JP2003112847A - Paper discharge tray device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the breakage of an end fence due to outer force and allow an operator to recognize the displaced condition of the end fence due to outer force. SOLUTION: The end fence 35 supported turnably in a range from a falling position through a stopper functioning position to the drawing direction of an extension tray 31 is provided at the end of the extension tray 31 provided on a fixed tray 30 in a drawable manner. Holding means 37 is provided for detachably holding the end fence 35 at the stopper functioning position. Even when a hand hits the end fence 35 during picking out discharged paper, the end fence 35 is displaced from the stopper functioning position for absorbing shock and preventing the breakage. In this case, the holding means 37 sounds or vibrates to give a clicking feeling to an operator. Thus, the operator can recognize the displaced condition of the end fence 35 due to the shock for encouragement of disposal with next image formation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper discharge tray device and an image forming apparatus equipped with the paper discharge tray device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles are equipped with a paper ejection tray device for ejecting and stacking paper sheets on which images are formed by an image forming unit. The maximum size of the discharged paper is determined by the size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and the size of the discharge tray device is also determined by the maximum size of the paper. Since the recent image forming apparatus is required to be downsized, the size of the paper discharge tray device is also close to the maximum size of paper. Therefore, a paper discharge tray device having an extension tray is often used to prevent discharged paper from falling from the paper discharge tray device.

[0003]

Further, in the sheet discharge tray device having the end fence, the maximum size sheet imaged by the image forming apparatus is discharged when the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray. The paper comes into contact with the end fence and is stopped, but if the paper is curled or is stacked above the end fence, the discharged paper will pass over the end fence and be discharged. May fall from the tray.

There is also one in which the position of the end fence on the paper tray can be adjusted according to the size of the paper, but the end fence is set to a certain height in consideration of the case where a large number of sheets are loaded. . For this reason, if a hand hits the end fence when the discharged sheet bundle is taken out from the discharge tray, the end fence may be damaged due to impact. It is also possible to displace the position and orientation of the end fence depending on the magnitude of the impact to prevent damage to the end fence, but the impact displaces the end fence, leaving it unrecognized. In this case, the sheet discharge position is not determined in the next image formation, and there remains a problem that the initial purpose of preventing the sheet from falling from the discharge tray cannot be achieved.

Further, since the conventional end fence regulates the position of the paper on the surface perpendicular to the paper discharge tray,
Rigid paper may violently contact the end fence and damage the tip.

An object of the present invention is to prevent a sheet on which an image is formed from dropping from the sheet ejection tray device when the sheet is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray device.

An object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the end fence even when a hand hits the end fence when taking out discharged sheets.

An object of the present invention is to, when the end fence is displaced due to an impact, make the operator recognize the state thereof and call attention to the next image formation.

The object of the present invention is to further increase the utility value of the end fence.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge tray device, wherein a fixed tray on which a sheet discharged from an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus can be placed, and a sheet discharge on the fixed tray. An extension tray provided on the fixed tray so as to be slidable between a storage position that is substantially accommodated on the leading end side in the direction and a drawing position on the extension surface of the sheet in the sheet ejection direction; and an extension tray disposed at the tip of the extension tray in the sheet ejection direction. An end fence rotatably supported in a pulling-out direction of the extension tray beyond a stopper function position for regulating the stop position of the edge of the sheet in the sheet discharge direction from the lying position overlapping the upper surface of the extension tray; And a holding means for holding the end fence detachably at the stopper function position, wherein the holding means releases the holding state when an external force of a certain amount or more acts on the end fence. With the click feeling with the generation of noise or vibration during holding and unlatching it is configured so as to obtain.

Therefore, when the image is formed using the maximum size paper, the extension tray is pulled out to the pull-out position,
When the paper is ejected vigorously by rotating the end fence from the lying position to the stopper function position, or when the paper ejected earlier is pushed by the paper ejected later. Even if the ejected maximum size paper protrudes from the fixed tray that should be the size that can be loaded, the extension tray supports the vicinity of the leading edge of the maximum size paper and The fence makes it possible to reliably prevent the fall. Further, since the stopper function position of the end fence which is held in a stopped state by the holding means is within the rotation range of the end fence, when the paper discharged from the fixed tray and the extension tray is taken out, the hand hits the end fence. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the damage of the end fence by displacing the end fence from the stopper function position and absorbing the impact. At this time, the holding means emits a sound or a vibration to make the operator feel a click, so that it is possible to let the operator recognize the state where the end fence is displaced due to the impact and call for a countermeasure in the next image formation. Become.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the paper discharge tray device according to the first aspect, the rotation range of the end fence is set to approximately 180 ° from the lying position to the pull-out direction of the extension tray. ing.

Therefore, by rotating the end fence largely from the lying position, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect of extending the entire length of the extension tray.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the paper discharge tray device according to the first or second aspect, a plurality of the stopper function positions are provided within a rotation range of the end fence, and the holding means has a plurality of the holding positions. The end fence is held at each stopper function position.

Therefore, by selecting the stopper function position, it is possible to change the angle of the end fence with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the upper surface of the extension tray, and the force with which the paper strikes the end fence depending on the type of paper. Can be adjusted.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In the paper discharge tray device described above, the end fence has a high friction surface at the stopper function position, with which the edge of the paper in the paper discharge direction abuts.

Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the phenomenon that the paper runs over the end fence when the paper comes into contact with the end fence.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the sheet discharge tray device described above, a sheet contact portion that does not have a step with respect to the sheet contact portion on the extension tray is formed on a back surface of the end fence in a state of being laid down to the laid position.

Therefore, in a usage pattern in which the end fence is laid down in the laid-down position (a usage pattern in which the function of the end fence is not used), the paper is smoothed up to the tip of the extension tray in which the end fence is laid down without being caught by the end fence. It becomes possible to carry it.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
The paper discharge tray device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second holding unit that elastically holds the end fence in the lying position.

Therefore, in the use form in which the end fence is laid down in the laid-down position (use form in which the function of the end fence is not used), the end fence is held in the laid-down position by the second holding means and the end fence from the extension tray is used. It is possible to prevent the floating. As a result, it becomes possible to smoothly convey the paper to the tip of the extension tray in which the end fence is laid down without being caught by the end fence.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes an image forming section and the paper discharge tray device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the first to sixth aspects.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect comprises an image forming section and a sheet discharge space in which the sheet discharge tray device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is arranged, and the stopper function. The height of the end fence held at the position is 5 mm or more higher than the maximum paper stacking height on the fixed tray and the extension tray, and 50 m higher than the ceiling surface of the paper discharge space.
It is set to a value lower than m.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the case of claims 1 to 6, and further, it is 5 m before the loaded uppermost sheet passes over the end fence.
It is possible to allow for a height of m. in this case,
Although the height of the end fence is increased, it is lower than the ceiling surface of the paper discharge space by 50 mm or more, so that it is possible to prevent the hand from hitting the end fence when taking out the discharged paper.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
Or, it demonstrates based on FIG. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing the entire structure of a copying machine which is an image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a paper discharge tray device, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a part of the paper discharge tray device in section. 4 to 6 are vertical front views showing the discharge tray device, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure for mounting the end fence to the extension tray, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are side views showing a holding means for the end fence. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an extension tray and an end fence that has been laid down in a laid-down position.

In this copying machine, a scanner section 1 is provided above the main body of the image forming apparatus, an image forming section 2 is arranged below the scanner section 1, and a sheet is discharged between the scanner section 1 and the image forming section 2. A space for use 3 is provided. A paper discharge tray device 4 is provided in the paper discharge space 3.

The scanner unit 1 is composed of a contact glass 5 on which a document is placed, an ADF (automatic document feeder) 6, an exposure optical system 7, and the like.

The ADF 6 is a device that automatically conveys a document to be image-read, and includes a document table 8 on which the document is placed, a paper discharge section 9 for discharging the read document, and a document table 8 The transport path 10 communicates with the sheet discharge section 9 from the sheet. On the conveying path 10, a separation roller including a pickup roller 11 for taking out the original placed on the original table 8 and a separation conveying belt for preventing the double feeding of the original taken out by the pickup roller 11 and a double feeding preventing roller. A mechanism 12 and a conveying roller 13 for sequentially conveying the originals separated by the separating and conveying mechanism 12 are arranged.

The exposure optical system 7 is a portion for reading the image of the original document conveyed by the ADF 6 or the original document placed on the contact glass 5, and the exposure lamp 14 and the mirror 15 are provided.
A first traveling body 16 to which and are attached, two mirrors 17,
Second traveling body 19, lens 20 and CC to which 18 is attached
It is composed of D21 and the like. First traveling body 16 and second
When the document on the contact glass 5 is read, the traveling body 19 travels in the sub-scanning direction (from left to right in FIG. 1) at a speed ratio of 2: 1.

The image forming section 2 is a section for forming an image of a document read by the scanner section 1 on a sheet 22. The image forming unit 2 includes a photoconductor drum 23 and a photoconductor drum 23.
24 for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor, an exposure device 25 for writing an electrostatic latent image by exposing the surface of the photoconductor drum 23 according to the image data read by the scanner unit 1, the electrostatic latent image A developing device 26 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image as a toner image by adhering toner to it, a transfer device 28 that transfers the toner image to the paper 22 fed from the paper tray 27, and a toner image Transferred paper 2
It is composed of a fixing device 29 and the like for performing a fixing process on 2.

The paper discharge tray device 4 is a portion from which the paper 22 fixed by the fixing device 29 is discharged, and has a fixed tray 30 and an extension tray 31.

The fixed tray 30 is fixedly provided and is formed in such a size that the maximum size sheet 22 on which an image is formed by the image forming section 2 can be placed. That is, the image forming unit 2
When the maximum size sheet 22 on which the image has been formed is ejected, the sheet 22 does not protrude from the fixed tray 30 unless the sheet 22 is gently ejected and pushed out by the succeeding sheet 22. In this state, it is placed on the fixed tray 30.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a storage space 32 is formed on the front end side (left side of the drawing) of the fixed tray 30 and below the top plate, and the storage space 32 extends. The tray 31 is slidably attached. When the extension tray 31 attached to the storage space 32 is housed in the storage space 32 (stored in the fixed tray 30) (see FIG. 6), the extension tray 31 is moved from the storage space 32 toward the paper discharge direction. It is slidably provided between the projecting position (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

The fixed tray 30 and the extension tray 31 located at the storage position are arranged so as to be within the projection plane of the image forming apparatus main body. Further, the extension tray 31 is arranged at a substantially center position in the paper width direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction of the position where the maximum size paper is discharged on the fixed tray 30, and the projection surface of the image forming apparatus main body at this center position. It is configured to be pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 3, the extension tray 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is bent in a dogleg shape on both sides of the extension tray 31 on the rear end side and in the direction orthogonal to the sliding direction. An elastic hook portion 33 is formed. On both sides of the fixed tray 30 in which the hook portion 33 faces the storage space 32, an engaging groove 34a with which the hook portion 33 elastically engages when the extension tray 31 is slid to the storage position, and an extension tray. Engagement groove 34b with which hook portion 33 elastically engages when 31 is slid to the pulled-out position
And are formed.

An end fence 35 is attached to the extension tray 31 on the front end side in the sheet discharge direction. The end fence 35 has a stopper function position (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8) protruding upward from a fall position (see FIGS. 5 and 6) where the extension tray 31 is laid down on the upper face. It is provided so as to be rotatable beyond the extending direction of the extension tray 31 (see FIG. 9). The rotation range is set to about 180 °. A dent portion 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) that accommodates the end fence 35 when the end fence 35 is rotated to the lying position is formed on the upper surface of the extension tray 31. As shown in FIG. 10, the end fence 3
To explain in a state in which 5 is laid down to the lying position (dent portion 36), the end fence 35 is formed in a shape in which the width direction becomes gradually narrower toward the upstream side in the sheet discharge direction. Therefore, even if the end fence 35 slightly floats from the surface of the extension tray 31, it is possible to reduce the resistance given to the leading end of the paper 22 discharged by the upstream end. The tip of the paper 22 is once the end fence 35.
After riding on the upstream end of the
Even if the width of the sheet becomes wide, it does not give resistance to the sheet 22.

Here, a holding means 37 is provided for holding the end fence 35 in a stopper function position so as to be engageable and disengageable. This holding means 37, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, has a gear 38 integrally formed with the end fence 35.
And a locking piece 40 formed on the edge of the extension tray 31 so as to be removably locked to each tooth 39 of the gear 38. At the center of the gear 38, a fulcrum shaft 41 that serves as a rotation center of the end fence 35 is provided, and both ends of the fulcrum shaft 41 are supported by the extension tray 31. Further, the end fence 35 is formed with a knob 42 for operating the end fence 35. The locking piece 40 is a tooth 39 of the gear 38.
It is made of a material that can be elastically bent to engage and disengage. Therefore, when the knob 42 is gripped and the end fence 35 is rotated about the fulcrum shaft 41, the teeth 39 locked by the locking pieces 40 are sequentially changed, but which tooth 39 is locked by the locking piece 40. Even in the open state, the end fence 35 is held at the stopper function position. That is, the stopper function positions are provided corresponding to the number of teeth 39. As shown in FIG. 9, when the end fence 35 is rotated 180 ° from the lying position, the abutment between the locking piece 40 and the knob 42 restricts further rotation of the end fence 35.

The holding means 37 as described above generates a sound and a vibration due to the engagement and disengagement of the teeth 39 and the locking piece 40 when the end fence 35 receives a constant external force (rotational force). It is configured to give a feeling.

In such a structure, when the maximum size sheet 22 on which the image is formed by the image forming section 2 is discharged, the extension tray 31 is slid to the pull-out position, and the smaller size sheet 22 is discharged. When paper is to be printed, the extension tray 31 is slid to the storage position.
Note that the size of the paper 2 smaller than the maximum size paper 22
Even when the sheet 2 is discharged, the extension tray 31 may be slid to the pull-out position.

Here, the fixed tray 30 is capable of holding the maximum size sheet 22 on which the image is formed by the image forming section 2, and the maximum size sheet 2 on which the image is formed by the image forming section 2.
When the sheet 2 is ejected, the sheet 22 is gently ejected, and unless the sheet 22 is pushed out by the succeeding sheet 22, the sheet 22 is placed on the fixed tray 30 without protruding from the fixed tray 30. It will be.

However, when the image-formed sheet 22 is ejected vigorously, or when the previously ejected sheet 22 is pushed to the succeeding sheet 22, the ejected sheet 22 is fixed. It will be in a state of protruding from above 30.

In such a case, by sliding the extension tray 31 to the pull-out position, even if the ejected paper 22 protrudes from the fixed tray 30, the protruded portion is extended. It can be supported by the tray 31, and the ejected paper 22 does not fall off the paper ejection tray device 4.

Further, by rotating the end fence 35 to the stopper function position, even if the maximum size paper 22 is ejected vigorously, the paper 22
It is possible to reliably prevent the front end portion of the sheet ejection direction from hitting the end fence 35 and the ejected sheet 22 from protruding from the sheet ejection tray device 4 and from falling off the sheet ejection tray device 4.

On the other hand, when the usage mode not using the end fence 35 is selected such as when the extension tray 31 is slid to the storage position, the end fence 35 is rotated to the lying position. As a result, the fixed tray 3
It is possible to smoothly take out the paper 22 discharged onto the fixed tray 30 from the paper 0 without the paper 22 hitting the end fence 35.

Here, when the end fence 35 is located at the stopper function position, when the discharged paper 22 is taken out from the paper discharge tray device 4, etc., the bundle of paper 22 and the operator's hand may be the end fence 35. I may run into. When such an external force acts on the end fence 35, the end fence 35 rotates about the fulcrum shaft 41 so as to fall in the pull-out direction of the extension tray 31,
The impact due to the external force can be absorbed to prevent the end fence 35 from being damaged. At this time, since the teeth 39 of the gear 38 and the locking piece 40 are disengaged from each other, sound and vibration are generated to give the operator a click feeling. Therefore, the operator recognizes the state in which the end fence 35 is displaced due to the impact. Can be made. Therefore, at the time of the next image formation, it is possible to call for a countermeasure such as positioning the end fence 35 at the optimum stopper function position.

Further, since the end fence 35 can be held at a desired stopper function position within the 180 ° rotation range of the end fence 35, the end fence 35 can be held against the vertical surface orthogonal to the upper surface of the extension tray 31. You can change the angle. This makes it possible to adjust the force with which the paper 22 abuts on the end fence 35 depending on the type of the paper 22.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the end fence 35 is rotated 180 ° from the lying position to extend the extension tray 31.
It is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect of extending the entire length of.

The height of the end fence 35 held at the stopper function position is highest when it is perpendicular to the extension tray 31, but the height of the end fence 35 in that state is fixed tray 30 and By increasing the maximum paper stacking height on the extension tray 31 by 5 mm or more,
It is possible to allow for a height of 5 mm before the loaded uppermost sheet 22 gets over the end fence 35. In this case, the height of the end fence 35 increases, but the ceiling surface 3a of the paper discharge space 3 (in the present embodiment,
By positioning it at a position lower than the bottom surface of the scanner 1 (shown in FIG. 1) by 50 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the hand from hitting the end fence 35 when taking out the discharged paper 22, and improve the operability. be able to.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described based on. In this embodiment and other embodiments subsequent thereto, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the extension tray and the end fence. In the present embodiment, a high friction surface 43 is formed on the inner surface of the end fence 35, that is, the stopper surface that abuts the edge of the sheet 22 in the sheet discharge direction at the stopper function position. This high friction surface 43 is
It is formed by a method such as knurling or embossing to roughen the surface with an uneven surface.

With such a structure, it is possible to more effectively prevent the phenomenon that the sheet 22 crosses over the end fence 35 when the sheet 22 contacts the end fence 35.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the extension tray and the end fence laid down in the laid-down position. The present embodiment is an embodiment in which a sheet contact portion 45 is formed on the back surface of the end fence 35 so as not to have a step with respect to the sheet contact portion 44 on the extension tray 31 in a state of being laid down to the laid position. The sheet contact portions 44 and 45 in this example are ribs arranged on the same straight line.

In such a configuration, in the usage pattern in which the end fence 35 is laid down to the laid position (the usage pattern in which the function of the end fence 35 is not used), the sheet contact portions 44 and 45 are arranged on the same straight line. Since there is no step between the end fences 35, the paper 22 can be smoothly conveyed to the leading end of the extension tray 31 on which the end fences 35 are laid down without being caught by the end fences 35. The paper contact portions 44 and 45 are not limited to ribs. Even if the rib does not exist, when the end fence 35 is laid down to the laid-down position, the surface of the extension tray 31 (paper contact portion) and the back surface of the end fence 35 (paper contact portion) have no step. Good.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described based on. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the extension tray and the end fence laid down in the laid-down position.
In this embodiment, the end tray 35 is attached to the extension tray 31.
This is an example in which the dent portion 36 having a depth equal to or larger than the thickness of the above is formed.

In such a configuration, in the usage mode in which the end fence 35 is laid down to the laid-down position, up to the tip of the extension tray 31 where the end fence 35 is laid down.
The paper 22 can be smoothly conveyed without being caught by the end fence 35.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
4 will be described. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the extension tray and the end fence laid down in the laid-down position. The present embodiment includes a locking recess 46 serving as a second holding unit that elastically holds the end fence 35 in the fall position. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the end fence 35 has a shape in which the free end side becomes thinner. The locking recess 46 is formed so that the free end of the end fence 35 is releasably locked in a part of the recess 36 of the extension tray 31.

In such a configuration, in a use mode in which the end fence 35 is laid down to the laid position, the free end of the end fence 35 is locked in the locking recess 46 to hold the end fence 35 in the laid position. The floating of the end fence 35 from the extension tray 31 can be prevented. As a result, the sheet 22 can be smoothly conveyed to the leading end of the extension tray 31 on which the end fence 35 is laid down without being caught by the end fence 35. When raising the end fence 35 from this fallen position, the free end of the end fence 35 can be removed from the locking recess 46 by pressing the knob 42.

[0058]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper discharge tray device, which includes a fixed tray on which a paper discharged from the image forming unit can be placed.
An extension tray provided on the fixed tray so that it can slide between a storage position on the fixed tray where the sheet is almost accommodated on the leading end side in the sheet ejection direction and a drawing position on the extension surface of the sheet in the sheet ejection direction, and an ejection tray for the extension tray. It is possible to rotate in the pull-out direction of the extension tray beyond the stopper function position for restricting the stop position of the edge of the sheet in the paper discharge direction from the fall position that is located at the front end in the paper direction and overlaps the upper surface of the extension tray. It is equipped with a supported end fence and a holding means for holding the end fence in a stopper function position so as to be able to engage and disengage. The holding means releases the holding state when an external force above a certain level acts on the end fence. In addition, since it is configured to generate a click feeling with the generation of sound or vibration when holding and releasing the hold, image formation is performed using the maximum size paper. When extending the extension tray to the pull-out position and rotating the end fence from the fall position to the stopper function position, the paper may be ejected vigorously or the paper ejected previously may not be ejected. Even if the ejected paper of the maximum size is pushed out from the fixed tray that should be large enough to hold the ejected paper, such as when it is pushed onto the ejected paper later, the ejected paper of the maximum size is ejected. It is possible to support the vicinity of the tip end of the with an extension tray, and to reliably prevent falling by the end fence. Further, since the stopper function position of the end fence which is held in a stopped state by the holding means is within the rotation range of the end fence, when the paper discharged from the fixed tray and the extension tray is taken out, the hand hits the end fence. Even if it does, the end fence can be prevented from being damaged by displacing the end fence from the stopper function position and absorbing the impact.At this time, the holding means emits a sound or a vibration and the operator feels a click. In order to make the operator feel, the operator can recognize the state where the end fence is displaced due to the impact, and call attention to the next image formation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the discharge tray device according to the first aspect, the range of rotation of the end fence is
Approximately 180 from the lying position toward the extension tray
Since it is set to °, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect of extending the entire length of the extension tray by rotating the end fence largely from the fall position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the paper discharge tray device according to the first or second aspect, a plurality of the stopper function positions are provided within the rotation range of the end fence, and the holding means has a plurality of the stopper function positions. Since each end fence is held, it is possible to change the angle of the end fence with respect to the vertical plane orthogonal to the upper surface of the extension tray by selecting the stopper function position. You can adjust the force that hits the fence.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claims 1 to 3.
In the paper ejection tray device described above, since the end fence has a high friction surface at the stopper function position, the surface with which the edge of the paper in the paper ejection direction contacts is a high friction surface. It is possible to more effectively prevent the phenomenon in which the paper runs over.

The invention according to claim 5 is the same as claims 1 to 4.
In the paper ejection tray device described above, since a paper contact portion that does not cause a step with respect to the paper contact portion on the extension tray is formed on the back surface of the end fence when the end fence is in the laid-down position, In a usage pattern in which the end fence is laid down (a usage pattern in which the end fence function is not used), the paper is smoothly conveyed to the tip of the extension tray where the end fence is laid down without being caught by the end fence, and jams are not generated. Can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In the paper ejection tray device according to any one of the above, since the end fence is provided with a second holding unit that elastically holds the end fence in the lying position, the use form in which the end fence is lying in the lying position (the function of the end fence is In a usage form not used), the second holding means can hold the end fence in the lying position to prevent the end fence from floating from the extension tray, whereby the tip of the extension tray where the end fence is lying down can be prevented. The paper can be smoothly conveyed without being caught by the end fence and the occurrence of jam can be prevented.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes an image forming section and the paper discharge tray device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. Therefore, the same as in the case of the first to sixth aspects. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can obtain the effect.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect comprises an image forming section and a sheet discharge space in which the sheet discharge tray device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is arranged, and a stopper function position. 7. The height of the end fences held in is higher than the maximum paper stacking height on the fixed tray and extension tray by 5 mm or more and lower than the ceiling surface of the paper discharge space by 50 mm or more. It is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above case, and it is possible to allow for a height of 5 mm before the topmost sheet of paper loaded over the end fence. In this case, the height of the end fence is high. However, since it is lower than the ceiling surface of the paper discharge space by 50 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the hand from hitting the end fence when taking out the discharged paper.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing the overall structure of a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a paper discharge tray device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a part of the discharge tray device in section.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional front view showing a paper discharge tray device.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing a discharge tray device.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional front view showing a paper discharge tray device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure for attaching an end fence to an extension tray.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a holding means of the end fence.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a holding means of an end fence.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an extension tray and an end fence that is laid down in a laid down position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an extension tray and an end fence according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an extension tray and an end fence laid down in a laid-down position according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing an extension tray and an end fence that has been laid down in a laid-down position according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing an extension tray and an end fence that has been laid down in a laid-down position according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Image forming section 3 Paper discharge space 3a Ceiling surface 4 Output tray device 30 fixed tray 31 extension tray 35 end fence 37 holding means 43 High friction surface 44, 45 Paper contact part 46 Second holding means

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Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A fixed tray on which a sheet discharged from an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus can be placed, a storage position that is substantially accommodated on the leading end side of the fixed tray in the sheet discharging direction, and a sheet extending in the sheet discharging direction. An extension tray provided on the fixed tray so as to be slidable between the extension position and a pull-out position, and a paper ejection direction from a fall position which is disposed at a front end portion of the extension tray and overlaps an upper surface of the extension tray. An end fence supported rotatably in the pull-out direction of the extension tray beyond a stopper function position for regulating the stop position of the end edge, and the end fence is detachably held at the stopper function position. And a holding means for releasing the holding state when an external force of a certain amount or more is applied to the end fence, and for holding and releasing the holding sound. Discharge tray apparatus characterized by being configured to click feeling with the generation of vibration can be obtained. 2. The rotation range of the end fence is approximately 1 from the lying position toward the extension tray withdrawing direction.
The discharge tray device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tray device is set at 80 °. 3. The end fence is provided with a plurality of stopper function positions within a rotation range of the end fence, and the holding unit holds the end fence at each of the plurality of stopper function positions. Alternatively, the discharge tray device according to the above item 2. 4. The sheet ejection tray device according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the end fence at the stopper function position, which is in contact with an edge of the sheet in the sheet ejection direction, is a high friction surface. 5. A paper contact portion is formed on the back surface of the end fence so as not to have a step with respect to the paper contact portion on the extension tray in a state of being laid down at the laid position. The paper discharge tray device according to claim 1. 6. The discharge tray device according to claim 1, further comprising a second holding unit that elastically holds the end fence at the fall position. 7. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming section; and the discharge tray device according to claim 1. 8. An end fence that is provided with an image forming unit and a paper discharge space in which the paper discharge tray device according to claim 1 is arranged, and is held at the stopper function position. The image forming apparatus has a height of 5 mm or more higher than the maximum paper stacking height on the fixed tray and the extension tray and 50 mm or more lower than the ceiling surface of the paper discharge space.