JPH0266081A - Paper conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To miniaturize a device by employing a switchback method in changing the back and face of a sheet of paper. CONSTITUTION:A sheet of paper discharged out of an image forming device body 1 is conveyed to a paper handling device side on a lower course side by a first conveying means 75. In this case, the sheet of paper is introduced to a first conveying course by a switchover means 73 at the time of introducing same to the paper handling device. On the other hand, the first conveying means 75 can convey the sheet of paper also in the reverse direction and, when there is need for changing the back and face of a sheet of paper at the time of e.g., carrying out composite copying, the sheet of paper is once introduced to a second conveying course composed of a void portion formed with the boundary faces of the conveying means 75 and the paper handling device, it is reversed back and forth by the first conveying means 75 and conveyed (switched back) in a second conveying direction, to be sent into a paper housing portion 90 from a second conveying means 76.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention stores paper that has been completely ejected from a main body of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and has already been copied on one side, and then re-images the stored paper. The present invention relates to a paper transport device that has a function of transporting paper into a main body of an image forming apparatus and a function of transporting paper discharged from the main body of an image forming apparatus to a paper processing device disposed downstream in the transport direction.

Conventional technologies and their challenges In recent years, various devices have been proposed and put into practical use to process double-sided/composite copying, and to store and refeed paper that has been copied on one side and ejected from the main body of the image forming apparatus. There is. Furthermore, the number of cases in which a paper processing device such as a sorter is connected to the downstream side of the device is also increasing. However, as these devices are connected, the installation space becomes large, and there is a demand for miniaturization of each device. In particular, in double-sided copying and composite copying, it is necessary to convert the front and back sides of paper, and the mechanisms for this tend to become larger.

Conventionally, in order to convert and store the front and back sides of paper, there are machines that have separate conveyance paths that feed the paper from opposing positions into the paper storage section for double-sided copying and composite copying. This expands the conveyance path and increases its size, and the mechanism for clearing paper jams also becomes complicated. On the other hand, a method has also been adopted in which the paper can be selectively switched back using a pair of rollers that can be driven in forward and reverse rotation. This switchback method allows the conveyance path to be shared for double-sided/composite copying, making the apparatus relatively compact and making it easy to clear paper jams.

However, in this type of conventional sorter, a conveyance path switching means for switchback and a pair of rollers that are driven in forward and reverse directions are provided inside the sorter, so there is a problem that the advantage of miniaturization of the device cannot be fully realized. ing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper conveyance device that employs a switchback method to convert the front and back sides of paper, thereby reducing the size of the device and reducing the installation space of the entire system.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the paper conveyance device according to the present invention has the following features: a first conveyance means that can be selectively driven in a second conveyance direction; (b) for guiding the paper conveyed in the first conveyance direction by the first conveyance means to the paper processing device; (c) a gap formed at the interface between the conveyance device and the paper processing device, for guiding the paper conveyed in the first conveyance direction by the first conveyance means; a second conveyance path; (d) installed on the downstream side of the first conveyance direction in the first conveyance direction and selectively sets the sheet conveyance direction to the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path; and (e) a second conveyance means that receives the paper conveyed in the second conveyance direction by the first conveyance means and conveys it to the paper storage section. do.

In the above configuration, the paper discharged from the main body of the image forming apparatus is transported by the first transport means to the paper processing device on the downstream side (first transport direction).

In this case, when the paper is to be guided to the paper processing device, it is guided to the first conveyance path by the switching means.

On the other hand, the first conveyance means can also convey the paper in the opposite direction (second conveyance direction). For example, when it is necessary to convert the front and back sides of the paper during composite copying, the paper is transported between this conveyance device and the paper. Once guided to a second conveyance path consisting of a gap formed at the boundary surface of the processing device, the first conveyance means reverses the front and back and conveys it in a second conveyance direction (switchback). The paper is sent from the conveyance means No. 2 to the paper storage section.

[Margins below] Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of a paper conveying device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a paper storage and refeeding unit that is an option for a copying machine.

[Copying Machine Main Body] As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine main body (1) is designed to form images based on the well-known electrophotographic copying method, and is installed on a desk (5). The photosensitive drum (10) installed approximately in the center is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (a), and first, a constant charge is applied by the charger (11), and the optical system (12) moves in the direction of arrow (b). By scanning in the direction, the image of the original set on the original platen glass (13) is slit-exposed onto the photosensitive drum (10). The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photoreceptor drum (10) is turned into a toner image by a magnetic brush type developing device (14).
The image is transferred onto the paper by a transfer charger (15).

The photosensitive drum (10) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (a) after the transfer, and the remaining toner is wiped away by a blade-type cleaning device (17), and an eraser lamp (18)
) to erase the residual charge and prepare for the next copying operation.

Paper is stored in automatic paper feed cassettes (20), (21), (2).
2), one sheet at a time is selectively fed and sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers (23). After transfer, the paper is transferred to a separate charger (16
) is separated from the photoreceptor drum (10) by the AC release from the paper and the strength of the paper itself, and is fed to the fixing device (25) while being attracted to a conveyor belt (24) equipped with an air suction means (not shown). After the toner image is fixed there, it is discharged from a pair of discharge rollers (26).

On the other hand, below the photoreceptor drum (10), there is a paper refeeding path (23) for transporting the paper that has been refed from the storage and refeeding unit (40), which will be described in detail below, to the timing roller pair (23>). 30) is installed.This path (30) is composed of a pair of conveying rollers (31), (32) and guide plates (33), (34) installed around them.

The paper is transported from the storage and refeeding unit (40) to the passage (
The paper is re-fed at 30). The paper is conveyed from this path 30) via a pair of rollers (27) to a pair of timing rollers (23) and reaches a transfer section.

[Configuration and operation of paper storage and refeeding unit (basic configuration) This paper storage and refeeding unit (40), as shown in FIG.
50) and a lower unit 1-(130) having a paper storage function.
). The upper unit (50) locks the stepped shaft (51) fixed to the front and rear frames of the upper unit (50) in the U-shaped groove of the hook (2) fixed to the front and rear frames of the copying machine body (1). By doing so, it is suspended. The lower unit (130) is screwed to the side of the desk (5), and its upper part slightly extends into the upper unit (50).

In this way, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is divided into upper and lower units (50) and (130) and can be attached to and detached from the main body independently.This makes attachment and detachment easy and prevents failure. When replacing parts, either one of the units (50),
(130) can be removed, and even when removed and placed on the floor, stability is maintained and it is difficult to fall over.

In addition, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) includes a paper ejection tray (
80) or a sorter (200) can be selectively installed. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a paper discharge tray (80) is installed, and FIG. 1 shows a state in which a sorter (200) is installed. The sorter (200) has a well-known structure and function, and it can handle 20 bins (21
0). In addition, this sorter (200
), the top bin position has a paper output tray (
80) is installed and functions as a tray during non-sorting and a first bin during sorting.

On the other hand, the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is detailed as follows.
a paper feeding switching section (60) for receiving paper ejected from the copying machine main body (1) and appropriately switching the paper feeding mode;
an intermediate storage section (90) for temporarily storing the paper whose first side has been copied during double-sided/composite copying; and this intermediate storage section (90).
a paper refeeding section (160) for refeeding the paper that has been fully accommodated in the paper sheet one by one to the paper refeeding path (30) for second side copying;
).

(Configuration and operation of paper passing switching unit) The paper passing switching unit (60) includes a guide plate (61a), (6
1b).

(62), paper feeding switching claws (70), (73), ejection roller pair (75), transport roller pair (76), guide plate (7
B), (79), etc. Switching claw (7
0) has an upper surface (70a), an arcuate surface (70b), and (70c) for guiding the paper, and an arcuate surface (70c).
A resin film (72) is not fully attached to the paper guide. This film (72) has a guide plate (
62), and allows the paper that has been completely conveyed from the left side in Figure 2 to pass to the right, but the paper that has been conveyed from the right side is guided to the circular arc surface (70c) of the switching claw (70). It has the function of

The switching pawl (70) is rotatably mounted around the support shaft (71), and can be switched between the solid line position and the dashed-dot line position in FIG. 2 by turning on and off the solenoid. Another switching claw (73) is located on the top surface (73) for guiding the paper.
a) It has an arcuate surface (73b), is rotatably mounted around a support shaft (74), and can be switched between the solid line position and the dashed-dotted line position by turning on and off the solenoid. The solenoid for the discharge roller pair (75) is turned on.

When turned off, the rotation can be switched between forward and reverse rotation via a clutch means (not shown). Further, the guide plate (79) is rotatable in the direction of arrow (C) about a support shaft (77) in order to open the passage for clearing a paper jam or the like.

The paper ejection tray (80) is supported on a support plate (82), and the trailing edge of the paper ejected from the ejection roller pair (75) is regulated and aligned by a regulation plate (89). In addition, the paper output tray (
80) is attached, the switching claw (73) is attached.
) can be removed completely, and when the sorter (200) can be installed, the paper output tray (80) and support plate (82) are removed,
A switching claw (73) is attached instead.

On the other hand, the upper surface (70a) of the switching claw (70) and the guide plate (
62), a conveyance path formed by a guide plate (78),
A pair of conveyance rollers (76) in the conveyance path formed by (79)
Actuators (65) and (66
) having photosensors (SEI) and (SE2) are installed to detect passing paper. In addition, the switching claw (
A static elimination brush (69) is installed directly above the unit (73) to eliminate static from the paper discharged from this unit (40).

Next, the paper passing mode in the paper passing switching section (60) will be explained.

When paper is ejected in single-sided copy mode and duplex/composite copy mode, the switching claw (70) is set to the solid line position, the switching claw (73) is set to the -dotted chain line position, and the ejection roller pair (
75) is driven in normal rotation so as to convey the paper toward the switching claw (73). When the sorter (200) is connected,
The paper sent out from the pair of ejection rollers (26) of the copying machine main body (1) to the paper feed switching section (60) passes through the guide plate (62).
, the top surface (70a) of the switching claw (70), the switching claw (73)
) while being guided by the upper surface (73a) of the discharge roller pair (
A withdrawal force is applied at step 75) and the material is sent to the sorter (200). When the paper output tray (80) is fully installed,
The switching claw (73) has been removed, and the paper is directly ejected from the ejection roller pair (75) onto the paper ejection tray (80).

When the paper copied on the first side is ejected from the copying machine main body (1) in the duplex copying mode, the switching claw (70) is set to the - dotted chain line position, and the paper is moved between the guide plate (78) and the switching claw. While being guided by the circular arc surface (70b) of (70), the transport roller pair (76)
0).

On the other hand, when the paper copied on the first side is ejected from the copying machine main body (1) in the composite copy mode, the switching claw (70)
, (73) are set at the solid line position, and the discharge roller pair (
75) is initially driven in normal rotation. The paper can be changed using the switching claw (70
) and the circular arc surface (70a) of the switching claw (73).
3b), and the forward rotation of the discharge roller pair (75) is stopped a predetermined time after the trailing edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SEL). This predetermined time is the time it takes for the trailing edge of the paper to move from the detection point of the sensor (SEI) to an arbitrary position between the leading edge of the film (72) and the pair of ejection rollers (75). The end portion is stopped in a state where it is sandwiched between a pair of discharge rollers (75). When the forward rotation of the ejection roller pair (75) is stopped and if the sorter (200) is fully installed, the leading edge of the paper is aligned with the arcuate surface of the switching claw (73) (
73b), the rear end regulating plate (89), the guide surface (79a) provided integrally with the guide plate (79), the guide surface (95a) of the guide frame (95), the guide surface (97) of the guide frame (97), 97a) and the side surfaces (201) and (202) of the sorter (200), and is located in the gap formed by these members. Sorta (200)
As shown in FIG. 18, ribs (201a) and (202a) are formed on the side surfaces (201) and <202), so that the paper can be guided smoothly. Further, ribs are similarly formed on the other guide surfaces (79a), (95a), and (97a).

On the other hand, if the paper output tray (80) is installed,
The paper is guided on the paper output tray (80).

Next, the pair of ejection rollers (75) is driven in the reverse direction, and the sheet whose rear end is sandwiched between the pair of ejection rollers (75) is conveyed to the left with the rear end leading, that is, switched back. , film (72), arc surface of switching claw (70)<70
c) while being guided by the pair of conveying rollers (76) to the intermediate storage section (90).

(The installation of the switching claw is structural) As shown in Figure 15, the switching claw (70) is connected to the support shaft (71).
Bearings (180) from the outside of the front and rear frames (not shown)
.

(181) so as to be rotatable, and a plunger (182) of a solenoid (SLI) is connected to the end of the support shaft (71) via a lever (183).

The solenoid (SLI) is fixed to a front frame (not shown) via a bracket (184). When the solenoid (SLI) is turned off, the switching pawl (70) is biased by the torsion coil spring (185) fully wound around the support shaft (71), and is held at the solid line position in Fig. 2. There is. When the solenoid (SLl) is turned on, the arrow (
p), and is set to the position indicated by the dotted chain line in FIG.

On the other hand, the other switching claw (73) is rotatably supported on the back side by interposing a bearing (186) on the support shaft (74) from the inside of the frame (not shown), and on the near side In this case, the shaft part (187a) of the lever <187) is inserted into the hole (74a) from the outside of the frame (not shown), so that the plunger of the solenoid (SL2) can be fully supported through the lever (187). (188). The solenoid (SL2) is fixed to a front frame (not shown) via a bracket (189).

When the solenoid (SL2) is turned off, the switching pawl (73) is biased by the torsion fill spring (190) wound around the lever shaft (187a), and is moved to the dotted chain line position in FIG. Retained. When the solenoid (SL2) is turned on, it rotates in the direction of arrow (q) and is set to the position shown by the solid line in FIG.

Further, the switching claw (73) is restricted from moving in the axial direction by fitting an elastic spacer (191) to the support shaft (74). Therefore, in order to remove this switching claw (73), first pull out the spacer (191) from the spindle (74) in the direction of arrow (r) (downward), and then remove the switching claw (73).
) itself in the direction of arrow (s) (towards the back).

As a result, the hole (74a) is disengaged from the lever shaft (187a). Finally, the switching claw (73) can be removed by slightly lifting its front side upward and moving it in the opposite direction to the arrow (s). To install, simply follow the above steps in reverse. With the above structure, the switching pawl (73) can be easily attached and detached without using any tools.

(The installation of the paper output tray is structured) As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the tray support plate (82)
insert the protruding piece (82a) at one end into the opening (
52a), and the protruding piece (82b) at the other end is engaged with the opening (53a) of the rear frame (53).
It is attached between the frames (52) and (53) by engaging the notch (82c) of 2b) with the lower edge of the opening (53a). Further, the rear end regulating plate (89) is fully screwed between the frames (52) and (53). The paper output tray (80) has its lower end surface (80a) connected to the support plate (82).
Place the protruding piece (82b) on top.

(82b) to the long hole (89a) of the rear end regulating plate (89),
(89a), it is positioned and attached to the upper unit (50). Note that the notch (89b) formed in the rear end regulating plate (89) has a pair of discharge rollers (75
) the lower roller is located.

When connecting the sorter (200), the paper output tray (80> is connected to the protrusion (80b), (80b) is connected to the elongated hole (89a), (
It is removed by pulling it out from 89a). In addition, the support plate (82) extends the projecting piece (82b) in the arrow (1) direction (upward).
Lift up to release the engagement of the notch (82c), and follow the arrow (u
) direction (towards this side) to disengage the protruding piece (82b) from the rear frame (53), thereby allowing it to be removed. That is, with the above structure, the paper output tray (8
0), the support plate (82) can be easily attached and detached without using any tools.

When installing the paper output tray (80), the support plate (82)
is restricted from moving upward by its own weight and the weight of the paper discharge tray (80).

(Structure and operation of intermediate storage part) The intermediate storage part (90) is composed of a part belonging to the upper unit (50) and a part belonging to the lower unit (130). In detail, a guide frame (91) having a guide surface (91a), a guide frame (95), a base plate (100), side regulating plates (105), (105) that guide both sides of the paper (see Fig. 3), Side regulation plates (105), retaining plate (11) that holds (105)
0), guide frames (97), (98), storage roller pair (116), paddle wheel (117), pressing member (120) capable of pressing the rear end of the sheet in the storage direction
, a frame (131), a lower end regulating plate (140) that regulates the lower end of the stored paper, first guide members (151), (152) made of wire, and a second guide member (1
53), a stepping motor (Ml) that drives the side regulating plate (105), (105), and a lower end regulating plate (14).
It consists of a geared motor (M2) etc. that drives the motor. In addition, a photosensor (SE4) having an actuator (159) can be installed in the portion where the guide frames (97) and (98) are located, and this intermediate housing part (9
0) detects whether or not the paper is fully accommodated.

When the paper is fully accommodated in the intermediate storage section (90), the paper placement surface is formed by the base plate (100) and the holding plate (11).
0) and a guide frame (98).

The lower edge regulating plate (140) is for regulating the lower edge (the leading edge in the housing direction) of the stored paper.
) of the geared motor (M2), which is fixed to the pulley (14
1) and a pulley (142) rotatably attached to the frame (131).
3), can be moved up and down along the inclined surface of the frame (131) based on the forward and reverse rotation of the geared motor (M2), and are positioned at a height according to the size of the paper to be accommodated. In the embodiment, it is configured to pass B5 size paper horizontally, A4 size paper horizontally and vertically, and B4 size and A3 size paper vertically with the center reference. The position shown by the solid line in Fig. 2 is the regulation position for horizontal passing of B5 size, which is the minimum size, and the lower end regulation plate (140> uses this position as the home position and drives the motor (M2) to adjust the paper size. Move to the corresponding position.

The reason why the lower edge regulating plate (140) is moved in accordance with the paper size in this way is to keep the upper edge height of the stored paper constant in preparation for refeeding, and the upper edge height is
As shown in Figures 11c to 11c, the top edge of the paper is
161) is cut off.

Here, the drive mechanism of the lower end regulating plate (140>) will be explained with reference to FIG.

The lower end regulating plate (140) is fixed to the timing belt (143) via a slide member <144), and the slide member <144) is guided in the vertical direction by a slit formed in the inclined surface of the frame (131). . This protrusion (14
4a) blocks the optical axis of the photosensor (SE7) when the lower end regulating plate (140) is located at the topmost home position, thereby making it possible to detect the position of the lower end regulating plate (140). Become. The output pulley (141) is fixed to the shaft (145) of the geared motor (M2), and the idle pulley (142) is fixed to the frame (131) with a bladder throat (
146) and is rotatably supported by a support shaft (147). The timing belt (143) is stretched around the pulleys (141) and (142) as described above.

As shown in Figures 14a to 14d, the geared motor (M2) includes a two-ohm gear (148a) fixed to the output shaft of the motor body, a pulse disk (149), and a helical gear that meshes with the two-ohm gear (148a). (148b), an intermediate gear (148b) fixed coaxially with a helical gear (Hsb)
48c), a gear (148) rotatably supported on the boo J shaft (145) so as to mesh with this intermediate gear (148c).
d). The rotational force of the motor body is transmitted to the output pulley (14) through each gear (148a) to (148d).
1). This geared motor (M2) is connected to the drive system - the geared motor (148a) and the helical gear (148b).
), the weight of the paper is reduced even when power is turned off to the geared motor (M2) while a load is applied, that is, when the paper is placed on the lower end regulating plate (140). lower end regulating plate (140
) will not shift downward.

On the other hand, the amount of movement of the stopper (140) is determined by the rotation of the pulse disk (149) provided on the output shaft using a photo sensor (SE8).
(See FIG. 13) is detected by counting. Furthermore, the moving speed of the lower end regulating plate (140) is determined by the lower end regulating plate (140).
140) is located, the paper size will change from the time the paper feeding operation starts in the copying machine main body (1) until the trailing edge of the ejected paper passes the pair of storage rollers (116). It is possible to move to the corresponding regulation position. Therefore, there is no need to delay the paper feeding operation in order to move the lower end regulating plate (140) to a predetermined regulating position, and there is no reduction in copying efficiency.

The paddle wheel (117) is a rotating shaft with a plurality of flexible blades attached in the radial direction, and the paddle wheel (117) has an arrow (
d), and can be rotationally driven in the direction of the housing roller pair (116
) to the intermediate storage section (90). In addition, the tip of the paddle wheel (117) is maintained at a predetermined distance from the guide frame (98), so that when the number of sheets stored is small and the paper passing resistance is small, more conveying force is not applied to the paper than necessary. First, it prevents "wrinkles" etc. from occurring on the paper. Then, after a certain number of sheets or more have been stored, as the number of sheets stored increases, the pressure is applied more strongly, and a stronger conveying force is applied as the number of sheets stored increases. On the other hand, during paper refeeding as described below, this paddle wheel (117) will not come into contact with the paper if the number of sheets falls below a certain number, and the paper passing resistance due to the paddle wheel (117) will be reduced. Disappear.

The first guide members (151) and (152) are made of relatively rigid wire, and the upper part is a guide frame (97).
.

(98), and the lower part is held by a holder (132) provided at the lower end of the frame (113). As shown in FIG. 8, the inner first guide member (151), (15
1) is the slit (140a) of the lower end regulating plate (140);
(140a) and is inserted into the outer first guide member (140a).
52) and (152) are located on the outside of the lower end regulating plate (140), and are expanded outward as they extend downward (see FIG. 10).

The second guide members (153), (153) are made of elastic wire rods, the upper part is held by the guide frame (97), and the slit (140b) of the lower end regulating plate (140),
(140b), is installed at a position that guides approximately the center of the paper, and is movable in the direction of the thickness of the paper completely accommodated.

These guide members (151), (152), (15
3) is made of a wire material to reduce paper passing resistance and electrostatic adsorption force, and the paper contained therein is placed on the lower end regulating plate (140).
It has the function of preventing the paper from slipping off, ensuring smooth storage, and preventing the paper from buckling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for B5 size horizontal paper, the lower edge regulating plate (140) is set at the solid line position in FIG. 2, so the first guide member (151) ,
(152) does not substantially act on the paper. on the other hand,
The second guide members (153), (153) are in the (a) position when no paper is stored, and the frame (98) and the second guide member (153) are in the (a) position when no paper is stored.
3) is set so that the gap with and,
It retreats outward as the paper is accommodated. (b) The position shows this backward movement. In addition, the paper indicated by the - dotted chain line (51
) and (51) indicate the state of curling on the front and back sides, respectively.

Figures 8 and 9 are A4 size horizontal paper, A
This figure shows how three sizes of paper are stored vertically.

In addition, since the first guide member (152) is expanded outward from the middle as shown in FIG. 153) and (153) to give firmness to the paper, ensuring that even greatly curled paper (52) and (53) are accommodated and preventing buckling.

The paper holding member (120) has arms (121), (121) located on both sides, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
A presser plate (122) attached to the tip of this arm (121>, (121)) and a roller presser plate (123) fixed to the presser plate (122) at a position corresponding to the paper refeed roller (161) described below. ), and is composed of a buckling correction arm (125) located approximately in the center.
) through the support shaft (124) that supports the guide frame (
95), and rotates between the solid line position and the dashed-dotted line position in FIG. 2 by turning the solenoid on and off. The buckling correction arm (125) is inclined toward the holding plate (110) and has a bent shape at the middle portion (125a),
This middle section (125a) regulates the stored paper and corrects its buckling. Furthermore, the buckling correction arm (125) also has the effect of stiffening the paper in the storage direction when the paper comes into contact with the buckling correction arm (125).

By the way, the holding member (120) is
As shown in FIG. 5, the guide frame (95) held through the intermediate storage section (90) rotates in the direction of arrow (j) about a support shaft (96) provided at one end as a fulcrum. can be opened, and the pressing member (120
) can also be retracted from the intermediate storage section (90). Additionally, a torsion coil spring (12) wound around the support shaft (124) is provided between the arm (121) and the guide frame (95).
6) is interposed to urge the holding member (120) to the solid line position in FIG. 2 (home position).

Further, a protrusion (121a) provided on the arm (121)
) (see Figure 3) can block the optical axis of the photosensor (SE5), and when this photosensor (SE5) is turned on.

In the OFF state, it is detected whether the pressing member (120) is retracted to the home position or driven to a position where it presses the trailing edge of the sheet.

Next, the drive mechanism of the presser member (120) will be explained with reference to FIG.

The driving source is a main motor that drives the conveyance system of the storage and refeeding paper (22) (40), and the rotational force of this main motor is transmitted to the pulley (181) by the timing belt (180), is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow (v). A ratchet wheel (18) is attached to the spindle (182).
3) The cam (184) is rotatably attached to the pulley (181) via a spring clutch (not shown). Ratchet wheel (183), cam (18
A locking portion (183a) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of 4).

(183b), (184a), (184b) [(183b) cannot be shown in FIG. 6] are formed. On the other hand, the solenoid (SL3) has one end (18
5a) as a fulcrum, and when in the off state, the lever (185) rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the claw portion (185b) engages with the locking portion (183a). ,
(184a) or (183b), (184b), ratchet wheel (183), cam (184
) stops rotating. And a holding member (120)
The solenoid (SL3) is momentarily turned on only when driving the ratchet wheel (183), cam (
184) is rotated 180°.

On the other hand, a drive plate (187),
The lower end of (188) is rotatably attached.

The drive plates (187), (tag) are biased in the direction of narrowing the distance between them by a torsion fill spring (189) wound around the support shaft (186), and the tip of one of the drive plates (1B?) The provided bottle (190) and the tip side of the other drive plate (ts8) are in pressure contact with each other. The drive plate (187) has a link (19) connected at both ends with pins (190) and (191).
2) is connected to the circumferential portion of the cam (184). In addition, the tip of the drive plate (188) is attached to the slide pin (1
93) is mounted slidably in the axial direction via a bearing (194). Rollers (195), (195) are rotatably attached to the end of the slide bin (193) via a bin (196) provided in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the slide bin (193). The slide pin (193) has a drive plate (18
8) and the flange (1) fixed to the slide pin (193).
The compressed fill spring (198) is completely installed between the The slide pin (193), rollers (195), (195) are biased toward the arm <121) by this spring force, and the rollers (195), (195) are biased toward the arm (121).
21) on the back (121b) side.

In the above configuration, the locking portion (184) of the cam (184)
When a) is fully engaged with the claw part (185b) of the lever (185), the drive plates (187) and (188) move in the direction of the arrow (
f) is set in a rotated position in the opposite direction. The pressing member (120) is biased in the direction opposite to the arrow (f) by the biasing force of the torsion fill spring (126), and the arm (120) is biased in the opposite direction to the arrow (f).
The back part (121b) of 1) is the roller (195), (19
5), which is the home position. The solenoid (SL3) is turned on and the lever (18
5) is released from the locking portion (184a), the cam (184) rotates 180 degrees in the direction of the arrow (■), and the drive plate (187) is forcibly rotated in the direction of the arrow (f). The driving plate (188), which is connected by a torsion fill spring (189), also rotates in the direction of arrow (f). At the same time, the back part (121b) of the arm (121)
95) and (195), and the holding member (12
0) also rotates in the direction of the arrow (f), and the rear end of the paper fed into the intermediate storage section (90) is moved to the base plate (100).
Press to the side. In this pressing position, the claw part (185b) of the lever <185) is connected to the locking part (184b) of the cam (184).
It can be held by engaging with. Kira, now that the solenoid (SL3) is turned on, the drive plate (187),
(188), the holding member (120) returns to the home position. That is, the pressing member (120) rotates between the pressing position and the home position when the solenoid (SL3) is turned on. However, during this time, the main motor needs to be rotationally driven as a drive source.

By the way, in order to make the above operation possible, the drive plate (18
7) The spring force of the torsion coil spring (189) that applies a bonding force between There is. Kirani, torsion coil spring (
The spring force of 189) is determined by taking into consideration the resistance of the return torsion coil spring (126), since the presser member (120) presses the upper end of the paper even when refeeding the paper, which will be described in detail below. It is necessary to set the force so that the upper end of the paper is pressed against the paper refeed roller (161) to the extent that the paper can be re-feeded. Further, as the number of sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) increases, the amount of movement of the holding member (120) in the direction of arrow (f) gradually decreases. At this time, the gap between the pin (190) and the drive plate (188) is completely expanded, and the spring force of the torsion coil spring (189) also increases, resulting in an increase in the pressing force of the pressing member (120) against the paper.

In this way, the presser member (120)
The reason why the pressing force increases as the driving amount decreases is that the driving load is kept constant and the paper feeding pressure at the time of paper refeeding, which will be explained below, is automatically adjusted according to the paper capacity. , a good refeeding operation will be achieved. That is, when sheets of paper stored in a substantially vertical state are separated and fed one by one, the paper feed resistance increases as the amount of paper stored increases. However, due to the action of the torsion fill spring (189), the pressure force applied to the paper refeed roller (161) increases as the paper capacity increases, so an appropriate paper feed pressure is automatically set according to the paper capacity. It will be done.

On the other hand, as explained in FIG. 5, the holding member (120) can rotate in the direction of the arrow (j) together with the guide frame (95) to open the intermediate storage portion (90). At the time of this release, the back part (121b) of the arm (121)
95), (195) and slide pin (193).
) and move it toward the drive plate (188) against the spring force of the EE compression coil spring (198). With this, the arm (
121) and the rollers (195), (195) are automatically disengaged. On the other hand, when the pressing member (120) is closed, the roller (195) engages with the back portion (121b) while sliding on the inclined surface (121c) formed on the arm (121).

In order to ensure this re-engagement, when the holding member (120) is closed together with the guide frame (95), the solenoid (SL3) is deactivated by -degree.

With this, even if the re-engagement is incomplete, the rollers (195), (195) will reliably go around from the inclined surface (121c) to the back part <121b).

Furthermore, a separator (93) attached to the guide frame (91) and a static elimination brush (99) attached to the guide frame (95) are located at the entrance of the intermediate storage section (90). The separator (93) is connected to the guide frame (9
1), and is rotatably supported by the shaft, and hangs vertically due to its own weight. This separator (93) guides both sides of the paper that is about to be fully accommodated, and also guides the rear end (upper end in the accommodation direction) of the paper that is being accommodated to the base plate (1).
00) side to prevent the paper entrance section from being closed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the separator (93) is located between the pair of storage rollers (116). Furthermore, the separator (93) of the presser plate (122) is
) is formed with a cutout (122a) to prevent mutual interference.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are movable in the width direction of the paper on the holding plate (110), and can be rotated forward and backward on the back side of the holding plate (110). It is connected to a stepping motor (Ml). That is, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are moved in the width direction of the paper by driving the stepping motor (Ml) in forward and reverse directions, and have a home position slightly outside both sides of the largest size paper. to the side regulation position corresponding to each paper size.

Incidentally, the holding plate (110) that holds the side regulating plates (105), (105) is attached to the base plate (100) so that its position can be finely adjusted in the width direction of the paper. That is, the holding plate (110) has a slit (11) extending in the width direction of the paper for tightening the screw <112>.
1) is formed, and the fixing position can be finely adjusted in the width direction within the length range of this slit (111), and in conjunction with this, the positions of the side regulating plates (105), (105) are also finely adjusted. This adjustment is for correcting the deviation in the width direction between the first and second images formed on the paper, and is particularly effective in composite copying where images are formed twice on the same surface.

Next, the paper storage operation will be explained.

First, as a preparatory operation, the lower end regulating plate <140) is moved to a position corresponding to the paper size to be accommodated, and the side regulating plates (105), (105) are moved to positions corresponding to both sides of the paper. At the same time, the holding member (12, 0) is set to the solid line position shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11a, and the housing roller pair (116) and paddle wheel (117) are driven to rotate.

The paper passing direction is switched by the paper passing switching unit (60), and the paper conveyed downward from the conveying roller pair (76>) is given a conveying force by the accommodation roller pair (116),
The intermediate storage part (90) is being neutralized by the static eliminating brush (99).
sent to. First, when the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE2), the side regulating plate (105) is moved.

(105) is retracted slightly outward from the both-side regulation positions of the paper. The paper is guided by the separator (93) and carried into the intermediate storage section (90) (see FIG. 11a).

Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the sensor (SE2) detects the trailing edge of the paper that is being accommodated, the side regulation plate (105) is moved.

(105) are moved to positions corresponding to both sides of the paper to align the paper in the width direction. Furthermore, a holding member (120
) rotates in the direction of arrow (f) to the position indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 2, and presses the rear end of the paper toward the base plate (100) (see FIGS. 11b and 11c).

At this time, the rear end of the paper rotates the separator (93) in the direction of arrow (e) as shown in FIG.
move inside. When the trailing edge of the paper comes off, the separator (93) immediately rotates in the direction of the arrow (e) due to the moment due to its own weight, passes through the notch (122a) of the holding plate (122), and returns to the vertical position (the second (See Figure 11c).

Incidentally, the timing at which the side regulation plates (105), (105) move to the paper both side regulation positions is set to be a minute time later than the timing at which the leading edge of the paper reaches the upper surface of the lower end regulation plate (140). In addition, the holding member (
120) presses the trailing edge of the paper (reaches the position indicated by the - dotted chain line).
05) is set after a minute time has elapsed from the timing at which the paper reaches the both-side regulation position.

By the above timing control, the sheets are first aligned in the vertical direction, then aligned in the width direction, and finally the rear end is moved toward the base plate (100), so that a good alignment state can be obtained. Also, the middle part (125a) of the arm (125) located in the center of the holding member (120)
Each time the paper is stored in conjunction with the suppressing operation, the paper is urged toward the holding plate (110> side) to correct buckling and keep the paper in a smooth state.

When the first sheet of paper is stored, the pressing member (12
0) is retracted to the solid line position, and the leading edge of the next paper is located at the sensor (S
When the detection is completed with E2), the side regulation plate (105)
, (105) are retracted outward, and thereafter the side regulating plates <105), (
105), the holding member (120) is driven.

Note that the above control will be explained in detail later.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 11a, the pressing member (120
) is retracted from the pressing position, the rear end of the stored paper is regulated by the separator (93), and the paper entrance of the intermediate storage section (90) is prevented from closing.

This prevents the leading edge of the succeeding sheet from colliding with the trailing edge of the already stored sheet, resulting in a paper jam, or from being fed between the already stored sheets, resulting in irregular page alignment. Moreover, as mentioned above, this separator (93)
It also functions as a guide plate when storing paper, ensuring reliable storage even if the paper is heavily curled. Therefore, there is no need to provide a large space above the intermediate storage section (90) in consideration of paper curl.

Further, in this embodiment, side stoppers (106), (106) having the same function as the separator (93) are provided on the side regulating plates (105), (105). As shown in FIG. 3, the side stoppers (106), (106) have an inclined surface (106a), a regulating surface (106b), and a projecting piece (106c), and include a side regulating plate (105),
The protruding piece (106c) is attached to the notch formed in the upper part of the side regulating plate (105) so as to be rotatable about the pin (107) as a fulcrum. ) is positioned by coming into contact with it from the outside.

When storing the paper, the paper is held by the side stoppers (106), (106)
When the presser member (120) rotates in the direction of the arrow (f>) and presses the trailing edge of the paper, the paper passes through the inclined surface (106a) and (106a) side. By pressing , the paper retreats in the opposite direction to the arrow (g), and the trailing edge of the paper climbs over the side stoppers (106) and (106) and moves toward the holding plate (110). Immediately rotate in the direction of arrow (g) with spring force.
It returns to its original state and regulates the rear end side of the stored paper using the regulating surface (106b).

As shown in FIG. 4, the regulating surface (
106b), the width direction length (m) is the reciprocating distance of the side regulating plate (105) when storing paper (n), and the adjustment range of the holding plate (110) by the slit (111) is (n).
1), the length value in the width direction is set to satisfy the relationship m>(n+1)/2. With this, even if the holding plate (110) is moved within the range (1) and the position of the side regulating plates (105), (105) is finely adjusted, the side regulating plates (105), (105) are accommodated. When the paper is retracted outward, both sides of the unaccommodated paper engage with the regulating surfaces (106b), (106b), and the inclined surface (106a).

There is no risk that the paper will return to the (106a) side, that is, the trailing edge of the paper will close the paper entrance. The above functions are provided by the separator (
93> and the side stopper (106) alone are sufficient. However, by using both in combination as in this embodiment, it is possible to accommodate sheets of various sizes and curls of various shapes more reliably.

(Configuration and operation of paper refeeding unit) The paper refeeding unit (160) receives a paper refeeding signal when a paper refeeding signal is issued for the first side copied paper stored in the intermediate storage unit (90). This is to refeed the sheets one by one to the refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1) in the order in which they arrive.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a base plate (100) that also serves as a paper placement surface of the intermediate storage section (90), and a paper refeed roller (161) that is intermittently rotationally driven by a clutch.
and separation roller (163), this separation roller (163)
A separation pad (165) made of urethane rubber that is in pressure contact with the
170) etc. The paper path to the paper refeed path (30>) is connected to the guide surface (91) of the guide frame (91).
b) and a guide plate (94>), and a photosensor (SE3) having an actuator (179) is installed just in front of the pair of registration rollers (170).

Further, the guide frame (91) is cut so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow (i) about a support shaft (92) in order to open a paper refeeding path for clearing a paper jam or the like.

The paper refeed roller (161) and the separation roller (163) apply conveying force through frictional force between them and the paper, and when the separation pad (165) comes into pressure contact with the separation roller (163), the weight of the paper is reduced. This is prevented for the following reasons:

The frictional force (μm) between the separation roller (163) and the paper is set to be larger than the frictional force (μ2) between the papers.

Also, the frictional force (μ
3) is set larger than the frictional force (μ2) between sheets, but smaller than the frictional force (μm) between the separation roller (163) and the sheets.

That is, μm〉μ2 μm〉μ3〉μ2 This is due to the relationship expressed by .

Here, regarding the paper refeeding operation, Figures 12a and 12
This will be explained with reference to Figure b and Figure 12c.

When a copy signal for refeeding paper is sent, first, the pressing member (120) is fully driven and presses the top edge of the paper (
(See Figure 12a). After a short period of time has passed from this pressing timing, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163
) is rotated in the direction of the arrow (h), and the paper refeed roller (1
61) to feed the paper upwards (No. 12b)
(see figure). Separation roller (163) and separation pad (16)
5) When the paper reaches the nip section, if multiple sheets are sent out, the frictional forces (μm), (μ2), (μ
Due to the relationship 3), only one sheet of paper that comes into contact with the separation roller (163) can be completely conveyed to the pair of registration rollers (170). The leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3), and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the registration roller pair (170) is driven to rotate. Until the pair of registration rollers (170) is driven to rotate, the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers (170) to form a minute loop (first
(See Figure 2c).

For this reason, the upper part of the base plate (100) has a recess (
100a) is completely formed. In addition, a holding member (12
0) retreats to the rear when the leading edge of the paper is detected by the sensor (SE3), and as a result, the separation roller (163)
The paper remaining in the nip portion of the separation pad (165) falls and is returned to the original storage position (see Figure 12d).

After the registration roller pair (170) is rotationally driven at the above-mentioned timing, the paper is conveyed upward by the conveying force from the registration roller pair (170), and is guided by the guide surface (91b) and the guide plate (94). , and is fed into the paper refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1). Paper refeed roller (16
1) The rotation of the separation roller (163) is temporarily stopped after a short period of time has elapsed after the registration roller pair (170) stopped being rotated. However, these rollers (161)
, (163) has a one-way bearing interposed between it and the drive shaft, so that it rotates as the paper is conveyed.

In order to feed the second and subsequent sheets of paper, the leading edge of the paper being re-fed is first detected by the sensor (SE3), and then a predetermined length (margin length) is added to the length of the paper. After the paper has been conveyed for a long time, the pressing member (120) is driven again to press the leading edge of the paper. Next, when the sensor (SE3) detects the trailing edge of the paper that is being re-fed, the re-feed roller (161) and separation roller (163) are rotated again, and the first sheet of paper is The same action can be repeated.

When the sensor (SE4) detects that all the sheets in the intermediate storage section (90) have been re-fed, the lower edge regulating plate (1
40) and the side regulating plates (105) and (105) each return to their home positions.

Note that such control will be described in detail later.

[Control Circuit] Here, the control circuit of the sheet storage and refeeding unit (40) having the above configuration and operation will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

Controlled by a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU)
(300). CPU (300)
has a built-in counter (301), register (302), memory (303), etc., and the CP of the copying machine body (1).
Communication with U (310) is possible. Counter (30
1) is used to control the movement of the lower end regulating plate (140), and is connected to the guard motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8).
) rotation pulse count signal is input.

In addition, each input port has sensors (SEI) to (SE7
) is input the on/off signal. Sensor (SEL
) to (SE4) emit an off signal when the actuators are shielded from light and paper is not detected,
If paper is detected, it switches to an on signal. Sensor (SE
5) to (SE7) emit an on signal when the light is shielded by each detection object, and switch to an off signal when the light shielding is completely released.

On the other hand, each output boat outputs on/off signals to the solenoids, clutches, and motors that drive each member. When the solenoid (SLI) is on, it switches the switching claw (70) to the -dotted chain line position. When the solenoid (SL2) is on, it switches the switching claw (73) to the solid line position. Each time the solenoid (SL3) is turned on, the holding member (1
20) to the paper pressing position and the retreat position (home position). When the solenoid (SL4) is on, it switches the discharge roller pair (75) to reverse rotation. Also, when the clutch (CLI) is on, the paper refeed roller (161),
The driving force is transmitted to the separation roller (163). clutch(
Cl3) cuts off the transmission of driving force to the registration roller pair (170) when it is on.

[Control Procedure] Next, the control procedure of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) executed by the CPU (300) will be described in FIGS. 20 to 37.
This will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. 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. 20 shows the main routine of the CPU (300).

When the CPU (300) is reset and the program starts, in step (Sl), the random access memory (303) is cleared, registers (302), etc. are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode. . Next, in step (S2), initial communication is performed with the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1), and in step (S3), communication data required for controlling the paper storage and refeeding unit (40) is received. When this is confirmed, a subroutine for converting system speed is processed in step (S4). In this step (S4), the step (
The system speed (paper conveyance speed) of the copying machine main body (1) communicated in step S2) is read, and this data is converted into the amount of paper conveyance per one count of the internal timer.

Next, in step (S5), an internal timer is started. This internal timer is set in step (Sl) and is used to determine the processing time of the main routine of the CPU (300), and serves as a reference for one count of the timer in each subroutine to be described later.

Next, in step (S6), it is determined whether the jam flag is rO. As explained below, the jam flag is set to 1 when a paper jam occurs in the unit (40) [see step (5346)].

Therefore, if it is set to "1.", the step (
510), and if it is reset to rO, each subroutine of steps (S7) to (510) is sequentially called, and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, the internal timer is terminated in step (511). Wait until then and return to step (S5).

On the other hand, when an interrupt request is received from the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1), interrupt processing is executed based on the communication content in step (515). In addition, an internal counter (30
When an interrupt request is received from step 1), a process for stopping the lower end regulating plate (140>) is executed in step (518).

This stopping process will be described later.

FIG. 21 shows a subroutine for system speed conversion processed in step (S5) of the main routine.

Here, the system speed of the copying machine main body in which the book storage and refeeding unit (40) is installed varies, and the paper conveyance speed of the unit (40) is also adjusted to match the system speed. Conversion is performed in order to synchronize the control timing in (40) with the paper conveyance speed.

Specifically, in step (520), the system speed value (A) of the main body is set, and in step (521), the CP
Set the internal timer value (B) of U (300). Next, in step (522) A/B is calculated, and in step (
523), this value is stored in memory as (D 5peed ).

For example, if the internal timer value (B) is constant at 1 m5ec, the main system speed value (A) is 100 mm/
sec, (D 5peed) is 0.1mm/
m5ec, and the paper becomes 0. with one count of the internal timer.
It will move 1mm.

Here, the process of setting the timer of each subroutine with reference to (D 5peed ) will be explained based on FIG. 22. The processing here is executed for all timer sets in each subroutine.

First, in step (530), a timer address is assigned to the HL register. The timer address means the address in memory where the timer value set here is stored. next,
In step (531), the length to be changed is assigned to the BC register, and in step (532), the value of the BC register is
D 5peed> and assign this value to the EA register. That is, when the length to be changed is 100 mm (D 5pe
ed) is 0.1mm/m5ec as mentioned above, then EA
The content assigned to the register is 1000.

That is, here, when the internal timer counts 1000, it means that the paper has been conveyed 100 mm. Next, in step (533), the contents of the EA register are stored at the address indicated by the HL register.

(Control when storing paper) FIG. 23 shows a subroutine for duplex/composition control processed in step (S7) of the main routine.

Here, the switching claws (70), (73) and the bottom edge regulating plate (140) are used depending on the double-sided copy mode and composite copy mode.
), side regulating plates (105), (105), etc., and executes a process of storing the first side copied sheets discharged from the copying machine main body (1) one by one into the intermediate storage section (90). .

This subroutine consists of steps (540) to (543), and in step (540), the standby, copy start, and end states are controlled according to the count value of the accommodation state counter. Step (5
In step (543), the movement of the holding member (120) is controlled, and in step (543), the side regulating plate (105),
(105) is controlled. In addition, the switching claw control in step (541), step <54
Details of each subroutine of the side regulation plate control in 3) will be omitted.

FIG. 24 shows the containment state control subroutine processed in step (540).

First, in step (550), the count value of the accommodated state counter is checked. The storage state counter has been reset to "0" in the initial setting, and if it is "0", it is checked in step (551) whether the sensor (SE4) is off or not, that is, there is paper in the intermediate storage section (90). Determine whether or not there is paper left.If the sensor (SE4) is off and there is no paper left, in step (552) the regulation plate (105)
, (105), and (140) to their home positions, reset the low weight flag to "0." in step (553), and proceed to step (555).
4) is on and there is paper left, step (554)
), set the low weight flag to "1.", and step (55
Move on to 5). In step (555''), the accommodation state counter is set to ``1''.

If it is determined in step (556) that the accommodation state counter is set to "1", step (557)
Determine whether the print switch is on-edge or not. The print switch on signal is sent to the main CPU (310)
The information is communicated from the CPU (300) through interrupt processing. If the print switch is on-edge, step (55B)
), it is determined whether the copy mode that can be executed at that time is duplex mode or composite mode, and if it is not either mode, paper is not stored, and step (561) is performed.
Move to. If either the duplex mode or the composite mode is to be executed, check that the low weight flag is reset to roJ in step (559), and then set the regulation plates (105), (105) in step (560). ),
(140) to the position corresponding to the paper size,
The process moves to step (561). In step (561), the accommodation state counter is set to "2".

No in both steps (550) and (556)
If it is determined that the copying machine main body (1
) is completed. The copy end signal is communicated to the CPU (300) by interrupt processing, and if the copy is completed, the accommodation state counter is reset to "0" in step (563), and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 25 shows the regulation plates (105), (105), and (140) processed in step (552) at their initial positions (
The subroutine for returning to the home position) is shown below.

Here, in step (570), the side regulating plate <105
).

Return (105) to the initial position, step (571)
Return the lower end regulating plate (140) to the initial position in step (572), and then move the regulating plate (105), (105), (
The process ends when it is confirmed that all of 140) have returned to their initial positions.

Step (571) of returning the lower end regulating plate (140)
The processing will be explained in detail in FIG. 26 below. Side regulation plate <
105) and (105) will not be described in detail, but it is basically the same as the process shown in FIG. 26.

Accordingly, the process of returning the lower end regulating plate to its initial position in step (571) will be explained with reference to FIG. Here, the lower end regulating plate (140) is raised to the home position at a high first speed, then lowered from the home position once at a second speed that is half of the first speed, and finally lowered to the second speed. to return to the home position and stop.

First, in step (580) the home set flag is set to "O".
In step (581), it is determined whether the first home check flag is "0" or not. The home set flag is set to 11'' when the lower end regulating plate (140) is finally detected as the home position, and the first home check flag is set to 11'' when the lower end regulating plate (140) is moved to the home position. is set to Both steps (580) and (581) are YES
If it is determined that S, the sensor (SE
7) is on, that is, whether the lower end regulating plate (140) is located at the home position, and if it is off, the motor (M2) is driven in the upward direction in step (587); Raise the lower end regulating plate (140). Sensor (
When SE7) is turned on and it is confirmed that the lower end regulating plate (140) is at the -1 home position, step (
Step S83) stops the motor (M2), and step <58
4) Assign "40°" to the B register. 40°" substituted into the B register is the count value of the rotation pulse detection sensor (SE8) of the motor (M2). Next, in step (S85), a subroutine for lowering the lower end regulating plate is executed, and in step (586) ) to set the first home check flag to 11.

Next, if it is determined in step (581) that the first home check flag is 11'', step (581)
In S88), it is determined whether the positioning completion flag is 11''. This positioning completion flag is set to ``1.'' when the lower end regulating plate (140) is lowered by a predetermined amount from the home position in the interrupt process described below.
5135) Reference. Therefore, if this flag is set to rl, it is confirmed in step (S89) that the home position sensor (SE7) is not on-edge, and the half speed request flag is set to "1" in step (594). , the motor (M2) is driven in the upward direction in step (595). This completes the lower end regulation plate (
140) moves toward the home position at a low second speed, and if it is determined in step (S89) that the home position sensor (SE7) is on-edge, the motor (M2) is stopped in step (590). let At the same time, the home set flag is set to 11 in step (591).
is set to prohibit execution of the subroutine in step (571), the half speed request flag is reset to r□ in step (592), and step (59
3) reset the first home check flag to 10.

FIG. 27 shows a subroutine for the process of moving the regulating plate that can be executed in step (560). Here, the side regulation plate (105), <105), the bottom regulation plate (140)
from the home position to the regulation position corresponding to the paper size.

First, in step (5100), the amount of movement of each regulation plate (105), (105), (140) is calculated from the paper size. Specifically, the required travel distance is determined by the motor (
Divide by the pulse pitch of Ml) and (M2) to find a count value corresponding to the moving distance. Next, step (5101
) to move the side regulation plates (105) and (105) to the regulation position corresponding to the paper size, and then proceed to step (5102).
) to move the lower end regulating plate (140) to the regulating position corresponding to the paper size.

Step (5102) of moving the lower end regulating plate (140)
) will be explained in detail in FIGS. 28 and 29 below.

A detailed explanation of the process for moving the side regulating plates (105) and (105) will be omitted, but it is basically the same as the process shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The process of moving the lower end regulating plate (140) is performed in step (5110) as shown in FIG.
) is substituted into the B register, and a subroutine for lowering the lower end regulating plate is executed in step (Sill).

The lower end regulating plate lowering process in this step (Sill) is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 29, this process is executed in common with the process at step (585) in the initial position return subroutine. That is, in step (5120), 30 counts are subtracted from the value of the B register, and the value is stored in the register (EC
PTO), and in step (51, 21) the value of the B register is set in the register (ECPTI).

Next, in step (5122), the motor (M2) is driven in the downward direction to lower the lower end regulating plate (140).

FIG. 30 shows a subroutine for controlling the speed of the lower end regulating plate, which can be executed in step (S9) of the main routine.

Here, when the half speed request flag is set to "1", the moving speed of the lower end regulating plate (140) is switched to the lower second speed. That is, step (5)
In step 130), it is determined whether the half speed request flag is "1.", and if it has been reset to "rO", the subroutine is immediately terminated.

If it is not possible to set it to 1, check the speed state counter's current position in step (5131) and
''', step (5132>) determines whether the current movement direction is downward, and if it is downward, step (5133
) to drive the motor (M2) in the downward direction, and step (5)
135). If the moving direction is upward, the motor (M2) is driven in the upward direction in step (5134),
The process moves to step (5135). Step (5135
) sets the speed state counter to "1'".

If the speed state counter is set to "1", the motor (M2) is stopped in step (5136) and the speed state counter is reset to "0".

That is, when the half speed request flag is set to "1", steps (5131) to (513)
Each time the process in 7) is repeated, the drive of the motor (M2) is turned on and off, so even if the drive voltage of the motor (M2) is not reduced by half, the gravity supplied to the motor (M2) is halved. , the rotational speed of the motor (M2) is substantially halved.

Here, the subroutine of step (518) in which interrupt processing is performed will be explained with reference to FIG. This interrupt processing is to stop the lower edge regulation plate (140) at the home position or paper regulation position, and counts the rotation pulses of the motor (M2) from the sensor (SE8') and registers (
ECPTO) or (ECPTl) [Step (512
1), see (5122)].

Specifically, in step (5140) the sensor (SE8)
It is determined whether the pulse count value matches the register (ECPI'O), and if it matches, the step (514
1), stop the motor (M2), and proceed to step (5142).
) to set the half speed request flag to 11.

On the other hand, the pulse count value is -
If it does not match, that is, if it matches the register (ECPTI), the motor (M2) is stopped in step (5143), the half speed request flag is reset in step (5144), and the positioning completion flag is set in step (5135). Set to "1".

FIGS. 32a and 32b show a subroutine for controlling the pressing member during storage, which is executed in step (542).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the containment hold state counter. This state counter is controlled by a pressing member (120) depending on the copying and paper conveyance state.
display judgment to control the behavior of

First, in step (5150), it is determined whether the count value of the holding state counter is "OII", and if it has been reset to "O", then in step (5151), it is determined whether the copying machine main body (1) is in the copying operation or not. If copying is in progress, it is determined in step (5152) whether or not the storage mode is for double-sided/composite copying.If the storage mode is not such, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and if this type of storage mode If so, check the current state of the state counter in step (5153).

Step (5154) when Karantoi direct is "O'"
After confirming that the main motor (M3) is being driven, in step (5155) the holding member (120) is reset to the home position, and in step (5156) the main motor drive request flag is set to 11''. . When this main motor drive request flag is set to 11'', the main motor (M3) continues to be driven.

Next, in step (5157) it is determined whether or not the reset of the holding member (120) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the accommodation holding state counter is set to "
Set it to 1'.

Note that the presser member (
120) is reset by turning on the solenoid (SL3). Therefore, even if the arm (12
1) and the roller (195) are disengaged,
Move the roller (195) from the inclined shaft (121c) to the back (12
1b) can be reliably passed around.

If the current value of the state counter is "1", it is determined in step (5159) whether the sensor (SE5) is on. That is, it is confirmed by turning on and off the sensor (SE5) whether or not the presser member (120) has been reliably reset in step (S155).

If the sensor (SE5) is turned on and the reset is confirmed, the housing hold state counter is set to "2" in step (5160).

If the current value of the state counter is “2′′,
In step (5161), it is determined whether or not the paper detection sensor (SE2) is off-edge.
It is determined whether or not the object has passed through the detection section. Sensor (SE2
) is off-edge, a close delay timer is set in step (5162), and a holding hold state counter is set to "3" in step (5163). This close delay timer determines the pressing timing of the holding member (120). The presser member (120) is set to press the trailing edge of the paper a short time after the leading edge of the paper that can be accommodated reaches the lower edge regulating plate (140).

If the state counter's cursor is “3pa,” check that the close delay timer has ended in step (5154), and then press the holding member (12) in step (5165).
0). As a result, the pressing member (120) presses the rear end of the fully accommodated paper, and the paper can be temporarily stopped in this state. Next, in step (5166), it is determined whether or not turning on and off of the solenoid (SL3) for performing this drive has been completed, and if it has been completed, weighing member jam timer 1 is set in step (5167). and step (51
In step 68), the accommodation hold state counter is set to "4". Jam timer 1 here is the holding member (120)
Detects that a paper jam has occurred at the entrance of the intermediate storage section (90) when the pressing operation is not actually performed even though the solenoid (SL3) for driving the solenoid (SL3) has been turned on and off. used for.

If the current value of the state counter is “4°”, then
In step (5169), it is determined whether the sensor (SE5) is off. That is, it is confirmed by turning on and off the sensor (SE5) whether or not the pressing member (120) has been reliably driven in step (5165).

The sensor (SE5) is turned off and the holding member (12
If it is confirmed that 0) is in the pressed state, step (
5170) to set the oven delay timer.

This oven delay timer is for holding the pressing member (120) in the paper suppressing position for a certain period of time. Further, since the pressing member (120) was driven normally, the pressing member jam timer 1 is reset in step <5171), and the pressing member jam timer 1 is reset in step (5172).
Set the accommodation hold state counter to "5"'.

If the state counter's current value is "5", the end of the oven delay timer is confirmed in step (5173), and the presser member (
120). With this, presser member (120)
is retracted from the paper pressing position. Next, step (517
5), it is determined whether or not this driving is completed, and if it is completed, the holding member jam timer 2 is set in step (5176).
is set, and in step (5177), the accommodation holding state counter is set to "6". Here, the jam timer 2 indicates that even though the holding member (120) is fully driven, it is not actually retracted to the home position. It is used to detect that a paper jam has occurred in this area.

If the state counter value is "6", the sensor (SE5) is turned on in step (5178), and if it is confirmed that the holding member (120) is retracted, the holding member (120) is turned on in step (5179). Component jam timer 2
Reset. Next, in step (5180) it is determined whether or not the copy operation has been completed, and if it has not been completed, in step (5183) the accommodation holding state counter is set to "
Set it to 2. When the copy operation is completed, step (
In step (5181), the main motor drive request flag is reset to 10J, and in step (5182), the accommodation and hold-down state counter is reset to 0''.

(Control during paper refeeding) FIG. 33 shows a subroutine for paper refeeding control that can be processed in step (S8) of the main routine.

Here, based on the paper refeed signal, the paper refeed roller (16
1>, registration roller pair (170), holding member (
120), etc., and transfers the first side copied sheets stored in the intermediate storage section (90) one by one to the copying machine main body (
1) Execute the sending process.

This subroutine includes steps <5200) to (5202)
) consists of each subroutine, step (5200)
Then, the standby, paper refeed start, and end states are controlled according to the count value of the paper refeed state counter. In step (5201), clutch (CLI), (Cl
3) controls the paper refeed roller (161) and registration roller pair (170). In step (3202), the operation of the presser member (120) is controlled.

FIG. 34 shows the subroutine of the paper refeed state front roll processed in step (5200).

First, in step (5210), the paper refeed state counter is checked for the current state. This state counter is reset to "0°" by default, and if it is "0", the paper presence flag is set to rl in step (5211).
Determine whether or not. If the paper presence flag is set to "rl", that is, if the paper is stored in the intermediate storage section (90), the paper refeed state counter is set to "1" in step (5212).

If it is determined in step (5213) that the state counter is fully set to "1", step (5214)
Determine whether the print switch is on-edge or not. If it is on-edge, the paper refeeding mode flag is set to 111 in step (5215), and the paper refeeding state counter is set to "2" in step (5216). When this paper refeeding mode flag is set to 11, it indicates that the paper refeeding operation is in progress.

If the determinations in steps (5210) and (5213) are both negative, it is determined in step (5217) whether or not the intermediate storage section (90) is empty.

Here, the empty state of the paper is determined based on the combination of the off timing of the empty detection sensor (SE4>) and the timer.If the paper is empty, that is, if all the stored paper has been re-fed, Step (521
Step 8) resets the paper refeed mode flag to r□, and step (5219) sets the regulation plates (105), (105)
140) to the home position, and step (522
0) resets the paper refeed state counter to "0".

By the way, the subroutine for the initial position of the regulating plate processed in step (5219) is the same as the process in step (552) described above (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

Figures 35a and 35b show a subroutine for paper refeed clutch control executed in step (5201).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the clutch state counter. This state counter determines whether to control the paper refeed roller (161), separation roller (163), register, and clutches (CLl) and (Cl3) of the stroller pair (170) according to the paper refeed state. Display.

First, in step (5240), the paper refeed mode flag is set to "
1. The following steps are executed only when rl is set. That is, step (524
1"), check the count value of the clutch state counter. If the count value is "0°', step (
5242), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is 11''.

This conveyance permission signal indicates that the re-fed paper is
This signal is used to stop refeeding of the paper in the registration method because it is registered by the pair of timing rollers (23) in 1).When set to "1", paper refeeding is permitted. , rO", refeeding is prohibited when the paper is reset completely. This signal is sent to the CP of the copying machine main body (1) in interrupt processing.
It is communicated from U (310) to CPU (300). Therefore, if the transport permission signal is set to ``1'', an interval timer is set in step (5243), and a clutch state counter is set to ``1'' in step (5244). This is for determining the timing of sending out the registration roller pair (170).

If the current value of the state counter is “1″,
In step (5245), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is rl, and if it is set to '1', step (524
6) to continue counting the interval timer and set it to ``0''.
．． If the timer has been reset successfully, the count of the timer is temporarily stopped in step (5247).

Next, in step (5248), it is determined whether the presser member oven flag is "0" or not. This presser member oven flag is set and reset in the paper refeed presser member control subroutine described below. , r□
, when the presser member (120) is pressing the upper end of the sheet, and when it is set to '1'', it is displayed that it is retracted to the home position. Therefore, the holding member oven flag is "0".
．． (if it is in the suppressed state), the clutches (CLl) and (CL2) are reset in step (5249).
Turn on. As a result, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163) are driven to rotate, while the registration roller pair (170) is stopped from rotating.

Next, in step (5250), a paper refeed jam timer is set, and in step (5251), a clutch state counter is set to "2". The paper refeed jam timer here is used in combination with the sensor (SE3) to detect the occurrence of a paper jam near the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163).

If the current value of the state counter is "2", it is determined in step (5252) whether the conveyance permission signal is RL YO or not.
), the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer continue counting, and in step (5254), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) continues to be turned on. On the other hand, if the transport permission signal has been reset to "0.", step (5255)
The count of the interval timer and paper refeed jam timer is temporarily stopped at step (5256), and the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off at step (5256).

Next, in step (5257), it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) is on or not.
) has reached the detection point of the sensor (SE3
) is on, the refeed jam timer is reset in step (5258), the registration timer and unloading jam timer are set in step (5259), and the clutch state counter is set to '3' in step (5260). set. The registration timer here is used to form a slight loop at the leading end of the paper on the near side of the registration roller pair (170) to prevent the paper from being skewed. In addition, the unloading timer is used in combination with the sensor (SE3) to detect when a paper jam occurs in this area when the paper does not pass the detection point of the sensor (SE3) within a predetermined time (corresponding to a sufficient margin for the paper length). Detect this.

If the current value of the state counter is “3′′,
In step (5261), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is "rl", and if it is set to "rl", step (526
2), allow the interval timer, registration timer, and detection jam timer to continue counting, and step (5263)
) to keep the paper refeed clutch (CLI) on. On the other hand, if the conveyance permission signal is reset to "O", the count of the interval timer, registration timer, and detection jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5264), and the sheet refeeding clutch is turned off in step (5265).

Next, when the end of the registration timer is confirmed in step (5266), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off in step (5267). As a result, the leading edge of the re-fed paper is registered by the pair of registration rollers (170), forming a slight loop and waiting. Subsequently, in step (5268), the clutch state counter is set to "4".

If the current value of the state counter is “4′′,
In step (5269), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is rl, and if it is set to rl, step (527
0), the interval timer and carry-out jam timer continue counting, and if they are reset to "0", the count of the interval timer and carry-out jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5271).

Subsequently, when the end of the interval timer is confirmed in step (5272), the clutch (.Cl3) is turned off and the clutch (LL) is turned on in step (5273). When the clutch (Cl3) is turned off, the registration roller pair (170
) begins to rotate, and when the clutch (CLI) is turned on, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (163) begin to rotate.

As a result, the paper is carried out from the registration roller pair (170) to the paper refeed path (30) of the copying machine main body (1). In addition, along with the registration roller pair (170), the roller (161)
.

(163) is also rotated in order to reliably feed the leading edge of the paper into the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers (170).

Next, in step (5274), the holding member oven request flag is set to 11'', and in step (5275
) to set the unloading assist timer, and step (527
6) Set the clutch state counter to "5". Here, the holding member oven flag is used to instruct the process of retracting the holding member (120) from the pressing position to the home position when it is set to ``1''. After refeeding the paper reliably, the paper refeed roller (161) and separation roller (
163) to obtain the timing to stop the rotation.

If the state counter's curvature is "5°",
In step (5277), it is determined whether the transport permission signal is 11'', and if it is set to ``rl'', step (527
In step 8), the count of the carry-out jam timer and the carry-out assist timer is continued, and in step (5279), the sheet refeed clutch (CLI) is continued to be turned on and the registration clutch (Cl3) is turned off. On the other hand, if the conveyance permission signal is set to 0, the count of the unloading jam timer and unloading assist timer is temporarily stopped in step <5280),
In step (5281), the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off and the registration clutch (Cl3) is turned on.

Next, when it is confirmed in step (5282) that the discharge assist timer has ended, the paper refeed clutch (CLI) is turned off in step (5283). Now, the paper refeed roller (
161), the rotation of the separation roller (163) has stopped,
The paper is carried out from the intermediate storage section (90) by the rotation of the pair of registration rollers (170). In addition, each roller (161
).

(163) rotates as the paper is conveyed by the action of a one-way bearing. Subsequently, in step (5284), the clutch state counter is set to 6'.

If the current value of the state counter is 6'', it is determined in step (5285) whether the transport permission signal is ``rl'', and if it is set to ``1'', it is determined in step (5286).
Continue counting the unloading jam timer with step (
5287) to continue turning off the resist clutch (Cl3). If the conveyance permission signal is reset to "0.", the count of the conveyance jam timer is temporarily stopped in step (5288), and the registration clutch (Cl3) is turned on in step (5289), and the conveyance of the paper is temporarily stopped. .

Next, in step (5290), it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) is off or not, that is, the trailing edge of the re-fed paper is detected by the sensor (SE3).
3) Determine whether it has passed the rear end or not, and send the sensor (SE3
) is off, the output jam timer is reset in step (5291), and the clutch state counter is reset to "OIt" in step (5292).

FIGS. 36a and 36b show a subroutine for controlling the paper refeed pressing member that can be executed in step (5202).

Here, the following processing is executed according to the count value of the paper refeed presser state counter. This state counter is controlled by the presser member (1
20) displays the judgment for controlling the operation. Note that the control in this subroutine is basically the 32nd
The same control as the accommodation pressing member control subroutine in step (S42) shown in FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B is performed.

First, in step (5300), the paper refeed mode flag is set to r.
If it has been reset to rO4, this subroutine is immediately terminated, and if it has been set to rl, the current status of the paper refeed hold state counter is checked in step (5301).

Step (5302) when karantoi direct is “0゛”
After confirming that the main motor (M3) is being driven in step (5303), the holding member (120) is reset to the home position. Next, step (5)
304), set the presser member oven request flag to r□
, and in step (5305) press the presser member (
It is determined whether or not the reset in step 120) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the paper refeed hold state counter is set to "1" in step (5306).

If the current value of the state counter is '1'', it is determined in step (5307) whether the sensor (SE5) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, in step (5307)
If the reset process in step 04) has been reliably executed, the presser member oven flag is set to rl in step (5308). Subsequently, in step (5309), the paper refeed holding state counter is set to "2".

If the current value of the state counter is “2”, the copy request flag is set to “1” in step (5310).
Determine whether or not. This copy request flag is set when a paper refeed signal is sent from the CPU (310) of the copying machine main body (1).
When communicated to the PU (300), it is set to 11.

Therefore, if the copy request flag is set to "1", the presser member (120) is
) to drive. As a result, the pressing member (120) presses the leading end of the paper in the intermediate storage section (90), and is temporarily stopped in this state. Next, in step (5312) it is determined whether or not this driving has been completed, and if it has been completed, in step (5313) the paper refeed press state counter is set to "3".

If the current value of the state counter is "3", it is determined in step (5314) whether the sensor (SE5) is off or not. That is, the drive of the holding member (120) executed in the step (5311) is Check whether it has been executed reliably by turning the sensor (SE5) on and off.

The sensor (SE5) is turned off and the holding member (12
0), the presser member oven flag is reset to r□ in step (5315), and the paper refeed presser state counter is set to "4" in step (5316). .

If the state counter's state counter is "4", the presser member oven request flag is set to "1. Determine whether or not rl" in step (5317), then this flag is set in step (5318). After resetting to "0", the holding member (120) is driven in step (5319). With this, the holding member (12
0) retreats from the paper pressing position.

Here, the paper pressure of the presser member (120) is released when the presser member (120) is in the suppressing position when the paper is carried out from the intermediate storage section (90>) by the registration roller pair <170>. In order to prevent paper passing resistance from increasing, the second and subsequent sheets of paper remaining in the nip between the separation roller (163) and separation pad <165) are moved to the storage position by their own weight. Next, in step (5320') it is determined whether this drive is completed, and if it is completed, step (5321) is performed.
Set the paper refeed hold state counter to "5'".

If the current value of the state counter is “5”,
When it is confirmed in step (5322) that the sensor (SE5) is on and that the presser member (120) is reliably retracted, the presser member oven flag is set to "1" in step (5323). , step (53
Step 24) sets the holding member drive delay timer, and step (5325) sets the paper refeed state counter to "6".
Set to . This delay timer is for driving the pressing member (120) to the paper suppressing position before the paper refeeding roller (161) is completely rotated in order to refeed the next paper.

If the current value of the state counter is “6°”,
At step (5326), the transport permission signal (which appeared in the paper refeeding clutch control subroutine) is output as "rl".
Determine whether or not. If this signal is set to 11'', the count of the holding member drive delay timer is continued in step (5327), and if it is reset to rO'', the count of the delay timer is temporarily stopped in step (532B). . Next, step (532
When the end of the delay timer is confirmed in step 9), the paper refeed state counter is set to "2'' in step (5330), and the above processing is repeated.

FIG. 37 shows the jam detection/processing subroutine executed in step (510) of the main routine. Here, when it is detected that a paper jam has occurred at any part of the paper storage and refeeding unit (40), a warning is issued to that effect and an instruction is given to remove the paper.

First, in step (5340) it is determined whether the jam flag is "rO". This jam flag indicates that a paper jam has occurred when it is set to "1." Therefore, if it is already set to "rl", the step (5347
). If it is reset to '0', it is determined in steps (5341) to (5344) whether or not there is a paper jam at each location. That is, step (5341).

In (5342), a paper jam occurs near the entrance when storing paper [see step (5167), (5176),
In steps (5343) and (5344), there is a paper jam near the exit during paper refeeding [step (5250),
(5259)] is determined at the end of each timer. If a paper jam occurs at any location, a jam signal is sent in step (5345). Here, the jam signal detected in each step (5341) to (5344) is communicated to the main body CPU (310).

Further, in step (5346), the jam flag is rl.

is set, and a jam processing subroutine is executed in step (5347). Here, the operator waits for the jammed paper to be removed by the operator, and when it is removed, the jam signal is reset and the jam flag is reset to r□.

In particular, in this embodiment, when storing paper, the intermediate storage section ( Since paper jams are detected at the paper entrance to the machine (90), the occurrence of paper jams can be detected early, paper loss can be reduced, and abnormal loads on the device can be prevented. .

[Margins below] [Other Embodiments] Note that the paper conveyance device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist.

In particular, in the above embodiment, the sorter (200) is shown as a paper processing device connected to the downstream side, but there is also a finisher with a function to bind the stored paper bundles with a stapler or clips, and a large-capacity paper storage device. It may also be a stacker or the like with functions.

Furthermore, various types of mechanisms can be employed for attaching and detaching the switching claw (73) and the paper discharge tray (80). However, in the present invention, it goes without saying that the sorter (200) and the switching claw (73) may be fixed types.

Alternatively, in the embodiment described above, switchback transport is performed during composite copying, but depending on the configuration of the copying machine, switchback transport may be performed during double-sided copying. Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
Although the paper is shown to be temporarily stored in the intermediate storage section and then transported into the image forming apparatus, it may also be transported directly to the image forming apparatus without going through the intermediate storage section.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the first conveying means and the switching means that can select the conveying direction of paper are built into the apparatus, so that these members can be placed downstream. There is no need to install it in the paper processing device such as a sorter,
Furthermore, by making the second transport path, which can be used exclusively for switchback, into a gap formed at the interface between the transport device and the paper processing device, it is possible to downsize the system as a whole. , there is no need to increase the installation space.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of a paper conveyance device according to the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including the main body of the copying machine, Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the paper storage and refeeding unit, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the holding member, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the side stopper. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the presser member and the guide frame, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the presser member. Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9
The figures are horizontal cross-sectional views of the paper guide section of the lower unit.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the paper guide member of the lower unit. FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11C are explanatory diagrams of operations during paper storage, and FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are explanatory diagrams of operations during paper refeeding. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the lower end regulating plate, and FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are a plan view, a front view, a left side view, and a right side view of the geared motor, respectively. . Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the installation of the switching claw, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the structure of the installation of the paper output tray and support plate, and Figure 17 is a vertical section showing the structure of the installation of the support plate. It is a diagram. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the sorter. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the paper storage and refeeding unit. Figure 20, Figure 21, Figure 22, Figure 2
Figure 3, Figure 24, Figure 25, Figure 26, Figure 27, Figure 2
Figure 8, Figure 29, Figure 30, Figure 31, Figure 32a, Figure 32b, Figure 33, Figure 34, Figure 35a, Figure 35b.
36a, 36b, and 37 are flowcharts showing control procedures, respectively. (1)... Copying machine main body, (30)... Paper refeed path,
(40)...Sheet refeeding unit, (60)...Paper passing switching unit, (73)...Switching claw, (75)...
Ejection roller pair (first conveyance means), (76)... Conveyance roller pair (second conveyance means), (79a), (95a
), (97a)...Guide surface, (90)...Intermediate storage section, (160)...Refeeding section, (161)...
Paper refeed roller, (200)... Sorter, (201),
(202)...side, (300)...microcomputer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A function for accommodating single-sided copied paper ejected from the image forming apparatus main body, and then carrying out the accommodated paper again into the image forming apparatus main body; In a paper conveyance device having a function of conveying a sheet of paper to a paper processing device disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, a first conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed to the paper processing device side or a first conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed in the opposite direction. a first conveyance means that can be selectively driven in two conveyance directions; and a first conveyance path for guiding the sheet conveyed in the first conveyance direction by the first conveyance means to the paper processing device. a second conveyance path, which is made up of a gap formed at the interface between the conveyance device and the paper processing device, and is configured to guide the sheet conveyed in the first conveyance direction by the first conveyance means; a switching means installed on the downstream side of the first conveyance direction of the first conveyance means and capable of selectively switching the sheet conveyance direction to the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path; A paper conveyance device comprising: a second conveyance means that receives the paper conveyed in the second conveyance direction by the means and conveys it to a paper storage section.