JP2000072260A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [PROBLEMS] To provide an image forming apparatus capable of mounting and discharging a paper cassette from any direction of the apparatus with a simple structure while avoiding an increase in the weight of the apparatus and an increase in the size of the apparatus. SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus 15 for forming an image by feeding paper from a paper feed cassette 2, insertion openings 16 are provided so as to communicate with front and rear sides and / or left and right sides of a main body side, respectively. At least two sets of the rotation stopper 18 and the projection 17 are provided on the lower surface or the upper surface of the sheet cassette 2 and the storage unit, and the sheet cassette 2 can be taken out or inserted from an arbitrary loading opening.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a paper feeding device such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like. And an image forming apparatus capable of feeding paper into the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional image forming apparatuses are capable of forming an image corresponding to various paper sizes. The loading section (paper cassette) can be mounted.

However, the paper size desired by the user,
Since there are a wide variety of types (backing paper, cardboard, OHP film, etc.), if a plurality of paper cassettes are directly mounted on the image forming apparatus, the space required for installing the apparatus, particularly the space in the left and right direction of the apparatus, becomes large. When the number of cassettes increases, the trouble and management for replacing the paper cassettes with those of another size or mounting the paper cassettes become complicated.

Therefore, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., it is necessary to supply or replace paper from the front side of the apparatus for the purpose of reducing the installation space of the apparatus and saving the labor and management described above. Possible multi-stage paper cassettes have been adopted, and paper that is used relatively frequently is stored in a plurality of paper cassettes in advance and copying is performed. In general, a desired paper is placed on a manual paper feed tray for printing.

Further, a device equipped with a conventional paper feeding device, for example, a paper feeding cassette for loading paper in a copying machine, a printer, or the like can be inserted only from one direction. When a device such as a printer is installed, it is necessary to consider an operation for placing paper. further,
Even during actual use of the apparatus, the space in the insertion direction of the paper cassette should be kept clear so that there is no obstacle to placing the paper, and the apparatus cannot be operated unless it is in an organized state. Had a defect.

On the other hand, with the recent rapid digitization and computerization, printers and copiers have become word processors,
A personal computer, various servers, a data processor, an image editing processor, etc. are connected to a network or one-to-one of various information processing devices, and each information processing device shares a copier and a printer to copy images on various sheet papers. Formable network copiers and network printers have been developed.

In a network copying machine or a network printer, data required for printing is transmitted from an unspecified number of terminals to the apparatus and printed, so that a conventional copying machine not connected to a network is used. As described above, there is no need to take the original to the front of the apparatus, supply paper as needed, scan the original to form an image, and then take out the recording paper on which the image is formed. That is, when an image is formed by a device connected to a network, the user rarely goes to the front of the device before forming an image, except for trouble, replenishment of paper, replacement of paper, and the like.

[0008] Further, especially in the case of printers, since the number of printers shared by a small-scale network connection with a personal computer or the like has been increasing, there has been a demand for downsizing of the apparatus. Is becoming more and more shared.

Therefore, when a table-top type network printer or network copier is installed on a table, if a paper cassette can be installed not only from the front side of the apparatus but also from the rear side and left and right directions of the apparatus, it can be easily seen from around the apparatus. Since paper can be fed, it is expected that an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a paper cassette from a plurality of directions will be increasingly demanded in the future.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 60-6536, 63-277133 and 6-23 disclose image forming apparatuses capable of loading a paper cassette from a plurality of directions.
No. 9475 is known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-6536 discloses a compact copier main body by supporting a copier main body with a cassette module itself and inserting a paper cassette into both sides of the cassette module. The cassette module 5 is formed inside the support frame 8 to support the copier body 1 with the support frame 8 and the first and second sheet cassettes are connected to the left and right A technique that allows insertion from both sides is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-277133 discloses that a paper feed direction and a direction perpendicular thereto are two directions.
The release lever is pushed up by the provision of a guide part which is curved upward or inclined upward, so that the paper supply cassette can be attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the paper supply direction. With the lock pin engaged with the paper cassette, insert the paper cassette into the storage case, the inclined surface comes into contact with the latch, and the lock pin comes out of the locking groove, so that the stopper enters the locking portion of the frame. Wrap with
Then, when the sheet cassette is pushed into a predetermined position, the lock lever rides over the latch claw and is locked. When pulling out the paper cassette, push down the release lever, and the lock pin of the latch plate will slide into the locking groove while rubbing on the guide surface. Is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-239475 discloses a cassette insert provided on the front and rear sides of the main body case for the purpose of performing the operation of attaching and detaching the paper feed cassette from both the front and rear sides of the main body case. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes an opening, a cassette storage table that receives a sheet cassette inserted from a cassette insertion opening on the front or back of a main body case, and a positioning unit that positions the received sheet cassette.

[0014]

As described above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
According to the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 0-6536, the copier main body is supported by the cassette module itself, and the paper feed cassette can be inserted into the cassette module from both sides thereof. It is useful in that it can be done.

However, according to the technology described in the publication,
Certainly, paper cassettes can be loaded from both the left and right sides of the device.However, paper cassettes cannot be inserted from the front and rear sides of the device, which is more flexible than when cassettes can be inserted from all sides. It will lack sex. Further, although the technique described in the publication has the advantage that only a plurality of paper cassettes can be inserted, a paper feed path is required for each insertion portion, and a storage space needs to be provided for each paper cassette. There is a problem that the device becomes large and the weight increases.

According to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-277133, there are two paper feeding directions and a direction orthogonal thereto.
The paper feeding cassette is also provided in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction without damaging or interfering with the paper or the detection piece by providing a guide portion that is curved upward or inclined upward with respect to the direction. Is useful in that it can be detachably operated.

However, according to the technique described in the above publication, even if a paper cassette is inserted and ejected in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction and the paper feeding direction, it is possible to prevent the detection piece itself for detecting the paper from being damaged. Although it is possible, when the paper cassette is inserted from the rear of the apparatus or from the direction opposite to the paper transport direction, the paper cassette storage means and positioning cannot be performed. It does not propose a technology that allows free insertion and ejection from the left and right directions), and further does not propose a technology that ejects a paper cassette in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

In the technique described in the publication, a transport path is provided in each of a manual paper feed unit and an optional paper storage unit, and a paper cassette is inserted from all sides of the apparatus using a common paper feed unit. However, no technology has been proposed for realizing emission.

Further, according to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-239475, the operation of attaching and detaching the paper feed cassette can be performed from both the front and rear sides of the main body case, and the restriction on the installation location of the apparatus main body is eased. However, it does not propose a technology that allows paper cassettes to be freely inserted and ejected from all sides (front, rear, left and right directions) of the device.
Further, for example, there is no proposal for a technique of discharging a sheet cassette in a direction opposite to a direction in which the sheet cassette is inserted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object the purpose of avoiding an increase in the weight of the apparatus and an increase in the size of the apparatus, while simplifying the structure of the apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus having a paper feeding unit capable of mounting and discharging a paper cassette from a direction.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing a sheet cassette inside the apparatus,
The paper cassette is inserted so as to be able to be taken out from an insertion opening in the side of the storage device to a position corresponding to the paper supply member in the storage section, and the inserted paper cassette is fed by a positioning member. An image forming apparatus configured to feed a sheet from the sheet cassette to the sheet feeding roller by the sheet feeding roller and form an image on the sheet after positioning the sheet at a sheet feeding position where the sheet can be fed by a roller; Parts are provided so as to communicate with the front and rear sides and / or the left and right sides of the side of the apparatus main body, and the positioning member is provided with at least two sets at positions corresponding to the lower surface or the upper surface of the paper cassette and the storage unit. An image forming apparatus is provided, wherein the paper cassette is detachable or insertable from an arbitrary insertion opening.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, the sheet cassette can be arbitrarily inserted in any of the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the front-rear left-right direction, so that the usability is greatly improved and the apparatus is installed. The constraints on For example, the paper cassette can be inserted from the left, right, or front even when the back side of the device is placed near a wall. The paper cassette can be inserted from anywhere.

Further, since the positioning portion is provided, the positional relationship between the sheet feeding cassette and the sheet feeding roller can be configured to be constant regardless of the direction in which the sheet feeding cassette is inserted, thereby deteriorating reliability. The improvement of the usability can be expected without the above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the positioning member has a first engaging member formed of a protrusion protruding from a lower surface of the sheet feeding cassette and a concave portion parallel to an insertion direction on a lower surface of the storage portion. The first engagement member and the second engagement member are engaged and guided when the paper cassette is taken out or inserted, and the second engagement member is provided with the second engagement member. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the engagement member includes a fitting portion to which a leading end of the first engagement member fits when the paper cassette is positioned at the paper feeding position. 3. It is a forming device.

Therefore, according to this configuration, in addition to the contents of the first aspect, it is possible to reliably guide the sheet to the sheet feeding section with a relatively simple structure, and to arbitrarily select the apparatus without impairing the sheet feeding performance. The paper cassette can be inserted and removed from the surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the insertion opening is provided on the front-rear side or the left-right side of the side of the apparatus main body, and the positioning member is adjacent to the side of the sheet cassette in the direction of insertion and removal. The first engaging means comprises first engaging means provided opposite to each other in the vicinity of an end of the first part, and second engaging means protruding at corresponding positions on the lower surface near the insertion opening of the storage part, respectively. The joining means is supported by a rotation axis in a direction orthogonal to the direction of insertion and removal of the paper cassette, and has a circular portion on a non-opposing surface of the first engaging means. The insertion front end surface of the first engagement means is rotated by the bias of the second engagement means, while the insertion rear end face of the first engagement means is locked without rotating by the bias of the second engagement means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Therefore, according to this configuration, the first insertion end side
Since the engagement means rotates and the first engagement means on the rear end side can lock the insertion of the sheet cassette, the first engagement means on the rear end side can be locked.
The engaging means functions as a stopper, and the position of the sheet cassette can be fixed, so that there is no need to set the positioning means for each insertion direction, and the sheet cassette can be mounted efficiently.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the first engaging means on the rear end face side of the insertion cassette is locked, the paper cassette is released from the locked state. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, further comprising: Therefore, according to this configuration, the paper feed cassette can be taken out from a direction other than the insertion direction, so that the paper feed cassette can be easily taken out even if the user who inserts the paper feed cassette and the user who takes it out are different, for example. It is possible,
By taking out in different directions, the device is not damaged and the usability is not reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet feeding apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the positioning means comprises two sets of first and second engaging means arranged in parallel. Device. Therefore, according to this configuration, the positional relationship between the paper feed cassette and the paper feed roller (paper feed direction) can be made accurate, and when inserted from multiple directions, the positional relationship is deviated, resulting in poor image quality. It is possible to avoid a problem such as a decrease.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the paper feeder according to the third aspect, the first engagement means includes an identification means for identifying an insertion direction of the paper cassette. It is. Therefore, according to this configuration, since the user can quickly and accurately recognize the carrying direction of the paper cassette, the paper cassette may be incorrectly inserted or removed, or may be removed in a direction opposite to the inserting direction. And damage to the main body of the apparatus can be prevented.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate, but the present invention can be applied in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the present embodiment, as an image forming apparatus provided with a paper feeding device, an image forming device employing an electrophotographic method is exemplified.
The present invention is not applied only to the paper feeding device of the image forming apparatus employing the electrophotographic method. For example, even when toner is used as the developer, the developer is directly transferred to the recording medium. It may be of a flying type or the like, and is applicable to various image forming apparatuses such as an ink jet system, a thermal system, and a thermal transfer system.

(Explanation of Image Forming Apparatus and Sheet Feeding Operation) An embodiment using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an apparatus provided with the sheet feeding apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG.
1 illustrates a sheet feeding / conveying section 1 of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet feeding device according to the present invention.

First, image information obtained by reading image data of a document image to be formed from a scanner unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, or an information processing apparatus on a network to which the apparatus is connected and shared, or via a telephone line A print request is made to the image forming apparatus based on image information transmitted from a facsimile apparatus or the like connected through the network.

The image forming apparatus is provided with a cassette 2 for storing paper P for recording an image,
When the print request is issued, the pickup roller 3 and the paper feed roller 4 rotate, and the uppermost sheet P of the sheets stored in the cassette is moved to the half-moon-shaped pickup roller 3.
The paper P is sent out in the direction of the paper feed roller 4 with the rotation of, and is further conveyed after being nipped by the paper feed roller and reaches the PS roller 5.

An image forming section for forming an image is provided on the downstream side of the PS roller 6 in the sheet conveying path, and the image forming section is provided with a cylindrical photoconductor 6 and a peripheral portion near the photoconductor 6. Transfer unit 7, peeling unit 8, charging unit (not shown), exposure unit,
It is composed of a cleaning section, a static elimination section, a development section, etc.
Since this configuration is a well-known technique as an electrophotographic image forming unit, detailed description is omitted.

When the print request is issued, the photosensitive member 6 rotates before and after the rotation timing of the pickup roller 3 and the paper feed roller 4, and moves along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 6 during the previous image formation. After the remaining developer is removed by the cleaning unit and the residual charge is removed by the charge removing unit, the photoreceptor surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential.

A laser beam from a writing optical system (not shown) is applied to a predetermined position on the uniformly charged photoconductor surface.
Alternatively, reflected light from a light source via a mirror or the like is irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the recorded image is formed on the photoconductor.

The electrostatic latent image formed and carried on the photoreceptor 6 passes through a developing section (not shown), and a developer charged to a predetermined polarity moves from the developing section to correspond to the electrostatic latent image. The developed developer image is formed on the photoconductor 6.

On the other hand, the PS roller 6 transports the paper P
Is provided to match the timing of the sheet P with the developer image formed on the photoconductor 6 and to prevent the sheet P from being skewed (skewed) when an image is formed. When the roller 6 starts rotating at a predetermined timing, the position of the leading end of the paper P reaching the PS roller 6 with respect to the developer image formed on the photoconductor is adjusted, and the paper P is conveyed at the matched timing. Is transferred to the transfer section 7 of the image forming section.

The transfer section 7 is applied with a predetermined transfer voltage from a transfer voltage generating means (not shown), and transfers the developer image formed on the photoreceptor 6 to the paper P with toner. On the downstream side of the transfer path from the transfer unit 7, a peeling unit 8 for preventing the paper P passing through the transfer unit 7 from winding around the photoconductor 6 is provided. The sheet P to which a potential has been applied and has passed the transfer unit 7 is conveyed downstream of the conveyance path by the peeling unit 8 without being wound around the photoconductor 6.

A fixing roller 9 is provided downstream of the peeling section 8 on the conveyance path. The fixing roller 9 is provided to fix the developer image transferred onto the paper P and to make it permanent visible. When the developer is fixed by heat and pressure, a heat source such as a halogen lamp is used. And a fixing roller containing
The fixing roller includes a pressure roller for pressing the fixing roller to pinch the sheet P.

On the other hand, since the developer remaining without being transferred at the time of transfer exists on the photoreceptor 6 after the transfer, cleaning is performed by a cleaning unit (not shown), and the residual charge remaining on the photoreceptor 6 is removed. The charge is removed in the image forming section to prepare for the next image formation.

The paper P on which the developer image transferred by the fixing roller 9 is heat and pressure-fixed is further conveyed by a fixing roller, passes through a discharge roller 10, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 11 provided at an upper portion of the apparatus. And the image formation is completed in this manner.

(First Embodiment of the Present Invention) The configuration of the sheet feeding section and sheet feeding cassette 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the paper feed cassette 2 installed in the paper feed unit of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. It shows an enlarged view.

The paper feed cassette 2 has a rotation stopper 13 serving as a guide when the paper feed cassette is mounted on the paper feed section of the image forming apparatus.
And a recording paper supply unit 12 provided inside the installation position of the rotation stopper 13. As is clear from the enlarged view of FIG. It is pivotally supported in a rotatable state based on the provided support shaft. The operation of the rotation stopper 13 when the sheet cassette 2 is mounted on the image forming apparatus will be described later.

Here, the rotation direction of the rotation stopper 3 is clockwise when the round surface of the rotation stopper 13 is on the right side, and conversely when the round side is on the left side.
It is rotatable only in the counterclockwise direction. Further, since the paper supply unit 12 is placed inside the installation location of each rotation stopper 13, even if each rotation stopper 13 rotates, the paper supply unit 12 does not contact the paper P, and the paper P may be damaged or supplied. No interference at the time of paper occurs.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a recording sheet feeding section in the image forming apparatus. The recording sheet supply section 16 of the image forming apparatus 15 is configured so that the sheet feeding cassette 2 can be inserted right and left. When the paper feed cassette 2 is not inserted, it is in a hollow state. Note that the image forming apparatus 15 actually includes the above-described sheet feeding / conveying unit 1, but is omitted in the drawing.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, a projection 17 is provided for fitting into the recess of the rotation stopper 13 provided on the sheet cassette, and the rotation stopper of the sheet cassette 2 is provided. When the projection 13 and the projection 13 are fitted to each other, the paper feed cassette 2 can be positioned and fixed to the recording paper supply unit 16.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state in which the paper cassette 2 is inserted into the recording paper supply section 16, fitted, and fixed in the above-described configuration. FIG. 4 shows the recording paper supply unit 1.
6 shows a state in which the paper feed cassette 2 is installed from the right side as viewed in the drawing. FIG. 5 shows the recording paper supply unit 16 as viewed from the left side as viewed in the drawing.
Indicates a state where the camera is installed.

Here, as shown in the side view of FIG. 1, the rotation stopper 13 provided on the paper feed cassette 2 is
The state where the R portion 18 is in the longitudinal direction of the paper cassette, that is, outward is the initial state.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the paper feed cassette 2 is inserted into the recording paper feed unit 16, first, the R portion of the rotation stopper 13 on the leading end side in the insertion direction is moved to the position shown in FIG. Abuts on the convex portion 17 of the sheet cassette 2 shown in the enlarged view,
When the paper cassette 2 is further inserted, the rotation stopper 13 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4 and clockwise in FIG. 5, and when the paper cassette 2 is further inserted deeply, the insertion direction of the paper cassette 2 is changed. The rotation stopper 13 on the rear end side as viewed from above comes into contact with the convex portion 17, and the paper feed cassette 2 is fixed.

The rotation stopper 13 on the rear end side
4 is configured not to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 4 and clockwise in FIG. 5, and the rotation stoppers 13 are provided at four locations on the lower four sides of the sheet cassette 2. The paper feed cassette 2 can be fixed securely and parallel by the rotation stopper 13 on the rear end side. That is, since there are two rotation stoppers 13 on each side of the paper feed cassette 2, the positioning is performed in a stable state in the insertion direction.

4 and 5, a rotation stopper index 19 is provided on the end face of the rotation stopper 13. The rotation stopper index 19 is simply applied with a color different from the member of the rotation stopper 13,
It can be specifically implemented by printing characters, attaching stickers, or the like, or disposing a light emitting element or the like. However, if the indicator 19 is provided, the user can look into the paper feed cassette 2 from the side, and It can be easily determined whether 2 has been inserted from the right side or from the left side.

For example, in FIG. 4, the index 19 of the rotation stopper 13 on the left side of the drawing is hidden, and only the index 19 on the right side is displayed. Therefore, in this case, it can be quickly and easily determined that the side on which the index 19 is displayed is the side on which the sheet cassette 2 is inserted.

(Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the sheet feeding cassette 2 in the first embodiment, and will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the sheet cassette 2 positioned by the rotation stopper 13 can be ejected only from the inserted side. That is, in FIG. 4, the paper feed cassette 2 inserted from the right side can be discharged only from the right side, and cannot be discharged from the left side due to the action of the rotation stopper 13 and the convex portion. However, in the second embodiment, the sheet cassette 2 positioned by the rotation stopper 13 can be discharged not only from the inserted side but also from the opposite direction.

FIG. 6 shows a state where the sheet cassette 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 15.
3 is a perspective view when inserted from the right side as viewed from the paper surface. The difference from the first embodiment is that a rotation stopper release cover 20 is provided for the sheet cassette 2, and the cover 20 is The cover 2 of the paper cassette 2 is slidable in the directions of the middle arrows A and A ′, and when the rotation stopper 13 is further rotated in the directions of B and B ′ in FIG.
It fits into and is housed in the recess when 0 is opened.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the cover 20 is slid in the direction A, the recess appears, and the rotation stopper 13 is rotated in the direction B in the drawing to be fitted into the recess. Is disengaged from the side of the image forming apparatus 5, and then the paper feed cassette 2 is moved to C in FIG.
And discharge from the left side (see FIG. 7).

In the first and second embodiments, two rotation stoppers 13 are provided at the side end of the sheet cassette 2, respectively.
Although the fixing state of the sheet cassette 2 is improved, for example, one rotation stopper 13 may be provided on each side. By doing so, there is an advantage that only one rotation stopper needs to be operated, even when the sheet cassette 2 is ejected from the opposite direction as in the present embodiment. However,
In particular, when the rotation stopper 13 is one on each side, a problem may occur in the parallelism and the fixing degree of the sheet cassette 2. Therefore, if necessary, guides or the like may be provided to the sheet cassette and the recording sheet supply unit 16 as necessary. May be provided in the longitudinal direction and engaged.

(Third Embodiment of the Present Invention) This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the sheet cassette 2 in the first embodiment, and will be described below with reference to FIGS. . In the first embodiment, the sheet cassette 2 positioned by the rotation stopper 13 can be ejected only from the inserted side. In the second embodiment, the rotation stopper 13 is moved into the recess by moving the cover 20. By doing so, the device could be ejected from the opposite direction, but could not be inserted and ejected in the front-rear direction of the device.

However, in the third embodiment, the sheet cassette 2 positioned by the rotation stopper 13 can be discharged not only from the inserted side but also in the reverse direction, and further in the front-back direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the recording paper supply unit 16, FIG. 9 is a top view and a front view of the recording paper supply unit 16, and FIG.
0 represents a front view of the paper cassette 2. In this embodiment, the convex portion in the first and second embodiments is replaced with a concave portion which is symmetrical in the front-rear and left-right directions. The rotation stopper 3 provided on the sheet cassette 2 in FIG. The guide 21 is installed, and the guide portion 2
The guide stop positions 22A to 22D are provided so that the position 1 is fixed on the recording sheet supply unit 16 shown in FIG.

The guide stop positions 22A to 22D are set at positions where the respective guides 21 of the sheet cassette 2 are set, and the guides 21 are disposed at all of the guide stop positions 22A to 22D. The position of the sheet cassette 2 on the recording sheet supply unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 15 is determined by the lock mechanism 2.

Specifically, the guide stop positions 22A to 22A
In order to fit each guide to D, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a ball bearing is provided at the tip of the guide 21 or the tip is processed into a spherical shape, and then the X-
If the guide stop position is processed so as to be depressed from the surroundings as shown in the X sectional view, positioning can be performed by engaging with the guide stop position. The positional relationship and dimensional relationship between the guide stop position and the guide distal end portion may be appropriately determined based on the material used, the weight of the sheet cassette, and the like. When the paper cassette is taken out, it is necessary to release the above-mentioned engagement. Therefore, for example, an elastic member may be provided so that the guide portion escapes upward with a predetermined load, or the fitting size may be adjusted.

Thereafter, when it is desired to eject the sheet cassette 2, the sheet cassette 2 can be freely moved back and forth and right and left by a lock mechanism releasing function (not shown). Therefore, for example, in the case of FIG. 9, the sheet cassette 2 inserted from the left side can be discharged not only from the left and right, but also from the back or the front, so that the usability is greatly improved. In the above-described third embodiment, the paper cassette 2 is connected to the device 15.
If the relative relationship between the paper cassette 2 and the paper feeding unit when the paper cassette 2 is inserted into the front and back and right and left is matched, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of paper feeding units.

FIG. 11 is a top view for explaining the direction in which the paper cassette 2 is inserted into and ejected from the image forming apparatus 15, and FIG. 12 shows the paper cassette 2 and the pickup roller when the paper cassette 2 is mounted on the apparatus 15. 3A and 3B are a top view and a side view for explaining the positional relationship of the paper feed roller 4.

As is apparent from FIGS. 11 and 12, even when the paper cassette 2 is inserted into the apparatus 15 from the front, rear, left and right sides, the recording paper P and the paper feeding mechanism, the paper separating claw 23, the paper rear end pressing plate 24 And the relative positional relationship is unchanged, and the positional relationship between the pickup roller 3 and the paper feed roller 4 does not change even if inserted from any of the front, rear, left, and right directions.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show that the paper cassette 2 is completely housed in the image forming apparatus 15 in the apparatus. However, the workability when inserting and removing the paper cassette 2 is improved. In consideration of the above, it is also possible to provide a handle for gripping each end face of the paper cassette 2 at the time of insertion / removal, or to make the paper cassette 2 protrude from the apparatus from the relation between the paper size and the apparatus dimensions.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a paper cassette can be inserted and ejected from any direction in the front, rear, left and right directions while using a single paper feeding mechanism. However, when sharing via a small network, usability can be greatly improved.

[0069]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the insertion opening is provided in communication with the front and rear sides and / or the left and right sides of the side of the apparatus main body, and the positioning member is provided between the sheet feeding cassette and the storage section. In the image forming apparatus, at least two sets or four sets are provided at positions corresponding to the lower surface or the upper surface, respectively, and the sheet cassette can be taken out or inserted from an arbitrary entrance. The cassette can be inserted arbitrarily from the front-back direction, the left-right direction, or the front-rear left-right direction, and the usability is greatly improved.
In addition, a remarkable effect of reducing restrictions on installation of the device can be obtained.

Therefore, for example, even when the back surface of the apparatus is placed near a wall, the paper feed cassette can be inserted from the left, right, and forward directions. The user can insert the paper feed cassette from any of the front, rear, left and right.

Further, since the positioning section is provided, the positional relationship between the sheet feeding cassette and the sheet feeding roller can be configured to be constant regardless of the direction in which the sheet feeding cassette is inserted, thereby impairing reliability. The improvement of the usability can be expected without the above.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning member is provided on the lower surface of the storage portion with the first engagement member formed of a protrusion protruding from the lower surface of the sheet cassette and recessed in parallel with the insertion direction. The first and second engaging members are engaged and guided when the paper cassette is taken out or inserted, and the second engaging member is a paper cassette. The first engaging member is provided with a fitting portion to which the leading end of the first engaging member fits when the sheet is positioned at the sheet feeding position. Thus, the paper can be reliably guided to the paper feeding section, and the paper feeding cassette can be inserted and removed from any surface of the apparatus without deteriorating the paper feeding performance.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first engaging means is pivotally supported on a direction orthogonal to the direction of insertion and removal of the sheet cassette, and is supported on the non-opposing surface of the first engaging means. It has a circular portion, and the insertion end surface of the first engagement means is the second
Since the end surface of the first engaging means is rotated without being rotated by the urging force of the second engaging means while being rotated by the urging force of the engaging means, the rear end face of the first engaging means is locked without being rotated. The first engaging means rotates, and the first engaging means on the rear end side can lock the insertion of the sheet cassette, and the first engaging means on the rear end side functions as a stopper, Since the position of the sheet cassette can be fixed, there is no need to set a positioning means for each insertion direction, and there is an effect that the sheet cassette can be efficiently mounted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the first engaging means on the end face side after the insertion of the paper feed cassette is locked,
Since the paper feed cassette is provided with a lock releasing means for releasing the locked state, the paper feed cassette can be taken out from a direction other than the insertion direction. It is possible to easily take out the paper feed cassette even when the user is different, and there is an effect that removing the paper feed cassette in a different direction prevents the apparatus from being damaged and the usability from being reduced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning means is constituted by two sets of the first and second engaging means which are respectively provided in parallel, so that the sheet feeding cassette and the feeder are provided. The positional relationship with the paper roller (paper feed direction) can be made accurate, and it is possible to avoid such a problem that the positional relationship is shifted by inserting from multiple directions and the image quality is reduced. .

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the first engaging means includes the identification means for identifying the insertion direction of the sheet cassette, the user can use the sheet cassette. Since the loading direction can be quickly and accurately recognized, it is possible to prevent the paper feeding cassette and the apparatus main body from being damaged due to the wrong insertion direction and the removal direction, for example, removal in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. It has the effect of becoming.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a sheet feeding unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a paper feed cassette according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a recording sheet supply unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where a sheet cassette in the embodiment of the present invention is inserted from the right side of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where the sheet cassette in the embodiment of the present invention is inserted from the left side of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a method of releasing a rotation stopper according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a method of releasing a rotation stopper according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a sheet cassette of a recording sheet supply unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an oblique top view and a front view of a sheet cassette of a recording sheet supply unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a sheet cassette of a recording sheet supply unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a direction in which a sheet cassette is inserted into and discharged from the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship between a sheet feeding unit and a sheet cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 paper feeding and conveying unit 2 paper feeding cassette 3 pickup roller 4 paper feeding roller 5 PS roller 6 photoconductor 7 transfer unit 8 peeling unit 9 fixing roller 10 paper discharge roller 11 paper discharge tray 12 recording paper supply unit 13 rotation stopper 14 spindle REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 15 Image forming apparatus 16 Recording paper feeding unit 17 Convex part 18 R part 19 Rotation stopper index 20 Rotation stopper release cover 21 Guide 22A to 22D Guide stop position 23 Paper separation claw 24 Paper rear end pressing plate

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F-term (reference) 2C059 AA03 AA12 AA49 DD08 2H071 AA35 AA37 AA39 AA42 AA44 2H072 AA01 AA07 AA12 AA24 BA12 BB01 JA04 3F343 FA02 FB02 FB03 FB04 FC18 GA01 GB01 GC01 GD01 KB03 KB LA13 LC02 LC22

Claims (6)

[Claims] A storage section for storing a paper cassette inside the apparatus, wherein the paper supply cassette can be taken out from an insertion opening in a side surface of the storage section to a position corresponding to a paper supply member in the storage section. After a paper cassette is inserted, the inserted paper cassette is positioned by a positioning member to a paper feeding position at which paper can be fed by a paper feeding roller, and then paper is fed and conveyed from the paper feeding cassette by the paper feeding roller. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, wherein the insertion opening is provided in communication with the front and rear sides and / or the left and right sides of the side of the apparatus main body, and the positioning member is provided with the sheet feeding cassette. And at least two sets are provided at positions corresponding to the lower surface portion or the upper surface portion of the storage portion, respectively, and the paper feed cassette can be taken out or inserted from an arbitrary insertion opening. Image forming apparatus. 2. The positioning member according to claim 1, wherein said positioning member comprises a first engagement member comprising a projection projecting from a lower surface of said sheet cassette, and a second engagement member recessed from said lower surface of said storage portion in parallel with an insertion direction. A first engagement member and a second engagement member,
When the paper cassette is taken out or inserted, the paper cassette is engaged and guided, and when the paper cassette is positioned at the paper feeding position, the first engagement member is used. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fitting portion to which a front end portion of the image forming device fits. 3. The insertion opening is provided on the front-rear side or the left-right side of the side surface of the apparatus main body, and the positioning member is opposed to the vicinity of the end of the side surface adjacent to the side surface in the insertion / removal direction of the sheet cassette. The first engaging means is provided with the first engaging means, and the second engaging means is provided at a corresponding position on the lower surface near the insertion opening of the storage part.
The first engagement means has a circular portion on a non-opposing surface, and is supported by a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the paper cassette; Is rotated by the bias of the second engagement means, while the first
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end surface of the engagement unit after the insertion is locked without rotating by the bias of the second engagement unit. 4. The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, further comprising a locking state releasing means for releasing the locking state when the first engaging means on the rear end face side of the insertion is locked. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3. 5. The positioning means comprises:
4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the sheet feeding device includes a pair of first and second engaging means. 6. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the first engaging unit includes an identification unit for identifying an insertion direction of the sheet cassette.