JP5251491B2 - Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus using the sheet feeding device.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as printing machines, copiers, printers, and facsimiles generally form an image on a recording sheet cut to a predetermined size. Such an image forming apparatus includes a paper feeding device, and takes out recording sheets one by one from the recording sheets accommodated in the recording sheet accommodating portion and supplies them to the image forming portion.
The recording sheets stacked in the recording sheet storage unit are pressed against the side edge and the rear edge in the feeding direction, and the position of the recording sheet is regulated in the recording sheet storage unit. Thereby, the recording sheets are sequentially sent out from a predetermined position. The sheet guide is movable in the recording sheet storage unit so as to be compatible with recording sheets of different sizes, and regulates the stacking position of the recording sheets according to the size of the stored sheets.

  In such a recording sheet storage unit, a space is generated outside the range in which the recording sheets are stacked, and a spare sheet or other article may be stacked in this space due to an error or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting such erroneous loading.

In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, first detection means for detecting that a sheet is stacked at a regular position on the sheet stacking member in the sheet storage unit, and the sheet is stacked at a position other than the regular position. And a second detection means for detecting this, and detects a stacked state of sheets in the sheet storage unit after the sheet storage unit is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body. When it is determined that the stacking is incorrect based on the detection results of the two detecting means, the lifting operation of the sheet stacking member that adjusts the height to which the sheets can be supplied is prohibited, and the erroneous setting is promoted.
JP 2002-338059 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding device that promptly notifies an erroneous stacking of recording sheets in a recording sheet storage unit and an image forming apparatus using the paper feeding device.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes: a recording sheet storing unit that stacks and stores a plurality of recording sheets and is supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body; and the recording sheet storing unit In the recording sheet storage means based on the detection result of the storage object detection means. An erroneous loading determination means for determining whether or not there is an erroneous loading of the contents; and a notification means for notifying that the load is incorrect based on a determination result of the erroneous loading determination means; is intended to notify the loading erroneous state sheet container is pulled out from the image forming apparatus, the contained goods detection means, the recording sheet container to accommodate the maximum possible size of the recording Sea There outside the loading range when suppliable accommodated, provides a sheet feeding apparatus, wherein at least one is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of recording sheets are stacked and stored, and the recording sheet storing means supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body, and disposed at the bottom or side of the recording sheet storing means. A stored object detecting means for detecting that a stored object is stacked in the recording sheet storing means; and whether there is an erroneous stacking of stored objects in the recording sheet storing means based on a detection result of the stored object detecting means. An erroneous stacking discriminating unit for discriminating; an informing unit for informing that an erroneous stacking is made based on a determination result of the erroneous stacking discriminating unit; and a recording sheet stored in the recording sheet storing unit so as to be fed It is the edge facing the recording sheet has a sheet guide for regulating the position of the recording sheet is accommodated, and該報knowledge means, the recording sheet accommodating means the image forming instrumentation Is intended to inform the erroneous loading state drawn from at least one of the contained object detecting means is provided to move with the sheet guide which is movable in accordance with the size of the recording sheet to be accommodated A sheet feeding device is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording sheet storing means that stores a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked manner and is supported so as to be drawable from the image forming apparatus main body, and is disposed at the bottom or side of the recording sheet storing means. A stored object detecting means for detecting that a stored object is stacked in the recording sheet storing means; and whether there is an erroneous stacking of stored objects in the recording sheet storing means based on a detection result of the stored object detecting means. An error stacking determination unit for determining, and a notification unit for notifying of erroneous stacking based on a determination result of the error stacking determination unit, wherein the recording sheet storing unit is connected to the image forming apparatus. it is intended to notify the loading erroneous pulled out state from the if there is stacked erroneous recording sheet container, and insertion into the image forming apparatus of the recording sheet container is restricted Providing a sheet feeding apparatus, characterized in that it.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeding device according to the first, second, or third aspect, a plurality of the contained object detection means are provided, and the erroneous stacking determination means includes a plurality of the load detection means. Based on the position where the stored object detecting means detects the stored object and the size information of the recording sheet stored in the recording sheet storing means, it is determined whether or not the stored object is erroneously loaded.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeding device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the notification unit is mounted on the recording sheet storage unit.

The invention according to claim 6 includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet; and a paper feeding device that supplies the recording sheet to the image forming unit one by one, An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the notification unit
It is assumed that a power source that is turned on / off independently of a power source that supplies power for driving the image forming unit is provided.

In the sheet feeding device according to the first aspect, it is possible to detect an erroneous stacking out of a range in which the maximum size of recording sheets that can be accommodated is stacked.

In the sheet feeding device according to the second aspect, it is possible to detect an erroneous stacking that occurs outside the range of the stacking position determined in accordance with the size of the recording sheet and occurring at a position adjacent to this range.

In the sheet feeding device according to the third aspect, it is possible to surely prohibit the sheet feeding device from operating while erroneous loading has occurred, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

In the sheet feeding device according to the fourth aspect, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is possible to accurately determine the erroneous stacking occurring outside the range of the stacking position determined corresponding to the size of the recording sheet. it can.

  In the sheet feeding device according to the fifth aspect, compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided, it is easy for the operator to recognize that the loading is wrong, and it is possible to respond quickly.

In the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operator can recognize that the sheet storage unit is erroneously loaded before the sheet storage unit is inserted into the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to notify the operator of erroneous loading regardless of the power state of the image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes four image forming units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, and an endless belt-shaped intermediate so as to face all of them. The transfer body 11 is supported and driven so that the circumferential surface circulates. On the downstream side of the position where the image forming units 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d face in the moving direction of the peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 11, a transfer roll 12, which is a transfer device in this embodiment, faces the intermediate transfer body 11. Are arranged as follows. A recording sheet is fed from the paper feeding device 30 through the conveyance path 14 to the secondary transfer portion 13 where the transfer roll 12 is disposed. A fixing device 15 that heats and pressurizes the toner image to press the toner image onto the recording sheet is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer unit 13 in the recording sheet conveyance path. Further downstream, a discharge conveyance path 17 for conveying the recording sheet and a discharge tray 18 are provided, and the recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed is sent to the discharge tray 18. Further, on the downstream side of the fixing device 15, a double-sided conveyance path 19 that branches the recording sheet and feeds it to the secondary transfer unit 13 in order to form an image on the back surface of the recording sheet is provided.

Four image forming units 10 are used to form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 10 has a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction in the image forming apparatus 1. Are arranged.
Each of the image forming units 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, and 10 d has a photosensitive drum 2 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and around each photosensitive drum 2, the photosensitive drum 2 is provided. A charging device 3 that charges the surface almost uniformly, a developing device 4 that forms a toner image by transferring toner to a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and an intermediate transfer of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 A transfer device 5 for primary transfer onto the body 11 and a cleaning device 6 for collecting toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 after transfer are provided. An exposure device 7 for writing an electrostatic latent image by irradiating each uniformly charged photosensitive drum 2 with image light based on an image signal is provided.

  The photosensitive drum 2 is formed by forming an organic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical member made of metal, and the metal portion is electrically grounded.

  The charging device 3 includes a roll-shaped member in which a stainless steel cylindrical core metal is covered with a medium-resistance rubber, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is applied by applying a voltage in which an AC component is superimposed on a DC component. Is charged to a desired voltage.

  The exposure device 7 generates a flashing laser beam based on an image signal, and scans this in the main scanning direction (axial direction) of each photosensitive drum 2 by a polygon mirror. As a result, the potentials of the portions of the photosensitive drums 2 where the laser light is illuminated are attenuated, and electrostatic latent images corresponding to the images of the respective colors are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 2 due to the difference in electrostatic potential.

  The developing device 4 uses a two-component developer containing toner and a magnetic carrier as a developer, and is magnetically attracted to a developing roll and conveyed. Then, a layer having an appropriate thickness is formed on the developing roll by a regulating blade and supplied to a position facing the photosensitive drum 2. A developing bias voltage is applied to the developing roll in order to transfer the toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2.

  The intermediate transfer member 11 is disposed to face the image forming units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and is formed of a film made of a synthetic resin such as flexible PET or polyimide. Inside the intermediate transfer body 11, a drive roll 21, a counter roll 22 and a support roll 23 are arranged. The intermediate transfer body 11 is stretched around these and moves in the direction of arrow A shown in the figure. It is supposed to be.

  The transfer roll 12 is provided at a position facing the opposing roll 22 and is pressed against the opposing roll 22 via the intermediate transfer body 11. The transfer roll 12 is a roll formed by forming an outer peripheral portion with a conductive rubber material on a metal core, and a bias voltage for transfer is applied between the opposite roll 22. is there.

  The fixing device 15 includes a heating roll 15a with a built-in heating source, and a pressure belt 15b that is stretched around a plurality of roll-shaped members 15c and pressed against the heating roll 15a. The recording sheet is fed between the heated roll 15a and the pressure belt 15b to be pressed, heated and pressurized to fix the toner image on the recording sheet.

In the heating roll 15a, an elastic body layer such as heat-resistant rubber is formed on the peripheral surface of a metal core, and a surface release layer is formed on the elastic body layer. In addition, a halogen heater is incorporated as a heating source.
The pressure belt 15b includes a belt base material and an elastic body layer laminated thereon.

Next, the paper feeding device 30 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a paper feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view partially seen through in order to show a lifting mechanism of a lifting plate provided in the paper feeding device. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the sheet feeding device, and FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view.
The sheet feeding device 30 is a sheet storage unit according to the present exemplary embodiment, and includes a sheet tray 31 that stacks and stores a plurality of recording sheets S, and a sheet guide that regulates a position where the recording sheet is stored in the sheet tray. 32, 33, and a recording plate is stacked and moved up and down to adjust the position in the height direction of the uppermost recording sheet regardless of the amount of recording sheets; On the peripheral surface of the feeding roll 37, a feeding roll 36 for feeding sheets one by one from the sheet tray 31, a feeding roll 37 for feeding a recording sheet fed from the feeding roll 36 toward the downstream side, The main part is composed of the rolling rolls 38 arranged in contact with each other.

Further, at the bottom of the sheet tray 31, there are provided storage sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 for detecting that a recording sheet or a storage object other than the recording sheet is placed on the sheet tray, As shown in FIG. 6, an erroneous loading discriminating unit 68 that determines whether or not there is an erroneous loading based on the detection result of the contained sensor, and when the erroneous loading discriminating unit 68 determines that “incorrect loading”, ”And a sheet tray lock device 67 that prohibits the insertion of the sheet tray 31 into the image forming apparatus 1 when it is determined that“ incorrect loading ”. Yes.
A power supply 69 that is independent from the image forming apparatus main body is provided. Even if the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is OFF, the contained sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 can detect erroneous loading, and erroneous loading. The notification device 66 and the sheet tray lock device 67 are operated.

  The sheet tray 31 stacks and stores recording sheets cut to a predetermined size, and replenishes the recording sheets while being pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. The recording sheets S stacked in the sheet tray have the front edge facing the wall 31a on the front side in the feeding direction and the side on which the sheet tray is pulled out, that is, the side on which the erroneous stacking notification device 66 is provided. The wall body 31b is accommodated so that the side edges face each other. Then, the wall surface 31b on the side where the sheet tray 31 is pulled out is used as a reference (so-called side register), and the sheet S is sent out along this wall surface.

  The sheet guides 32 and 33 are plate-like members that are supported on the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray 31 and are substantially vertically raised, and move along guide holes 39 provided in the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray 31. Is possible. The end guide 32 provided substantially parallel to the front wall 31a is movable in the recording sheet feeding direction, so that even if recording sheets of different sizes are accommodated, The position of the edge can be regulated. Further, the side guide 33 provided substantially parallel to the wall 31b on the sheet tray drawing direction side can move in the width direction of the recording sheet to be sent out, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the recording sheet is sent out. Therefore, the position of the side edge can be regulated for recording sheets of different sizes. By adjusting the positions of the end guides 32 and the side guides 33, any of the recording sheets of different sizes can have their front end edges and side edges drawn out from the front wall 31a and the sheet tray 31. It is abutted against the wall 31b on the side and is restricted to be accommodated at this position.

  In the present embodiment, these end guides 32 and side guides 33 are equipped with position sensors (not shown) for detecting their respective positions, and the detection results of these position sensors are used as erroneous loading determination means 68. The size of the sheet set by the sheet guides 32 and 33 can be discriminated.

  The elevating plate 34 is provided at the bottom of the sheet tray 31 and the recording sheets S accommodated in the sheet tray are stacked. A front side support portion 34a and a rear side support portion 34b are provided on both sides of the elevating plate 34 so as to protrude sideways, and protrude from a vertically long opening 31e provided in the wall body 31b. The support portions 34a and 34b are supported by an elevating device 35 provided on the outer surface of the wall body, and the elevating device 35 is driven to move up and down while maintaining the posture in which the sheets S are stacked and become almost horizontal. It has become.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the lifting device 35 includes lift-up wires 41, 42 fixed to a plurality of support portions 34 a, 34 b provided on the lifting plate 34, lift-up wires 41, A pulley 43, 44, 45, 46 around which the belt 42 is wound, a winding roll 47 that winds up the lift-up wires 41, 42, and a drive device 48 that drives the winding roll 47 are provided.
The lift-up wire 41 coupled to the front support part 34a of the elevating plate 34 is wound around a first pulley 43 provided above the front support part 34a, and then passed through the second pulley 44. It is designed to be wound on a winding roll 47. The lift-up wire 42 coupled to the rear side support portion 34 b is wound around the third pulley 45 and then wound around the fourth pulley 46 by the winding roll 47. Therefore, when the lift-up wires 41 and 42 are wound up, the elevating plate 34 is raised while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture, and the recording sheets S stacked thereon are also raised. On the other hand, when the take-up roll 47 is rotationally driven in the opposite direction, the elevating plate 34 is lowered while being horizontal, and the recording sheet S is also lowered.
The lifting device 35 controls the upper surface of the sheet S stacked on the lifting plate 34 so as to have a predetermined height.

  The feeding roll 36 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the laminated recording sheets S and feeds the uppermost recording sheet by the frictional force of the peripheral surface, and swings in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. It is supported by the frame 49 that has become possible. The frame 49 is urged by a spring 50 in the direction of pressing the recording sheet S accommodated in the sheet tray 31 so that the feeding roll 36 is retracted from the sheet against the urging force by the driving device 51. It can be driven.

The feed roll 37 is fixedly disposed on the downstream side of the feed roll 36 and is driven to rotate by a drive motor 52. When the feeding roll 37 is driven to rotate, the recording sheet sandwiched between the rolls 38 can be conveyed, and the sheet can be conveyed toward a position where an image is formed on the recording sheet. It has become.
Pulleys 55 and 56 are respectively provided on the support shaft 53 of the feed roll 37 and the support shaft 54 of the feed roll 36, and a belt 57 wound around the pulleys 55 and 56, The rotational driving force is transmitted to the delivery roll 36 to drive the delivery roll 36.

The separating roll 38 is disposed in contact with the peripheral surface of the feeding roll 37 and is driven in a direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction via a torque limiter (not shown). Thus, when two or more sheets fed from the feeding roll 36 are overlapped at the contact portion between the feeding roll 37 and the separating roll 38, the sheets are separated and returned to the sheet tray 31 one by one. It has become a thing.
The rolling roll 38 is not limited to the one using the torque limiter as described above, and a roll having resistance to rotation can also be used. Moreover, it can replace with a rolling roll and can also use the pad press-contacted to a supply roll.

The accommodation sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 are arranged in the sheet tray, and are attached to the bottom plate 31 f of the sheet tray 31 or the base of the end guide 32, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom plate of the sheet tray 31 includes a first accommodation sensor 61 disposed in the vicinity of the reference position 40 of the sheet to be accommodated, and a maximum size sheet accommodation range that can be accommodated in the sheet tray 31. The second stored matter sensor 62 disposed outside, the third stored matter sensor 63 disposed near the wall 31b on the sheet tray drawing direction side, and the rear portion in the recording sheet feeding direction, and the sheet tray 31. A fourth stored matter sensor 64 disposed near the rear wall 31c in the drawing direction of the recording sheet is disposed in the rear part in the recording sheet feeding direction. And the 5th accommodation sensor 65 is attached to the base part of the end guide 32, and this 5th accommodation sensor 65 can move with the end guide 32. FIG.

The first storage sensor 61 is positioned within the stacking range when the recording sheet is correctly stored regardless of the size of the recording sheet, and any size sheet that can be stored in the sheet tray 31 is stacked. An ON signal is output. If no ON signal is output, the paper is not set or is not set at a predetermined position.
The second storage sensor 62 and the fifth storage sensor 65 are always arranged at positions outside the recording sheet stacking range. If these storage sensors 62 and 65 are turned ON, erroneous stacking is performed. Will have occurred.
The third storage sensor 63 and the fourth storage sensor 64 are either within or outside the range in which the recording sheets are stacked depending on the size of the recording sheets to be stacked. Therefore, when the recording sheet is within the stacking range, it is “normal” if it is ON, and if it is ON even though it is out of the range, an erroneous stacking has occurred.

The first container sensor 61, the second container sensor 62, the third container sensor 63, and the fourth container sensor 64 are connected to the contact 58 and the transmission type photosensor 59 as shown in FIG. It is comprised and is supported by the baseplate 31f of the sheet | seat tray 31 located under the raising / lowering plate 34. FIG.
The contact 58 is supported by a protrusion 31g provided on the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray 31 so as to be rotatable by a pin 58a. And the front-end | tip part 58b protrudes upwards by the weight difference of a back part and a front-end | tip part. The lift plate 34 above the bottom plate 31 f provided with the contact 58 is lowered to the lowest position in the sheet tray 31 when the sheet tray 31 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. An opening 34 a is provided above the position of the lift plate 34 where the contact 58 is provided. When there is no object on the lift plate 34, the tip 58 b of the contact 58 is connected to the lift plate 34. It protrudes upward from the opening 34a.

The transmissive photosensor 59 is fixedly supported on the bottom plate 31f, and the rear end 58c of the contact 58 is a light emitting element of the photosensor 59 in a state where the front end 58b of the contact 58 protrudes from the opening 34a. Between the light-receiving element and the light-receiving element to shield light from the light-emitting element.
On the other hand, when the recording sheet S or another load is placed on the elevating plate 34, as shown in FIG. 7b, the tip 58b of the contact 58 is pushed down and rotates around the axis of the pin 58a. Accordingly, the rear end portion 58c of the contactor 58 is lifted upward, the shielding between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is released, and the light emitting element senses light from the light receiving element. Thereby, the contained sensors 61, 62, 63, and 64 detect the presence of the placed object.

  The fifth storage sensor 65 attached to the end guide 32 has the same configuration as the storage sensors 61, 62, 63, 64 supported by the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray 31. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer end portion of the end guide base 32a, that is, the outer side of the recording sheet stacking range is provided. A concave portion 32b is provided in the base portion 32a of the end guide, and the fifth contained sensor 65 is supported in the concave portion 32b, and the tip portion 58b of the contactor 58 protrudes upward. Further, the elevating plate 34 above the end guide base 32 a is provided with an opening 34 b along the moving direction of the end guide 32, and the tip 58 b of the contactor 58 projects upward from the elevating plate 34. Yes. Therefore, when there is a recording sheet or other load on the elevating plate 34, the front end 58b of the contact 58 is pushed down, and the transmission type photosensor 59 detects the placed object.

  The base 32a of the end guide has a protrusion 32c for movably connecting to the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray on the bottom surface. The base 32a penetrates into a guide hole 39 provided in the bottom plate 31f of the sheet tray. It fits on the edge of 39 and can move along the guide hole 39.

  In addition, the contained sensor is not limited to the one having the above-described configuration, and may be any sensor that can detect the presence of a load from a light one to a heavy one such as several recording sheets. Other configurations can be employed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the erroneous stacking discriminating means 68 includes position sensors 71 and 72 for detecting the positions of the sheet guides 32 and 33 and five contained sensors 61, 62, 63, attached to the sheet tray 31. Based on the combination of the 64, 65 detection results, “no paper”, “false loading” or “normal” is determined. When it is determined that there is “no paper” and “false loading”, the erroneous loading notification device 66 and the sheet tray lock device 67 are driven.
The position sensors 71 and 72 can employ an existing configuration that can detect the positions of the end guide 32 and the side guide 33.

The erroneous stacking notification device 66 is a display panel mounted on the front side of the sheet tray 31, that is, on the position side where the operator stands, and is provided at a position where an operator who sets a sheet on the sheet tray 31 can easily recognize. Yes. Based on the combination of the detection results of the position sensors 71 and 72 attached to the contained sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 and the sheet guides 32 and 33, “no paper” or “false loading” occurs. Determine whether or not. When it is determined that “no paper” or “misloading” has occurred, a message to that effect is displayed on the display panel, and the operator is prompted to respond to them.
This notification method is not limited to being displayed on the display panel, but may be notified by sound, or may be notified by both display and sound. Further, instead of the display panel used in the present embodiment as an erroneous stacking notification device, other means that can notify “no paper” or “misloading” can be used.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet tray lock device 67 includes a stopper 67 a that is provided on a side portion in a direction in which the sheet tray 31 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be moved forward and backward. The stopper 67a is housed in a position where there is no problem in pulling out the sheet tray 31 or mounting it to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 when there is no erroneous stacking. In this case, the stopper 67a is projected. When the stopper 67a protrudes, it hits a portion adjacent to the sheet tray 31 on the image forming apparatus main body side, for example, a portion that guides drawing and mounting of the sheet tray 31, and prohibits the mounting of the sheet tray 31. .
For example, a solenoid or the like can be used to drive the stopper 67a. The sheet tray locking device is not limited to the above configuration as long as it is a mechanism that can limit the mounting of the sheet tray to the image forming apparatus main body, and various forms can be used. it can.

  The power source 69 supplies power to the paper feeding device 30 independently of the image forming apparatus main body. Even when the power supply for supplying power to the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is in an OFF state, erroneous loading is performed. Detection, misloading notification, and sheet tray locking.

  Here, the misloading determination mode based on the detection results of the contained object detection sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 and the detection results of the position sensors 71 and 72 of the sheet guides 32 and 33 are shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. FIG. 10 to 14 are plan views showing a state in which the recording sheet or a stack other than the recording sheet is stored in the sheet tray, and FIG. 15 is a chart showing the control mode.

When the recording sheet S is accommodated within the range restricted by the sheet guides 32 and 33 as shown in FIG. 10, the first accommodation provided within the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 as shown in FIG. The object sensor 61 is turned on, and the other contained sensors 62, 63, 64, 65 are turned off. Accordingly, it is determined that the sheet of the size determined by the position of the sheet guides 32 and 33 is stacked at a proper place, and the contained items are not detected outside the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33, and erroneous stacking occurs. It is judged that it is not “normal”.
As shown in FIG. 11, if there is an accommodation 70 in addition to the recording sheet S within the range regulated by the sheet guides 32 and 33, the first accommodation sensor 61 and the maximum size sheet in the sheet guide are accommodated. The second accommodation sensor 62 arranged outside the range to be operated is turned on, and the other accommodation sensors 63, 64, 65 are turned off. As a result, it is determined that sheets of a size corresponding to the position regulation of the sheet guides 32 and 33 are stacked. However, since the second stored object sensor 52 detects the stored object, “false loading” is detected. To be judged. Accordingly, an error in the stacking is notified and the insertion of the sheet tray 31 into the image forming apparatus 1 is locked.

As shown in FIG. 12, when there is a recording sheet S ′ stacked outside the regulation range in addition to the recording sheet S within the range regulated by the sheet guides 32 and 33, the first accommodation arranged in the sheet guide. The third accommodation sensor 63 disposed outside the range of the object sensor 61 and the sheet guides 32 and 33 and the fifth accommodation sensor 65 attached to the end guide 32 are turned ON, and the sheet is accommodated at a proper position. In spite of this, it is detected that there is a load other than the normal set position. Therefore, it is determined as “wrong loading”.
In the state shown in FIG. 13, all of the first accommodation sensor 61, the third accommodation sensor 63, and the fourth accommodation sensor 64 arranged in the sheet guide are turned on, and the sheet is in the normal position. Contained. Further, the second accommodation sensor 62 disposed outside the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 and the fifth accommodation sensor 65 attached to the end guide 32 are turned off, and are out of the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33. Therefore, it is judged as “normal” because no contained item is detected.
In the state shown in FIG. 14, the first accommodation sensor 61 provided in the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 is turned off, and it is determined that the sheet is not accommodated in the proper place and “no paper”. The Further, the second storage sensor 62 and the fourth storage sensor 64 arranged outside the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 are OFF, but the third storage sensor 63 and the fifth storage sensor. 65 is turned ON, and it is determined that the “wrong loading”.

As described above, all the contained sensors arranged within the range in which the sheet guides 32 and 33 regulate the stacking position of the recording sheets are turned ON, and “NORMAL” is obtained when there is no other contained sensor to be turned ON. As a result, the sheet tray 31 can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1. If all the contained sensors arranged in the range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 are turned off, it is determined that there is no paper, and if both ON and OFF are detected, it is determined that the paper is erroneously loaded. .
It should be noted that if any one of the contained sensors arranged outside the regulation range of the sheet guides 32 and 33 is turned on, it is determined as “false loading”. In particular, when one of the second accommodation sensor 62 and the fifth accommodation sensor 65 attached to the end guide 32 is detected to be ON, the seat guide is detected. Regardless of the position of 31 and 32, it becomes “wrong loading”.

The sheet feeder 30 as described above operates as follows.
With the sheet tray 31 provided in the sheet feeding device 30 pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the operator aligns the edge of the recording sheet with the reference position 40 of the sheet tray 31. Then, the positions of the end guide 32 and the side guide 33 are adjusted so as to come in contact along the rear edge and side edge in the recording sheet feeding direction. Thus, the position of the sheet guides 32 and 33 when the sheet guides 32 and 33 are arranged along the edge of the recording sheet is detected by the position sensors 71 and 72, and the detection result is input to the erroneous stacking determination unit 68. The Thereby, the size of the stored recording sheet is determined.
The detection results of the five contained sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 are also input to the erroneous loading discriminating means 68, and “normal” is obtained by combining the detection results of the position sensors and the detected results of the contained sensors. It is determined that “no paper” or “misload”.

If it is determined as “normal”, the sheet tray 31 can be inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, and sheets are conveyed one by one from the sheet feeding apparatus 30 in accordance with an image forming job command.
If it is determined that there is “no paper” and “false loading”, the erroneous loading notification device 66 notifies that “false loading” and “no paper” and inserts the sheet tray 31 into the image forming apparatus 1. Is locked. As a result, the operator checks the position of the contents in the sheet tray 31 so as to eliminate the erroneous stacking, and loads the sheets at a predetermined position and removes the contents when there are other contents. To do. When the erroneous stacking is eliminated by these operations, the sheet tray 31 can be inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 and the job is executed.

As described above, “normal”, “no paper”, or “wrong stack” is determined in a state where the sheet tray 31 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. Further, since the paper supply device 30 is provided with a power source 69 that is independent from the image forming apparatus main body, even if the power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is OFF, the operator places the recording sheet in a predetermined position. If it is not set or if another object is placed in the empty space of the sheet tray 31, “false loading” is notified. Then, the insertion of the sheet tray 31 into the image forming apparatus 1 is restricted.
As described above, it is known that the sheet tray 31 is erroneously loaded before the sheet tray 31 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, and it is possible to quickly eliminate “erroneous loading” or “no paper”.

In the embodiment described above, the size of the stored recording sheet is determined by detecting the positions of the sheet guides 32 and 33. However, the size of the sheet may be determined by other means. The operator may directly input the sheet size.
Further, in the present embodiment, four contained sensors 61, 62, 63, 64 are arranged on the sheet tray 31, and one contained sensor 65 is arranged on the end guide 32, and a combination of these detection results is used. Whether or not “false loading” is determined, but the number and arrangement are not limited to this embodiment, and the arrangement location and number that can accurately detect erroneous loading are appropriately determined. I can decide.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a paper feeding device used in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view partially seen through to show an elevating mechanism of an elevating plate provided in the paper feeding device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the paper feeding device shown in FIG. 2. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the paper feeder shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for detecting an erroneous stacking in a sheet tray of the sheet feeding device illustrated in FIG. 2 and informing that effect. It is a schematic side view of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a sheet guide provided in the sheet feeding device shown in FIG. 2 and an accommodation sensor provided in the sheet guide. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a sheet tray lock device that restricts the mounting of the sheet tray to the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the example of the loading state of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. 2, and the accommodation detected by these. It is the schematic which shows the example of the loading state of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. 2, and the accommodation detected by these. It is the schematic which shows the example of the loading state of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. 2, and the accommodation detected by these. It is the schematic which shows the example of the loading state of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. 2, and the accommodation detected by these. It is the schematic which shows the example of the loading state of the accommodation sensor installed in the paper feeder shown in FIG. 2, and the accommodation detected by these. It is a chart which shows the discrimination mode of misloading based on the detection result of a thing detection sensor, and the detection result of a position sensor of a sheet guide.

1: image forming device, 2: photosensitive drum, 3: charging device, 4: developing device, 5: transfer device, 6: cleaning device, 7: exposure device,
10a, 10b, 10c, 10d: image forming unit, 11: intermediate transfer member, 12: transfer roll, 13: secondary transfer unit, 14: transport path, 15: fixing device, 1
5a: heating roll, 15b: pressure belt, 15c: roll-shaped member, 17: discharge conveyance path, 18: discharge tray, 19: double-side conveyance path, 21: drive roll, 22: counter roll, 23: support roll,
30: Paper feeding device, 31: Sheet tray, 31a: Front wall body in the direction of feeding out the recording sheet of the sheet tray, 31b: Front wall body in the direction of drawing out the sheet tray, 31c: Recording sheet of the sheet tray 31 d: Opening provided on the wall of the sheet tray, 31 f: Bottom plate of the sheet tray, 32: End guide, 32 a: End guide, 32 a: 32b: a recess provided at the base of the end guide, 32c: a protrusion provided at the base of the end guide, 33: a side guide 34: a lift plate, 34a: an opening of the lift plate, 35: a lift device, 36: Feeding roll, 37: Feeding roll, 38: Rolling roll, 39: Guide hole, 40: Reference position,
41, 42: Lift-up wire, 43, 44, 45, 46: Pulley, 47: Winding roll, 48: Winding roll driving device, 49: Frame, 50: Spring, 51: Frame driving device, 52: Feed roll drive motor, 53: Feed roll support shaft, 54: Feed roll support shaft, 55, 56: Pulley,
57: Belt, 58: Contact, 59: Transmission type photo sensor, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65: Contained matter sensor, 66: Incorrect loading notification device, 67: Sheet tray lock device, 68: Incorrect loading determination means 69: Power supply, 70: Contents in the sheet tray, 71: Position sensor of the end guide, 72: Position sensor of the side guide

Claims (7)

A recording sheet storage means that stores a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked manner and is supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body;
A stored object detecting means which is disposed on the bottom or side of the recording sheet storing means and detects that a stored object is stacked in the recording sheet storing means;
Based on the detection result of the storage object detection means, erroneous loading determination means for determining the presence or absence of erroneous loading of the storage material in the recording sheet storage means;
An informing means for informing that the erroneous loading is based on the determination result of the erroneous loading determination means;
The informing means informs an erroneous stacking in a state where the recording sheet storing means is pulled out from the image forming apparatus ,
At least one of the storage object detection means is provided outside a stacking range when a recording sheet of the maximum size that can be stored in the recording sheet storage means is stored in a supplyable manner. . A recording sheet storage means that stores a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked manner and is supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body;
A stored object detecting means which is disposed on the bottom or side of the recording sheet storing means and detects that a stored object is stacked in the recording sheet storing means;
Based on the detection result of the storage object detection means, erroneous loading determination means for determining the presence or absence of erroneous loading of the storage material in the recording sheet storage means;
Informing means for informing that the erroneous loading is based on the determination result of the erroneous loading determination means;
A sheet guide that opposes the edge of the stacked recording sheets and regulates the position in which the recording sheets are stored when the recording sheets are stored in the recording sheet storing means so as to be supplied ;
The informing means informs an erroneous stacking in a state where the recording sheet storing means is pulled out from the image forming apparatus ,
At least one of the stored object detection means is provided so as to move together with the sheet guide that is movable according to the size of a recording sheet to be stored . A recording sheet storage means that stores a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked manner and is supported so as to be able to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body;
A stored object detecting means which is disposed on the bottom or side of the recording sheet storing means and detects that a stored object is stacked in the recording sheet storing means;
Based on the detection result of the storage object detection means, erroneous loading determination means for determining the presence or absence of erroneous loading of the storage material in the recording sheet storage means;
An informing means for informing that the erroneous loading is based on the determination result of the erroneous loading determination means;
The informing means informs an erroneous stacking in a state where the recording sheet storing means is pulled out from the image forming apparatus ,
The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein when the recording sheet storage unit is erroneously loaded, insertion of the recording sheet storage unit into the image forming apparatus is restricted . A plurality of the contained object detection means are provided,
The erroneous loading determination means determines whether or not there is an erroneous loading of the contents based on the position where the plurality of contents detection means detect the contents and the size information of the recording sheets accommodated in the recording sheet accommodation means. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is configured to discriminate between the two .   The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is mounted on the recording sheet storage unit. An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording sheet;
A sheet feeding device that supplies the recording sheet to the image forming unit one by one,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet feeding device is the sheet feeding device according to claim 1 . The notification means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a power source that is turned on / off independently of a power source that supplies power for driving the image forming unit.

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