JPS63185747A - Sheet storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To strength the stiffness of a sheet, by installing a projecting strip, extending in the sheet moving direction, in the bottom center of a sheet cassette, and pressing both sides of the sheet at the inside of side regulating members at the interval almost equal to width size of the sheet. CONSTITUTION:A projecting strip 117 paralleling each of sheet moving directions (g) and (g') is installed in the bottom center of a sheet cassette 110. And, side regulating plates 130 and 130 are installed there at an interval a almost equal to width size of a sheet, and in the inner part of these plates, there are provided with sheet side presser levers 132 and 132 which rotate around a pin 131, pressing the side of the sheet. The sheet is discharged out of the cassette 110 in the state that its central part in the width direction is uplifted in angular form. With this constitution, such a sheet that is weak in stiffness is strengthened and, what is more, a curl due to heating or the like is remedied, thus the problem of a possible paper feeding miss is solved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a sheet storage device, for example, a cassette for refeeding that temporarily stores sheets on which images have been formed in the main body of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. The present invention relates to sheet storage devices such as paper discharge trays and paper ejection trays.

'Recent techniques and their problems Conventionally, in copying machines and the like that have a sheet heating section, and in image forming apparatuses that record images on roll paper, the ejected sheet curls. Such a sheet is, for example, the 23rd
As shown in the figure, when the paper is stored in the refeeding cassette (110), there is a risk that the leading end in the storage direction may go over the regulation plate (140). Or, as shown in Figure 24, the leading edge of the sheet may sink into the lower end of the regulation plate (140), or the leading edge in the re-feeding direction may not reach the re-feeding roller (170) during re-feeding, resulting in a re-feeding error. There is a problem with this.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the sheet storage device according to the present invention is provided with a protrusion extending in the sheet storage direction at the center of the bottom of the sheet storage container, so that the width dimension of the sheet can be adjusted. The present invention is characterized in that pressing members for pressing both sides of the sheet without interfering with their movement are provided inside the side regulating members that are disposed at substantially equal intervals.

In the structure described above, when the sheet is stored in the sheet storage container, the central portion is lifted by the protrusion, and both side portions are pressed down by the pressing members, forming a gentle mountain shape with the central portion in the storage direction as the apex. The seat is fully deformed, the seat is strengthened in the storage direction, and the curl of the seat is corrected.

Embodiment Hereinafter, one embodiment of a sheet storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied as a paper refeeding device for double-sided copying.

[Margin below] [Overall configuration and operation of copying machine] In Figure 1, the copying machine main body (1) is installed on a stand (50).
A photoreceptor drum (10) can be installed at the top via a paper refeed path box (60), and a photoreceptor drum (10) can be installed approximately in the center so that it can be driven to rotate at a constant circumferential speed (V) in the direction of arrow (a). .A main eraser (
11), charger (12), sub eraser (13)
), a magnetic brush type developing device (14), a transfer charger (15), sheet separation charges (16), and a blade type cleaning device (17) are arranged in this order.

The photoconductor drum <10> has a known photoconductor layer on its surface, and as it rotates in the direction of the arrow (,), the main eraser (11) and charger (1) are removed for each copy.
2), static electricity is removed using a sub-eraser <13).

After being charged and neutralized from unnecessary portions, it is exposed to an image by an optical system <20), and an electrostatic latent image is formed on its surface, which is then cut into a toner image by a developing device (14).

The optical system (20) is installed below the document platen glass (19) so that the document image can be scanned, and the exposure lamp (21) 4
It is composed of a first mirror (22), a second mirror (23), a third mirror (24), a projection lens (25), and a fourth mirror (26).The exposure lamp (21) and the first mirror ( 22) is integrally formed into a block, and the photoreceptor drum (
10) It is possible to move in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of (V/m: m is the copying magnification) with respect to the circumferential speed (■) (constant regardless of whether the magnification is the same or variable magnification). The second mirror (23) and the third mirror (24) are integrally formed into a block, and are movable in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of (V/2m). Note that when changing the copy magnification, the lens (25) moves on the optical axis, and the fourth mirror (26>) moves and swings to correct the optical path.

Copying sheets are stored in a fixed self-exciting paper feed cassette (30) and a removable automatic paper feed cassette (35) provided on the left side of the copying machine body 1) in FIG. One of the paper feed rollers (31) and (36) is selectively rotated to feed the paper one sheet at a time.

Also, the top of the cassette (30) has a manual paper feed section (32).
It is open and sheets can be fed one by one from here. The sheets fed completely from the cassette (30) and its manual paper feed section (32) are conveyed to the timing roller pair (40) through the conveyance roller pair (33), and then are conveyed to the timing roller pair (40).
The sheet fed from 5) is directly passed through the timing roller pair (
40), where it is temporarily put on standby.

The copy sheet is sent to the transfer section by a pair of timing rollers (40) in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (10), is brought into close contact with the photoreceptor drum (10>), and is transferred to the transfer charger (15). The toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the separation charger (16) and separated from the photoreceptor drum (10) by the strength of the sheet itself.Then, the sheet is separated from the photoreceptor drum (10) by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (16) and the strength of the sheet itself.
The toner image is sucked onto a conveyor belt 41) equipped with a conveyor belt 42) and sent to a fixing device (43), where the toner image is fixed, and then discharged from a pair of discharge rollers (44).

On the other hand, after the photosensitive drum (10) has been transferred, residual toner and charges are removed from the surface by a cleaning device (17) and a main eraser (<11), and the photosensitive drum (10) is ready for the next copying process.

By the way, there are sheet size detection switches (Sν1) to (SW4) in the mounting portions of the paper feed cassettes (30) and (35).
).

(SW6) to (SW9) and sheet detection step 1' (SW5).

(SWIO) has been installed. Sheet size detection switch (SWI) ~(SW4>, (SW6) ~(
SW9) is a cassette (30).

(35) is turned on and off based on the arrangement of protrusions or magnets, etc., and in the operating state, the cassette (30),
(35) The attachment/detachment of itself and the size of the loaded sheet are determined by the 4-bit hood statement. Also, a sheet detection switch (SW5).

(SWIO) directly detects the presence or absence of sheets in the cassettes (30) and (35).

[Overall structure and paper feeding form of duplex/combining unit] In Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the duplex/composite unit (70)
In general, the first switching claw (71), the second switching claw (
75), discharge rollers (80), (81), and conveyance rollers (85), (
86), guide plate (90), (91), (95)
- (98), and a paper refeeding device (100) which will be described in detail below, and a sorter (290) equipped with a plurality of bins (291) and a paper discharge tray (not shown) is installed on the back. This duplex/combining unit (70) is placed on a rail (not shown) attached to the paper refeed path box (60), and can be moved away from the copying machine main body (1) in the direction of arrow (c).

1st. The second switching pawls (71) and (75) are rotatable about the support shafts (72) and (76) when the solenoid is turned on and off. In the normal copying mode (single-sided copying mode), the first switching pawl (71) is set to the solid line position in the figure, and the ejection roller pair <44
) The sheet discharged from the discharge roller (80).

(81) and sent to the sorter (290). In double-sided copying mode or composite copying mode, the first switching pawl (, 71) rotates in the direction of arrow (d) to move the sheet from the guide plate <91), (95) to the conveyance roller (85).
, (86).

On the other hand, in the double-sided copy mode, the second switching claw (7
5> is set at the solid line position in the figure, and the sheet is placed on the guide plate (
95), (96) to the storage roller (160),
The paper is guided to the refeed roller (170). Sheets are deposited from rollers (160), (170) into a cassette (110), which will be described in detail below. When the set number of sheets has been accommodated, the bottom hole (120) of the cassette (110) is pushed up as shown in FIG. The sheets are re-fed one by one based on the rotation, and fed into the re-feed path box (60) from the feed roller (150) and the sabaki roller (155) through the guide plates (97) and (98). In the composite copy mode, the second switching pawl (75) moves in the direction of the arrow (
d) direction, and conveys the sheet to the conveying roller (85), (
86) through guide plates (91) and (97) to the refeed path box (60).

As shown in Fig. 1, the paper refeed path box (60) is composed of a pair of transport rollers (61), (62), ... (63) and guide plates (64) to (67). The fully fed sheet is transferred from the pair of transport rollers (63) to the guide plate (48) of the copying machine main body (1).

(49), and is conveyed to the timing roller pair (4o).

On the other hand, the sheet detection sensor (SEI) is located in the above conveyance path.
), (SE2), and (SE3) are fully installed, the sensor (SEL) detects the sheets discharged from the discharge rollers (80) and (81), and the sensor (SE2) is fully installed in the cassette (110). The sheet is detected and the sensor (S
E3) detects the sheet sent to the re-feed paper passing box (60>).

[In Figures 4 and 5 of the structure of the drive system within the unit, the double-sided/composite unit (70)
The various rollers inside are configured to be rotationally driven by a motor (Ml). The spindle (82) is the discharge roller (81)
The supporting shaft (87) supports the conveying roller (86), the supporting shaft <151) supports the feeding roller (150), and bearings (
201).

It is rotatably mounted via <202> and (203).

Sprockets (2) are attached to the ends of the support shafts (82) and (87).
06).

(207) is fixed, and a sprocket (208) is attached to the end of the support shaft (151) via a T-squeeze latch (CLI).
are installed, each sprocket (206), (20
7), a roller chain (209) is stretched between (208) and the output sprocket (205) of the motor (Ml). Therefore, by starting the motor (Ml), the discharge roller (81) is moved along with the support shaft (82) by the arrow (e).
) direction, the conveyance roller (86) rotates together with the support shaft (87) in the arrow (eo) direction, and the electromagnetic clutch (
CLI) is turned on, the feeding roller (150) rotates in the direction of arrow (e) together with the support shaft (151). In addition, the discharge roller (80) and the conveyance roller <85) are the roller (
81) and (86) are driven to rotate in conjunction with the rotational drive of (86).

Furthermore, one end of the frame <175) is rotatably attached to the support shaft (151) via a bearing (152), and the other end of the frame (175) is attached to the support shaft (175) via a bearing (179).
171) is rotatably mounted. This support shaft (17
1) supports the paper refeed roller (170), and the gear (212) fixed to the end thereof is the idle gear (211).
) fixed to the support shaft (151) via a gear (210
) is connected to. Therefore, the paper refeed roller (170)
is rotated in the direction of arrow (e) in synchronization with the feeding roller (150), and at the same time, the receiving roller (160) is also driven to rotate.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the support shaft (156) supports the Sabaki roller (155), and the gear (215) fixed to the end thereof is connected to the support shaft < 151) is connected to the gear (213) fixed to the gear (213). Therefore, the Sabaki roller (155) is the feeding roller (
150) in the direction of arrow (e).

[Configuration of the cassette and its attachment part] In FIGS. 6 to 10, the cassette (110) has a substantially box shape, and generally includes a bottom plate (120), a side regulating plate (
130), (130), and a rear end regulating plate (140>).The bottom plate (120) is rotatably installed in the vertical direction by a hinge fitting (125) provided at the rear end. This cassette (110) is dedicated for each sheet size, and has regulation plates (130), (130), (140)
) are fixed at positions suitable for each sheet size.

In addition, an opening (111) formed in the cassette (110) is for inserting a push-up plate (180), which will be explained below, and an opening (112) is an opening (112) formed in the bottom plate (120).
121) (see Figure 16) to pass the optical axis of the transmission type photosensor (SE4>).
E4') is installed to detect the presence or absence of a sheet in the cassette (uO).

The holder (220) holding the cassette (110) can be fixed to the frame (200), (200), and has a cassette detection switch (Sen11) and elastic claws (221) on both sides.
, (221). By inserting the cassette (110) in the direction of arrow (A) in FIG.
(113a) and the recess (113b), (1
13b) and is held on the holder (220).

At this time, the protrusion (1) provided at the tip of the cassette (110)
15) turns on the switch (SWII) and inserts the cassette (1
10) attachment is detected.

Also, on the holder (220) is a reed switch (Sen1
2) to (S5), (Shx6), the sheet detection switch (SE4) in the cassette is installed. Lead switches f (SSJ12) to (SV15) have magnets (108) fitted into four holes (116) formed at the bottom of the cassette (110) corresponding to each sheet size.
), the sheet size that can be accommodated by the installed cassette (110) is determined using a 4-bit code signal. In addition, the reed switch (SV40) has a magnet (1
09) and detects that the installed cassette <110> is a cassette for double-sided copying.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the cassette (110)
A protrusion (117) is installed in the part of the bottom plate (120) where the opening (122) is located, parallel to the paper passing direction indicated by the arrows (g>, (g'). board <1
30).

Inside of (130) are pins (131), seat side pressing levers (132) with (131) as fulcrums, and (1
32) is rotatably attached. As shown in Fig. 10, when the sheet (S) is stored in the cassette (110), the central part is lifted by the protrusion (117), and the both sides are held by the presser levers (132) and (132). It is pressed down, forming a gentle mountain shape with the apex at the center in the direction of accommodation, and is in a state where the strength of the waist is fully reinforced in the direction of accommodation.

Usually, the sheet (S) that has passed through the fixing device (43) is heated and curled upward or downward, as shown in FIG. The sheet (S) heated and curled upward is the 23rd sheet.
As shown in the figure, there is a risk of overcoming the rear end regulating plate (140).
S), as shown in Fig. 24, the leading edge in the re-feeding direction does not reach the re-feeding slot (170) when re-feeding, or it slips into the lower end of the rear-edge regulating plate (140). hand,
There is a risk that a paper refeeding error may occur. However, as in this embodiment, such problems can be eliminated by reinforcing the stiffness of the fully accommodated sheet (S,) in the direction of accommodation. In addition, the side regulation plate (130) is fixed at a position according to the seat size, and the presser lever (
132) is attached to this side regulating plate (130), there is no need to separately position and attach it for each sheet size.

[Configuration of paper refeed roller, sheet accommodation, and paper refeed operation] In this embodiment, the paper refeed roller (170) has a feeding function for storing sheets in the cassette (110), and a feeding function for storing sheets in the cassette (110).
The bottom plate (120) is located at the lower stage as shown in Fig. 11 when stored, and is pushed upward as shown in Fig. 12 when refeeding. ) is located on the upper stage through the seat (S).

That is, the paper refeed roller (170) is attached to the frame (175) rotatably supported by the spindle (151) of the feed roller (150) via the spindle (171) as described above.
The storage roller (160) is rotatably mounted on an upper frame (176) formed integrally with the frame (175). Note that the flat portion (175a) of the frame (175) and the upper frame (176) also function as a sheet guide plate during storage. The frame (175) is the roller (160)
, (170) is constantly biased downward using the support shaft (151) as a fulcrum, and this biasing force is applied to the upper frame <176).
An elastic piece (177) provided at the end of the guide plate (95)
(see Fig. 11).

When storing sheets, the paper refeeding roller (170) is located at the lower stage of the regulation as described above, and partially overlaps the upper end of the front regulation plate (110a) of the cassette (110) by (B).

The overlap part (B) was provided in the cassette (1
10) The sheets accommodated in the refeed direction [arrow (g')
This is to prevent the sheet refeeding roller (170) from moving to the position where the sheet is moved and protruding close to the sabaki roller (155). When the sheets are completely stored in the cassette (110), they may move in the re-feeding direction due to curling or other causes, and at this time, the leading edge of the sheet in the moving direction may be moved toward the front regulating plate (110) of the cassette (110).
There is a risk of overcoming a). This kind of sheet movement is carried out by a refeed roller (1) having an overlap part (B).
70) can be prevented. Note that this overlap part <
Even if B) is zero, the same effect is achieved.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a notch (114) is formed at the upper end of the front regulation plate (110g) at a location corresponding to the paper refeed roller (170). The front regulation plate (110a) is designed to prevent collision with the paper refeed roller (170).

On the other hand, when refeeding paper, as shown in FIG.
The motor (M2) rotates the bottom plate (120) upward about the spindle (lln) as a fulcrum, and the bottom plate (120) is pushed upward, and the sheets that have been accommodated on the bottom punch (120) are transferred to the refeed roller (170). press against. At this time, the paper refeed roller (17
0) together with the frame (175) and the storage roller (16
0) is also pushed upward. When the push-up plate (180) pushes up the bottom plate (120) and the paper refeed roller (170), the projection (176a) of the upper frame (176) releases the optical axis of the photosensor (SE5), and the sensor (SE5)
) is stopped by turning off the motor (M2) (see Fig. 16).

Thereafter, when a reverse side copy start signal is issued from the copying machine main body (1), LL> is turned on to the clutch and the refeed roller (170) is rotated in the direction of arrow (e), and the sheets are separated from the top counterfeit to the top counterfeit. The sheets are re-fed one by one in the direction of the arrow (g). At the same time, the feeding roller (150) and the Sabaki roller (
155) also rotates in the direction of arrow (e) and feeds the sheets one by one to the refeed path box (60).

When the leading edge of the re-fed sheet is caught between the pair of transport rollers (61), the clutch (CLI) is turned off and the roller (
170), <150), and (155) are stopped.

However, one-way clutches (not shown) are built into the rollers (170) and (150). Therefore, even if their rotational drive is stopped, the sheet will still be transported by the pair of conveying rollers (
The roller (170) is fully conveyed by the conveying force of 61>.

<150> is driven to rotate by the action of a one-way clutch.

The rotational drive of each roller (170), (150), and (155) is stopped when the leading edge of the re-fed sheet is detected by the sensor (SE3) in the box (60), and from there the leading edge of the sheet is stopped. The clutch (CLI) is turned off when the timer set to the time until the conveyance roller pair (61) is pinched expires.

After the trailing edge of the re-fed sheet is detected by the sensor (SE3), the clutch (CLI) is turned on again and each roller (170), (150), (tss) is rotationally driven, and the next The sheet is re-feeded.

Thereafter, the sheets in the cassette (110) are re-fed using the same procedure, and when the number of sheets decreases and the top surface level decreases,
The protruding piece (176a) of the upper frame (176) blocks the optical axis of the photosensor <5E5), and the motor (M2) is activated by the signal and the push-up plate <180) moves upward to re-supply. To always keep the top surface level of a sheet constant when printing. In this way, the top surface level of the sheet is always maintained constant regardless of the remaining amount of sheets accommodated, so that the sheet re-feed height when re-feeding always maintains a constant positional relationship with respect to the Sabaki roller (155), etc. will be maintained. Moreover, the pressing force of the paper refeeding roller (170) against the sheet is always maintained constant.

[Configuration and operation of paper refeed roller section and accommodation roller section] 1st
In Figure 0, the spindle (171) of the paper refeed roller (170)
), lower auxiliary rollers (172) are fixed at approximately equal intervals around the paper refeed roller (170).

The storage roller (160) is connected to the paper refeed roller (170) at the center.
), and on the left and right of it are a lower auxiliary roller (172) and an upper auxiliary roller (162) with a small distance in the axial direction.
is rotatably installed on the upper frame (176).

The diameter (d) of the lower auxiliary roller (172) is smaller than the diameter (D) of the refeed roller (170),
2).

(162) overlap by Δd). Therefore, the sheet (
SL) has rollers (160), (170) in the center part.
It can be completely pinched by the auxiliary rollers (162), (
172), the paper is deformed into a wave shape, and is stiffened in the direction of accommodation and conveyance, thereby preventing poor accommodation due to heat curl.

Also, the interval (f
fi) is a dimension corresponding to each sheet size, and is approximately 297 mm for A4 size, for example. However, the sheet is ejected from the copying machine main body (1) and re-feeding device <1
00), there is a possibility that some deviation may occur in the width direction. Therefore, as in this embodiment, if the width of the sheet (Sl) in the storage direction is set to (ri1) when it is stored, then the width of the sheet (Sl) when it is flat is (r) on both sides. There is a margin of Δ2), and even if the sheet has some lateral deviation, the side regulating plate (1
30), (130) without touching the cassette (1).
10).

By the way, the support shaft (163) of the upper auxiliary roller (162)
For example, if the rollers (160) and (162) are arranged on the same axis,
When a stiff sheet such as cardboard is conveyed, the amount of overlap (Δd) between the auxiliary rollers (162) and (172)
Due to the presence of the sheet, the pressing force of the storage roller (160) is overcome by the stiffness of the sheet, causing the storage roller (160) to rise, resulting in a decrease in the conveying force. However, as in this embodiment, the spindles (161) of the rollers (160) and (162)
) and (163) separately and independently, it is possible to provide a comfortable seat and ensure sufficient conveying force. Note that it is only the action of the auxiliary rollers (162) and (172) that gives the sheets (S,) a firmness while being accommodated.

Further, as mentioned above, the diameter (D) of the paper refeed roller (170)
) is larger than the diameter (d) of the lower auxiliary roller (172), and during paper refeeding, only the paper refeeding roller (170) presses onto the sheet at the center to apply conveying force. This prevents the sheet from being skewed during refeeding. In addition,
The paper refeed roller (170) may be divided into two or more instead of one.

[Structure and function of trailing edge regulating plate] In this embodiment, the sheet refeeding roller (170) has both the functions of storing sheets and refeeding sheets. Therefore, the first
As shown in Figure 5, the paper refeed roller (170) needs to come into contact with the leading edge of the sheet pushed up by the bottom plate (120) during paper refeeding, so the front regulating plate (170) of the cassette (110) 110a) at a distance (L, ). Also, the distance to the rear end regulation plate (140)! <L) is set approximately equal to the length of the sheet.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the paper refeed roller (170)
The distance (L,) from to the rear end regulating plate (140) is the distance (
It becomes shorter than L>. If the sheet is weak, such as thin paper, the sheet itself loops from the time its leading edge in the storage direction comes into contact with the rear end regulating plate (140>), and can be stored.

However, when using a strong sheet such as cardboard or the like in this embodiment, the auxiliary rollers (162), (172) and the protrusion (1
17) If the sheet is held down by the presser levers (132) and (132), the sheet will stop when it passes through the nip between the refeed roller (170) and the storage roller (160), and the sheet will stop moving when the sheet passes through the nip between the refeed roller (170) and the storage roller (160). ) cannot be accommodated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate <140) is supported swingably and is biased by a spring in the paper refeeding direction (g').

That is, in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the rear end regulating plate (140) is attached to the holding plate (141) fixed in the cassette (110) so as to be swingable about the support shaft <142). and a torsion coil spring (
143>, the force is released in the direction of the arrow (h), and the rear end regulating plate (
The distance (L
), (L, ).

During sheet storage, as shown in FIG. 14, when the leading end of the sheet (Sl) in the storage direction comes into contact with the rear end regulating plate (140), the rear end regulating plate (140) torsion fill spring (1
43) in the opposite direction to the arrow <h> to secure a storage space longer than the distance (L, ).The rear end of the sheet (S, ) is the roller (160), (]
, 70) and falls onto the bottom plate (120), the rear end regulating plate <140) swings in the direction of the arrow (h) by the spring force of the torsion coil spring (143>, and the seat (Sl) is already The stored sheets are stacked and stored in the S position.

In addition, if your waist is weak in the storage direction (g) of the seat,
The rear end regulating plate (140) cannot be swung against the spring force of the torsion coil spring (143).

However, in this embodiment, when the sheet is stored, the protrusion (11
7) and the presser levers <132) and (132) on both sides to provide stiffness in the storage direction (g), so that sufficient pressing force can be obtained against the rear end regulating plate (140).

[Approach/separate mechanism and operation of sabaki roller] When storing sheets in the cassette (110), as described above, the electromagnetic clutch (CLI) is turned on and the paper refeed roller (170) is rotationally driven. At the same time, feed roller (
150), and the Sabaki roller (155) is also rotationally driven in the direction of arrow (a), so both rollers (155) are rotated as they are.
150) and (155) is accelerated, leading to a decrease in the cleaning performance when refeeding paper. Therefore, in this example,
Since it is unnecessary to press and rotate both rollers (150) and (tss) when storing sheets, the sabaki roller (155) is
is separated from the feeding roller (150) to prevent the progress of wear as much as possible.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 1615!0, the Sabaki roller (155) is attached to the Sabaki frame (157) via its spindle <156). The Sabaki frame (157) has a support shaft (158) attached to the guide plate (98).
) as a fulcrum, and is biased in the direction of arrow <i) by a tension fill spring (159). In addition, the lower end projection piece (157) of the Sabaki frame (157)
a) can come into contact with the back of the push-up plate (180).

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when the push-up plate (180) is located in a substantially horizontal state when storing the sheet, the protrusion (157a) of the Sabaki frame (157)
0) and is prevented from rotating in the direction of arrow (i), and the sabaki roller (155) is separated from the feeding roller (150). On the other hand, when the push-up plate (180) is rotated upward by the push-up mechanism (230) during paper refeeding, the restriction on the sabaki frame (157) is completely released, and the spring force of the tension fill spring (159) causes the sabaki roller ( 155)
comes into pressure contact with the feeding roller (150) (12th
(see figure).

In addition, since the Sabaki roller (155) moves in the vertical direction in this way, its spindle (156) is divided into two pieces and has a flexible joint (154), as shown in Fig. 17.
), the connection is made so as not to interfere with the transmission of rotational force.

[Configuration and operation of push-up mechanism and release mechanism] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the push-up mechanism (23) of the bottom plate (120)
0) is the aforementioned push-up plate (180) and sector gear (2
31), the mounting plate (235), the motor (M2),
It is composed of a reduction gear mechanism (240).

The sector gear (231) has teeth formed on its fan-shaped outer circumferential surface, and is integrally installed via a push-up plate (180) and a support shaft (181), and is driven by an arrow (j) with a tension coil spring (232). ) direction, and this biasing force is applied to the sector gear (
231) is regulated by abutting against a stopper (233).

To install the plate (235), the cylindrical bearing part (236) is loosely fitted to the support shaft (204) fixed to the frame (200), so that the plate (235) is rotatable about the support shaft (204) as a fulcrum. , the arrow (p>
It is biased in the direction. In addition, the release pin (238) fixed to the lower right of the plate (235) is attached to the frame (200).
) is projected into the cassette holder <220> as shown in FIG. 6, and the inclined surface (113c) of the cassette (110) shown in FIG. , can be fitted with the notch (113e).

The motor (M2) is mounted on the upper surface of the plate (235), and the plate (235) and the reduction gear mechanism (240) form one unit. Reduction gear mechanism (240)
is a reduction gear (242) from the small diameter gear part and the large diameter gear part.

(243) and (244), and the large diameter gear portion of the first stage reduction gear (242) meshes with the output worm gear (241) of the motor (M2). The small diameter gear part of the final stage reduction gear (244) is connected to the tension coil spring (244).
37) in the direction of arrow (p), it can mesh with the sector gear (231).

On the other hand, the release mechanism (250) is composed of a solenoid (SL2), a lever (255), and a release lever (260), and the solenoid (SL2) is connected to the aforementioned second switching pawl (
75) also serves as the switching means. That is, the plunger (251) of the solenoid (SL2) protrudes outward in the off state, and is not connected to the lever (255) via the wire (252). The lever (255) is fixed to the end of the support shaft (76) of the second switching claw (75), and the tension fill spring (256) is used to move the lever (255) to the second switching claw (75).
75> and is urged in the direction of the arrow (q) using the support shaft (76) as a fulcrum. The release lever (260) is attached to the support shaft (26
1) as a fulcrum, and is biased in the direction of the arrow (r) by its own weight, and the tip is attached to the lever (255).
), and the lower end can come into contact with the side of the mounting plate (235).

Next, the operation of the push-up mechanism (230) and release mechanism (250) having the above configuration will be explained.

In the initial state, the solenoid (SL2) is in the OFF state, the plunger (251) projects upward, and the lever (255) rotates in the direction of the arrow (q), as shown in FIG. The claw (75) is set at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. In addition, the release lever (260) is located at the arrow (
r), and its lower end is spaced apart from the side of the plate (235). For installation, the plate (235) is biased in the direction of arrow (p) by the tension coil spring (237), and as shown in FIG. 18, when the cassette (110) is in the installed state, the release pin (238) ) is a cassette (110
), and the small diameter gear portion of the final stage reduction gear (244) meshes with the sector gear (231). In the initial state, the sector gear (231) is rotated in the direction of arrow (j) by the tension fill spring (232),
The push-up plate (180) is also located approximately horizontally. and,
The protruding piece (157a) of the Sabaki frame (157) is pressed by the back of the push-up plate (180) and is urged in the direction opposite to the arrow (i>), and the Sabaki roller (155) is pushed by the feeding roller (
150). In this way, push up plate (18
0) urges the Sabaki frame (157) in the direction opposite to the arrow <i), the spring force of the tension fill spring (232) of the sector gear (231)
7) is set larger than the spring force of the tension fill spring (159).

In the double-sided copying mode, the sheet copied on the front side is stored in the cassette (110) in the state shown in FIG. 18 as described above. When a push-up signal is issued after the set number of sheets have been stored in the cassette (110), the motor (M2) is turned on and its rotational driving force is transmitted to the sector gear (231) via the reduction gear mechanism (240). can be communicated to. With this, as shown in FIG. 19, the sector gear (231) rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow (j), and at the same time, the push-up plate (180) also rotates upward, and the bottom plate (120)
is pushed up, the Sabaki frame (157) follows and rotates in the direction of arrow (i), and the Sabaki roller (155) comes into pressure contact with the feeding roller (150). The sheet stored on the bottom plate (120) is pressed against the refeed roller (170),
As shown in Fig. 12, the projecting piece (
176a) releases the optical axis of the sensor (SE5), the motor (M2) is turned off, and then the re-feeding roller (170) etc. are rotated by the re-feeding start signal and the sheets are re-fed one by one. The upper surface level of the sheet is constantly detected by the sensor (SE5), and when the upper surface level decreases, the motor (M2) is rotated and the sector gear (23
1) The push-up plate (180) will rotate upward.

When the sensor (SE4'') detects that all the sheets in the cassette <110) have been re-fed, the solenoid (SL2) is turned on and the plunger (251) is retracted, as shown in Figure 20. By doing so, the lever (255) pulls against the spring force of the fill spring (256>) and moves in the direction of the arrow (
q>, and the release lever (26
0) rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow (r).

At this time, the lower end of the release lever (260) is attached to the plate (2).
35), and the plate (235) is attached to the support shaft (204) against the spring force of the tension coil spring (237).
It rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow (p) using the fulcrum as the fulcrum.

Then, the small diameter gear part of the reduction gear (244) is separated from the sector gear (231), and the sector gear (231) is moved to the stopper (233) by the spring force of the tension coil spring (232).
) until it comes into contact with the arrow (j> direction. At the same time,
The push-up plate <180) also rotates downward, releasing the push-up of the bottom plate (120).

On the other hand, the release of the push-up is also performed by removing the cassette (110). As shown in Figure 21, the cassette (11
0) in the direction of the arrow (A゛), the release bottle (23
8) is pushed down by the lower surface (113d) of the cassette (110), and the plate (235) rotates about the support shaft (204> in the opposite direction to the arrow (p)), and the reduction gear <244> ) is separated from the sector gear (231). Furthermore, when installing the cassette (110), the bottle <238) is first guided by the inclined surface (113c) of the cassette (110) and pressed by the lower surface (113d), and is similarly released from being pushed up. .

Note that the push-up release by turning on the solenoid (SL2) is performed not only at the end of paper refeeding but also when a paper jam occurs in the paper refeeding device (100).

[Paper Jam Processing] Next, a process to be performed when a paper jam occurs in the storage/refeeding unit (70) will be described.

Paper jams in the paper refeeding device (100) can be removed from the cassette (11
0) to remove the jammed sheet. That is, when the cassette (110) is pulled out, the Sabaki frame <157> rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow (i) in conjunction with the downward return of the push-up plate (180), and the Sabaki roller ( 155) is separated from the feed roller (150). Use this to remove the jammed sheet from the roller (150)
, (155) can be easily removed from between.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, conveyance rollers (85), (8
6) If a paper jam occurs around unit 7,
0) in the direction of arrow (C) on a rail (not shown), and rotate the guide plate (91) in the direction of arrow (s) about the spindle <92) to open the paper passage path. Remove jammed sheets.

[Operation Panel] The operation panel (300) shown in FIG.
1) A print key (301) for starting the copying operation, an interrupt key <302) for temporarily interrupting the continuous copying operation, and a key for stopping the copying operation or canceling the set number. clear/stop key (
303), numeric keypad from "0" to "r9" (304)
, a display section (305) for displaying the set number of copies and the status of the copying machine, a copy mode selection key (306), a copy magnification selection key (307), a paper feed sheet selection key (3
08) etc. are installed. Each of these selection keys <30
6>, (307),, (308) is a display means (LEDI) installed at the bottom every time it is turned on.
(LED3), (LED4) ~ (LEDIO), (LE
DII) to (LEDI6) flash to display the selected mode. For example, the copy mode selection key (306) is 1
Each time the switch is turned on, the modes from one side to both sides and combination are sequentially selected, and (LEDI) to (LED3) are sequentially lit.

[Control circuit Figure 26 shows the control circuit, and the microcomputer (CPU) that is the center of control has a switch matrix (3
10) is connected, and the display unit (305) displays (CP) via this matrix (310) and decoder (311).
LI). In addition, the output terminal of the (CPU) is connected to the main motor of the copying machine body (1), a solenoid for driving the first switching claw (71) <5LI), and a solenoid for driving and releasing the second switching claw (75>). The driving solenoid (Sl2) of the mechanism (250) and the like are connected.

[Control Procedure] Figure 27 shows the main routine of the microcomputer (CPLI).

When the (CPU) is reset and the program starts, in step (51), the random access memory (RAM) is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode.
Here, the flags that can be used in the following steps will be explained. When the copy flag (F6) is 10, it indicates that copy acceptance is possible, and when it is 11, it indicates that the copy operation is in progress. When the single-sided flag (Fl) is 10'', it indicates a single-sided copy mode, and when it is rIJ, it indicates a double-sided copy mode or a composite copy mode. Double-sided flag (F,) is 10
'' indicates double-sided copy mode, and ``1'' indicates composite copy mode.

Next, in step (S2), a main timer is set. This main timer determines the time required for the main routine, and its value is set in advance in the initial setting of step (Sl), and also serves as a reference for the timer that can be used in each subroutine.

In step (S3), a subroutine for key manual processing is executed. Here, inputs from various keys on the operation panel (300) are processed, and input from the paper feed cassette (300) is processed.
), (35), the size of the re-feeding cassette (110), etc. are stored in (RAM).

In step (S4), a subroutine for copy mode switching processing is executed. Details of this subroutine will be explained below.

In step (S5), a subroutine for copy start processing is executed. Here, processing is performed to start the copying operation based on turning on the print key (301).

Next, in step (S6), the copy flag (F,) is set to "1".
If it is YES, that is, if it is in a copying operation state, a subroutine for copying processing is executed in step (S7), and the process proceeds to step (S8). N at step (S6>)
If o, that is, if it is in the standby state, the process advances to step (S8>).In step (S8), the main timer waits for the end of the main timer, and then the process returns to step <52).

FIG. 28 shows a subroutine of the copy mode switching process executed in step (S4).

First, in step (510) the copy flag (Fo) is set to 1.
0, and if NO, that is, if the copying operation is in progress, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

If YES, that is, if it is in the standby state, step (51
In step 1), it is determined whether the copy mode selection key (306) is on or not, and if No, this subroutine is immediately terminated.
If YES, the one-sided flag (Fl) is set in step (512).
) is 10". If YES, that is, if the normal one-sided copy mode is selected at this time, in step <513>, the one-sided flag is set to "rl" and the two-sided flag (F2) is reset to "rO", and the two-sided copy mode is set. do.

Next, in step (514), it is determined whether the sheet size selected for copying is the same as the size of the cassette <110> installed in the paper refeeding device (100). If YES, the double-sided copy display means (LED2) is turned on. If NO in step (514), that is, if the size of the cassette (110) does not match the sheet size selected for copying, a copy prohibition signal is output in step <516), and double-sided copying is displayed in step (517). Means (LE
D2) will pretend to be a warning.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (512) is NO,
That is, if the one-sided flag (Fl) is "1", step (
518) in double-sided copy mode or composite copy mode.
It is determined whether or not the computer is waiting for copying on the screen.

If No, that is, if it is on standby, this subroutine ends; if YES, that is, if it is not on standby, it is determined in step (519) whether the double-sided flag (F,) is "0." If so, that is, if the double-sided copy mode is selected at this time, the double-sided flag (F
, ) to 11'' to set the composite copy mode, and in step <521 ) turn on the composite copy display means (LED 3). If NO in step (519), that is, if composite copy mode is selected at this time, step (519)
22), set the single-sided flag (F,) and double-sided flag (F,) to "
0'' to set the single-sided copy mode, and in step <523) turn on the single-sided copy display means (LEDl).

That is, according to the above control procedure, when double-sided copying mode is selected, the sheet size selected for first-side copying is compared with the size of the paper refeeding cassette (110) [step (
514) If they are the same, allow double-sided copying [step (515)]; if different, prohibit the copying operation and flick the double-sided copy display means (LED2) to issue a warning [step <516), (517) )].

Therefore, it is possible to prevent paper jams in the paper refeeding device (100) due to the difference between the paper feed size and the storage size. In this case, double-sided copying becomes possible when the operator changes the paper feed size or changes the cassette (110) to one of the same size as the paper feed size.

Note that when the paper feed size and the size of the cassette (110) are different, the operator can flick any of the sheet display means (LED II) to (LEDl6) of the same size as the cassette (110) to select the paper feed size to be selected. The size may be announced. Alternatively, a warning may be displayed to inform you that the cassette (110) should be replaced with a cassette (110) of the same size as the paper feed size.

In addition, if multiple paper feed units are installed in the copying machine main body (1), when double-sided copy mode is selected, a sheet of the same size as the fully installed paper refeed cassette (110>) Paper cassette containing <30), (
35) may be automatically selected.

[Other Examples] [i] Combination of double-sided/combining unit As shown in FIG.
It can be divided into a conveyance block (F) including a cassette (110), etc., and a paper refeeding block (G, ) including a cassette (110) and the like.

On the other hand, FIG. 30 shows a switchback roller pair (190) and a guide plate (191>) on the conveyor block (F).
.

(192> etc.) Another paper refeed block (G
, ) is shown. This paper refeed block (G
- In the double-sided copy mode, the second switching pawl (75) is set to the solid line position in the figure, and the sheet is temporarily transferred to the roller pair (1).
90) in the direction of arrow (5), then the roller pair (1
90), the paper is sent to the re-feed path box (60). In the composite copy mode, the second switching claw <75
) rotates in the direction of arrow (d), and the sheet is immediately fed into the refeed path box (60).

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
) and (cx), it becomes possible to suitably combine them for the transport block (F) according to the user's wishes.

[i] The waist of the seat when storing receipts is a cassette (
110), in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary roller (162), (
172) to give the seat (Sl) a stiffness in the accommodation direction, and to make the seat width dimension (Ql) shorter than the width dimension (2) in the flat state.

Similar results were obtained as shown in FIG.
0) and the guide plate (16) on both sides of the paper refeed roller (170).
5), <166), and cassette (110).
This guide plate (16
It is also possible to achieve this by passing between 5) and (166).

[JPush-Up Mechanism FIGS. 33, 34, and 35 show modified examples of the push-up mechanism for the bottom plate (120). Here, the push-up plate <180>
The release mechanism (25
0) is unnecessary. Incidentally, in each figure, the same members as in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

That is, a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation is used as the push-up motor (M2'), and this motor (M2') directly rotates the sector gear (231) in the vertical direction.
31) is configured to detect the return using a microswitch (SW17).

When pushing up the sheet, the motor (M2') is rotated forward to move the push-up plate (180) along with the sector gear (231) in the direction of the arrow (
j> in the opposite direction to the level detection sensor (
Normal rotation of the motor (M2') is stopped by a signal from SE5). To release the push-up, rotate the motor (M2') in the reverse direction. As a result, the sector gear (231) and the push-up plate (180) rotate in the direction of arrow (j) to release the push-up. To reverse the motor (M2'), use the switch (SW17).
) is stopped in response to a signal that detects that the sector gear (231) has returned to its lower limit.

In addition, even in this modification, when the cassette (110) is attached or detached, the bottle (238) of the plate (235) engages with the lower surface (113d) of the cassette <iio>, and the attachment is made to the plate (2
35) rotates about the support shaft (204) in the direction opposite to the arrow (p), and the push-up is released. Also, push up.

It is also similar to the embodiment described above that the sabaki roller (155) approaches and separates from the feeding roller (150) in conjunction with the release.

[■] Paper ejection tray Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to the above-mentioned paper refeeding device (100) but also as a paper ejection tray for stacking and accommodating copied sheets.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, protrusions extending in the sheet storage direction are provided at the center of the bottom of the sheet storage container, and are installed at intervals approximately equal to the width of the sheets. Since a pressing member is provided inside the side regulating member to press both sides of the sheet without interfering with its sliding, the sheet is deformed into a gentle chevron shape when it is stored, increasing the stiffness in the storage direction. It is reinforced and curls caused by heating etc. are corrected. With this, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the leading end of the sheet in the storage direction will ride on or slip into the regulating plate, or that a paper re-feeding error will occur.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 28 show an embodiment in which the sheet storage device according to the present invention is applied to a paper refeeding device for double-sided copying, and FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the copying machine main body including the paper refeeding device. figure,
Figures 2 and 3 are schematic configuration diagrams for explaining the paper feeding state in the paper refeeding device, Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the drive system, and Figure 6 is a sliver/tray and its Top view of the attachment part, Figures 7 and 8
Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the cassette, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette, Figures 11 and 12 are partial sectional views of the paper refeeding device, Figures 13, 14, and 15. is a vertical sectional view of the cassette, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the main parts of the paper refeeding device, FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of the Sabaki roller portion, and FIGS. FIG. 22 is a front view showing the raising mechanism and release mechanism in each operating mode; FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the heat curl state of the sheet and the state when stored; FIGS.
25 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIG. 26 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing the control procedure. Figures 29 and 30. FIG. 31 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of replacing the paper refeed block;
FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the sheet storage guide section for the cassette, FIG. 33, and section 34. FIG. 35 is a front view showing a modification of the push-up mechanism for each operating mode. (1)... Copying machine main body, (70)... Duplex/combining unit 7, (100)... Paper refeeding device, (110)...
・Cassette, (117)... Projection, (120)...
Bottom plate, (130)... Side regulation plate, (132)...
Presser lever, (160)...accommodating roller, (17
0)... Re-feed roller, (180)... Push-up plate,
<230>...Pushing mechanism.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a sheet storage device that loads and stores sheets fed one by one into a sheet storage container, a protrusion extending in the sheet storage direction is provided at the center of the bottom of the sheet storage container, and A sheet storage device comprising: a pressing member that presses both sides of the sheet without interfering with its movement, provided inside the side regulating member installed at intervals substantially equal to the width dimension.