JPH0256358A - Paper housing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the conformity of sheets of paper by lifting up/down a tray to a proper position in accordance with the loading quantity of sheets of paper discharged from an image forming device and lifting up same to the proper position by an image formation starting signal while keeping image forming processing waiting meantime. CONSTITUTION:The paper discharging tray 80 of a finisher unit 50 is. appropriately lowered by means of an elevator block 130 accompanying the increase in the loading quantity of sheets of paper discharged out of a pair of paper discharge rollers 18 of a copying machine body and through a pair of rollers 60, 61, a switchover member 70, and a discharge roller 95. On the other hand, as an image formation starting signal is generated, the paper discharging tray 80 is lifted up to a proper position by means of the elevator block 130 in accordance with the detecting action of a paper loading quantity detecting means SE3. In this case, the image forming processing on the copying machine body side is kept waiting until the lifting up of the tray 80 is finished. Thereby, the conformity of the sheets of paper on the tray can be ensured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a paper storage device that stacks and stores paper discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine on a tray that can be raised and lowered.

11 Conventionally, paper output trays have been used to stack and store paper that has been ejected from image forming devices such as copying machines. There is a device equipped with an elevating means that lowers the amount sequentially depending on the amount.

The paper output tray is lowered by keeping the paper output position (height of the nip between the pair of output rollers) and the paper landing position approximately constant regardless of the amount of paper loaded, and then lowering the paper output tray onto the paper output tray. This is to ensure the consistency of the paper.

For example, as a paper storage device of this type, there is a device combined with a shift operation that sorts paper groups left and right.
Examples include those described in Japanese Patent No.-295970.

By the way, this type of storage device adopts a configuration in which the paper output tray is first raised to the upper limit position when copying starts, and if there is paper left on the paper output tray when copying starts, the copying operation is prohibited. . However, when paper is present on the paper output tray at the start of a copying operation, this is often the case during interrupt copying, and in such cases, it is inconvenient to be able to inhibit the copying operation.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to raise the paper ejection tray to an appropriate position regardless of whether or not there is any paper remaining on the ejection tray at the start of image forming processing, and to provide a tray elevating type paper storage device. The aim is to improve the usability of the system.

In order to solve the above problems, the paper storage device according to the present invention includes (a) a tray for stacking and storing sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, and (b) a tray for storing sheets on the tray. (c) an elevating means for elevating and lowering the tray; (d) a first control means for elevating and lowering the tray to an appropriate position according to the amount of paper loaded; e) A second control means for raising the tray to a proper position upon generation of an image formation start signal and for waiting the image forming process until this raising is completed.

In the structure described above, the tray is appropriately lowered by the elevating means as the amount of paper loaded increases. On the other hand, when image formation is started, the tray is raised to an appropriate position.

This raising is performed in response to the detection operation of the paper loading amount detection means, and regardless of whether there is paper on the tray or not.
In other words, it rises to an appropriate position according to the amount of paper loaded on the tray. Then, the image forming process on the image forming apparatus side waits until the tray has finished rising in this initial state.
After the ascent is completed, the image forming process can be automatically started.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a paper storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall configuration including copying machine main body] First, the overall configuration including the copying machine main body (1>) will be explained according to FIG.

The copying machine main body (1) is placed on a desk (45), and a circulating automatic document feeder (30) (hereinafter referred to as R) is mounted on the top surface.
(denoted as DH) is attached. This copying machine body (1)
Inside, there is a photoreceptor drum (2) that can be rotated in the direction of arrow (a), an optical system (3), and a charger (4).
), a developing device (5), a transfer charger (6), a cleaning device (7), and an eraser lamp (8). Since these devices and copying processes are well known, their explanation will be omitted.

Copy paper is stored in automatic paper feed cassettes (10) and (11).
The paper is selectively fed one by one from the timing roller pair (
In step 15), the toner image is conveyed to the transfer section (2a) in synchronization with the toner image completely formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum (2).

After the transfer, the copy paper is sent to the fixing device (17) via the conveyor belt (16>), where the toner is fixed, and then ejected from the ejection roller pair (18). (18) Sensor installed just before (SEI)
(See Figure 2).

The RDH (30) is roughly a manuscript mounting tray (31),
Paper feed belt (32), paper feed roller pair (33), reversing guide plate (34), transport bell! - (35), reversing roller (3
6) and a pair of discharge rollers (37). R.D.
H (30) is for circulating the original in order from the last page, and the original is placed in the tray (31) with the back side of the last page facing down.
paper feed belt (32
) is pulled out by the rotation of the paper feeding roller pair (33) and sent between the conveyance belt (35) and the document table glass (9) via the reversing guide plate (34). Next, the document is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (9) by the rotation of the conveyor belt (35), and is exposed to light by a well-known optical system (3). After 0 image exposure, the document is placed on the conveyor belt (35). ), the document is transported from the top of the document table glass (9) to the right in FIG. The paper is ejected onto the document placed on the paper.

The number of originals and the number of copies can be entered using input means (numeric keys) on the operation panel (not shown), and each time the copying of the - group of originals is completed, the output tray (80) is opened as described below. In order to execute shift, stapling, and stamp processing, the group of originals is conveyed in a circular manner for the set number of copies while interrupting the web operation as described above.

In this embodiment, the paper storage device is the main body of the copying machine (1).
The copy paper ejected from the paper is selectively stored on the paper output tray (80) or stored in the stable tray (150),
The sheets are aligned and stapled using a stapler (190). Therefore, when copying a plurality of copies using the RDH (30) and performing stable processing and stamp processing at the same time, the copy sheets are sequentially stored in the stable tray (150) and the copies are After the copying end signal is issued after the document from the machine body (1) has completed one cycle, and the alignment of the final copy sheet is completed, the stapler (190),
The stamp (200) is operated to bind the copy paper and print. The bound copies are stored in a stack basket (220).

[Finisher Unit] Next, regarding the configuration of the finisher unit (50),
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10.

This finisher unit (50) generally includes rollers (60) and (61) for receiving copy paper, a switching member (70) for switching the conveyance path, a paper ejection tray (80), and - A shift block (90) that shifts the paper ejection tray (80) in a direction perpendicular to the paper ejection direction when copy sheets for a group of originals are accommodated, and a paper ejection tray (80).
0), and a stable tray having a stable function and a stamp function. (150).

The copy paper receiving section has a driving roller (60) and a driven roller (
In addition to the pair of ejection rollers (18), the structure includes guide plates (62) and (63) facing the discharge roller pair (18>), and the switching member (70) and the guide plate (64) are included in the finisher unit (50). ), (69), (91) A sensor (SE2) is installed to detect copy sheets that can be completely discharged to the paper discharge tray (80).

The switching member (70) has a beak shape and is rotatably attached to the support shaft (71) as a fulcrum, and is rotated from the solid line position to the dotted line position in FIG. 2 by turning on a solenoid (not shown). When in the solid line position, the top surface (70a) guides the copy paper toward the output tray (80), and when switched to the dotted line position, the curved surface (70b) guides the copy paper toward the stable tray (150). Guide.

As shown in Figure 3, copy paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray (80) using an ejection roller (95) and a ball (67), which is mounted coaxially with the ejection roller (95). The paddle (99) aligns the copy sheets ejected by the paddle (99). The paddle (99) has flexible blade members arranged radially, and when rotated in the direction of arrow (b), the paddle (99) aligns the ejected copy sheets. A biasing force is applied to the rear end of the copy paper ejected upward in the opposite direction to that of ejection, and the rear end of the copy paper is attached to the fixed back plate (75
) and align it.

When the copy paper is ejected, the conveyance system such as the ejection roller (95) is such that the trailing edge of the copy paper is
7), specifically, after the trailing edge of the copy paper is detected by the sensor (SE2), it is transferred to the output tray (
80) It is decelerated until it is ejected to the top.

The conveyance system in the finisher unit (50) is set to the same speed as the conveyance system in the copying machine main body (1), but if the copy paper is discharged onto the paper output tray (80) at the same speed,
The copy paper may fly out with force, damaging the integrity of the copy paper.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the conveying system in the finisher unit (5o) is decelerated before the copy paper ejection (7) I to solve this kind of problem.

However, during deceleration, the next copy sheet will be placed in the finisher unit) (5
0), the timing of deceleration is delayed due to slippage of the preceding paper, for example, and when the next copy paper is fed, a paper jam occurs due to the difference in conveyance speed between the copying machine main body (1) and the finisher unit (50). During the deceleration, the next copy sheet is placed in the finisher unit (50).
When the conveyor is fed into the conveyor belt, this deceleration is canceled and the conveyance speed is returned to the original high speed.

Further, in this embodiment, copy sheets are sorted by shifting the paper discharge tray (80) at a predetermined timing.

Therefore, it is necessary to shift the paddle (99), which is in constant contact with the rear end portion of the ejected copy paper, in conjunction with the shift operation so as not to disturb the alignment of the copy paper. Therefore,
The paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are configured to be integrally shiftable. That is, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are fixed to a vibrator-shaped shaft (96), and the shaft (96) is loosely fitted to a support shaft (98) rotatably attached to a frame (not shown). There is.

The support shaft (98) is moved by the arrow (b) by a transport motor (not shown).
The groove (98a) has ring-shaped stoppers (97) fixed to both ends of the shaft (96).
A protrusion (not shown) provided on the holder is engaged with the holder. Therefore, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow (b) integrally with the support shaft (98) via the shaft (96), and can be shifted in the direction of arrow (c). It is.

This shift operation is performed when the stopper (97)
), and the lower guide plate (91) is shifted in the direction of the arrow (c) together with the shift block (90) as described below. Further, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are located in the notches (91b) and (91c) of the lower guide plate (91), respectively.

On the other hand, the ball (67) is rotatably pressed against the discharge roller (95) by its own weight. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ball (67) is located in the opening (64a) formed in the upper guide plate (64), and is inserted into the protrusion (64b) cut and raised from the opening (64a). Movement is prevented by a fixed holder (65). The ball (67) is the holder (65)
It can be driven by the rotation and shift of the ejection roller (95) within, and the copy paper is sandwiched between the ejection roller (95) and delivered onto the paper ejection tray (80).

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge tray (80) has a plurality of protrusions (80a) on its surface extending in the paper discharge direction, and is mounted on the shift frame (100) via a holding plate (85). installed. The rear end of the paper output tray (80) is attached to the fixed back plate (7).
5), and the actuator (86) of the sensor (SE3) is located directly above it. The actuator (86) is rotatably attached to the shaft (88) together with the lever (87), and the lower end of the lever (87) normally blocks the optical axis of the sensor (SE3). Paper output tray (80
) increases and the upper surface of the copy paper pushes up the actuator (86), the lever (86)
7) rotates together with the actuator (86) about the shaft (88) in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
> below, the end opens the optical axis of the sensor (SE3). As a result, the upper surface level of the copy paper is detected, and the Nlevate block (130), which will be described in detail below, is operated to lower the paper discharge tray <80.

[Shift block] Shift frame (on which the paper output tray (80) is attached)
100), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the support shaft (132) is attached to the horizontal guide portion (131a) of the lifting frame (131).
) and is guided by a rotatably provided guide roller (133) and can be shifted in the direction of arrow (C).

The cam (120) shown in FIG. 7 can be fully installed in this horizontal guide part (131a), and the bin (122) fixed to the upper edge of the cam (120) is inserted into the long hole (100a) of the shift frame (100). ) is engaged with. The cam (120) can be rotated in the direction of the arrow (d) about the support shaft (121) by a shift motor (not shown), and has recesses (120a), (12
0b) is completely formed. Further, the actuator (125) of the sensor (SE8) comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam (120), and the sensor (SE8) is actuated whenever the actuator (125) falls into the recesses (120a) and (120b) based on the rotation of the cam (120). (SE8) operates.

In the above configuration, when the RDH (30) completes the copying process of the - group of originals and the copy sheet of the final original is stored on the paper ejection tray (80), the shift motor is fully activated.
The cam (120) is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (d), and the actuator (125) moves to the next recess (120a) or (1).
20b), the shift motor can be turned off.

That is, the cam (120) rotates intermittently by 180 degrees every time a predetermined number of copy sheets are stored on the paper ejection tray (80), and the cam (120) rotates intermittently by 180 degrees and transfers the shift frame (100
) along with the paper output tray (80) in the direction of arrow (C), i.e.
Reciprocating movements (shifts) are repeated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the copy paper is ejected.

Further, a fixed back plate (75) and a movable back plate (110) are installed on the back of the shift frame (100).

The fixed back plate (75) is fixed to the main body frame of the finisher unit (50), and regulates the rear end of the copy paper stored on the paper discharge tray <80). Movable back plate (11
0) is installed to shift the ejection roller (95), sensor (SE3') and its actuator (86) in conjunction with the paper ejection tray 80), and the lower guide plate (
91) is also fixed to this movable back plate (110).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the movable back plate (1
10) is the three pins (76) fixed to the fixed back plate (75).
) is formed in this movable back plate (110) through a long hole (110a
), it can be shifted in the direction of arrow (c). In addition, the bin (101) fixed to the shift frame (100) is inserted into the elongated hole (134a) of the guide plate (134) fixed to the horizontal guide part (131a) of the lifting frame <131) and the fixed back plate (75). Opening (75a
) is engaged with a long hole (110b) formed in the vertical direction in the movable back plate (110). Therefore, the movable back plate (11
0) is shifted in the direction of arrow (C) together with the shift frame (100) and paper discharge tray (80) by engagement between the bin (101) and the elongated hole (ttob). And a movable back plate (1
10) shift is that the long hole (110a) in the N direction is pink 7
6). On the other hand, due to the operation of the Nilevate block (130) described in detail below,
When the shift frame (100) moves up and down together with the paper output tray (80), the movable back plate (110) maintains a constant height position because the pin (101) is guided by the long hole (110b). In other words, the discharge roller (95) and the actuator (86) are kept at a constant height.

[Nirebate Block] The Nilevate block (130) is the shift block (
90) to raise and lower the paper discharge tray (80).

As shown in FIG. 6, the elevating frame (131) that shiftably supports the shift frame (100) has rollers (136) rotatably mounted on both sides that support the main body frame (
a guide frame (140) fixed to a guide frame (not shown);
By engaging with the inside of (140), it is possible to move up and down. Also, this elevating frame (131) includes a pinion (138) fixed to a support shaft (137), (13
8) is installed. This pinion (138), (
138) are lifting guide frames (140), (140
) is engaged with the rack (140a), <140a) formed in the frame, and is rotated by a lifting motor (not shown) that can be driven in forward and backward directions, and based on this rotation, the lifting frame (131) moves between the shift frame (100) and the paper ejection. It moves up and down together with the tray (80).

In the above configuration, when the number of copies discharged and stored on the paper discharge tray (80) increases and the top surface of the copy paper lifts the actuator (86) and the sensor (SE3) operates, the lifting motor rotates in the normal direction. Driven. As a result, the elevating frame (131) descends together with the shift frame (100) and the paper discharge tray (80). The lowering operation is performed on the paper output tray (
The actuator (86) returns to its original position following the descent of the copy paper along with the descent of the sensor (80), and the lever (87) is activated again by the sensor (80).
SE3) is stopped by stopping normal rotation of the lifting motor when light is blocked. In this way, the paper output tray (80) is intermittently lowered depending on the amount of copy paper stored, so that
The height at which the trailing edge of the copy paper falls onto the paper ejection tray (80) is the height from the nip between the ejection roller (95) and the pole (67) to the detection position of the top surface of the copy paper by the actuator (86). It is automatically maintained within the range of 1, plus the amount of descent while the lifting motor is driven in normal rotation. Coupled with the alignment effect of the paddle (99) on the copy paper, the alignment of the copy paper on the paper discharge tray (80) is made good.

Below, the paper ejection tray (8
The position 0) is called the proper position.

In addition, this finisher unit (50) also uses a sensor (SE3
), and if it is off, that is, if the paper ejection tray (80) is lowered too much than the proper position, the elevating motor is turned on in the forward rotation direction to move the paper ejection tray (80)
0> to the proper position.

Then, the start of the copy process is made to wait until this rise is completed. Further, even after the copy process has started, the on/off state of the sensor (SE3) is determined and the paper ejection tray (80) is corrected to the appropriate position.

Note that these controls will be detailed later.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, Nilevate block (130
) (7) Sensors (SE5) and (SE6) are installed below.
is the corner (131b) of the lowered lifting frame (131)
It operates when the optical axis is blocked. Sensor (5E5
) operates, it means that the paper ejection tray (80) is full of copy paper, and outputs an unaccommodating signal to the copying machine main body (1), and if necessary, copy paper is removed from the paper ejection tray (80). to show that it is removed.

In addition, since the lifting frame (131) operates the stamp (200), the corner (131b) is connected to the sensor (SE6).
descend until it is detected.

[Stamp mechanism Here, the stamp mechanism will be explained.

As shown in Fig. 6, the stamp (200) is used to print predetermined characters such as "Secret" and "Circulation" on the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), which will be described in detail below. It is driven by a lifting frame (131). In other words, the stamp (200) has the printing surface (200a) aligned with the arrow (
e) direction, and the pin (201) is in the guide hole (
209) so that it can be guided and moved in the direction of arrow (e). This stamp (200) is a pin (204)
), the links (202) and (203) are connected, and the link (203) is rotatably supported by a pin (204) and constantly urged upward by a torsion fill spring (206). There is.

The horizontal guide part (131a) of the elevating frame (131)
) is fixed with a projecting piece (135), and the elevating frame (13
1) descends to the lowest position, the protruding piece (135) touches the pin (
204) to move the stamp (200) in the direction of arrow (a) and print on the copy paper in the stable tray (150). The printing operation is controlled to be performed immediately after the binding operation by the stapler (190), and when the sensor (SE6) operates at the same time as printing, the elevating motor is driven in reverse, and the elevating frame (131) is raised and returned. do. The links (202) and (203), which are no longer suppressed by the protrusion (135), are rotated upward by the spring force of the torsion fill spring (206), and the stamp (200)
) will return to its initial position.

[Stable Tray] As shown in FIG. 2, the stable tray (150) includes a substrate (151), a guide plate (155), and a stopper (160).
), and is installed standing upright at a slight incline. The stopper (160) is a stable tray (1
50), is rotatably supported on a support shaft (161), and is connected to a discharge drain (not shown). This stopper (16
0) is normally engaged with the lower part of the guide plate (155) when the discharge solenoid is turned off, and the stable tray (1
50) is closed at the bottom. When the discharge solenoid is turned on, the stopper (160) rotates in the direction of arrow (f) about the support shaft <161>, and the stable tray (15
Open the bottom of 0).

Further, at the bottom of the stable tray (150), there is a paddle wheel (180) for aligning the stored copy sheets.
A stapler (190), a guide roller (195), and a sensor (SE7) for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper are installed. As shown in FIG. 8, the paddle wheel (180) has a flexible blade member (18
2) is attached radially and can be rotated in the direction of arrow (g). As a result, the blade member (182) comes into sliding contact with the copy paper, urges the copy paper sent to the stable tray (150) one by one in one direction, and aligns the copy paper.

The stapler (190) is of a well-known conductive type, and the staple holder is installed on the same plane as the stopper (160)9, and the stapler holder is installed on the same plane as the stopper (160). Bind the corners.

The guide roller (195) is rotatably attached to the lower part of the lever (196) that is swingably attached to the guide plate (155), and is specifically designed to prevent the tip of the stored copy paper from bulging without resistance. be.

On the other hand, the upper part of the guide plate (155) extends to the vicinity of the switching member (70), and guides the copy paper to the stable tray (150) with the guide plate (69).

Directly above the stable tray (150) is a conveyance roller (
165), (166), and a sensor (SE4) for detecting the copy paper fed in.

Furthermore, a regulation lever (155) is provided on the guide plate (155).
.

(157) and copy paper Jinden Brush (15g) are installed. The regulation levers (156) and (157) enter the stable tray (150) by turning on the solenoids (SLI) and (SL2), and can be rotated to the dotted line position in Figure 1. To control the fall of copy paper and prevent page alignment from being disordered. Therefore, the regulation levers (156) and (157) are set in positions that correspond to the size of copy paper that can be stably processed, and that regulate the upper end of the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150). ing.

Next, a configuration for discharging the stable-processed copy paper from the stable tray (150) will be described.

A protrusion (211) is attached to the frame (210) installed in the finisher unit (50) at a position facing the lower part of the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), as shown in FIG. In addition, a long hole (160b) corresponding to the protruding piece (211) is formed in the stopper (160). Therefore, the stopper (16
0) rotates in the direction of arrow <f) and the stable tray (1
When the bottom of the hole (50) is opened, the protruding piece (211) is inserted into the long hole (1
60b) and regulates the lower part of the copy paper. This is to prevent the lower part of the copy paper from moving in the direction of arrow (f) while being in contact with the lower end regulating part (160a) of the stopper (160) when the stopper (160) is opened, thereby preventing ejection failure from occurring. It is. Therefore, the regulating surface of the protruding piece (211) is an inclined surface so as to guide the copy paper in the ejection direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the stabilized copy paper is guided by the guide plate (215) into the stack basket (2).
20) (see Figure 1). At this time, the copy paper tends to curl in the direction of arrow (h) in Figure 2 due to heating by the fixing device (17) inside the copying machine main body (1), so it is difficult to simply guide it with the guide plate (215). , are stored in the stack basket (220) in a disordered state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide plate (215) has a protrusion (
216) was installed. With this, the copy paper can be completely ejected in a state where it is fixed in the ejection direction, and the copy paper is ejected into the stack basket (2
20) improves consistency within

Next, the operation panel (2) of the finisher unit (50)
50) will be explained with reference to FIG.

On this operation panel (250) is a mode selection switch (
251) and non-stable mode display LED (252)
), stable mode display LED (253)
, stable + stamp mode display L E D (25
4) and are installed. When the power is turned on, it is initially set to non-stable mode, and each time the mode selection switch (251) is turned on, stable mode,
The stable + stamp mode and non-stable mode are switched sequentially by rotation, and the corresponding display L
E D (252), (253), and (254) are lit in sequence.

The non-stable mode is an operation mode in which copy sheets completely ejected from the copying machine main body (1) are stacked and accommodated on the paper ejection tray (80). At this time, the switching member (70)
The copy paper is held at the solid line position in the figure, and the copy paper is ejected by the ejection roller (95).
The paper is completely discharged from the pole (67) onto the paper discharge tray (80), and aligned based on the rotation of the paddle (99). Then, each time the sensor (SE3) detects the upper surface of the copy paper that has been fully accommodated, the nilevate block (130) operates as described above, and the nip portion of the ejection roller (95), the ball (67) and the copy paper The height with respect to the top surface is maintained approximately constant.

The shift operation of the paper output tray (80) by the shift block (90) requires that the number of copies be set to "2" or more;
Alternatively, use the RDH (30) to increase the number of copies to “2”.
"By setting the above, it will be executed automatically. At this time, when the copying process for one copy is completed and the ejection of the final copy sheet is detected by the sensor (SE2), the ejection tray (80
) is shifted left and right, and the copy sheets are sorted by number of copies.

Stable mode means that the copy paper ejected from the copying machine main body (1) is stored on the stable tray (150), the stapler (190) is operated to staple the copy paper stack, and the bound copy paper stack is This is an operation mode in which the stack basket (220) accommodates the following. At this time, the switching member (70)
The copy paper is set at the dotted line position in the figure, and the copy paper is transported by the transport roller (16
5) from (165) into the stable tray (150) and aligned based on the rotation of the paddle wheel (180). Then, when the alignment of the final copy sheet with respect to the - group of documents is completed, the stapler (190) is driven.

Stamp mode refers to an operation mode in which a stamp (200) is printed on the first page of copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), and in this embodiment, it can be executed only in conjunction with the stable mode. Printing operation is performed immediately after stable processing. In this case, operate the Nilevate block (130) to allow the elevating frame (131) to descend together with the paper ejection tray (80) until its corner (13th) is detected by the sensor (SE6), and the link (20)
2) Stamp (200) with the linked action of (203)
Allow movement and print.

[Control Circuit] FIG. 12 shows a control circuit for the copying machine main body (1) and the finisher unit (50).

Control is performed mainly by a main body side microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU) (261) and a finisher side CPU (262). Various image forming elements, various switches, and sensors are connected to the CPU (261). A conveyance motor, a stable motor, a lifting motor, a shift motor, a discharge solenoid, and sensors <5E2) to (SE8) are connected to the CPU (262). Further, the CPUs (261) and (262) communicate with each other and execute necessary processing.

[Control procedure] Next, the finisher unit (50
) control procedure will be explained. By the way, in the following explanation, on-edge means that a switch, sensor, signal, etc. switches from an off state to an on state, and off-edge means that a switch, sensor, signal, etc. switches from an on state to an off state. means.

FIG. 13 shows the main routine of the finisher side CPU (262).

When the CPU (262) is reset and the program is started, first, in step (Sl), the random access memory is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode. Next, in step (S2), an internal timer is started. The internal timer determines the time required for one routine in this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

Next, each subroutine shown in steps (S3) to (S7) is called, and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, in step (S8), wait for the end of the internal timer,
Return to step (S2). The time length of one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

Step (53) is a subroutine for the operator to set the operation mode of the finisher unit 1-(50). Step (S4) is a subroutine for conveying and aligning the copy paper onto the paper discharge tray 80) when the non-stable mode is selected, and the details thereof will be described later. Step (S5) is a subroutine for conveying and storing the copy sheets in the stable tray (150) and aligning them one by one when the stable mode and stable+stamp mode have been selected. Step (S
6) is a subroutine for performing stable processing on a set of copy sheets that have been aligned in the stable tray (150) and discharging them to the stack basket (220). Step (S7) is a subroutine for printing the stamp (200) on the stabilized stack of copy sheets. Note that these steps (55) and (56
), details of the subroutines executed in (57) are omitted.

On the other hand, during the processing of this main routine, the copying machine main body side CP
When there is an interrupt request from U (261), interrupt processing is performed in step (S9).

FIG. 14 shows the mode setting subroutine executed in step (53).

First, in step (510), if it is confirmed that the copying machine main body <1> is not operating, step (511) is performed.
It is determined whether the mode selection switch (251) is on-edge or not. If it is on-edge, step (512),
At (514), it is determined whether the operating mode set at that time is stable mode or stable+stamp mode.

At this time, if the stable mode is set, the LED (254) is turned on in step (513) to set the stable+stamp mode. Also, if you have set the stable + stamp mode, step (5)
Step 15) turns on LED (252) and sets it to non-stable mode. If the non-stable mode is set, [NO in both steps (512) and <514), and L E D (25) in step (516).
3) and set it to stable mode.

FIGS. 15 to 22 show subroutines for conveyance and alignment in the non-stable mode executed in step (S4).

First, in step (541) it is determined whether copying is currently in progress, and if copying is not currently in progress, it is determined in step (542) whether non-stable mode has been selected as the operating mode. If a mode other than the menstable mode has been selected, control is performed in step (550) to convey the copy paper discharged from the copying machine main body (1) to the stable tray (150).

On the other hand, if the non-stable mode is selected, it is determined in step (543) whether the print switch of the copying machine main body (1) has been turned on. If the print switch is not turned on, immediately end this subroutine,
If it turns on, the state of the sensor (SE3) is checked in step (544). The check here is as shown in Figure 16, in step (5441) the sensor (SE3")
Determine whether or not it is turned on. Sensor (SE3)
is not turned on, that is, the upper surface of the paper output tray (80) (or the upper surface if the copy paper is fully accommodated) is not set in the proper position, the elevating motor is turned on to the upward direction in step (5443). Then, the paper discharge tray (80) is raised to the proper position. When the paper output tray (80>) rises to the proper position, the actuator (86) and lever (87) rotate counterclockwise, and the sensor (SE3) switches to the on state [YES in step (5441)]. Turn off the lifting motor in step (S442), and turn off the lifting motor in step (S442).
545). And this step (545)
Fubee processing starts only at this time, and the process moves to step (546).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (541) that copying is in progress, the process immediately moves to step (546).

That is, the SE3 check 1 process at step (544) is executed only at the start of copying.

In step (546), the state of the main body ejection sensor (SEL) is checked. As shown in FIG. 17, the check here is whether or not the sensor (SEI) is on-edge in step (5451). Determine whether or not it has been reached. When the leading edge reaches the sensor (SEI) and becomes on-edge, the conveying motor is activated in step (5462) to begin conveying the copy paper within the finisher unit (50).

On the other hand, if the sensor (SEL) is not on-edge, it is determined in step (5465) whether the sensor (SEL) is off-edge, that is, whether the trailing edge of the copy paper has passed the sensor (SEI). . The rear edge of the copy paper is the sensor (SEI)
If it passes through and becomes off-edge, step (5466)
The timer (T1) is started and the process returns to the subroutine of step (S4). The timer (T1) is set to the sensor (SEI) when the trailing edge of the copy paper is in the non-stable mode.
After passing through the discharge roller (95), the rear end passes through the discharge roller (95) and the ball (9
6> and is stored on the paper discharge tray (80).

Furthermore, at the same time that the conveyance in the finisher unit 1-(50) is started in the step (5462), the timer (T1) is started in the step (5463), and the timer (T2) is ended in the step (5464). . The timer (T2) is used to control the time to decelerate the conveyance system so that the copy paper does not fly too far when the copy paper is discharged to the paper output tray (80>).The timer (T2) is used to control the time to decelerate the conveyance system so that the copy paper does not fly too far when the copy paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray (80). The reason why the timer (T1) is started at the same time, the timer (T2) is ended, and the conveyance speed is returned to the original high speed is because the next copy sheet is fed into the finisher unit 50) while the previous copy sheet is being decelerated and conveyed. If the transfer speed in the copying machine body (1) and the finisher unit (50)
This is to avoid copy paper jams due to the difference between the deceleration conveyance speed and the deceleration conveyance speed. Therefore, the timer (TMI), (1
The set time of M2) is determined by the timer (M2) as shown in Figure 23.
TMI) is set to a longer time than the timer (1M2), and the constant timer (1M2) ends earlier.

Next, in step (547), the state of the sensor (SE2) is checked. As shown in FIG. 18, the check here is whether or not the ejection sensor (SE2) is off-edge in step (5471).
) is passed. If the sensor (SE2) is off-edge, the conveyance system is decelerated in step (5472) to reduce the conveyance speed of the copy paper. At the same time, a timer (T2) controls this deceleration time in step (5473).
Start.

Next, in step (5474), the height of the paper discharge tray (80) is checked. As shown in FIG. 19, the check here is to determine whether or not the sensor (SE3) is turned on in step (54741). If it is turned on,
That is, the copy sheets are stored and stacked on the paper output tray (80),
When the top surface exceeds the proper position, step (54742
) to turn on the lift motor to the lowering side and remove the paper output tray (80).
lower it to the proper position. When the paper output tray (80) is lowered to the proper position, the actuator (86) and lever (87) rotate clockwise, and the sensor (SE3) is switched to the OFF state [No in step (54741)].
], the lifting motor is turned off in step (5473).

With this, one sheet of copy paper can be ejected, and in particular, the paper ejection tray (80) is set in the proper position.

Check whether it is set properly, and if it is not set, lower it and set it to the proper position.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5471) that the sensor (SE2) is not off-edge, step (5475)
) to check the status of the sensor (SE3). The check here is that the output tray (
80) If all or part of the copy paper is removed from the top, the height of the copy paper that will be ejected from now on will fall, so check the height of the paper output tray (80) and move it to the appropriate position. Performs control for setting.

First, in step (54751) it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) is on. If the sensor (SE3) is turned on, the paper output tray (80) is set at the correct position or higher, so the paper output tray (80) is being raised in step <54752). When it is determined that this is the case, the lifting motor is turned off in step (54753). At this time, if the paper discharge tray (80) is descending, the process is continued because it is descending toward the proper position. In the step (54751), the sensor (S
If it is determined that E3) is off, the paper output tray (80> is set at the proper position, but it is set lower than that, so step (54754)
When the paper output tray (80) is descending at step (
S4755) turns off the lifting motor. If it is not descending, if a situation occurs such as copy paper being removed from the paper output tray (80), step (54756) is executed.
Turn on the lifting motor to the rising side, and then turn on the sensor (SE3
) is turned on [YES in step (54751)]
, raise the paper discharge tray (80) and set it to the proper position.

Next, in step (54g), the status of the timer (step 1) is checked. As shown in FIG. 21, when the end of the timer (IMI) is confirmed in step <5481), the copy paper is stored on the paper output tray (80), so the check is performed in step (5482). Turn off the transport motor.

Next, in step (another 9), the state of the timer (T1'12) is checked. As shown in Fig. 22, the check here is that when the end of the timer (TM2) is confirmed in step (5491), the deceleration of the transport motor is canceled in step (5492) and the original transport speed is restored. let

[Other Embodiments] Note that the paper accommodating device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist thereof.

For example, although a discharge roller (95) and a pole (67) are provided at the final stage of the paper conveyance path to the paper discharge tray (80), it may be configured with a pair of rollers like the conventional one.

Further, the paper discharge tray (80) may be combined not only with a stable means but also with a sorter means for distributing and storing sheets.

As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the tray is raised to the proper position upon generation of the image forming start signal, and the image forming process is kept on standby until this raising is completed. Therefore, at the start of image formation, the tray can be set to an appropriate position according to the amount of paper loaded, and the consistency of the paper on the tray can be ensured. In other words, the image forming process can be performed even when the tray is full of sheets, improving usability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the paper storage device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including the main body of the copying machine, FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the finisher unit, and FIG. 3 is an illustration of the ejection roller and shift block. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining how copy paper is ejected to the paper output tray. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rear side of the shift block. FIG. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shift cam, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the paddle wheel in the stable tray, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the paddle wheel in the stable tray.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the stopper of the stable tray, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the copy paper stack discharge section of the stable tray, Figure 11 is a plan view of the finisher unit 71 panel, and Figure 12 is a block diagram of the control circuit. , FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22 are flowcharts showing control procedures. The figure is a time chart showing the set time of the timer (TMI, (TM2)). Paper output tray, (86)...
・Actuator, (87)...Lever, (130)
... Nilevate block, (131) ... Lifting frame, (140) ... Guide frame, (261),
(262)...Micro combi coater, (SE3)
...Loading amount detection sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A tray for stacking and accommodating sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus; means for detecting the amount of sheets loaded on the tray; lifting means for raising and lowering the tray; and a sheet of paper. a first control means for raising and lowering the tray to an appropriate position according to the loading amount of the tray; and raising the tray to the appropriate position upon generation of an image forming start signal, and causing image forming processing to wait until this raising is completed. A paper storage device comprising: a second control means;