JPH11334892A - Sheet feeding cassette device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent sheets of paper from generating a skew, jam, or breakage and deliver the sheets certainly to a device on which a sheet feeding cassette device is set, by replacing a sheet heaving plate in accordance with the sheet size. SOLUTION: A sheet feeding cassette device includes a cassette part 110 to accommodate sheets of paper and a heaving plate 130 to push up the sheets. The heaving plate 130 is equipped with an engagement part where the plate 130 is held rotatably relative to the cassette part 110, while the cassette part 110 is furnished with a part to be engaged 118 engaged with the engagement part. The plate 130 is held rotatably relative to the cassette part 110 round the part where engagement takes place. A plurality of such parts to be engaged are positioned mating with the engagement parts provided on a plurality of such heaving plates 130 corresponding to different sheet sizes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper feed cassette device, and more particularly, to a paper feed cassette device for an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, devices have been devised for stably feeding sheets of different sizes by a single sheet feeding cassette device.

[0003] As a paper feed cassette device with such a contrivance, there is a paper feed cassette device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (JP-A-5-17035).

[0004] The paper feed cassette device includes a paper push-up plate 52.
5 and a pair of springs 527a, 52 between the bottom surface portion 521a.
7b is disposed, and the paper lifting plate 525 is
a and 531b. Two sets of spring holding portions 528a and 528 and two sets of spring holding portions 529a and 529b are provided on the bottom portion 521a of the sheet feeding cassette for positioning the springs 527a and 527b. The positions of the springs 527a and 527b are changed in the width direction of the sheet 530 in accordance with the size of the sheet 530, thereby stably feeding the sheet.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-172592 discloses a paper feeder for releasing a bottom plate in conjunction with opening and closing of a protective cover in order to eliminate the need for a user to perform extra operations when setting recording paper. An apparatus is described.

[0006]

However, for example, since postcards and business cards are different in size and larger in postcards, if a postcard-size paper lifting plate is used to handle the same paper lifting plate, the Although stable paper feeding can be realized for paper feeding, stable paper feeding cannot be realized for business card feeding because the paper push-up plate is too large. If the paper push-up plate is too large, the paper will be skewed and not only will not properly reach the paper feeder, but will also cause paper jams and damage to the paper. Further, even if the sheet reaches the image forming apparatus and the sheet can be transported, if the sheet is skewed, a skewed image is formed on the sheet.

According to the present invention, the paper lifting plate is changed according to the size of the paper to prevent the paper from being skewed, jammed, or damaged, and to reliably deliver the paper to the apparatus equipped with the paper cassette. The main object of the present invention is to provide a sheet cassette device capable of performing the above-mentioned operations.

Further, the present invention makes it easy and convenient for the operator to replenish the paper by interlocking the opening and closing of the lid and the up and down of the pressing plate while realizing the reliable transport of the paper.
It is another object of the present invention to realize a paper feed cassette device that can speed up a paper feed operation.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a cassette section for storing sheets, and a push-up plate for pushing up the sheets stored in the cassette section from below, wherein the push-up plate is attached to the cassette section. The push-up plate includes an engaging portion that is rotatably held, the cassette portion includes an engaged portion that is engaged with the engaging portion, and the push-up plate includes the engaging portion. The cassette is rotatably held with respect to the cassette portion around an engagement portion between the engagement portion and the engagement portion, and the engagement portion is provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to a sheet size. And a sheet cassette apparatus provided in correspondence with the above.

In the paper cassette apparatus having the above-described structure, the engaged portions are provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on the plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size. A board can be selected and attached to or detached from the paper cassette unit.

Further, the present invention includes an engaging portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and a push-up plate for pushing up a loaded sheet from below, and an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portion of the push-up plate. A cassette section that contains the engaged portion to be fitted and that stores the paper, a lever section that includes a lever guide, is rotatably supported by the cassette section, and covers the cassette section; A sheet cassette device having a lever that abuts an interlocking guide of a plate and has the other end abutting on the lever guide of the lid, wherein the push-up plate is configured to move the engagement portion and the engaged portion together. The engagement portion is held rotatably with respect to the cassette portion around an engagement portion, and the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engagement portion provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to a sheet size. The lever guide, the lever, and the front By interlocking guide and falls, a paper feed cassette device, characterized in that the push-up plate is depressed.

In the paper feed cassette device having the above-described configuration, the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on the plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size, so that the optimal push-up plate corresponding to the sheet size is provided. Can be attached to and detached from the paper cassette unit, and the push-up plate is pushed down in response to the operation of opening the cover, so when replenishing paper, the user only needs to open the cover to open the push-up plate automatically. As a result, the operator can easily and conveniently supply paper.

Further, according to the present invention, a push-up plate which includes an engagement portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and which pushes up a loaded sheet from below, is provided with a connection with the engagement portion of the push-up plate. A cassette section that contains the engaged portion to be fitted and that stores the paper, a lever section that includes a lever guide, is rotatably supported by the cassette section, and covers the cassette section; A sheet cassette device having a lever that abuts an interlocking guide of a plate and has the other end abutting on the lever guide of the lid, wherein the push-up plate is configured to move the engagement portion and the engaged portion together. The engagement portion is held rotatably with respect to the cassette portion around an engagement portion, and the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engagement portion provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to a sheet size. The lever guide and the lever in response to a pivoting operation of closing the lid. By the interlocking guide and goes up, a paper feed cassette device, characterized in that the push-up plate is pushed up.

In the paper feed cassette device having the above-described structure, the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on the plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size, so that the optimal push-up plate corresponding to the sheet size is provided. Can be attached to and detached from the paper cassette unit, and the push-up plate is pushed up in response to the operation of closing the cover, so that after the paper is replenished, the user simply closes the cover and the push-up plate automatically As a result, the sheet feeding operation can be performed quickly.

Further, the present invention includes an engaging portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and a push-up plate for pushing up a loaded sheet from below, and a push-up plate for engaging the engaging portion of the push-up plate. A cassette section that contains the engaged portion to be fitted and that stores the paper, a lever section that includes a lever guide, is rotatably supported by the cassette section, and covers the cassette section; A sheet cassette device having a lever that abuts an interlocking guide of a plate and has the other end abutting on the lever guide of the lid, wherein the push-up plate is configured to move the engagement portion and the engaged portion together. The engagement portion is held rotatably with respect to the cassette portion around an engagement portion, and the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engagement portion provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to a sheet size. The lever guide, the lever, and the front When the interlocking guide is lowered, the push-up plate is pressed down, and in response to the turning operation of closing the lid, the lever guide, the lever, and the interlocking guide are raised, whereby the push-up plate is pushed up. The paper cassette apparatus is characterized in that:

In the paper feed cassette apparatus having the above-described configuration, the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on the plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size, so that the optimal push-up plate corresponding to the sheet size is provided. And can be attached to and detached from the paper feed cassette device. In addition, since the push-up plate is pushed down in response to the operation of opening the lid, when the user supplies paper, the user simply opens the lid and the push-up plate is automatically pushed down. Can be simple and convenient. Furthermore,
Since the push-up plate is pushed up in response to the operation of closing the cover, the user simply closes the cover after replenishing the paper, and the push-up plate is automatically pushed up, so that the sheet feeding operation can be performed quickly.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Schematic Description of Paper Cassette Unit>
Hereinafter, an outline of a sheet cassette apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a sheet cassette apparatus 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device viewed from above. Paper feed cassette device 100
Is roughly composed of a cassette section 110, a knock-up plate section 130 as a push-up plate, and a lid section 170.

The cassette section 110 includes the sheet cassette apparatus 1.
Plays the role of 00 frame, 5 surfaces excluding the top surface,
That is, when the paper feed cassette device 100 is mounted on a paper feed device (not shown) or an image forming device (not shown), the front surface 211 (right side in FIG. 3) on the paper feed port side protrudes outside these devices. Back side 212 (left side in FIG. 3), right side 213 (lower side in FIG. 3) formed in the sheet feeding direction and the sheet height direction,
It is formed of a left surface 214 (upper side in FIG. 3) substantially in contrast to the right side, and a bottom surface 215 (rear side in FIG. 3) which is a surface placed on a desk or the like.

The knock-up plate section 130 is placed on the bottom surface 215 of the cassette section 110, and paper is placed on the upper surface of the knock-up plate section 130.

The lid 170 is rotatably mounted on the upper portion of the cassette 110 so as to cover approximately half the upper surface of the cassette 110. Paper cassette unit 1
In the case of 00, approximately half of the front surface 211 side is inserted into the sheet feeding device or the image forming apparatus, and approximately half of the remaining rear surface 212 side protrudes outside these devices. The upper surface of this protruding part
The lid is closed with the lid 170.

<Description of Cassette Unit> Next, the cassette unit 1 will be described.
Details of 10 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cassette unit 110 of the paper feed cassette device 100 from which the cover unit 170 and the knock-up plate 130 of the present invention have been removed, as viewed from above.

The cassette unit 110 has a front surface 211 and a back surface 2.
12, right side 213, left side 214 and bottom side 215.

A paper feed guide 113 is provided above the front surface 211.
Are formed. The paper feed guide 113 is largely divided into left and right.

The back surface 212 is a surface facing the front surface 211. In the upper center of the back surface 212, there is a cassette portion curved surface 117 having a recess.

At the lower center of the right surface 213, a lever 123 is provided.
There is a lever bearing 111 formed as a semi-circular hole for receiving the shaft. Downstream of the right side 213 in the sheet feeding direction of the sheet (hereinafter simply abbreviated as “downstream side”), it serves as a guide and a joint when the sheet feeding cassette device 100 is inserted into the sheet feeding device or the like. Are formed.

Above the downstream side of the right surface 213, a postcard-size upper restricting portion 114 for restricting rotation of the postcard-size knockup plate 130A (see FIG. 3) is formed. The postcard-size upper regulating portion 114 includes an extending portion 115H.
And a block 115I having a substantially triangular prism shape provided at an end of the extending portion 115H. The triangle of the substantially triangular prism of the block 115I has a substantially right-angled isosceles triangle shape, and two sides having a right angle are a parallel line parallel to the bottom surface and a vertical line perpendicular to the parallel line. Therefore, the remaining one side is a hypotenuse. The surface having the horizontal line of the block 115I is a surface that regulates the upward direction when the knock-up plate 130 rotates vertically.

At the approximate center of the right side 213, the lid 17
A cover-turning convex member 116J serving as a zero rotation support shaft is provided. The lid turning convex member 116J is fixed to a lid turning convex member fixing hole 116K which is a hole formed in the right surface 213.

The left surface 214 is substantially symmetrical with the right surface 213. That is, the left surface 214 is connected to the stopper 112 described above.
, A postcard-sized upper regulating portion 114, a lid rotating convex member 116 </ b> J, and a lid rotating convex member fixing hole 116 </ b> K.

What is provided on the right side 213 but not on the left side 214 is the lever bearing 111. In this embodiment, the lever bearing 111 is provided only on the right surface 213. However, the lever bearing 111 may also be provided on the left surface 214, and the right surface 213 and the left surface 214 may be completely symmetrical.

The lever 123 rotates clockwise about the lever bearing 111 as a support shaft as seen from the right surface 213 as shown by an arrow D.

In this embodiment, the construction in which the lever 123 and the lever bearing 111 are provided only on the right side 213 simplifies the assembling process at the time of manufacturing and reduces the lever 12
3 can reduce the material cost of the lever 123 by adopting a short one, and can provide an inexpensive paper feed cassette device 100.

The lever bearing 111 is also provided on the left surface 214 in the same manner as the right surface 213, and the right surface 213 and the left surface 214 are provided.
Is completely symmetrical, and the lever 123 is inserted into the lever bearings 111 on both the left surface 214 and the right surface 213, so that the vertical movement interlocking mechanism of the knock-up plate 130 becomes strong, and the paper cassette device 100 having a long life in use.
Is provided.

An upstream side of the bottom surface 215 in the sheet feeding direction (hereinafter simply referred to as an upstream side) serves as a rotation support shaft of the knock-up plate 130 and serves as a groove into which an engaging portion of the knock-up plate 130 is inserted. There is a snap fit groove 118 as a joint. The snap-fit groove 118 is formed as a pair of U-shaped grooves.

A plurality of snap-fit grooves 118 are formed according to the size of knock-up plate 130. The type of the knock-up plate 130 includes a postcard-size knock-up plate 130A (see FIG. 3),
There are two types: a business card size knockup plate 130B (see FIG. 2). Therefore, snap fit groove 1
18 also has two types of snap-fit grooves 118A for postcard size and snap-fit grooves 118B for business card size.

A snap-fit plate 119 is formed on the inner periphery of the U-shaped snap-fit groove 118.
The snap-fit plate 119 plays a role of a cushioning material when the knock-up plate 130 is inserted into the cassette unit 110 and when the knock-up plate 130 rotates. Similarly to the snap-fit groove 118, the snap-fit plates 119 are also provided at two places on the right and left corresponding to the snap-fit grooves 118, and are paired on the left and right. Also,
The snap-fit plate 119 is the knock-up plate 1
A plurality are provided according to the size of 30. As described above, there are two types of knock-up plates 130, and there are also two types of snap fit plates 119: a snap fit plate 119A for postcard size and a snap fit plate 119B for business card size.

At the approximate center of the bottom surface 215, two fitting portions 120 for the left end regulating portion 150 of the business card size and the right end regulating portion 160 of the business card size are formed. Also, the bottom surface 215
Near the downstream end, is a business card size left end regulating portion 15.
Two screw holes 121 for fixing the right end regulating portion 160 of 0 and a business card size are formed (only one screw hole 121 is hidden in the right surface 213 in FIG. 1 so that only one screw hole 121 is visible).

Two coil springs 122 for pushing up the knock-up plate 130 are provided on the left and right in the vicinity of the central portion on the downstream side of the bottom surface 215. Although the coil spring 122 is used in this embodiment, a leaf spring can be used as a push-up member having a push-up function.

A lever positioning convex member 124 for positioning the lever 123 on the bottom surface 215 is provided near the central portion on the right side of the bottom surface 215.

<Explanation of Knock-Up Plate> Next, referring mainly to FIGS.
Is explained in detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which a business card size knock-up plate 130 </ b> B is attached to the cassette unit 110, and is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device 100 with the cover 170 removed, as viewed from above. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the lid part 170 and the postcard-size knockup plate 130A are
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding cassette device 100 mounted on the sheet feeding device as viewed from above.

Postcard size knockup plate 130
A is a plate larger than the business card size knockup plate 130B.

Postcard size knock-up plate 130
In the case A, the felt 131 is attached and the interlocking guide 13 is attached.
2, a coil spring positioning recess 133, and an installation bent portion 135A (see FIG. 4).

Knock-up plate 130 of business card size
In B, the felt 131 is attached and the interlocking guide 13 is attached.
2, a coil spring positioning recessed member 133, an upstream regulation portion 134, and an installation bent portion 135.

The felt 131 is attached to both ends on the downstream side of the knock-up plate 130 as a cushioning member. The felt 131 is used for the knock-up plate 13.
When the paper placed on the paper 0 is contacted by a paper feed roller (not shown) or when the paper is rubbed, the paper serves as a buffer to reduce the impact, and the paper easily slips from the knock-up plate 130. Has the role of preventing. Cork having a higher frictional resistance than felt is used as a buffer member.

The interlocking guide 132 is a guide formed so that the lever 123 and the knockup plate 130 interlock. The interlocking guide 132 is formed downstream of the center of the knock-up plate 130, and has a guide surface and an opening. Lever 1 of this interlocking guide 132
The surfaces serving as guides 23 are a surface close to the bottom surface 215 and a surface of the knock-up plate 130.

The interlocking guide 132 interlocks with the operation in which the lever 123 rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow C) and descends when viewed from the right surface 213, and the knock-up plate 130 also moves
The guide is formed so as to rotate clockwise (in the direction of arrow E) as viewed from 13 and descend.

Coil spring positioning recess 133
Is a coil spring 1 having one end fixed to the bottom surface 215.
22 are the indentations for positioning the free end. The coil spring positioning recess 133 is provided with the coil spring 122.
The inner diameter of the free end of the coil spring 122 engages with this concave.

The upstream regulation section 134 is a section for regulating the upstream side of the paper placed on the business card size knockup plate 130B. The upstream regulation part 134 functions as follows. Knock-up plate 1 when feeding paper
Reference numeral 30 denotes a coil spring 1 which is a free end on the downstream side.
It is pushed up to 22. Then, the free end of the knock-up plate 130 becomes higher while the height of the rotation shaft on the upstream side of the knock-up plate 130 remains unchanged. Therefore, knock-up plate 130 is inclined. Due to the inclination of the knock-up plate 130, the knock-up plate 1
30 is the knock-up plate 1
Attempt to move to the rotation axis side of 30. Upstream regulation unit 13
Reference numeral 4 is necessary to prevent the sheet from moving when the knock-up plate 130 is inclined (in a state in which the sheet is fed). Postcard size knockup plate 130
In A, the back surface 212 regulates the upstream side of the sheet.
For this reason, the postcard size knockup plate 130A
Does not have an upstream regulation unit.

The installation bent portion 135 is an engagement portion for installing the knock-up plate 130 in the cassette portion 110. The installation bending portion 135 is provided with the knock-up plate 13.
It is bent and formed in one step at both ends on the upstream side of 0 (the rotation axis of the knock-up plate 130). When the knock-up plate 130 is attached to the cassette unit 110, the installation bent portion 135 is
8 are respectively inserted into two places.

The installation bent portions 135 are formed at both ends on the upstream side of the knock-up plate 130. However, since the size of the postcard size knockup plate 130A and the size of the business card size knockup plate 130B are different, the positions of both ends on the upstream side where the installation bent portion 135 is formed also differ. That is, both ends of the installation bent portion 135A of the postcard size are formed within 101 mm which is the length of the short side of the postcard size. On the other hand, both ends of the installation bent portion 135B of the business card size are formed within 55 mm which is the length of the short side of the business card size. In this embodiment,
Since the installation bent portion 135A of the postcard size and the installation bent portion 135B of the business card size are formed at different positions, both ends of the installation bent portion 135A of the postcard size are longer than 55 mm which is the length of the short side of the business card size. Are formed within 101 mm which is the length of the short side of the postcard size.

In the present invention, the positions where the installation bent portion 135A of the postcard size and the installation bent portion 135B of the business card size are formed are not limited to the length of this embodiment.

The business card size left end restricting portion 150 is unique when the business card size knockup plate 130B is used, and the business card size knockup plate 13 is used.
OB is detachably provided on the bottom surface 215 at the left end. The left end regulating portion 150 of the business card size has a surface substantially parallel to the left surface 214. Business card size left end regulation part 150
Is composed of a business card size left end regulating frame 151 and a business card size left end pressing leaf spring 152.

The business card size left end regulating frame 151 is
It has a business card size left end pressing leaf spring insertion portion 153. By inserting the business card-sized left end pressing plate spring 152 into the long groove of the business card-sized left end pressing plate spring insertion portion 153, the business card-sized left end pressing plate spring 152 is fixed to the business card-sized left end regulating frame 151. The business card size left end pressing leaf spring 152 is a plate spring that presses the left end of the business card size paper to the right.

The right end regulating portion 160 of the business card size is also unique when the business card size knockup plate 130B is used, and the business card size knockup plate 13 is used.
It is detachably provided on the bottom surface 215 at the right end of OB. The right end regulating portion 160 of the business card size has a surface substantially parallel to the right surface 214.

The business card size right end regulating portion 160 has a knockup plate upper regulating portion 161 for regulating the upward rotation of the business card size knockup plate 130B.

In the above-described embodiment, two types of the snap fit grooves 118 and the snap fit plates 119 are provided according to the type of the knock-up plate 130. That is, the postcard-sized knockup plate 130A
, A postcard size snap fit groove 118A and a postcard size snap fit plate 119A are used, and a business card size knockup plate 130B uses a business card size snap fit groove 118B and a business card size snap fit plate 119B. .

As another embodiment, a plurality of types of knock-up plates 130 are provided in the same snap-fit groove 1.
18 and a snap-fit plate 119.

In this case as well, a plurality of types of knock-up plates 130 are used, such as a postcard-size knock-up plate 130A and a business card-size knock-up plate 130B.
And the shape of the business card size knockup plate 130B is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but the shape of the postcard size knockup plate 130A is different from that of the above embodiment.

The difference between the postcard-size knockup plate 130A of the above-described embodiment and the postcard-size knockup plate of the other embodiments is that the installation bent portion 135 is provided.
Is provided at a different point. In other words, both ends of the installation bent portion of the postcard-size knock-up plate of the other embodiment are also located at the same position within 55 mm, which is the length of the short side of the business card size, similarly to both ends of the installation bent portion 135B of the business card size. Is provided. By doing so, the business card size snap-fit groove 118B and the business card size snap-fit plate 119B can be used for both the postcard size installation bent portion and the business card size installation bent portion 135B.

<Description of Knock-Up Plate Attachment / Removal> Here, a method of attaching / detaching knock-up plate 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

(1) How to attach the business card size knockup plate 130B.

First, the user pulls the lever 123 forward (in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 1) with the lever 123 raised at least 30 degrees. The upper surface of the lever positioning convex member 124 has an inclined surface of less than 30 degrees, and can be pulled forward when the lever 123 is raised by 30 degrees or more.

Next, the coil spring 12 is
2 is placed (state of FIG. 1).

Then, the left end regulating portion 150 of the business card size and the right end regulating portion 160 of the business card size are inserted into the fitting portion 120, and are screwed from behind the bottom surface 215 with screws (not shown) through the screw holes 121. .

Next, the business card size knock-up plate 130B is set upright, and the business card size
5B is inserted into the business card size snap fit groove 118B. When the business card size knock-up plate 130B that is set up vertically is turned clockwise, the back surface of the business card size knock-up plate 130B becomes a business card size upper regulating portion 161, a business card size left end pressing plate spring 152, and a right end pressing plate. It contacts the upper surface of a spring (not shown). At this time, the angle between the back surface of the business card size knockup plate 130B and the bottom surface 215 is approximately 30 degrees. Here, the lever 123 is inserted into the opening of the interlocking guide 132 while being pushed while being raised at least 30 degrees.

While pressing the left end pressing plate spring 152 and the right end pressing plate spring (not shown) of the business card size toward the left end regulating portion 150 of the business card size and the right end restricting portion 160 of the business card size, respectively, the knocking of the business card size is performed. Up plate 130B
Is pressed downward, the business card size upper regulating portion 161 escapes outward. Business card size knockup plate 13
When OB passes through the upper limit part 161 of the business card size, the upper limit part 161 of the business card size returns inside, and the upper limit part 161 of the business card size restricts the upward rotation of the knock-up plate 130B of the business card size. This state is shown in FIG.
The state shown in FIG.

Finally, the cover 170 is attached to the cassette 110. A lid engaging hole 178 is formed near the lever guide 177 on the lid side surface 173. The lid engaging hole 178 and the lid rotating member 11 of the cassette 110 are rotated.
The cover 170 is attached to the cassette 110 by engaging 6J.

(2) How to mount the postcard size knockup plate 130A.

First, the user pulls the lever 123 forward (in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 1) with the lever 123 upright at least 30 degrees.

Next, the coil spring 12 is placed on the bottom surface 215.
2 is placed (state of FIG. 1).

Postcard size knock-up plate 130
A is set upright, and the installation bent portion 135A of the postcard size is inserted into the snap fit groove 118A for the postcard size.
Postcard size knock-up plate 1 that stands upright
When 30A is turned clockwise, the back surface of the postcard-size knockup plate 130A contacts the upper surface of the block 115I. Here, the lever 123 is inserted into the opening of the interlocking guide 132 while being pushed while being raised at least 30 degrees.

Postcard size knock-up plate 130
When A is pressed down, the upper regulation portion 114 of the postcard size is pressed.
Escapes to the outside. Postcard size knockup plate 1
When 30A passes through the upper regulation part 114 of the postcard size,
The postcard-size upper regulating portion 114 returns to the inside, and the postcard-size upper regulating portion 114 regulates upward rotation of the postcard-size knock-up plate 130A.

Finally, the cover 170 is attached to the cassette 110.

(3) How to remove the business card size knockup plate 130B.

First, the lid 170 is removed from the cassette 110. The lid side surface 173 is opened outward on the lid engagement hole 178 side, and the lid engagement hole 178 and the lid rotating convex member 116J are opened.
Is disengaged and the lid 170 is lifted upward, whereby the lid 170 can be removed from the cassette 110. The removed state is the state shown in FIG.

By pressing the business card size upper regulating portion 161 outward, the upward regulation of the knock-up plate 130B is released. The business card size knock-up plate 130B passes through the business card size upper regulating portion 161 by the pressing force of the coil spring 122. After passing, the upper limit part 161 of the business card size returns to the inside, and the knockup plate 130B of the business card size includes the upper limit part 161 of the business card size and the left end pressing leaf spring 1 of the business card size.
52 and the upper surface of the right end pressing leaf spring (not shown). At this time, the angle between the back surface of the business card size knockup plate 130B and the bottom surface 215 is approximately 30 degrees. Here, when the lever 123 is raised by 30 degrees or more, the convex portion of the positioning portion 124 does not come into contact with the lever 123, and the lever 123 can be pulled rightward (in the direction of arrow I). When the lever 123 is pulled to the right, the lever 123
Is released from the opening of the interlocking guide 132, and the knock-up plate 130B is released from the regulation of the lever 123.

Finally, the business card-sized knock-up plate 130B is rotated counterclockwise while being lifted upward, and then raised vertically after being set up perpendicular to the bottom surface 215. It comes off from the snap fit groove 118B for size. In this manner, the business card size knockup plate 130B can be removed from the cassette unit 110.

In the case of a business card size, a left end restriction part 150 for business card size and a right end restriction part 160 for business card size are mounted on the cassette part 110. To remove them,
First, a screw (not shown) is screwed on the back surface side of the screw hole 121 on the bottom surface 215, and the screw is removed. Next, if the business card size left end regulation part 150 and the business card size right end regulation part 160 are fitted and removed from the killing part 120, they are detached from the cassette part 110.

(4) How to remove the postcard size knockup plate 130A.

Knock-up plate 130 of business card size
The description is simplified for the same points as those for removing B.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, first, the lid 170 is removed from the cassette 110. By pressing the block 115I outward, the upward regulation of the postcard size knockup plate 130A is released. The postcard-size knockup plate 130A passes through the block 115I by the pressing force of the coil spring 122.
After passing, the block 115I returns inside, and the postcard-size knockup plate 130A
I will be placed on the upper surface. Here, lever 12
3 is raised more than 30 degrees and the lever 123 is pulled to the right (in the direction of arrow I), the lever 123 comes off the opening of the interlocking guide 132, and the postcard-size knockup plate 130A
Is released from the regulation of the lever 123.

Finally, the postcard-size knockup plate 130A is removed from the cassette unit 110.

(5) Replacement of knock-up plate.

According to the above-described procedure, the postcard-size knockup plate 130A and the business card-size knockup plate 130B are exchanged as necessary.

<Explanation of Lid> Next, the lid 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the sheet cassette device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device viewed from above with a cover part opened. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view in a state where a lid of the sheet feeding cassette device is opened. The cover 170 includes a paper discharge surface rib 171, a cover curved surface 172, a cover side 173, and a cover side reinforcing plate 17.
5, the cover side reinforcing rib 176, and the lever guide 177 are integrally formed of resin.

The cover 170 prevents dust, dust, developer and the like from adhering to the paper,
It is for making the appearance of 00 look beautiful. In addition, the lid 170 of this embodiment utilizes the upper surface of the lid 170 as a paper discharge tray for the discharged paper.

The paper output surface rib 171 is
From 00, for example, a sheet fed to an image forming apparatus (not shown) is formed with an image by the image forming apparatus, and a rib formed on a sheet discharge surface on which the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is placed. It is. The paper discharge surface rib 171 is for reducing friction between the paper and the paper discharge surface when the paper is discharged, and a plurality of paper discharge ribs 171 are provided in parallel with the paper transport direction. Is formed. When the sheet is discharged, the leading end of the sheet on the downstream side of the sheet discharge (the above-mentioned downstream side, that is, the direction opposite to the downstream side of the sheet supply) comes into contact with a portion where the height of the discharge surface rib 171 is high. When the paper discharge roller (not shown) of the image forming apparatus further rotates, the paper discharge downstream end of the paper reaches a portion where the height of the paper discharge surface rib 171 is low. By setting the height of the paper discharge surface rib 171 to a shape where the portion where the paper first comes into contact is increased and gradually becomes lower as the paper is conveyed, smooth paper can be discharged. Conversely, the height of the paper discharge surface rib 171 is set so that the portion where the paper first contacts
If the shape is set to gradually increase as the paper is transported, if the transport force of the paper ejection rollers of the image forming apparatus is strong,
Since an appropriate resistance can be generated, it is possible to prevent the paper from slipping off the paper discharge surface.

The cover curved surface 172 is provided so that the business card size paper can be easily taken out when the business card size paper is discharged.
A curved surface is formed on the sheet discharge downstream side of the lid 170. When the business card sized paper is discharged, the lid curved surface 172 is covered with the business card sized paper. However, a gap is formed between the curved surface 172 of the lid and the paper of the business card size, such that a finger of the operator can enter the curved surface 172 of the lid. By inserting the operator's finger into this gap and sandwiching the business card size paper, small paper can be easily taken. Here, a gap into which the operator's finger enters is formed by the drop of the lid curved surface 172, but the gap may be formed by not a curved surface but a step by a flat surface, that is, a concave portion.

In the case of a postcard-size sheet, when the discharge from the image forming apparatus is completed, the postcard-size sheet is protruded from the discharge surface of the cover 170 to such an extent that the operator can pinch it with his / her finger. Can easily take a postcard-sized sheet.

The lid side surface 173 forms both side surfaces of the lid 170, and the paper is formed by forming a wall.
It is prevented from sliding down in the left-right direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) from the paper discharge surface 70. Both side surfaces of the lid side surface 173 are formed in parallel with and outside the right surface 213 and the left surface 214 of the cassette unit 110, respectively. The lid side surface 173 is designed to be hard to be broken by the lid side reinforcing plate 175 and the lid side reinforcing rib 176. The lid side surface 173 is connected on both side surfaces by a lid side reinforcing plate 175. The lid side reinforcing plate 175 has a plurality of lid side reinforcing ribs 176. The lid side reinforcing rib 176 has two types of ribs, two large ribs on each side and three small ribs in the center, and is designed to support the lid side reinforcing plate 175. I have.

The lever guide 177 is formed on the right side of the side 173. The lever guide 177 is a lever 1
23, and flat surfaces formed at both ends of the rubbed surface. The sliding surface of the lever guide 177 has a portion where the distance from the lid rotation convex member 116J is short below the lid 170, and the lid rotation convex member 11
As the distance from 6J increases toward the tip, the portion is a curved surface that is located above the lid 170. The planes formed at both ends of the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 are planes extending toward the surface that is rubbed at right angles to the sliding surface. The plane of the lever guide 177 extends from the sliding surface to the extent of the diameter of the shaft of the lever 123 so that the lever 123 and the lever guide 177 are not disengaged from each other.

<Explanation of the relationship between the lid, the lever and the knock-up plate> The lid 1 with the lid 170 closed.
The relationship between 70, lever 123, and knockup plate 130 will be described.

The knock-up plate 130 is pressed upward by the coil spring 122. Pressed knockup plate 130 (for postcard size:
130A, 130B in the case of business card size) is the upper regulating portion of the knockup plate (11 in the case of postcard size).
4. In the case of business card size: 161), the upper limit of upward rotation is regulated.

The lever 12 at the center of the cassette unit 110
One end of 3 is inserted into the opening of the interlocking guide 132. One end of the lever 123 on the right surface 213 contacts the lever guide 177. Lever 123 is linked guide 1
Since the lever 123 is inserted into the opening 32, the pressing force of the coil spring 122 is also applied to the lever 123 via the knock-up plate 130. Therefore, the lever 123
With the lever bearing 111 as a support shaft, it is stable in a state where it is lifted counterclockwise when viewed from the right surface 213 side. The angle between the lever 123 and the bottom surface 215 in this stable state is about 20 degrees.

The lever 123 abuts below the sliding surface of the lever guide 177.
2 presses indirectly via the knock-up plate 130 and the lever 123 in the direction of lifting the lower part of the sliding surface of the lever guide 177.

<Explanation of Operation when Opening / Closing Lid> First, the sheet cassette device when the operator opens (see FIGS. 5 and 6) the lid 170 from the closed state (see FIGS. 3 and 4). 1
The operation of 00 will be described.

The lid 170 has a lid-turning convex member 116J on the right surface 213 and a lid-turning convex member 116J on the left surface 214.
As shown by arrow C, the right side 2
13, and turns clockwise. The paper feed upstream side of the lid 170 (the lid curved surface 172 side) moves upward, and the paper feed downstream of the lid 170 (the lever guide 177 side) moves downward.

When the lid 170 rotates, the lever guide 1
Since 77 moves downward, the vertical relationship of the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 is reversed. That is, when the cover 170 is closed, the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 close to the cover rotating member 116 </ b> J is the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 far from the cover rotating member 116 </ b> J. (The rubbing surface on the front end side on the downstream side of the sheet feeding). on the other hand,
When the lid 170 is open, the lid rotating convex member 116 is closed.
The sliding surface of the lever guide 177 close to J is higher than the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 far from the lid rotation convex member 116J.

With the opening operation of the lid 170, the lever 123, which has been in contact with the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 near the lid rotating convex member 116J, is the leading end side of the lid 170 on the downstream side of the sheet feeding, in other words. Then, the lever guide 177 is pushed by the lever guide 177 and moves in the direction of the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 far from the lid rotating convex member 116J. When the lid 170 is completely opened, the lever 123 stops near the slidable curved surface on the front end side on the downstream side of the sheet feeding and a plane perpendicular to the slidable curved surface.
The lever 123 is pressed upward by the coil spring 122 via the knock-up plate 130,
When the cover 170 is opened, the coil spring 122
The lever 123 is rotated downward as shown by the arrow D by the downward pressing force of the lever guide 177 which is stronger than the upward pressing force of the lever guide 177.

The knock-up plate 130 is also pushed down as shown by the arrow E in conjunction with the lowering operation of the lever 123.

Next, the operator closes the lid 170 from the open state (see FIGS. 5 and 6) (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
The operation of the sheet cassette device 100 at this time will be described. The cover 170 is provided on the right side 213 as indicated by an arrow F.
It turns counterclockwise as viewed from above. The paper feed upstream side of the lid 170 moves downward, and the lever guide 127 side, which is the paper feed downstream side of the lid 170, moves upward. When the lever guide 177 moves upward, the sliding surface of the lever guide 177 does not gradually apply a downward load to the lever 123.

The lever 123 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the right side 213 with the lever bearing 111 as a support shaft, as shown by an arrow G. That is, the knock-up plate 13
0 so that the abutment part and the lever guide 177 rise.
Because it is biased by the coil spring 122,
Knockup plate 130 also rotates upward as shown by arrow H in conjunction with the upward movement of lever 123.

[0103]

According to the present invention, since the engaged portions are provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on the plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the paper size, the optimum push-up plate corresponding to the paper size is selected. As a result, it is possible to prevent the paper from being skewed, jammed or damaged, and to reliably deliver the paper to the device provided with the paper cassette. Also,
In the present invention, since the push-up plate is pushed down in response to the opening operation of the lid, when the user supplies paper, the push-up plate is automatically pushed down just by the user opening the lid, and as a result, the paper Can be made simple and convenient.

Further, according to the present invention, since the push-up plate is pushed up in response to the operation of closing the cover, the user simply closes the cover after the paper is replenished, so that the push-up plate is automatically pushed up. The paper feeding operation can be performed quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet cassette device of the present invention with a lid and a push-up plate removed, as viewed from above.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device of the present invention with a cover removed, as viewed from above.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device of the present invention as viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the sheet cassette apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sheet cassette device according to the present invention as viewed from above with a cover part opened.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the sheet cassette device of the present invention in a state where a cover is opened.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a main part of a conventional paper feed cassette device,
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration when a B5 size sheet is fed.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a main part of a conventional paper feed cassette device,
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration when a postcard-size sheet is fed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100: paper feed cassette device 110: cassette part 118: snap-fit groove (engaged part) 130: knock-up plate (push-up plate) 135: installation bent part (engagement part) All

[Description of Signs] 100: paper feed cassette device 110: cassette unit 111: lever bearing 112: stopper 113: paper feed guide 114: postcard size upper regulating unit 115H: extending unit 115I: block 116J: lid projection for rotation Member 116K: Lid portion rotating convex member fixing hole 117: Cassette section curved surface 118A: Postcard size snap fit groove 118B ... Business card size snap fit groove 119A: Postcard size snap fit plate 119B: Business card size snap fit plate 120 ... Fitting and killing part 121: Screw hole 122: Coil spring 123: Lever 124: Lever positioning convex member 130A: Knock-up plate of postcard size 130B: Knock-up plate of business card size 131: Buffer member 132: Interlocking guide 133: Coil sp Ring positioning concave part 134 ... Upstream side regulating part 135A ... Postcard size installation bending part 135B ... Business card size installation bending part 150 ... Business card size left end restriction part 151 ... Business card size left end restriction frame 152 ... Business card size left end pressing plate Spring 153: Left end pressing plate spring insertion part of business card size 160: Right end restriction part of business card size 161: Upper restriction part of business card size 170 ... Lid part 171 ... Discharge surface rib 172 ... Lid part curved surface 173 ... Lid part side surface 175 ... Lid Part side reinforcing plate part 176 ... Lid part side reinforcing rib 177 ... Lever guide 178 ... Lid part engaging hole

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A cassette unit for storing sheets, and a push-up plate for pushing up the sheets stored in the cassette unit from below, wherein the push-up plate rotates with respect to the cassette unit. The engaging portion which is held so as to be capable of, and the cassette portion,
An engagement portion engaged with the engagement portion, wherein the push-up plate is held rotatably with respect to the cassette portion around an engagement portion between the engagement portion and the engaged portion. The paper cassette apparatus is characterized in that the engaged portion is provided corresponding to the engaging portions provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to a sheet size. 2. A push-up plate that includes an engagement portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and that pushes up a loaded sheet from below, and an object that is engaged with the engagement portion of the push-up plate. Including an engagement portion,
A cassette section for storing paper; a lever section rotatably supported by the cassette section, and a lid section for covering the cassette section; one end abutting on an interlocking guide of the push-up plate; Is a paper feed cassette device having a lever that comes into contact with the lever guide of the lid portion, wherein the push-up plate is attached to the cassette portion around an engagement portion between the engagement portion and the engaged portion. The engaged portion is provided so as to correspond to the engaging portions provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size. The paper feed cassette device, wherein the push-up plate is pushed down by the lowering of the lever guide, the lever, and the interlocking guide. 3. A push-up plate that includes an engagement portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and that pushes up a loaded sheet from below, and an object to be engaged with the engagement portion of the push-up plate. Including an engagement portion,
A cassette section for storing paper; a lever section rotatably supported by the cassette section, and a lid section for covering the cassette section; one end abutting on an interlocking guide of the push-up plate; Is a paper feed cassette device having a lever that comes into contact with the lever guide of the lid portion, wherein the push-up plate is attached to the cassette portion around an engagement portion between the engagement portion and the engaged portion. The engaged portion is provided so as to correspond to the engaging portions provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size. In response, by raising the lever guide, the lever and the interlocking guide,
A sheet cassette device wherein the push-up plate is pushed up. 4. A push-up plate that includes an engagement portion rotatably held and an interlocking guide, and that pushes up a loaded sheet from below, and a plate that is engaged with the engagement portion of the push-up plate. Including an engagement portion,
A cassette section for storing paper; a lever section rotatably supported by the cassette section, and a lid section for covering the cassette section; one end abutting on an interlocking guide of the push-up plate; Is a paper feed cassette device having a lever that comes into contact with the lever guide of the lid portion, wherein the push-up plate is attached to the cassette portion around an engagement portion between the engagement portion and the engaged portion. The engaged portion is provided so as to correspond to the engaging portions provided on a plurality of push-up plates corresponding to the sheet size. In response, when the lever guide, the lever, and the interlocking guide are lowered, the push-up plate is pressed down, and the lever guide, the lever, and the interlocking guide are moved in response to the turning operation of closing the lid. By going up,
A sheet cassette device wherein the push-up plate is pushed up.