JP2006282318A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize that a paper cassette is empty at a glance as necessary while paying attention not to hurt or damage people and objects around it. <P>SOLUTION: The paper cassette 20 is provided to be drawable to a main body 2 of this image forming device 1. On the back surface side of the paper cassette 20, a lock means 40 to lock the paper cassette 20 to a housed position, and a spring 30 to energize it in the drawing direction are provided. A paper detecting means 50 above the paper cassette 20, and an obstacle detecting means 60 at a front surface of the main body 2 are provided. A control means 70 controls the lock means 40 to unlock the paper cassette 20 to displace it to a drawable position only when no paper is detected on the paper cassette 20 by the paper detecting means 50, and no obstacle is detected in the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20 by the obstacle detecting means 60. The paper cassette 20 is thus prevented from unexpectedly jumping out to hit the obstacle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus represented by a copying machine or a printer.

  Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers include a paper cassette for stacking and storing paper, a paper transport unit for transporting paper, an image forming unit for forming a toner image, a transfer unit for transferring a toner image to the paper, and the like. I have. The image output operation by the image forming apparatus is automatically performed by controlling each of the above units according to settings manually input from the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus or information from an external computer.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus, when the paper cassette is empty and cannot be printed, it is necessary to replenish the paper cassette with paper. In a conventional image forming apparatus, as means for notifying the operator that the paper cassette has been emptied, the contents and location of the abnormality are displayed on the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus, or an abnormality is generated by an alarm or sound. I was telling. However, when the operator is far away from the image forming apparatus or is used as a printer in a network environment, it is difficult to confirm the contents of the operation display unit. In addition, alarm and voice notifications cause problems such as inconvenience to surrounding people. And notification to a distant person by an alarm or voice causes inconvenience for a person who is troubled by hearing.

In view of this, there has been proposed a method capable of notifying an operator of an abnormality in an image forming apparatus by a change in the outer shape of the image forming apparatus even when the operator is far away from the image forming apparatus. An example of such an abnormality notification method can be seen in Patent Document 1.
JP-A-9-12164 (page 2-4, FIG. 1-4)

  The image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 automatically causes the recording paper storage cassette to jump out of the apparatus main body when the recording paper storage cassette (paper cassette) becomes empty. However, if there is a person such as an operator beyond the recording paper storage cassette, the recording paper storage cassette may collide with the person and get injured. Further, when the recording paper storage cassette collides with an obstacle other than a person, the recording paper storage cassette itself or the obstacle may be damaged.

  Also, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers are generally designed at a height that is assumed to be used by healthy persons. As a result, when a person using a wheelchair or a person with a short height operates the image forming apparatus, the display on the operation display unit is difficult to see and difficult to operate. Work. Therefore, when the paper cassette is automatically displaced to the pull-out position when the paper cassette is empty as in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, special care must be taken.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and at first glance, the paper cassette was emptied as necessary while paying attention not to cause harm or damage to surrounding people or things. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus taking into account a universal design that can be easily grasped.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a main body, a paper cassette that stacks and stores paper, and is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the main body, and a biasing means that biases the paper cassette in the pulling direction. A lock means for locking the paper cassette in a storage position with respect to the main body, a paper detection means for detecting paper in the paper cassette, and a control means for controlling the lock means based on information from the paper detection means The image forming apparatus includes obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle present in the paper cassette pull-out direction, and the control means determines that the paper detection means has no paper in the paper cassette. When the obstacle detection means does not detect an obstacle in the direction of pulling out the paper cassette, an operation command is issued to the lock means to detect the paper cassette. The paper cassette is displaced to the pull-out position by releasing the lock of the paper sheet. The paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and the obstacle detection means detects the obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction. Is detected, an operation command is issued to the locking means to lock the paper cassette, thereby holding the paper cassette in the storage position.

  Further, the control means detects that the obstacle detecting means has detected an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction, so that the paper cassette cannot be displaced from the storage position, and then the paper detecting means has no paper in the paper cassette. If the obstacle detection means does not detect an obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction, an operation command is issued to the lock means to release the lock of the paper cassette, and the paper cassette is displaced to the drawing position. I decided to let them.

  A main body; a paper cassette that stacks and stores paper; and is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the main body; a biasing unit that biases the paper cassette in the pulling direction; and the paper cassette is stored in the main body. An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock unit that locks in a position; a sheet detection unit that detects a sheet in the sheet cassette; and a control unit that controls the lock unit based on information from the sheet detection unit. An operation display unit that is supported by the main body so as to be rotatable around a rotation center and can take upright and lying postures, and an angle detection unit that detects the posture of the operation display unit, and the control unit detects the paper detection When the means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette and the angle detection means detects that the operation display unit is in the lying posture, the lock hand When the paper cassette is unlocked by issuing an operation command to the paper cassette, the paper cassette is displaced to the drawer position. The paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and the operation display unit stands up. When the angle detection means detects that it is in the posture, the paper cassette is held in the storage position by issuing an operation command to the lock means to lock the paper cassette.

  In addition, an angle holding mechanism that holds the operation display unit at an arbitrary angle between a standing posture and a lying posture of the operation display unit, and a stopper mechanism that regulates a pull-out amount of the paper cassette, The control means controls the stopper mechanism based on the information from the angle detection means, and changes the amount of paper cassette drawn out.

  According to the configuration of the invention, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette and the obstacle detection unit does not detect the obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction. Since the paper cassette is unlocked by issuing an operation command to the locking means and releasing the paper cassette lock, the paper is used up and emptied even if it is far away from the image forming apparatus. It is possible to easily grasp at a glance where the paper cassette is located. Further, the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and when the obstacle detection means detects an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction, it issues an operation command to the lock means to lock the paper cassette. Thus, the paper cassette is held in the storage position, so that the paper cassette does not jump out of the main body and does not harm or damage surrounding people or objects. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus that takes into consideration a universal design that is easy to use for all people, regardless of whether they are healthy or wheelchair users.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus having the above configuration, the control unit detects that the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction, and makes the paper cassette undisplaceable from the storage position. If there is no paper in the paper cassette and the obstacle detection means does not detect an obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction, an operation command is issued to the lock means to unlock the paper cassette, and the paper cassette is pulled out. Since the sheet cassette is displaced to the position, the sheet cassette can be automatically displaced to the drawer position when there are no obstacles in the sheet cassette drawing direction. Therefore, even if the paper cassette cannot be displaced to the pull-out position due to the presence of an obstacle when the paper cassette is empty, the storage state of the paper cassette is not continuously maintained.

  Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and the operation display unit that can take both standing and lying postures When the angle detection means detects that it is in the posture, it issues an operation command to the lock means to release the lock of the paper cassette, thereby displacing the paper cassette to the drawer position. When the angle detection means detects that the operation display unit is in the standing posture, the operation instruction is issued to the locking means to lock the paper cassette, thereby bringing the paper cassette into the storage position. Because it was decided to hold it, a wheelchair user or a short person stood up the operation display unit to ensure ease of operation and visibility. When you are in the state, the paper cassette is not able to jump out from the body. This does not harm a wheelchair user or a short person who may be particularly close to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus that takes into consideration a universal design that is easy to use for all persons, with special attention paid to healthy persons and wheelchair users.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, an angle holding mechanism that holds the posture of the operation display unit at an arbitrary angle between the standing posture and the lying posture of the operation display unit, and a stopper that regulates the drawer amount of the paper cassette The control means controls the stopper mechanism based on the information from the angle detection means and changes the drawer amount of the paper cassette, so it is easy to change the angle of the operation display unit. The drawer amount of the paper cassette can be set. Accordingly, it is possible to change the drawer amount of the paper cassette in response to the usage status of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described while explaining the outline of the structure with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic external perspective view of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the image forming apparatus. Note that solid line arrows in the figure indicate the sheet conveyance path and conveyance direction, and alternate long and short dash line arrows indicate the laser beam L.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation display unit 3 is provided on the upper part of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 3 is provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to face slightly upward in consideration of the convenience of operation and display.

  An original reading unit 4 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 2. When the user makes a copy of a document, a document on which images such as characters, figures and patterns are drawn on a contact glass (not shown) that appears on the upper surface of the main body 2 by opening the document retainer 4a upward. Place. Then, the image data of the document is read by an optical device (not shown) provided inside the main body 2 below the contact glass.

  An in-body discharge tray 5 is provided immediately below the operation display unit 3 and the document reading unit 4. The printed paper can be discharged and stocked on the in-body discharge tray 5. In FIG. 1, various devices and members necessary for image formation are stored on the left side and below the in-body discharge tray 5 of the main body 2. This part will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a paper feeding unit 6 is disposed at the lower part of the main body 2. Sheets P such as cut papers before printing are stacked and stored in the sheet feeding unit 6, and the sheets P are separated and sent out one by one. The paper feed unit 6 includes a two-stage paper cassette 20.

  Inside the main body 2 and on the left side of the paper feed unit 6, a paper transport unit 7 is provided. The paper P delivered from the paper supply unit 6 is conveyed vertically upward along the side surface of the main body 2 by the paper conveyance unit 7 and reaches the transfer unit 10 described later.

  Information on the image data read by the document reading unit 4 is sent to the laser irradiation unit 8 disposed above the paper feed unit 6 and in the center of the main body 2. The laser beam L controlled based on the image data is irradiated by the laser irradiation unit 8 toward the image forming unit 9 described later.

  An image forming unit 9 and a transfer unit 10 are provided above the paper transport unit 7 and to the left of the laser irradiation unit 8. In the image forming unit 9, an electrostatic latent image of the document image is created by the laser light L irradiated by the laser irradiation unit 8. A toner image is formed from the electrostatic latent image, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 10 to the pre-printing paper P sent in synchronization by the paper transport unit 7.

  A fixing unit 11 is provided above the transfer unit 10. The paper P carrying the unfixed toner image in the transfer unit 10 is sent to the fixing unit 11 where the toner image is heated and pressed by a heat roller and a pressure roller to be fixed.

  A branching section 12 is provided above the fixing section 11. The paper P discharged from the fixing unit 11 is discharged from the branching unit 12 to the in-body sheet discharge tray 5 provided in the body of the main body 2 when double-sided printing is not performed. In addition, the paper P can be conveyed from the branching portion 12 toward the left side of the main body 2 and discharged to the side paper discharge tray 13 outside the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The discharge port portion from which the paper P is discharged from the branching portion 12 toward the in-body discharge tray 5 functions as the switchback portion 14. When performing duplex printing, the switchback unit 14 switches the transport direction of the paper P discharged from the fixing unit 11. Then, the paper P is sent downward through the left side of the fixing unit 11 and the left side of the transfer unit 10, and is sent again to the transfer unit 10 through the paper transport unit 7.

  Subsequently, a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view showing the periphery of the paper cassette, FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view similar to FIG. 3, and shows the state where the paper cassette is in the drawer position, FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional left side view similar to FIG. 3 and shows a state where there is an obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction.

  In FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 6 is provided at the lower part of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 as described above and includes a two-stage paper cassette 20. An exterior panel 21 that is an exterior member is provided on the front surface of the paper cassette 20, and this exterior panel 21 plays a role of constituting a part of the housing at the lower front of the main body 2. When the paper cassette 20 is stored in the main body 2, the surface of the exterior panel 21 is flush with the exterior surface of the main body 2. A handle 22 is provided at the center in the horizontal direction of the exterior panel 21 to be used when the paper cassette 20 is pulled out.

  When the user grips the handle 22 and pulls the paper cassette 20 forward, the paper cassette 20 can be pulled out from the main body 2 as shown in FIG. The paper cassette 20 can be slid horizontally with respect to the main body 2 by a slide unit (not shown) provided between the side surface of the base portion 23 and the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base portion 23 of the paper cassette 20 is constituted by a flat box having an open top surface, and stacks and accommodates paper P from the top surface direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base 23 of the paper cassette 20 stores paper P such as cut paper before printing on a lift plate 24 provided on the inner bottom surface of the base 23. . As shown in FIG. 2, the lift plate 24 is biased upward by a spring 25 in the downstream portion in the paper supply direction. The sheets P are separated one by one by the sheet feeding device 26 provided on the upstream side in the sheet supply direction of the sheet cassette 20, that is, on the upper left side in FIG. 2, and sent out of the sheet cassette 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a spring 30 is provided on the back side of the paper cassette 20 between the paper cassette 20 and the internal frame 2a of the main body 2 in which the paper cassette 20 is stored. The spring 30 is an urging unit that urges the paper cassette 20 in the pulling-out direction, that is, the direction in which the paper cassette 20 is pushed out from the main body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a lock unit 40 is provided above the spring 30 on the back side of the paper cassette 20. The lock means 40 locks the paper cassette 20 in the storage position with respect to the main body 2. The locking unit 40 includes a solenoid 41 provided on the back side of the internal frame 2 a provided on the back side of the paper cassette 20, a lever 42, and an engaging claw 43.

  The solenoid 41 of the locking means 40 includes an electromagnet 41a, a movable iron core 41b, and a spring 41c. A movable iron core 41b is inserted into the electromagnet 41a, and a spring 41c for biasing the movable iron core 41b upward is provided between the electromagnet 41a and the movable iron core 41b. When the power of the solenoid 41 is ON, the movable iron core 41b moves downward so as to be attracted by the electromagnet 41a. When the power is OFF, the movable iron core 41b moves upward by the force of the spring 41c.

  The lever 42 is made of a magnetic metal, and is a flat plate member that extends forward from the portion where the solenoid 41 is provided toward the base portion 23 of the paper cassette 20 across the inner frame 2a, that is, rightward in FIG. . The lever 42 is supported by the main body 2 by a support shaft 42a at an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, and is rotatable in a vertical plane around the support shaft 42a. The lever 42 has a structure like an arrow tip at the end on the paper cassette 20 side, and this portion functions as the engaging claw 43. The other end of the lever 42 is rotatably attached to the upper end of the movable iron core 41b. When the solenoid 41 is turned on / off, the lever 42 operates like a seesaw with the support 42a as the center. When the lever 42 operates like a seesaw, the engaging claw 43 is hooked from above to the inside of the back wall 23a with respect to the base portion 23.

  In the state where the power of the solenoid 41 is OFF, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable iron core 41b is moved upward by the force of the spring 41c, the lever 42 is rotated clockwise, and the engaging claw 43 at the tip of the lever 42 is moved. Engage with the back wall 23a. In the power-on state, as shown in FIG. 4, the movable iron core 41b is attracted to the electromagnet 41a and moved downward, the lever 42 rotates counterclockwise, and the engagement claw 43 and the rear wall 23a are engaged. The match is released. That is, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is OFF, the paper cassette 20 can be locked at the storage position with respect to the main body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a paper detection unit 50 is provided above the base portion 23 of the paper cassette 20. The paper detection means 50 is composed of a reflective optical sensor or the like, and is provided above the paper stacking portion of the base portion 23. The paper detection means 50 irradiates light toward the paper P existing below by a reflection type optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the paper P by the difference in reflected light.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an obstruction detection means 60 is provided on the front surface of the main body 2. The obstacle detection means 60 is composed of a reflection type optical sensor or the like, and is provided above the paper feed unit 6. The obstacle detecting means 60 irradiates light toward the front of the image forming apparatus 1 that is the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20 by a reflection type optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of an obstacle based on the difference in reflected light. .

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 70 as shown in FIG. The control means 70 can receive the information from the paper detection means 50 and the obstacle detection means 60, and can control the lock means 40 that locks the paper cassette 20 in the storage position based on the information.

  Next, the operation of the paper cassette 20 will be described. First, the presence or absence of the paper P in the paper cassette 20 is detected by the paper detection means 50, and the presence or absence of an obstacle present in front of the image forming apparatus 1 in the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20 is detected by the obstacle detection means 60. The information is sent to the control means 70. When the paper detection unit 50 detects that the paper P is present in the paper cassette 20, that is, the paper supply from the paper cassette 20 can be normally performed, the control unit 70 issues an operation command to the lock unit 40. And leave the solenoid 41 powered off. As a result, the engaging claw 43 and the rear wall 23a of the paper cassette 20 are engaged and locked, and the paper cassette 20 is held in the storage position (see FIG. 3).

  When the paper detection unit 50 detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20 and the obstacle detection unit 60 does not detect an obstacle in the pulling direction of the paper cassette 20, the control unit 70 includes the lock unit 40. The operation command is issued to turn on the solenoid 41. As a result, the engaging claw 43 and the rear wall 23a are disengaged and the locked state is released, and the paper cassette 20 is biased in the pulling direction by the elastic force of the spring 30 and displaced to the pulling position. (See FIG. 4). As a result, the operator can grasp the abnormality of the paper supply at a glance even if the operator is far away. Note that the solenoid 41 is turned off after a sufficient time has elapsed for the paper cassette 20 to be displaced to the drawing position.

  Thereafter, the operator replenishes the paper P into the paper cassette 20. When the paper cassette 20 is returned to the storage position, the back wall 23a of the paper cassette 20 collides with the engaging claw 43, but the lever 42 moves counterclockwise by the action of the inclined surface provided at the tip of the engaging claw 43. Since it rotates, the paper cassette 20 can be easily accommodated inside the main body 2.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the obstacle detection means 60 detects the obstacle 200 in the paper cassette 20 pull-out direction, the paper detection means 50 detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20. Also, the control means 70 issues an operation command to the locking means 40 to lock the paper cassette 20 so that the paper cassette 20 cannot be displaced from the storage position. Thereafter, the control unit 70 issues an operation command to the locking unit 40 and sets the solenoid 41 to the power-on state on condition that the obstacle detection unit 60 no longer detects the obstacle 200 in the pulling direction of the paper cassette 20. To do. Accordingly, in response to the absence of the obstacle 200 from the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20, the paper cassette 20 is unlocked and displaced to the drawing position (see FIG. 4).

  In this way, in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 70 detects that the sheet detection unit 50 does not have the sheet P in the sheet cassette 20, and the obstacle detection unit 60 detects an obstacle in the pulling-out direction of the sheet cassette 20. When an object is not detected, an operation command is issued to the lock means 40 to release the lock of the paper cassette 20 so that the paper cassette 20 is displaced to the drawing position. It is possible to easily grasp at a glance which location of the paper cassette 20 that has been emptied after being used up. Further, when the paper detection unit 50 detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20 and the obstacle detection unit 60 detects an obstacle in the pulling direction of the paper cassette 20, an operation command is issued to the lock unit 40. Since the paper cassette 20 is held in the storage position by locking the paper cassette 20, the paper cassette 20 does not jump out of the main body 2, and does not harm or damage surrounding people or objects. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the image forming apparatus 1 in consideration of a universal design that is easy to use for all persons regardless of whether they are healthy persons or wheelchair users.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 70 makes the paper detection unit 50 after the obstacle detection unit 60 detects the obstacle in the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20 to make the paper cassette 20 undisplaceable from the storage position. Detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20, and issues an operation command to the lock means 40 on the condition that the obstacle detection means 60 does not detect an obstacle in the direction in which the paper cassette 20 is pulled out. Since the lock 20 is released and the paper cassette 20 is displaced to the pull-out position, the paper cassette 20 can be automatically displaced to the pull-out position when there are no obstacles in the pull-out direction of the paper cassette 20. Therefore, when the paper cassette 20 is emptied, even if the paper cassette 20 cannot be displaced to the drawing position due to an obstacle, the storage state of the paper cassette 20 is not maintained. Absent.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a schematic vertical cross-section left side view showing the periphery of the paper cassette, FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-section left side view similar to FIG. 6, and shows the state where the paper cassette is in the drawer position, FIG. 6 shows a model vertical cross-section left side view similar to FIG. 6, showing a state where the operation display unit is in a standing posture. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, so the components common to the first embodiment are described in the drawings, And the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation display unit 3 at the top of the main body 2. The operation display unit 3 is supported by the main body 2 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 3a. As a result, the operation display unit 3 can take both standing and lying postures (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The posture change of the operation display unit 3 can be easily performed by manually holding the rear side portion which is the free end side in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an angle detection unit 80 is provided at the position of the shaft portion 3 a of the operation display unit 3. The angle detection means 80 is composed of an angle sensor such as a rotary encoder. The angle detection means 80 detects the posture based on the inclination angle of the operation display unit 3. The control means 70 can receive the information from the angle detection means 80 and the paper detection means 50 and control the lock means 40 for locking the paper cassette 20 in the storage position based on the information. The obstacle detection means 60 provided in the first embodiment is not provided in the second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the paper cassette 20 will be described. First, the presence or absence of the paper P in the paper cassette 20 is detected by the paper detection means 50, and the attitude of the operation display unit 3 is detected by the angle detection means 80, and the information is sent to the control means 70. When the paper detection unit 50 detects that the paper P is present in the paper cassette 20, that is, the paper supply from the paper cassette 20 can be normally performed, the control unit 70 issues an operation command to the lock unit 40. Then, the paper cassette 20 is held in the storage position (see FIG. 6).

  When the sheet detection unit 50 detects that there is no sheet P in the sheet cassette 20 and the angle detection unit 80 detects that the operation display unit 3 is in the lying posture, the control unit 70 causes the lock unit 40 to An operation command is issued to release the locked state of the paper cassette 20, and the paper cassette 20 is displaced to the drawing position by the biasing force of the spring 30 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the operator can grasp the paper supply abnormality at a glance.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the angle detection means 80 detects that the operation display unit 3 is in the standing posture, even if the paper detection means 50 detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20. The control means 70 issues an operation command to the lock means 40 to lock the paper cassette 20 so that the paper cassette 20 cannot be displaced from the storage position.

  In this way, in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 70 detects that the sheet detection unit 50 does not have the sheet P in the sheet cassette 20, and the operation display unit 3 that can take both standing and lying postures. When the angle detection means 80 detects that the posture is lying down, the paper cassette 20 is displaced to the pulling position by issuing an operation command to the lock means 40 to release the lock of the paper cassette 20, thereby detecting the paper. When the means 50 detects that there is no paper P in the paper cassette 20 and the angle detection means 80 detects that the operation display unit 3 is in the standing posture, it issues an operation command to the lock means 40 and the paper cassette 20. By locking the paper cassette 20, the paper cassette 20 is held in the storage position, so that a wheelchair user or a person with a short height can easily operate. When you have standing state operation display unit in order to ensure 認性, the sheet cassette 20 is never jump out from the body 2. Accordingly, there is no harm to a wheelchair user who is particularly close to the image forming apparatus 1 or a short person. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the image forming apparatus 1 that takes into account a universal design that is easy to use for all persons, with special attention paid to healthy persons and wheelchair users.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view showing the periphery of the paper cassette, and FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view similar to FIG. 9, showing a state in which the paper cassette is pulled out by a predetermined amount. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, the components common to the first and second embodiments are described in the drawings, and The explanation will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a stopper mechanism 90 is provided below the back side portion of the paper cassette 20. The stopper mechanism 90 arbitrarily regulates the pull-out amount of the paper cassette 20. The stopper mechanism 90 includes a base 91, a leaf spring 92, and an engagement recess 93.

  The base 91 of the stopper mechanism 90 is attached to the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 via a slide unit (not shown). This slide unit is provided in parallel with the drawing direction of the paper cassette 20, and the base 91 is movable in the front-rear direction in parallel with the drawing direction.

  The leaf spring 92 protrudes upward from the base 91 and is bent forward at a substantially right angle in the middle of the leaf spring 92. The shape seen from the paper supply direction is substantially L-shaped. An engagement portion 92 a that is bent so as to protrude upward is provided at the tip of the leaf spring 92. The leaf spring 92 is urged upward so that the tip portion provided with the engaging portion 92 a contacts the outer bottom surface of the base portion 23 of the paper cassette 20.

  The engaging recess 93 is provided at the lower back of the base portion 23 of the paper cassette 20. The engagement recess 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the leaf spring 92 in the paper supply direction, and the opening is directed downward. The engaging recess 93 is sized to receive the engaging portion 92a of the leaf spring 92 and has a shape that the engaging portion 92a is hooked.

  In addition to the angle detection means 80, an angle holding mechanism (not shown) is provided at the position of the shaft portion 3a of the operation display unit 3. The angle holding mechanism is configured by friction, a ratchet mechanism, or the like. The angle holding mechanism holds the operation display unit 3 in an arbitrary posture between a lying posture and a standing posture. The angle detection means 80 can detect the tilt angle of the operation display unit 3 held in any posture between the lying posture and the standing posture.

  The control means 70 receives information from the angle detection means 80 and the paper detection means 50, and based on the information, a lock means 40 for locking the paper cassette 20 in the storage position, and a stopper mechanism 90 for regulating the pull-out amount of the paper cassette 20. It is possible to control the position.

  Next, the operation of the paper cassette 20 will be described. When the sheet detection unit 50 detects that there is no sheet P in the sheet cassette 20 and the angle detection unit 80 detects that the operation display unit 3 is not in the lying posture, the control unit 70 Based on the detected inclination angle of the operation display unit 3, the stopper mechanism 90 is moved in the front-rear direction by a predetermined amount. Thereafter, the control means 70 issues an operation command to the locking means 40 to release the locked state of the paper cassette 20, and the paper cassette 20 is displaced to the pull-out amount regulated by the stopper mechanism 90 by the urging force of the spring 30 (FIG. 10). As a result, the paper cassette 20 can be prevented from jumping out more than necessary.

  The paper cassette 20 pulled out partway as described above can be pulled further forward against the elastic force of the leaf spring 92 by placing a hand on the handle 22 (see FIG. 1).

  Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, the angle holding mechanism that holds the posture of the operation display unit 3 at an arbitrary angle between the standing posture and the lying posture of the operation display unit 3, and the drawing amount of the paper cassette 20 The control unit 70 controls the stopper mechanism 90 on the basis of information from the angle detection unit 80 and changes the pull-out amount of the paper cassette 20, so that the angle of the operation display unit 3 is changed. The drawer amount of the paper cassette 20 can be easily set only by changing. Accordingly, it is possible to change the drawer amount of the paper cassette 20 in response to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, the configurations and arrangements of the urging unit 30, the lock unit 40, the paper detection unit 50, the obstacle detection unit 60, the angle detection unit 80, and the stopper mechanism 90 are the configurations shown in the first to third embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other configurations and arrangements may be used in place of the gist of the invention.

  Moreover, the structure of Claims 1-4 is not exclusive, and can be implemented in combination with each other.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus provided with a paper cassette.

1 is a schematic external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left side view of a schematic vertical section showing the periphery of the paper cassette of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a left side view of a schematic vertical section showing the periphery of the paper cassette similar to FIG. 3, and shows a state where the paper cassette is in the drawer position. FIG. 5 is a left side view of a schematic vertical cross section showing the periphery of the paper cassette similar to FIG. 3 and shows a state where there is an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional left side view showing the periphery of a paper cassette of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional left side view showing the periphery of the paper cassette similar to FIG. 6, showing a state where the paper cassette is in the drawer position. FIG. 7 is a left side view of a schematic vertical section showing the periphery of the paper cassette similar to FIG. 6 and shows a state where the operation display unit is in a standing posture. FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional left side view showing the periphery of a paper cassette of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional left side view showing the periphery of the paper cassette similar to FIG. 9 and shows a state where the paper cassette has been pulled out by a predetermined amount.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body 3 Operation display part 6 Paper feed part 20 Paper cassette 23 Base | substrate part 30 Spring (biasing means)
40 Locking means 50 Paper detecting means 60 Obstacle detecting means 70 Control means 80 Angle detecting means 90 Stopper mechanism 200 Obstacle

Claims (4)

A main body, a paper cassette loaded and accommodated, and a paper cassette provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the main body; biasing means for biasing the paper cassette in the pulling direction; and An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock unit that locks; a sheet detection unit that detects a sheet in the sheet cassette; and a control unit that controls the lock unit based on information from the sheet detection unit.
Obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle present in the paper cassette pull-out direction is provided, and the control means detects that the paper detection means has no paper in the paper cassette, and the obstacle detection means When an obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction is not detected, the paper cassette is displaced to the pull-out position by issuing an operation command to the locking means and releasing the lock of the paper cassette.
When the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and when the obstacle detection means detects an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction, it issues an operation command to the lock means to lock the paper cassette, An image forming apparatus, wherein a sheet cassette is held in a storage position.   The control means determines that the paper detection means has no paper in the paper cassette after the obstacle detection means detects an obstacle in the paper cassette pull-out direction and makes the paper cassette undisplaceable from the storage position. In addition to the detection, on the condition that the obstacle detection means does not detect an obstacle in the paper cassette pulling direction, an operation command is issued to the locking means to release the lock of the paper cassette, and the paper cassette is displaced to the drawing position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A main body, a paper cassette loaded and accommodated, and a paper cassette provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the main body; biasing means for biasing the paper cassette in the pulling direction; and An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock unit that locks; a sheet detection unit that detects a sheet in the sheet cassette; and a control unit that controls the lock unit based on information from the sheet detection unit.
An operation display unit that is rotatably supported around the rotation center of the main body and can take both standing and lying postures, and an angle detection means that detects the posture of the operation display unit,
The control means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette and outputs an operation command to the lock means when the angle detection means detects that the operation display unit is in a lying posture. By releasing the paper cassette lock, the paper cassette is displaced to the drawer position.
When the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper cassette, and when the angle detection means detects that the operation display unit is in the upright posture, it issues an operation command to the lock means to lock the paper cassette. An image forming apparatus that holds a paper cassette in a storage position.   An angle holding mechanism for holding the operation display unit at an arbitrary angle between a standing posture and a lying posture of the operation display unit; and a stopper mechanism for regulating a drawing amount of the paper cassette; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the stopper mechanism is controlled based on information from the angle detection unit to change the drawing amount of the paper cassette. 5.

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