JP2014108869A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure ventilation of the interior of an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus (U) including: a medium storage unit (TR0) storing a medium (S) supported to be movable between a first position at which an outer surface of an image formation apparatus main body (U1) is covered and a second position at which the medium storage unit (TR0) supports the medium (S) and can transport the medium (S) to/from the image formation apparatus main body (U1); and opening portions (21a, 22a, 41) formed in regions of the medium storage unit (TR0) exposed to an outside of the medium storage unit (TR0) at the first position, and ventilating an interior of the image formation apparatus main body (U1) to the outside of the medium storage unit (TR0).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is conventionally known as a configuration including a manual feed tray.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-103448 as Patent Document 1, when the manual feed tray (TRt) is not used, the manual feed tray (TRt) is stored inside the main body (U1b) of the image forming apparatus, and the manual feed tray (TRt). A configuration is described in which only the outer surface is held exposed.

JP 2012-103448 A (FIG. 1)

  It is a technical object of the present invention to ensure ventilation inside the image forming apparatus.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A main body of an image forming apparatus having an image recording unit for recording an image on a medium;
The first position covering the outer surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the medium can be supported at a distance from the outer surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the medium can be conveyed between the main body of the image forming apparatus A second position, and a medium receiving portion supported movably between the second position;
In the first position, an opening is formed in a portion exposed to the outside of the medium accommodating portion, and in the first position, the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the medium accommodating portion. The opening for venting the outside;
It is provided with.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The opening formed in a portion exposed to the outside in the medium accommodating portion in the thickness direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion;
It is provided with.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The opening formed in a portion exposed to the outside in the medium accommodating portion in the width direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion;
It is provided with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
An alignment member that is supported so as to be movable in the width direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion, and that aligns the medium in contact with an end in the width direction of the medium;
A moving member that moves the aligning member to the outside in the width direction when the medium accommodating portion moves from the second position to the first position;
It is provided with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the ventilation of the inside of the image forming apparatus as compared with the case of not having the opening of the present invention.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the air can be vented in the thickness direction of the medium.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, air can be ventilated from the opening formed in the width direction of the medium.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to move the aligning member to the outside in the width direction only by moving the medium accommodating portion to the first position, compared to the case where the position of the aligning member varies. It is possible to reduce the obstruction of ventilation.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the manual feed tray, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional explanatory diagram of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state where the manual feed tray is moved to the supply position. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the manual feed tray is removed. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of the manual feed tray of the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the manual feed tray, and FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view of FIG.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but 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 overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment and that is an example of an installation tool includes a printer main body U <b> 1 that is an example of an apparatus main body. A first discharge tray TRh as an example of a first medium discharge unit is provided on the upper surface of the printer body U1. An operation unit UI is provided on the upper surface of the right part of the printer main body U1. The operation unit UI includes a display unit (not shown). The operation unit UI is configured to allow user input operations.
A personal computer PC as an example of an image information transmission device is electrically connected to the printer U of the first embodiment.

The printer U includes a controller C as an example of a control unit. The controller C can receive electrical signals such as image information and control signals transmitted from the personal computer PC. The controller C is configured to be able to output a control signal to the operation unit UI and the electric circuit E. Further, the controller C is electrically connected to the write circuit DL.
The writing circuit DL outputs a drive signal to an exposure device ROS as an example of a writing device in accordance with the input information. The exposure machine ROS is configured to be able to output a laser beam L as an example of writing light in accordance with an input signal.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG.
1 and 2, a photoconductor PR as an example of an image carrier is disposed on the left side of the exposure machine ROS. The photoconductor PR of Example 1 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow about the rotation axis PRa. The photoconductor PR is irradiated with a laser beam L in the writing area Q1.
Around the photoconductor PR, along the rotational direction of the photoconductor PR, a charging roll CR as an example of a charging member, a developing device G, and a photoconductor cleaner CL as an example of a cleaner for an image carrier. Is arranged.
In the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive member PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photosensitive member cleaner CL are integrated into a unit that can be attached and detached. That is, the photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the developing device G, and the photoconductor cleaner CL are configured to be detachable from the printer body U1 as a process unit U2.

A charging voltage is applied from the electric circuit E to the charging roll CR.
The developing device G includes a developing container V that accommodates toner as an example of a developer. Inside the developing container V, a developing roll Ga as an example of a developer holding body is rotatably supported. The developing roll Ga is disposed to face the photoreceptor PR in the developing area Q2.
Further, a developing voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the developing roll Ga. Further, augers Gb and Gc, which are examples of a developer conveying member, are rotatably supported in the developing container V.

One end of a replenishment path of a toner replenishing device TH1 as an example of a developer replenishing device fixedly supported by the printer U is connected to the developing container V. The other end of the supply path of the toner supply device TH1 is connected to a discharge port TC3 of a toner cartridge TC as an example of a developer container.
In FIG. 1, the toner cartridge TC has a cartridge main body TC1 as an example of a container main body that accommodates toner therein. A toner transport member TC2 as an example of a developer transport member is rotatably supported in the cartridge body TC1. The toner cartridge TC is configured to be detachable by being inserted into and removed from the printer U in the front-rear direction.
The photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, the exposure machine ROS, the developing device G, and the like constitute a toner image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on the photoconductor PR.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of paper feed trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4 are provided below the printer U as an example of a medium storage unit. The plurality of paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 contain a recording sheet S as an example of a medium.
In FIG. 1, rails RL <b> 1 as an example of container guide members are disposed on the left and right sides of the respective trays TR <b> 1 to TR <b> 4. The rail RL1 movably supports the left and right ends of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. Accordingly, the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 are supported by the pair of left and right rails RL1 so as to be able to enter and exit in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 1, a paper feeding device K is disposed at the upper left of each of the paper feeding trays TR1 to TR4. The paper feeding device K has a pickup roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member. On the left side of the pick-up roll Rp, a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member is disposed. The separating roll Rs includes a feed roll as an example of a medium conveying member and a retard roll as an example of a medium separating member.
On the left side of the sheet feeding device K, a sheet feeding path SH1 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed. The sheet feed path SH1 extends upward. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a medium transport member are arranged in the paper feed path SH1. A registration roll Rr, which is an example of a medium transport timing adjustment member, is disposed at the upper end, which is the downstream end of the sheet feed path SH1.

Further, a manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual feed unit is mounted on the left side of the printer U. The right end of the manual feed tray TR0 is connected to the left end of a manual feed path SH2 as an example of a manual feed path. The right end of the manual feed path SH2 is connected to the paper feed path SH1.
In FIG. 1, a transfer roll Rt as an example of a transfer device is disposed above the registration roll Rr. The transfer roll Rt faces and contacts the photoconductor PR in the transfer region Q3. Accordingly, the transfer roll Rt according to the first exemplary embodiment rotates following the rotation of the photoconductor PR. A transfer voltage is applied from the power supply circuit E to the transfer roll Rt.

The photoreceptor cleaner CL is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer roll Rt with respect to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor PR. The photoreceptor cleaner CL includes a cleaning blade CL1 as an example of a cleaning member. The cleaning blade CL1 is formed in a plate shape. One end of the cleaning blade CL1 is in contact with the photoconductor PR.
Above the cleaning blade CL1, a cleaner container CL2 as an example of a cleaning container is disposed. The cleaning blade CL1 is supported by the cleaner container CL2. A space in which the developer can be stored is formed in the cleaner container CL2. Inside the cleaner container CL2, a collection auger CL3 as an example of a developer conveying member is rotatably supported. A recovery path CL4 as an example of a developer transport path is supported at the front end of the cleaner container CL2. The recovery path CL4 extends from the photoconductor cleaner CL to the developing device G.

In FIG. 1, a fixing device F is supported above the transfer roll Rt. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp are in contact with each other in the fixing region Q4. Driving is transmitted to the heating roll Fh from a driving source (not shown) to rotate. The heating roll Fh is supplied with electric power for heating a heater (not shown) from the electric circuit E.
The toner image forming device U2, the transfer roll Rt, and the fixing device F constitute an image recording unit U2 + Rt + F that records an image on the sheet S.

Above the fixing device F, a sheet guide F1 as an example of a medium guiding portion is formed. A sheet discharge roll R1 as an example of a medium discharge member is disposed on the right side of the sheet guide F1. A medium discharge port Ha is formed on the right side of the paper discharge roll R1. A first discharge tray TRh is disposed below the medium discharge port Ha.
In FIG. 1, a connection path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is disposed above the fixing device F and on the left side of the paper discharge roll R1. The connection path SH3 extends to the left from the discharge port Ha.

On the left side surface of the main body U1 of the printer U, a reversing unit U3 as an example of a medium reversing device is supported above the manual feed tray TR0. A reversing path SH4 as an example of a medium transport path is formed inside the reversing unit U3. The upper end of the inversion path SH4 is connected to the left end of the connection path SH3. The lower end of the reversing path SH4 joins the sheet feeding path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration roll Rr.
A second discharge path SH6 as an example of a medium transport path is formed above the reversing unit U3. The second discharge path SH6 has a right end connected to the connection path SH3 and branches off from the inversion path SH4. The left end of the second discharge path SH6 extends to the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. A face-up tray TRh1 as an example of a second discharge unit is supported on the left side surface of the reversing unit U3. Accordingly, the sheet S that has passed through the second discharge path SH6 is configured to be discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Function of image forming apparatus)
In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, the image information transmitted from the personal computer PC is input to the controller C. The controller C converts the inputted image information into information for forming a latent image at a preset time and outputs it to the writing circuit DL. The exposure machine ROS outputs a laser beam L based on the signal received by the writing circuit DL. The controller C controls operations of the operation unit UI, the writing circuit DL, the power supply circuit E, and the like.
1 and 2, the surface of the photoreceptor PR is charged by a charging roll CR to which a charging voltage is applied. The surface of the photoconductor PR charged by the charging roll CR is exposed and scanned by the laser beam L of the exposure machine ROS at the writing position Q1 to form an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the photoconductor PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed sequentially passes through the development area Q2 and the transfer area Q3.

In the developing area Q2, the developing roll Ga faces the photoconductor PR. The developing roll Ga rotates while holding the developer inside the developing container V on the surface. Therefore, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is developed into a toner image as an example of a visible image by the toner image held on the surface of the developing roll Ga. The developer inside the developing container V is circulated while being stirred by the augers Gb and Gc.
When the developer inside the developing container V is consumed with the development by the developing roll Ga, the developer is supplied from the toner cartridge TC. That is, according to the consumption amount of the developer, the toner transport member TC2 is rotationally driven to transport the toner in the cartridge body TC1 to the discharge port TC3. The toner discharged from the discharge port TC3 is transported to the developing container V by a replenishment transport member (not shown) in the replenishment path of the cartridge toner replenishing device TH1.

The trays TR1 to TR4 contain sheets S on which images are recorded. The sheets S accommodated in the trays TR1 to TR4 are taken out by the pickup roll Rp of the paper feeding device K. The sheets S taken out by the pickup roll Rp are separated one by one by the separation roll Rs. The sheet S separated by the separating roll Rs is fed to the sheet feeding path SH1. The sheet S in the sheet feeding path SH1 is conveyed toward the registration roll Rr by the conveyance roll Ra.
The sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TR0 is transported to the registration roll Rr through the manual feed path SH2. The sheet S conveyed to the registration roll Rr is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 by the registration roll Rr in accordance with the timing when the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR moves to the transfer area Q3.

In the transfer area Q3, the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is transferred to the sheet S passing through the transfer area Q3 by the transfer roll Rt to which the transfer voltage is applied.
In FIG. 2, the photoreceptor PR after passing through the transfer region Q3 is cleaned by removing the toner adhering to the surface by the cleaning blade CL1. The toner removed by the cleaning blade CL1 is collected in the cleaner container CL2. The toner collected in the cleaner container CL2 is conveyed by the collection auger CL3. The toner conveyed by the collection auger CL3 is returned to the inside of the developing container V through the collection path CL4. That is, the developer collected by the photoreceptor cleaner CL is reused by the developing device G.
The photoconductor PR whose surface is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaner CL is charged again by the charging roll CR.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q3 is conveyed to the fixing area Q4 of the fixing device F in a state where the toner image is not fixed.
In the fixing region Q4, the sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp, and the toner image is heated and fixed.
The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device F is guided by the sheet guide F1 and conveyed to the paper discharge roll R1. When the sheet S is discharged to the first discharge tray TRh,
The sheet S sent to the discharge roll R1 is discharged from the discharge port Ha to the first discharge tray TRh.

During double-sided printing, the sheet S on which an image is recorded on the first side rotates the paper discharge roll R1 in a state where the trailing end in the transport direction has passed the sheet guide F1. Accordingly, the sheet S is conveyed to the reversing path SH4 through the connection path SH3. The sheet S conveyed on the reversing path SH4 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr in a state where the front and back sides are reversed. Therefore, the image on the second side is recorded again from the registration roll Rr to the transfer area Q3.
When the sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1, the sheet S conveyed through the connection path SH3 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roll R1 is carried into the second discharge path SH6. Then, the sheet S conveyed through the second discharge path SH6 is discharged to the face-up tray TRh1.

(Description of bypass tray)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the manual feed tray according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the manual feed tray, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional explanatory diagram of FIG.
1 and 3, a manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a medium storage unit according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a tray main body 1 as an example of a main body of a storage unit. The tray body 1 is formed in a plate shape. In FIG. 3, a tray main body 1 has a stacking plate 2 as an example of a medium stacking unit. A stacking surface 3 for sheets S is formed on the top surface of the stacking plate 2.
A slide portion 4 of a guide as an example of a support portion of the alignment member is formed on the right portion of the stacking plate 2. The slide portion 4 of the guide is formed in a shape that is recessed from the loading surface 3. A pair of front and rear slide portions 4 of the guide are formed.

A guide groove 6 as an example of a guide portion of the alignment member is formed in the slide portion 4 of each guide. Each guide groove 6 penetrates the stacking plate 2 in the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear direction. In the guide groove 6 of the first embodiment, the front guide groove 6a is formed at a position shifted to the right side with respect to the rear guide groove 6b.
Further, a vent 7 as an example of an opening is formed in the slide portion 4 of each guide. In the vent hole 7 of the first embodiment, the front vent hole 7a is disposed on the left side of the front guide groove 6a and in front of the rear guide groove 6b. A pair of vent holes 7a are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The rear vent 7b is disposed on the right side of the rear guide groove 6b and behind the front guide groove 6a. A pair of vent holes 7b are also arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction.

Below the stacking plate 2, a bottom plate 11 as an example of a portion exposed to the outside is disposed. The bottom plate 11 is disposed to face the stacking plate 2. Side walls 12 extending upward are formed at the front and rear and left and right ends of the bottom plate 11. In FIG. 3B, a rib 13 as an example of a reinforcing portion is formed on the bottom plate 11 at a position corresponding to the stacking surface 3. The rib 13 extends in the left-right direction and extends upward from the bottom plate 11.
A first guide rib 14 as an example of a guide portion is formed at the right end of the rib 13. The first guide rib 14 extends in the front-rear direction and extends upward from the bottom plate 11. A second guide rib 16 as an example of a guide portion is formed on the right side of the first guide rib 14. The second guide rib 16 extends in the front-rear direction and extends upward from the bottom plate 11. The second guide ribs 16 are arranged in parallel to the first guide ribs 14 with a preset interval in the left-right direction. As for the 2nd guide rib 16 of Example 1, the discontinuous part 16a is formed in the center part of the front-back direction.

A third guide rib 17 as an example of a guide portion is formed on the right side of the second guide rib 16. The third guide ribs 17 are arranged in parallel to the second guide ribs 16 with a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. Further, the third guide rib 17 is configured in the same manner as the second guide rib 16. Therefore, the third guide rib 17 according to the first embodiment has an interrupted portion 17a at the center in the front-rear direction.
A fourth guide rib 18 as an example of a guide portion is formed on the right side of the third guide rib 17. The fourth guide rib 18 is arranged in parallel to the third guide rib 17 with a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. Further, the fourth guide rib 18 is configured in the same manner as the first guide rib 14.

In FIG. 3B, a first slide space 21 is formed between the first guide rib 14 and the second guide rib 16 as an example of a moving member accommodating portion. Further, a second slide space 22 as an example of a moving member accommodating portion is formed between the third guide rib 17 and the fourth guide rib 18.
On the bottom surface of the first slide space 21, a front intake port 21a as an example of an opening is formed at a position corresponding to the front vent port 7a. Also, a rear intake port 22a as an example of an opening is formed on the bottom surface of the second slide space 22 at a position corresponding to the rear vent port 7b. Each intake port 21a, 22a passes through the bottom plate 11 and is exposed to the outside of the manual feed tray TR0.

The slide spaces 21 and 22 accommodate sliders 23 and 24 as examples of movable members. The sliders 23 and 24 are supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along the guide ribs 14 to 18.
On the right side surface of the left slider 23, rack teeth 23a as an example of a gear portion are formed. On the left side surface of the left slider 23, a contact arm 23b as an example of a rattling removal portion is formed. The contact arm 23b is formed in a leaf spring shape. A plurality of contact arms 23b are arranged along the front-rear direction. The contact arm 23b is configured to come into contact with the first guide rib 14 with a preset contact pressure so as to remove rattling during movement of the slider 23.

The right slider 24 is configured in the same manner only by being arranged symmetrically with the left slider 23. Therefore, rack teeth 24 a as an example of gear portions are formed on the left side surface of the right slider 24. On the right side surface of the right slider 24, a contact arm 24b configured similarly to the contact arm 23b is formed.
A pinion gear 25 as an example of a gear member is rotatably supported on the bottom plate 11 at positions corresponding to the interrupted portions 16a and 17a. The pinion gear 25 meshes with the rack teeth 23a and 24a of the sliders 23 and 24. Therefore, the sliders 23 and 24 are supported via the rack teeth 23a and 24a and the pinion gear 25 so as to be movable in conjunction with each other in the direction of approaching and separating from each other with respect to the front-rear direction.

A rear side guide 26 as an example of an alignment member is supported at the rear end portion of the left slider 23. The rear side guide 26 has a bottom plate portion 26a as an example of a bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 26a is connected to the left slider 23 with a screw as an example of a connecting member (not shown). The screw is connected through the rear guide groove 6b. A guide body 26b as an example of an aligning portion is formed at the rear end of the bottom plate portion 26a. The guide body 26b is formed in a plate shape that extends upward.
A front side guide 27 as an example of an alignment member is supported on the front end portion of the right slider. The front side guide 27 is configured in the same manner only by being disposed symmetrically with the rear side guide 26.
An arm portion 28 as an example of a supported portion is formed at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the manual feed tray TR0. A rotation shaft 28 a as an example of a rotation center is formed at the right end of the arm portion 28. The rotary shaft 28a is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes outward in the front-rear direction.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state where the manual feed tray is moved to the supply position.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the manual feed tray is removed.
1, 4, and 5, the reversing unit U <b> 3 is formed with a storage space 31 as an example of a storage portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage space 31 according to the first embodiment is configured so that a part of the manual feed tray TR0 can be stored. In the storage space 31, a round hole 31 a as an example of a support portion is formed at a position corresponding to the rotation shaft 28 a of the arm portion 28. The rotating shaft 28a is rotatably supported by the round hole 31a. Therefore, the manual feed tray TR0 according to the first embodiment is supported movably between a storage position illustrated in FIG. 1 as an example of the first position and a supply position as an example of the second position.

In FIG. 5, an exposure port 32 as an example of an opening is formed in the storage space 31 of the first embodiment. The exposure port 32 is disposed at a position facing the ventilation ports 7a and 7b when the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the storage position. The exposure port 32 is configured to be exposed to the outside when the manual feed tray TR0 moves to the supply position. The exposure port 32 communicates with the inside of the printer body U1, and is configured to be able to ventilate the inside and outside of the printer body U1.
An opening guide 33 as an example of a moving member of the alignment member is disposed below the exposure port 32. The opening guide 33 is disposed at a position corresponding to the side guides 26 and 27. The release guide 33 has an inclined surface 33a. The inclined surface 33a is formed so as to be inclined rightward from the central portion in the front-rear direction toward both sides in the front-rear direction.
An inlet 34 of the manual feed path SH2 is formed below the opening guide 33.

(Operation of the manual feed tray of Example 1)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the manual feed tray TR0 is used, the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the supply position as shown in FIG. Then, the sheets S are stacked on the stacking surface 3 of the manual feed tray TR0. The sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 3 are supplied into the printer main body U1 along with the image forming operation.
Here, when the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the supply position, the exposure port 32 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, outside air can be introduced into the printer U through the exposure port 32 and the inlet 34 of the manual feed path SH2. Therefore, even if the temperature inside the printer U rises due to discharge in the transfer area Q3, heating of the fixing device F, heat generated by the rotation of various members, etc., the air is cooled by the outside air, or a floating object is not shown in the drawing. Can be recovered.

  When the manual feed tray TR0 is not used, as shown in FIG. 1, the manual feed tray TR0 may be moved to a storage position that covers the outer surface of the printer body U1. Here, if the manual feed tray TR0 is not provided with the air inlets 21a, 22a and the vent holes 7a, 7b as in the prior art, the manual feed tray TR0 moves to the storage position and the outer surface of the printer main body U1 is moved. When it is covered, the exposure port 32 is blocked. When the exposure port 32 is blocked, it becomes difficult to introduce outside air into the printer body U1. When the outside air is not introduced, the image quality may be deteriorated or the life of each member may be shortened due to abnormal temperature rise inside the printer U or contamination of floating objects.

In particular, in recent years, image forming apparatuses have been reduced in size and space, and the components mounted therein have also been increased in density. Further, the manual feed tray TR0 is not designed to protrude from the printer body U1 or the reversing unit U3, but is increasingly designed to be embedded. Therefore, it has become difficult to freely set the position of the exposure port for introducing outside air in the image forming apparatus.
On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the vents 7a and 7b and the intake ports 21a and 22a face the exposure port 32 even when the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the storage position. Therefore, it is easy to introduce outside air into the printer U even when the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the storage position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the abnormal temperature rise inside the printer U and the adverse effects of floating objects.

In the first embodiment, an opening guide 33 is provided in the storage space 31. When the opening guide 33 is not provided, depending on the size of the sheet S supplied from the manual feed tray TR0, the bottom plate portions 26a and 27a of the side guides 26 and 27 block some or all of the vent holes 7a and 7b. In this state, the manual feed tray TR0 may move to the storage position. In this state, it becomes difficult to ensure ventilation to the inside of the printer U.
On the other hand, in the first embodiment, when the manual feed tray TR0 moves from the supply position to the storage position, the release guide 33 contacts the guide main bodies 26b and 27b of the side guides 26 and 27. The guide bodies 26b and 27b that have come into contact with the open guide 33 move outward in the front-rear direction along the inclined surface 33a as the manual feed tray TR0 moves to the storage position. Therefore, when the manual feed tray TR0 is moved to the storage position, the side guides 26 and 27 are opened outward in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 3A. Therefore, the vent holes 7a and 7b are prevented from being blocked by the side guides 26 and 27. Therefore, ventilation can be ensured reliably.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. 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.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.
7A and 7B are explanatory views of the manual feed tray of the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the manual feed tray, and FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view of FIG.
6 and 7, in the manual feed tray TR <b> 0 ′ according to the second embodiment, the front and rear side wall portions 12 are formed with an intake port 41 as an example of an opening portion. In FIG. 6, the air inlet 41 of the second embodiment is formed at a portion exposed to the outside of the side wall portion 12 in a state where the manual feed tray TR <b> 0 has moved to the storage position. In FIG. 7B, the intake port 41 of the second embodiment is formed at a position corresponding to the slide spaces 21 and 22.

(Operation of the manual feed tray of Example 2)
In the printer U according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, air can be vented not only from the intake ports 21 a and 22 a but also from the intake ports 41 formed in the side wall portion 12. Therefore, in the printer U of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the abnormal temperature rise inside the printer U.

(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 (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the printer as an example of the image forming apparatus is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a FAX. Further, although a monochromatic, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and a multicolor, so-called full-color image forming apparatus can be applied.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the manual feed tray TR0 as an example of the medium storage unit is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the discharge tray in which the medium is conveyed and discharged, the present invention can be applied to a discharge tray that can move between a storage position and a position where the medium is discharged, similarly to the manual feed tray TR0. Specifically, when the face-up tray TRh1 is configured similarly to the manual feed tray TR0, the configuration of the present invention can be applied to the face-up tray TRh1.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the positions, number and shape of the vents 7a and 7b, the intake ports 21a, 22a and 41, and the exposure port 32 are not limited to the configurations exemplified in the embodiment. That is, it can be arbitrarily changed according to the design and specifications. In addition, it is possible to have only one opening or, conversely, a large number of small holes. Moreover, it is also possible to attach a net, a mesh, a filter, or the like for preventing dust from entering the opening. Furthermore, it is possible to rectify the air flow or to arrange a rectifying plate and a louver for suppressing external light from entering the inside.

(H04) In the above embodiment, the positions of the intake ports 21a, 22a, 41 are not limited to the configurations described in the first and second embodiments. For example, it is possible to provide only the side wall portion 12.
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, the manual feed tray TR0 exemplifies a configuration in which a part of the side wall portion 12 is exposed to the outside and the other portion is stored in the storage space 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the entire side wall 12 can be stored in the storage space 31, or conversely, the entire side wall 12 can be exposed to the outside. In addition, at this time, it is necessary to arrange | position an inlet port in the site | part exposed outside.
(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the storage space 31 is provided in the reversing unit U3 as an example of the main body of the image forming apparatus is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The unit U3 can also be applied to a printer U integrally formed with the printer main body U1.

(H07) In the embodiment, it is desirable to provide the opening guide 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to form a large number of vent holes so that all the vent holes are not blocked regardless of the position of the side guides 26 and 27. Further, for example, as a configuration in which only one of the side guides 26 and 27 is movable, arbitrary changes such as disposing a vent near the immovable side are possible.

21a, 22a, 41 ... opening,
26, 27 ... alignment members,
33 ... a moving member,
S ... medium,
TR0: Medium storage unit,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1 ... main body of the image forming apparatus,
U2 + Rt + F: Image recording unit.

Claims (4)

A main body of an image forming apparatus having an image recording unit for recording an image on a medium;
The first position covering the outer surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the medium can be supported at a distance from the outer surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the medium can be conveyed between the main body of the image forming apparatus A second position, and a medium receiving portion supported movably between the second position;
In the first position, an opening is formed in a portion exposed to the outside of the medium accommodating portion, and in the first position, the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the medium accommodating portion. The opening for venting the outside;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The opening formed in a portion exposed to the outside in the medium accommodating portion in the thickness direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The opening formed in a portion exposed to the outside in the medium accommodating portion in the width direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An alignment member that is supported so as to be movable in the width direction of the medium supported by the medium accommodating portion, and that aligns the medium in contact with an end in the width direction of the medium;
A moving member that moves the aligning member to the outside in the width direction when the medium accommodating portion moves from the second position to the first position;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images