra is closed. 5203
If the upper deck set switch is on, it is determined in step 5205 whether the middle and lower decks are opened. If either the middle or lower row is open, proceed to 5227.

This prevents two or more orchestras from opening at the same time in order to prevent the center of gravity from moving to the front and making the instrument unstable if two or more of the upper, middle, and lower rows open at the same time. 5205
When the middle and lower tiers are closed, check whether the upper tier opening/closing switch is on or off at 5207. If the switch is not pressed, the same process as above proceeds to 5227. If the upper stage opening/closing switch is pressed in step 5207, the upper stage lifter motor is lowered until the upper stage lower limit switch is turned on to replenish paper (S209.5211.5213). Then, when the upper lower limit switch is turned on, the upper deck solenoid is turned on. This allows the user to bring out the orchestra for the first time. By determining whether the upper deck set switch is on or off at step 5217, it is possible to determine whether or not the oven has been opened. When the oven is opened in step 5217, the upper deck lock solenoid is turned off (5219), the state of the upper deck set switch is determined, and the process waits until the oven is closed (S221). Also, when the upper deck set switch is turned on in 5217 for 10 seconds (S22
3) Turn off the upper deck lock solenoid and proceed to 5227 to automatically raise the lifter motor.

Note that the operation control sequence for the middle tier lid is similar to the operation control sequence for the upper tier lid, so the flowchart and explanation will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the lower stage lifter will be explained. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the lower lifter sequence (S300). In the lower lifter sequence, first, it is determined in 5301 whether the lower deck is transporting paper or not, and if it is in transport, it is checked in 533.
7. Go to step 5339 and raise the lower lifter motor until the lower upper limit switch or lower paper switch turns on (
3341), turn on, stop at the point (S343)
.

If the lower deck is not being transported in 5301, it is determined in 5303 whether the lower deck set switch is on or off, and if it is off, the process proceeds to 5325 since the oven is open. 53
03 If the lower deck set switch is on, 5305
It is determined whether the upper middle row is opened or not.

If either of the upper middle rows is open, proceed to 5337. This is to prevent two or more orchestras in the upper, middle, and lower tiers from opening at the same time.

When the upper middle tier is closed at 5305, the on/off status of the lower tier opening/closing switch is checked at 5307. If the switch is not pressed, the same process as above proceeds to 5337. 53
If the lower stage open/close switch is pressed in step 07, the lower stage lifter motor is lowered until the lower stage lower limit switch is turned on or the lower stage one-back sensor is turned off for paper replenishment (S3
09.5311.5323.5313).

Then, when the lower lower limit switch is turned on or the lower one-pack sensor is turned off, the lower lift motor and the lower lift motor are stopped and the lower deck solenoid is turned on (S315).

This allows the user to bring out the orchestra.

By determining whether the lower deck set switch is on or off at step 5317, it can be determined whether the orchestra has been opened. When the lower deck set switch 5317 remains on for 10 seconds (S331), the lower deck lock solenoid is turned off (5333), and the process advances to 5337 to automatically raise the lifter motor.

When the oven is opened in step 5317, the lower deck lock solenoid is turned off (5319), and it is determined whether the lower limit switch is pressed (S321). If the lower limit switch is pressed, the process advances to 5335 and waits for the lower limit set switch to be turned on. If the lower lower limit switch is off in 5321, the process waits for the lower one-pack sensor to be turned on again in 5325 or for the lower deck set switch to be turned on (5327). If the lower deck set switch is turned on, the process advances to 5337 and the lifter is raised. - On the other hand, if the lower one-back sensor is turned on again at 5325, this means that paper has been replenished to the lower stage, so the sequence proceeds to 5309 again by removing the 3 seconds of chattering (S325.53).
29). The 3 seconds of chattering is a delay to prevent the user from being surprised.

Next, a flowchart regarding paper conveyance will be explained.

First, the conveyance sequence of the multi-feeder will be explained. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the paper conveyance sequence of the multi-feeder of the PFU. This sequence is
This is performed when there is a multi-sheet feeding signal at 8101 in FIG. As an initial check of the sequence, it is determined whether any of the upper, middle, or lower rows is in operation, or whether there is paper in the multi-feeder (S501, 5503, 5505).
．． 5507). Then, it is confirmed that there is a multi-sheet feeding signal (S509), and sheet feeding is started.

Set the mlt act flag in memory to indicate that paper is being fed from the multi-feeder (
S511). Then, the multi-pickup solenoid 240 is turned on to bring the pickup roller into contact with the paper (S511). Next, the upper stage motor is rotated at a slow speed (= about 350 mm/sec), the upper stage clutch is turned on to rotate the upper stage conveyance roller (S513), and at the same time, the multi-motor 239 is set to a duty ratio of 6/sec. Rotate the paper with 8 pulses (S515) and move the paper 100m.
Advance by m (S517.5519). Here, since an encoder is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor, the CPU 2ol can determine how far the paper has advanced by feeding back its output. Then turn off the multi-pick solenoid 240.
21), the multi-motor 239 is rotated at a duty ratio of 8/8 (S523), and the upper paper feed sensor 226 is turned on (
S525) Turn off after advancing 30mm (S5
27.5529.5531). The paper is transported by the middle stage conveyance roller, and when the middle stage paper feed sensor 227 is turned on (S533), the interface motor 261 is turned on.
The interface clutch 1 is turned on by rotating at a speed of w (S535). Then, when the middle stage sensor 227 is turned on, the multi-pickup solenoid 240 is turned on to convey the next paper (S537.5541).
After advancing 125 mm from the middle path sensor 228, the upper motor 262 and the interface motor 261 are braked to stop the paper (S545). At this time, the paper is hit against the registration rollers inside the copying machine main body,
It is stopped forming a loop. At this point, the process proceeds by receiving a registration on signal from the copying machine main body.
The upper stage motor and the interface motor are m1d (= approx. 5
00 mm/5ec), the upper stage clutch is turned on, and the interface clutch is turned on (S549), thereby conveying the paper to the main body. At this time, the "m1tact flag" on the memory is reset to permit the operation of other transport sequences (5551). Next, according to the paper size set in advance from the operation unit, the paper length is counted (5553.5555), and when the paper turns off the middle path sensor 228, the drive system is turned off (S5
57.5559), the sequence of transporting one sheet from the multi-feeder ends.

Next, the conveyance sequence for upper stage paper feeding will be explained.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the paper conveyance sequence for upper paper feeding of the PFU. This sequence is 3103 in Figure 5.
This is performed when there is an upper stage paper feed signal. As an initial check of the sequence, it is determined whether the upper deck is set, whether one of the middle or lower decks is not operating, whether there is paper on the upper deck, and whether the lifter is up and ready to transport paper. (S601.560
2.5603.5605.5607). Then, it is confirmed that there is an upper paper feed signal (S609), and paper feeding is started.

First, the upper pickup solenoid 241 is turned on to bring the pickup roller into contact with the paper (S611).

Next, set the upper motor to Mid (= about 500mm/5ec)
The upper stage clutch is turned on to rotate the upper stage conveyance roller (S613). Then, to indicate that paper is being fed from the upper deck, "up a" is placed on the memory.
ct flag" (S615). The paper is transported by the upper transport roller, and when the upper stage paper feed sensor 226 is turned on, the upper stage pickup solenoid 241 is turned off (5617.5619). , and when the count has increased (S621SS623), the rotation speed of the upper stage motor is set to Fast (= approximately 750 mm/s e
c) and turn off the upper clutch (S62).
5).

Then, when the middle paper feed sensor 227 is turned on (S
627) Rotate the interface motor at Fast speed and turn on interface clutch l (S
629). Then, when the middle pass sensor 228 is turned on, the pickup solenoid 241 is turned on for the next paper (S631.5635). Middle path sensor 22
After reaching 8 to 125 mm, the brakes are applied to the upper stage motor and the interface motor to stop the paper (S633.5637.5639). At this time, the paper is stopped against the registration rollers inside the copying machine main body and forms a loop. At this point, the process proceeds by receiving a registration on signal from the copying machine main body (564
1) Connect the upper stage motor and interface motor to Mid (
= approximately 500 mm/5ea), the upper stage clutch is turned off, and the interface clutch is turned on (S643), thereby conveying the paper to the main body. At this time,
The "upact flag" on the memory is reset to permit operation of other transport sequences (S645). Next, the length of the paper is counted (5647, 5649), and when the paper turns off the middle path sensor 228, the drive system is turned off (S651).

5653), the sequence of conveying one sheet from the upper deck is completed.

Next, the conveyance sequence for middle stage paper feeding will be explained.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the paper conveyance sequence for PFU middle stage paper feeding. This sequence is 3105 in Figure 5.
This is performed when there is a middle paper feed signal. As an initial check of the sequence, check whether the middle deck is set, whether either the upper or lower deck is not in operation, whether there is paper on the middle deck, and whether the lifter is up and ready to transport paper. (S701.570
2.5703.5705.5707). Then, it is confirmed that there is a middle paper feed signal (S709), and paper feeding is started.

First, the middle pickup solenoid is turned on to bring the pickup roller into contact with the paper (S711).

Next, set the upper motor to Mid (= about 500mm/5ec)
The middle stage clutch is turned on to rotate the middle stage conveyance roller (S713). In order to indicate when paper is being fed from the middle deck, a "m i" is placed on the memory.
d a c t f l a g ” (S715).

The paper is conveyed by the middle stage conveyance roller, and the paper is conveyed by the middle stage paper feed sensor 2.
When 27 is turned on, the middle pickup solenoid 2
42 is turned off (S721.5719), and when the middle pass sensor 228 is turned on, the pickup solenoid is turned on for the next paper (S721.5725).

After advancing 125 mm from the middle path sensor 228, the brakes are applied to the upper motor 262 and the interface motor 261 to stop the paper (S723.5727
．． 5729). At this time, the paper is stopped against the registration rollers inside the copying machine main body and forms a loop. Here, the process proceeds by receiving a registration on signal from the copying machine main body (S731), and the upper stage motor 262
and interface motor 261 to Mid (= approx. 500
The middle stage clutch 248 is turned off and the interface clutch l is turned on (S733), thereby conveying the paper to the main body.

At this time, the "mid act flag" on the memory is reset to permit the operation of other transport sequences (S
735). Next, count the length of the paper to 3737.5.
739), and when the paper turns off the middle pass sensor 228, the drive system is turned off (S741.5743), and the sequence of transporting one sheet from the middle deck is completed.

Next, the transport sequence for lower paper feeding will be explained.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the paper conveyance sequence for PFU lower paper feeding. This sequence is 9107 in Figure 5.
This is performed when there is a lower paper feed signal in As an initial check of the sequence, it is determined whether the lower deck is set, whether one of the upper or middle decks is not operating, or whether there is paper on the lower deck, and whether the lifter is up and ready to transport paper. (S801,580
3.5805.5807). Then, it is confirmed that there is a lower paper feed signal (S809), and paper feeding is started. At this time, if the length of the paper stored in the lower deck in the conveyance direction is longer than 220 mm, it will be conveyed from the multi-feeder or the paper stacking section in the same way as for the upper middle deck. Different conveyance sequences are controlled by positioning the paper (pre-feeding sequence). In this embodiment, if the length of the paper stored in the lower deck in the conveying direction is longer than 220 mm, the lower sequence L is performed after the initial check, and if it is shorter than 220 mm, the flag check (5813) is performed after the initial check set), lower sequence S and pre-feeding sequence (described later) (S811.58
13.5820.5850).

The length of the paper in the transport direction is detected by a method such as detecting the position of a paper partition plate set on the lower deck.

First, a case where the length of the paper in the conveyance direction is longer than 220 mm will be explained using the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12. Initial check (S801.5802.580
3.5805.5807.5809) Check the size (S811) and proceed to the lower sequence.

In the lower sequence, to indicate that paper is being fed from the lower deck, the "low act flag" provided on the memory is displayed.
g" (S851). Next, based on the output of interface sensor 1, it is checked whether or not there is paper in the interface unit. If there is, a timer is started and the interface sensor 1 is set within 100m5.
Wait for it to turn off, and if it does not turn off, it is considered a jam.

If the interface sensor is off in 5853, the process returns to 5851, and if the interface sensor is off in 5853, the process proceeds to 5855.
Detection is performed by the lower path sensor 230. If the lower path sensor 230 is on, the process advances to S861; if it is off, the count is set to 60 mm, and the lower pickup solenoid 243 is turned on to bring the lower pickup roller into contact with the paper (S859). Next, lower stage motor 2
63 as M i d (= approx. 500 m m / s e
c), and the lower stage clutch 249 is turned on to rotate the lower stage conveyance roller (S861). Then, when the count has increased, the lower pickup solenoid 243 turns off (5863, 5865) and waits for the lower path sensor 230 to turn on.

Next, 90 mm after the lower bus sensor 230 turns on.
After counting (S867.5869.5871
), lower stage motor 263, interface motor 261
is rotated at a speed of Mid (=approximately 500 mm/sec), and the lower clutch 249 and interface clutch 2 are turned on (S873). Then, when the interface sensor 2 has advanced 40 mm after being turned on, the lower clutch 249 is turned off and 5875.
(S883
．． 5885.5887).

At this time, the paper is stopped against the registration rollers inside the copying machine main body and forms a loop. Here, the process proceeds by receiving the registration on signal from the copying machine main body (3889), and the lower stage motor 263 and interface motor 261 are set to Mid (= approximately 500mm/5ec).
), turn off the lower clutch 249, and turn on the interface clutch 2 (S89
0) Transport the paper to the main body.

At this time, “low act flag” on memory
Reset to allow other transport sequence operations (
3891). Next, count the length of the paper 5892.
5893), and when the paper turns off the interface sensor 1, the drive system is turned off (S894.5895), and the sequence of transporting one sheet from the lower deck is completed.

Next, a case where the length of the paper in the conveying direction is shorter than 220 mm will be explained using the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 13. Initial check (5801, 5803, 5
Check the size after 805, 5807, 5809) and check the flag in 5811) and 5813.

If the paper on the lower deck is shorter than 220 mm, it will be in standby mode waiting to start copying (for example, immediately after the power is turned on,
After handling a jam in the conveyance path or after copying is completed, the paper is always positioned on the conveyance path using the pre-feeding sequence described later, and the paper is always positioned on the conveyance path in response to the paper feed signal from the copier main body. The next sheet of paper is transported to the main body of the copying machine, and at the same time, the next sheet of paper is transported so that it is positioned on the transport path.

Flag checked in S13 (pre END f
lag) is a flag that is set when transport to the top of the transport path is completed. In other words, unless this flag is set, paper cannot be conveyed from the lower deck to the main body of the copying machine.

If the flag (pre END flag) is set in 5813, proceed to the lower sequence S (S8
20).

In the lower sequence S, in order to indicate that paper is being fed from the lower deck, the "low act flag" provided on the memory is
g" (S821). Set the interface motor 261 to Mid (= approximately 500 mm/s e
c) Rotate at the speed of interface clutch 2.
is turned on (S823).

Here, “pre END f” set in memory
lag" (S825). Further 140 m
When the paper has advanced m, the brake is applied to the interface motor 261 to stop the paper (S827.5829
．． 3831).

At this time, the paper is stopped against the registration rollers inside the copying machine main body and forms a loop. Here, the process proceeds by receiving and receiving a registration-on signal from the copying machine main body (S833), and the interface motor 261
is rotated at a speed of Mid (=about 500 mm/5ec) and the interface clutch 2 is turned on (S835) to transport the paper to the main body. At this time, the "low act flag" on the memory is reset to permit the operation of other transport sequences (S837). next,
The length of the paper is counted (5839, 5841), and when the paper turns off the interface sensor l, the drive system is turned off (S843, 5845), and the sequence of transporting one sheet from the lower deck is completed.

Next, the pre-feeding sequence will be explained. In the pre-feeding sequence, the initial checks of the sequence include whether the lower deck is set, whether there is paper on the lower deck, whether the lifter is up and ready to transport paper, and the length of the paper in the transport direction. Determine whether the length is shorter than 220 mm (S901.5902.5903
．． 5905). Also, it is confirmed that the "pre ENDflag" indicating completion of conveyance of the paper up to the conveyance path has been reset (S907).

First, determine whether the lower bus sensor 230 is on (5911). If it is on, it means that a part of the paper has already been conveyed to the conveyance path, so proceed to 8917. If it is off, the count value is Set 60 mm,
Turn on the lower pickup solenoid 243 to bring the pickup roller into contact with the paper (S913.591
5). Next, set the lower motor to Mid (= approx. 500mm/
sec), the lower stage clutch 249 is turned on, and the lower stage conveyance roller is rotated (S917).

Then, when the count has increased, the lower pickup solenoid 243 turns off (5919.5912) and waits for the lower path sensor 230 to turn on.

Next, 90 mm after the lower bus sensor 230 turns on.
After counting (S923.5925.5927
), lower stage motor 263, interface motor 261
is rotated at a speed of Mid (=about 500 mm/5ec), and the lower clutch 249 and interface clutch 2 are turned on (S929). Then, after the paper has advanced 40 mm after the interface sensor l is turned on, the brakes are applied to the lower stage motor 263 and the interface motor 263 to stop the paper (S931SS933, S
'935.5937). This means that the conveyance of the paper into the conveyance path has been completed, and a flag "pre END flag" in the memory indicating this is set (S93
9).

Part 2 Turn off all motor drive after Om s (S
941.5943.5945).

As a result, short sheets of paper can be fed onto the conveyance path in advance and kept on standby.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, when a plurality of paper conveyance paths exist in a paper feeder, the speed of paper conveyance is switched depending on the selected conveyance path, thereby feeding paper to an image forming apparatus. Enables increased efficiency,
It is possible to prevent the time required to start image formation from varying depending on the selected paper.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying machine system to which the present invention can be applied. FIGS. 2 to 4 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a paper feeding device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control operation of the paper feeding device. Flowchart, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the upper stage lifter of the paper feeder, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the lower stage lifter of the paper feeder, and Figure 8 is the flowchart showing the control operation of the lower stage lifter of the paper feeder. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation for paper feeding in the upper stage of the paper feeder; FIG. 1O is a flowchart showing the control action for feeding middle paper in the paper feeder; FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control operation for lower sheet feeding in the paper feeder, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control operation for pre-feeding in the paper feeder. 2 is a paper feeder, 2001 is a multi-manual paper feeder, 2
002 is the upper deck, 2003 is the middle deck, 2004
is the lower deck.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A device for supplying paper to an image forming apparatus, comprising first and second storage means for storing paper, and the first storage means for storing paper;
a first conveyance path for conveying the paper in the storage means; a second conveyance path longer than the first conveyance path for conveying the paper in the second storage means; , a first transport means for transporting the paper in the first storage means along the first transport path; and a first transport means for transporting the paper in the second storage means along the second transport path. and a conveyance control means for making the paper conveyance speed by the second conveyance means faster than the paper conveyance speed by the first conveyance means. Device.