JPS626270A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To save the space efficiently, to shorten the conveyance time of copying paper, and to facilitate paper jam processing by opening the 1st conveying means to above an intermediate tray while a unit is drawn out of a copying machine body. CONSTITUTION:A conveyance block II is united in a drawing-out direction to a unit A by bringing end part stack bent parts of frames 106 and 107 into contact from inside frames 113 and 114 of the unit A for engagement and coupling a support shaft 95 with the frames 113 and 114. For the purpose, an operation lever 100 is rotated in the opposite direction from an arrow (c) to disengage lock levers 102 and 103 from lock holes 116a and 117a of projection pieces 116 and 117, so that the unit A can be drawn out of the copying machine to the front side. At the same time, the conveyance block II is also unlocked and then allowed to be opened around the supporting shaft 95 as a fulcrum.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a copying machine, and particularly to a copying machine using an electrophotographic method that is capable of double-sided copying and composite copying.

In recent years, copying machines with various functions have been developed, including double-sided copying, which copies on both the front and back sides of copy paper;
Composite copying is known in which copies are made using different images (for example, a frame and characters within the frame) or toners of different colors on one side of copy paper. In order to perform this kind of function, it is necessary to feed the copy paper after copying onto the intermediate tray and then refeed it, and in the case of double-sided copying, the copy paper fed into the intermediate tray is reversed. There is a need.

Therefore, conventionally, for example, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-35553, a copy paper path switching device is provided at the location where the copy paper leaves the fixing device. There has been provided a device in which the paper is once fed into an upper reversing passage, then switched back and fed onto an intermediate tray in an inverted state.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with the above-mentioned switchback system, it is necessary to install the reversing path in a direction perpendicular to the copy paper conveyance path, which deteriorates space efficiency inside the copy machine and This method has the problem that a time loss occurs in conveying the paper, and the copying speed decreases. Furthermore, since the reversing path is built into the copying machine, there is another problem in that if a paper jam occurs, the work to remove it is very complicated.

Furthermore, even if the reversing path could be pulled out from the copying machine main body to remove paper jams, separate pull-out mechanisms and locking mechanisms would be required for the intermediate tray and the reversing path, resulting in a complicated configuration and poor operability. It has points.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, a copying machine according to the present invention includes an intermediate tray and a first conveying means installed above the intermediate tray for inverting the copy paper after copying and feeding it onto the intermediate tray. , a second conveyance means for feeding the copy paper after copying onto the intermediate tray without reversing it, and a paper refeeding means for refeeding the copy paper fed onto the intermediate tray. The unit is configured as a unit that can be pulled out from the copying machine main body, and the first conveyance means can be released above the intermediate tray when the unit is pulled out from the copying machine main body, and The present invention is characterized in that a lock lever that can be engaged and detached from the provided lock hole is installed in the frame of the first conveyance means in a state where it is always biased in the engagement direction by a spring means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a copying machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall configuration of copying machine, see FIG. 1] First, the overall configuration of this copying machine will be explained together with the copying operation.

This copying machine has a copy paper storage section and a paper feed section in the lower section, an intermediate tray unit (A) directly above the copy paper storage section, an image forming section centered on the photoreceptor drum (2) in the middle section, and an upper section. Optical system (
1), double-sided copying and composite copying are possible by feeding the copy paper after copying into the intermediate tray unit (A) and refeeding the paper.

The photosensitive drum (2) is rotatable in the direction of the arrow (a), and the photosensitive drum (2) is equipped with a charging charger (6), a magnetic brush type developing device (3), a transfer charger (5a), and a separation charger (5b). ), blade-type cleaning device (4)
, eraser lamps (7) are arranged in sequence. As the photoreceptor drum (2) rotates in the direction of arrow (a), it is uniformly charged by the charger (6), receives image exposure from the optical system (1), and forms an electrostatic latent image. The latent image is developed into a toner image by a developing device (3).

The optical system (1) is located below the document platen glass (16) with an arrow (b).
) direction, and consists of a light source (lO), movable mirrors (11,1), (llb), (lie), an imaging lens (12), and a fixed mirror (lid). . The light source (10) and movable mirror (lla) are (V/m) (where m: copying magnification ) at a speed of 17 balls in the direction of arrow (b)ff1l+i-m
mh;%-self1)1)/II+-)t+(V/2m
) move integrally in the direction of arrow (b).

On the other hand, the copy paper storage section is located in the upper elevator-type storage section (
42) and a lower cassette type storage section (43), both of which have rails (46), (47) and rails (43).
4g) and (49) allow it to be pulled out from the copying machine main body to the front side. The copy paper in the storage section (42) is selectively moved by the rotation of the paper feed roller (18), and the copy paper in the storage section (43) is selectively moved by the rotation of the paper feed roller (19). (2G), (21),
(22).

(23), the sheets are sorted and fed one by one, and then conveyed to the conveyance roller (23).
29), (30), (31), (24), (25
), (2B), (32).

It is conveyed to the timing roller pair (13) at (34), (27), and (28). After the copy paper is temporarily stopped by a pair of timing rollers (13), it is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the photoreceptor drum (2), and the copy paper is transferred to the transfer section by the discharge of the transfer charger (5a). The toner image is transferred and separated from the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2) by discharge of a separation charger (5b), and transferred to a fixing device (9) by a conveyor belt (8) equipped with an air suction means (8a). , where the toner image is melted and fixed.

A pair of transport rollers (
A lever (41) for switching the conveying path of the copy paper is installed between the pair of discharge rollers (14) and the pair of discharge rollers (15). If you want to eject the copy paper as is, press lever (4).
1) is set in the state shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG.
from there onto the tray (36). In addition, when performing double-sided copying or composite copying (described in detail below), the lever (41) is set to the solid line state, and the copy paper is passed from the pair of conveying rollers (35) to the guide plate (37). It is fed into an intermediate tray unit (A) which will be described in detail below.

On the other hand, residual toner is removed from the photoreceptor drum (2) after transfer by a cleaning device (4), and an eraser lamp (7) removes residual toner from the photoreceptor drum (2).
) The residual charge is removed by light irradiation, and the paper is prepared for the next copying.

[Intermediate tray unit, see FIGS. 1 to 3] Next, the schematic structure of the intermediate tray unit (A) will be described.

The intermediate tray unit (A) includes a switching block (1),
A transport block (I+), an inversion block (II+),
It is composed of an alignment/intermediate tray block (1v) and a paper refeeding block (V), and is an integral unit as a whole, and is supported by rails (44) and (45) at both ends. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2, it can be pulled out from the main body of the copying machine toward the front side, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the copy paper conveyance path. The reason why this unit (A) can be pulled out from the main body of the copying machine is to facilitate various types of maintenance, facilitate paper jam removal, and the like.

By the way, the switching block (1) is the conveyor roller (50).
, (sD), and a switching lever (59).This block (1) is composed of an intermediate tray unit (A
), it may be provided on the copying machine main body side.

The conveyance block (II) has conveyance rollers (52), (
53), (55), guide plate (201), (202
), (203), and (204), and when the unit (A) is pulled out forward, the support shaft (95
) can be opened upwards using the fulcrum. The unit (A) that made it possible to open this block (I) upwards
) This is to facilitate the handling of paper jams inside the paper.

The reversing block (II+) is a reversing conveyance roller (56),
(57) and a reversing guide plate (93), which has the function of reversing the copy paper conveyed within the conveying block (I) and feeding it onto the intermediate tray (58).

Alignment, the intermediate tray block (Iv)
8), slide rail (77), slide member (73)
.

(79), regulation plate (62), (63), (64), (6
5) (see Figure 5), with an intermediate tray (58
) has the function of aligning the copy paper fed onto the top.

The paper refeeding block (V) is composed of a holder (66), a paper refeeding roller (38), sorting rollers (39), (40), and a guide plate (88), and is aligned on the intermediate tray (58). This is for refeeding the copied sheets one by one.

For reverse copying and composite copying, when one of the copy modes is selected by pressing the selection key on the operation panel (not shown) in advance, the switching lever (41) moves to the solid line in FIG. The copy paper, which has been switched to the position and has been copied on one side, is guided by a guide plate (37) from a pair of transport rollers (35) and transported to transport rollers (50) and (51).

The other switching lever (59) is rotatable around the shaft (85), and during reverse copying, it is set to the state shown by the solid line in Figure 3, and the copy paper is moved to the lever (59).
It is guided by the upper surface of the conveyor block (1) and
The transport rollers (52), (53), (54), (5) are guided by the guide plates (201), (203), (204).
5), it is conveyed to the left in Fig.
), (57) and the reversing guide plate (93), and is sent onto the intermediate tray (58) with the copied side facing up. Then, the sheets are aligned on the intermediate tray (58) by an alignment mechanism which will be described in detail below, and the sheets are re-fed one by one by clockwise rotation of the re-feed roller (38).

On the other hand, during composite copying, the switching lever (5
9) is set in the state shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG.
) and is sent with the copied side facing down. Then, the sheets are aligned on the intermediate tray (58) by the aligning mechanism described in detail below, and the paper re-feeding roller (38) is aligned as in the case of reverse copying.
) is re-fed one by one by clockwise rotation.

The re-fed copy paper is separated by rollers (39) and (40).
While being handled by the conveyance rollers (32), (33),
(34) and is conveyed to the timing roller pair (13), whereupon double-sided copying or composite copying is performed in the same manner as in the normal copying process. Note that the paper refeed roller (38) is positioned and swingable in three stages using the support shaft (86) of the holder (66) as a fulcrum (dotted chain line in FIG. 1).

(see solid line), when the copy paper is fed onto the intermediate tray (58), it is located in the upper or middle tier, as detailed below, and when refeeding, the copy paper is aligned on the intermediate tray (58). It is designed to be pressed with the appropriate pressure.

[Unit lock mechanism, see Figure 4] Next, the unit lock mechanism will be explained.

This locking mechanism locks the unit (A) inside the copying machine main body, and also locks the transport block (II) into the unit (
A) to keep the upper transport roller (55) in pressure contact with the lower transport roller (54).

The shaft (101) is connected to the frame (10
6).

(107) so as to be rotatable in a penetrating state, and an operating lever (100) is fixed to the front end. Also,
A lock lever (102), (1(L)) is fixed to the outside of the frame (log) of the shaft (101), (107), and a torsion spring (104) wound around the shaft (IQI).
One end of (105) is this lock lever (102),
(103), and the other end engages with the frame (106), (
107), the shaft (101) is urged in the direction of the arrow (c) together with the levers (too), (102), and (103). At this time, the protrusions (102a) of the lob flavors (102), (103), (1
03a) is a protrusion (116) of the main body frame of the copying machine;
(11?) hole (116a).

(117a) from below to lock the unit (A) to the main body of the copying machine and also to lock the unit (A) to the main body of the copying machine and to
I) is prevented from opening upward. Integration of the transport block (■1) with the unit (A) in the pull-out direction is achieved by forming the frame (106), (1Q7) with the bent end portion of the frame (lla) of the unit (A), (
The frame (113), (1
14).

Therefore, the operating lever (100) is twisted in the direction opposite to the arrow (C) from the state shown in FIG. 4 to cause the spring (104) to twist.

By rotating the lock levers (102) and (103) against the spring force of the protrusions (116),
, (117) lock hole (l16a), (117a
), and the unit (A) can now be pulled out from the copying machine main body to the front side. At the same time, the transport block (l +) is also unlocked, and the transport block (l l) can be opened upward using the support shaft (95) as a fulcrum. In addition, the transport block (
When 11) is opened upward, a stopper member (not shown) provided on the unit (A) side prevents it from swinging beyond the position indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG. That is,
This locking mechanism is connected to the unit (A)L by one mechanism.
MA difference -f, +-, J? /II) L M---b
+ Dan-1-AJ-+=4.

By the way, the lower transport roller (54) is the unit (A).
bearing (111) on the frame (113), (114)
, (112), and can be rotated in the direction of arrow (d) by a drive means (not shown). The upper conveyance roller (55) has bearings (10g) and (10g) at both ends.
9) is the frame (106) of the transport block (II),
Guide hole (106a) formed perpendicularly to (107)
, (107a) so that it can move up and down and rotate freely by being loosely fitted into the frame (106).

Coil spring (110) attached to the outside of (107), (
115) is urged downward by engaging with the bearings (10B) and (lQ9) from above. Therefore, the conveyance roller (55) is configured such that the conveyance block (II) is a unit (
A), the coil spring (1) is locked.
10) and (115) to move the lower transport roller (5).
4) with a constant appropriate pressure, and the conveying roller (54)
The driven rotation is based on the rotation of. When the lock is released and the transport block (11) is opened, the coil spring (11)
0), (115) bearings (108), (
109) is a guide hole (106a).

(107a) comes into contact with the lower edge, and the pressure contact with the transport port roller (54) is released.

In this way, the lower transport roller (54) is connected to the unit (A
) is provided on the main body side so that a driving force transmission mechanism (not shown) to the conveying roller (54) is driven by a mechanism common to other driving members of the unit (A). If the conveyance roller (54) is provided on the conveyance block (11) side, its drive mechanism must be separable from the drive mechanism provided in the unit (A), which would complicate the configuration. Because it will be. Along with this, a conveyance roller (55
) to the conveyance roller (54) with appropriate pressure. Therefore, coil springs (11[1), (115), conveyance block (l I
) is provided with a locking mechanism stage that positions and fixes it in a predetermined position.

[Copy paper alignment mechanism, see FIGS. 5 to 8] Next, a description will be given of the alignment mechanism for copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58).

In FIG. 5, arrow (e) indicates that the copy paper is in the intermediate tray (5).
8) The arrow (f) above shows the direction in which it is fed during reverse copying, and the arrow (f) similarly indicates the direction in which it is fed during composite copying.
) indicates the paper refeed direction.

There are four regulation plates that align the copy paper (81).
The side regulation plate (62) can swing around the support shaft (68), and the other side regulation plate (63), the tip regulation plate (64), and the rear regulation plate (65) are connected to the slide rail. (
72), (77) Slide members (71), (73)
), (79), each slide member (71
), (73), and (79) are driven by a stepping motor (not shown), arrows (g) and (g')
, (h), (h') directions. This amount of movement is set to a predetermined value by controlling the rotation angle of the stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tip regulating plate (64) is attached to the slide member (73) so as to be able to swing about a support shaft (74), and has a torsion wound around the support shaft (74). A spring (75) urges the projecting lower edge (73a) of the slide member (73) in the direction of arrow (i) (see Fig. 7).
It is regulated to be perpendicular to the intermediate tray (58). This leading end regulating plate (64) is positioned at the position shown in FIG.
) align the tips. When refeeding paper, the slide member (73) moves in the direction of arrow (g), and as shown in FIG. The notches (88a), (88a) of the guide plate (88) swing in the direction of the arrow (i') against the spring force of the torsion spring (76) with the axis (7°4) as a fulcrum.
), making it possible to refeed the copy paper (81).

The leading edge regulating plate (64) is placed at each position: the paper refeeding position shown in Figure 8, the leading edge alignment position shown in Figure 7, and the temporary alignment position for composite copying (which differs depending on the copy paper size) as detailed below. It is movable, and its position is controlled based on the projection (73a) of the slide member (73) being detected by the transmission photosensor (83) in the state shown in FIG. Similarly, the position of the rear end regulating plate (65) is also controlled based on the fact that the protrusion (79a) of the slide member (79) is detected by the transmission photosensor (84), as shown in FIG. It will be done. Similarly, the position of the side regulating plate (63) is controlled by the sliding member (
71) based on detecting the fixed position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the side regulating plate (62) is connected to the solenoid (70) and is pressed in the direction of the arrow (11) by a coil spring (69). 70) is turned off and is regulated by a stopper (not shown) to the dotted line position, and when refeeding paper, the refeed roller (38
) is set at the solid line position by contacting the stopper (91) protruding from the holder (66). In addition, the solenoid (70
) turns on, it swings about the support shaft (68) to the dashed-dotted line position against the spring force of the coil spring (69).

[Paper re-feed roller swinging mechanism, see FIGS. 10 to 15] Next, the structure and operation of the swing mechanism for the paper re-feed roller (38) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the paper refeed roller (38) is supported by a cantilever on a support shaft (87) rotatably attached to a holder (66), and the holder (66) is attached to the frame (A) of the unit (A).
113) and (114) (see Fig. 4), the rear end is fixed to a support shaft (86) rotatably mounted. Support shaft (8
6) is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (j) by a driving means (not shown), and this rotation is caused by the timing belt (128) stretched over the pulleys (126) and (127) fixed to the support shafts (86) and (87). ) to the refeed roller (38). That is, the support shaft (86) is connected to the driving means of each transport roller of the unit (A) by a clutch (not shown), and this clutch is turned on only at the paper refeed timing, so that the paper refeed roller (38) is activated. It is rotated in the direction of arrow (D).

A swing lever (145) is swingably attached to one end of the support shaft (86), and a shaft (145a) protruding from one end faces the protrusion (66a) of the holder (66) from below, The long hole (145b) formed at the other end is connected to the conveyor roller (54).
A clutch plate (1) rotatably attached to a support shaft (54a) of
24), a protruding pin (125) is loosely fitted. As shown in FIG. 12, another clutch plate (121) is fixed to the end of the support shaft (54a).

A kick spring (122) is attached to each boss part of (124).
is wound around the outer periphery of the claw portion (129), (
130).

A collar (123) with (131) is attached. One end (122a) of the kick spring (122) engages with the collar (12a), and the other end (H2b) engages with the clutch plate (124). That is, the kick spring (
122) is the clutch plate (12+) in the free state,
(124) and tighten the boss part of the support shaft (54a).
Rotation in the d) direction is transmitted from the clutch plate (121) to the clutch plate (+24) and the collar (1'23). On the other hand, when the collar (123) is prevented from rotating by the lever (+42) described below, the rotation in the direction of arrow (d) transmitted from the support shaft (54a) to the clutch plate (121) is prevented by the kick spring. (122) in the direction of unwinding, the clutch plate (121) slips and rotates with respect to the kick spring (122), and no rotational force is transmitted to the clutch plate (124).

As shown in FIG. 10, the means for operating the clutch means described above is mounted on a solenoid (141) attached to a plate (141).
14G) and a lever (142).

The lever (142) is swingably attached to the support shaft (144), and is constantly biased in the direction of the arrow (k) by the spring force of a torsion spring (Q4Z) wound at the bottom. It is regulated at the solid line position in the figure. Also, the lever (
142) is the plunger (140) of the solenoid (140).
a), and when turned on, the plunger (140a)
or move backward, it swings to the position indicated by the dash-dotted line. The tip of the lever (142) is connected to the claw part (12) of the collar (123).
9), (130), (131) located on the rotation locus,
As shown in Fig. 12, when the lever (142) is set to the solid line position, the claws (129), (131)
can be brought into contact with each other, and the claw portion (130) can be brought into contact with each other when set at the position indicated by the dashed dotted line.

Here, the operations of the clutch means, the swing lever (145), and the associated positions of the paper refeed roller (38) will be explained separately for the upper, middle, and lower stages.

■Upper position (dotted chain line position in Fig. 2) The solenoid (140) is turned off and the claw (129) of the collar (123) is in contact with the lever (142) from the direction of arrow (d). At this time, color (123
) is in a stopped state, and even if the transport roller (54) is rotated in the direction of arrow (d), the rotation is not transmitted to the clutch plate (124) and the swing lever (
145) is held at the position (B) shown by the dashed line in FIG. 11 by the pin (125). And holder (66)
is lifted by the shaft (145a) of the swing lever (145) and swings upward about the support shaft (86), and the paper refeed roller (38) is located at the upper stage shown by the dashed line in FIG. do. When the copy paper (81) is fed from the reversing block (Ill) onto the intermediate tray (58) during double-sided copying, the paper refeed roller (38) is set on this upper stage (see FIG. 13).

■ Middle position (position shown by the dotted line in the middle of Fig. 11) When the solenoid (140) is turned on while the conveyance roller (54) is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (d), the claw portion (129) is connected to the lever (142). ) is released. At this time, the kick spring (L'22) tightens the boss portions of the clutch plates (121) and (124),
Clutch plate (124) and collar (123) are indicated by arrow (d)
The other claw part (130) rotates in the same direction as the lever (142).
), the collar (123) is prevented from rotating and the clutch plate (124) is also prevented from rotating. That is, the collar (123) and the clutch plate (124) rotate in the direction of the arrow (d) by an angle corresponding to the protruding distance from the claw part (129) to the claw part (130), and the swing lever (145)
is held in the position (C) shown by the dotted line in FIG. 11 by swinging together with the pin (125) in the direction opposite to the arrow (D). rocking,
The paper refeed roller (38) is located at the middle stage indicated by the dotted line in FIG. When copy paper (81) is fed onto the intermediate tray (58) from the transport rollers (50) and (51) during composite copying, the paper refeed roller (38) is set on this intermediate tray (Fig. 14). reference). In this way, setting the paper refeed roller (3g) and holder (66) in the middle tray means that the copy paper (81) is aligned on the intermediate tray (58).
) to the paper refeeding position, the paper refeed roller (3
g) This is to prevent this with the holder (66).

■Lower position (solid line position in Figure 11) When the solenoid (140) is turned off in the state of ■,
The claw portion (130) is released from contact with the lever (142). At this time, the kick spring (122) is tightened by the force that causes the lever (14) to tighten the other claw (131).
2) until it comes into contact with the clutch plate (124) and collar (
123) co-rotates in the direction of arrow (d), and the swing lever (1
45) swings together with the bottle (125) in the direction opposite to the arrow (D) and is held at the position (D) shown by the solid line in FIG.

At this time, the shaft (145a) of the swing lever (145) moves below the protrusion (66a) of the holder (66), and the paper refeed roller (38) presses against the tray (58) J2 due to its own weight. do. The paper refeed roller (38) is set in this lower position when the copy paper (81) is aligned in the intermediate tray (5g) l and refeed is performed.
38) is brought into pressure contact with the copy paper (81) aligned on the intermediate tray (58) by its own weight, and re-feeds the copy paper (81) one by one by rotating in the direction of the arrow (D). (See Figure 15).

That is, the pressure necessary for refeeding is obtained by the weight of the refeed roller (38), and if necessary, the refeed roller (38) is urged downward by a spring or the like to increase the refeed pressure. may be given.

[Aligning operation of copy sheets, FIGS. 18 to 2F] Here, the operation of aligning the copy sheets (81) on the intermediate tray (58) will be explained according to the copying procedure.

■Alignment during double-sided copying: (a) First, select the required size of copy paper from the copy paper stored in the copy paper storage sections (42) and (43) (
b) Set the copy mode to double-sided copy mode.

Here, the switching levers (41) and (59) (see FIG. 1) are switched to the solid line position.

Regulation plates (63), (64), and (65) are the 16th
It is moved by a stepping motor to the solid line position shown in FIGS. This standby position is a position slightly wider than the selected copy paper size. That is, the tip regulation plate (64
) waits slightly closer to the paper refeeding direction [arrow (g)] than the contact points of the reversing conveyance rollers (56) and (57). This occurs when the rear end of the copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58) by the reversing transport rollers (56) and (57) leaves the contact point of the reversing transport rollers (56) and (57). This is to prevent the tip from riding on the tip regulating plate (64).

The rear end regulating plate (65) waits at a position separated by a length B) from the waiting position of the leading end regulating plate (64). This length B
) is slightly larger than the selected copy paper size. As shown in FIG. 16, the side regulating plate (63) is slightly rt:M,
Na letFM-yaAm eggplant, -Mt. 2.l-7+
111m) Move the Blbll plate (63) to the transport reference position (X,
) When the conveyance path of the copy paper (81) becomes longer, errors in the conveyance speed in the width direction may occur due to variations in the outer diameter and pressing force in the axial direction of each conveyance roller. This is because there is a possibility that the copy paper (81) may be conveyed in a skewed state. In addition, another side regulation plate (6
2), the solenoid (70) is turned off and the coil spring (6)
9), it is pressed in the direction of arrow (h) and stands by in a swinging state to the solid line position (see FIG. 18).

On the other hand, the paper refeed roller (38) is set at the upper position shown in FIG.
It is retracted upward so as not to obstruct the feeding of the copy paper (8■).

(C) Next, set the number of copies.

Note that steps (a), (b), and (c) may be performed randomly.

(d) Operate (turn on) the print switch.

a. The copy paper fed from the copy paper storage section (42) or (43) is copied on one side according to the above-mentioned copying process,
It is transported by the transport block (I+) as shown in the central part (e) of the seventh SiU, and after turning on the detection sensor (60), it is reversed by the transport rollers (56) and '(57), and the copy is completed. It is fed face up onto the intermediate tray (58).

b. Based on the on signal of the sensor (60), the solenoid (70) is turned on by the delay timer just before the leading edge of the copy paper (81) reaches the intermediate tray (58), and the side regulating plate (62) is turned on. , the transport reference position (X +
) swings slightly outward. The reason why the side regulating plate (62) is retracted to a position slightly deviated from the conveyance reference position (X,) is to cope with the oblique feeding of the copy paper (81) as described above.

When the rear end of the copy paper (81) is completely conveyed onto the intermediate tray (58), the solenoid (70) is turned off, and the side regulating plate (62) is moved by the coil spring (69) (see Fig. 5). )
It swings to the solid line position in Figs. 16 and 18 by the spring force. At this time, the copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58) is preliminarily aligned in a state in which it is in contact with the other side regulating plate (63).

Hereinafter, steps A, B, and A are repeated until the set number of copy sheets (81) are fed onto the intermediate tray (58), and each time a sheet of copy paper (81) is fed, The side regulating plate (62) swings to remove the copy paper (81).
) to the other side regulating plate (63) side (
(See Figures 24 and 25). The matching here is preliminary to ensure the final matching that will be performed later.

copy paper (81) for the number of copies is placed in the intermediate tray (58)
When sent upward, the solenoid (70) is turned on,
The side regulating plate (62) swings outward as shown by the dashed line.

In this state, the copy paper (81) is deviated from the transport reference position (X I), (X *) in the width direction, so
Move the side regulating plate (63) to the reference position (X,) (see Fig. 26). The moving speed at this time is 30mm/s
A speed of about ec or lower is appropriate.

At this time, some of the upper copies of the copy paper (8I) are shifted in the direction of the arrow (ho) from the transport reference position (Xl) due to inertia (see FIG. 26). In order to align it, the solenoid (70) is turned on and off multiple times, and the side regulation plate (62) is swung multiple times to perfect the alignment of the copy paper (81). . In this process, the solenoid (7
0) is in the ON state and moves to the next process.

and connect the solenoid (140) (see Figure 18) to 2.
The paper refeeding roller (38) is positioned at the lower stage and is brought into pressure contact with the copy paper (81) by its own weight (see FIGS. 15 and 22).

Next, turn off the solenoid (70). The side regulating plate (62) swings inward due to the spring force of the coil spring (69), but a stopper (91) protruding from the holder (66) (
(see Fig. 1O) and is set in the vertical direction at the transport reference position (Xl) (see Figs. 23 and 27). This is to prevent the copy paper (81) from being skewed during refeeding.

At the same time, by moving the slide member (73) to the state shown in FIG.
4) as a fulcrum in the direction of the arrow (i゛), and the guide plate (88)
into the notch (88c). This is copy paper (8
In order to re-feed the paper in step 1) without being obstructed by the leading edge regulating plate (64), -r-a- A message indicating that it is possible will be displayed. Also,
The switching lever (41) is switched to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

(e) Operate (turn on) the print switch.

A. The main motor (not shown) is started and rotates each conveyance roller, etc. within the main body of the copying machine.

A, clutch (U shown in the diagram) of the shaft (86) (see Figure 1θ)
・Z) is turned on, and the paper refeed roller (38) is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (D).

First, since the coefficient of friction between the paper refeed roller (38) and the copy paper (81) is higher than the coefficient of friction between the copy papers, only the topmost copy paper (81) is re-fed. The sheets are separated one by one by separation rollers (39) and (40).

After that, the copy paper (81) is transferred to the conveying roller (32).

(33), C34
1) is guided to a pair of ejection rollers (15), and the tray (36
) is discharged on top.

■Adjustment during composite copying: (a) Select the copy paper size in the same manner as in ■-(a) above.

(b) Set the copy mode to composite copy mode.

The switching levers (41) and (59) are switched to the positions shown by solid lines in FIG.

The regulating plates (63) and (64) are moved by a stepping motor to the solid line positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and are on standby. The rear end regulating plate (65) is connected to the conveying roller (50), (5
Wait in a direction slightly opposite to the paper refeeding direction [arrow (g)] from the contact point 1). This is a transport roller (50), (
The rear edge of the copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58) by the roller 51) is prevented from riding on the rear edge regulating plate (65) when it leaves the contact point of the transport rollers (50) and (51). This is to prevent this from happening. The leading end regulating plate (64) waits at a position separated by a length B) from the waiting position of the rear end regulating plate (65). This length B) is slightly larger than the selected copy paper size. In addition, the side regulation plate (
62) is a coil spring (
69) in the direction of arrow (h), and waits in a swinging state to the solid line position (see FIG. 18).

On the other hand, the paper refeed roller (38) is set at the middle position shown in FIG. 14, and is retracted to a position where it does not interfere with the conveyance of the copy paper (81) on the intermediate tray (58), which will be explained below. .

(C) Next, set the number of copies.

Note that (a), (b), (c
) can be done randomly.

(d) Operate (turn on) the print switch.

71 The copy paper that has been copied for the first time on one side is transported as shown by the solid line (O) in Figure 1, and after turning on the detection sensor (61), the copy paper is transferred from the transport rollers (50) and (51) until the copy is completed. It is fed face down onto the intermediate tray (58).

B. Based on the on signal of the sensor (61), the solenoid (70) is turned on by the delay timer just before the leading edge of the copy paper (81) reaches the intermediate tray (58), and the side regulating plate (62) is It swings slightly outward from the transport reference position (Xl) in the (ho) direction.

When the rear end of the copy paper (81) is completely conveyed onto the intermediate tray (58), the solenoid (70) is turned off, and the side regulating plate (62) is activated by the coil spring (69X, see Figure 5). It swings to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 19 due to the spring force. At this time, the copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58) is preliminarily aligned in a state in which it is in contact with the other side regulating plate (63).

Hereinafter, steps A, B, and A are repeated until the set number of copy sheets (81) are fed onto the intermediate tray (58), and each time a sheet of copy paper (81) is fed, The side regulating plate (62) swings to remove the copy paper (81).
) to the other side regulating plate (63) side (
(See Figures 24 and 25). The matching here is preliminary to ensure the final matching that will be performed later.

copy paper (81) for the number of copies is placed in the intermediate tray (58)
When the sheet is fed upward, the stepping motor is activated and the regulating plates (64) and (65) move forward [arrow (g)] to the re-feeding distance while maintaining the interval (B).

As a result, the copy paper (81) is conveyed to the paper refeeding position on the intermediate tray (58).

F. At this point, the solenoid (70) is turned on to swing the side regulating plate (62) outward as shown by the dashed line.

G. In this state, the copy paper (81) is deviated from the width direction transport reference position (x,'), (xt), so move the side regulating plate (63) to the transport reference position (X,). (See Figure 26). The movement speed at this time is 30
A speed of about n+m/sec or less is suitable.

At this time, as mentioned above, some of the upper sheets of copy paper (81) are moved from the transport reference position (Xυ to the arrow (h
o) direction (see Figure 26). In order to align it, the solenoid (70) is turned on and off multiple times, the side regulation plate (62) is swung multiple times, and the copy paper (8
Assume that 1) is completely consistent. In this step, the solenoid (70) is in an on state and moves to the next step.

6. Connect the solenoid (140) (see Figure 1O) to 1.
The paper refeeding roller (38) is positioned at the lower stage and is brought into pressure contact with the copy paper (81) by its own weight (see FIGS. 15 and 22).

72 Next, turn off the solenoid (70). Said ■−(
The process is similar to step d) -, and the side regulating plate (62) comes into contact with the stopper (91) of the holder (66) and is set vertically at the transport base position (X,) (23rd figure.

(See Figure 27).

At the same time, install the tip regulating plate (
64) is retracted into the notch (gga) of the guide plate (88).

When 99 or more operations are completed, a message indicating that composite copying is possible is displayed on the operation panel of the main body of the copying machine. Also,
The switching lever (41) is switched to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

(e) Turn on the print switch.

The above-mentioned steps (1)-(e) A, B, T, and D are executed, and composite copying is performed by overlapping the copied surface.

In the above alignment method, as the copy paper (81) is fed one by one onto the intermediate tray (58), it is placed at the transport reference position (xt), at a position widthwise away from (xt). After preliminary alignment is performed and a predetermined number of copy sheets (81) have been fed, the copy paper (8I) is transported to the reference position (X,
), (X t) and realignment is performed. Therefore, alignment becomes reliable and accurate, and refeeding failures do not occur.

In addition, if a friction member such as rubber is provided at the bottom of the side regulating plate (63), it will be possible to prevent the copy paper (81) fed onto the intermediate tray (58) from shifting, and to ensure more reliable alignment. It can be performed.

[? Exclusion of l photo paper? IX mechanism, Fig. 10, Fig. 28 to Fig. 30] By the way, the copy paper (8 [) fed into the intermediate tray unit (A) is affected by the discharge phenomenon caused by the separation charger (5b) and the pre-alignment process. When the toner image is fixed in the fixing device (9), the toner image is heated, moisture is removed, and the toner image is easily charged. In particular, during double-sided copying, the transport distance is long [because the paper passes through the transport block (II), it is actually charged.

The charged copy sheets (81) exert an attractive force on each other, and when the sheets are re-fed, a large number of sheets are re-fed at once or the sheets are skewed.

Therefore, it is necessary to install a static elimination mechanism within the intermediate tray unit (A) to eliminate static electricity from the copy paper (81). It is preferable that static electricity is removed immediately before the copy paper (81) is fed onto the intermediate tray (58). Before that, for example, unit (A)
If it is carried out when the conveyance roller (52), (
53), (54), (55), etc., it becomes electrically charged. Furthermore, when the copy sheets (81) are re-fed, they are charged due to the friction between the copy sheets (81), so it is necessary to remove the charges.

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
The unit (
A) The stopper (136) attached to the frame (114)
) is positioned. In addition, the guide plate (133)
Above the holder (66) is a presser member (132) protruding from the holder (66).
) extends, the paper refeed roller (38) and the holder (66)
As it swings downward, it is pressed by the holding member (132) and swings downward about the support shaft (86) as a fulcrum.

FIG. 28 shows the case when the paper refeed roller (38) is set in the upper stage, that is, when the copy paper (81) is fed into the intermediate tray (58) during double-sided copying. At this time, the position of the guide plate (13:() is regulated by the stopper (136) and is set on the upper stage similar to the paper refeed roller (38).Then, the copy paper (81) is ) while being in contact with the conveyor rollers (56) and (57) onto the intermediate tray (58), where the static electricity is removed (see Fig. 13).

FIG. 29 shows a case where the paper refeed roller (38) is set in the middle stage, that is, when the copy paper (81) is fed onto the intermediate tray (58) during composite copying. At this time, the guide plate (133) is attached to the presser member (1) provided on the holder (66).
32) and set in the same middle stage as the paper refeed roller (38) (see FIG. 14). At this time, the guide plate (133) functions as a guide for the copy paper (81), similar to the holder (66) and the paper refeed roller (38), as will be described later.

FIG. 30 shows the state when the paper refeeding roller (38) is set at the lower stage, that is, when copying paper (81) is being refeeded.

At this time, the guide plate (133) is
) and set on the lower stage in the same way as the paper refeed roller (38). Then, the copy paper (81) is
35), the paper is re-fed and the static electricity is removed (15th
(see figure).

[Copy paper guide mechanism, see Figures 31 to 36] Copy paper (81) that has been fixed by the fixing device (9)
) is highly likely to curl due to the heat effect during fixing.

Then, the copy paper (
When a large number of sheets of copy paper (81) are fed in, the height C) of the copy paper (81) reaches the regulating plate (64), (6) as shown in FIG.
5) becomes higher than E), and when the next copy paper (81) is fed in, the copy paper (81) rides on the regulation plate (65) as shown in FIG. Regulation can be achieved by setting the regulation plate (65) high, but this increases the height of the intermediate tray unit (A), which is not preferable.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the guide member (92) is placed above the intermediate tray (58) on the regulating plate (64).
, (65). In this case, the height B) of the guide member (92) is
) is set lower than the height E), and the distance (D) between the guide member (92) and the regulating plates (64), (65) is set relatively narrow. With this, the regulation plate (64) of the copy paper (8I)
), (65) is reliably prevented. Moreover, the reason why the interval (D) is narrowed is that if it were widened, the 35th
As shown in the figure, the copy paper (81) is deformed as shown by the two-dot chain line, and the copy paper (81) is moved to the regulating plates (64) and (65).
This is because there is a risk that the vehicle will run over the vehicle.

In addition, FIG. 33 shows the regulation plate (64) during double-sided copying,
(65), the regulating plates (64) and (65) have moved in the direction of the arrow (go) from the position shown in Fig. 33 during composite copying, and the regulating plates (64) intersects the guide member (92), and the fed copy paper (8
1) is prevented from riding on the regulating plate (64).

On the other hand, when feeding long-sized copy paper (81) onto the intermediate tray (58) during composite copying (see Fig. 14), the leading edge regulating plate (64) is positioned forward of the guide member (92). Copy paper (81
) cannot be guided by the guide member (92). Therefore, as mentioned above, the paper refeed roller (3g)
, a holder (66) and a guide plate (133) are set in the middle stage to guide the leading edge of the copy paper (81) and prevent it from riding on the leading edge regulating plate (64).

Note that if the guide member (92) is extended to the installation position of the paper refeed roller (38), the guide by the holder (66) or the like becomes unnecessary. However, if the guide member (92) is made too long in the paper refeeding direction, the transport roller (56)
), (57), the copy paper (81) comes into contact with the guide member (92). Further, the guide member (92) is connected to the frame (10) of the transport block (I l).
6), (107), and is attached to the transport block (I
1) is pulled upward when it is opened, and at this time, it is necessary that the first
It cannot be extended in the paper refeeding direction [arrow (g)] from the position shown in Figure 4.

Furthermore, for copy paper (81) that is curled upward in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, the upper portions of the side regulating plates (62) and (63) may be bent inward as shown in FIG. This is to prevent the top-curled copy paper (81) from running over the side regulating plates (62) and (63).

Also, when refeeding paper, the guide plate ([3)
81) from floating upward. That is, in this embodiment, the paper refeed roller (38) presses only the center portion of the copy paper (8I), so the copy paper (81), which is curled upward in the width direction, has both sides lifted up. If you refeed the paper in this state, it may cause skewed feeding or paper jams. Therefore, when refeeding paper, not only the paper refeed roller (38) and holder (66) but also the guide plate (1
33) is also located at the lower stage, and the holder (66) and guide plate (
133) to guide both sides of the copy paper (81) from above (see FIG. 30).

[Alignment assisting mechanism during composite copying, see FIGS. 37 to 40] During composite copying, as shown in FIG. 50) and (51) onto the intermediate tray (58). When a large number of sheets of specially curled copy paper (81) are fed in, the rear end of the copy paper (50), (51)
) and the next fed copy paper (81) will cause a paper jam.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the conveyance roller (50) is connected to the support shaft (50).
0a) at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of elastic blades (96) (three in this example) were installed at arbitrary positions on the support shaft (50a). This elastic blade (
96) are attached to the outside of the trailing edge regulating plate (65) at a position where they can come into contact with both sides of the copy paper (81) being conveyed, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and in contact with the conveying roller (50). It is inclined in the direction of the rotation [arrow (m)].

In addition, the length L of the elastic blade (96) is the length L of the elastic blade (96).
It is longer than the radius (R) of the rear end regulating plate (6) during rotation.
5) and length G) are set to overlap (see Figure 38).

Therefore, the elastic blade (96) rotates in the direction of the arrow (ff1) together with the conveyance roller (50), as shown in FIG.
The rear end of the copy paper (81) that tends to rise due to the upper curl is held down to prevent the conveyance path from being blocked.

[Relationship between the reversing conveyance rollers (56), (57) and the temporary reversing guide (93), see Figure 3] When duplexing, copy paper (8) is placed in the intermediate tray (5).
8) Reversing conveyance roller (5
6) , (57) and the reversing guide plate (93) must be configured to reliably reverse stiff copy paper such as thick paper, loose copy paper such as thin paper, or curled copy paper. No. Then, the reversing conveyance roller (56
), the diameter (D,) of (57), (D2), the radius (R) of the reversing guide plate (93), and the conveyance roller (54),
(55) and the reversing conveyance rollers (56) and (57) through experiments with various settings of the contact distance M(L), and the following points were found.

(a) If the distance between the rollers (L) is short, in order to reverse stiff copy paper, the roller diameter (D) and guide radius (R) must be adjusted.
must become larger.

(b) Furthermore, if the distance between the rollers (L) is short, the number of locations where the conveyance rollers are installed up to the conveyance rollers (54) and (55) increases, leading to an increase in costs. Therefore, from a cost standpoint, the longer the distance between the rollers (L), the better. but,
A minimum size copy paper length is required.

(c) Larger guide radius (R) and roller diameter (Dl) are preferable for reversing copy paper. However, when it becomes excessive,
Unit (A) becomes larger.

(d) In a configuration like this unit (A) in which the copy paper is reversed immediately before feeding it into the intermediate tray (58), the reversing conveyance rollers (56) and (57) are used as the refeed roller (38).
) and the sorting rollers (39), (40), and the reversing conveyance rollers (56), (57) are installed so as not to disturb the copy paper when refeeding the paper (A
) shall be arranged so as to achieve compactness. For that purpose, a reversing conveyance roller (5B) is used.

It is preferable that the diameters (D, ) and (Dt) of (57), especially the diameter (D, ) of the lower conveying roller (57), be as small as possible.

In view of the above points, and considering smooth reversal of the copy paper, miniaturization of the unit (A), etc., the roller diameter (D,) ≦
Roller diameter (Dl) It is preferable to set the roller radius (D , / 2 )≦guide radius (R), and the present embodiment is configured in these two ways.

Effects of the Invention As detailed above, the present invention comprises an intermediate tray, a first conveying means installed above the intermediate tray for inverting the copy paper after copying and feeding it onto the intermediate tray, and A second conveying means for feeding the copy paper onto the intermediate tray without reversing it, and a paper refeeding means for refeeding the copy paper fed onto the intermediate tray are configured as an integrated unit. However, this unit can be pulled out from the copying machine main body, and the first conveyance means can be released above the intermediate tray when the unit is pulled out from the copying machine main body, which is different from the conventional switchback method. , the space inside the copier can be efficiently consolidated, the time required to convey copy paper is shortened, and even if paper jams occur in the reversing section, paper jams can be easily cleared by pulling out the unit. . Further, when the unit itself is pulled out, the first conveying means is also pulled out at the same time, and only one pulling means is required, which simplifies the structure and reduces costs.

Moreover, since the lock lever, which can be engaged and detached from the lock hole provided on the copying machine main body side, is installed in the frame of the first conveying means in a state where it is always biased in the engagement direction by a spring means, the unit is not connected to the copying machine main body. A single locking mechanism can serve both as a lock and as a lock on the unit of the first conveying means, which further simplifies the structure and provides good operability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of a copying machine according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unit when it is pulled out, and FIG. 3 is an internal configuration diagram of the unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the alignment mechanism and paper refeeding mechanism, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the regulating plate attachment section. FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory views of the operation of the tip regulating plate. FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the relationship between the paper refeeding section and the conveying rollers of the reversing block. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the paper refeeding roller swinging mechanism, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the paper refeeding roller swinging mechanism, FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the clutch means, and FIGS.
4 and 15 are explanatory diagrams of operations such as paper refeeding. Figures 16 to 2 are for explaining the operation of the alignment mechanism. Figure 16 is a plan view during reverse copying, Figure 17 is a front view of Figure 16, and Figure 18 is Figure 16. , FIG. 19 is a plan view during composite copying, FIG. 20 is a front view of FIG. 19, FIG. 21 is a plan view when refeeding paper, and FIG.
FIG. 23 is a front view of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a side view of FIG. Second
4, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27 are all explanatory diagrams of the copy sheet alignment operation. FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 are explanatory diagrams of the operations of the paper refeed roller and the static elimination brush. 31 to 36 are for explaining the copy paper guide mechanism.
Figures 2 and 33 are front views, Figures 34, 35, and 36.
The figure is a side view. 37 to 40 show the copy paper feeding portion during composite copying, FIG. 37 is a side view, FIG. 38 is a sectional view, and FIGS. 39 and 40 are operation explanatory diagrams. (A)...Intermediate tray unit, (I)...Switching block, (l+)...Transportation block, (■1)...
-Reversal block, (Iv)...Alignment, intermediate tray block, (V)...Refeed block, (38)...
Paper refeed roller, (44), (45)...Rail, (
58) ... Intermediate tray, (81) ... Copy paper, (1
00)...Operation lever, (101)...Shaft, (10
2), (103)...Lock lever 1 (to2a),
(4o3a)--protrusion, (104), (105)...
・Torsion spring, (106), (IQ?)...Frame, (113), (114)...Frame, (116)
, (117)--projection, (l16a), (117a)
...Lock hole, Patent applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent: Patent attorney: Mr. Aoki and two others Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 28 Figure 29 Figure 301!1

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An intermediate tray, a first conveying means installed above the intermediate tray for inverting the copy paper after copying and sending it onto the intermediate tray, and a first conveying means installed above the intermediate tray for inverting the copy paper after copying and feeding it onto the intermediate tray without reversing the copy paper after copying. A second conveyance means for feeding the copy paper onto the intermediate tray and a refeeding means for refeeding the copy paper fed onto the intermediate tray are configured as an integrated unit, and this unit can be pulled out from the main body of the copying machine. On the other hand, when the unit is pulled out from the copying machine main body, the first conveying means can be released above the intermediate tray, and a lock lever that can be engaged with and detached from a lock hole provided on the copying machine main body side is installed in the first transport means.
A copying machine characterized in that the frame of a conveying means is installed in a state where it is always biased in the engagement direction by a spring means.