JPH11292312A - Paper supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the supply of paper at all times so as to prevent scattering of sheets and hanging down, deformation, and folding of both side fringe parts on a rear side in case where a sheet having a large size such as A3 size exceeding A4 size is loaded and supplied in non-tandem paper supply of a paper supply device using a cantilever system and a wire system. SOLUTION: This paper supply device is provided with a right tray unit 4 provided with a horizontal lifting means which loads a paper P1 and lifts a right tray 1 while keeping it in a horizontal condition, a paper supply means supplying the paper P1 on the right tray 1 one by one, a transfer means transferring the papers P1' loaded on a left tray 2 which is provided in parallel in substantially horizontal direction for the right tray 1 and loads the paper P1' onto the right tray 1 in a batch, and a left tray unit 5 provided with a lifting and interlocking means lifting the left tray 2 while keeping it in substantially horizontal condition in the interlocking relationship with lift movement of the right tray 1 when a large sized sheet is loaded over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 (divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper feeder,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a sheet feeding device that supplies a sheet to be formed with an image to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, a facsimile, and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine in which the number of copies is relatively small, paper replenishment and
In order to facilitate replenishment, a paper feeding device with good operability and capable of large-volume paper feeding has been proposed and implemented. In such a paper feeder, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 5-124737, 5-221536, 6-144600, and 7-137851, an operator or the like faces the front of the apparatus. There is disclosed a sheet feeding apparatus that uses a so-called front loading method that can perform an operation such as sheet feeding or the like in a positioned posture and that can automatically supply sheets without interrupting the sheet feeding operation.

[0003] In the above-mentioned paper feeding apparatus, in the case where a horizontal lifting / lowering driving mechanism such as a wire system is adopted as a lifting / lowering driving system for a paper feeding tray, as shown in FIG.
1 and a right tray 1 that can be moved up and down.
A feed roller 51 for pressing the uppermost sheet P1 to feed the sheet from the right tray 1 in the sheet conveying direction X;
The separation roller 52 and the separation pad 53 that separate and feed the sheet P1 fed from the sheet tray 1 one by one and are arranged substantially horizontally with respect to the right tray 1 and are substantially orthogonal to the sheet transport direction X with respect to the apparatus main body. The left tray 2 which can be inserted into and removed from the front and back of the drawing in FIG.
Transfer means provided with an end fence (not shown) and the like for collectively transferring the (paper bundle) to the right tray 1, and at least the right tray 1 or the left tray over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2. A large-sized sheet P2 larger than the sheet size that can be stacked on the tray 2 as shown in FIG.

In the above-described paper feeder, the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 are relatively small in size and have the same size as the sheets P1 and P1 '(each sheet on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2). Are changed for convenience of explanation.)
Can be stacked on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2, for example, A
Approximately 500 sheets of each of four (horizontal) size sheets P1 and P1 'can be stacked and accommodated. When the feeding of the sheet P1 on the right tray 1 is completed, the end fence constituting the transfer unit is moved from left to right by the operation of the transfer unit, and the left tray 2 The sheet P1 'is transferred to the right tray 1 in a lump, and then the sheet P transferred to the right tray 1 by the operation of a lifting device (not shown) provided on the right tray 1.
1 ′ is pressed against the paper feed roller 51 and fed. Such a sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding method is commonly called tandem sheet feeding.

In the above-mentioned paper feeder, a pair of side fences (not shown) for positioning the sheets P1 and P1 'stacked on the right tray 1 in the sheet width direction are supported by these side fences. A unitized side fence composed of a pair of back fences (not shown) that automatically swings and presses the rear end of the sheet P1 or P1 ′, and a drive source such as a rotary solenoid that swings the back fence These side fences are engaged with the right tray 1 by appropriate engaging members such as screws that can be easily removed. By simply changing the position of the side fence body or automatically changing the position, it is possible to correspond to the paper size desired by the operator. The paper size that can be loaded on the tray 1 or the left tray 2 (A in the above example
Large-size paper (for example, A (size)
3 (longitudinal) size) and can be fed by the feed roller 51. Such a sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding method is commonly called non-tandem sheet feeding.

In both cases of tandem paper feeding and non-tandem paper feeding, the raising and lowering method of the right tray 1 is such that the front portions of the papers P1 and P1 'in the paper transport direction X are partially moved by the swinging up and down movement of the pressure plate. FIG. 20 shows a cantilever method in which the sheet is swung up and down by a holding mechanism and pressed against the sheet feeding roller 51.
As shown in (a) and (b), a wire system is used in which the right tray 1 is horizontally moved up and down and pressed against the sheet feeding roller 51 while keeping the right tray 1 in a horizontal state by a stretched wire.

[0007]

However, the above-described paper feed tray raising / lowering method has the following problem which becomes conspicuous especially when a large amount of paper is stacked.

In the cantilever system, first, regardless of the tandem sheet feeding and the non-tandem sheet feeding, the posture of the sheets P1 and P1 'or the large-sized sheet P2 becomes oblique (see FIG. 20B). (The entire posture of the sheet becomes oblique from the state.), The separation ability of the separation roller 52 and the separation pad 53 is reduced, and this causes non-feeding of the sheet and paper jam. Second, regardless of the tandem sheet feeding and the non-tandem sheet feeding, the number of sheets P1, P1 'or large-size sheet P2 on the right tray 1 or over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 is increased. There is a limit (for example, when the number of stacked PPC sheets (plain paper) exceeds 500), the load becomes large in the cantilever method, which exceeds a practical design range.

In the wire method, firstly, there are many restrictions on the space due to its structure. Secondly, since the elongation of the wire inevitably occurs due to aging, it is necessary to adjust the wire tension and the like. The problems are that the routing of the wire is complicated, and fourthly, the number of components is increased. The wire system is a large-capacity paper feeder (LC
T) is used for the horizontal lifting drive mechanism.

In the horizontal raising / lowering drive system shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, for example, in the non-tandem paper feed shown in FIG. The following problem occurs when paper is fed. First, large-size paper P2 varies, and second, large-size paper P2 deforms between right tray 1 and left tray 2 (this phenomenon increases as the number of stacked sheets increases. And thirdly, adversely affecting the stability of sheet feeding. Here, considering the third problem, especially in a printing machine such as a stencil printing machine, when the printing speed is increased, the number of sheets of the large-sized paper P2 on the right tray 1 becomes larger than the maximum number of sheets. When the remaining number decreases, the paper feeding path of the large-sized paper P2 in the paper transport direction X changes, which adversely affects the paper feeding stability and easily causes paper feeding jam and the like. .

The above description is regarded as a problem to be solved particularly in a printing machine such as a stencil printing machine having a large number of printed sheets. There is a high demand to always stack and feed at least 1000 sheets) and to increase the printing speed. On the other hand, a copying machine requires a relatively small number of copies (it is sufficient if 1000 sheets can be continuously fed even in tandem feeding), and the copying speed is slower than a stencil printing machine or the like. Is not so high. Of course, in a copying machine, various innovative inventions have been used to increase the copying speed,
If the cost is reduced, it goes without saying that the printing apparatus has the same problem as the printing press. As a solution to each of the above problems, for example, the present applicant has
No. 99188 (Japanese Patent Application No. 9-360683) proposed a new paper feeder. When a large-size sheet P2 is stacked between the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 (during non-tandem sheet feeding), the sheet feeding device moves the left tray 2 substantially at least in association with the right tray 1 ascending operation. It is provided with an elevating and lowering interlocking means for raising while maintaining the horizontal state. Then, as in the embodiment of the sheet feeding device, there is a method in which only a part of the left tray 2 (for example, only a substantially central portion along the sheet conveyance direction) is raised and lowered, but a large size such as an A3 size is used. When the sheet P2 is used, there is a problem that the rear side edges of the large-size sheet P2 hang down and are deformed or broken. In the method of raising and lowering only a part of the left tray 2, there is an end fence transfer mechanism for transferring the end fence in the transfer means. There is also a problem that it is difficult to arrange on the unit (drawer for the left tray 2) side.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to solve the problem in that the rear side edges of a large-size sheet hang down during non-tandem sheet feeding. An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device that can always stabilize sheet feeding without breaking. Second
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet feeding device that can easily arrange a left tray elevating mechanism on a left tray unit side when adopting a vertically interlocking means on the left tray side.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first paper feed tray on which a plurality of sheets are stacked and which can be moved up and down. A paper feeder for feeding paper in the paper transport direction, and a second paper feeder arranged substantially horizontally in parallel with the first paper feed tray and stacking a plurality of papers
A sheet feed tray, and transfer means for transferring the sheets in the second sheet feed tray to the first sheet feed tray at a time. At least the first sheet feeder extends between the first sheet feed tray and the second sheet feed tray. In a sheet feeding device capable of stacking large-size sheets larger than a sheet size that can be stacked on the sheet tray or the second sheet feeding tray and feeding the sheets by the sheet feeding unit, the number of the second sheet feeding trays is at least two. It consists essentially of a split tray,
Horizontal elevating means for elevating the first paper feed tray while maintaining it in a substantially horizontal state; A lifting interlocking means for raising the paper tray while maintaining the paper tray in a substantially horizontal state in association with at least the raising operation of the paper tray.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder of the first aspect, the elevating and lowering interlocking means includes a parallel link mechanism capable of elevating and lowering while keeping all of the divided trays substantially horizontal, and the parallel link mechanism. And a drive unit having a drive source for driving the mechanism up and down.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder according to the second aspect, the driving means includes a driving shaft connected to the driving source for transmitting a vertical driving force to the parallel link mechanism. The drive shaft is arranged to extend below the all of the divided trays that allow the parallel link mechanism to move up and down, and to extend in a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder of the third aspect, all of the divided trays are detachable in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the driving source is provided on the apparatus main body side. The drive shafts are respectively disposed on the divided tray side, and when all the divided trays are attached and detached,
A drive attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the drive source and the drive shaft is provided.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3 or 4.
In the above-described paper feeding apparatus, the parallel link mechanism includes an X-shaped link.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder of the fifth aspect, the driving means engages with a cross axis of the X-shaped link to move all the divided trays up and down. And

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder of the fifth aspect, the driving means engages with a lower end of the link to move all the divided trays up and down.

According to the present invention, there is provided a first paper feed tray capable of stacking a plurality of papers and capable of moving up and down, a paper supply means for feeding paper from the first paper supply tray in a paper transport direction, and a first paper supply means. A second paper feed tray which is arranged substantially horizontally with respect to the paper tray and on which a plurality of paper sheets are stacked, and a transfer means which collectively transfers the paper from the second paper feed tray to the first paper feed tray; Then, a large-sized sheet larger than a sheet size that can be stacked on at least the first sheet feeding tray or the second sheet feeding tray is stacked between the first sheet feeding tray and the second sheet feeding tray, and fed by the sheet feeding unit. In the paper feeding device capable of paper, the second paper feeding tray is
A horizontal elevating means for raising the first paper feed tray while maintaining the first paper feed tray in a substantially horizontal state; A lifting interlocking unit that raises all of the divided trays in conjunction with at least the raising operation of the first sheet feeding tray when the sheets are stacked;

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there are provided the first to eighth aspects.
In the sheet feeding device according to any one of the above, the transfer unit may include an end fence that can move in the sheet conveyance direction by contacting a rear end of the sheet on the divided tray, and a first end fence. End fence guide means for guiding and supporting near the paper feed tray, wherein the end fence moves between the divided trays along the paper transport direction while being guided and supported by the end fence guide means. Features.

Here, the divided tray substantially divided into at least two refers to a tray in which the second paper feed tray is completely separated and divided into at least two or more. In order to reinforce the tray, the upstream end and / or the downstream end of the second paper feed tray in the paper transport direction is provided with a reinforcing member or the like so as not to hinder the transfer operation of the transfer means and the elevating operation of the first paper feed tray. Also includes trays that are connected or integrally formed.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention including embodiments with reference to the drawings (hereinafter, simply referred to as "embodiments").
Will be described. Throughout the embodiments and the like, components having the same function, shape, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as much as possible. Components that are configured as a pair and do not need to be specifically distinguished and described in the drawings will be replaced with the description by appropriately describing one of them for the sake of simplification of description.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a stencil printing apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet feeding apparatus to which Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. In both figures, reference numeral A denotes a stencil printing apparatus, and reference numeral AF denotes a printer main body frame of the stencil printing apparatus A. Below the stencil printing apparatus A, a paper feeder 200 having a plurality of paper feed units to which the first embodiment is applied is disposed.
The paper feeding device 200 is provided below the printing device main body frame AF.
Is detachably arranged via the main body frame 200F. The stencil printing apparatus A is disclosed in, for example,
It has a known configuration provided with a plate cylinder and the like similar to the configuration described in Japanese Patent Publication No. In the first embodiment, the paper feeding device 200
It is composed of a two-stage paper supply unit, an upper paper supply unit 201 and a lower paper supply unit 202, which are respectively arranged in the vertical direction of the main body frame 200F.

The upper paper feed unit 201 is provided with a right tray 1 as a vertically movable first paper feed tray for loading a plurality of sheets P1.
And a horizontal elevating means (to be described later) provided with a first drive source for elevating the right tray 1 while keeping the right tray 1 horizontal.
, A sheet feeding unit 50 for separating sheets P1 (sheet bundle) on the right tray 1 one by one and feeding the sheets in the sheet conveyance direction X, And a left tray 2 serving as a second paper feed tray for loading a plurality of sheets of paper P1 ', and a plurality of sheets of paper P1' (a bundle of sheets) stacked on the left tray 2 are collectively placed on the right tray 1. As shown in FIG. 3, when the large-size paper P2 is stacked on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2, the left tray 2 is moved in conjunction with the rising operation of the right tray 1. Tray unit 5 having a lifting / lowering interlocking means (to be described later) provided with a second drive source for raising while maintaining a substantially horizontal state, and a right tray 1 via a right tray unit 4.
And a second paper supply tray for detachably supporting the left tray 2 via the left tray unit 5 with respect to the main body frame 200F. A paper tray supporting means (described later), and a large-sized sheet P2 larger than a sheet size that can be stacked on at least the right tray 1 or the left tray 2 over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 and fed; Means 5
0 indicates that paper can be fed.

As described above, in the upper paper feeding unit 201,
The so-called tandem sheet feeding and non-tandem sheet feeding are switchable. Right tray 1 and left tray 2
The right tray unit 4 and the left and right tray units are independent of each other as described above, and can be inserted into and removed from the main body frame 200F in the front direction Y and the back direction in FIGS. Each component is configured as a component of the tray unit 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the right tray unit 4 has a substantially tray-shaped right tray housing 4A for assembling the right tray 1 and the above-mentioned horizontal elevating means and other components to be described later. Having. The left tray unit 5 has a substantially tray-shaped left tray storage case 5A for assembling the left tray 2 and the components described below, including the elevating and lowering interlocking means. Left and right tray storage housings 4A,
5A has a shape in which a wall between the left and right tray storage housings 4A and 5A serving as a transfer passage is opened so that the sheets P1 'stacked on the left tray 2 can be transferred onto the right tray 1. . As shown in FIG. 2, a handle 5B is provided on the front surface of the left tray housing 5A, and the handle 5B is used when pulling out the left tray unit 5.

In the first embodiment, the sheet sizes that can be stacked on the right tray 1 or the left tray 2 are three sizes of A4, LT, and B5.
It is configured so that a total of 1500 sheets can be loaded and stored. Paper sizes other than the above-mentioned sizes can be loaded and accommodated according to the application and necessity.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower paper feed unit 202 is a vertically movable lower tray 3 on which a plurality of sheets of paper P2 are stacked, and a horizontal lifting means (elevator) which raises the lower tray 3 while keeping it horizontal. ), A sheet feeding unit 50 that separates sheets one by one from the lower tray 3 and feeds the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction X, and the lower tray 3 attached to and detached from the main body frame 200F. Paper tray supporting means (to be described later) for supporting the paper tray.

The lower tray 3 is configured as a component of the lower tray unit 12 which can be inserted into and removed from the main body frame 200F in the front and rear directions Y and Y on the plane of FIG. 1 and FIG. In the first embodiment, the sheet size that can be stacked on the lower tray 3 can be up to a large-sized sheet P2 such as A3, and at least 1,000 sheets of plain paper can be stacked and stored.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower tray unit 12 has a lower tray storage housing 12A for attaching lower tray 3 and the above-mentioned horizontal elevating means and other components to be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, a handle 12B is provided on the front surface of the lower tray housing 12A.
This handle 12B is used when pulling out the lower tray unit 12.

Right tray 1, left tray 2, lower tray 3
Are made of sheet metal, and given appropriate strength in accordance with the size and number of sheets to be stacked. The right tray storage housing 4A, the left tray storage housing 5A, and the lower tray storage housing 12A are each formed of, for example, a synthetic resin using an insert such as a sheet metal as appropriate.

The rear end of the right tray 1 is notched to receive a movable end fence 71 constituting the transfer means 70. Left tray 2 has end fence 71
Is divided into three divided trays, namely, divided trays 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 in order to move the tray to the vicinity of the right tray 1. In the case where the left tray 2 is illustrated, the divided trays 2-1 and 2-1 are used only in a plan view and a side view.
In the case where the left tray 2 is described with the reference numerals −2 and 2-3, the name “split tray” is used only when the shape and the like in the plan view and the perspective view are described. Simply referred to as "left tray".
In FIG. 5, the right tray 1
3 is intentionally largely separated from the left end shape of the left tray 2 and the right end shape of the left tray 2, and the exact shape relationship of the same portion is as shown in FIG. Left tray 2
5 and 6, a reflection-type photosensor for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet P1 'stacked on the left tray 2, as shown in FIGS. A paper presence / absence detection sensor 62 is provided.
Each paper feeding unit 5 of the upper paper feeding unit 201 and the lower paper feeding unit 202
The sheets P1 and P1 ′ or large-size sheets P2 fed from 0 are passed through the common vertical conveyance path 55 shown in FIG.
The direction is changed to the left side in the figure by the conveyance deflection unit 56 below the printing apparatus main body frame AF, and is sent to the registration roller pair 57 near the plate cylinder printing unit.
The sheet is fed to the plate cylinder printing section at a predetermined timing by 7. The vertical transport path 55 and the transport deflection unit 56 include:
The transport roller 60 and the fed sheet P that are appropriately driven
A guide plate 61 for guiding the sheet P1, P1 'or the large-size sheet P2 is provided at a predetermined position shown in FIGS.

Hereinafter, the detailed configurations of the upper paper feed unit 201 and the lower paper feed unit 202 will be described in order. As shown in FIG. 3, the first paper feed tray supporting means is provided with a main body frame 200.
The convex member 9 provided on the bracket erected on the bottom wall of F
And the stepped support portion 6b of the left tray housing 5A. On the right outer wall of the right tray housing 4A, there is a slide rail 8 having a U-shaped cross section for loosely fitting and slidingly contacting the convex member 9, and a left tray housing 5A at the left end of the right tray housing 4A. The stepped sliding contact portions 8a to be placed and supported on the stepped support portions 6b are formed.

The above-mentioned second paper feed tray support means is provided in
As shown in the figures, the protruding member 7 and the protruding member 7a are provided to protrude from the inner wall of the main body frame 200F. On the left outer wall of the left tray housing 5A, a slide rail 6 having a U-shaped cross section for loosely fitting and slidingly contacting the convex member 7 is provided. On the right bottom wall of the left tray housing 5A, a slide member 6a is provided. A stepped rail portion 6a to be in contact with and a stepped support portion 6b is formed at the right end of the left tray housing 5A.

With the above structure, the left tray unit 5
Is supported by the respective convex members 7, 7a, and can be pulled out in the front direction Y on the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to the main body frame 200F, that is, can be inserted and removed in the front direction Y and the back direction. Similarly, the right tray unit 4 is supported by the convex member 9 and the stepped support portion 6b on the left tray unit 5 side, and can be inserted into and removed from the main body frame 200F in the front direction Y and the back direction.

Each of the sheet feeding means 50 is provided with the uppermost sheets P1 and P1 'on the right tray 1 and the lower tray 3,
2 and press paper P from right tray 1 and lower tray 3
1, P1 'and large-size paper P2 in the paper transport direction X, a separation roller 52 and a separation pad 53 for separating and feeding the paper P1 fed from the paper feed roller 51 one by one. Is provided.

Body frame 2 in upper paper feed section 201
In 00F, the height of the uppermost sheet surface on each of the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 is detected at a position corresponding to the upper side of each of the right tray 1 and the left tray 2. 2 occupy the substantially upper limit position near the sheet feeding position, and the sheets P1, stacked on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2
A paper surface detection sensor 54 and a paper surface detection sensor 58 for respectively detecting the presence or absence of P1 'are provided.

For convenience of illustration, first, the left tray unit 5
The detailed configuration on the side will be described. The lifting / lowering interlocking means includes three sets of parallel link mechanisms 21B that support all of the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 so as to be movable in the up and down directions while being kept substantially in a horizontal state. And a driving means 40B having a driving source (to be described later) for driving these parallel link mechanisms 21B up and down.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, the parallel link mechanism 21B has a link plate 2 as an X-shaped link.
2B and a link arm 23B.
The 2B and the link arm 23B form a kind of pantograph structure in which they are rotatably supported at an intermediate point with a cross axis 24B. Parallel link mechanism 21B
Are similarly arranged on each of the divided trays 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3.

At the lower right side of each of the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, there are two angles 25b having a fixed rotation axis in the front-rear direction. An angle 25a having a long hole in the left-right direction is provided on the lower left side of
Each part is cut and bent and provided integrally. Angles 26b having a fixed rotation axis are provided at two places on the right inner wall of the left tray housing 5A in the front-rear direction, and angles 26a having long holes are formed on the left inner wall of the left tray housing 5A. It is attached to each of two places in the direction. Here, angle 25b and angle 26
a has a link plate 22B, an angle 25a and an angle 2
6b, a link arm 23B is rotatably supported on each of them, and the link plate 22B and the link arm 23B are smoothly moved in the left and right directions via the sliding pins 27 with respect to the angles 25a, 26a. You can slide to. Each split tray 2-1 and 2-
The link plate 22B and the link arm 23B, which are two in each of the front and rear, as viewed from the front face of 2, 2-3, are connected by one cross shaft 24B and are rotatably supported on each other. In addition,
Angles 25a, 25b formed by cutting and bending each of the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 are shown in FIG. 14A showing the second embodiment, and in the other drawings, Are not shown.

The driving means 40B includes a left tray housing 5A.
And a left / right rotating stepping motor 41B as the driving source.
A drive shaft 42B connected to the output shaft of B and extending in the front direction of the paper surface of FIGS. The base end is fastened with a screw and the free end is
It mainly comprises an elevating lever 43 in contact engagement with 4B, and a bearing 44 rotatably supporting the end of the drive shaft 42B. The drive shaft 42 </ b> B moves all the divided trays 2-2 so as to allow the parallel link mechanism 21 </ b> B to move up and down, and to be lower than the movement trajectory of the end fence 71 during transfer.
It is arranged below 1, 2, and 2-3.

Separation tray 2 on the back side of left tray 2
As shown in FIG. 6 only, a pair of side fences 29a for positioning the side end of the sheet P1 'or the large-size sheet P2 stacked on the left tray 2 are provided on the first and front divided trays 2-3. , 29b are provided so as to be replaceable according to the paper size. These side fences 29
Reference numerals a and 29b denote connecting portions (not shown) of the divided trays 2-1 and 2-3 via screws or the like which can be easily removed.
The left tray 2 is provided with a plurality of female sides of the connecting portion so as to be compatible with the sheet size.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 to 6, the transfer means 70 can move in the sheet transport direction X by contacting the rear end of the sheets P1 'stacked on the left tray 2. An end fence 71, a pair of guide shafts 72, 72 as end fence guiding means for guiding the end fence 71 to the vicinity of the right tray 1, and end fence driving means for moving the end fence 71 are provided.

The end fence 71 is integrally formed of an appropriately reinforced synthetic resin, and is composed of at least 750 sheets of plain paper P1 'stacked on the left tray 2 during tandem feeding. It has a structure in which it can be transferred to the right tray 1 at a time by contacting the center of the rear end of the (paper bundle). Therefore, in the first embodiment, the end fence 7
The sheet P1 'is formed by two guide shafts 72, 72, which can surely maintain the posture of the sheet P1 at the time of transfer.
(Paper bundle) Provides guidance during transfer. Each guide shaft 72
The left end of the left tray housing 5A is fixed to the left side wall of the left tray housing 5A, as shown in FIGS. It is fixedly supported by a support member 73 which is provided vertically on the projecting housing projection 5A1. The right end of each guide shaft 72 extends so as to protrude into a notch guide 1a formed by cutting the left end of the right tray 1 so that the pressing surface 71a of the end fence 71 is positioned on the left tray. 2 on the right tray 1 with the rear end of the sheet P1 ′ (sheet bundle)
1 can be reliably transported to the rear end position. End fence 7
An opening 71b is formed in the lower part of the center of the left tray 1 to escape the center divided tray 2-2 of the left tray 2.

In FIG. 6, the end fence driving means includes a forward / reverse rotatable DC motor 79 as a driving source.
A timing belt 74 (1 in the figure) stretched between a driving pulley 75 provided on the output shaft of the DC motor 79 and three driven pulleys 76a, 76b, 76c provided on the lower inner wall of the left tray housing 5A. (Indicated by a dashed line) and a connecting member (not shown) for connecting the timing belt 74 and the hanging portion on the front side of the end fence 71.

The drive pulley 75 is rotatable forward and reverse by the DC motor 79 so as to be rotatable forward and backward.
1 is guided and reciprocated while maintaining a constant posture by the two guide shafts 72,72. On a lower inner wall of the left tray housing 5A, a home detection sensor 78 including a transmission type photo sensor for detecting the home position of the end fence 71 is provided. On the other hand, on the lower side wall of the end fence 71, a light shielding piece 77 that selectively engages with the home detection sensor 78 is mounted so as to protrude.

The above components and the drive system constituting the transfer means 70 are all housed in the left tray housing 5A of the left tray unit 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the left tray unit 5 is pulled out in the forward direction Y while holding the handle 5B, the transfer unit 70 can be pulled out to the front. An electric connector 80 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed on the outer wall on the back side of the left tray housing 5A, and the above-described sensors 62 and 7 in the left tray unit 5 are provided.
8 and the DC motor 79 are electrically connected to the main frame 2.
The connection with an electric connector (not shown) arranged on the 00F side can be freely performed.

The transfer means 70 is provided with a forward / reverse rotation motor 30 as shown in FIG. And a worm gear and the like.

Next, the detailed configuration of the right tray unit 4 will be described. The horizontal raising and lowering means are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, a parallel link mechanism 21A that supports the right tray 1 so as to be movable up and down while keeping the right tray 1 in a substantially horizontal state,
A driving means 40A for driving A up and down.

The parallel link mechanism 21A has substantially the same structure as the parallel link mechanism 21B on the left tray unit side. Only the differences are substantially the same, so that only the same Arabic numerals 22, 23, and 24 are distinguished by adding the letter A to them, and other configurations will be described. Omitted.

The driving means 40A has substantially the same configuration as the driving means 40B on the left tray unit side, except for the operation timing and the like, and has substantially the same configuration. Like the right stepping motor 41A that can be rotated forward and backward as a drive source and the drive shaft 42A, the reference symbol A is used instead of the reference symbol B to distinguish them, and the description of the other components is omitted.

On the front side and the rear side of the right tray unit 4, a pair of side fences 13a and 13b for positioning the sheets P1 and P1 'or the large-size sheet P2 stacked on the right tray 1 in the sheet width direction are provided. A pair of L-shaped back fences 15 and 16 for holding the rear end of the sheet P1 or the sheet P1 ′ are movably disposed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the back fences 15 and 16 are mounted on the side fences 13a and 13b so as to be swingable about the fulcrum shaft 14, respectively. On the back fence 15 side, as shown in FIG. 9, the back fence guide 15a and the back fence main body 15b are composed of two parts, and the back fence main body 15b moves along the back fence guide 15a for each loaded paper size. By changing the mounting position of the screw (not shown), the size of the loaded paper in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted. Back fence guide 15
A connecting plate 19 is fixedly provided at the lower end portion of “a”. The back fence 16 has the same configuration as described above.

Each of the back fences 15 and 16 is driven by a stepping motor 17 fixedly provided below the right tray unit 4, as shown in FIG. This is because the racks 18a and 18b shown in FIG. 6 can move in the directions indicated by the double arrows by the engagement of the pinions 17a attached to the stepping motor 17 and the racks 18a and 18b. A home position detection sensor 20 is provided below the rack 18a.
The home position of each of the back fences 15 and 16 is detected. Each of the back fences 15 and 16 regulates the rear end of the sheet P1 on the right tray 1 or the sheet P1 'transferred by the transfer unit 70, as shown by a solid line in FIG.

The connection between the back fence 15 and the rack 18a is made by fitting a boss at one end of the rack 18a and fitting the boss into a long hole 19a formed in the connecting plate 19. The attachment is performed by setting up a boss for each loading paper size and inserting the long hole 19a into a boss provided according to the loading paper size. When the arrangement relationship between the boss and the elongated hole 19a is reversed, the connection can be made in the same manner as described above. Back fence 16 and rack 1
8b is connected in the same manner as described above.

The swing mechanism of the back fences 15 and 16 is not limited to the one shown in FIG.
Pin 18 as shown in FIG.
-2 may be provided with a configuration excellent in response performance and return performance including the rotary solenoid 18 provided with -2 and the torsion spring 17 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, at a predetermined position on the right tray 1, a sheet presence / absence detection sensor comprising a reflection type photo sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the sheets P1 and P1 'stacked on the right tray 1 is provided. 63 are provided.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show the lock mechanism 30. FIG. The lock mechanism 30 has a configuration function for integrating or dividing the right tray unit 4 and the left tray unit 5. FIG. 6 shows the locking mechanism 30 somewhat schematically and schematically.
The lock mechanism 30 includes a push-type DC solenoid 33 as a drive source fixed to the body frame 200F side,
The base end is fixed to the actuator of the DC solenoid 33, and the free end is swingable substantially vertically.
A second lock claw 34 that can be selectively engaged with the right tray housing 4A, and a second lock claw 34 that is locked to the base end of the second lock claw 34 and is attached to the right tray housing 4A of the right tray unit 4.
A tension spring 39 biasing in a direction away from the arm, an arm 32 connected to a stud 38 caulked by the second lock claw 34 and swingable in a direction indicated by an arrow and in a direction opposite thereto with the stud 35 as a fulcrum; One end is located near the lower end of the second tray 32 and is swingable around the support shaft 37, and is provided with a lock notch 5a formed in the left tray housing 5A.
Lock claw 31 that can be selectively engaged with the first lock claw 31, one end of which is wound around the support shaft 37 and the other end is locked to the first lock claw 31, and the first lock claw 31 is inserted into the notch 5 a. It mainly comprises a torsion coil spring 36 that urges in the direction of engagement.

The lock mechanism 30 is not limited to this,
For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 of JP-A-5-124737.
May be provided with a lock claw 32 and a lock claw release solenoid 31 as shown in FIG.

Next, the detailed configuration of the lower tray unit 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the above-described paper feed tray support means includes a convex member 1 provided on each bracket vertically provided on the lower inner wall of the main body frame 200F.
1 and 11. On both outer walls of the lower tray unit 12, slide rails 10, 10 each having a U-shaped cross section are formed to loosely fit the respective protruding members 11 and slidably contact therewith.

As a result, the lower tray unit 12
The main body frame 200 is supported by each convex member 11.
1 and 2 perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction X with respect to F, that is, the front direction Y
And can be inserted and removed in the depth direction. Lower paper feed unit 20
2, the main frame 200F detects the height of the uppermost sheet surface on the lower tray 3 at a position corresponding to above the lower tray 3, and detects whether or not there is a large-size sheet P2 stacked on the lower tray 3. Is provided with a paper surface detection sensor 59 for detecting. Each paper surface detection sensor 5 described above
Reference numerals 4, 58, and 59 each include a transmissive photosensor provided with a swingable filler in contact with the upper surface of each of the sheets P1, P1 ', and P2. Each of the paper surface detection sensors 54, 58, 59
The uppermost sheet surface is detected when the filler comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet, and the presence or absence of the sheet is detected by sinking the filler into the long hole provided in the tray when the sheet on the tray runs out.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the horizontal raising and lowering means comprises a parallel link mechanism 21C for supporting the lower tray 3 in a vertically movable manner while keeping the lower tray 3 substantially horizontal, that is, a parallel link mechanism 21C for supporting the lower tray 3 in a vertically movable manner. And a driving unit 40C for driving the mechanism 21C up and down.

The parallel link mechanism 21C has substantially the same structure as the parallel link mechanism 21A on the right tray unit 4 side. Only differ,
Since they have substantially the same configuration, only the same Arabic numerals 22, 23, and 24 are distinguished by adding an alphabetic character C to them, and descriptions of other configurations are omitted.

The driving means 40C is different from the driving means 40A on the right tray unit 4 side in that the right stepping motor 41A fixed to the right tray storage case 4A on the right tray unit 4 side is used instead of the forward / reverse rotation. A possible DC motor 41C is fixed to the body frame 200F side, and a drive shaft 42 having an engagement pin 42a instead of the drive shaft 42A.
C ', and the engaging pin 42a of the drive shaft 42C' is
The main difference is that the coupling 45 is detachably provided to the coupling 45 connected to the output shaft of the motor 41C. Reference numeral 49 indicates D
This is a compression spring wound around the output shaft of the C motor 41C.

Next, referring to FIG.
The control configuration of A and 40B will be described. The control configuration of each of the driving units 40A and 40B in the first embodiment includes each of the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58, a control device 95, and each of the left and right stepping motors 41B and 41A. A paper height detection signal is output from each of the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58, and transmitted and input to the control device 95. The control device 95 includes an input / output port, a CPU (central processing unit), a RAM (readable and writable storage device), a ROM (read only storage device), a timer, and the like. I have it. When the large-size paper P2 is stacked on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2, the control device 95 determines the highest position on the right tray 1 based on the respective sheet height detection signals from the respective sheet detection sensors 54 and 58. The control means for controlling the left and right stepping motors 41B and 41A so that the height of the large-size paper P2 on the upper surface and the height of the large-size paper P2 on the uppermost surface on the left tray 2 are substantially the same. Has functions. The command signal from the control device 95 is transmitted to each of the left and right stepping motors 41 via each motor driving circuit (not shown).
B and 41A. Control device 95
Is a large-size sheet P2 over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2.
When the non-tandem sheet is loaded with the left and right stepping motors 41B, 41B,
Each command signal for giving the same drive pulse to 41A is output and transmitted to each of the left and right stepping motors 41B and 41A via each motor drive circuit.

Next, the operation of the sheet feeding apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 11, and 12. For simplicity,
The characteristic upper sheet feeding unit 201 according to the first embodiment will be described, and a sheet feeding operation in the lower sheet feeding unit 202 will be omitted because it can be easily estimated from the operation contents and the configuration here. The operation described below is performed by a control device including a control device 95 and a microcomputer (not shown) in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 stored in advance in a ROM (read-only storage device) or the like. Although the control is performed by a control command from a CPU (central processing unit) based on the order, the control may be performed by adding a control function for performing all the operations to the control device 95. Therefore, it is assumed that the operation described below is multi-controlled by the control device 95.

In step S1 of FIG. 11, the remaining number of sheets (n> 0) is detected and determined with respect to the number of sheets to be printed, which is set / input by the ten keys on the operation panel (not shown). If the number of remaining sheets is one or more, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the upper sheet feeding unit 2
01 is detected. this is,
A small-size sheet P is detected by sheet size detection sensors (not shown) provided on the right tray 1 and the left tray 2, respectively.
If 1 or P1 'is detected, tandem paper feeding is performed. If large-size paper P2 is detected, non-tandem paper feeding is performed. The paper feed mode is executed.

First, if it is determined in step S2 that the tandem paper is fed, the topmost sheet P1 loaded on the right tray 1 can be fed by the paper feed roller 51 by the paper surface detection sensor 54. It is confirmed whether or not the paper feed position is occupied (see step S3). In step S3, when the paper surface detection sensor 54 is turned on and the paper P1 can be fed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the paper feeding operation is performed. When the paper surface detection sensor 54 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S4. .

Next, in step S4, the right tray 1 is raised. By a command from the CPU, the right stepping motor 41A is provided with a forward rotation drive pulse for raising the right tray 1 (indicated as an ascending pulse in the flowchart) to raise the right tray 1. The parallel link mechanism 21A is moved upward by the operation of the driving means 40A, and the paper surface detection sensor 54
As a result, it is confirmed that the highest position of the sheets P1 stacked on the right tray 1 occupies the sheet feeding position where the sheet can be fed by the sheet feeding roller 51 (see step S5). The operation is performed (see step S6).

While the above-described sheet feeding operation is being performed, the presence / absence of the sheet P1 loaded on the right tray 1 is constantly detected by the sheet surface detection sensor 54.
Is detected (see step S7), the right stepping motor 4
When the reverse drive pulse for lowering the right tray 1 is given to 1A, the parallel link mechanism 21A is operated via the operation of the driving means 40A for lowering the right tray 1 to the lower limit position.
Is moved downward, and the right tray 1 occupies the lower limit position and is stopped (see step S8).

Next, the operation proceeds according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S10, the presence / absence of the sheet P1 'on the left tray 2 is detected by the sheet presence / absence detection sensor 62. When there is no paper P1 'on the left tray 2 due to the OFF of the paper presence / absence detection sensor 62, "no paper" is displayed on the display section of the operation panel (not shown) to indicate a paper supply message. On the other hand, the paper presence detection sensor 62
When the sheet P1 'is present on the left tray 2 due to turning on, the back fences 15, 16 which have been aligned at the rear end of the sheet P1 in the right tray unit 4 are driven by the stepping motor 17 to rotate in the direction of the pinion 17a. The back fences 15 and 16 are instantaneously swung and retracted to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 6 by moving the racks 18a and 18b toward each other via the. (Refer to step S11).

When the home position detecting sensor 20 detects the bent corner of the rack 18a in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13.
7 is stopped, and each of the back fences 15 and 16 is located at the regular home position shown by the broken line in FIG.

Next, in step S 14, the DC motor 79 for transferring the end fence is driven to rotate in the normal direction, so that the drive pulley 75 is rotated in the normal direction, and the end fence 71 is moved to each guide through the forward movement of the timing belt 74. While maintaining a constant posture by the shaft 72,
The sheet P1 'is moved to the vicinity of the right tray 1 while pressing the rear end thereof. Then, in step S15, when the return detection sensor 81 detects the light shielding piece 77 provided on the end fence 71 and it is known that the transfer of the sheet P1 'has been completed, the DC motor 79 is temporarily automatically activated. The end fence 71 is moved toward the home position by being stopped and immediately driven in reverse (step S).
16).

In step S17, the return movement (return) of the end fence 71 is detected by the home detection sensor 7.
8 is detected in step S18.
The reverse driving of the motor 79 is stopped. After the reverse drive of the DC motor 79 is stopped, each of the back fences 1 evacuated from the transport area of the sheet P1 'and occupied the regular home position.
5 and 16 are moved to the solid line position shown in FIG. 6 where the rear end of the transported sheet P1 'is regulated in the right tray unit 4 by the reverse drive of the stepping motor 17 by a predetermined number of pulses, and stopped there (step). (See S19 and S20), and then return to step S1.

Next, the operation in the non-tandem sheet feeding mode, which is a characteristic operation of the first embodiment, will be described. If it is determined in step S2 that the sheet is non-tandem sheet feeding, an operation related to the non-tandem sheet feeding mode described below is executed. First, in step S21, the uppermost large-size sheet P2 located at the uppermost position of each of the trays 1 and 2 is fed to the sheet feed roller 51 by the respective sheet surface detection sensors 54 and 58.
It is checked whether the sheet occupies the sheet feeding position where the sheet can be fed. In step S21, each paper surface detection sensor 5
If the large sheets P2 can be fed by turning on the sheets 4 and 58, the process proceeds to step S24 to perform the sheet feeding operation. If the sensors 54 and 58 are not turned on, the step proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the right tray 1
In the state shown in FIG. 3 and the like in which large-sized paper P2 is stacked between the left tray 2 and the left tray 2, the left tray 2 is raised in conjunction with the right tray 1 being raised. The above CPU
, A forward drive pulse for raising the right tray 1 (shown as a rising pulse in the flowchart) is given to the right stepping motor 41A, and the left tray 2 is also given to the left stepping motor 41B.
Is supplied. Thereby, the driving means 40 for raising each of the trays 1 and 2
A, 40B, each parallel link mechanism 2
1A and 21B are respectively moved upward, and each tray 1, 2
Is uniformly raised while maintaining the same surface, so that the upper surface of the large-sized paper P2 stacked on each of the trays 1 and 2 is also uniformly raised while maintaining the same surface.

Then, the sheet size detection sensors 54 and 58 occupy the sheet feeding position where the large-size sheet P 2 located at the top of each tray 1 and 2 can be fed by the sheet feeding roller 51. Confirmed (see step S23)
Then, the above-described sheet feeding operation is performed (see step S24).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the entire upper surface of the large-sized paper P2 stacked on each of the trays 1 and 2 can be formed in the same substantially horizontal plane and fed.
The loaded paper does not deform due to the rear edge of the large-sized paper P2 hanging down, and a paper feeding failure such as a paper feeding jam does not occur. Therefore, there is an advantage that the paper feeding can be stabilized.

While the above-described paper feeding operation is being performed, the presence / absence of the large-size paper P2 stacked on each of the trays 1 and 2 is constantly detected by the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58. When the absence of the large-size sheet P2 is detected (see step S25), the two stepping motors 41A and 41A are actuated by the command from the CPU.
B is supplied with a reverse rotation drive pulse for lowering each of the trays 1 and 2, so that each of the driving means 40A and 40B for lowering each of the trays 1 and 2 to the lower limit position causes a respective parallel operation. The link mechanisms 21A and 21B are respectively lowered, and the trays 1 and 2 occupy the lower limit position and are stopped (see step S26).

Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 30 will be described. During the printing operation, when the sheet P1, the sheet P1 ', or the large-size sheet P2 stacked on the right tray 1 is in a feedable state, in FIG.
Is in the ON state, and the actuator portion of the DC solenoid 33 projects upward in the direction of the arrow, so that the second lock claw 3
4 swings down in the direction of the arrow against the urging force of the tension spring 39, and as shown in FIG.
4 locks and locks the right tray unit 4. As a result, the main frame 200F side and the right tray housing 4A of the right tray unit 4 are locked, so that the right tray housing 4A of the right tray unit 4 cannot be pulled out in the forward direction Y.

At the same time, the arm 32 connected to the second lock claw 34 swings in the direction of the arrow with the stud 35 as a fulcrum, so that the lower end of the arm 32 bent in an L-shape is attached to the right tray unit 4. The first lock claw 31 which is engaged with one end of the provided first lock claw 31 and is engaged with the cutout portion 5 a in the left tray unit 5 resists the urging force of the torsion coil spring 36. By swinging about the support shaft 37 in the arrow direction, the locked / locked state between the main body frame 200F and the left tray unit 5 is released,
The right tray unit 4 and the left tray unit 5 are not integrated, but are divided. Therefore, at this time, only the left tray unit 5 can be pulled out as shown in FIG. That is, during the printing operation, it is possible to pull out only the left tray unit 5 in the forward direction Y,
Paper P1 'can be replenished above.

On the other hand, except during the printing operation, the DC solenoid 33 is in the off state, and the second lock claw 34 swings up in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow by the urging force of the tension spring 39 to move up the right tray. The locked state of the unit 4 is released. The arm 32 connected to the second lock claw 34 is a stud 35
Swinging in the direction opposite to the arrow direction with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, the pressing engagement between the lower end of the arm 32 and one end of the first lock claw 31 is released, and the first lock claw 31 is disengaged from the torsion coil spring 36. 8B, the left tray unit 5 is locked, and the right tray unit 4 and the left tray unit 5 are integrated with each other. Therefore, at this time, the right tray unit 4 and the left tray unit 5 can be integrally pulled out, and the paper P1, P1 'or the large-sized paper P2, the transfer means 70, and the like are not affected by damage or the like.

When only the left tray unit 5 is pulled out in the forward direction Y and the paper P1 'is being replenished and a jam or the like occurs and the machine stops, the DC solenoid 33 is automatically turned off. In addition, since it is controlled by, for example, a command from the control device, the lock of the right tray unit 4 is released. Therefore, it is possible to hold the handle (not shown) provided on the right tray storage housing 4A of the right tray unit 4 and pull out the right tray unit 4 in the forward direction Y to perform a processing such as a jam.

(First Modification of First Embodiment) FIG. 13 shows a first modification of the first embodiment. Note that the angles 25a, 25b, 26a, 26b, the sliding pins 27, and the like shown in FIGS. The first modification differs from the first embodiment only in that a driving unit 68 is provided instead of the driving unit 40B. The driving means 68 is connected to the left stepping motor 41B which is directly connected to the driving shaft 42B of the lifting lever 43 in the driving means 40B.
Drive pulley 47 and drive shaft 42 fixed to output shaft 1B
B has a timing belt 46 stretched between a driven roller 48 and a left stepping motor 4.
The only difference is that the rotation driving force of 1B is transmitted.

The operation of the first modification will be briefly described. 13 by, for example, forward rotation of the left stepping motor 41B.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the transmission of the rotational force that rotates clockwise in the drawing of the timing belt 46 causes the transmission of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the elevation shaft 43B is driven to swing clockwise through the rotation of the drive shaft 42B in the same direction, whereby the cross shaft 24B is driven up and down, and the left tray 2 is horizontally moved. It is raised while maintaining its state. When the left stepping motor 41B is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, a movement in a direction opposite to the above-described operation direction is performed, and the left tray 2 is lowered while maintaining a horizontal state.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment and the first modification, the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 (the divided trays 2-1 and 2-1)
2-2, 2-3), even when a large amount of large-sized paper P2 is stacked (at the time of non-tandem paper feeding),
It is possible to keep the stacked sheets in a proper posture in a fixed state, and to always stabilize the sheet feeding without the side edges on the rear side of the large-size sheet P2 hanging down and being deformed or broken. Further, it is connected to the output shaft of the left stepping motor 41B to allow the parallel link mechanism 21B to move up and down, and
The drive shaft 4 is provided below all the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 so as to be below the movement locus of the end fence 71.
Since 2B is provided, it is easy to arrange the parallel link mechanism 21B and the transfer means 70 on the left tray unit 5 side.

Further, by having the parallel link mechanisms 21A, 21B, 21C having X-shaped links, the horizontal lifting mechanism can be realized with the simplest structure, and the cross axes 24A, 24B, By providing the above mechanism for engaging and disengaging each of the trays 1, 2, and 3 by engaging with the 24C, the X-shape is set when the paper stacking amount is maximum (when the X-shape link is most contracted upward). By setting the link torque to be obtained most efficiently, it is possible to realize a paper feeder with high drive efficiency by design.

(Modification 2) If the above advantages of Embodiment 1 and Modification 1 need not be desired, Modification 2 shown in FIG. 14 may be used. 14 (a) and 14 (b).
The angles 25a, 25b, 26a, 26b, the sliding pins 27, and the like shown in FIG. The second modified example is different from the driving means 40B that drives the parallel link mechanism 21B of the left tray unit 5 in the first embodiment up and down to engage with the sliding pin 27 at the lower end of one of the link plates 22B. The main difference is that a driving unit 64 for lifting and lowering the tray 2 is provided. Drive means 64
Is fixed to a bracket provided in the left tray housing 5A, and is connected to a DC motor 65 with a photo encoder capable of rotating forward and backward as a drive source, and an output shaft of the DC motor 65, and is attached to both brackets. It mainly comprises a ball screw 66 rotatably supported, and a moving member 67 having a female screw engaged with the ball screw 66 and connected to the sliding pin 27 at the lower end of the link plate 22B. The moving member 67 has a convex shape, and the connecting portion 6 connected to the sliding pin 27.
7a is integrally formed.

The operation of the second modification will be briefly described. At the time of non-tandem sheet feeding, when the right stepping motor 41A and the DC motor 65 are synchronized with each other and driven forward, for example, by the control means 95, as shown in FIG. Since it is rotated, the moving member 67 meshing with the ball screw 66 is moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure. As the moving member 67 moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the sliding pin 27 provided at the lower end of the link plate 22B also moves in the same direction. As shown in FIG. 2 is raised while maintaining a horizontal state at the same height as the right tray 1 (not shown). By the control means 95, the right stepping motors 41A and 41D
When the C motors 65 are driven in reverse rotation in synchronization with each other, a movement in a direction opposite to the above-described operation direction is performed, and the left tray 2 is moved.
Is lowered while maintaining a horizontal state at the same height as the right tray 1 (not shown).

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 15 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that a driving unit 69 is provided instead of the driving unit 40B. As for the driving means 69, the left stepping motor 41B is connected to the left tray housing 5 in the driving means 40B.
A instead of the structure fixed to A
B is fixed to the body frame 200F side,
A coupling 4 having a drive shaft 42B ′ having an engagement pin 42a in place of 2B, and having the engagement pin 42a of the drive shaft 42B ′ connected to the output shaft of the left stepping motor 41B.
The main difference is that the device 5 is detachably provided. Drive shaft 42
The engagement pin 42a and the coupling 45 of B ′ are connected to the main frame 2 of all the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3.
It has a function of a drive attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the output shaft of the left stepping motor 41B and the drive shaft 42B 'when attaching / detaching from the 00F. As described above, since the extending direction of the drive shaft 42B 'is the same as the direction in which the left tray unit 5 is pulled out in the forward direction Y, the left stepping motor 4 as a drive unit is connected via the engagement pin 42a and the coupling 45.
1B can be easily arranged on the main body frame 200F side.

According to the second embodiment, the left stepping motor 41B is moved to the main body frame 200F side by the drive shaft 42B '.
Are arranged on the left tray unit 5 side, respectively, and the main body frames 200F of all the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 are arranged.
The output shaft of the left stepping motor 41B and the drive shaft 42B 'can be freely attached and detached by the drive attachment / detachment means including the engagement pin 42a and the coupling 45 when attaching / detaching from / to the left tray unit 5 side. Is simpler than that of the first embodiment and its modification 1, and the weight of the left tray unit 5 itself can be reduced, so that the pull-out operability of the left tray unit 5 is improved. The drive shaft 42A on the right tray 1 side and the right stepping motor 41
It goes without saying that A can also be configured to be detachable via the same drive attaching / detaching means as in the second embodiment.

(Third Modification of Second Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a third modification of the second embodiment. The third modified example is different from the second embodiment mainly in that a transfer means 70 'is provided instead of the transfer means 70, and that two divided trays 2A and 2B are provided. . Transfer means 7
0 ′ is a single leg end fence 71 ′ and two guide shafts 72 supported and fixed to one support member 73 ′ in place of the end fence 71, guide shaft 72 and support member 73 of the transfer means 70. ', 72'. As in the third modification, when the end fence 71 ′ has the divided trays 2A and 2B,
It can be transported on a single foot. Therefore, in the present invention, the second paper feed tray includes an embodiment including the split trays 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 in the first embodiment and the like, and the split trays 2A and 2B in the third modification. It consists of two divided trays substantially divided (see claim 1). In the first embodiment or the third modification,
Each of the end fences 71, 71 'is guided and supported by two guide shafts 72, 72 or 72', 72 ', between the divided trays 2-1 and 2-2 and between the divided trays 2-2 and 2-. 3 or split trays 2A and 2A
B can be moved along the sheet transport direction X. Therefore, the end fence guiding means for guiding and supporting each end fence 71, 71 'can be realized with a simple configuration such as two guide shafts 72, 72 or 72', 72 '.

(Fourth Modification of the Second Embodiment) FIG. 18 shows a fourth modification of the second embodiment. This modified example 4 is different from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 in that, instead of the right stepping motor 41A of the driving means 41A in the horizontal elevating means and the left stepping motor 41B of the driving means 41B in the elevating and interlocking means, a later-described embodiment will be described. The main difference is that a driving unit 140 provided with a driving motor 141 as one driving source for driving a horizontal lifting mechanism to be driven and a lifting interlocking mechanism to be described later is provided. The horizontal elevating mechanism mainly includes a drive shaft 42A ′ having an engaging pin 42a in place of the drive shaft 42A, while removing the right stepping motor 41A from the drive means 41A with respect to the horizontal elevating means. Is different. The raising / lowering interlocking mechanism moves the left stepping motor 4
The main difference is that a mechanism for removing 1B is provided.

The driving means 140 is rotatably mounted on a driving motor 141 comprising a stepping motor, a toothed driving pulley 142 mounted on an output shaft of the driving motor 141, and a main body frame 200F on the left tray 2 side. Toothed driven pulley 144 fixed to driven shaft 143
Between the timing belt 145 and the output shaft of the drive motor 141 via the compression spring 49 in the front direction Y.
And a coupling 45 that is extendably connected in the depth direction and selectively engages with the engagement pin 42a of the drive shaft 42A ′.
And a coupling 146a which is connected to the driven shaft 143 via a compression spring 49 so as to be extendable and contractible in the front direction Y and the rear direction, and selectively engages with the engagement pin 42a of the drive shaft 42B '. 146 and a solenoid 147 fixed to the main body frame 200F on the left tray 2 side. The solenoid 147 is of a pull type and includes an L-shaped actuator 147a that selectively engages with the engagement flange 146a of the coupling 146, and is used to drive the horizontal lifting mechanism and / or the driving mechanism to the lifting / lowering interlocking mechanism. Motor 1
41 has a function of connecting and disconnecting the rotational driving force. The distal end of the actuator 147a of the solenoid 147 is always driven by a compression spring (not shown) incorporated in the solenoid 147 as shown in FIG.
8 is in a state of not being in contact with the engagement flange 146a. The control configuration of the driving means 140 includes the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58, the driving motor 141, the solenoid 147, and a control device 95A in place of the control device 95. The control device 95A transmits the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 to the horizontal elevating mechanism and the elevating and lowering mechanism during non-tandem paper feeding in which the large-size sheets P2 are stacked over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2. It has a function of controlling the solenoid 147.

Next, the operation of the sheet feeding device according to the modified example 4 will be described focusing on differences from the operation of the sheet feeding device of the first embodiment. If it is determined in step S2 in FIG. 11 that the tandem paper is fed, the operation proceeds according to a series of steps in step S3 and the tandem paper feed mode shown in FIG. In the tandem paper feed mode, first, the control device 9
The solenoid 147 is turned on by a command from the 5A CPU. That is, the actuator 147a of the solenoid 147 and the engagement flange 146a of the coupling 146
Are engaged, and the actuator 147a
18, the engagement between the coupling 146 and the engagement pin 42a is released, and the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 is released. Is not transmitted to the drive shaft 42B '. In the subsequent operation, the drive motor 141 is controlled by the control device 95A in place of the control device 95 in the same manner as the right stepping motor 41A of the first embodiment, and the description of the subsequent operation will be omitted.

Next, the operation in the non-tandem paper feed mode of the fourth modification will be described. If it is determined in step S2 that the sheet is non-tandem sheet feeding, an operation related to the non-tandem sheet feeding mode described below is executed. First,
In step S21, each paper surface detection sensor 54, 58
Thus, it is confirmed whether or not the uppermost large-size sheet P2 located at the uppermost position of each of the trays 1 and 2 occupies the sheet feeding position where the sheet can be fed by the sheet feeding roller 51. Step S2
In step 1, if the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58 are turned on and the large-size paper P2 can be fed, the process proceeds to step S24 where the paper feeding operation is performed.
If 58 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, when the large-size sheets P2 are stacked over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 as shown in FIG. Is done. This allows
The actuator 147a of the solenoid 147 and the engaging flange 146a of the coupling 146 are brought into a non-contact state, and the urging force of the compression spring 49 causes the coupling 146 and the engaging pin 42a to be in the engaged state. From the drive pulley 142 to the timing belt 14
5, driven pulley 144, driven shaft 143, coupling 1
46, a transmission state is transmitted to the drive shaft 42B '.

Then, the raising operation of the left tray 2 is performed in conjunction with the raising operation of the right tray 1. In accordance with a command from the CPU, a forward drive pulse for raising the trays 1 and 2 is given to the drive motor 141 via the motor drive circuit. Thereby, the parallel link mechanisms 21A and 21B are respectively operated via the operations of the horizontal elevating mechanism and the interlocking mechanism for elevating the trays 1 and 2.
18 (not shown in FIG. 18), and the respective trays 1 and 2 are uniformly raised while holding the same surface, so that the large-size sheets stacked on the respective trays 1 and 2 are moved upward. The upper surface of P2 is also raised uniformly while maintaining the same surface.

Then, it is confirmed by the respective sheet surface detection sensors 54 and 58 that the large-size sheet P2 located at the uppermost position in front of the right tray 1 occupies the sheet feeding position where the sheet feeding roller 51 can feed the sheet. Then, the above-described sheet feeding operation is performed (see steps S23 and S24).

As described above, also in the fourth modification, the entire upper surface of the large-sized paper P2 stacked on each of the trays 1 and 2 can be formed in the same substantially horizontal plane and fed.
An appropriate posture in a constant state without causing deformation of the stacked sheets due to the side edges on the rear side of the large-sized sheet P2 hanging down and without causing a sheet feeding jam or the like. Therefore, there is an advantage that the paper feeding can be stabilized while maintaining the above condition.

While the above-described paper feeding operation is being performed, the presence / absence of the large-size paper P2 stacked on each of the trays 1 and 2 is always detected by the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58. When the absence of the large-size sheet P2 is detected (see step S25), the reverse rotation for lowering the trays 1 and 2 to the drive motor 141 via the respective motor drive circuits is performed according to the command from the CPU. By receiving the drive pulse, each parallel link mechanism 2 is moved through the operation of the horizontal lifting mechanism and the lifting interlocking mechanism for lowering the trays 1 and 2 to the lower limit position.
1A and 21B are respectively moved downward, and each tray 1, 2
Occupy the respective lower limit positions and are stopped (step S2).
6).

(Fifth Modification) FIG. 19 shows a fifth modification of the fourth modification. The fifth modification differs from the fourth modification shown in FIG. 18 only in that a driving unit 140A is provided instead of the driving unit 140. Driving means 140A
Has an electromagnetic clutch 148 interposed between the output shaft of the drive motor 141 and the drive pulley 142 in place of the solenoid 147 of the drive means 140, and replaces the coupling 146 connected to the driven shaft 143. The main difference lies in having the coupling 45. The electromagnetic clutch 148 has a function as a connecting / disconnecting unit for connecting / disconnecting the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 to / from the horizontal lifting / lowering mechanism and / or the lifting / lowering interlocking mechanism. Therefore, the electromagnetic clutch 148 is not limited to the interposed state, and may be interposed between the driven shaft 143 and the driven pulley 144.

The control structure of the driving means 140A includes the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58, the driving motor 141, the electromagnetic clutch 148, and the control device 95B. The control device 95B includes a microcomputer similar to the control device 95A, and performs non-tandem sheet feeding in which the large-size sheets P2 are stacked over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2.
It has a function of controlling the electromagnetic clutch 148 so as to transmit the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 to the horizontal lifting mechanism and the lifting interlocking mechanism.

The operation of the fifth modification will be described focusing on differences from the operation of the fourth modification. Step S2 in FIG.
If it is determined in step S3 that the sheet is in tandem sheet feeding, the operation proceeds according to step S3 and a series of flows in the tandem sheet feeding mode shown in FIG. In the tandem paper feed mode, first, the electromagnetic clutch 148 is driven off by a command from the CPU of the control device 95B. That is,
When the electromagnetic clutch 148 is turned off, the connection between the output shaft of the drive motor 141 and the drive pulley 142 is disconnected, and the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 is reduced.
In addition, the transmission state is not transmitted to the drive shaft 42B 'on the left tray unit 5 side. Subsequent operations are performed by the controller 95
The drive motor 141 is controlled in the same manner as the drive motor 141 of the second embodiment by the control device 95B in place of A, and a description of the subsequent operation will be omitted.

Next, the operation in the non-tandem paper feed mode of the fifth modification will be described. If it is determined in step S2 that the sheet is non-tandem sheet feeding, an operation related to the non-tandem sheet feeding mode described below is executed. First, in step S21, the paper feed position at which the uppermost large-sized paper P2 located at the uppermost position of each of the trays 1 and 2 can be fed by the feed roller 51 is determined by each of the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58. The occupancy is checked. Step S21
In step S, if the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58 are turned on and the large-size paper P2 can be fed,
24, the sheet feeding operation is performed.
If the switch 8 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, in the case where the large-size sheets P2 are stacked over the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, first, in response to a command from the CPU of the control device 95B,
The electromagnetic clutch 148 is turned on. As a result, the output shaft of the drive motor 141 and the drive pulley 142 are connected, and the rotational driving force of the drive motor 141 is
From the timing belt 145, the driven pulley 144, the driven shaft 143, the coupling 45, and the drive shaft 42B '. Subsequent operations are performed in the same manner as in the fourth modification.

Third Embodiment FIG. 17 shows a third embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the configuration and operation of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
When the large-size paper P2 is stacked between the right tray 1 and the left tray 2, the right and left interlocking means for raising the left tray 2 while keeping the left tray 2 in a substantially horizontal state in conjunction with the raising operation of the right tray 1 is replaced by the right and left interlocking means. The main difference is that there is a so-called conventional elevating method in which the front part (the right end side in FIG. 17) of the left tray 2 'in the sheet conveying direction X is swung and moved up and down in conjunction with the raising operation of the tray 1. In addition, each divided tray 2'-
Since 1, 2'-2 and 2'-3 involve a cantilever ascending and oscillating operation as described later, the first embodiment shown in FIG.
No flange portion extending to the right end portion (the front portion in the paper transport direction X) like the left tray 2 is formed.

The elevating and lowering interlocking means of the third embodiment comes into contact with the back surfaces of the right ends of all of the three divided trays 2'-1, 2'-2, and 2'-3, and swings and raises and lowers them, respectively. And a driving means 40B 'for oscillating and raising / lowering the pressure lever 97. Each divided tray 2'-1,2'-2,2'-
3 tray support portions 2 formed at the left and right front and rear ends, respectively.
a is rotatably supported by each tray support shaft 98 fixed on the lower wall surface of the left tray housing 5A (not shown in FIG. 17).

The driving means 40B 'is provided with the left tray housing 5
A, a left and right rotating stepping motor 41B 'as a second driving source, and a driving shaft 42B' connected to the output shaft of the left stepping motor 41B 'and extending in the front-rear direction. , Each divided tray 2'-1,2'-
Drive shaft 42B 'located below corresponding to 2, 2'-3
The free end is fixed to each divided tray 2'-
A pressure lever 97 is provided so as to be able to contact the right end back surfaces of 1, 2'-2 and 2'-3, respectively, and a bearing (not shown) rotatably supporting the end of the drive shaft 42B '. It is mainly composed. The left stepping motor 41B 'moves the drive shaft 42B' and each pressure lever 97 in conjunction with the raising / lowering operation of the right tray 1 when the large-size paper P2 is stacked between the right tray 1 and the left tray 2 '. The CPU of the control unit 95C moves up and down the left tray 2 while keeping the right ends of all the divided trays 2′-1, 2′-2, 2′-3 substantially flush with the right tray 1. A drive pulse controlled via a motor drive circuit can be given by a control command from the controller.

The operation of the third embodiment is different from the operation of the first embodiment in the non-tandem sheet feeding operation in that when the left tray 2 is raised in conjunction with the right tray 1 ascending operation, the CPU receives the above-mentioned operation. The drive shaft 4 for raising the right tray 1 to the right stepping motor 42A in accordance with a command.
At the same time as the forward rotation drive pulse for rotating 2A in the clockwise direction is applied, the left stepping motor 41B 'is driven by a drive shaft 42B' for raising the right end of the left tray 2.
The main difference is that a reverse rotation drive pulse for rotating the counterclockwise direction is given. As a result, the free ends of the pressure levers 97 are respectively raised and rocked via the operation of the driving means 40B 'for raising and lowering the left tray 2, and the left tray is linked with the raising operation of the right tray 1. The right end of 2 is swung upward while maintaining substantially the same plane.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, at least the interlocking operation of the right tray 1 at the time of raising and lowering the right tray 1 in the first embodiment is not required unless the above-mentioned remarkable advantages are required. Left tray 2 at time
Front part (right end) of large-size paper P2 stacked on top
Is maintained in a substantially constant posture, the paper feeding means 50
In this case, the deformation of the press contact portion with the sheet feeding roller 51 can be prevented as much as possible, and the sheet feeding can be more stabilized than in the conventional apparatus.

The control structure in the first and third embodiments and the first to third modifications is not limited thereto, and the paper surface detection sensor 58 is removed from the control structure, and the right / left stepping motors 41A and 41B are used. , 4
1B ′, 141, etc., including their motor drive circuits and the like so as to enable open-loop control, so that all the divided trays 2-1, 2-2, 2-
3, or control of each sheet surface position similar to that of the first embodiment while detecting each position of all the divided trays 2'-1, 2'-2, 2'-3 in the left tray 2 '. Good. In this case, similarly to the conventional paper feeder, a paper feed position detection sensor having the same function and configuration as the paper surface detection sensor 54 is arranged at a position near the paper feed roller 51, and both the paper surface detection sensors 54 and 58 are provided. May be removed.

The control structure in the first and third embodiments and the first to third modifications is not limited to these, and the right and left stepping motors 41A and 41A of each driving means are not limited to these.
Instead of 1B, 41B ', and 141, motors each having a photo encoder and capable of rotating forward and backward may be used, and these motors may be controlled by the control means 95 at the same speed.

The control configuration in the first and third embodiments and the first to third modifications is not limited to these, and the right and left stepping motors 41A and 41A of each driving means are not limited to these.
Instead of 1B, 41B ', 141 or the motor with the photo encoder, drive motors which can be rotated in different directions can be used. Is also good.

The horizontal raising and lowering means in the right tray unit 4 may be provided with the above-mentioned parallel link mechanism 21A and driving means 40 unless the advantage is required.
Not limited to A, but may be a conventional wire method (see claim 1).

As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments and the like including the examples. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and may be appropriately combined with each other. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments and examples may be configured according to the necessity and application within the scope of the present invention.

[0115]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second paper feed tray is composed of at least two divided trays, and the first paper feed tray is substantially omitted. Horizontal elevating means for elevating while maintaining a horizontal state;
Lifting and lowering interlocking means for raising all the divided trays while maintaining a substantially horizontal state in conjunction with at least the raising operation of the first paper feeding tray when large-sized paper is stacked between the paper feeding tray and the divided trays; With this configuration, even when a large amount of large-sized sheets are stacked over the first sheet feeding tray and the divided tray, the rear side edges of the large-sized sheets may hang down and be deformed or broken. Without the need to maintain the proper posture of the loaded paper in a certain state,
Paper feed can be always stabilized. Further, since the second paper feed tray is composed of at least two divided trays, it is easy to arrange the divided tray lifting mechanism on the divided tray side despite having the transfer means. In addition, the configuration of the transfer means can be simplified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the elevating and lowering interlocking means includes a parallel link mechanism capable of elevating and lowering while keeping all the divided trays substantially horizontal, and a drive source for driving the parallel link mechanism up and down. With the provision of the driving means, it is possible to provide a horizontal raising / lowering mechanism for the paper feed tray with a simple structure, and to load and feed a large amount of paper.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the driving means includes a driving shaft connected to a driving source for transmitting the lifting driving force to the parallel link mechanism, and the driving shaft moves up and down the parallel link mechanism. Are arranged below and extending in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, so that the parallel link mechanism and the transfer means can be easily arranged on the side of the divided tray.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, all of the divided trays are detachable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, the drive source is provided on the apparatus body side, and the drive shaft is provided on the divided tray side. When all the split trays are attached and detached,
The provision of the drive attachment / detachment means for detachably attaching the drive source and the drive shaft simplifies the configuration of the split tray side and reduces the weight of the split tray itself. In this case, the operability of attachment and detachment can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the parallel link mechanism is provided with the X-shaped link, the horizontal lifting mechanism is provided with the simplest structure in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned inventions. Cost can be reduced accordingly.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the drive means engages with the cross axis of the link to raise and lower all of the divided trays. In such a state that the torque to the head can be obtained most efficiently, it is possible to obtain a paper feeder having a high driving efficiency by design.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the driving means engages with the lower end of the link to raise and lower all the divided trays, thereby increasing the driving force in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned inventions. Can be planned.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the second paper feed tray comprises a divided tray substantially divided into at least two, and the first paper feed tray is raised while keeping it substantially horizontal. Lifting and lowering means, and raising and lowering interlocking means for raising all the divided trays in conjunction with at least the raising operation of the first paper supply tray when large-sized sheets are stacked over the first paper supply tray and the divided trays; By maintaining at least the posture of the paper stacked on the second paper feed tray in the paper transport direction in a substantially constant posture at the time of interlocking at least the ascent operation with the first paper feed tray,
It is possible to prevent the deformation of the press contact portion of the sheet with the sheet feeding means as much as possible, and to stabilize the sheet feeding. Also, the second
Since the paper feed tray is composed of at least two divided trays, it is easy to arrange the divided tray lifting mechanism on the divided tray side despite having the transfer means, It is also possible to simplify the structure of the transfer means.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the transporting means comprises an end fence which is movable in the sheet conveying direction by contacting the trailing end of the sheet on the divided tray, and the end fence is connected to the first sheet feeding tray. And end fence guide means for guiding and supporting the vicinity of the end fence. The end fence moves between the divided trays along the sheet transport direction while being guided and supported by the end fence guide means. Thus, the end fence guiding means can be realized with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view of a sheet feeding device in a stencil printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing an appearance of the sheet feeding device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an upper sheet feeding unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part around a left tray unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part of an upper sheet feeding unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main part in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part showing the operation of the lock mechanism in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a structure of a back fence and a side fence around the right tray in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower tray unit periphery and a main part of a driving unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet feeding operation sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation operation sequence of the tandem paper feed mode in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the left tray, the periphery of the driving means, and the main part showing the operation thereof in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the left tray, the periphery of the driving means, and the main part showing the operation thereof in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 15A is a plan view of a main part of a left tray unit according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a side view of a main part of the left tray unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a plan view of a main part of a left tray unit according to a third modification of the second embodiment, and FIG.
14 is a side view of a main part of a left tray unit in Modification Example 3. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a main part of an upper sheet feeding unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional plan view of a main part of an upper sheet feeding unit according to a fourth modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a plan sectional view of a main part of an upper sheet feeding unit according to a fifth modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a somewhat schematic front view illustrating a problem at the time of non-tandem sheet feeding in a sheet feeding device using a conventional sheet feeding tray horizontal elevating method.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Right tray as 1st paper feed tray 2, 2 'left tray as a divided tray 3 Lower tray as a paper feed tray 4 Right tray unit 5 Left tray unit 12 Lower tray unit 21A, 21C Parallel link mechanism 21B Elevating interlocking means 22A, 22B, 22C Link plates 23A, 23B, 23C constituting X-shaped links Link arms 24A, 24B, 24C constituting X-shaped links Cross axes 40A, 40C Driving means 40B, 40B ' Driving means 42a that constitutes a lifting / lowering interlocking means 42a Engaging pins that constitute driving and attaching / detaching means 45 Couplings that constitute driving / attaching means 50 Paper feeding means 70, 70 'Transfer means 71, 71' End fence 72, which constitutes transfer means 72 'Guide fence as end fence guiding means constituting transfer means Main frame DOO 200 sheet feeding device 200F feeding apparatus main body A stencil printing apparatus P1, P1 'paper P2 large size sheet X sheet conveying direction Y toward the body

Claims (9)

[Claims] A first paper feed tray capable of stacking and stacking a plurality of paper sheets; a paper supply means for feeding paper from the first paper supply tray in a paper transport direction; A second paper feed tray, which is horizontally arranged, and on which a plurality of papers are stacked, and a transfer means for collectively transferring the papers in the second paper feed tray to the first paper feed tray; A sheet feeder that is capable of stacking a large-size sheet larger than a sheet size that can be stacked on at least the first sheet feed tray or the second sheet feed tray over the tray and the second sheet feed tray and feeding the sheet by the sheet feeding unit. In the apparatus, the second paper feed tray comprises a divided tray substantially divided into at least two, and a horizontal elevating means for raising the first paper feed tray while keeping it substantially horizontal; When large-size paper is stacked on the divided tray, Serial All Split Tray, sheet feeding apparatus characterized by comprising a lifting interlock means for increasing while maintaining a substantially horizontal state in conjunction with at least lifting operation of the first paper feed tray. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the elevation interlocking means is a parallel link mechanism capable of elevating and lowering while keeping all of the divided trays substantially horizontal, and driving the parallel link mechanism up and down. And a driving unit having the driving source described in (1). 3. The paper feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the driving means includes a driving shaft connected to the driving source for transmitting a lifting driving force to the parallel link mechanism.
A sheet feeder, wherein the drive shaft is disposed below all the divided trays that allow the parallel link mechanism to move up and down and extends in a direction orthogonal to the sheet transport direction. 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein all of the divided trays are detachable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, the drive source is on the apparatus main body side, and the drive shaft is on the drive shaft. A sheet feeder, which is provided on each of the divided trays, and includes a drive attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the drive source and the drive shaft when all of the divided trays are attached / detached. 5. The paper feeder according to claim 3, wherein the parallel link mechanism has an X-shaped link. 6. The paper feeding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said driving means engages with a cross axis of said X-shaped link to raise and lower all said divided trays. 7. The paper feeding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said driving means engages with a lower end of said link to move up and down all said divided trays. 8. A first paper feed tray capable of stacking and stacking a plurality of paper sheets, a paper supply means for feeding paper from the first paper supply tray in a paper transport direction, and a first paper supply tray. A second paper feed tray, which is horizontally arranged, and on which a plurality of papers are stacked, and a transfer means for collectively transferring the papers in the second paper feed tray to the first paper feed tray; A sheet feeder that is capable of loading a large-sized sheet larger than at least the first sheet-supply tray or the second sheet-supply tray over the tray and the second sheet-supply tray and feeding the sheet by the sheet-supply unit. In the apparatus, the second paper feed tray comprises a divided tray substantially divided into at least two, and a horizontal elevating means for raising the first paper feed tray while keeping the first paper feed tray in a substantially horizontal state; When large-size paper is stacked on the divided tray, Serial All Split Tray, sheet feeding apparatus characterized by comprising an elevating interlocking means for raising in conjunction with at least upward movement of the first paper feed tray. 9. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit is movable in the sheet conveying direction by contacting a rear end of the sheet on the divided tray. An end fence; and end fence guide means for guiding and supporting the end fence to the vicinity of the first paper feed tray. The end fence guides and supports the end fence between the divided trays while being guided and supported by the end fence guide means. A sheet feeding device that moves along a sheet conveying direction.