JP3028968U - Paper storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To continuously store a plurality of single-cut sheets in which various sizes are mixed in a good storage state. SOLUTION: The stack 1 is formed by holding the leading edge of a cut sheet and holding it.
Nip portions 19 to 22 that move to predetermined positions 5 to 18,
Paper edge sensors 23 to 26 that detect the leading edges of cut sheets that are conveyed near these nip portions 19 to 22, and
The stack rollers 31 to 34 that correct the posture of the cut sheets on the stacks 15 to 18 and the final position of movement of the stack rollers 31 to 34 are pressed against the stack rollers 31 to 34 to press the cut sheets. Ejection rollers 35 to 38 for ejecting the remaining rear end portion to the stacks 15 to 18 at high speed.
And are provided.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the device belongs]

 The present invention relates to a paper storage device that stores printed cut sheets of various sizes.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 In recent years, mainly in the field of CAD (Computer aided design), the output of large-sized single-cut sheets has been increasing. For storing single-cut sheets, a stack device (paper storage device) compatible with various paper sizes is being used. Are known. Examples of conventional medium- and large-sized paper stacking devices are JP-A-5-58532 and JP-A-6-255869, and other general-purpose stacking devices such as a copying device are JP-B-54-22339 and JP-A-54-22339. No. 02-221061, etc. For example, cut sheets ejected from a printing device (copier, plotter, facsimile device, blueprinting device, etc.) that are conveyed by the rollers inside the printing device are pushed to the horizontal storage unit by using the pushing force of the rollers. There is also a method of storing the cut sheets and a method of storing the cut sheets discharged from the printing device by the conveyance of the rollers in a vertical type storage unit by using a natural drop.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 According to the former method, since the next cut sheet slips on the already stored cut sheet, the cut sheet is likely to be loosened, and it is difficult to stack the cut sheet without loosening it. There was a problem. In the latter method, when various sizes of cut sheets are mixed and ejected continuously from the printer, the smaller (shorter) cut sheets stored earlier are stored next to the larger (longer) cut sheets. ) The cut sheet is pushed out of the storage section or the trailing edge (upper edge) of the smaller cut sheet that was previously stored is caught by the leading edge (lower edge) of the next stored cut sheet, There was a problem that the storage of vote papers became incomplete.

In fact, in the conventional stacking device, it is difficult to store a plurality of single-cut sheets mixed in a wide range of sizes, for example, A4 to A0 sizes, in a single storage unit in a good storage state. There was a problem that was.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper storage device capable of continuously storing a plurality of single-cut sheets in which various kinds of paper sizes are mixed in a good storage state.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The invention corresponding to claim 1 is, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage unit capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and a holding unit for holding a front end of the cut sheets. Means, a leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storing section, and the leading edge of the cutting sheet is positioned at the leading edge aligning position of the storing section. Then, a holding release means for releasing the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means is provided. According to a second aspect of the invention, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage unit capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and a holding unit for holding a front end of the cut sheets. Means, a leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storing section, and the leading edge of the cutting sheet is positioned at the leading edge aligning position of the storing section. Then, a holding release means is provided for releasing the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means, and the holding means detects the leading edge of the cut sheet and the leading edge of the cut sheet detected by this paper edge sensor. Based on the above, a nipping mechanism for nipping and holding the leading edge of the cut-sheet paper. According to a third aspect of the invention, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage unit capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and a holding unit for holding a front end of the cut sheets. Means, a leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storing section, and the leading edge of the cutting sheet is positioned at the leading edge aligning position of the storing section. Then, a holding release means for releasing the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means is provided, and the leading edge guiding means and a moving mechanism for moving the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to the leading edge alignment position of the storage section. , And a sheet attitude adjusting means for correcting the storage attitude of the cut sheet held by the holding means according to the storage direction of the cut sheet in the storage section.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage unit capable of accommodating a plurality of cut sheets in a stacked state in a substantially horizontal state and a substantially horizontal direction are carried in. A transport mechanism that transports the leading edge of the cut sheet in a substantially vertical downward direction, and a plurality of units that reciprocate by rotation between the transport path of the cut sheet by this transport mechanism and the preset leading edge alignment position of the storage section. The arms are fixedly supported by the tips of these arms, and are positioned on the transport path when the arms are located on the side of the transport path for cut sheets by the transport mechanism, and the arm is aligned with the tip of the corresponding storage section. When it is on the position side, it detects the leading edge of the cut sheet that is placed near the pinching mechanism that is located at the leading edge alignment position of the storage section and the position of the pinching mechanism on the transport path, and that is transported on the transport path. Paper edge sensor and the upper part of the storage section In order to correct the cut sheets that have been conveyed in a substantially vertical downward direction to a state in which they are substantially parallel to the storage section, the cut sheets are brought into contact with the surface on the opposite side of the storage section and When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the paper edge correction roller that moves substantially parallel to each other and the sheet edge sensor, the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the pinching mechanism located in the cut sheet transport path by the transport mechanism. Hold the nip and contact the paper condition correction roller with the surface of the cut sheet that is on the opposite side of the storage part to start moving in parallel to the storage part and start rotating the arm toward the storage part. When the rotation is completed and the paper state correction roller is almost moved in parallel to the storage part and the storage of the cut form paper in the storage part is completed, the holding mechanism of the cut form paper by the pinching mechanism is released. And a control means.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in a paper storage device for storing cut sheets, a plurality of stack areas capable of accommodating a plurality of cut sheets stacked in a substantially horizontal state are vertically spaced at predetermined intervals. The storage part of the stack structure, which is placed at a distance, the transport mechanism that transports the leading edge of the cut sheets that are loaded in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut sheets by this transport mechanism, and each stack area. A plurality of arms that reciprocate by pivoting to and from the preset leading edge alignment position, and the arms are fixedly supported by the tips of these arms, and the arms are located on the side of the cut sheet transport path by the transport mechanism. When the arm is positioned on the transport path when the stacking area is on the side, and when the arm is positioned on the side of the preset leading edge position of the corresponding stack area, it is located at the leading edge position of the stack area. A paper edge sensor that is located near the position on the transport path and that detects the leading edge of cut sheets that are transported on the transport path, and a sensor that is located above each stack area and is transported in a substantially vertical downward direction. In order to correct the cut sheet paper to be in parallel with each stack area, the paper state correction roller that contacts the surface of the cut sheet paper opposite to the stack area and moves in parallel with the stack area, and the paper When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the edge sensor, the leading edge of the cut sheet is pinched and held by the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the conveyance path of the cut sheet by the transport mechanism, and the corresponding paper condition correction roller Contact the surface of the cut sheet on the opposite side of the corresponding stack area to start moving in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the stack area, and at the same time, start rotating the corresponding arm toward the stack area to rotate the arm. A control means for canceling the holding of the cut sheet paper by the nipping mechanism when the paper state correction roller ends in substantially parallel movement and the storage of the cut sheet paper in the stack area is completed. It is a thing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a plurality of stack areas capable of accommodating a plurality of cut sheets stacked in a substantially horizontal state are vertically spaced at predetermined intervals. The storage part of the stack structure, which is placed at a distance, the transport mechanism that transports the leading edge of the cut sheets that are loaded in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut sheets by this transport mechanism, and each stack area. A plurality of arms that reciprocate by pivoting to and from the preset leading edge alignment position, and the arms are fixedly supported by the tips of these arms, and the arms are located on the side of the cut sheet transport path by the transport mechanism. When the arm is located on the reference position side of the corresponding stack area, the nipping mechanism located at the tip alignment position of the stack area and the position of each nipping mechanism on the carrying path. Setting The paper edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the cut sheets that are conveyed on the conveyance path, and the cut sheets that are conveyed almost vertically downward are arranged above each stack area. In order to correct the sheet to be in parallel with the sheet edge correction roller that comes into contact with the surface of the single-cut sheet on the opposite side of the stack area and moves on the stack area substantially parallel to the stack area surface, When the leading edge of the form sheet is detected, the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the transport path of the form sheet by the transport mechanism holds the leading edge of the form sheet and holds it. Contact the surface of the stack area on the opposite side of the stack area to start moving in a direction substantially parallel to the stack area, and at the same time, start rotating the corresponding arm toward the stack area to end the rotation of the arm. However, when the paper state correction rollers have finished moving in parallel and the cut sheets have been stored in the stack area, the control means for releasing the holding of the cut sheets by the pinching mechanism and the paper state correction rollers. At the end of the movement, there is provided a discharge promoting roller which is pressed against the sheet condition correcting roller to accelerate the discharge of the cut sheet.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in a sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a plurality of stack areas capable of stacking a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state are vertically spaced at predetermined intervals. The storage part of the stack structure, which is placed at a distance, the transport mechanism that transports the leading edge of the cut sheets that are loaded in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut sheets by this transport mechanism, and each stack area. A plurality of arms that reciprocate by pivoting to and from the preset leading edge alignment position, and the arms are fixedly supported by the tips of these arms, and the arms are located on the side of the cut sheet transport path by the transport mechanism. The stacking mechanism is located on the transport path when the stacking area is on, and the stacking mechanism is located at the stacking area of the stack area when the arm is on the stacking area side of the stack area. You The storage information generating means, the sandwiching mechanism preparing means for locating the corresponding sandwiching mechanism on the transport path based on the storage information generated by this storage information generating means, and the position of each sandwiching mechanism on the transport path. A paper edge sensor that is located in the vicinity and that detects the leading edge of the cut sheets that are conveyed on the conveyance path, and a cut sheet that is arranged above each stack area and that is conveyed in a substantially vertical downward direction are set in each stack area. In order to make corrections to be approximately parallel to the stack area, the sheet state correction roller that contacts the surface of the cut sheet that is on the opposite side of the stack area and that moves substantially parallel to the stack area, and the sheet edge sensor When the leading edge is detected, the leading edge of the cut sheet is nipped and held by the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the feeding path of the cut sheet by the feeding mechanism, and the corresponding paper condition correction roller is applied to the corresponding cutting sheet. Su Contact the surface on the opposite side of the stack area to start moving in a substantially parallel manner on the stack area, and at the same time start rotating the corresponding arm to the stack area side. When the movement is completed and the storage of the cut sheets in the stack area is finished, the control means for releasing the holding of the cut sheets by the holding mechanism is provided.

According to the invention corresponding to claim 8, in the invention corresponding to claim 7, the storage information is print attribute information printed on a single-cut sheet. The invention corresponding to claim 9 is the invention corresponding to claim 8, wherein the print attribute information is size information of a single-cut sheet. The invention according to claim 10 is the device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sheet state correction roller interferes with holding the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means. It moves so that the tension above the tension value that causes is not applied. The invention corresponding to claim 11 is the invention corresponding to any one of claims 4 to 9, in which tension detecting means for detecting a tension applied to at least a single-cut sheet at the time of movement of the sheet state correction roller is provided. A paper state correction roller speed adjusting means for finely adjusting the moving speed of the paper state correction roller based on the tension detected by the tension detecting means is provided. According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, the transport mechanism applies tension to the transport roller and the single-cut sheet at a tension value equal to or more than a tension value that causes the holding means to hold the leading edge of the single-cut sheet. The tension detecting means is for detecting the tension applied to the cut sheet from the state of the tension roller.

[0012]

[Embodiment of device]

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a printing device 1 (for example, a printer, a copying device, a plotter device, a facsimile device, a blueprinting device, etc.) and an auto stacker device as a paper storage device set in the printing device 1 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part inside 2; The cut sheets are horizontally discharged from the printing device 1 as indicated by an arrow P in FIG. 1, and the discharged cut sheets are immediately pressed against each other arranged on the upper part of the auto stacker device 2. It is inserted between the two pull-in rollers 3 in operation. At this time, the image sensor 4 arranged above the pull-in roller 3 reads the bar code or the character code printed on the cut sheet inserted between the pull-in rollers 3, and the read signal ( Image pickup signal, binarized signal, code data, etc.) is output. There is provided a paper guide 5 which bends a predetermined curvature from between the pull-in rollers 3 and conveys the horizontally ejected cut sheets vertically downward. A board portion 6 for controlling the electric mechanism of the auto stacker device 2 is provided in the remaining space above the auto stacker device 2.

There is a paper transport path extending vertically downward from the paper guide 5, and four transport rollers 7 to 10 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the paper transport path. Tensile rollers 11 to 14 that also function as pressure-bonding rollers are provided that press against 10 to 10 at a predetermined pressure. Therefore, when the tension applied to the cut sheet exceeds a predetermined value, the tension roller is separated (floated) from the conveyance rollers 7 to 10, and the action of the conveyance roller's conveyance force on the cut sheet decreases. The tension on the voting paper is improved. In this embodiment, the pressure roller and the tension roller that are in pressure contact with the conveying roller are used as the pressure roller and the pressure roller for the purpose of cost reduction and downsizing, but the present invention is not limited to this. A tension roller may be provided separately.

The first stack 15 to the fourth stack 18 are set between the respective transport rollers 7 to 10 (tension rollers 11 to 14) at positions separated from the sheet transport path by a predetermined distance. ing. For example, the first stack 15 is a storage stand for A2 and A3 size cut sheets, the second stack 16 is a storage stand for A0 and A1 size cut sheets, and the third stack 17 is , A2 and A3 size cut sheets, and the fourth stack 18 is a storage table for A0 and A1 size cut sheets.

Arms that reciprocate by rotation are arranged between the sheet transport path and the stacks 15 to 18, and nip portions 19 to 22 are fixed to the tips of these arms. It should be noted that in FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation of the main configuration, the accuracy of the positional relationship among the transport rollers 8 to 10, the tension rollers 12 to 14, the nips 19 to 21 and the arms thereof is lost. In reality, the nips 19 to 21 and the arms thereof are located above the transport rollers 8 and the tension rollers 12, respectively, so that they do not come into contact with each other. When the nip portions 19 to 22 are located on the sheet conveying path, paper edge sensors 23 to 26 for detecting the leading edge of the cut sheet are arranged near the nip portions 19 to 22, respectively.

Slide rails 27 to 30 are horizontally arranged between the stacks 15 to 18. Each slide rail 27 to 30 has a stack roller that moves on each slide rail 27 to 30. 31 to 34 are attached. Further, discharge rollers 35 to 38 are arranged at the ends of the slide rails 27 to 30 to be in pressure contact with the stack rollers 31 to 34, respectively. Although not shown, limit switches for detecting the arrival of the stack rollers 31 to 34 are provided at the ends of the slide rails 27 to 30. Further, an extra shooter 39 is provided at the bottom of the sheet storage device 2 for storing nonstandard sheets other than the prescribed cut sheets, for example.

2 and 3 are views showing various states around the nip portion 19. FIG. 2 (a) is a diagram showing a standby state around the nip portion 19, and FIG. 2 (b) shows a state around the nip portion 19 after the sheet edge sensor 23 detects the cut sheet. FIG. 3 (a) is a view showing the state around the nip portion 19 after being rotated by about 90 °, and FIG. 3 (b) is the nip when the stack of single-cut sheets is stored. It is a figure which shows the state of the part 19 periphery.

An auxiliary sheet guide 41 is provided on the side of the sheet conveying path that extends vertically downward from the side on which the stacks 15 to 18 are arranged, and the conveying roller 7 and the tension roller 11 are provided. The cut sheet inserted between the sheets is not strictly conveyed in the vertical downward direction, but is changed so as to come into contact with the auxiliary sheet guide 41, and the cut sheet is fed to the auxiliary sheet guide 41. It is curved along and is conveyed between the not-shown next conveying roller 8 and the tension roller 12.

The slide rail 27 is arranged so as to traverse the auxiliary paper guide 41 with respect to the conveyance path of the cut paper, and the stack roller 31 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2 (a). Then, it moves on the slide rail 27. When the stack roller 31 moves, the middle part of the cut sheet is pushed toward the side where the stack 15 is arranged, and the cut sheet changes from the vertical state to the horizontal state on the stack 15. Become.

The nip portion 19 is fixed to a slider 43 provided at the tip of the telescopic shaft 42, and is capable of opening and closing a holding plate 19-1 and an electromagnet 19-2 for opening and closing the holding plate 19-1. It consists of The slider 43 is biased in the extending direction by the repulsive force (extending force) against the compression of the spring 44. When the telescopic shaft 42 is horizontal, that is, when the weight (gravitational force) of the slider 43 is not applied, the spring 44 is fully extended, and the nip portion 19 fixed to the slider 43 is , Located on the transport path of the cut sheet. A rotary shaft 45 is provided on the opposite side of the expandable shaft 42 to the side where the slider 43 is fixed, and the expandable shaft 42 of the rotary shaft 45, the slider 43, and the nip portion 19 are provided. A balancer 46 is provided on the side opposite to the side. A nip guide 47 is arranged on the rotation path of the nip portion 19. The nip guide 47 prevents the expansion shaft 42 from contracting due to the weight of the nip portion 19 and is approximately 90 °. Rotation is secured.

That is, the cut sheet conveyed vertically downward by the sheet guide 5 is first inserted between the conveying roller 7 and the tension roller 11, and is curved and conveyed along the auxiliary sheet guide 41. To be done. The leading edge of the conveyed single-cut sheet is detected by the sheet edge sensor 23 corresponding to (near) the nip portion 19 located on the sheet conveying path extending vertically downward, and based on this detection, The holding plate 19-1 of the nip portion 19 is closed by the electromagnet 19-2 of the nip portion 19 to sandwich and hold the leading edge of the cut sheet.

Then, the stack roller 31 moves as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2 (a), and the rotating shaft 45 rotates, and as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the nip portion 19 (slider) is moved. 43) rotates to the stack 15 side while being guided by the nip guide 47 while holding the cut sheet. At this time, the single-cut sheets are tilted by the movement of the stack roller 31 from the vertical state to the horizontal state toward the stack 15 side. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the nip portion 19 reaches the uppermost point by turning about 90 ° and comes off the nip guide 47, the weight of the spring 44 causes the spring 44 to move by the weight of the nip portion 19 and the slider. The extension shaft is overcome and the telescopic shaft 42 is contracted, and as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the leading edge of the cut sheet paper held by the nip portion 19 is stored in the stack 15, and the trailing edge of the cut sheet paper is sequentially moved backward from the leading edge side. The entire cut sheet is stored in the stack 15 toward the end side.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part (of a circuit housed in the substrate portion 6) of the auto stacker device 2. Reference numeral 51 denotes a control unit, which is not shown in the drawing, and includes a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), various interface circuits, various drive circuits, and the like. The image sensor 4 reads from a bar code or a character code printed on a cut sheet and supplies the read signal to the control section 51. The paper edge sensor unit 52 is composed of the paper edge sensors 23 to 26, and selectively supplies the detection signals output from the paper edge sensors 23 to 26 to the control unit 51. The tension detecting unit 53 includes a tension detecting sensor (not shown) provided for each of the tension rollers 11 to 14, for example, a limit switch for detecting the floating of the tension rollers 11 to 14 or a floating of the tension rollers 11 to 14. A detection signal from a magnetostrictive sensor or the like for measuring the amount is supplied to the control unit 51. The limit switch has preset positions for detecting that the tension rollers 11 to 14 are in contact with the corresponding conveying rollers 7 to 10 and the floating amounts of the tension rollers 11 to 14, respectively. It is installed at two locations where it is detected that the amount has been exceeded. Of course, only one limit switch may be provided at any one of the above positions.

The operation panel 54 is provided with a keyboard and a display unit, various data such as mode setting input by the keyboard is supplied to the control unit 51, and various display is performed based on a display control data signal from the control unit 51. (For example, LED lighting) is performed. The mode setting set by the operation panel 54 includes a storage mode, and the storage mode includes automatic setting and manual setting. In addition, the automatic settings include the read code setting that scans the code part printed on the cut sheet paper and automatically sets the stack that stores the cut sheet paper, and the printing device (printer, copy device, plotter device, There is an interlocking setting that automatically sets a stack for storing cut sheets based on an internal signal (control signal) extracted from a facsimile machine, blueprint machine, etc.). Further, in the manual setting, the stack for storing the cut sheets is set directly from the operation panel 54. In the stack setting, the first sheet is simply the first stack 15, the second sheet is the second stack 16, ... There are sort settings and the like for storing so that the fourth sheet is the fourth stack 18, the fifth sheet is the first stack 15, and so on. The controller 51 drives and controls the transport motor 55 as a drive source of the transport rollers 7 to 10 and also a stack roller motor (not shown) as a drive source of the horizontal movement of the stack rollers 31 to 34. Motors 56 for stack rollers, each of which includes a motor 57 for an arm, which serves as a drive source for the rotation of a rotation shaft that rotates each nip 19, and each nip. The electromagnet section 58 including the electromagnets provided in the section 19 is driven and controlled.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of paper storage processing performed by the control unit 51 when the automatic setting of the read code is selected as the storage mode. The control unit 51 also performs appropriate paper storage processing in other modes, but the flow of paper storage processing is omitted here. First, the image sensor 4 is in a standby state until the data such as the bar code or the character code printed on the leading edge of the cut sheet is read (data reading is present). When the data is read by the image sensor 4, it is determined in step 1 (ST1) whether the read data can be decoded and recognized.

If it is determined that the read data can be decoded and recognized, the size and type of the cut-recognized cut sheet, the creation date, the data such as the drawing creator, and the mode set by the operation panel 54 are set. Based on this, set the stack for storing cut sheets. For example, when the size is specified by the operation panel 54, the stack is set corresponding to the paper size data of the cut sheet, and when the creation date data is specified, the stack is set corresponding to the creation date data. When the drawing creator data is specified, the stack is set according to the drawing creator data. That is, for example, it is possible to sort by paper size, but it is also possible to sort by creation date and also by drawing creator.

The arm motor for rotating the nip portion corresponding to the set stack is reversely rotated, and the corresponding nip portion is rotated to be positioned on the vertically downward sheet conveying path. Is driven to carry the single-cut sheet in the above-described paper conveyance path, and the standby state is set until the leading edge of the single-cut sheet is detected by the corresponding sheet edge sensor (with paper edge detection).

When the leading edge of the single-cut sheet is detected by the corresponding sheet edge sensor, the corresponding electromagnet is energized (ON) to hold the leading edge of the single-cut sheet by the nip portion and hold it. Rotate the stack roller motor that moves the roller forward to move the corresponding stack roller, and rotate the arm motor that rotates the corresponding nip portion in parallel to rotate the nip portion to the stack side. It moves to the standby state until the corresponding stack roller reaches the end of the slide rail (the end on the stack side) by the detection signal of the limit switch. At this time, the moving speed of the stack roller is basically half of the speed of the cut sheet conveyed by the conveying roller, but based on the corresponding detection signal obtained from the tension detector 53 ( The feedback control allows fine adjustment so that the tension applied to the cut sheet does not exceed the specified value. When the corresponding stack roller reaches the end of the slide rail, after a certain period of time (time required to discharge the trailing edge of the A0 size cut sheet), the stack roller motor that moves the corresponding stack roller is reversed. Then, the relevant stack roller is moved vertically downward to the paper transport path side and returned to the home position, the transport motor 55 is stopped, and the paper storage processing is ended.

When it is determined in the process of step 1 that the data read by the image sensor 4 cannot be decoded, the transport motor 55 is driven to move the sheet in the sheet transport path in the vertical direction of the cut sheet. The sheet is conveyed, and a standby state is set until the end of the cut sheet is detected by the final detection signal from the sheet edge sensor 25. When the end of the single-cut sheet is detected by the final sheet edge sensor 25, the single-cut sheet is almost stored in the extra shooter 39. Therefore, the transport motor 55 is stopped and this sheet storage process is performed. It is supposed to end.

In the present embodiment having such a configuration, for example, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 1 prints out a printed matter (CAD (Computer aided design) drawing) 61 as a cut sheet as shown in FIG. . A code portion 62 is provided on the front end side of the printed matter 61. The character code shown in FIG. 7A or the bar code shown in FIG. 7B is printed on the code portion 62. Data such as drawing number, drawing type (including drawing size), creation date, etc. are written in this character code or barcode.

The operator first sets the storage mode for cut sheets using the operation panel 54. Here, one of the automatic setting and the manual setting is selected, and when the automatic setting is selected, one is selected from the reading code setting or the interlocking setting. When manual setting is selected, select one from stack setting or sort setting. Here, the sorting operation of the cut sheets when the reading code setting in the automatic setting is selected as the storage mode by the operation panel 54 will be described. In addition, in the reading code setting, a character code or a bar code is further selected, so that an appropriate decoder is selected. Here, it is assumed that the barcode is selected.

The printed matter 61 printed out from the printing apparatus 1 is drawn into the auto stacker apparatus 2 by the drawing roller 3. At this time, the code section 62 of the printed matter 61 is read by the image sensor 4. Here, since the storage mode is set to the read code setting by the automatically set barcode, the storage stack is set from the barcode data read by the image sensor 4. For example, if A1 is set as the paper size data of the barcode, the second stack 16 is set as the storage stack.

Therefore, the nip portion 20 is rotated by the reverse rotation of the arm motor and is positioned on the sheet conveyance path extending vertically downward, and the conveyance motor 55 is started to drive the conveyance rollers 7 to 10. Rotates. The printed matter 61 is guided to the above-described sheet conveying path via the sheet guide 5, and is first inserted and conveyed between the conveying roller 7 and the tension roller 11. At this time, when the tension applied to the printed matter 61 exceeds a predetermined value, the tension roller 11 floats, and the tension applied to the printed matter 61 is controlled so as not to exceed the predetermined value.

Next, the front end of the printed matter 61 is inserted and conveyed between the conveyance roller 8 and the tension roller 12, and is supplied to the nip portion 20 located on the paper conveyance path. Here, when the vicinity of the nip portion 20 is approached, it is detected by the paper edge sensor 24, and after a predetermined time, when the leading end of the printed matter 61 reaches the holding plate of the nip portion 20, the electromagnet of the nip portion 20 is activated. When electricity is supplied, the holding plate is closed, and the front end of the printed matter 61 is sandwiched and held. Here, the stack roller motor rotates in the normal direction and the stack roller 32 starts to move to the stack side at a speed which is basically 1/2 of the conveyance speed of the cut sheet paper, and the arm motor rotates in the normal direction. The nip portion 20 starts rotating toward the stack side. Then, the stack roller 32 pushes the back side surface (the lower side surface when output from the printing apparatus 1) of the printed matter 61, the posture of the printed matter 61 is changed from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the front end of the printed matter 61 is moved to the predetermined position of the stack 16. Move (rotate) to the position. At this time, depending on the state of the tension roller 12, a detection signal regarding tension is output from the tension detection unit 53, and the moving speed of the stack roller 32 is finely adjusted based on this detection signal. Further, when the stack roller 32 reaches the end of the slide rail 28 and comes into pressure contact with the discharge roller 36, the printed matter 61 is sandwiched between the stack roller 32 and the discharge roller 36, and the rotational force of the discharge roller 36 (transport Force is applied to eject the rear end portion of the printed matter 61 to the stack 16 at a higher speed.

After a certain period of time, the stack roller motor reversely rotates, and the stack roller 32 starts moving to the side of the paper carrying path, and returns to the home position beyond the paper carrying path. The transport motor 55 stops, and the transport rollers 7 to 10 stop rotating.

When the decoded data read by the image sensor 4 cannot be recognized, the printed matter 61 is stored in the extra shooter 39 as a predetermined stack area.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the nips 19 to 22 for holding and holding the leading edge of the cut sheets to move to the predetermined positions of the stacks 15 to 18, and the respective nips 19 to 22. Sheet edge sensors 23 to 26 that detect the leading edge of the cut sheet conveyed near the stack sheet, stack rollers 31 to 34 that correct the posture of the cut sheet on the stacks 15 to 18 and the stack rollers 31 to 34. By providing the discharge rollers 35 to 38 which press the stack rollers 31 to 34 in pressure at the final position of movement of the sheets 31 to 34 and discharge the remaining trailing edge of the cut sheet to the stacks 15 to 18 at high speed. In addition, the cut sheets can be stored at high speed in the stacks 15 to 18 without causing friction with the already stored cut sheets even if the leading ends of the cut sheets are aligned. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent paper jams in a printing device such as a copying device, a plotter device, a facsimile device, or a blueprinting device that discharges charged single-cut sheets. Further, since the leading edges of the cut sheets are aligned, even when different-sized cut sheets must be stored in one stack 15 to 18, each cut sheet can be stably and reliably stored in the stack. It is possible to obtain the effect that it is easy to take even when taking it out.

Further, since the cut sheets are stored in the stacks 15 to 18 in the vertical state in the horizontal state, it is possible to correct the paper curl caused by deformation due to heat or humidity.

Further, the printing apparatus 1 ejects the cut sheets horizontally with the printing surface facing up, whereas the auto stacker device 2 stacks the cut sheets horizontally with the printing surface facing down. Since the cut sheets are stored in the stacks 15 to 18, the cut sheets are stacked in the print output order when viewed from the printing side, which improves the operability. As a result, it is possible to store a plurality of single-cut sheets in which various sizes are mixed in a continuous and good storage state.

Further, according to this embodiment, the tension applied to the cut sheet paper as an auxiliary roller provided for the conveyance roller is set to a predetermined value so that the tension applied to the cut sheet paper does not exceed the predetermined value. When it exceeds, tension rollers 11 to 14 are separated from the transport roller to prevent the tension of the cut sheet from exceeding a predetermined value, and a tension roller 11 to detect the tension applied to the cut sheet by the states of the tension rollers 11 to 14. Since the tension detector 53 is provided, the tension applied to the cut sheet is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined value, and the stack roller conveyance speed is finely adjusted according to the tension applied to the cut sheet. Therefore, the cut sheets can be stored in the stacks 15 to 18 reliably and reliably. Further, according to this embodiment, by providing the image sensor 4, the storage information (paper size) printed on the cut sheet can be read, and the stack for storing the cut sheet can be selected. The operation to be performed can be omitted, and the operability can be improved.

In this embodiment, the case where the four stacks 15 to 18 are provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one stack is already provided. The present invention can also be applied to a paper storage device having a stack of two, three, five or more. Although the tension roller is used in this embodiment, a torque limiter is provided at an appropriate portion of the mechanism for transmitting the rotational force from the transport motor 55 to the transport rollers 7 to 10 instead of the tension roller. It is also good. In this case, the tension applied to the cut sheet may be detected from the operating state of the torque limiter, or a mechanism for separately detecting the tension may be provided. Further, the nip portion and the mechanism for rotating the nip portion may be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0042]

[Effect of device]

 As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet storage device capable of continuously storing a plurality of single-sheet sheets having a mixture of various sizes in a good storage state.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an auto stacker device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a standby state around a nip portion of the auto stacker device of the embodiment and a state after detection of a cut sheet.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state after rotating about 90 ° around a nip portion of the auto stacker device of the same embodiment and a state when stacking cut sheets.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of the auto stacker device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of paper storage processing performed by a control unit of the auto stacker device of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter to be stored in the auto stacker device of the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing two examples of the code portion of the printed matter in FIG. 6 of the same embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 ... Image sensor, 5 ... Paper guide, 7-10 ... Conveying roller, 11-14 ... Tension roller, 15-18 ... Stack, 19-22 ... Nip part, 23-26 ... Paper edge sensor, 27-30 ... Slide Rails, 31 to 34 ... Stack rollers, 35 to 38 ... Ejection rollers, 51 ... Control section, 53 ... Tension detection section, 54 ... Operation panel, 55 ... Conveying motor, 56 ... Stack roller motor section, 57 ... Arm Motor part.

Claims (12)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage section capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and holding means for holding a leading end of the cut sheets. A leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storage section; and a leading edge of the cutting sheet placed at the leading edge alignment position of the storing section. A paper storage device, comprising: holding release means for releasing the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means. 2. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage unit capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and a holding means for holding a leading end of the cut sheets. A leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storage section; and a leading edge of the cutting sheet placed at the leading edge alignment position of the storing section. Holding holding means for releasing holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means is provided, and the holding means detects a leading edge of the cut sheet and a sheet edge sensor for detecting the leading edge of the cut sheet. A paper storage device comprising a nipping mechanism for nipping and holding the leading edge of the cut sheet based on the detection of the leading edge. 3. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, a storage section capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state, and a holding means for holding a front end of the cut sheets. A leading edge guiding means for guiding the leading edge of the cut sheet held by the holding means to a preset leading edge aligning position of the storage section; and a leading edge of the cutting sheet placed at the leading edge alignment position of the storing section. Holding releasing means for releasing the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding means, and the leading edge guiding means moves the leading edge of the cutting sheet held by the holding means to the leading edge alignment position of the storage section. And a sheet posture correcting means for correcting the storage posture of the cut sheet held by the holding means in accordance with the storing direction of the cut sheet in the storage section. Paper storage device. 4. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, comprising: a storage unit capable of stacking and storing a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state; and a leading edge of the cut sheets conveyed in a substantially horizontal direction. A transport mechanism for transporting in a substantially vertical downward direction, a plurality of arms that reciprocate by rotation between the transport path of the cut sheet by this transport mechanism and a preset leading edge alignment position of the storage section, The arms are fixedly supported at the tips of the arms, and are positioned on the conveyance path when the arms are located on the side of the conveyance path of the cut sheet by the conveyance mechanism, and the arms are aligned with the tip of the corresponding storage section. And the sandwiching mechanism located at the leading end alignment position of the storage section when located on the side, and the cut sheet that is disposed near the position of the sandwiching mechanism on the transport path and is transported on the transport path. Paper that detects the leading edge of A sensor and an opposite side of the storage unit for the cut sheet for correcting the cut sheet that is disposed above the storage unit and is conveyed in a substantially vertical downward direction to be substantially parallel to the storage unit. When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the sheet state correction roller that contacts the side surface and moves substantially parallel to the storage section, and the sheet edge sensor, the conveyance mechanism conveys the cut sheet. The leading edge of the cut sheet is sandwiched and held by the sandwiching mechanism located in the path, and the sheet state correction roller is brought into contact with the surface of the cut sheet opposite to the storage portion, and with respect to the storage portion. The movement of the arm is started in a substantially parallel manner, the rotation of the arm is started toward the storage portion side, the rotation of the arm is ended, and the substantially parallel movement of the sheet state correction roller with respect to the storage portion is ended. The storage of the bill paper in the storage section is complete. And a control means for releasing the holding of the cut sheet by the holding mechanism when the sheet is stored. 5. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, wherein a plurality of stack areas capable of stacking a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state are stacked at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. The storage part of the structure, a transport mechanism for transporting the leading edge of the cut-sheets carried in in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut-sheet paper by this transport mechanism, and the preset areas of the stack areas A plurality of arms which reciprocate by pivoting to and from the leading edge aligning position, and are fixedly supported by the leading ends of these arms, and when the arms are located on the side of the transport path of the cut sheet by the transport mechanism. A pinching mechanism located on the transport path and located at a tip aligning position of the stack area when the arm is located on a preset tip aligning position side of the corresponding stack area; A paper edge sensor that is disposed near the position of the sandwiching mechanism on the transport path and that detects the leading edge of the cut sheet transported on the transport path, and is disposed above each stack area and is substantially vertical. In order to correct the cut sheets conveyed downward to be substantially parallel to each stack area, the cut sheets are brought into contact with the surface of the cut sheet opposite to the stack area and are substantially parallel to the stack area. When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the sheet state correcting roller that moves to the sheet edge sensor, the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the conveyance path of the cut sheet by the conveyance mechanism causes the cut sheet to move. Holds the leading edge of the paper, holds the corresponding paper condition correction roller against the opposite surface of the corresponding cut area of the cut sheet, and starts moving substantially parallel to the stack area. At the same time, the corresponding arm is started to rotate to the stack area side, the rotation of the arm ends, the substantially parallel movement of the paper state correction roller ends, and the stack sheet moves to the stack area. And a control means for releasing the nipping and holding of the cut sheet by the nipping mechanism when the storage of the sheet is completed. 6. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, in which a plurality of stack areas capable of stacking a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. The storage part of the structure, a transport mechanism for transporting the leading edge of the cut-sheets carried in in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut-sheet paper by this transport mechanism, and the preset areas of the stack areas described above. A plurality of arms which reciprocate by pivoting to and from the leading edge aligning position, and are fixedly supported by the leading ends of these arms, and when the arms are located on the side of the transport path of the cut sheet by the transport mechanism. A nipping mechanism located on the transport path and located at a tip alignment position of the stack area when the arm is located on the reference position side of the corresponding stack area, and the carrying mechanism of each nipping mechanism. A sheet edge sensor that is disposed near a position on the path and that detects the leading edge of the cut sheet that is transported on the transport path; and a sheet edge sensor that is disposed above each stack area and is transported in a substantially vertical downward direction. In order to correct the cut sheet paper to be substantially parallel to each stack area, the cut sheet paper is brought into contact with the surface of the cut sheet paper opposite to the stack area and moved on the stack area substantially parallel to the stack area. When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the sheet state correction roller and the sheet end sensor, the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the conveyance path of the cut sheet of the conveyance mechanism detects the cut sheet of the cut sheet. While holding the leading edge of the sheet, the corresponding sheet condition correcting roller is brought into contact with the surface of the cut sheet opposite to the corresponding stack area, and the sheet is started to move substantially parallel to the stack area. At the same time, the corresponding arm is started to rotate to the stack area side, the rotation of the arm is ended, the substantially parallel movement of the paper state correction roller is ended, and the arm is moved to the stack area of the cut sheet. Control means for releasing the holding of the cut sheet paper by the nipping mechanism when the storage of the cut sheet is completed, and discharging the cut sheet paper by pressing the movement end end of the paper state correction roller against the paper state correction roller. A sheet storage device comprising a discharge promotion roller for promoting the discharge. 7. A sheet storage device for storing cut sheets, in which a plurality of stack areas capable of stacking a plurality of cut sheets in a substantially horizontal state are vertically arranged at predetermined intervals. The storage part of the structure, a transport mechanism for transporting the leading edge of the cut-sheets carried in in a substantially horizontal direction in a substantially vertical downward direction, the transport path of the cut-sheet paper by this transport mechanism, and the preset areas of the stack areas described above. A plurality of arms which reciprocate by pivoting to and from the leading edge aligning position, and are fixedly supported by the leading ends of these arms, and when the arms are located on the side of the transport path of the cut sheet by the transport mechanism. A nipping mechanism located on the transport path and located at the leading edge alignment position of the stack area when the arm is located at the leading edge alignment position side of the corresponding stack area; A stored information generating means for generating a report, a sandwiching mechanism preparing means for locating a corresponding sandwiching mechanism on the transport path based on the stored information generated by the stored information generating means, and a sandwiching mechanism preparation means for transporting each sandwiching mechanism on the transport path. And a sheet edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the cut sheet that is conveyed on the conveyance path, and a sheet that is arranged above each stack area and that is conveyed in a substantially vertical downward direction. A sheet state correcting roller that abuts on a surface of the cut sheet on the side opposite to the stack area and that moves the sheet substantially parallel to the stack area in order to correct the sheet in a state substantially parallel to the stack areas; When the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the sheet edge sensor, the leading edge of the cut sheet is detected by the corresponding nipping mechanism located in the conveyance path of the cut sheet by the conveyance mechanism. Sandwiching and holding the corresponding sheet state correction roller against the surface of the cut sheet that is opposite to the corresponding stack area to start moving in a substantially parallel manner on the stack area, and to move the corresponding arm. The rotation is started toward the stack area side, the rotation of the arm is completed, the substantially parallel movement of the sheet condition correction roller is completed, and the storage of the cut sheet in the stack area is completed. A paper storage device, comprising: a control means for releasing the holding of the cut sheet by the holding mechanism. 8. The paper storage device according to claim 7,
The sheet storage device, wherein the storage information is print attribute information printed on a cut sheet. 9. The paper storage device according to claim 8, wherein:
The sheet storage device, wherein the print attribute information is size information of a cut sheet. 10. The sheet storage device according to claim 4, wherein the sheet state correction roller interferes with holding the leading edge of the sheet by the holding unit. A paper storage device, which moves so as not to apply a tension equal to or higher than a tension value that causes 11. The paper storage device according to claim 4, further comprising: tension detecting means for detecting a tension applied to the cut sheet at least when the paper state correcting roller is moved, and the tension detecting means. A sheet storage device, comprising: a sheet state correction roller speed adjusting means for finely adjusting the moving speed of the sheet state correction roller based on the tension detected by the detecting means. 12. The sheet storage device according to claim 11, wherein the transport mechanism applies a tension equal to or more than a tension value at which the transport roller and the cut sheet interfere with the holding of the leading edge of the cut sheet by the holding unit. A sheet storage device, comprising: a tension roller configured to prevent the occurrence of the occurrence of tension, and the tension detection unit detects the tension applied to the cut sheet based on the state of the tension roller.