CN103523552B - A dielectric accommodating container and an image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dielectric accommodating container and an image forming device. The dielectric accommodating container comprises a stacking member, an aligning member, and an air blowing member. The stacking member enables dielectrics to be stacked on a stacking surface formed on the top surface of the stacking member. The aligning member contacts the end portions of the dielectrics stacked on the stacking surface and aligns the end portions of the dielectrics. The air blowing member is configured to correspond to a position which the stacking surface cannot be moved to up and down, and blows air to the end portions of the dielectrics stacked on the stacking surface. The air blowing member is equipped with a channel portion. The channel portion is formed on the stacking surface and forms a groove shape extended along the blowing direction of the air. The air flows through the channel portion.

Description

Media holding container and image forming apparatus

technical field

The present invention relates to a medium storage container and an image forming apparatus.

Background technique

In the prior art, as a technology related to a storage container for a storage medium of an image forming apparatus, the following has been known in the past in JP-A-2000-203733 (Patent Document 1: paragraphs [0025] to [0033], FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and the technology disclosed in JP-A-2001-88964 (Patent Document 2: paragraphs [0007] to [0015], FIG. 1 ).

JP-A-2000-203733 as Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which an opening 36 is formed in a side surface of a bottom plate 20 for stacking sheets 18 and moving up and down, and a through hole 37 connected to the opening 36 is formed in the bottom plate. 20 on the upper surface. In the structure disclosed in JP-A-2000-203733, the air blown from the opening 36 passes through the lower surface of the chassis 20 to generate a negative pressure above the through hole 37 to attract the sheet 18 to the chassis 20 . That is, in the structure disclosed in JP-A-2000-203733, the so-called cleaner principle is used to suppress the sheet 18 from being lifted up from the bottom plate 20 .

JP-A-2001-88964 as Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for selecting the opening shapes 5 and 6 of the nozzle 3 of the blower 4 that separates the sheet according to the type of the sheet P, thereby appropriately conditioning the air volume distribution.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to separate the media stacked in the lower part of the media storage container by using gas.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium storage container comprising: a stacking member allowing media to be stacked on a stacking surface formed on an upper surface thereof; the ends of the media stacked on the stacking surface contact and align the ends of the media; and an air blowing member arranged to correspond to a position to which the stacking surface cannot move up and down, and blowing gas to the end of the medium stacked on the stacking surface; wherein a channel portion is provided which is formed on the stacking surface and is formed as a groove extending along the blowing direction of the gas shape, the gas flows through the channel portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the medium storage container according to the first aspect may further include the stacking surface for an operator to manually insert the medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medium storage container according to the first or second aspect, a plurality of the passage portions formed on the stacking surface may be provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medium storage container according to any one of the first to third aspects, the passage portion extending from one end of the medium to the other end of the medium may be provided .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising: the medium storage container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, storing a medium in the medium storage container; and a recording unit that forms an image on a medium fed from the medium storage container.

According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, the media stacked on the lower portion of the media storage container can be separated using gas.

According to a second aspect, manually stacked media can be separated using gas.

According to the third aspect, compared with the case where one passage portion is formed, the performance of using the gas separation medium can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect, close contact between the medium and the stacking surface can be suppressed over a wide area compared to the case where the channel portion does not extend from one end of the medium to the other.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a view showing an image forming apparatus including a medium storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the manual feeding tray of the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view showing main parts of the manual feeding tray;

Fig. 5 is the view showing the channel portion of the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a passage portion of a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a manual feed tray of a fourth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, showing the manual feed tray of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the sixth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the seventh embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

detailed description

Examples will be described below as specific examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Meanwhile, in order to facilitate the understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is defined as the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the up-and-down direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. In addition, the directions or sides represented by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are respectively defined as front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom or as front, back, and right , Left, Top, and Bottom.

Furthermore, in the drawings, an "O" symbol with "·" therein represents an arrow from the back of the sheet to the front, and an "O" symbol with "X" represents an arrow from the front of the sheet to the rear.

Meanwhile, in order to facilitate the understanding of the following description, those components that do not need to be described are omitted in the following description using the drawings.

first embodiment

FIG. 1 is a view showing an image forming apparatus including a medium storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 , a copying machine U as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an example of a recording section and a printing section U1 as an example of an image recording apparatus. A scanning section U2 as an example of a reading section and an example of an image reading device is supported on the printing section U1. An automatic document feeder U3 as an example of a document feeding device is provided on the scanning section U2. A user interface U0 as an example of an input section is supported in the scanning section U2 of the first embodiment. The operator can operate the copier U by making input on the user interface U0.

A document tray TG1 as an example of a medium storage container is arranged on the automatic document feeder U3. A plurality of originals Gi to be copied can be stacked and stored on the original tray TG1. A document discharge tray TG2 serving as a document discharge portion is formed below the document tray TG1 . The document conveyance roller U3b is arranged along the document conveyance path U3a between the document tray TG1 and the document discharge tray TG2.

A platen glass PG, which is an example of a transparent platen, is arranged on the upper surface of the scanning portion U2. The reading optical system A is arranged below the platen glass PG in the scanning section U2 of the first embodiment. The reading optical system A of the first embodiment is supported to be movable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the platen glass PG. Meanwhile, the reading optical system A usually stops at the initial position shown in FIG. 1 .

An imaging element CCD as an example of an imaging member is arranged on the left side of the reading optical system A. As shown in FIG. The image processing section GS is electrically connected to the imaging element CCD.

The image processing section GS is electrically connected to the writing circuit DL of the printing section U1. The writing circuit DL is electrically connected to an exposure device ROS as an example of a latent image forming device.

A photosensitive drum PR as an image supporting member is arranged below the exposure device ROS. The photosensitive drum PR rotates in the direction of the arrow Ya.

A charging roller CR as an example of a charger is arranged to face the charging area Q0 on the photosensitive drum PR. A charging voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the charging roller CR. Meanwhile, the power supply circuit E is controlled by a controller C as an example of a control section. The controller C also performs various controls by transmitting and receiving signals between itself and the image processing section GS, the writing circuit DL, and the like.

On the downstream side of the charging area Q0 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum PR, there is provided a writing area Q1 in which a laser beam L as an example of writing light is emitted from the exposure device ROS to the surface of the photosensitive drum PR. surface.

A developing area Q2 is provided on the downstream side of the writing area Q1 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum PR, and a developing device G is disposed in the developing area Q2 facing the surface of the photosensitive drum PR.

A cartridge K as an example of a developer storage container is arranged on the left side of the developing device G. As shown in FIG. The cartridge K is detachably mounted on a cartridge holder KS as an example of a container supporting member. A storage tank RT as an example of a temporary developer storage is arranged below the cartridge holder KS. The storage tank RT and the developing device G are connected to the developer delivery device GH.

The transfer area Q3 is disposed on the downstream side of the development area Q2 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum PR.

Sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 as an example of a medium storage container are detachably supported at a lower portion of the copier body U1 . Sheets S as an example of media are accommodated in the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 .

A pickup roller Rp as an example of a member for taking out a medium is arranged at the upper left of each sheet feeding tray TR1 to TR4 . A separation roller as an example of a separation member is arranged on the left side of the pickup roller Rp.

A medium conveying path SH1 extending upward is formed on the left side of the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 . A plurality of conveying rollers Ra as an example of a medium conveying member are arranged on the conveying path SH1. A registration roller Rr as an example of a sending member is arranged on the conveyance path SH1 at the downstream portion in the conveyance direction of the sheet S and on the upstream side of the transfer area Q3 .

A manual feed tray TRt as an example of a medium storage container and as a manual feed portion is mounted on the left side of the cartridge holder KS or the like. The manual feed tray TRt of the first embodiment is supported rotatably about the rotation center TRt0. Thus, the manual feed tray TRt is adapted to move between the storage position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the sheet feeding position shown by the broken line in FIG. 1 . Meanwhile, when the manual feed tray TRt of the first embodiment is moved to the storage position, part TRt1 of the manual feed tray TRt is stored, which enters the copier body below the cassette holder KS and on the left side of the storage box RT. Thus, the size of the entire copier U is reduced by reducing the volume.

A transfer unit TU as an example of a transfer device and as an example of a medium conveyance device is arranged in the transfer area Q3 below the photosensitive drum PR. The transfer unit TU includes an endless transfer belt TB as an example of a medium conveyance member.

The transfer belt TB is rotatably supported by a driving roller Rd as an example of a driving member and a driven roller Rf as an example of a driven member.

A transfer roller TR as an example of a transfer member is supported inside the transfer belt TB. The transfer roller TR is arranged to face the photosensitive drum PR with the transfer belt TB sandwiched therebetween. Thus, the area where the transfer roller TR and the photosensitive drum PR face each other forms a transfer area Q3. A transfer voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roller TR.

A separation claw SC as an example of a medium separation member is arranged at the right end portion of the transfer belt TB. A belt cleaner CLb as an example of a cleaner for a transfer device is arranged below the separation claw SC, facing the surface of the transfer belt TB.

Meanwhile, a drum cleaner CLp as an example of a cleaner for an image supporting member is arranged on the downstream side of the transfer area Q3 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum PR, facing the surface of the photosensitive drum PR.

The fixing device F is arranged on the right side of the transfer unit TU. The fixing device F includes a heating roller Fh as an example of a rotating member for heating and a pressure roller Fp as an example of a rotating member for pressing.

To the right portion of the fixing device F, an upwardly extending discharge path SH2 as a medium conveyance path is connected.

As an example of a medium conveying member, a conveying roller Rb and a discharge roller Rh, which can convey a medium and are rotatable in normal and reverse directions, are arranged on the discharge path SH2.

A discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge portion is formed on the upper surface of the printing portion U1.

An inversion path SH3 as an example of a medium conveyance path is formed below the discharge path SH2. The inversion path SH3 of the first embodiment branches off from the discharge path SH2 and extends downward, merging with the conveyance path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roller Rr in the sheet conveyance direction.

A gate MG as an example of a member for switching the conveyance direction is arranged at a branch portion between the discharge path SH2 and the inversion path SH3. The door MG of the first embodiment is formed in an elastically deformable film shape, that is, of a so-called membrane. The door MG is arranged to be elastically deformed by being pushed by the sheet S conveyed from the fixing device F when the sheet S passes through the door MG, thereby allowing the sheet S to pass through the discharge path SH2. In addition, when the sheet S is conveyed from the discharge path SH2 to the inversion path SH3, the door MG maintains an elastically restored state, and is arranged to block the entry of the sheet S into the fixing device F and guide the sheet S to the inversion path SH3.

Description of image forming operation

A plurality of originals Gi stored on the original tray TG1 sequentially pass through the read position of the originals placed on the platen glass PG, and are discharged to the original discharge tray TG2.

When the document is automatically conveyed and copied by the automatic document feeder U3, each document Gi that sequentially passes the read position of the document placed on the platen glass PG is read while the reading optical system A is stopped at the initial position. exposure.

When the original document Gi is placed on the platen glass by the operator and copied, the reading optical system A moves in the right and left direction so that the original document placed on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed.

The light reflected from the original Gi is concentrated on the imaging element CCD through the reading optical system A. The imaging element CCD converts the light reflected from the original and concentrated on the imaging plane into electrical signals.

The image processing section GS converts the read signal input from the imaging element CCD into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the writing circuit DL of the printing section U1. The writing circuit DL outputs a control signal based on the image writing signal input to the exposure device ROS.

The surface of the photosensitive drum PR is charged by the charging roller CR in the charging area Q0. In the writing area Q1, the laser beam L output from the exposure device ROS forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR. In the developing area Q2, the developing device G develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum PR and passing through the developing area Q2 into a toner image Tn, which is an example of a visible image. When the developer is consumed at the developing device G, the developer delivery device GH operates according to the consumption, thereby supplying the developer from the cartridge K to the developing device G.

The sheets S of the respective sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roller Rp at a preset sheet feeding timing. When the plurality of sheets S are taken out by the pickup roller Rp in a state of overlapping each other, the plurality of sheets S are separated one by one by the separation roller Rs. The sheet S that has passed the separation roller Rs is conveyed to the registration roller Rr by a plurality of conveyance rollers Ra.

The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TRt also merges into the conveyance path SH and is conveyed to the registration rollers Rr.

The sheet S that has been conveyed to the registration roller Rr is transferred from the pre-transfer image that is an example of the guide member before undergoing transfer when the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is moved to the transfer area Q3. The sheet guide SG1 conveys toward the transfer area Q3.

The sheet S that has been output from the registration roller Rr is supported on the surface of the transfer belt TB and passes through the transfer area Q3. The toner image Tn formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is transferred onto the sheet S that has passed through the transfer area Q3 by the transfer voltage applied to the transfer roller TR.

Residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR after the sheet S passes through the transfer area Q3 is removed by the drum cleaner CLp, thereby cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum PR. The cleaned surface of the photosensitive drum PR is recharged by the charging roller CR.

The sheet S to which the toner image Tn has been transferred is separated from the transfer belt TB by means of separation claws SC. Materials such as developer or paper dust adhering to the surface of the transfer belt TB that has been separated from the sheet S are removed by the belt cleaner CLb. When the sheet S that has been separated from the transfer belt TB passes through the contact area between the heat roller Fh and the pressure roller Fp, the toner is heated and pressed to be fixed.

The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed is elastically deformed by the gate MG, passes through the gate MG, and is transported to the discharge path SH2. The sheet S to be discharged to the discharge tray TRh is conveyed by the conveyance roller Rb and discharged to the discharge tray TRh by the discharge roller Rh.

When printing is performed on both surfaces of the sheet, one surface is conveyed to the downstream side by the conveyance roller Rb and the discharge roller Rh until the rear end of the recording sheet S passes through the gate MG. When the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the gate MG, the conveyance roller Rb and the discharge roller Rh rotate in opposite directions, thereby conveying the sheet S from the discharge path SH2 toward the inversion path SH3. That is, the conveying direction is reversed, so that the sheet S is subjected to so-called switchback. The returned sheet S is guided to the gate MG and conveyed along the inversion path SH3. The sheet S conveyed along the inversion path SH3 merges into the conveyance path SH1 and is conveyed to the registration rollers Rr in an inversion state. The image is further printed on the other surface of the sheet S in the transfer area Q3.

Description of Manual Feed Tray

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the manual feed tray of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 2 , the manual feed tray TRt of the first embodiment includes a tray body 1 as an example of a housing member. The disc body 1 includes a plate-like stacking plate 2 as an example of a stacking member arranged at the upper portion. On the upper surface of the stacking plate 2 is formed a stacking surface 2 a on which sheets S to be fed can be stacked. A pair of front and rear recesses 2b recessed from the stacking surface 2a are formed on the right portion of the stacking surface 2a, which are examples of housing members for alignment members. In each recess 2b is formed a slit 2c, which is an example of a passage portion for connecting members, extending in the front-rear direction. The slit 2c is formed to penetrate the stacked plate 2 in the up-down direction.

A supported portion 3 extending to the right is formed at both front and rear ends of the right portion of the stack plate 2 . A rotation center TRt0 is formed at the right end portion of the supported portion 3 . Thus, the manual feed tray is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation center TRt0 of the supported portion 3 relative to the printing unit U1 . In addition, the supported portion 3 forms a part TRt1 of the manual feeding tray TRt in the first embodiment.

A plate-like lower plate portion 4 as an example of a support for the alignment member is supported by the stack plate 2 below the stack plate 2 .

Side guides 6 and 7 as examples of alignment members are supported on the respective recesses 2b. Each of the side guides 6 and 7 is supported to be movable in the front-rear direction along the slit 2c.

Each side guide 6 and 7 includes a plate-like bottom 6a and 7a. Vertical walls 6 b and 7 b , which are examples of alignment portions and extend upward, are formed on the outer portions of the bottoms 6 a and 7 a in the front-rear direction. Left parts 6c and 7c of the vertical walls 6b and 7b, that is, upstream parts of the vertical walls 6b and 7b in the conveyance direction of the sheet S extend further to the left than the recess 2b.

Protrusions 6d and 7d are formed at upper ends of right portions of the vertical walls 6b and 7d. The protrusions 6d and 7d extend inwardly in the left-right direction. The protrusions 6d and 7d of the first embodiment can contact and press the ends of the sheets S when the ends in the left-right direction of the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 2a are bent upward.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 .

In FIGS. 2 and 3 , a fan 11 as an example of a blowing member is supported on the rear surface of the left portion 7 c of the rear side guide 7 provided on the rear side. Thus, the fan 11 can move in the front-rear direction integrally with the rear-side guide 7 .

In FIG. 3 , the wind direction adjusting member 12 is supported between the fan 11 and the side guide 7 . The wind direction regulating member 12 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of first louvers 13 as an example of wind direction plates. The first louver 13 of the first embodiment is inclined downward toward the front side. Thus, when the fan 11 rotates, the direction of the air blown from the rear side by the fan 11 is changed to a direction obliquely downward along the first louver 13 .

In FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plurality of blowing ports 14 are formed in the rear side guide 7 at positions corresponding to the fan 11 and the wind direction adjusting member 12 . In FIG. 3 , a second louver 16 that is an example of a straightening portion and extends in the front-rear direction is supported between the blowing ports 14 of the first example.

The second louver 16 is formed continuously to the front end of the first louver 13, and the direction of the gas flowing obliquely downward due to the first louver 13 is changed to a direction parallel to the stacking surface 2a.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 , groove portions 17 as channel portions are formed on the stacking surface 2 a at positions corresponding to the fans 11 in the left-right direction. The groove portion 17 of the first embodiment is formed in a groove shape extending in the front-rear direction, which is the blowing direction of the gas blown by the fan 11 . Thus, the groove portion 17 is formed such that the gas blown by the fan 11 can pass through the groove portion 17 .

Description of the Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the First Embodiment

Fig. 4 is a view showing main parts of the manual feed tray.

In the manual feed tray TRt of the first embodiment having the above-described structure, when the sheet is fed from the manual feed tray TRt, the state where the sheet S hits the stopper ST as an embodiment of the stopper member at the front end Next to the stack, the stop member moves to the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4 . When the feeding of the sheet is started, the stopper ST may rotate and the pickup roller Rp moves downward to come into contact with the uppermost surface of the sheet S. As shown in FIG. When the pickup roller Rp rotates, the sheet S is conveyed toward the downstream side while pressing against the stopper ST. The sheets S that have been sent out by the pickup roller Rp are separated one by one by the separation roller Rs. The sheets S that have been separated one by one by the separation roller Rs are conveyed to the registration roller Rr.

In the manual feed tray RTt of the first embodiment, air as an example of gas is blown from the fan 11 supported by the side guide 7 to the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 2a.

The air blown to the sheets S enters between the sheets S, thereby separating the sheets S from each other. Compared with the configuration in which the fan 11 is not provided, feeding of a plurality of sheets S is suppressed.

Here, in the structure in which the stacking plate on which the sheets are stacked moves up and down as in the prior art structure, the stacking plate can be moved up and down to correspond to the fan position. Thus, air can be blown between the upper surface of the stacking plate and the gap between the lowermost sheets of the sheet stack even if the grooves are not formed. Therefore, in an inexpensive printer or the like, an expensive structure such as a structure in which the stacked board moves up and down is often omitted. If the structure in the related art is used without the sheet feeding tray including the stacked plates, the blowing port is located above the lowermost sheet. Thus, it is difficult to blow air near the stacking surface. Therefore, sheet double-feeding, sheet jamming, and the like are likely to occur in the lower sheet of the sheet stack. Specifically, feeding failures caused by close contact between the stacking surface and the lowermost sheet are also prone to occur.

In contrast, the stacking surface 2 a in the first embodiment is formed with grooved portions 17 through which air can pass. Thus, even if the sheet S is a sheet such as an OHP sheet or a coated sheet that is easily attached to the stacking surface 2a, air can be allowed to enter between the stacking surface 2a and the sheet S. Therefore, the air that has entered between the stacking surface 2 a and the lowermost sheet S makes the lowermost sheet S float, thereby suppressing close contact and adhesion of the lowermost sheet S. Thus, in the first embodiment, the sheet S is suppressed from coming into close contact with the stacking surface 2a, and the occurrence of feeding failure is suppressed, as compared with the prior art structure in which the groove portion 17 is not formed.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first louver 13 guides a part of the air from the fan 11 to the groove portion 17 . Thus, air is efficiently supplied to the groove portion 17 compared to the case where the air is not guided to the groove portion.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the fan 11 is adapted to move integrally with the side guide 7 . If the fan 11 does not move relative to the stacking surface 2a, the distance between the fan 11 and the end of the sheet S may vary depending on the width of the sheet S. That is, the amount of air blown to the sheet S may vary. Thus, there is concern that the performance of separating the sheet S may vary depending on the width of the sheet S. As shown in FIG. In contrast, in the first embodiment, in a state where the side guide 7 is in contact with the end of the sheet S, the distance between the end of the sheet S and the fan 11 becomes a preset distance. Thus, the performance of the separation sheet S is stabilized.

second embodiment

Fig. 5 is a view showing a channel portion of the second embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this second embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 5, the manual feed tray TRt of the second embodiment includes a groove portion 17' extending in the front-rear direction and curved in a wave shape in the left-right direction instead of the concave groove portion 17' extending in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment. Slot section 17 .

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Second Embodiment

Even in the manual feed tray TRt of the second embodiment having the above-described structure, air passing through the groove portion 17' separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2a as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the groove portion 17' of the second embodiment has a width not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction. Thus, the performance of separating the sheet S will be improved as compared with the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment having a smaller width in the left-right direction.

third embodiment

Fig. 6 is a view showing a passage portion of a third embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this third embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

In FIG. 6, the manual feed tray TRt of the third embodiment includes a fork-shaped groove portion 17'' inclined forward in the left-right direction instead of the groove extending in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment. Part 17.

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Third Embodiment

Even in the manual feed tray TRt of the third embodiment having the above-described structure, the air passing through the groove portion 17'' separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2a as in the first embodiment. Specifically, like the groove portion 17' of the second embodiment, the groove portion 17'' of the third embodiment has width not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction. Thus, the performance of separating the sheet S will be improved as compared with the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment having a smaller width in the left-right direction.

Fourth embodiment

FIG. 7 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the fourth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this fourth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 7 , in the manual feed tray TRt of the fourth embodiment, the fan 11 is arranged on the left obliquely lower side of the separation roller Rs. That is, the fan 11 is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S. As shown in FIG. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the groove portion 21 as an example of the passage portion extends from the right end to the left end of the manual feed tray TRt. That is, the manual feed tray TRt of the fourth embodiment includes the groove portion 21 extending in the left-right direction instead of the groove portion 17 extending in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment.

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Fourth Embodiment

In the manual feed tray TRt of the fourth embodiment having the above-described structure, the air from the fan 11 passes through the groove portion 21 extending in the left-right direction. Thus, even in the manual feed tray TRt of the fourth embodiment, the air passing through the groove portion 21 separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2 a as in the first embodiment.

fifth embodiment

FIG. 8 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the fifth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this fifth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 8 , a movable plate 26 as an example of a movable member is supported at the right end portion of the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment. The movable plate 26 of the fifth embodiment is supported rotatably about a rotation center 26a at its left end by the manual feed tray TRt. In addition, the right end portion of the movable plate 26 is urged upward by a spring 27 which is an example of an urging member. At the same time, the movable panel 26 is held in the lower position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8 by a lift mechanism (not shown) known in the prior art. When the holding of the movable plate 26 by the lifting mechanism is released, the movable plate 26 moves to the upper position shown by the solid line of FIG. 8 due to the elastic force of the spring 27 .

Furthermore, the stopper ST of the first to fourth embodiments is omitted in the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment, and the front ends of the sheets S collide with the collision wall 28 , thereby aligning the sheets S.

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Fifth Embodiment

The movable plate 26 is arranged at the front end portion of the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment having the above-described structure in the conveying direction of the sheet S. Therefore, when the air blowing structure in the related art is arranged at the front end portion in the sheet conveying direction, if the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction is short, the air blowing between the lowermost sheet S and the stacking surface 2a can be suppressed. of close contact. However, if the length of the sheet S is long, the rear portion of the sheet S in the conveyance direction is likely to come into contact with the stacking surface 2a. Thus, even if the front end portion of the sheet S is separated by blowing, there is a concern that a feeding failure of the sheet S occurs in a state where the rear end portion of the sheet S is in close contact with the stacking surface 2 a. In contrast, in the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment, air from the fan 11 supported by the side guides 7 passes through the groove portion 17 extending in the front-rear direction like the first embodiment. Thus, even in the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment, the air passing through the groove portion 17 easily separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2 a as in the first embodiment.

Sixth embodiment

FIG. 9 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the sixth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this sixth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 9, in the manual feeding tray TRt of the sixth embodiment, the fan 11 is supported by the left portion 7c of the rear side guide 7, and the fan 31 is supported by the right portion of the vertical wall 7b thereof. In addition, a groove portion 32 as an example of a channel portion is formed even on the bottom portion 7a and the recessed portion 2b. The groove portion 32 of the sixth embodiment extends in parallel to the groove portion 17 in the front-rear direction.

Meanwhile, in the side guides 6 and 7 of the sixth embodiment, groove portions 6e and 7e extending in the front-rear direction are formed at positions corresponding to the groove portions 32 on the bottoms 6a and 7a.

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Sixth Embodiment

In the manual feed tray TRt of the sixth embodiment having the above-described structure, the fan 11 provided on the upstream side and the fan 31 provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S separate the sheet S. Thus, for example, the sheets can be separated by the fan 31 provided on the downstream side when the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction is short, and can be separated by the fans 11 and 31 when the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction is long. Both separate the sheets.

Seventh embodiment

FIG. 10 is a view showing the manual feed tray of the seventh embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, in describing this seventh embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10, unlike the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment, a groove portion 41 as a passage portion extends from the rear end to the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the manual feed tray TRt of the seventh embodiment. . A cover portion 42 is formed on the side of the groove portion 41 of the seventh embodiment that is close to the stacking surface 2a. At positions corresponding to inner end portions of the groove portion 41 in the front-rear direction, a plurality of blowing ports 43 penetrating the cover portion 42 in the up-down direction are formed in the cover portion 42 .

Functions of the Manual Feed Tray of the Seventh Embodiment

In the manual feeding tray TRt of the seventh embodiment having the above-described structure, the air blown from the fan 11 flows through the groove portion 41 and is blown upward from the blowing port 43 . Thus, even in the manual feed tray TRt of the seventh embodiment, close contact between the lowermost sheet S and the stacking surface 2 a is suppressed like in the first embodiment.

Variation

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the spirit of the present invention disclosed in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H08) of the present invention will be described below.

(H01) In each embodiment, the copier U as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer or a FAX as an image forming apparatus, a multifunction machine having various functions, and the like. In addition, the present invention is not limited to monochrome image forming apparatuses, but can be applied to multicolor image forming apparatuses. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the transfer belt TB holding the sheet S on the surface, but can also be applied to a structure using an intermediate transfer belt.

(H02) In the above-described embodiments, the groove portions 17, 17', 17'', 21, and 41 are not limited to the shapes, numbers, and sizes exemplified in these embodiments. For example, the shape of the groove portion may not be a linear shape or a wave shape, but may be any shape that allows air to pass through, such as an arc or a polygon. In addition, the groove portion is not limited to, for example, one groove portion 17, and a plurality of groove portions 17 may be formed parallel to each other. In addition, the width and depth of the respective groove portions 17, 17', 17'', 21 and 41 may be changed arbitrarily. Also, it is preferable that the length of each groove portion 17, 17', 17'' and 21 is set such that the groove portion reaches from one end to the other end. However, the shape of each groove portion may be a semi-linear shape from one end to the middle portion, and the length of each groove portion may also be changed arbitrarily.

(H03) In the above-described embodiments, the number and positions of the fans 11 and 31 are not limited to those exemplified in these embodiments. For example, the number of fans 11 and 31 may be three or more. In addition, the fans 11 and 31 may be positioned such that air is blown in a direction oblique to the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed. In addition, the positions of the fans 11 and 31 can be changed, and the fans 11 and 31 can also blow air to the stacking surface 2a from the obliquely lower side.

(H04) It is preferable that the louvers 13 and 16 are provided in the above embodiments, but the louvers 13 and 16 may also be omitted. In addition, for example, a mechanism for rotating the fans 11 and 31, that is, other means for adjusting the wind direction, such as a vibrating structure, etc. may be provided so that the wind direction can be adjusted.

(H05) The configuration in which air is blown from the side guide 7 or one side (such as the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S) has been exemplified in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, fans 11 and 31 may be provided on the front side guide 6 so as to blow air from both front and rear sides.

(H06) The manual feed tray TRt as an example of the storage container for the sheet S has been exemplified in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to the document tray TG1 or the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR4.

(H07) The structure in which the fans 11 and 31 are provided on the side guide 7 has been exemplified in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a structure including an alignment member that aligns rear ends of the sheet S in the conveying direction, that is, a so-called end guide, the fans 11 and 31 may be provided on the end guide.

(H08) It is preferable that the fans 11 and 31 are supported by the side guides 7 in the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fan 11 may be fixed and supported at the rear end of the stack plate 2, and may be connected to the side guide 7 through a corrugated pipe, a flexible pipe, or the like.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. . It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (5)

1. a kind of medium accepting container, the medium accepting container include：

Stack structure, the stack structure allow medium stacking in the stack surface being formed thereon；

Alignment member, ends contact the end by the medium of the alignment member and the medium being stacked in the stack surface Align in portion；With

Air-supply component, the air-supply component be arranged to it is corresponding with the position that can not be moved up and down of the stack surface, and general Gas is blown into the end of the medium being stacked in the stack surface；Wherein

Channel part is provided with, the channel part is formed in the stack surface, and is formed along blowing for the gas The shape of the groove of direction extension, the gas is sent to flow through the channel part.

2. medium accepting container according to claim 1, the medium accepting container are further included：

The stack surface of medium is manually inserted into for operator.

3. medium accepting container according to claim 1 and 2, wherein：

It is provided with the multiple described channel part being formed in the stack surface.

4. medium accepting container according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein：

The channel part of the other end for extending to the medium is provided with from one end of the medium.

5. a kind of image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus include：

Medium accepting container according to any one of claim 1 to 4, receives medium in the medium accepting container；With And

Record portion, the record portion record image on the medium from the medium accepting container feed.