Feeding device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a feeding device and an image forming device capable of suppressing feeding failure caused by a floatation regulation member.SOLUTION: A feeding device includes a sheet placement part such as a sheet placement table for placing sheet thereon, air blowing means such as an air blowing device 17 for blowing air onto the sheet, and a floatation regulation member such as a floatation suppression member that regulates the floatation of the sheet. The floatation regulation member is configured to be movable between a floatation regulation position for regulating a floating position of the sheet and a retreat position, and positional information of the floatation regulation member, such as information on whether or not the floatation regulation member is in a correct position, is transmitted to notification means such as an operation panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a feeding device is known that includes a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets, an air blowing unit for blowing air onto the sheets, and a floating regulating member for regulating the floating position of the sheets.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a feeding device in which, when an air blowing means is blowing air onto a sheet, a floatation regulating member is positioned at a floatation regulating position that regulates the floating of the sheet, and when air is not being blown onto the sheet, the floatation regulating member is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the floatation regulating position. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a risk that feeding problems may occur due to the floating restricting member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a feeding device including a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets, air blowing means for blowing air onto the sheets, and a floating-up regulating member for regulating a floating position of the sheets, wherein the floating-up regulating member is configured to be movable between a floating-up regulating position for regulating the floating position of the sheets and a retracted position, When a feeding problem occurs, The position information of the lift-up restricting member is transmitted to a notification means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress feeding failures caused by the floating restricting member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 including a feeding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of one storage tray of the feeding device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppressing member in the lift-up restricting position, as viewed from the upstream side of the lift-up suppressing member in the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppressing member in the lift-up restricting position, viewed from the downstream side of the lift-up suppressing member in the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the lift suppressing member is in the middle of moving from the lift suppressing position to the retracted position. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppressing member when viewed from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction with the lift-up suppressing member positioned at the retracted position; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppressing member in the retracted position, as viewed from the downstream side of the lift-up suppressing member in the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a table showing settings of the lift suppressing member according to the sheet type. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram for determining whether the position of the lift suppressing member is correct for the sheet. [Figure 15] 10 is a determination flow diagram for determining whether or not the position of the lift suppression member is correct for the sheet. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning displayed on the operation panel when the anti-floating member is not in the correct position. [Figure 17] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a feeding device to which the present invention is applied will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 equipped with a feeding device according to this embodiment. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 100 as an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, and a feeding device 200 for feeding a sheet to the image forming apparatus main body 100. The feeding device 200 is provided on a side of the image forming apparatus main body 100.

[0009] There are no particular limitations on the recording method of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and any method such as electrophotography or inkjet can be used. A sheet carrying-in section from the feeding device 200 is provided on the right side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 in Fig. 1. This sheet carrying-in section is provided with an opening for receiving sheets and a conveying means for conveying sheets.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the feeding device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the feeding device 200 includes two storage trays 10, one above the other. Each storage tray 10 includes a sheet placing table 11 as a sheet stacking section for stacking a sheet stack Pt. Each storage tray 10 can store, for example, a maximum of approximately 2,500 sheets.

[0011] Examples of sheets include paper, coated paper, label paper, overhead projector sheets, films, and prepregs. Prepregs are mainly used as materials for laminates and multilayer printed wiring boards. Prepregs are produced by continuously impregnating a long substrate, such as glass cloth, paper, nonwoven fabric, or aramid cloth, with a resin varnish primarily composed of a thermosetting resin, such as epoxy resin or polyimide resin, and then heating and drying the substrate before cutting it into sheets.

[0012] A feeding unit 20 is disposed above each storage tray 10 to separate and feed the sheets stacked on the storage tray 10. The feeding unit 20 includes a suction belt 21 and a suction device 23, which are conveying means.

[0013] The sheets stacked on the lower storage tray 10 are conveyed to the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the exit roller pair 80 through the lower conveying path 82. The sheets stacked on the upper storage tray 10 are conveyed to the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the exit roller pair 80 through the upper conveying path 81.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of one storage tray 10 of the feeding device 200. For ease of understanding, Fig. 3 shows the feeding unit 20 shifted in the direction of arrow A from its original location. The suction belt 21 of the feeding unit 20, which serves as the feeding means, is stretched by two tension rollers 22a and 22b. The suction belt 21 has suction holes that penetrate from the front side to the back side over the entire circumferential area. A suction device 23 is provided inside the suction belt 21.

[0015] The suction device 23 is connected to a suction fan that sucks air through an air duct, which is an air flow path, and generates a negative pressure downward by the suction device 23, thereby causing the sheet to be adsorbed to the lower surface of the suction belt 21. The air sucked by this suction device 23 is called suction air.

[0016] The storage tray 10 also includes a blower 17 as an air blowing unit that blows air onto the upper sheets of the sheet stack Pt. The blower 17 includes a front blower 12 and a side blower .

[0017] The front blower 12 blows air toward the top end of the sheet stack Pt (the downstream end in the feeding direction). The front blower 12 includes a floating nozzle that guides air in a direction to float the sheet stack Pt, a separation nozzle that guides air between the topmost floating sheet and the second floating sheet to separate them, and a floating blower 15 that sends air to the floating nozzle. The front blower 12 also includes a separation blower 16 that sends air to the separation nozzle.

[0018] Of the nozzles, the air blown from the floating nozzle is called floating air, and the air blown from the separation nozzle is called separation air. The floating air is blown in the direction of arrow a1 in FIG. 4 from a position facing the top leading edge (downstream end in the feeding direction) of the sheet stack Pt, and is blown onto the top leading edge (downstream end in the feeding direction) of the sheet stack Pt. The separation air is blown in the direction of arrow a2 in FIG. 4 from a position facing the top leading edge (downstream end in the feeding direction) of the sheet stack Pt, and is blown onto the gap between the top sheet adsorbed to the suction belt 21 and the second floated sheet. By blowing separation air between the top sheet and the second floated sheet, the separation air flows upstream in the sheet conveying direction, separating the top sheet from the second sheet.

[0019] The side blower 14 is attached to a pair of side fences 13, which serve as positioning members that regulate the widthwise position of the sheet stack, and blows air toward the upper side of the sheet stack Pt in the direction indicated by the arrow b in the figure. This side blower 14 is equipped with a side floating nozzle that guides air in a direction that separates and floats the sheet stack Pt, and has a side blower 14a that sends air into this nozzle. The air blown from this side floating nozzle in the direction indicated by the arrow b in the figure is called side air.

[0020] The side air is discharged from outlets 13a provided at positions of each side fence 13 facing the upper part of the sheet stack Pt, and is blown onto the side surface of the upper part of the sheet stack Pt. The air blown from the front blower 12 and the outlets 13a of the pair of side fences 13 causes the upper sheets of the sheet stack to float.

[0021] Furthermore, each side fence 13 is provided with a sheet lift-up suppression member 13b that acts as a lift-up suppression member. The sheet lift-up suppression member 13b is formed so as to protrude from the top of the side fence 13 toward the center in the width direction. The sheet lift-up suppression member 13b prevents a lifted sheet from being blown away.

[0022] The storage tray 10 also includes an end fence 25 that aligns the rear end of the sheet stack Pt loaded on the sheet loading table 11, which serves as a sheet loading section. The sheet loading table 11 is configured to be able to move up and down in the direction of arrow B in the figure by an elevator device 19, which serves as a loading section moving means.

[0023] Next, the feeding operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the feeding operation. The feeding operation mainly consists of four processes: a floating process shown in FIG. 4(a), a suction process shown in FIG. 4(b), a separation process shown in FIG. 4(c), and a feeding process shown in FIG. 4(d). When the feeding operation starts, the floating process shown in Fig. 4(a) begins. In the floating process, the suction belt 21 is stopped and the blower 17 starts blowing air, separation air, and side air onto the sheets. By blowing the floating air and side air onto the leading edge of the top of the sheet stack, the upper sheets of the sheet stack are floated, and at least the uppermost sheet of the floated sheets is floated to a height where the suction force of the suction device 23 acts.

[0024] 4(b) at the timing when at least the uppermost sheet among the floated sheets is floated to a height at which the suction force of the suction device 23 acts. In the suction process, the suction device 23 starts suction (starts driving the suction fan) and generates negative pressure below the belt adsorption surface 21a of the adsorption belt 21. Then, the floated sheets move toward the adsorption belt 21 due to the negative pressure, and the uppermost sheet P1 is adsorbed to the belt adsorption surface 21a of the adsorption belt 21.

[0025] In the explanation of Figure 4, the suction device 23 starts suction when the top sheet rises to a height at which the suction force of the suction device 23 acts, but the suction device 23 may also start suction when the blower device 17 starts blowing air.

[0026] When the top sheet is adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21, the negative pressure below the belt adsorption surface 21a is released, and separation air flows between the top sheet P1 adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 and the second sheet, thereby separating the top sheet P1 from the second sheet.

[0027] Once the upper sheet is adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 in this way, the process moves to the separation process shown in Figure 4(c). In the separation process, the shutter is turned ON (moved to the closed position) to stop blowing the floating air. Also, the separation blower 16 is stopped, or the shutter that blocks the separation air is driven to stop blowing the separation air. By stopping the blowing of the floating air in this way, the floating force applied to the sheets by the air is reduced, and the second and subsequent sheets fall. As a result, the distance between the uppermost sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 increases by more than a predetermined value, and the uppermost sheet is separated from the second sheet.

[0028] When the distance between the belt attraction surface 21a of the attraction belt 21 and the second sheet P2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to the feeding process, as shown in Fig. 4(d). In the feeding process, the feeding motor is driven to rotate the attraction belt 21, and the uppermost sheet attracted to the attraction belt 21 is fed.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the receiving tray 10. As shown in FIG. The leading end of the sheet stack Pt is positioned by leading end restriction plate 41, and the trailing end is positioned by end fence 25. At this time, the sheets are floated by floating air indicated by the black arrows in the figure from front blower 12. Both widthwise sides of the floated sheets abut against sheet floating suppression members 13b provided to protrude from side fences 13, and the floating position is restricted by floating suppression members 13b.

[0030] The topmost sheet P1, which has been floated by the side air or floating air, abuts against floating suppression members 13b on both widthwise sides of the sheet, restricting its floating position and adsorbing it to the suction belt 21. As described above, the feeding device 200 constantly blows side air during the series of sheet feeding operations shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, even after the topmost sheet P1 is adsorbed to the suction belt 21, air remains trapped between the topmost sheet and the next sheet, and both widthwise sides of the topmost sheet are pressed against floating suppression members 13b.

[0031] Because cardboard is stiff, it does not deform much in a direction that reduces the pressing force with the lift-up suppression member, so the pressing force of the lift-up suppression member on the top sheet adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 becomes large.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of thick paper, the volume of the floating air and side air may be increased because it is heavy and difficult to float up, which results in a larger floating force of the side air acting on the top sheet adsorbed to the suction belt, and an even larger pressing force by the floating suppression member against the top sheet adsorbed to the suction belt.

[0033] In this way, when the sheet is thick paper, the pressing force applied by the lift suppression member 13b to the top sheet adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 is large. Therefore, when the adsorption belt 21 is driven to rotate and feed the top sheet adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21, the feeding load becomes large, and there is a risk of feeding failure such as non-feeding occurring.

[0034] Furthermore, in the case of sheets with an uneven surface, such as embossed paper, there is a risk that the sheet will get caught on the lift suppression member 13b when the suction belt 21 is rotated and the topmost sheet adsorbed to the suction belt 21 is fed. As a result, in the case of sheets with an uneven surface, the feeding load is large and feeding failures may occur. In this way, when the sheets set in the storage tray 10 are cardboard or embossed paper, it is preferable not to use the lift suppression member 13b to prevent feeding problems.

[0035] On the other hand, in the case of sheets with a low basis weight, such as thin paper, excessive floating may occur due to their light weight, and if the floating of the sheet is not suppressed by the floating suppression member 13b, for example, the floating sheet may climb over the end fence 25 and move upstream in the sheet conveyance direction. As a result, the topmost sheet may not be attracted by the specified timing, which may result in a feeding failure. Therefore, when the sheet is thin paper, it is necessary to suppress the floating sheet with the floating suppression member 13b.

[0036] In this way, depending on the type of sheets stored, there are cases where it is better to use the lifting suppression member 13b to suppress the lifting of the sheets, and cases where it is better not to have a lifting suppression member. Therefore, this feeding device is configured so that the lifting suppression member 13b can move between a lifting suppression position where it protrudes from the side fence 13 to restrict the lifting position of the sheets, and a retracted position where it is completely retracted within the side fence.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppression member 13b at the lift-up restricting position, as viewed from the upstream side of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the sheet conveying direction. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppression member 13b at the lift-up restricting position, as viewed from the downstream side of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the sheet conveying direction. 6 and 7, support members 160 are disposed within the side fences to support the anti-floating member 13b movably between a float-limiting position and a retracted position where the anti-floating member 13b is completely retracted within the side fence. Two support members 160 are provided spaced apart in the sheet conveying direction; Fig. 6 shows the support member 160 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and Fig. 7 shows the support member 160 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. Each support member 160 has an elongated hole 160a extending in the width direction of the sheet (left-right direction in the figure) and an engagement hole 160b for holding the anti-floating member 13b in the retracted position. The engagement hole 160b is connected to the inner end of the side fence of the elongated hole 160a, and its vertical length is longer than the vertical length of the elongated hole 160a.

[0038] The lift-up suppression member 13b has cylindrical support protrusions 133 on its upstream and downstream sides in the sheet conveying direction, respectively, which are fitted into the elongated holes 160a of the support member 160. The upstream and downstream sides in the sheet conveying direction also have first rotation restriction portions 131 that abut against the upper ends of the support members 160 to restrict counterclockwise rotation of the lift-up suppression member in the figure. The upstream and downstream sides in the sheet conveying direction also have second rotation restriction portions 132 that abut against the lower ends of the support members 160 to restrict clockwise rotation of the lift-up suppression member in the figure.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, the second rotation restricting portion 132 provided on the side surface downstream in the sheet conveying direction has a rectangular prism shape, and as shown in Fig. 7, the second rotation restricting portion 132 provided on the side surface downstream in the sheet conveying direction has a cylindrical shape as indicated by the dashed line in the figure. One end of a spring 135 is attached to the cylindrical second rotation restricting portion 132 provided on the side surface downstream in the sheet conveying direction. When the lift-up suppression member 13b is positioned at the lift-up suppression position shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the lift-up suppression member 13b is biased clockwise in the figure by the spring 135. Therefore, the second rotation restricting portion 132 abuts against the lower end of the support member 160, restricting the clockwise rotation of the lift-up suppression member in the figure.

[0040] 7, the first rotation restriction portion 131 on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction is detected by a detection sensor 150 made of a reflective optical sensor when the lift-up suppression member 13b is located at the retracted position, as will be described later. Also, reference numeral 142 in the figure denotes a pushing member of a release mechanism that releases the lift-up suppression member 13b located at the retracted position from the retracted position. The lift-up suppression member 13b moves from the lift-up restricting position to the retracted position when the user manually pushes the lift-up suppression member 13b toward the side fence 13 as shown by the arrow in the figure.

[0041] 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the lift-up suppression member 13b is in the middle of moving from the lift-up restricting position to the retracted position, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppression member 13b as seen from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction relative to the lift-up suppression member 13b. When the anti-floating member 13b, which is located at the anti-floating position, is manually pushed into the side fence, the anti-floating member 13b rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the support protrusion 133 as a fulcrum against the biasing force of the spring 135. Then, as shown in Fig. 7, when the first rotation restricting portion 131 hits the upper end of the support member 160 and the counterclockwise rotation is restricted, the support protrusion 133 moves into the side fence while being guided by the elongated hole 160a of the support member 160. As a result, the anti-floating member 13b moves to the retracted position while being guided by the elongated hole 160a.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the retracted position, as viewed from the upstream side of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the sheet conveying direction. Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the retracted position, as viewed from the downstream side of the lift-up suppression member 13b in the sheet conveying direction. As the user pushes the anti-floating member 13b into the side fence, the support protrusion 133 of the anti-floating member 13b reaches the engagement hole 160b. When the support protrusion 133 reaches the engagement hole 160b, the biasing force of the spring 135 causes the support protrusion 133 to fit into the recess at the top of the engagement hole 160b. As a result, the support protrusion 133 engages with the engagement hole 160b, and the anti-floating member 13b is positioned in the retracted position.

[0043] The user feels a click when the support protrusion 133 fits into the recess at the top of the engagement hole 160b, and is therefore able to know that the anti-lift member 13b has reached the retracted position.

[0044] When the anti-floating member 13b is in the retracted position, the support protrusion 133, which is the rotation fulcrum of the anti-floating member 13b, is located widthwise outward of the line segment connecting one end of the spring 135. Therefore, when the anti-floating member 13b is in the retracted position, the anti-floating member 13b receives a force from the spring 135 that rotates it counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, even if the user releases the anti-floating member 13b after it has reached the retracted position, the anti-floating member 13b continues to maintain the position shown in FIG. 8 in which the first rotation restricting portion 131 abuts against the support member 160 to restrict its rotation.

[0045] In the above description, the anti-floating member 13b rotates before moving toward the retracted position, but depending on how the user presses the anti-floating member 13b, the anti-floating member 13b may rotate after moving to the retracted position. In this case, when the user releases the anti-floating member 13b after moving it to the retracted position, the anti-floating member 13b automatically rotates counterclockwise in the figure due to the biasing force of the spring 135. Then, the first rotation restricting portion 131 hits the upper end of the support member 160, resulting in the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0046] In the present feeding device 200, the floating suppression member 13b is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing with respect to the attitude at the floating suppression position, and is stored in the side fence 13 in such a manner that the tip of the floating suppression member 13b faces upward at the floating suppression position. This makes it possible to shorten the widthwise length of the storage space for the floating suppression member 13b in the side fence 13 compared to when the floating suppression member 13b is stored in the side fence 13 without rotating it. This makes it possible to shorten the widthwise length of the side fence 13 compared to when the floating suppression member 13b is stored in the side fence 13 without rotating it.

[0047] Next, the movement of the anti-floating member 13b from the retracted position to the anti-floating position will be described. The movement of the anti-floating member 13b from the retracted position to the anti-floating position is performed by the release mechanism 140.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the release mechanism 140. As shown in FIG. The release mechanism 140 has a release lever 141 and a pushing member 142 that pushes the lift-up suppression member 13b into the lift-up restricting position. One end of the release lever 141 has an operating part 141a that is operated by the user, and the other end has a connecting part 141c that connects to the pushing member 142. A notch is formed in the connecting part 141c, and the connecting protrusion 142b of the pushing member 142 fits into this notch.

[0049] The release lever 141 is attached so as to be able to swing freely to a shaft 141b provided on the upper part of the side fence 13. The operating part 141a is located directly above a release member 13c that unlocks the side fence 13.

[0050] The pushing member 142 has a shaft portion 142c rotatably supported on the side fence, a plurality of pushing portions 142a that push the anti-lifting member 13b, and a connecting protrusion portion 142b that is connected to the release lever 141.

[0051] To move the anti-floating member 13b from the retracted position shown in FIG. 8 to the anti-floating position, the user pushes the operating portion 141a of the release lever 141 inward in the width direction. This causes the release lever 141 to swing around the shaft portion 141b as a fulcrum and push the connecting protrusion 142b of the pushing member 142 outward in the width direction. This causes the pushing member 142 to rotate, and the multiple pushing portions 142a of the pushing member 142 push the anti-floating member 13b, which is located in the retracted position, inward in the width direction. When the anti-floating member 13b is pushed into the pushing member 142, the support protrusion 133 of the anti-floating member 13b climbs over the engagement hole 160b. Then, the support protrusion 133 is guided by the elongated hole 160a, and the anti-floating member 13b moves to the anti-floating position.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the support protrusion 133 hits the widthwise inner end of the long hole portion 160a, the spring force of the spring 135 and the pushing force of the pushing member cause the anti-lift member 13b to rotate clockwise in the figure, and the anti-lift member 13b assumes the position shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] Next, the detection of the anti-floating member 13b by the detection sensor 150 shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a detection sensor 150 serving as a detection means. 12(a), when the anti-floating member 13b is located at the anti-floating position where it protrudes from the side fence 13, no member is present within the detection range of the detection sensor 150. Therefore, the light emitted from the detection sensor 150, which is a reflective optical sensor, is not received by the light receiving element of the detection sensor, and the anti-floating member 13b is not detected. Therefore, when the detection sensor 150 does not detect the anti-floating member 13b, it can be determined that the anti-floating member 13b is located at the anti-floating position.

[0054] 10(b), when the lift-up suppression member 13b is located at the retracted position within the side fence, the first rotation restriction portion 131 on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is located within the detection range of the detection sensor 150. As a result, the light receiving element of the detection sensor receives reflected light from the first rotation restriction portion 131 and detects that the lift-up suppression member 13b is located at the retracted position.

[0055] In the present feeding device 200, whether to position the lift suppression member 13b at the retracted position or at the lift suppression position during sheet feeding is preset depending on the type of sheet. For example, a table showing the setting contents as shown in Fig. 13 is described in the user manual. The table showing the setting contents shown in Fig. 13 describes sheet type information (sheet name, sheet classification, basis weight classification, etc.) and position information (protrusion / retraction) of the lift suppression member 13b.

[0056] The user refers to the table shown in Fig. 13 in the user's manual to check the position of the lift-up suppression member 13b corresponding to the sheet set in the storage tray 10. If the position of the lift-up suppression member 13b corresponding to the sheet set in the storage tray 10 is "protruding," the lift-up suppression member 13b is protruded from the side fence 13 and positioned at the lift-up restricting position. On the other hand, if the position of the lift-up suppression member 13b corresponding to the sheet set in the storage tray 10 is "retracted," the lift-up suppression member 13b is completely retracted into the side fence and positioned at the retracted position where it does not restrict the lift-up of the sheet.

[0057] The basis weight classifications in the example shown in FIG. 13 are as follows: [Basic weight 0]40.0~52.2[g / m 2 ] [Basic weight 1]52.3~63[g / m 2 ] [Basic weight 2]63.1~80[g / m 2 ] [Basic weight 3]80.1~105[g / m 2 ] [Basic weight 4]105.1~163[g / m 2 ] [Basic weight 5]163.1[g / m 2 ]End

[0058] The above basis weight classifications are merely examples and are not limiting. In this feeding device, for sheets with a basis weight of "5" or more, the position of the lifting suppression member 13b is set to the retracted position. In addition, for embossed paper with a basis weight of "4" or more, the position of the lifting suppression member 13b is set to the retracted position.

[0059] However, some users may forget to move the floating suppression member 13b based on the sheets set in the storage tray 10, and the position of the floating suppression member 13b may not correspond to the sheets set in the storage tray 10. Therefore, the feeding device 200 determines whether the user has positioned the floating suppression member 13b at a position corresponding to the sheets set in the storage tray 10. If the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position, the feeding device 200 notifies the user to move it to the correct position.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram for determining whether the position of the lift suppressing member is correct for the sheet. 14, the control unit 30 of the feeding device 200 has a CPU 31, a memory 32, and a network I / F 33, each connected to a bus B. The CPU 31 executes a program stored in the memory 32 to control the entire control unit 30. The memory 32 is a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a volatile memory such as a DRAM. In either case, the memory 32 stores a program. The memory 32 also stores information received from the image forming apparatus main body 100 and information previously held by the feeding device 200. The network I / F 33 is a communication device for communicating with the image forming apparatus main body and the like via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0061] The memory 32 stores a determination table in which, as sheet type information, for example, sheet name, sheet classification, and basis weight classification as shown in FIG. 13 are associated with position information of the lift-up suppression member 13b. The memory 32 also stores a notification program that transmits position information of the lift-up suppression member 13b to the image forming apparatus main body including the operation panel 600 based on the position of the lift-up suppression member detected by the detection sensor 150. The CPU 31 executes the notification program and determines whether the lift-up suppression member 13b is in the correct position corresponding to the sheet being fed based on the position of the lift-up suppression member detected by the detection sensor 150. If the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position corresponding to the sheet being fed, the CPU 31 notifies the image forming apparatus main body that the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position corresponding to the sheet being fed. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 functions as a transmission means that transmits position information of the lift-up suppression member to the notification means.

[0062] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of notification instructions based on the position of the anti-lift member. The control unit 30 starts the feeding operation (S1) when a paper feeding command is received from the upper controller 100a of the image forming apparatus main body 100. If a feeding failure occurs (Yes in S2), the control unit 30 executes a floating suppression member position determination (S3).

[0063] Specifically, in addition to a paper feed command, the upper controller 100a of the image forming apparatus main body sends type information of the sheet to be fed (at least one of basis weight, sheet name, and sheet classification) to the control unit 30. This sheet type information is input by, for example, a user operating a printer driver installed on a personal computer, and is sent to the image forming apparatus main body along with a print command. The image forming apparatus main body sends the sheet type information received from the personal computer to the control unit 30 of the feeding device 200 together with the paper feed command.

[0064] When the control unit 30 executes the float suppression member position determination, it identifies the position of the float suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet information based on the sheet type information received together with the paper feed command and the determination table stored in the memory 32. For example, if the sheet type information indicates that the basis weight is equal to or greater than "Basis Weight 5," the control unit 30 identifies the position of the float suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet as the "retracted position." If the sheet type information indicates that the sheet is embossed paper and the basis weight is equal to or greater than "Basis Weight 4," the control unit 30 identifies the position of the float suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet as the "retracted position." If the sheet type information indicates that the sheet is embossed paper and the basis weight is equal to or less than "Basis Weight 4," the control unit 30 identifies the position of the float suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet as the "float suppression position." If the sheet type information indicates that the sheet is embossed paper and the basis weight is equal to or less than "Basis Weight 3," the control unit 30 identifies the position of the float suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet as the "float suppression position."

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 30 may specify the basis weight category and sheet classification of the sheet from the sheet name as the sheet type information, and specify the position of the lift suppression member 13b corresponding to the fed sheet.

[0066] Next, the control unit 30 checks the signal from the detection sensor 150 and determines whether the anti-floating member 13b is in the retracted position or the anti-floating position. When the detection sensor 150 detects the anti-floating member 13b and sends a signal (voltage) to the control unit 30, the control unit 30 determines that the anti-floating member 13b is in the retracted position. On the other hand, when the detection sensor 150 does not detect the anti-floating member 13b and does not send a signal (voltage) to the control unit 30, the control unit 30 determines that the anti-floating member 13b is in the anti-floating position.

[0067] Then, the control unit 30 determines whether the position of the lift suppression member 13b identified based on the detection result of the detection sensor 150 is located at a position corresponding to the fed sheet.

[0068] If the floating suppression member 13b is located at a position corresponding to the fed sheet (Yes in S4), the feeding failure is not caused by the floating suppression member 13b. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 30 instructs the image forming apparatus main body 100 to display a jam clearance instruction on the operation panel 600. The upper controller 100a of the image forming apparatus main body 100 displays the jam clearance instruction on the display unit of the operation panel 600 based on the display instruction received from the feeding device 200.

[0069] On the other hand, if the floating suppression member 13b is not located at a position corresponding to the fed sheet (No in S4), the floating suppression member 13b may be the cause of the feeding failure. For example, if the fed sheet is plain paper with a basis weight of 4 or less and the floating suppression member 13b is in the retracted position, excessive floating may have occurred, causing the feeding failure. Also, if the fed sheet is a sheet with a basis weight of 5 or more and the floating suppression member 13b is in the floating restriction position, the feeding load may have become too large, causing the feeding failure.

[0070] Therefore, when the floating suppression member 13b is not positioned at a position corresponding to the fed sheet (No in S4), the control unit 30 transmits (communicates) information that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position to the image forming apparatus main body 100, and instructs it to display a warning. Based on the information that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position as the floating suppression member position information received from the feeding device 200, the upper controller 100a of the image forming apparatus main body 100 displays a jam clearance instruction on the display unit of the operation panel 600 and a warning prompting the user to move the floating suppression member 13b to the correct position as shown in Fig. 16 (S6).

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 30 may transmit (transmit) information that the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position to the personal computer that sent the print command to the image forming apparatus main body, and display on the monitor of the personal computer that the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position. Also, the feeding device 200 may be provided with a display panel as a notification means, and the display panel of the feeding device 200 may display that the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position.

[0072] When clearing a jam, the user moves the lift suppression member 13b to the correct position based on the warning displayed on the operation panel 600. When the detection sensor 150 detects that the lift suppression member 13b has reached the correct position, the warning displayed on the operation panel 600 is cleared, a message is displayed indicating that printing is possible, and paper is re-fed. This makes it possible to prevent poor feeding caused by the lift suppression member 13b when re-feeding after clearing a jam.

[0073] Depending on the environment, feeding may be possible without causing a feeding failure even if the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position corresponding to the sheet to be fed. Therefore, if a notification is given to move the floating suppression member 13b to the correct position when the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position before the feeding operation, and feeding is not possible unless the floating suppression member 13b is moved to the correct position, this would be cumbersome for the user.

[0074] Therefore, when a feeding problem occurs, the feeding device 200 determines whether the lift-up suppression member 13b is in the correct position corresponding to the sheet to be fed, and if it is not in the correct position, it issues a warning. This allows the user to be notified that the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position only when a feeding problem occurs, reducing stress on the user compared to when the user is notified every time the lift-up suppression member 13b is not in the correct position.

[0075] Before feeding starts, it is determined whether or not the floating suppression member 13b is positioned at a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed, and if the floating suppression member 13b is not positioned at a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed, the user is notified, which has the following advantage: Namely, it is possible to reliably prevent feeding failures caused by the floating suppression member 13b.

[0076] In the above description, the retracted position is a fully retracted position where the sheet is completely retracted within the side fence and does not restrict sheet floating. However, a partial retracted position where the sheet is partially retracted within the side fence may also be used. When the retracted position is a partially retracted position where the sheet is partially retracted within the side fence, unlike the fully retracted position, a portion of the lift-up suppression member 13b protrudes from the side fence to restrict the sheet floating position. However, since the amount of protrusion of the lift-up suppression member 13b from the side fence 13 is smaller than in the lift-up restricting position, the lift-up suppression member 13b exerts less pressure on the lifted sheet. This can suppress an increase in sliding resistance when feeding stiff sheets such as cardboard. Therefore, depending on the device configuration, even when the retracted position is a partially retracted position, feeding problems can be suppressed when using cardboard with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 5" or more or embossed paper with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 4" or more.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, when the sheet is cardboard with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 5" or more, or embossed paper with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 4" or more, the lift suppression member 13b is positioned in a fully retracted position where it is completely retracted inside the side fence. When the basis weight classification is "basis weight 2" to "basis weight 3," the lift suppression member 13b is positioned in a partially retracted position where it is partially retracted inside the side fence. Then, when the sheet is "basis weight 1" or less, the lift suppression member 13b is positioned in the lift suppression position. For example, the lift suppression member 13b may be positioned in one of a plurality of retracted positions or the lift suppression position depending on the type of sheet.

[0078] In the above description, a display means such as an operation panel or a personal computer monitor is used as the means for notifying the user that the anti-lifting member 13b is not in the correct position as position information of the anti-lifting member, but the notification means is not limited to a display means. For example, a sound generating means such as a speaker may also be used as the notification means. Examples of sound generating means for notifying the user that the anti-lifting member 13b is not in the correct position include a buzzer and voice guidance.

[0079] Furthermore, the printing unit of the image forming apparatus may be used as a notification unit for notifying the user that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position. When the printing unit of the image forming apparatus is used as the notification unit, a message that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position is printed on a sheet to notify the user. For example, a sheet may be fed from a feeding unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and a message that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position may be printed on the sheet. Alternatively, a sheet may be fed from a storage tray other than the storage tray in which the feeding error occurred in the feeding device 200, and a message that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position may be printed. Furthermore, a remote image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus connected via a network may be used to print a message that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position.

[0080] In the above description, the control unit 90 determines whether the floating suppression member 13b is in the correct position corresponding to the sheet set in the storage tray, and transmits (transmits) the determination result to the image forming apparatus main body as floating suppression member position information. However, this is not limited to this. Information indicating whether the floating suppression member 13b is in the retracted position or the floating suppression position may be transmitted (transmitted) as the position information of the floating suppression member 13b to the image forming apparatus main body. For example, when the floating suppression member 13b is in the floating suppression position, information indicating that the floating suppression member 13b is in the floating suppression position is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body as the position information of the floating suppression member 13b. The image forming apparatus main body may display, along with a jam clearance instruction, a message such as, "The floating suppression member 13b is in the floating suppression position. Please check the user manual to see if it is in the correct position corresponding to the sheet." on the display unit of the operation panel 600.

[0081] In addition, the image forming apparatus main body may determine whether the lift suppression member 13b is in the correct position corresponding to the sheet based on information indicating whether the lift suppression member 13b is in the retracted position or the lift suppression position, and the determination result may be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 600.

[0082] In addition, although the above configuration is such that the user manually moves the anti-floating member 13b between the anti-floating position and the retracted position, it may also be configured such that the anti-floating member 13b is automatically moved between the anti-floating position and the retracted position by a driving means such as a drive motor.

[0083] In this way, by configuring the driving means to automatically move the lift-up suppression member 13b between the lift-up restriction position and the retracted position, the driving means can be controlled to automatically move the lift-up suppression member 13b to a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed.

[0084] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the movement control of the anti-lift member 13b. When the control unit 30 (see FIG. 14) receives a paper feed command from the upper controller 100a of the image forming apparatus main body 100 (Yes in S11), it determines the position of the lift suppression member 13b in the same manner as described above (S12). That is, based on the sheet type information (basis weight, sheet classification, etc.) received together with the paper feed command and the determination table stored in the memory 32, the control unit 30 identifies the position of the lift suppression member 13b corresponding to the sheet to be fed.

[0085] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the lift-up suppression member 13b is located at a position corresponding to the sheet (S13) based on the detection result of the detection sensor 150. If the lift-up suppression member 13b is located at a position corresponding to the sheet (Yes in S13), there is no risk of a feeding failure caused by the lift-up suppression member 13b, so the control unit 30 proceeds to a feeding operation and feeds the sheet (S15).

[0086] On the other hand, if the floating suppression member 13b is not positioned at a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed (No in S13), there is a risk of poor feeding caused by the floating suppression member 13b. Therefore, the control unit 30 controls the drive means to move the floating suppression member 13b from a position not corresponding to the sheet to be fed to a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed (S14). When the floating suppression member 13b is positioned at a position corresponding to the sheet to be fed, the process shifts to a feeding operation and feeds the sheet (S15).

[0087] In a configuration in which the driving device automatically moves the floating suppression member 13b between the floating suppression position and the retracted position, the floating suppression member 13b can be moved to the correct position corresponding to the sheet without any effort on the part of the user. Therefore, the feeding operation can be performed after the floating suppression member 13b is positioned at the position corresponding to the sheet to be fed. This effectively prevents feeding problems caused by the floating suppression member.

[0088] Also, in the configuration in which the lift suppression member 13b is automatically moved by the driving means, the retracted position may be a partial retracted position in which the lift suppression member 13b is partially retracted inside the side fence, depending on the device configuration.

[0089] Furthermore, in a configuration in which lift-up suppression member 13b is automatically moved by a driving means, for example, lift-up suppression member 13b is positioned in a fully retracted position completely retracted inside the side fence when the paper is cardboard with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 5" or more, or when the paper is embossed with a basis weight classification of "basis weight 4" or more, and is positioned in a partially retracted position partially retracted inside the side fence when the paper is in a basis weight classification of "basis weight 2" to "basis weight 3."Furthermore, when the paper is of "basis weight 1" or less, lift-up suppression member 13b is positioned in the lift-up suppression position, and so on. For example, lift-up suppression member 13b may be positioned in one of a plurality of retracted positions or the lift-up suppression position depending on the type of sheet.

[0090] In the above description, when a sheet is fed, information about the type of sheet to be fed is received, and it is determined whether the floating suppression member 13b is in a position corresponding to the sheet. However, this is not limiting. For example, when a sheet is set in the storage tray 10, the user is prompted to input information about the type of sheet (basis weight, sheet classification) set in the storage tray 10 via the operation panel 600. Then, when the storage tray 10 is set, it may be determined whether the floating suppression member 13b is in a position corresponding to the sheet. When the floating suppression member 13b is manually moved by the user, if the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to move the floating suppression member 13b to the correct position when the storage tray 10 is set. Alternatively, the fact that the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position may be stored in memory, and if a feeding error occurs, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to move the floating suppression member 13b to the correct position. On the other hand, when the floating suppression member 13b is automatically moved, if the floating suppression member 13b is not in the correct position, it is moved to the correct position when the storage tray 10 is set.

[0091] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. (Aspect 1) In a feeding device 200 having a sheet stacking section such as a sheet placing table 11 for stacking sheets, an air blowing means such as an air blower 17 for blowing air onto the sheets, and a floating control member such as a floating suppression member 13b for controlling the floating position of the sheets, the floating control member is configured to be movable between a floating control position for controlling the floating position of the sheets and a retracted position, and transmits position information of the floating control member, such as information on whether the floating control member is in the correct position, to a notification means such as an operation panel 600. For example, if the sheets loaded in the sheet stacking section have a high basis weight, such as cardboard, they are stiff and may hit the lift-up restricting member hard, increasing the load during feeding and potentially resulting in non-feeding. Unlike sheets with a low basis weight, such as thin paper, sheets with a high basis weight are less likely to lift excessively. Therefore, the lift-up restricting member may not be required to exert much pressure on the sheets, and in some cases, the lift-up restricting member may not be required to exert any pressure on the sheets. On the other hand, in the case of sheets with low basis weight, such as thin paper, if the sheet is not protruded to a certain extent from the side fence and its floating is not restricted by a floating restriction member, the sheet may float excessively and go over the end fence, causing feeding problems. Thus, the presence or absence of a floating restriction member and the optimal amount of protrusion of the floating restriction member from the side fence that does not cause feeding problems differ depending on the type of sheet. The feeding device described in Patent Document 1 uniformly regulates the floating of any sheet with the floating regulation member, so depending on the type of sheet, such as a sheet with a high basis weight, there is a risk of feeding problems occurring due to regulation by the floating regulation member. In the first aspect, if the user does not position the floatation restricting member at a position corresponding to the sheets loaded in the sheet stacking section based on the position of the floatation restricting member, the position information of the floatation restricting member is transmitted to a notification means such as the operation panel 600, and the notification means can notify the user that the floatation restricting member is not in the correct position. As a result, when the floatation restricting member is not in a position corresponding to the sheets, the user can be prompted to operate the floatation restricting member to move it to a position corresponding to the sheets. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a sheet with a high basis weight from being fed when the floatation restricting member is in a position corresponding to thin paper, and to prevent feeding problems caused by the restriction of the floatation restricting member.

[0092] (Aspect 2) In the first aspect, when a feeding failure occurs, the position information of the floating restricting member is transmitted to a notification means such as the operation panel 600. This reduces the stress on the user compared to when the user is notified every time a floating-up regulating member such as floating-up suppression member 13b is not in a position corresponding to the sheet type, as described in the embodiment.

[0093] (Aspect 3) In the first or second embodiment, when a lift-up restricting member such as the lift-up suppressing member 13b is not at a position corresponding to the sheet, position information of the lift-up restricting member is transmitted to a notification means such as the operation panel 600. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when a floating-up regulating member such as floating-up suppression member 13b is not in a position corresponding to the seat, the user can be prompted to operate the floating-up regulating member to move the floating-up regulating member to a position corresponding to the seat.

[0094] (Aspect 4) In any of aspects 1 to 3, when a sheet having a basis weight equal to or greater than a specified value is loaded on a sheet stacking section such as the sheet loading table 11, and a floating-up regulating member such as the floating-up suppression member 13b is not positioned in the retracted position, or when a sheet having a basis weight less than a specified value is loaded on the sheet stacking section, and the floating-up regulating member is not positioned in the floating-up regulating position, the position information of the floating-up regulating member is transmitted to an alarm means such as the operation panel 600. This makes it possible to suppress feeding failures caused by the floating restricting member, as described in the embodiment.

[0095] (Aspect 5) The feeding device 200 includes a sheet stacking section such as a sheet placing table 11 for stacking sheets, an air blowing means such as an air blower 17 for blowing air onto the sheets, and a floating regulating member such as a floating suppression member 13b for regulating the floating position of the sheets, and includes a drive means for driving the floating regulating member to move between a floating regulating position for regulating the floating position of the sheets and a retracted position, and a control means such as a control unit 30 for controlling the drive means to move the floating regulating member to either the retracted position or the floating regulating position based on the type of sheets loaded on the sheet stacking section. This makes it possible to prevent feeding failures caused by the floating suppressing member such as the floating suppressing member 13b, as described with reference to FIG.

[0096] (Aspect 6) In aspect 5, when the basis weight of the sheets loaded on a sheet stacking section such as the sheet loading table 11 is equal to or greater than a specified value, if a lift-up regulating member such as the lift-up suppression member 13b is not positioned in the retracted position, the lift-up regulating member is moved to the retracted position, and when the basis weight of the sheets loaded on the sheet stacking section is less than a specified value, if the lift-up regulating member is not positioned in the lift-up regulating position, the lift-up regulating member is moved to the lift-up regulating position. This makes it possible to prevent feeding problems caused by the floating suppressing member such as the floating suppressing member 13b.

[0097] (Aspect 7) In any of the first to sixth aspects, a detection means such as a detection sensor 150 is provided for detecting the position of a lift-up restricting member such as the lift-up suppressing member 13b. According to this, based on the detection results of a detection means such as the detection sensor 150, it is possible to determine whether or not a floating control member such as the floating suppression member 13b is positioned at a position corresponding to the type of sheet loaded in the sheet stacking section of the sheet loading table 11.

[0098] (Aspect 8) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet fed by a feeding device, the feeding device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments was used. This can prevent the occurrence of feeding failures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Image forming device 10: Storage tray 11: Sheet placement table 12: Front air blower 13: Side fence 13a:Discharge port 13b: Floating suppression member 13c: Release member 14: Side ventilation device 14a: Side blower 15: Floating Blower 16: Separation blower 17: Air blower 19: Lifting device 20: Feeding unit 21: Suction belt 21a: Belt adsorption surface 23:Suction device 25: End fence 30: Control section 100: Image forming apparatus main body 100a: Upper controller 131: First rotation control part 132: Second rotation restriction part 133: Support protrusion 135: Spring 140:Release mechanism 141: Release lever 141a: Operation unit 141b:Shaft part 141c: Connection part 142: Push-in member 142a: Push-in part 142b: Connecting protrusion 142c:Shaft part 150: Detection sensor 160: Support member 160a: Long hole part 160b: Engagement hole 200:Feeding device 600: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0100] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4544033

Claims

1. a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets; air blowing means for blowing air onto the sheet; a floating regulating member that regulates a floating position of the sheet, The lift-up restricting member is configured to be movable between a lift-up restricting position that restricts the lift-up position of the sheet and a retracted position, A feeding device characterized in that, when a feeding failure occurs, position information of the floating restricting member is transmitted to an informing means.

2. In the feeding device according to claim 1, A feeding device characterized in that when sheets with a basis weight equal to or greater than a specified value are loaded in the sheet stacking section and the float-up regulating member is not positioned in the retracted position, or when sheets with a basis weight less than a specified value are loaded in the sheet stacking section and the float-up regulating member is not positioned in the float-up regulating position, the feeding device transmits position information of the float-up regulating member to an alarm means.

3. 3. The feeding device according to claim 1, A feeding device comprising a detection means for detecting the position of the lift-up restricting member.

4. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet fed by a feeding device, 4. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a feeding device according to claim 1;

Images