JP2016124284A - Sheet processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a cover from being opened when a force is applied to a sheet tray in an open position in a direction such that the sheet tray is further opened in a structure where the sheet tray is rotatably supported by the cover.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device includes: a cover which is supported by a housing so as to open and close; a sheet tray supported by the cover; and a mechanism which converts a force applied to the sheet tray in a gravity direction to a force applied in a direction such that the cover is closed in a state where the cover is closed and the sheet tray is opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus including a sheet tray that is rotatably supported by a cover.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a configuration in which an access sheet cover is rotatably supported by an access cover in an image forming apparatus having an access cover that blocks an opening for accessing the inside of the apparatus. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the image forming apparatus is used, the discharge sheet tray is disposed in the open position in the open state, and the access cover is disposed in a position that shields the opening.

JP 2013-39797 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when an image forming apparatus is used and a force is applied to the discharge sheet tray in a direction in which the discharge sheet tray is further opened, the access cover also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge sheet tray. However, this may open the opening. In this case, the detection unit detects that the sheet is jammed in the conveyance path toward the discharge sheet tray and the sheet is not discharged, or the opening is opened, and the printing operation is stopped by the control of the control unit based on the detection. Sometimes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. One of the objects of the present invention is to prevent the cover from being opened when a force in the opening direction is further applied to the sheet tray in the open position in the structure in which the sheet tray is rotatably supported by the cover. There is. Further objects of the present invention will be clarified in the description of embodiments described later.

  A sheet processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problem includes a cover that is supported by a housing so as to be openable and closable, a sheet tray that is supported by the cover, and a sheet tray that is closed when the cover is closed. And a mechanism for converting a force in the direction of gravity applied to the sheet tray into a force in a direction to close the cover in a state where the cover is opened.

  According to the above configuration, the force in the direction of gravity when a large number of sheets are stacked on the sheet tray or the user inadvertently tries to push down the sheet tray is converted into a force in the direction of closing the cover. Therefore, it is prevented that the cover is inadvertently opened.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a maintenance state of the printing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating a roller base. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a cover member and a roller base. It is a side view of a base support part. It is a figure for demonstrating rotation operation of a cover member. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the cover member in an open state. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the force which acts on a discharge tray. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of a cover member and a discharge tray. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement of an opening / closing member. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing member of use condition. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the expansion | deployment method of an inclination part. It is sectional drawing explaining the other example of a structure of an inclination part. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a housing | casing. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a housing | casing. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus. It is a perspective view for demonstrating a scanner support part. It is a perspective view which shows a housing | casing and a scanner base. It is a perspective view which shows the member in connection with sheet conveyance. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment method of a conveyance drive unit. It is a perspective view explaining the attachment method of a support plate. It is a perspective view explaining the attachment method of an internal sheet guide. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure around a carriage. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment method of a head chassis. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of a rear guide. It is a perspective view which shows a cover member.

  An embodiment of a printing apparatus will be described in detail as an example of a sheet processing apparatus of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, and show a state before the printing apparatus 100 is used. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 100, showing a cross section taken along line Ib-Ib shown in FIG. 1A, and showing an enlarged configuration around the opening / closing member 4. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the printing apparatus 100 includes a housing 1, a document cover 2, an auto document feeder (ADF) unit 3, and an opening / closing member 4. The document cover 2 and the ADF unit 3 with respect to the housing 1 are disposed at an upper position in the z direction, and the opening / closing member 4 is disposed at a downstream position in the y direction. The opening / closing member 4 is arranged in front of the printing apparatus 100 when the downstream side in the y direction shown in the drawing is the front face of the printing apparatus 100 and the upstream side in the y direction is the back face of the printing apparatus 100. 1A and 1B show a closed state in which the opening / closing member 4 is closed. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, and the like, but the opening / closing member 4 is arranged at the open position during printing operation and maintenance. .

  The printing apparatus 100 includes a reading device (scanner unit) that functions as an auto document feed scanner (ADF scanner) that moves an original while fixing an image sensor, and as a flatbed scanner that moves an image sensor while fixing an original. ing. The reading device reads an image (information) recorded on the sheet. During ADF scanning, the document cover 2 serves as a supply tray for supplying documents to a reading unit (not shown) of the ADF unit 3 and a discharge tray for placing documents discharged from the ADF unit 3 after being read by the reading unit. . In the following, a case where the print function of the printing apparatus 100 is used will be described. In the following, the time when the printing apparatus 100 is used indicates that the printing operation is being performed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the printing apparatus 100 includes a cover member 5 (access cover) and a discharge tray (sheet tray) 6. The cover member 5 is closed during the printing operation, and covers an opening 10 which will be described later with reference to FIG. When the cover member 5 is opened, the user can access at least a part of the built-in print unit through the opening 10 for maintenance (ink replacement, jam processing, etc.). The discharge tray 6 can be rotated between a closed position accommodated in the housing 1 and an open position where a sheet can be placed. The discharge tray 6 mounts a sheet on which an image is printed during a printing operation. In a state before use, the cover member 5 and the discharge tray 6 are accommodated in the printing apparatus 100. A supply tray 18 is disposed inside the printing apparatus 100. Sheets are set in the supply tray 18. The opening / closing member 4 is attached to the supply tray 18 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows A and B (opening / closing direction) shown in the drawing with the rotation fulcrum 13 as the center. Further, when the sheet does not fit in the supply tray 18 because the length of the sheet in the y direction is longer than the length of the supply tray 18 in the y direction, the opening / closing member 4 supports the sheet. In this case, the opening / closing member 4 functions as a supply tray. The cover member 5 is attached to the housing 1 so as to be rotatable in the directions indicated by arrows H and I shown in the drawing with the rotation fulcrum 11 as the center, and the opening 10 can be opened and closed. The discharge tray 6 is attached to the cover member 5 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows C and D shown in the drawing with the rotation fulcrum 12 as the center.

  2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a usage state of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 2B shows a cross section taken along line IIb-IIb shown in FIG. 2A, and shows an enlarged configuration around the opening / closing member 4. During the printing operation, the user rotates the opening / closing member 4 in the direction A from the state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to the open state shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. At that time, in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member 4, the discharge tray 6 is rotated in the C direction by its own weight, and is disposed at a placement position (open position) where the sheet discharged from the printing apparatus 100 is placed. . The rotation of the discharge tray 6 in the C direction is regulated by the regulation unit 16 at a predetermined position. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cover member 5 is disposed at a position covering the opening 10 during the printing operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the discharge tray 6 has an extension tray 7. The extension tray 7 is provided downstream of the discharge tray 6 in the y direction. The extension tray 7 is attached to the discharge tray 6 so that it can be pulled out in the E direction in the drawing and can be pushed in the F direction. The extension tray 7 is a tray for extending the length in the y direction of the surface (mounting surface) on which the sheet of the discharge tray 6 is placed in the state of being pulled out from the discharge tray 6. In the state shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the extension tray 7 is pulled out.

  An inclined portion 8 (sub-extension tray) is provided at a position downstream of the extension tray 7 in the y direction. 2A and 2B show a state after the inclined portion 8 is rotated in the direction of arrow G in the drawing. In this state, the inclined portion 8 is inclined upward in the z direction as it goes from the upstream side in the y direction to the downstream side. By guiding the leading edge of the sheet discharged from the upstream side in the y direction toward the downstream side, the leading edge of the sheet hangs down from the downstream end in the y direction of the tray to prevent the sheet from dropping from the tray. Further, by causing the inclined portion 8 to function as a stopper, the discharged sheets are discharged on the upper surface (mounting surface) in the z direction of the discharge tray 6, the extension tray 7, and the inclined portion 8, and a plurality of sheets are discharged. In order to do so, the sheets can be aligned and stacked on the mounting surface.

  For example, in the configuration in which the opening / closing member 4 is provided with an inclined portion, when the sheet is set from the opening / closing member 4 to the supply tray 18, the inclined portion may obstruct the setting operation. On the other hand, here, by providing the inclined portion 8 on the extension tray 7 of the discharge tray 6, it is possible to prevent the inclined portion from interfering with the sheet setting operation or the like. A method of rotating and folding the folded inclined portion 8 in the G direction will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first contact portion 14 is provided on the surface of the opening / closing member 4 facing upward in the z direction. A first receiving portion 15 is provided on the surface of the discharge tray 6 facing downward in the z direction. The cover member 5 is provided with a second contact portion 17. Details of these will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a maintenance state of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 3B shows a cross section taken along line IIIb-IIIb shown in FIG. 3A, and shows an enlarged configuration around the opening / closing member 4. In a maintenance operation that requires opening the opening 10, the user rotates the cover member 5 in the H direction. Then, the state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is obtained, and the inside of the printing apparatus 100 can be accessed from the opening 10. A roller base 9 made of a strong metal plate is attached to the cover member 5.

  Here, the roller base 9 will be described. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the roller base 9, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view showing a state where the roller base 9 is attached to the cover member 5. FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between the roller base 9 and the discharge roller 33 during sheet conveyance. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a driven roller 34 is held on a roller base 9 formed by sheet metal processing. The driven roller 34 is a roulette-shaped spur having a sharp blade edge, and is elastically suspended from the roller base 9 by a spring (suspension member). When the sheet is conveyed, the driven roller 34 is disposed at a position facing a rubber portion (not shown) provided on the discharge roller 33. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a push roller 92 for restricting the posture of the sheet is disposed upstream of the driven roller 34 in the sheet conveying direction (y direction). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the roller base 9 has a rough engagement portion D. By engaging the rough engagement portion D and the shaft holding portion C provided on the cover member 5, the roller base 9 is held on the cover member 5 in the open state of the cover member 5. Further, positioning portions U1 and U2 are provided at both ends of the roller base 9 in the x direction. The positioning portions U1 and U2 are positioning portions for determining the posture of the roller base 9 when the cover member 5 is closed. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the sheet is conveyed, the driven roller 34 is disposed at a position facing the discharge roller 33 and forms a nip by contacting the discharge roller 33. Accordingly, the driven roller 34 can sandwich the sheet with the discharge roller 33, and can rotate with the rotation of the discharge roller 33 to convey the sheet.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing configurations of the cover member 5 and the roller base 9. As shown in FIG. 5, a spring member (elastic member) 93 is provided between the roller base 9 and the cover member 5. By this spring member 93, the roller base 9 and the cover member 5 are urged away from each other. When the cover member 5 is closed, a biasing force is applied by the spring member 93 to push (rotate) the roller base 9. The roller base 9 is not illustrated at a position rotated to a position where the angle formed by the central axis extending in the expansion / contraction direction (elastic direction) of the spring member 93 and the roller base 9 is an acute angle θ °. The rotation is regulated by the stopper and settled. Here, the posture of the roller base 9 in this state is referred to as “the posture at the time of opening”.

  3A and 3B, the roller base 9 is also moved in conjunction with the rotation of the cover member 5, and a part of the roller base 9 is exposed. When the cover member 5 is opened, the driven roller 34 also moves forward as the roller base 9 moves, so that the discharge roller 33 and the driven roller 34 that have been in contact with each other are separated. Since the discharge tray 6 and the roller base 9 are attached to the cover member 5, these members are interlocked with the rotation of the cover member 5 so that the opening area becomes relatively wide only by opening the cover member 5. The opening 10 can be opened. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the cover member 5 is in the open state, the roller base 9 is in the open position and retracts below the discharge roller 33 in the z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a base support portion 95 is provided at a position above the position of the discharge roller 33 in the z direction inside the housing. The base support portions 95 are provided at positions on both ends in the x direction of the opening 10 in the housing 1, and have a role of positioning and supporting the roller base 9 at both ends when the cover member 5 is closed.

  FIG. 6 is a side view showing the base support portion 95. The base support part 95 has a guide part G for guiding the roller base 9 toward the opening 10 and a support part P for determining and supporting the position of the base support part 95 in the housing 1. In the closed state of the cover member 5, the positioning parts U 1 and U 2 on the right side in the x direction of the roller base 9 are positioned by the support part P on the right side in the x direction of the base support part 95. The positioning portions U1 and U2 on the left side in the x direction of the roller base 9 are positioned by the support portion P on the left side in the x direction of the base support portion 95.

  7A to 7C are cross-sectional views for explaining the rotation operation of the cover member 5. FIG. 7A shows an attitude in which the cover member 5 is in an open state. When the cover member 5 is rotated in the I direction from this posture and the closing operation is started, the positioning portion U1 of the roller base 9 is guided to the guide portion G during the closing operation of the cover member 5 as shown in FIG. Began to be guided by. When the closing operation is continued, the positioning portion U2 is guided to the guide portion G. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the cover member 5 is in a closed state that closes the opening 10, the positioning portions U1 and U2 reach the position of the support portion P.

  8A and 8B are partial cross-sectional views showing a state where the cover member 5 is closed. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the cover member 5 is closed, the roller base 9 is pressed against the Py surface that is the upstream surface in the y direction of the support portion P by the force from the spring member 93. As a result, the force Fy from the roller base 9 acts on the Py surface of the support portion P. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the elastically suspended driven roller 34 is pressed against the discharge roller 33, and the roller base 9 receives the reaction force Fs. By this reaction force Fs, the positioning portion U1 and the positioning portion U2 of the roller base 9 are pressed against the two Pz surfaces of the upper surface in the z direction of the support portion P of the base support portion 95 with the force Fz. Thereby, the posture of the roller base 9 is maintained. Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 8A, the shaft holding portion C of the cover member 5 and the rough engagement portion D of the roller base 9 are in a positional relationship that does not contact each other. Therefore, the posture of the roller base 9 does not depend on the cover member 5 and is determined only by the base support portion 95.

  Therefore, the posture of the roller base 9 is such that it is held by the shaft holding portion C and the stopper portion (not shown) of the cover member 5 when the cover member 5 is opened, and held by the support portion P of the base support portion 95 when the cover member is closed. Become.

  According to this configuration, in the closed state of the cover member 5, the horizontal posture of the roller base 9 does not depend on the cover member 5, and the base support portion 95 (guide member) that is fixedly provided in the housing 1. Determined by. Therefore, it is possible to place the parts with high accuracy with respect to the transport path.

  According to this configuration, in the open state of the cover member 5, the roller base 9 (driven roller unit) is not in contact with the base support portion 95 and is held by the shaft holding portion C of the cover member 5 and a stopper (not shown). Is done. As a result, it is possible to realize a configuration capable of retracting the roller base 9 from the cartridge attachment / detachment locus. Since the roller base 9 is held by the cover member 5 or the like when the cover member 5 is opened, the base support portion 95 guides the movement of the roller base 9 to the position of the roller base 9 when the cover member 5 is open. I don't need that. Therefore, the size of the apparatus front side can be reduced without requiring the guide surface of the base support portion 95 to extend to the position of the roller base 9 in the open state of the cover member 5. Furthermore, since the sliding portion between the roller base 9 and the base support portion 95 can be reduced during the opening / closing operation of the cover member 5, it is possible to suppress wear deterioration of the positioning portions U1 and U2. In the open state of the cover member 5, the exposed portion of the driven roller 34 from the roller base 9 can be retracted from the cartridge attachment / detachment locus, and the cartridge and the driven roller 34 can be prevented from contacting when the cartridge is replaced. You can also.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views for explaining the force acting on the discharge tray 6. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the broken line area shown in FIG. 9A and 9B show the usage state of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. In this state, the opening 10 is closed by the cover member 5, and the rotation of the discharge tray 6 is restricted by the restricting portion 16. Here, a case will be described in which a discharge tray 6 made of a resin material is used so that it can be bent when a force is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when a pressing force P from the upper side to the lower side in the z direction is applied to the discharge tray 6, the discharge tray 6 bends downward in the z direction, and the first receiving portion 15 of the discharge tray 6 and The first contact portion 14 of the opening / closing member 4 comes into contact. Then, the discharge tray 6 is rattled toward the second contact portion 17 of the cover member 5 with the contact portion with the first contact portion 14 as a fulcrum f, and the upstream portion of the discharge tray 6 in the y direction. Contacts the second contact portion 17. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the force F from the discharge tray 6 is applied to the second contact portion 17. The second abutting portion 17 is formed so that a force in the I direction is applied to the cover member 5 when a pressing force P is applied to the discharging tray 6 and the discharging tray 6 comes into contact with the second abutting portion 17. It is configured to apply a force in the closing direction. Accordingly, here, even when a force in the direction of further opening the discharge tray 6 is applied, the cover member 5 is also interlocked with the rotation of the discharge tray 6 to prevent the opening 10 from being opened. In the present embodiment, the second contact portion 17 is provided with an angle so as to generate a component force C of the force F so that a force in the I direction is applied to the cover member 5.

  In the state where the discharge tray 6 and the second contact portion 17 are in contact with each other, the discharge tray 6 and the regulating portion 16 may be separated from each other. Here, when the printing apparatus 100 is used, when the pressing force P is not applied to the discharge tray 6, the first receiving portion 15 and the first contact portion 14 are separated from each other, and the discharge tray 6 is pressed. When the pressure P is applied, the 1st receiving part 15 and the 1st contact part 14 shall contact. However, when there is no influence on the placement of the sheet on the discharge tray 6, the first receiving portion 15 and the first contact portion 14 are in contact with each other in a state where the pressing force P is not applied to the discharge tray 6. Also good.

  FIGS. 10A to 10E are schematic views showing other examples of the configuration of the cover member 5 and the discharge tray 6, and are schematic diagrams for explaining the force acting on the cover member 5 in each configuration. . FIGS. 10A to 10E show a state in which a pressing force P directed downward in the z direction is applied to the discharge tray 6 in a state where the cover member 5 closes the opening 10 when the printing apparatus 100 is used. Yes.

  Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the first contact portion 14 is used as the restricting portion instead of the restricting portion 16 shown in FIG. 2B or the like. In these examples, since the first contact portion 14 is used as a restriction portion that restricts the rotation of the discharge tray 6 in the A direction, the discharge tray 6 and the first contact portion 14 are used when the printing apparatus 100 is used. Is in contact. Therefore, unlike the embodiment in which the discharge tray 6 is bent and the first receiving portion 15 and the first contact portion 14 are brought into contact with each other, it is not essential to bend the discharge tray 6. Therefore, in each example shown to Fig.10 (a) to (e), the discharge tray 6 may be comprised by substantially rigid members, such as a metal member. 10A to 10E, illustration of the first receiving portion 15 and the like shown in FIG. 2B and the like is omitted.

  FIG. 10A shows an example in which the configuration described in FIGS. 9A and 9C is the same as the configuration other than the restricting portion. When the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6, the portion on the upstream side in the y direction of the discharge tray 6 is placed on the second contact portion 17 of the cover member 5 with the contact portion with the first contact portion 14 as a fulcrum f. Contact. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the second contact portion 17 is configured to generate a component force C in the force F from the discharge tray 6 so that a force in the I direction is applied to the cover member 5. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 10A as well, the cover member 5 can be prevented from opening even when a force in the opening direction is further applied to the discharge tray 6.

  FIG. 10B shows an example in which the configuration of the upstream portion of the discharge tray 6 in the y direction and the position of the second contact portion 17 in the cover member 5 are different from the example shown in FIG. ing. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the discharge tray 6 in the state of being placed at the loading position extends obliquely downward in the z direction from the downstream side in the y direction to the upstream side in the y direction. And the member 6a which orient | assigns the edge part of the y direction upstream toward diagonally z direction upper direction is attached. The second abutting portion 17 is provided at a position where the cover member 5 comes into contact with the member 6 a when the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10B, by attaching the member 6 a to the discharge tray 6, the direction of the force F from the discharge tray 6 is the direction in which the force in the I direction is applied to the cover member 5. This prevents the cover member 5 from opening when the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6 even when the second contact portion 17 is not disposed so as to generate a component force in the force F. can do.

  FIGS. 10C and 10D show examples in which the positional relationship between the rotation fulcrum 12 of the discharge tray 6 and the rotation fulcrum 11 of the cover member 5 is different from the example shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the rotation fulcrum 11 of the cover member 5 is located between the position of the rotation fulcrum 12 of the discharge tray 6 and the position of the first contact portion 14 in the y direction. Yes. 10 (a) and 10 (b), the rotation fulcrum 11 is located on the upstream side in the y direction with respect to the positions of the first contact portion 14 and the rotation fulcrum 12, but in FIG. 10 (c). You may be located in the position shown. That is, when the second contact portion 17 is provided at a position where the component force C is generated in the force F when the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6, the positions of the rotation fulcrum 12 and the rotation fulcrum 11 are set. The relationship is not particularly limited. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 10C, the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 10D shows an example of a configuration in which the rotation fulcrum 11 is provided above the rotation fulcrum 12 in the z direction.

  FIG. 10 (e) shows the positional relationship between the rotation fulcrum 12 of the discharge tray 6 and the rotation fulcrum 11 of the cover member 5, the configuration of the discharge tray 6, and the position of the second contact portion 17 in FIG. An example different from the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10E, the rotation fulcrum 11 of the cover member 5 and the rotation fulcrum 12 of the discharge tray 6 are located at the same position. A member 6b extending upward from the lower side in the z direction is attached to a position on the upstream side in the y direction of the discharge tray 6 in a state of being placed. The second abutting portion 17 is provided at a position where the cover member 5 contacts the member 6b when the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6 and the discharge tray 6 rotates in the A direction. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10E, the member 6b is attached to the discharge tray 6, and the second contact portion 17 is provided at a position where the component force C is generated in the force F from the member 6b. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cover member 5 from opening when a force in the A direction is applied to the discharge tray 6.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E, the cover member 5 having a substantially rectangular shape is used from the front of the drawing, and the positions of the rotation fulcrum 11 and the rotation fulcrum 12 in the y direction. Are shown in the same position.

  As shown in FIGS. 10B to 10E, when the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6, the structure of the discharge tray 6 is changed so that a force in the direction of closing the opening 10 is applied to the cover member 5. The position and angle of the two abutting portions 17 may be changed as appropriate. When the pressing force P is applied to the discharge tray 6, if the force in the direction of closing the opening 10 is applied to the cover member 5, the positional relationship between the rotation fulcrum 11 and the rotation fulcrum 12 is particularly limited to the illustrated example. Is not to be done.

  10B and 10E, the configuration in which the member 6a or the member 6b is attached to the discharge tray 6 has been described. However, the member 6a and the member 6b may be formed integrally with the discharge tray 6. Good.

  As described above, when the apparatus is used, the force in the direction of gravity applied to the discharge tray 6 in the open position is converted into the force in the direction of closing the cover member 5, thereby rotating the discharge tray 6. The cover member 5 is prevented from opening in conjunction with it. A mechanism for this purpose is referred to herein as a conversion mechanism. In the above-described example, the conversion mechanism is configured to include the first contact portion 14 and the second contact portion 17. In addition, although the structure which provides the 1st contact part 14 in the opening / closing member 4 was demonstrated, the 1st contact part 14 may be provided in any member. That is, the first contact portion 14 is provided at a position that becomes a fulcrum of the discharge tray 6 so as to contact the second contact portion 17 when a force in the opening direction is further applied to the discharge tray 6 in the open state. It only has to be.

  FIGS. 11A to 11E are cross-sectional views for explaining the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 4. 11A to 11D are cross-sectional views showing the state shown in FIG. 1B, the state before the extension tray 7 shown in FIG. 2B is pulled out, and the state between them. is there. FIG. 11E is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the broken line area VIe shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, the discharge tray 6 is provided with a guide portion 19. As shown in FIG. 11 (e), the guide portion 19 has a guide surface J for guiding the first abutment portion 14, a guide surface K, and a surface facing downward in the z direction when the discharge tray 6 is opened. A guide surface L is provided. The guide surface L, the guide surface K, and the guide surface J are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the y direction toward the downstream side. FIG. 11D shows a state where the opening / closing member 4 is disposed at the use position. In this state, as shown in FIG. 11 (e), the guide surface L is disposed below the guide surface J in the z direction, and the guide surface K is a slope connecting the guide surface J and the guide surface L. Yes. Thus, by guiding the first contact portion 14 by the guide surfaces J, K, and L having different heights in the z direction, the distance between the opening / closing member 4 and the discharge tray 6 is reduced during the opening / closing operation. Is preventing.

  In the opening operation, the user rotates the opening / closing member 4 housed in the casing 1 of the printing apparatus 100 in the A direction as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11 (b), when the opening / closing member 4 rotates in the A direction, the discharge tray 6 disposed inside the opening / closing member 4 in the state where the opening / closing member 4 is housed in the housing 1 is Then, it is released from the urging force by the opening / closing member 4 and rotates in the C direction by its own weight. As shown in FIGS. 11B to 11C, during the opening operation, the first contact portion 14 is guided by the guide surfaces in the order of the guide surfaces L, K, and J, as shown in FIG. 11D. Thus, it is in a state located at the use position. The portion of the first contact portion 14 that contacts the first receiving portion 15 has a rib shape in order to reduce the contact force. Thus, when the state shown in FIG. 11C is changed to the state shown in FIG. 11D, it is possible to prevent a situation where the first contact portion 14 is caught by the first receiving portion 15 and the opening operation is not completed. it can. In addition, although the structure which made the contact part with the 1st receiving part 15 of the 1st contact part 14 the rib shape was demonstrated here, the contact force reduction means to reduce contact force is not limited to this example. Absent. For example, the contact surface of the first contact portion 14 with the first receiving portion 15 may be a gentle slope, or the entire first contact portion 14 or the portion that contacts the first receiving portion 15 may be a low friction resin. You may comprise by a member. Further, a contact force may be reduced by attaching a sheet or the like to a portion that contacts the first receiving portion 15.

  In the closing operation, the user rotates the opening / closing member 4 arranged at the use position in the B direction as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11C, when the opening / closing member 4 rotates in the B direction, the first contact portion 14 comes into contact with the guide portion 19 so that the discharge tray 6 also rotates in the D direction. As shown in FIGS. 11C to 11B, during the closing operation, the first contact portion 14 is guided by the guide surfaces in the order of the guide surfaces J, K, and L, as shown in FIG. 11A. Thus, it is in a state of being accommodated in the housing 1.

  FIGS. 12A to 12C are views for explaining the opening / closing member 4 in a used state. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged broken line area VIIa shown in FIG. 12B and 12C show a state in which a force from the upper side to the lower side in the z direction is applied to the opening / closing member 4. FIG. 12B is a schematic top view showing a state viewed from the upper side in the z direction, and FIG. 12C is a schematic side view showing a state viewed from the downstream side in the x direction.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, in the use state, the opening / closing member 4 is rotated in the direction A by the restriction portion 20 provided on the downstream side of the opening / closing member 4 in the y direction and the printing apparatus 100. It is regulated by contacting with the first regulating part 21 provided inside. Although not shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C, an elastic member 24 is attached to the rotation shaft 22 of the opening / closing member 4. Here, an elastic member 24 made of a resin material is used. The opening / closing member 4 and the elastic member 24 are disposed so as to face each other. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, the surface of the opening / closing member 4 facing the upstream side in the x direction and the surface of the elastic member 24 facing the downstream side in the x direction are arranged so as to face each other. Has been. A plurality of ribs formed at predetermined intervals are provided on the surface of the elastic member 24 facing the opening / closing member 4. The elastic member 24 is arranged so as not to bend in the z direction.

  Thus, in the state shown in FIG. 12A, when a downward force is applied to the opening / closing member 4, the elastic member 24 bends in the M direction as shown in FIG. 12B. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 22 moves in the N direction. As shown in FIG. 12 (c), when the rotation shaft 22 moves in the N direction, the restricting portion 20 is separated from the first restricting portion (first turning restricting portion) 21, and the first restricting portion 21 and the restricting portion are restricted. A space is generated between the unit 20 and the unit 20. As a result, the opening / closing member 4 is released from the restricted state by the first restricting portion 21 and comes into contact with the second restricting portion (second rotation restricting portion) 23. FIG. 12C shows a state in which the opening / closing member 4 is inclined about 30 degrees in the A direction from the use position shown in FIG. The user can determine that the opening / closing member 4 is opened from the use position based on the angle of the opening / closing member 4 or the sound or impact when the restricting portion 20 moves from the first restricting portion 21. As a result, the opening / closing member 4 and the first restricting portion 21 are damaged by applying a downward force to the opening / closing member 4 without releasing the contact state between the first restricting portion 21 and the restricting portion 20. Can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (c), even when the restricting portion 20 is moved from the first restricting portion 21, the restricting portion 20 is in contact with the second restricting portion 23, and the opening / closing member 4 is detached from the housing 1. There is no such thing. Accordingly, when the opening / closing member 4 is rotated in the B direction, the elastic member 24 is released from bending in the M direction, and the opening / closing member 4 can be returned to the use position.

  Here, the case where the elastic member 24 is used has been described, but when the opening / closing member 4 is applied with a downward force in the z direction, the restricting portion 20 is moved from the first restricting portion 21 to the second restricting portion 23. However, other configurations may be used. For example, you may comprise the 1st control part 21 with an elastic member.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a method of developing the inclined portion 8, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a broken line region VIII shown in FIG. The user pulls out the extended tray 7 from the discharge tray 6 in the E direction, and then rotates the inclined portion 8 in the G direction with the connecting portion with the extension tray 7 as a fulcrum 27 to thereby remove the folded inclined portion 8. expand. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, an inclined portion 8 having an upward inclination larger than the inclination of the discharge tray 6 and the extension tray 7 is formed. The inclined portion 8 and the extension tray 7 are accommodated in the discharge tray 6 by rotating the inclined portion 8 in the K direction and pushing the extension tray 7 in the F direction.

  In order to reduce the number of user operations during deployment, an angle changing means such as a torsion coil spring is disposed at the position corresponding to the fulcrum 27, and the inclined portion 8 is deployed as the extension tray 7 is pulled out in the E direction. You may do it. In this case, it is desirable to arrange a damper or the like so as to rotate slowly. Further, in order to reduce the number of user operations during storage, the inclined portion 8 may be rotated in the K direction in conjunction with the movement of the extension tray 7 pushed in the E direction. By using a rack and pinion mechanism or the like, the angle change operation of the inclined portion 8 is linked to the slide operation of the extension tray 7, thereby reducing the number of user operations during housing.

  14A and 14B are cross-sectional views for explaining another example of the configuration of the inclined portion 8. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, here, a case where the extension tray 7 and the inclined portion 8 having a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIG. 13 is used will be described. Since the configuration is different, the method of developing the inclined portion 8 is also different from the method described above with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the inclined portion 8 is folded and accommodated in the extension tray 7, and FIG. 14B shows a state in which the inclined portion 8 is developed. In addition, illustration of the discharge tray 6 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 14 (a) and (b).

  As shown in FIG. 14A, an angle changing means (inclination forming portion) 25 is arranged at the end of the extension tray 7 on the downstream side in the y direction. In addition, a tray operation unit 26 is attached to the extension tray 7 so as to be slidable in the E direction or the F direction in the drawing. A portion on the upstream side in the y direction of the inclined portion 8 is attached to a position on the upstream side in the y direction of the tray operation unit 26. The lower surface of the inclined portion 8 facing downward in the z direction and the upper surface of the angle changing means 25 facing upward in the z direction are opposed to each other. The upper surface of the angle changing means 25 supports the lower surface of the inclined portion 8 when the extension tray 7 is pulled out to the use position. At that time, the upper surface of the angle changing means 25 is inclined so that the inclined portion 8 has a desired angle with respect to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 100.

  At the time of unfolding, the user pulls out the extension tray 7 and the inclined portion 8 in the E direction by pulling out the tray operation unit 26 in the E direction from the state shown in FIG. The movement of the tray operation unit 26 in the E direction is restricted at the position where the extension tray 7 is disposed at the use position, and as shown in FIG. 14B, the upward inclination is larger than the inclination of the extension tray 7. The inclined portion 8 is formed. At the time of accommodation, the user moves the extension tray 7 and the inclined portion 8 in the F direction by pushing the tray operation unit 26 in the F direction from the state shown in FIG. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14A, the inclined portion 8 is accommodated in the extension tray 7 together with the tray operation portion 26, and the extension tray 7 is accommodated in the discharge tray 6. As a result, the extension tray 7 is disposed at the accommodation position.

  In addition, when the apparatus is used, the configuration of the tray and the developing method thereof are particularly limited to the configuration and method illustrated and described as long as the inclined portion can be provided in the downstream portion of the discharge tray in the transport direction. It is not something.

  According to the above configuration, the force acting in the direction of gravity when a large number of sheets are stacked on the sheet tray or the user tries to depress the sheet tray inadvertently becomes the force in the direction of closing the access cover. Since the conversion is performed, the access cover is prevented from being opened carelessly.

(Print unit housing)
Next, the configuration of the housing 1 incorporating the print unit will be described. In the following, the generic term for the ADF unit 3 and the document cover 2 is referred to as “scanner unit (processing unit / processing unit)”. As shown in FIG. 1A and the like, a scanner unit is disposed above the housing 1 in the z direction. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 and the like, a print unit (processing unit / printing unit / processing unit) including the print head 53 and the like is disposed inside the housing 1.

  15 and 16 are perspective views showing the internal configuration of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 15, a supply drive unit 38 (supply drive unit) and a conveyance drive unit 36 (conveyance unit / conveyance drive unit) are arranged inside the housing 1. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 20, a transport roller 32 and a discharge roller 33 are supported by the transport drive unit 36. In addition, a roller support plate (roller support member) 37 and a platen 35 that support the other ends of the transport roller 32 and the discharge roller 33 are disposed inside the housing 1. FIG. 16 shows a state where the head chassis 50 and the like are arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, a head chassis 50, a carriage motor 51, a carriage 52, and a pinch roller holder 54 are disposed inside the housing 1. In addition, the housing | casing 1 is comprised by one component shape | molded by the resin material. Although details will be described later, since each member can be positioned with high accuracy by arranging each member with respect to the casing 1 which is a single component, a desired printing operation and conveying operation are executed. be able to. Further, by using the housing 1 which is a single component, the number of components can be reduced as compared with the case where a housing is configured by combining a plurality of components. Therefore, the cost can be reduced and the printing apparatus 100 can be manufactured by relatively few processes.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus 100. In FIG. 17, the illustration of the scanner unit is omitted. In the housing 1, in addition to the members shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a supply roller 63, a separation bank 62, an intermediate supply roller 64, an intermediate supply pinch roller 65, a supply path 67, an internal sheet guide (guide member) 39. A pinch roller 55 and a driven roller 34 are disposed. A print head 53 and a head chassis 50 are disposed in the housing 1. A rear guide 66 is attached to the housing 1.

  In the housing 1, the sheet S set on the supply tray 18 is sent out toward the separation bank 62 located on the downstream side in the supply direction by the rotation of the supply roller 63 contacting the sheet S. The leading edge of the sheet S sent out by the supply roller 63 is abutted against the separation bank 62 and moves upward in the z direction along the separation bank 62. Accordingly, when a plurality of sheets are set on the supply tray 18, the sheet positioned at the uppermost position in the z direction is separated from the other sheets. The sheet S directed upward in the z direction is sandwiched between the intermediate supply roller 64 and the intermediate supply pinch roller 65, and moves along the supply path 67 by the rotation thereof. Here, the supply path 67 has a U-turn path shape, and the traveling direction of the sheet S is reversed. The sheet S is guided toward the downstream side in the y direction by the internal sheet guide 39 and is sandwiched between the conveying roller 32 and the pinch roller 55, and by these rotations, the platen 35 and the print head 53 attached to the carriage 52 are connected. It is conveyed to the position between. At this position, the printing operation for the sheet S is performed. The sheet S on which an image or the like is printed is sandwiched between the discharge roller 33 and the driven roller 34 and discharged to the discharge tray 6 by these rotations.

  18A and 18B are perspective views for explaining the scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, and 1t in the housing 1. FIG. FIG. 18A shows the housing 1 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 18B shows the housing 1 as seen from the back side. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the housing 1 includes a bottom surface portion 1a, upright shape portions 1b, 1c, 1k, a front surface opening portion 1o, a back surface opening portion 1p, and scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, 1t.

  A member related to sheet conveyance, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The upright shape portions 1b, 1c, and 1k are provided to ensure the strength and dimensional accuracy of the bottom surface portion 1a. The upright shape portion 1 b (front wall, rear wall, and two lateral walls) extends over substantially the entire outer peripheral portion of the housing 1, functions as an exterior cover, and serves as an outer wall of the housing 1. The upright shape portions 1 c and 1 k are provided inside the housing 1, are used for positioning when each member is arranged in the housing 1, and serve as an inner wall of the housing 1.

  The front opening 1o is an opening serving as a supply port for supplying a sheet into the apparatus and a discharge port for discharging the sheet to the outside of the apparatus, and is provided on the downstream surface in the y direction. The back surface opening 1p is an opening for enabling access to the U-turn shape portion (reversing portion) of the supply path 67 and the like, and is provided on the upstream side in the y direction. The opening areas of these openings are set in consideration of the influence on the strength, function, operability and the like of the entire printing apparatus 100. In order to arrange each member with high accuracy and high rigidity in the apparatus, the upright shape portions 1c and 1k are provided in the vicinity of the front opening 1o and the rear opening 1p.

  The scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, and 1t are portions for supporting a scanner unit disposed on a scanner base 40 described later with reference to FIG. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, and 1t are provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the upper edge portion of the casing 1 that is substantially rectangular here. .

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views showing the housing 1 and the scanner base 40. The scanner base 40 has a function as a cover that closes an opening that opens upward in the z direction of the housing 1 and a function that improves the strength of the printing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 19A, protrusions 40a and 40b are provided on the lower portion (bottom) of the scanner base 40 in the z direction. Further, protrusions 40 c and 40 d are provided on the surface (front surface) on the downstream side in the y direction of the scanner base 40. When the scanner base 40 is attached to the housing 1, the state shown in FIG. In this state, the protrusions 40 a to 40 d are in contact with the inside of the opening that opens upward in the z direction of the housing 1. Thus, the strength including the torsional rigidity of the casing 1 is improved by combining the casing 1 and the scanner base 40. An engagement portion (not shown) that engages with the scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, and 1t is provided at the bottom of the scanner base 40. As a result, the weight of the scanner unit disposed on the scanner base 40 is supported by the scanner support portions 1q, 1r, 1s, and 1t of the housing 1 via the engaging portion of the scanner base 40. .

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing members involved in sheet conveyance. The transport driving unit 36 transmits the driving force of the transport motor 70 to the transport roller 32 and the discharge roller 33 through the gear train. As shown in FIG. 20, one end of the transport roller 32 and the discharge roller 33 is supported by the transport drive unit 36. The other ends of the transport roller 32 and the discharge roller 33 are supported by a roller support plate 37. The roller support plate 37 is made of a material excellent in slidability and wear resistance, and can stably support the transport roller 32 and the discharge roller 33. A method for attaching the roller support plate 37 to the housing 1 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The supply drive unit 38 transmits the rotation of the transport roller 32 to the supply roller 63 and the intermediate supply roller 64. The supply roller 63 is rotatably supported by the supply roller arm, and the rotation shaft of the supply roller arm is rotatably supported by the housing 1. The supply roller arm is supported by a high-strength portion of the housing 1, so that deformation can be suppressed even when the supply roller 63 receives a reaction force during supply. The intermediate supply roller 64 is rotatably supported by the intermediate supply roller arm. As shown in FIG. 20, the supply drive unit 38 is disposed at a position adjacent to the roller support plate 37, and transmits the rotation of the transport roller 32 to the rotation shaft of each arm via the gear train, thereby supplying the supply. The roller 63 and the intermediate supply roller 64 are rotated. The supply drive unit 38 is screwed in the vicinity of the upright shape portion 1 c and attached to the housing 1. As a result, the positional relationship between the transport roller 32 and the supply drive unit 38 is maintained with high accuracy, so that the rotational force from the transport roller 32 can be stably transmitted to the supply roller 63 and the intermediate supply roller 64. .

  FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views illustrating a method of attaching the transport drive unit 36. FIG. As shown in FIG. 21A, the frame 41 is provided with openings 41a to 41d, and the upper surface of the upright shape portion 1k of the housing 1 is provided with protrusions 72a to 72d. When the openings 41a to 41d and the protrusions 72a to 72d are fitted and screwed, the state shown in FIG. As a result, the transport drive unit 36 is attached to the housing 1. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the transport drive unit 36 is attached to the upright shape portion 1 k in the vicinity of the upright shape portion 1 b constituting the outer periphery of the housing 1.

  FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views for explaining a method of attaching the roller support plate 37. FIG. As shown in FIG. 22A, the upright shape portion 1c in the housing 1 is provided with protrusions 73a and 73b. Further, the roller support plate 37 is provided with an opening 37a and a cylindrical portion 37b. When the protrusion 73a and the opening 37a are fitted and the protrusion 73b is covered with the cylindrical portion 37b, the state shown in FIG. 22B is obtained. And the roller support plate 37 is attached with respect to the housing | casing 1 by screwing. Thus, the roller support plate 37 is attached to the upright shape portion 1c. Thereby, the conveyance roller 32 and the discharge roller 33 supported by the roller support plate 37 can be positioned with high accuracy.

  FIG. 23 is a perspective view for explaining a method of attaching the inner sheet guide 39. As shown in FIG. 23, the inner sheet guide 39 is provided with openings 39a and 39b, and the housing 1 is provided with protrusions 74a and 74b. The inner sheet guide 39 is attached to the housing 1 by fitting the opening 39a and the protrusion 74a and the opening 39b and the protrusion 74b, respectively, and screwing. Accordingly, the inner sheet guide 39 is attached in the vicinity of the upright shape portions 1c and 1k.

  Here, the material of the inner sheet guide 39 may be the same as or different from the material of the housing 1. For example, a material with excellent wear resistance may be used when importance is attached to durability, and a material with relatively low chargeability may be used when dealing with a wide range of operating environments. In the case of using a material having a relatively low chargeability, generation of static electricity in a low humidity environment can be suppressed, so that a situation in which a desired sheet conveying operation is not performed due to static electricity can be prevented.

  Since the conveyance drive unit 36, the roller support plate 37, and the internal sheet guide 39 are fixed to the housing 1 as described with reference to FIGS. It is positioned with accuracy. Moreover, since each member is attached to the upright shape part of the housing | casing 1, or its vicinity, the intensity | strength as a structure of the printing apparatus 100 whole can be raised.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B are views for explaining the configuration around the carriage 52. 24A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the carriage 52, and FIG. 24B is a perspective view showing the carriage 52, the head chassis 50, and the like. As shown in FIG. 24B, a print head 53 is mounted on the carriage 52. The carriage 52 is supported by the head chassis 50 so as to reciprocate in the x direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the carriage 52 is supported by the head chassis 50 by contacting the support surfaces 50a, 50b, and 50c of the head chassis 50 by its own weight. Yes. As described above, the print head 53 mounted on the carriage 52 is held by the head chassis 50. The head chassis 50 is a metal member and is manufactured by bending.

  A pinch roller holder 54 that supports the pinch roller 55 is attached to the head chassis 50. The head chassis 50 is provided with a support 50d, and the pinch roller holder 54 is supported by the head chassis 50 so as to be rotatable about the support 50d. As shown in FIG. 24B, a spring 56 that biases downward in the z direction is disposed at a position above the pinch roller holder 54 in the z direction. As a result, the pinch roller 55 is brought into contact with the conveying roller 32 at a predetermined pressure in a state where it is attached to the housing 1, and is rotated by the rotation of the conveying roller 32 to convey the sheet sandwiched between them. To do.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22A and 22B, the transport roller 32 is supported by the transport drive unit 36 and the roller support plate 37 that are positioned with high accuracy with respect to the housing 1. ing. Therefore, when the apparatus is in use, even if a force is applied to the transport roller 32 downward from the spring 56 via the pinch roller 55 in the z direction, the distance between the transport roller 32 and the print head 53 is maintained at a desired distance. A desired printing operation can be performed.

  FIGS. 25A to 25C are perspective views for explaining a method of attaching the head chassis 50. In FIG. 25 (b), the broken line area b shown in FIG. 25 (a) is shown enlarged, and in FIG. 25 (c), the broken line area c shown in FIG. 25 (a) is shown enlarged. Yes. As shown in FIG. 25B, fastening portions 1d and 1e and a positioning portion 1h are provided on the upper surface of the upright shape portion 1c facing upward in the z direction. As shown in FIG. 25 (c), fastening portions 1f and 1g and a positioning portion 1i are provided on the upper surface of the upright shape portion 1k facing upward in the z direction. As shown in FIG. 25A, the head chassis 50 is provided with openings 50e and 50f. In addition, although not shown, the head chassis 50 is provided with a plurality of openings that fit into the fastening portions 1d and 1f and the positioning portions 1h and 1i, respectively. As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the fastening portion 1g and the opening 50e are fitted to the fastening portion 1e and the opening 50f, respectively, and the openings corresponding to the fastening portions 1d and 1f and the positioning portions 1h and 1i. The part is fitted. And the head chassis 50 is attached with respect to the housing | casing 1 by screwing to a fastening part.

  FIGS. 26A to 26C are views showing the rear guide 66. FIG. FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views showing the back side of the housing 1. FIG. 26C is a perspective view showing the lock members 68 and 69. FIG. 26A shows a state where the rear guide 66 is opened, and FIG. 26B shows a state where the rear guide 66 is fixed. The rear guide 66 is rotatably supported by a portion of the upright shape portions 1c, 1k below the z direction. Therefore, when the rear guide 66 is fixed to the housing 1, the rear guide 66 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26 (a), rear guide engagement portions 1n and 1m are provided on the upright shape portions 1c and 1k. The rear guide 66 is provided with lock members 68 and 69. As shown in FIG. 26C, the locking members 68 and 69 are provided with engaging portions 68a and 69a. By engaging the engaging portion 1n with the engaging portion 68a and the engaging portion 1m with the engaging portion 69a, respectively, as shown in FIG. Is fixed. As described above, the rear guide 66 is supported by the upright shape portions 1c and 1k, so that the fixing rigidity between the rear guide 66 and the housing 1 becomes relatively strong. For this reason, even when a sheet having relatively high bending rigidity is supplied, the position of the rear guide 66 can be prevented from shifting and a stable supply operation can be performed.

  FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective views showing the cover member 5, and are diagrams for explaining a user operation in the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 27A shows the arrangement of the cover member 5 during the printing operation. FIG. 27B shows the arrangement of the cover member 5 during the maintenance operation.

  When the printing function of the printing apparatus 100 is used, operations such as sheet setting and collection of printed sheets are performed from the front side of the printing apparatus 100. Further, by rotating the cover member 5 in the H direction shown in FIG. 27B and opening the opening 10, the replacement operation of the print head 53 can be performed from the front of the printing apparatus 100. Further, the sheet collecting operation when the sheet is jammed at the position on the downstream side in the y direction relatively close to the opening 10 can be performed by rotating the cover member 5 and opening the opening 10. Even when a sheet is jammed in the vicinity of the print head 53, the sheet collecting operation can be performed in the same manner as described above. When the sheet is jammed in the supply path 67 shown in FIG. 17, the sheet can be taken out by turning the rear guide 66 to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, each operation can be performed by opening the front side or the back side of the housing 1 without using a mechanism for opening the upper surface in the z direction of the housing 1. As a result, the number of components can be reduced as compared with the case where a mechanism for opening the upper surface of the housing 1 is provided, the cost can be reduced, and the strength of the housing 1 as a structure can be increased.

  Note that a member attached to the housing 1 may be formed integrally with the housing 1. For example, the roller support plate 37 may be formed integrally with the housing 1. In this case, the dimensional accuracy between the transport roller 32 supported by the roller support plate 37 and the print head 53 can be further increased. For example, the platen 35 may be formed integrally with the housing 1. Thereby, the interval between the sheet placed on the platen 35 and the print head 53 can be set with higher accuracy. For example, the inner sheet guide 39 may be formed integrally with the housing 1. Thus, when the member attached with respect to the housing | casing 1 is formed integrally with the housing | casing 1, since the number of parts is reduced, cost can be held down.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 25A, the head chassis 50 is attached to the upper surfaces of the upright shape portions 1c and 1k. A portion of the platen 35 on the upstream side in the y direction is supported by the housing 1. As a result, the print head 53 supported by the head chassis 50 and the platen 35 can be positioned with high accuracy, so that the interval between the sheet S on the platen 35 and the print head 53 is set to a desired interval. be able to.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the transport drive unit 36 is attached to the upper surface of the upright shape portion 1k. Thereby, the deformation | transformation of the housing | casing 1 by the pinch pressure of a roller can be suppressed. Further, as described above with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the transport drive unit 36 is attached in the vicinity of the upright shape portion 1b. Accordingly, a relatively large diameter gear can be used.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the print process and the scan process are described as examples of the process for the sheet. However, the process performed on the sheet is not limited to this example. For example, various processes such as a cutting process, a drying process, a stapling process, and a folding process may be performed on the sheet. That is, the present invention can be applied to a sheet processing apparatus that performs various processes on a sheet. In the above-described embodiment, the apparatus having the printer function and the scanner function has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to an apparatus having any one of the functions.

1 Housing 5 Cover member (cover)
6 Discharge tray (sheet tray)
14 First contact part (conversion mechanism)
17 Second contact portion (conversion mechanism)

Claims (24)

A cover supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable;
A sheet tray supported by the cover;
A mechanism for converting a force in the direction of gravity applied to the sheet tray into a force in a direction to close the cover in a state where the cover is closed and the sheet tray is opened;
A sheet processing apparatus comprising: The mechanism is
A first abutting portion provided on the housing and a second abutting portion provided on the cover;
The force in the direction of gravity applied to the sheet tray is converted into a force in the direction of closing the cover by bringing the sheet tray and the second contact portion into contact with each other using the first contact portion as a fulcrum. To
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1. An opening / closing member supported by the housing;
The mechanism is
A first contact portion provided on the opening and closing member, and a second contact portion provided on the cover,
The force in the direction of gravity applied to the sheet tray is converted into a force in the direction of closing the cover by bringing the sheet tray and the second contact portion into contact with each other using the first contact portion as a fulcrum. To
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The sheet tray has a first receiving portion that contacts the first contact portion,
At least one of the first contact portion and the first contact portion of the first contact portion is provided with means for reducing contact force.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is characterized. The sheet tray has a guide part,
When the opening / closing member is rotated, the first contact portion is guided by the guide portion.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that: A first rotation restricting portion for restricting the rotation of the opening / closing member, and a second rotation for restricting the rotation of the opening / closing member further rotated from the position where the rotation is restricted by the first rotation restricting portion. The regulation part is further provided,
At least one of the rotation shaft of the opening / closing member and the first rotation restricting portion is configured by an elastic member,
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is characterized.   7. The foldable slope portion having a larger upward slope than the sheet tray and capable of being folded is provided at a front end of the sheet tray. The sheet processing apparatus according to item. A housing that houses a transport unit for transporting the sheet;
A discharge tray on which a sheet discharged from the housing by the transport unit is placed;
Have
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a foldable inclined portion having a larger upward inclination than the discharge tray is provided at a front end of the discharge tray. The discharge tray has an extension tray, and the inclined portion is provided at the tip of the extension tray,
The inclined portion that is inclined more greatly than the discharge tray and the extension tray is formed by pulling out the extension tray from the discharge tray and unfolding the inclined portion in a folded state. The sheet processing apparatus according to 8. A supply tray on which a sheet to be supplied to the inside of the housing is placed;
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the supply tray is disposed below the discharge tray in a gravity direction. A discharge roller for discharging the sheet;
A base for holding a driven roller facing the discharge roller;
A support portion for supporting an end portion of the base;
A cover that is supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable and that holds the base;
With
With the cover closed, the end of the base is supported by the support, and the discharge roller and the driven roller abut,
When the cover is opened, the base moves with the movement of the cover, the end portion of the base is detached from the support portion, and the discharge roller and the driven roller are separated from each other. apparatus.   An elastic member is provided between the cover and the base, and when the cover is closed, the elastic member urges the base so that an end of the base is pressed against the support portion. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The driven roller is elastically suspended from the base;
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein in a state where the cover is closed, an end portion of the base is pressed against the support portion by a reaction force of the elastic member and the suspension.   The angle formed by the central axis in the elastic direction of the elastic member and the central axis in the sheet conveying direction in the base is an acute angle when the cover is opened. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of 13. A sheet tray is rotatably supported on the cover.
12. A mechanism for converting a force in a direction of gravity applied to the sheet tray into a force in a direction of closing the cover in a state where the cover is closed and the sheet tray is opened. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 14. Provided inside the housing, comprising a print unit for printing an image on a sheet,
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the cover is opened, a user can access at least a part of the print unit.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a scanner unit that is provided on the print unit and reads information on the sheet. The housing is a single part molded from a resin material,
The outer wall of the housing is constituted by a front wall, a rear wall, and two lateral walls,
The upper edge of the housing is formed in a substantially rectangular shape,
The scanner unit is supported by support portions provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the upper edge of the housing.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: A housing that is a single part molded from a resin material;
A print unit housed in the housing;
A scanner unit provided above the print unit and supported by the housing;
With
The outer wall of the housing is constituted by a front wall, a rear wall, and two lateral walls,
The upper edge of the housing is formed in a substantially rectangular shape,
The scanner unit is supported by support portions provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the upper edge portion.
A sheet processing apparatus. The print unit includes a chassis that holds a print head, a platen that supports a sheet, and a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the sheet.
At least one transport roller among the chassis, the platen, and the plurality of transport rollers is supported by the housing.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The print unit includes a conveyance drive unit that drives the plurality of conveyance rollers, and a roller support member that supports at least one conveyance roller among the plurality of conveyance rollers,
The housing has an inner wall;
The transport driving unit is fixed in the vicinity of at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall,
The roller support member, the chassis, and the platen are disposed in the vicinity of the inner wall,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein The print unit has a reversing unit that reverses the traveling direction of the sheet,
The front wall is provided with openings serving as a sheet supply port and a discharge port,
The rear wall is provided with an opening for allowing access to the inversion part,
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that: The print unit includes a supply driving unit that drives a supply roller to supply a sheet to a position where a print head is disposed, and a guide member that guides the sheet supplied by the supply roller,
The supply driving unit and the guide member are supported in the vicinity of the inner wall of the housing.
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that: The print unit includes a platen that supports a sheet, a roller support member that supports at least one of the plurality of transport rollers that transport the sheet, and a guide member that guides the sheet supplied by the supply roller. And
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the platen, the roller support member, and the guide member is formed integrally with the housing.