JPH06135640A - Paper feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To continuously carry out the paper feeding operation of a paper feeding device which is utilized for a copying machine, etc. free from interruption. CONSTITUTION:The first and second paper holding parts 7 and 8 in which a number of printing paper sheets 6 are placed are arranged, and a feeding mechanism 13 which separation-supplies the printing paper sheets 6 in the first paper holding part 7 one by one to the outside is installed, and a supply mechanism 33 which separation-feeds the printing paper 6 on the second paper holding part 8 nearly one by one on the first paper holding part 7 is installed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device used in a copying machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, a copying machine or the like is generally equipped with a feeding mechanism for automatically separating and feeding printing sheets.
In order to improve this practicability, it is desired to increase the capacity of the printing paper of the paper feeding device. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a sheet feeding device in which first and second sheet holding units are arranged in parallel has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-5633.
No. 4, JP-A-3-124633, JP-A-3-223031, JP-A-4-28634, JP-A-4-28635, JP-A-3-195639, JP-A-3-232629 Publication, JP 4-A
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 45022, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-204237, and the like.

More specifically, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-56334
JP 3-124633 JP, JP 3-223031 JP, JP
4-28634, JP-A-4-28635, JP-A-3-1956
In the paper feeding device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 39, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-232629, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-45022, etc., the printing paper of the first paper holding unit is integrated into the external printing mechanism. Each sheet is separated and fed, and when the printing paper is finished, the printing paper in the second paper holding unit is collectively supplied to the first paper holding unit by the replenishing mechanism.

On the other hand, in the paper feeding device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-204237, the first and second feeding mechanisms for the printing papers of the first and second paper holding units are provided in the external printing mechanism and the like. It is possible to separate and feed, and by selectively driving one of these first and second feeding mechanisms, the printing paper in the first and second paper holding units is separated and fed to the outside. It is supposed to do.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] First, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-56334
Paper feeding devices disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-124633, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-223031, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 428634, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-28635, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-45022, etc. In the above, the first and second sheet holders are pulled out from the main body of the apparatus to supply the printing sheet. However, these first and second sheet holders are structurally connected and move integrally. It is like this. For this reason, in the paper feeding devices disclosed in these publications, it is not possible to replenish the second paper holding unit with printing paper during the paper feeding operation by the first paper holding unit. The continuity of movement is hindered and workability is reduced.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 3-195639 and 3-23
In the paper feeding device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2629, printing paper can be replenished to the second paper holding unit during execution of the paper feeding operation by the first paper holding unit. In the paper feeding device, the feeding operation by the first paper holding unit needs to be stopped while the second paper holding unit is supplying the printing paper to the first paper holding unit. The continuity of paper movement is hindered and workability is reduced.

In the paper feeding device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-204237, the first and second paper holding portions for separately feeding the printing paper to an external printing mechanism are selectively switched. Therefore, it is possible to replenish printing paper to the other paper holding unit during the paper feeding operation of one paper holding unit.
Moreover, the paper feeding operation can be continuously performed. However, in the paper feeding device disclosed in this publication, it is necessary to provide a feeding mechanism for separating and feeding the printing paper sheet by sheet with high accuracy in both the first and second paper holding units. It has a complicated structure, which hinders size and weight reduction and productivity.

[0008]

The invention according to claim 1 is
First and second paper holding units, on which a large number of printing papers stacked in a substantially vertical direction are stacked, are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, and the printing papers on the first paper holding unit are externally transferred one by one. And a replenishment mechanism that separates and feeds the printing paper on the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit approximately one by one.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first printing sheet at the start of the sheet feeding operation is fed to the outside from the first sheet holding section by the feeding mechanism. An operation control unit is provided for feeding the second and subsequent print sheets from above the second sheet holding section to the outside through the first sheet holding section by the feeding mechanism and the replenishment mechanism.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, an end sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the print sheet on the second sheet holding portion is finished. The end sensor detects the end of the print sheet. An operation control means is provided which stops the replenishing mechanism when detected during the paper feeding operation and causes the feeding mechanism to feed the printing paper of the first paper holding unit to the outside.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, a remaining amount sensor for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper on the first paper holding portion is provided. Detects the decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper while the feeding mechanism is stopped, drives the replenishment mechanism to feed the printing paper on the second paper holding unit onto the first paper holding unit. Provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, the information for outputting the notification information indicating that the sheet can be fed while the operation control means drives the replenishing mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped. A notification means was provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, a position holding mechanism is provided for movably supporting the bottom plate of the first sheet holding portion in the vertical direction and holding the position at a predetermined position. A position detection sensor that detects the upper surface of the printing paper on one paper holding unit is provided, and the printing paper on the second paper holding unit is placed on the first paper holding unit by the replenishment mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped. There is provided operation control means for holding the printing paper on the first paper holding portion at the position for the replenishing mechanism by the position holding mechanism in accordance with the detection output of the position detection sensor when feeding.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the feeding mechanism externally moves the printing paper of the first paper holding unit to a state in which the printing paper of the second paper holding unit is finished. A timekeeping means for measuring a preset predetermined time after feeding is provided, and when the start of the paper feeding operation is input during the time measurement of the timekeeping means, a position holding mechanism is provided on the first paper holding section. An operation control means is provided for transferring and holding the printing paper from the position for the replenishing mechanism to the position for the feeding mechanism.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention as claimed in claim 1,
In the invention described in 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the first and second sheet holding units are trays that are movably supported in a horizontal direction substantially orthogonal to the feeding direction of the printing sheet and project from the apparatus main body. A first state in which the first sheet holding unit is formed and the first sheet holding unit is fixed to the apparatus main body and only the second sheet holding unit is movable, and the first and second sheet holding units are integrally movable. A holding portion connecting mechanism for switching between the second state and the second state is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, when at least one of power stop, paper end and paper feed failure occurs, the first and second paper holding portions are held by the holding portion connecting mechanism. The connection control means is provided so as to be movable integrally.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9.
In the invention described above, the first mode in which the printing paper on the first paper holding unit is fed by the feeding mechanism and the printing paper on the second paper holding unit are fed by the feeding mechanism and the replenishing mechanism. The manual switching means for manually switching between the second mode and the manual switching means is provided, and the connection control means for bringing the holding portion coupling mechanism into the first state when the first mode is selected by the manual switching means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth, ninth or tenth aspect of the invention, a protrusion detecting means for detecting the protrusion of the second sheet holding portion with respect to the apparatus main body is provided, and the manual switching means is in the first mode. When the connection control means selects the holding portion connection mechanism to the first state, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time set in advance is provided, and during the time measurement of the time measuring means, the protrusion detection means causes the second sheet The operation control means is provided for selecting the second mode after the time measurement is completed when the protrusion of the holding portion is not detected.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 8, 9,
In the invention described in Item 10 or 11, a movable handle for driving the holding unit connecting mechanism is provided in the second paper holding unit.

The invention according to claim 13 is the same as claims 1, 2 and 3.
In the invention described in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, the horizontal direction of the printing paper fed from the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit A position correction mechanism is provided to correct the position.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention as claimed in claim 1,
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 or 1
In the invention described in 3, the replenishing mechanism is formed with a simpler structure than the feeding mechanism.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the second sheet holding section can supply the printing sheet to the first sheet holding section for feeding the printing sheet to the outside, and the first sheet holding section. The printing paper can be manually replenished to the second paper holding unit while the printing paper is being fed to the outside, so continuous feeding can be performed without interruption. Is.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of printing sheets are fed to the outside, the first printing sheet is fed from the first sheet holding section which is close to the outside. The second paper holder that feeds the second and subsequent sheets of printing paper to the outside can be quickly contributed to improving work efficiency, and the first paper holder is the one that feeds the printing paper. In particular, since the printing paper can be manually replenished, it is possible to continuously execute the paper feeding operation without interruption.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the printing sheets sequentially fed from the second sheet holding section to the outside are finished, the printing sheets in the first sheet holding section are automatically fed to the outside. Since the printing paper can be manually supplied to the second paper holding unit even during the paper feeding operation, the paper feeding operation can be continuously executed without interruption.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the remaining amount of the printing paper sequentially fed from the first paper holding unit to the outside decreases, the printing paper of the second paper holding unit is automatically changed to the first paper. While the paper is being replenished to the holding unit and the second paper holding unit can be manually replenished with printing paper during the paper feeding operation of the first paper holding unit, the paper feeding operation can be continuously performed without interruption. It is possible to carry out.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the user from being distrusted by the operating sound generated by the replenishing mechanism while the sheet feeding operation is stopped.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to favorably perform the operation of replenishing the printing paper from the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit and prevent the occurrence of defective feeding.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the feeding operation of the printing paper from the first paper holding unit to the outside is promptly and favorably started even while the replenishing operation is being executed after the paper feeding operation is completed. be able to.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first state, the first paper holding unit that is feeding the printing paper to the outside is prevented from being pulled out from the main body of the apparatus, and only the second paper holding unit is provided with the printing paper. Can be easily replenished by hand, etc., and in the second state, workability can be improved when replenishing printing paper to both the first and second paper holders manually. .

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, when it is necessary to pull out both the first and second sheet holders from the apparatus main body,
This can be done automatically.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the first sheet holding portion, which is feeding the printing sheet to the outside, from being pulled out from the main body of the apparatus, and manually put the printing sheet only in the second sheet holding portion. Can be easily replenished with.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, even if the user manually selects the first mode, if the user does not start the replenishment work of the printing paper to the second paper holder within the predetermined time, the second paper is automatically set. Since the mode is selected, it is possible to prevent the printing paper in the first paper holding unit from being finished while the printing paper remains in the second paper holding unit.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the moving form of the first and second sheet holding portions can be easily selected depending on the movable position of the handle.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a defective paper feeding of the printing paper fed from the second paper holding unit to the outside via the first paper holding unit.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, strictly speaking, the printing paper supplied from the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit for feeding the printing paper to the outside one by one is strictly fed. Since it is not necessary to feed the sheet, by forming the replenishing mechanism with a structure simpler than that of the sheet feeding mechanism, it is possible to contribute to reduction in size and weight and improvement in productivity without lowering sheet feeding performance.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sheet feeding device 1 of the present embodiment.
Is formed as a part of a copying machine 3 together with a paper feeding device 2 of a normal type.
It has a structure in which the image printing mechanism 4 and the image reading mechanism 5 are sequentially arranged on the upper side.

Further, in the sheet feeding device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, first and second trays 7 and 8 which are first and second sheet holders on which a large number of vertically stacked printing sheets 6 are stacked are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first and second trays 7 and 8 have guide rails 9 to
11 are slidably supported in the front-rear direction.
Therefore, the first and second trays 7 and 8 are held at one of a position inside the main body housing 12 that is the main body of the copying machine 3 and a position that protrudes forward from the main body housing 12. ing.

In this paper feeding device 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the printing paper 6 in the first tray 7 is used.
A feeding mechanism 13 that separates and feeds each sheet to the image printing mechanism 4 located outside is provided with a pickup roller 14 located on the uppermost printing paper 6 in the first tray 7.
Alternatively, it is formed of a transport roller 15 and a separation roller 16 located in front of the uppermost printing paper 6 in the first tray 7.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, as shown in FIG. 5, a position holding mechanism 18 for slidably supporting the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 in the vertical direction and holding it at a predetermined position is provided with a wire. 19, take-up reel 20, worm gear 2
1 and a drive motor 22 and the like, and the position holding mechanism 18 holds the bottom plate 17 at a predetermined position so that the uppermost printing paper 6 in the first tray 7 is picked up by the pickup roller 14 It is designed to come into and out of contact with.

Further, in this paper feeding apparatus 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, an encoder 23 is directly connected to the drive motor 22 of the position holding mechanism 18, and the encoder 23, the photo interrupter 24, etc. A remaining amount sensor 25 for detecting the position of the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 and calculating the remaining amount and the uppermost position of the printing paper 6 is formed. Further, in this paper feeding device 1, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an end sensor 27 having a detection terminal 26 elastically protruding at the bottom of the first tray 7 is attached to the bottom plate 17. The end sensor 27 is the first tray 7
The presence or absence of the printing paper 6 inside is detected. Further, in the sheet feeding device 1, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7, the rotating arm 28 rotatably supported and urged downward by its own weight has a printing sheet in the first tray 7. The upper and lower surfaces of 6 are in contact with each other so that they can be separated from each other, and the detection sensors 30 and 31 are arranged at two positions facing the detection terminal 29 provided on the rotating arm 28. ,
A position detection sensor 32 for detecting the presence or absence of the printing paper 6 at the feeding position and the replenishing position in the first tray 7 is formed.

In this paper feeding device 1, a replenishment mechanism 33 for separating and feeding the printing paper 6 in the second tray 8 onto the first tray 7 sheet by sheet is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface. And a pair of feed rollers 36 located between the separating claws 35 and the trays 7 and 8, and the like. By doing so, in the paper feeding device 1, the replenishment mechanism 33 is formed with an extremely simple structure than the feeding mechanism 13. Here, the separation claws 35 are provided on the inner surfaces of the front portions of a pair of side fences 39 that are connected to each other by a rack 37 and a pinion 38 so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from each other and hold both side edge portions of the printing paper 6. A back fence 40 that holds the trailing edge of the printing paper 6 is provided behind the side fence 39 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

The front-back direction referred to here is defined based on the conveying direction of the printing paper 6, and corresponds to the left-right direction of FIGS. 2 to 4, for example. The bottom plate 41 of the second tray 8 to which the fences 39 and 40 are movably mounted is swingably supported by the rear edge portion thereof, and the front edge portion is biased upward by the spring 42. And an end sensor 44 having a detection terminal 43 elastically protruding on its surface.
Is installed. Further, the fences 39 and 4 connected to each other by the rack 37 and the pinion 38 so as to be freely contactable and separable.
0 is also provided in the first tray 7 in a shape in which the separation claw 35 is not provided.

Here, in the paper feeding device 1, the printing paper 6 replenished from the second tray 8 into the first tray 7 by the replenishing mechanism 33 is conveyed further forward to correct the position. A position correction roller 45, which is a correction mechanism, is provided at the front edge of the first tray 7. The position of the printing paper 6 whose position is corrected by the position correction roller 45 is adjusted by a contact roller 46 and a rotating arm 47. Paper sensor 48 to detect
Are arranged in parallel with the position correction roller 45.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, FIG. 9 and FIG.
As illustrated in 0, a lock arm 50 that is biased by a spring 49 in the locking direction and engages with the second tray 8 in a disengageable manner is rotatably attached to the first tray 7. A lock arm 51, which is biased by a spring (not shown) in the locking direction and engages with the first tray 7 in a disengageable manner, is attached to the apparatus main body 52. And
The lock solenoids 53 and 54 for driving the lock arms 50 and 51 as described above to drive in the releasing direction against the elastic force of the spring 49 and the like are provided in the apparatus main body 52, so that the first and second trays are provided. An integrated lock mechanism 55, which is a holding unit connecting mechanism that integrates 7 and 8, and a main body locking mechanism 56, which is a holding unit connecting mechanism that fixes the first tray 7 to the apparatus main body 52, are formed.

Therefore, in the paper feeding device 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9, the handle 58 is mounted on the guide rail 57 formed on the side surface of the second tray 8 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. A handle detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the handle 58 at both ends of the guide rail 57 is provided by a pressure sensitive switch or the like. In the sheet feeding device 1, the lock solenoids 53 and 54 of the lock mechanisms 55 and 56 are selectively driven according to the detection output of the handle detection sensor as described above, so that the main tray 52 is connected to the first tray. The sliding position of the handle 58 corresponds to a first state in which only the second tray 8 is fixed by fixing 7 and a second state in which the first and second trays 7 and 8 are integrally movable. You can switch with. Further, in this paper feeding device 1, when at least one of power stop, paper end and paper feeding failure occurs, the lock mechanism 55, 56 causes the first and second trays 7,
The connection control means that makes the unit 8 movable integrally is formed of, for example, a central processing circuit (not shown).

In this paper feeding device 1, as shown in FIG. 8, a drive motor (see FIG. 8) is rotatably supported by the front edge of the first tray 7 in the vicinity of the pickup roller 14. A straightening roller 59 connected to (not shown) is arranged, and the straightening roller 59, the driving motor, and the like are provided for the printing paper 6 fed from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7. A position correcting mechanism for correcting the horizontal position is formed. Further, on the board surface of the driven roller 60 arranged in parallel with the correction roller 59, a guide pin 61 is provided so as to be eccentric from the shaft center, and the swing arm 62 engaged with the guide pin 61 is detected. Terminal 6
Since 3 is located in the photo interrupter 64, a replenishment detection sensor 65 that detects the printing paper 6 fed from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 is formed.

In the paper feeding device 1, the first printing paper 6 at the start of the paper feeding operation is fed to the outside from the first tray 7 by the feeding mechanism 13 and the second and subsequent printing is performed. The paper 6 is fed by the feeding mechanism 13 and the replenishing mechanism 33 to the outside of the second tray 8 via the first tray 7, and an end control unit 44 feeds the end of the printing paper 6. If detected during the paper operation, the supply mechanism 33 is stopped and the feeding mechanism 13 feeds the printing paper 6 of the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism 4, and the remaining amount sensor. When 25 detects a decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper 6 while the feeding mechanism 13 is stopped, the replenishment mechanism 33 is driven to move the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 to the first tray 7.
The operation control means and the like for feeding the paper to the above are formed by the central processing circuit and the like.

The copying machine 3 including the sheet feeding device 1 having the above-described structure is provided with a keyboard and a display (neither shown) on the outer surface of the main body housing 12, and here, the display is provided. When the operation control means drives the replenishment mechanism 33 while the feeding mechanism 13 is stopped, the information notifying means including the above-mentioned display “can copy the notification information indicating that the paper feeding device 1 is capable of feeding paper, etc.” It is designed to be output as a message. It should be noted that such a keyboard or display is used for the main body housing 12 of the copying machine 3.
Although it will be formed above, it is also conceptually formed as part of the sheet feeding device 1 of the present invention.

If the replenishing mechanism 33 replenishes the printing paper 6 from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 while the feeding mechanism 13 is stopped as described above, the copying machine 3 will be operated. Since the operating sound is emitted when it is not used, there is a concern that the user who senses this may feel distrust. Therefore, in the copying machine 3, as described above, the feeding mechanism 13 is used.
When the replenishment mechanism 33 is replenishing the printing paper 6 while the printer is stopped, a message such as "currently replenishing paper" is displayed on the display as notification information It is possible to do it. In addition, in the copying machine 3, the sensor 25 and the remaining amount of the printing paper 6 on the first and second trays 7 and 8 of the paper feeding device 1 and the printing paper 6 in the paper feeding device 2 are detected. When it is detected by 27, 44, etc., the above-mentioned notification information is individually displayed and output by the display. Further, as described above, the copying machine 3 is configured such that the driving source of the replenishing mechanism 33 of the sheet feeding device 1 which operates even when the copying machine 3 is not used is a dedicated small driving source independent of the main driving source of the copying machine 3. It is also possible to reduce the noise and power consumption.

Further, in the paper feeding device 1, the first mode in which the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 is sequentially fed to the image printing mechanism 4 by the feeding mechanism 13 and the second tray 8 is fed. The keyboard has manual switching means for manually switching between a second mode in which the printing paper 6 is fed to the image printing mechanism 4 by the feeding mechanism 13 and the replenishment mechanism 33 by manual operation. When the first mode is selected with, the connection control means for driving the lock mechanisms 55, 56 to the second state in which the first and second trays 7, 8 can move integrally is formed by the central processing circuit or the like. There is.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, the protrusion detecting means for detecting the protrusion of the second tray 8 with respect to the device main body 52 is formed by an optical sensor (not shown) or the like, and the keyboard is in the first mode. When the connection control means sets the lock mechanisms 55 and 56 to the first state by selecting, a timer circuit (not shown) or the like is formed as a time measuring means for measuring a preset predetermined time. Therefore, if the optical sensor does not detect the protrusion of the second tray 8 during the time measurement of the timer circuit, the operation control means for selecting the second mode after completion of the time measurement is formed by the central processing circuit or the like. There is.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, the feeding mechanism 1
When the replenishment mechanism 33 feeds the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 onto the first tray 7 during the stop of 3, the position holding mechanism 18 causes the first holding mechanism 18 to detect the first sheet according to the detection output of the position detecting sensor 32. The operation control means for holding the printing paper 6 on the tray 7 at the replenishment position which is the position for the replenishment mechanism 33 is formed by the central processing circuit or the like. Further, after the feeding mechanism 13 feeds the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 to the outside in a state where the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 is finished,
A timer circuit is formed by a timer circuit that measures a preset predetermined time. When the start of the paper feeding operation is input during the time measurement of the timer circuit, the position holding mechanism 18 causes the first tray 7 to operate. An operation control unit that transfers and holds the upper printing paper 6 from the position for the replenishing mechanism 33 to the position for the feeding mechanism 13 is formed by the central processing circuit or the like.

In such a construction, the paper feeding device 1 of the present invention is arranged, for example, on each of the first and second trays 7 and 8 so that the longitudinal direction of the A4 size printing paper 6 is orthogonal to the feeding direction. Each of the 500 sheets stores up to 1000 sheets in total, and the normal-type sheet feeding device 2 located below the sheet feeding device 1 has, for example, the A3 size printing sheet 6 in the longitudinal direction as the feeding direction. Up to 500 sheets are stored so that they match. In the copying machine 3, the image reading mechanism 5
The image printing mechanism 4 prints the image information optically read from a document (not shown) on the printing paper 6 by electrophotography, so that the printing paper 6 is designated by the keyboard. According to the above, the sheets are separately fed from the sheet feeding devices 1 and 2.

In the paper feeding device 1, the printing paper 6 normally placed on the first tray 7 as in the first aspect of the invention.
The feeding mechanism 13 separates and feeds the sheets to the external image printing mechanism 4. When the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 decreases due to this separating and feeding, the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 is replenished. The mechanism 33 separates and feeds approximately one sheet on the first tray 7 and appropriately replenishes it. As in the invention according to claims 2 to 4, various methods are available for such replenishment operation. It is feasible.

That is, in the paper feeding device 1, the first printing paper 6 at the start of the paper feeding operation is fed from the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism by the feeding mechanism 13 as in the invention described in claim 2. The second and subsequent printing sheets 6 can be fed to the image printing mechanism 4 from above the second tray 8 through the first tray 7 by the feeding mechanism 13 and the replenishment mechanism 33. is there. Further, in the paper feeding device 1, the second tray 8 is provided during the paper feeding operation as described above, as in the invention according to the third aspect.
When the end sensor 44 detects the end of the upper printing paper 6, the replenishment mechanism 33 may be stopped and the feeding mechanism 13 may feed the printing paper 6 of the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism 4. .

By doing so, a plurality of printing papers 6
When the sheet is fed to the image printing mechanism 4, the first printing sheet 6
Is fed from the first tray 7 close to the image printing mechanism 4, so that the operation is quick and it can contribute to the improvement of work efficiency. Moreover, since the second and subsequent printing papers 6 are fed from the second tray 8, the consumption of the printing papers 6 in the first tray 7 is reduced and the printing papers 6 in the second tray 8 are given priority. Although consumed, the second tray 8 is projected from the main body 52 of the copying machine 3 so that the first tray 7
Since the printing paper 6 can be manually replenished even while the upper printing paper 6 is being fed, the paper feeding device 1 can continuously perform the paper feeding operation without interruption.

In addition to the above-described feeding mode, it is possible to preferentially feed the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism 4 in the paper feeding device 1 as described above. In this case, when the remaining amount sensor 25 detects a decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 while the feeding mechanism 13 is stopped, the replenishment mechanism 33 is driven. It is possible to feed the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 onto the first tray 7.

By doing so, the printing paper 6 is fed from the first tray 7 which is close to the image printing mechanism 4, so that the paper feeding operation can be performed quickly, and moreover, such paper feeding operation is performed. Since the printing paper 6 is replenished from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 during the stop of, the printing paper 6 in the second tray 8 is preferentially consumed to realize the continuity of the paper feeding operation. Is possible.

It is to be noted that the printing paper 6 is replenished from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 while the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding device 1 is stopped as described above. The present invention can be applied to the method, and can be performed even while the sheet feeding device 2 is performing the sheet feeding operation. Further, in this paper feeding device 1, as in the invention according to claim 5, the feeding mechanism 1
By displaying a message such as "Ready to copy" or "Replenishing paper now" on the display when the replenishment mechanism 33 is driven while 3 is stopped,
It is designed to improve its convenience and reliability.

Further, in the paper feeding device 1, the printing paper 6 is replenished from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 while the paper feeding operation as described above is stopped. It is also possible to hold the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 at the replenishment position by the position holding mechanism 18 in accordance with the detection output of the position detection sensor 32 during this time.
It is possible to favorably perform the operation of supplying the printing paper 6 from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7 to prevent the occurrence of jam.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, as in the invention described in claim 7, in the state where the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 as described above is finished, the feeding mechanism 13 is arranged on the first tray 7. After the printing paper 6 is fed to the image printing mechanism 4, when the start of the paper feeding operation is input by the keyboard during the measurement of the predetermined time by the timer circuit, the position holding mechanism 18 causes the printing paper on the first tray 7 to be printed. It is also possible to transfer and hold 6 from the replenishment position to the feeding position. By doing so, the feeding operation of the printing paper 6 from the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism 4 can be started quickly and satisfactorily even while the replenishing operation is being executed after the feeding operation is completed. it can.

Moreover, in the paper feeding device 1, the printing paper 6 of the second tray 8 is replenished onto the first tray 7 which feeds the printing paper 6 to the image printing mechanism 4 one by one as described above. However, since it is not necessary to strictly feed the printing paper 6 thus replenished one by one, the paper feeding device 1 includes the replenishment mechanism 33 as in the invention of claim 14. It can be formed with a simpler structure than the feeding mechanism 13 to contribute to size reduction and weight reduction and productivity improvement.

In the paper feeding device 1, the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 is replenished up to the first tray 7 by the replenishing mechanism 33 having a simple structure as described above. According to the invention of Item 13, the position correction roller 45 corrects the horizontal position of the printing paper 6 replenished from the second tray 8 to the first tray 7, so that The jamming of the printing paper 6 fed to the image printing mechanism 4 via the tray 7 is prevented.

Further, in this paper feeding device 1, as in the invention described in claim 8, the device main body 5 is provided with the lock mechanisms 55 and 56.
By fixing the first tray 7 to 2 and making only the second tray 8 movable, it is possible to prevent the first tray 7 which is feeding the printing paper 6 to the image printing mechanism 4 from being pulled out from the apparatus main body 52. By simply supplying the printing paper 6 to only the second tray 8 by hand, the first and second trays 7 and 8 can be integrally moved by the lock mechanisms 55 and 56, thereby It is possible to improve workability when manually supplying the printing paper 6 to both the first and second trays 7 and 8.

Moreover, in this paper feeding device 1, when at least one of power stop, paper end and paper feeding failure occurs, the lock mechanisms 55 and 56 enable the first and second trays to operate. By making 7 and 8 movable together,
When it is necessary to pull out both the first and second trays 7 and 8 from the apparatus main body 52, this can be automatically executed.

Further, according to the paper feeding device 1, it is preferable that
As in the invention described above, when the first mode for feeding the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 by the feeding mechanism 13 is selected by the keyboard, the first tray 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body 52 by the lock mechanisms 55 and 56. By making only the second tray 8 movable, the first tray 7 which is feeding the printing paper 6 to the image printing mechanism 4 is prevented from being pulled out from the apparatus main body 52, and only the second tray 8 is printed. The paper 6 can be easily replenished by hand.

Further, in the paper feeding device 1, the first mode in which the printing paper 6 on the first tray 7 is fed to the external printing mechanism 4 by the feeding mechanism 13 as in the invention described in claim 11 is the keyboard. The lock mechanism 55, 56 is selected by the second tray 8
If the timer circuit that makes only the movable unit starts measuring a predetermined time and the protrusion of the second tray 8 is not detected during the time measurement of this timer circuit, the printing paper on the second tray 8 is completed after the completion of the time measurement. The second mode for feeding 6 to the external printing mechanism 4 is selected. By doing so, even if the user selects the first mode with the keyboard, the second mode is automatically selected unless the work of supplying the printing paper 6 to the second tray 8 is started within the predetermined time. It is possible to prevent the printing paper 6 in the first tray 7 from being finished while the printing paper 6 remains in the second tray 8.

Further, according to the paper feeding device 1, it is preferable that the paper feeding device according to claim 12
As illustrated in FIG. 9 as the described invention, the handle 58
Is located in the center of the second tray 8, the locking mechanism 5
The first tray 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body 52 by 5, 56, and only the second tray 8 is movable. When the handle 58 is arranged at a position corresponding to the central portion of the first and second trays 7 and 8, it is locked. The mechanisms 55 and 56 enable the first and second trays 7 and 8 to move integrally. By doing so, in the paper feeding device 1, it is possible to prevent unnecessary stress from acting on the first and second trays 7 and 8 that are pulled out from the device main body 52, and the first and second trays at the sliding position of the handle 58 can be prevented. The movement mode of the two trays 7 and 8 can be easily selected.

Here, one specific example of the processing operation of the sheet feeding device 1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. First, in the paper feeding device 1, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the presence of the printing paper 6 in the second tray 8 is confirmed by the end sensor 44 at the time of start-up,
When this is confirmed, the position detection sensor 32 confirms that the remaining amount of the printing paper 6 in the first tray 7 is sufficient. If this is also confirmed, the presence / absence of an operation input to the keyboard is monitored, and if this operation input is not detected, the subroutine supply operation is started.

Then, in this paper feeding device 1, as illustrated in FIG. 12, both the lock mechanisms 55 and 56 are turned on to fix both the first and second trays 7 and 8 to the device main body 52.
After this, the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 is moved by the position holding mechanism 18 and the upper surface of the printing paper 6 is placed at the replenishment position. Then, in this state, the replenishment mechanism 33 replenishes only one printing sheet 6 on the second tray 8 onto the first tray 7 and corrects the position by the position correction roller 45, and the position of this printing sheet 6 is not proper. In this case, a message such as "Please remove the paper" is displayed on the display, and an error occurs. If the position of the printing paper 6 is proper, the replenishment operation is completed.

Therefore, when such a replenishment operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 11, the integrated lock mechanism 55 is turned off and the body lock mechanism 56 is turned on to fix the first tray 7 to the apparatus body 52. 2nd tray 8
Only the movable one is returned to the initial state.

The sheet feeding device 1 thus restored to the initial state also confirms the presence of the printing sheet 6 in the second tray 8 and the remaining amount of the printing sheet 6 in the first tray 7 after the confirmation. Since the presence / absence of an operation input to the keyboard is monitored, for example, when this operation input is detected, the timer circuit is reset and then the measurement of a predetermined time is started. Therefore, during this time measurement, the operation input of the start key (not shown) of the keyboard is monitored, and if this is not detected, the presence or absence of another operation input of the keyboard is confirmed. Therefore, if such an operation input is detected before the completion of the time measurement of the timer circuit, the timer circuit is reset to the state where the time measurement of the timer circuit is completed without detecting the operation input of the keyboard. The above-mentioned replenishing operation is performed.

When the operation input of the start key is detected during the time measurement of the timer circuit reset as described above, both the lock mechanisms 55 and 56 are turned on and both the first and second trays 7 and 8 are connected to the apparatus main body 52. After that, the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 is moved by the position holding mechanism 18 to arrange the upper surface of the printing paper 6 at the feeding position, and then the copying operation of the subroutine is started.

Then, in this paper feeding device 1, as shown in FIG. 13, it is confirmed from the first tray 7 that the sizes of the printing papers 6 of the first and second trays 7 and 8 are the same. It is confirmed that the printing paper 6 is fed to the image printing mechanism 4, and when this is confirmed, the integrated lock mechanism 5
5 is turned off and the main body locking mechanism 56 is turned on to make only the second tray 8 movable while the first tray 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body 52. Therefore, the required number of printing sheets 6 in the first tray 7 are sequentially fed to the image printing mechanism 4 in a state where the printing sheets 6 can be manually replenished in the second tray 8 as described above.

In such a copying operation, the sizes of the printing papers 6 on the first and second trays 7 and 8 are different, and the printing papers 6 are fed from the first tray 7 to the image printing mechanism 4. If not confirmed, the lock mechanism 5
Both 5 and 56 are turned on to fix both the first and second trays 7 and 8 to the apparatus main body 52, and in this state, the predetermined printing paper 6 in the first and second trays 7 and 8 is transferred to the image printing mechanism 4 The required number of sheets will be sequentially fed.

Therefore, when the copying operation is completed as described above, as shown in FIG. 11, the timer circuit is reset and then a predetermined time is started to be measured, and the keyboard operation is input before the completion of the time measurement. If it is detected, the timer circuit is reset and then the state where the operation input of the start key is started is restored. Further, when the time measurement is completed without detecting such a keyboard operation input, the integrated lock mechanism 55 is turned off and the main body lock mechanism 56 is turned on to fix the first tray 7 to the apparatus main body 52. In this state, only the second tray 8 is allowed to move, and then the initial state is restored.

The sheet feeding device 1 thus returned to the initial state also confirms the presence of the printing sheet 6 in the second tray 8. If this is not confirmed, the printing sheet in the first tray 7 is checked. Confirm the presence of 6 and if this is not confirmed, display a message such as "Please put paper in the 1st and 2nd trays 7 and 8" on the display and then turn on the integrated lock mechanism 55. Body lock mechanism 56
Is turned off, and the first and second trays 7 and 8 are returned to the initial state so that the first and second trays 7 and 8 can be integrally pulled out from the apparatus main body 52.

The paper feeding device 1 thus returned to the initial state also confirms the presence of the printing paper 6 in the second tray 8. If this is not confirmed, the printing paper in the first tray 7 is checked. Check the presence of 6 and if this is confirmed, display a message such as "Please put paper in the second tray 8" on the display, and then press the integrated lock mechanism 5
5 is turned off and the body lock mechanism 56 is turned on,
Only the second tray 8 is movable while the first tray 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body 52. Therefore, after this, the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 is moved by the position holding mechanism 18 to arrange the upper surface of the printing paper 6 at the feeding position, and when the operation input of the start key is confirmed, the copying operation of the subroutine is executed. Return to the initial state.

Further, the paper feeding device 1 which has returned to the initial state in this way also confirms the presence of the printing paper 6 in the second tray 8 and then determines the remaining amount of the printing paper 6 in the first tray 7. If the remaining amount is less than a predetermined value, the integrated lock mechanism 55 is turned off and the body lock mechanism 56 is checked.
Is turned on, and only the second tray 8 is movable while the first tray 7 is fixed to the apparatus main body 52. Therefore, after this, the bottom plate 17 of the first tray 7 is moved by the position holding mechanism 18 to arrange the upper surface of the printing paper 6 at the feeding position, and when the operation input of the start key is confirmed, the copying operation of the subroutine is executed. Return to the initial state.

Although the paper feeding device 1 is designed to store the printing paper 6 of the same size in the first and second trays 7 and 8 as described above, in reality, the first and second trays 7 and 8 are stored. It is also possible to store the printing papers 6 of different sizes in the trays 7 and 8. In this case, the printing paper 6 on the second tray 8 is placed on the first tray 7 so that the printing paper 6 stored on the second tray 8 is fed to the image printing mechanism 4 via the first tray 7. It is necessary to regulate the size and the direction in which the width is at least narrower than that of the printing paper 6.

[0081]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second sheet holding portions on which a large number of printing sheets stacked in a substantially vertical direction are stacked are arranged side by side in a substantially horizontal direction. A feeding mechanism that separates and feeds the printing paper on the paper holding unit to the outside one by one is provided, and the printing paper on the second paper holding unit is approximately one by one on the first paper holding unit. By providing the replenishment mechanism that separates and feeds, the second paper holding unit can replenish the printing paper to the first paper holding unit that feeds the printing paper to the outside, and the first paper holding unit Since the printing paper can be manually supplied to the second paper holding unit while the printing unit is feeding the printing paper to the outside, the paper feeding operation can be continuously performed without interruption. It has effects such as being possible.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first printing sheet at the start of the sheet feeding operation is fed to the outside from the first sheet holding section by the feeding mechanism. A plurality of second and subsequent printing sheets are provided by an operation control unit that feeds from the second sheet holding section to the outside through the first sheet holding section by the feeding mechanism and the replenishment mechanism. When feeding the above printing paper to the outside, since the first printing paper is fed from the first paper holding unit that is close to the outside, the operation is quick and it can contribute to the improvement of work efficiency. Since the second paper holding unit that feeds the second and subsequent printing papers to the outside, the printing papers can be manually replenished while the first paper holding unit is feeding the printing papers. It also has the advantage that it can continuously execute the paper feeding operation without interruption. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, an end sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the print sheet on the second sheet holding portion is finished. The end sensor detects the end of the print sheet. When the second paper holding unit is provided with an operation control unit that stops the replenishment mechanism when the paper feeding operation is detected and the feeding mechanism feeds the print paper of the first paper holding unit to the outside. When the printing paper that is sequentially fed to the outside is finished, the printing paper in the first paper holding unit is automatically fed to the outside, and the printing paper is manually placed in the second paper holding unit even during this paper feeding operation. Since it can be replenished by, for example, the sheet feeding operation can be continuously executed without interruption.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, a remaining amount sensor for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper on the first paper holding portion is provided. Detects the decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper while the feeding mechanism is stopped, drives the replenishment mechanism to feed the printing paper on the second paper holding unit onto the first paper holding unit. By providing, when the remaining amount of the printing paper sequentially fed from the first paper holding unit to the outside decreases, the printing paper of the second paper holding unit is automatically replenished to the first paper holding unit, During the paper feeding operation of the first paper holding unit, the printing paper can be manually supplied to the second paper holding unit, so that the paper feeding operation can be continuously executed without interruption. It has certain effects.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, the information for outputting the notification information indicating that the sheet can be fed when the operation control means drives the replenishing mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped. By providing the notifying means, it is possible to prevent the user from being distrusted by the operating noise generated by the replenishing mechanism while the sheet feeding operation is stopped.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, a position holding mechanism is provided for movably supporting the bottom plate of the first sheet holding portion in the vertical direction and holding the position at a predetermined position. A position detection sensor that detects the upper surface of the printing paper on one paper holding unit is provided, and the printing paper on the second paper holding unit is placed on the first paper holding unit by the replenishment mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped. By providing the operation control means for holding the printing paper on the first paper holding portion at the position for the replenishing mechanism by the position holding mechanism in accordance with the detection output of the position detection sensor at the time of feeding, This has the effect of favorably performing the operation of replenishing the printing paper from the paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit and preventing the occurrence of defective feeding.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixth aspect, the feeding mechanism externally moves the printing paper of the first paper holding unit in a state where the printing paper of the second paper holding unit is finished. A timekeeping means for measuring a preset predetermined time after feeding is provided, and when the start of the paper feeding operation is input during the time measurement of the timekeeping means, a position holding mechanism is provided on the first paper holding section. By providing the operation control means for transferring and holding the print sheet from the position for the replenishing mechanism to the position for the feeding mechanism, the first sheet can be supplied even while the replenishing operation is being executed after the end of the paper feeding operation. This has an effect that the feeding operation of the printing paper from the holding portion to the outside can be started quickly and satisfactorily.

The invention according to claim 8 is the same as claim 1,
In the invention described in 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the first and second sheet holding units are trays that are movably supported in a horizontal direction substantially orthogonal to the feeding direction of the printing sheet and project from the apparatus main body. A first state in which the first sheet holding unit is formed and the first sheet holding unit is fixed to the apparatus main body and only the second sheet holding unit is movable, and the first and second sheet holding units are integrally movable. By providing the holding portion connecting mechanism for switching between the second state and the second state, in the first state, it is possible to prevent the first sheet holding portion, which is feeding the printing sheet outside, from being pulled out from the main body of the apparatus. It is possible to easily supply printing paper only to the paper holding part by manual work, etc. Furthermore, in the second state, work when manually supplying printing paper to both the first and second paper holding parts. It has the effect of improving the property.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, when at least one of power stoppage, paper end and paper feed failure occurs, the first and second paper holding portions are connected by the holding portion connecting mechanism. By providing the connection control means that can move integrally, it is possible to automatically execute both when it is necessary to pull out both the first and second sheet holding portions from the apparatus main body. Is to have.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9.
In the invention described above, the first mode in which the printing paper on the first paper holding unit is fed by the feeding mechanism and the printing paper on the second paper holding unit are fed by the feeding mechanism and the replenishing mechanism. By providing a manual switching means for manually switching between the second mode and the manual switching means, when the first mode is selected, the connection control means for setting the holding section connecting mechanism to the first state is provided, so that the printing paper can be externally transferred. This has the effect of preventing the first paper holding unit being fed from being pulled out from the main body of the apparatus, and making it possible to easily refill the second paper holding unit with printing paper by hand or the like. .

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth, ninth or tenth aspect of the invention, a protrusion detecting means for detecting the protrusion of the second sheet holding portion with respect to the apparatus main body is provided, and the manual switching means is in the first mode. When the connection control means selects the holding section connection mechanism to the first state, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time set in advance is provided, and during the time measurement of the time measuring means, the protrusion detection means causes the second sheet By providing the operation control means for selecting the second mode after the completion of the time measurement when the protrusion of the holding portion is not detected, even if the user manually selects the first mode, the second paper can be printed within the predetermined time. The second mode is automatically selected if the printing paper supply operation to the holding unit is not started, so that the printing paper in the first paper holding unit ends with the printing paper remaining in the second paper holding unit. Can be prevented Those having an effect equal.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention includes the eighth, ninth and eighth aspects.
In the invention described in 10 or 11, by providing a movable handle for driving the holding portion connecting mechanism in the second paper holding portion, the moving form of the first and second paper holding portions can be changed at the movable position of the handle. It has an effect that it can be easily selected.

The invention according to claim 13 is the same as claim 1,
In the invention described in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, the horizontal direction of the printing paper fed from the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit By providing the position correction mechanism for correcting the position, it is possible to prevent the paper feed failure of the printing paper fed from the second paper holding unit to the outside through the first paper holding unit. Is to have.

The invention described in claim 14 is the same as in claim 1,
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 or 1
In the invention described in 3, the replenishing mechanism is formed with a simpler structure than the feeding mechanism, so that the second paper holding portion replenishes the first paper holding portion that feeds the printing paper one by one to the outside. Since it is not strictly necessary to feed each printing paper sheet by sheet, forming a replenishing mechanism with a simpler structure than the feeding mechanism contributes to size reduction, weight reduction, and productivity improvement without lowering paper feeding performance. It has the effect of being able to do so.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a paper feeding device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing a copying machine including a paper feeding device of the present invention as a part.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a sheet feeding device.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional front view.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a position holding mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a remaining amount sensor.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional front view showing a position detection sensor.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a supply detection sensor and the like.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a movement mode of first and second trays that are sheet holding units.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view showing an integrated lock mechanism that is a holding portion coupling mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an overall processing operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a supply operation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a copying operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Paper Feeding Device 6 Printing Paper 7 First Paper Holding Unit 8 Second Paper Holding Unit 12,52 Device Main Body 13 Feeding Mechanism 18 Position Holding Mechanism 25 Remaining Amount Sensor 32 Position Detection Sensor 33 Replenishing Mechanism 44 End Sensor 55, 56 holding part connecting mechanism 58 handle

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A first and a second paper holding section on which a large number of printing papers stacked in a substantially vertical direction are stacked are arranged side by side in a substantially horizontal direction, and the printing papers on the first paper holding section are arranged. A feeding mechanism for separately feeding each sheet outside is provided, and a replenishing mechanism for separately feeding the printing paper on the second paper holding unit onto the first paper holding unit approximately one by one. A paper feeder characterized in that 2. The first printing paper at the start of the paper feeding operation is fed to the outside from above the first paper holding portion by the feeding mechanism, and the second and subsequent printing papers are fed to the feeding mechanism and the replenishment. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising operation control means for feeding the sheet from the second sheet holding section to the outside via the first sheet holding section. 3. An end sensor for detecting the end of printing paper on the second paper holder is provided, and when this end sensor detects the end of printing paper during the paper feeding operation, the supply mechanism is stopped. 3. The paper feeding device according to claim 2, further comprising operation control means for feeding the printing paper of the first paper holding unit to the outside by the feeding mechanism. 4. A remaining amount sensor for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper on the first paper holding portion is provided, and when the remaining amount sensor detects the decrease in the remaining amount of the printing paper while the feeding mechanism is stopped, replenishment is performed. 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation control unit that drives the mechanism to feed the printing paper on the second paper holding unit onto the first paper holding unit. apparatus. 5. The information notifying means for outputting notifying information indicating that the paper can be fed when the operation control means is driving the replenishing mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped. Paper feeder. 6. A position holding mechanism for movably supporting the bottom plate of the first paper holding unit in the vertical direction and holding it at a predetermined position, and detecting the upper surface of the printing paper on the first paper holding unit. A position detection sensor is provided, and according to the detection output of the position detection sensor when the printing paper on the second paper holding unit is fed onto the first paper holding unit by the replenishment mechanism while the feeding mechanism is stopped, 5. The paper feeding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position holding mechanism is provided with operation control means for holding the printing paper on the first paper holding unit at a position for the replenishing mechanism. 7. A timekeeping for measuring a preset predetermined time after the feeding mechanism feeds the printing paper of the first paper holding unit to the outside in a state where the printing paper on the second paper holding unit is finished. Means is provided, and when the start of the paper feeding operation is input during the time measurement of the time measuring means, the position holding mechanism moves the printing paper on the first paper holding portion from the position for the feeding mechanism to the position for the feeding mechanism. 7. The paper feeding device according to claim 6, further comprising operation control means for transferring and holding the paper to a position. 8. The first and second sheet holding portions are formed by trays that are movably supported in a horizontal direction substantially orthogonal to the feeding direction of printing paper and project from the apparatus main body, and the first and second sheet holding units are formed on the apparatus main body. Holding for switching between a first state in which one sheet holding unit is fixed and only the second sheet holding unit is movable and a second state in which the first and second sheet holding units are integrally movable 3. A part connecting mechanism is provided,
The paper feeding device according to 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. 9. A connection control means is provided for integrally moving the first and second paper holding parts by a holding part connection mechanism when at least one of power stop, paper end and paper feed failure occurs. The sheet feeding device according to claim 8, which is characterized in that. 10. A first mode in which a print sheet on a first sheet holder is fed by a feeding mechanism, and a print sheet on a second sheet holder is fed by the feeding mechanism and a replenishing mechanism. 9. A manual switching means for manually switching between the second mode and the second switching mode is provided, and a connection control means for setting the holding section connecting mechanism to the first state when the first switching mode selects the first mode is provided. Or the paper feeding device according to item 9. 11. A projection detecting means for detecting a projection of a second sheet holding section with respect to the apparatus main body is provided, wherein the manual switching means selects the first mode and the connection control means sets the holding section connecting mechanism to the first state. A time measuring unit for measuring a predetermined time set in advance is provided, and if the protrusion detecting unit does not detect the protrusion of the second sheet holding unit during the time measurement of the time measuring unit, the second mode is selected after the time measurement is completed. 11. The paper feeding apparatus according to claim 8, 9 or 10, further comprising operation control means for performing the operation. 12. The paper feeding device according to claim 8, wherein a movable handle for driving the holding portion connecting mechanism is provided on the second paper holding portion. 13. A position correcting mechanism for correcting the horizontal position of the printing paper fed from the second paper holding unit to the first paper holding unit.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12
The paper feeder described. 14. The replenishing mechanism is formed with a simpler structure than the feeding mechanism.
6,7,8,9,10,11,12 or 13 sheet feeding device.