JPH01236145A - Sheet conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to a sheet conveying device disposed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer to convey sheets, and in particular to a sheet conveying device that conveys sheets. The present invention relates to a sheet conveyance device suitable for application to a circulation type automatic document conveyance device in which a stacking table and an image forming bag are conveyed in a circular manner between an exposure section of the bag.

(B) Prior Art Conventionally, there has been a circulation type automatic document conveying device as a sheet conveying device that is attached to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and conveys sheets. The automatic document feeder separates the stack of sheet documents set on the document stacking table one by one starting from the lowest one, transports and stacks them to the exposure section of the image forming apparatus, and stacks the documents again after exposure is completed. The apparatus is configured to repeat a desired cycle by returning the sheet document stack to table E, with one cycle being a repetition of the number of document sheets in the sheet document bundle. The document loading table is provided with a sheet width regulating member that is set by the operator according to the size of the document to be cut, and the sheet document is placed along the side edges in the width direction along the sheet width regulating member. The parts are aligned and loaded.

(Problem to be solved by invention) By the way, the sheet width regulating member of the document stacking table mentioned above is designed so that the width of the sheet document returned to the document stacking table is slightly larger than the width of the sheet document in order to make it easier to receive the sheet document. The sheet originals stacked on the document stacking table are stacked with a slight deviation in the width direction.Therefore, when the sheet originals stacked on the document stacking table are conveyed to the exposure section, the sheet originals stacked on the document stacking table are The document G is likely to be laterally shifted or skewed, and this has the drawback of reducing the accuracy with which the document is stopped at the exposure section.

In addition, the sheet originals stacked as a stack of originals on the original stacking table often have misalignment in the width direction, and during the first round of transportation when they are transported to the exposure unit, misalignment in the width direction or There is a drawback that it tends to cause skewing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a configuration that facilitates alignment of sheets stacked on a document stacking section in the width direction, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems.

(d) Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and for example, as shown with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the sheet j! 1
aFIA (5) In a sheet conveying device (1) that primarily conveys a sheet (G), at least a regulating member (31, 32) - side (32) or the lateral side of the sheet (G) to be loaded a on the sheet stacking section (5) by reciprocating in the direction (B, B') orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction (A) An alignment means (30) for aligning the edges, a drive means (JOGSL) for driving the alignment means (30), and a first sheet (G) of the sheets (G) loaded on the sheet stacking section (5).
G) before starting the conveyance, the aligning means (30) or at least one
The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a control means (45) for controlling the drive means (JOGSL) so as to reciprocate twice.

(f) Effect Based on the above-mentioned configuration, the sheet (G) is placed in the sheet stacking section (5).
, the first of these sheets (G) (
Before starting the conveyance of sheets (G), the aligning means (30) performs a reciprocating motion to align the lateral side edges of these sheets (G). Then, the sheets (G) whose lateral edges are aligned are sequentially conveyed without causing any skew or lateral deviation.

Note that the above symbols are shown for reference and do not limit the configuration in any way.

(F) Examples Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG.
The conveyor belt 3 is disposed facing above the platen 2 and is wound around a drive roller 3a and a driven roller 3b. Further, above the conveyor belt 3, there are a plurality of originals f!
A document stacking table 5 is disposed on which a document stack G consisting of G... is arranged, and a recycle lever 6 is disposed on the document stacking table 5. The originals G stacked on 5 are partitioned into processing unit originals and processed originals.

The recycle lever 6 is rotated from the hanging state to the original loading area of the original stacking table 5 by the drive of the connected cycle motor RM, and is rotated to the original G stacked on the original loading table 5. Once the document G has been transported and circulated, it falls and hangs downward. Further, the recycle lever 6 is provided with a flag (not shown),
A recycle sensor RS (not shown) is also arranged to detect the position of the recycle sensor 6.

Further, a half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 7 is disposed at the base end 5a of the document stacking table 5, and further downstream of the paper feed roller 7, a separation section consisting of a separation section transport roller 9 and a separation belt 10 is disposed. These paper feed rollers 7 and separation section transport rollers 9
A separation motor M1 is also connected to the separation belt 10, and when the separation motor M1 is driven, the document stack G stacked on the document stacking table 5 is separated by the paper feed roller 7 into the separation section 9.
．． 10 and rotates in the document feeding direction, and the separation belt 1 rotates in the yX document return direction.
0, the documents are separated and conveyed one by one starting from the lowest document G. Furthermore, these paper feed rollers 7 and separation section 9. A paper feed stopper 11 connected to the stopper solenoid 5TPSL is disposed between the document stack G and the paper feed stopper 11 connected to the stopper solenoid 5TPSL, which positions the leading edge of the document at the position indicated by the solid line when setting the document bundle G... and moves it to the stopper solenoid 5TPSL when feeding the document. When energized, it moves to the chain line position. Further, a weight 12 is disposed above the paper feed stopper 11, and the weight 12 moves up and down by the action of a connected weight solenoid WSL.

And separation section 9. Registration roller 14 is located below IO.
The registration rollers 14.14 and the drive roller 3a of the conveyor belt 3 are provided with a belt motor M2.
The registration rollers 14, 14 and the conveyor belt 3 are driven by the belt motor M2.

Note that an electromagnetic brake BK is arranged on the drive roller 3a to ensure that the conveyor belt 3 stops. Further, the conveyor belt motor M2 is provided with a slit disk E2, and a belt clock interrupter PI2 is arranged opposite to the slit disk E2. It is read by belt clock interrupter PI2.

Furthermore, the separation section 9. A paper feed path 13 is provided from downstream of IO to the conveyor belt 3, and the separation section 9. l
The document G sent out from O is conveyed between the conveyor belt 3 and the platen 2 through the paper feed path 13 and placed at a predetermined position on the platen 2.

Note that the sheet feeding path 13 includes a sheet bus 13a from the separating section 9.10 to the registration rollers 14, and a sheet bus 13b from the registration roller 14.14 to the platen 2.
It can be divided into

A reversing roller 15 is disposed near the paper feed path 13, and a transport motor M3 is connected to the reversing roller 15. The transport motor M3 has a slit disk E3.
A transport lock interrupter PI3 is arranged opposite to the slit disk E3. Also,
A paper discharge path 16 is provided that extends from the conveyance belt 3 to the document stacking table 5 along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 15, and the document G placed at a predetermined position on the platen 2 is conveyed again and placed on the document stacking table 5. After passing through the paper ejection path 16, the document stacking table 5 is moved by a paper ejection roller 17 provided at the downstream end of the paper ejection path 16.
The document is discharged to the top of the document bundle G.

The paper ejection path 16 includes a sheet bus 16a from the platen 2 to an upper roller 18 disposed above the reversing roller 15, and a sheet bus 16b from the upper roller 18 to the paper ejection roller 17. It is divided.

Further, a reversing path 19 is arranged which branches from the sheet ejecting path 16 above the reversing roller 15 and joins the sheet feeding path 13, and at the branching point between the reversing path 19 and the sheet ejecting path 16, the document is A flapper 20 is provided to switch the conveyance path, and a flapper solenoid FSL is connected to the flapper 20. When the document is ejected, the document is guided toward the document stacking table 5 at the solid line position, and when the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid FSL is connected to the flapper 20. When the solenoid FSL is energized, it is displaced to the position shown by the chain line, and the document G is guided toward the platen 2 via the reversing path 19.

A document detection sensor S1 is provided near the paper feed roller 7.
The presence or absence of the original G on the original yi table 5 is detected. Further, a registration sensor s2 is arranged near the upstream side of the registration rollers 14, 14, and a discharge sensor S3 is arranged near the reversing roller 15.

Further, the document aa table 5 is provided with a document width regulating section 30, and the document width regulating section 30 will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the document width regulating section 30 includes a fixed width regulating member 31 and a movable width regulating member 32, and these fixed and movable width regulating members 31, 32 control the lateral side edges of the document G. The department is regulated. The fixed width regulating member 31 disposed on the back side defines a traveling standard for the document G and forms a flat surface. Further, the h1 document abutting surface of the movable width regulating member 32 disposed on the front side is divided into three parts, with a fixed wall 32c in the center and movable walls 32a and 32b on both sides. The movable width regulating member 32 maintains the relative positions of the fixed wall 32c and the movable walls 32a and 32b while
It is movable toward the front and back (in the directions of arrows B and B' in the figure) with respect to the document stacking table 5, and can be set at any position according to the width size of the document G.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are detailed views of the movable width regulating member 32, with FIG. 2 being a plan view and FIG. 3 being a front view.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable walls 32a and 32b are located at positions slightly pulled toward the front side with respect to the fixed wall 32c, and these movable walls 32a and 32b are located within a plane that is in contact with the document stacking table 5. combined.

Further, protrusions 33a and 33b are protruded from the movable walls 32a and 32b toward the front side, respectively. These protrusions 33a, 33b
Pins 35a and 35b stand at the tips of the lever members 36a and 35b, and these pins 35a and 35b are rotatably connected to holes in lever members 36a and 36b. Lever members 36a, 36b
In addition to the hole connecting the pins 35a and 35b, there is also a fulcrum 37.
a, 37b and pins 39a, 39b, and the fulcrum 37
It is mounted on the base member 40 so as to be rotatable around a and 37b. Pin 39a of lever members 36a, 36b,
39b corresponds to a hole in the arm member 41, and a shock solenoid JOGSL is attached to one end of the arm member 41, and a return spring 42 is attached to the other end.

When the jogging solenoid JOGSL is not activated, the movable walls 32a and 32b are pulled toward the front side of the fixed wall 32c, and when the jogging solenoid JOGSL is activated, the arm member 41 is pulled toward the left side in the figure. , and remove the pins 39a and 3 of the reno 1 parts 36a and 36b.
9b is also pulled to the left. The lever members 36a, 36b rotate clockwise around the fulcrums 37a, 37b, and the pins 35a, 35b at the tips of the movable wall protrusions that are connected to the holes of the lever members 36a, 36b are placed on the back side (upper side in the figure). It becomes a shape that pushes out. As a result, the movable walls 32a, 32b are replaced by the fixed wall 32c.
It is configured to move to a state where it is further moved to the back side (broken line in the figure).

Here, the document conveying operation of the automatic document conveying device 1 will be explained.

The operator places the stack of originals G to be copied on the original stacking table 5, inputs the required mode (number of copies, magnification, density, etc.) on the operation panel of the copying machine M, and presses the copy start key. When turned on, the document bundle G . Next, manuscript bundle G...
is the separation part 9. The sheets are separated and conveyed one by one starting from the lowest position by the IO, and are placed on the platen 2 through the sheet feed path 13.

After exposure, the original G passes through the paper ejection path 16 and is stacked on the top of the original bundle G on the original stacking table 5 by the paper ejection roller 17.

Also, here, the original G1 of the original bundle G of three single-sided originals. G2
, G3 is shown in FIG.

The documents are transported and re-stored in order starting from the lowest document G3.

By performing the operation shown in FIG. 6 once, one set of copies is processed, and by repeating the circulation a necessary number of times, it is possible to process the desired number of copies.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control device.

The control device is mainly composed of a well-known one-hand-held microcomputer (CPU, hereinafter referred to as microcomputer) 43 that has built-in ROM, RAM, etc.
λ cabort 1. ~I0 receives signals from various sensors.

In addition, the output ports O1 to O0 of the microcomputer 43 are also connected to each other. .

Each load is connected to the driver via drivers DI to Dn.

Input boat 1. Recycle sensor R3, which monitors the state of the flag energized by the recycle lever 6,
, a document detection sensor S1, and a registration sensor S2, which determines the control of the process when conveying the document in the sheet buses 13a and 13b in the paper feed path 13, and I3,
■ 4 is connected to a document discharge sensor S3 that determines the timing when discharging the document onto the document stacking table 2. Furthermore, 15 has a belt clock interrupter PI2 or I6.
The transport lock interrupter P I 3 is connected to C.
There is.

Recycle motor RM is installed at output port 01.

o2 is the weight solenoid WSL, Oy is the separation motor M1.04, 05 is the belt motor M2,
It is connected through a forward/reverse circuit, and furthermore, a flapper solenoid FSL is connected to o6 and a conveyance motor M3.07. Furthermore, an electromagnetic brake BK is connected to 08, a jogging solenoid JOGS L is connected to 09, and eight stopper solenoids PSL are connected to Olo.

On the other hand, the control device includes a jogging solenoid JOGS.
A stack of originals G is stacked on the original stacking table 5 by controlling L...
A control means 45 is provided that is programmed to perform at least one reciprocating operation (jogging) of the document width regulating section 30 before the first document G is conveyed on the document stacking table 5. When these documents G are stacked and transported, the movable wall 32a of the movable width regulating member 32 in the document width regulating section 30 is moved before the first document G starts to be transported.

32b is driven by the jogging solenoid JOGSL to reciprocate toward the lateral side edge of the bundle of documents G.
The side edges of the bundle of documents G are regulated, and the east side edges of the documents G are regulated and aligned between the fixed width regulating member 31 and the movable width regulating member 32.

As a result, the side edges of the originals G stacked on the original stacking table 5 are always reliably aligned before being transported, and the originals G stacked on the original stacking table 5 are stacked on the original stacking table 5 with the side edges in the horizontal direction misaligned. The side edges of originals, which are often transferred, are aligned before the start of transport, and skew and lateral registration deviations are minimized from the 1st minute mark, and the documents are transported.

Note that in the automatic document feeder l, the document loading table 5
The original G returned to is the same as the original G ejected onto the original stacking table 5.
By jogging the document width regulating member 30 once each time, the side edges in the lateral direction are pressed and regulated, and the document width regulating member 30 is pressed and regulated once.
are loaded in a state where they are aligned between the fixed width regulating member 31 and the ITf dynamic width regulating member 32. As a result, these documents G are transported with the occurrence of skew and lateral registration deviations minimized during the next transport.

The operation of the automatic document feeder 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

First, the single-sided moat process will be explained with reference to FIG.

Copying [When the copy start key of M is pressed, a separation process (Step) is executed to transport the lowest original G one by one to the sheet path 13a, and then the original G is transferred from the sheet path 13a to the sheet path 13a. 13b, a paper feeding process (Step 2) is executed to stop the paper on the platen 2. When the paper feeding process is completed, the copying machine 41!1M starts exposure, and starts image reading and image formation. As for the operation of the automatic document feeder f during exposure, first check the state of the recycle sensor R3 that detects the state of the recycle lever 6, and check whether it is the end of the document bundle G...5Lep3), recycle sensor R3. If it is on and there is no separation, perform separation processing for the next document G (Step
l>, wait for the exposure to finish (Step 4)
, start the paper ejecting process (step 5), and start the paper feeding process for the next document G. In Step 5, if the document bundle G has been separated, wait for the end of exposure (Step 6
), ejects the original and completes one cycle (Step 7)
).

The separation process, paper feeding process, and paper ejection process will be explained below.

[Separation Process] In the separation process (Stapl), as shown in FIG. 8, if the document G is the first sheet (Sl-1), the recycle is activated to drive the recycle lever for detecting the break in the JT document stack. - Turn on the motor RS and turn on the separation motor Ml to separate the document bundle (Sl-3).

Note that the first sheet of the original G is recognized when the copy start key of the copying machine 1 is pressed and the recycle lever 6 is not on the original B and the recycle sensor R3 is off.

When the separation motor Ml is turned on and the paper feed roller 7 is rotated,
The document bundle G... is sorted by moving its leading edge up and down. At the same time as this operation, jogging processing is started to align the document bundle in the width direction (Sl-5).

Note that, due to the handling operation of the paper feed roller 7, there is a gap between the document stacking table 5 and the lowest document G of the document stack, or between the document G...
An air layer is formed in between, and the document G is moved with a light force. If jogging processing is performed at this time, the document G can be easily aligned.

In the jogging process (SUBI), as shown in FIG. 11, a jogging counter JOG-CN that determines the number of times jogging is first initialized (SUBI-1),
At the same time as turning on the jogging solenoid JOGSL that pushes out the movable parts 132a and 32b of the movable width regulating member 32,
The jogging timer JOG-TM, which can be set arbitrarily, is started (SUBI-3), and when the timer JOG-TM ends (SUBI-5), the jogging solenoid JOGSL is activated to return the movable walls 32a and 32b to the initial state.
Turn off the jogging timer JOG- in the same way as above.
Start TM (SUBl-7) and set the timer JOG.
-When TM is finished, jog counter JOG-
Increase CN by one (SUBI-9), moveable wall 32a,
Return to 5UBI-3 and repeat the process until the reciprocating movement of 32b is completed three times. As a result, the side edges of the document bundle G .

When the jogging process is completed (Sl-7), the stopper solenoid 5TPSL is turned on as shown in FIG. 8 in order to drop the paper feed stopper 11 so as to separate only one document G at the bottom of the document stack. 5l-9), when the original G moves along the sheet bus LBa and the registration sensor S2 detects the leading edge of the original G (Sl-11), speed control is started to reduce the speed of the separation motor Ml, and the separation loop Start the timer (5l-13), and after finishing (sl-15
), turning off the separation motor M1 (Sl-17),
The leading edge of the original G is brought into contact with the nip portion of the registration rollers 14 and 14 at low speed, which prevents damage to the leading edge of the original G and reduces collision noise.Furthermore, the document G is stopped after a predetermined amount of loops are formed. do. As a result, even if a skew occurs during separation, the skew is corrected.

In addition, in 51-1, if the document G is the second or subsequent sheet,
Turn on the separation motor M1 (S1-17), 5l-1
Go to 1.

[Paper Feeding Process] Next, in the paper feeding process (Step 2), as shown in FIG.
When belt motor M2 is turned on in forward rotation (S2-1) in order to convey
A size check counter that counts based on the clock input from step 2 is started (S2-2), and at the same time measurement of the document size is started, a registration process to be described later is started (S2-3). Then, at the same time that the document G is transported and the trailing edge passes through the registration sensor S2 (S2-4), the size check counter is stopped (S2-5), and based on that data, the size check SUB shown in the 13th section is performed. , determine the document size (S2-6). Furthermore,
The paper feeding process is completed when the started registration process is completed (32-7).

[5UB2 Registration Processing] In the registration processing, as shown in FIG. A registration counter RGCN for stopping is started (SUB2-3). In addition, the registration counter RGC
N is set to the distance from the registration sensor S2 to a predetermined position on the platen 2 (55 cm in this embodiment). The registration counter RGCN is counted by the belt clock interrupter P12, and is configured to ensure that the document feeding amount and the count value match. Next, in order to accurately stop the platen 2-H at the stop position t, low-speed control of the belt motor M2 is started, and the speed control is continued until the registration counter RGCN is reached (S
UB2-5), when finished, turn off the output of belt motor M2 (SUB2-7) L/, and then turn on electromagnetic flake BK to stop the document G at a predetermined position (SUB2-9)
).

[5UB3: Size check SUB As shown in FIG. 13, the size check described above is performed as a way of determining the document size at 52-6 in the paper feeding process (see FIG. 9). The count data is corrected by adding the distance from the nip position of the registration rollers 14, 14 to the registration sensor S2, or the true original size. At this time, the original G is placed on the registration rollers 14,
14 and conveyor belt 3, and its feed amount and belt clock interrupter P1. The count values will definitely match. Thereafter, based on the corrected size data, BS, A4°A4R, B4 . A3': The size of J is determined.

[In order to eject the document G on the paper ejection processing coplaten 2, turn on the belt motor M2 in reverse as shown in FIG. M
Turn on 3 (S?-2°37-3). As a result, the document G is conveyed from the sheet bus 16a to the sheet bus 16b, and when the trailing edge of the document is detected by S3 (S
7-4) Start the transport counter PCI (S7-
5) Here, the conveyance counter FCI is a counter that controls the timing to start the speed 1ζ control of the conveyance motor M3 for alignment of discharged sheets, and in this embodiment, the conveyance counter FCI is a counter that controls the timing to start the speed 1ζ control of the conveyance motor M3 for aligning discharged sheets. 50 from the distance of
■It is set as short as a seal, and the count up is,
It is controlled within the interrupt of the input to the microcomputer 43 from the transport lock interrupter PI3, and the count up amount.

The conveyance distance of the document G is configured to be exactly the same. After the transfer counter FCI ends, the transfer counter FC2
(S7-7). Here, the conveyance counter FC2 is a counter that determines the distance of the conveyance motor speed control for discharging the above-mentioned original G onto the original stacking table 5 with good alignment. In the example, it is set to about 70 Iso. The speed control is continued until the conveyance counter FC2 is completed (S7-8>, and when it is finished (S7-9), the conveyance motor M3 is turned off (S7-10)), and the interval until the document G falls onto the document stacking table 5 is determined. Take. Start the discharge paper fall timer (ORG-DWN-TM) L/(S7-1
1) After the end (S7-12), in order to align the discharged originals, the jogging solenoid JOGSL is turned on so as to push out the movable walls 32a and 32b, and at the same time, the discharged paper alignment timer EJCT- determines the length of time the jogging solenoid JOGSL is pressed. JOG-TM
Start (S7-15), and after finishing (S7-17)
, turn off the jogging solenoid JOGSL (S7-19
)L/ to end the paper ejection process.

(G) As described in detail, according to the present invention, there is provided an aligning means for aligning the lateral side edges of sheets stacked on a sheet stacking section, a driving means for driving the aligning means, and a sheet stacking section. A control means is provided for controlling the driving means so that the aligning means performs at least one reciprocating operation before the first sheet of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section starts to be conveyed, so that the sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking section. Then, before the first sheet is conveyed, the aligning means is reciprocated so as to align the lateral edges of the sheets, so that the lateral edges of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are always reliably aligned before being conveyed. It is possible to align the sheet and convey the sheet without skew or lateral deviation.

For example, in an automatic document feeder that circulates multiple sheets between the exposure section and the sheet stacking section of an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to carry out proper sheet feeding that suppresses skew and lateral misalignment of the sheet document from the first circulation. By conveying the document in this state, it is possible to improve the accuracy with which the document is stopped at the exposure section.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a document width regulating section arranged in an automatic document feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of its movable width regulating member, and FIG. 3 is a side view thereof. 4 is a side view of the automatic document feeder a according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block IA showing the configuration of the control device, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the conveyance state of a single-sided document, and FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic document feeder in the single-sided mode according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
9 shows the paper feeding process, FIG. 1O shows the paper ejecting process, FIG. 11 shows the jogging process, FIG. 12 shows the registration process, and FIG. 13 shows the size check process. l... Sheet transport device (automatic document transport device M) 5...
Sheet stacking section (document a!! table), 30... alignment means (document width regulating section), 31... regulating member (fixed width regulating member), 32... regulating member (movable width regulating member), 45... Control means, A... Sheet conveyance direction ([document conveyance direction)], G... Sheet (original)
, JOGSL--driving means (jogging lens).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a sheet conveying device that sequentially conveys sheets stacked on a sheet stacking section, at least one side of the regulating member is arranged in the sheet conveying direction so as to regulate the lateral side edges of the sheets. an aligning means that reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the sheet stacking section to align the lateral side edges of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section; a driving section that drives the aligning section; A sheet conveying apparatus comprising: a control means for controlling the drive means so that the alignment means performs at least one reciprocating operation before starting conveyance of the first sheet.