JP6361594B2 - Sheet placing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet placing apparatus suitably used for a copying machine, a printer, and the like, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet placing apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine includes a tray on which paper is placed. On the tray, a pair of width alignment cursors for aligning the width of the paper is provided.

  For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of cursors that slide in the width direction on a manual feed tray. Each cursor has a base, an upright part, and a bent part. The upright portion stands upright from the base portion so as to contact the edge of the sheet on the manual feed tray. The upright portion is formed lower from the upstream side to the downstream side in the paper feeding direction. The bent portion is bent in a direction covering the paper on the manual feed tray from the upper end of the upright portion. The bent portion is inclined in a direction covering the edge of the sheet from the upstream side to the downstream side in the paper feeding direction. The paper is set on the manual feed tray by being inserted between the base portion and the bent portion of the pair of cursors. The paper is supplied from the paper feed port to the image forming unit in the apparatus main body.

JP 2003-054789 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user may accidentally set paper from the upper side of each bent portion. That is, the downstream side in the paper feeding direction is inserted into the paper feeding port from above the pair of bent portions. If the sheet conveyance is executed in this state, a sheet conveyance defect such as sheet skew or jamming may occur.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a sheet placement device that prevents a sheet from being set at an incorrect position on a tray, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet placement device.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the sheet stacking apparatus according to the present invention is arranged on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction on the tray, on which the sheet transported on the transport path toward the supply destination is mounted. And a cursor that is movably provided in a width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction and regulates a position of the sheet in the width direction on the tray, and the cursor is standing on the tray. A cursor body having a contact surface capable of contacting the widthwise end of the sheet on the tray, and extending in the width direction from the contact surface and opening at the upstream end of the transport path A sheet pressing unit that regulates the number of sheets stacked on the tray corresponding to the supply port, and a blocking unit that blocks a gap formed between the sheet pressing unit and an edge of the supply port. , Including.

  According to this configuration, the closing portion closes the gap between the sheet pressing portion and the edge of the supply port. Therefore, since it is prohibited to insert a sheet into the supply port from the gap, the user naturally sets the sheet between the tray and the sheet pressing portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the sheet from being set at an incorrect position on the tray. And proper sheet conveyance can be secured.

  In this case, it is preferable that the closing portion is detachably attached to the cursor body or the sheet pressing portion.

  According to this configuration, the closing part can be easily added to the cursor of the existing sheet placing apparatus by forming the closing part as a separate member that can be attached and detached.

  In this case, it is preferable that the closing portion is formed so as to rise upward from the upper surface of the sheet pressing portion toward the edge portion of the supply port.

  According to this configuration, if the user tries to insert a sheet into the supply port from above the sheet pressing portion, the sheet comes into contact with the closing portion and is bent upward along the inclination of the closing portion. As a result, the user can recognize that the sheet setting position is incorrect.

  In this case, it is preferable that a pair of the cursors are provided opposite to each other in the width direction, and the pair of cursors are connected to an interlocking mechanism that moves evenly from the center in the width direction of the sheet.

  According to this configuration, when one cursor is moved, the other cursor is also moved in synchronization via the interlocking mechanism. Thereby, since the position adjustment of the pair of cursors can be performed by a single operation, the operability for the adjustment can be improved. Further, since the pair of cursors are equally distributed with reference to the center in the width direction of the sheet, the above adjustment can be performed with a small amount of movement.

  In this case, in the cover frame that supports the tray, the supply port of the conveyance path is opened, and a size display portion that indicates a size in the width direction of the sheet is formed at an edge of the supply port, It is preferable that the closing part is formed of a material having permeability.

  According to this configuration, for example, the user can view the size display portion from above the transparent blocking portion even when the closing portion is overlapped with the edge of the supply port. Accordingly, the closing portion can effectively close the gap between the sheet pressing portion and the edge portion, and good visibility of the size display portion can be maintained.

  In this case, it is preferable that the tray is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the closing portion is attached to the cursor body or the sheet pressing portion so as to be rotatable.

  According to this configuration, when the tray is rotated, the closing portion is also rotated accordingly. Accordingly, the tray can be appropriately opened and closed without the obstruction portion being in the way.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is installed in any one of the above-described sheet placing apparatuses, an apparatus main body that rotatably supports the tray, and an apparatus main body. A conveyance unit that sends out the sheet on the tray toward the conveyance path; and an image formation unit as the supply destination that performs an image formation process on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit.

  According to this configuration, the closing portion closes the gap between the sheet pressing portion and the edge portion of the supply port, thereby preventing the sheet from being inserted into the gap. As a result, the sheet is prevented from being set at an incorrect position on the tray, and proper sheet conveyance can be ensured.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a sheet from being set at an incorrect position on the tray.

1 is a front view schematically showing an internal structure of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet placing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is III-III sectional drawing of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the manual feed cursor and interlocking mechanism of the sheet | seat placement apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing explaining the effect | action of the sheet | seat mounting apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which displaced the sheet | seat mounting apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention to the accommodation attitude | position. 1 is a perspective view showing a document feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a document feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically obstruction | occlusion parts, such as a sheet | seat mounting apparatus which concerns on the modification of one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the obstruction | occlusion part of the sheet | seat mounting apparatus etc. which concern on the other modification of one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the front side of the sheet of FIG.
In the following description, the term “conveying direction” refers to the conveying direction of the sheet S1 and the document S2 (hereinafter also referred to as “sheet S1 etc.”), and the term “width direction” refers to the conveying direction. This refers to the width direction of the sheet S1 or the like orthogonal to (see FIG. 2). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” and similar terms refer to “upstream” and “downstream” in the transport direction and similar concepts.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration of a multifunction machine 1 as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the multifunction machine 1.

  The multifunction machine 1 includes a printing apparatus 1A and a scanner apparatus 1B. The printing apparatus 1A forms an image on the sheet S1 by electrophotography. A scanner apparatus 1B as an image reading apparatus is provided on the upper part of the printing apparatus 1A.

  The printing apparatus 1 </ b> A includes an apparatus main body 2, a paper feed cassette 3, a paper discharge tray 4, and a sheet placement device 5. The apparatus main body 2 is formed in a substantially box shape. The paper feed cassette 3 is detachably provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 2. The paper discharge tray 4 is provided between the scanner device 1 </ b> B and the upper surface of the device main body 2. The sheet placing apparatus 5 is provided on the right side surface of the apparatus main body 2.

  Inside the apparatus main body 2, a main conveyance path 6, a reverse conveyance path 7, and a manual conveyance path 8 are formed. The main conveyance path 6 extends from the paper feed cassette 3 to the paper discharge tray 4. The reverse conveying path 7 is formed so that the upstream and downstream of the main conveying path 6 communicate with each other. The manual feed path 8 extends from the sheet placing device 5 to the downstream end of the reverse feed path 7.

  The printing apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a paper feeding unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a fixing device 12, and a sheet conveying unit 13 inside the apparatus main body 2. The paper feeding unit 10 is provided on the upstream side of the main conveyance path 6. The image forming unit 11 is provided in an intermediate portion of the main transport path 6. The fixing device 12 is provided on the downstream side of the main conveyance path 6. The sheet conveyance unit 13 (conveyance unit) is provided on the upstream side of the manual conveyance path 8.

  The image forming unit 11 includes four toner containers 15, an intermediate transfer belt 16, four drum units 17, and an optical scanning device 18. The four toner containers 15 are juxtaposed in the left-right direction below the paper discharge tray 4. The intermediate transfer belt 16 is provided on the lower side of each toner container 15 so as to be able to run in the direction of a white arrow. The four drum units 17 are juxtaposed in the left-right direction below the intermediate transfer belt 16. The optical scanning device 18 is disposed below each drum unit 17.

  The four toner containers 15 contain toner (developer) of four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black). The four drum units 17 are provided corresponding to the toners of the respective colors. Since the four drum units 17 have substantially the same structure, only one drum unit 17 will be described below.

  The drum unit 17 includes a photoconductor drum 20, a charging device 21, a developing device 22, a primary transfer roller 23, and a cleaning device 24. The photosensitive drum 20 is disposed below the primary transfer roller 23 with the intermediate transfer belt 16 interposed therebetween. The charging device 21, the developing device 22, the primary transfer roller 23, and the cleaning device 24 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 20 in the order of the transfer process. On the right side of the intermediate transfer belt 16, a secondary transfer roller 25 that forms a secondary transfer nip portion 25a is disposed. On the upstream side of the secondary transfer nip portion 25a, a registration roller pair 26 that temporarily blocks the sheet S1 conveyed through the main conveyance path 6 and aligns the leading end position is provided.

  The sheet placing device 5 is disposed in a recess 2 a that is recessed in the right side surface of the apparatus body 2. Although details will be described later, the sheet placing device 5 includes a manual feed tray 30 for placing the sheets S1 (a bundle thereof). The sheet conveyance unit 13 includes a conveyance roller 13 a disposed at the upstream end portion of the manual conveyance path 8. The conveyance roller 13a is disposed on the upper surface side of the manual conveyance path 8 and is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown). The manual conveyance path 8 joins the main conveyance path 6 between the paper feeding unit 10 and the registration roller pair 26. The upstream end of the manual feed path 8 forms a supply port 27 that opens in the recess 2a (see FIG. 3). The sheet conveyance unit 13 (conveyance roller 13a) sends out the sheet S1 on the manual feed tray 30 toward the manual conveyance path 8 provided in the apparatus main body 2. The sheet S1 conveyed by the sheet conveyance unit 13 is supplied from the manual conveyance path 8 through the main conveyance path 6 to the image forming unit 11 (secondary transfer nip portion 25a).

  Here, the operation of the printing apparatus 1A will be described. A control device (not shown) executes image forming processing based on the input image data as follows.

  Each charging device 21 charges the surface of each photosensitive drum 20. The optical scanning device 18 performs exposure corresponding to the image data (see broken line arrows in FIG. 1) toward each photosensitive drum 20. Each developing device 22 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 20 into a toner image. The four toner images carried on each photoconductor drum 20 are primary-transferred in order to the traveling intermediate transfer belt 16 by a primary transfer roller 23 to which a primary transfer bias is applied. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16.

  On the other hand, the sheet S1 supplied from the paper feed cassette 3 (or the sheet stacking device 5) is transported through the main transport path 6 and passes through the secondary transfer nip portion 25a. The full color toner image is secondarily transferred to the sheet S1 by the secondary transfer roller 25 to which a secondary transfer bias is applied. The fixing device 12 fixes the toner image on the sheet S1. The sheet S1 after the fixing process is discharged to the paper discharge tray 4. Each cleaning device 24 removes toner remaining on the surface of each photoconductive drum 20 after transfer.

  Next, the sheet placing apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sheet placing device 5. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the manual feed cursor 31 and the interlocking mechanism 45.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet placing apparatus 5 includes a manual feed tray 30 and a pair of front and rear manual feed cursors 31. The manual feed tray 30 (tray) is provided for placing the sheet S1 conveyed through the manual conveyance path 8 toward the image forming unit 11 as a supply destination. The pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are provided to regulate the position of the sheet S1 on the manual tray 30 in the width direction.

  The manual feed tray 30 is formed in a hollow, substantially rectangular thick plate shape. At the downstream end (left end) of the manual feed tray 30, a pair of front and rear tray rotation shafts 30a that are pivotally supported by a bearing portion (not shown) of the recess 2a are projected (see also FIG. 1). The manual feed tray 30 is supported by the apparatus main body 2 so as to rotate about each tray rotation shaft 30a. The manual feed tray 30 is housed in the concave portion 2a so as to be in a storage posture P1 that forms part of the right side surface of the apparatus main body 2 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, the manual feed tray 30 is rotated outward and has a manual feed posture P2 extending obliquely upward to the right from the recess 2a (see FIG. 3). The following description is based on the state where the manual feed tray 30 is in the manual feed posture P2.

  A sheet placement surface 35 for placing the sheet S <b> 1 is formed on the upper surface of the manual feed tray 30. On the downstream side (left side) of the sheet placement surface 35, a plate recess 35a (see FIG. 3) is provided. A support plate 36 and a lift plate 37 are disposed in the plate recess 35a in order from the upstream side. The support plate 36 and the lift plate 37 are formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view. The sheet S1 is placed in a range from the upper surface of each of the plates 36 and 37 to the sheet placement surface 35 (see FIG. 2). The downstream end of the lift plate 37 enters the manual feed path 8 from the supply port 27 (see FIG. 3). A rubber pad 37 a is provided at the center in the width direction of the downstream end of the lift plate 37. The pad 37a is disposed below the transport roller 13a. A guide groove 38 extending in the front-rear direction (width direction) is formed in the support plate 36 (see FIG. 2).

  At the upstream end (right end) of the lift plate 37, a pair of front and rear plate rotation shafts 37b that are pivotally supported by a bearing portion (not shown) of the plate recess 35a are projected (see FIG. 2). The lift plate 37 is supported by the manual feed tray 30 so as to rotate about each plate rotation shaft 37b. The sheet placing device 5 includes an elevating device (not shown) that rotates the downstream side (left side) of the lift plate 37 in the vertical direction around each plate rotation shaft 37b. By driving the lifting device, the lift plate 37 has a retreat position P11 that is substantially flush with the sheet placement surface 35 (support plate 36), and a conveyance position P12 that is spaced upward from the sheet placement surface 35. (See FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are arranged to face each other in the width direction and are configured to be movable along the respective guide grooves 38. Therefore, each manual feed cursor 31 is arranged on the downstream side on the manual feed tray 30 and is movably provided in the width direction.

  Each of the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 includes a sliding portion 40, a cursor body 41, a sheet pressing portion 42, and a closing portion 43. The sliding portion 40, the cursor main body 41, and the sheet pressing portion 42 are made of, for example, synthetic resin and are integrally formed.

  Each sliding portion 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view and is provided in a posture that is parallel to the support plate 36. On the lower surface of each sliding portion 40, a sliding convex portion 40a that slidably fits in the guide groove 38 is projected (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each cursor body 41 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal plate shape that is long in the transport direction when viewed from the front. Each cursor body 41 is erected on both front and rear outer ends of each sliding portion 40. That is, each cursor body 41 is provided in a standing posture on the manual feed tray 30 (support plate 36). On the opposing surfaces of the pair of cursor bodies 41, an abutment surface 41a that can abut on the widthwise end of the sheet S1 on the manual feed tray 30 is formed.

  Each sheet presser 42 extends from the upper part on the downstream side of each contact surface 41a toward the inside in the width direction. Note that the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are provided at positions spaced upstream from the supply port 27 of the manual feed path 8 in consideration of operability while ensuring smooth movement (see FIG. 3). For this reason, a gap G <b> 1 is formed between the upper surface of each sheet pressing portion 42 and the edge portion 27 a of the supply port 27.

  Each blocking portion 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in a plan view, for example, with a synthetic resin material having permeability or impermeability. Each closing portion 43 extends downstream from each sheet pressing portion 42. Each closing portion 43 is rotatably attached to the downstream end portion of each sheet pressing portion 42 via a turning shaft 43a (see FIG. 3). In addition, each obstruction | occlusion part 43 may be attached to each cursor main body 41 so that rotation is possible. In this case, it is preferable that each closing portion 43 is attached at a position where it does not contact the sheet S1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each closing portion 43 is disposed so as to close a gap G <b> 1 formed between each sheet pressing portion 42 and the edge portion 27 a of the supply port 27. Each closing portion 43 is formed to have an upward slope from the upper surface of each sheet pressing portion 42 toward the edge portion 27 a of the supply port 27. Specifically, each closing portion 43 is disposed in such a posture that its tip end portion is in contact with the right side surface in the recess 2a and is inclined upward from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are connected to an interlocking mechanism 45 that moves evenly from the center in the width direction. The interlocking mechanism 45 is disposed below the support plate 36. The interlocking mechanism 45 has a pair of front and rear interlocking rack gears 46 and a pinion gear 47.

  The pair of front and rear interlocking rack gears 46 are extended from the sliding convex portion 40a of each manual feed cursor 31 toward the inner side in the width direction. The pinion gear 47 is rotatably supported by a gear shaft 47a protruding from the lower surface of the support plate 36 at the center in the width direction of the support plate 36 (see FIG. 3). The pinion gear 47 is disposed between the pair of interlocking rack gears 46 and meshes with each interlocking rack gear 46.

  Next, the operation of the sheet placing apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the sheet placing device 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sheet placing device 5 is displaced to the storage posture P1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user places the sheet S <b> 1 (or a bundle of sheets S <b> 1) on the manual feed tray 30. Specifically, the leading end portion (downstream side) of the sheet S <b> 1 is inserted between the upper surface of the support plate 36 and the lower surface of each sheet pressing portion 42. Accordingly, the number of sheets S1 that can be set is regulated by each sheet pressing portion 42. In this way, each sheet pressing portion 42 regulates the number of sheets S1 stacked on the manual feed tray 30 corresponding to (the height of) the supply port 27 opened at the upstream end of the manual feed path 8. .

  By the way, the user may erroneously try to place the sheet S1 on the manual feed tray 30 from the upper side of each sheet pressing portion 42. As described above, when the user tries to insert the sheet S1 into the supply port 27 from the upper side of each sheet pressing portion 42, the sheet S1 (the front end portion thereof) abuts on each closing portion 43, and the inclination of each closing portion 43 is inclined. Is bent upward along Thereby, the user can recognize that the set position of the sheet S1 is wrong.

  Next, the user positions the sheet S <b> 1 using the pair of manual cursors 31. For example, when the user moves the front manual cursor 31 (front interlock rack gear 46) backward, the pinion gear 47 rotates to move the rear manual cursor 31 (rear interlock rack gear 46) forward. Let That is, the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 move (approach / separate) by the same distance in synchronization with the center in the width direction by the action of the interlocking mechanism 45. By bringing the contact surface 41a of each cursor body 41 into contact with both ends in the width direction of the sheet S1, the sheet S1 is aligned (set) in the center in the width direction.

  As described above, since the position adjustment of the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 can be performed by a single operation, the operability for the position adjustment can be improved. Further, since the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are equally distributed with reference to the center in the width direction, the above-described position adjustment can be performed with a small amount of movement.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, when the sheet S1 is not supplied (paper fed), the lift plate 37 is displaced to the retracted position P11. On the other hand, when supplying (feeding) the sheet S1, the control device drives and controls the lifting device to raise the lift plate 37 from the retracted position P11 to the transport position P12. At this time, the sheet S1 on the lift plate 37 contacts the transport roller 13a. The conveyance roller 13a is rotationally controlled by the control device, and sends the sheet S1 to the manual conveyance path 8. The sheet S1 is conveyed from the manual conveyance path 8 through the main conveyance path 6 toward the secondary transfer nip portion 25a (see FIG. 1). When the supply of the sheet S1 is completed, the control device drives and controls the lifting device again to lower the lift plate 37 to the retracted position P11.

  According to the above-described sheet placing device 5 according to the present embodiment, each closing portion 43 closes the gap between the sheet pressing portion 42 and the edge portion 27 a of the supply port 27. Therefore, since it is prohibited to insert the sheet S1 into the supply port 27 from the gap G1, the user naturally sets the sheet S1 between the manual feed tray 30 (support plate 36) and each sheet pressing portion 42. become. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the sheet S1 from being set at an incorrect position of the manual feed tray 30. And appropriate sheet | seat S1 conveyance can be ensured.

  Here, when the sheet stacking device 5 is not used, the manual feed tray 30 is deformed from the manual feed posture P2 shown in FIG. 3 to the storage posture P1 shown in FIG. At this time, when the manual feed tray 30 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 about the tray rotation shaft 30a, each closing portion 43 is pushed by the right side surface in the recess 2a, and the rotation shaft 43a is illustrated. 3 to rotate clockwise. In a state where the manual feed tray 30 is in the storage posture P1, each closing portion 43 is displaced to a posture that is substantially parallel to the manual feed tray 30 (see FIG. 6). When the manual feed tray 30 is deformed from the storage posture P1 to the manual feed posture P2, the manual feed tray 30 rotates in the opposite direction.

  According to this configuration, each closing portion 43 rotates in conjunction with the rotation (opening / closing) of the manual feed tray 30. Accordingly, the manual feed tray 30 can be appropriately opened and closed without the obstructions 43 being in the way.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the scanner device 1 </ b> B includes an image reading unit 50 and a document feeding device 60. The image reading unit 50 optically reads image information formed on the document S2 (sheet). The document feeder 60 automatically feeds the document S2 one by one to the reading position H of the image reading unit 50.

  The image reading unit 50 includes a reading unit main body 51, a contact glass 52, and a platen glass 53. The reading unit main body 51 is fixed to the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 with a space between it and the paper discharge tray 4. The contact glass 52 and the platen glass 53 are fixed to the upper surface of the reading unit main body 51.

  The image reading unit 50 includes an optical scanning unit 54, a reflection unit 55, a condenser lens 56, and an image sensor 57 inside the reading unit main body 51. The optical scanning unit 54 irradiates light toward the document S2 placed on the glasses 52 and 53, and directs the light reflected by the document S2 toward the reflection unit 55. The light reflected by the reflection unit 55 is input to the image sensor 57 via the condenser lens 56. Thereby, the image sensor 57 converts the image information on the document S2 into an electrical signal. The photoelectrically converted image data is output from the image reading unit 50 to the printing apparatus 1A (the control apparatus). Thereby, the above-described image forming process based on the image data is executed.

  The optical scanning unit 54 can read the original S2 (image thereof) passing through the contact glass 52 by the original feeding device 60 while being fixed at the reading position H. The optical scanning unit 54 can also scan the original S2 (image thereof) placed on the platen glass 53 by scanning from the reading position H to the right in FIG. At this time, the reflection unit 55 moves in the same direction as the optical scanning unit 54 so that the optical path length from the document S2 to the condenser lens 56 is always constant.

  Next, the document feeder 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the document feeder 60. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the document feeder 60.

  The document feeder 60 is a so-called ADF (Auto Document Feeler), and is attached so as to be rotatable about one side of the upper back side of the image reading unit 50. By rotating the front side of the document feeder 60 so as to be lifted upward, the upper surfaces of the contact glass 52 and the platen glass 53 are exposed (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the document feeder 60 includes a cover frame 61, a document transport unit 62, a document placement device 63, and a discharge tray 64. The cover frame 61 is formed in a substantially box shape. The document conveyance unit 62 (conveyance unit) is provided inside the cover frame 61. The document placing device 63 (sheet placing device) includes a supply tray 80 on which the sheet-like document S2 (a bundle) is placed. The discharge tray 64 is provided on the lower side of the document placing device 63.

  The cover frame 61 is disposed on the left side of the reading unit main body 51, and supports the document placing device 63 (supply tray 80) (see FIG. 1). A supply port 65 and a discharge port 66 are formed on the right side surface of the cover frame 61 with the supply tray 80 interposed therebetween. A lower surface opening 67 (see FIG. 8) facing the contact glass 52 is formed on the lower surface of the cover frame 61. Inside the cover frame 61, a substantially U-shaped document conveyance path 68 is formed to allow the supply port 65 and the discharge port 66 to communicate with each other (see FIG. 8). The document conveyance path 68 is folded downward from the supply port 65 and extends to the discharge port 66 through the lower surface opening 67.

  A size display portion 69 indicating the size in the width direction of the document S2 is formed on the edge portion 65a of the supply port 65 (the upper surface of the cover frame 61). Although illustration is omitted, the size display unit 69 includes characters indicating sizes such as “A4” and “B5” and instruction lines corresponding to the characters (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the document conveyance unit 62 includes a pickup unit 70, a conveyance roller pair 71, and a discharge roller pair 72. The document conveyance unit 62 sends out the document S2 on the supply tray 80 toward a document conveyance path 68 provided in the cover frame 61.

  The pickup unit 70 is provided in the vicinity of the supply port 65. The pickup unit 70 is configured by connecting a pair of left and right rollers 70a and 70b with a connecting gear 70c. The pickup unit 70 rotates in the vertical direction around the axis of the left roller 70a. The conveyance roller pair 71 is provided on the upstream side of the lower surface opening 67. The discharge roller pair 72 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 66. The lower surface opening 67 is provided with a pressing member 73 that is biased downward by a coil spring 74.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the document placing device 63 includes a supply tray 80 and a pair of front and rear document cursors 81. The supply tray 80 is provided for placing the document S2 conveyed through the document conveyance path 68 toward the image reading unit 50 (contact glass 52) as a supply destination. A pair of front and rear document cursors 81 is provided to regulate the position of the document S2 on the supply tray 80 in the width direction.

  The supply tray 80 is formed in a hollow, substantially rectangular thick plate shape. The supply tray 80 is provided in a posture that slightly inclines downward toward the cover frame 61. At the downstream end (left end) of the supply tray 80, a pair of front and rear rotating shafts (not shown) that are pivotally supported by a bearing portion (not shown) of the cover frame 61 are projected. The supply tray 80 is supported by the cover frame 61 so as to rotate about each rotation axis.

  On the upper surface of the supply tray 80, a document placement surface 82 for placing the document S2 is formed. The downstream end (left end) of the supply tray 80 enters the document conveyance path 68 from the supply port 65 (see FIG. 8). The supply tray 80 is formed with a pair of left and right guide grooves (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction (width direction). Each guide groove is formed on the upstream side of the supply port 65 of the document conveyance path 68.

  A pair of front and rear document cursors 81 are arranged on the downstream side on the supply tray 80 and are arranged facing each other in the width direction. Note that the pair of front and rear document cursors 81 is substantially the same as the pair of front and rear manual feed cursors 31 described above, and thus description of the same configuration is omitted.

  Each of the pair of front and rear document cursors 81 includes a sliding portion 90, a cursor body 91, a sheet pressing portion 92, and a closing portion 93. The sliding portion 90, the cursor main body 91, and the sheet pressing portion 92 are made of, for example, synthetic resin and are integrally formed.

  Each sliding portion 90 is slidably engaged with each guide groove. Thus, each document cursor 81 is provided on the supply tray 80 so as to be movable in the width direction. Each cursor body 91 is provided in a standing posture on the supply tray 80, and has a contact surface 91a that can contact an end portion in the width direction of the document S2 on the supply tray 80.

  Each sheet pressing portion 92 is extended from the lower downstream side of each contact surface 91a toward the inside in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 8, each sheet pressing portion 92 includes a pressing guide portion 92 a and a pressing horizontal portion 92 b. Each presser guide portion 92a is formed in a downward gradient from the upstream end portion toward the downstream side in a front view. Each presser horizontal portion 92b extends from the downstream end portion of each presser guide portion 92a toward the downstream side. Each presser horizontal portion 92 b is formed substantially in parallel with each sliding portion 90. Note that the pair of front and rear manual cursors 31 are provided at positions slightly spaced upstream from the supply port 65 of the document transport path 68. For this reason, a gap G <b> 2 is formed between the upper surface of each sheet pressing portion 92 and the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65.

  Each closing part 93 has a fixing part 93a and an inclined part 93b. Each blocking part 93 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material having permeability such as polycarbonate. Each blocking portion 93 may be formed of a synthetic resin material that is impermeable.

  Each fixing portion 93a is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view, and is fixed to the upper surface of the presser horizontal portion 92b with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like. Each fixing portion 93a may be screwed. Each fixing portion 93a may be fixed to each cursor body 91. In these cases, each fixing portion 93a is preferably fixed at a position where it does not contact the document S2.

  Each inclined portion 93b extends obliquely upward from the downstream end portion of each fixed portion 93a toward the downstream side. Each inclined portion 93 b (each closed portion 93) is formed to have an upward slope from the upper surface of each sheet pressing portion 92 toward the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65. That is, each closing portion 93 is disposed so as to close a gap G <b> 2 formed between each sheet pressing portion 92 and the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65.

  The tip of each inclined portion 93 b slightly overlaps the size display portion 69 formed at the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65. As described above, even when the closed portions 93 are overlapped with the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65, the user can view the size display portion 69 from above the transparent closed portions 93. Accordingly, each closing portion 93 can effectively close the gap G2 between each sheet pressing portion 92 and the edge portion 65a, and good visibility of the size display portion 69 can be maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the pair of front and rear document cursors 81 is connected to an interlocking mechanism 95 that moves evenly from the center in the width direction. The interlocking mechanism 95 has a pair of front and rear interlocking rack gears 96 and a pinion gear 97 provided in the supply tray 80. In addition, since the interlocking mechanism 95 is substantially the same as the interlocking mechanism 45 of each manual feed cursor 31, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the discharge tray 64 is disposed below the supply tray 80 and extends to the right of the discharge port 66 of the cover frame 61. The discharge tray 64 receives the document S2 discharged from the discharge port 66.

  Next, the operation of the document placing device 63 will be described. In addition, the description similar to the effect | action of the sheet | seat mounting apparatus 5 is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user places the document S2 (or a bundle of documents S2) on the supply tray 80. Specifically, the leading end portion (downstream side) of the sheet S 1 is inserted between the document placement surface 82 and each sheet pressing portion 92 of each document cursor 81. Each sheet presser 92 regulates the number of sheets S1 stacked on the supply tray 80 in correspondence with the supply port 65 (height). At this time, since the upstream side of each presser guide portion 92a of each sheet presser portion 92 is widened, the user can easily set the document S2.

  By the way, if the user mistakenly tries to insert the document S2 into the supply port 65 from the upper side of each sheet pressing portion 92, the document S2 (the front end portion thereof) comes into contact with the inclined portion 93b of each closing portion 93 and each inclination It is bent upward along the part 93b. As a result, the user can recognize that the set position of the document S2 is wrong.

  Next, the user moves the pair of front and rear document cursors 81 so that the contact surfaces 91a of the cursor bodies 91 are brought into contact with both ends in the width direction of the document S2. The pair of front and rear document cursors 81 are moved by the same distance in synchronization with the center in the width direction by the action of the interlocking mechanism 95. Thereby, the sheet S1 is aligned (set) at the center in the width direction.

  Next, the document S2 set on the supply tray 80 is supplied toward the image reading unit 50 (contact glass 52). First, as shown in FIG. 8, the pickup unit 70 descends and comes into contact with the document S2 (the uppermost layer) set on the supply tray 80, and feeds the document S2 one by one. The document S2 passes between the conveyance roller pair 71 and is conveyed downstream while being pressed lightly against the contact glass 52 (see FIG. 1) by the pressing member 73. The image reading unit 50 (optical scanning unit 54) reads an image formed on the document S2 conveyed on the contact glass 52. The document S2 after image reading is discharged from the discharge port 66 to the discharge tray 64 by the discharge roller pair 72.

  According to the document placing apparatus 63 according to the present embodiment described above, each closing portion 93 closes the gap between the sheet pressing portion 92 and the edge portion 65 a of the supply port 65. Accordingly, since the document S2 is prohibited from being inserted into the supply port 65 from the gap G2, the user naturally sets the document S2 between the supply tray 80 and each sheet pressing portion 92. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the document S2 from being set at an incorrect position on the supply tray 80. Thus, it is possible to ensure proper document S2 conveyance.

  Note that the sheet placing device 5 and the document placing device 63 (hereinafter also referred to as “sheet placing device 5 or the like”) according to the present embodiment include the closing portions 43 and 93 on the sheet holding portions 42 and 92, respectively. Although it was attached so as not to be detachable, the present invention is not limited to this. Each of the blocking portions 43 and 93 may be detachably attached to the cursor main bodies 41 and 91 or the sheet pressing portions 42 and 92 (hereinafter also referred to as “cursor main body 41 etc.”). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the closing portions 43 and 93 preferably includes a clip portion 100 that sandwiches the cursor body 41 and the like. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the closed portions 43 and 93 and the cursor main body 41 and the like may be provided with an uneven portion 101 rail that slide-engages with each other.

  As described above, by forming the closing portions 43 and 93 as separate members that can be attached and detached, the closing portions 43 and 93 can be easily added to the cursor of the existing sheet placing apparatus.

  The description of the above embodiment shows one aspect of the sheet placing apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the same, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Absent. The components in the above embodiment can be appropriately replaced or combined with existing components and the like, and the description of the above embodiment does not limit the content of the invention described in the claims. .

1 MFP (image forming device)
2 Device body 5 Sheet placement device 8 Manual feed path (transport path)
11 Image forming department (supplier)
13 Sheet conveying unit (conveying unit)
27, 65 Supply port 27a, 65a Edge 30 Manual feed tray (tray)
31 Manual cursor (cursor)
41, 91 Cursor body 41a, 91a Abutting surface 42, 92 Sheet pressing portion 43, 93 Closure portion 45, 95 Interlock mechanism 50 Image reading portion (supplier)
61 Cover frame 62 Document transport section (transport section)
63 Document placement device 68 Document transport path (transport path)
69 Size display section 80 Supply tray (tray)
81 Document cursor (cursor)
G1, G2 Gap S1 Sheet S2 Document

Claims (8)

A tray on which a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path toward a supply destination is placed;
A cursor disposed on the tray on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, and a cursor for regulating a position in the width direction of the sheet on the tray; With
The cursor is
A cursor body provided in a standing posture on the tray and having a contact surface capable of contacting the widthwise end of the sheet on the tray;
A sheet pressing portion that extends in the width direction from the contact surface and regulates the number of sheets stacked on the tray corresponding to a supply port that opens at an upstream end of the conveyance path;
A closing portion that closes a gap formed between the sheet pressing portion and the edge of the supply port,
The sheet placing device , wherein the closing part is detachably attached to the cursor body or the sheet pressing part . The sheet placing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closing portion is formed to have an upward slope from an upper surface of the sheet pressing portion toward an edge portion of the supply port. A pair of the cursors are provided opposite to each other in the width direction,
3. The sheet placement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of cursors are connected to an interlocking mechanism that is moved uniformly from the center in the width direction of the sheet. In the cover frame that supports the tray, the supply port of the transport path opens,
A size display portion indicating the size in the width direction of the sheet is formed at the edge of the supply port,
The sheet placing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the closing portion is formed of a material having permeability. The tray is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis,
The sheet placing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the closing portion is rotatably attached to the cursor body or the sheet pressing portion.   A tray on which a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path toward a supply destination is placed;
  A cursor disposed on the tray on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, and a cursor for regulating a position in the width direction of the sheet on the tray; With
  The cursor is
  A cursor body provided in a standing posture on the tray and having a contact surface capable of contacting the widthwise end of the sheet on the tray;
  A sheet pressing portion that extends in the width direction from the contact surface and regulates the number of sheets stacked on the tray corresponding to a supply port that opens at an upstream end of the conveyance path;
  A closing portion that closes a gap formed between the sheet pressing portion and the edge of the supply port,
  In the cover frame that supports the tray, the supply port of the transport path opens,
  A size display portion indicating the size in the width direction of the sheet is formed at the edge of the supply port,
  The sheet placing device, wherein the blocking portion is formed of a material having permeability.   A tray on which a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path toward a supply destination is placed;
  A cursor disposed on the tray on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, and a cursor for regulating a position in the width direction of the sheet on the tray; With
  The cursor is
  A cursor body provided in a standing posture on the tray and having a contact surface capable of contacting the widthwise end of the sheet on the tray;
  A sheet pressing portion that extends in the width direction from the contact surface and regulates the number of sheets stacked on the tray corresponding to a supply port that opens at an upstream end of the conveyance path;
  A closing portion that closes a gap formed between the sheet pressing portion and the edge of the supply port,
  The tray is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis,
  The sheet placing device, wherein the closing portion is rotatably attached to the cursor body or the sheet pressing portion. A sheet placing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
An apparatus main body that rotatably supports the tray;
A transport unit that sends out the sheet on the tray toward the transport path provided in the apparatus main body;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit as the supply destination that performs an image forming process on the sheet transported by the transport unit.

Images