JPS60223741A - Sheets feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide possibility of selective feed of sheets in different formats and thereby reduce the cost by furnishing a parallel link with a transport means wherby each sheet is transported while in contact with a tip roller of the parallel link which swings oscillatively with the side farther from the sheet accommodation tray as the center of swinging. CONSTITUTION:When selection (j) of the tray from which sheets shall be fed and the number of copies Z are input the difference A between the tray number (i) which has been selected and the tray number (j) set anew is calculated, and if the difference A is judged to be either positive or negative a swing motor 10 is operated regularly to swing arms 14, 15 upward, and when a position limit switch LS1 is turned on the motor 10 is stopped and a tray movement post 4 is advanced for a certain specific ditance. In case the difference is positive the post 4 is retracted for a specific distance upon completion of the above processing whereafter the motor 10 is operated reversely to swing the arms 14, 15 downward, and when a sheet contact limit switch LS2 is turned on the motor 10 is stopped after a certain while of sinking. In case the difference is negative an out-of-sheets sensor PS2 judges that sheets must now be refilled.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION FIELD The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device attached to an image recording device such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a facsimile machine, and particularly relates to a sheet feeding device that is attached to an image recording device such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a facsimile machine, and particularly relates to a sheet feeding device that is attached to an image recording device such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a facsimile machine. The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device that can selectively feed any of the sheets of paper to an image recording device. Prior Art For example, in a conventional electrophotographic copying machine, in order to feed stacked papers stored in a stacked state in a paper storage tray to a photoreceptor one by one, a delivery roll is placed on the top layer of the stacked paper. □In this case, the height of the stacked paper decreases as the paper is fed out, and the contact pressure between the paper and the feeding roll decreases, making it smoother. In order to prevent paper feeding from becoming difficult, the laminated paper is pushed up from below using a spring or the like. However, with this type of paper feeding device, if the height of the stacked paper is high, the weight of the paper increases and the push-up force by the spring changes significantly, so it can only be applied to stacked paper with a small number of sheets. First, when the number of stacked sheets is large, each time a small number of sheets of paper are delivered, the paper storage tray is raised by an elevator or the like to a height corresponding to the number of sheets to be delivered. In order to temporarily raise the paper storage tray using F-Beta, etc., a detection device that detects the height of the top layer of paper and a control device that intermittently controls the raising of the paper storage tray are required. The disadvantage is that the structure is complicated and the cost is high. Moreover, there are many sizes of originals such as B4, B5, A4, and A5, and in order to avoid wasting paper, it is necessary to prepare a large number of sheets of paper corresponding to the original size. In addition, as multi-stage variable magnification copying systems became popular, the number of paper storage trays stored in one copying machine increased, and the number of automatic tray lifting devices also increased correspondingly, reducing the cost of the entire paper supply device. will rise dramatically. Problems to be Solved by the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of a sheet feeding device that overcomes the above-mentioned difficulties. The purpose is to selectively supply the image recording device to the image recording device. Means and Use for Solving the Problem of Interruption In the present invention, a plurality of sheet storage means stacked vertically in multiple stages can be configured such that one of the top surfaces of the ends of the sheet storage means can be exposed. In a sheet feeding device capable of supplying sheets by moving the sheet storage means, the base of the parallel link is pivotably supported up and down about a position remote from the end of the sheet storage means. , a conveying means for contacting and conveying the sheets in the exposed end of the sheet storage means is provided on the parallel link; A means of transportation for all while in contact? By operating it, the uppermost sheet in the exposed sheet storage means can be supplied to the image recording device. EXAMPLE An example of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 10 will be described below. ■ is a dry-type electrophotographic copying machine, in which a plurality of paper trays 2 are sequentially stacked at the bottom of the copying machine 1, and the bottom tray V2 is stacked in sequence.
Other paper types except ntg 21.2□,...2. −
1 is supported so as to be movable left and right. In addition, the paper tray 2 contains A3, A4, A5, B4
Copy paper 3, which is a sheet of paper cut into various sizes such as , B5, etc., is divided by size or the vertical and horizontal directions are changed.
1 and stored in a stacked manner. Furthermore, the upper light tg (right end in FIG. 1) of each paper tray 2 is centered at a point pu, which is diagonally downward from the axis 13 by the center distance of the goo IJ 19 and the delivery roll 21 on a line connecting the axes n and t37 (described later). Place each paper tray 2. on the same circular layer. ．． 22, . . . 24t-, , 24 are arranged so that the distance from the position where the later-described delivery roll 21 contacts the paper 3 to the leading edge of the paper 3 is kept substantially constant. Furthermore, each of the paper trays V2 is provided with a paper out sensor PS, so that the out of paper in the tray 2 is detected. Further, on the left side of the paper tray V2, there is a tray moving post 4.
is vertically movable from side to side, and a tray moving motor 6 is connected to the tray moving post 4 via a driving force transmitting hand plate 5.
Each paper except 7
A coupling means 7, such as an electromagnetic magnet, which can be freely engaged with and detached from the paper toy V2 is attached in the vertical direction. When the tray moving post 4 is moved to the left by the tray moving motor 6 while several tray moving posts (j-1) are being operated, the tray moving post 4 is moved to the left by the tray moving post 4, which is connected to the connecting means 7 respectively. A2
□, 2□, . . . 2j-1 are moved to the left, and the upper surface of the right end of the j-th paper toy V2j immediately below them is tied out. Further, a pivot portion 9 of a paper transport mechanism 8 is disposed at a predetermined distance 2 to the right of the paper tray 2, and a swing motor 10 and a transport motor 12 are installed on the pivot support 9. One end of the arm 14 is integrally attached to the output shaft 11 (with a built-in deceleration mechanism) of the transport motor 1.
One end of the arm 15 is pivotally attached to the center of the output shaft 137 of No. 2, and the tips of both arms 14 and 15 are attached to brackets.

[6], the arm I4.15 and the bracket 16 constitute a parallel link, and when the swing motor 10 is rotated forward or backward, the parallel link swings up and down about the output shaft 11.13. It is now possible to do so. Moreover, an arm home position limit switch LS for detecting the upper limit position of the arm 14 is provided. Further, a V-bar 17 is pivotally attached to the bracket 16 so as to swing slightly up and down, and a pulley 18 is integrally fixed to the conveyance motor output shaft 13 which is pivoted to one end of the arm 15. Pulley 1 is located closer to the front than the center of
9 is rotatably pivoted, both pulleys (conveyor bells 8 and 19) 20 are spanned, and a delivery roll 21 is pivoted to the lower end of the V-bar 17, and the pulley 19 and the delivery roll 2
1 through a transmission means 22Z such as a belt and gears and a paper feed clutch C, and the transport motor 12
When the conveyor belt 20 is rotated, the conveyor belt 20 is forwarded clockwise, and when the paper feed clutch O is turned on in this state, the delivery roll 21 is rotated counterclockwise. Note that the clutch O is in the on state when the delivery roll 2
1, it is a one-way clutch mechanism so that torque can be transmitted in the counterclockwise delivery direction, but torque cannot be transmitted in the clockwise direction. Furthermore, a limit switch LS in contact with the bracket 16
2 is attached, and when the arms 14 and I5 are swung from above to below, the delivery roll 21 comes into contact with the paper 3 in the paper tray 2, and the lever 17 is swung upward at an angle formed by the lever 17. The paper contact limit switch 'LS2 is turned on. Furthermore, the bracket 24 (
A paper guide tip plate 26 is attached to the base or tip bracket (24) of the lower paper guide board 5 at the left side in FIG. (the tip of the guide tip plate 26 is a bracket) 16, and a reflective paper feed sensor is mounted on the upper surface of the paper guide plate cage so as not to interfere with the transport of the paper 3. PS, is installed, and the sensor PSt passes through the hole χ in the paper guide temporary A and is reflected on the paper 13. 7: Checks whether or not the leading edge of the paper 3 has reached the detection position based on the presence or absence of light. Has the rear end passed the detection position? It is now detected. Further, on the operation panel (not shown) of the copying machine, there is a paper feed preparation completion indicator aX, and tray selection switches SB- and -0 to 9 for selecting one of the α paper trays 2. A copy number setting switch group NE, a copy start switch ST, and other switch groups for setting the number of copies are provided. Furthermore, the copying machine 1 has a built-in microcomputer adder, and all the microcomputer adders have an input interface;
31, ROM 32, RAM 33, CPU, and output interface 35. Furthermore, the input interface 31 includes a tray selection switch group SR1, a copy number setting switcher group NFi, a copy start switch group ST, and a paper out sensor ps. Signals from input means such as paper feed sensor ps, -arm home position limit switch LS, paper contact limit switch 2, other switch groups, and various counters in the copying machine 1 are appropriately adjusted and input to the CPU. It is supposed to be done. The ROM 32 also stores sequence programs necessary for normal copying operations, programs necessary for executing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, and the like. Further, the RAM 33 can read and write the input data, data obtained by the operation of the OPU 34 described later, and other data. Furthermore, the CPU 34 uses the input interface 31
It executes programs and instructions stored in the ROM 32 according to input signals from the tray moving motor 6, swing motor 10, conveyance motor 12, and output interface 35.
Control signals are output to each operating part of the paper feed clutch a-i coupling means 7, paper feed preparation completion indicator O, and copying machine l. Further, a pair of upper and lower curved guide chutes 40 is installed extending from near the base end of the pulley [8 and the paper guide plate 8 to near the transfer area 430 of the copying machine 1]. A transfer roll 41 is arranged so that the copy sheet 3 fed from the conveyor belt is guided to the curved guide chute 40 by the rotation of the transfer roll 410, and transferred to the copying machine 1 in the form of a drum. The image is transferred to a transfer area 43 of a photoreceptor 42. A platen glass 44 is provided on the top of the copying machine 1, and a platen cover 45 is pivotally attached to the platen glass 44 so that the platen glass 44 can be opened and closed. V
An exposure system consisting of a lens 48 and a fixed mirror 49 is provided, and an exposure system consisting of a lens 48 and a fixed mirror 49 is provided.
An image of
It is designed to be imaged in the form of a null at 0. Further, on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped photoreceptor 42, there is a developing device 51 clockwise from the exposure area mark, and a transfer device 52 in the transfer area 43.
, a peeling device 53, a transport belt 54, and a cleaning device 55 are arranged in this order, and the latent image formed on the drum-shaped photoreceptor 42 is developed by a developing device 51 to form a toner image. After being transferred onto the paper 3 transferred by the transfer roll 41, the paper 3 is peeled off by a peeler 53, and sent to a fixing device 56 by a transfer belt 54, where the toner image on the paper 3 is fixed on the paper 3. After that, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge section 57. Since the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 is configured as described above, the tray selection switch SEj (the switch corresponding to the first tray 2j counting from the top) and the copy number setting switch group When you press NE and input the selection of tray 2 for paper feeding and the number of copies Z (step ■), the program advances to step ■ and the new number of copies is selected with the previously selected tray number 4. The difference A from the set number 4 is calculated, and in step ■ it is determined whether the value A is zero, positive, or negative, and if it is zero, proceed to step ■.
reactor. If it is positive or negative, it enters a preparatory subroutine (step ■ or step ■). In the preparation subroutine, as shown in FIG.
), when the arm home position limit switch LS1 is turned on (step ■), the swing motor is stopped (step @) -) The tray movement motor 6 is rotated forward a predetermined number of revolutions and then stopped, and the tray movement boss is 4 by a predetermined distance (step ■). Ma? If CA is positive, after completing the preparation subroutine in step (2), the j-th to i- 1st Binding Enemy” Stage 7j, 7j+1, °・. 7t-1 enters the separated state (step ■) and enters the set supply (step ■). In the set subroutine, as shown in FIG. 10, the steps of the program are to reverse the tray movement motor 6 by a predetermined number of rotations and to move the tray movement button 47 backward by a predetermined distance. After that, the same swing motor 0
(step < 1)) + When the contact limit switch LS2 is turned on (step 0), the swing motor 10 is lowered for a certain period of time (step 0), Thereafter, the swing motor 10 is stopped (step 0). Further, in the case of A f3'-negative, after completing the preparation subroutine of step (2), in addition to the binding means 73.7□, . i+1
, j-1st binding means 7□, 71, 8,...7j
-1 enters the bound state (step ■) and enters the set subroutine ■. When the set subroutine ■0 is completed, it is determined in step ■ of FIG. , enters the preparatory subroutine O shown in FIG.
The set subroutine (step O) shown in FIG. 0 is entered, and paper feeding preparation is completed. If the paper out sensor PS1 is not turned on in step 2 or the set subroutine (step 0) is completed, the paper feed preparation completion indicator Q will be displayed in step O of FIG.
I will be activated and the message ``Paper feed preparation complete'' will be displayed. Then, in this state, the copy start switch ST is turned on (step ■), the transport motor 12 is driven in step ■, the first paper feed latch C is turned on (step O), and the delivery roll 21 is rotationally driven. The paper 3 in the paper tray 2j is conveyed toward the paper guide plate section, and when the leading edge of the paper 3 reaches the paper feed sensor PS2 (step o), the paper feed clutch O is turned off and the feed roll 21 is stopped, and paper feeding from the paper tray 2j is temporarily stopped (step 2). Also, the sheet 3 is conveyed by the drive of the conveyor belt in the conveyor mechanism 8, and its trailing edge is placed at the paper feed sensor p.
When the same sensor PS is turned off after passing through s2 (step ■), the number of copies Z is subtracted by one (7 steps ■), and the paper runs out at step (23). When the sensor PS1 is turned on, the conveyance motor 12 is stopped at the step, and the program is returned to the step 0, after which the paper hII is fed, and reaches the step O.Then, the paper out sensor PS1 is turned on. remains off,
It is determined whether or not the paper contact limit switch LS is turned off (step), and when the paper contact limit switch LS is turned off, the 10 swing motors are lowered for a certain period of time k (step @), and then step 0 is performed. The motor ■ is stopped. Conversely, when the paper contact limit switch LS is turned on, the steps of the program exceed step ■0 and reach step ■. At step @, it is determined whether or not the number of copies 2 is zero. If it is not zero, the steps of the program are returned to step 0--step [stock] ■■■0■■■■■■ and so on are repeated. During this time, the number of copies 2 decreases and when this becomes zero, step ■
The transport motor 12 is stopped after a certain period of time. In this way, the necessary paper supply and copying can be accomplished. In addition, when changing the type 2 of the copy paper 3 to be supplied, select and press the ton 4 selection switch SEj as appropriate, and the operation will be the same as described above, and the top surface of the front end of the selected paper ton 42 will be exposed. At the same time, the paper transport mechanism 8 is swung downward from the upper home position, and the delivery roll 21 is brought into contact with the paper 3 in the selected paper tray 2j, and the desired paper 3J is supplied. be done. Furthermore, the paper conveyance mechanism 8 is designed to swing up and down about a shaft 11.13 at a pivot point 9 located a predetermined distance away from the paper tray 2, so the structure is extremely simple and reliable. expensive. Furthermore, since one paper transport mechanism 8 is sufficient for a plurality of paper trays 2, the structure is simplified and costs can be significantly reduced. In addition, since the V-bar 17 that pivotally supports the delivery roll 21 is oriented upwardly on the extension line connecting the tip of the arm 14.15 and the bracket 16, 11111111.13
Even when paper 3 is sent out from the paper tray 2 located higher up, the arm 15 is prevented from coming into contact with the tip of the paper tray 2, and the paper tray 2 is arranged over a wide range above and below. It becomes possible to supply more paper 3. Furthermore, the tip of the paper guide tip plate 26, which is slidably attached to the front of the lower paper guide board 5, is pivoted to the bracket (1G) forming a parallel link, so that it is in contact with the delivery roll 21. When the paper 3 is fed out, the vertical position of the paper tray 2 is determined.
No matter what angle the paper guide tip plate 26 is inclined to, the tip of the paper guide tip plate 26 can always maintain a constant positional relationship diagonally downward with respect to the delivery roll 21, and the paper 3 can be reliably placed in the copying machine l. Be supplied. In the embodiment described above, the transport bell 20 is arranged below and above the paper guide plate 23, but the arrangement may be reversed. ]■ and 11 In the present invention, the sheet storage means> is swung back and forth, and the sheet transport means is swung up and down by a parallel link, and the sheet transport means is simply driven. Since sheets can be supplied to the image recording device from the sheet storage means, it is possible to increase the number of sheet storage means and increase the types of sheets to be supplied. It would be possible to simplify the structure of the entire device and reduce costs.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view illustrating an embodiment of a sheet feeding device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of its main parts, FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of its base. 5 is an enlarged side view of the tip, FIG. 6 is a perspective view, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the embodiment, FIG. 8 is a flowchart, and FIG.
This figure and FIG. 10 are flowcharts of the preparation subroutine and set subroutine in the same flowchart. ■...Dry electrophotographic copying machine, 2...Paper tray, 3
... Copy paper, 4... Tray moving post, 5...
Driving force transmission means, 6...tray moving motor, 7...
Coupling means, 8... Paper transport mechanism, 9... Pivotal support, 1
0... Swing motor, 11... Swing motor output shaft, 1
2...Transportation motor, 13...Transportation motor output shaft-1
4, 15...Arm-16...Bracket, 17.
...Lever, 18.19...Fu-IJ, 20...Transportation held, 21...Feeding roll, 22...Transmission means, n...Paper guide plate, Sae...Bracket, 5.
...lower paper guide board, ah...paper guide tip plate, addition...microcomputer, 31-°° input interface, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34
... OPU, 35... Output interface, 40... Curved guide chute, 41... Transfer roll, 42... Drum-shaped photoreceptor, 43... Transfer area, 44
...Platen glass, 45...Platen cover, 4
6... Exposure lamp, 47... Moving mirror, 48...
・V lenses, 49...Fixed mirror, 50...Exposure area,
51... Developing device, 52... Transfer device, 53... Peeling device, 54... Transport belt, 55... Cleaning device, 56... Fixing device 1.57... Paper discharge section , 58...
Original, O...Paper feed clutch, PS,...Paper out sensor, PS2...Paper feed sensor, LS,...Arm home position limit switch, LS2...Paper contact limit switch-C・Paper feeding ready indicator,
SE...Tray selection switch, NE...Copy number setting switch group to ST...Copy start switch. Figure 9

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a sheet feeding device capable of feeding sheets by moving a paper storage means, the base of the parallel link can swing vertically around a position away from the exposed end of the sheet storage means. A sheet feeding device, characterized in that a conveying means is provided on the parallel link, the conveying means being pivotally supported to the exposed end of the sheet storage means and conveying the sheet by contacting the sheet in the exposed end of the sheet storage means.