JP2016155684A - Sheet feeding device and image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet feeding device which enables a sheet bundle to be properly set without occurrence of sheet set failure by eliminating such an inconvenience that partition means is easily pushed away at the time of setting the sheet bundle and an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: A sheet feeding device comprises a sheet feeding cassette 93 including a first sheet storage part 28a which is provided movably between the attachment position and withdrawn position with respect to the apparatus body and stores sheets and a second sheet storage part adjacent to the first sheet storage part. The sheet feeding device comprises a sheet bundle movement member 37 which transfers the sheets in the second sheet storage part to the first sheet storage part at the time when the sheet feeding cassette is at the attachment position. The sheet feeding cassette 93 comprises an arm member 36 which is movable between the partition position for partitioning the storage parts and the open position for opening the storage parts, and a lever member 42 which can lock the arm member at the partition position at the time of being at the withdrawn position and release locking at the time of being at the attachment position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus applicable to an image forming apparatus such as a printer and an image forming apparatus including the sheet feeding apparatus.

  Conventionally, there are first and second sheet storage units arranged in a horizontal direction, and when the sheets in the first sheet storage unit are fed and lost, the sheet bundle in the second sheet storage unit becomes the first sheet storage unit. 2. Description of the Related Art A sheet feeding apparatus having a configuration that is transported and replenished in a batch is known. This sheet feeding apparatus has an intermediate fence (partitioning means) that can be projected and retracted with respect to a sheet transfer path between the first sheet storage unit and the second sheet storage unit. The intermediate fence is a plate member having a substantially L-shape in plan view and having one end rotatably supported in the width direction of the first sheet storage unit. The intermediate fence projects from the projecting position and the projecting position. It is pivotally supported by the retreating position to rotate (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4971204

  However, although the intermediate fence described in Patent Document 1 can provide an effect such as prevention of sheet crossing over the fence, when setting a plurality of sheets (sheet bundle), the weight of the sheet bundle and the operation at the time of sheet setting are set. There is a risk of moving from the protruding position to the retracted position by force. In other words, the intermediate fence is held by being urged to the protruding position by the spring, so if a force greater than the spring force is applied in the reverse direction due to the weight of the sheet bundle or the operation force during sheet setting, the intermediate fence should be in the protruding position. There is a possibility that the fence moves to the retreat position.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that when a detection is made that the intermediate fence has been pushed away to the retracted position, a reset alarm is output to the user, but this is troublesome for the user. In order to eliminate this troublesomeness, it is conceivable to increase the spring force and hold the intermediate fence at the protruding position with a strong force. However, with such a configuration, when retracting from the protruding position to the retracted position when necessary, the load of the motor and solenoid for driving the intermediate fence increases, so a motor or solenoid large enough to counter the load is required. This is necessary, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus.

  Therefore, the present invention avoids the inconvenience that the partitioning unit is easily pushed away when setting the sheet bundle without increasing the size of the apparatus, and enables the sheet bundle to be set properly. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In the sheet feeding apparatus, the present invention is provided with an apparatus main body, a sheet feeding means for feeding a sheet, and a movably installed position and a drawing position with respect to the apparatus main body, and is fed by the feeding means. A sheet storage unit having a first sheet storage unit for storing a sheet, a second sheet storage unit provided adjacent to the first sheet storage unit in the horizontal direction, and the sheet storage unit is in the mounting position. A sheet transfer means for transferring the sheet of the second sheet storage portion to the first sheet storage portion, and the sheet storage means is provided between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion. A partition position that protrudes and partitions between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion, and an open position that retreats from the partition position and opens between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion. The partition means that can be moved and the partition means can be locked to the partition position when the sheet storage means is in the drawer position, and the lock can be released when the sheet storage means is in the mounting position. And locking means provided in such a manner.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid an inconvenience that the partitioning unit is easily pushed away when setting a sheet bundle without increasing the size of the apparatus, and it is possible to appropriately set the sheet bundle.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a laser beam printer as an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the sheet feeding apparatus which concerns on this embodiment in a respectively different state. (A)-(c) is sectional drawing which shows the sheet | seat feeding apparatus which concerns on this embodiment in a respectively different state. (A), (b) is a top view which shows the sheet feeding apparatus which concerns on this embodiment in a respectively different state. The top view shown in the state which pulled out the paper feed cassette concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a lock mechanism of the sheet feeding device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view corresponding to the sheet feeding apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 5 is a detailed plan view corresponding to the sheet feeding apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a detailed plan view corresponding to the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10A is a plan view showing the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9 in a wider range, and FIG. 10B is a detailed view in a cross section at a position where the solenoid can be seen. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a lock mechanism of a sheet feeding device according to a first modification. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a lock mechanism of a sheet feeding device according to a second modification. FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a lock mechanism of a sheet feeding apparatus according to a third modification in a state where the lock mechanism is cut at a position L2 in FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing another state of the locking mechanism of the sheet feeding apparatus according to Modification 3. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a state in which the lock mechanism is cross-sectioned at a position of L1 in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing FIG. 15 viewed from the left side.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a laser beam printer as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front.

[Image forming apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, a full-color laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 201 as an image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) 201a. The apparatus main body 201a is a control unit 67 serving as a control unit that controls each unit of the apparatus, an image forming unit 201b, a fixing unit 220 serving as a fixing unit, and an upper apparatus disposed substantially horizontally above the apparatus main body 201a. Image reading apparatus 202.

  The apparatus main body 201 a is provided with a discharge space S for discharging a sheet below the image reading apparatus 202. A toner cartridge 215 is disposed below the discharge space S, and a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of sheet feeding devices 51, 52, and 53 are disposed below the apparatus main body 201a. The apparatus main body 201a is provided with a mounting space (not shown) in which sheet feeding cassettes 91 and 92 (described later) in the sheet feeding apparatuses 51 and 52 can be mounted and pulled out. Further, the apparatus main body 201a is provided with a mounting space 15 (see FIG. 5) in which a sheet feeding cassette 93 described later in the sheet feeding apparatus 53 can be mounted and pulled out. Due to the mounting space 15, the sheet feeding apparatus 53 can be mounted and pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a. The paper feed cassette 93 can take an attachment position attached to the apparatus main body 201a and a drawer position drawn out from the apparatus main body 201a.

  The image forming unit 201b adopts a four-drum full-color method, and forms a toner image of four colors of laser scanner 210 and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) 4. Each process cartridge 211.

  Here, each process cartridge 211 has a photosensitive drum 212 as a photosensitive member, a charger 213 as a charging unit, a developing unit 214 as a developing unit, and a cleaner (not shown) as a cleaning unit. Yes. In addition, the image forming unit 201 b includes an intermediate transfer unit 201 c above the process cartridge 211.

  The intermediate transfer unit 201c has an intermediate transfer belt 216 wound around a driving roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. The intermediate transfer unit 201 c includes a primary transfer roller 219 that is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 216 and contacts the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 216 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 212. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is composed of a film-like member, is in contact with each photosensitive drum 212, and is rotated in the arrow direction by a driving roller 216a driven by a driving unit (not shown).

  By applying a positive transfer bias from the primary transfer roller 219 to the intermediate transfer belt 216, each color toner image having a negative polarity on the photosensitive drum 212 is sequentially multiplex-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 216. As a result, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt. A secondary transfer roller 217 for transferring a color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt onto the sheet P is disposed at a position facing the drive roller 216a. The secondary transfer nip N formed by the drive roller 216a and the secondary transfer roller 217 in pressure contact with the drive roller 216a constitutes a secondary transfer portion.

  A fixing unit 220 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roller 217 in the sheet conveying direction. Above the fixing unit 220, a first discharge roller pair 225a, a second discharge roller pair 225b, and both-side reversal as a reverse discharge unit. The part 201d is arranged. The double-sided reversing unit 201d includes a reversing roller pair 222 as a sheet reversing and conveying roller capable of normal and reversal, and a re-conveying path R that conveys the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface to the image forming unit 201b again. ing. The image forming unit 201b, the secondary transfer nip N, and the fixing unit 220 constitute an image forming unit 16 that forms an image on the sheet P fed by the sheet feeding devices 51, 52, and 53. .

  In the above configuration, image information read by the image reading apparatus 202 or image information input from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) (not shown) is subjected to image processing and then converted into an electrical signal to be converted into an image forming unit. It is transmitted to the laser scanner 210 of 201b.

  In the image forming unit 201b, the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 of each process cartridge 211 is scanned with laser light corresponding to image information of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black component colors emitted from the laser scanner 210. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 whose surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential is sequentially exposed by the charger 213, and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are respectively exposed on the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges 211. The electrostatic latent images are sequentially formed.

  Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color toners, and each color toner image on each photosensitive drum is intermediated by the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 219. The images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the transfer belt 216. As a result, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 216.

  On the other hand, the sheet P sent out from any of sheet feeding devices 51, 52, 53 described later passes through the registration roller pair 240 and is sent to the secondary transfer nip portion N. Here, the registration roller pair 240 corrects skew by causing the sheet P to abut and forming a loop so that the leading edge of the sheet P follows the nip portion. At the secondary transfer nip portion N, the toner images formed by the image forming portion 201b are secondarily transferred onto the sheet P all at once.

  Subsequently, the sheet P onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred in this manner is conveyed to the fixing unit 220 and heated and pressed to fix the toner image as a color image. Thereafter, the sheet P on which the color image is fixed is discharged to the discharge space S by the first discharge roller pair 225a and is stacked on the stacking portion 26 provided in the discharge space S.

  The sheet feeding devices 51 and 52 include sheet feeding cassettes 91 and 92 that store sheets P, and a sheet feeding unit 24 that feeds the sheets P stored in the sheet feeding cassette 91 toward the downstream drawing roller pair 14. And are arranged. Further, the sheet feeding devices 51 and 52 are provided with a sheet feeding section 24 that feeds the sheet P stored in the sheet feeding cassette 92 toward the downstream drawing roller pair 25. The sheet feeding unit 24 corresponding to the sheet feeding cassette 91 includes a pickup roller 11, a feed roller 12, and a retard roller 13 that are disposed at an upper downstream portion in the sheet feeding direction. In addition, the sheet feeding unit 24 corresponding to the sheet feeding cassette 92 includes a pickup roller 21, a feed roller 22, and a retard roller 23 that are disposed at an upper downstream portion in the sheet feeding direction.

  Further, the sheet feeding device 53 includes a sheet feeding cassette 93 for storing the sheet P, and a sheet feeding unit 24 for feeding the sheet P stored in the sheet feeding cassette 93 toward the downstream drawing roller pair 34. Has been placed. The sheet feeding unit 24 corresponding to the sheet feeding cassette 93 includes a pickup roller 31, a feed roller 32, and a retard roller 33 that are arranged at the upper downstream portion in the sheet feeding direction.

  The pickup rollers 11 and 21 are rotatably supported by arms (not shown) that can rotate about the feed rollers 12 and 22, respectively, and press-contact the sheets P stored in the sheet feeding cassettes 91 and 92, respectively. The sheet P is sent out by rotating. The paper feed cassettes 91 and 92 are supported so that they can be mounted and pulled out from the front side of the apparatus main body 201a in the drawing.

  The pickup roller 31 is rotatably supported by an arm (not shown) that can rotate about the feed roller 32 as a center, and rotates while being pressed against the sheet P stored in the sheet feeding cassette 93. To feed the sheet P. The paper feed cassette 93 is supported so that it can be mounted and pulled out along the pull-out rails 61 and 62 with respect to the front surface direction of the apparatus main body 201a.

  When the image forming operation is started, the sheets P are separated and fed one by one from the sheet feeding cassettes 91, 92, and 93 by the sheet feeding unit 24. The sheet P fed out by any of the pickup rollers 11, 21, 31 is conveyed by the corresponding one of the feed rollers 12, 22, 32. At that time, when the sheets P are double-fed, the second and subsequent sheets P are returned to the sheet feeding cassette by the corresponding ones of the retard rollers 13, 23, 33. The sheet P separated and conveyed by the corresponding ones of the feed rollers 12, 22, 32 and the retard rollers 13, 23, 33 is sent further downstream by the drawing roller pairs 14, 25, 34, and the registration roller pair 240. It is conveyed to.

[Sheet feeding device]
Next, the sheet feeding device 53 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIG. 7 corresponding thereto. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views illustrating the sheet feeding device 53 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is the sheet shown in FIGS. 6 is a detailed view corresponding to the feeding device 53. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the sheet feeding device 53 stacks a small-sized sheet bundle such as an A4 size or a letter size on the first sheet storage unit 28 a and the second sheet storage unit 28 b, respectively. In this state, the sheet P can be fed one by one. The sheet feeding device 53 is fed in order from the sheet P in the first sheet storage unit 28a on the right side in the drawing. When there is no sheet in the first sheet storage unit, the sheet P in the second sheet storage unit 28b on the left side in the drawing is transferred to the first sheet storage unit 28a together with the bundle, and the tandem enables the resumption of the feeding operation. The cassette feeding configuration is adopted.

  In the sheet feeding device 53, a lifter plate 35 supported so as to raise and lower the stacked sheets P is disposed in the first sheet storage unit 28a. The pickup roller 31 disposed above the lifter plate 35 in the apparatus main body 201a (FIG. 1) is rotatably supported by an arm (not shown) that can rotate about the feed roller 32, and is loaded on the lifter plate 35. The sheet P is fed out. The fed sheet P is conveyed by the feed roller 32. When two or more sheets are fed, the second and subsequent sheets P are separated from each other by the feed roller 32 and the retard roller 33 to the paper feed cassette 93 side. Returned to The pickup roller 31 constitutes a feeding unit that feeds the sheet P.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a lifter HP (home position) sensor 84 is disposed below the front end portion of the sheet feeding cassette 93 serving as a sheet storage unit. The control unit 67 (FIG. 1) raises the lifter plate 35 according to the vertical height of the pickup roller 31 so that the uppermost sheet of the sheet P on the lifter plate can always come into contact with the pickup roller 31 stably. The drive of the lifter motor 86 (FIG. 11) is controlled so that it can be done.

  Further, the sheet feeding cassette 93 is integrally provided with a first sheet storage portion 28a on the right side in the drawing and a second sheet storage portion 28b on the left side in the drawing, and the mounting space 15 (FIG. 5) in the apparatus main body 201a. It is supported so that it can be mounted and pulled out. The first sheet storage unit 28 a stores the sheet P fed by the pickup roller 31. The second sheet storage unit 28b is adjacent to the first sheet storage unit 28a in the horizontal direction, and stores a replenishment sheet P to the first sheet storage unit 28a.

  The sheet feeding device 53 has a fixed set tray 88 formed so as to partially extend from the bottom of the second sheet storage portion 28b toward the first sheet storage portion 28a. A sheet bundle moving member 37 supported so as to slide along the set tray 88 toward the first sheet storage portion 28a is disposed in the second sheet storage portion 28b. The sheet bundle moving member 37 slides the sheet bundle (P) set in the second sheet storage section 28b together with the bundle to the first sheet storage section 28a. The sheet bundle moving member 37 is supported by a bundle pushing motor 65 controlled by the control unit 67 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction in FIG. The sheet bundle moving member 37 constitutes a sheet transfer unit that collectively transfers the sheets P in the second sheet storage unit to the first sheet storage unit 28a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3C, the sheet bundle (P) is set at the center of the sheet feeding cassette 93 of the sheet feeding apparatus 53. An arm member 36 is arranged as a partitioning means for partitioning the left and right sheets P.

  The arm member 36 is configured to be movable between a partition position (see FIG. 5) and an open position (see FIG. 4B) by driving a partition solenoid 40 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). . The partition position is a position that protrudes between the first sheet storage portion 28a and the second sheet storage portion 28b to partition the first and second sheet storage portions 28a, 28b, and the open position is retracted from the partition position. The first and second sheet storage portions 28a and 28b are opened.

  The arm member 36 normally has a partition position protruding as a partition for the sheet bundle of the first and second sheet storage portions 28a and 28b as a home position. The arm member 36 moves from the partition position to the open position when the sheet bundle (P) stacked in the left second sheet storage portion 28b in FIG. 2 is transferred to the right first sheet storage portion 28a. evacuate. The partition solenoid 40 constitutes partition drive means that moves the arm member 36.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 4 (a), 4 (b), the apparatus main body 201a has a sheet as a sheet detecting means above the lifter plate 35 of the first sheet storage portion 28a. A sensor 78 (see also FIG. 11) is arranged. Further, the control unit 67 (FIGS. 1 and 11) provided in the apparatus main body 201a controls the partition solenoid 40 based on the sheet detection by the sheet sensor 78 and controls the partition solenoid 40 before moving the sheet bundle moving member 37. The member 36 is controlled to move to the open position. As a result, when the sheet P in the first sheet storage portion 28a runs out, the arm member 36 is quickly moved to the open position, and then the sheet bundle moving member 37 is moved to move to the first sheet storage portion 28a. The sheet bundle (P) can be replenished smoothly. Reference numeral 37 a denotes a bent portion provided at the lower part of the sheet bundle moving member 37. The bent portion 37 a is provided so as to protrude in the width direction from the set tray 88 so that the sheet bundle moving member 37 can move in the sheet feeding direction along the set tray 88.

[Control system]
Next, a control system related to sheet bundle transfer in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system related to sheet bundle transfer.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control system of this embodiment includes a control unit (controller) 67 having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. An open / close sensor 48, a bundle pressing HP sensor 81, a bundle pressing sensor 82, a partition sensor 83, a lifter HP sensor 84, and a sheet sensor 78 are connected to the input port of the control unit 67. A bundle pushing motor 65, a partition solenoid 40, and a lifter motor 86 are connected to the output port of the control unit 67. In addition, the holding solenoid 58 (refer FIG. 12) which concerns on the modified example 1 mentioned later is connected to the control part 67 in FIG.

  The open / close sensor 48 includes a photo interrupter, and a light shielding plate 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5) fixed to the back side of the paper feed cassette 93 enters and retracts between a light emitting / receiving unit (not shown). In response, the mounting state of the paper feed cassette 93 to the apparatus main body 201a is detected. That is, when the light shielding plate 50 on the back side of the sheet feeding cassette moves forward / backward with respect to the open / close sensor 48, the output signal of the light receiving portion is low when the light shielding plate 50 blocks the light path between the light emitting / receiving portions of the photo interrupter. When the optical path is not blocked, the level is high. Therefore, by setting the position where the output signal of the light receiving unit changes as the reference position, it is possible to detect whether or not the paper feed cassette 93 is at the reference position, and to detect the mounting state of the paper feed cassette 93.

  A bundle pushing HP (home position) sensor 81 (see FIG. 2) detects that the sheet bundle moving member 37 is at the home position. The bundle pressing sensor 82 (see FIG. 2) detects the position where the sheet bundle moving member 37 has completed the bundle pressing.

  The partition sensor 83 (see FIG. 6) has substantially the same configuration as the open / close sensor 48 described above. The partition sensor 83 is configured so that the arm member 36 is in either the partition position or the open position based on the relationship of the forward and backward movement of the light shielding plate 83b fixed to the arm member 36 with respect to the photo interrupter 83a fixed to the paper feed cassette 93 side. Detect if there is.

  The lifter HP sensor 84 (see FIG. 2) is disposed at the lower front end of the paper feed cassette 93 and detects the lowest position of the lifter plate 35. The sheet sensor 78 (see FIG. 2) is disposed above the lifter plate 35 of the first sheet storage unit 28a and detects the presence or absence of the sheet P in the first sheet storage unit 28a.

  The bundle pushing motor 65 moves the sheet bundle moving member 37 from the second sheet storage portion 28b to the first sheet storage portion 28a according to the control of the control unit 67, and from the first sheet storage portion 28a to the second sheet storage portion 28b. Rotate to return.

  The partition solenoid 40 (see FIG. 4) is configured to move the arm member 36 to the partition position (FIG. 5) and the open position (FIG. 4B) according to the control of the control unit 67. (Refer to). The lifter motor 86 raises the lifter plate 35 according to the height of the pickup roller 31 so that the uppermost sheet P on the lifter plate 35 can always stably come into contact with the pickup roller 31 under the control of the control unit 67. Operates as follows.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 67 controls driving of the bundle pushing motor 65, the partition solenoid 40, and the lifter motor 86 in accordance with detection signals from the various sensors. The control unit 67 also performs display control of the operation screen to the user.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3C, the second sheet P in the first sheet storage portion 28 a is removed during feeding. A series of states until the sheet bundle (P) in the sheet storage unit 28b is transferred to the first sheet storage unit 28a and fed will be described.

  That is, in FIG. 2A, the sheet P is fed from the first sheet storage portion 28a by the pickup roller 31, and the sheet bundle (P) in the second sheet storage portion 28b is in a standby state. In FIG. 2B, the sheet P in the first sheet storage portion 28a is exhausted, and the lifter plate 35 is lowered to its lowest position. Further, in FIG. 3A, the sheet bundle (P) is collectively transferred from the second sheet storage portion 28b to the first sheet storage portion 28a.

  In FIG. 3B, the transfer of the sheet bundle (P) to the first sheet storage portion 28a is completed. Further, in FIG. 3C, the sheet bundle moving member 37 returns to the second sheet storage portion 28b side which is the home position, while the lifter plate 35 rises and picks up the uppermost sheet P on the lifter plate 35. Roller 31 sends out.

  As described above, the sheets P in the first sheet storage portion 28a are eliminated by automatically performing the steps from FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (c) automatically. Even in this case, the image forming process can be replenished and repeated without stopping. That is, the image forming operation (printing operation) can be continued by quickly transferring the sheet bundle (P) in the second sheet storage portion 28b that has already been set to the first sheet storage portion 28a.

  Here, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 8 show cross sections in the plane direction of the sheet feeding apparatus 53. FIG. 4A and 4B show a state where the paper feed cassette 93 is completely installed, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out. FIG. 8 is a detailed view corresponding to FIGS. 4 (a), 4 (b) and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 8, an open / close sensor 48 for detecting the open / closed state of the paper feed cassette 93 with respect to the apparatus main body 201a is disposed inside the apparatus main body 201a. The open / close sensor 48 constitutes a drawer detection unit that detects a pull-out operation of the sheet cassette 93 from the apparatus main body 201a.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 8, the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4) perpendicular to the sheet P feeding direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) in the paper cassette 93 is shown. Side regulating plates 38 and 39 are arranged to regulate and align). These regulating plates 38 and 39 are supported so as to be movable according to the width direction size of the sheet to be set.

  In FIG. 4A, the arm member 36 as a partitioning means for partitioning the sheet bundle (P) in the first and second sheet storage portions 28a and 28b is disposed between the first and second sheet storage portions 28a and 28b. It protrudes to separate P. A sheet bundle moving member 37 that moves the sheet bundle (P) stored in the second sheet storage portion 28b to the first sheet storage portion 28a in a bundle is positioned at the leftmost home position.

  The arm member 36 is supported rotatably about a rotation shaft 46 attached to the paper feed cassette 93, and a rear end portion 36 c is connected to the partition solenoid 40 via the rotation shaft 66. When the arm member 36 is transported as a bundle as shown in FIG. 4B, the projection 36a at the leading end is rotated to the retracted position where it is retracted from the partition position of the left and right sheets P by the operation of the partition solenoid 40. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is pulled out so that the sheet bundle (P) can be set, the projection 36a of the arm member 36 having a substantially L shape in plan view is stopped at the protruding partition position. . Further, the arm member 36 functions not only as a left and right partition when the sheet P is set, but also as a regulating member that regulates the sheet rear end side when the sheet bundle is fed to the first sheet storage portion 28a.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, a downstream portion of the sheet feeding cassette 93 in the direction of insertion into the apparatus main body and a portion facing this part are provided in the apparatus main body. An oil damper 96 is disposed between the contact wall portion 27 and the contact wall portion 27. In other words, the abutting wall portion 27 is provided on the back side in the apparatus main body 201a at a position facing the partition solenoid 40 and the like on the paper feed cassette 93 side inserted into the apparatus main body. A well-known piston-type oil damper (buffering means) 96 is disposed between the downstream portion of the sheet feeding cassette 93 in the insertion direction and the contact wall 27. The oil damper 96 has a housing 98 filled with oil, and a piston rod 97 that can slide with respect to the housing 98 and acts on the housing 98, and the piston rod 97 moves forward and backward with respect to the housing 98. Resistance is generated in the forward and backward direction. The oil damper 96 constitutes a buffering means for reducing an impact caused by inertia when the sheet feeding cassette (sheet storing means) 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a.

  The housing 98 is fixed to the paper feed cassette 93 in a state in which the longitudinal direction is along the advancing / retreating direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) of the paper feed cassette 93. The piston rod 97 normally maintains a state of protruding by the biasing force of a built-in spring (not shown) (the state shown in FIG. 5). When the paper feed cassette 93 is attached to the apparatus main body 201a, a damper resistance reaction force is generated when the tip of the piston rod 97 abuts against the abutting wall portion 27 in the apparatus main body 201a and is pushed into the housing 98 side. . The position at which the piston rod 97 acts is set to the drawer side before the paper feed cassette 93 is completely closed and from the position at which the lever member 42 starts to rotate in the release direction.

  As described above, when the oil damper (buffer means) 96 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a of the paper feeding cassette 93, the lever member 42 (same as the lever member 89 of the third modification) is moved to the unlock position. The sheet cassette 93 is arranged so as to be able to absorb the impact. The oil damper 96 is disposed between a downstream portion in the insertion direction of the paper feed cassette 93 and an abutting wall portion 27 provided in the apparatus main body so as to face this portion. When the sheet feeding cassette 93 is closed with a strong force, the sheet bundle is displaced by the inertia of the stacked sheet bundle and receives a force in a direction in which the arm member 36 is retracted. However, since the oil damper 96 can absorb the impact of the sheet feeding cassette 93 before the lever member 42 is released, the sheet bundle is prevented from collapsing. In the present embodiment, the piston-type oil damper 96 is used for explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types such as a rotary type may be used. It goes without saying that the arrangement and the like related to the oil damper 96 described above can be similarly applied to Modifications 1 to 3 described later.

[Lock mechanism]
Next, the lock mechanism 72 of the sheet feeding device 53 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 9, 10 (a) and 10 (b). FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the lock mechanism 72 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a detailed view corresponding to the lock mechanism 72 shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10A is a detailed view showing the lock mechanism 72 shown in FIG. 11 in a wider range. FIG. 10B is a detailed view in a cross section at a position where the solenoid 40 can be seen. 9 and 10 (a) and 10 (b) are functionally the same as FIG. 6, but their configurations are slightly different. 9 and 10A, the partition solenoid 40 of FIG. 6 is not shown.

  A lock mechanism 72 serving as a lock means locks the arm member (partition means) 36 to the partition position (position shown in FIG. 5) when the paper feed cassette (sheet storage means) 93 is in the pulling position. In this state, the arm member 36 is held at the partition position by bringing the contact surface 36j opposite to the lever member 42 into contact with the restriction surface 39a of the side restriction plate 39. The lock mechanism 72 is a lock that unlocks the arm member 36 so that the arm member 36 can be moved to the lock position (the position shown in FIG. 5) and the open position (the position shown in FIG. 4B). It is configured to be movable to a release position (positions shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The lock mechanism 72 has a lever member 42 as a lock member that moves to the lock position when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the mounting space 15.

  A lever member 42 as a lock member is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 43 supported on the back surface portion of the paper feed cassette 93. The lever member 42 is biased by being engaged with the other end of the tension spring 55 supported at one end by the fixing portion 73 on the paper feed cassette 93 side, and comes into contact with a stopper 57 fixed on the paper feed cassette 93 side. Is positioned. On the other hand, the lever member 42 in FIGS. 9 and 10A is biased by engaging the other end of the tension spring 55 with one end engaged with the fixed portion 73 at the upper end 42b. It is positioned at the position shown in FIG. 9 by coming into contact with a stopper 57 fixed on the 93 side.

  The lever member 42 is always urged to a lock position facing the back surface 36e of the arm member 36 in the partition position, and is in the lock position when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is pulled out from the mounting space 15. Then, when the paper feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the mounting space 15, the paper feeding cassette 93 is rotated to the unlocking position. Therefore, when the paper feed cassette 93 is in the mounting position, the lock mechanism 72 can be unlocked. Further, on the back side in the apparatus main body 201a, a protruding contact portion 44 (see FIG. 5) is provided at a position facing the bent portion 49 on the paper feed cassette 93 side inserted into the apparatus main body. . The abutting portion 44 abuts the bent portion 49 of the lever member 42 when the paper cassette 93 is inserted into the mounting space 15, and rotates the lever member 42 to the unlocking position. Release and rotate to the locked position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the arm member 36 has the above-described protrusion 36a that protrudes between the first sheet storage portion 28b and the second sheet storage portion 28a (between the first and second sheet storage portions). The sheet feeding cassette 93 is rotatably supported by a portion on the mounting space side. In other words, the arm member 36 is rotatably supported at a downstream site with respect to the insertion direction of the paper feed cassette 93. The arm member 36 includes a main body portion 36b that is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 46, a projection portion 36a that extends by bending 90 ° from one end of the main body portion 36b, and a bending portion 90 ° from the other end of the main body portion 36b. And a rear end portion 36c extending to the opposite side.

  In the arm member 36, the other end of the tension spring 54 whose one end is locked to the fixing portion 64 on the sheet feeding cassette 93 side is locked to the extending portion 36d extending from the rear end portion 36c. The rotating shaft 46 is urged to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. As a result, the arm member 36 comes into contact with and stops at the stopper 56 fixed to the back side of the paper feed cassette 93, and is stopped at the solid line position in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a partition sensor 83 is fixed to the back surface of the paper feed cassette 93. The partition sensor 83 detects whether or not the arm member 36 is securely retracted when the arm member 36 is retracted by the partition solenoid 40. When it is determined that the arm member 36 is not retracted based on the detection of the partition sensor 83, the control unit 67 performs control so that the sheet bundle transfer operation is not performed. In that case, there is a possibility that the operation cannot be performed due to foreign matter caught in the rotating part of the arm member 36 or the sheet bundle (P) is not set at the correct position. No transfer operation is performed. In that case, an alarm display may be provided to inform the user. The partition sensor 83 can be constituted by a normal on / off switch or the like in addition to a photo sensor such as a photo interrupter.

  The state shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the state shown in FIG. 5, in which the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201 a, and the user removes the sheet bundle (P) from the first and second sheet storage portions 28 b, This is a state when setting at least one of 28a. In this state where the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out, the arm member 36 protrudes to the partition position between the storage portions 28a and 28b, and the lever member 42 locks and holds the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36. Yes. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the rotation shaft 43 of the lever member 42 is in a state of being substantially aligned with the back surface portion 36 e.

  When the lever member 42 is in the locked position facing the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36, the rotation shaft 43 and the tip end portion 42a are arranged so as to be aligned with the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36. . Thereby, the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36 can be firmly locked by the lever member 42 and held in a state where it cannot be easily retracted. In addition, the code | symbol O in FIG. 6 has shown the virtual line which connects the rotating shaft 43, the front-end | tip part 42a, and the back surface part 36e.

  As described above, the structure in which the protrusion 36a protrudes between the first sheet storage portion 28b and the second sheet storage portion 28a simply by rotating the arm member 36, and the first and second sheet storage portions are partitioned. can get. The lever member 42 always urged to the lock position is brought into contact with the contact portion 44 by the insertion operation and the pull-out operation of the paper feed cassette 93 into the mounting space 15, and the lock release position can be set. Easy switching to the locked position.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the paper feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a, the bent portion 49 bent from the rotating shaft 43 of the lever member 42 is formed in the apparatus main body 201a. It is brought into contact with a contact portion 44 that is formed to protrude from the center portion on the back side and rotates. For this reason, the back surface portion 36 e of the main body portion 36 b of the arm member 36 is released from the lever member 42. Accordingly, when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a in this way, the lever member 42 is released, and the arm of the partition solenoid 40 is retracted when the sheet bundle (P) is transferred from the right to the left. The member 36 can be retracted.

  In this way, a mechanically simple lock mechanism 72 that operates in conjunction with the loading and unloading operation of the paper feed cassette 93 into the mounting space 15 can be realized, and when it is retracted from the partition position to the open position when necessary. However, the load on the solenoid 40 is not increased. By providing the lock mechanism 72 having the lever member 42 that is interlocked with the loading and unloading operations of the paper feed cassette 93, it is not necessary to increase the size of the partition solenoid 40 with the increase in size of the compression spring 54. An effect can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  According to the present embodiment, when the sheet bundle is set in the sheet feeding cassette 93, it is possible to avoid that the user easily pushes away the arm member 36, and there is no inconvenience such as defective setting. Can always be set appropriately. In addition, since the arm member 36 can be prevented from being easily retracted, a configuration for detecting the position of the arm member 36 and displaying an alarm to the user becomes unnecessary. And since the enlargement of a solenoid can be avoided, generation | occurrence | production of problems, such as an enlargement of an apparatus, can be avoided.

<Modification 1>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the modification 1 of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the lock mechanism 75 of the sheet feeding device 53 according to the first modification. In the first modification, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configuration and function is omitted.

  In the first modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the arm member 36 supported by the rotation shaft 46 is provided so as to be rotatable between the open position and the partition position by driving the partition solenoid 40. The partition 56 shown in FIG. 12 is held by the stopper 56.

  The lock mechanism 75 according to the first modification includes a lever member (lock member) 60 that is rotatably supported by the back surface portion 36e of the main body portion 36b of the arm member 36 with the rotation shaft 59 as a fulcrum. . The lever member 60 is rotated in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 12 by pulling the shaft 68 between the rotating shaft 59 and the stopper 69 by the forward and backward movement of the plunger 58a of the holding solenoid 58. Be moved.

  The lever member 60 is rotated from the lock position facing the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36 at the partition position to the lock release position when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the mounting space 15. The holding solenoid 58 as the drive means rotates the lever member 60 at the lock position to the unlock position based on detection by the open / close sensor 48 (FIG. 11) as the drawer detection means. Thus, based on the detection by the open / close sensor 48, the lever member 60 can be easily switched between the unlocked position and the locked position.

  When the lever member 60 is in the locked position facing the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36, the rotation shaft 59 and the tip end portion 60a are arranged so as to be aligned with the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36. . Thereby, the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36 can be firmly locked by the lever member 60 and can be held in a state where it cannot be easily retracted.

  In the first modification described above, as in the above-described embodiment, the arm member 36 is regulated by the back surface 36e during normal sheet bundle setting in which the sheet feeding cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a, and is indicated by a solid line in FIG. It is in the partition position. Therefore, the arm member 36 does not easily rotate. On the other hand, when the sheet bundle is transferred from the state in which the sheet feeding cassette 93 is mounted on the apparatus main body 201a, the lever member 60 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. release. For this reason, the partition solenoid 40 can be driven and the arm member 36 can be easily retracted to the open position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Thereby, the effect similar to embodiment mentioned above can be acquired.

<Modification 2>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the modification 2 of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating the lock mechanism 76 of the sheet feeding device 53 according to the second modification. In the second modification, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configuration and function is omitted.

  In the second modification, an arm member 36 that is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 46 is provided so as to be rotatable between an open position and a partition position, and normally the tension spring 54 and the tip of an eccentric cam (lock member) 71 are provided. It is hold | maintained at the partition position shown in FIG. 13 by the part 71a. An elliptical eccentric cam 71 having one focal portion supported by a rotating shaft 70 is disposed on the back surface portion 36e of the main body portion 36b of the arm member 36. The eccentric cam 71 is rotationally driven by a motor 77 controlled by the control unit 67. The arm member 36 is urged by the other end of the tension spring 54 supported at one end by the fixing portion 74 on the paper feed cassette 93 side being engaged with the extending portion 36d and supported on the paper feed cassette 93 side. Positioning is performed by contacting the tip 71a of the eccentric cam 71.

  In the lock mechanism 76 according to the second modification, the eccentric cam 71 is locked when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the mounting space 15 from the lock position (solid line position) facing the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36 at the partition position. It is rotated to the release position (two-dot chain line position). The motor 77 as a drive means rotates the eccentric cam 71 in the lock position to the lock release position based on detection by the open / close sensor 48 (FIG. 11). Thus, based on the detection by the opening / closing sensor 48, the eccentric cam 71 can be easily switched between the unlocking position and the locking position.

  When the eccentric cam 71 is in the locked position facing the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36, the rotational shaft 70 and the tip end portion 71a are arranged so as to be aligned with the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36. . Accordingly, the back surface portion 36e of the arm member 36 can be firmly locked by the eccentric cam 71 and can be held in a state where it cannot be easily retracted.

  In the second modification as well, as in the above-described embodiment, when the sheet bundle 93 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 201a and the normal sheet bundle is set, the arm member 36 is restricted on the back surface 36e, and the solid line in FIG. It is in the partition position shown by. Therefore, the arm member 36 does not easily rotate. On the other hand, when the sheet bundle is transferred from the state in which the sheet feeding cassette 93 is mounted on the apparatus main body 201a, the eccentric cam 71 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. To do. For this reason, the partition solenoid 40 can be driven and the arm member 36 can be easily retracted to the open position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Thereby, the effect similar to embodiment mentioned above can be acquired. In the second modification as well, the rear end portion 36c of the arm member 36 is energized so as to be pulled toward the fixed portion 64 by the tension spring 54, and the arm is driven by the partition solenoid 40 (FIG. 6). The member 36 may be configured to rotate between the partition position and the open position. In this case, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described embodiment.

<Modification 3>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 14-17, the modification 3 of embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the locking mechanism 79 in the sheet feeding device 53 (see FIG. 1) according to Modification 3 in a state of being cross-sectionalized at a position L2 in FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the lock mechanism 79 according to Modification 3 in another state. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which the lock mechanism is cross-sectioned at a position L1 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the lock mechanism 79 of FIG. 15 as viewed from the left side. In the third modification, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of components having the same configuration and function are omitted.

  In the lock mechanism 79 of Modification 3, the arm member 36 supported by the rotation shaft (first rotation shaft) 46 is moved to the open position by the driving of the holding solenoid 99, similarly to the lock mechanism 72 according to the above-described embodiment. The paper feed cassette 93 is rotatably supported so as to switch to the partition position. Note that the holding solenoid (solenoid) 99 of the third modification shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is connected to the control unit 67 (see FIG. 11) and is controlled to be switched on and off. In the third modification, the open / close sensor 48 (see FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 11) constitutes a position detection means.

  In FIG. 14, the arm member 36 in the partitioning position is pulled by a tension spring 94 whose one end is locked to a rib-like engagement portion 36g protruding to the back. In this state, the arm member (partitioning means) 36 has a rib portion (second back surface portion) 36h protruding from the vicinity of the engaging portion 36g to the back of the lock lever (second lever member) 90 in the second lock position. It is in contact with the tip 90a. The other end of the tension spring 94 is locked to a locking portion 85 provided on the paper feed cassette 93 side.

  In the third modification, a lock lever 90 and a lever member 89 are provided as the lock means. The lock lever 90 is a member that is supported so as to rotate around a rotation shaft (second rotation shaft) 41 provided in the paper feed cassette 93, and is connected to the solenoid link 102. The solenoid link 102 is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 101 at a position facing the distal end portion of the plunger 99 a of the holding solenoid 99 fixed to the paper feed cassette 93. In the vicinity of the other end portion 102a of the solenoid link 102, the other end portion of the tension spring 103 whose one end portion is supported on the sheet feeding cassette 93 side is locked. The tension spring 103 pulls the solenoid link 102 in the vicinity of the other end 102 a to urge the lock lever 90 counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 41 by urging the solenoid link 102 around the rotation shaft 101 in the clockwise direction. Rotate in the direction.

  The lock lever (electromagnetic lock member, second lever member) 90 moves electromagnetically between a second lock position (FIG. 14) for locking the arm member 36 in the partition position and a second lock release position (FIG. 15). Configured to be possible. The second unlock position is a position where the lock is released so that the arm member 36 can be moved to the open position. The lock lever 90 moves to the second lock position as the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a (see FIG. 1). While the lock lever 90 is supported on the paper cassette 93 side by the rotating shaft 41, the tip end portion 90 a is positioned so as to be able to contact the rib portion 36 h, and the protruding other end portion 90 b is connected to the solenoid link 102. The ring is engaged with the other end 102a. The plunger 99 a of the holding solenoid 99 is rotatably supported by a pin member 80 at the center in the longitudinal direction of the solenoid link 102.

  Also in the third modification, an open / close sensor 48 is disposed in the apparatus main body 201a (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In the third modification, the open / close sensor 48 constitutes a position detection unit that detects that the paper feed cassette 93 is in the mounting position. The holding solenoid 99 rotates the lock lever (second lever member) 90 at the second lock position to the second lock release position based on detection by the open / close sensor (position detection means) 48.

  The lock lever 90 is held at the lock position shown in FIG. 14 by engaging with a stopper 29 disposed in the vicinity of the lower portion of the rotation shaft 41. In this state, the arm member 36 is held at the partition position by bringing the contact surface 36j facing the restriction surface 39a of the side restriction plate 39 into contact with the restriction surface 39a. The lock lever 90 is always urged to the second lock position facing the rib portion (second back surface portion) 36h of the arm member 36 at the partition position. The lock lever 90 is in the second lock position when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a, and is rotated to the second lock release position when the paper feed cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the lever member 89 provided adjacent to the lock lever 90 by the lock mechanism 79 is supported on the rotation shaft 41 coaxially with the lock lever 90, and is used to pull out the paper feed cassette 93. It functions in the same manner as the lock lever 90 that rotates with it. The lock lever 90 and the lever member 89 are supported so as to be able to rotate independently without affecting each other. The lever member (mechanical lock member, first lever member) 89 includes a first lock position (FIG. 17) for locking the arm member 36 at the partition position and a first unlock position (not shown on the front side of FIG. 15). And is configured to be mechanically movable. The first unlocking position is a position where the arm member 36 is unlocked so as to be movable to the open position. The lever member 89 moves to the first lock position as the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a. The lever member 89 is always biased to the first lock position facing the rib portion (first back surface portion) 36i of the arm member 36 at the partition position. The lever member 89 is in the first lock position when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a, and is rotated to the first lock release position when the paper feed cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the configuration already described with reference to FIG. The lock mechanism 79 has a first lock position (position shown in FIG. 16) that locks the arm member 36 in the partition position, and a first unlock position (FIG. 16) that unlocks the arm member 36 so that the arm member 36 can be moved to the open position. 10 (a)). The lever member 89 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 41 supported on the back surface portion of the paper feed cassette 93. The lever member 89 is urged by engaging the other end of the tension spring 95 supported at one end by the fixing portion 18 on the paper feed cassette 93 side, and comes into contact with the stopper 17 fixed on the paper feed cassette 93 side. Is positioned. The lever member 89 is urged by being engaged with the other end of the tension spring 95 whose one end is engaged with the fixed portion 18 at the upper end portion 89b, and comes into contact with the stopper 17 fixed on the paper feed cassette 93 side. As a result, it is positioned at the position shown in FIG.

  Also in the third modification, the contact portion 44 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is provided in the apparatus main body, as in the above-described embodiment. The abutting portion 44 abuts the lever member 89 when the paper feeding cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a and rotates it to the first unlocking position, and the lever member when the paper feeding cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a. 89 is released and rotated to the first lock position.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the lock lever 90 and the lever member 89 have a leading end portion 90 a and a leading end portion 89 a that are connected by a common pivot shaft 41 provided in parallel with the pivot shaft 46 on the paper feed cassette 93 side. It is commonly supported so as to be rotatable so as to be substantially in a straight line. As shown in FIG. 17, the above-described rib portions 36 h and 36 i are provided on the back surface of the arm member 36. In the partition position, the tip end portion 90a of the lock lever 90 and the tip end portion 89a of the lever member 89 are configured to be able to abut against the rib portions 36h and 36i, respectively. For this reason, even when the protrusion 36a of the arm member 36 is pushed upward in the state shown in FIG. 14, the back surface of the arm member 36 can be supported by the tip portions 90a and 89a. The lock lever 90 is not easily pushed in, and the partition position is properly maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the holding solenoid 99 performs suction driving to pull the plunger 99a toward the solenoid main body, the solenoid link 102 rotates in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. As a result, the lock lever 90 rotates clockwise about the rotation shaft 41 to the second unlocking position, and the rib portions 36h and 36i of the arm member 36 are released. As a result, the arm member 36 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 46 according to the urging force of the tension spring 94 and becomes an open position retracted from the restriction surface 39 a of the side restriction plate 39. When the holding solenoid 99 is turned off under the control of the control unit 67 (FIG. 11), the arm member 36 is locked at the partition position where the protrusion 36a protrudes toward the side regulating plate 39 (FIG. 14). When the holding solenoid 99 is turned on, the arm member 36 is moved to the open position where the projection 36a is retracted (FIG. 15).

  The arm member 36 when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201 a is double-locked by the lever member 89 and the lock lever 90. When the paper feed cassette 93 is stored in the apparatus main body 201a, the lever member 89 is unlocked in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the arm member 36 is mainly locked by the lock lever 90. Further, when the movement of the sheet bundle starts, the holding solenoid 99 is driven by the control of the control unit 67, and the lock lever 90 rotates and moves to the unlocking position to release the arm member 36. Then, it retracts from the regulating surface 39a of the side regulating plate 39. That is, the arm member 36 is held in the partition position by the lever member (mechanical lock member) 89 when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a. The arm member 36 is held at the partition position by a lock lever (electromagnetic lock member) 90 when the paper feed cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a.

  In FIG. 17, the length from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip end portion 89a of the lever member 89 (that is, the length from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip of the rib portion 36i) is defined as the first length L1. Furthermore, the length from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip end portion 90a of the lock lever 90 (that is, the length from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip of the rib portion 36h) is defined as a second length L2. In the third modification, the first length L1 is set to be a minute amount (about 0 to 1 mm) longer than the second length L2. That is, the first length L1 from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip end portion 89a of the lever member 89 is set to be longer than the second length L2 from the rotation shaft 41 to the tip end portion 90a of the lock lever 90. Yes.

  In the third modification having the above-described configuration, the lever member 89 having the first length L1 can mainly hold the arm member 36 in the partition position when the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a. It is. Further, when the paper feed cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201a, the lock lever 90 having the second length L2 can mainly hold the arm member 36 at the partition position. When the paper feed cassette 93 is inserted into the apparatus main body 201 a, the lever member 89 comes into contact with the contact portion 44 and rotates to the first unlocking position, and then the lock lever 90 is driven by the holding solenoid 58 to the second state. It is turned to the unlocked position.

  Therefore, in the state in which the paper feed cassette 93 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 201a, the arm member 36 is double-locked by the lock lever 90 and the lever member 89, but the first length L1 is slightly longer. The lever member 89 positively receives the holding force. When the sheet cassette 93 is pulled out, it is a time to set the sheet bundle, and the lever member 89 receives a large holding force that is affected by the weight of the sheet bundle and the setting force of the user, and the sheet cassette 93 is closed. The lever member 89 is released by the contact portion 44 using the above. The force for closing the paper feed cassette 93 is large due to the inertia of the cassette itself, and the release of the lever member 89 is a resistance force for closing, but the resistance force is sufficiently smaller than the inertia for closing the paper feed cassette 93. The operation feeling in the closing direction of the paper feed cassette 93 is not affected.

  Further, when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is particularly strongly closed, the sheet member is displaced due to the impact and the inertia of the weight of the stacked sheet bundle, and the arm member 36 is retracted. The lever 90 receives this force. As a result, the arm member 36 can be held until the last impact.

  That is, the force when the sheet bundle is set is received by the lever member 89, and the impact when the sheet feeding cassette 93 is closed is received by the lock lever 90, so that the role of holding the lock can be shared, and the arm member 36 is surely provided. Can be held. With the above configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the role can be shared, so that the release of the arm member 36 can be reliably performed without particularly increasing the size of the holding solenoid 99. It becomes possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Installation space / 16 ... Image formation means / 27 ... Contact wall part / 28a ... 1st sheet storage part / 28b ... 2nd sheet storage part / 31 ... Pickup roller (feeding means) / 36 ... Arm member (partition) Means) / 36a ... projection / 36e ... back side / 37 ... sheet bundle moving member (sheet transfer means) / 40 ... partition solenoid (partition drive means) / 41 ... rotation axis (second rotation axis) / 42 ... Lever member (locking means, locking member) / 42a, 60a, 71a ... tip portion / 43, 59, 70 ... rotating shaft / 44 ... contact portion / 46 ... rotating shaft (first rotating shaft) / 48 ... Open / close sensor (drawing detection means, position detection means) / 53 ... sheet feeding device / 58 ... holding solenoid (drive means) / 60 ... lever member (lock means, lock member) / 67 ... control unit (control means) / 71 ... Eccentric cam (locking means, b , 72, 75, 76, 79 ... Lock mechanism / 77 ... Motor (drive means) / 78 ... Sheet sensor (sheet detection means) / 89 ... Lever member (lock means, mechanical lock member, first lever member) ) / 90 ... Lock lever (locking means, electromagnetic lock member, second lever member) / 93 ... Paper feed cassette (sheet storage means) / 96 ... Oil damper (buffer means) / 99 ... Holding solenoid (solenoid) / 201 ... Printer (image forming apparatus) / 201a ... Main body / P ... Sheet

Claims (18)

The device body;
A feeding means for feeding the sheet;
A first sheet storage portion that is provided so as to be movable to a mounting position and a pull-out position with respect to the apparatus main body and that stores a sheet fed by the feeding unit, and is adjacent to the first sheet storage portion in the horizontal direction Sheet storage means having a second sheet storage portion provided as
Sheet transfer means for transferring the sheets of the second sheet storage portion to the first sheet storage portion when the sheet storage means is in the mounting position;
The sheet storage means includes
A partition position that protrudes between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion to partition between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion; and the first sheet retracted from the partition position Partition means movable to an open position for opening between the storage portion and the second sheet storage portion;
A lock provided so that the partition means can be locked to the partition position when the sheet storage means is in the drawer position, and the lock can be released when the sheet storage means is in the mounting position. Means.
A sheet feeding apparatus characterized by that. The locking means is movable between a lock position for locking the partition means at the partition position and an unlock position for unlocking the partition means so that the partition means can be moved to the open position. Having a lock member that moves to the lock position as it is pulled out from the apparatus body;
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1. The partition means is an arm member that has a protrusion protruding between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion, and is provided on the sheet storage means.
The arm member is rotatably supported at a downstream site with respect to the insertion direction of the sheet storage means.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. The lock member is constantly urged to the lock position facing the back surface of the arm member at the partition position, and is in the lock position when the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, and the sheet storage means Is a lever member that is rotated to the unlocking position when inserted into the apparatus body,
When the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body, the lever member is brought into contact and rotated to the unlocking position, and when the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, the lever member is released and the lock is released. A contact portion provided in the apparatus main body so as to be rotated to a position;
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 3. The lock member is a lever member that is rotated from the lock position facing the back surface of the arm member at the partition position to the unlock position when the sheet storage unit is inserted into the apparatus main body.
A drawer detecting means for detecting a drawing operation of the sheet storage means from the apparatus main body;
Drive means for rotating the lever member at the lock position to the unlock position based on detection by the drawer detection means;
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 3. The lock member is an eccentric cam that is rotated from the lock position facing the back surface of the arm member at the partition position to the unlock position when the sheet storage unit is inserted into the apparatus main body.
A drawer detecting means for detecting a drawing operation of the sheet storage means from the apparatus main body;
Drive means for rotating the eccentric cam in the lock position to the unlock position based on detection by the drawer detection means;
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 3. When the lock member is in the lock position facing the back surface portion of the arm member, the rotation shaft and the tip portion thereof are aligned with the back surface portion,
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. The locking means is
The sheet storage is mechanically movable to a first lock position for locking the partition means to the partition position and a first lock release position for unlocking the partition means so that the partition means can be moved to the open position. A mechanical locking member that moves to the first locking position as the means is pulled out of the device body;
The sheet storage is electromagnetically movable to a second lock position for locking the partition means to the partition position and a second lock release position for unlocking the partition means so as to be movable to the open position. An electromagnetic lock member that moves to the second lock position as the means is pulled out from the apparatus main body.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1. The partition means is an arm member that has a protrusion protruding between the first sheet storage portion and the second sheet storage portion, and is provided on the sheet storage means.
The arm member is rotatably supported at a downstream site with respect to the insertion direction of the sheet storage means.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. A solenoid for moving the electromagnetic lock member;
The electromagnetic lock member is moved between the second lock position and the second unlock position by driving the solenoid.
The sheet feeding device according to claim 9. The mechanical lock member is always urged to the first lock position facing the first back surface portion of the arm member at the partition position, and the first lock when the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body. A first lever member that is in a position and is rotated to the first unlocking position when the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body.
The electromagnetic lock member is constantly urged to the second lock position facing the second back surface portion of the arm member at the partition position, and the second lock when the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body. A second lever member that is in a position and is rotated to the second unlocking position when the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body.
When the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body, the first lever member is brought into contact with the first lever member and rotated to the first unlocking position. When the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, the first lever member is contacted. A contact portion provided in the apparatus main body so as to release and rotate to the first lock position;
Position detecting means for detecting that the sheet storage means is in the mounting position,
When the solenoid is driven based on detection by the position detection means, the second lever member in the second lock position is rotated to the second lock release position.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 10. The first lever member and the second lever member are commonly supported so as to be rotatable on a second rotation shaft that is parallel to a first rotation shaft that rotatably supports the arm member,
The first length of the first lever member from the second rotation shaft to the tip thereof is set to be longer than the second length of the second lever member from the second rotation shaft to the tip of the first lever member. ,
When the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, the first lever member having the first length mainly holds the arm member at the partition position, and the sheet storage means moves to the apparatus main body. In the inserted state, the second lever member having the second length mainly holds the arm member at the partition position.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 11. The arm member is held at the partition position by the mechanical lock member when the sheet storage means is pulled out from the apparatus main body, and the partition member is held by the electromagnetic lock member when the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body. Held in position,
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. When the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body, the second lever member is driven by the solenoid after the first lever member contacts the contact portion and rotates to the unlock position. Pivoted to unlocked position,
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. Buffer means for reducing impact due to inertia at the time of insertion of the sheet storage means into the apparatus main body,
The buffer means is disposed so as to be able to absorb an impact of the sheet storage means before the lock means moves to a position for releasing the lock when the sheet storage means is inserted into the apparatus main body.
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. The buffer means is an oil disposed between a part of the sheet storage means on the downstream side in the direction of insertion into the apparatus main body and a contact wall provided in the apparatus main body facing the part. A damper,
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. Sheet detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in the first sheet storage unit;
Partition drive means for moving the partition means;
Control means for controlling the partition drive means to move the partition means to the open position before the sheet transport means is moved based on sheet detection by the sheet detection means,
The sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding apparatus is a sheet feeding apparatus. A sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
Image forming means for forming an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device,
An image forming apparatus.

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