JPH0489760A - Copy machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the curl of an OHP paper after discharging out of a machine by providing a paper discharge tray making a state for receiving the OHP paper discharged by a transfer sheet discharge means with the posture inclined downward in the discharge direction to the side part of a copy machine body when the feed of the OHP paper is detected. CONSTITUTION:When an OHP paper 49 is used as a transfer sheet, a discharge tray 15 mounted on the side part 11 of a copy machine body 10 makes a state for receiving the OHP paper 49 discharged by a transfer sheet discharge means 29 with the posture inclined downward in the discharge direction to the side part 11 of the copy machine body 10 by detecting the OHP paper 49 by an OHP paper detecting means 23. Thus, the softened OHP paper discharged on the discharge tray 15 is placed in a flat state parallel to the bottom plate 30 and cooled in this state.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (b) Industrial application field The present invention relates to a copying machine.

(B) Conventional technology A copying machine is equipped with a paper discharge tray for storing and stacking transfer sheets to be discharged outside the machine after transfer and fixing.

This paper output tray has the capacity to accommodate a large amount of copying at one time, and even if transfer sheets of various sizes are used, they can be arranged and aligned (paper alignment). (good) structure is required.

For this reason, a paper discharge tray provided in a conventional copying machine generally has a structure shown in FIG. 5. That is, the paper ejection tray 1 has an L-shaped cross section in the paper ejection direction, and is attached to the side of the copying machine main body 2 so as to be inclined upward (θ) in the paper ejection direction. The transfer sheet ejected by a pair of ejection rollers (not shown) falls onto the bottom plate 3 of the paper ejection tray 1, and due to the slope of the bottom plate 3, its rear end (end on the ejection port side) comes into contact with the rear side plate 5 of the paper ejection tray 1. . As a result, even transfer sheets of different sizes are stacked on the bottom plate 3 with their trailing edges aligned. Furthermore, by increasing the storage depth ρ, the amount of transfer sheets that can be loaded can be increased. Note that the paper discharge tray 1 is provided with left and right side plates 6 and 7 shown in phantom lines.

Incidentally, transfer sheets used in copying machines are made of various materials such as plain paper, OHP paper, and tracing paper. In conventional copying machines,
Regardless of the material of the transfer sheets used, all the transfer sheets are uniformly stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 1.

(c) Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, when OHP paper is used for the transfer sheet in a copying machine equipped with the above-mentioned paper ejection tray 1, the OHP paper is not stored on the paper ejection tray 1 after being ejected outside the machine. There was a problem that curling occurred.

For OHP paper, use an overhead projector (0°H, P)
This is an image-forming paper used for printing, and the surface of a polyester resin sheet material has been processed to increase toner adhesion. Therefore, when such OHP paper is used as a transfer sheet in a copying machine, it is transported inside the copying machine main body 2 under a high temperature environment from the paper feeding process to the paper ejection process, so the machine When the paper is ejected to the outside and stored in the paper ejection tray 1, it is in a softened state due to the heat received inside the copying machine main body 2. In this case, when the OHP paper passes through a heat fixing device, its softening state becomes particularly significant. Therefore, the OHP paper 9 is placed on the bottom plate 3 in a curved state as shown in the figure.

Then, as the OHP paper 9 is cooled in this curved state, the curved state becomes permanently curled. If this curled OHP paper 9 is projected with an overhead projector, the image will be distorted or out of focus. OH
In order to remove the curl that has occurred on the P paper 9, it is necessary to heat it again and straighten the curvature on the opposite side.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is equipped with a paper discharge tray that can be loaded and stored in a flat state without bending even if OHP paper used as a transfer sheet is softened by heat. The purpose is to provide a copying machine with

(d) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an OH transfer sheet as a transfer sheet.
OHP paper detection means (23) detects that P paper (49) is fed, and the OHP paper detection means (23)
When the feeding of P paper (49) is detected, the copying machine body (10)
a paper ejection tray (49) that is in a state to receive the OHP paper (49) ejected by the transfer sheet ejection means (29) in a posture inclined downward in the paper ejection direction with respect to the side part (11) of the paper ejection tray (
15, 59).

Further, the paper output tray (15) is connected to the copying machine main body (1).
The side part (11) of the copying machine main body (10) is installed at the bottom of the base end of a normal paper output tray (16) that is attached to the side part (11) of the copying machine main body (10) in an upwardly inclined state in the paper ejection direction. The OH is installed with a downward slope in the paper ejection direction.
This is a paper output tray exclusively for P paper, and is different from the normal paper output tray (
When the part (40) of the bottom plate (31) of 16) is opened by the detection of OHP paper (49) by the OHP paper detection means (23), the OHP paper (49) can be received from the opening. This is a characteristic feature.

Further, the OHP paper output tray (15) is provided with a fan device (15) for bringing the entire OHP paper (49) placed on the bottom plate (30) into close contact with the bottom plate (30).
52, 57).

Further, the paper ejection tray (59) is connected to the copying machine main body (1).
The shaft (6
0), and is normally attached to the side part (11) of the copying machine main body (10).
The O
When the HP paper detection means (23) detects the OHP paper (49), it rotates around the shaft (60) and rotates the copying machine main body (1).
0) is characterized in that it is inclined downward in the paper ejection direction with respect to the side part (11).

(e) Function According to the above configuration, OHP paper (49) is used as a transfer sheet.
is used, the side (11) of the copying machine body (10)
The output tray (15, 59) attached to the OHP
When the paper detection means (23) detects OHP paper (49), the transfer sheet ejection means (2) is tilted downward in the paper ejection direction with respect to the side (11) of the copying machine main body (10).
9), it becomes ready to receive the OHP paper (49) discharged. Therefore, the softened OHP paper discharged onto the paper discharge tray (15, 59) is placed on the bottom plate (30, 61).
It is placed in a flat state parallel to and cooled in this state.

Also, the softened O discharged onto the paper discharge tray (15)
Since the entire HP paper (49) is brought into close contact with the bottom plate (30) by the fan device (52, 57), the smoothness of the OHP paper (49) after cooling is improved.

Note that the above reference numerals in parentheses are used to refer to the drawings, and are not intended to limit equivalent configurations.

(f) Example Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIRST EMBODIMENT> FIG. 1 shows the main structure of a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

This copying machine includes a paper feed cassette 12, a manual feed tray 13, an OHP, and a paper feed cassette 12, a manual feed tray 13, an OHP, etc.
It is equipped with a paper discharge tray 15 exclusively for paper and a normal paper discharge tray 16.

Inside the paper feed side of the copying machine main body 10, there is a paper feed roller 7 that takes out and feeds transfer sheets such as plain paper loaded in the paper feed cassette 12 one by one, and a manual feed tray 1.
OHP as a transfer sheet manually fed one by one from 3
A pair of paper feed rollers 19 that feeds paper, a guide plate 21 that guides the transfer sheet fed from the paper feed cassette 12 to the pair of registration rollers 20, and an OH feed roller that feeds the sheet from the manual tray 13.
A guide plate 22 that guides P paper to a pair of registration rollers 20, a transfer sheet detection sensor (OHP paper detection means) that detects that a transfer sheet and OHP paper as a transfer sheet are fed from the paper feed cassette 12 and manual feed tray 13. )23 are installed.

The transfer sheet detection sensor 23 includes a light emitting element 25 such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element 26 such as a phototransistor, and outputs a detection signal according to the amount of light received by the light receiving element 26. The amount of light received by the light receiving element 26 differs depending on whether the light 27 emitted from the light emitting element 26 is transmitted through a transfer sheet other than OHP paper such as plain paper, or when it is transmitted through OHP paper. Therefore, based on the detection signal sent from the transfer sheet detection sensor 23, a control section (not shown) mainly including a microcomputer detects whether a transfer sheet such as plain paper has been fed from the paper feed cassette 12 and the manual feed tray 13. From OHP
Detects that paper has been fed.

Furthermore, a pair of discharge rollers 29 is installed inside the copying machine main body 10 on the paper discharge side.

The copying machine main body 10 includes the above-mentioned components, such as an image reading means, an image processing means, an image forming means using an electrophotographic process, a transfer means, and a fixing means as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 15774/1983. Although means and the like are incorporated, their explanation will be omitted here.

A paper output tray 15 dedicated to OHP paper and a normal paper output tray 1
6 are all fixed to the main body 10 of the copying machine. The paper ejection tray 15 is attached to the lower base end of the paper ejection tray 16 so as to be inclined downward in the paper ejection direction with respect to the copying machine main body 10. Further, the paper ejection tray 16 is attached to the copying machine main body 10 so as to be inclined upward in the paper ejection direction.

The inner surfaces of the bottom plates 30 and 31 of the paper discharge trays 15 and 16 are all flat surfaces without any reinforcing lip or the like. The paper ejection tray 15 has a structure that stands up perpendicularly to the bottom plate 30 (
(by bending) left and right side plates (illustrated by imaginary line) 32.3
3 and a front side plate 35 are provided. Also, paper output tray 1
6 is provided with left and right side plates (illustrated by imaginary lines) 36 and 37 that stand up perpendicularly to the bottom plate 3 (by bending). This paper discharge tray 16 has a bent portion 39 at the top of the paper discharge tray 15 as a rear side plate.

A rear portion 40 of the bottom plate 31 of the paper discharge tray 16 is independent from other parts of the bottom plate 31, and is rotatable around a support shaft 41 integrated through a bearing 42. The rear part 40 of the bottom plate is normally moved to the position shown in the imaginary line by the biasing force of a coil spring 46 interposed between a hook 43 provided on a bearing 42 and a hook 45 provided in the center of the bottom plate 31. (position where it functions as the bottom plate 31). In this case, a stopper 47 provided on the bearing 42 comes into contact with the bottom plate 31 to prevent counterclockwise rotation. When a step motor (not shown) connected to the support shaft 41 rotates a predetermined number of steps in the clockwise direction, the bottom plate rear portion 40 located at this imaginary line position is rotationally displaced to the solid line position. The step motor is driven by a command from the controller, and when the transfer sheet detection sensor 23 detects OHP paper, it rotates as described above in synchronization with the timing when the OHP paper is ejected, and remains at the same position for a predetermined time. Stay stopped. Thereby, the bottom plate rear part 40 is held at the solid line position. Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the bottom plate rear portion 40 returns to its normal position due to the restoring force of the coil spring 46.

When the bottom plate rear portion 40 of the paper output tray 16 is in the normal position, that is, the imaginary line position, the paper output tray 16 is used. Then, when the bottom plate rear portion 40 is rotationally displaced to the solid line position, the paper discharge tray 15 is used. In this case, the discharge roller pair 2
The OHP paper discharged by 9 is guided to the paper discharge tray 15 through an opening in the bottom plate 31 formed by the rotation of the rear part 40 of the bottom plate.

The copying machine of this embodiment configured as described above operates as follows.

Now, when a transfer sheet such as plain paper stacked and stored in the paper feed cassette 12 is fed by the paper feed roller 17, the transfer sheet detection sensor 23 detects this. In this case, the bottom plate rear part 40 of the paper discharge tray 16 is in the normal position, and the paper discharge tray 16 is in a state of being used. Therefore, the transfer sheets discharged by the discharge roller pair 29 after passing through a predetermined copying process are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 16. At this time, the rear end of the transfer sheet comes into contact with the folded portion 39 of the paper discharge tray 15 and is aligned.

Further, when the OHP paper is fed by the paper feed roller pair 19 via the manual feed tray 13, the transfer sheet detection sensor 23
detects this. As a result, the step motor rotates, and the bottom plate rear part 40 of the paper discharge tray 16 is rotationally displaced to the solid line position, so that the paper discharge tray 15 is ready for use. Therefore, the OHP paper 49 discharged by the discharge roller pair 29 after a predetermined copying process is stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 15 as shown. At this time, the entire OHP paper 49 is covered with the bottom plate 30.
The sheets are stacked in a flat state parallel to the front side plate 35, and their front ends are brought into contact with the front side plate 35 to align the sheets. In this state, the softened OHP paper 49 inside the copying machine main body 10 is cooled, so that curling does not occur.

Second Embodiment FIG. 2 shows the main part configuration of a copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration of the copying machine in this embodiment is the same as that of the copying machine in the first embodiment, except for a part of the paper discharge tray 15.

In this embodiment, the paper ejection tray 15 is configured to further improve the smoothness when the OHP paper 49 is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 15.

The paper discharge tray 15 has a large number of small holes (through holes) 50 formed at predetermined intervals on substantially the entire surface of the bottom plate 30 thereof. A cover-like shroud plate 51 is attached to such a bottom plate 30 to cover all the small holes 50 from the back side thereof. The shroud 51 is equipped with a fan motor 52 for exhaust. Here, a fan motor 52 including a shroud 51 constitutes a fan device.

In the paper discharge tray 15 having such a configuration, when the fan motor 52 is rotated, the fan exhausts the air inside the surrounding plate 51. Therefore, the OHP discharged onto the bottom plate 30
The entire paper 49 is suctioned and comes into close contact with the bottom plate 30. Therefore O
When the HP paper 49 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 15 and aligned, the fan motor 52 is rotated for a predetermined period of time to cool the OHP paper 49 in close contact with the bottom plate 30. This improves the smoothness of the OHP paper 49.

Note that the fan motor 52 is operated by a paper ejection sensor (not shown).
After the P paper 49 is detected and a predetermined time (time required for paper alignment) has elapsed, it rotates, and after the time when the OHP paper 49 has cooled down (1
0 to 100 seconds).

Third Embodiment> FIG. 3 shows the main structure of a copying machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration of the copying machine in this embodiment is the same as that of the copying machine in the first embodiment, except for a part of the paper discharge tray 15.

In the case of this embodiment, as in the case of the second embodiment, the paper ejection tray 15 is configured to further improve the smoothness when the OHP paper 49 is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 15. I have to.

In the case of this embodiment, a pressing plate 53 is attached to the front plate 35 of the paper discharge tray 15 on the front side of the bottom plate 30 and parallel to the bottom plate 30 at a predetermined distance. This pressing plate 53 has a large number of small holes (through holes) 55 formed at predetermined intervals on substantially the entire surface thereof. All of the small holes 55 are covered with a cover-like shroud plate 56 arranged above the pressing plate 53. The shroud 56 is equipped with a fan motor 57 for intake. Here, a fan motor 57 including a pressing plate 53 and a shroud plate 56 constitutes a fan device.

In the paper discharge tray 15 having such a configuration, when the fan motor 57 is rotated, the fan sucks in outside air and sends it into the enclosure plate 56. Therefore, the entire OHP paper 49 discharged onto the bottom plate 30 is brought into close contact with the bottom plate 30 by the air pressure blown out from all the small holes 55 of the pressing plate 53. Therefore, OHP
When the paper 49 is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 15 and aligned, the fan motor 57 is rotated for a predetermined period of time.
The HP paper 49 is rapidly cooled while being in close contact with the bottom plate 30. This improves the smoothness of the OHP paper 49.

Note that the fan motor 57 is operated by a paper ejection sensor (not shown).
It rotates after a predetermined time (time required for paper alignment) has passed after detecting the P paper 49, and after the OHP paper has cooled down (10 to 10
0 seconds) Stop.

In the case of this embodiment, the paper ejection tray 15 has the pressing plate 53 and the like attached above the bottom plate 30 thereof, so generally left and right side plates are not provided. As a result, the loaded OHP paper 49 can be collected from both the left and right sides, and the air blown from each small hole 55 can also be smoothly discharged.

Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 4 shows the main structure of a copying machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration of the copying machine in this embodiment is the same as that of the copying machine in the first embodiment, except for the paper discharge tray section.

In this embodiment, the copying machines of the first to third embodiments are
A paper discharge tray 15 exclusively for HP paper and a normal paper discharge tray 16 are provided separately, but one paper discharge tray is configured to double as a paper discharge tray for OHP paper and other transfer sheets. It is.

The paper ejection tray 59 is attached so as to rotate integrally with the support shaft 60 back and forth in the paper ejection direction about a support shaft 60 arranged approximately in the center of the side 11 of the copying machine main body 10. There is. Such a paper discharge tray 59 is provided with a front side plate 62 and left and right side plates (illustrated by imaginary lines) 63 and 65 that stand up perpendicularly to the bottom plate 61 (by bending). Further, a weight 66 is provided on the lower surface of the rear part of the bottom plate 61.

Normally, the paper output tray 59 is supported by the support shaft 6 due to the action of a weight 66.
0 in the counterclockwise direction, and the rear end 67 abuts against the horizontal part 70 of the L-shaped positioning member 69 attached to the side part 11 of the copying machine main body 10 in an inclined state, and the rear end 67 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. is prevented from rotating. (The state shown by the imaginary line) At this time, the paper discharge tray 59 is tilted upward in the paper discharge direction and functions as a normal paper discharge tray. In this case, the vertical portion 71 of the positioning member 69 performs the paper alignment function.

Then, the paper ejection tray 59 is moved from the normal position to the support shaft 60.
When it rotates clockwise around , and stops at the solid line position, it assumes a position tilted downward in the paper ejection direction, and functions as a paper ejection tray for OHP paper.

In this case, the paper discharge tray 59 is rotated to the solid line position by a step motor (not shown) connected to the support shaft 60 rotating a predetermined number of steps.

The step motor is driven by a command from the controller, and the transfer sheet detection sensor 23 is
When P paper is detected, it rotates as described above in synchronization with the timing at which OHP paper is discharged, and remains stopped at the same position for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the paper discharge tray 59 is held at the solid line position. Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the paper discharge tray 59 returns to its normal position due to the action of the weight 66.

The copying machine of this embodiment configured as described above operates as follows.

Now, when transfer sheets such as plain paper stacked and stored in the paper feed cassette are fed by the paper feed roller 17, the transfer sheet detection sensor 23 detects this. In this case, the paper discharge tray 59 is in the normal position and functions as a normal paper discharge tray.

Therefore, the transfer sheets discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 29 after a predetermined copying process are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 59, and their rear ends abut against the vertical portions 71 of the positioning member 69 to align them.

Further, when the OHP paper is fed by the paper feed roller pair 19 via the manual feed tray 13, the transfer sheet detection sensor 23
detects this. As a result, the step motor rotates, and the paper ejection tray 59 rotates to the solid line position.
Functions as a paper output tray for P. Therefore, the OHP sheets discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 29 after undergoing a predetermined copying process are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 59 as shown. At this time, the entire OHP paper 49 is stacked in a flat state parallel to the bottom plate 61. In this state, the OHP paper 49 softened within the copying machine main body 10 is cooled, so that curling does not occur.

In each of the above embodiments, since the OHP paper detection means also serves to detect the feeding state of the transfer sheet, the amount of light transmitted by detecting the fed transfer sheet (light reception amount)
We used a structure (composed of a light-emitting element 25 and a light-receiving element 26) to distinguish between OHP paper and other transfer sheets. In some cases, a device having a configuration for determining whether or not the object is detected may be used.

(g) As described in detail of the invention, the copying machine of the present invention includes an OHP paper detecting means for detecting that OHP paper is fed as a transfer sheet, and an OHP paper detecting means for detecting that OHP paper is fed as a transfer sheet. When detecting this, the copying machine includes a paper discharge tray that is inclined downward in the paper discharge direction with respect to the side of the copying machine main body and becomes in a state to receive the OHP paper discharged by the transfer sheet discharge means.

For this reason, the OH2 inside the copying machine has become heated and softened.
Since the paper is placed flat on the paper discharge tray and cooled in this state, it will not curl after being discharged from the machine.

Further, since the entire softened OHP paper discharged onto the paper discharge tray is brought into close contact with the bottom plate by the fan device, smoothness is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the configuration of main parts of a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the structure of main parts of a copying machine according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the configuration of main parts of a copying machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a paper discharge tray provided in a conventional copying machine. 30.31... Bottom plate 40... Bottom plate rear part (part of the bottom plate of normal paper output tray) 49... OH2 paper 52.57... Fan motor (fan device)
59... Paper output tray that serves as both an OHP paper output tray and a normal paper output tray 60... Support shaft

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. OHP paper detection means for detecting that OHP paper is fed as a transfer sheet; A copying machine comprising: a paper ejection tray that is in a state of receiving the OHP paper ejected by a transfer sheet ejection means in a posture inclined downward in a paper ejection direction. 2. The paper output tray is installed at the bottom of the base end of a normal paper output tray that is attached to the side of the copying machine body so as to be inclined upward in the paper ejection direction. This is a paper output tray dedicated to OHP paper that is installed in a downwardly inclined state in the paper output direction, and a part of the bottom plate of the normal paper output tray is attached to the OHP paper tray.
2. The copying machine according to claim 1, wherein when the copying machine opens upon detection of OHP paper by the P paper detection means, the copying machine becomes ready to receive OHP paper from the opening. 3. The paper output tray exclusively for OHP paper is equipped with a fan device for bringing the entire OHP paper placed on the bottom plate into close contact with the bottom plate. Copy machine. 4. The paper ejection tray is attached so as to be rotatable back and forth in the paper ejection direction around a shaft located approximately in the center of the side of the copying machine main body. It takes an upwardly inclined position in the paper ejection direction with respect to the side, and the OHP paper detection means is in the OH
2. The copying machine according to claim 1, wherein when P paper is detected, the copying machine rotates about the shaft and assumes a posture inclined downward in a paper ejection direction with respect to a side of the copying machine main body.