JP2014009090A - Storage container of medium and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To separate a medium loaded in a lower part of a storage container of the medium by gas.SOLUTION: A storage container (TRt) of a medium comprises an aligning member (7) for aligning an end of a medium (S) by contacting the end of the medium (S) loaded on a loading surface (2a), a spray member (11) arranged corresponding to a position where the loading surface (2a) cannot move up and down and spraying gas on the end of the medium (S)loaded on the loading surface (2a), and a passage part (17) formed on the loading surface (2a) in a groove shape extending along the spraying direction of the gas and allowing passage of the gas.

Description

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

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2 are conventionally known as techniques relating to a container for storing a medium.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-203733 as Patent Document 1, an opening (36) is formed on a side surface of a bottom plate (20) on which sheets (18) are stacked and moved up and down, and an upper surface of the bottom plate (20). Describes a structure in which a through hole (37) connected to the opening (36) is formed. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the air blown from the opening (36) passes through the lower surface of the bottom plate (20), so that the upper side of the through hole (37) becomes negative pressure, and the bottom plate (20) The paper (18) is adsorbed. That is, in the configuration described in the cited document 1, the so-called aspirator principle is used to prevent the paper (18) from floating from the bottom plate (20).

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-88964 as Patent Document 2, the nozzle (3) of the air blowing means (4) for spreading the sheet is selected according to the type of the sheet (P) and the opening shape (5, 6) is selected. A technique for making the air volume distribution appropriate is described.

JP 2000-203733 A (“0025” to “0033”, FIGS. 3 and 4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-88964 ("0007" to "0015", FIG. 1)

  An object of the present invention is to burn a medium loaded in a lower part of a medium container with a gas.

In order to solve the technical problem, the medium container of the invention according to claim 1 comprises:
A loading section capable of loading the medium on the loading surface on the upper surface;
An alignment member that contacts an edge of the medium loaded on the loading surface and aligns the edge of the medium;
A blowing member that is disposed corresponding to a position where the loading surface cannot be raised and lowered, and blows gas against an end of a medium loaded on the loading surface;
A passage portion formed on the loading surface and formed in a groove shape extending along the gas blowing direction, through which the gas can pass;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 2 is the container for the medium according to claim 1,
The loading surface on which a medium can be manually inserted by an operator;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 3 is the container for the medium according to claim 1 or 2,
A plurality of the passing portions formed on the loading surface;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 4 is the container for the medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The passage portion extending from one end of the medium to the other end;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is provided.
The medium container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the medium is housed,
A recording unit for recording an image on the medium supplied from the medium container;
It is provided with.

According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, the medium loaded in the lower part of the medium container can be spread with gas.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the manually fed medium can be spread with gas.
According to invention of Claim 3, compared with the case where there is one passage part, the ability to burn gas can be improved.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the adhesion between the medium and the loading surface in a wide area as compared with the case where the passage portion does not extend from one end of the medium to the other end.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a medium container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the manual feed tray according to the first embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the manual feed tray. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the passage portion of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the passage portion of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a manual feed tray according to the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the sixth embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the seventh embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment.

Next, examples as specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a medium container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a copier U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is an example of a recording unit, and includes a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording apparatus. A scanner unit U2 as an example of a reading unit and an example of an image reading device is supported on the upper portion of the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a document transport device is supported on the upper portion of the scanner unit U2. The scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment supports a user interface U0 as an example of an input unit. The user interface U0 can be operated by the operator by inputting the user interface U0.

  A document tray TG1 as an example of a medium container is disposed on the upper part of the auto feeder U3. A plurality of documents Gi to be copied can be stacked and stored in the document tray TG1. A document discharge tray TG2 as an example of a document discharge unit is formed below the document tray TG1. A document transport roll U3b is disposed along the document transport path U3a between the document tray TG1 and the document discharge tray TG.

A platen glass PG as an example of a transparent document table is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a reading optical system A is disposed below the platen glass PG. The optical system A for reading in Example 1 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the platen glass PG. The reading optical system A is normally stopped at the initial position shown in FIG.
On the left side of the optical system A for reading, an imaging element CCD as an example of an imaging member is disposed. An image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the image sensor CCD.
The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit DL is electrically connected to an exposure apparatus ROS as an example of a latent image forming apparatus.

A photosensitive drum PR, which is an example of an image carrier, is disposed below the exposure apparatus ROS. The photosensitive drum PR rotates in the direction of the arrow Ya.
On the photosensitive drum PR, a charging roll CR, which is an example of a charger, is disposed opposite to the charging area Q0. A charging voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roll CR. The power supply circuit E is controlled by a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C performs various controls by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the image processing unit GS and the writing circuit DL.
In the writing area Q1 set on the downstream side of the charging area Q0 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum PR, a laser beam L as an example of writing light from the exposure device ROS is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR. Is irradiated.
In the developing area Q2 set on the downstream side of the writing area Q1 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum PR, the developing device G is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum PR.

On the left side of the developing device G, a cartridge K as an example of a developer container is disposed. The cartridge K is detachably attached to a cartridge holder KS as an example of a container support member. Below the cartridge holder KS, a reserve tank RT as an example of a temporary storage portion for the developer is disposed. The reserve tank RT and the developing device G are connected by a developer transport device GH.
A transfer area Q3 is set on the downstream side of the development area Q2 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum PR.

Under the copying machine main body U1, paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 as an example of a medium container are detachably supported. Sheets T as an example of a medium are accommodated in the sheet feed trays TR1 to TR4.
A pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member is disposed on the upper left side of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed.
On the left side of each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4, a medium transport path SH1 extending upward is formed. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the transport path SH1. In the conveyance path SH1, a registration roll Rr as an example of a feeding member is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S and on the upstream side of the transfer region Q3.

  On the left side of the cartridge holder KS or the like, a manual feed tray TRt, which is an example of a medium storage container and serves as a manual feed portion, is installed. The manual feed tray TRt according to the first exemplary embodiment is supported to be rotatable about the rotation center TRt0. Therefore, the manual feed tray TRt is configured to be movable between a housed position shown by a solid line in FIG. 1 and a feedable position shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. When the manual feed tray TRt according to the first embodiment is moved to the stored position, a part TRt1 of the manual feed tray TRt is accommodated in a state of entering the lower side of the cartridge holder KS and the left side of the reserve tank RT. . Accordingly, the entire copying machine U is reduced in capacity and reduced in size.

In the transfer area Q3, a transfer unit TU, which is an example of a transfer device and an example of a medium transport device, is disposed below the photosensitive drum PR. The transfer unit TU includes an endless transfer belt TB as an example of a medium transport member.
The transfer belt TB is rotatably supported by a driving roll Rd as an example of a driving member and a driven roll Rf as an example of a driven member.
Inside the transfer belt TB, a transfer roll TR as an example of a transfer device is supported. The transfer roll TR is disposed to face the photosensitive drum PR with the transfer belt TB interposed therebetween. Therefore, the transfer region Q3 is constituted by the region where the transfer roll TR and the photosensitive drum PR face each other. A transfer voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roll TR.

A peeling claw SC as an example of a medium peeling member is disposed at the right end of the transfer belt TB. Below the peeling claw SC, a belt cleaner CLb as an example of a cleaner of the transfer device is disposed to face the surface of the transfer belt TB.
Note that a drum cleaner CLp, which is an example of an image carrier cleaner, is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer region Q3 with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum PR so as to face the surface of the photosensitive drum PR. Yes.

A fixing device F is disposed on the right side of the transfer unit TU. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating rotating member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressing rotating member.
To the right of the fixing device F, a discharge path SH2 extending upward is connected as an example of a medium transport path.
In the discharge path SH2, as an example of a medium transport member, a transport roll Rb and a discharge roll Rh capable of transporting the medium and rotating in the forward and reverse directions are arranged.
On the upper surface of the printer unit U1, a paper discharge tray Rh as an example of a medium discharge unit is formed.

A reversing path SH3, which is an example of a medium transport path, is formed below the discharge path SH2. The reversing path SH3 according to the first embodiment branches from the discharge path SH2 and extends downward, and joins the transport path SH1 on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction from the registration roll Rr.
A gate MG as an example of a transfer direction switching member is disposed at a branch portion between the discharge path SH2 and the reversal path SH3. The gate MG of the first embodiment is formed of an elastically deformable thin film shape, so-called film. When the sheet S conveyed from the fixing device F passes through the gate MG, the gate MG is pushed by the sheet S and is elastically deformed so that the sheet S can pass through the discharge path SH2. When the sheet S is conveyed from the discharge path SH2 to the reversing path SH3, the gate MG is held in an elastically restored state, preventing the sheet S from entering the fixing device F, and the reversing path SH3. It arrange | positions so that the sheet | seat S may be guided to the side.

(Description of image forming operation)
The plurality of documents Gi stored in the document tray TG1 sequentially passes through the document reading position on the platen glass PG and is discharged to the document discharge tray TG2.
When the automatic feeder U3 is used to automatically convey and copy a document, each document that sequentially passes through the reading position on the platen glass PG with the reading optical system A stopped at the initial position. Gi is exposed.
When the operator places the document Gi on the platen glass PG by hand, the optical system A for reading moves in the left-right direction, and the document on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed.
The reflected light from the document Gi passes through the optical system A and is collected on the image sensor CCD. The image pickup device CCD converts the reflected light of the original collected on the image pickup surface into an electric signal.

The image processing unit GS converts the read signal input from the image sensor CCD into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. The writing circuit DL outputs a control signal corresponding to the input image writing signal to the exposure apparatus ROS.
The surface of the photosensitive drum PR is charged by the charging roll CR in the charging region Q0. At the latent image writing position Q1, the laser beam L output from the exposure apparatus ROS forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor PR. In the developing region Q2, the developing device G develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum PR that passes through the developing region Q2 into a toner image Tn as an example of a visible image. When the developer is consumed in the developing device G, the developer transport device GH is operated according to the consumption amount, and the developer is supplied from the cartridge K to the developing device G.

The sheets S of the respective trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp at a preset sheet feeding time. The sheets S picked up by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the separating roll Rs when picked up in a state where a plurality of sheets S are overlapped. The sheet S that has passed the separating roll Rs is conveyed to the registration roll Rr by a plurality of conveyance rolls Ra.
The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TRt also joins the transport path SH and is transported to the registration roll Rr.

The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is transferred from the sheet guide SG1 before transfer as an example of a guide member before transfer to the transfer area according to the timing when the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR moves to the transfer area Q3. It is transported toward Q3.
The sheet S conveyed from the registration roll Rr is supported on the surface of the transfer belt TB and passes through the transfer region Q3. The toner image Tn on the surface of the photosensitive drum PR is transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer region Q3 by the transfer voltage applied to the transfer roll TR.
The surface of the photosensitive drum PR after passing through the transfer region Q3 is cleaned by removing residual toner by the drum cleaner CLp. The surface of the photosensitive drum PR after cleaning is recharged by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S to which the toner image Tn is transferred is peeled from the transfer belt TB by the peeling claw SC. From the transfer belt TB from which the sheet S has been peeled off, deposits such as developer and paper dust attached to the surface of the transfer belt TB are removed by the belt cleaner CLb. When the sheet S peeled from the transfer belt TB passes through the contact area between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, the toner image is heated and pressed to be fixed.
The recording sheet S on which the toner image is fixed passes through the gate MG while being elastically deformed, and is conveyed to the discharge path SH2. The sheet S discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh is transported by the transport roll Rb and discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh by the discharge roll Rh.

  When duplex printing is performed, the trailing edge of the sheet S on which one side has been recorded is conveyed downstream by the conveyance roll Rb and the discharge roll Rh until it passes through the gate MG. When the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the gate MG, the transport roll Rb and the discharge roll Rh rotate in the reverse direction and are transported from the discharge path SH2 toward the reversal path SH3. That is, the sheet S is so-called switched back with the conveyance direction reversed. The switched sheet S is guided by the gate MG and conveyed through the reversing path SH3. The sheet S conveyed on the reversing path SH3 joins the conveying path SH1, and is conveyed to the registration roll Rr with the front and back sides reversed. Then, an image is printed on the second surface of the sheet S in the transfer region Q3.

(Description of bypass tray)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the manual feed tray according to the first embodiment.
2, the manual feed tray TRt according to the first embodiment includes a tray main body 1 as an example of a storage unit. The main body 1 of the tray has a plate-shaped stacking plate 2 disposed on the upper portion as an example of a stacking unit. A stacking surface 2 a is formed on the top surface of the stacking plate 2, and a sheet S to be fed can be stacked on the stacking surface 2 a. A pair of front and rear recesses 2b that are recessed from the stacking surface 2a are formed on the right portion of the stacking surface 2a as an example of an accommodating portion for the alignment member. In each recess 2b, a slit 2c extending in the front-rear direction is formed as an example of a connecting member passage. The slit 2c is formed so as to penetrate the stacking plate 2 in the vertical direction.

At both front and rear ends of the right portion of the stacking plate 2, supported portions 3 extending rightward are formed. A rotation center TRt0 is formed at the right end of the supported portion 3. Therefore, the manual feed tray TRt is supported by the printer unit U1 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center TRt0 of the supported portion 3. In the first embodiment, the supported portion 3 constitutes the part TRt1 of the manual feed tray TRt.
Below the stacking plate 2, a plate-like lower plate portion 4 as an example of a support member for the alignment member is supported by the stacking plate 2.

Side guides 6 and 7 as an example of alignment members are supported in the respective recesses 2b. The side guides 6 and 7 are supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along the slit 2c.
Each of the side guides 6 and 7 has plate-like bottom portions 6a and 7a. Standing wall portions 6b and 7b extending upward are formed on the outer sides of the bottom portions 6a and 7a in the front-rear direction as an example of an alignment portion. In the standing wall portions 6b and 7b, the left portions 6c and 7c, that is, the upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S extends to the left of the recessed portion 2b.
Overhang portions 6d and 7d are formed at the upper right end of the standing wall portion 6b. The overhang portions 6d and 7d extend inward in the left-right direction. The overhang portions 6d and 7d according to the first exemplary embodiment can contact and hold the end of the sheet S when the left and right ends of the sheet S stacked on the stacking surface 2a are curved upward. ing.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
2 and 3, the rear side guide 7 supports a fan 11 as an example of a blowing member on the rear surface of the left portion 7c. Therefore, the fan 11 can move in the front-rear direction integrally with the rear side guide 7.
In FIG. 3, an airflow direction adjusting member 12 is supported between the fan 11 and the rear side guide 7. The wind direction adjusting member 12 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of first louvers 13 as an example of a wind direction plate. The first louver 13 of the first embodiment is inclined downward as it goes forward. Therefore, when the fan 11 rotates, the wind blown from the rear by the fan 11 changes the direction of the wind obliquely downward along the first louver 13.

2 and 3, the rear side guide 7 is formed with a plurality of outlets 14 at positions corresponding to the fan 11 and the wind direction adjusting member 12. In FIG. 3, a second louver 16 along the front-rear direction is supported between the outlets 14 of the first embodiment as an example of a rectifying unit.
The second louver 16 is formed so as to be continuous with the front end of the first louver 13, and the first louver 13 changes the direction of gas obliquely downward to a direction along the loading surface 2a.
2 and 3, a groove portion 17 as an example of a passage portion is formed on the stacking surface 2a at a position corresponding to the fan 11 in the left-right direction. The groove portion 17 according to the first embodiment is formed in a groove shape that extends along the front-rear direction, which is a gas blowing direction by the fan 11. Therefore, the gas blown by the fan 11 is configured to pass therethrough.

(Description of Function of Manual Tray of Example 1)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the manual feed tray.
In the manual feed tray TRt according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when paper is fed from the manual feed tray TRt, the front end of the sheet S projects against a stopper ST as an example of a stop member that has moved to a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. It is loaded in the contacted state. When the sheet feeding is started, the stopper ST is in a freely rotatable state, and the pickup roll Rp is lowered to contact the uppermost surface of the sheet S. When the pickup roll Rp rotates, the sheet S is conveyed downstream while pressing the stopper ST. The sheets S sent out by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the separating roll Rs. The sheets S separated one by one by the separating roll Rs are conveyed to the registration roll Rr.

In the manual feed tray TRt according to the first exemplary 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 onto the sheets S enters between the sheets S and separates the sheets S from each other. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the fan 11 is not provided, the feeding of a plurality of sheets S is reduced.
Here, in the configuration in which the stacking plate for stacking the sheets moves up and down as in the conventional configuration, the stacking plate can be moved up and down in accordance with the position of the fan. Therefore, air can be blown between the upper surface of the stacking plate and the lowermost sheet of the bundle of sheets without providing a groove. However, in an inexpensive printer or the like, an expensive configuration such as a configuration for raising and lowering the stacking plate is often omitted. In the case of a paper feed tray that does not have a stacking plate, if the conventional configuration is used, the air outlet is located above the lowermost sheet, and it is difficult to blow air near the stacking surface. Therefore, sheet stacking, paper jams, and the like are likely to occur in the lower sheets of the sheet bundle. In particular, a paper feed failure due to the close contact between the stacking surface and the lowermost sheet is likely to occur.

On the other hand, in Example 1, the groove part 17 which air can pass is formed in the loading surface 2a. Therefore, even when the type of the sheet S is a sheet that easily sticks to the stacking surface 2a such as OHP or coated paper, it is possible to allow air to enter between the stacking surface 2a and the sheet S. Therefore, the air that has entered between the stacking surface 2a and the lowermost sheet S floats the lowermost sheet S, and adhesion and sticking of the lowermost sheet S are reduced. Therefore, in the first exemplary embodiment, compared to the conventional configuration in which the groove portion 17 is not provided, the sheet S is brought into close contact with the stacking surface 2a, and the occurrence of sheet feeding defects is reduced.
In particular, in the first embodiment, the first louver 13 guides part of the air from the fan 11 toward the groove portion 17. Therefore, the air is efficiently supplied to the groove portion 17 as compared with the case where the air is not guided to the groove portion.

  In the first embodiment, the fan 11 is configured to be movable integrally with the side guide 7. When the fan 11 is stationary with respect to the stacking surface 2a, the distance between the fan 11 and the end of the sheet S may vary depending on the difference in the width of the sheet S. That is, the amount of air blown onto the sheet S may fluctuate. Therefore, the ability to roll the sheet S may vary depending on the width of the sheet S. On the other hand, in Example 1, when 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 is a preset distance. Therefore, the sheeting ability of the sheet S is stabilized.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the passage portion of the second embodiment.
In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 5, the manual feed tray TRt according to the second embodiment has a groove portion 17 ′ that extends in the front-rear direction and is curved in a wave shape in the left-right direction, instead of the groove portion 17 that extends in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 2)
Even in the manual feed tray TRt of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the air passing through the groove portion 17 'separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2a as in the first embodiment. In particular, 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. Therefore, the separation performance of the sheet S is expected to be improved more than the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment having a short width in the left-right direction.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a passage portion according to the third embodiment.
In the description of the third embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first and second embodiments in other points.
In FIG. 6, the manual feed tray TRt according to the third embodiment has a groove portion 17 ″ which is divided into two and is inclined in the left-right direction as going forward, instead of the groove portion 17 extending in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 3)
Also in the manual feed tray TRt of the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the air passing through the groove portion 17 ″ separates the sheet S from the stacking surface 2a as in the first embodiment. In particular, the groove portion 17 ″ of the third embodiment has the groove portion 17 ″. Like the groove portion 17 ′ of the second embodiment, the width is not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction. Therefore, the separation performance of the sheet S is expected to be improved more than the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment having a short width in the left-right direction.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment.
In the description of the fourth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 7, in the manual feed tray TRt according to the fourth embodiment, the fan 11 is disposed diagonally to the left of the separating roll Rs. That is, the fan 11 is arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. In the fourth embodiment, the groove portion 21 as an example of the passage portion extends from the right end of the manual feed tray TRt toward the left end. That is, the manual feed tray TRt of the fourth embodiment has a 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.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 4)
In the manual feed tray TRt of Example 4 having the above-described configuration, the air from the fan 11 passes through the groove portion 21 extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, also in the manual feed tray TRt according to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the air passing through the groove portion 21 can easily separate the sheets S from the stacking surface 2a.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a manual feed tray according to the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment.
In the description of the fifth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 8, the manual feed tray TRt according to the fifth embodiment supports a lifting plate 26 as an example of a movable portion at the right end. The elevating plate 26 according to the fifth embodiment is rotatably supported by the manual feed tray TRt around the rotation center 26a at the left end. Further, the right end portion of the elevating plate 26 is biased upward by a spring 27 as an example of a biasing member. The lifting plate 26 is held at a lowered position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 8 by a conventionally known lifting mechanism (not shown). When the lifting plate 26 is released from the lifting mechanism, the elastic force of the spring 27 is released. Then, it moves to the raised position shown by the solid line in FIG.
Further, in the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment, the stopper ST of the first to fourth embodiments is omitted, and the front end of the sheet S is abutted against the abutting wall 28 and aligned.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 5)
In the manual feed tray TRt according to the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the elevating plate 26 is disposed at the front end in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. Therefore, when the conventional air blowing configuration is arranged at the front end in the sheet conveying direction, if the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction is short, the adhesion between the lowermost sheet S and the stacking surface 2a can be reduced. There is sex. However, when the length of the sheet S is increased, the rear portion in the conveyance direction of the sheet S is easily adhered. Therefore, even if the front end portion of the sheet S is separated by blowing air, the sheet S may be poorly fed if the rear end portion is in close contact. On the other hand, in the manual feed tray TRt of the fifth embodiment, the air from the fan 11 supported by the side guide 7 passes through the groove portion 17 extending in the front-rear direction as in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the manual feed tray TRt according to the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the air passing through the groove portion 17 can easily separate the sheets S from the stacking surface 2a.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the sixth embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.
In the description of the sixth embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 9, the manual feed tray TRt according to the sixth embodiment has the fan 31 supported by the rear side guide 7 not only on the left portion 7c but also on the right standing wall portion 7b. Moreover, the groove part 32 as an example of a passage part is formed also in the bottom part 7a and the recessed part 2b. The groove part 32 of the sixth embodiment extends in the front-rear direction in parallel with the groove part 17. 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 of the bottom portions 6a and 7a.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 6)
In the manual feed tray TRt according to the sixth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the upstream fan 11 and the downstream fan 31 roll the sheet S in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. Therefore, for example, when the length of the sheet S in the transport direction is short, it is possible to use the downstream fan 31, and when the length of the sheet S in the transport direction is long, both fans 11, 31 can be used.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the seventh embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment.
In the description of the seventh embodiment, components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 10, in the manual feed tray TRt of the seventh embodiment, unlike the groove portion 17 of the first embodiment, a groove portion 41 as an example of a passage portion extends from the rear end to the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction. A lid portion 42 is formed on the stacking surface 2a side of the groove portion 41 of the seventh embodiment. The lid portion 42 is formed with a plurality of outlets 43 penetrating the lid portion 42 in the vertical direction at positions corresponding to the inner end portions in the front-rear direction of the groove portion 41.

(Function of Manual Tray of Example 7)
In the manual feed tray TRt of Example 7 having the above-described configuration, the air blown from the fan 11 flows through the groove portion 41 and blows upward from the blow-out port 43. Therefore, also in the manual feed tray TRt of the seventh embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the close contact between the lowermost sheet S and the stacking surface 2a is reduced.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In each of the above embodiments, the copying machine U is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions. Further, the present invention is not limited to a single color image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a multicolor image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the transfer belt B that holds the sheet S on the surface, and can be applied to a configuration that uses an intermediate transfer belt.

(H02) In the embodiment, the grooves 17, 17 ′, 17 ″, 21, 41 are not limited to the shape, number, and size exemplified in the embodiment. The shape can be any shape that allows air to pass, such as a polygonal shape, etc. Also, the number is not limited to, for example, one groove portion 17, and a plurality of groove portions 17 are formed in parallel. Furthermore, the width and depth of the groove portions 17, 17 ′, 17 ″, 21, 41 can be arbitrarily changed. The lengths of the grooves 17, 17 ′, 17 ″, and 21 are preferably set to reach from the one end side to the other end side. It can be changed.

(H03) In the embodiment, the number and position of the fans 11 and 31 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. For example, the number of fans 11 and 31 can be three or more. The positions of the fans 11 and 31 can also be blown from an oblique direction with respect to the sheet S conveyance direction. Furthermore, it is also possible to change the position of the fans 11 and 31 and to spray the stacking surface 2a obliquely from below.
(H04) In the above embodiment, the louvers 13 and 16 are preferably provided, but may be omitted. Further, for example, it is possible to adjust the wind direction by providing other wind direction adjusting means such as a configuration of rotating the fans 11 and 31, a so-called swinging configuration.
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which air is blown from one direction, such as the side guide 7 and the downstream side of the sheet S in the conveyance direction, is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the front side guide 6 may be provided with fans 11 and 31 so that air is blown from both the front and rear sides.

(H06) In the above embodiment, the manual feed tray TRt as an example of the storage container for the sheet S is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a document tray TG1 and paper feed trays TR1 to TR4.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fans 11 and 31 are provided on the side guide 7 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration having a so-called end guide that aligns the rear ends of the sheet S in the conveyance direction, the fans 11 and 31 can be provided on the end guide.

(H08) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable to support the fans 11 and 31 on the side guide 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fan 11 may be fixedly supported at the rear end of the stacking plate 2 and connected to the side guide 7 by a bellows-like pipe or a flexible tube.

2a ... Loading surface,
7 ... Alignment member,
11, 31 ... spraying member,
17, 17 ′, 17 ″, 21, 41... Passing part,
S ... medium,
TRt: Medium container,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1: Recording unit.

Claims (5)

A loading section capable of loading the medium on the loading surface on the upper surface;
An alignment member that contacts an edge of the medium loaded on the loading surface and aligns the edge of the medium;
A blowing member that is disposed corresponding to a position where the loading surface cannot be raised and lowered, and blows gas against an end of a medium loaded on the loading surface;
A passage portion formed on the loading surface and formed in a groove shape extending along the gas blowing direction, through which the gas can pass;
A storage container for a medium, comprising: The loading surface on which a medium can be manually inserted by an operator;
The medium container according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of the passing portions formed on the loading surface;
The medium container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The passage portion extending from one end of the medium to the other end;
The medium container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The medium container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the medium is housed,
A recording unit for recording an image on the medium supplied from the medium container;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images