JP2001139165A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device reducing the length in the light direction of a sheet feed tray part and having an external appearance giving no incompatible feeling. SOLUTION: This image formation device is so formed that a plurality of sheet feed trays each integrally having a storage vessel for storing sheets, an external facing plate provided outside the front face of the storage vessel, and a sheet feed unit extended along one side of the storage vessel and having a part positioned in a region projected from the upper side of the external facing plate, are vertically provided and freely drawn relative to the device body. This device is provided with an inclined face inclined downward from the front side toward the inner part in the bottom side region of the external facing plate and is characterized that a notch is provided in a part of the inclined face opposed to the sheet feeding means of the lower stage sheet feed unit.

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 such as a copying machine, a printer and the like, and more particularly, to a vertically arranged plural paper feed tray integrally having a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having the above configuration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus having a configuration in which paper feed trays are arranged in multiple stages in the vertical direction is known, and these paper feed trays are configured such that a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller is integrated with a paper storage container. A configuration that is provided in a specific manner is also well known.

As schematically shown in FIG. 10, a paper feed tray as described above has a storage container capable of storing a large number of sheets for image formation, and a sheet in a stacked state according to an image forming processing operation. And a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller that is driven and controlled to sequentially feed the topmost paper.

A paper feed roller in the paper feed unit,
Alternatively, a part of a sheet feeding unit such as a mounting plate for supporting the sheet feeding roller is higher in a height direction than a position occupied by a topmost sheet of sheets loaded in the storage container.
It has a protruding position.

[0005] Further, there is an extra space below the portion shown as the paper feeding unit, but by filling the wasted space, the height dimension occupied by the paper feeding tray is made as compact as possible. I have.

In other words, the bottom surface of the paper feed unit is raised by the margin with respect to the bottom surface of the storage container, and the raised portion is placed in the space for paper feed unit arrangement of the paper feed tray located immediately below. It is used as a compact device.

[0007] One surface of such a paper feed tray is used as a part of the appearance (exterior) of the apparatus.

For example, if the paper feed tray is pulled out to the front side (front side) of the apparatus, which is called front loading, one surface on the front side forms a part of the exterior.

To this end, an exterior plate is generally provided integrally on the front wall of the paper feed tray, and the shape of the exterior plate is similar to the outer shape of the paper feed tray. .

[0010]

However, since the outer plate has a size that completely covers the outer shape of the storage container and the sheet feeding unit as viewed from the front, for example, the above-mentioned compactness in the height direction is reduced. There was also a limit.

[0011] Further, since one outer plate has a shape which is considered to be a stepped irregular shape, it does not look very good in design, but rather makes it feel unnatural.

[0012] Further, the paper feed unit in the above configuration,
In particular, the operability is satisfied in view of the configuration for retracting the paper feed roller, the configuration for holding the evacuated paper feed unit, or the reliable maintenance of the paper feed roller at the paper feed position. Did not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed trays vertically provided integrally with a storage container and a paper feed unit. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be further compacted in a sheet feeding tray section and has an appearance that does not cause a sense of incongruity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a paper feed tray integrally provided with a storage container and a paper feed unit. Is automatically canceled to provide an image forming apparatus with improved operability.

[0015]

The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.

(1) A storage container for storing paper,
An exterior plate provided on the outside of the front surface of the storage container, and a paper feeding unit having a portion located along a side of the storage container and protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate, An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of paper feed trays that can be pulled out of the apparatus main body and is provided in a vertical direction. In addition to providing an inclined surface on the
An image forming apparatus, wherein a notch is provided in a part of the inclined surface facing a sheet feeding unit of a lower sheet feeding unit.

(2) The inclination of the lower region of the exterior plate is 4 °.
The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the angle is from 30 to 30 degrees.

(3) An upper side and a lower side which are substantially parallel to each other, an inclined surface on the lower side, which is inclined downward from the near side toward the far side, and a notch provided in a part of the inclined surface. ,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a sheet feeding tray is configured by integrally providing an exterior plate having a sheet storage container for storing sheets, and a plurality of the sheet feeding trays are provided in a vertical direction.

(4) The inclination of the inclined surface is 4 ° to 30 °
The image forming apparatus according to (3), wherein

(5) The cutout portion provided on the exterior plate relating to the upper storage container is provided integrally with the storage container immediately below, and protrudes from the upper side of the exterior plate of the storage container. (3) The image forming apparatus according to (3), wherein the image forming apparatus has a size that allows relative movement with a member having the following.

(6) The image forming apparatus according to the above (3), wherein the vertical distance in which the inclined surface is formed is 30 mm or less.

(7) The image forming apparatus according to (5), wherein the member having a position protruding from the upper side of the exterior plate includes a paper feed roller.

(8) A paper feed tray integrally including a storage container and a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller is provided so as to be able to be drawn out from the apparatus main body, and the paper feed roller is supported by a spindle. The image forming apparatus is provided so as to be freely rotatable with respect to the sheet feeding roller, and is configured to automatically release the restriction on the sheet feeding roller in the rotating direction by pulling out the sheet feeding tray.

(9) In an image forming apparatus, a paper feed tray integrally including a storage container and a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller is provided so as to be able to be drawn out from the apparatus main body.
A sheet feeding roller rotatably provided with respect to a support shaft, a regulated member rotatable integrally with the sheet feeding roller, and at least a state in which the sheet feeding tray is pulled out from a predetermined position of the apparatus. In the above, the restraint in the rotation direction with respect to the paper feed roller is automatically released via the regulated member, and in the state where the paper feed tray is pushed into a predetermined position of the apparatus, the regulated member is released. Regulating means for applying a pressing force for restricting a rotation direction with respect to the paper feed roller,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

(10) The image forming apparatus according to (9), wherein the restricting means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum.

(11) The restricting means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum, and a first arm that is constantly biased by a spring in a direction to retract from the restricted member; A second arm portion which abuts on the provided guide member and applies a pressing force against the urging force of the spring to the regulated member through the first arm portion. (9) An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

(12) The regulating means (9) to (1), characterized in that the regulating means has an abutting portion for supporting the paper feed roller, which can rotate after the restraint is released, at a predetermined retracted position.
The image forming apparatus according to 1).

(13) The image forming apparatus according to the above (11), wherein the roller that comes into contact with the guide member is a rotatable roller provided on the second arm.

(14) A storage container for storing paper, an exterior plate provided on the front outside of the storage container, and protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate along one side of the storage container. A paper feed unit having a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller having a portion located in the area,
An image forming apparatus that can be pulled out from the apparatus main body, and is provided in plural in the up-down direction, wherein the exterior plate is
In the lower area, a structure is provided in which an inclined surface is inclined downward from the near side to the inner side, and a cutout portion is provided in a part of the inclined surface facing the sheet feeding means of the lower sheet feeding unit. And the paper feed roller is provided rotatably with respect to a support shaft so as to be rotatable between a paper feed position and a retracted position, and by pulling out the paper feed tray, An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is configured to automatically release the restriction on the rotation direction of the roller.

(15) A substantially parallel upper side and lower side, an inclined surface on the lower side, which is inclined downward from a near side toward a far side, and a notch provided in a part of the inclined surface. And a paper feed roller provided integrally with a storage container for storing paper and rotatably provided with respect to a support shaft, and at least the storage container is pulled out from a predetermined position of the apparatus. When the storage container is pushed into a predetermined position of the apparatus, the rotation in the rotating direction is automatically released. A paper feed unit including a restricting means for applying a pressing force to be performed is provided integrally along one upper side of the storage container, and a plurality of the storage containers are arranged in a vertical direction. Image forming device.

(16) The inclination of the inclined surface is 4 ° to 30 °
(14) or (1).
The image forming apparatus according to 5).

(17) The vertical distance in which the inclined surface is formed is 30 mm or less.
4) or the image forming apparatus according to (15).

(18) The cutout portion provided on the exterior plate relating to the upper storage container is provided integrally with the storage container immediately below, and protrudes from the upper side of the exterior plate of the storage container. The image forming apparatus according to (15), wherein the image forming apparatus has a size that allows relative movement with a sheet feeding unit having a sheet.

(19) The image forming apparatus according to the above (15), wherein the regulating means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum.

(20) The restricting means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum, and a first arm portion that is constantly urged by a spring in a direction to release the restraint of the paper feed roller; And a second arm portion that abuts a guide member provided on the side and applies a pressing force against the urging force of the spring to the paper feed roller via the first arm portion. 1
The image forming apparatus according to 5).

(21) The regulating means (15) or (19), wherein the restricting means has a contact portion for supporting the paper feed roller, which can rotate after the restraint is released, at a predetermined retracted position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above (20).

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration when the copying machine is viewed from the front. In the copying machine of the present embodiment, an automatic document feeder 1 is provided at an upper part of a copying machine main body.
An image reading device 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper storage unit 4, a paper supply unit 5, and a paper discharge / re-feed unit 6 are provided in the main body of the copying machine.

The automatic document feeder 1 is a device that feeds out a document one by one, conveys the document to an image reading position, and discharges the document after the image reading is completed to a predetermined place.

The automatic document feeder 1 includes a document table 11 on which documents are placed, document separating means 12 for separating documents placed on the document table 11, and a document separated by the document separating means 12. A document conveying means 13 for conveying, a document discharging means 14 for discharging a document conveyed by the document conveying means 13, a document discharging table 15 for receiving and placing a document discharged by the document discharging means 14, And a document reversing means 16 for reversing the front and back of the document when reading images on both sides of the document.

In view of the processing process, a plurality of documents (not shown) placed on the document table 11 are
The originals are separated one by one by the original separating unit 12 and conveyed toward the image reading position by the original conveying unit 13.

The original reading position is the same as the original conveying means 1.
3, the image reading device 2
The image of the original is read through the slit 21 constituting.

The document from which the image has been read is discharged onto a document discharge table 15 by the document discharge means 14.

When reading images on both sides of the document, the document once read on one side is turned upside down by a document reversing means 16 including a pair of rollers sandwiching the rear end. Then, the document is again conveyed by the document conveying means 13, read at the document reading position, and then discharged onto the document discharge table 15 in the same manner as described above.

Such a process is repeated for the number of originals placed on the original placing table 11. The automatic document feeder 1 is configured to be foldable, and the automatic document feeder 1 is raised to open the platen glass 22 so that the original can be directly placed on the platen glass 22. It is configured to be able to.

In the present embodiment, the document conveying means 1
Although the image of the document is read while the document is being transported by the document 3, the image may be read after the document transported by the document transport unit 13 is stopped on the platen glass. .

The image reading device 2 is a means for reading an image of a document and obtaining image data. The slit 21, the platen glass 22, a lamp 231 which is a light source for irradiating the document with light, and a reflected light from the document. A first mirror unit 23 formed by integrating a first mirror 232 that reflects light, a second mirror unit 24 formed by integrating a second mirror 241 and a third mirror 242 that reflect light from the first mirror 232, and The reflected light from the second mirror unit 24 is transmitted to an image pickup device (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) described later.
An imaging lens 25 that forms an image on the imaging lens 26 and a linear CCD 26 that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens 25 to obtain image information.

The image information is subjected to appropriate image processing and then temporarily stored in a memory (not shown).

In the embodiment in which the original fed by the automatic original feeder 1 is read by the image reading device 2, the first mirror unit 23 and the second mirror unit 2
4 is fixed at a position as shown.

On the other hand, in a mode of reading an image of an original placed directly on the platen glass 22, the first mirror unit 23 and the second mirror unit 24 are moved along the platen glass while maintaining the optical path length. This is done by causing

The image forming section 3 has a means for finally forming an image on a recording material such as plain paper (hereinafter referred to as paper) based on the image data obtained by the image reading device 2.

The image forming section 3 in the embodiment is
A place where an image is formed using an electrophotographic process,
A photosensitive drum 31 having a photoconductive photosensitive layer on its surface, and a charger 3 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 31
2. a laser writing system 33 which is operated based on the image data after the image processing and is an exposure means for exposing the photosensitive drum 31 to form a latent image, and the photosensitive drum 31
A developing device 3 for developing a latent image formed thereon to form a toner image
4. a transfer unit 35 for transferring the toner image onto a sheet, a separator 36 for separating the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 31, and the photosensitive drum 3 after the transfer process
1 and a fixing unit 38 for fixing the toner image on the sheet.

In the image formation according to the above configuration, the photosensitive drum 31 rotating in the direction of the arrow is sequentially charged by an appropriate driving means by a charger 32, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by dot exposure by a laser writing system 33. The toner image is converted into a toner image by the developing device 34, and then, on the sheet fed synchronously with the start of rotation of the registration roller 56 so as to be superimposed on the toner image area, through the operation of the transfer device 35. This is done by transferring.

Thereafter, the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 31 by the separator 36, and is subjected to heating and pressurizing action by the fixing means 38. Settled on top.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 3 having passed the transfer area
1 further continues to rotate, the residual toner is removed by the cleaning means 37, and preparation for the next image formation is made.

In the embodiment, the separator 3
Between the fixing means 6 and the fixing means 38, there is provided a transport belt (not shown) for transporting the paper separated by the separator 36.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a transport roller provided in front (downstream) of the registration roller 56.

In the paper storage unit 4, paper feed trays 400, 410, and 420, each of which integrally includes a storage unit (storage container) for storing a plurality of recording papers in a stacked state and a paper feed unit, are vertically arranged. They are arranged.

The paper feed tray can be pulled out from a fixed portion of the apparatus main body, and an exterior plate is integrally provided on the front side thereof so as to constitute a part of the exterior of the apparatus. Has become.

Reference numerals 405, 415, and 425 denote storage containers partitioned in a box shape in the paper feed trays 400, 410, and 420, and paper feed units 50, 53, and 55 are disposed on the right side of the storage containers. It is.

In other words, the paper feeding unit which can be said to constitute a part of the paper feeding section 5 is integrated with the storage container and provided along the side (side wall) of the storage container. is there.

The paper stored in these paper feed trays or storage containers is not limited to the plain paper described above, but may be recycled paper, O
An HP sheet or the like may be used.

The paper feed units 50, 53, and 55 are provided with a paper feed roller 50 having a substantially fixed position when the paper feed tray is pushed into a predetermined position in the apparatus and loading is completed.
5, 535, and 555, and separation rollers 506, 536, and 556 for preventing two-sheet feeding, and the detailed configuration will be described later.

The dashed line shown in the storage container is
This indicates the position of the top sheet when a predetermined amount of sheets is stored.

The paper supply section 5 includes a number of transport means R 1, R 2, R 3, R 4, R 5, for transporting paper from each of the storage containers or paper supply trays to the image forming section 3.
R6, and each of the transport means is constituted by a pair of rollers.

The paper discharge / re-feed unit 6 is an area having means for discharging or re-feeding the paper after image formation.

The paper discharge / re-feed unit 6 discharges the paper on which the toner image is fixed from the fixing means 38, and discharges the paper discharged by the fixing discharge roller 61 to the outside of the apparatus as it is. A switching unit 62 for switching the transport path between a case where the sheet is inverted and then ejected after reversing the sheet, and a case where the sheet is re-fed for forming an image on the back side, and a sheet ejection roller 63 for ejecting the sheet outside the apparatus A paper discharge tray 64 provided on the side of the copying machine for stacking the paper discharged by the paper discharge rollers 63, a reversing unit 65 for reversing the front and back of the paper to be re-fed, and a paper reversed by the reversing unit 65 Is supplied to the image forming unit 3.

When the paper on which the image is formed is to be discharged as it is, that is, with the image-formed side facing upward, the switching means 62 is located at the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. By 63, the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 64 outside the apparatus.

When the paper on which the image is formed is turned upside down and discharged, that is, when the paper is discharged with the image-formed side down, the switching means 62 is positioned at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. The sheet conveyed by the fixing discharge roller 61 is once conveyed in the direction of the reversing unit 65, and after the sheet passes through the switching unit 62, the conveying direction is reversed, and the sheet is discharged by the sheet discharge roller 63. Discharge to 64.

Further, when forming an image on the back side of the sheet,
The switching means 62 is positioned at the position shown by the solid line in the figure,
The sheet conveyed by the fixing discharge roller 61 is transferred to the reversing unit 6.
The sheet is conveyed in the direction of No. 5, is switched back by the reversing unit 65, is reversed, and is then conveyed to the re-feeding unit 66.

The sheet conveyed to the re-feeding section 66 is
The sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 3 via a loop forming roller 55 described later, similarly to the sheet feeding from the sheet feeding tray.

FIG. 2 is a view conceptually showing a partial configuration of a paper feed unit in the paper feed tray.

Since the three paper feed trays and paper feed units have the same configuration, the paper feed tray 400 will be described as a representative.

In the drawing, the same members as those described above are denoted by the same reference symbols. In the figure, a sheet P in a storage container 405 is shown.
Is mounted on a middle plate (not shown) that is controlled to move up and down, and is lifted with an increase in the number of image forming processes so that the topmost sheet P always has the same height position. Has become.

In other words, the paper feed roller 505 having a fixed position and the uppermost paper are always in contact with the same level of pressure.

Reference numeral 506 denotes a separation roller that rotates in the direction of the arrow via a toothed belt (not shown) stretched between the paper feed roller and the paper feed roller.

Reference numeral 507 denotes a friction roller in a mode of light contact with the separation roller. When a plurality of sheets P are fed, only one sheet P in contact with the separation roller 506 is fed. Play the role of tightening.

The paper feed roller 505 and the separation roller 506
Are integrated with the support frame 700, and one end of the support frame 700 is restricted from moving in the axial direction with respect to the support shaft J2 of the separation roller. It is supported in a fitted state.

That is, the paper feed roller 505 is
It is configured to be able to rotate about the support shaft J2 via the pin 00.

R1 is a conveying means comprising a pair of rollers disposed downstream of the separation roller 506 as viewed in the moving direction of the paper P, and is provided integrally with the paper supply unit 50.

Reference numerals 508 and 509 denote lower guide plates for the paper P to be sent out. Reference numeral 510 is provided between the separation roller 506 and the transporting means R1 so as to face the guide plate. It is an upper guide plate.

The lower guide plate 507 has a vertically extending wall surface (without a reference symbol) and an inclined surface above the wall (no reference symbol).
And a plane following the slope (no reference symbol).

Since the wall portion extending in the vertical direction has at least a function as a paper storage portion, that is, a side wall of the storage container 405, the wall surface portion or the lower guide is referred to as a side (side wall) of the storage container. There are cases.

It is a matter of course that the storage container 405 may be provided with a side wall to integrally form a guide member which functions as a paper guide.

The bottom surface of the paper feeding unit 50 has a position one step higher than the bottom surface of the storage container.
Is attached.

The two-dot chain line in the figure is the exterior plate 800, and its upper side has a height slightly higher than the topmost paper when a predetermined amount of paper P specified in the storage container 405 is loaded. The paper feed tray 400 has an outer shape that is slightly outside the side and lower sides of the paper feed tray 400.

In other words, the portion including the paper feed roller 505, the separation roller 506 and the upper conveying means R1 on the paper feed unit 50 is located in a region protruding above the upper side of the exterior plate. I have.

The upper side and the lower side of the exterior plate are substantially parallel. The step (notch) of the exterior plate at the step 511 is located, for example, at a position opposing the above-described protruding portion (projecting member) of the sheet tray 410 located immediately below. At times, the protrusion has a size consisting of a depth (distance) and a width in the vertical direction that allow relative movement of the protrusion.

The above relationship is the same for the paper feed tray 410 and the paper feed tray 420 immediately below it.

FIG. 3 shows a paper feed tray 400 located on the upper side.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a positional relationship between a cutout portion of the outer plate and a projecting portion of the sheet feeding tray 410 located immediately below the sheet feeding tray as described above.

As can be understood from FIG.
10 is only slightly higher than the position of the uppermost sheet, so that it can be disposed closer to the bottom surface of the sheet feed tray 400 than before, and With respect to the step 51 of the sheet feeding unit 50.
1 and the cutout portion of the outer plate 800 are used to receive the sheet, so that the sheet feeding section can be made more compact in the height direction.

Further, since the shape of the exterior plate can be maintained in a rectangular shape, the external appearance of the apparatus can be neatly summarized without causing a sense of incompatibility as compared with the case of the exterior plate of FIG.

The solid lines shown as 810 and 820 in FIG. 3 are the lower regions of the respective exterior plates, and the reference positions of the inclined surfaces provided so as to be inclined downward from the near side to the far side. (Inclination start position).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cutout section of FIG. 3 cut from the center of the notch and viewed from the right, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment viewed from the same direction.

The exterior plate 800 shown in the figure has an upper surface gently descending from the inside to the outside, a front surface extending vertically from the upper surface, and a front surface extending from the front surface.
And a lower surface that is inclined downward toward the inside.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the inclination of the inclined surface, that is, the angle θ formed by drawing a perpendicular from the lower end of the inclined surface to the extension of the front surface is 30 °. Distance (depth) D in the vertical direction (height) direction of the part
Is 30 mm.

Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the inclination is 4 °, and the depth of the cutout K is 1 mm.

These numerical values can be appropriately determined by various conditions including the distance from the floor to be installed to the paper feed tray, the visual impression, and the like. The preferable condition is that the gradient is 4 ° to 4 °.
The depth is 5 ° and the depth is 30 mm or less, and more preferably, the inclination is 4 ° to 30 ° and the depth is 1 mm to 30 mm.

When the inclination is less than 4 °, the depth of the notch cannot be made sufficiently. When the inclination exceeds 45 °, the interval between the upper and lower sides of the front exterior line becomes unnecessarily large, and the appearance is rather poor. Become.

Regarding the depth, the interval in the up-down direction of the ordinary exterior plate is 8 in the case of a sheet feed tray storing 500 sheets.
It is about 0 to 90 mm, and in the embodiment, it can be made smaller than that. If it exceeds 30 mm, the balance is poor and the appearance is not good.

Needless to say, it is not necessary to provide the above-described step at the lower end of the lowermost sheet feeding tray or the outer plate.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view for explaining the control of the sheet feeding unit, in particular, the sheet feeding roller.

Reference numeral 700 denotes a substantially U-shaped support frame, which is rotatable with respect to the support shaft J2 as described above.

The paper feed roller 505 is rotatably supported on both bent sides of the support frame 700, and is motively connected to a separation roller 506 fixed on the support shaft J2 by a toothed belt 515. .

In other words, the support shaft J2 serves as a drive shaft for the paper feed roller 505 when feeding the paper.

A regulated member 520 which also serves as a guide is provided on the support shaft J2 via its base 522 so as to be independently rotatable.

Reference numeral 521 denotes a regulated portion formed by bending one end of the regulated member 520. The regulated portion 521 is pressed by a regulating means described later in a state where the sheet feeding tray is pushed into the apparatus. Used to fix position.

Reference numeral 525 denotes a connecting member attached to the regulated member 520, which extends below the sheet feeding roller 505 and is arranged with a gap from the shaft J1 as shown in FIG.

The portion of the connecting member 525 facing the axis J1 has an arc shape. A holding plate 526 is fixed to the opposite side of the regulated member 520 so as to be located with respect to the center of the bifurcated connecting member 525.

The portion of the holding plate facing the axis J1 is also arc-shaped, and has a gap with the axis J1.

The connecting member 525 and the holding plate 526
And a guide plate having no regulated portion but having substantially the same shape as the regulated member 520 are provided with the same configuration as the support frame 70.
It is provided on the opposite side with respect to 0.

Reference numeral 528 denotes a handle provided on the free end side of the support frame. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the paper feed tray is pulled out to supplement paper. Used to retract the paper roller.

Numeral 90 denotes a regulating means provided in the paper feeding unit 50. As described above, a predetermined pressing force is applied to the regulated portion 521 to rotate the paper feeding roller 505 about the support shaft J2. (Revolution), and serves to position the paper feed roller 505 at a fixed position for paper feeding.

When the paper feed tray is pulled out, the contact with the regulated portion 521 is automatically released, and the paper feed roller 505 can rotate (revolve).

The restricting means 90 has, as a main element, a lever 900 which rotates around a 901 as a fulcrum.

The lever 900 always comes into contact with a first arm 903 urged in a direction to retreat from the regulated member 520 by a spring described later, and a guide member fixedly provided on the apparatus side. And a second arm 905 for applying a pressing force against the urging force of the spring to the regulated member 520 via the first arm 903.

S is a spring, one end of which is locked by a locking member provided on the first arm, and the other end of which is locked by a locking member provided at a fixed position of the paper feeding unit.

Reference numeral 910 denotes a pressing portion provided at the end of the first arm portion 903, which is a portion which comes into contact with the regulated portion 521, and 915 is provided at the end of the second arm portion 905 so as to be freely rotatable. It is a roller.

G is a guide member fixedly provided on the apparatus side and abutting against the roller 915 to apply a pressing force against the urging force of the spring S to the lever 900. The paper feed roller 5 is provided via a regulating member 520.
It functions so as to restrict the rotation direction 05.

The paper feed roller 5 in the restrained state is
Excessive rotation of 05 can be controlled by an appropriate method, for example, by limiting a part of the support frame 700 by contacting a fixing member in the form of a paper feed unit.

In the drawing, the regulating means 90 regulating the paper feed roller 505 is shown by a solid line, and the regulating means 90 in a state where the regulation is released is shown by a two-dot chain line together with the guide member. .

The operation of the above configuration will be briefly described. Now, suppose that the regulating means 90 is in the position indicated by the two-dot chain line, that is, the state in which the sheet feeding tray is pulled out. From this state, when the sheet feeding tray is pushed into a predetermined position of the apparatus, the roller 9
15 collides with the guide member G.

The further pushing operation applies a force against the counterclockwise urging force of the spring S to the lever 900, so that the lever 900 rotates clockwise.

The rotation of the lever 900 is performed by pressing the pressing portion 910.
Of the regulated member 5 through the pressing of the regulated portion 521 by the
20 and further via a connecting member 525 to the shaft J1 supporting the paper feed roller.

Therefore, the rotation of the feed roller 505 about the support shaft J2 is automatically restricted, and the position of the feed roller 505 in the height direction is also fixed (see FIG. 9).

In this state, the paper feed tray is pushed all the way in, and the setting of the paper feed tray is completed.

Next, in the operation of pulling out the paper feed tray in a state capable of coping with the image forming process as described above, the paper feed roller 505 is restrained and restricted as long as the roller 915 and the guide member G are in contact. Is kept in a state.

When the roller 915 comes off from the end of the guide member G, the first arm 903 is pulled by the urging force of the spring S, and the lever 900 is moved to the fulcrum 901.
Around the counterclockwise direction.

As a result, the pressing action on the paper feed roller via the pressing portion 910 against the regulated portion 521 is released, and the paper feed roller 505 is supported by the support frame 700 with the support shaft J2 as a fulcrum. It becomes rotatable (see FIG. 7).

The rotation of the feed roller 505 is controlled by the handle 5.
This is done by placing a finger on 28 and lifting it up.

That is, the rotation of the support frame 700 is substantially the rotation of the paper feed roller 505, and the rotating power is transmitted to the regulated member 520 via the shaft J1 and the holding plate 526.

In the embodiment, in order to hold the rotated paper feed roller 505 at the retracted position, the pressing portion 910 of the lever 900 which is itself at the retracted position is used.

As described above, the pressing portion 910 is also a contact portion (contact portion) for holding the sheet feeding roller 505 at the retracted position.
Is held at the retracted position by leaning the regulated part 521 against the pressing part 910.

In other words, the shaft J1 of the sheet feeding roller 505 is rotated beyond the support shaft J2, and the center of gravity is on the retreat position side with respect to the support shaft J2 (see FIG. 8).

With the above configuration, it is possible to automatically set the paper feed roller 505 to the predetermined position and release the restraint on the paper feed roller, and to move the paper feed roller to the retreat position for paper replenishment and the like. Operation is extremely easy,
Operability is good.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show the relationship between the movement of the position of the structure including the sheet feeding roller 505 and the support frame 700 and the regulating means.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the paper feed roller is at the paper feed position with the paper feed tray pulled out, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a state in which the sheet feeding roller is at a retracted position with the sheet feeding tray pulled out, and FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a state in which the sheet feeding roller is at the sheet feeding position with the sheet feeding tray pushed in. In these side views, FIG. 6 is viewed from the direction A.

The description corresponding to these drawings is described in the description relating to FIG. 6, and therefore, the duplicate description will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the regulation and the release of the regulation of the paper feed roller are performed via the regulated members. However, it is also possible to directly control the support frame.

In this case, when the regulated member is used as a guide member, it may be fixed and installed on the fixing portion of the sheet feeding unit, or may not be provided in some cases.

[0141]

According to the present invention, with a simple structure, at least the height of the sheet feeding section can be further reduced, and the operability of the sheet feeding roller can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration when a copying machine is viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a view conceptually showing a partial configuration of a paper feed unit in a paper feed tray.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a positional relationship between a cutout portion of an outer plate of a sheet feed tray located on an upper side and a sheet feed tray protruding portion located immediately below the sheet feed tray.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cutaway center of the exterior plate shown in FIG. 3 and a cut surface viewed from the right.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment viewed from the same side as FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view for explaining control of a sheet feeding unit, particularly, a sheet feeding roller.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the paper feed roller is at a paper feed position with the paper feed tray pulled out.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the paper feed roller is at a retracted position with the paper feed tray pulled out.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the paper feed roller is at a paper feed position with the paper feed tray pushed in.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a conventional paper feed tray.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 automatic document feeder 2 image reading device 3 image forming unit 4 paper storage unit 5 paper supply unit 6 paper discharge / re-feed unit 90 regulating means 505 paper feed roller 506 separation roller 511 step 520 regulated member 525 connecting member 526 holding Plate 700 Support frame 800 Exterior plate 900 Lever

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A storage container for storing paper, an exterior plate provided outside the front of the storage container, and a region along one side of the storage container and protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding unit having a portion positioned at a position; In the lower region, an inclined surface inclined downward from the near side to the inner side is provided, and a cutout portion is provided in a part of the inclined surface facing the sheet feeding unit of the lower sheet feeding unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that: 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclination of the lower region of the exterior plate is 4 ° to 30 °. 3. An upper side and a lower side substantially parallel to each other; an inclined surface on the lower side, which is inclined downward from a near side to a far side; a notch provided in a part of the inclined surface; An image forming apparatus comprising: an exterior plate having a paper tray integrally formed with a storage container for storing paper; and a plurality of the paper feed trays provided in a vertical direction. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inclination of the inclined surface is 4 ° to 30 °. 5. The notch provided on an exterior plate relating to an upper storage container is provided integrally with a storage container immediately therebelow, and a position protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate of the storage container. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus has a size that enables relative movement with a member having the image forming apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a vertical distance at which the inclined surface is formed is 30 mm or less. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the member having a position protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate includes a paper feed roller. 8. A paper feed tray integrally including a storage container and a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller is provided so as to be able to be drawn out of the apparatus main body, and the paper feed roller is provided with respect to a spindle. An image forming apparatus, wherein the paper feed tray is pulled out to automatically release the restriction on the paper feed roller in the rotation direction. 9. An image forming apparatus in which a paper feed tray integrally including a storage container and a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the apparatus main body. The paper feed roller freely provided; a regulated member rotatable integrally with the paper feed roller; and at least the regulated member when the paper feed tray is pulled out of a predetermined position of the apparatus. Automatically releases the restraint in the rotation direction with respect to the paper feed roller, and in a state where the paper feed tray is pushed into a predetermined position of the apparatus, the paper feed roller is passed through the regulated member. And a regulating means for applying a pressing force for restricting a rotation direction with respect to the image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the regulating unit is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum. 11. The regulating means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum, and is provided on a first arm portion constantly biased by a spring in a direction to retract from the regulated member, and provided on a device side. 10. A second arm portion which abuts on the guide member and applies a pressing force against the urging force of the spring to the regulated member via the first arm portion. Image forming apparatus. 12. The image according to claim 9, wherein the restricting unit has a contact portion that supports the paper feed roller that can rotate after the restraint is released at a predetermined retracted position. Forming equipment. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the guide member is in contact with a rotatable roller provided on the second arm. 14. A storage container for storing paper, an exterior plate provided outside the front of the storage container, and a region along one side of the storage container and protruding from an upper side of the exterior plate. An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of paper feed trays integrally provided with a paper feed unit including a paper feed roller having a portion positioned at The exterior plate has, in a lower area thereof, an inclined surface that is inclined downward from the near side to the inner side, and a part of the inclined surface facing a sheet feeding unit of a lower sheet feeding unit. The paper feed roller is provided rotatably with respect to a support shaft so as to be rotatable between a paper feed position and a retracted position. By pulling out the An image forming apparatus comprising the structure was, things to automatically release the restraint of the rotation direction relative to. 15. A substantially parallel upper side and lower side, an inclined surface on the lower side, which is inclined downward from a near side to a far side, a notch provided in a part of the inclined surface, A sheet feed roller provided integrally with a storage container for storing paper, and provided rotatably with respect to a support shaft, at least the storage container is pulled out from a predetermined position of the apparatus. When the storage container is pushed into a predetermined position of the apparatus, the rotation of the paper supply roller is restricted in the rotation direction. A paper feed unit including a regulating means for applying a pressing force is provided integrally along one upper side of the storage container, and a plurality of the storage containers are disposed in a vertical direction. Forming equipment. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the inclination of the inclined surface is 4 ° to 30 °. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a vertical distance at which the inclined surface is formed is 30 mm or less. 18. The notch provided in the outer plate relating to the upper storage container is provided integrally with the storage container immediately therebelow, and has a position protruding from the upper side of the outer plate of the storage container. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming apparatus has a size that allows relative movement with respect to the sheet feeding unit. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the regulating unit is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum. 20. The control device according to claim 19, wherein the restricting means is a lever that rotates about a fulcrum, and a first arm that is constantly urged by a spring in a direction to release the restraint of the paper feed roller; And a second arm portion that abuts a guide member provided on the sheet feeding roller and applies a pressing force against the urging force of the spring to the sheet feeding roller via the first arm portion. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 21. The control device according to claim 15, wherein the restricting means has a contact portion that supports the sheet feeding roller that can rotate after the restraint is released at a predetermined retracted position.
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20.